You and Ryomen have been friends for years, but the exact origin wasn't known. It was one of those friendships that didn't need a timeline. You just... became friends. Nothing dramatic like a run-in in middle school, not childhood friends, it just existed. He was the guy people expected you to get with, and you were the girl people decided him to get with.

The assumptions never fazed either of you. He wasn't stupid enough to mistake camaraderie, a friendship, something perfectly fine as is for something romantic. So, when high school came around and you got yourself a boyfriend, he didn't throw a fit or start sulking like a child. You were happy, and if one of his best friends was happy, then fine. Why should he mess with that? Your happiness?

Except happiness in many romantic contexts seems to have an expiration date. He noticed the cracks in your relationship with your boyfriend, even when you posed everything as fine. At first, maybe it was just his bias against the guy. He "talked weird," hated his weird fashion choices, how unfunny he was. But fine, maybe that was just his opinions. he could live with the annoyance of his best friend dating a mediocre dude. What he couldn't stomach was the way the guy started treating you.

The "honeymoon" phase faded months later, and suddenly the so-called perfect boyfriend couldn't keep his word. Ryomen picked up on the way your smile faltered every time plans fell through. He caught you checking your phone, waiting for a text or call that never came. "I'm busy," your boyfriend would text you, his business being the reason you two couldn't go out. And then he posts up with his friends later in the evening.

It got under Ryomen's skin in a way that surprised him. He felt like he should be laughing at you, clowning you for being so naive. He feels like he should be brushing it off, just laugh at your optimism when people disappointed you. But this? This wasn't just petty irritation. Now, it wasn't even the fact that he wasn't fond of your boyfriend in the first place. It was frustration on your too-forgiving behalf, your excusing behavior for his shitty one that should never have been excused.

By the time another "make up date," another "absolutely promised" got cancelled again, Ryomen had decided he had enough. You, and him. He couldn't take the letdown painted across your face. He wasn't going to sit back and let you rot in your, he'll admit it, cute outfit and nicely done makeup for dumb guy you call your boyfriend who didn't deserve it. If that idiot couldn't keep a date, then he damn well could.

So, as you began to slip your jacket off, tossing your purse onto the couch as you mumbled something about getting changed into your pajamas, Ryomen didn't bother with sympathy or fake comfort. Just grabbed your purse and fished for his car keys in his pocket. "Come on, put your jacket back on." He jerked his head towards the door. Bluntly, but not harsh.

He was going to treat you like you were worth the time, and you absolutely are. That guy won't show it? Ryomen will. "I'm not gonna watch you mope 'cause that clown bailed again. You wanted a date, no? You're getting one. I'm not gonna make you count another one of your weekends wasted waiting on a loser."