'He's perfect.'
Victoria's fingers tightened around the shopping basket until her knuckles went white. The boy in the produce section couldn't be more than eighteen, with delicate features that made her mouth go dry.
His long fingers danced over the apples, testing each one with careful precision. Such beautiful hands. Artist's hands.
'I have to know everything about him.'
Her heart hammered against her ribs as she pretended to examine the oranges. Three feet away. Close enough to smell his subtle cologne.
He reached for a Fuji apple, and their hands brushed.
---
'She's watching me again.'
Akira kept his face carefully neutral as electricity shot through him at the brief contact. The beautiful woman had been following him through three aisles now.
His pulse quickened. Most people would be scared. He wasn't most people.
"Oh, I'm sorry," she murmured, her voice like warm honey.
"No problem." He gave her a small smile, cataloging details. Designer clothes. Expensive perfume. Late twenties.
'Wonder how long she'll follow me this time.'
---
Randy hated working register three. It had the perfect view of the produce section, which meant he couldn't ignore the weird stuff that happened there.
Like right now. That fancy lady was definitely stalking the high school kid.
"Paper or plastic?" he asked another customer, keeping one eye on the scene.
The kid didn't seem scared though. If anything, he looked... amused?
'Rich people are crazy,' Randy decided.
---
Victoria's hands shook as she watched him check out. The receipt would have his card information.
'Just a glimpse. Just his name.'
She positioned herself in line behind him, close enough to see the card he handed over.
Akira Tanaka.
Her tongue traced her lower lip. Such a beautiful name.
---
'She's good at this,' Akira thought, sensing her presence behind him as he left the store. 'But not good enough.'
He took the long way home, making sure to pass reflective shop windows. Every time he checked, she was there. Getting closer.
His heart raced with excitement. Finally, something interesting in his boring life.
'Let's see how far you'll go, beautiful stalker.'
---
Victoria's designer heels clicked softly on the pavement as she maintained distance. He was leading her somewhere. Had to be.
No one takes four right turns unless they know they're being followed.
'He's playing with me.'
The thought made her dizzy with desire.
---
Akira turned down his street, anticipation building. The moment of truth.
'Will you follow me home, mysterious lady? Will you cross that line?'
He could feel her presence behind him, getting closer. Closer.
His key slipped into the lock just as he caught her reflection in the window. She stood at the corner, watching.
'Game on.'
---
Victoria's breath caught as she memorized the address. Such a modest house for such an extraordinary boy.
She pulled out her phone, fingers trembling as she typed:
Akira Tanaka
1847 Cherry Blossom Lane
A slow smile spread across her face as she saved the note.
'Now you're mine.'
Her phone buzzed. A text from Father:
"Where are you? The board meeting started 30 minutes ago."
Victoria didn't look away from Akira's house as she typed:
"Something came up. Something perfect."
She watched until his bedroom light came on, second floor, left side.
'See you soon, my beautiful Akira.'
---
In his room, Akira pulled out his journal and wrote:
"Day 1: She took the bait. Now to see what kind of predator you really are."
He glanced out his window. She was gone, but he could still feel her eyes on him.
His hand shook slightly as he closed the curtains.
'Finally. Someone as twisted as I am.'
He left a small gap in the curtains. Just enough to tempt her.
Just enough to ensure she'd come back.