Chapter 1:-

The story of three friends is always special.

But every story has a breaking point—

the moment when two grow closer,

and the third begins to disappear.

At first, it's subtle.

A missed glance.

An unanswered call.

A silence that stretches just a little too long.

And one day…

that silence becomes something else.

Something that burns.

Jiya—

Jiya was the kind of girl people admired without effort.

She came from a middle-class family, raised on discipline, warmth, and quiet ambition. She was brilliant—one of the top students in her state—and opportunities seemed to find her before she even reached for them. Internship offers from prestigious companies lined up at her doorstep, drawn to her talent and determination.

But more than that, she was loved.

Her parents, her brother—

they stood behind her like an unbreakable wall.

Jiya never had to question where she belonged.

Suhan—

Suhan was different.

Where Jiya thrived in classrooms, he ruled the field.

An athlete with a sharp presence and effortless confidence, he had already brought home many gold medals for his state. His name carried weight in college—not just because of his achievements, but because of the way he carried himself.

Strong. Focused. Certain.

His parents were proud of him, and Suhan had built his life around that pride.

He never failed.

And then…

There was the third friend—Reo.

Reo didn't know the price of a loaf of bread, but she knew the exact weight of the silence in a twenty-room mansion

Her world had everything—

luxury, expensive things, a life people dream of.

Before she even opened her eyes in the morning,

everything she needed was already placed before her.

But…

she didn't have the one thing

that mattered the most—

her parents' love.

They were so busy with their work

that they didn't even realize

when their daughter turned twenty.

Years had passed

since they had last truly been with her.

But Reo didn't seem to care.

Because she had something she believed was more precious—

her two friends.

Jiya and Suhan.

They were her world.

They were her family.

She valued them more than anything else in her life.

She believed—

as long as they were by her side,

She didn't need anyone else.

Reo woke up early that morning.

It was her birthday.

Sunlight filtered through the glass walls of her room, falling over the rows of luxury she owned. She stretched lazily, then walked toward her collection—cards, gifts, and most importantly… her cars.

Her fingers paused.

A red Mercedes.

A faint smile curved her lips.

"Perfect," she whispered.

Minutes later, she was on the road.

Her first stop—Jiya.

Jiya stepped out of her modest home, her face lighting up the moment she saw Reo.

"Happy Birthday!" she said warmly, hugging her.

Reo smiled back—soft, genuine… almost.

"Thank you."

They laughed, joked, and drove through the city like any normal friends would.

Next stop—Suhan.

He joined them casually, sliding into the car with his usual charm.

"Birthday girl," he grinned, "treat today?"

Reo laughed lightly.

"Let's see if you deserve it."

The three of them headed to college together—

perfect. Complete. Untouchable.

At college, everyone knew Reo.

Students, teachers… even the principal.

Not just knew—

They respected her.

Her presence alone turned heads.

Her wealth commanded attention.

And because she stood beside Jiya and Suhan,

That same respect extended to them as well.

It looked like friendship.

It looked like admiration.

It looked… perfect.

But perfection is often a mask.

And Reo wore hers flawlessly.

Behind that gentle smile

lived something else.

Something sharp.

Something calculating.

Something… dangerous.

Years ago, in 5th grade—

A boy named Monty played what he thought was a harmless prank.

During a school field trip, he picked up a small insect and tried to scare Jiya with it.

To him, it was just a joke.

Something to laugh about with his friends.

But to Reo…

It was an insult.

Not just to Jiya—

but to her.

Reo didn't react immediately.

She didn't shout.

She just smiled.

Because in Reo's world,

anyone who tried to hurt her friends—

even as a joke—

would pay a price.

A price far heavier than they could ever imagine.

Later that day—

no one saw what happened.

No one heard anything.

But Monty did.

Reo had cornered him.

And what she did next…

was something no one would ever imagine.

She forced him—

to eat the very insects he had used to scare her.

Not one.

Not two.

Many.

He cried. He begged.

But Reo didn't stop.

Her eyes were calm.

Cold.

As if she was conducting an experiment.

And no one ever found out.

Because Reo wasn't just rich in money—

She was rich in intelligence.

She knew how to hide things.

How to control situations.

How to erase evidence.

Today, she looked like the sweetest girl in college.

Kind. Caring. Perfect.

But inside—

She was a psycho genius.

Jiya's sudden opportunities from top companies…

Suhan's constant gold medals…

None of it was luck.

None of it was hard work or coincidence.

