Monday morning arrived with a soft hum of the city waking up. The streets were busier than usual, but for Haruka, the day felt heavier than the usual start of the workweek.
She had spent the entire weekend trying to push away the unsettling feeling from the park, but now, with a fresh new week ahead, the sensation of being watched lingered in the back of her mind.
She arrived at the office early, hoping the routine of work would shake off the unease. The quiet buzz of her coworkers settling into their desks felt familiar, almost comforting. The soft clattering of keyboards, the rustling of papers, the occasional murmur of conversation—it was all as it should be.
"Good morning, Haruka," Ms. Nakamura greeted her with a warm smile as she passed by, carrying her usual cup of coffee. "Ready for another busy day?"
Haruka forced a smile. "I think so."
As she walked to her cubicle, she glanced around the office. Everything seemed normal, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. She picked it up quickly, hoping for something to distract her.
It was a text from Yuto.
*"Hey, everything okay? You seemed a little off yesterday. Let me know if you need anything."*
She smiled softly at his message, grateful for his concern. Her thumb hovered over the screen, considering how much to say. She didn't want to worry him, but she also didn't want to keep pretending everything was fine.
*"Thanks for checking in. It's just… I've been feeling a little weird lately. But I'll be okay. Let's just focus on work for now."*
She hit send and quickly went back to her desk, trying to bury the odd sense of foreboding deep inside her.
Minutes later, Takumi approached her cubicle with his usual calm demeanor. "Hey, Haruka. Got a minute?"
She nodded, standing up as he leaned against the edge of her desk.
"You okay?" Takumi asked, his voice soft, but his eyes sharp as if he could see through her forced smile.
Haruka hesitated for a moment before replying, "Yeah. Just… a little tired, I guess. It's been a long weekend."
Takumi studied her for a moment, but nodded. "Alright. Just making sure. You know you can talk to me, right?"
Haruka smiled again, this time more genuinely. "I know. Thanks, Takumi."
He gave a brief nod and left her cubicle, returning to his own work. As Haruka sat back down, she tried to shake off the tension that was building in her chest.
Today was just like any other day—just another Monday—but deep down, she knew that something wasn't quite right.
The phone rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. She quickly grabbed the receiver and greeted the caller, doing her best to focus on the task at hand.
But even as she worked, her mind kept drifting back to the strange feeling that had taken root over the weekend, like an itch she couldn't quite scratch. Whatever it was, Haruka knew she couldn't ignore it for long.
A few minutes later, the sound of the office door opening caught Haruka's attention. She looked up, and there he was—Yuto, walking in with his usual cheerful expression, his bag slung over his shoulder. He looked around for a moment before his gaze landed on her.
"Good morning, Haruka!" Yuto greeted with a smile, his voice warm and familiar. His presence, as always, brought a sense of comfort, but today, Haruka couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was off. Still, she forced herself to return his smile.
"Morning, Yuto," she replied, her voice a bit softer than usual. She couldn't help but notice that he seemed to pick up on her change in mood almost instantly.
"Hey, are you sure you're alright?" Yuto asked, his brow furrowing in concern.
Haruka hesitated, unsure of how to explain the lingering unease she felt. She didn't want to worry him, especially when she didn't fully understand what was going on herself.
"I'm fine, really," she said with a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Just... tired. You know how Mondays can be."
Yuto didn't seem convinced, but he didn't press further. Instead, he gave her a small nod and moved to his desk.
"Alright, if you say so," he replied, but Haruka could hear the doubt in his voice. He was good at reading people, and it was clear he wasn't fully buying her explanation.
As the day went on, Haruka tried to focus on her work, but the odd feeling never fully left her. Every time the door opened or she heard a footstep behind her, she felt the slightest chill run down her spine.
She kept glancing over her shoulder, but nothing ever seemed out of place. It was probably just her imagination, she told herself, but the sensation was persistent.
Around noon, as the office settled into its usual lunchtime rhythm, Yuto came over to her desk again. He leaned against the side, his expression more serious than before.
"Haruka, if something's bothering you, you can talk to me, you know?" he said, his voice gentle but firm. "You don't have to deal with it alone."
She looked at him, feeling a pang of guilt for hiding her feelings. He was always there for her, and she wanted to be honest with him.
"It's just... this weird feeling I've been having," Haruka admitted, her voice quieter now. "I don't know how to explain it, but it's like someone's been watching me. I keep looking over my shoulder, but there's never anyone there. It's probably nothing, but... it's hard to shake off."
