The night was heavy with fog, streetlights barely piercing the mist. Niran Woraset left the library later than usual, his steps quick and uneasy. Krit's warnings replayed in his mind, sharpening the tension that had been building for days. Every shadow felt alive, and every passing figure made him flinch.
From across the street, Kit watched quietly. Tonight, something would happen not a test, but a moment that would convince him he was doing the right thing.
A stranger stepped out from a narrow alley, moving toward Niran with suspicious intent. Before the man could get too close, Kit pushed a parked motorcycle slightly out of place, causing a loud clatter that startled both of them. The stranger recoiled and hurried away, muttering in frustration.
Niran stumbled back, heart racing. The city suddenly felt far more dangerous than he ever imagined.
....
At the mansion, Krit studied city movement reports and unusual incidents. His eyes narrowed at a recent alert, the timing and location too precise to be ordinary.
Pha leaned on the doorway. "You've been tense lately. This isn't just about the murders, is it?"
"Someone is interfering," Krit said quietly. "Someone observant. Someone close."
Pha frowned. "You think it's someone we know?"
Krit didn't answer. "Speculation is dangerous until we confirm."
....
The next morning, Niran paused at the café, watching the street with a nervous glance. Krit noticed instantly.
"You're unsettled," he said.
Niran nodded. "Something happened last night. I don't know who stepped in, but I… felt like someone was there."
"You were fortunate," Krit replied. "Stay alert."
Across the street, Kit watched every reaction. In his mind, he had acted correctly protecting, guiding, staying unseen. A quiet sense of pride settled over him.
Soon, they will understand, Kit thought.
....
Later that day, Pha returned to the mansion with concern in his eyes.
"You're still thinking about it."
Krit nodded. "The pattern isn't random anymore. Someone is influencing events around us."
Pha exhaled slowly. "This is dangerous territory."
"I know," Krit said. "And I'm prepared."
Across the city, Kit continued to observe silently. Every detail, every movement, every shift in the city's rhythm was part of the invisible network he was building, one that quietly linked Niran, Krit, and the dangers surrounding them.
The threads were tightening, and the first collision of their hidden truths was drawing near.