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The morning sunlight filtered weakly through the curtains, painting thin stripes across the small apartment floor. I stretched on the couch, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Beside me, Aya—still curled up under her blanket on the futon—breathed softly, her arm draped around a pillow like it was her lifeline.
I smiled despite myself.
Last night had been a storm, but she… no, he—Akira, in the eyes of the world—had handled it with surprising bravery. Standing up to Kaito Chen's shameless provocation, rejecting him with words that cut sharper than glass. I'd never seen Aya's eyes burn like that before.
I'd been proud, clapping like a fool once we were safe at home, praising her for holding her ground. She'd only blushed and buried her face in her pillow. That image still warmed my chest.
But the warmth didn't last long.
Because I knew men like Kaito. They didn't take rejection as an ending. They took it as a challenge.
---
Aya was still asleep when I slipped into the kitchen to make coffee. I sipped slowly, staring out the small window, trying to push the unease away. But a knock on the door pulled me back.
Too early for deliveries. Too early for friends.
I opened it—and froze.
Kaito Chen stood there, leaning against the frame with infuriating ease, one hand in his pocket, his lips curved into a wolfish smile.
"Morning," he drawled. "You're Ren, right?"
I tightened my grip on the door. "What do you want?"
His gaze slid past me, over my shoulder, to where Aya was stirring awake. He lifted a brow, amused. "Not what. Who."
I bristled. "You should leave."
But Kaito only chuckled, brushing past me before I could stop him. He walked in like he owned the place, eyes landing on Aya. She sat up, hair mussed from sleep, drowning in an oversized shirt. For one heart-stopping moment, she looked far too feminine.
I swallowed hard, praying Kaito didn't notice.
"Well, well," he said boldly, his eyes lighting with mischief. "Akira, right? You look a lot softer in the morning than I expected."
Aya blinked at him, wide-eyed, panic flickering across her face before she quickly schooled her expression into something sharper. "Why are you here?" she asked, voice pitched low.
Kaito smirked. "To see you, of course. Last night you left in such a hurry. I thought I'd come by and… continue our conversation."
My blood boiled. Conversation? He practically propositioned her in front of half the restaurant.
Aya clutched the pillow tighter. "There's nothing to talk about."
"On the contrary," Kaito said smoothly, stepping closer. "I asked you a question. You didn't answer it properly." His gaze raked over her in a way that made my skin crawl. "So… are you the top in your relationship with Ren?"
Aya's lips parted soundlessly, her face going pale.
That was enough. I moved between them, glaring at Kaito. "Stop it. You've had your fun."
But he only laughed, leaning casually against the wall. "Relax, Ren. I'm just curious. Your 'boyfriend' here has a way with words. Not many people reject me so boldly." His eyes flicked to Aya, glinting. "It's exciting."
Aya's fingers clenched the blanket. She looked so small in that moment, even dressed as Akira. I could see her trembling.
And then, Kaito shifted. His smile softened, his tone turning playful.
"Don't look so scared," he teased. "I'm not going to eat you alive. Unless, of course…" He let the words hang, chuckling when Aya's cheeks flushed red. "I'm kidding. Relax. You're too tense, Akira. I was only testing you."
"Testing?" Aya echoed faintly.
He tilted his head. "I like to see how people react under pressure. And you… you're interesting. Not like the others."
Aya's eyes darted to me, silently begging for help. I wanted to throw Kaito out by the collar, but I forced myself to stay calm. Losing my temper would only make things worse.
Kaito straightened, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve. "Anyway, I'll be around. Don't worry—I won't push too hard. Yet." He winked, then started toward the door. "See you soon, Akira."
The door shut behind him, leaving a suffocating silence.
Aya finally exhaled, slumping back against the futon. Her hands were trembling.
"I—I thought he was going to…" She trailed off, hugging her knees.
I crouched beside her, gently patting her shoulder. "He's just trying to mess with you. Don't let him see you're afraid."
Her eyes lifted to mine, wide and uncertain. "Ren… what if he finds out?"
I swallowed hard. That's exactly what I'm afraid of.
---
The day dragged on, but Kaito's presence lingered in my mind like a shadow. His boldness, his teasing, the way his eyes had zeroed in on Aya as if he'd already decided she was his next game.
And worse than that—Aya's panic.
I'd promised myself I'd help her hide her identity, but suddenly it felt like the walls were closing in.
That night, Aya curled up again with her pillow, muttering under her breath. I caught fragments—"too close," "stupid man," "why me"—before she sighed deeply and pulled the blanket over her head.
I sat on the couch, staring at the ceiling, fists clenched.
Kaito Chen wasn't going to stop.
And I… I wasn't sure how long I could keep my own feelings in check while watching him circle around Aya like a predator.
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