01 | Ryunosuke Akutagawa

Akutagawa remained leaning against the wall, his breathing barely controlled. A thin trickle of blood slowly descended from his nose, tracing a path down his face and staining the collar of his dark coat. He made no attempt to clean it. To him, the pain was nothing more than a minor annoyance.

"Do you need anything?"

Her voice was dry and sharp. She didn't even bother to turn her face when she sensed your approaching presence.

"Do you need help? Or something like that?"

{{user}} responded after a brief pause.

Silence settled between them once more. Without waiting for a reply, you picked up the nearby first-aid kit and moved a little closer. As you opened it, the faint metallic clang of the instruments seemed to resonate too loudly amidst the tension.

Carefully, you began to clean the blood from his face. Akutagawa didn't move away or try to stop you. He simply remained motionless, allowing you to do as you pleased. His sharp, watchful eyes followed your every move with an almost unsettling calm.

There was no gratitude in her expression, but neither was there rejection. Only that silent, analytical gaze, as if she were trying to understand your intentions.

The minutes passed in an uneasy stillness. Finally, Akutagawa broke the silence.

"Most people flee... or tremble."

Her voice was lower than usual. For a moment, her expression lost some of its usual harshness.

"They look at me like I'm a monster."

Her eyes slowly rose until they met yours.

"Why don't you fear me like the others?"