Chapter 12: The Crimson Truth Revealed

Murie's heart sank as she confronted Kaito in the dimly lit alleyway, the flickering fluorescent lights above them casting an eerie glow. The air was thick with the smell of decay and neglect, a stark contrast to the vibrant campus life she was used to. "You're an assassin?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady, but it trembled slightly. Kaito's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep sadness and regret. He nodded slowly, his red hair rustling in the faint breeze. "I'm sorry, Murie. I should have told you. But I was forced into it by my father, Ryker. He's a notorious hitman, and he's been training me since I was a kid." Murie's mind reeled as she processed the information. She felt like she was living in a nightmare, her cheerful and carefree world turned upside down. "And your target is Akane Nakamura?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Kaito nodded again, his eyes pleading for her understanding. "I know it's wrong, Murie. I don't want to hurt her. But my father...he's not someone you can disobey. He'll do whatever it takes to make me complete my mission." Murie's eyes narrowed, her anger and fear simmering just below the surface. She felt betrayed, like she had been living a lie. "Why didn't you tell me?" she demanded, her voice rising. "Why did you keep this from me?" Kaito took a step closer to her, his hands extended in a pleading gesture. "I was scared, Murie. I didn't know how to escape my fate. And I didn't want to lose you. I love you, Murie." Murie's heart ached at his words, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. She didn't know if she could trust Kaito anymore. "I don't know if I can trust you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Kaito's eyes dropped, and he nodded slowly. "I understand. I don't blame you. But please, Murie, don't give up on me. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right." As Murie looked at Kaito, she saw a glimmer of desperation in his eyes. She knew that she had to make a decision, to choose between her love for him and her moral obligation to protect Akane. But before she could make a move, she heard footsteps echoing from the end of the alleyway. Kaito's head snapped up, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We need to get out of here," he whispered, grabbing Murie's hand. But Murie hesitated, her mind racing with questions and doubts. Could she really trust Kaito? Or was he just using her to get close to Akane? She didn't know, but she knew she had to find out. As they turned to leave, Murie caught a glimpse of a figure watching them from the shadows. It was Akira, Kaito's older brother, his eyes fixed intently on them. Murie felt a surge of hope, knowing that Akira might hold the key to unlocking the truth about Kaito's past. But for now, she had to make a decision. Would she give Kaito a chance to redeem himself, or would she turn her back on him and protect Akane at all costs? The choice was hers, and hers alone.