Third person pov

Over the next two years, Ren, Suzume, and Kenji's bond deepened amidst the backdrop of Kanda Junior High School's vibrant atmosphere. Outside of school, they explored Tokyo together, discovering hidden cafes, attending cultural festivals, and occasionally getting lost in the city's bustling streets.

As graduation approached, Ren, Suzume, and Kenji faced uncertainties about the future. As Ren, Suzume, and Kenji transitioned from Kanda Junior High School to Tokyo Metropolitan Hibiya High School, they faced new challenges and opportunities in this prestigious academic environment,

Suzume continued her modeling career, which garnered her attention both inside and outside of school. Her frequent early departures sparked gossip among the students—admiration from boys and jealousy from girls. Despite this, Suzume maintained a friendly demeanor, which deterred any negative comments to her face.

Kenji and Ren often bonded over basketball, where their friendly rivalry brought out their competitive spirits.

Under the warm afternoon sun, Ren and Kenji walked off the basketball court, their friends trailing behind them, still chatting animatedly about the game they just finished. Sweat trickled down Ren's forehead as he wiped it with the back of his hand, feeling the lingering rush of adrenaline.

"Great game, Ren!" one of his friends exclaimed with a grin. "Hey, by the way, Suzume looked amazing today. Can you give me her number?"

Ren paused, taken aback by the request. He glanced at Kenji, who wore a faint frown, a usual expression when he sensed trouble brewing.

"Hold on a minute, Ren," Kenji interjected calmly but firmly before Ren could respond. "You can't just give out Suzume's number like that. You know she's a public figure with her modeling and everything. It's risky."

Ren furrowed his brow, caught off guard by Kenji's caution. "What's the issue, Kenji? It's just for our friend here. Suzume won't mind," Ren reasoned, trying to diffuse the sudden tension.

Kenji shook his head, his tone serious. "It's not just about whether she minds right now. We have to be careful. You know how things can spread."

Ren hesitated, considering Kenji's words. He hadn't thought beyond their immediate circle of friends. Slowly, he withdrew his phone from his pocket, reluctantly handing it back to his friend. "Alright, I get it. Sorry about that," Ren said, his voice tinged with regret.

Kenji nodded in acknowledgment, his expression softening. "It's okay. Just think twice next time."

Their group continued walking towards the cafeteria, the brief tension lingering in the air. Ren mulled over Kenji's caution, realizing Suzume's privacy was more fragile than he had realized.

Days passed without incident, the episode with Suzume's number fading into the background as school life resumed its usual rhythm. Ren and Kenji spent their afternoons practicing basketball, their competitive spirit driving them to push each other to improve.

One afternoon during lunch break, Ren noticed a small group of students gathered near the school gates. Suzume stood at the center, politely declining someone's advances. Ren's heart sank a bit. It was the first time he had witnessed someone confessing to her, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of protectiveness.

Later that week, Ren heard a commotion near the school gates. He hurried over and found Suzume in a heated argument with a student from another class.

"Suzume, what's going on?" Ren asked, concern etched on his face.

"This guy won't leave me alone," Suzume said, her voice tinged with frustration. "He's been messaging and calling me non-stop, saying you gave him my number."

Ren's eyes widened in realization, guilt gnawing at him. "I'm sorry, Suzume. I didn't mean for this to happen."

"Well, it did, Ren!" Suzume snapped, her frustration bubbling over. "Now I have to deal with this mess!"

Ren turned to the other student, his tone firm. "Hey, knock it off! Leave her alone!"

The student scoffed, mocking Ren. "What's your problem, Ren? Just because she's your friend, you think you're some hero?"

Ren's fists clenched in frustration. He knew Kenji had been right all along. The situation escalated quickly, drawing the attention of a passing teacher who intervened to break up the confrontation.

"What's going on here?" the teacher demanded, eyeing both Ren and the other student.

"He's been harassing Suzume, sensei! I had to do something!" Ren explained defensively.

The teacher sighed, looking at both students with a mix of disappointment and concern. "Ren, come with me. And you, back to your class."

Ren was suspended for a few days as a consequence of his actions. It was a hard lesson learned about protecting his friends and being more mindful of the impact of his choices.

Ren sat on the terrace, feeling a mix of regret and frustration after the recent events. The suspension weighed heavily on his mind, and he couldn't shake the guilt of causing Suzume trouble. As he stared out at the horizon, lost in thought, he heard footsteps approaching. Suzume appeared beside him, her presence both surprising and welcomed.

"Suzume," Ren started, his voice hesitant. "I'm really sorry about everything."

Suzume sighed softly, sitting down beside him. "It's okay, Ren," she said quietly, her tone gentler than before. "I know you didn't mean for things to go this way."

