Hanada plays with fire

### Chapter Twenty-Four: Hanada's Dilemma

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The neon lights of the bar flickered overhead as Hanada and Reiko sat at their usual table, laughing and joking as they sipped on their tequila shots. The alcohol warmed their bodies and loosened their inhibitions, and soon they were lost in a world of shared laughter and camaraderie.

"Come on, Hanada-kun, one more shot!" Reiko exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Hanada grinned, feeling the effects of the alcohol coursing through his veins. "Alright, but this is the last one."

Reiko poured another round of shots, her hands steady despite her own intoxication. As they clinked their glasses together, Hanada couldn't help but marvel at the easy rapport they had developed over the past few weeks. Reiko was unlike anyone he had ever met, and he found himself drawn to her in ways he couldn't explain.

As they downed their shots, Hanada felt a surge of exhilaration wash over him. The music thumped in the background, the lights swirling in a dizzying display of colors. For a moment, he forgot about everything else—the pain of Akari's absence, the uncertainties of the future—and simply lived in the present.

But as the night wore on and the alcohol continued to flow, Hanada felt a sense of unease creeping in. He knew he was treading dangerous waters, flirting with temptation in the form of a beautiful woman who wasn't Akari.

Reiko leaned in close, her breath warm against Hanada's ear. "You know, Hanada-kun, you're a lot of fun to be around."

Hanada swallowed hard, feeling a rush of desire mingled with guilt. "Thanks, Reiko. You're not so bad yourself."

Their eyes locked, the air crackling with tension. Hanada knew he should pull away, put some distance between them before things went too far. But he couldn't seem to tear himself away from Reiko's intoxicating presence.

Just then, the door to the bar swung open, and a familiar figure walked in. Hanada's heart skipped a beat as he recognized Akari, her eyes widening in surprise as she spotted him and Reiko at the table.

"Hanada?" Akari said, her voice tinged with confusion. "What are you doing here?"

Hanada's mind raced, panic setting in as he tried to come up with an explanation. But before he could say anything, Reiko spoke up, her voice light and teasing.

"Oh, Hanada-kun didn't tell you? We've been having the time of our lives, haven't we?" she said, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Akari's eyes narrowed, her expression unreadable. "I see. Well, I'll leave you two to it then."

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out of the bar, leaving Hanada and Reiko staring after her in stunned silence.

Hanada felt a sinking sensation in the pit of his stomach as he watched Akari leave. He knew he had messed up, that he had betrayed her trust in the worst possible way. And as he looked at Reiko, he realized with a sickening certainty that he had made a terrible mistake.

Reiko's laughter echoed in his ears, mocking and cruel. "Well, well, well, looks like Hanada-kun isn't such a good boy after all."

Hanada's heart clenched with regret as he realized the gravity of his actions. He had hurt the woman he loved, betrayed her in the most unforgivable way. And now, as he stared into Reiko's eyes, he knew he had no one to blame but himself.