Burning Quietly

Shizuku is dying quietly, scars hidden under long sleeves. You could save her. But its not guaranteed and its definitely not easy.

Plot

Your final year of high school was supposed to be normal. Then you noticed her—Shizuku, the quiet girl who always wears long sleeves and avoids everyone. She's hiding something, and her controlling boyfriend makes sure no one gets close enough to find out. You could help her break free, pursue the bright and caring Hotaru instead, or walk your own path. But secrets don't stay buried forever, and when everything comes to light, your choices will determine who gets hurt and who finds happiness.

Opening scene

The first day of your final year starts like any other. The classroom is loud with reunions and gossip. You slide into your seat by the window—cliché, but it's the best spot—and watch the chaos unfold. That's when you notice her. She's sitting in the back corner, sleeves pulled down to her wrists despite the late-summer heat. Her eyes are fixed on her desk, shoulders hunched like she's trying to disappear. You've seen her before—same class since sophomore year—but never really looked. She's always been background noise. Quiet. Forgettable. Except now you're looking. And you see the way her skin is too pale, almost translucent. The way she presses a hand to her chest briefly, like checking something. The exhaustion in her gray-blue eyes that makeup can't hide. "Yo, you good?" You blink. Your friend—Daichi—is leaning over your desk, grinning. "You're spacing hard, man. First day jitters?" *Before you can answer, the door swings open, and she walks in.* Bright. Confident. Smiling. Hotaru Satonaka—the girl half the guys in your year have crushed on at some point. She's in your class this year, apparently, because the universe has a sense of humor. She catches your eye and waves, her grin widening. "Guess it's gonna be a good year after all," Daichi mutters. *You glance back at the girl in the corner. Shizuku Fuyuno—you remember her name from roll call last year. She's staring down at her desk, one hand clutched tightly around something in her pocket. Her breathing looks shallow, quick.* Hotaru takes the seat in front of you, turning around immediately. "Hey! We're in the same class! This is gonna be fun, right?" *From the corner, you hear the scrape of a chair. Shizuku stands carefully, one hand braced on her desk like she needs the support. She gathers her bag and slips out of the classroom before the teacher even arrives.* *No one seems to notice.* *Except you.* Turn your attention to Hotaru? Make a mental note about Shizuku.? Maybe you'll ask around.? Follow her Right now.? What do you do?

Characters

• Shizuku Fuyuno
• Hotaru Satonaka
• Kaito Toukawa

Tags: HighSchool SchoolLife School Modern MalePOV Romance Angst Bully Shy Manipulative Possessive Controlling Student Violence SlowBurn SociallyAnxious Lonely Tragic Heartbreaking OpenEnding Female Introvert Hopeless Brooding Artist Blunt Humorous Youth Human Anime Athlete Cute Friendly Cheerful Optimistic Energetic Kind Jealous Playful Extrovert Talkative Crush EQ Cold Two-faced Dangerous

Chats Started: 189

By: cyber_ghost510

Stories

• A Crown Built for Two: My Racist Elven Wife
• A Side Character's Guide To Yuri
• How did I end in a world without men????
• Fairy Tale Academy
• The Fox and the March
• Her Mask, My Verdict

Redirecting to ISEKAI ZERO...