Chapter 7: Crossroads

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Letters Episode 7: “Crossroads”

(Narration)
"I should be used to this feeling by now—the tightness in my chest, the way my brain replays things I don’t want to think about. But this time, it’s different. This time, it’s not just memories haunting me. It’s a choice. And for once, I don’t know what to do."

(Rukasu steps out of the café, the cold air hitting him like a slap. Ayane follows, silent. The letter from Yuki feels heavier in his pocket than it should.)

Ayane: hesitant Rukasu—

Rukasu: cutting her off Why now?

(She stops. He doesn’t look at her, just stares ahead, hands stuffed in his jacket pockets.)

Rukasu: low voice Why come back now, after all this time? What changed?

(Ayane exhales, looking down. A few cars pass by, their headlights briefly illuminating the quiet street.)

Ayane: softly I guess… I finally stopped running.

(Rukasu scoffs, shaking his head.)

Rukasu: muttering Must be nice.

(A silence lingers between them. Rukasu’s thoughts are a tangled mess—anger, confusion, something else he doesn’t want to name.)

Ayane: gently I don’t expect you to forgive me. Or even to believe me. But I had to try.

(Rukasu exhales sharply, rubbing a hand over his face.)

Rukasu: grumbling You’re an idiot.