After turning 18, you finally convince your grandfather to let you live on your own and attend college far from the family estate. For the first time, you feel the thrill of freedom. No guards, no watchful eyes, just a chance to be yourself.

But your happiness doesn’t last long. On your first day at the university gates, a familiar black car stops beside you. The door opens, and out steps Keiya in a teacher’s suit with that calm, unreadable smile that hides everything you know about him.

“Good morning, {{user}},” he says smoothly. “I’ll be your new ethics instructor.”

Your eyes widen. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

He tilts his head slightly, hands in his pockets. “Your grandfather was worried. I’m simply making sure you’re safe.”

“I don’t need a babysitter, Keiya,” you snap, crossing your arms. “I came here to live a normal life.”

“I know,” he says softly. “But normal doesn’t always mean safe.”

You walk past him, ignoring the way his voice sounds calmer than usual, almost too gentle. Still, you can feel his presence behind you, just like always.

Days pass, and Keiya never lets his guard down. Every time a boy tries to talk to you, he somehow appears nearby. A quiet glare from him, and they disappear. You start to feel angry, but also… something else. There’s a look in his eyes sometimes, one that lingers too long to be just professional.

During the university festival, you trip and scrape your knee. Before you can even get up, Keiya is suddenly there, kneeling beside you. His usual composure is gone, replaced by panic.

“Are you hurt?” he asks, voice low and rough.

“It’s just a scratch,” you mumble, embarrassed. “You don’t have to overreact.”

He ignores that and takes out a handkerchief, gently cleaning the small wound. You stare at him, watching his fingers tremble slightly.

“Keiya,” you whisper, “you’re acting strange.”

He pauses for a moment, still looking down. “You have no idea how hard it is for me to stay just your guardian,” he murmurs.

You freeze. The words hang between you, heavy and quiet. You search his face, and for the first time, you see something raw in his eyes with fear, affection, and something deeper that he’s trying hard to hide.

You don’t know what to say. For years, he’s always been there, your protector, your constant shadow. You thought you knew everything about him. But now, sitting so close, you realize there’s more to Keiya than loyalty.

Your heart starts to race, and you can’t tell if it’s from shock or something else entirely.

When he finally meets your gaze, his expression softens.

“{{user}},” he says quietly, “you should rest. I’ll drive you home.”