Yuto's expression softened, and he nodded. "I get it. That sounds... unsettling. But hey, you're not alone in this. I'm here for you, and if you ever need anything, just say the word."
Haruka gave him a small, grateful smile, feeling a bit of the weight lift from her shoulders. "Thanks, Yuto. I really appreciate it."
He smiled back at her, then leaned in slightly, as if offering a little more comfort. "Just don't hesitate to reach out, alright? No matter what."
Haruka nodded, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over her. With Yuto by her side, maybe she could finally get to the bottom of the strange feelings that had been haunting her. She only hoped the day wouldn't bring anything worse.
Yuto, who was right beside her, gently held her hand, offering silent comfort. His touch was firm but tender, a reminder that he was there for her, no matter what. "Who was it?" he asked quietly, his voice full of concern. "Was it the guy who followed you yesterday... or last Saturday?"
Haruka took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. The unease still gripped her, but she couldn't ignore the sense of security she felt with Yuto beside her. She shook her head slowly, the memory of the calls still fresh in her mind. "No... it wasn't him. This... this felt different. The voice was unfamiliar, but the way they spoke..." She faltered, her words trailing off as she processed the eerie sensation of being watched.
Yuto frowned, his concern deepening. "You don't have to go through this alone. We'll figure out who this is. I'll stay with you until we get to the bottom of it."
Haruka nodded, though a knot still formed in her chest. She didn't want to drag anyone into this mess, but Yuto's unwavering support made her feel like she didn't have a choice. "I don't know who it is," she admitted. "But it feels like they know too much. About everything."
"That's creepy," Yuto muttered, tightening his grip on her hand. "Whoever it is, they won't get away with it. I'll make sure of it."
Haruka gave him a small, grateful smile, but the unease lingered. "I just... I need to figure out how to make it stop. It's just getting too much to handle."
Yuto, sensing her distress, squeezed her hand again. "We'll take it one step at a time. I'm not leaving your side until this is over, I promise."
Haruka didn't know how, but with Yuto there, she felt a small sense of relief. Together, they'd face whatever was coming next.
A few more minutes before their break ended, Haruka's phone buzzed again. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw the unknown number flashing on the screen. Without hesitation, she showed the message to Yuto, her hands slightly shaking as she handed him her phone.
"Oh, my love~ seems like you're replacing me with your new boyfriend, what a shame, but don't worry. I always find a way to get you back," the message read.
Yuto's jaw tightened as he read it, his brows furrowing in concern. "This is getting out of hand," he said, his voice low with frustration. He looked at Haruka, his grip tightening on her hand. "Haruka, this isn't just some prank anymore. This person is clearly fixated on you."
Haruka's chest tightened, the anxiety creeping back in. She had hoped the strange behavior would stop, but now it was clear that it wasn't going to. "I... I don't know what to do anymore," she admitted quietly, her voice trembling. "I don't feel safe. It feels like they're always watching, always lurking."
Yuto took a deep breath, his protective instincts kicking in. "We need to report this. No one should have to deal with this kind of harassment, especially not you." His eyes softened as he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I won't let this person scare you. We'll make sure they stop."
Haruka looked at him, grateful for his support. The weight in her chest felt a little lighter knowing that she wasn't facing this alone. "I appreciate it, Yuto," she said, managing a small smile. "But I don't know if the police can help with something like this."
"We'll make them help," Yuto said with a determined look in his eyes. "You don't have to go through this by yourself. We'll take it one step at a time, but we'll get this person to stop."
Haruka nodded, feeling a mix of relief and dread. "Okay, let's do it."
As they stood up and made their way back to the office, Haruka knew that things wouldn't be easy. But with Yuto by her side, she felt stronger, and maybe, just maybe, they could put an end to this nightmare.
As the day went on, Haruka couldn't shake off the nagging feeling that she was being watched. Even in the office, she found herself looking over her shoulder every few minutes, half-expecting to see the person who had been tormenting her.
But for now, the calls and messages had stopped, leaving an unsettling silence in their place.
Yuto, noticing her unease, stayed close by, always within reach. He kept her company during their breaks and offered her a reassuring smile every time their eyes met. He was there, and that made Haruka feel a little bit safer, though she couldn't completely shake the tension in her chest.
By the end of the day, Haruka and Yuto decided to take action. Yuto had already made up his mind that they would report the harassment to the authorities.
