Ozawa: "But the words came out of your mouth, didn’t they? The words that show you see me as someone 'hopeless,' that you can’t even imagine us being friends. Words carry weight, Mio. They reflect what’s inside."
Mio swallowed her words, unable to meet his eyes.
Ozawa (calm but firm): "It’s over, Mio. Don’t try to fix something that’s completely broken. From now on, you and I are just strangers. Nothing more."
Mio froze in place, as if his words had slapped her across the face.
Mio (whispering): "Ozawa... please..."
But he turned and walked away without looking back.
Ozawa (inner voice): "That’s enough. I don’t need anyone who makes me feel like I’m less than I am. I deserve better than this."
He left Mio standing there, watching him disappear into the distance.
---
The next morning, outside the school gates:
Ozawa stands by the school gate, checking his bag to make sure he didn’t forget anything. Suddenly, he hears a familiar voice.
Mio: "Kotaro!"
He slowly turns toward the voice and sees her standing there, her expression filled with regret, like she wants to say something. But he turns his face away and walks into the school without saying a word.
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---
First Period:
Ozawa sits in class, listening to the teacher with focus. He’s trying to forget everything and bury himself in studying. He takes notes seriously, occasionally glancing out the window at the cloudy sky.
---
In the sports field:
During gym, Ozawa runs laps with his classmates. He’s fast, determined to give his best. It’s clear he’s channeling all his energy through running.
---
During lunch break:
Ozawa sits alone in a corner of the courtyard, eating his lunch quietly. Suddenly, Mio approaches him, trying to talk.
Mio (hesitantly): "Kotaro... can we talk?"
He looks up at her coldly, then returns to his food without replying.
Mio (sadly): "Please... just listen."
But Ozawa stands up, takes his lunch box, and walks away without saying a word, leaving Mio standing there, helpless.
---
After school, heavy rain is pouring:
Ozawa walks slowly toward the school gate under his umbrella. At the gate, he sees Mio standing without one. Her clothes are soaked, and her face looks pale from the cold.
Ozawa (quietly): "You’ll catch a cold like that."
Mio looks up at him, eyes full of tears.
Mio (softly): "Kotaro..."
He sighs and walks toward her, then offers her his umbrella.
Ozawa: "Get up. Take this umbrella."
Mio (shaking): "But..."
He cuts her off in a firm tone, though tinged with sadness.
Ozawa: "Mio, let’s end this here. I’m nothing... You don’t know who I am, or how I’ve lived, or how I’ve survived a life that felt like hell. You’re better off staying away from me, filling your life with people you think are worth it. There’s no point in trying to fix what’s already over. Let’s go back to what we were... just strangers."
He pauses, waiting for a response, but she remains silent, frozen in place.
---
Mio’s memories:
As she watches Ozawa walk away, memories flood her mind. The happy moments they shared: their little laughs, casual conversations, the times he supported her through difficult moments. She remembers the sense of safety she felt around him.
Tears begin to fall, but she doesn’t move. She just watches him disappear into the rain.
---
Ozawa walks through the dark, rainy streets, soaked:
His steps are heavy, and his inner voice is filled with turmoil.
Ozawa (inner voice): "Maybe this is for the best. Maybe loneliness hurts less than betrayal or lies."
He gets home, takes off his shoes, drops his bag, and heads straight to the shower. He bathes in hot water, trying to wash away the cold of the rain and the heaviness of the day.
After showering, he dresses and lies on his bed. Exhausted physically and emotionally.
Ozawa (inner voice): "Another day with nothing new... nothing worthwhile."
He slowly closes his eyes, letting sleep take him away from everything.
---
At school, the next day:
Ozawa sits in his seat, trying to focus on the teacher. But the sharp headache and nausea grow stronger. His eyes feel heavy, and his hands tremble slightly, but he keeps pushing through.
Ozawa (inner voice): "No... I have to finish the day. I don’t want to look weak in front of anyone."
Suddenly, everything around him starts spinning. Sounds become distant and blurry, his vision fades.
Then, he collapses from his chair, unconscious.
Classmate’s voice (worried): "Ozawa-kun! What happened?! Somebody call the nurse!"
