Arc 1 – Episode 15: “The Academy’s Princess’ First Betrayal”

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I am an unforgivable sinner.

I promised to support my friend—no, my best friend—Ichigo-san, in her romantic pursuits. But despite my intentions, I ended up falling for the very person she loved: our mutual friend, Kyoichi-san.

At first, I thought it was just a passing whim. Yet, a sense of dissatisfaction lingered whenever Ichigo-san and Kyoichi-san would talk only to each other, lost in their own world while I was left out. I understood, though. I had become their friend to support their relationship.

Being on the student council and Kyoichi-san a class representative, I often had reasons to ask for his help. It allowed us to spend time together without raising any suspicions.

“Oh, heading in together again?” “You two sure are close.”

Whenever the seniors teased us, I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. Kyoichi-san always brushed it off, saying, “We're not like that. I can leave right now if that'd help.” It annoyed me slightly, but I still considered him a close friend—or at least, I thought I did.

The three of us would often hang out outside school, and over time, Ichigo-san and Kyoichi-san grew closer. Eventually, she wanted to go on a date with him alone. She asked me to come along as usual, but at the last moment, she asked me to cancel.

For some reason, I felt conflicted. Was it because I didn't want to be left out? Or was there something deeper? Regardless, I had promised to support her, so I agreed.

On the day of their date, however, I couldn't stop thinking about it. I ended up secretly following them, though I wasn't sure why. Maybe I just didn't want to miss out on the experience. In the end, they spotted me, and we all watched the planetarium show together. Oddly, I felt relieved, though Ichigo-san did glare at me from time to time. Talking with Kyoichi-san helped me ignore her sharp gaze and the guilt that accompanied it.

The real turning point came soon after.

I had made a few careless mistakes in student council documents for an upcoming meeting. These were simple errors, but the timing couldn't have been worse. I had a presentation for my extracurricular activity that evening, so I didn't have time to correct them before heading home. Just as I was about to leave, Kyoichi-san appeared and offered to help.

Initially, I hesitated, but I was in such a rush that I couldn't refuse. As the files copied onto a USB drive, I realized I would miss the presentation if I waited any longer. So, I accepted his offer.

After the event, I messaged him a few times but got no response. Worried, I went back to school and found him in the student council room, absorbed in his work and unaware of my texts. Seeing him so tired from working on the documents to help me… My heart melted completely for him in that moment.

Even though I knew it was wrong. Even though I'd promised to support Ichigo-san. Even though I came to love him after she did.

Before I knew it, I was constantly thinking about how I could be with him instead of her.

Then, a thought hit me: maybe… if Kyoichi-san broke up with Ichigo-san, it would be okay.

I know this sounds terrible, but I couldn't help it. When it came to looks and background, I was undeniably more attractive than Ichigo-san. Kyoichi-san said he liked girls who took care of him and that looks didn't matter, but I figured anyone would prefer a prettier face, right? Plus, I had spent more time with him.

Wouldn't he choose me if it came down to it?

Maybe it would be better if Ichigo-san confessed and got rejected soon.

I'm sorry, Ichigo-san, but it's not like you can change who you are. Still, you're my best friend. I won't forget that you were the one who brought me and Kyoichi-san together.

Ichigo-san asked for my help again, inviting me to a movie but suggesting I leave early, so I wouldn't interfere like last time. She even encouraged me to make actual plans, so I wouldn't linger.

Fair enough, I thought.

On the day of the movie, as I waited at the meeting spot, a sleazy guy started hitting on me. Even though I brushed him off, he grabbed my arm, forcing me to shout for help. Kyoichi-san showed up just in time.

“Don't get the wrong idea. I just helped because we're friends,” he said, though I knew he was just embarrassed.

“Sorry I'm late! I put a little extra effort into getting ready today,” came Ichigo-san's voice.

When I turned around, I was shocked. She looked completely different—her usual braids were gone, replaced by long, straight hair. Her glasses had been swapped for contacts, and with makeup enhancing her features, she looked stunning. Even Kyoichi-san couldn't stop complimenting her.

“You look beautiful. It suits you,” he said, genuinely impressed.

“Really? Hehe, thanks.”

My alarm went off then—a reminder for the dinner I'd planned with my grandfather, an excuse to leave early. But now I was worried. Was it really okay to leave them alone?

“What's up? Your alarm? Do you have somewhere to be?” Ichigo-san asked, her tone sharp as if she knew what I was thinking.

I reluctantly excused myself, constantly glancing back at them as I walked away.

Then, on Monday, Ichigo-san told me she was going to confess to him on Saturday. I pretended to be happy for her.

“Oh, and guess what? I found out Kyo and I live in neighboring apartments! Isn't that fate? If we start dating, we'll practically be living together!”

Hearing that was like a punch to the gut. Neighbors? Practically living together? Had they already been sneaking around behind my back? Maybe she'd been bringing him homemade fried chicken, practicing to win his heart.

The next day, I used the student council president's name to get Kyoichi-san to help me with something trivial. As we walked down the hallway, he suddenly spoke.

“Aria, the truth is… I've started to develop feelings for Ichigo-san. So I'd appreciate it if you didn't ask for my help as much. I don't want people—or her—to get the wrong idea.”

My world crumbled.

“…I see.”

Was it already over?

Without realizing, I had wandered near the staircase. Lost in thought, I slipped, and before I knew it, Kyoichi-san had grabbed me, shielding me from the fall.

“Aria, are you okay?”

“Yes, thanks to you. Thank you for protecting me.”

“Don't worry about it. I'd be in trouble if you got hurt.”

My chest tightened as I looked at him, our faces close. Impulsively, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his.

“I love you, Kyoichi-san….”

I confessed, watching his expression darken.

“…I'm sorry!”

I stammered, and fled.

If I'd stayed, he would've rejected me. But it didn't matter anymore—I had kissed him before Ichigo-san. I had taken something from her, and a dark part of me reveled in it.

I had betrayed Ichigo-san too much to turn back now. The kind Aria Kakyoin died today.

Am I an unforgivable sinner? No, there's no such thing.

I've already decided—I'll steal Kyoichi-san from her by any means necessary.

Because if I stay a “good person,” I'll never have him.

I'm sorry, Ichigo-san.

But you were only ever meant to be a stepping stone.