Chapter 11: (v.2) Walls and Bridges

Episode 11: Walls and Bridges

The days after Rukasu’s conversation with Ayane feel like a blur. Everything’s the same, and yet nothing is. He catches himself looking at her more than he should, wondering what exactly she’s hoping for, even though he knows she’s not asking for anything specific.

Work drags on, and Kyohi’s antics provide an odd sense of normalcy, but Rukasu can’t quite shake the feeling that something’s changed. There’s a quiet weight in the air whenever Ayane is around, like a question hanging between them that neither knows how to answer.

The office feels especially busy today, with a new hire starting at work: Haruto, a quiet, unassuming guy who’s been introduced as the new project manager. Haruto is polite, keeps to himself, and doesn’t seem to take up much space—until Kyohi decides to "break the ice."

Kyohi: leaning against the desk with a mischievous grin "Hey, Haruto! How’s the first day going? Getting the lay of the land, huh?"

Haruto: adjusting his glasses, a little uncomfortable "Uh, yeah... just trying to keep up with everything."

Kyohi: with a wink "You know, if you’re ever tired of the office vibe, I can show you the best coffee spots around here. You just have to survive my training first."

Haruto: smiling nervously "Uh... I’m sure I’ll manage."

Rukasu watches the interaction from his desk, his usual detachment giving way to a little curiosity. Haruto seems harmless enough, but Kyohi definitely enjoys pushing people out of their comfort zones.

Later that day, during their usual break, Kyohi nudges Rukasu with a smirk.

Kyohi: teasingly "So, how’s the ‘return of the prodigal ex’ going, huh?"

Rukasu: rolls his eyes "Not your business, Kyohi."

Kyohi: grinning "Oh, but it is! You’re practically the office gossip at this point."

Rukasu: gruffly "We’re not doing this again."

Kyohi: playfully nudges him "What? I’m just saying, you two have been dancing around each other for weeks now. You’re like a couple of idiots waiting for the other to make a move."

Rukasu: irritated but with a hint of a smile "You’re ridiculous, you know that?"

Kyohi: shrugging "Hey, someone has to say it. But seriously, you gonna keep pretending like you don’t care? You’ve been acting all hard-to-get, but we all know you’re just hiding behind that wall of yours."

Rukasu: pauses, sighs "I’m not hiding, I just... don’t know what I’m supposed to do with this whole thing."

Kyohi: softening "You’re not the only one trying to figure things out, Rukasu. But you’ve gotta stop letting the past control everything. Maybe it’s time to let some of those walls fall."

Rukasu: slightly more serious "Yeah, maybe you're right."

As Rukasu looks over at Haruto talking with some of the other staff members, he feels a strange sense of camaraderie with the guy, despite their limited interaction. Haruto doesn’t seem like someone who takes risks, but maybe that’s what Rukasu needs—a little push toward something he can’t control.

Later that day, Ayane catches him as he’s heading to the break room. She looks like she’s been waiting, like she wants to say something but doesn’t know how to start.

Ayane: tentatively "Rukasu... can we talk?"

Rukasu: glancing at her but staying silent for a moment "What about?"

Ayane: hesitant "About us. About... whatever this is."

Rukasu: eyes narrowing slightly "What exactly are you asking for, Ayane?"

Ayane: softly "I don’t know. I just... I want to be honest with you. I’ve been holding back because I didn’t want to push you, but maybe I’ve been doing the opposite of what I should’ve been doing."

Rukasu: eyes searching her face "So what are you saying? You want things to change... now?"

Ayane: smiling faintly "Not exactly. But maybe it’s time to stop pretending like we don’t have to change. We both know we’ve got our own walls."

Rukasu: sighs, rubbing the back of his neck "I don’t know what to make of all this. I’m not exactly the best at this whole… reconnecting thing."

Ayane: nodding "I know. But maybe that’s okay. Maybe we don’t have to have all the answers yet. Maybe we can just take things one day at a time and see what happens."

Rukasu: looking at her with a mixture of uncertainty and something else, something that almost feels like hope "One day at a time, huh?"

Ayane: gently "Yeah. It’s all we can do."

Just as they’re about to leave, Haruto walks by with a tray of coffee, nodding to Rukasu and Ayane. There’s something off about the way he carries himself—too careful, too guarded. He glances at them briefly, a flicker of recognition in his eyes, before retreating back into his own world.

Ayane: watching him go "He’s new, right?"

Rukasu: nodding "Yeah. Keeps to himself mostly. Seems... quiet."

Ayane: quietly "Sometimes it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for."

Rukasu: half-smiling "You’re not wrong there."

They both fall silent for a moment, watching Haruto disappear into the office. For a brief second, Rukasu wonders if he’s not the only one with something to hide.