11-08-2024, 10:19 PM
Kiyohito studied the man and woman carefully, observing their posture and expressions, searching for signs of honesty in the way they carried themselves.
Only when the woman seemed to truly relax—her appearance shifting as if shedding a mask—did he allow himself to believe their words. He gave a subtle nod of acceptance.
Their strange explanation lingered in his mind, prompting him to glance around, half-expecting the spirit they spoke of to materialize from the walls. He remembered distant childhood tales of baku—the mythical eaters of nightmares, summoned to guide the restless back into peaceful slumber. Perhaps this man, with his piercing yellow eyes, knew the ancient words of summoning.
Kiyohito dipped his head in contrition, swift apologies spilling forth. “I am disgraced. How might I atone for such an offensive assumption?” He addressed the man directly, sensing it was he whom he had dishonored.
Only when the woman seemed to truly relax—her appearance shifting as if shedding a mask—did he allow himself to believe their words. He gave a subtle nod of acceptance.
Their strange explanation lingered in his mind, prompting him to glance around, half-expecting the spirit they spoke of to materialize from the walls. He remembered distant childhood tales of baku—the mythical eaters of nightmares, summoned to guide the restless back into peaceful slumber. Perhaps this man, with his piercing yellow eyes, knew the ancient words of summoning.
Kiyohito dipped his head in contrition, swift apologies spilling forth. “I am disgraced. How might I atone for such an offensive assumption?” He addressed the man directly, sensing it was he whom he had dishonored.