Not long after what occurred, before the school bell could even ring, Seiichiro was admitted to the hospital, with a severe injury due to a glass impaling his side. He lost a lot of blood, and if he never ran into you.. there was a very high chance that he could've died within minutes.

And as for his twin brother, Shiro.. a proper investigation was held, and because of his wrongdoings Seiichiro wasn't held accountable for murder. Instead, the media made it seem as though he was some sort of hero which came to your rescue.

You clenched the fabric of your uniform, staring toward Seiichiro who relaxed against the hospital bed. It was only the two of you.

He was unconscious for three days now; being worn out from the tests and drugs, as well as his surgery. You stayed in there for hours, and as you sat there against the stool near his bedside, you took a bite from your triangular ham and cheese sandwich.

Quietly eating, you started to reflect on the past. Unknowingly, you thought about Shiro, and even tried not to break down upon thinking about Neiji. Such a simple life of yours turned into complete hell. You were glad though... since Shiro didn't hurt anyone else. Things could've.. turned out much worse than this.

Losing your appetite because of your introspection, you lowered your eaten sandwich against it's napkin, and then put it inside of the container in which it came from. Looking away upon taking out your phone, you burrowed your eyebrows at the time. "I should get going before it gets dark..."

Standing up and placing your lunch box into your bag, the strap was maneuvered over one of your shoulders, but before you left you reached over Seiichiro, pulling the warm blankets over his body some more. "Goodbye, Seiichiro. I'll see you tomorrow!"

You prepared to walk away, however after taking one step you were grabbed by the wrist tightly. Eyes wide, your head quickly turned into his direction, though no words could escape you since you went crashing backwards, your back against the awoken patient's chest.

Squirming, nervousness was revealed in your eyes. "S-Seiichiro?! You're awake?!" This was great news for you. There was nothing coming from the other, and immediately you were reminded of the incident. He was so quiet then.. Just like now. A heart-sinking sensation curled within your stomach. You tried to look back at him, to no avail. "Hey, why aren't you saying anything?? Are you half asleep?"

Still, nothing.

You could feel his strain around your wrist gradually releasing. Although he was acting strange, you persuaded yourself that it was because of his state. Moving away from his hold, you quickly turned around, meeting with his golden irises enveloped with something darker. It only lasted for a second however, and that worried you.

Seiichiro tilted his head into your direction, genuinely appearing a little surprised. "Oh.. I didn't even realize that was you, [L/N] ... sorry." He started to sit up, pain engulfing his expression as he did so.

You swooped in and held onto his forearm, aiding him in straightening his posture. "Who else would I have been? But in any case... I'm glad you're awake. There weren't any visitors that came by, only me and Yatsouba..."

An white envelope pulled from your coat pocket, you extended it toward the male who was in the middle of holding onto his head like he was anxious about something. Peering over, Seiichiro took the envelope delicately from your hand, raising an eyebrow subtly. "What's this?"

Lowering your hand to attach it to the strap belonging to the lunch bag you carried like a purse, you also looked at the enveloped. "I don't know. It was something Yatsouba gave m-"

Seiichiro used his forefinger, as well as index finger to direct the envelope towards you, the paper in question being in between his fingers. "I don't want it." He bluntly said, his gaze on his lap.

Widening your eyes, you took it away from him, submitting because of his coldhearted eyes. "But.. Why? It looks like it's important. What if she's paying for your hospital bills?"

It was like you said something funny. Not long after his quiet scoff, the male chuckled to himself, reaching up to tousle through his natural albino hair. "Kirigiri? Oh please, that girl cares about no one but herself." He looked at you. "She's probably trying to make an attempt to manipulate me."

Stroking your arm, you silently wondered what their history was about. Although he was dating her in the beginning, now it was apparent that the feelings Kirigiri had for him weren't reciprocated. "Well.. okay... I'll give this to her once the school reopens."

