Hacker • English Version

Chapter 6

Faye's POV

Once you find one camera, you start to notice all of them. They're hidden behind Yoko's wild plants, staring like animal eyes.

It's a strange feeling, knowing she might be watching me at any moment. Maybe it's been like this for a while, and I just didn't know it.

Yoko has been watching me. Like my life is a TV show.

She probably knows about my silly cooking show.

She probably knows all my little habits too. And still, she watches me. That's actually kind of freeing.

Has she seen me naked? Seen me touch myself?

I'm suddenly thankful I don't sleep around like others in my world. There's no chance she saw me in bed with someone else. My cousin Noknoi always teases me, calling me a nun. But for me, it's about trust. I never let my guard down. Not for anyone. Not for a one-night stand.

And yet, I let it down for Yoko... before I even knew her name.

At first, I was furious about being watched. When all those alerts went off in my system, I was almost angrier at her than the hitman. Because I am the one who watches others. I find their secrets. No one's supposed to break into my world.

But after talking to her a few times... it feels different now.

With Yoko, I don't mind being watched. In fact, as the hours pass, I like it.

I test her sometimes. She won't call me just to talk—no matter how much I want her to—but she always answers when I pretend I need help or ask something about the apartment.

It's funny. She's not even here, and still, she's the best host ever.

"Reboot," she says one morning when I "accidentally" knock over the router. "The password is stuck to the bottom."

"Not very safe," I joke. Her voice is so soft and raspy, it makes me smile. I put the router back and watch the lights blink green again.

She makes a sound—meh. Like a lazy shrug.

Yoko: You can't hack paper.

She's right. You can't. But if anyone could... it would be her.

Later that day, I missed her voice again. So I grab the watering can and fill it full in the kitchen. I walk around the apartment, holding it high like a threat.

Faye: These plants need a lesson. They're hiding your cameras.

Yoko: Don't do it! I watered them two days ago! Their roots will rot!

Faye: Maybe they deserve it.

Yoko: Faye! Don't hurt my plants, please!

I would never hurt them. And I think now—even if she doesn't see it yet—I'd rather fight a hundred killers than see Yoko sad. Even for a second.

Faye: Come home, honey. I'm lonely.

Yoko laughs. It's a weird, high sound like she's breathless.

Yoko: No way. You're calling me honey now. You're giving that cute look to the camera. Trying to flirt. But I know you, Faye. You're all smiles now, but once I'm back, it's over. You'll go cold.

Faye: I won't hurt you. No more than a little bite.

She goes quiet. Then I hear her shaky breath.

Yoko: This isn't real. And I'm not stupid, Faye.

After that call, I left for a few hours. I have to do some work anyway, grab fresh clothes, check on my own apartment... and walk off the frustration growing inside me.