Bits of Love, Lines of Code
Chapter 33 - 29: The Secret He’s Not Saying

Chapter 33 - 29: The Secret He’s Not Saying

It started as a flicker. A subtle shift in Ren's routine. A few missed good morning kisses. A longer-than-usual shower. That odd early errand he kept dodging questions about. Aoi noticed everything.

She always had.

They were closer than most couples. After all, they'd promised forever. And in her heart, she knew Ren loved her deeply.

But lately...

As she stirred sugar into her iced coffee at their small kitchen table, she eyed Ren with narrowed suspicion.

He was in the living room, bent over his laptop, supposedly finalizing paperwork for an upcoming robotics seminar.

"Hmm..."

Aoi tilted her head.

He's smiling to himself again. That's not a seminar smile. That's a guilty smile.

She stood slowly and walked over, leaning her arms on the back of his chair, her chin practically on his head.

"Rennnn," she purred sweetly. "What are you hiding from me?"

He flinched. Just a little.

"W-what? Nothing," he said way too quickly.

Gotcha.

Aoi narrowed her eyes.

"You've been going out early a lot lately. Is there another girl?" she said, mock-pouting, though part of her yandere heart sparked a dangerous flicker of jealousy.

Ren turned to face her fully. "No! I swear! You know I'd never—"

"I know," she said, smiling — but her fingers were already circling his shoulders, teasing but firm. "Then what is it, hm? You've been smiling like an idiot after every errand. Are you... planning a surprise for me?"

Ren's breath caught, and that was all the answer she needed.

"Aha!" she gasped, eyes wide. "So you are hiding something!"

"I didn't say—"

"You didn't need to!" She flopped dramatically onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, eyes shining. "Is it a pet? A robot cat? A mini laser drone? Wait—is it a secret marriage plan?!"

He stiffened.

Aoi blinked. "Wait... IS it?!"

Ren turned his head to the side, flushed and trapped.

"Maybe."

That was enough to send her into a giggling fit, then straight into a pout.

"Ren," she whispered softly, pressing her forehead to his. "You know I love surprises, but I don't like secrets. Especially if they involve you sneaking around without me."

He sighed, brushing her bangs aside.

"I promise, it's a good surprise. You'll love it. Just a bit longer, okay?"

She stared deep into his eyes. Then, slowly, she nodded.

"Fine. But you owe me."

"For?"

She smirked. "A private date. Just us. Somewhere expensive."

Ren grinned. "Deal."

Later That Night

As Aoi lay curled beside him in bed, her fingers tracing lazy patterns over his shirt, her mind wandered again.

He's hiding something... but it's not bad. I trust him. Still... I want to know.

She pulled herself closer to his chest.

"Ren..."

He was already half-asleep.

"Mmm?"

"I love you. But if you keep hiding things from me, I'll tie you to the bed and interrogate you until you talk."

His eyes fluttered open just enough to register what she said.

"...Yandere mode, huh?"

She giggled.

"You know it."