Kaito's Obsession

Chapter 20 Neighbors by Design

XHILO’S NEW APARTMENT — SAME EVENING

The room is bright, spotless, and fully furnished — arranged exactly the way she would want it, though she never gave a single instruction. Xhilo stands in the center, still breathless from the shock of losing her old home to a sudden fire, yet stunned by how quickly this perfect new place became available. She clutches the few belongings she managed to save, her heart still racing. The woman posing as the landlord has already left, smiling warmly and wishing her well.

Kaito sets her bag gently by the wall, brushing off imaginary dust as if he is only being helpful. But in truth, every inch of this space belongs to him — purchased, renovated, and prepared the moment he ordered her old building “cleared.” He turns to her with that soft, reassuring smile she has come to trust completely, and delivers the final, carefully placed surprise.

“You know… this feels like more than just luck. It just so happens that I live right next door — just on the other side of this wall.”

He says it like it is a wonderful coincidence, not the master plan he had mapped out from the very beginning.

Xhilo’s face lights up instantly, all remaining worry melting away into pure relief. To her, it feels as if the universe is finally watching over her — first keeping her safe from the flames, then finding her a new home, and now placing the one person she relies on closest of all.

“You’re right — this is such a blessing! I honestly don’t know what I would have done today without you. Thank you, Kaito… I really do appreciate your kindness.”

“You’re very welcome. Just knock whenever you need anything — day or night.”

He gestures toward the thin wall separating their units — thin enough that every sound travels, and thin enough that the hidden cameras and microphones already installed feed every movement, every breath, every quiet word straight to his private screens. He stays a little longer, helping her arrange what little she has left, pointing out the lights and windows, acting like the most thoughtful, dependable neighbor anyone could ask for.

Kaito's POV

She calls it a blessing. She has no idea this was the whole point. The fire, the “affordable” rent, the friendly landlord… every single step was planned to lead her right here, right next to me. Now I am no longer watching from across the street — I am beside her. The wall between us means nothing. It is just a thin line separating what she thinks is hers from what is already mine. There is no more distance left at all.

XHILO’S NEW APARTMENT — NEXT AFTERNOON

Ryuu arrives early, carrying a box of fresh pastries and a small potted jasmine plant — bright, energetic, and always ready to lend a hand. But the moment he steps inside, his sharp violet eyes take in the room, then shift between Xhilo unpacking and Kaito leaning casually against the wall, already looking like he belongs there.

When he hears that Kaito lives next door, his smile falters. A cold, clear suspicion settles in his chest — this is no accident. The fire, the sudden move, Kaito appearing right beside her… it was all his doing. He burned her old home just to isolate her and pull her closer.

“Wait — you live right next door? Seriously?” Ryuu laughs, but there is no warmth in it. “That’s… very convenient for you.”

He steps closer, lowering his voice so only Kaito can hear. “Name your price. Whatever it takes — double, triple, I don’t care. Just switch places with me. I want the unit next to hers.”

Kaito does not flinch. His smile only grows colder, sharper at the edges. His reply comes out like a blade.

“I wouldn’t recommend asking that, Ryuu. Some doors are better left unopened — for your own good.”

The air turns heavy and silent. Ryuu’s confident grin fades completely. He feels it now — the same dark, possessive force he has sensed all along, now laid bare. But he refuses to back down.

“Whoa, touchy. If it’s not about money, then it’s about connections, right? Don’t worry — I have plenty. I’ll just speak to the landlord myself. I’m sure I can arrange a transfer. This is a great building, and I’d make an excellent tenant.”

He winks at Xhilo to keep up appearances, then turns back to Kaito — his posture stiff, his eyes blazing with open challenge. He has already decided: if Kaito wants to trap her here, he will do everything in his power to get her out.

In fact, he has already prepared another offer.

“Xhilo,” he says, shifting his tone to something warm and sincere, loud enough for her to hear clearly. “I have a better idea. My family owns a row of empty houses just a few minutes’ walk from the school — fully furnished, no rent to pay, and much more private. You can move there anytime. It would be safer, more convenient, and you wouldn’t have to worry about monthly bills at all.”

Xhilo pauses, her hands resting on the stack of clothes she is folding. She looks at Ryuu, then glances at Kaito — who stands watching with that same calm, unreadable expression.

“Thank you, Ryuu… that is very generous of you,” she says gently, shaking her head. “But I can’t accept it. This place is already settled, the rent is reasonable, and I feel safe here. It’s better if I stay where I am.”

Ryuu’s jaw tightens. He understands — she thinks she is choosing stability, but she doesn’t realize she is walking deeper into Kaito’s grip. He tries one more time, but Xhilo only smiles and shakes her head again.

Kaito pushes himself off the wall and steps closer, moving so he stands between Ryuu and Xhilo. His voice remains normal, polite — but only for her benefit. Then he leans in, bringing his mouth inches from Ryuu’s ear, blocking Xhilo’s view and muffling his words.

A whisper, cold and dripping with certainty:

“You think you can just talk to the landlord? You think you can offer her a better place and take her away? Let me make this very clear, Ryuu… I own this building. I bought it before she even signed the lease. Every unit, every key, every lock — it all belongs to me.”

He pauses, his breath sending a chill down Ryuu’s spine.

“So pay triple. Pay ten times more. Offer her a whole mansion — it won’t change a thing. I already sleep right next to her. Every night, every hour, I know every step she takes, every breath she draws. You can offer her comfort, but you will never have what I have. You will never reach where I already stand.”

He pulls back instantly, his mask sliding back into place — calm, smiling, the perfect gentleman.

“Some doors stay locked for your own safety, Ryuu. Mine? I left it unlocked just for her. Always for her. You… you’ll spend your whole life standing in the hallway, wondering why the door never opens for you.”

He reaches past Ryuu, takes one of the pastries from the box, and hands it to Xhilo like nothing just happened.

“Try this one — it’s your favorite, isn’t it?”

Xhilo takes a bite, her eyes lighting up. “Mmm! How did you remember?”

Kaito gives her that soft, knowing smile. “I pay attention.”

While Xhilo is busy enjoying the treat, Ryuu stands frozen. His confidence has completely crumbled. He knows now — the fire, the apartment, the rules of this game… Kaito holds all the cards. He is bold, fearless, and completely unashamed of what he has done. And worst of all, Xhilo still has no idea that she is already living inside Kaito’s world.