The Truth about Him
Ren Nakamura had spent his life avoiding the past.
He never looked back. Never cared about the things he left behind.
But now—his past was coming for him.
And this time, he couldn't ignore it.
Late Night – The Message That Changed Everything
Ren's phone buzzed.
Yuki: Yeah.
He hesitated for a second.
Then—he typed.
Ren: Can we talk?
Three dots. Then—
Yuki: Sure. Meet me outside?
Ren was already grabbing his jacket.
Outside Yuki's House – A Moment That Felt Different
She was waiting for him, arms wrapped around herself in the cool night air.
Ren stopped in front of her, shoving his hands in his pockets.
Neither of them spoke for a moment.
Then—Yuki smiled.
"...You actually texted first."
Ren scowled. "Tch. Don't get used to it."
She laughed softly. "No promises."
He exhaled slowly, watching her.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the cold. She looked so small in the moonlight.
And for some reason—that made his chest tighten.
"...I saw you last night," he muttered.
Yuki blinked. "What?"
Ren clenched his jaw. "I saw you crying."
Her breath hitched.
He didn't look away.
"You were alone. And you were crying," he repeated, voice low. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Yuki swallowed, her fingers tightening around her sleeves.
"I… I didn't want you to see me like that," she admitted softly.
Ren's chest ached.
"Why?"
Yuki hesitated. Then—quietly, almost too soft to hear—
"Because I didn't want you to worry about me more than you already do."
Ren stiffened.
Because she knew.
She had always known.
That he was worried. That he was watching. That he cared more than he ever should have.
His fingers curled into fists.
Tch. Annoying. Too annoying.
But before he could respond—
A voice cut through the quiet.
"Well, isn't this a surprise."
Ren froze.
Because he knew that voice.
He turned—and his blood ran cold.
The Past Comes Back to Haunt Him
A man leaned against the streetlamp, watching them.
Tall. Smirking. Familiar.
Ren's hands clenched at his sides.
"Well, well," the man said. "Didn't think I'd run into you like this, Ren."
Yuki frowned, looking between them. "Ren… who is that?"
Ren's heart pounded.
He couldn't breathe.
His father took a slow step forward.
"Aren't you going to introduce me?"