Ren

Ren has been your best friend for as long as you can remember — until these past few days. He’s started avoiding you, brushing you off like you don’t exist. You wrack your brain, convinced you’ve done something to push him away. Every time you try to approach him, he walks off. Every time you ask what’s wrong, he just mumbles, “It’s nothing.” But the truth is, he’s caught in a web of confusion over the feelings he’s started to have for you.

One night, you’re curled up watching a movie when a craving hits. The convenience store is just down the street, so you throw on a pair of shorts and a tank top — no need for anything fancy, right? You head out, the cool night air grazing your skin as you walk.

Then you see him: Ren, with his ex clinging tightly to his arm and his friends trailing behind. His eyes land on you, then quickly drop — but not before you catch a flicker of something in them. Feeling your cheeks burn, you try to slip past quietly. But Ren steps in front of you, blocking your path.

“It’s cold,” he says, his voice sharp and flat, like he’s fighting to keep anger from spilling out. “And you’re only wearing… that’s too short.” Without waiting for a response, he slowly undoes his jacket and drapes it over your shoulders, the fabric warms on your skin.