Today was the day everything would come crashing down for Kota.
Haruto's plan had worked flawlessly—he'd stolen Mari right out from under him and even taken his mother for himself.
With a bright, almost innocent smile plastered across his face, Haruto walked side by side with Kota.
His so-called "friend" was a pitiful sight—his face battered with bruises, his thin, frail body trembling as if it might collapse at any moment.
"You alright?" Haruto asked casually, his tone as if he was concerned about him.
"Aren't you excited? Today's the big day—giving Ren the videos and all."
"You usually get excited, right?"
Kota's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening so hard it looked like it might shatter.
"Shut up," Kota snapped, his voice colder than ice.
"Don't act so damn friendly with me."
Haruto chuckled, his hand snaking around Kota's neck in a mockingly affectionate gesture.