I lay perfectly still in my bed, the covers pulled up to my chin. The warmth of the lavender fibers suddenly felt toxic, no longer safe or comforting. In my head, the scene at the warehouse played on a loop like a broken film: the red light, Kaito's ice-cold grip, and Evelyn... Evelyn, whose hands usually stroked my hair so gently, holding that bloody knife instead.
Out in the hallway, I heard a faint click. It was her footsteps, she was back.
I closed my eyes instantly, trying to keep my breathing shallow and rhythmic. My heart hammered so hard against my chest that I was terrified she could hear it through the wall. My bedroom door opened just a tiny crack. A sliver of light cut through the darkness, hitting the wardrobe across from me.
I felt her presence. She didn't enter the room, she just stood in the doorway, watching me. She was likely checking to see if her "little Rin" was sleeping safely in her cage. After an eternity, the door closed again.
I waited ten minutes before rolling onto my side and reaching for my phone. The display lit up, harsh and bright. I tapped the contact Evelyn had always warned me about: Yoshikage.
>>"I saw it. You were right about everything. Please help me."<<
I typed with trembling fingers. I was uncertain, feeling torn in every direction.
I stared at the three dots that appeared immediately, he was still awake, as if he had been waiting for me.
>>"Of course, Rin. I won't leave you alone. Tomorrow after school, behind the old gym. She can't see us there."<<
I put the phone away. A part of me screamed that I was making a deal with the devil, but the other part could only see the blood on Evelyn's hands. I was terrified, and I didn't know what to believe anymore or who.
The next day, I met Yoshikage behind the gym. I had doubted myself all day, but in the end, I went anyway. When I arrived, Mr. Yoshikage was already there, hands in the pockets of his perfectly tailored coat. When he saw Rin, his face lit up not with triumph, as she had expected, but with relief, almost like a father.
>>"Rin... thank you for coming. I didn't sleep a wink last night because I was so worried about whether you made it home safe."<<
He took a step closer but kept a respectful distance. He handed her a thermos or perhaps a small package of her favorite candy and continued.
>>"You don't have to explain. I know what you saw, and it breaks my heart that your innocence had to be lost in such a dark place. But be proud of yourself. Many people close their eyes to the truth because it's too painful. But not you. You are braver than you or Evelyn realize."<<
Rin hesitated, thinking for a moment before answering.
>>"They... they tortured him, Mr. Yoshikage. Why is she doing this?"<<
Yoshikage lowered his voice, appearing deeply moved and sympathetic.
>>"Rin... some people lose themselves in the fight against evil. Evelyn likely believes she's a hero or that she's doing the right thing. But look at her methods. Surveillance, violence, and lies. She didn't take you in to help you, she took you in because you're the perfect alibi for her double life. Who would suspect a murderer in a woman who cares so tenderly for a schoolgirl?"<<
Rin reflected on his words, careful not to say the wrong thing or speak ill of either of them.
>>"I will take you to a place where no one is watching you."<<
He said and added.
>>"A place that belongs only to you. How does that sound?"<<
Rin began to consider it. It would mean being alone for a while, a chance to finally sort through her thoughts. She looked at the thermos in her hands. The warmth felt good, but she felt like ice inside. A place of her own? No cameras? No scent of lavender that smelled of lies?
>>"When?"<<
Rin whispered, not looking him in the eye.
Yoshikage placed a hand on her shoulder. His grip was firm but not painful.
"Soon, Rin. We have to plan carefully; we can't rush this. If Evelyn realizes you're leaving, she won't just let you go. Someone like her... she sees you as her property. Go home for now. Act normal. Be the Rin she expects. Can you do that for me?"<<
Rin nodded, her expression blank. As she turned to leave, she felt his gaze on her back like a physical weight. She didn't feel liberated as she had hoped; she felt as if she were wandering from one cage into the next. But at least this new cage was clean at least she hoped it didn't smell of blood.
The walk back felt endless. Each step was heavy, as if my legs were rebelling against returning to Evelyn's apartment. At the same time, my heart raced at the thought of seeing her again. I repeated Yoshikage's words in my head like a mantra: "Act normal. Be the Rin she expects."
As I opened the door, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and frying bacon hit me immediately. It was a domestic, peaceful scent a sharp contrast to the metallic stench of blood from the night before.
>>"Rin, I'm so glad you're home, but what took you so long?"<<
Evelyn called from the kitchen, her voice bright, almost cheerful.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and walked into the kitchen. Evelyn stood at the stove, wearing a light cardigan, her hair tied up loosely. She looked perfect, as always, and gave me that wonderful smile the same one that usually made me feel safe. I already felt guilty for what I was doing behind her back.
>>"I thought you might have missed the bus. I was about to drive out and get you. I was worried"<<
She said, turning toward me. Her smile was warm, but as she approached I saw it, a slight tremor in her hand as she reached for a plate.
The exact side where Yoshikage had gripped her shoulder so tightly.
I still felt pity and worried about her pain, but now I also wondered, had she enjoyed the pain of the man in the warehouse?
>>"Sorry, I had clean up duty today."<<
I lied. The words came out startlingly easy, and I surprised even myself.
Was this the alibi Yoshikage had mentioned? Was I learning from her how to wear a mask?
Evelyn stepped closer and placed a hand on my cheek. Her eyes met mine, as if she could sense something was wrong. Her skin was warm, as always.
>>"You're so pale, Rin. Are you really okay? You're shaking all over."<<
I didn't pull away, but I forced myself to look into her eyes those clear, concerned eyes and I lied to her.
>>"I'm just a little cold. The wind outside..."<<
I lied again, feeling a pressure in my chest.
>>"Then sit down. I made your favorite meal."<<
She replied softly, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. It was the same gesture as always, with those loving eyes and that soft touch.
I sat down and stared at my plate. Evelyn sat opposite me, watching me with that piercing gaze I used to mistake for care. But after the conversation with Mr. Yoshikage, I knew better.
Now I knew that in the corners of the room, camera lenses were trained on us, recording my every move.
>>"Rin. Would you like to go to the park with me this weekend? The cherry blossoms are starting to bloom. It would do you good to see something beautiful again, and I'd love to see them with you."<<
I felt my cheeks turn red. I broke eye contact and looked down at my plate.
>>"Y-yes, I'd like that. That sounds lovely, Evelyn.."<<
I answered shyly. It sounded beautiful and quite romantic.