Haruka felt conflicted—part of her feared that it would only escalate the situation, but she knew Yuto was right. She couldn't let this go on any longer.
As they walked to the police station together, Haruka clutched her phone tightly in her hand, her mind racing with the thought of everything that had been happening. Yuto stayed close, offering his presence as a silent form of comfort.
When they arrived, Yuto stepped forward to speak with the officers, explaining the situation while Haruka stood by, trying to keep her composure.
The officer took notes, asking Haruka questions about the messages and calls, their tone growing more serious with every detail she provided.
After a few minutes, the officer assured her that they would look into it, but warned that it might take some time to trace the person behind the harassment.
"Thank you," Haruka said, her voice barely a whisper. She felt both relieved and apprehensive. It was a step toward putting an end to this, but part of her wondered if they were really going to catch whoever was doing this.
Yuto turned to her after they finished with the report. "We'll make sure this person is held accountable," he said firmly. "You don't have to worry about it anymore, okay? We'll handle it together."
Haruka smiled weakly, feeling a bit of warmth in her chest despite everything. "Thanks, Yuto. I'm glad you're here."
They left the station, and as they walked down the quiet street, the weight that had been pressing on Haruka's chest seemed to lessen just a little.
There were still many unknowns, but with Yuto by her side, it felt like she had a fighting chance. For the first time in days, she could breathe a little easier.
But as they reached her apartment, Haruka couldn't ignore the lingering feeling that the person who had been harassing her wasn't done yet.
As they arrived at Haruka's apartment, the feeling of unease returned. Haruka's hand trembled slightly as she fumbled for her keys. Yuto, noticing the shift in her mood, stayed close, his presence steady and grounding.
"Do you want me to stay for a bit?" Yuto asked quietly, his concern evident in his eyes. He could tell Haruka wasn't entirely at ease, and he didn't want to leave her alone if she still felt vulnerable.
Haruka hesitated for a moment, but the thought of being alone after everything that had happened made her feel anxious. "Yeah, I'd appreciate it," she said, her voice soft but grateful. She opened the door, letting them both inside. The apartment was quiet, the soft hum of the fridge the only sound in the otherwise still room.
Yuto settled on the couch, while Haruka went to prepare a quick tea. She moved around the kitchen, trying to focus on something else to distract herself.
She could feel Yuto's gaze on her every so often, but she was too deep in her thoughts to really pay attention.
As she poured hot water into a cup, her phone buzzed again, a familiar dread creeping up her spine. She hesitated, staring at the screen for a moment before picking it up. It was another message from the unknown number.
"Still thinking about me, my love? Don't worry, I'm patient. I'll be waiting for you."
The message sent a shiver down her spine. This person had no intention of stopping. They were relentless.
Yuto, noticing the change in her expression, stood up and walked over to her. "What is it?" he asked softly, concern in his voice.
Haruka handed him the phone, her fingers shaking as she did. "This... this keeps happening," she said, her voice tinged with frustration and fear.
Yuto read the message quickly, then met her gaze, his face hardening with determination. "This has to stop. I won't let them do this to you."
Haruka nodded, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I know. I just... I don't know how much longer I can take this."
Yuto placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to face this alone. I'm here. We'll get through this together."
Haruka took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions. With Yuto's reassurance, she felt a little lighter, but the fear lingered in the back of her mind.
The situation wasn't over, and she knew that. But for now, she had someone she could rely on, someone who wouldn't let her face this nightmare alone.
"Thank you, Yuto," she said quietly, looking up at him with a small smile. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
Yuto smiled back, his expression softening. "I'll always be here for you, Haruka. Always."
As the night went on, they spent a few more hours talking and watching TV. The quiet comfort of having Yuto there helped Haruka feel a little safer, but the unease never completely left her.
She knew that tomorrow, the same threats could start again, and that worry weighed heavily on her.
But for tonight, she allowed herself to focus on the present, finding some peace in the companionship she had.
The person who had been stalking her might be out there, but Haruka wasn't alone anymore. And with Yuto by her side, she felt like they could face anything together.
As the evening settled into a quiet calm, Haruka glanced at Yuto, who was flipping through channels aimlessly, his presence comforting.
She felt a warmth spread through her chest, realizing just how much his support meant to her during this chaotic time.
"Yuto," she began softly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence. He turned to her, his expression open and attentive. "Thank you for being here with me. I feel safe when you're around," she said, her lips curving into a gentle smile.
