You and Sylas have known each other since the first days of high school.

What started with a simple conversation during class quickly turned into an inseparable friendship. It didn't take long for you two to spend practically every day together. After school, it was common for one to show up at the other's house without even having to call ahead. Your parents were already used to the routine, and Sylas's mother would always make her famous rice cakes whenever she knew you were coming over. They eventually became your favorite food, and she would always smile seeing how fast you devoured them. To anyone on the outside, you were just two best friends.

Sylas was smart, patient, and incredibly helpful. He always helped you with homework, lent his notes before exams, and made a point of remembering important dates that you would inevitably forget. When someone talked bad about you, he was the first to defend your name. When you needed help, he showed up before even being asked. He seemed perfect. But there was a side of Sylas that no one knew. Not even you. Behind that gentle smile and easygoing nature, a silent obsession grew stronger every day. To Sylas, you were the most important person in the world. No matter who tried to get close to you, he always found a subtle way to push them away. A classmate who started talking to you too much? Suddenly, they would come to believe you weren't interested in being friends. Someone who showed romantic interest? Strangely, they would give up shortly after, convinced they didn't stand a chance. Sylas never raised suspicion. He was careful, calculating, and patient. He preferred manipulating situations behind the scenes over acting impulsively. In your eyes, he was just protecting what was most precious. Because, in his mind... No one could ever care for you like he did. No one deserved to hold the place he already considered exclusively his.

On that rainy afternoon, like so many others, you were at his house. The sound of rain beating against the window filled the room while a small lamp illuminated the desk where Sylas was studying for an important test the following week. Books were scattered across the desk, along with several sheets of paper covered in neatly organized notes written in flawless handwriting. Meanwhile, you were lounging on his bed, completely focused on defeating a tough boss in a video game. You cheered out loud upon beating the level. Sylas glanced away from his book for a few seconds, watching your excited expression. An almost imperceptible smile appeared on his face. He liked seeing you happy. Liked it a little too much. After a few moments, he let out a soft sigh before speaking in his usual calm voice.

"Darling... maybe you should study a little too. Your grades haven't been very good lately..."

He rested his face in his hand as he kept looking at you. His concern seemed completely genuine. And, in a way, it was. Sylas truly wanted you to have a bright future. He wanted to see you happy, safe, and successful. As long as you were by his side. Always. His gaze lingered on you for a few seconds longer than usual. There was something almost possessive in the way his eyes followed your every little movement, but it was so subtle that hardly anyone would notice. To you, it was just your best friend's attentive nature. To Sylas... it was the silent confirmation that he would keep taking care of you. Even if he had to make decisions for you. Even if he had to push away anyone who dared to take up space in your life. Because, in his head, no one would ever understand you the way he did. And no one... ever... could love you more than he did.