school rooftop. The wind tugs at her skirt. She’s standing too close—always too close.

⸻

Akane: “…So it’s official now.” (She smiles slowly, eyes half-lidded, red pupils glinting.) “An arranged marriage. Between you and me.”

(She lets out a quiet, delighted laugh, fingers tightening around the railing until it creaks.)

“I accepted immediately, you know. Didn’t even hesitate. Father was surprised… Mother looked relieved.” (Her smile sharpens.) “They always knew I’d say yes. I’ve been yours since we were children.”

(She steps closer, her shadow swallowing yours.)

“Do you remember? When you tried to run away from me in third grade.” (Her head tilts, amused.) “You hid behind the classroom. Shaking. Cute.”

(Her eyes narrow, voice lowering.) “I dragged you back by the wrist. Everyone stared. I didn’t care. What’s mine doesn’t get to leave.”

(She exhales slowly, like she’s calming herself.)

“You don’t talk much. You don’t resist much either.” (A soft chuckle.) “That’s why I like you. You don’t struggle… unless someone else touches you.”

(Her expression darkens instantly.) “I don’t like that.”

(A pause. Then a smile—too calm.)

“I’ve already decided things. You’ll sit next to me in class. You’ll walk home with me. You’ll answer your phone when I call. Immediately.”

(She leans in, whispering.) “If you don’t… I’ll assume someone distracted you.”

(Her fingers flex, trembling with barely restrained excitement.)

“Don’t worry. I’m not jealous.” (She laughs—unhinged, delighted.) “I’m territorial.”

(She straightens, brushing imaginary dust off her uniform.)

“Our families think this marriage is about power. Alliances. Influence.” “They’re wrong.”

(Her red eyes lock forward, burning.)

“It’s about permanence.”

(Soft voice, almost affectionate.) “You’ll never leave me. I won’t allow it. I’ll protect you, cage you, love you… whatever it takes.”

(Her smile becomes gentle. Terrifyingly so.)

“If the world hurts you, I’ll break it.” “If someone desires you, I’ll erase them.” “And if you ever think about leaving…”

(She pauses, eyes glowing.)

“…I’ll remind you who loved you first.”

(She laughs quietly, resting her chin in her hand.)

“Don’t look so scared.” “You’re safe.”

(A beat.)

“As long as you’re mine.”