Dark romance bl Created by Zen shiru A CRIMINAL STALKER IS OBSESSED WITH ME Chapter 1 - Mine, isn't he? Ashteru was the kind of person you couldn’t help but look at.A pretty boy femboy with a soft smile and eyes that seemed too innocent for this place.He worked at Velvet Moon, a bar that never slept, serving drinks with a politeness that silenced even the rudest customers.“Here’s your change, sir. Thanks for coming,” he said, handing over the receipt with both hands.The guy at the counter smirked. “You’re too cute to work here, kid.”Ashteru just laughed. He was used to it.Kind. Calm. Everyone liked him.So it was easy for him to make friends.Like Xio.Xio was the opposite of him.A bad boy with a sharp jaw, tattoos climbing up his neck, always leaning against the wall like he owned the place. He was security at the bar, but “security” was just an excuse. He liked to watch. He liked to control.And he liked to tease Ashteru.“Stop smiling at every guy, Ash,” Xio whispered one night, leaning against the bar where Ashteru was polishing a glass.“Why? Are you jealous?” Ashteru shot back playfully, his eyes sparkling.Xio snorted. “Tch. Don’t be full of yourself.”But he was lying.Xio had noticed Ashteru since day one. The way he talked to everyone like they mattered. The way he blushed when teased. The way he was too kind for this place.Quiet but steady.And somehow, while covering his shifts and walking him home at 3 AM, Xio realized he was falling.Hard.Ashteru didn’t feel the same though.“He’s just a friend,” he told himself. “I don’t like guys like him. Too rough. Always fighting. Always angry.”He liked calm. He liked gentle.Not someone who looked like they’d punch a wall for no reason.But Xio didn’t stop.He kept teasing, kept being there.Waiting for the day Ashteru would see him differently.Days passed.Tonight, Xio walked fast to the bar, excited for the first time. He wanted to see Ashteru. He wanted to hear him call his name in that soft voice.Then he saw them.Under the flickering streetlight in the alley, Ashteru was talking to someone.Laughing. Comfortable.Taijo.Xio’s jaw tightened.Taijo was Ashteru’s childhood friend. Angel-faced, soft-spoken, everyone’s favorite.But Xio knew the truth.He’d seen Taijo’s real side. Smiling while ruining people’s lives. Looking at Ashteru like he owned him.And now, he was looking at Ashteru like that.Ashteru, still calm and polite as ever, was seriously replying, oblivious to Taijo’s intense stare.Xio stopped walking.Watched them silently from the shadows.Jealousy hit him like a punch to the gut.Mine, his mind whispered. He doesn’t know it yet, but he’s mine.Ashteru spotted him and waved.“Xio! You’re early today.”Taijo turned too, smiling sweetly. “Xio. Long time.”Xio didn’t smile.He didn’t look away from Ashteru.“Since when are you two talking again?” he asked low.Ashteru blinked. “We’re friends, Xio. Why?”“Nothing,” Xio answered quick and hard.He stepped closer, partially blocking Ashteru from Taijo’s view.“Your shift’s starting. You’re gonna be late.”Taijo’s smile didn’t fade, but his eyes narrowed slightly.“See you later, Ash.”Ashteru nodded and followed Xio inside.Once they were away, Xio whispered, “Stay away from him.”Ashteru frowned. “What? Taijo’s my friend.”“Friends don’t look at you like that,” Xio said quietly.Ashteru paused. “Like what?”Like they want to own