Beyond, With a Yokai

Chapter 2: Your Name

Where is he now?

He could disappear into thin air—vanish in a blink.
But what if he was still watching?

Her gaze shot to the window.
Curtains drawn.
Still, it wasn't comforting.

Then the door.
Closed.

Not that that's ever stopped him before...

She turned her back to the wardrobe, clutching her clothes close, as if the fabric might shield her from an invisible gaze.

Then it hit her.

She'd been stuck in this illusion for who knows how long.

Which meant...
He'd seen everything.

Every shower.
Every time she changed.
Every glance in the mirror, thinking she was alone.

Her cheeks burned with humiliation.

Perverted, disgusting fox.

She clenched her fists and bit her lip, trying to smother the rage.
She wanted to believe he wasn't that low.
But even the idea of it made her want to scream.

She lifted her head defiantly, as if daring the air itself to look her in the eye.

If he ever spied on me...

The thought made her skin crawl.

When she finally pulled the hoodie over her shoulders, the soft fabric felt like a fragile kind of armor.

Everything in her screamed: Run.

But what was the point, when he could show up anywhere?

All she could do was hope...
That whatever he wanted from her wouldn't be too disgusting.

When Yesenia stepped out onto the balcony, she froze, suddenly uncertain if she'd walked through the right door.

This... wasn't the same place.

The peeling walls, rusty chairs, and air of abandonment had vanished. In their place stood a cozy, modern space that radiated warmth and intention.

A soft rug with geometric patterns covered the floor. Potted plants filled the corners, and a string of warm yellow fairy lights turned the drab cement walls into something quietly magical. Two beanbag chairs sat in the center, draped with plush throws, and between them—a small wooden table with a lit candle. The faint scent of vanilla floated through the air like a whisper, wrapping the space in something eerily comforting.

The balcony that had once felt cold and lifeless now felt... inviting.

She eased into one of the beanbags, the soft fabric molding around her like a hug—but instead of comfort, anxiety tightened its grip.

Then came his voice, smooth and amused.

"Where'd all that fire in your eyes go? That defiant little look?"

"Probably lying somewhere next to Yakan's body."

Shit.

She bit down hard on her lip. Why did her mouth always work faster than her brain?

The fox let out a low chuckle, clearly enjoying her reaction.

"You're scared but still mouthing off? That must make life pretty complicated."

"You gonna rip my tongue out for it?" she snapped before she could stop herself.

Her tone was sharp—but inside, every nerve screamed.

What if he actually does it?

"If you ask nicely," he said, not even bothering to glance at her. Like it wasn't a threat. Like it was just another Tuesday.