Chapter 7: Shadows in the Music Room
Airi's POV
The air inside the music room was thick—silent, yet screaming with tension. Ren stood there, leaning against the piano like he owned every corner of this school. His uniform was messy as usual, black tie loose around his neck, top buttons undone, and that damn smirk playing on his lips like he knew every thought running through my head.
"I thought I told you not to ignore my texts," he said, his voice low, with a sharp edge that made my stomach twist.
"I was in class. Sorry, I forgot you're the king of my life now," I snapped, folding my arms, refusing to be intimidated.
He chuckled. "No, Airi. I'm not the king of your life. I'm the devil you can't escape from."
My breath hitched. My eyes met his, and for a second, I swore I saw something flicker in them—something dangerous and raw.
Ren took a step closer. I backed away, hitting the edge of the piano. Before I could move again, he caged me in, both hands gripping the piano's edges on either side of me.
"Why are you doing this?" I whispered.
His gaze burned into mine. "Because ever since I laid eyes on you, you've been mine. Even if you don't want it. Even if you run—I'll chase."
"Ren—"
"I'm not good, Airi," he said, his voice a low growl. "I don't do sweet. I don't do soft. But with you, I'm on the edge of losing control, and I don't even care."
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
"Whoa—am I interrupting something?" Mei's voice broke the moment. She raised an eyebrow and walked in like she hadn't just walked into a mafia-level standoff.
I immediately straightened, pushing Ren back. "Mei, what are you doing here?"
Mei crossed her arms, smirking. "I was looking for you. But looks like you've found... other company." Her gaze shifted to Ren, unimpressed. "Should I leave you lovebirds alone, or?"
Ren scoffed. "Tch. Cute. Tell your bestie next time not to run from protection. She attracts trouble like a flame."
Mei narrowed her eyes. "And you're the fire, huh?"
He didn't reply, but his silence said everything.
Later that night...
Airi's thoughts were a mess. The whole walk home, she couldn't get Ren's words out of her head. Her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:Be ready. 7PM. My bike's waiting.
Her heart raced. Her fingers trembled.
"Seriously?" she muttered. But when 7PM came around, there he was—leaning on his matte black motorcycle, helmet dangling from one hand.
Ren looked up and smirked. "Took you long enough."
"I didn't agree to this."
"You didn't say no either."
He held out the helmet. Airi hesitated, then took it, placing it on with a huff. "Where are we going?"
"Somewhere quiet."
The bike roared to life. Airi hesitated before wrapping her arms around him, and as she did, she felt his muscles tense for a split second.
"You can hold on tighter. I won't bite." He paused. "Unless you want me to."
"Ren!" she yelled over the engine, but he only laughed, revving the bike and speeding off into the night.
The city lights blurred past. Airi's heart was pounding—not just from the speed, but from the scent of him, the warmth of his back, the way he felt like danger and safety all at once.
They finally pulled into a quiet, hilltop spot. The city sparkled beneath them.
Ren got off and held out his hand. She didn't take it at first, but he gave her a look that left no room for argument.
As she stepped closer, he gently tugged her hand, pulling her flush against him. His arms slid around her waist, possessive.
"I brought you here," he whispered, "because you keep running... and I'm tired of chasing. So listen closely, Airi Tanaka."
His lips brushed her ear. "Next time someone lays a hand on you, I won't just break their arm. I'll break every rule that keeps me human."
Her breath caught.
He leaned back, smirking. "Still think I'm just your bodyguard?"
Airi stared at him, chest tight. She didn't answer. Because deep down, she knew this wasn't protection anymore. It was possession.
She tried to look away, but his grip tightened slightly, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind her who held the power in that moment. The wind carried the scent of his cologne, and her pulse raced.
"I'm not scared of you," she whispered, even though part of her knew it wasn't true.
"Good," Ren murmured, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Because I'm not going anywhere. And the sooner you accept that, the easier this will be."
She swallowed hard. Her mind screamed to step back, but her heart? It wasn't listening.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence between them was louder than words, filled with everything unspoken—desire, tension, fear, and something darker.
Then he broke it.
"Come on," he said, walking back to the bike. "We're not done yet."
"Where are we going now?" she asked, still breathless.
He threw a look over his shoulder. "Where the shadows don't reach you. Not while I'm around."
To be continued...