Momo tried to keep her breathing steady as she walked beside Yozora Akimatsu, now officially her boyfriend under what could only be described as duress. He was carrying his schoolbag—a bag that she now knew contained a massive knife—with the same casual air as someone holding a bouquet of roses."So, Momo," he said, his voice unnervingly cheerful, "how's your brother doing?"Her stomach dropped. "Hirata?""Of course." Yozora gave her a sidelong glance. "He's thirteen now, right? Middle school? I've seen him around."She laughed nervously. "You've seen him?""I like to keep tabs on the people who are important to you," he said simply.Her legs wobbled. Keep tabs? What was this, a crime drama?"That's... uh... thoughtful?" she managed, trying to sound calm. "But Hirata's fine. He's... very average. Nothing special. You probably wouldn't even notice him if you passed him on the street!"Yozora chuckled. "Oh, I've noticed him."Momo bit back a scream.As they approached a street corner, she hesitated, realizing he was still walking confidently ahead. "Wait," she said, trying to keep her voice light, "how do you know where I live?"Yozora stopped, turning to her with a smile that made her insides twist. "Oh, I've known for a while. You're in that cute little house with the blue shutters, right? Third one on the left?"Her brain short-circuited. "Wha—how do you—when—""Why wouldn't I know?" he interrupted, tilting his head like she was the crazy one. "You're my girlfriend now, Momo. I've been... paying attention to you for years."She felt the blood drain from her face."For years?" she repeated, her voice cracking.He nodded, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather. "I walk by sometimes after school. Just to make sure you're safe."Her legs gave out, and she stumbled, barely catching herself on a lamppost. "Oh my God. I need to sit down. Or maybe pass out."Yozora frowned, stepping closer. "Are you okay?""No!" she snapped, then forced a strained laugh. "I mean, yes! Totally fine! Just tired! First day of school, you know?""Ah," he said, nodding in understanding. "Well, you'll feel better when we get home."When we get home? The words rattled around her brain like a warning siren.She plastered on the most convincing smile she could muster. "Actually, Yozora, I just remembered! Hirata texted me. He said he needs something from the store, so I'll take a detour!""I'll come with you," he said smoothly."No need!" she said quickly. "It's just a... a girl thing! Super boring!"He raised an eyebrow. "You're lying."Her heart stopped. "What? No, I'm not!"Yozora sighed, then reached for his schoolbag. Her eyes immediately locked onto the zipper, her brain screaming NO, NOT THE KNIFE!But instead of pulling out the blade, he simply adjusted the strap. "Momo," he said, his voice low, "I don't like it when you lie to me."She gulped. "Okay, fine! No detour! Let's just... go home!"His expression brightened instantly. "Great. I'll walk you the rest of the way."As they resumed walking, Momo could only focus on two things: the sound of her own panicked breathing and the horrifying realization that Yozora Akimatsu had been keeping tabs on her for years.When they finally reached her house, she nearly cried with relief. "Well, here we are!" she said, fumbling with her keys."I'll see you tomorrow," Yozora said, his tone perfectly pleasant. But then he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "And Momo? Don't try to avoid me. I'd be very... upset."She froze, the keys slipping from her trembling hands.He straightened up, gave her one last unnervingly charming smile, and walked away, whistling a cheerful tune.As soon as he turned the corner, Momo bolted inside, slammed the door, and locked every bolt.