How Not to Run [Evening / Koharu’s Family Shop]

A black envelope was wedged beneath the shutter.

Inside was a photo of the shop and a threat.

‘This place is next.’

Koharu’s face went pale.

At the end of the alley, Hara spotted a student in a black hoodie running away.

The old Hara would have chased immediately.

He took one step.

Koharu didn’t grab him.

She only said,

(Koharu) : “You decide.”

Hara listened to the footsteps fade.

He could catch him.

But he stopped.

(Hara) : “Call the police first.”

They photographed the envelope without touching it, then called their parents and the school.

While they waited inside the shop, Koharu took out an old audio recording.

It was from the days when Hara was being bullied.

Koharu had been nearby.

She had recorded it.

But she had been too afraid to step out and help him.

(Koharu) : “I’m sorry.”

Hara stayed silent for a long time.

(Hara) : “After I got this power... there were times I enjoyed pinning people down.”

They looked at each other.

Neither of them looked away.

They both had things they regretted.

Things they had hidden.

This time, they decided not to pretend those things had never happened.

(Koharu) : “Then from now on, neither of us decides everything alone.”

(Hara) : “Okay.”

That night, one of the broadcasting club cameras disappeared.

Then Hara received a message.

‘If you want it back, come to the gym.’