Ren Hayama

The days passed.
Then came the weeks.
And, without them realizing it, the months passed.
The girl continued to live in the Hayama mansion.
Ren never asked when she was leaving.
In truth...
He didn't want her to go.
She still spoke very little.
He would only respond with small "yes" or "no" gestures, or a slight nod.
But that never bothered Ren.
He learned to understand her small gestures.
When she was sad...
When I was tired...
When I needed a moment alone.
He always noticed.
One morning, one of the maids approached.
— Mr. Ren... she didn't want to have breakfast.
Ren immediately looked at the tray, which had returned virtually untouched.
Without saying anything, he picked up another tray.
He ordered a hot soup, fruit, and tea to be prepared.
Then he went up to her room.
Toc.
Toc.
May I come in?
No response.
He opened the door slowly.
She was sitting near the window, hugging her knees and looking out at the garden.
Ren placed the tray on the table.
You need to eat something.
She simply shook her head.
I'm not hungry...
It was one of the few complete sentences he ever uttered.
Ren pulled up a chair and sat down next to her.

• All good.
  I hope.
  She looked at him, confused.
  — Until you've eaten at least a few spoonfuls.
  She tried to insist.
• It is not necessary...
  He smiled warmly.
  Yes, it's necessary.
  Because I care about you.
  After a few minutes of silence, she finally picked up the spoon.
  He began to eat slowly.
  Ren only stood up when he was sure she had eaten. Some time later...
  She caught a bad case of the flu.
  He had a fever for two days.
  Ren cancelled important meetings.
  He put his job aside.
  I just wanted to take care of her.
  He was changing the cold towel from his forehead.
  She was making soup.
  He took his medicine on time.
  And he would remain seated beside the bed until she fell asleep.
  One night, she opened her eyes and saw him sleeping in the chair, still holding her hand.
  She stared at him for a few seconds.

She lowered her gaze.
— I... have nowhere to go back to.
The answer made Ren's heart clench.
He remained silent for a few moments.
Then he made a decision.
If you trust me... you can stay at my house for now.
She looked at him in surprise.
I didn't understand why a stranger was being so kind.
Ren simply smiled.
You don't have to answer right now. I just don't want to leave you here alone.
After a few seconds, she made a small nod.
It was the first time she had trusted someone since she became alone.
When they arrived at the enormous Hayama family mansion, the servants were surprised to see Ren bringing a stranger.
He asked that a room be prepared for her.
He also asked for clean clothes, a towel, and a hot meal.
Later, when she came downstairs after showering, her hair was clean and simply tied up.
Ren remained silent for a few seconds.
She seemed like a different person.
Not because the clothes were beautiful, but because now it was possible to see his true face.
He smiled without realizing it.
I'm glad you're more comfortable.
On the dining table, there was a meal prepared especially for her.
— You can eat as much as you like. You're safe here.
She continued to speak very little, but, for the first time, her eyes conveyed a small sign of tranquility.
At that moment, Ren had no idea that this girl would completely change his life.
And she didn't yet know that, for the first time in a long time, she had found someone willing to protect her without asking for anything in return.

The sky was clear that afternoon.
The streets of Tokyo were bustling, filled with people returning from work.
A black luxury car was driving calmly down the avenue.
In the back seat was Ren Hayama, a 24-year-old businessman known for his wealthy and influential family.
Despite his fortune, Ren never cared for parties or arranged dates.
His family had already introduced several potential partners.
He always refused.
"I still haven't found someone who makes my heart race..." she used to say.
As the car drove down a quieter street, Ren looked out the window.
That's when he noticed a narrow alley.
At the end of it, a girl remained standing, with her head down.
Three boys were walking slowly towards her.
Ren frowned.
Stop the car.
The driver braked immediately.
Before the car had come to a complete stop, Ren opened the door and walked into the alley.
The boys looked at him.
They recognized who it was.
Let's go.
Without saying anything more, the three quickly walked away.
The alley fell silent again.
Ren looked at the girl.
She wore simple, rather worn-out clothes.
Her hair partially obscured her face.
She looked very tired.
Carefully, he approached.

• Are you well?
  No response.
  She kept looking at the floor.
  Ren didn't insist.
  He spoke with the same calm:
  "Did they hurt you?" After a few seconds, she shook her head no.
  Then, very slowly, he raised his face.
  At that moment...
  Ren was speechless.
  Their eyes met.
  Even with the weariness etched on her face, there was a tenderness he had never seen before.
  His heart raced in a completely new way.
  "Who is she...?", he thought.
  He took a deep breath before asking:
  Do you have somewhere to go?
  She answered so quietly that it was almost inaudible.
• No...
  Is your family looking for you?