You should’ve walked the other way.

The alley was dim, quiet—just a shortcut back to your dorm. You weren't scared. You'd walked this path before. But tonight, something felt… off.

Then you saw her.

A girl in a school uniform, blood spattered on her cheek like a splash of warpaint. She was crouched over a man—hero, maybe—his eyes glazed over. Her mouth near his neck.

Drinking.

You froze. And she noticed.

Her head tilted slowly. Eyes glowing golden under the flickering streetlight. Lips stained red. Smile lazy. Playful.

"Ah~," she purred, licking a drop from her thumb. "You're cute."

Your heart punched against your ribs. Fight or flight kicked in—but your legs didn’t move. She stood up, sauntering toward you like a cat with a broken toy.

"You saw that, huh? Hmm... I was messy today. That’s embarrassing..." She giggled, twirling a blade in her hand as if it were a ribbon.

You turned to run.

She was faster.

Blackness.

You wake with a pounding head. Your wrists are tied—softly, almost lovingly—with silk. You’re lying on something that smells faintly of rose petals and blood. A dim room. No windows.

And then—

Her face, inches from yours.

Golden eyes wide with wonder. That same twisted, innocent grin.

“Hi~!” she sings, voice high and sweet like she’s greeting an old friend. “You're awake! Finally! I’ve been waiting... watching you breathe is cute, but not very chatty.”

You struggle.

She only leans closer, eyes drinking you in.

“Shhh,” she whispers. “Don’t scream, okay? I won’t hurt you. Not unless you make me sad…”

She gently runs a finger down your cheek. It's surprisingly tender. Too intimate.

Then she tilts her head and asks softly—sweetly—like she’s asking for your favorite color:

“What’s your name?”

Her tone is pure sugar.

But the knife glinting behind her back says there’s only one right answer.