Yuto's eyes softened, and he set the remote down. "You don't have to thank me, Haruka," he replied earnestly. "I'm glad I can be here for you. You've been there for so many people; it's only right that someone stands by you when you need it."
Haruka's smile widened, her heart lightened by his words. She felt a flicker of hope—maybe she could navigate this storm after all. With someone like Yuto by her side, the shadows didn't seem as overwhelming.
They spent the rest of the evening in quiet companionship, exchanging stories and laughter that momentarily drowned out the anxiety in her heart.
For a while, Haruka allowed herself to believe that things could get better, even if the road ahead was uncertain.
When it was time to call it a night, Haruka brought out a spare blanket and pillow for Yuto. "The couch isn't the most comfortable, but it's the best I can offer," she said apologetically.
"It's perfect," Yuto assured her with a grin. "Better than leaving you to deal with this alone."
As she prepared for bed, Haruka peeked out of her room one last time to see Yuto lying on the couch, scrolling through his phone. She whispered, "Good night, Yuto."
"Good night, Haruka," he replied, his voice steady and warm.
Haruka closed her door, a newfound sense of security washing over her. Despite the lingering unease of her situation, she felt reassured knowing she wasn't alone anymore.
As Haruka drifted into sleep, she clung to the hope that tomorrow would bring a little more clarity and peace. The night felt calmer with Yuto nearby, his reassuring presence grounding her thoughts amidst the chaos.
"Tomorrow is another day," she whispered to herself, a quiet mantra to push away the fear and uncertainty.
It was a reminder that each new dawn brought the possibility of change, of moving forward, and of finding the strength to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.
In the living room, Yuto lay on the couch, his thoughts mirroring hers. He glanced toward Haruka's closed door, silently vowing to do whatever it took to help her through this ordeal.
The trust she had in him was not something he would take lightly.
As the night deepened, both found solace in the belief that with courage, patience, and a little help from one another, they could face whatever tomorrow had in store.
Tuesday morning arrived with the soft light of dawn filtering through the windows. Haruka stirred in her bed, her body heavy with the weight of restless sleep.
She took a moment to gather herself before getting up, trying to shake off the unease that still clung to her from the previous day.
She stepped into the kitchen to find Yuto already awake, sipping on a cup of coffee and flipping through his phone. "Morning," he greeted her, a small smile on his face. "You sleep okay?"
Haruka nodded, though she knew her sleep had been far from restful. "Thanks for staying over," she said, pulling out a mug to join him.
"Anytime," Yuto replied. "Did you get any more messages or calls overnight?"
Haruka shook her head. "No, thankfully. Maybe whoever it was finally gave up."
Yuto frowned, setting his coffee down. "Or they're planning something else. We can't let our guard down just yet. Did you want me to walk you to work today?"
Haruka considered his offer, tempted but hesitant. "I don't want to keep dragging you into this mess. You've already done so much."
Yuto gave her a pointed look. "You're not dragging me into anything, Haruka. If walking you to work gives you some peace of mind, it's worth it."
She smiled softly. "Okay. Thank you, Yuto."
As they left the apartment together, the cool morning air seemed to clear some of Haruka's lingering doubts. Yet, in the back of her mind, she couldn't shake the feeling that this stalker wasn't finished.
She clung to the hope that the day would pass without incident, but deep down, she braced herself for whatever was to come.
By the time they arrived at the office, Haruka was feeling more settled, especially with Yuto's reassuring presence beside her.
The usual hum of workplace chatter greeted them, and Haruka made her way to her cubicle, determined to focus on work and not let fear control her day.
As Haruka answered some phone calls, Yuto was out of the office for an errand that Takumi ordered.
Meanwhile, Yuto, who was busy running the errand, had no idea of the unease that lingered with Haruka as she handled calls from single, broken-hearted, and married individuals.
The hours dragged on, and just as Haruka was beginning to feel a little calmer, Yuto finally returned to the office.
However, before he could enter, he bumped into a tall, slim man in a sharp suit standing outside. "Oh, I'm so sorry," Yuto apologized, stepping back quickly.
"Don't worry about it," the man replied, his tone cool but polite.
The two exchanged brief smiles, seemingly unbothered by the minor collision, until Haruka suddenly burst out of the office, phone in hand. "Yuto! I've been calling you for more than ten times, and you're already—" she stopped mid-sentence when she lifted her head and saw the man standing beside him.
