Anomalous (Yanderes x reader)

[63] Beautiful

"(Y/n)," he whispered. "May I join this dance?"

The silver apparition pulled you in a little closer. His eyes never once left you; every drop of his attention, every aspect of his soul was focused on you. You always made it a point on how attractive Shen was, but you genuinely believe his beauty was the kind that could start wars or end vicious fights.

"I––uh." Oh dear, your social skills were fading away. "Sure? Wait! No, I should be asking if you're okay! Where have you been?"

Shen's expression softened in amusement. He was still holding onto your hands; a firm, yet tender touch. There was a desire to not let go, but you sensed that if you displayed even the smallest hints of discomfort, he'd release his hold on you immediately.

"I've been keeping my head down. Recovering was difficult; however, it gave me time to reflect. Do you have time to spare?"

Shen's voice was sweet and patient, yet his eyes held a pleading gaze. A silent desperation.

"... I have time," you replied.

Shen smiled at your response and sighed in relief. At the sight, the warmth that enveloped your heart felt as comforting as a gentle kiss from a fireplace.

"Would you like to accompany me tonight? I'd like to tell you what I've learnt."

You'd never pass up an opportunity to obtain more lore.

"Just don't end up throwing me in a cage, yeah?"

"I'll try."

"Try????"

Shen let go of your hand and motioned you to follow him. Unlike Caleb who would take off laughing if you couldn't keep up with him (all in good fun and a testament to his confidence in your ability to catch up), Shen always kept an eye on you, as if afraid to look back and find you gone.

Shen...

He felt a little different tonight.

The apparition took you to a quaint house, one that was weighed by years of loneliness and generations of memories. The windows were dark and the front law was overgrown. It was an anomaly amongst the high-tech city of Anomalous, hidden away from the bustling city. As a veteran of the game who explored every inch of the map, not even you recognised this place.

"Shen––"

You paused, momentarily stunned by Shen's vulnerable expression.

"This was my home," he whispered. If there was pain in his voice, you wouldn't have been sure due to how quickly Shen composed himself. "Shall we enter?"

You followed Shen inside the house. The house looked clean and well-kept contrary to its external appearance. Surfaces had minimal dust and the air was fresh. However, small things such as old calendars that were stuck in the past and faded cushions made it clear that no living being had occupied this space for a while.

Did Shen keep the space clean?

You glanced at Shen, and your question must have been written plainly on your face because he immediately said,

"Yes, I used my abilities to clean up the space a little."

"This is pretty impressive––"

On a distant shelf, there was a framed portrait, one with...

... Is that a picture of Shen as a child?

It was like someone had strapped rocket launchers to your shoes because your strides were powerful when you rushed over to see the picture up close. A peaceful family of three was shown on the frame. Shen was in the centre, eyes big and youthful as he proudly held up a textbook that was way too big for his small frame. His white hair was as fluffy as ever. It looked a little due for a haircut, but that only made him look more endearing.