[Scene: Evening – Kana Meets Aqua in the Studio Courtyard]
Kana stood under a lamppost, waiting. She saw him approach and took a deep breath.
"Aqua," she began, "I love you. I've loved you for a long time."
This time, Aqua didn't run.
"I had feelings for you too, Kana," he said, his voice steady. "Back then, I was lost—drowning in revenge. I thought I had to do everything alone."
She stared into his eyes. "But not anymore?"
He hesitated. "A lot happened. I… I'm not the same person now."
Kana nodded slowly. "So your feelings have changed?"
There was pain in her voice, but not bitterness.
"I noticed," she said, "the way you and Akane look at each other. I don't understand why you broke up if you care about each other. But I guess… it's not my place to know."
She looked away, then back at him with a brave smile.
"If I said I was okay, I'd be lying. I loved you. I wish I'd told you earlier. But… I'm glad I finally did."
She stepped forward.
"And I'm happy to finally see the real you—the one who isn't carrying everything alone."
"I wanted to be the idol you believed in. A star you could look at with awe. I still want that."
Aqua's eyes softened. "Kana… I was always your biggest fan. And I always will be."
Their smiles met like old friends who had finally learned to let go of what hurt them.
---
[Scene: Street – Night – Aqua Walking Toward Ruby's Apartment]
Aqua's phone buzzed.
[New Message: Unknown Number]
Image: Akane bound, knife at her neck. Hikaru behind her.
Location: Cliff from the first timeline.
The screen blinked. A call came in.
He answered.
Hikaru's voice crackled through, distorted and mad.
"Come to where it all began," he hissed. "Where two demons died for different obsessions."
Aqua froze in place.
"This time," Hikaru said with a wicked chuckle, "I'm the one in control."
The call ended.
Aqua looked up at the sky. Raindrops began to fall.
His fists clenched.
---
To Be Continued...
Next Chapter: "The Knife That Cuts Fate"