Diressons

A haunting psychological horror novel set against the stark backdrop of modern Tokyo. Aika Takahashi, a young woman still grappling with the trauma of her family's tragic death, finds solace in the bustling yet lonely streets of the city. But her fragile peace is shattered when a mysterious figure begins to stalk her, orchestrating the disappearances of anyone who dares to draw close. Ryota Kimura, a silent observer with a heart consumed by an obsessive love, will stop at nothing to keep Aika all to himself. As the line between reality and paranoia blurs, Aika must confront the terrifying realization that her shadow may never truly leave her—no matter how far she runs. With its eerie atmosphere and profound exploration of obsession and fear, "Your Shadow" is a chilling tale that lingers long after the final page.

Quiet horror

Ryota walked slowly down the street, his steps heavy but determined. He knew he had to do it. He had to see her. He should have said what he should have said a long time ago. His heart was pounding as if it was trying to escape from his chest, but he kept walking. The café where Aika worked was only a few blocks from the hospital, but it seemed like an eternity to Ryota.

When he entered, the ringing of the bell above the door made him jump. It was warm and cozy inside, the air filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. He saw her immediately. Aika stood behind the counter and laughed at something Yumi said. Her smile was as bright as it had been in his memories, but now he saw something more in her—the strength he had once tried to suppress.

Yumi noticed him first. Her eyes widened, and she moved slightly, as if ready to defend Aika. Aika turned around, and her smile faded. Fear flashed in her eyes, and it caused Ryota such pain that no physical wound could ever match.

"Ryota…" she said softly, her voice trembling.

He came closer but stopped at a respectful distance. His hands were shaking, and he clenched them into fists to hide it. "Aika," he began in a hoarse but sincere voice. "I came to apologize."

She stared at him in silence. Yumi frowned but didn't say anything, giving him a chance to speak.

"I am… I was a terrible person. I've hurt you. I hurt everyone around me. I can't justify what I did, and I'm not asking for forgiveness. But I want you to know that I regret it. I regret every moment when I made you afraid of me. I regret that I lost myself and destroyed everything that was important to me."

Aika looked at him, her eyes glistening with tears. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words stuck in her throat. Instead, she just nodded, as if she understood that he really meant it.

Ryota lowered his head. "I know I don't deserve your forgiveness. And I'm not asking for it. But I wanted you to know that I'm not the same person I used to be… I want to change."

The silence in the café became almost unbearable. Even the other customers seemed to freeze, realizing the importance of the moment.

Then Aika took a step forward. Her voice was quiet but firm. "Ryota… I don't know if I'll ever be able to forget what happened. But… I can see that you're trying. And that means something."

He raised his head, and the hope he had been suppressing for so long flashed in his eyes. But before he could say anything, Inspector Nakamura entered the café. His face was stern, but there was understanding in his eyes.

"Ryota, it's time to go," he said softly but firmly.

Ryota nodded. He knew it was inevitable. He turned to Aika one last time. "Thank you," he whispered. "For everything."

As Ryota was led away, Aika stood in silence, her heart heavy but somehow lighter. The shadows of the past still lingered, but for the first time, she felt like she could see a way forward.

The final?