THE LOVE TRIANGLE CHRONICLES

Aya couldn't stop thinking about Ren. The way he casually spoke, the confidence in his every step, and that mischievous smile—it all lingered in her mind long after the school day ended. As much as she tried to focus on her schoolwork, she found herself distracted, replaying their brief encounter over and over.

The next day, Aya found herself returning to the rooftop at lunch, almost by instinct. She hesitated for a moment at the door, wondering if it was foolish to return. But her curiosity won out. As she stepped outside, the cool breeze hit her face, and there, leaning against the railing just as before, was Ren.

He turned his head toward her, a lazy smile spreading across his face. "Back for more, huh?"

Aya felt her cheeks flush. "I… I didn't think you'd be here," she said, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.

Ren gave a nonchalant shrug. "I'm always here. It's the one place where no one bothers me."

Aya looked around. The rooftop was empty, save for the two of them. It felt strangely intimate. She took a few steps toward him, unsure of what to say. "I didn't know people came up here during lunch."

Ren's eyes sparkled with amusement as he flicked his cigarette away, now completely extinguished. "I wouldn't call it 'people'—just me. You're lucky you found me."

Aya sat down on the edge of the rooftop, her legs dangling over the side. She felt drawn to him, though she couldn't explain why. "What do you do up here?"

Ren chuckled and leaned against the railing. "Think. Smoke. And sometimes, I draw." He pulled a small sketchbook from his bag and flipped it open, revealing intricate drawings of landscapes, portraits, and abstract designs. His talent was undeniable. "I'm not much for talking, but I like when people are… interesting."

Aya studied the drawings in silence, mesmerized by how effortlessly Ren captured the world around him. He wasn't just a troublemaker; he was an artist with a depth she hadn't expected.

"You're good," Aya murmured, almost in awe.

Ren glanced at her, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "You think so? Most people wouldn't bother to look."

Aya's heart raced, and she suddenly realized just how far out of her comfort zone she was. She barely knew this boy, but she couldn't deny the connection she felt. The chemistry between them was undeniable.

"I could teach you to draw, if you want," Ren said, breaking her thoughts.

Aya blinked. "What?"

Ren smirked. "You seemed interested. Might as well do something productive with your time, instead of just hanging out."

For a moment, Aya felt the pull of both the excitement and the responsibility of her life. She thought of Hikaru, her dependable friend, always there when she needed him. But Hikaru was safe, predictable, comforting. Ren, on the other hand, was a whirlwind, the very thing she had longed for without even realizing it.

"I don't know," Aya replied, her voice softer than she intended. "I'm not really… artistic."

Ren's grin widened. "Doesn't matter. Art isn't about skill. It's about expression." He held out his sketchbook to her. "Try it."

Reluctantly, Aya took the book, her fingers brushing against his. She felt a jolt of electricity run through her at the contact, but quickly shook it off. "Okay. I'll try."

As she began to sketch a simple object—a tree by the side of the rooftop—Ren watched quietly. His presence felt oddly comforting, yet dangerous, like a spark just waiting to ignite.

"Not bad," Ren commented after a few minutes. "You've got the basic idea. Just let go of the rules."

Aya laughed softly. "I'll try."

As the bell rang to signal the end of lunch, Aya found herself reluctant to leave. "I guess I'll see you around," she said, getting up to head back to class.

Ren's voice stopped her before she could take another step. "You'll be back tomorrow, won't you?"

Aya glanced over her shoulder. There was a challenge in his eyes, but also a strange kind of expectation. For the first time in a long time, Aya wasn't sure if she could say no.

"Yeah," she said, with a shy smile. "I think I will."

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