𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐋

𝐓𝐖𝐎

I sat in my room more often now. I didn't run errands anymore, it was no good if I was leaving... I didn't talk to my mother, my father, not even my brother.. I felt angry that they would agree to this. It only made things worse, when they didn't apologize, or try to talk to me about their decision. They should have asked me before agreeing, but there was nothing I could do anymore.

I spent the day in my room, brushing my hair like my mother had told me to, thinking about where I would go once I moved away from the village.. perhaps they'd put me in an okiya. I didn't want to go to one, I knew that those kinds of places were cruel. I didn't want to go, but I had no choice, and that's what made me even angrier.

I had already put on my kimono, and I had placed ornaments in my hair, by the time evening approached. I waited patiently, remembering what my mother had told me. Before I could recall everything at once, I felt a presence in the room. I glanced up, to steal a glance at the man, but once again he was staring, so I looked away.

I felt a sudden urge to ask a question, and I didn't know whether I should act on impulse, or control myself. I watched him, sit on the elevated side of my room, crossing his legs he did the same thing he did yesterday. He gestured toward the teapot and cup. I poured it for him, sitting on the tatami mat in front of him, gesturing for him to take the cup. Once he did, he spoke.

It was almost as if he had read my mind because before I could even open my mouth to ask my question, he had already started,

"let's get started shall we?"

He spoke, keeping his cup down. He didn't sip it this time. I couldn't help but look at him, I raised my brows, waiting for him to continue.

"In a few days, you'll be taken away to Asakusa. Have you ever come in contact with a demon?.."

He asked. I shook my head, glancing around the room, before I focused on him again.

"Then stay inside at night, or you'll die."

He said it so casually, that I couldn't help but wonder if he wouldn't care if I did. He barely knew me, and I barely knew him. I nodded.

"Be prepared by the time I arrive, there's no specific date for when you are to leave."

He picked up his teacup again, putting on a soft smile before he took a sip. This time, it looked like he did. His smile made me feel less tense, maybe I wouldn't face such a harsh reality after all.. perhaps I was only leaving for a bit.. but still, I couldn't trust him. I had been fixated on one thought, as I observed him. And even though I warned myself not to ask, I did.

"What is your name sir?.."

He paused, his smile slightly fading. He fell silent, not speaking for a minute or two before he gently placed his cup down. His eyes landed on me; they narrowed slightly as he put on that smile again.

"Muzan.."