Chapter 29 : trouble at school

It had been a few days since Haru and Mio started dating. Late spring had turned the schoolyard into a bright, bustling place, but today, Haru couldn’t enjoy it.A group of older boys had cornered him near the lockers, snickering. Among them was Kaito Takumi, known for picking on anyone who seemed different or weak. Today, his target was Haru.Again.“Hey, orphan boy,” Kaito jeered, shoving Haru lightly. “Still living in some sad little world, huh? No parents to watch over you?”Haru’s jaw tightened. He had learned to ignore most insults, but today, something inside him simmered.Before he could respond, Mio appeared at his side, eyes blazing. “Leave him alone, Kaito! That’s enough!”The boy sneered at her. “And what? You’re going to stop me?”Mio stepped closer, fists clenched, standing her ground. “I said stop!”Kaito lunged, shoving her back, but Haru reacted instinctively by placing Mio behind him.

Kaito didn't like that, that's why he punched him. 

Haru shot out and punched the boy, connecting solidly. The hall erupted in shouts as the other students gasped.“Enough! All of you—counselor’s office, now!”Before Haru could protest, their homeroom teacher arrived, ushering the group toward the counselor’s office. Haru and Mio walked together, shoulders tense, hearts pounding.Inside the office, the air was thick with tension. Ms. Hayashi, the school counselor, looked at them sternly. “What happened?”Haru took a deep breath. “The same thing as the last time, he… he was picking on me because I’m… because I don’t have parents.” His hands trembled slightly. “And he tried to hurt Mio… I just...he—”“You punched him,” Ms. Hayashi said, eyebrow raised, though her tone was more concerned than angry.“Yes,” Haru admitted quietly. “He punched me first. I couldn’t let him.”Mio reached over, squeezing his hand. “He was defending me,” she said softly.Ms. Hayashi sighed, looking at both of them. “I see. Fighting isn’t allowed, but I understand why this escalated. You will receive disciplinary action. Haru you need to learn how to protect yourselves safely—and how to ask for help when things get out of hand, I'll call you sister.”Haru froze.“No please don't tell her”“She knows about your first interaction with Kaito” “she-she knows ?”“you didn't talk about that with her ?” Ms Hayashi asked in disbelief.Haru connected the dot, Ayase recent behind.She knew he was getting bullied.She wanted him to talk.She entered his room more often.“No” the young boy said calmly.“You have to” Ms Hayashi was firm.Haru nodded, glancing at Mio. She gave him a small, reassuring smile. It made him feel… lighter, despite the tension.“I’m sorry,” Haru said quietly, though he wasn’t sure who to apologize to—himself for losing his temper, or Mio for the danger she had been in.Mio shook her head. “ I’m just glad you’re okay.”While they were leaving the office they saw Kaito and his group waiting for their turn outside, Mio dragged Haru away quickly.They stood together in silence for a moment, the rain tapping softly against the window. Outside, the hall was busy with students whispering about the fight, Haru and Mio felt closer than ever.~Ayase found out from the school.A short call. A careful voice.“Your brother was involved in a fight today.”Her hands shook as she grabbed her coat and left her office.By the time she arrived, Haru was sitting in the nurse’s office, a bruise forming under his eye, knuckles red.He didn’t look up.Ayase didn’t raise her voice.She just knelt in front of him.“Did it hurt?”Silence.“Haru.”His jaw clenched.“ I'm sorry,” he muttered.“what happened ?”“They remind me I'm an orphan, he tried to hurt Mio, he punched, I punched.”Ayase’s chest tightened.She reached for his hand. He pulled away.“I tried not to care,” he said, voice breaking. “I really tried.”The words rushed out then.“I’m tired of being the ‘big brother’. I’m tired of watching you do everything alone. I’m tired of pretending I’m fine when I’m not.”His shoulders shook.“I miss them. I miss Mom and Dad. And I don’t know where to put all this... I don't even know what I'm feeling anymore”Ayase pulled him into her arms.“You don’t have to carry it by yourself.”He cried against her shoulder, years of silence spilling out.“I was scared you’d think I was weak.”She held him tighter.“You’re my little brother. You’re allowed to break.”Outside, the bell rang.Inside, something finally healed.~After that day Ayase and Haru relationship was stronger than before, Souta noticed and became happier and warmer.Haru stood in the doorway, shifting nervously.Ayase was in the kitchen, chopping vegetables.Souta was on the floor, energetically building a tower that was already wobbling dangerously.“…Sis,” Haru said, “can I come in?”“You live here,” Ayase replied. “So yes.”Haru took a deep breath.“I… I want you to meet someone. Properly.”Souta’s eyes lit up.“Is it your girlfriend?!”Haru turned bright red.“Souta!”The door opened. Mio stepped inside, bowing politely.“Nice to meet you. I’m Mio.”Ayase looked up, smiling softly.“I’m Ayase. Thank you for coming.”Souta ran forward immediately, grinning.“You’re pretty! Are you marrying my brother?!”Haru’s face was bright red.“SOUTA!” he yelled.Mio laughed, trying not to giggle.“Maybe one day,” she said softly.Souta’s eyes sparkled.“I like her!”Then, Souta leaned closer to Mio, whispering loudly enough for everyone to hear:“Do you… like anime boys too?”Mio froze. Her cheeks turned pink.Haru buried his face in his hands.Ayase let out a soft laugh, shaking her head.“…Souta!” Ayase said, trying not to laugh.“Nice first impression,” Mio whispered, still blushing.Souta beamed proudly.“I’m cute and honest!”Ayase face changes.“Mio, were you involved in Haru's...you know”“he was protecting me, I apologize, I tried to stand up for him but...” her eyes were sad and sincere.“alright, please be careful, and take care of my brother” Ayase's voice was soft.Haru looked at his sister then at Mio, relieved that Ayase accepted his girlfriend.End of chapter 29