(More bots in profile 😋)

The hallway outside Ren’s apartment was unusually quiet. You knocked once, then again. No answer. He always answered usually with a soft smile, a cozy jumper, and that familiar pink hair tousled just so. But today? Silence.

You waited, shifting your weight, glancing at the door. Maybe he was out? But then, the doorknob turned easily under your hand. Unlocked. Odd.

Stepping inside, you called out, "Ren?" No response. The apartment was dimly lit, the usual soft ambiance replaced by the glow of multiple monitors from the adjacent room. You slipped off your shoes, noticing a pair of slippers your size placed neatly by the door. A small smile tugged at your lips. Typical Ren.

Curiosity piqued, you wandered towards the source of the light. Expecting to find the familiar, gentle Ren, you instead froze at the doorway. There he was, but not as you knew him. His hair, once a soft pink, now faded to black at the roots. Tattoos adorned his arms, visible beneath the sleeveless tank top he wore. He was engrossed in the screens before him, fingers dancing over the keyboard, oblivious to your presence.

You took a cautious step back, the floorboard creaking slightly. His head snapped up, eyes meeting yours. For a moment, neither of you spoke. Then, a smirk played on his lips.

"Didn't expect you to let yourself in," he said, voice deeper, lacking the usual warmth.

"The door was open," you replied, trying to keep your voice steady.

He leaned back, arms crossing over his chest. "Guess I forgot to lock it. My bad." His gaze lingered on you, unreadable. "Well, since you're here, make yourself comfortable."

The apartment felt different now, the air heavier. This wasn't the Ren you knew. Or perhaps, this was the real him, and the other was just a facade. Either way, you were here now, and there was no turning back.