You proceeded to turn, and this caught Seiichiro's attention. He perked up. "You're leaving already, [L/N]?" He asked you, earning your glance back followed by the nod of your head. "Yes.. I actually came to keep watch over you for a bit. I have to get going to the police station since they called me in for questioning regarding the entire ordeal... I thought the investigation ended days ago, though.. Which is sorta' strange."

"Police station?" There was a flinch in his expression, and it looked like he wanted to say something. You lifted your hand with a smile, even if it was forced. "On the bright side, you'll be discharged later tonight. I'll drop by your apartment once I'm done, so I'll see you later! Bye, Seiichiro!"

You left the room, granting the male the opportunity to relax against the comfy mattress beneath him. His forearm was pushed against his forehead. "After all she's been through... She still has the strength to smile.. What a weirdo.."

He turned onto his side, facing away from the door as he wondered what they could possibly want with you.

Meanwhile, Police station.
>[3:21 PM]<

"[F/N] [L/N], correct?"

While you nodded your head, you took a seat in front of the detective who sat in front of you behind her desk, taking frequent glances toward her computer tilted a little on the surface. The woman brushed her hair from over her shoulder. "I'm detective Sasori. We're sorry to call you here on such short notice, but we've recently gathered some confidential information which may correspond to the incident three days ago. Has Seiichiro Yuuki been discharged from the hospital yet?"

Your chest tightened at the mention of your friend. You thought the first thing that would come out of their mouths was Shiro's name. Hesitantly, you shook your head. "No.. he's actually going to be discharged tonight." You then scratched your cheek. "Is there... something wrong?"

Sasori leaned in a bit, entwining her fingers below her chin. "Has Seiichiro been.. acting strangely? Or perhaps... behaving as if his brother would? You claim that Shiro Yuuki was highly obsessive towards you, does he act that way towards you now?"

"Eh?..." You looked a little confused, wondering as to what she was trying to imply. That's when your eyes suddenly widened, and you stood from your seat. Pupils trembling in your sockets, you refused to believe the obvious implications. "Are you trying to tell me.."

"...Shiro's been alive this entire time?"

The woman's expression changed drastically. She looked away for a minute, since her coworkers as well as other bystanders were now watching. "Please, miss [L/N], sit down. We don't want to start an uproar-"

"No, screw that!" You lifted your right hand, pointing towards it. "I told you that I saw him using his right hand! Of course, he could've easily used it, but anyone would've used their dominant hand in such a circumstance! I know the one I'm talking to is Seiichiro, so don't say things like that!" Biting down on your lower lip, you were struggling from conflict within.

Sure.. he's been strangely quiet, but that doesn't mean he was Shiro. You remembered seeing his body... but then again.. at the time you never knew if he wore eye contacts or not. Sasori stood up as well, the gleaming and beautiful woman tall enough to tower over you. "As I said before, sharing information as of now is confidential. I would like to let you in on a bit of light, but unfortunately I can't."

Her hands reaching for her drawer, she pulled it out before taking a small card from it's neat stack, and then handed it towards you. "Here's my information. If you'd have anything else to say then call me, and if you think your friend is acting strangely then report to me right away." You looked down at the business card. Something told you to take it, and so you did so.

You went silence and just bowed, before turning on your heel to leave her quietly. You thought all of it to be nonsense. If it was really Shiro, he would've done something irrational again. As soon as you stepped outside of the police department, you took out your phone to call a cab. All of this was confusing you, and right now you just wanted to sleep things off.

[Y/N]'s apartment.
>[9:02 PM]<

You rolled over, tossing and turning against your couch until you suddenly collided to the floor. The mere momentum was enough to wake you up, resulting in you groaning followed by the bat of your eyes. Your hand moved above, shifting around the surface of your cozy couch to locate your cell phone. "What time is it...?" You whispered, only to discover your answer.

Widening your eyes and jumping to your feet, you patted down your hair frantically, and then turned your figure. "I completely lost track of time! Seiichiro must've been discharged by now!" Feeling ashamed of yourself, you quickly sped to the door, putting on your shoes with haste. "I hope he's not mad at me...!"

