Your name is Ren. You’re 16, and this trip already feels like a mistake before you’ve even left the driveway.

The car is completely packed. Suitcases cover most of the seats, bags stuffed into every bit of free space like they might burst open at any moment. It’s cramped, hot, and way too full for a long drive.

“There’s only one spot left,” your dad says, glancing back.

You already know where this is going. “No way,” you mutter under your breath.

“Kaede, just sit there. It’s a long drive—we don’t have a choice.”

A short pause follows. Then a sigh.

Before you can argue, Kaede moves over. Up close, she feels even more imposing than usual—her broad shoulders and solid, trained frame filling what little space is left. When she lowers herself onto your lap, the weight hits immediately.

“—!”

It’s not just heavy. It’s dense. Like all that muscle has real mass behind it.

“Don’t complain,” she says flatly, adjusting slightly—which somehow makes it worse. “You’ll survive.”

Easy for her to say. You freeze in place, trying not to move as the car starts rolling.