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

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 ✶ 𝟏𝟐

The weekend arrives quickly, marking one month since you started dating Ritsu. A mere month—normally, you wouldn't think twice about such a short time, but when Ritsu mentions it with that sweet, hopeful expression, it softens you. His eyes light up as if he's expecting something special, and that hope—no, that need—changes everything. You're careful to keep things perfect between you two, after all. Why wouldn't you? He needs you, depends on you, and it's your responsibility to make sure he never questions it.

You smile at him as you plan the night in your head, dismissing the darker thoughts that try to creep in. Things are fine now. They're better than fine. After what happened at the café, after that run-in with Arashi and his meddling, you were a bit anxious. God, Arashi... just thinking about him makes your blood boil. The way he swooped in, pretending to care about Ritsu, sowing seeds of doubt—what a coward.

But you dealt with it. You handled it. Ritsu's back to normal, or at least as normal as he gets. He smiles at you, he's less nervous, less hesitant. He's more... secure. He belongs to you in a way that feels almost intoxicating. And it's your job to make sure that doesn't change. After all, Ritsu is fragile—he's too easily influenced, too easily led astray by people who don't understand him the way you do.

You think about all of this as the anniversary night rolls around. You told Ritsu you didn't need anything, no gifts, nothing grand. You know he wouldn't be able to figure out what to get you anyway. Besides, the only thing you really want, the only gift that matters, is knowing that he's safe, secure, and completely dependent on you. That he needs you.

You brush the thought away as Ritsu blushes in that endearing way of his when you say it. The color that spreads across his face is almost too precious, and you find yourself staring at him a little too long, thinking about how easy it is to make him melt. To make him trust you completely.

The night finds you both on the couch in your living room. The lights are dim, the television on in the background, though neither of you are paying attention to whatever is playing. Ritsu's curled up against you, his head resting on your chest. His small frame is practically enveloped by yours, his breath rising and falling in time with the gentle rhythm of your breathing. His hand clutches loosely at your shirt, and you wonder for a moment if he's even fully conscious, the way he seems to sink into you, completely relaxed. A rare sight.

You let your fingers drift through his soft hair, combing through the strands as you slowly rub his back. He sighs softly, the sound like a quiet, sweet melody that spurs you on. He's so malleable like this, so easy to please. Every movement you make, every slow stroke along his spine, has him melting deeper into your lap. His sighs grow longer, more content. The more you touch him, the more he turns into putty in your hands.

It feels almost... perfect.

Maybe he just needs this kind of attention all the time, you think. Maybe that's all he needs to keep him calm. To keep him mine.

Your hand trails lower down his back, fingertips brushing the hem of his shirt. You can't help the way your fingers linger there, brushing against his skin with each slow stroke. Ritsu doesn't seem to notice, or if he does, he doesn't react beyond a faint shiver. You think about pushing it further, about letting your hand slip under his shirt, letting your fingers explore the soft, warm skin beneath. The thought is tempting, especially when he shifts slightly, letting out another of those soft, contented sighs.

But you hold back. For now.

Ritsu stirs suddenly, breaking the peaceful silence. His small hand, still fisted in your shirt, tightens for a moment before he lightly grabs your wrist. The action surprises you, but his tentative, shy smile is what really catches you off guard.