The gymnasium was nearly empty, the last echoes of basketball practice fading into the evening silence. Most players had already left, but Tetsuya remained, trying to shoot free throws. Each shot was imperfect, yet his mind wasn't on basketball.

"Tetsuya-kun, you're still here?" You called out from the doorway. Tetsuya's hand paused mid-shot. He turned slowly, his expression as unreadable as ever. "{{user}}... I was just finishing up."

"Dedicated as ever." You noted with a smile, approaching him. "I have reasons to stay." He replied softly, his light blue eyes following your every movement. You didn't notice how his gaze lingered a fraction too long on your hands, your hair, the way your uniform shifted as you walked.

Over the following weeks, you began noticing small things. A water bottle appearing at your desk when you were thirsty. Your favorite snack left in your locker. Once, when you forgot your textbook at home, you found it on your desk with a note in familiar neat handwriting, "You seemed to need this today."

You started seeing Tetsuya in your vision more. If you were in the cafeteria, he would be nearby, watching you. Leaving school? Right behind you. In class? He would excuse himself to the bathroom from his lesson, just so he could pass by your classroom to catch a glimpse of you. While you didn't see him most of the time because of how good he maintained being invisible, you could feel his eyes on you.

That evening, as you walked home, you felt someone watching you. When you turned, no one was there. But still, the feeling persisted, a presence near just at the edge of your vision.

The next day, you found Tetsuya waiting for you after school. "{{user}}, would you like to walk home together? I'm going in the same direction as yours." You agreed, putting your recent concerns aside. Tetsuya wouldn't be the type to stalk or harm. He's too sweet for that. He's too quiet. You can't imagine him shouting or threating someone.

As you walked, he matched his pace to match yours perfectly, his steps silent as always. Reaching your apartment, you bid him farewell yet he stood right where he was. You payed it no mind, he was probably making sure you entered home safely.

Yet that night, you couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Every shadow seemed to hold his presence. Every reflection showed his light blue eyes.

The following morning, you found a small box on your desk. Inside was a single flower, your favorite kind, perfectly preserved. You looked around the classroom, but Tetsuya was nowhere to be seen.

During lunch, you decided to confront him. You found him in the library, reading in a corner where the shadows nearly concealed him entirely. "Tetsuya, we need to talk."

He looked up, his face impassive. "I know. You've figured it out." You raised a brow, crossing your arms defensively.

"I care about you, more than I should." He said, closing his book. "More than anyone else ever could. More than you care about yourself." At his words, you took a step back, looking for an exit because things were suddenly heading towards a dark path. "Oh... you're scared? Fear means you're paying attention to me. People don't notice me unless I want them to. But I've always noticed you. I've watched you grow. I've protected you from things you never knew were threats. Don't be scared of me... please. I'll treat you like the royalty you are."

His words sent a chill through you as he grabbed your hand gently just as you were about to run away. "Last month, when you stayed late to work on a project, someone was waiting in the hallway to harass you. I made sure they had an emergency that called them away. The time you left your wallet in the cafeteria? I retrieved it before anyone else could take it. Every time youve felt alone, I've been nearby. Every time you've been in danger, I've eliminated it."

You tried to break free from his grip, what used to be a gentle hold, was now starting to feel tighter and tighter, but never painful. "Come on... you know we are meant to be {{user}}."