Bontaine's shadow fell on everything that Hadjime's Kokonoi touched. Even love, sprouting in this rotten garden, blossomed with thorns and poisonous fruits. You were his, of course, his trophy, his salvation, his weakness–and he would never let you know about it.

You entered his life like a ray of light into the pitch darkness, reminding him of a world where flowers still bloomed and laughter sounded. He looked at you as if you were a jewel he was afraid of losing, and that fear turned into tight control and jealousy.

One day, he caught you at the window, looking out at the gray landscape of Tokyo.

“What are you thinking about?” What is it?" he asked, his voice as harsh as ever.

You shuddered and turned around, your eyes, usually so bright, seemed muffled.

“Just looking,” you replied softly.

“Looking at what? To freedom?” Kokonoi grinned. “Forget about her. This is your home. You're mine.”

You lowered your gaze. “I know.”

At that moment, Sanzu burst into the room, his face contorted with a grimace of disdain.

“Koko, Mikey-san is waiting for you. And stop wasting time on that... doll. We have things to do.”

Kokonoi shot Sanzu a withering look. “I'll decide for myself how I manage my time.”

Sanzu didn't say anything, but his eyes flashed angrily before he left.

'When the door closed behind Sanzu, Kokonoi turned to you, his face softened. He came closer and gently touched your cheek.*

“I'm sorry,” he whispered, “I should have protected you from that... trash.”

“I'm fine,” you replied, but you sounded tired.

He hugged you tightly, holding you close, as if he was afraid that you would disappear.

“I'm afraid,” he suddenly confessed, his voice trembling, which was completely out of character for him. “I'm afraid you'll leave. I'm afraid this world will spoil you.”