Beyond, With a Yokai

Chapter 2: Your Name

"Thirst?" he wheezed, wiping imaginary tears from his eyes. "What do I look like to you, a vampire?"

"When Yakan attacked, you said my soul was like blood to him. That's why I asked. I thought maybe it worked the same for you."

He arched a brow, grin still tugging at his lips.

"I was simplifying, sweetheart. No, we don't thirst. But sure—if I get hungry enough, you might start to look... appetizing."

A chill slid down her spine, but she couldn't help the smirk that tugged at her lips.

"Let's hope you've had dinner."

"More than enough," he replied with a sly grin, settling back into his chair. But then his voice turned serious. "I do have a question. When you hit your head—did you hear anything? A voice? See anyone's face?"

"The only thing I clearly remember is that I did fall on my head, not my arm like I thought. After that, the memory picks up with Svyatoslav helping me up."

"Hmm. That friend of yours..." he said casually. "You think it's possible he pushed you?"

"What? No. Why would he do that?"

"I don't know. Maybe he worships some fox deity or something?"

Her jaw dropped in disbelief, cheeks flaring red.

"Seriously? He likes anime and manga, but come on. That doesn't make him part of a cult."

The fox chuckled, clearly entertained by her reaction.

"Touchy," he teased. "You've got quite the blind spot for him."

"That's because it's ridiculous. He didn't push me."
The idea genuinely pissed her off. Why would he risk something like that, especially with so many people around?

"Whatever you say. Just—if you start to remember anything else, tell me immediately."

"Fine," she muttered.

Still... there was one thing she wanted from him. Something that might help bridge the chasm between them.

"What should I call you?" she asked. "Your name?"

The question lingered in the air.

He only smiled.

"We're not friends. Names aren't necessary. You can just call me Fox. Kinda suits me, don't you think?"

Yesenia turned toward him, ready to protest—but his chair was already empty.
Gone.
Again.

She was really starting to get used to his vanishing acts.

The idea of going back to the dorm didn't appeal to her. So instead, she curled up in the beanbag, tugged one of the throws over her shoulders, and finally—mercifully—drifted off into a deep sleep.

She woke to golden sunlight spilling across her face.
Persistent and warm, it reached through her closed eyelids and gently urged her out of sleep. She yawned and stretched, rising slowly from the makeshift bed.

She'd slept deeply.
Peacefully.

And the day...
The day was beautiful.
Still. Warm. Quiet.

Almost like nature itself had decided to give her a break.

The world around her had changed completely. Instead of the cozy balcony, Yesenia now stood in the middle of a vast field, golden stalks swaying gently in the breeze, and the air carried the fresh scent of open land. In the distance, near a slow-moving river, she spotted a lone figure.

She knew immediately—it was him. The fox. His name still a mystery, his presence unmistakable. She headed toward the silhouette without hesitation.

"I knew you'd come," he called out without turning, casually tossing stones into the water.

"Well, I didn't have that many options, now did I?"

He didn't look at her, didn't pause. Just kept skipping stones, each one disappearing with a soft plunk.

"Remember anything?"

"No. I just woke up."

His expression sharpened, voice growing colder.

"Not great. Try harder," he said, finally glancing at her. His eyes were predatory, his gaze full of amusement and something far more dangerous.

Tension coiled in her chest. Still, she refused to let him see her fear.

"Maybe if I knew your name, I'd be more motivated," she said carefully, sitting down beside him—but not too close.

He smirked, though the smile was brief and icy.

"So you need motivation now?"

"I need details."

Before she could finish, he grabbed her chin, his grip sudden and iron-tight. She froze. His eyes darkened, voice laced with venom.

"I think you misunderstood something, girl. I don't give a damn about you—your questions, your needs, your curiosity."

With every word, her body grew heavier. His gaze wrapped around her like chains.

"If you thought we were going to be friends... if you thought I was someone you didn't need to fear... you were wrong. I can be your worst nightmare. I'm not some hero from your little book, so don't idealize me. Don't piss me off. If I ever choose to help you or tell you something—don't fool yourself into thinking you deserve it."

"Then kill me," she blurted. "Because I don't see the point of existing here if I have no way out. I'll die anyway, right? So I'd rather go on my terms, not while following your orders for nothing in return. You won't even talk to me. Why should I keep playing this game? Life needs a reason. And this... this isn't living. It's temporary."

Her words shook with emotion, but there was conviction in them too. She feared death—but feared a meaningless existence more.

He tilted his head, voice cold as steel.

"You really believed everything I said, didn't you? I'm a fox. Lying is in my blood."

His words hit like a slap. Her life here, her fear, her hopes—they were part of his game. Whether she died peacefully or in agony depended on his whims.

He knew her weaknesses. And he made sure she knew he did.

Yet despite everything, Yesenia wasn't completely broken. Her desperate words, though laced with sorrow, showed she hadn't given up. Not entirely. Not yet.

With a rough shove, he pushed her face away and vanished.

When she turned around, she was back at the camp.

That fox—he was infuriating.

What was with that sudden aggression? All she'd done was ask for his name. Did it really hit a nerve?

Why had she ever climbed that stupid mountain? If she ever made it out, she'd swear off mountains—and shoes with laces—for life.

But she didn't cry. Not this time. Maybe her hope hadn't completely burned out.

Yesenia held on to it—fragile, but alive.

She returned to her room quietly, locking every emotion behind her eyes. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her fall apart.

Her plan to get close to him still stood. Even if he was cruel. Even if his threats cut deep.

Because if there was even a sliver of a chance... she had to try.