The Growing Distance
College life settled into a rhythm, but a subtle tension had begun to thread its way through Ren and Aoi's relationship. Ren was officially dating Aoi now, and yet, lately, he found himself spending a surprising amount of time with Saki, a fellow student assigned to him for a complex project.
At first, Aoi told herself it was just schoolwork. But when she caught the way Saki's eyes lingered on Ren a little too long, and the way Ren smiled a bit more openly around her, an unfamiliar pang twisted in her chest.
Saki's Feelings
Saki was kind and brilliant, with a gentle charm that drew people in without trying. She admired Ren's quiet intelligence and his unwavering dedication. Helping him had started as a duty, but soon, she found herself wanting to share more than just assignments — late-night coding sessions blurred into conversations about dreams, fears, and futures.
One afternoon, while they were working together, Saki confessed softly, "Ren, I... I think I like you."
Ren blinked, caught off guard, but there was no cruelty in his eyes. "Saki, you're amazing. I'm flattered, but I'm with Aoi."
Saki nodded, a bittersweet smile crossing her face. "I know. I just had to say it."
Aoi's Darkening Heart
Aoi's jealousy, once a quiet whisper, grew into a storm. The playful teasing she'd shown before hardened into something more intense. She began watching Ren and Saki more closely, her thoughts spiraling into dark places. Every shared laugh, every exchanged glance, felt like a knife twisting in her heart.
One evening, as Ren stayed late helping Saki with their project, Aoi's phone buzzed with a message from him: "Working late. I'll be back soon." But the words felt hollow to her.
When Ren finally returned, Aoi was waiting, her eyes flashing with a dangerous light.
"Ren," she said softly, stepping close, "you know I hate feeling like this."
He looked at her, calm but concerned. "I know, Aoi. But... I like your protective side. The way you care—it's part of who you are."
Her breath hitched. "You really mean that?"
He nodded, taking her hand gently. "I love every part of you. Even the parts you're scared to show."
The Confrontation
The next day, Aoi confronted Saki directly in the campus café.
"Saki," Aoi began, her voice steady but with an undercurrent of steel, "I know you like Ren."
Saki looked surprised but nodded. "I do. But I respect him—and you."
Aoi's eyes narrowed. "Then stay away from him."
Saki met her gaze without flinching. "I won't hurt him. But I won't pretend my feelings don't exist."
The tension hung thick between them, a fragile line drawn in the sand.
Ren's Embrace
Later, Ren found Aoi sitting alone beneath the cherry blossom trees, her expression conflicted.
He sat beside her quietly for a moment before wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
"Aoi," he said softly, "no matter what happens, I'm yours."
Her defenses crumbled as she leaned into him, her yandere heart comforted by his unwavering love.