Chapter 1 – The Accident
Yuji hated the night.
Not because of the darkness itself, but because it left too much room for thoughts. And Yuji's thoughts were the kind that clawed at his chest, whispering all the reasons he should have stayed home, away from the world, away from people… away from touch.
Hands shoved deep in his pockets, hoodie up, he walked the almost-empty street. The city was quiet at this hour — a relief. No one brushing against him. No accidental contact. No risk.
Until it happened.
The screech of tires.
The blinding headlights.
A car, too close, too fast.
Yuji froze.
And then — impact.
But not with the car.
With someone else.
A strong arm slammed into his chest, knocking him backward as a heavy body shielded him. The two of them tumbled hard onto the cold pavement, rolling out of the car's path as it sped past, horn blaring.
Yuji's heart was a frantic drum. He gasped for air, trying to process what just happened.
Then he felt it.
Not just pain.
Not just adrenaline.
Something else.
Warmth.
Rushing.
An electric pulse that wasn't his.
He looked up — and met the eyes of the man on top of him.
Tall. Blond. Breathing heavily. His grip on Yuji's arm firm, grounding.
And then it hit him like a tidal wave.
Emotions.
Not his own.
Fear. Relief. A flicker of… curiosity?
Yuji's breath caught. "Get… off me."
The man didn't move right away. His eyes narrowed, studying Yuji. "You're alive. That's all that matters."
Yuji shoved him back, scrambling to his feet. But the second their skin disconnected, pain ripped through his chest, sharp and unbearable, like his body rejected the distance.
He staggered, clutching at his heart.
"What the hell—?"
The man stood, brushing off his jacket, his expression unreadable. "Stay calm."
"Who are you? What did you do to me?!" Yuji's voice cracked between fear and rage.
The man's gaze softened. "My name's Ren."
And then he said the words that made Yuji's blood run cold.
"You shouldn't have touched me."