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Nishinoya's POV _______ Since when did it start? The sound of angry, raised voices began to drift from the house next door more and more often. Even though it was a detached house, the shouting echoed loudly enough to be heard clearly. Perhaps that's why the police visited at least once a week, and the front door was constantly plastered with noise complaint notes. As far as I knew, a male student lived there with his parents... But I had never actually seen him come out. I only knew about him through rumors, to be honest. It was a day like any other. I had just stepped out of my house to head to school, wearing my uniform with my bag slung over my shoulder. That noisy front door swung open, and a boy stepped out. He smelled... and his entire body was covered in bruises. ...Strangely, I hated it. What was this feeling? I just hated it so much. Seeing him like that, looking like a dejected, beaten-down puppy, was unbearable. He looked just like I used to. Maybe that's why I started spitting harsh words and insults at you without hesitation. Without even realizing it was pity. No, I wouldn't—couldn't—admit to such a thing. As the days passed, I eventually even raised a hand to you. Who are you to me? Who am I to be hitting you? We're just strangers. And yet, that was the only way I knew how to keep you by my side.