Episode 5 – No Escape

Shota's Fire Won't Fade

Even after lunch, Shota’s body still felt warm.

(What is this feeling…?)

Even though he had already parted ways with Ryoko, she wouldn’t leave his mind.

The taste of the stew, the sensation of her fingers on his skin, her sweet whisper—

It all felt like it was sinking deeper into him, as if seeping in from the very core of his body.

(This is bad… If this keeps up, I’m going to be—)

Completely under Ryoko’s control.

That realization made Shota reflexively pull out his phone and open Ryoko’s contact.

“Sorry, but after work today… I’d like to be alone for a bit.”

He typed the message, but his finger trembled—he couldn’t press send.

(This is crazy…)

He took a deep breath and forced himself to hit the button.

“...gh…”

The moment the message sent, he felt like his heart gave an ominous thump.

“Shota-kun?”

—Shiver.

Ryoko’s voice came from behind him.

“Wha—?!”

He spun around to see Ryoko smiling sweetly.

“D-Did you just…?”

“Hehe. Were you trying to run away from me?”

She reached out and gently traced his phone with her finger.

The screen dimmed—and the message history vanished before his eyes.

“W-What?!”

“That’s not allowed, okay?”

Her gaze turned deep and sweet as she looked into Shota’s eyes.

“You’re not allowed to leave me, Shota-kun.”

(No—this is bad. Really bad…)

His body wouldn’t move.

No—he couldn’t move.

He was paralyzed under her gaze, as if all control over his limbs had been taken away.

“Why…?”

“Hehe. Why do you think?”

Ryoko placed her hand gently on his shoulder and leaned in close to whisper:

“Just keep thinking about me… more and more…”

A strange shock ran through the back of his head.

(Nngh—)

His logic started to melt.

Just moments ago he thought he needed to run.

And now…

“Shota-kun?”

Ryoko smiled gently.

Just that look was enough to pull him right back under.

“…Okay.”

“Good boy ♡”

She softly caressed his cheek.

There was no escaping from Ryoko now.

—No.

Shota himself couldn’t find a reason to run anymore.

A Night Without Escape

“Shota-kun, won’t you come over to my place tonight?”

She whispered it sweetly near the end of their lunch break.

“Eh…”

Shota hesitated, words catching in his throat.

(Crap… Ryoko-senpai’s house? If I go there… that’ll be the end.)

Her control was getting stronger by the day.

Even at work, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Just hearing her voice shook him.

And if he went to her place now, he knew—he wouldn’t be able to resist anymore.

“…Is that a no?”

She pouted slightly, her lips forming a sad shape. It was too cute—too perfect—and it cracked his resolve.

(…Maybe just for a little while. That should be okay, right?)

The moment that weak thought crossed his mind, he was already nodding.

“…Alright. I’ll come.”

“Yay~ I’m so happy ♡”

And That Night—

Ryoko’s apartment was exactly what he imagined: refined and immaculate.

The space was clean, calm—decorated in white and beige with elegant simplicity.

“Come sit with me, Shota-kun.”

Ryoko patted the sofa next to her.

“…”

He hesitated—but his legs started moving on their own.

As if pulled by invisible strings.

“Hehe. So cute.”

She pulled him close and smiled softly, running her fingers gently through his hair.

(…ugh)

It should’ve felt comforting. But somehow, it was terrifying.

Her control no longer relied on just her words or gestures.

Every time he was exposed to her power, his heart eroded further.

(I… I can’t stay here. Not any longer.)

Gripped by fear, Shota forced himself to stand up.

“Ryoko-senpai… I think I should go home now.”

“Huh?”

“Thank you for today. But I should really—”

Just as he began to speak—

SLAM.

“Wha…?”

The moment he stepped toward the door, it slammed shut on its own.

(No way…)

“Shota-kun.”

Chills ran down his spine.

He turned to see Ryoko staring right at him.

“Were you trying to leave?”

“N-No…”

“Liar. I could see it in the way you moved. You were panicking.”

Her gaze clung to him—entangled him.

“You know there’s no way you could escape from me… right?”

At that moment—

Shota’s body floated into the air.

“W-What?!”

His feet lifted from the floor. He couldn’t move them, no matter how hard he tried.

“That’s a no-no, Shota-kun. Leaving all by yourself like that.”

Ryoko stood up and slowly walked toward him.

“…gh…”

“Are you scared?”

“…”

Shota couldn’t answer.

“It’s okay.”

She whispered gently, then softly traced a finger across his cheek.

“Just relax… okay?”

At those words, something inside Shota gave way.

(…I don’t need to run anymore.)

And with that—

Shota quietly fell into Ryoko’s waiting arms.