Chapter 13: The Choice and the Fury

Shin's hatred for Kenji burned like a wildfire, fueled by betrayal and the agonizing sight of Xander in Kenji's arms. He stood before Kenji, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. "You have to break up with him," he demanded, his words sharp as shards of glass.

Kenji, surprisingly, shrugged. "Fine," he said, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "I wasn't that interested in him anyway. But there's something you have to do for me." He reached out, his fingers slowly tracing the back of Shin's hand, a touch that sent a shiver of revulsion through him.

"You have to cut ties with Xander," Kenji continued, his voice smooth, almost seductive. "Completely. No more talking, no more hanging out. And then," he leaned closer, his breath warm against Shin's ear, "you and me."

Shin's snapped. He grabbed Kenji by the collar, his knuckles white with fury. He pulled him close, their faces inches apart. "Fuck you," he snarled, his voice raw with disgust. He slammed his fist into Kenji's face, the satisfying crunch of cartilage echoing in the sudden silence. Xander’s smile…it shouldn’t be for him.

Kenji stumbled back, his hand flying to his bleeding nose. He looked at Shin, his eyes wide with surprise and a flicker of… fear?

"Don't you ever touch me again," Shin growled, his voice low and dangerous. He shoved Kenji away, his chest heaving with rage. Xander…he’s mine. He doesn’t belong with anyone else. He wasn't ready to lose Xander. He wasn't ready to give up on the hope that they could still have a future together. Even if it means…this.

He stormed out of Kenji's apartment, the image of Xander's heartbroken face burned into his mind. He knew Kenji was playing a game, a cruel, twisted game designed to hurt him, to isolate him. He knew Kenji was spending time with Xander, flaunting their relationship, deliberately trying to make him jealous. And it was working. Xander’s laughter…Kenji’s hand on his arm…it’s a performance. It has to be.

The jealousy was a gnawing beast, clawing at his insides, poisoning his thoughts. He couldn't escape it. He saw them everywhere – in the hallways, in the cafeteria, even in his dreams. He saw Xander's smile, heard his laughter, felt the phantom touch of his hand. And each time, the pain was a fresh wound, reopening and bleeding anew. I can’t breathe…they’re always together…what are they talking about?

He hated Kenji. He hated him for what he'd done, for the pain he'd caused, for the way he was using Xander. Using him…like a toy…I’ll make him pay. But he also hated himself. He hated himself for being so weak, so vulnerable, so easily manipulated. He hated himself for not being enough for Xander, for not being able to protect him from Kenji's clutches. If I were stronger…if I were different…Xander would be mine.

He was trapped, caught in a web of his own making. He loved Xander, but he couldn't have him. He hated Kenji, but he couldn't escape him. He was lost, adrift in a sea of emotions, with no land in sight. I have to watch…I have to know…what they’re doing…who they’re with…

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