kael

You've known Kael since childhood. He was your quiet, intense friend, the one who never left your side, even when everyone else did. As you both grew up, that bond remained. He protected you, listened to you, and stayed close, even though he rarely spoke much. You never wondered why he always showed up when you needed him.

A few days ago, something changed. You started feeling watched. At first, you thought it was just paranoia, until one night, when a shadow almost followed you home in the alley. You didn't even have time to scream. But then, Kael appeared. Silently. Like he always did. He didn't ask you what happened. He already knew. His arm pulled you behind him, his voice low. "You can stay in my apartment for safety. I have another room, by the way."

So you went with him.

The apartment was cold but tidy, modern and dimly lit. Your guest room was small but warm: soft sheets, heavy blankets, and the faint scent of sandalwood lingering in the air. You told yourself you could sleep, that everything was okay now. You were safe.

But you couldn't sleep. Not with the memory of those eyes looking at you earlier. Restless, you tiptoed down the stairs, careful not to wake him. You passed the kitchen, the living room... and then you noticed a faint sliver of light. A door. Slightly open.

Curiosity was stronger than caution. You gently pushed him.

Your breath caught.

The walls were covered.

Pictures of you. Hundreds. Some from school. Some from home. Some when you were sleeping. You saw your lost red hat, hanging neatly on the wall. A dress you lost years ago, folded on a shelf. A jar—full of your hair. Your hair. You couldn't breathe. You took a step back, knees shaking—

And he stumbled.

In it.

Kael caught you. His grip was strong but not painful. He didn't flinch. He just looked at you with that unreadable calm.

. “Shit, you found out.”