Kaito's Obsession

Chapter 19 The Fire that Clears the Way

RESTAURANT - EARLY EVENING

The evening shift hums with a steady, almost peaceful rhythm. Ryuu had stopped by earlier, a bright, easy presence dropping off a cold drink, chatting before heading off. He’s still focused on winning her over, utterly blind to the currents swirling beneath the surface. Xhilo is wiping down her station, the mundane task a small comfort, when her phone rings. The caller ID: Building Management.

Her stomach plummets the instant she hears the voice.

"There's been a fire in your wing—started in the wiring, spread incredibly fast. Everyone's out safe, but your unit… it's gone."

She bolts, leaving her station without a second thought, heart hammering against her ribs. Breath catches in her throat as she rounds the corner, the sight of thick, gray smoke still curling from the upper floors of her old building hitting her like a physical blow. Fire trucks line the street, their lights painting the scene in urgent flashes. Neighbors huddle together, their faces etched with shock. It all looks exactly like a genuine, devastating accident.

But from the shadows nearby, Kaito watches, perfectly composed. He’d paid the landlord a fortune, greasing palms to overlook every rule, to stage the fire with meticulous care. Controlled enough that no one was hurt, yet thorough enough to render the place utterly unlivable. "Faulty wiring" had been planted as the obvious, unquestionable cause. Every detail calculated, every potential witness either paid off or carefully instructed.

LATER THAT EVENING

Xhilo stands on the sidewalk, shivering, clutching only her small bag. Many things that she owned, reduced to ash She has nowhere to go, her savings is not enough to cover a hotel for long, she needs to find something cheap, fast and safe.

Right on cue, Kaito appears beside her. His face is a mask of concern, his voice soft and steady—exactly the kind of comfort she desperately needs right now.

"Xhilo… I was so shocked when I heard. I’m so incredibly sorry this happened to you. It’s just… devastating. To lose everything like that…"

He lets the sentence trail off, his gaze meeting hers with a look of profound understanding, as if he truly feels the weight of her loss. He shifts slightly, his tone becoming more earnest, more reassuring.

"Look, I know this is the last thing you need to worry about right now, but… it’s funny, really. I actually know of an apartment that just became available nearby. It’s a really decent place and the rent is surprisingly low. I was just thinking, it’s exactly the kind of place someone in your situation would need, you know? Something secure and affordable. I live there myself, so I know it’s a good spot. I can take you there right now, if you want. Just to have a place to… to catch your breath for a bit."

He already knew precisely what she could afford, what she needed—because he had meticulously studied her finances long ago, every detail cataloged.

When they arrive, the building is quiet, modern, and secure—far nicer than anything she thought she could possibly afford. A warm, middle-aged woman waits by the entrance, her smile professional and reassuring. She’s one of his carefully paid actors, hired only to play the role of landlord. She never lets slip that the entire building belongs to Kaito alone—every floor, every unit, every lock and key.

LANDLORD / ACTOR

"Yes, the rent is very low—we like keeping good, quiet tenants. It’s ready to move into today, fully furnished too. And the best part? There’s still a Unit available right next to Kaito.

She leads Xhilo inside. The rooms are bright, the windows clean, everything set perfectly, just how she likes it. The price is shockingly cheap, exactly what she had planned to spend, and she signs the agreement almost instantly, overwhelmed with a wave of profound relief."

Kaito stays close the whole time, a picture of helpfulness, assisting her with the few salvaged belongings she managed to grab, carrying her small bag. He’s still the thoughtful, dependable friend she trusts completely.

Only when the apartment door clicks shut behind them does his true thoughts surface, quiet and triumphant in his mind.

KAITO’S POV

She thinks this is luck, or kindness, She has no idea. This whole building is mine. Every wall, every camera, every lock… and now, she lives right under my roof. On the same floor. Only steps away.

I knew she’d search for something affordable—so I made sure the perfect place was waiting, priced exactly right, ready the moment she needed it. The fire erased her old life… and brought her straight to where I have total control. No more distant street, no more separate blocks. Now she lives where I live. Now she is truly, completely within my reach—day and night.

And her parents' gift box, a thought surfaces, sharp and sweet. The one she clutched so tightly. It’s safe. It’s here, in this building. Safe with me. He allows himself a small, internal smile. Even in destruction, he ensures the things that matter to her—the things that bind her to her past, and therefore, to him—are preserved. A subtle reminder of what she lost, and who is now her sole anchor.