“Lines That Shouldn’t Be Crossed?”

The next morning, Mina arrived at the office feeling strangely unsettled. Not because of the work—she could handle that. Not because of Daiki—he was easy to read. It was Ren.

The way he looked at her last night…

Like he wanted to say something but didn’t know how.

She shook the thought away. She didn’t have time to analyze Ren’s emotional storms. She had a meeting to prepare for.

When she entered the design department, Daiki was already there, leaning against her desk with a cup of coffee in hand.

“For you,” he said, offering it.

Mina blinked. “Why?”

“You look like someone who forgets to take care of herself when she’s focused.”

She crossed her arms. “I don’t need taking care of.”

Daiki chuckled. “I didn’t say you did. I’m just being polite.”

Mina hesitated, then took the cup. “Thanks.”

“Anytime.”

Ayaka watched the exchange with wide eyes. Mina ignored her. She didn’t owe anyone explanations.

---

Scene 2 — The Meeting

The team gathered in the conference room for the client’s follow‑up meeting. Mina presented confidently, her voice steady, her posture strong. She answered questions with precision, defended her design choices, and impressed the client so thoroughly that even the senior designers looked at her with newfound respect.

When the meeting ended, Daiki leaned close.

“You were incredible.”

Mina shrugged. “I did my job.”

“No,” he said softly, “you dominated the room.”

She felt a flicker of warmth in her chest—but she pushed it down. Compliments were dangerous. They softened people. She didn’t want to soften.

But Daiki wasn’t done.

“You know,” he said, “if you ever want to lead a project with me, I’d be happy to partner up.”

Mina raised an eyebrow. “Are you recruiting me?”

“Maybe,” he said with a grin. “Maybe I just like working with people who challenge me.”

Before she could respond, the conference room door opened.

Ren stood there.

His eyes went straight to Mina.

Then to Daiki.

Then back to Mina.

The temperature in the room dropped.

---

Scene 3 — Ren’s Breaking Point

“Mina,” Ren said, voice controlled but tight, “I need a word.”

Daiki stepped forward. “We’re in the middle of discussing the next phase.”

Ren didn’t even look at him. “This is a private matter.”

Mina exhaled sharply. “Ren, I’m working.”

“And I’m asking for five minutes.”

His tone wasn’t commanding. It wasn’t cold. It was… strained.

That was worse.

Mina followed him out into the hallway.

The moment the door closed, Ren turned to her.

“Why was he standing so close to you?”

Mina stared at him. “Are you serious?”

Ren’s jaw clenched. “I’m asking a question.”

“And I’m telling you it’s none of your business.”

Ren stepped closer. “You’re my wife.”

“And I’m also my own person,” she shot back. “I don’t belong to you.”

Ren flinched—actually flinched.

“Mina… I’m not trying to control you.”

“Then stop acting like you are.”

He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “I don’t like the way he looks at you.”

“That’s his problem, not mine.”

“And what about how you look at him?”

Mina froze.

Ren’s voice dropped, raw and unguarded. “Do you like him?”

She didn’t answer immediately. Not because she didn’t know—but because she didn’t want to hurt him.

Finally, she said, “I don’t like anyone. I respect him. That’s all.”

Ren exhaled shakily. “I don’t want to lose you.”

Mina’s heart tightened—but she kept her voice steady.

“You won’t lose me,” she said. “But you will push me away if you keep acting like this.”

Ren looked at her with something like fear.

And Mina hated that it affected her.

---

Scene 4 — A Line Drawn

Back in the department, Daiki approached her again.

“You okay?” he asked.

“I’m fine.”

“You sure? Because Ichikawa looked like he was about to explode.”

Mina sighed. “Ren is… complicated.”

Daiki smirked. “You don’t say.”

She shot him a look. “Don’t start.”

“Hey,” he said, raising his hands, “I’m not trying to cause trouble. But if he’s giving you a hard time—”

“He’s not,” she said firmly. “And even if he was, I can handle it.”

Daiki studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But if you ever need backup, I’m here.”

Mina didn’t respond.

But she felt the line forming.

Ren on one side.

Daiki on the other.

And her—standing firmly in the middle, refusing to be pulled by either.

She wouldn’t bend.

Not for jealousy.

Not for attention.

Not for anyone.

But for the first time… she wondered how long she could stand between two storms before one of them finally broke.

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