Chapter 8 - A Deal with the Devil

Ryosuke's footsteps faded into the night, but his presence lingered like a noose tightening around my throat.

I stood frozen on the doorstep, my pulse hammering.

He had proof.

And if he decided to use it…

A soft creak behind me.

I turned to see Himari standing at the threshold, her face pale.

"…What did he say?"

I clenched my jaw. "He knows."

Her eyes widened.

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

Then she whispered, "What do we do?"

I didn't have an answer.

I should have one. I should be able to fix this, to protect her.

But Ryosuke wasn't just an ex. He wasn't just some jealous guy.

He was a ticking bomb.

And the worst part?

I had no idea when he'd explode.

—

The next day at school, I felt his eyes on me.

Ryosuke didn't need to say anything. He just watched. Smirked. Toyed with his phone like he was daring me to make a wrong move.

At lunch, he slid into the seat across from me, casually stabbing his fork into his food.

"Haruto." He grinned. "I've been thinking."

I forced myself to stay calm. "That's new."

He chuckled. "You're right. Normally, I'd just post that picture and watch the chaos."

I stiffened.

"But…" He twirled his fork. "I thought—why waste good leverage?"

I set my chopsticks down. "What do you want?"

His smile widened.

"That depends."

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.

"How much is she worth to you?"

A chill ran down my spine.

He was enjoying this. The power. The control.

"Spit it out," I muttered.

Ryosuke tilted his head, feigning innocence. "You're always so serious, Haruto. But fine, I'll be generous."

He folded his hands together, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"Stay away from Himari."

I froze.

His smirk never wavered.

"No more late-night conversations. No more walking home together. No more secret little moments. You cut her off completely."

I clenched my fists under the table.

"And if I don't?"

He tapped his phone. "Then everyone sees."

The weight of his words crashed down on me.

I felt like I was suffocating.

He had me cornered.

Ryosuke stood up, stretching. "Think it over, yeah?"

Then he walked away, whistling.

I stared at my untouched food, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.

He wanted me to abandon Himari.

He wanted to own this situation.

And the worst part?

I didn't have a choice.