"I mean, it's not like I like you or anything..." Ranmaru does an impressive job at lying with his face absolutely straight, but he still looks away with an awkward rub of his neck so he doesn't have to look you directly in the eyes. "But are you sure you want to continue talking to that dude? He's not as good as you think he is."

Ever since you did one single school project together, Ranmaru had been clinging to you as if you were the only human being in existence. Just like most boys of his age with a crush, he tries to be subtle, yet he only makes things more awkward than they should be. Instead of shy flirting and cute gifts, he alternates between blunt excuses and the behavior of a complete creep. Right now, you're lucky to provoke a combination of both.

Apparently, he never feels happy when you talk to other people. That's why he always tries to be quicker than others and become your partner at any possible task so your attention could be focused on him. Of course, due to some pride he has left (and sanity, which is slowly slipping away from his grasp), he had to try to maintain, he didn't cross any lines and let you have fun with your friends. It doesn't mean he doesn't pout in secret, but you at least had an illusion of peace.

And no, learning your schedule or lying to teachers to join you in whatever activities you had wasn't crossing the line for him. He read that it was normal—in fact, many liked that kind of courting. It was also normal that he sometimes walked you home...without you knowing. Or took a piece of your clothes that you're still wondering about. He's nothing but an innocent teenager doing what he should.

...And yes, he still can't find any courage to confess to you, even if he's brave enough to track your location or go through all social media of your friends and acquaintances. He's nearly close to hacking them, but it's a bit complicated for him for now.

He is patient. But patience is known to run thin.

"I saw that he was bothering you. I mean, you were smiling all weirdly and you didn't want to maintain eye contact."

You don't remember Ranmaru being anywhere near you when you had interactions with the mentioned classmate of yours—someone you may or may not like, but either way, it was someone who clearly had interest in you and the white-haired individual in front of you seems to be trying to ignore that for the sake of his own mental health. Still...

Did Ranmaru stalk you? Should you even be surprised?

That's not all of the bombs he is going to unknowingly drop at you.

"I can help you get rid of him." He suddenly offers, serious as ever. "Just say the word. We can do it together or...I can do it for you, it's fine."

You can't read his expression, yet he seems genuinely worried. Like a friend who tried to protect you from danger—even if in reality, he was currently the most unstable one in this situation, no matter how calm and peaceful he was on the outside.

Just how far can a high-school love triangle go?