How to Handle a Yandere Harem - Chapter 32

Back to reality, away from the world created by Monika to torment Elizabeth…

Adriel stood in the bustling tournament locker room, adjusting his fighter’s gear with nervous hands. The weight of the competition pressed down on him, but it wasn’t the fight itself that stirred his thoughts. His mind drifted to Emma, who had organized this entire event. She was a constant presence in his life now, alongside Seda and Elizabeth. Though his relationships with them were still new and fragile, the bond he felt with each of them filled him with equal parts excitement and confusion.

“Are you nervous, Adriel?” came a soft, melodic voice from the doorway.

He turned, smiling instinctively as Emma appeared. She was a vision. Her long, fiery red hair fell in waves down her back, catching the light with every movement. Her emerald green eyes sparkled with mischief and a hint of something more possessive. Freckles dusted her nose and cheeks, adding to her charm, though there was always an underlying intensity in her gaze that kept people on edge. She wore a fitted red dress, her figure effortlessly commanding attention.

Emma walked up to him, her lips curving into a smile that was equal parts sweet and dangerous. “You know, I arranged this whole thing for you. You’ll win, won’t you?” She leaned in, brushing a strand of hair from his face, her fingers lingering on his cheek longer than necessary. Her touch sent a shiver down Adriel’s spine, though he tried to maintain his composure.

“I’ll do my best,” Adriel replied, his voice genuine. “It’s not about winning, though, is it? It’s just about doing our best.”

Emma’s eyes darkened slightly at his innocent response, her possessive side flaring. (You’re so pure, Adriel. That’s why I love you. But that purity makes you so… vulnerable. You don’t see how much I need to keep you all to myself.) She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper as her lips brushed against his ear. “But you will win, won’t you, Adriel? For me?”

Adriel, ever oblivious to the deeper meaning behind her words, smiled softly. “Of course, Emma. I’ll give it my all.”

She stepped back, her expression softening, though her possessive thoughts swirled. (Good. You’re mine, Adriel. Always mine. No one else can have you, not even Seda and Elizabeth. I won’t let them get too close. I’ll make sure of it.)

Adriel’s heart raced, but not from fear — from how much Emma’s faith in him meant. He admired her strength, her beauty, and the way she could take control of a situation. To him, she was someone who supported him in ways he didn’t fully understand but appreciated deeply. He didn’t see the possessiveness behind her actions; he only saw the affection she offered so freely.

Behind them, Adriel’s friends lurked, watching the interaction with barely contained frustration and envy.

“Can you believe it?” Issei muttered under his breath, glaring daggers at Adriel. “How does a guy like him end up with Emma? I don’t get it.”

“He’s not just with Emma,” another friend growled. “He’s also with Seda and Elizabeth. It’s insane! Three of the most incredible girls… and him?”

“Yeah, and he’s so clueless about it,” one of them added bitterly. “Like he doesn’t even realize how lucky he is. What I’d give to be in his place.”

Issei’s fists clenched as he watched Emma practically drape herself over Adriel. “It’s infuriating! He’s got everything, and it’s like he doesn’t even appreciate it!”

The jealousy in the air was thick, and none of Adriel’s friends could hide their growing resentment. They had all fantasized about Emma at some point, and now, to see her so devoted to someone they believed didn’t deserve her only fueled their anger.

Emma, ever perceptive, sensed the bitter stares from Adriel’s friends and smiled to herself. (Let them envy him. He’s mine. No one can take him from me. I won’t allow it.) She turned to face the group of glaring boys, her smile never faltering. “You guys should be cheering for him,” she said sweetly, though the edge in her tone was unmistakable. “He’s going to win today, after all.”

The boys exchanged awkward glances, knowing better than to challenge her openly. Even if they resented Adriel, they knew Emma wouldn’t tolerate anyone trying to undermine him.

Adriel, blissfully unaware of the tension swirling around him, finished preparing for his match. He turned to Emma, offering her a grateful smile. “Thanks for always believing in me, Emma. I really appreciate it.”

Emma’s heart skipped a beat. (He’s so sweet… so perfect. I have to keep him close. I can’t lose him, not to anyone.) She leaned in again, planting a soft kiss on his cheek, her lips lingering for just a moment too long. “I’ll be watching from the stands. Don’t disappoint me.”

Adriel chuckled nervously. “No pressure, right?”

Emma smiled, but her thoughts were darker. (There’s always pressure, Adriel. You just don’t realize it yet.)

As Adriel made his way out of the locker room, preparing to enter the arena, the noise of the crowd hit him like a wave. The moment he stepped into the stadium, the sound of boos filled the air. The arena was packed with spectators — mostly boys, their voices filled with bitterness and jealousy.

“Look at him, acting all innocent!” one of them shouted.

“How does he get to be with Emma?” another sneered.

“Seriously, him? What a joke!”

The boos grew louder, their anger palpable. Adriel’s heart sank for a moment as he realized just how much resentment was directed his way. He could feel the hostility in the air, each shout of anger and envy like a dagger to his confidence. But before he could let the negativity overwhelm him, something unexpected happened.

“Silence!” came a commanding voice from the audience, cutting through the noise like a blade.

Seda, her presence as powerful as ever, rose from her seat. Her expression was one of calm authority, but her eyes held an icy warning. The crowd immediately fell silent, the weight of her gaze enough to quell any further dissent.

“You will not boo him,” Seda’s voice rang out, her tone unyielding. “Anyone who dares insult Adriel will have to deal with me.”

The boys in the crowd exchanged nervous glances. No one dared defy Seda — not openly. Her reputation as one of the most formidable girls in the academy was well known, and crossing her would be a grave mistake.

Adriel glanced up at Seda, relief washing over him as he saw her standing there, her presence a shield against the hostile crowd. He offered her a grateful smile, and Seda nodded, her expression softening for just a moment. She, too, cared deeply for him, though her way of showing it was far more direct than Emma’s.

With the arena now silent, Adriel stepped fully into the ring, his resolve stronger than ever. He knew he had the support of the three most important girls in his life — Emma, Seda, and Elizabeth. Even though Elizabeth wasn’t at the tournament, he was sure that no matter where she was, she was rooting for him. With them watching over him, he felt ready to face whatever came next.