Ren glanced at her, grateful for her understanding despite his mistake. Before he could say more, Suzume reached into her bag and pulled out a magazine. She flipped it open, revealing pages filled with photos of herself in various outfits and styles. Ren couldn't help but be amazed at the transformation each image showcased—different hairstyles, makeup techniques, and expressions that turned Suzume into someone almost unrecognizable from the girl he knew.

"Wow, Suzume," Ren breathed out, genuinely impressed. "You look... incredible."

Suzume chuckled softly, a hint of pride in her voice. "Thanks, Ren. It's part of the job," she admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Ren noticed a photo where Suzume sported short hair, looking effortlessly cool. "Is this your real hair?" he asked, curious about the drastic change.

Suzume shook her head, pointing at the photo. "No, that's a wig. I switch styles depending on the shoot," she explained, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Ren studied another photo where Suzume's hair was elegantly braided. "I like this one too," he remarked, admiring her versatility.

Suzume complained," No, I think the style here will suit more perfectly." She pointed on another photograph.

Ren stared and responded thoughtfully. "You're right, a different style might have made it even better." He continued hesitantly, "Let me give a try then!"

Suzume with an evident surprise said, " The most important and closest thing for a girl is her hair." She caressed her long strands. 

Ren felt gloomy, "Sorry, I didn't know."

Suzume nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Ren with a playful glint in her eyes. "You know, Ren, if you promise not to be gloomy again, I'll let you touch my hair and give it a try," she offered teasingly.

Ren's eyes widened in surprise, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Really? You'd let me?"

Suzume laughed softly, nodding. "Yeah, but only if you promise," she replied, her smile warm and encouraging.

Ren hesitated for a moment, then nodded earnestly. "I promise, Suzume. I'll do my best to cheer up," he vowed, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders.

With a mischievous grin, Suzume leaned closer. "Alright then, Ren. Let's see what you've got."

Ren tentatively reached out, his fingers lightly grazing Suzume's hair. He carefully experimented with a few strands, trying to mimic the braiding style he had seen in the photo. Suzume sat patiently, offering occasional tips and encouragement as Ren focused intently on his task.

After a few minutes, Ren finished, stepping back to admire his handiwork. Suzume turned to face him, her eyes sparkling with amusement and approval. "Not bad, Ren. You've got potential," she teased, a playful smile lighting up her face.

Ren grinned back, a sense of pride and accomplishment swelling within him. "Thanks, Suzume. I'm glad you trusted me with your hair," he admitted, feeling a newfound closeness between them.

Suzume nodded, her smile softening. "You're welcome, Ren. Just remember, no more giving out my number, okay?" she said teasingly, nudging him gently.

Ren chuckled, nodding emphatically. "Got it, Suzume. I've learned my lesson," he assured her, grateful for her forgiveness and their shared moment of camaraderie.

From then on, occasionally Ren would attempt to style Suzume's hair. Despite making a few mistakes along the way, Ren cherished these moments as they allowed him to feel closer to Suzume. He relished the times when she sat patiently with him, their conversations flowing easily as he experimented with different looks for her.

Days passed, and the next year's cultural festival arrived with its usual enthusiasm. The school grounds were adorned with colorful decorations, stalls selling various foods, and stages set up for performances. Students and teachers bustled around, preparing for their respective activities and showcases.

However, amidst the festive atmosphere, Ren felt disturbed. He masked his inner turmoil with sarcasm and wit in front of others, hoping no one would notice his troubled state. Despite his efforts, Kenji, on his way back from assisting his classroom, noticed Ren from afar. Something about Ren seemed off, and Kenji observed his friend's actions for a while, sensing that something was wrong.

Kenji approached Ren and gently asked, "Ren, what's going on?" His voice was calm, yet concern etched his features.

Ren shrugged, trying to brush off Kenji's inquiry. "It's nothing, Kenji. Just a lot on my mind," he replied vaguely.

Kenji wasn't convinced. He reached out and grabbed Ren's arm, causing Ren to nearly flinch. "Come on, Ren. I can tell something's bothering you. You can talk to me," Kenji urged softly.

Ren hesitated, his facade crumbling under Kenji's sincere concern. Finally, he sighed deeply and admitted, "My parents are getting a divorce. Tomorrow, the court has summoned me to decide whom I have to stay with. My mom is planning to return to her homeland, Spain."

Kenji was taken aback by Ren's revelation but quickly offered his support. "Ren, I had no idea. I'm sorry you're going through this. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask," Kenji said earnestly.

Ren managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Kenji. I appreciate it. Don't worry, though. I've already decided to stay with my father," he said, trying to sound resolute despite the turmoil inside.

Just then, Suzume approached, oblivious to the serious conversation between Ren and Kenji. "Ren!" she called out cheerfully.

