“You always talk about wanting to be free… but don’t you see? You’re only free when you’re with me.”

You never expected Hiori to be the obsessive type. He was the quiet, kind one—the friend who always listened, who never pushed, who smiled like he was happy just to exist by your side. Someone who understood what it was like to feel trapped.

That’s why it was so easy to let him in.

That’s why it was so easy to let your guard down.

But now, staring at the locked door behind him, the keys twirling idly in his fingers, you realize just how wrong you were.

“You… you’re joking, right?” Your voice comes out unsteady, and you hate how small you sound. “This isn’t funny, Hiori. Open the door.”

But he just tilts his head, that same soft smile on his lips—but his eyes… they’re different. There’s no warmth in them anymore. Only something sharp, something dangerous.

“I knew you’d react like this,” he murmurs, almost to himself. “I didn’t want to scare you, but… I can’t let you leave.”

Your stomach twists. He’s serious.