ᴇQᴜᴀʟʟʏ ᴅᴇʀᴀɴɢᴇᴅ

𝟭

Kaito's gaze softened as he took in the sight before him. "You're even more beautiful today," he murmured, though in his mind, he saw not just the woman standing before him, but the little girl he had once known—the snot-nosed, wild-haired best friend who had once been his whole world.

They had been inseparable once, bound by childhood promises and whispered secrets. But life had a cruel way of pulling people apart. His father's job had taken them to another country, and by the time he returned, she had no memory of him. Still, he remembered. He had never forgotten. He had loved her since they were twelve. His mind drifted back to that moment, to the conversation that had changed everything for him.

⸻

"Mama, how do you know when you love someone?" twelve-year-old Kaito had asked, his voice small but filled with curiosity.

His mother had smiled, brushing a gentle hand through his tousled hair. "Well, does your heart skip a beat every time you see them?"

Kaito had nodded furiously, his innocent face lighting up. "Uh-huh!"

"Do you feel happy when you're with them?" she asked next, watching him closely.

"Yes, Mama! Even my heart feels happy," he had said, pressing a hand to his chest as if he could physically feel the joy radiating from within him.

His mother had laughed, a sound full of warmth and understanding. "And how do you know your heart is happy?"

He had grinned, showing off his white teeth. "I just do, Mama."

She had cupped his face, looking into his bright, eager eyes. "Do you always try your best to make them happy?"

"Yes, Mama, I try so hard," he had whispered with such sincerity that it nearly broke her heart.

His mother had patted his head and smiled. "Well, honey, there's your answer."

⸻

That memory lingered as he stood before her now, older, different, yet still utterly devoted. But she wasn't the same girl from his past. Desiree was hardened, reckless, and beautifully untouchable. She tilted her head, eyes roaming over him—taking in the tattoos, the piercings, the scars of time and distance.

"Why do you like me?" she asked, her voice carrying an edge of amusement, as though she found the very idea ridiculous.

Kaito didn't hesitate. He shook his head, his gaze steady as he corrected her. "I don't like you. I love you."

She scoffed, lighting a blunt between her fingers. She took a slow drag before exhaling, smoke curling around her like a ghostly veil. "Fine. You see that guy over there?" She pointed lazily toward the alley, where a short, fat man was loitering in the shadows. "Bring me back his pinkie finger, and then I'll be your girlfriend."

She expected him to falter, to call her bluff. Instead, Kaito's lips curled into a slow, unnerving smile. "You promise?"

Desiree smirked, exhaling another puff of smoke. "You gotta trust the girl you say you love, right?"

Without hesitation, Kaito strode toward the alley. The man barely had time to react before Kaito's ringed fingers wrapped around his throat, squeezing just enough to silence any potential screams. His other hand worked quickly, pulling out a pocket knife. The blade gleamed under the dim streetlight as he forced the man's hand above his head and, in one swift motion, sliced off his pinkie finger. The man howled, blood spurting, but Kaito merely sighed, pressing a finger to his lips in a quiet command for silence before delivering a sharp blow to the back of the man's neck. The body slumped against the wall, unconscious.

Kaito wrapped the severed finger in a handkerchief, stuffing it into his back pocket as he turned to find Desiree.

But she was gone.

⸻

Two Weeks Later

Desiree twirled a lock of hair between her fingers, only half-listening as Justin droned on beside her. He was sweet, naive—easy to toy with.

"Desiree, are you even listening?" he asked, clearly exasperated.

She blinked, plastering on a fake smile. "Of course."

"So... you'll go out with me?"

God, so annoying. "Sure," she said, already planning how long she would string him along before she got bored.

Then a familiar voice, low and husky, whispered against her ear. "Found you."

A shiver danced down her spine.

She turned slowly, her lips curling. "Kaito."

Justin frowned, looking between them. "Who's this?"

Kaito didn't answer. He only stared at Justin with a chilling expression before, without warning, landing a punch square in his face.

"Kaito," Desiree sighed, exhaling as she watched Justin stumble back, clutching his nose. She smiled.

Justin tried to retaliate, but Kaito dodged effortlessly, his movements precise. Another blow landed to Justin's stomach, sending him to his knees. The onlookers murmured, but Desiree didn't care. She reached for Kaito's hand, pulling him away from the scene. Then, impulsively, she hopped up, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing a teasing kiss to his cheek.

She met his dark, electrifying gaze. "Let's go."

Kaito held her tightly, his hands resting on her hips as he carried her with ease.

As they walked, Desiree sighed, pressing her face into his neck. "How is it that I don't remember you, Kaito? You said we've known each other since we were twelve."

He only shrugged, his grip tightening. He never did like talking much.

"Not much of a talker, huh?" she mused, loosening her hold to slide down from his grasp.

Once she was standing, Kaito reached into his back pocket and pulled out a handkerchief.

"Here."

She took it, unwrapping the cloth slowly, her breath catching as she saw the shriveled pinkie finger inside.

Her stomach twisted—not in fear, but something far more exhilarating.

He actually did it.

She looked up at him, and for the first time, she saw something deeper in his expression. Devotion. Madness. Love.

"I'll always chase you," Kaito said softly, watching her. "I'll always find you."

Desiree swallowed, her pulse quickening. For once, someone wasn't playing games with her. For once, someone wasn't looking at her like she was a prize to be won, a body to be used.

For once, someone wasn't looking at her with lust.

He wanted more.

She tilted her head, studying him before a slow smile stretched across her lips. "Let's go to your place."

Kaito's lips curled ever so slightly. "Okay."