It was Reo.

She wanted them to be number one.

Always.

No matter what it took.

No matter who had to fall behind.

No matter…

if someone had to disappear.

Because for Reo—

Love wasn't soft.

Friendship wasn't pure.

And success…

was never hard work.

But Reo didn't know…

Behind her back, Jiya and Suhan had already crossed the line from friendship into something more.

What started as simple closeness had quietly turned into love.

The entire college knew about them—

the stolen glances, the soft smiles, the unspoken bond.

Everyone knew.

Everyone… except Reo, Perhaps she does suspect something, but she's in denial because she values them too much. Or, maybe she's so focused on controlling their success that she missed their emotions.

And while the truth lived openly around her,

Reo remained lost in her own thoughts—

planning her birthday.

For the first time, she didn't want anything extravagant.

No five-star parties.

No flashing lights.

No fake smiles.

She wanted something simple.

Something… real.

Just the three of us.

The thought felt warm.

Peaceful.

Perfect.

For once, she wanted to live like a normal middle-class girl—

just the three of them, together.

She imagined it clearly:

A trip to the mountains.

A long hike through quiet trails.

And at night, by the riverside—

under the open sky—

she would cut her birthday cake.

Just her…

and the only two people she truly called her own.

See you after class," Jiya said, adjusting her bag.

Suhan gave a casual nod, already glancing at his phone.

"Don't be late today," he added, half-smiling.

Reo watched them both for a second…

then smiled back.

"Obviously."

And just like that—

They went their separate ways.

Different corridors.

Different classrooms.

Different worlds.

Reo walked into her class, the usual whispers following her presence.

Respect. Admiration. Curiosity.

She ignored it all.

Her mind wasn't in the classroom today.

It was somewhere else.

My birthday…

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

As soon as the class ended,

a girl wearing glasses—timid and hesitant—slowly approached Reo.

There was fear in her steps,

and a slight tremble in her voice.

"R-Reo… can you give me today's class notes?"

Reo looked at her from head to toe.

Her gaze lingered for a moment—

as if she wasn't just looking, but reading her.

Then suddenly—

she smiled.

"Sure… why not."

She handed over her notebook.

The girl let out a quiet sigh of relief,

murmured a soft "thank you," and quickly walked away.

Reo stepped out of the classroom.

She immediately took out her phone

and called Jiya.

Ring…

Once…

twice…

No answer.

Her brows knitted slightly.

She called Suhan next.

The phone kept ringing—

but again…

no response.

The smile on her face slowly disappeared.

Something felt… off.

Without wasting another second,

Reo headed straight toward their classroom.

It was empty.

No Jiya.

No Suhan.

Her steps quickened.

She moved toward the playground—

the place where Suhan was usually found.

But even there…

he wasn't anywhere.

Reo turned toward a few students nearby.

"Have you seen Suhan?" she asked calmly.

One of them replied casually,

"Yeah… he just left with Jiya a while ago."

That was enough.

Reo stood still for a moment.

Her face showed no emotion.

No anger.

No surprise.

Just… silence.

Reo couldn't understand what was happening.

If the two of them were together,

Then why weren't they answering her calls?

A small confusion settled in her mind.

Then suddenly, another thought appeared—

What if… they're planning a surprise for me?

The idea didn't seem strange to her.

After all, every year, Jiya and Suhan would go together to buy her gifts.

Reo's expression softened slightly.

Maybe that's it.

She took out her phone.

Why not just text them my birthday plan? she thought.

If they see it, they'll come straight to the mountains on their own.

That felt right.

Perfect, even.

"I'll go ahead and prepare everything," she murmured to herself.

Without wasting time, she called her driver and gave clear instructions.

The hiking plan…

was cancelled.

But the rest—

The night on the mountain,

cutting the cake under the open sky,

a quiet barbecue by the riverside—

That plan was still alive.

By evening, everything was ready.

A small beautiful tent stood on the hill.

The air was cold and still.

Reo… waited.

Hours passed.

She kept calling them.

Again…

and again…

But neither Jiya nor Suhan answered.

The silver glow of the moon slowly faded.

The calm night turned heavy.

Dark clouds gathered above her.

Then—

Thunder.

Lightning tore across the sky.

Rain began to fall—first softly, then violently.

Inside the tent,

Reo sat alone.

Silence wrapped around her,

but it wasn't peaceful anymore.

It was suffocating.

Her phone lay in her hand.

No messages.

