The door creaked open, and Yuto froze. His heart skipped a beat as he stared at the person standing on his doorstep. It was Kenji. The last person he expected to see.
"What happened?" Kenji asked, a sharp smirk playing on his lips. "Why are you so surprised to see me?"
Yuto gripped the door handle, trying to find his voice. "No... what are you doing here?"
Kenji stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. "I should be the one asking you that question..." He paused for a second, letting the tension build. "You don't understand yet, Yuto? Fine, let me tell you. What was Heena doing at your house?"
Yuto took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "Was that all you wanted to ask? Heena needed some help, and I was just doing that."
"And what kind of help was that?" Kenji's voice was cold, demanding an answer.
"She just needed help with her studies," Yuto replied simply.
Kenji stared at him for a long moment before finally turning away. "Fine, I'm leaving now."
As Kenji began to walk into the darkness, Yuto couldn't let it go. "Hey Kenji, wait!" he called out. Kenji stopped but didn't turn back. "Can I know why you keep asking me about Heena?"
Kenji's shoulders shook as he let out a dry, mocking laugh. "Ha, ha, ha! A stupid guy like you... it's better if you don't know the truth."
The insult stung. Yuto's face twisted into an angry expression. "What is your problem with me? What exactly is your problem?"
Kenji finally turned around, his eyes filled with bitterness. "Guys who look 'good' like you are very disgusting. In the end, they just betray the girl and nothing else."
Yuto felt a surge of frustration. "So that's what it is... now I understand. Kenji, you never understand anyone's feelings. That's why Heena doesn't like you!"
The words hit a nerve. Kenji's expression darkened with anger. "What do you know about what I've suffered in the past? And you don't know anything about Heena either."
What do you mean about Heena's past?" Yuto asked, his anger turning into concern.
Kenji looked away, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "I just want to say this... Heena has lost everyone since childhood. She just needs love."
Yuto's heart sank. The anger was gone, replaced by a heavy sadness. "Yes... I can understand Heena. I can understand how she must be feeling."
"Fine then, I'm leaving now, Yuto," Kenji said, his voice fading. "Just remember one thing... forget about Heena."
Kenji disappeared into the shadows. Yuto stood alone on the porch, his head bowed down as the weight of Kenji's words settled over him.
Behind the half-closed door, hidden in the shadows, Heena stood trembling. She had been there the whole time, listening to every word from the very beginning. Her heart raced as the secrets of the past were laid bare.
This was just the beginning phase of the story... there is still much more to come.
Suddenly, the clouds broke. Rain began to pour down, drenching everything in sight. But Yuto didn't move. He remained standing there, lost in thought, as the cold rain washed over him.
End of Chapter 5