The Distance Between Us”

Mina woke up the next morning with a heaviness in her chest she couldn’t quite name. She wasn’t sad. She wasn’t angry. She wasn’t confused. She was… unsettled.

Ren had left early, as usual. His side of the bed was cold. Mina stared at the empty space for a moment before forcing herself up. She didn’t have time for emotional spirals. She had work.

She dressed quickly, tied her hair back, and headed out the door.

But as she walked to the station, she couldn’t shake the memory of Ren’s voice from yesterday.

> “Do you like him?”

She hated that the question lingered.

Not because she liked Daiki—she didn’t. But because Ren had looked genuinely afraid. And Mina wasn’t used to seeing fear in him. It made something inside her twist.

She shook her head. “Focus, Mina. Work first.”

---

Scene 2 — A Shift in the Office

When Mina arrived at the design department, the atmosphere felt different. People were watching her—not with suspicion this time, but with curiosity. Respect. Maybe even admiration.

Ayaka approached her with a small smile. “Morning, Mina. The client emailed again. They want you to lead the entire project.”

Mina blinked. “Me? Alone?”

Ayaka nodded. “They said your presentation was the strongest they’ve seen in months.”

Mina felt a flicker of pride—but she kept her expression neutral. “Alright. I’ll handle it.”

Daiki appeared beside her, leaning casually against her desk. “Looks like you’re becoming the department’s rising star.”

Mina rolled her eyes. “Don’t exaggerate.”

“I’m not,” he said. “You earned this.”

She didn’t respond, but she didn’t deny it either.

Daiki lowered his voice. “By the way… about yesterday. If Ichikawa gave you trouble—”

“He didn’t,” Mina said sharply.

Daiki raised an eyebrow. “You sure? Because he looked ready to punch a wall.”

“That’s his problem, not mine.”

Daiki studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But if he crosses a line, you tell me.”

Mina didn’t answer. She didn’t need a protector. She never had.

But she couldn’t deny that Daiki’s presence made the office feel… lighter.

---

Scene 3 — Ren’s Silence

At lunch, Mina checked her phone.

No messages from Ren.

Not even a “Did you eat?” or “How’s work?”

He always sent something. Even when he was busy. Even when they were fighting.

Mina frowned.

She wasn’t dependent on him. She didn’t need his attention. She didn’t need his reassurance.

But the silence felt strange.

Unnatural.

She put her phone away and returned to her work, refusing to let it bother her.

But it did.

More than she wanted to admit.

---

Scene 4 — The Confrontation

By late afternoon, Mina was reviewing drafts when the department door opened.

Ren walked in.

But this time, he didn’t look tense.

He looked… distant.

Cold.

The room stiffened. Mina stood slowly.

“Ren,” she said carefully. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to speak with you,” he said. “Privately.”

Daiki stepped forward. “If this is about work—”

“It’s not,” Ren said without looking at him.

Mina followed Ren into an empty meeting room. The moment the door closed, she crossed her arms.

“What’s going on?”

Ren didn’t answer immediately. He stared at her like he was trying to read something on her face.

Finally, he said, “I’ve been thinking.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

He didn’t smile.

“Mina… I don’t want to fight with you.”

“Then stop picking fights.”

“I’m not,” he said quietly. “I’m trying to understand you.”

Mina froze.

Ren continued, voice low. “You keep everyone at arm’s length. Even me. Especially me.”

“That’s not true.”

“It is,” he said. “You don’t let me in. You don’t tell me when something bothers you. You don’t rely on me for anything.”

“I don’t need to rely on you.”

“I know,” he said. “But do you want to?”

Mina’s breath caught.

Ren stepped closer. “I’m not asking you to depend on me. I’m asking you to trust me.”

Mina looked away. “I do trust you.”

“Then why do you act like you’re alone?”

She didn’t answer.

Because she didn’t know how.

Because she’d spent her whole life standing on her own.

Because letting someone in meant giving them the power to hurt her.

Ren exhaled softly. “Mina… I’m not your enemy.”

She swallowed hard. “I know.”

“Then stop treating me like one.”

The words hit her harder than she expected.

She opened her mouth to respond—but the door suddenly opened.

Daiki stood there.

“Mina,” he said, eyes flicking between them, “we need you for the next meeting.”

Ren’s expression darkened.

Mina stepped back. “I’ll be right there.”

Daiki nodded and left.

Ren stared at the closed door, jaw tight.

“Mina,” he said quietly, “you need to decide something.”

She looked at him. “Decide what?”

“Whether you’re going to let me be part of your life… or keep pushing me out.”

Mina’s heart pounded.

She didn’t answer.

She couldn’t.

Not yet.

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