No calls.

Nothing.

The clock struck twelve.

Her birthday had begun.

And she was alone.

For a moment, she didn't move.

Then slowly…

she whispered to herself—

"Happy birthday… Reo."

Her voice was soft.

Empty.

She picked up the knife

and cut the cake.

No laughter.

No clapping.

No one beside her.

Just her.

She took a bite.

It didn't taste sweet.

Another loud thunder cracked across the sky.

Reo flinched.

She was always afraid of lightning.

Always.

But tonight—

there was no one to hold her hand.

No one to tell her it would be okay.

So she sat there,

curled up inside the tent,

with fear,

with silence,

and with a loneliness

she had never truly felt before.

Reo sat quietly in the tent, her mind drifting far away…

Back to a time when she was just a child.

A birthday long ago—

a grand party, a huge house…

yet she had been completely alone.

No parents.

No warmth.

Just silence.

And then—

Jiya and Suhan had appeared.

With a small, simple cake in their hands.

They had smiled at her—

not out of formality,

but with genuine care.

"Happy Birthday!" they had said together.

That night, they made her a promise—

"No matter what happens…

we will always be with you on your birthday.

You'll never feel alone again."

Reo slowly opened her eyes.

The memory faded.

And the cold reality returned.

The lonely night passed somehow.

Morning came.

Reo walked.

For the first time in years—

without her car.

Without her driver.

Without thinking.

Her steps moved on their own…

until she found herself standing

at the gates of the college.

And then—

she saw them.

Jiya and Suhan.

Walking together.

Laughing.

Talking like nothing had ever happened.

Their eyes fell on Reo.

Both of them froze for a second—

then quickly walked toward her.

"Reo, I'm sorry," Jiya said, a little breathless.

"I couldn't pick up your calls… my phone was on silent."

Suhan nodded immediately.

"Yeah, same here. My phone was on silent too—I was at practice."

"And we were actually planning to come to your big birthday party," he added,

"But because of the rain, we couldn't make it."

Reo looked at them.

Calm.

Too calm.

"My big birthday party?" she repeated softly.

"Didn't you get my message?"

Jiya frowned slightly.

"What message? I didn't get anything…

Maybe I haven't checked yet. I'm sorry, I'll see it now—"

"No need."

Reo cut her off.

Her voice was quiet, but firm.

"We're already at college."

She gave a small smile—

one that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I celebrated my birthday… very well."

She turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Jiya and Suhan called out together.

Reo stopped.

"Surprise!"

They smiled, trying to bring back the old warmth,

and handed her a gift.

"Happy Birthday," Jiya said softly.

Suhan added with a grin,

"Come on, today's treat is on me."

For a moment—

Everything looked normal again.

Like nothing had changed.

Like nothing had broken.

Reo looked at the gift in her hands.

Then at the two people in front of her.

Her family.

And slowly—

She started walking with them.

But deep inside—

that promise from years ago…

was already shattered.

Chapter 2

Reo was not born into loneliness.

She was raised in it.

From the outside, her life looked like a dream.

A mansion that stretched endlessly.

Marble floors that echoed with silence.

Servants who fulfilled every command before it was spoken.

Everything was perfect.

Everything… except the people who were supposed to live in it.

Her parents’ marriage had never been built on love.

It was a contract.

A decision.

A business arrangement forced by families who cared more about status than happiness.

There was no warmth between them.

No laughter.

No shared moments.

Only distance.

Cold. Measured. Permanent.

Over time, that distance turned into resentment.

And that resentment into hatred.

Until one day, they stopped pretending.

They chose to live separately.

And in their absence—

they left behind a child

who had no one to teach her the difference between right and wrong.

Reo grew up surrounded by people…

but never understood people.

The servants feared her, but they didn’t love her.

To them, she was just a responsibility.

Just another duty.

One day—

a servant forgot that.

She spoke to Reo like she would to any ordinary child.

Harsh. Dismissive. Careless.

Words that carried no respect.

Words that questioned her existence.

Reo didn’t argue.

She didn’t cry.

She didn’t complain.

She simply listened.

And when the woman finished speaking—

Reo picked up the knife beside her and cut her tongue.

There was no anger in her eyes.

No hesitation.

No emotion at all.

Only silence.

By the time anyone realized what had happened—

It was already too late.

After that day—

no one ever spoke to Reo without fear.

But fear is not love.

And Reo never learned the difference.

To her—

love was just another kind of agreement.

