Kento Nanami Angst - Blog Posts

Nanami SMAU - A Verdict of Us

Chapter 15 - Misdirection

Summary: Kento Nanami was perfect—disciplined, untouchable, and entirely focused on his future. Emotions didn’t fit into his plans. You were everything he avoided—bold, warm, and impossible to ignore. You told yourself he didn’t matter, but you couldn’t stop watching him.

He never looked your way. Not until the day his perfectly controlled world unraveled, and you were at the center of it.

an: Been feeling in a silly angsty mood lol. SMOOCHES 💋💋💋

{chapter 14} ; {next}

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࣪˖ ִ𐙚 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚 𝜗𝜚 ࣪˖ ִ𐙚

For four weeks, Nanami had managed to avoid you. Not out of malice, not even intentionally at first, but because it was easier than dealing with the chaos you had stirred in him.

But no matter how much he tried to focus on his studies, his part-time job, and the ever-growing expectations from his parents, there was one thing he couldn’t control—seeing you.

It happened too often to be coincidence.

The first time, it was in the library. He had been reviewing case law when a soft laugh pulled his attention. There you were, sitting with him. Ren Tanaka. The man whose name had become an irritant in his mind.

You looked comfortable, leaning in slightly as you listened to whatever Tanaka was saying. And when you laughed, something bitter settled in Nanami’s throat.

The second time, it was at the café near campus. Tanaka was paying for your drink, and you playfully nudged his shoulder in thanks. Nanami told himself it wasn’t his business. That it didn’t matter.

The third time, Tanaka had his hand on the small of your back. It was a brief touch, barely lasting a second as he guided you through a crowded hallway. But Nanami clenched his jaw so hard he thought his teeth might crack.

He didn’t act on these emotions. That wasn’t who he was. He didn’t let irrational feelings dictate his behavior. But it didn’t mean they weren’t there.

Jealousy was an emotion he had no right to feel.

And yet, it followed him.

Unfortunately, while you spent your time with Tanaka, Nanami was stuck with her.

Ayaka Takahashi.

The woman his parents had practically handpicked for him. She was polished, elegant, and everything a proper socialite should be. She had wealth, status, and the kind of family name that turned heads in high society.

And Nanami couldn’t stand her.

She wasn’t awful, exactly. But she was everything he despised—shallow, judgmental, and utterly consumed by appearances.

That Friday night, he found himself sitting across from her at yet another dinner his parents had arranged.

“I don’t know why you insist on taking me to these places, Kento.” Ayaka sighed, looking around the dimly lit restaurant with barely veiled disdain. “The service is passable, but there’s nothing exclusive about it.”

Nanami barely spared her a glance. “I didn’t choose it.”

She pouted slightly. “Of course. Your parents did. They’re always looking out for you.”

Nanami resisted the urge to check his watch. He already knew how long this dinner had been dragging on—too long.

Ayaka continued talking about something he had no interest in, but he barely listened, nodding at the right moments, offering short responses when necessary.

It was a routine at this point.

But then—

“Oh,” she said suddenly, her tone shifting into something sharper. “I completely forgot to tell you. My mother was at some charity event recently. You’ll never guess whose family was parading themselves around.”

Nanami didn’t have to guess.

Ayaka smirked. “The [Your Last Name]s.”

Nanami set his fork down, his movements controlled. “And?”

“And,” she drawled, tilting her head, “they were shameless as always. Acting like they’re so generous, as if they actually care about the causes they support. It’s laughable, really.”

Nanami’s jaw tensed.

“I mean, come on,” Ayaka continued, swirling her wine glass lazily. “We both know the only reason their daughter is involved in charity work is because she’s desperate for attention. It’s embarrassing, really.”

His grip on his napkin tightened.

“She’s always acting so sweet and innocent, but let’s be real—she’s just like the rest of them. Always looking for the next rich guy to wrap around her finger.” Ayaka laughed lightly. “It’s honestly pathetic how many men fall for that act.”

Nanami’s stomach turned.

“She probably thinks she’s being so charitable, but all she’s doing is flaunting her privilege. What does she actually do? Hand out food for a few hours and call herself a saint? It’s disgusting.”

His patience snapped.

“That’s enough.”

Ayaka blinked at him, her smirk faltering. “What?”

Nanami’s voice was cold, measured. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She scoffed. “Oh, please, Kento. Don’t tell me you actually believe she’s—”

“I don’t believe, Ayaka.” His eyes locked onto hers, sharp and unforgiving. “I know.”

Her lips parted slightly in shock.

“Unlike you, she actually does something with her time. She puts in the effort, helps people who need it, and doesn’t spend her nights gossiping about people she doesn’t understand.” His voice was laced with quiet disdain. “But I wouldn’t expect you to comprehend that.”

Ayaka’s expression darkened. “Excuse me?”

Nanami pushed his chair back, standing smoothly. “I’ve lost my appetite.” He pulled out his wallet and tossed several bills onto the table. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

And with that, he walked out, leaving her fuming in his wake.

The night air was cool against his heated skin, but it did little to ease his frustration. He shouldn’t have lost his temper, but he couldn’t stand hearing her name dragged through the mud by someone so utterly empty.

He walked aimlessly through the city, trying to clear his mind.

Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw it.

A restaurant. A familiar figure inside.

You.

Sitting at a table with him.

Ren Tanaka.

Nanami’s breath caught in his throat.

You were smiling, tilting your head as you listened to whatever Ren was saying. Your hands moved slightly as you spoke, your eyes bright and animated.

You looked… happy.

Nanami couldn’t move.

Then, as if sensing him, you turned.

Your eyes met his through the window.

Your expression shifted—surprise, hesitation, something else he couldn’t quite place.

For a moment, neither of you looked away.

And then, Nanami did what he always did when something unsettled him.

He turned and walked away.

His chest felt heavy, his thoughts a mess.

But one thing was clear.

Avoiding you hadn’t made a difference.

Because no matter how hard he tried to bury it, the truth was painfully obvious.

He was still caught up in you.