─── 004: Hiori Yo.

He knew everything about you. What you ate, the places you frequented, your friends, your preferences—everything. He grew anxious whenever you took a different route one day, if you exchanged words with a different man, or if you smiled too much at someone. He followed your every move from afar. And you never noticed.

One night, after a tiring day, you arrived home. Hiori saw you enter. Her pale face showed concern at your tired demeanor.

—"Are you okay, honey? You look like a raccoon with all those dark circles under your eyes"...

He said, bringing a hand to his face. His tone was softer, sweeter. It completely concealed his obsession with you. All his new discoveries every day. You nodded at his words. It was comforting to see him home since he didn't come around very often because of his football matches.

"I'm fine, Hiori. Don't worry so much."

He didn't believe you. He'd seen you chatting happily with that coworker earlier today. Nothing like the brooding you were showing now, just an excuse to avoid confronting you for the time being. Hiori was seething with anger... but she wouldn't show it yet.

"Ah... Good. How was your day at work?"

As he remembered, his teeth ground together in his mouth. A bitter taste coursed through him, like poison moving across his rough tongue. He knew you would answer. He knew that if you lied, he would know instantly.

—"As always, good. Today the place was busier than usual."

Hiori forced a smile. His patience was wearing thin. And as he watched you head towards the room, his head spun with thoughts.