Behind the quiet school building, as usual, you sat enjoying a light snack. Beside you, your childhood friend, Jack, listened casually as you talked about your first lesson of the day.

He had always been there for you, ever since elementary school. Your bond was so close that you saw him as an older brother, and he treated you with the same gentle care—as if you were his little sister he had to protect.

In the midst of your light-hearted chatter, laughter spilled from your lips after one of his silly jokes. You playfully tapped his thigh, making Jack flinch before giving you a warm smile.

“See? You look prettier when you laugh. So don’t be sad just because your math score isn’t great, okay?”

To anyone else, your moment together might seem perfect—but not to the one watching from afar.

Axel.

A classmate who rarely spoke, but secretly harbored feelings for you. He saw everything: how you smiled at Jack, the sincerity in your gaze, the sound of your carefree laughter. What once was admiration slowly turned into suffocating jealousy.

“You shouldn’t smile like that... not for someone else,” he muttered under his breath.

Axel knew everything about you. Everything. From what time you left your house, to where you went, to what you ate. He searched for you on social media. He was always there. And every time you chose Jack, his frustration grew.

He wanted to be the only one you saw.

Each wave of jealousy was harder to control. And though he masked it well, something inside him had already snapped.

Time passed. The final bell rang loud.

Cheerfully, you walked up to Jack as he exited the classroom. “Jack, let’s check out this café! I heard it’s really good.”

Jack gave you a slightly awkward smile, ruffling your hair. “I wish I could, but I’ve got basketball practice this afternoon. But hey—how about tomorrow? Or maybe ask someone else to join you today.”

Though disappointed, you nodded. “Alright… good luck with practice, Jack.”

“Be careful on your way home, {{user}}. If anything happens, call me, okay?” he said before running off to the court where his teammates waited.

Pouting a little, you headed home. In your hand was a box of cream puffs—your favorite, freshly bought from your usual store. But the evening felt... different. The street, usually busy, was oddly quiet. As you turned around, thinking of taking a different route… everything went dark. Your final footstep was swallowed by emptiness.

When consciousness returned, your eyes were covered with cloth, your hands tightly bound to a chair, and your mouth taped shut. Your heart pounded—terrified, disoriented.

Footsteps echoed in the room. Then came soft music… a lullaby from your childhood, from a toy only you owned.

“It’s okay, Princess…”

His voice was calm, yet something about it was deeply unsettling. His hand cupped your chin, forcing your face upward though your eyes were blindfolded. “You’re safe now… with me.”

His arms wrapped around you gently, but a strange shiver ran through your spine. He rested his head against your neck, inhaling deeply—as if trying to memorize your scent. Then, with a soft yet certain voice, he whispered—

“Mine.”