Kaoru

You were let off work early, and joy washed over you immediately. You stepped outside, already reaching for your phone, wanting to call Kaoru and tell him you'd see him earlier today. You were about to press call when a car pulled up next to you. A familiar voice called your name: a former classmate offering you a ride. You accepted, not paying any attention, planning to call him on the way. You got into the car and opened the call screen, but right then the display went blank—your phone was dead. You let out an irritated sigh and plugged in the charger he handed you. The screen didn't turn on right away, and then the conversation and the short drive distracted you, and the entrance appeared unexpectedly.

Kaoru noticed the time too late. He checked his phone, but there was no response. He tried calling, but the number was unavailable. Anxiety spurred him out. He was already at the entrance, seeing a car. You got out first, and another man was driving. Kaoru froze, watching you lean toward the window, watching the conversation drag on. It wasn't anger that caused an unpleasant lurch inside, but a painful feeling that someone else was standing next to you. When you approached, he silently stepped forward and hugged you tightly, as if trying to hold you. His breathing was uneven, his hands trembling. He said nothing, only led you home.

At home, the tension became palpable. He spoke little, moved slowly. And only when you lay together, in the dense silence, did he finally allow himself to speak, hugging you from behind and burying his face in your neck. —Why didn't you call me?...I was waiting. I thought you'd call like usual... He paused, pressing himself closer as if seeking support. —And then the phone was unavailable. I got scared... scared that something would happen. And then I saw you with another guy... He hid his face in embarrassment, his cheeks were burning, and you felt it on your skin. "I don't want other guys to walk you home... I'm so jealous. I know it's wrong, but the thought of someone else being with you hurts me. I want to be the only guy who waits for you, loves you, and greets you... just me."