The second your hand laid against the knob of the door, you started to rethink your decision upon thinking about the detective and her words. It wasn't the best time to reconsider, and you knew it was wrong of you to ever doubt Seiichiro. He wasn't an imposter. Twisting the copper wrapped by your palm, you pulled the door open lightly, and to your surprise there was already someone on the other side of the door.

His hand was brought into a fist as it seemed as though he prepared himself to knock against your door, only you surprised him with your appearance. Seiichiro lowered his hand, and then pushed it into his pocket. "[L/N], what a coincidence. Were you.. uh, sleepin'?"

Naturally you shook your head vigorously, trying your hardest not to appear insensitive. "N-No! I was just.. really busy..." Your tone trailed off since he looked so unconvinced. He'd raise an eyebrow. "Oh really? You've got some dry drool right here.." He tapped the corner of his lip on the left side, probing for you to do the same on your right. "W-Wait, really?! Ugh, so much for lying..."

Using the sleeve of your coat you violently wiped your mouth to scrub off your embarrassing drool mark.Seiichiro chuckled, and then turned his head away. "Anyways, if you're not busy... I'm in the middle of cooking dinner. If you're hungry, you can come in and help me out." It was on cue where your stomach howled at the mention of a meal.

Reaching to give it easing rubs, you tried your best not to seem excited about food. "Yeah! Sure!" With Seiichiro's smile, the both of you went into his humble abode. He allowed you to enter first, and in doing so a familiar dog eagerly sauntered up to you, only to lift on his hind legs as his paws were placed on your thighs.

"Ah! Kazuma!! It's been so long!" Kazuma barked at you in response, pulled into those round blue eyes which prompted you to lift him up. He licked your face happily, earning your playful sound of laughter. Meanwhile, Seiichiro closed his door, right before locking it. He stared for a moment, and then walked on by you with a smile. "I see you remember his name. Shiro locked him away in my room... I'm surprised he was even feeding em'."

You lowered Kazuma, only to become pestered by him again. Giving into his cuteness, you crouched to scratch his ears, and then stroked his black fur. "I'm relieved to know that.." Though you looked up, watching him enter the kitchen. The aroma circulating around the room was undeniably delectable to your nose.

"Oh~! Do I smell.. M-Miso soup?!" Kazuma would follow behind you with his squirrel tail wagging in circles, his small paws trying to catch up to your pace. Seiichiro lifted the lid belonging to the pot of soup, watching the steam dissolve into the air. "Yep, you have a good nose. All I have to do now is cut some veggies, but i was hoping you could lend me a hand."

When you entered the kitchen, you looked over to the two cutting boards directly beside one another, and in the center of it was carrots on one board, and onions on the other. Was he expecting you to say yes? Or maybe he was certain you'd help him?

Entering the kitchen, you could hear Seiichiro begin to hum as you prepared yourself by washing your hands. He glanced over at you, stirring the pot of hot soup using a wooden spoon. "You can cut the carrots, i'll do the onions since I have a high tolerance to them." You stood in front of the cutting board, a cutting knife in your dominant hand. "Really? You're definitely the first.."

You had experience in the kitchen before, thankfully. And it was all because of your grandmother. She was a better chef than your mom. Starting off with the root of the carrot, you began slicing them thinly, all while wondering as to what to say.

"So.. um... I noticed you don't have any parents. It's-- well.. It was just you and Shiro. What happened to them?" With your back facing Seiichiro, you didn't notice he grew a little slow with his movements. Delicately, the lid was returned onto the pot, and after that he turned to approach you.