Ren quickly wiped away his tears, not wanting Suzume to see him in a gloomy state. He motioned for Kenji not to say anything to her, remembering his promise to Suzume.

Suzume waved at Ren, her smile brightening as she approached. "Hey, Ren! I've been looking for you," she said warmly.

Ren returned her wave and smiled back. "Hey, Suzume. What's up?" he asked, hoping to steer the conversation away from his troubles.

Suzume leaned in, excitedly telling Ren about the lead role she had in their class's upcoming drama performance of Romeo and Juliet. "I'm playing Juliet, and I could really use your help with my hairstyle for the play," she said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Ren's spirits lifted a bit as he listened to Suzume's enthusiasm. "Of course, Suzume. I'd be happy to help," he replied sincerely.

As Suzume thanked Ren and walked away, a few other girls from their class approached Ren, expressing admiration for his hairstyling skills. Ren smiled gratefully at them, appreciating the distraction from his personal troubles.

It was the last year of high school, and everyone was immersed in preparing for college entrance exams. Amidst this, Valentine's Day approached, and Suzume decided to confess her feelings to Kenji by giving him chocolates. Early in the morning, she caught Kenji in the library and nervously brought up the topic.

Ren, unaware of this development, coincidentally headed to the library to grab some books. As he entered, he spotted Kenji and Suzume together but chose not to interrupt. Sensing the tense atmosphere, Ren quietly moved behind a bookshelf, unnoticed by the two.

Kenji listened to Suzume's confession with a cool demeanor that betrayed no emotion. "Why did you call me here?" he asked bluntly, catching Suzume off guard.

Hesitantly, Suzume confessed her long-hidden feelings, admitting she had loved Kenji since the day he saved her from a collapsing building, back when they first met. Ren's heart sank as he listened, realizing Suzume's deep affection for Kenji.

Kenji responded dryly, "Is that so? You know everything about me then." There was a cold finality in his tone as he added, "But do you also know that I don't have those feelings for you?"

Suzume couldn't bear the rejection. Tears welled up in her eyes as she pleaded with him desperately, promising to do anything to change his mind. "Please, Kenji... I love you," she cried out, her voice cracking with emotion.

Kenji remained firm, unmoved by Suzume's emotional outburst. "I'm sorry, Suzume," he said softly yet resolutely, "but I don't feel the same way."

Ren watched silently from his hidden spot, his heart aching for Suzume. He knew Suzume's feelings were genuine, and he empathized with her pain. Yet, he also understood Kenji's stance, even if it hurt Suzume deeply.

As Suzume continued to plead, Ren couldn't bear to witness her anguish any longer. Quietly and unnoticed, he slipped away from the library, leaving Kenji and Suzume to confront their feelings alone.

As the awkwardness persisted between them, Ren found himself caught in a dilemma. He cared deeply for both Suzume and Kenji, wanting them both to be happy but unsure of how to navigate the complex situation.

Kenji remained distant and cold towards Suzume, despite her persistent attempts to get closer to him. Suzume continued to follow Kenji, confessing her feelings whenever she found the courage, hoping for a change in his heart.

Ren, torn between his loyalty to both friends, struggled to find a way to support them without betraying his own feelings. He wanted Suzume to be happy, yet he also harbored his own unspoken feelings for her. Seeing Suzume's heartache pained him, but he also respected Kenji's feelings and the boundaries he had set.

The trio's interactions became strained, filled with unspoken tensions and suppressed emotions. Ren often found himself caught in moments of contemplation, wondering if there was anything he could do to help resolve the situation or if intervening would only make things more complicated.

As the trio navigated through their final year exams and the looming decisions about their futures, each chose paths that reflected their individual aspirations and dreams.

Kenji decided against pursuing college and instead seized an opportunity to work as an assistant on a television show that produced documentaries about various locations around the world. His desire to explore the world and experience different cultures drew him to this unconventional path. He found fulfillment in the dynamic nature of television production and the chance to see the places he had only dreamed about.

Ren enrolled in a prestigious hairstyling college in Tokyo, honing his skills and passion for hairstyling. The college, known as the Tokyo Beauty Academy, provided him with the technical knowledge and creative inspiration to pursue his career ambitions in the beauty industry.

Meanwhile, Suzume pursued her dream of becoming a professional model by attending the Tokyo Mode Gakuen, a renowned fashion school in Tokyo known for its rigorous training and connections to the fashion industry. Here, she immersed herself in the world of runway modeling, photo shoots, and fashion design, working tirelessly to achieve her goals and make a name for herself in the competitive world of fashion.

Suzume never gave up on Kenji; she would occasionally stalk him and even went overseas to meet him. Kenji was shocked by her persistence but couldn't dismiss her entirely since they were friends. Despite his discomfort, Suzume continued pushing Kenji to reconsider his feelings for her.

