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Season 2 — Chapter 5: Behind the Door
Friday came like a storm with no warning.
The skies were clear, but Kuro felt nothing but thunder in his chest. His hand was locked tightly with Eve's as the black car returned, sleek and soulless. The others stood nearby, bags in hand—Jason giving Kuro a supportive pat on the back, Riku and Sera trying to act casual, though none of them could ignore the growing weight of unease.
The car ride was too quiet. The grandparents didn't speak much, just soft smiles and polite nods, their voices like chalk scraping inside Kuro's head. He leaned against Eve in the seat, her warmth the only thing keeping him from cracking too soon.
The trees grew thicker as they drove. The further they went, the darker the woods seemed to become—even with the sun out. The shadows reached longer. The silence became heavier.
> "Almost there," his grandfather said calmly, eyes watching them in the rearview mirror.
Kuro didn't reply. He just gripped Eve's hand harder.
Finally, they arrived.
The resort was beautiful—too beautiful. Like it was crafted from a memory, not reality. A large cabin-style building nestled between unnaturally tall pine trees, trimmed with redwood and ancient stone. The air was cold even though it shouldn't be. The scent of lavender mixed with the faint smell of blood in the wind, though no one mentioned it.
Kuro froze at the entrance.
He stared at the trees.
> They were watching.
"Come on," Eve whispered softly. "We're with you."
Kuro nodded slowly, swallowing the panic, and walked in.
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The inside of the resort was decorated warmly—dim amber lights, plush carpets, old paintings. It was quiet… too quiet. Even the ticking of a nearby clock felt like a countdown.
They were shown to their rooms—each one styled like a luxurious suite.
As soon as the door shut behind them, Kuro dropped his bag and walked quickly to the bathroom. He locked the door behind him.
> And broke.
His body sank to the tiled floor as the weight he'd been carrying collapsed on top of him. His arms wrapped tightly around himself as silent sobs escaped—raw, shaking. All the smiles he forced. The laughs. The strength.
It broke here.
He gripped his own arms, digging into his skin, teeth clenched as his vision blurred.
> "Not again... Not again…"
He didn't hear the soft knock at first. Or the quiet voice calling his name.
But then came her touch.
Eve had picked the lock. She didn't say much—just walked in, dropped to her knees beside him, and pulled him into her arms. Her embrace was soft, warm, real.
Kuro melted into her, burying his face in her shoulder as the pain flooded out. His fingers gripped her shirt tightly like she was the only thing tethering him to the earth.
> "I'm here," she whispered. "You don't have to hide anymore."
Minutes passed like hours.
Kuro's breathing slowly steadied, though his eyes stayed red, cheeks wet with tears. His voice finally came, hoarse and weak.
> "I don't want them to take me."
Eve placed her forehead against his.
> "They won't," she whispered. "Not while I'm here."
He didn't smile. But for the first time that day, he believed her.
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