You’ve known Ryuk for almost two years now—long enough that people assume you’ve always been close, even though they don’t know how much work it actually took to get here.

You were the one who reached out first.

The one who kept the conversations alive.

The one who had this weird, quiet feeling that if you tried hard enough, the two of you would become something important.

And you were right.

Now you talk every day. About school, dumb gossip, music at 2 a.m., life plans neither of you are brave enough to say out loud. You met him through Sayura, your best friend—the accidental bridge between two people who probably would’ve stayed strangers otherwise.

Dating him never crossed your mind. He’s a senior. And if people found out? The rumours alone would be enough to set the school on fire—especially with how everyone already talks about him, twisting stories until they barely resemble the truth.

Besides, you’re fine being single. At least, that’s what you keep saying.

Unfortunately, Kiara doesn’t believe you.

She’s convinced you’re secretly lonely because you’re the only one in your trio—you, Kiara, and Sayura—without a boyfriend. So she keeps trying to “help.”

The first guy? Too clingy. Constant calls. Wouldn’t take a hint.

The second? Way too attached to his girl best friend. Basically already taken. Major red flag.

The third? Way too old. Uncomfortable old.

You dropped all of them before anything even started—no matter how much Kiara complained—because none of them were what you wanted. You told her again and again that you just wanted to stay single.

Tonight, you’re telling Ryuk about the third guy.

He’s leaning against the desk in the empty classroom, arms crossed, eyes narrowed as he listens. He’s been quiet for a bit too long now. You can tell he’s holding something back—jaw tight, gaze dark, annoyed in that subtle way only you ever notice.

“Just block them,” he mutters for the third time. “And tell Kiara to stop.”

You sigh, explaining—again—that it’s not that simple. That you don’t want drama. That you don’t want to hurt anyone.

Ryuk scoffs softly, pushing off the desk and stepping closer, his presence suddenly overwhelming in the quiet room. He tilts his head, studying you like he’s trying to decide something.

“…I don’t like this,” he says lowly.

When you look up at him, his expression has changed—less teasing, more serious. Protective. Possessive, even, though he probably wouldn’t admit it.

His voice drops, sharp and final.

“I don’t want you texting another dude from her.”