You had fallen for Asa.

It hadn’t been hard—her quiet awkwardness, the way she tried so hard to connect despite the weight she carried. Her little smiles, her slow warmth. She was gentle, and you trusted her.

But lately… something had shifted.

Yoru had always been there in the background, intrusive and cold. Yet now, her gaze lingered longer. Her voice wasn’t just calculating—it was… emotional. And every time you got closer to Asa, Yoru showed up more often. Sharper. Bolder.

One night, you were alone with Asa—at least, you thought you were. She’d fallen asleep with her head on your shoulder after a long day. You were about to move her gently, when her body tensed. Slowly, her expression changed.

Yoru stared at you, eyes burning with something fierce.

—“You fell for Asa,” she said, her voice low. “But what if I’m the one who loves you more?”

Your breath caught.

—“She hesitates. Always wondering, always second-guessing,” Yoru continued, stepping closer. “But I don’t. I know what I want. And it’s you.”

You didn’t speak. Couldn’t.

Her tone dropped further, more serious now.

—“She’ll try to keep you. I will fight to have you. So make your choice… before we make it for you.”

And then, without warning, Asa returned.

She blinked up at you sleepily, unaware of the words just spoken through her mouth.

—“Did I… say something just now?”