The Only One || 𝐒𝐔𝐎 𝐇𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐓𝐎

⌞ 4⌝

❝I knew the pathway like the back of my hands❞

Lili woke up, feeling an ominous presence around her. She jumped out of bed and looked around in the pitch-black darkness. Her eyes weren't accustomed to the darkness, and she noticed something moving near the window.

The unexpected burst of light brought to mind the color white, and despite her wariness, she found herself oddly comforted. Lili shook her head in dismay. It was probably a bird.

"Water," she croaked, making her way to the kitchen.

Suo was here a while ago, and she remembered stuffing herself full and falling asleep on the couch.

With her eyes barely open, she clumsily left the couch and headed towards the kitchen. She quickly drank the water, recalling Suo's relaxed and carefree demeanor. She couldn't shake the feeling that it was cool and out of the ordinary.

"I'm thinking about him." She made a hoarse sound that sounded disappointed.

The thought of never having to think about anyone again consumed her mind as a searing surge of agony coursed through her.

.ᐟ

"Not again."

Lili growled, noticing her classmates wooing over Suo. He insisted on walking with her around the streets and looked guilty, seeing her fumble lividly.

Lili knew they'd ask about the eye-patched man with a charming smile. It had happened plenty of times before.

"You should wear a mask," she grumbled, hiding behind a dumpster.

"I'm not sure it hides you well." Suo chuckled, noticing how she stood out while crouching behind a dustbin.

"This hair," Lili hid her fiery red hair in vain. She always hated how vibrant it was and the countless times she lost in hide and seek because of it.

Suo blamed it on her hiding skills, but she knew better.

"You should as well," he replied, not even glancing at the girls swooning over him. He's used to it.

"So that you won't get into any fights," he chimed, bending down to reach her height. Lili found it funny. She intentionally dressed in baggy clothing to be ready for fights whenever needed.

"Careful there." Suo lent Lili a hand, expecting her to take it. One of his hands was behind his torso, and she remembered asking him about it plenty of times before, he told her it was a habit, making her wonder if he was an old man disguised as a 17-year-old.

Lili huffed as she gave in, holding his hands, and he lifted her. "Please don't hide like that," he said, watching her dust her clothes.

"Yeah, yeah." She dramatically replied, stretching before looking around cautiously.

"I'm afraid I'll lose you," he said, a glint of worry in his eye.

"I won't get lost. I'm not a toddler." Lili grunted, tired of his behavior. They always catch her off guard, but she's gotten good at brushing them off.

"You're quick," he added, merely taking a few steps to match her pace.

There were times when Lili wondered where Suo came from. Not only is he a total eye-catch (to her denial), but she has never seen anyone as composed as him.

Lili was that child who always loved to hold insects whenever they spent time together. Surprisingly, Suo would often take a closer look at those bugs and figure out what species they were instead of letting out a horrifying scream and bolting away.

"Here you go!"

"Oh, that's an Ensifera!"

"Another one!"

"Is that the monarch caterpillar?!"

She rolled her eyes in disbelief. She couldn't help but notice the unique color of his eyes, a striking shade of deep red that seemed to shimmer intermittently.

Lili glanced at the man walking beside her and concluded. He has to be an undiscovered species. She made up her mind to try, despite knowing it was not possible.

"Is it possible to make money by finding a new species?" She inquired, observing for any slight changes. She was confident he would become anxious at her question, but instead, he smiled.

"Are you planning to sell me?"

Stubborn, obstinate, eye-patched man.

"You can't get rid of me."