Kaito's Obsession

Chapter 2 The Promise

PRIMARY SCHOOL PLAYGROUND — LATE AFTERNOON

Days have passed since that afternoon under the oak tree. Now, wherever Xhilo goes, Kaito is right beside her — like a shadow, but a warm, protective one. He doesn’t leave her side, even when other kids start whispering and giving them strange looks.

Because Xhilo still keeps to herself, stays quiet, and never joins their games, the teasing has only gotten bolder. To them, she is still that gloomy, weird girl hiding under her old hat.

“Look, there she is again… always hiding her face like she’s ashamed of it.”

“Why does Kaito keep sticking to her? She’s so boring and quiet.”

“Maybe she put a spell on him? No one else wants to be her friend.”

A group of classmates circles near them, voices loud enough for Xhilo to hear clearly. She lowers her head, pulling the brim of her hat even further down, clutching her book tighter. Her shoulders tense, but she says nothing — used to swallowing every hurtful word.

But Kaito does not let it slide.

In an instant, he stands up, stepping right in front of Xhilo like a wall. His small frame may be young, but his eyes burn with a cold, sharp anger that makes the bullies take a step back. His voice is loud, firm, and cutting — sharp enough to silence them in one go.

“You talk too much for people who have nothing good to say. You call her gloomy? At least she doesn’t waste her time making others feel small just to feel big yourselves. You don’t know anything about her — not her heart, not her story, and definitely not how beautiful she truly is. If you can’t speak nicely, then shut your mouths and stay far away from her. Or you’ll regret it.”

The words are far too mature and fierce for a ten‑year‑old boy, and it works. The bullies exchange frightened glances, mumble excuses, and quickly walk away, not daring to come near them again.

Kaito turns back to Xhilo, and the sharpness in his eyes melts into softness. He sits down beside her again, his tone gentle but sure.

“Don’t listen to them, okay? They are blind. They only see what’s on the outside, but I see everything. I know that beneath that hat, you have the face of an angel — the sweetest, most beautiful face in the whole world.”

Xhilo looks up at him, surprised and touched. Her fingers brush the edge of her hat, and a soft, sad smile tugs at her lips.

“Thank you… but this hat means so much to me. It’s not just something to hide behind. It was the very first gift my mother ever gave me. She said it would keep me safe and warm. Even though it’s old now, and the edges are frayed… I can’t throw it away. Every time I wear it, it feels like she’s still right here with me. That’s why I keep it, no matter what anyone says.”

As she speaks, her expression becomes serious, sincere, and so innocent — her eyes glistening softly, her voice warm and honest.

And then, just as she finishes, a light breeze blows once more, lifting the hat just enough to slip it off her head again.

Immediately, all her long, silky black hair falls loose, framing her face perfectly once more. The sunlight hits her skin, her eyes, her soft features — and Kaito feels his breath catch all over again.

He stares, completely mesmerized, his heart pounding wildly in his small chest. He thought he had already seen how beautiful she was, but every time her hair falls free, it feels like the first time all over again. He is falling deeper, more crazily in love, more obsessed with every little detail of her.

Whispering, almost to himself “You… you look even more beautiful every time I see you like this. It’s not fair — no one else deserves to see you this way but me.”

He reaches out carefully, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his touch gentle and reverent. Then he picks up the hat, holding it in his hands, and looks into her eyes with a pleading, earnest expression.

“Xhilo… please put it back on. Not because I want you to hide — but because this view, this beautiful face and your hair… I want it to be mine alone. Only I should get to see it. Only I should know how truly perfect you are. Let them keep thinking what they want. As long as I know the truth, that’s all that matters.”

Xhilo looks at him, sees the sincerity and intensity in his eyes, and feels that same warm, safe feeling she first felt under the tree. She nods slowly, accepting the hat from his hands.

“Okay… if that’s what you want.”

She puts it back on, tucking all her hair inside once more, and the shadow returns — but this time, it feels different. It is no longer a shield against the world, but a promise between the two of them: her true beauty is their secret, and Kaito is the only one worthy of guarding it.

Kaito leans closer, resting his shoulder against hers, a satisfied, possessive smile playing on his lips.

“Good. From now on, your beauty is for my eyes only. And I promise — no one will ever hurt you, or make you feel small again. I’ll protect you, always.”