The Parasite [Yandere x Reader]

Chapter 16 - (The Date)

The morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a golden glow over the room. I sipped my coffee, trying to shake off the remnants of another restless night. 

The dreams were becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, their dark whispers lingering in my mind long after I woke. But today, I was determined to focus on the present, to push aside the shadows that seemed to encroach upon my thoughts.

I had decided to postpone my visit to Maia for a few days. Despite her insistence that I needed a break, there were too many loose ends at the mansion that I couldn't leave unattended. 

And, if I was honest with myself, there was a part of me that didn't want to leave Damien just yet. His presence, mysterious as it was, had become a strange source of comfort.

Why do I feel so drawn to him?

There's something about him that I can't quite put my finger on.

As I made my way to the backyard, I found Damien already hard at work. He was clearing out the overgrown garden, his shirt discarded on a nearby stone bench. I stopped in my tracks, momentarily transfixed by the sight of him. His muscles rippled with each movement, glistening with a sheen of sweat under the warm sun. There was something captivating about watching him, something that made my heart quicken.

Get a grip, Y/N.

You're staring.

He'll notice.

He must have sensed my gaze because he straightened and turned to face me, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Enjoying the view?" he called out, his voice carrying a teasing note. "Why don't you take a picture? It'll last longer."

I felt a flush creep up my cheeks and quickly looked away, embarrassed at being caught staring. 

"I was just... checking on your progress," I stammered, trying to regain my composure. "The garden looks... nice."

Smooth.

Real smooth.

Damien chuckled, his laughter rich and warm. "I'm glad you think so. It's coming along, but there's still a lot to do." He picked up his shirt and wiped his brow before draping it over his shoulder. "Care to lend a hand, or are you just supervising today?"

"Supervising," I replied with a smirk, grateful for the light-hearted banter that eased the tension. "But I might be persuaded to help if you ask nicely."

"Is that so?" he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I'll have to come up with a suitable bribe, then."

We both laughed, the sound filling the morning air and momentarily dispelling the dark clouds that had hung over my thoughts. I found myself enjoying this easy camaraderie, the simple pleasure of joking and working together. It was a welcome respite from the oppressive atmosphere that had been building inside the mansion.

This feels good.

Normal.

Like a break from the madness.

As the day wore on, I tried to ignore the subtle unease that still lurked at the edges of my mind. The house seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for something to happen. But for now, I focused on the present, on the sunlit garden and the easy companionship I shared with Damien.

Just focus on the now.

In the afternoon, as we took a break from our work, I found myself watching him again. There was something undeniably attractive about his strength and quiet confidence. He caught my eye and raised an eyebrow, his smile turning mischievous.