Her blood ran cold, and her phone almost slipped from her grasp. Panic overtook her as she froze in place. "Yuto, why are you with him!?" she shouted, her voice trembling.
Yuto looked between her and the man, his brows knitting in confusion. "You know this guy?"
"Yes, Yuto! Now, let's go!" she demanded, her voice sharp and laced with fear. She didn't wait for his response and grabbed his arm, pulling him toward the office doors without another word.
The suited man stood in place, watching them retreat with a calm, unsettling smile. As the doors closed behind them, Yuto turned to Haruka, bewildered. "What's going on? Who was that?"
Haruka leaned against the wall, her breathing unsteady. "That's him," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"Him?"
She looked at him, her eyes wide with fear. "The guy who's been stalking me."
Yuto froze at her words, his expression hardening. "That was him?" he asked, his voice low but firm.
Haruka nodded, her hands trembling as she clutched her phone. "I didn't expect him to show up here. I thought I'd at least be safe at work."
Yuto clenched his fists. "You should've told me sooner that you recognized him. I wouldn't have just stood there like that."
"I didn't expect to see him at all, let alone outside the office," Haruka replied, her voice cracking slightly. "It caught me completely off guard."
Yuto took a deep breath and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We need to let Takumi know. This can't be ignored anymore."
Haruka hesitated but nodded. "You're right. We can't let this escalate further."
The two of them headed straight to Takumi's office, where they found him buried in paperwork. He looked up as they entered, immediately sensing the tension. "What's going on?" he asked, putting his pen down.
"There's something we need to tell you," Yuto began, his tone serious. "Haruka's stalker was just outside the office."
Takumi's eyes widened as he leaned forward in his chair. "Are you serious? Did he try to do anything?"
"No," Haruka said quickly. "But he spoke to Yuto before I got there. He acted like it was just a coincidence, but I know it wasn't. He's been watching me."
Takumi frowned, his brows furrowing. "This is getting out of hand. Haruka, you need to take this seriously. Have you contacted the authorities?"
Haruka hesitated. "I haven't yet. I was trying to handle it on my own, but… I don't think I can anymore."
"You shouldn't have to," Yuto said firmly. "We're here to help you."
Takumi nodded in agreement. "We'll contact security and make sure the building is aware of this guy. In the meantime, I'll make some calls to get legal advice. Haruka, you're not alone in this."
Haruka's eyes welled up with tears, but she managed a weak smile. "Thank you… both of you."
As they left Takumi's office, Yuto stayed close to Haruka, his protective instincts on high alert. "From now on, you're not walking anywhere alone," he said. "Not to work, not home, nowhere."
Haruka looked at him, touched by his concern. "Thank you, Yuto. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"You won't have to find out," Yuto replied, his expression softening. "We'll get through this together."
Meanwhile, from the stalker's point of view, he sat on the couch in his dimly lit apartment, his phone clutched tightly in his hand. His mother paced back and forth, her voice rising in frustration.
"We can't afford another attorney for you, Hiroshi! Why can't you just forget about that girl, huh?" she shouted, her voice laced with both anger and desperation.
Hiroshi's eyes darkened as he glared at his mother. "No, I can't just forget my love Haruka. She's everything to me," he said firmly, his voice tinged with obsession.
"We can't keep going in circles, Hiroshi!" his mother retorted, her tone sharp. "You do know that your aunts and uncles can't vouch for you anymore, and let alone the fact that we can't even afford to keep hiring attorneys! You've dragged this family's name through the mud enough!"
Hiroshi stood abruptly, his fists clenched. "This isn't about money or the family! Haruka is my destiny. She just doesn't see it yet. But she will, Mother. She'll understand once I prove how much I love her."
His mother scoffed, throwing her hands in the air. "Prove it? By stalking her? By scaring her half to death? That's not love, Hiroshi. It's madness! And if you keep this up, you're going to end up in jail—or worse!"
Hiroshi's face twisted with anger, but he didn't reply. Instead, he turned away, muttering under his breath. "They'll all see. Haruka will see. No one will take her from me."
"Hiroshi, listen to me!" his mother pleaded, her voice softening with desperation. "Please, let her go. Move on before you ruin your life completely."
But Hiroshi didn't answer. Instead, he stormed out of the room, his thoughts consumed by Haruka and his warped sense of love.
His mother slumped into a chair, burying her face in her hands. She feared it was too late to save him—or to stop the path of destruction he seemed determined to follow.
•~• End of 10 •~•