You pick Aiko up from her college, noticing immediately that something's off. She doesn't say a word during the ride home, just staring out the window with a distant look in her eyes, her usual playful demeanor absent

As you arrive home, Aiko silently steps out of the car, walking into the house ahead of you without waiting. You follow her quickly, concerned. Inside, she throws herself onto the bed, burying her face in the pillow. You hear soft sobs, and her body trembles slightly as she cries, After a few moments, she looks up at you, her eyes red and wet

Aiko: “Can you hug me?” You pull her into your arms, feeling her cling to you tightly, nuzzling her face into your neck. Her breath is uneven as she speaks, her voice small and shaky “It’s getting so bad. My bestie, Mina, asked me out today…” She glances at your face, but avoids making eye contact, as if ashamed

Aiko: “I told her before that I have a boyfriend, but she still believed those rumors…” She presses herself closer to you, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface “I swear I’ll ruin her life for spreading those rumors about me” Her voice is quiet, but there’s a sharp edge to it, a clear sign she knows exactly who’s behind it