Aesthete | Luxiem

🦊 & ✒️┃ Hidden in Plain Sight (🌸)

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〚 🦊 & ✒️ 〛
Hidden In Plain Sight
-fluff, kind of, idk, this story's just wholesome, in a way-

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Characters
Mysta Rias
Ike Eveland

Status
Edited | Published

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"I'll ... b ... he ..., no ... att ... wha ...," a faint voice whispered from the shadows.

Mysta Rias raised an eyebrow, unsure of what he heard. He had always prided himself on detecting when something—or someone—was watching him. It was part of his detective instinct, a skill honed over years. But recently, he couldn't disregard the feeling that someone was following him and just staying out of sight. At first, he suspected it was paranoia, a side effect of too many sleepless nights, or too much caffeine, but the feeling lingered as it grew stronger with each passing day.

He had checked every angle, every shadow, every reflection in the windows lining the familiar streets. Yet no matter how vigilant he was, he could never catch a glimpse of his follower. It unnerved him, even though he hated to admit it. So, he decided to conduct a little experiment.

One evening, he took an unexpected route through the city. He passed through alleys and twisting streets, moving quickly. He wanted to see if his pursuer would reveal themselves. But he found only silence and empty streets every time he turned a corner.

"Maybe I'm going crazy," he muttered to himself, tugging at the collar of his coat.

Yet, the unease remained.

Little did he know, Mysta's instincts weren't wrong. Ike Eveland had been watching him carefully and purposefully. He stayed in the shadows with his steps silent and his presence barely more than a whisper in the night. Ike wasn't following Mysta out of malice but out of an old promise he had made long ago—to keep his friend safe even if it meant doing so from a distance.

Mysta's line of work was dangerous and Ike knew it better than anyone. But he also knew Mysta's pride, his independence. Mysta wouldn't appreciate the idea of a "guardian angel" so Ike had chosen to remain hidden, protecting Mysta in silence. He remain as a figure only known in the corner of Mysta's eye.

One night, Mysta found himself taking an unexpected case, one that pulled him to the outskirts of the city and into the woods just past the riverbank. A missing person was last seen near an abandoned house rumored to be haunted. Mysta had laughed at the idea at first but as he stood before the dark, looming structure, he felt a chill crawl down his spine.

He pulled out his flashlight, sweeping the dim beam over the house's peeling paint and cracked windows. Just as he stepped forward, he felt it again—the weight of a presence nearby. His instincts urged at him to turn around but his curiosity pushed him forward.

The inside of the house was dark and silent. Every creak of the floorboards amplified in the emptiness. He moved cautiously as he searched for any sign of the missing person. But when he reached the second floor, he heard a noise—a faint, almost weak rustling. He froze, holding his breath.

"Who's there?" he called out, his voice barely above a whisper.

Silence.

Then, footsteps.

They were soft, deliberate—like someone who didn't want to be heard. Mysta's heart raced but he held his ground. He was determined to know the truth. The footsteps grew closer and as he turned the corner, he saw a figure hiding in shadows, watching him from the end of the hallway. Before Mysta could react, the figure disappeared as it dissolved into the darkness acting like it had never been there.

Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. He quickly spun around, his heart in his throat, only to come face-to-face with Ike. His friend looked calm with an so expression unreadable. Then, he lowered his hand away from Mysta's shoulder.

"Ike?" Mysta's voice was filled with shock. "What... What are you doing here?"

Ike sighed, his gaze softening. "I could ask you the same question. This place isn't safe, Mysta."

Mysta frowned as confusion and a slight hint of frustration crossed his face. "I know that. That's why I'm here. It's my job, remember?"

"I remember," Ike replied, his voice gentle yet firm. "But you can't do this alone. Not this time."

Mysta opened his mouth to argue but something in Ike's eyes stopped him. There was a depth there. Mysta realized then that Ike hadn't just stumbled upon him by chance. He'd been there all along—watching, waiting, protecting him from dangers Mysta hadn't even noticed.

"I knew it," Mysta muttered, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "I knew someone was following me."

Ike chuckled softly but his gaze remained serious. "You've always had good instincts but you can't always do everything on your own, Mysta. Sometimes, we all need a little help."

Mysta sighed, glancing away. "I guess. But I could've handled it."

"I know," Ike replied, placing a reassuring hand on Mysta's shoulder. "But even detectives need someone watching their backs."

A silence settled between them—one filled with unspoken gratitude and understanding. For the first time, Mysta realized that his friend was more than just someone who stood by him in the daylight. Ike had been his shadow, his silent protector, someone who cared enough to stay hidden all for his sake.

As they left the abandoned house together, Mysta couldn't help but feel protected and reassured. He wasn't alone, and he never had been. Ike would always be there, just hidden in plain sight, watching over him. And for once, Mysta was okay with that.

"I'll be here, no matter what," Ike whispers from behind, making sure what he said wasn't audible for Mysta.