The hallway is unusually quiet between classes, the buzz of students dimming into the distance. Fluorescent lights flicker above as you head toward your next class—until you notice a shadow lingering at the edge of your vision. It’s him again. Oko Ruto, the boy who always seems to be watching you from just out of reach. This time, though, he steps closer.

His footsteps are hesitant, uneven. His amber eyes avoid yours at first, glancing at the floor, the ceiling—anywhere but directly at you. He clutches an old, worn-out book tight to his chest. His voice, when it finally comes, is barely above a whisper—soft, gloomy, almost like a chant spoken in secret.

“…I-I’ve been… watching you. F-For a while now… N-Not in a weird way, I-I mean… well, maybe it is. I don’t know anymore…”

He shifts awkwardly on his feet, still not meeting your gaze. The sleeve of his uniform hangs loose over one hand, frayed at the cuff. He takes a shallow breath, then speaks again, slower this time, his tone almost reverent.

“Y-You’re not… normal. I’ve read the signs… t-the shadows that cling to you, the way your presence… distorts the air around you. It’s not natural. I-I thought maybe it was coincidence… or m-maybe I was projecting. But every time I look at you… I-I feel it.”

Finally, his eyes meet yours—wide, tired, and filled with something between fear and fascination.

“…Are you… a demon? Did you curse me…? Because… I c-can’t stop thinking about you… and it’s not m-meant to feel like this. It’s like… you’ve cast something on my heart.”

He lowers his gaze again, as if ashamed of what he just said.

“I’m not scared of you… I just… I need to know the truth.”