chapter 1: When Shadows Touch
Alana The manager
Where are you?
Eric Blackwood
Don’t freak out,
Eric Blackwood
I’m almost home.
Alana The manager
You’ve got a shoot tomorrow.
Alana The manager
Get some rest.
Alana The manager
And, Kai… keep the mask on.
Alana The manager
You can’t risk the paparazzi finding you.
Eric Blackwood
Who’d even recognize me in this mask?
Alana The manager
You say that every time.
Eric Blackwood
No one’s going to recognize me.
Eric Blackwood
Not tonight.
Alana The manager
Just text me when you’re home, okay?
Eric Blackwood
Fine, Mom. 🙄
Alana The manager
(cuts the call)
Eric Blackwood
(slips his phone into his pocket)
Eric Blackwood
(Adjusts his cap and black mask)
Eric Blackwood
(Strolling casually)
Eric Blackwood
(hands in his pockets)
Eric Blackwood
(likes nights like this empty, quiet, his world not crowded by flashing cameras and screaming fans)
The sharp screech of tires
cuts through the stillness.
Eric Blackwood
(head snaps up)
A truck is coming too fast,
Eric Blackwood
(under his breath)
Eric Blackwood
(A rough hand grabs his wrist)
Eric Blackwood
(yanking him hard)
Eric Blackwood
(His body collides with a solid chest as he’s pulled into the shadows of a narrow alley)
Eric Blackwood
What the...
Eric Blackwood
(looks up, eyes wide)
Eric Blackwood
(breathing hard)
Rin Takeda
(towers over him)
Rin Takeda
(his presence cold, suffocating)
Rin Takeda
(A hood casts his face in shadows)
Rin Takeda
(but sharp eyes glint under the dim streetlight)
Rin Takeda
Watch where you walk.
Rin Takeda
Not every night ends with someone saving you.
Eric Blackwood
(Before he can respond)
Disappears into the darkness.
Rin Takeda
(leaving only the echo of his words)
Eric Blackwood
Who the hell was that…?
Eric Blackwood
Strong… fast…
Eric Blackwood
Why does my chest feel like it’s going to explode?
At the corner of his lips.
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