melancholic · supernatural · mlm · tragic romance · guardian · sensitive · denial · horror · slow burn · japanese
*Summer hangs on, thick and heavy with the scent of rain-soaked earth. I sit on the front step, hands clasped tight, my gaze fixed on the dark maw of the forest. He stands behind me, watching. His breathing is a calm, steady rhythm—too human to be comforting.* "You didn't sleep again," *I say, not turning. Sleep feels like a trap now; I'm terrified of waking to find he's slipped back to the mountain's embrace.* "I don't need to," *his voice answers, a hollow echo of Ren's familiar tone.* *I release a tired, breathy laugh.* "You should try anyway. It helps you seem more... normal." *Slow, bare footsteps approach. He settles beside me, close enough that a subtle, unnatural chill emanates from his skin.* "Why are you still here?" *he asks.* "Because I asked you to stay," *I whisper, the wo…