"Well.. My dad ran off with another woman, so I don't know if he's dead or alive. And as for my mom... she died only a year ago." You didn't expect he'd tell you something as personal as that, and although you've never experienced the grief of losing family, his words stung you. You suddenly stopped to look at him, eyes saddening. "I-I'm so sorry for mentioning th-"

Seiichiro shook his head. "No, it's fine. My mom was mentally exhausting, as well as cruel. She.. always used to ostracized my brother for being sick in the head, and tried to force everything onto me to become an ideal son. Her methods and thinking... It was worse than you think.." He raised his knife and gently pressed down on the onion, slicing it in two. "Our mom was killed during a burglary that happened in this very apartment, and to this day the murderer still hasn't been caught. Very... rarely.. do I regret not coming home early that night.."

You narrowed your eyes. You didn't mean for things to take such a turn, and now that you thought about it... Seiichiro was now.. alone. There was no one else who he considered close to him. It made you sad, especially since you knew he realized the same thing. The male had then smiled to himself, giving you a nudge of his elbow. "Brighten up, [L/N]. Although a year isn't a long time, I've forgotten about my mom."

That was easier said than done. It was hard for you to do that. "What? Is your heart made out of stone or something?" Laying the large utensil down, you turned your head away from him. "In any case, could I use your bathroom for a second?"

Seiichiro shifted, as he went back to the soup to check on it momentarily. "Sure thing. It's right across from Shiro's bedroom, you'll probably recognize it." Nodding affirmatively, you moved from the kitchen area, unaware of the stare landing on you. His eyes then shifted, noticing you left your phone resting on his counter. It's not like you needed it anyway.

Still, with his spacious curiosity, he approached it. He opened your device, holding a calm face as he read a message you failed to perceive. On your banner, there was a message from an unknown number, however with the words on screen he knew exactly who it was. "Detective Sasori?" He muttered. "..."

Unknown User ID:
>Miss [L/N]! You aren't with Seiichiro, are you?<

Unknown User ID:
>Listen carefully. The other investigation units ran through his recent history, and they discovered that he was one of the prime suspects regarding his mother's murder.<

Unknown User ID:
>Try not to involve yourself with him until we've gotten a clear grasp of further info.<

His golden hues became much more colder, changing abruptly like he was possessed by another person. Your phone was lowered from his view, and without putting in the slightest effort your device was powered off, before it was tossed into the nearest trash can. Walking up to his cutting board, he brought the knife up a little, finding a little satisfactory in the way the gleaming reflection bounced right into his hues.

Shifting it behind his back discreetly, Seiichiro forced out a smile. "[L/N], have you found the bathroom yet..?" The male also circulated to leave his kitchen, heading towards the bathroom with Kazuma snarling towards him aggressively.

"Oh! Yeah I did!" You replied down the hallway, opening the bathroom door with a simple twist and tug. It was a very average room, and because of the wide gap in distance between the two of you, you hadn't realized your friend was closing in on your location. And to be honest.. you didn't have to use the restroom at all... all you wanted was to help prove Seiichiro's innocence.

He isn't Shiro.

The door was left cracked open, much to your misfortune. Your [E/C] gaze fixed onto his cabinets. There must've been something, right? There has to be. What were you even looking for, anyway? You opened the mirror cabinet, and what you came to find was toothpaste, bandaids, fever medicines, etc.

A sigh left your lips, but even still you wanted to persevere. 'I'm trying too hard, aren't I..? I should just let the detectives find out for themselves...' As that resolve of yours was hard to come pass, you closed the cabinet, and was about to leave the restroom until your arm bumped into one of the vases on the sink counter.

Fortunately, you caught it before it was able to shatter into pieces. Judging from the elegant gold designs on the white base, you instinctively knew that this vase belonged to their mother. If you dropped it, you knew you'd feel a traumatizing amount of guilt. 'Does this have their mom's ashes in it? Probably not...' You looked inside nonetheless, not really expecting anything... yet, there was something in particular that you recognized. Taking it out, you examined the nearly transparent orange bottle. It was ... full of pill tablets.

"Why would someone feel the need to.. hide this..?" The pills were shifted around in your hand, and turning it a little you took a glimpse toward the label, first spotting someone's name in bold letters that was impossible to miss.

