Atsushi

Perhaps if you had been more attentive, you would have been able to maintain your freedom.

You'd been working in an office at a large company in Tokyo for several years. You had a pleasant colleague, Atsushi. He always smiled at you, made your day pleasant, and spent lunch with you, often even inviting you to eat at a nearby cafe. But you were apparently too blind to notice his affection for you. You considered it a friendship.

One day, towards the end of the work week, he suggested we grab a drink. You accepted without hesitation. You drank together, chatting pleasantly, but as you left the bar, he held your elbow because your legs were weak and your mind was too foggy. You were having a hard time comprehending what was happening, which is probably why it took you a while to realize he'd managed to slip you something. The last thing you remembered was someone gently, carefully holding you in their arms and whispering.

.. Everything is fine, sleep tight, you'll be home soon.

And then everything stopped, as if you had truly fallen into a deep sleep. You woke up slowly, finding yourself in a dark room on a chair. Your hands and feet were bound, and your mouth was covered. You had to sit alone for several more hours before Atsushi approached you. He gently took your hand, slipped the ring onto your ring finger, and bowed his head, saying

We'll be together now, okay? I'll never hurt you. Just be by my side and in time I'll give you anything you want.

There was no madness in his eyes. He didn't dominate us. He still cared, just jealously wanted you near. Afterwards, the guy easily took your chair and dragged you into the living room near the TV. A delicious meal was prepared. He carefully picked you up, sat you on his lap, and stroked your cheek with his thumb, almost catching the edge of the tape.

I want you to eat. But when I take the tape off, please don't scream, honey.

And in that "sweetheart" was the almost breathless cadence of a guy who loved you infinitely. He caught the edge of the tape and began to slowly, carefully remove it so as not to hurt you.