After Kei's call, Haru couldn't go back to sleep. Instead, he decided to return to his apartment to collect a few belongings he'd need while staying at Sakura's house.
However, he was reluctant to leave her alone. Yes, she was asleep, and her father, who was a paediatrician had taken time off work to care for her. But Sakura only truly trusted him.
Just as he reached for the door handle, a voice stopped him.
"Are you leaving?" Ren asked.
Haru turned to face him. "Yes, sir. But only to pick up a few of my things. I still intend to stay by Sakura's side."
Ren studied him for a moment before nodding solemnly. "Thank you."
Haru blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected gratitude.
"I heard about what happened when Sakura's drink was spiked," Ren continued. "You protected her. For that, you have my sincerest gratitude." He bowed deeply.
"Please, raise your head, sir," Haru said, feeling awkward.
Ren straightened. "And you helped her yesterday after… after what happened," he added, his voice quieter. "And again this morning, when she had a panic attack."
Haru hesitated before nodding.
Ren sighed, rubbing his temples. "My wife and I wanted to help, but…" His expression darkened. "She wouldn't let us near her. Yet, the moment you stepped in, she calmed down."
Haru didn't know what to say.
"Thank you," Ren said again, his voice filled with both gratitude and something else—guilt, perhaps. "Not just for what happened during the mixer, but for yesterday and this morning too. For being there when she needed someone."
"There's no need to thank me," Haru replied. "I'm simply protecting the person I love most."
Ren regarded him carefully. "I also owe you an apology for my surliness yesterday. I was just... surprised that Sakura never told us she had a boyfriend."
"Sakura and I only started dating two days ago. I assume that's why," Haru replied.
Ren's brows furrowed. "Two days ago? It certainly doesn't seem that way."
Haru stiffened. "Do you not believe me?"
Ren exhaled, his expression unreadable. "I can't say that I do. I've seen the way Sakura looks at you—how much she trusts you, how much faith she has in you. The way she feels safe with you. That kind of trust isn't built in two days. It takes years."
Haru hesitated before answering, a knot forming in his chest. "I assure you, sir, we haven't been together for years. As for why she trusts me so much... I don't know."
Ren didn't respond immediately, but his gaze lingered on Haru, thoughtful yet unreadable.
Haru took that as his cue to leave. "I'll be back soon," he said before stepping out the door.
He pulled out his phone and booked a taxi to the university. His car was still parked outside from the day before, having left with the Suzuki family in a hurry.
First, he would pick up his car. Then, he would go home to gather what he needed.
…
As soon as Haru stepped into his apartment, Aoi was waiting for him.
"How's Sakura?" he asked immediately.
Haru barely spared him a glance as he strode toward his room. "Not well. That's why I need to hurry and pack before she wakes up."
"You didn't go to university today, did you?"
"Of course not. Sakura needs me."
Aoi let out a sharp breath. "Haru, remember what I told you? Stay focused."
"Yeah," Haru muttered, stuffing clothes, deodorant, shampoo, and body wash into his bag.
"Well, your girlfriend is becoming a distraction."
Haru froze mid-motion, his grip tightening around the fabric in his hands. Slowly, he turned to face Aoi, his expression dark. "What did you just say?"
Aoi folded his arms. "You're putting everything on hold for her. What about your future? You can't throw everything away for some girl."
Some girl.
Haru felt something snap inside him.
"How the hell am I throwing away my future by missing a few days?" he demanded, his voice sharp with fury. "Do you really think my entire life is going to crumble because I didn't sit through a couple of lectures? You make it sound like I've dropped out completely!"
Aoi exhaled in frustration. "That's not what I meant, Haru. I just—"
"No, that's exactly what you meant," Haru cut him off, stepping forward. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "You weren't there. You didn't see her when she ran out of Kenji's room—her torn jumper, her empty eyes, the way she could barely breathe because she was so scared. You didn't hear her voice shake when she begged me not to leave her alone." His jaw tightened. "So don't you dare act like you understand."
Aoi shook his head. "I get that you want to help her, but Haru, her family is there. She doesn't need you to play hero."
Haru let out a cold, humourless laugh. "Hero? Is that what you think this is? You think I'm doing this for some ego boost?" He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a deadly quiet tone. "She doesn't trust them right now. She trusts me. And if protecting her means risking a few days of my studies, then so be it."
Aoi's expression hardened. "Well then… I'm sorry for this."
Before Haru could react, Aoi stepped out of the room and locked the door behind him.
Haru lunged at the door, slamming his fist against it. "Aoi!" His voice thundered through the apartment. "If you don't open this door right now, I swear to God, I'll break it down!"
"Catch up on the work you missed today, and I'll let you out. Easy peasy," Aoi called from the other side.
Haru slammed his fist against the wood again, rage boiling in his chest. "Aoi, I swear—I'll do the damn work at Sakura's place, just open the door!"