The days following Ryohta's arrest were a blur for Aika. The police had taken him into custody, and the evidence they had gathered—photos, messages, and the hidden room—was more than enough to ensure he would be locked away for a long time. But even with Ryohta behind bars, Aika couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled deep within her.
The media quickly picked up the story, and Aika found herself thrust into the spotlight. Reporters camped outside her apartment, eager for a statement, but she refused to speak to them. The last thing she wanted was to relive the nightmare in front of cameras.
Yumi, ever the supportive friend, stayed by Aika's side, helping her navigate the chaos. "You don't owe anyone anything," Yumi said firmly. "This is your story, and you get to decide how to tell it."
Aika nodded, grateful for Yumi's unwavering support. But even with her friend's reassurance, she couldn't escape the lingering fear that Ryohta's arrest wasn't the end. What if he found a way to contact her from prison? What if there were others like him, watching from the shadows?
Inspector Nakamura assured her that Ryohta would be closely monitored, but Aika knew that no amount of reassurance could completely erase the trauma she had endured. She had been violated in the most intimate way, and the scars would take time to heal.
One evening, as Aika and Yumi sat in her apartment, the silence between them was heavy with unspoken thoughts. Finally, Aika broke the silence. "I don't know how to move on from this," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel like he's still here, watching me."
Yumi reached out and squeezed her hand. "It's going to take time, Aika. But you're stronger than you think. You survived this, and you'll survive whatever comes next."
Aika nodded, though she wasn't entirely convinced. She knew she had to find a way to reclaim her life, to rebuild the sense of safety that Ryohta had stolen from her. But where to start?
The answer came in the form of a support group for stalking victims. Yumi had found it online and suggested they attend a meeting together. At first, Aika was hesitant, but the thought of connecting with others who understood her pain was too compelling to ignore.
The first meeting was held in a small community center, the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Aika listened as others shared their stories, their voices trembling with emotion but also filled with resilience. For the first time in weeks, she felt a glimmer of hope.
When it was her turn to speak, Aika hesitated, her hands trembling. But as she began to share her story, the words poured out, raw and unfiltered. She talked about the fear, the paranoia, the sense of violation. And as she spoke, she felt a weight lift from her shoulders.
The group listened with empathy, offering words of encouragement and support. By the end of the meeting, Aika felt a sense of connection she hadn't felt in a long time. She wasn't alone, and that knowledge gave her strength.