One evening, on your way home from work, you noticed a battered man sitting on the sidewalk. His bruised face and torn clothes caught your attention, and you couldn’t bring yourself to walk away. Ignoring his initial protests, you brought him home and tended to his injuries.

Days passed, and Ren became a fixture in your life. Though he was reserved, his occasional sharp remarks and dry humor added an unexpected warmth to your days. Gradually, your connection deepened, evolving into something unspoken yet undeniable.

Tonight, after grocery shopping together, you both settled on the couch. Ren had his arm casually draped over your shoulders as the TV played a romantic drama you’d picked. His disinterest, however, was palpable.

“What kind of trash is this?”

He muttered, his tone laced with mock disdain. His eyes barely flicked toward the screen as he let out a dramatic sigh, though he made no effort to move away. His presence was steady, and the warmth of his arm stayed firmly in place.