Beneath Their Devotion (Yanderes x Reader)

4. Echoes of the Past

Y/N sat excitedly in the common room of Arundall Hall, feeling a sense of joy that mirrored the cheerful chirping of the birds outside. The first week of classes had come to an end, and she was beginning to feel a sense of ease as she settled into her new routine.

Y/N was relieved to find most of her courses manageable. As a first-year student, she didn't have any classes with Circle members besides Advanced Forensics, which made sense.

This moment was the happiest Y/N had felt since arriving on campus. After what had probably been years, she would finally reunite with her childhood friend, Akira Mori. Y/N started beaming at the thought.

She opened her phone and started rereading the messages between them. It had been years since they last spoke, and it felt surreal when a text from Akira popped up while she was studying at her desk yesterday. She had triple-checked before replying. They had talked for hours, reminiscing about old times, only to discover they were attending the same university. They immediately planned to meet the following morning, and Y/N felt an exhilarating wave of anticipation wash over her.

Though she had formed friendships with a few of her fellow students—Yuna, Hayato, and Mika—she felt extra excited about her childhood friend.

At the thought of Mika, Y/N frowned. Their time together had been a whirlwind of fun and laughter, but lately, Mika had seemed a little distant. It was as if an invisible wall had gone up between them. A sense of unease curled around her heart as she pondered the shift in their connection. Y/N could sense Mika was trying, though, and that's why, when Yuna noticed the change and complained, Y/N defended her roommate. She believed that everything would return to normal soon.

Y/N was determined to help Mika. She already had a plan: after she finished her project with Haru and Ren today, she would ask about the Obsidian Circle. Y/N only prayed that Mika's text was genuine; otherwise, this would have been a shot in the dark.

Lost in her thoughts, Y/N was suddenly jolted back to reality as an eager boy came bounding up to her.

"Ah-" she blurted out, momentarily disoriented.

Before her stood Akira, a face she hadn't seen in years, brimming with energy. His white-blond hair fell into his eyes, which sparkled with excitement.

"N/N!" Akira exclaimed, his voice ringing through the quiet space.

Y/N blinked rapidly, her mind racing to comprehend the rush of emotions flooding her. She felt spellbound by the sight of him.

"Akira? You're actually here!"

Akira's grin widened. "Present."

Before Y/N could fully process his presence, Akira stepped closer and enveloped her in a warm embrace. The familiar feel of his body brought back a flood of childhood memories. All the tension building within her evaporated as she sank into the security of Akira's hug.

"I've missed you so much," he murmured, his voice muffled against her shoulder, and Y/N could feel the sincerity in his words.

She smiled joyfully and returned the hug, warmth blooming in her chest. The years seemed to melt away; it was as if they were transported back to their childhood.

"I didn't expect we'd ever see each other again," she admitted, pulling slightly away to examine his face, searching for traces of the old Akira she remembered. "I mean, everything became so hectic after me and my mother moved."

Akira shook his head vigorously like a child denying a silly misconception. "Of course we'd see each other again, silly," he said.

He grasped her hand firmly. "Come on! We've got so much catching up to do!" He pulled her toward the couch in the common room.