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

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 ✶ 𝟎𝟔

Sunday arrives with a cool breeze, the kind that signals the end of a weekend and the gentle onset of dusk. You've been keeping yourself busy throughout the day, tidying up, preparing dinner, trying to keep your mind occupied—though you can't help but glance at the clock every few minutes. He's going to be here any moment.

Just as you're starting to wonder if you imagined his promise to show up, there's a knock at the door. It's soft, hesitant, almost apologetic. The kind of knock that might go unnoticed if you weren't waiting for it.

Right on time, you think, unable to suppress the small smile that creeps across your face.

You open the door, and there he is—Ritsu. He stands there, looking a bit nervous but visibly relieved the moment his eyes land on you. His shoulders, once rigid with uncertainty, drop a little, and you can see the tension melt away from his frame. It's almost like seeing you is the thing he's been waiting for all day.

"Hi, Ritsu," you greet him warmly, stepping aside to usher him in. "Was the walk okay? You didn't run into any trouble?"

"I-It was fine," Ritsu responds, though his voice is a little quiet, almost shy. His eyes dart to the floor, then back to you, before quickly averting again. "I'm just... really happy to be here now."

There's a softness in the way he says it that strikes you, like simply being in your presence is a balm for him. You can see it in the way he stands there, more relaxed than you've ever seen him.

He's starting to rely on me, you think, a little swell of pride forming in your chest. It's becoming more and more apparent that you're becoming his anchor.

"I'm happy too," you say with a smile that feels surprisingly genuine, considering how rare those have been for you lately. "Now, come on in. I made dinner for us."

Ritsu steps inside, his eyes widening slightly as he takes in the cozy warmth of your home. The smell of food greets him almost immediately, rich and savory, making his stomach rumble audibly—though he tries to hide it, of course. You pretend not to notice, leading him toward the dining table where two bowls of steaming food are already waiting.

He glances at the table, his face lighting up in wonder. On it sits a meal you don't make often—one of those dishes you reserve for special occasions, with tender cuts of beef simmering in a creamy, savory broth, fragrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice. "Th-This is for me?" he asks, like he can't quite believe it. His eyes are wide as he takes in the bowl of food before him, rich and fragrant.

"Yup," you say, laughing softly at his expression. "And if you're still hungry after that, there's more in the pot. You can have as much as you want."

Ritsu blinks at you, clearly overwhelmed by the generosity, though he tries to hide it by quickly taking a seat. As he lifts the spoon to his lips, his expression changes—softening with a mixture of surprise and gratitude. He eats like he hasn't had a proper meal in days, and considering the state you've found him in before, that's probably true.

When was the last time someone made him a decent meal? you wonder, your stomach twisting slightly at the thought.

"So," you ask after a few moments, trying to keep the mood light, "how's everything going for you? Have things been better since last time?"

Ritsu pauses, swallowing a bite before glancing up at you. His voice is small, almost like he's afraid to jinx whatever good luck he's had. "Actually... I'm doing a little better. I-I'm not so behind on my homework anymore, thanks to you."

"That's great!" you reply, feeling a surge of pride at his progress. "We'll make sure to keep on top of it, okay? If you need help, just come over. I'll be here to make sure you don't get overwhelmed again."