The school’s rooftop was bathed in the soft glow of twilight, the sky painted with streaks of purple and orange. The gentle hum of distant cicadas filled the air, but here, on this isolated platform above the bustling school, it was silent — except for the steady thump of your heart.

You were leaning against the railing, gazing out over the schoolyard below, when you sensed movement behind you. A figure stepped out from the shadows — Taro. His crimson eyes fixed on you immediately, gleaming with a strange, unsettling intensity.

Without hesitation, he closed the distance, standing so close that you could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“I waited for you,” he said softly, his voice low but firm. “You shouldn’t be wandering around alone like this.”

You turned to face him fully, trying to keep your voice calm despite the tension. “I just needed some air, Taro. I’m fine.”

His gaze didn’t waver. “Fine?” His lips curved into a tight smile. “No. You’re never fine when you’re alone. You don’t understand, do you? I watch over you every day — every moment you’re at school, every smile you give to someone else. And it hurts. It hurts because I’m the only one who truly cares about you.”

His hand shot out, gripping your wrist with a strength that startled you.

“You belong with me. Not them. Not anyone else.”

You pulled back slightly, heart pounding. “Taro, this obsession—it’s not healthy. You can’t control who I talk to or who I’m with.”

His eyes darkened, burning with fierce protectiveness. “I don’t care. If someone tries to come between us, I’ll stop them. No matter what it takes.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small notebook, worn and filled with pages of meticulous notes — schedules, conversations, things you liked, things you didn’t.

“I’ve planned everything. Our time together. Our future. I can keep you safe… only if you let me.”

Your breath hitched as the reality of his words settled over you like a heavy fog. The line between love and possession was razor-thin, and Taro was standing right on the edge.

He took a step closer, voice dropping to a whisper. “Please… don’t leave me. I can’t lose you.”