Familiar Stranger: CH 13

Chapter 13: Light / Shadow

 

Here he is, alone with his thoughts. They aren't weighing his mind anymore like how it used to; still from time to time he needed the escape. How long has it been? It felt like ages ago. Unknowingly time had passed in between them.

He left the bustling meaning to sort his thoughts (and feelings) out, but now his head is full of him. His smile, his voice, the little touches, everything.

 

He releases a long sigh. This is unlike him. He is not supposed to be caught up in this kind of thing.

 

Shifting his attention elsewhere, towards the broken mirror opposite to his bed. He recalls a flash of panic - it was purely on impulse. One moment he saw a stranger in the mirror. Then the next one it's already shattered, blood running down his hand. But the voices never left and the image never truly goes away. He recalls Fusa looking extremely worried, questioning him while she tends to his wound. He recalls Toma glancing back at him every few minutes, unable to concentrate on his training.

"What happened?"

"..It was an accident, nothing much."

And even Ryuga who were keeping his distance at the time, looks like he was the one in pain.

Sometimes he wonders why they stayed with him. He's nothing but trouble. They'd do better without him. But he couldn't bear the thought of them leaving. It'll drive him insane. (Or maybe he already is.)

Letting out a mirthless laugh, he let himself fell backwards onto the bed. It feels strangely empty now that he's the only one in it. He tried to keep him at an arm's length, tried to not get attached. When he realised it, he's already too far gone. To him who had been lost in an endless night, Ryuga's presence felt a lot like the first rays of the sun. The warm light chased the cold shadows away, and he had readily taken it in.

He had never felt this way towards a person. It scared him, so he pushed it down again and again until he couldn't anymore. And he stumbled over to the other side of the line.

 

He wanted him. Wanted to keep him here, within his reach. To fill up this emptiness in his soul.

 

Lust, greed.

 

"I'm really the worst."