The aftermath of the night's incident weighed heavily on Niran. Even though he had arrived home safely, his mind refused to quiet. Every shadow, every passerby, every unexpected sound set his nerves on edge. He traced his steps from the alley to his apartment repeatedly in his head, trying to rationalize what had almost happened.
The following morning, Krit waited at the café, calm as ever, but with an intensity in his gaze that made Niran's heart skip.
"You're here," Krit said simply. His tone wasn't accusatory, only observant. "Good. I wanted to speak with you about last night."
Niran shifted uneasily in his seat. "I… I don't understand. I was fine. Nothing happened."
Krit leaned closer, the sunlight catching in his dark eyes. "You were lucky. Someone followed you. Someone who watches. They are patient, careful, intelligent. And they are closer than you think."
Niran's stomach twisted. "Closer than… who?"
Krit's gaze didn't waver. "Someone you wouldn't expect. But you need to be aware. Every movement, every choice… it matters."
....
Across town, Kit lingered near the café, hood pulled low, observing every gesture, every glance, every subtle exchange. He didn't approach yet, but a faint smile tugged at his lips as he watched Krit warn Niran. In his mind, the warning wasn't a threat; it was validation. He was necessary. He was watching, protecting, controlling and soon, everyone would see why.
"They cannot know yet," Kit thought, voice low. "Soon… soon they will understand why I am the only one who can ensure safety."
....
Back at Krit's mansion, Pha lounged in the study, noticing the shift in Krit's demeanor.
"You've been quiet," Pha said, stretching lazily. "And I can tell it's not just because of city crime. Something's eating at you."
Krit didn't turn away from the window overlooking the city. "Patterns are emerging, Pha. But they're closer now… someone we know, someone who has access to the lives around us."
Pha smirked knowingly. "Closer… you're talking about the boy, aren't you?"
Krit's lips curved into a faint, rare smile. "Perhaps. But it's not just that. Awareness is necessary. Observation is key."
....
That afternoon, Niran decided to visit the bookstore near his apartment, attempting to distract himself from the tension gnawing at his nerves. As he browsed the shelves, he felt a subtle shift in the air ,the faintest hint of someone near. He turned, catching only the edge of a shadow, and for a brief moment, felt the disquiet return.
Kit observed from across the store, careful to remain unnoticed. His movements were calculated, deliberate, every action reinforcing his invisible presence in Niran's life. A book slipped from a shelf near Niran, drawing him closer to the aisle where Kit's subtle manipulations had redirected his path. A smile curved Kit's lips, faint but content.
"Everything is as it should be," Kit thought.
....
Later that evening, Krit and Niran met again, this time walking along the quieter streets leading to Niran's apartment.
"You shouldn't walk alone after dark," Krit said softly. His voice carried the same calm authority as always, but the underlying concern was clear.
"I… I know," Niran admitted, voice small. "But I feel… safer when you're here."
Krit's eyes softened, a rare, human moment breaking through the controlled exterior. "Then you will remain aware. And cautious. Patterns exist, but awareness is the first line of defense."
Their hands brushed briefly as they walked, an electric charge neither fully acknowledged. Niran's heart raced, yet he clung to the warmth of Krit's presence, a fragile comfort amid the growing tension of the city.
....
Meanwhile, Kit observed from a nearby rooftop, cataloging every detail. Niran's route, the subtle interactions, Krit's protective instincts all carefully noted. Each observation reinforced his conviction: he was necessary, indispensable, and the invisible threads connecting them all were his to control.
"Soon," Kit whispered, voice almost drowned by the soft rustle of leaves. "Soon they will understand… why I must be the one who watches, who protects, who ensures nothing harms them."