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I wasn't planning to go to her room.
That was a lie.
I stopped in the hallway when I heard her voice.
Quiet. Controlled. Too familiar.
"âŠI'll talk to you later," she said.
The call ended.
That was enough.
I opened the door without knocking.
She was standing near the window, phone still in her hand. She looked up at me slowlyâno surprise, no guilt. Like I was expected.
My jaw clenched.
"You seem busy," I said.
She placed the phone face down on the table. "Did you need something?"
That calm tone. Like I wasn't already burning.
"Who were you talking to?" I asked.
She didn't answer.
I stopped in front of her, close enough to feel her presence but not touching. I didn't need to.
"That wasn't curiosity," I said. "It was restraint."
Her eyes lifted to mine. Steady. Almost bored.
"I don't report my calls to you," she said.
I chuckled darkly.
I didn't raise his voice.
I stepped closerânot rushed, not aggressiveâuntil Akari's back was near the desk, my presence cutting off the space without touching her.
She met my eyes while mine never left hersâŠ
"That wasn't a question," he continued.
Her fingers rested lightly on the edge of the table. Relaxed. Unbothered.
"I don't owe you explanations," she said.
Ren smiled.
Not amused. Not warm.
"That's where you're wrong."
He leaned in just enough that she had to look up.
"You live under this roof because my family decided so," he said quietly. "You walk into my university. My space. My routine."
His gaze dropped brieflyâto the phone. Then back to her face.
"You're imagining things," she said lightly.
I stepped closer.
"Careful," I replied. "I don't imagine. I catalogue."
Her jaw tightenedâjust a fraction.
Good.
"I don't care who it was," I went on. "I care that you thought you could change something without me noticing."
I straightened, taking a step backâŠ
I added without looking back. "I don't compete. I remove variables."
I opened the door.
Then paused.
"Next time you take a call," I said quietly, "don't sound so comfortable."
I still couldn't hold this jealousy-bitch.