SAI SHINU
"What the hell am I supposed to say to that?" I thought.
"I just appeared in this void with zero senses… and after who knows how many hours, days, or weeks, a random stranger shows up and saves my life. It's not about whether I trust you—it's about whether if I want to trust you… and whether that would be the right choice."
"Hmm… I guess you're right," he said. "You have no reason to trust me. But I can't give you one either."
"Fine by me," he added, turning and starting to walk away.
He stopped after a few steps. "Oh, right… one thing. Take this—you'll need it."
He held out one of his daggers.
"Ah… thank you, but I don't know how to use this weapon," I admitted.
"So… you'll follow me?" he asked.
"Yes. I don't have much of a choice. And… giving me a dagger does make me feel a little safer."
"Good. Then keep it—for the journey," he said.
"Thank you," I replied, feeling a strange mix of relief and dread. I could only hope I wouldn't regret this.
"Maybe we should get to know each other a little better. Can we exchange names?" I asked.
"I don't give a crap about that," he said bluntly.
"Oh, come on," I muttered.
"Fine… can you at least tell me your name?" I pressed.
"Yeah, I guess. My name is Sai Shinu."
"WHAT?!" My thoughts exploded.
How…? How could this be?
The same name as mine?
Was I dreaming?
What the hell was happening?
"Hey—are you even listening?" he snapped, snapping me out of my daze.
And then, as if things weren't bad enough… a pack of monsters emerged from the darkness.
Chimeras. Dozens of them, surrounding us in a tightening circle.
"What now?" I asked, my voice trembling. A cold shiver ran down my spine.
"There's only one option… fight," he said, already preparing to strike.
"Right," I breathed, forcing my fear down as I lunged at one of the beasts—praying I'd survive.
YURI KOI
"I'm home," I called out, closing the door behind me. My cat trotted over immediately.
"Come here," I said, scooping Sai up into my arms and carrying him to my bed. I buried my face in his fur, feeling his warmth calm me.
After a while, I stood up. "I need to take a bath—it's been a long day. Stay here, okay?"
He curled up, already drifting into sleep.
I turned on the faucet, letting the hot water fill the bathtub. As the steam rose, I slowly removed my clothes.
When the tub was full, I turned the water off and sank into the heat.
The lights were off, only three candles flickering in the shadows. Their glow danced across the water, casting soft, wavering patterns.
The warmth seeped into my bones, and… my thoughts began to drift.
They drifted to him. The atmosphere I'd created wasn't helping at all.
"Ugh… why did I do this to myself?" I muttered.
I wondered where he was. What he was doing now. If he had a job. How his parents were.
I wanted to know everything about him. The water embraced me, the candles swayed in the dark.
"Ahh… I'm tired," I whispered. "Just… a little rest."
I closed my eyes.