"Love without control terrifies those who've never known it."
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Scene One — The Second Summons
Thursday morning, Mio was called to the counselor's office again. This time, the letter was stamped by both the principal and the Board of Mental Health Affairs.
> "For the well-being of the student, a psychological evaluation is being considered. Refusal to attend may result in academic suspension."
She read it twice, hands numb.
Hana stood beside her locker as Mio approached.
"They're threatening to label me unfit," Mio said, voice flat.
Hana's eyes darkened. "They're trying to erase your credibility. Make you unstable on paper."
"It's working," Mio whispered. "I'm scared, Hana."
But Hana held her by the shoulders.
"Then we do what they never expected us to: we fight back with the truth."
---
Scene Two — The Resistance Forms
That afternoon, in the quiet corner of the library, Mio and Hana spread everything out:
The school letters.
Witness notes.
Photos and messages Ayaka had sent.
A log Hana had secretly kept of every time Mio was pulled into a "review" or meeting.
Ms. Fujimoto's discreet statement of support, signed with trembling courage.
"Do you think anyone will believe us?" Mio asked, eyes flicking over the documents.
"They don't have to believe us yet," Hana said. "They just need to hear us."
They started drafting a letter — not to the school.
To the media.
---
Scene Three — Flashback: Ayaka's Past (Intercut)
15 Years Ago — A girl sits at a piano in a too-bright room.
Ayaka, age 17.
Her fingers are bleeding, but she doesn't stop playing.
Her mother stands nearby. "Perfection isn't painful. Weakness is."
She doesn't cry.
Not even when the blood drips onto the ivory keys.
> "Success is survival. Anything less is shame."
Ayaka memorized the lesson.
And when she became a mother, she wielded love like a weapon — so Mio would never be weak. Never be hurt.
Never be her.
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Scene Four — The Confrontation
Friday night.
The house was quiet, the air tense.
Ayaka stood by the window, wine glass in hand.
"You've been busy," she said without turning.
Mio stepped into the room. "We're reporting everything. Every meeting. Every threat."
Ayaka finally turned. "You're making a mistake."
"No," Mio said. "I've just stopped mistaking obedience for love."
Ayaka approached her slowly. "You don't know what the world does to girls who disobey."
"I know what it did to you," Mio replied softly. "And I won't let it do the same to me."
"You think this is strength?"
"I think I've never been stronger than when I chose to love Hana despite you."
Ayaka's expression didn't crack.
But her hand trembled.
Just for a second.
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Scene Five — Aftermath
Later, Mio lay curled on Hana's bed, head in her lap.
"You did it," Hana whispered, stroking her hair.
"I'm still scared."
"That's okay. We'll be scared together."
Mio stared at the ceiling.
"I don't want to be her. I want to be me. Even if it hurts."
"And you are," Hana said. "You already are."
The world outside was still sharp, still waiting.
But for now — they were safe.
Together.
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End of Chapter 15
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