It was a reckless decision, made in a moment of desperation. Without thinking, Aya had uttered a sentence that could haunt her for the rest of her life. She had promised to do whatever Yuda asked—anything at all—as long as she got that coin back.
The coin was all that mattered. Her desire to go home hadn't wavered since the very first day she was stranded in this world.
"Don't regret your words, Aya."
Yuda grabbed her hand, and an immediate, foul chill radiated from him. Aya grumbled internally, trying to suppress her growing panic and keep her composure.
"What...?"
The destination was a hotel. Aya recoiled instantly. She hadn't realized the gravity of her words until now, and the danger of her promise finally hit her with full force.
"Don't regret it now, Aya. You said you'd do anything for me as long as you got the coin, didn't you?" he reminded her, his voice firm and cold, cementing the promise she couldn't take back.
She wished she could turn back time, but even if she could, Yuda would never let her forget.
"I didn't think you were this depraved! I won't do it!" Aya shrieked, trying to wrench her hand from his grip.
"You won't? Unfortunately, refusal isn't an option anymore, Aya. Your words are already carved into my mind."
Yuda was relentless. He tightened his grip until it felt like her bones might snap, dragging her forcibly into a massive high-rise hotel. She was powerless against his strength.
"Wait! Stop!"
"There is no 'wait' or 'stop' in my dictionary. Besides, I'm not the type to play games with a lady."
The door slammed shut, locking them in a single room. For a split second before entering, Aya thought she saw a flicker of unease on Yuda's face.
"Please, forgive my boldness. But you were the one who asked for this."
He sat in a chair and gestured for Aya to sit opposite him.
"What do you really want?" Aya demanded.
"Your gaze is terrifying," he noted. "I just wanted you to sit down and talk with me for a moment."
"Fine. Whatever." Aya sat, her vigilance at its absolute peak. She had to protect herself, keep her fear in check, and avoid whatever lethal trap he was setting. She had to survive. If she died here, the hunt for the coins would be for nothing.
"We've only known each other since this morning," Yuda began, his expression turning deathly serious. "D-Dance City is a fine place for a temporary stay, but it seems someone is targeting you today."
"I don't know what you're talking about. Or is this your way of saying you are the one targeting me?"
His face didn't change, though he looked momentarily surprised. "Honestly, I don't know who it is. I just wanted to talk to you."
"Liar!" Aya barked, not believing a word of it.
Just to talk? And someone else was after her? Even if it were true, Aya felt she didn't need Yuda's help.
"You think I'm lying? Well, of course you do. Especially since I dragged you to this hotel the moment you promised to do anything for that coin."
Yuda unbuttoned the top of his shirt. "But I didn't do this without reason. Like I said, you're being hunted."
He sounded so grave that for a second, Aya wondered if he was telling the truth.
"I don't care who's after me. If just talking to you solves the problem, then say what you have to say and be done with it!" she shouted, staring him down.
Yuda leaned in, pushing his chair toward the bed with a harsh screech of wood against the floor. Aya jumped at the sound.
"What are you doing? I thought you said you just wanted to talk!"
"Who wouldn't lose their composure when locked in a room with a woman—especially one they actually like?" he countered with a thin, predatory smile.
Startled, Aya half-rose from her chair. She pushed against Yuda as he moved closer, her eyes darting away.
"I am not the kind of woman who will sell herself for a coin! I value it, yes—I value what it represents—but that doesn't mean I can't find another one elsewhere!"
She couldn't stand him. Her hands shook, and she was on the verge of tears, but Yuda's presence forced her to harden her heart. Her fragile true self was hidden behind a mask of false strength.
"But isn't this coin the key to your way home?"
"Yes. That's part of it. But the other part is..."
She stopped. She remembered how that specific coin had appeared—it had fallen before her because she had desperately wished for Ficky's safety. It was proof that Ficky was still alive.
"I see. Well, I was only joking. I would never dream of tainting a 'meal' that isn't fully 'ripe' yet, right?"
Aya's heart was being squeezed by an invisible hand. Yuda's intimidation was so heavy she could barely breathe. She hugged herself tightly and bowed her head, unable to look at his face anymore.
Aya, endure. Aya, you are strong. Don't be weak. Show Ficky when you see him that you can take care of yourself, she prayed silently.
Yuda's left hand gripped the arm of his chair so hard the wood began to crack. With his right hand, he reached out and forced Aya's chin up, making her look at him.
"Tell me... are you interested in me?"
A cold, wicked smirk played on his lips. His sharp gaze narrowed, his eyes locking onto hers. Aya froze. Fear and anxiety flooded her, but all her negative emotions seemed to vanish, replaced by a strange trance as she saw Yuda's eyes change.
His eyes were no longer human. They had turned a deep, blood-red—like rubies submerged in a white sea. His brown bangs partially obscured his vision, but the intensity was unmistakable.
"Tell me, Aya."
Yuda moved his lips closer to hers.
Internally, Aya screamed and fought to move, but her entire body felt bound by invisible, crushing coils.