Chapter 21: A Watchful Eye
Tokyo.
The days in Aika's apartment passed slowly, like petals drifting down a quiet river. Riven no longer counted them. He slept without fear. Woke to the scent of lavender and canvas paint. Sometimes, Aika would cook breakfast wearing only one of his shirts, humming quietly while the morning light danced across her hair.
She never asked when he'd return home.
She never pressured him to define what they were.
Her presence was enough.
But peace, Riven had learned, never lasted long.
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A Glance in the Hall
It started on a Monday.
They were walking back from the university library, arms brushing as they carried their borrowed books. Aika had a flower tucked behind one ear, something she'd plucked from a roadside bush.
Then Riven saw her.
Ms. Haraguchi.
His literature teacher.
She was standing across the street, just outside a café. Long beige coat, sleek black slacks, a cigarette in hand she rarely smoked. Her sharp gaze caught his instantly—and didn't move.
Riven stiffened.
Ms. Haraguchi's lips curled into the faintest, unreadable smile.
Then she turned and walked away.
---
That Night – Rainfall and Shadows
Riven couldn't sleep.
The memory of Ms. Haraguchi's eyes followed him through every room. Cold. Curious. Knowing.
He wasn't afraid of her, not exactly. But he knew something had shifted.
Aika noticed.
> "You've been quiet."
> "Just tired," Riven replied.
But his fingers were curled tightly in the sheets.
Rain began to fall. A soft, rhythmic tapping against the windowpane.
That's when he sensed it—a presence.
Across the alley, in the building opposite Aika's apartment, a single window was open. A silhouette stood there, barely visible behind the glass.
Watching.
Riven moved toward it, narrowing his eyes.
For a second, lightning struck—and the shadow became a shape. A woman's figure. Long hair. Slim shoulders. A cigarette glowing faintly in her fingers.
Then darkness returned.
---
The Next Day – A Visit After Class
Riven returned to campus for a short class. He didn't want to. But part of him needed to know—was it her?
After the lecture, he gathered his books slowly, giving the classroom time to empty.
Then her voice:
> "Riven. A word?"
Ms. Haraguchi stood by the desk, her black heels clicking softly against the wood. Her eyes held that same sharp calm as always.
> "You've missed a few sessions."
> "Yeah… things have been complicated."
She walked to the window, hands clasped behind her back.
> "I saw you yesterday. With Aika."
Riven tensed.
> "You followed us?"
> "No. I just… noticed."
She turned slightly, the edge of a smirk on her lips.
> "Funny how people who try to disappear always end up more visible than ever."
Her words weren't cruel. But they cut.
> "Do you… want something?" he asked.
She didn't answer right away. Just looked at him for a long time—too long.
> "I just want to understand you, Riven. That's all."
---
Back at Aika's Place – Silence and Comfort
He told Aika everything.
Not about the past, not yet. But about the teacher. The staring. The questions.
Aika didn't react with jealousy or alarm.
She simply held him.
> "You can stay here as long as you need," she whispered. "Whatever she's looking for… she won't find it unless you let her."
But Riven wasn't sure.
Because deep down, he feared that someone always found a way in.
Even when the doors were locked.
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