Despite the progress Aika had made, the shadows of the past still lingered. The bracelet from Yumi was a comforting reminder of her strength, but it couldn't erase the memories that haunted her. Every now and then, she would catch herself glancing over her shoulder, her heart racing at the sight of a stranger who bore even a passing resemblance to Ryohta. The fear was still there, buried deep, but she was determined not to let it control her.
One evening, as Aika was closing up the coffee shop, she noticed a man sitting at one of the corner tables. He was tall, with dark hair and a hood pulled low over his face. Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she was paralyzed by fear. But then the man looked up, and she realized it wasn't Ryohta. It was just a customer, lost in thought.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. She couldn't keep living like this, jumping at every shadow. She needed to confront her fears head-on.
The next day, Aika decided to visit the police station. Inspector Nakamura greeted her with a warm smile, his expression filled with concern.
"How are you holding up?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Aika nodded, though her hands were trembling. "I'm… managing. But I need to know—what's happening with Ryohta? Is he still in custody?"
Inspector Nakamura's expression grew serious. "He's still in custody, and the evidence against him is overwhelming. But there's something you should know."
Aika's heart raced as she waited for him to continue.
"We've uncovered more about his past," Inspector Nakamura explained. "It seems he's been stalking other women before you. We're working to build a stronger case, but it's going to take time."
Aika's stomach churned at the thought of other victims. She had always known Ryohta was dangerous, but hearing that she wasn't his only target made her feel sick.
"What can I do to help?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Inspector Nakamura hesitated. "We may need you to testify. It won't be easy, but your testimony could be crucial in ensuring he's locked away for good."
Aika nodded, her resolve firm. "I'll do whatever it takes."
As she left the police station, Aika felt a mix of emotions—fear, anger, determination. She knew testifying would be difficult, but she also knew it was necessary. She couldn't let Ryohta hurt anyone else.
That evening, Aika met with Yumi to discuss what had happened. Yumi listened intently, her expression filled with concern.
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Yumi asked, her voice soft but sincere.
Aika nodded, though her hands were trembling. "I have to be. I can't let him win."
Yumi reached across the table and squeezed Aika's hand. "You're not alone in this. I'll be with you every step of the way."
The support group also rallied around Aika, offering words of encouragement and advice. They shared their own experiences with testifying, their stories filled with both pain and resilience. Their support gave Aika the strength she needed to face what lay ahead.