Seiichiro R. Yuuki.

"Huh..?" Since you were too engrossed in unraveling the truth behind this, you didn't hear the steps inching closer towards you. Your nervous eyes shifted slowly, that once steady heart of yours gradually picking up the pace. The label contained a bit more information, such as the renewal date.. but that didn't matter to you. You were focused on the disease he had.

Borderline Personality Disorder.

*Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an illness marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. People with borderline personality disorder may experience mood swings and display uncertainty about how they see themselves. As a result, their interests and values can change quickly. For example, an individual who is seen as a friend one day may be considered an enemy or traitor the next. These shifting feelings can lead to intense and unstable relationships.

"What is.. this..."

You widened your eyes, at an utter loss because of what you were reading. This couldn't be, it can't... Seiichiro was completely normal, or a least, that's what it appeared to be. You only just realized that.. you completely misunderstood..

It wasn't only Shiro.

They were cut from the same, tainted cloth.

You violently flinched at the sound of the door opening subtly, screeching on it's hinges. Dropping the pills because of your fright, you looked from the floor and then up towards your newest arrival, who also moved his eyes from the bottle on the floor.

"S-Seiichiro! Ah, sorry! I didn't mean to drop this!! It fell, so I..." Reaching down to pick the bottle up, you'd quickly straighten your posture, meeting with his golden eyes. The male's unconvinced demeanor became apparent. His smile was emitting a faint light, yet darkness was accompanying his sweet tone. "You don't have to lie about it, [L/N]."

He looked toward the vase that was out of place on the counter.

Seiichiro stroked the back of his neck. "..Thanks to my brother, I couldn't take my medicine regularly.." An irrational chuckle left him, yet it was a little more... retained than his brother's. "But ... that's alright, because.. I haven't felt like this in ages. I miss the exhilaration I get whenever I see prey backed into a corner, or when they realize that everything is over!"

It was an usual, as well as terrifying sight for you, seeing him go crazy not over an obsession; but going crazy over the thought of inflicting pain. The faintest red was revealed on his cheeks due to the light in the room, and you stepped back upon another sound of laughter escaping him. "Now i know why my brother felt relieved when you found out his own secret!" He lowered his hand from his neck, staring at his fingers twitching from excitement. "Although I was taking my medicine when I met you.. I still felt this sickening urge... to make you suffer. You were smiling so brightly! I really wanted to see..."

"That smile of yours fall apart.."

Seiichiro glanced away and at knife in his other hand behind him with a twisted and maniac smile. "Don't get me wrong here, you were still a good friend in my eyes, but just like my brother... I sometimes wanted to make you experience death."

Tears of fright rolled down your face, and taking another step back the carpet below your feet made you collapse. You were naive to believe he was any different than Shiro. He approached you, but you yelped and scooted back. "Please! Stay away from me!" [E/C] shifting a little, you looked behind him and at the doorway. 'Phone.. I need my phone! Seiichiro's gone insane, he's really going to kill me!'

The one in front of you could read you like a book. Your reactions and expressions were so priceless, he wanted to see more of your helplessness. It made him laugh. "That detective by the name Sasori messaged you. She tried to tell you to stay away from me, but I didn't want her to. From the moment you left that hospital room... I made up my mind to murder you with my own hands. [L/N]. Can't you see how excited i am? An opportunity to kill someone like you is just too hard to pass up!"

From that pensive glare of his, you knew he could practically taste your fear. You couldn't breathe because of the atmosphere. There was nothing you could do. It was too terrifying to just stand up and bolt right by him. He would've ended you then and there, or chase after you simply for the thrill of things. Finally, Seiichiro revealed the knife from behind his back, leading any of your thoughts of escape to vanish.

"... You asked about my mom, didn't you?"

[FIN]

Thank you for supporting & reading There's a STALKER in my Attic! Written by DarkProfession.