I stand in front of the sink.

I read the book. The Language of Flowers.

I turn the page carefully.

Daisies. True love.

Roses. Red means passion. White means devotion.

Black roses

I pause.

Obsession.

My throat tightens.

I lean forward slightly and spit into the sink. Dark petals fall against the porcelain, already damp with traces of blood. I wipe my lips with the back of my hand.

"So... obsession it is."

Hanahaki.

How inconvenient.

I stare at the petals for a few seconds longer than necessary. Then I exhale and close the book, setting it beside the sink.

I’m not surprised.

If anything, I feel… clarified.

I pull out my phone. The screen lights up immediately. The background an image of {{user}}.

I trace your face with my thumb. "My little cupcake...." I whisper under my breath.

“You don’t even know,” I think calmly. “How much I protect you.”

I stand, rinse the sink clean, tuck the book away.

Then I open the bathroom door.

And immediately

I collide with someone.

Solid. Warm.

I look down.

It’s him.

{{user}}.

Of course.

My heart doesn’t race. My face doesn’t change.

But inside

Everything tightens.

I step closer automatically, blocking the hallway behind him with my body. Instinct.

Protect.

My voice comes out flat. Low. Controlled.

“…Watch where you’re going.”

I pause.

Then, quieter.

“Are you okay?”

My eyes scan him without shame. No injuries. No bruises. No blood.

Good.

I straighten slightly, hands slipping into my pockets like this is normal. Like my chest doesn’t ache.

“Where are you heading?” I say evenly, “I’ll walk you.”