A fragile arrangement that could break at any moment.

Until one day—

She found something different.

A small bird.

Injured. Fragile. Barely breathing.

Reo picked it up gently.

For the first time—

her touch was careful.

Soft.

She took care of it.

Fed it.

Protected it.

Stayed awake through the nights

just to make sure it was still alive.

She didn’t understand why—

but she didn’t want it to leave.

Days passed.

The bird slowly healed.

Its wings regained strength.

Its eyes regained life.

And then—

one morning—

it flew.

It spread its wings

and moved toward the open sky.

Freedom.

Reo watched it go.

Something unfamiliar stirred inside her chest.

Something tight.

Something… painful.

And in that moment—

she understood something she had never felt before.

Loss.

Her hand moved.

Almost unconsciously.

And before the bird could disappear into the sky—

Reo reached out.

And ended its flight.

Forever.

Silence returned.

Reo stood there, staring at the still body in her hands.

Her expression didn’t change.

But something inside her had shifted.

If something she loved could leave her—

then it didn’t deserve to exist without her.

From that day onward—

Reo never feared losing anything again.

Because she had learned a truth far darker than loneliness—

If you cannot keep something…

you destroy it before it leaves.

And now—

years later—

Jiya and Suhan stood in her life…

like two fragile wings.

And Reo—

was no longer a child.

Reo didn’t believe in coincidences.

Not when it came to the people she cared about.

That night, after returning from college, she stood by the glass wall of her room, the city lights flickering below her like distant stars.

Her phone rested in her hand.

Her expression was calm.

Too calm.

She dialed a number.

The call connected instantly.

“Find out everything,” Reo said quietly.

“Where Jiya and Suhan were yesterday… and what they were doing.”

A pause.

Then, colder—

“I want every detail.”

She ended the call without waiting for a response.

There it was.

A glimpse of something beneath her composed exterior.

Not anger.

Not jealousy.

Something far more dangerous.

Possession.

On the other side of the city—

Jiya sat in silence.

Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve, her thoughts restless.

Something didn’t feel right.

“I don’t like lying to her,” Jiya said softly.

Suhan leaned back, unconcerned.

“It’s not that serious.”

Jiya looked at him, her brows slightly drawn.

“She deserves to know, Suhan. Your grandfather was sick… we were with him yesterday. What’s wrong with telling her that?”

Suhan sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“Jiya… we don’t have to tell her everything.”

His tone sharpened slightly.

“We have our own lives too. Not everything revolves around Reo.”

Jiya hesitated.

She knew he wasn’t wrong.

But something still felt… off.

“And what about us?” she asked quietly.

“Our relationship… Don't you think we should tell her?”

Suhan let out a short laugh.

“Tell her? Jiya, the whole college already knows.”

“But we didn’t tell her,” Jiya insisted.

“That’s different.”

For a moment, silence settled between them.

Then Suhan’s expression shifted—thoughtful now.

Almost calculating.

“You know what…” he said slowly,

“I’m actually starting to feel a little bad for her.”

Jiya looked at him.

“We’ve been so busy with each other… we barely spend time with Reo anymore.”

He paused.

Then added—

“Maybe we should set her up with someone.”

Jiya blinked.

“What?”

“A blind date,” Suhan said casually.

“I have a friend… he’s interested in her.”

Jiya stared at him, unsure.

“And… that’s your solution?”

Suhan shrugged.

“It’s not a bad idea.”

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

“She won’t feel alone anymore… and we’ll finally get some personal space.”

Jiya didn’t respond immediately.

Something about it didn’t sit right.

Because what Suhan saw as a solution—

felt, to her—

like the beginning of something they didn’t fully understand.

And somewhere else—

Reo stood in silence,

waiting for the truth to come to her.

Unaware—

that the truth she was about to receive…

would not just hurt her.

It would change her.

Reo never waited long for answers.

By evening, they came.

“They went to the hospital right after college,” the voice of the man who worked for Reo.

“Suhan’s grandfather is admitted. Heart attack. They stayed there.”

Silence followed.

Reo stood still, her reflection staring back at her from the glass wall.

My birthday…

And they left.

For someone else.

A slow smile formed on her lips.

Cold. Controlled.

“Prepare the car,” she said softly.

“I want to see… What kind of person is worth more than me.”

That night—

9:00 PM.

The hospital corridors were quiet, washed in pale light.

Visitors weren’t allowed at this hour.

But rules had never applied to Reo.

