As I walked through the streets illuminated by the beautiful sunlight, my mind was in turmoil.

Ema's words echoed in my ears, accompanied by the suspicions that had taken root in my heart.

I had decided to adopt a plan, a stratagem that would require all my skill and determination and, most of all, my patience.

As I pondered how to make the plan work, my thoughts turned to Benjiro, my most trusted friend.

He had shared his concerns about Ema with me, but now I needed to confront him and ask for explanations about his accusations.

Arriving at Benjiro's door, I knocked firmly, determined to get the answers I needed.

When the door opened, I found Benjiro on the other side, his expression was deadly serious filled with concern.

"Come in, Fumi," he said, opening the door to let me in.

I sat down on the couch next to him, my heart heavy as I prepared for the imminent discussion.

I had to be honest with Benjiro, even if it meant risking our friendship.

"Benjiro, you already know why i'm here, right?" I asked.

"Yes, Fumi. You want some explanation about what i said at karaoke." He replied while looking down.

I nodded.

"Yes, first of all i want some explanations." I replied back.

He remained silent for some seconds before speaking up and looking me into my eyes.

"Well… do you remember when you saw me talking on the telephone?" He asked.

His hands were touching his nose, with his thumbs under his chin and the others forming a triangle.

"Yes." I replied.

"Well…" he gulped. "Suzuki-San told me that she saw Ema hand in hand with a guy she didn't know." He said with a cold tone.

What he said felt like a stab into my heart but i managed to stay calm.

"And… do you have any proof of that?" I asked , remaining calm.

"N-No. but Suzuki-San never lies. She swore on her deceased mother that she was saying the truth." Benjiro replied, avoiding to look into my eyes again.

"Mmmmh… I don't know what to believe, Benjiro. Did Suzuki-San tell you something else?"

My voice was still calm but the anxiety in my heart was too much.

"Mmmh… she told me that she was looking down. She didn't look happy, and as soon as she arrived to the Sakura brew haven the guy seemed pissed off and he left."

This time, Benjiro looked me into my eyes.

I could feel that he was saying the truth.

But my anxiety was replaced by fear and anger as i clenched my fists.

What if this guy was a stalker?

And why didn't Ema tell me about something like this?!?

"Mmmh… I need to investigate. I don't want to trust the voices. If this guy is a stalker, that would explain Ema's clingy behavior."

I then stood up.

"Benjiro, there's also something you need to know," I began, locking eyes with him.

"What is is, Fumi?" He replied.

"I found some strange messages on Ema's phone. She's been communicating with someone named 'Kiko,' and she lied about their gender. Kiko is a man, not a woman."

Benjiro looked at me with surprise and confusion, clearly shocked by my revelation.

"What do you mean? Ema lied to you about this person's gender?"

I nodded gravely. "Yes, and that's not all. I've devised a plan. I want to become the perfect boyfriend for Ema, make her lower her guard, and keep a close eye on her. I want her to feel guilty for what she's done, to make her confess."

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Benjiro listened attentively, the atmosphere charged with tension. "It's a risky plan, Fumihiro. But I understand why you're doing it. I can't imagine Ema betraying you now that i think about it. I'm sorry for what i said at the Karaoke. I'll apologize to Ema too."

"Exactly," I replied, feeling the weight of uncertainty on my shoulders. "But there's one more thing we need to talk about. Why did you say that Ema cheated on me?"

Benjiro looked down, remorse painted on his face.

"It was a foolish mistake on my part, Fumihiro. I didn't mean to sow discord between you and her, but I was so angry and disappointed that I said things I shouldn't have."

He then looked into my eyes again and stood up too.

"I was angry because… because… of what happened between me and Kanna. I didn't want the same thing to happen to you."

My eyes widened when he mentioned her.

Benjiro's tone was the one of someone who felt truly sorry for what he said.

I could even feel a glimpse of sadness when he said the name of Kanna.

"What happened with Kanna? You never mentioned her name to me."

"Well, do you recall my tale of the girl who professed love for me, only for me to discover her with another?" he recounted. "That girl was Kanna."

That's what he said.

He was really sad while revealing me this deep secret.

I gasped in surprise.

I didn't expect this turn of events.

"Kanna? You were dating "KANNA"?!? Are you serious?!?"

Benjiro's sentiment behind his words, "Traitors know how traitors' minds work," became clearer to me.

This must've been a very painful event for him.

"Yes, Fumi. Exactly." He replied.

His voice was broken.

I had inadvertently reopened old wounds for him.

I made him remember such a painful event.

"Do you hate her now?" I gently asked.

He shook his head and said:

"No… it's… complicated. I hate her and i love her at the same time. I… don't know." He said.

I understood what he wanted to say.

He still loved her , even after what she had done to him, but he hates what she did to him.

He didn't want things between them to end with such a painful event.

Love is complicated.

Maybe Benjiro was in love with the idea that he had of Kanna, of what they were together.

And he still couldn't accept what happened, that's why he was still suffering.

He saw himself in me. That's the reason of his anger at the karaoke.

He didn't want to see me hurt like him and he tried to save me.

His anger made him believing Suzuki-San without any proof of Ema's cheating.

What a great friend… no wonder why he has always been my best friend.

"It's okay, Benjiro. Do not worry. I truly appreciate what you did."

I then placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to convey comfort. "I understand your pain, Benjiro and for that exact reason, you must help me out." I said.

"In exchange, i'll try to fix things between you and Kanna." I added.

Benjiro's eyes widened.

"You're gonna help me with Kanna ? And how?!" He asked with such a suprised and hopeful tone.

But his words were stopped by himself.

"I don't want to suffer again for that girl... i don't know, Fumi. I'm with you until the end. I'll help you out to investigate this situation."

I nodded at him and offered my hand.

"Let's do this, Brother!" I said with an energetic tone.

"Yes, Fumi!" He replied shaking my hand.

With an agreement between us, we discussed the details of our plan, ready to confront the challenges that awaited us.

The future remained uncertain, but we faced it united, as steadfast friends.

Our enthusiasm was abruptly interrupted by a ringing phone, emanating from Benjiro's pocket.

Retrieving the phone, he glanced at the screen with a furrowed brow.

"It's Suzuki-san. Our plan is officially underway," he announced, his expression fraught with apprehension.