Chapter 4: Ripples of Obsession
The days that followed were anything but peaceful for Kaito. Despite his best efforts to remain invisible, the swirling chaos around him continued to intensify. He had become the unwilling center of attention, and no matter how hard he tried, escape seemed impossible.
One morning, as Kaito walked toward the campus library, he felt a familiar tingle at the back of his neck. Someone was watching him—again. He quickened his pace, hoping to lose whoever it was in the winding corridors of the old building.
"Running from your destiny, are we?" Simmy's teasing voice rang out in his ear.
"Not helping," Kaito muttered.
He ducked into the library, weaving through rows of towering bookshelves. The smell of old paper filled the air, and the quiet atmosphere should have been comforting. Instead, it only heightened his paranoia.
"Kaito!"
Kaito froze. Aiko emerged from behind a bookshelf, her intense gaze locking onto him immediately. She looked radiant, but there was a strange edge to her expression—a mixture of curiosity and something darker.
"I've been looking for you," she said softly.
Kaito forced a smile. "I've been busy."
"Too busy for friends?"
"It's not that. I just…" He trailed off, unsure of what to say.
"You're different from everyone else," Aiko continued, stepping closer. "There's something about you that I can't figure out."
Kaito took a step back. "Maybe you're imagining things."
"I don't think so." Aiko's eyes narrowed slightly. "Every time I see you, it's like there's a wall between us. I want to understand why."
"It's not personal," Kaito said quickly. "I just prefer to keep to myself."
"Why?"
"Because—" Kaito stopped short. How could he explain that he was cursed with a supernatural charm that drove people to obsession?
Before he could come up with an answer, a shadow fell across them. Ryuu had appeared, his expression as dark as ever.
"Is there a problem here?" he asked, glaring at Kaito.
"No problem," Kaito said, backing away slowly. "I was just leaving."
"Not so fast." Ryuu stepped into Kaito's path. "Stay away from Aiko."
Kaito felt a surge of frustration. "I'm not doing anything to her."
"That's exactly the problem," Ryuu growled. "You're playing some kind of game, and I don't like it."
"Oh, for crying out loud," Simmy muttered. "These two are like dogs fighting over a bone."
"Simmy, not now," Kaito whispered.
Ryuu's eyes narrowed further. "What did you say?"
"Nothing. Just leave me alone." Kaito turned and walked away before things could escalate further.
---
By the time Kaito returned to his dorm that evening, he was exhausted. The day had been a constant parade of tense encounters and awkward conversations. He collapsed onto his bed, closing his eyes and willing the world to disappear.
"You can't hide forever, you know," Simmy said, floating above him.
"Watch me."
"You're cursed, Kaito. People are going to be drawn to you no matter what you do. You can't run from it."
"I don't care. I'm not getting involved with anyone."
"That's not how fate works, buddy."
Kaito sighed. "Fate can go screw itself."
---
The next day, Kaito woke up with a new plan. If staying out of sight wasn't working, maybe he needed to try something else: controlled avoidance. He would only go to places where he knew he wouldn't run into Aiko, Ryuu, or anyone else who seemed overly interested in him.
His first destination was the rooftop of the science building. It was a quiet, out-of-the-way spot that few students visited. He climbed the stairs and pushed open the door, breathing in the fresh air as he stepped onto the roof.
"Finally. Peace and quiet."
"You wish," Simmy said.
Kaito turned to see Emi standing near the edge of the rooftop, her red hair catching the sunlight. She waved cheerfully when she saw him.
"Hey, Kaito! Fancy meeting you here."
"How did you—" Kaito stopped himself. Of course she'd found him. His luck was just that bad.
"This is one of my favorite spots," Emi said, walking over to him. "I come up here to think."
"Same," Kaito said reluctantly.
"You know, you're pretty mysterious," Emi continued. "Everyone's talking about you, but no one really knows anything."
"There's not much to know."
"I don't believe that." Emi leaned against the railing, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You're hiding something. I can feel it."
"I'm just a regular guy."
"Liar." Emi's grin widened. "But that's okay. I'll figure you out eventually."
Simmy floated beside Kaito, shaking his head. "You're doomed."
Kaito couldn't help but agree.
---
As the days passed, Kaito's situation only grew more complicated. Aiko's gaze became more intense, Ryuu's hostility escalated, and Emi's determination to befriend him showed no signs of wavering. The more Kaito tried to distance himself, the closer they seemed to get.
One evening, Kaito found himself alone in the campus garden, hoping for a moment of peace. The setting sun bathed the flowers in golden light, and for a brief moment, he felt a sense of calm.
"Beautiful, isn't it?"
Kaito turned to see Aiko standing a few feet away. She stepped closer, her eyes soft but searching.
"Kaito, why are you always running?" she asked quietly.
"I'm not."
"Yes, you are. Every time someone gets close, you push them away."
"It's better that way."
"Better for who?"
Kaito didn't answer. He couldn't.
"I'm not going to give up on you," Aiko said firmly. "Whatever you're afraid of, we can face it together."
Before Kaito could respond, a rustling sound interrupted them. Ryuu stepped out from the shadows, his expression dark with anger.
"Stay away from her," he growled.
Kaito sighed. "Not this again."
"I warned you," Ryuu said, stepping closer. "If you don't back off, there will be consequences."
"Enough!" Aiko snapped. "This isn't a competition, Ryuu. Stop treating it like one."
Ryuu's fists clenched, but he didn't move. The tension hung heavy in the air, and Kaito knew this was far from over.
"Come on, Kaito," Aiko said, grabbing his arm. "Let's go."
Kaito allowed her to lead him away, his mind racing. No matter how hard he tried to avoid it, the storm of obsession was gathering. And deep down, he knew there was no escaping it.