𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐮𝐢𝐧 X Reader (Dark/Angst)

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 ✶ 𝟎𝟑

As you get closer to the school this time, the familiar sight of its tall, weathered gates comes into view. The structure stands like a solemn sentinel, casting long, deep shadows under the dimming sky. You slow your pace, your heart thrumming with anticipation, but it's not the imposing building that captures your attention—it's Ritsu, standing just outside the gate.

He's wringing his hands together nervously, casting frantic glances down the street every couple of seconds, scanning each road with hopeful desperation, as if expecting you to materialize out of thin air. The way he fidgets, shifting his weight from foot to foot, his eyes wide and anxious, sends a wave of exhilaration through you. He's been waiting for you, counting on you. You can feel his dependence, and it makes your blood hum with satisfaction. The sight of him, so small and vulnerable, triggers something primal inside you.

Does he really think you'd stand him up? That you'd ignore him after he called for you? The mere thought makes you chuckle under your breath. You've already got him exactly where you want him—relying on you, needing you.

"Ritsu!" you call out as you pull your bike up, stopping just within a block of where he's standing.

At the sound of your voice, his head snaps up, his eyes widening in disbelief. He freezes for a moment, his entire body going still as if he's unable to process the fact that you're actually here, standing before him. His mouth falls open, slack with astonishment.

God, he really thought I wouldn't come, didn't he?

You walk the rest of the way, your steps measured and deliberate, savoring the effect your presence has on him. You can see it in the way he watches you approach, like you're some kind of miracle, something too good to be true.

"Found you!" you say, grinning as you close the distance between you.

Ritsu's lips part, but for a moment, no sound comes out. He's staring at you, his eyes wide and filled with disbelief. He looks like he wants to speak, but the words seem caught in his throat, and all he manages is a breathless squeak.

"F/N, you—you came...!" Ritsu finally stammers, his voice shaking with equal parts surprise and relief.

Oh, Ritsu, you think, biting your lip to keep from laughing at how cute he is when he's flustered. You force yourself to stay composed, though the urge to pull him into a hug right then and there is almost overwhelming. He's so easy to read, so full of emotion, and it makes you feel powerful, in control.

"Of course, I came," you reply, keeping your tone light and playful. "I told you I would, didn't I?" You pause, narrowing your eyes slightly in mock suspicion. "Nobody's bothered you while you've been waiting, right?"

Ritsu immediately shakes his head, glancing down at his feet as he fidgets nervously, his cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "N-No... I'm fine. Really. Thank you for actually coming, though..." His voice trails off, as if he still can't believe you showed up. He looks away, his foot tapping anxiously against the ground, and you can't help but wonder how often people have let him down in his life.

You feel a flicker of anger toward whoever has made him this way, but that anger quickly fades into something else—something darker and more satisfying. They've made him so easy for you to mold, to comfort, to control. You might actually have to thank them.

With a grin, you decide to break the tension. "Of course. I've got to protect my friend, right?" You flex your arm in an exaggerated show of strength, placing your hand on your bicep as if to show off, and the sight of it makes Ritsu giggle, a soft, breathless sound that sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. "Come on, let's get going."