Meanwhile, Ren and Suzume would occasionally meet at a bar. Suzume would often vent about Kenji to Ren whenever they drank together. Ren still harbored feelings for Suzume but hesitated to confess them. He hoped that one day she would notice his efforts and reciprocate his feelings.

As another year passed, Ren grew increasingly restless. He decided to take matters into his own hands and started dating other girls to try and get over Suzume. However, whenever Suzume called him, he would drop everything and go to her, only to listen to her rant about Kenji. His relationships with other girls inevitably faltered because his heart wasn't fully in them.

Suzume's relentless pursuit of Kenji caused tension among the trio. Kenji became more distant from both Suzume and Ren, focusing on his work and travels for the television show. Ren, caught between his loyalty to his friends and his unrequited feelings for Suzume, found himself in a constant state of emotional turmoil.

Despite Ren's attempts to move on, his heart remained tethered to Suzume. He yearned for a chance to be more than just her friend, but fear of losing her altogether kept him from confessing his true feelings. The situation became increasingly complicated as Suzume's feelings for Kenji persisted, and Ren struggled to reconcile his emotions while supporting his friends.

Ren and Suzume graduated, and Ren fulfilled his dream of opening his own salon named Chic Haven. Suzume achieved success in her modeling career, garnering attention and accolades in the fashion industry. Throughout this time, Kenji continued his work on the television show, traveling and exploring different parts of the world.

Occasionally, Kenji would visit Ren's salon when he returned from his travels. Each time Kenji visited, Suzume would gravitate towards him, much to Ren's disappointment and heartache. Despite his feelings, Ren maintained a friendly demeanor, hiding his inner turmoil.

One day, when Suzume was busy talking to a client, Kenji pulled Ren aside for a private conversation. They stood by the window, sunlight streaming through, casting a warm glow over the salon.

"Ren, why haven't you confessed to Suzume yet?" Kenji asked quietly, his expression serious.

Ren was taken aback by the directness of Kenji's question. "What do you mean? Why are you asking me this now?" Ren replied, trying to mask his unease.

Kenji sighed, his gaze unwavering. "I've known for a long time, Ren. Since middle school, actually. You care about Suzume a lot, maybe even more than I do. So why haven't you told her?"

Ren looked away, a mix of emotions churning inside him. "I... I don't want to lose both of you," Ren admitted softly, his voice tinged with vulnerability.

Kenji shook his head slightly. "You're a coward, Ren," he said bluntly, his words cutting through Ren's defenses.

Ren felt a pang of hurt at Kenji's words but understood the truth in them. "I know," Ren murmured, his gaze dropping to the floor.

Kenji placed a hand on Ren's shoulder, his tone softer now. "Listen, Ren. Suzume deserves to know how you feel. Don't let fear hold you back," Kenji advised gently.

Ren looked up at Kenji, gratitude mixed with uncertainty in his eyes. Before Ren could respond, Suzume approached them, her smile bright and her attention back on Kenji.

Ren turned away, hiding the turmoil in his heart behind a professional smile. Deep down, he knew Kenji was right. But confessing his feelings to Suzume felt like stepping into unknown territory, risking their friendship and the fragile balance they had maintained for years.

As Suzume continued to confess her feelings to Kenji, she became increasingly desperate and possessive. She sensed the presence of other girls in Kenji's workplace who were interested in him and, one day, out of desperation, she threatened him, saying she would harm herself if he didn't agree to be with her. Fearing for her safety, Kenji reluctantly agreed to enter into a relationship with her, despite his own reservations.

Ren remained oblivious to these developments, focusing on his salon and trying to move forward with his life. Eventually,  Ren learned that Suzume and Kenji had started dating. Though devastated by the news, Ren also felt a strange sense of closure. He realized that not confessing his feelings to Suzume had spared him from the pain of rejection but also left him with lingering feelings of love for her.

Deep down, Ren knew that he still cared deeply for Suzume, despite everything. Seeing her with Kenji was painful, yet it confirmed his decision to remain silent about his feelings. He buried himself in his work at Chic Haven, pouring his emotions into his hairstyling and striving to find happiness in other aspects of his life.

It seems like Suzume found immense happiness and fulfillment in her relationship with Kenji, even though Kenji maintained a distance and refrained from crossing any intimate boundaries with her. Despite his reservations and knowing it was not the ideal situation, Kenji felt responsible for Suzume's well-being and chose to stay by her side. He believed that no one else could handle her as he could, and he didn't want to burden Ren or anyone else with her complexities.

As time passed, Ren and Suzume maintained a friendship, occasionally meeting at social gatherings or through mutual friends. Ren admired Suzume's happiness from a distance, quietly supporting her while grappling with his own emotions. He remained determined to focus on his own path and find fulfillment in his career and personal growth.