Thursday Night
Dearest Xiaoyu,
Did you like the ending to our game?
I'm looking down at your pretty face now as I write. Your chest is rising and falling steadily as you sleep soundly, your frail body motionless on the floor of my bedroom.
Straight black tresses have fallen astray from the untidy bun you pulled them into, but even so I can still see your pouting lips, as soft and round as petals. You are clad in the lavender silk nightgown you were going to crawl into bed with but never got the chance. Your bare legs are crossed slightly, a subconscious movement.
You want to know how all of this happened, I'm sure. It occurred so quickly, you hardly knew what was going on.
I will explain everything to you, for you, my love. Perhaps then you will understand how you've come to be here, in my mercy.
The first thing to go were the lights.
Vision is impaired in darkness, even with intentions as pure as yours. This wasn't the most difficult task of the night; the metallic silver box containing the control wires wasn't hard to find, and when I did, I found it unlocked. I opened the small door to divulge the image of a cross of twisted colored wires, quietly of course.
I had come prepared; I pulled a pair of pliers out of my pocket and disconnected the entire main compilation of wires for the sake of certainty. As expected, the lights inside the house, what few had been on at such a late hour in the first place, were drenched in shadow.
Your grandfather was out training, I knew; you were the only person home, located in the room two windows from the left on the second floor.
Replacing the pliers in my pocket, I tried the front door, my extended hand gloved in black leather. Unlocked.
Honestly, Xiao, you made my job all too easy.
I crept into your house and up the wooden stairs to the second floor. Your bedroom door was open. Your light had already been off, which explains why you didn't start when I cut the power; you most likely didn't even notice. You were sitting in the middle of the floor with your back facing me, a back that had the posture of a ballerina.
It seemed to me that you were organizing photographs in an album by the light of the moon drifting in through your window, the headphones covering your ears casting a rendition of a strange techno song I'd never heard before into the thick late spring air.
As aforementioned, you made my task all too simple to complete. The music altered your awareness of your surroundings, and, as far as I could tell, you were entirely oblivious of my presence.
I have to tell you that I grinned slyly when I saw you sitting there, deliciously vulnerable as a piece of fruit is to the rape and pillage of flies.
I produced a white cloth from my opposing pocket, a stretch of linen that I had previously drenched in a sleep-inducing agent. Approaching you from behind, I felt empty and whole at the same time.
A curious feeling, that was.
I inwardly reassured myself. It had to be done.
I watched you dance in place for a moment or two before tangling a handful of your beautiful hair in my firm grip and forcing your head back sharply, applying the cloth to your nose and mouth.
You struggled against me, as I'd anticipated, but were unable to see my face, let alone break free. You attempted to throw me down just as the chemical took effect, strangling your body into a limp submission.
I had to stifle a triumphant laugh as I removed the cloth, shoving it back into my pocket. I then supported your idle form, lifting you over my shoulder with the strength I've become known for. In this way I carried you out of your house, and eventually into mine.
You changed me, Xiao.
Most of the people I've met think of me as either an acquaintance or nothing at all. They think I'm distant, incapable of emotion. Seeing you over the years has altered my perception of reality. Your honesty and undying friendliness that once repulsed me has become an inspiration. I don't want to act like I do; I want to act human.
You understand, don't you?
Do you see how much I love you? I'm willing to do anything for you.
When you awaken from your slumber, we can finally be together, away from probing stares and criticisms. Jin will no longer be able to tiptoe across the thin tightrope that defines our bond, our relationship. No one will.
It's such a shame that the only time I can watch over you like this is when you are sleeping. I would press my lips against yours now, but I want you to be conscious for our first kiss.
I didn't hurt you, Xiao; just like I promised.
Now, maybe, you will stay with me forever, as destiny has planned for us.
What's that creaking? A weakened floorboard?
It sounds like someone has come for a visit. How unfortunate.
Sweet dreams for now.
Your admirer.