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Season 2 — Chapter 1: The Weight of a Smile
It had only been a few days, but it felt like a season had passed.
Kuro hadn't returned to school since the incident — since the truth came out.
Instead, he stayed at Eve's house, sleeping in her brother's old room, quietly existing in the safety of her silent presence. He didn't say much. He didn't need to. She understood more than anyone ever had.
When he did show up at school — which was rare — he wore his usual hoodie, sleeves pulled past the knuckles, smile tugging gently at his lips. But there was something different now.
He'd sit in class and stare at the woods first, like checking to make sure the monsters were still out there. Then he'd lower his head and do his work, neat and quiet, as if the world inside the paper was safer than the one outside the windows.
At lunch, he'd be with them — Riku, sarcastic and oddly thoughtful, Sera, distant but warm in her own way, and Jason, quiet and a little broken but trying. And of course, Eve, his anchor.
Kuro always sat beside her.
He'd hold her hand under the table, fingers brushing gently against hers like a ritual, like a reminder that he was still here. She never let go.
The others talked about music, shows, rumors about the missing bullies and teachers. They laughed sometimes. It wasn't the same laughter from before. It was quieter. Worn down. But it was something.
And Kuro… he smiled. Still.
Not the fake, forced grin he used to wear like armor. This one was small. Real. And tired.
During their after-school hangouts, Kuro barely left Eve's side. He'd talk more now — soft-spoken words, sometimes lighthearted, sometimes strange. He'd ask Riku about ghosts, or Sera about death gods in mythology. Jason would listen without speaking, just observing.
Even now, with the truth hanging in the air, no one pushed him for more.
They just stayed together.
Because after everything, that was enough.
For now.
But the woods…
They were still watching.
And whatever was inside…
Was still waiting.
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