Chapter 10 — Obsession in Silence

The soft hum of the air conditioner was the only sound that filled the student council room as Akane Takahashi seated herself with practiced elegance. Her posture, as always, was perfect—back straight, legs crossed at the ankle, a delicate porcelain teacup gently steaming beside her.

The amber light of the setting sun spilled through the tall windows behind her, painting her silhouette in a golden halo, like a queen enthroned in solitude.

From her sleek leather bag, she retrieved a laptop and set it on the table with meticulous care. Next came the contents of the small black envelope—a single USB drive, unassuming, but heavy with meaning.

With a soft click, she inserted it.

The screen blinked to life.

Inside the folder: photos.

Not a few. Not dozens. Hundreds.

And every single one of them bore the same subject: Shinichi.

Some of them were innocent enough—mundane snapshots of everyday life. Walking to school. Reading quietly by the window. Carrying groceries with that soft, earnest expression of his.

Others… less innocent. Photographs taken through fogged glass, from across streets, through half-closed curtains. Awkward angles. Hidden perspectives. Still, none of them crossed into vulgarity.

No nudity. No obscenity. Only glimpses—

Bare arms. A yawn caught mid-stretch. A faint blush on his cheek while speaking to a classmate.

Moments frozen in time. Moments captured by someone who saw beauty where others saw nothing.

Her violet eyes sharpened, narrowing as she scrolled through them in silence.

She stared—unblinking—at the gentle slope of his neck, the soft curve of his lips, the way those ocean-blue eyes always seemed so kind even when he pretended to act strong.

Her breathing slowed.

Her fingers hovered above the mouse.

She refused to scroll further, as if lingering on each image allowed her to savor it longer… like fine art, too precious to rush.

Across from her, Aiko stood in silent readiness. Tall, poised, dressed crisply in her black suit, hands folded neatly behind her back like a loyal knight awaiting orders.

Akane leaned back, folding her hands atop her lap.

Her gaze never once left the screen.

"His very existence… it's almost unfair."

Her voice was calm, smooth like velvet, but her eyes glimmered with something far more dangerous.

"That softness. That innocence. It draws people in—without him even realizing it."

Her tone betrayed no anger, only quiet certainty.

And yet—

Behind her serene exterior brewed an obsession that burned hotter than fire.

"They don't deserve him."

"None of them do."

She thought of all the pests she had methodically driven away from him. The girls who thought they could win his heart. The boys who thought they could tease him. Blackmail, intimidation, manipulation—tools she wielded without hesitation. All of it, for his sake.

"It's his fault… really."

"If only he didn't act so adorable, so pure — like some helpless little animal attracting hearts wherever he goes, none of this would have happened to them."

"He should only show that side of himself… to me."

Her lips curled ever so slightly.

"I won't let anyone else have him. His innocence, his warmth, his heart, his soul… even his body—it all belongs to me. To me alone."

"I want everything. Every piece of him. Every breath. Every thought."

Slowly, she turned her head.

"Aiko… You'll help me, won't you?"

The woman gave a bow, her expression calm and unwavering.

"Of course, Miss Akane. I exist solely to fulfill your desires."

With her usual grace, Aiko stepped forward and presented another small, black USB drive, cradled between her gloved fingers.

"And… a small gift for you, Miss. I thought you might find this… enjoyable."

Without a word, Akane accepted it, the drive slipping into her palm like a forbidden treasure.

Click.

The screen flickered again.

Her violet eyes widened for just a moment—then softened, a faint blush creeping across her porcelain skin. She looked up from her laptop, her gaze meeting Aiko's.

Aiko smiled politely.

"We still have an hour before the schedule time. Please… take your time and enjoy. I will wait outside the door."

Akane's lips curved into something darkly satisfied.

"You truly do understand me best, Aiko."

Her voice was like silk, wrapped around something sharp and dangerous.

Aiko only bowed again, her faint smile never faltering.

"I simply pay attention to what truly matters to you."

With that, she turned and left in silence, closing the door behind her.

And in the quiet hum of the golden-lit room, Akane Takahashi indulged herself—utterly, selfishly, completely.