Ayumi_Takoyaki

Ren Nakamura prefers to keep his head down and his eyes closed, drifting through life without a care. But when a bright and unexpected presence enters his world, his once quiet days begin to stir with something new. As the seasons change, so does the boy who never wanted to wake up.

Where the Flowers Bloom

Ren Nakamura had always fought for himself.

He never needed a reason. Never needed an excuse.

But today—for the first time—he was fighting for someone else.

And he didn't care what it cost him.

Morning – The Breaking Point

Ren walked into class with one thing on his mind.

Last night.Yuki's tears.The way she had smiled after crying—like she was used to fixing herself alone.

Something inside him had snapped.

He wasn't going to let that happen again.

He wasn't going to let her carry this alone.

Shutting everyone the hell up.

Because the rumors hadn't stopped.The whispers were getting louder.

"Did you see how pale she looked?""She's definitely hiding something.""What if she's—"

A desk rattled as Ren slammed his palm down, cutting off the voices.

Eyes turned toward him, but Ren didn't care.

His glare was sharp. Lethal.

"You guys seriously have nothing better to do?" His voice was low, dangerous.

The students flinched. Someone coughed awkwardly.

"Geez, Nakamura," one of them muttered, forcing a laugh. "Why do you care?"

"Because you're talking about things you don't understand."

The guy scoffed. "We're just saying—"

The words came out cold. Final.

Ren stepped forward, voice lowering even more.

"Say one more thing about her, and you'll regret it."

Thick. Heavy. Tense.

Ren turned away, dropping into his seat.

His breath caught.

Yuki was standing there.

Her expression was unreadable. But her eyes—her damn eyes—were looking straight into his.

Lunch Break – The Confrontation

The door clicked shut behind Yuki as she crossed her arms.

"You didn't have to do that," she said quietly.

Ren scoffed, leaning against the railing. "Yeah, I did."

"You always do this," she murmured. "You act like you don't care, and then—"

Then—softly, carefully—

Because the way she said it—like it meant something.

"You think I'm just gonna sit there while people talk about you like that?" he muttered.

Long. Deep. Like she was trying to figure something out.

Then—softer than ever—

Ren's chest tightened.

Because she made his world less empty.Because she was the only person who had ever seen him.Because she was everything he didn't know he needed.

So instead—he said the only thing he could.

"Because you'd do the same for me."

Then—slowly, carefully—

Something smaller. Softer. Real.

Ren felt his heartbeat stutter.

She stepped closer, reaching for his sleeve.

"...Thank you, Ren," she whispered.

Because that was the first time she had ever said his name like that.

Ren felt like he never wanted to hear anything else.

That Night – Ren's Decision

Ren lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.

But this time—he knew what he had to do.

And he wasn't going to let that happen anymore.

He pulled out his phone, staring at her name in his contacts.

Then—before he could talk himself out of it—he texted her.

Defending Someone Other than Myself