It's your fault

The story begins with Atsushi Kouka, a high school student, being falsely accused of kidnapping by his classmate and girlfriend, Hina Inoue. Atsushi is bewildered, arrested, and later released after Hina's parents demand a settlement, preventing criminal charges but forcing Atsushi and his family into a humiliating apology. His parents, particularly his father, turn against him, believing Hina's lie and subjecting Atsushi to verbal and physical abuse, while his older sister, Suzune, tries to protect him.

At school, Atsushi becomes a pariah. Rumors escalate, painting him as a violent sexual offender. His classmates, led by the "mood-maker" Tatsuya Hayashi, ostracize and physically bully him. Hina, despite Atsushi's pleas, remains silent, further isolating him. The only person who stands by Atsushi is his childhood friend, Honoka Hitomi, who bravely intervenes to stop the bullying and tends to his wounds, though Atsushi tries to mask his pain.

Overwhelmed by betrayal, isolation, and the relentless torment, Atsushi spirals into deep despair. Feeling like a burden and seeing no end to his suffering, he contemplates suicide. Suzune discovers his suicide note, realizing the depth of his anguish. Simultaneously, Honoka, alerted by Suzune, frantically searches for Atsushi, recalling their shared past and her growing love for him. She finds him by the sea, on the brink of ending his life. Honoka confronts Atsushi with a raw, emotional plea, telling him it's okay to be weak, to rely on her, and that she cannot bear to live without him. Her words break through Atsushi's defenses, and he finally collapses in tears, accepting her support.

Atsushi returns home, where Suzune tearfully embraces him, expressing her profound fear and relief. He realizes the pain he caused those who loved him and regrets not confiding in them sooner. Two weeks later, the truth emerges: Hina's parents are arrested for fraud and child abuse against Hina's younger sister, Angel. Hina and Angel confess that the kidnapping accusation was a lie, coerced by their parents to extort money from Atsushi's family. Atsushi is exonerated, and the news becomes a public sensation. The school faces backlash, leading to Tatsuya and other bullies being forced to withdraw after a video of their actions resurfaces. Atsushi's mother is consumed by guilt and self-loathing for her failure to support her son, realizing she pushed him to the brink.

The narrative then shifts to Hina's perspective, revealing her motivation: protecting Angel from their abusive parents. She was forced into the false accusation and suffered immense guilt watching Atsushi's torment. After her parents' arrest, Hina attempts to apologize to Atsushi, but Honoka fiercely blocks her, revealing Atsushi's suicide attempt and the trauma he endured. Atsushi himself reacts with fear and nausea, unable to face Hina. Devastated by the realization of the suffering she caused, Hina concludes she can no longer be part of Atsushi's life, reflecting on her own tragic circumstances and lost hope. The chapter arc concludes with Atsushi's name cleared and his emotional rescue, but the deep scars of betrayal, trauma, and regret remain, particularly for Atsushi's family and Hina.