Chapter 47: The Smiles Meant for Him
The next morning felt different somehow.
The usual heaviness on Naoto's chest was still there—but lighter.
Like someone was gently holding it back for him, just for a little while.
He thought about Himari's words as he walked toward the Hayato mansion.
About how he wasn't alone.
The air was crisp and cool, carrying the distant sound of birdsong.
It was one of those rare, beautiful mornings that seemed like a blessing.
Yet Naoto knew... today's smiles could hurt more than any blow.
---
When Rika opened the door for him, her face lit up instantly.
"Naoto!" she called out happily, waving him in.
He smiled—genuinely, for once.
And maybe that's why Rika looked surprised, blinking up at him.
"You look... better today," she said, tilting her head curiously.
"I slept," Naoto lied easily, patting her head.
She pouted and swatted at his hand, but there was no real anger behind it.
Just... warmth.
Inside, the others had already gathered.
Yuna was trying to set up a board game.
Haruki and Souta were arguing over which snacks to open first.
Aiko was sketching something quietly by the window.
It felt so normal.
So painfully, achingly normal.
Naoto slipped into the flow easily—laughing at their jokes, helping Yuna arrange the game pieces, sneaking chips when Haruki wasn't looking.
For a few precious hours, he let himself forget.
Forget the threats.
Forget the lies.
---
It was during a break, when everyone had sprawled out across the couch and floor, that Rika came to him.
She sat beside him—close enough that their shoulders brushed.
Naoto stiffened, just slightly.
But she didn't say anything for a while.
She just sat there, her hands curled in her lap, her gaze flickering nervously between her knees and his face.
Finally, she spoke.
"You know," she said, voice soft, "even if you don't tell us everything... even if you're carrying something you can't share... It's okay."
Naoto's heart thudded.
He turned to her slowly.
Rika was staring at her hands, cheeks flushed, eyebrows drawn together.
"I just want you to know," she mumbled, "that I'm here. Even if you push me away sometimes."
Her voice cracked slightly on the last word.
Naoto's throat tightened painfully.
He hadn't realized how much she had noticed.
How much she had felt his distance.
"I don't want to be someone you have to pretend around," she whispered.
"I want you to be able to laugh for real. Cry for real. Even if it's selfish of me."
The room had gone so still.
Even the others had fallen quiet, sensing something in the air.
Naoto swallowed hard.
Without thinking, he reached out and ruffled her hair.
Rika blinked up at him, stunned.
"You're not selfish," he said hoarsely.
"You're... amazing, Rika."
Her cheeks turned scarlet.
For a second, she looked like she was about to cry.
Instead, she smiled.
A small, trembling, beautiful smile meant only for him.
Naoto's chest ached so much he thought he might break.
Because he knew—he knew—he couldn't keep that smile forever.
He would have to give it back someday.
And it would shatter her.
---
Later that evening, as the group prepared to leave again, Rika lingered at the door.
She hesitated, glancing at Naoto with a shy, almost scared look.
"Um... are you free tomorrow?" she asked suddenly.
Naoto blinked.
"I... yeah, I think so," he said cautiously.
Rika's hands twisted nervously in her sweater.
"I was thinking," she mumbled, "maybe we could go out? Just the two of us? You know... to relax?"
A date.
She was asking him on a date.
The realization hit him like a freight train.
And the worst part was—he wanted to say yes.
He wanted it more than anything.
But at the same time, a knife twisted in his gut.
Because he knew he shouldn't.
He was lying to her.
Protecting her with half-truths and silences.
Tying her heart to something built on sand.
Still.
Looking at her hopeful, trembling face, he found himself unable to say no.
"Sure," he said, forcing a smile. "I'd love to."
Rika's face lit up with joy so pure it almost broke him.
"Really?! Okay! I'll text you the details!"
She waved wildly and practically skipped back into the house.
Naoto watched her go, his heart a mess of guilt and longing.
He was walking a tightrope—and the winds were picking up.
---
That night, Naoto sat on his bed, staring at his phone.
A message from Rika blinked on the screen:
> "Tomorrow! Let's meet at 11! I'll take you somewhere fun!"
He smiled despite himself.
And then his phone buzzed again.
This time, it was from Himari.
> "If it hurts, tell me. I'll always be here."
Naoto leaned back, closing his eyes.
Two smiles.
Two promises.
And a heart too torn to know which one he could save.
---