The snow was softer tonight, falling in thin layers across the empty streetlights. Winter break had stripped the town of its usual noise, and even the wind felt careful.
Hana tightened the scarf around her neck, her steps light but uncertain. She knew the plan—walk the path to the store like normal. Ren and Naoki would follow at a distance. If the stalker tried anything, they'd catch him.
She reached the end of the street. Nothing.
Across the road, Ren and Naoki crouched near a bus stop. Hidden in the shadows.
"He's not showing," Naoki muttered, arms crossed. "Think he got scared?"
"Or smarter," Ren replied, scanning the rooftops and corners. His eyes didn't stop moving.
They waited a few more minutes. Still nothing.
Hana made it safely to the store and returned home. The plan had failed—no signs, no clues. Just the growing tension that came from silence.
---
As Hana closed her door behind her, Ren and Naoki walked down the hill, quiet.
"You know," Naoki started, "I've been thinking about what you said. How far you'd go for her."
Ren glanced over.
Naoki slowed his pace. "If it came down to it… would you really be able to protect her?"
Ren stopped walking. Snow settled into his hair like dust on a sculpture.
Then he said, quietly but firmly:
"Even if it costs me everything, I'll protect her. I'd rather bleed beside her than live knowing I let her get hurt."
Naoki stared at him for a moment, the words hitting harder than expected. Then he smiled faintly. "You're a walking quote book, man."
Ren gave a quiet laugh. "Maybe. But I mean it."
As they reached the neighborhood corner, Naoki paused. "Hey, my house is closer to Hana's. You can crash there tonight, just in case something happens."
Ren nodded. "Yeah… that might be smart."
They turned the corner and vanished into Naoki's street, the soft crunch of snow trailing behind them.
---
Later that night – 10:03 PM
Ren sat on a futon in Naoki's room, staring at the ceiling. The room was warm, filled with old posters
His phone buzzed suddenly on the floor.
[Hana]: Ren… are you still awake? I need help. I think someone's inside.
Ren's blood ran cold. He sat up instantly.