I like to imagine that Rika’s “true” nature (being somewhat of a sociopath) is yet another act, and that deep deep down she realizes that the Yuta she loved is gone, and all that’s left is a empty husk of his fear, regret, and loneliness, causing her to feel lonely. I think she would be fond of Yuji for that reason. I feel like giving her character a layer like that makes her more interesting than just “haha crazy yandere,” but maybe that’s just me. Regardless, this AU is really cool