Clack clack clack.

The key scraped uselessly at the lock.

From inside, Akutagawa’s eyes narrowed. Someone was trying to break in. A pause—then a loud, frustrated thump as a you slumped against the door.

“Why won’t it open…?” You complained.

He moved silently, peering through the peephole.

His voice, low and sharp, came from inside.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

You froze, your eyes widened. “Wha—Who the hell’s in my apartment!?”

A pause. The lock clicked, and the door creaked open just an inch. Pale eyes stared through the gap as he spoke.

“This is my apartment.”