---
The room was quiet except for the faint ticking of the lantern's flame and the soft whisper of my own breathing.
I had been pacing for what felt like forever, trading sharp thoughts with the real Ren locked somewhere deep inside my head.
He was still shouting, still cursing me, still insisting I was going too far.
I grinned at nothing in particular. You've had your chances, Ren. I'm just… finishing what you never had the guts to start.
When the soft knock came, I felt my chest tighten—not from nerves, but from anticipation.
"Come in," I called, my voice smooth.
Rin stepped inside, her hands clasped in front of her. She looked… hesitant. The kind of hesitance that was equal parts innocence and curiosity.
Her gaze darted around the room before settling on me. "You… wanted to see me?"
I nodded, leaning casually against the desk. "Yeah. I thought we could talk… alone."
