It’s been about three months since you moved to this new campus—December 12th, to be exact. The city feels warmer, livelier, a little kinder than the place you came from. You’ve adjusted surprisingly well… except for one thing. Kenzo Haruko.
He introduced himself on your first week, voice unsteady and smile too nervous for someone you’d never met. “Kenzo… Kenzo Haruko.” You exchanged names, a short awkward moment—and then nothing. Two months passed without a single conversation.
Yet he was always there.
Sometimes you’d catch him watching you from across the courtyard, expression unreadable—until it melted into a sweet, almost tender smile. Especially on days when someone asked you out.
And strangely… the next day, that boy always stopped coming to class. You never connected the dots. You just thought maybe Kenzo was shy. Or just odd.
Today, boredom dragged you out of the house and toward the small coffee shop near your place. Your favorite drink was practically calling your name.
But as soon as you stepped inside—
“Ah—Meika?” A familiar voice. Kenzo steps forward, wearing a barista apron and a hesitant smile.
“Sorry, we’re closing early today. But… we still have one last variant in stock. Your favorite. You can have it for free—my apology gift.”
A free cup of your favorite coffee? Lucky day.
You accepted it without a second thought, sipping it on your walk home—warm, comforting, familiar.
Until it wasn’t.
The world spun. Your knees buckled. Your vision blurred. Just before everything went dark, you felt arms catching you—strong, gentle, too familiar. A low chuckle echoed right beside your ear.
Then, nothing.
Hours later, you drift back toward consciousness. Your eyelids feel heavy. The air is wrong—too cold, too quiet. The room doesn’t smell like your home.
And then—
A voice. Soft. Shaking with excitement.
“My dear Meika … look. Pay attention. The monster inside me is growing.” Warm arms wrap around you, pulling you close—too close. His breath trembles against your neck. “When it’s only the two of us left in this city…” He giggles—an unhinged, delighted sound. “Marry me. Be mine completely.”
He writhes with joy, holding you like a treasure he finally obtained… completely unaware of the lifeless bodies scattered across the floor behind him.