Dealing with the Devil [Yandere x Reader]

Chapter 12 - Alone

The following day at school, the atmosphere remained heavy with discussion about the recent murder, each conversation acting as a jarring alarm in my mind.

"Y/N was there, though, right?" a girl from my science class, whom I'd never interacted with before, suddenly addressed me.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I was. Still a bit shaken," I responded absently, my mind already drifting back into a state of detachment.

It was as if I had stepped into the twilight zone, where reality blurred and nothing felt quite tangible.

After that class, I sought solace in the quiet corner of the library, yearning for a moment of respite. As I settled down, the dim lighting providing a soothing ambiance, I focused on deep breaths, attempting to calm my frayed nerves.

But soon, the tranquility was shattered by the sound of nearby chatter.

"How come Christian and that girl emerged from it unscathed? I bet she had something to do with it," someone's voice murmured, the words striking me like a blow. 

Leaning back, I felt the onset of an impending headache, the weight of suspicion pressing down on me from all sides.

"Yeah, because she looked so dramatic, like, girl, you lived," a voice scoffed, the words dripping with sarcasm.

I instinctively reached for my phone, seeking refuge in its screen.

Creep

nothing they say is your fault

besides it'll all blow over in few weeks

Weeks?

The thought was unbearable.

I needed this to vanish today.

After what felt like an eternity, the chatter subsided, leaving behind an eerie silence. But before I could fully relax, I sensed someone settling down beside me.

"What's wrong?" Christian's voice broke through the stillness.

I blinked, startled by his presence.

"Oh, Christian, I'm sorry. It's just... I've been really stressed lately," I confessed, meeting his apologetic gaze with a mix of relief and vulnerability.

"I understand. Don't worry, I heard them too. They gossip so much, you'd think they wouldn't need tutoring for public speaking," Christian remarked with a wry smile.

I chuckled. "Really?"

"Yup, a solid F," he confirmed, his tone laced with humor.

It brought a small sense of relief to know I wasn't alone in facing the scrutiny.

"How do you cope with all of this? I mean, we were right behind them when it happened," I asked, seeking his perspective.

"I was scared at first, but then I just let go of everything and focused on one thing," he explained.

"School?" I guessed.

"No, winter break," he replied, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

"But the break is still months away," I pointed out, feeling a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

"Yup, exactly four months. Some news outlets are predicting a harsh winter," Christian mentioned.

"Really? I should start paying more attention to the news," I responded, feeling a sense of urgency about the impending season.

I couldn't help but notice how close we were sitting, a tingling sensation fluttering in my stomach. 

Did I have a crush?

As we conversed, I found it difficult to maintain eye contact, sensing a palpable emotion emanating from him.

"You know, I really enjoyed the haunted house," I admitted quietly, "well, except for all the murder."

He chuckled, "I did too. It was nice being alone with you, just walking around, even now."

It felt different this time, something in the air sparking a sense of anticipation.

He kept making eye contact, inching closer, his hand hovering as if to reach for mine, but then hesitating.

"So, uh, what are your plans for winter break?" I asked, attempting to break the tension.

"Hmm, I was thinking of bringing back a gift," he replied cryptically.

"A gift?" I inquired, a hint of curiosity mingling with apprehension.

"Yeah, just for myself," he teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.

It sounded ominous, but also oddly intriguing.

"What about you?" he questioned in return.

"Oh, I'm not sure yet. Maybe just rent a hotel room and hunker down there," I offered.

"A hotel?" he echoed, eyebrows raised in surprise.

"Yeah, I'd be alone, but it would give me more time to work on my book and other projects," I explained.

"Do you like being alone?" he probed gently.

"Most of the time, not always," I admitted, a vulnerability creeping into my tone.