Chapter 23: The Edge of Control

Rain spattered against the library windows, blurring the brick courtyard beyond. Ryan Carter leaned against the sill, watching the rivulets trace uneven paths down the glass.

The hush among the stacks usually soothed him, but today it only amplified the tight coil in his chest.

He hadn’t seen Adrien Fairchild since their tense hallway standoff. In theory, that should have brought relief an opportunity to put the dangerous obsession behind him. Instead, emptiness had settled in his bones, reminding him that the past never truly leaves you.

A soft click behind him made Ryan whirl around. Chris, his roommate, stepped into the reading alcove, dripping from the rain.

“You made it clear you’re staying late,” Chris said, shaking water from his hair. “I thought you might want company.”

Ryan forced a half smile. “Thanks.”

Chris dropped his backpack onto the floor and sat on the edge of a nearby table. “Who was that guy you texted about?”

Ryan stared at the window. “Adrien. He’s complicated.”

Chris frowned. “Do you want to talk about it?”

Ryan ran a hand through his wet hair. “Why does it feel like he’s always two steps ahead?”

Chris nodded slowly. “He’s rich, yes, but that alone doesn’t make him dangerous.

It’s the way he watches you. Like you’re a prize he’s determined to catch.”

Ryan pulled his phone from his pocket and showed Chris the latest messages anonymous number, cryptic compliments, veiled threats. Chris’s jaw tightened as he read.

“You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone,” Chris said quietly. “If he comes around again, you let me know. I’ll walk you to class, to the café wherever.”

Ryan felt a surge of gratitude. “Thanks, man.”

Chris stood and clapped him on the shoulder. “Always.”

The next afternoon, Ryan walked into the student union with Chris by his side.

The campus was alive with chatter after class, but Ryan’s gaze kept darting to entrances and corners, looking for Adrien’s familiar silhouette.

As they reached the coffee kiosk, Ryan’s phone buzzed. He glanced down: Unknown: I like the way you hold your coffee.

His heart thudded. Chris noticed the change.

“He’s here,” Ryan murmured, backing away.

Chris turned. On the other side of the kiosk, Adrien stood with that unsettling calm.

He took a slow sip of his latte and smiled.

“Ryan,” Adrien called, voice smooth. “Fancy seeing you here.”

Ryan’s palms went cold. “Leave me alone.”

Adrien’s smile deepened. “I can’t. I won’t.”

Chris stepped forward. “Back off.”

Adrien’s eyes flicked to Chris, then back to Ryan. “Nice of you to bring a bodyguard.” He took a deliberate step closer. “But I know you don’t need one. You just… appreciate it.”

Ryan’s chest tightened. “You’re twisted.”

Adrien shrugged. “I’m devoted.”

Chris clenched his fists. “That’s enough.” He dropped his voice. “Walk away, Adrien.”

Adrien lifted an eyebrow but held his ground. “Or what?”

Chris’s face hardened. “Or I’ll make sure all your classmates know exactly how you behave.”

Adrien’s lips curved into a slow, dangerous smile. “I look forward to seeing you try.”

On those words, he turned and walked away smooth, unhurried, as if he owned every tile of that building.

Chris exhaled loudly. “I hate that he gets to threaten you.”

Ryan shook his head, scarred by how quickly Adrien’s presence unbalanced him. “I need to end this.”

Chris nodded. “Tell Daniel. He can help.”

That evening, while Chris was cooking ramen in their cramped kitchen, Ryan fumbled with his phone to text Daniel, whose number he’d memorized but rarely used since they’d reconnected. Within minutes, Daniel’s reply came:

Daniel: I’m here.

Ryan headed out into the drizzle and found Daniel waiting under the eaves of the dorm entrance, umbrella up and expression concerned.

“Chris filled me in,” Daniel said without preamble. “Adrien isn’t going to stop.”

Ryan nodded, voice barely above a whisper. “He thinks he owns me.”

Daniel’s jaw clenched. “No one owns you. Not even Adrien.”

They walked together toward the campus security office, sharing updates.

By the time they arrived, rain had soaked Daniel’s shoulders. He pounded on the glass door.

A security officer let them in, eyebrows raised at Daniel’s intensity.

“I need to file a stalking report,” Daniel said. “My friend is being targeted.”

Ryan stepped forward, trembling but resolute, and laid the printed messages on the desk.

The officer took them seriously. Notes were made. Photographs of the rose and the library encounter were scheduled. Daniel provided a statement that included every unsettling detail.

As they left, Daniel slipped an arm around Ryan’s shoulders. “We did it. You’re not alone in this.”

Ryan rested his head against Daniel’s side, the first real comfort he’d felt since Adrien’s obsession began.

Back in the quiet of his room, Ryan stared at the ceiling. Chris had gone to bed. Daniel lingered by the door.

“Thank you,” Ryan whispered.

Daniel came forward and sat on the edge of the bed. “We’ll get you safe again. I promise.”

Ryan closed his eyes. The rain’s patter on the window sounded like applause a reminder that he’d spoken his truth, and now others would stand with him.

He finally felt less empty.