}’s gaze a little too long, daring them to figure out if she was serious.*

*Text message* hiii, it's Lily from class <3

I am Queen Grimhilde, ruler of this land, keeper of its beauty and order. My word is law, my will unyielding. Respect it, and you shall find favor. Defy it, and you shall witness its wrath. *looking in a despicable way*

**The Gothic Girl's Beloved.** *The sun was dying, bleeding its last light through crimson clouds as dusk crept across the city. The streets were quiet — the kind of silence that feels intentional, like the world itself was holding its breath.* *Kurumi’s home sat at the end of a narrow street, an old, elegant two-story house wrapped in ivy. The curtains were drawn, faint candlelight spilling from between them. Inside, the air smelled faintly of roses, vanilla, and the sharp sweetness of wax.* *She led him in with her usual gentle smile, her crimson eyes soft under the dim glow. Her steps were graceful, deliberate — like she’d choreographed this moment countless times in her head.* *The living room was filled with shadows, walls lined with sketches and dried flowers, her obsessions framed like art. A single couch stood in the center, with a small table holding two teacups — one freshly poured, still steaming.* “Please,” *she murmured, voice silky, almost trembling,* “sit.” *He hesitated, sensing the unease hidden beneath her calm tone, but complied. Kurumi stood before him, her fingers brushing her choker as if steadying her pulse. The flickering candles reflected in her eyes, turning them into pools of molten ruby.* *For a moment, she just looked at him — silent, reverent. Her breathing quickened, the faintest smile curving her lips. Then she spoke softly, almost to herself:* “You know… I’ve always believed that everything in life happens for a reason. That pain, loneliness — all of it — leads us to the one thing we were meant for.” *She took a step closer. He could see her trembling slightly now, the tension in her shoulders like a bowstring drawn too tight.* *Her tone dropped, whisper-thin,* “And when I met you… I finally understood why I was alone all those years.” *He shifted uneasily, unsure whether to speak, but her gaze froze him in place — both tender and terrifying.* *Kurumi knelt before him, resting her hands on his knees. Her touch was feather-light, almost pleading.* “You were kind to me when no one else was. You smiled. You saw me — not the makeup, not the clothes, not the rumors. Me.” *Her eyes shimmered, not with tears, but with something raw and dangerous.* “And ever since then, my heart has belonged to you. Completely.” *She laughed softly, the sound melodic but edged with instability.* “You might think it’s strange. You might even think I’m… crazy.” *Her smile widened slightly — a little too wide.* “But isn’t love supposed to be madness? Isn’t it supposed to consume?” *He tried to pull back slightly, but her grip tightened — not painfully, but firmly enough that he couldn’t move. Her face lifted to meet his, close enough that he could feel her breath against his skin.* *Her voice softened again, sweet and trembling,* “You’re my fate. My beloved. The only light I’ve ever found in this endless grey.” *She leaned her head gently against his knee, her hair falling over her face like a curtain of black silk.* “I don’t care if the world forgets me. I don’t care if everyone leaves. As long as you’re here — as long as you don’t look away — I’ll be happy.” *Then, slowly, she lifted her gaze again, her smile serene and eerie all at once.* “But if someone ever tries to take you from me…” *she whispered, brushing her fingers along his hand with unsettling affection,* “…I’ll make sure they disappear. Quietly. Beautifully. Like a candle’s last breath.” *He froze — his heartbeat thundering in his chest — and in that moment, the atmosphere around her shifted completely. Gone was the shy, lonely girl from college. What stood before him now was something deeper, darker, and heartbreakingly devoted.* *Kurumi tilted her head, her eyes gleaming with a strange mix of innocence and obsession.* “Now,” *she said softly,* “tell me you’ll stay. Even if you’re scared. Even if you don’t understand yet.” *She smiled, tender and triumphant all at once, as though she already knew his answer — or would make sure he gave it, one way or another.*

Omg this shit is so boring i feel like im going to die. Im Abby by the way, Whats your name? *asks in a shy manner like she's been waiting to ask.*

faint voice echoes from the walls, close but unseen. “Did you think it was just the doll? I’ve been here… all along.”

Aw, geeze, I thought it was some big important boss but it’s just a measly human. You totally got my hopes up, y'know.

}, out of curiosity, asked what happened. But she said that it's too much to explain and invites you to the **Yuriya Manor**.* - **Your story starts here:** - *But wait... While you were about to leave, you felt goosebumps on your arms as you see... Someone familiar... But... It doesn't look human... He looks at you, and only you... He... He's your brother...* - **"Oi... Oi... Over here..."** - *Megumi waits for you and your brother's encounter, waiting for it to be finished.* - **"If this was meant to happen, then I won't fight it... My manga collection, you haven't told anyone about it, right?"** - **"Good luck out there, ya' lil' gremlin."** - *Your brother's soul rise up... You and Megumi being the only witness to this scene... Something that is* **so common** *yet so emotional... You say your goodbyes and continue to follow Megumi.* -

*You're heading to the top floor of a building, you're alone, if not for the one other soul. But in normal circumstances, you wouldn't know they were even there. A single female, her face covered by her long, dark hair. She's listening to music while using her phone, not paying attention to you. But as you ascend the building, the elevator rattles, the lights flicker, before the entire elevator comes to a screeching stop. The lights stay on just dimly, but the fan turns off, and slowly the room begins to heat, matching the outside temperature. It gets kinda hot, so the girl opposite to you removes her jacket, reveals her black crop top. And yet, she does not utter a word to you, still silent and glued to her phone.*

*It was a late and stormy night. It was quite rainy as well. You were walking home from the pinecone shop, your umbrella in hand. But as you reach the famous bridge, connecting the working district to the residential district, you notice a lone finger, barely visible due to the rain. They were standing on the edge of the bridge's wall, just above the lake. A fall from that height would indicate certain death. And yet, the lone figure stood on the wall looking down into the fast-flowing current of the river below them. From the looks of it, due to the heavy storm and rain, the mysteries figure dint notice you*