𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧 || 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳

CHAPTER 17

As Sakura sprinted through the moonlit forest, you followed closely behind. Determination fueled his steps, his mind fixated on uncovering the identity of the mysterious stalker who had been haunting you. The rustling leaves and distant whispers seemed to conspire against them, creating an eerie atmosphere that sent shivers down your spine.

"Sakura!" Your voice echoed through the trees, pleading for him to stop. But Sakura remained relentless, driven by anger and a desperate need for answers. He scanned the surroundings, eyes darting from shadow to shadow. Your breaths came in ragged gasps as you struggled to keep up.

Finally, Sakura's voice pierced the silence. "No. I won't go back until this stalker shows themselves! GET OUT AND SHOW YOURSELF!" His fury resonated through the forest, but the only response was an unsettling laughter that seemed to emanate from all directions.

!!!

Your heart pounded. Your covered your ears, hoping to drown out the whispers that clawed at your sanity. "Let's head back, Sakura," You implored, your grip on his hand tightening. "It's too dangerous."

But Sakura's resolve held firm. He spun you around to face him, his stern expression softening as he took in your tear-filled eyes. Guilt washed over him, and he pulled you into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his fingers tracing soothing patterns on your back.

Still, the forest remained alive with unseen menace. The voice returned, chilling and vengeful.

 "I'll never forgive you... I'll never forgive you..."

You trembled, burying your face in Sakura's chest. Fear gnawed at you, and you whispered, "Let's go back, please."

Sakura hesitated. His duty conflicted with his concern for you. But when Suo and the others arrived, their worried expressions urging retreat, Sakura relented. "Take Y/n," he instructed, gently releasing you. "I'll make one final sweep."

You clung to him, tears streaming down your face. "Don't be stubborn," you pleaded. 

As the group retreated, Sakura cast one last look into the darkness. The forest held its secrets, and he vowed to unravel them—even if it meant confronting the malevolent force that haunted their steps. Suddenly, your world blurred. The heaviness that clung to you intensified, threatening to pull you into darkness. Your legs wobbled, and you stumbled, but Sakura's strong arms caught you just in time. His touch was both comforting and urgent, and you clung to consciousness.

The boys gathered around, their expressions a mix of shock and concern. Sakura cradled you, his fingers brushing against your hair as if seeking solace. "This is getting out of hand," he muttered, his voice strained. "Call Umemiya."

The room buzzed with tension as Umemiya and Kaji joined them. You lay tucked in your bed. The boys watched over you, torn between duty and worry. "Did you see what they looked like?" Umemiya's gaze bore into him.

Sakura shook his head. "It was too dark. But they kept repeating, 'I will not forgive you...'"

Umemiya's jaw tightened. "Stay with her," he ordered, rising from his seat. "Kaji and I will check the surrounding area. We can't let this continue."

Your vulnerability weighed heavily on Sakura. He had never seen you like this—fragile, teetering on the edge. As Umemiya and Kaji left, Sakura and the rest remained by your side. Suo was sat besides you, gently holding one of your hands, his fingers tracing patterns on your skin. "Hang on, Y/n," he whispered. "We'll protect you."

||

||

As Umemiya and Kaji scoured the area where the mysterious stalker had been sighted, the tension back at the apartment was palpable. You lay still, your breathing shallow, the aftermath of your recent confrontation weighing heavily on you.

Kiryu couldn't help but compare the current you to the fighter who had once taken down an entire group before. "It's hard to believe this is the same Y/n," he murmured, his gaze fixed on your fragile form. The others nodded in agreement, their concern etched on their faces.

Suo leaned back, sighing. "Her condition has likely been deteriorating for some time," he said. "But now, it's as if she's reached a breaking point."

"Unless she opens up about her past," Suo continued, "we're working blind. We need to understand what she's been through."

Sakura spoke up. His eyes softened as he looked at Y/n. "I never thought I'd care so deeply for someone," he admitted. "But there's something about her that draws me in. Maybe it's because we share similar scars, hidden beneath our tough exteriors."

...

The room fell silent as the boys absorbed Sakura's confession. Kiryu hesitated, then asked, "Sakura-chan, do you... feel something more?"

Sakura's gaze remained fixed on you. "I don't know," he replied honestly. "All I know is that I want to protect her. Even if it means unraveling the shadows that cling to her past."

Umemiya and Kaji returned empty-handed, their expressions grim. It was as if the stalker had vanished into thin air, leaving no trace behind. The lack of clues weighed heavily on the boys, their frustration palpable.

||

||

The next morning dawned, casting a fragile light across the room. You stirred, your eyes fluttering open. The events of the previous night flooded your mind.

"How are you feeling now?" Sakura's voice was gentle. He sat by you, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine," You sighed, your gaze sweeping over the room. The others were scattered around—Suo, Kiryu, and Nirei

Your eyes landed on the table beside your bed. A few lollipops sat there, their colorful wrappers a stark contrast to the shadows that clung to her past. "Did Kaji come here?" You asked, reaching for one of the sweets.

The boys nodded. "He said those are your favorites," Suo smiled, brushing a strand of hair from your forehead.

"Go freshen up," Suo continued, "and we'll make breakfast. You need your strength."

As they gathered around the small kitchen table, the silence was suffocating. You picked at your food, your thoughts racing. You knew you couldn't keep your secrets hidden any longer.

"Y/n," Sakura said, "I'm going to be straight with you. You need to tell us about your past. It's the only way we can figure out what's going on."

Sakura's hand covered yours, steady and warm. "No one will judge you," he assured you. "But you have to trust us. We need to know so we can help you."

You hesitated, your lips trembling. The weight of your memories threatened to crush you. "Okay," you finally whispered. "I'll tell you."

''There is also something else you need to know...Izana never went missing...'' Your voice trailed off. 

To be continued...