[WARNING! MatureContent Ahead! If you're uncomfortable, skip this chapter. This doesn't advance the plot, so . . . ]
Ren stayed in the bath a little longer than needed.
Five minutes passed.
Maybe more.
He wasn't really counting.
He stood in front of the mirror, a robe loosely draped over his body, both hands gripping the edge of the sink. His reflection stared back at him—calm on the outside, but everything underneath was anything but.
His chest rose and fell slowly.
Then faster.
"This is it…" he whispered under his breath.
The words felt heavy.
"This is really happening…"
He closed his eyes tightly, as if that alone could steady the storm building inside him. His thoughts were loud, clashing, overwhelming. It wasn't fear exactly—but it wasn't calm either.
It was something deeper.
Something unfamiliar.
Ren had never imagined himself in this situation before. Not like this. Not with anyone.
