Morning light filters through Ren's curtains. He sits on the edge of his bed, still thinking about last night—the fireworks, Aoi's words, her illness, that fragile smile.
Ren (narration):
"Even after the festival ended… her words keep echoing inside me.
Why… why did she tell me something so painful, so personal? Why me?"
Cut to: School corridor buzzing with whispers. Students glance toward Ren as he walks in quietly, hands in pockets.
Student 1 (whispering):
"Hey, that's him… the guy who went to the festival with Aoi."
Student 2:
"Really? I didn't know they were that close."
Ren ignores them, walking silently to his seat by the window. Aoi isn't there yet. The light falls across his desk — the same place he always hides his thoughts.
Time passes — bell rings, classes end.
Scene: After school, rooftop bathed in orange sunset.
Ren is leaning against the railing, lost in thought. The door opens softly — Aoi steps out, holding her bag nervously.
Aoi (softly):
"Ren…"
He turns. Her eyes are downcast, voice trembling slightly.
Aoi:
"I'm sorry… because of me, everyone's been talking about you. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble."
Ren looks at her — silent for a moment. Then, with a quiet sigh:
Ren:
"…Why did you tell me about your illness?"
She blinks — surprised. The wind carries a strand of her hair across her face as she looks up at him.
Ren (continuing):
"You could've told anyone else. But you chose me. Why?"
There's a long pause. The sunset paints the sky in gold and pink. She takes a deep breath, then steps closer.
Aoi (smiling faintly):
"Because… I trust you, Ren."
The light glows behind her, warm and soft. Ren's eyes widen slightly. For the first time, he feels his chest tighten—not in sadness, but something deeper. He tries to speak, but no words come out.
Ren (narration):
"Because she trusts me…? Why does that sound both beautiful… and terrifying?"
She turns, her hair shining in the sunlight.
Aoi:
"I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
She waves and walks away, her figure fading with the sunset. Ren stands still, watching her disappear.
Scene cut: Nighttime, grocery store.
Fluorescent lights hum softly. Ren is at the counter, scanning items mechanically, still thinking.
Ren (narration):
"That word hasn't left my head all day. Trust. Something I never thought I'd earn from anyone."
The bell on the door rings. He looks up — Aoi walks in, dressed casually, smiling like nothing happened.
Aoi (cheerfully):
"Oh, so… you work here?"
Ren blinks in surprise. She places a few things — lotion, snacks, a small notebook — on the counter.
Ren (quietly):
"Yeah… part-time."
Aoi:
"I see. You really surprise me sometimes."
She laughs softly as he packs her items. Their eyes meet for a brief second — and the tension from earlier feels lighter.
Ren:
"You shouldn't be out this late."
Aoi (grinning):
"Then next time… I'll bring you something sweet for working so hard."
She takes her bag, waves lightly, and leaves. The doorbell jingles behind her.
Ren stands still, watching the door long after she's gone.
Ren (narration):
"She always smiles… even when I know she's hurting. Maybe… that's what trust really looks like."
The camera pans out — showing Ren behind the counter, fluorescent lights fading into warm moonlight.
"As she walked away under the streetlights, her words echoed in my mind — 'I trust you.' I didn't know it then… but that night was the beginning of something that would change both our lives forever