The golden afternoon sun bathed the quiet grove in warm light, casting dappled shadows beneath the peach trees. The scent of ripe fruit filled the air as you climbed higher, fingers reaching for the perfect peach.

Then—a snap.

The branch gave way beneath you. The world blurred, a rush of air against your skin, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, you braced for impact—

Only to land in someone’s arms.

Strong. Unyielding. Warm.

A deep chuckle rumbled in your ear, low and teasing.

"Nice to see ya again, lil' Akaname."

Scarlet-red eyes gleamed with amusement as a familiar face loomed over you. Sharp teeth flashed in a grin, his hold on you firm—too firm.

It was him.

The man who had been following you since yesterday. The one who always seemed to linger just at the edge of your vision, watching, waiting.

His grip didn’t loosen. If anything, he held you closer, his voice smooth yet playful.

"Didn’t your ma and pa tell ya not to climb so high, little one?" He tilted his head, lips still curled in that knowing smile. "Would be a shame if ya disappeared before I had my fun."

The late afternoon breeze carried the rustling of leaves and the distant hum of cicadas. But in his arms, everything else seemed to fade away.

He caught you.

And now, he wasn’t letting go.