bright and endless

For a brief moment, she almost forgot about the crawling menace surrounding them. But the reminder hit her like a jolt, causing her delicate ears to flatten against her head and her wide eyes to dart around the clearing once more. She couldn't see any spiders, but she could feel them—or at least imagine them—lurking in the darkness, thousands of invisible eyes boring into her from all directions. Her breath quickened, and she swallowed hard, trying not to panic. She turned to the handsome male in front of her. There was something about him that put her at ease. Despite being a stranger, his calm demeanor radiated a sense of safety she hadn’t expected to find in this strange, unsettling place. She gave a small nod, her expression uncertain but trusting.

"Hajimemashite. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu, Hattori Katsurō-san." It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Hattori Katsurō. she said softly, bowing her head with a delicate grace that spoke of upbringing and discipline. As she straightened, her mind snagged on his family name. Hattori? she thought, frowning slightly. That name didn’t ring any bells. Odd. Her family knew just about everyone of note, didn’t they? She lingered on the thought a moment longer, but before she could introduce herself, he nudged her lightly.

The contact startled her. A spider? Her heart leapt into her throat as a squeal escaped her lips. "Doko??" Where?? She practically leapt to her feet, darting after him as he began to move toward the treeline. Her panic faded slightly as she noticed his relaxed posture. He didn’t seem fazed in the slightest. She watched him carefully, noting his calmness and ease. Clearly, this wasn’t his first time dealing with these creatures. He was from here, she reasoned, probably well accustomed to the local fauna and their creepy-crawly habits. And he had to be older—right? Someone venturing out alone into these woods surely wasn’t a child.

Gathering herself, she walked a little closer and cleared her throat. "Watashi no namae wa Murasaki Yume desu."My name is Murasaki Yume. She said, her voice steadying. "Watashi no iewa Nakatomino Kō ni tsukaete imasu." My family serves the Nakatomi clan." She offered him a small, tentative smile, then added quickly, "Annooo.., Yume tte yonde kudasai. Watashi wa koko no shusshinde wa arimasen, yoku wakaranai.." But, um, please call me Yume. I'm, uhh... not from around here, I don't think..."

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