The afternoon sun peeked between drifting clouds as Vial arrived at the park. The breeze was mild, the chatter of distant conversations and birdsong blending into a calming background hum. His eyes scanned the surroundings—until he spotted her.
Maki sat on a bench under a flowering tree, her long, blonde hair swaying slightly with the wind. She wore a casual off-shoulder top and denim shorts, legs crossed, phone in hand. The moment she saw him, her face lit up.
"Vial!!" she called out, jumping to her feet with a wide smile. Without hesitation, she closed the distance and gave him a quick, playful hug. "You're alive!"
He chuckled. "Last I checked."
They began walking through the park, side by side. Maki's energy was unmistakable—cheerful, a bit chaotic, and definitely physical. She kept brushing against him, occasionally linking arms, and Vial didn't really mind. If anything, it was nice to be around someone so alive.
After a few minutes, Maki glanced at him with a pout. "So... were you ignoring me?"
Vial blinked. "What? No—sorry. A lot happened. I didn't even touch my phone until today." He looked at her earnestly. "I should've messaged. I didn't mean to worry you."
Maki's expression softened. "Well, as long as nothing bad happened." She smiled again. "Still… I was really worried. Thought maybe I scared you off."
They eventually made their way to a building with a glowing neon sign that read "FireBelly Grill"—a local barbecue spot with a modern interior and the smell of grilled meat spilling into the street.
Inside, they found a corner booth and ordered skewers, rice platters, and drinks. As they ate, Maki's flirtatious side came out in full force.
"You know," she said, leaning across the table, "I thought you looked good before, but that suit really did something to me. You planning to wear that again?"
Vial smirked. "Are you saying you'd fall for me harder if I wore suits every day?"
She blinked, caught off guard. "Wha— I mean—maybe?" Her cheeks flushed as she tried to maintain her composure. "I didn't think you'd actually flirt back…"
"Too late to take it back," Vial said smoothly, sipping his drink.
Maki covered her face for a second before laughing. "Ugh, don't mess with me like that. I'm fragile."
As the evening sky turned orange, the two strolled out of the restaurant. The moon was rising, casting a silver glow over the city streets. Maki continued teasing, but there was something softer about her now—her energy less chaotic, more affectionate.
"So, my place isn't far," she said, bumping her shoulder into him. "Wanna crash there tonight?"
Vial chuckled. "Tempting offer… but I'm honestly wiped out. Maybe another time?"
Maki gave a dramatic pout. "Booo…"
He smiled. "Promise I'll visit soon. That okay?"
Her face brightened instantly. "Okay! Deal!"
They reached a transport terminal and stood together for a moment before parting. Maki gave him a quick wave as she boarded a pod. "Message me, okay?"
"I will."
The pod zipped off, and Vial found himself walking the city streets alone again, hands in his pockets, thoughts swirling. Despite the lightness of the evening, his mind tugged him back to the question that had haunted him since day one:
Why did I end up here?
Minutes later, he arrived at the apartment complex. The building was quiet, almost too quiet—but someone was waiting outside.
Vial paused.
Kaelene.
She stood near the entrance with her arms crossed, looking like she had been there for a while. Her expression was smug, as if she'd known he would come. A light sheen of sweat glistened on her skin.
"Well, well," she said, smiling. "Look who finally showed up."
Vial sighed inwardly. Of course.
He approached, trying to hide his fatigue. "You stalking me now?"
Kaelene rolled her eyes. "I just finished my evening run." She gestured to her outfit—a cropped athletic jacket and shorts that revealed her toned legs and smooth, pale stomach. "Cute timing, though."
"Right," Vial said, clearly unconvinced.
Kaelene tilted her head. "You look exhausted."
"I am."
"Then you probably shouldn't be alone." She winked.
He didn't take the bait. "Haven't seen you in a week," he said, changing the subject. "Wanna catch up in my room? Just to talk."
Kaelene's grin widened. "Oh? Inviting me in now? You sure you're not the one who missed me?"
"I'm sure I regret asking already," Vial muttered, pushing open the building's door. But he didn't stop her from following.
As the two disappeared inside, the hallway lights flickered softly, and the night outside deepened into silence.
The door clicked shut behind them as Vial stepped into his room, dropping his bag by the entrance. He turned slightly, about to offer Kaelene a seat—
—but before he could say a word, something wrapped tightly around his neck from behind.
"Wha—?!"
Kaelene had leapt on him like a shadow. One arm locked around his throat while her legs wrapped around his waist in a crushing hold. She was behind him, her chest pressed against his back, her breath warm in his ear.
"If this is a prank," Vial gasped, "you better stop before—!"
"Shhh…" she whispered, her voice sweet and unnervingly soft. "Please sleep, my future husband~"
Panic surged. He grabbed at her arm, trying to pull her off—but her grip was firm, practiced. Despite having a biological advantage in strength, Vial had no training in close combat. Kaelene, on the other hand, clearly did.
His balance failed as she dragged him to the floor. The pressure on his neck increased, and the world spun in waves.
"Kaelene…" he struggled to speak.
But the edges of his vision blurred, strength fading fast.
Darkness took him.
He awoke—barely.
His body felt heavy, limbs weak. His head rested against something soft—Kaelene's bare stomach. Her legs were still wrapped around his waist from behind, a lock as casual as it was possessive. She sat against the wall, cradling him like a doll.
Her fingers slowly combed through his hair, again and again.
"Shhh… you're okay now," she whispered gently, smiling down at him.
Vial could hardly move, his thoughts swimming, caught between wakefulness and unconsciousness.
"Don't worry," she cooed, brushing his bangs aside. "I'll make sure to love you very, very much… hehe~"
Her voice was sickeningly sweet—too soft to be comforting, too loving to be sane.
Vial's eyelids fluttered. The last thing he saw was Kaelene's warm, beaming smile hovering above him… and the terrifying calm in her violet eyes.