Personal Log — Continued
I lay sprawled across my new bed, arms and legs spread wide like a starfish. A self-satisfied smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I stared up at the ceiling.
Step one is officially in the bag, I thought, letting out a hum of triumph. I've successfully infiltrated his "friend" circle. Well, if you can call a circle of one a "circle."
I had moved into this apartment specifically because of its proximity to the park. Every piece of furniture, every box I had dragged inside, was part of a greater design. Having memorized Ren's full data report, I knew his schedule better than he probably did. I knew exactly which days the weight of his home life would drive him toward that lone park bench.
At this point, I was basically a celestial stalker. But he'd never know that these "perfect coincidences" were actually my master plan in motion. I closed my eyes, visualizing his file.
Subject: Ren.
Age: 17.
Status: High school student.
Home Life: Father is a workaholic;
mother is glued to her phone 24/7.
The poor boy lived in a house of ghosts.
"I spent the whole day moving boxes," I muttered, letting out a long, jaw-cracking yawn. "Time for a tactical nap."
The days bled into weeks, and the mission proceeded with the precision of a clockwork heart. Every time Ren arrived at the park, I was there just moments later, breathless and "surprised."
"Ren!" I called out, jogging toward the bench.
Ren looked up, a genuine smile breaking through his usual gloom. "Whoa. How do you even manage to show up right after I get here?" he asked playfully. "Are you stalking me or something?"
"Oh, so now I'm a suspect?" I countered, leaning in close with a grin. "Let me remind you that yesterday you arrived after me. By your logic, you're the stalker."
"Oh... right. That one day," Ren admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
I suppressed a laugh. Actually, I saw you walking toward the park from three blocks away. I took the long way around and ran at bullet speed to make it look like I was already here.
"It's just a coincidence," I said aloud. "Since neither of us comes here daily, the universe must be bored."
"Maybe," Ren said softly. "I hope these coincidences keep happening. It gets a little lonely here by myself."
This was it. The opening!
"Hey, why don't you give me your number?" I asked. "We've been friends for a month now. If you ever feel lonely, you can just text me."
Ren hesitated, his eyes darting away. "Uh, um... are you sure? Because..."
"Oh, don't tell me," I teased, my eyes glinting. "Are you too scared to have a girl's contact in your phone? I bet the only girl in your contacts is your mother."
Ren's face flushed a deep crimson. "H-hey! That's not true!"
"Oh really?" I squinted at him. "Then prove it."
"H-hey, you wanted the number, right?" Ren stammered, pulling out his phone to dodge the interrogation.
After the numbers were exchanged, I tucked my phone away with a triumphant tap. "Perfect. I guess I'm officially your only girl friend, then."
"W-what?!"
"I mean a girl-space-friend," I corrected, grinning at his panic. "Not a 'girlfriend.' Get it?"
"Oh. Yeah. Right," Ren muttered, though his heart was still racing.
As the weeks turned into months, a strange sensation began to take root in my chest. It was a fierce, protective urge—different from the professional pity I felt for my usual targets. Ren began to trust me, his guarded messages turning into frequent late-night chats.
Ren: It's been months since I've had a friend I could talk to this much and to think it all started because of a pen
Elowen: Not just the pen. I saw you sitting there looking lonely so I decided to adopt an introvert like you. It's my duty as a responsible member of the extrovert community, the pen was just a prop
Ren: You're impossible Elowen but yeah I appreciate it. BTW you never told me where you live. You just said 'nearby' while I gave you my whole address.
Elowen: So why don't you come over? We could have a small party
There was a long pause. I could practically see him staring at the screen in shock.
Ren: Are you serious right now? Chill I was just kidding
Elowen: Oh but I'm not I am dead serious shy boy, Monday 6 PM
Ren: Hey I ain't shy I am just normal, you better know that Elowen Shirogane
Elowen: Calling me with my full name? Bold of you so you are coming right?
I sent him the address and his next reply comes after a brief pause.
Ren: Yes cause I need to prove to you that I ain't shy even my parents aren't bothered to check where I am anyways so yeah I am coming
I read his final text over and over, the playful spark in my eyes fading into a deep, aching softness. I leaned my head against the cool glass of my phone and whispered to the empty room.
"You deserve so much more love than you're getting, Ren."
Monday arrived. I spent the afternoon preparing everything, ensuring the apartment felt warm and welcoming. Everything was perfect.
Ting-Tong.
"Coming!" I called out, pulling open the door.
Ren stood there, looking a bit stiff in his casual clothes. He held out a small paper bag toward me. "This is for you."
"Hey, silly, you didn't have to bring anything."
"I didn't like the idea of coming empty-handed," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.
I took the bag and peeked inside. "A box of sweets?"
"I remember you said you liked them... do you?"
My eyes softened. "Of course, Ren. I love sweets. I think that's why you're my friend—you're too sweet yourself."
"I am?" he asked, blushing slightly.
"Yes. Now come inside."
As he stepped in, he looked around with wide eyes. "Woah, your house is so clean. You're seventeen and you take care of all this alone? I can barely clean my own room; I usually just depend on the maid."
"It's called natural talent," I said, pointing at myself proudly.
Suddenly, Ren's eyes locked onto the corner of the living room. They began to sparkle. "Elowen, is that a gaming console!"
I knew you'd like that, I thought. It was specifically ordered from Heaven just for you.
"Do you think you can beat me?" I challenged him with a smirk. "I've got pro skills."
"Challenge accepted!"
We played for hours. The room was filled with the sounds of button-mashing and laughter until the screen finally flashed a victory message for the second player. I collapsed back onto the floor, arms spread in defeat.
"Ren... how are you so good at this?"
"I'm a pro," he said with a grin. "Or maybe you've just got a little skill issue."
"Huh? You just got lucky!"
"Three times in a row?"
"I-I'm still learning, okay!"
He let out a soft "Hehe." Suddenly, a loud growl erupted from his stomach. He froze, his face turning red. A moment later, a second growl echoed through the room—mine.
I sat up, looking at him mischievously. "Oh, someone is hungry."
"Oh yes," he countered. "Someone definitely is."
"Guess we both are," I said, standing up. "Don't worry, I have dinner ready. You aren't going home on an empty stomach."
"That's so kind of you, Elowen."
We sat at the dinner table as I served the food. As the steam hit Ren's face, he paused. He took a single bite, and his eyes went wide. "This food..."
"Oh, I remembered the day you mentioned your grandma's secret recipe," I said, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "What, did you think only you were a good observer?"
Ren didn't answer. He was so lost in the flavor that I saw his eyes glisten with unshed tears. I quickly looked away toward my own plate, giving him the space to wipe his eyes without feeling embarrassed.
"You cook delicious food, Elowen," he said after a moment, his voice thick.
"I'm glad you like it."
We finished the meal in a comfortable silence until Ren checked the clock. "It's getting late. I need to go."
"Yeah, you probably should."
"Once again... thank you for everything. Bye."
"Bye!" I waved as the door shut.
I let out a long sigh of relief and stretched my arms high above my head. With a soft rustle, my tension snapped—and my large, white wings popped out from my back, glowing faintly in the dim light of the apartment.
"Gaming is fun," I muttered to myself, finally relaxing.
Click.
The door handle turned. I froze.
"I actually forgot my phone..." Ren's voice trailed off as he stepped back inside.
He stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes traveled from my face to the massive, shimmering wings arching over my shoulders. Time seemed to stop.
"El... o... wen?"
My heart began running at bullet speed. My wings were out. The veil was thin. And Ren was staring right at the one thing he was never supposed to see.