Chapter 12: Interference

The street performance video went viral—not by design, but because someone in the crowd posted a snippet with the caption: “Caught something real today.”

Miyu’s voice. Ren’s guitar. The way they looked at each other like the rest of the world didn’t exist.

Within hours, it spread in their shared gaming Discord. Then their office chat. Then... to Rika.

Rika watched the video twice. Then a third time. Her jaw clenched tighter each time.

“Cute,” she muttered.

She clicked open Ren’s message thread. He hadn’t replied to her last three DMs.

Her fingers hovered.

Then she typed: “So you’ve gone public now? Guess we’re skipping all the warnings.”

No reply.

“Fine,” she whispered. “Then I’ll play, too.”

Monday morning, Miyu walked into the office kitchen to find Rika leaning casually against the counter, sipping her iced matcha.

“You looked radiant on camera,” Rika said without looking up.

Miyu froze for a second. “Thanks?”

“Ren cleans up well, too. Didn't expect him to go all soft-core romantic on a street corner.”

Miyu said nothing.

Rika turned to face her fully. “You know, I used to like him because he didn’t let people in. He was complicated, closed off, kind of a puzzle.”

Miyu finally met her gaze. “Maybe he just needed the right person to make him feel safe.”

Rika’s expression sharpened. “Or maybe he’s just easily impressed.”

Silence.

Then Rika smiled, too sweet. “Break a string, Miyu.”

That night, Ren messaged Miyu.

OblivionHeart: Rika saw the video.

HanaLune: I figured. She cornered me at the coffee machine.

OblivionHeart: Sorry.

HanaLune: Don’t apologize for being seen with me.

Ren took longer to respond this time.

OblivionHeart: You’re right. I’m not sorry.

Miyu smiled at the screen.

Then another message popped up. This time, from Shin.

CrimsonShin: You okay? That video’s everywhere.

HanaLune: I’m fine.

CrimsonShin: Just know... if this turns messy, I’m here. I mean it.

She hesitated. Then replied:

HanaLune: Thank you. But I think we’re finally cleaning up the mess.

That night, Ren and Miyu returned to the grove. No raid. No audience. Just them.

And for once, the world felt... quiet.

But not empty.