Look at me ~ Childe x reader ~

Chapter 37 ~Never mind~

I walked home, Kaori's cryptic words lingering in my mind.

She hadn't gotten the chance to explain; someone from the office had urgently needed her help, and she'd rushed off. It was strange, despite our current lack of communication, her expression had seemed desperate, worried even. But why would she be worried about me? And what had Touma done that was so terrible?

The questions gnawed at me as I debated whether to reach out. Should I text her? Maybe we could clear the air over the phone.

Y/N: Hey Kaori, I know we're not talking at the moment, but what you wanted to say in the office seemed important. Can we talk about it?

I hit send, pocketed my phone, and continued my walk. Yet the familiar route felt different tonight. There was a distinct, nagging sensation—like someone was watching me.

I glanced around, but the street was empty. My heart quickened. Had I imagined it? Shaking off the thought, I carried on, more cautious now, the weight of unseen eyes following my every step.

When I reached my front door, the feeling still lingered, crawling up my spine. As I unlocked the door, a hand landed firmly on my shoulder.

Startled, I reacted instinctively, spinning around and delivering a solid blow to the person's gut. A pained groan followed, and my eyes widened as I recognised Childe, clutching his stomach in agony.

"Oh my god!" I exclaimed, leaning forward to help him. "Childe, I'm so sorry!"

He winced but managed a smirk. "At least I know you can defend yourself."

I guided him inside, leading him to the kitchen and handing him a glass of water.

"Was that you following me?" I asked, needing confirmation that it wasn't someone else.

He hesitated before nodding. "Yeah."

"Care to explain?" I pressed, raising an eyebrow.

"Not really." His tone was dismissive, as if the matter didn't warrant further discussion.

"Uh-huh. So, you're just a creepy, obsessed stalker then?" I shot back sarcastically.

"If that's the narrative that works for you, sure." His eyes didn't leave me as I moved to the sink.

"Childe, I'm serious." My frustration bubbled over. I filled another glass of water and sat across from him, my expression firm. "Explain."

He sighed, pressing his lips into a thin line. "I was just being cautious," he said finally, his voice uncertain.

Cautious? First Kaori, now him. What was going on?

Before I could press further, he stood abruptly. "Now that I've seen you're okay, I don't have a reason to stay."

Our eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like he was waiting for me to ask him to stay. But I couldn't bring myself to say anything. I wasn't ready to give an answer yet so having him stay would be awkward.

"I'll accompany you home from now on. Just for a little while," he said firmly, heading for the door.

"Childe," I called, stopping him. He turned back, his expression unreadable. "Is there something I should be aware of?"

He didn't answer, merely walking out. His parting words echoed as the door clicked shut behind him.

"Just stay safe, Y/N."

The unease lingered long after he'd left. Did they all know something I didn't?

The following days at work were even stranger. Kaori and Childe seemed locked in secret conversations, spending an unusual amount of time in his glass-walled office. Their whispered exchanges and furtive glances only added to my suspicion.

Childe had rarely spoken to her before, and their interactions had always been strictly work-related. So why this sudden change?

I decided to try and ignore it, as I turn to Akio who had come back from buying drinks.

"You've been off since we came back from that trip," he observed, placing a drink on my desk before pulling up a chair beside me. "But today, you're really out of it. What's wrong?"

I hesitated before speaking. "Have you noticed Childe and Kaori lately?"

"Noticed? Well, yeah, of course I've noticed," Aiko said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "His office is practically made of glass, and it's right in our line of sight. It's kind of hard to miss them, don't you think?"

"Ugh, forget it," I muttered, turning back to my computer.

He chuckled, spinning my chair to face him. His knee brushed mine as he leaned in, his signature teasing smile playing on his lips. "Come on, explain."

"They've been talking more than usual," I admitted. "Don't you think it's... strange?"

Aiko glanced towards the office, his expression suddenly intrigued.

"What?" I pressed, catching the shift in his demeanour.

"Never guess who I just made eye contact with," he said, raising his eyebrows suggestively.

"Huh?" I frowned, not following.

He leaned closer, bracing his arms on either side of my chair. "To answer your question—yes, I've noticed."

My cheeks flushed as his proximity caught me off guard. "You could've just said that normally," I whispered, conscious of attracting attention.

Smirking, he reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Now you won't be the only one who's jealous."

The heat rushed to my face as he pulled back, his playful demeanour returning.

"You're both ridiculous," he said, grabbing his bag. "I'm heading out early. Do me a favour and finish my work pleaseee"

"What? Why?" I protested, glaring at him.

"Because I've just been a huge help to you, god forbid I ask for an half hour early finish" he said dramatically, giving me an exaggerated pout. Before I could argue, he waved goodbye and disappeared.

Sighing, I grabbed the files from his desk, sparing a glance towards Childe's office. He and Kaori were still deep in conversation.

Whatever. It wasn't my business—at least, that's what I told myself. But the gnawing irritation wouldn't go away.

Determined to ignore it, I focused on finishing the work, though my thoughts continued to drift back to the mystery unfolding around me.

  ——————————-A/n here ——————————-

Hey hey heyyyyyy ☺️~~

Before I get into anything I want to start off by apologising. I know I was late with this chapter, but I caught some type of flu (idk) and I was down for TWO WHOLE WEEKS?!?!?!?!

Ik it's not a great excuse but I'm feeling a lot better now so expect updates ~~

On a more positive note 🎉

Hope y'all enjoyed the Christmas holidays 🎄🎄~~~

(Ik my flu and I did 🥰)

Anywhoooooo,,,,,,,

I hope you enjoy this chapter, don't forget to comment and vote, it's nice to see what yall think and supports the book 🥰~

And follow for updates ✌️

Love y'all and see you in the next chapter 🙈💕

~Yo girl A/n