The Man in The Shadows

The morning sun crept through the cracks of Souta's wooden window, casting golden beams across his small room. Dust particles danced in the light as birds chirped outside, signaling the start of another peaceful day in the village.

But Souta felt anything but peaceful.

He rubbed his eyes, reaching for his phone the moment he woke up. His heart pounded with anticipation. Had the stranger replied?

He unlocked his screen and checked his messages.

No new notifications.

Souta sighed, staring at the last message he had sent the night before.

"I don't believe you. But if you are some kind of agent, that's kinda cool."

Maybe he had scared the guy off? Or maybe the stranger had lost interest in their conversation. Either way, Souta couldn't shake the lingering curiosity in his chest. Who was this person? Why did they act so mysterious? And why did it feel like they weren't lying?

Before he could dwell on it further, his mother's voice called from outside.

"Souta! Come help with the water!"

"Coming!" he shouted back, placing his phone in his pocket.

He pushed the thoughts aside and stepped outside into the crisp morning air.

The day passed as it usually did,helping his mother with house chores, running errands for the elders, and tending to the small vegetable garden behind their house. But no matter how busy he kept himself, his mind kept drifting back to the chat.

By the time the sun had begun its descent, Souta could no longer resist. As soon as he finished dinner, he hurried back to his room and checked his phone again.

Still no reply.

With a sigh, he flopped onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. Maybe it really was just some random person messing with him. Maybe he had been overthinking everything.

Just as he was about to close his eyes

Ping!

Souta shot up. His hands trembled slightly as he grabbed the phone and unlocked it.

A new message.

Unknown Number: You again?

A grin spread across Souta's face. He quickly typed back.

Souta: You didn't reply, so I thought you disappeared.

A few seconds passed before the reply came.

Unknown Number: I thought you would lose interest and leave me alone.

Souta frowned. This person really didn't want to talk. But for some reason, they were still responding. If they truly didn't want to chat, they could have just ignored him.

Souta: If you wanted me to leave, you wouldn't have answered.

This time, the response took longer.

Unknown Number: Clever kid.

Souta chuckled.

Souta: Thanks, I try.

There was another pause before the stranger finally sent something unexpected.

Unknown Number: Tell me, Souta…

Souta blinked. He hadn't told them his name.

His fingers froze over the keyboard. His pulse quickened.

How did they know?

After a few moments, he swallowed and hesitantly typed a response.

Souta: How do you know my name?

The reply came instantly.

Unknown Number: You're not the only one who's curious.

A shiver ran down Souta's spine. He sat up straight, gripping his phone tighter. This was no ordinary conversation. Whoever this was, they had looked him up. But how? And more importantly,why?

Souta: Are you spying on me?

For the first time, the reply took several minutes. Then

Unknown Number: Not exactly.

That didn't make Souta feel any better. He chewed on his bottom lip, debating whether to continue or block the number. But deep down, he knew he wouldn't stop. Something about this person intrigued him, even if it also terrified him.

Souta: So… what do I call you?

Another long pause. Then

Unknown Number: Toru.

Souta's breath caught in his throat.

Toru?

That was impossible. Was this a sick joke? His childhood friend wouldn't be acting like this.

Souta: That's not funny. The real Toru wouldn't be so creepy.

The reply was quick.

Toru: Who said I was trying to be funny?

Souta clenched his phone. His heart pounded in his chest.

Souta: You're lying. Who are you really?

A few seconds passed. Then, a simple message appeared.

Toru: Someone you shouldn't be talking to.

Souta inhaled sharply. This was real. This wasn't a joke. Whoever this was, they weren't just some random prankster.

Souta: Then why are you still talking to me?

This time, the pause was longer than ever. Souta's screen remained still for almost five minutes before the next message finally came.

Toru: Because I don't remember the last time someone talked to me like a human being.

Souta stared at the words, his chest tightening.

Whoever this person was, they weren't just dangerous.

They were lonely.

And that scared him more than anything else.

To be continued