The staff recognized her immediately.

No questions.

No resistance.

She walked straight to the room.

Inside, an old man lay resting, machines humming softly beside him.

Suhan’s grandfather.

The sound of her heels broke the silence.

His eyes slowly opened.

Confusion crossed his face.

“Who… are you?” he asked weakly.

“And how did you come here?”

Reo smiled.

Polite. Gentle.

Perfect.

“Hello, Grandpa,” she said softly.

“I’m Suhan’s friend.”

A small pause.

“You must have heard about me.”

The old man frowned slightly, searching his memory.

Then shook his head.

“I’m sorry… I don’t remember.”

For a moment, a flash of pure, cold insult flickered in Reo’s eyes. She had spent millions on his grandson, yet she was a stranger to the family tree.

“Of course,” she murmured.

“Why would they mention me?”

Her smile stretched just a little too far.

“Maybe I’m not that important after all.”

She stepped closer.

“I like people who don’t know me,” she added lightly.

"It makes introductions... more honest.”

“My name is Reo Shikimori.”

“Suhan and Jiya’s best friend.”

A pause.

“And your well-wisher.”

“I don’t understand,” the old man said slowly.

Reo pulled a chair beside him and sat down.

“Then let me explain,” she said.

“With a story.”

“There was a girl.”

“She had everything—

a luxury mansion, a luxury life people dreamed of.”

“But she didn’t have love.”

“Her parents’ marriage was nothing but a deal.”

“No warmth. No care.”

“Just silence.”

“So one day, on her 8th birthday—

they threw her a grand party.”

“Not for her.”

“For business.”

“She didn’t know anyone there.”

“People surrounded her like flies—

drawn to something sweet.”

“She couldn’t breathe.”

“Couldn’t run.”

“Couldn’t escape.”

“So she hid.”

“Under a table.”

….

Silence.

“And then…”

Reo’s voice softened.

“Two shadows appeared.”

“A girl… smiling like everything would be okay.”

“A boy… standing there like no one could hurt her.”

“For the first time—

she felt safe.”

“So she chose them.”

“Her friends.”

“Her family.”

“She left everything for them.”

“Changed her school.”

“Changed her life.”

“And for them…”

Reo’s eyes slowly darkened.

“She did everything.”

“The girl wanted success—

so she didn’t wait for opportunities…”

A faint smile appeared.

“She created them.”

"Offices that ignored her... learned to listen to her."

“Recommendations were arranged.”

“Deals were made.”

“And when deals failed…”

Her voice dropped.

“Pressure followed.”

“She moved money no one could trace.”

“She made calls no one could question.”

“All so that one girl—

would always be chosen.”

A pause.

“And the boy…”

Her head tilted slightly.

“He wanted to win.”

“So she made sure…”

“…he never lost.”

“Competitions were decided early.”

“Judges were influenced.”

“Selections… adjusted.”

“And sometimes…”

Her voice turned thoughtful.

“…money wasn’t enough.”

“There was a boy once.”

“Better than him.”

“He didn’t talk. Didn’t care.”

“And the most amusing part?”

A quiet laugh.

“He didn’t want money.”

“So I learned every secret he owned.”

“His habits. His routine.”

“I didn’t break him.”

“I erased his path.”

“His path was blocked.”

“His coach disappeared.”

“His chances… faded.”

“And when that wasn’t enough—”

“Rumors began.”

“Doubts grew.”

“Nothing direct.”

“Nothing provable.”

“But enough…”

“…to make him disappear.”

Silence filled the room.

“So you see…”

Reo leaned slightly forward.

“Not everyone can be bought.”

A faint smile.

“But everyone…”

“…can be removed.”

The machines beeped steadily.

beep... beep... beep…

“And then…”

Her voice softened again.

“On her 20th birthday…”

“She made a simple plan.”

“Just the three of them.”

“A mountain.”

“A quiet night.”

“A cake under the stars.”

“She waited.”

“In the rain.”

“Alone.”

Her fingers tightened slightly.

“And the next morning…”

She smiled again.

“They said sorry.”

Reo’s eyes locked onto the old man’s.

“So tell me, grandpa…”

Her voice was calm.

Terrifyingly calm.

“What should that girl do…”

“…to those friends?”

The room fell silent.

Only the sound of the heartbeat monitor remained.

And in that moment—

it became clear.

Reo wasn’t asking for advice.

She was deciding.

And whatever she chose next…

would not be kind.