Chapter 4: Unread Pages

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Letters Episode 4: “Unread Pages”

(Narration)
"There are a lot of things I hate. Mornings, my job, people in general… but right now, at the top of my list, it’s letters. First one shows up out of nowhere, now there’s another one? What’s next, a damn book series?"

(Rukasu sits in his apartment, staring at the unopened letter from Ayane. It’s been hours since work ended, but he hasn’t touched it. His mind is still stuck on earlier—her voice, her face, the way she looked at him like she expected something.)

(Finally, he exhales sharply and rips the envelope open. Inside, the letter is short. Too short.)

"There are things I need to tell you. But not here. Let’s meet. – Ayane."

(He stares at the words, rereading them like they’ll change. But they don’t. They just sit there, waiting. Just like her.)

Rukasu: grumbling Great. Now I have homework.

(Before he can think too much about it, a knock interrupts him.)

Kyohi: muffled through the door Rukasu! Open up!

(He groans, dragging himself to the door and opening it just enough to glare at her.)

Rukasu: deadpan Why are you here?

Kyohi: grinning I was bored. And also, I figured you’d be sulking alone, so I brought snacks!

(She holds up a bag of chips and, for some reason, a single banana.)

Rukasu: stares …What’s the banana for?

Kyohi: shrugs I don’t know. It felt right.

(Before he can argue, she pushes past him and flops onto his couch like she owns the place.)

Kyohi: Sooo… are we gonna talk about what happened today? Or are you gonna keep pretending you didn’t almost pass out when you saw Ayane?

Rukasu: flatly I didn’t “almost pass out.”

Kyohi: grinning Sure, and I’m the Emperor of Japan. Come on, spill it! What’s the deal with you two? Old flames? Long-lost siblings? Secret agents from rival organizations?

Rukasu: groaning Can you be normal for five seconds?

(Kyohi leans forward, her grin fading slightly.)

Kyohi: gently Seriously though, Rukasu. What’s going on?

(He hesitates. He doesn’t know how to explain it—not to her, not even to himself. Finally, he sighs and runs a hand through his hair.)

Rukasu: quietly It’s… complicated.

Kyohi: nods Okay. Then let’s uncomplicate it.

(She gestures toward the letter still sitting on the table. He follows her gaze, frowning.)

Kyohi: She’s obviously trying to tell you something. Are you gonna hear her out?

(Rukasu doesn’t answer right away. His fingers drum against his leg, his mind a mess of questions. He sighs, rubbing his temples.)

Rukasu: muttering Guess I don’t have much of a choice.

(Kyohi smiles, tossing him the banana.)

Kyohi: Good answer. Also, eat this. You need potassium.