"I… I have to tell you…" she gasped between sobs. "It's Ethan… he's… he's been harassing me… and Mei Ling seemed to be angry with me… I don't know what to do…"
Ren's jaw tightened, his eyes dark with quiet anger and worry. He didn't speak, because any words might frighten her more. Instead, he held her, letting her feel his anger and care without needing to say it aloud. His hands were steady, strong and warm like a silent anchor in the storm of her fear.
Noelle leaned into him, finally letting the weight of everything crash down, trusting him to bear it with her. Ren's chest ached with both protectiveness and helplessness. He held back his words, upset at what she'd endured but careful to remain her calm, grounding presence.
For the first time in days, she felt seen and understood, even amidst the tears. And though the danger and uncertainty hadn't vanished, being with Ren gave her a flicker of hope that she didn't have to face it alone.
Noelle's sobs wracked her body and he gathered her close onto his lap, cradling her as though she were something small and breakable. Her cheek pressed against the steady rise and fall of his chest, his arms curving around her protectively. One hand stroked her hair, the other rubbed soothing circles along her back, rocking her gently as if to lull her pain away.
He didn't speak. He just waited, letting her release the fear, anger, and exhaustion pent up inside. Minutes stretched quietly, the only sound her uneven breathing and soft hiccups.
When she finally tilted her head up, eyes red and watery, Ren gently cupped her face in his hands. His thumb brushed away a tear that had escaped, and then another. "Shh… it's okay," he whispered.
Careful not to startle her, he leaned in slowly and pressed a soft kiss to each tear-streaked cheek.
"I'm right here," he murmured. His lips were warm and reassuring, not romantic in a demanding way, but filled with tenderness and protection. It was the first time he'd seen her so completely broken, and he was afraid to frighten her further so every motion, every touch, was measured, deliberate, gentle.
Noelle let herself lean into him, the tremors in her body slowly easing. The warmth of his presence and the careful kindness of his kisses calmed her in a way words could not.
Finally, when her sobs had lessened, Ren whispered softly, "Noelle… pack enough for a week. Stay with me. You don't have to be alone."
She blinked, still shaky, but the thread of safety in his presence made her nod. He kissed her forehead gently, then her temple, pacifying her lingering panic.
"I… I don't know…" she murmured.
"You don't need to think," he said softly. "I've got you. I just want to make sure you're safe."
Ren lifted her carefully into his arms and carried her to her bedroom. He set her gently on the bed, still holding her hands. "Let's pack," he said quietly. "Just the essentials. Clothes, toiletries… things you need for a week. I'll help."
Together, they packed, his calm presence and quiet gestures of care keeping her grounded. Every so often, he brushed a stray hair from her face, or pressed a reassuring kiss to her cheek when she flinched or shivered.
When the bag was ready, Noelle took a deep breath, still holding his hand. "Thank you… for everything," she whispered.
Ren smiled softly, brushing his thumb over hers. "Always. You're safe with me."
That night, as she rested in his home, she finally allowed herself to feel a fragile sense of security, knowing she wasn't alone and that Ren would be there until the danger passed.
Once they settled back at his house, Ren made sure the apartment felt familiar and safe. He adjusted the lighting, brought her a warm drink and offered a soft blanket. Noelle curled up on the couch, still tense, while he sat nearby, giving her space but staying close enough to offer comfort.
Ren watched her carefully, noticing the lingering unease in her posture, the way her fingers fidgeted with the edge of the blanket. A quiet suspicion formed in his mind. Could this be about Ethan? Or Mei Ling?
After a few moments of comfortable silence, he finally spoke, his voice gentle but probing. "Noelle… is this… because of Ethan? Or something with Mei Ling too?"
Noelle froze, her eyes widening slightly. She hesitated, then exhaled shakily. "It's… it's Ethan," she admitted quietly, her voice trembling. "He… he scared me the other night. And… I don't know if he knows where I am now. I… I didn't tell anyone, not even you at first. I was… afraid."
Ren's expression tightened, a mix of concern and quiet anger flickering in his eyes. He didn't speak harshly as he didn't want to frighten her more but his protective instincts flared. "Noelle… you don't have to be scared," he said firmly. "I'm here and I'll make sure you're safe. But you should tell Mei Ling about this, too. She shouldn't be left in the dark."
Noelle nodded slowly, tears glimmering in her eyes. "I know… I just… I didn't want to drag anyone else into it. I felt… trapped."
Ren reached out and gently held her hands. "You're not trapped anymore," he said softly. "You have me. And Mei Ling will want to help too. You don't have to face him alone."
Noelle let herself lean into him slightly, feeling the safety and steady warmth he offered. "Thank you… for being here," she whispered.
Ren gave a reassuring squeeze. "Always. You're not alone, Noelle. Not now, not ever while I'm around."
For the first time since the encounter, Noelle allowed herself to feel a tiny spark of relief, knowing she could finally confide in someone and that steps could be taken to protect herself even if the fear of Ethan lingered.
Ren sat back in his chair, jaw tight, eyes dark with quiet anger. He didn't speak harshly because he knew they didn't have concrete evidence yet but the protective fire within him burned.
"Noelle," he said carefully, keeping his voice calm for her sake, "I know you might want to confront him but we can't. Not without proof. It's too risky. Right now, your safety is the priority."
She nodded, swallowing hard. "I… I just feel… helpless."
Ren reached over and gave her hand a firm squeeze. "You're not helpless. But you have to tell Mei Ling about Ethan. She deserves to know what he's doing. And… maybe it's best if you don't meet him anymore. Not until we figure out a way to make sure you're safe."
Noelle's stomach twisted at the thought. She'd hoped talking to Mei Ling might bring support but she hesitated. Ren's steady gaze urged her to act.