Hello, thank you for coming over to know the story of Koizumi Kaito, or Kai for short. Kai is an original character I created for Tasokare Hotel.
New to Tasokare Hotel?
Tasokare Hotel is visual novel developed by SEEC Inc.
The game features characters who arrived at a hotel on the verge of death while their memories remain blank; as the story progresses, newly arrived characters work together with the protagonists to recall their background and the circumstances that lead to their death.
Who's Kai?
He's just one of the OCs many SEEC fans created (check #seectwt on Twitter or SEEC Cult Discord to join the lively community). We build the world ourselves, with our very own Manager etc, so you won't find canon characters here.
Kai's Character Profile
Story Index
Storyline
Why Do I Get The Feeling of Dejavu?
Cozy Lights
Room Search 1
The Barkeep's Sweets
The Waitress’ Sweet Recommendation
Your Tempura is The Best
Playing Daddy
Black and White Checking In
The Goat Man From the Past
The Truth
Getting Ready to Hike (Room Search 2)
The Manager Awaited (branched to Endings)
Extra Story: 14 yo Kai
Checking In
Pool and Slides
The Goat Man
Play Water With Me?
Drowned
A New Scar
The Consequence of a Scar
Other extra stories please check the hashtag #extras
This is a choice from The Manager Awaited story. If you reach this point by choosing the I'll try and find Hisa option, then proceed below.
One Last Day
I asked every single person I found about Hisa’s whereabouts. Well, maybe I already knew where he was. I just wanted to make sure.
Like I predicted, Hisa was taking his smoke break outside the front door.
I stood in his shadow, his silhouette stirred the nostalgic feelings inside of me. No wonder, this was the very place I met him the first time. Without my permission, tears started falling down from my eyes.
My sobbing made Hisa turn around. “Kai?”
His voice broke me down and I wailed. Hisa looked confused at first, but he let me cry to my heart’s content. I was very grateful for that. He waited until I finished crying before asking, “Feeling better now?”
I wiped my eyes and joked, “I will if you hug me.”
He was supposed to laugh it off, so I was shocked when I found his hands wrapped around me. My nose was filled with the smell of tobacco. Weirdly enough, it really calmed my nerves and I relaxed in his embrace.
Silence surrounded us for a while, before his embrace tightened and Hisa whispered, “I’m sorry.”
I blinked and pushed him softly. “Why are you sorry? You’ve done nothing wrong,” I shook my head. “I just needed time to process things.”
“So, how is it going?” Hisa’s voice sounded hesitant.
I closed my eyes and smiled, “What's done is done. My time is up. I should accept it as it is.”
Hisa responded with silence.
“In fact,” I opened my eyes, “I’m grateful I got the chance to check into this hotel. I got to meet everyone,” I searched for his eyes before continuing, “and I got to meet you.”
Finally, a smile on Hisa’s face. He’s really handsome when he smiled. “Kai,” he said, “What do you want to do now?”
I took his question. “Well, if I can do anything, I want to spend a day with you. One full day.”
Hisa’s eyes widened. He probably didn't think it would relate to himself. “Let me ask the Manager.” He replied with a firm tone.
I know there’s sparkles in my eyes when he said that.
.
. . . and when he showed up at my door without his uniform. “Come!” My voice sounded so cheerful when I pulled him inside.
I couldn't sleep a wink last night. My brain was thinking without stopping of what we’re going to do today. I prepared my instant camera to capture every single memory I would make that day. It was so wonderful! I never thought I could feel that joyful before, even in my real life.
TRUE ENDING: The Lasting Memories
By the end of the day, Hisa and I lay down on my bed, tired but full of joy and happiness. I checked the photos I captured. I made sure to print out two for each picture. I separate them in two bundles, one for me and one for Hisa.
I stretched my hands out, “Well, I think it’s time for me to get going.”
Hisa grabbed my hand and I turned to him. “Kai,” he said, “Will you bring those photos with you?”
I nodded with a smile and started putting my rings off. “And I will leave these behind.” I brought my palms together and bowed to the rings, “Thank you for all this time.”
Hisa watched as I thanked my rings, then we both walked to the lobby. I checked out properly and gave thanks to the staff members. Particularly the Manager for giving Hisa one full day off for me.
I waved goodbye with my bundle of photos in my hands. Before I left, I gave Hisa his bundle of photos. He didn't know I wrote something at the back of each one, let it be a surprise for him. I left the hotel with my heart full.
This is a choice from The Manager Awaited story. If you reach this point by choosing the I’m going to talk to whoever is in charge in the lobby option, then proceed below.
The Two Girls
“Hello, how can we help you?”
I remembered the cheerful girl in white, but I didn't recognize the black haired girl who asked the question at first. Not until I squinted my eyes and noticed her dress did I recognize the Sunflower Girl.
“Ah! The Sunflower Girl!” I stated in excitement.
The girl adjusted her glasses before answering, “I did have a Sunflower head before I remember my name.”
“So, what are your names, girls?”
“This is Hanako and I am Sakuya.”
“By your outfits, I assume you guys have a job now?”
“No,” Sakuya shook her head, “Only Hanako who started working as a staff member, not me.”
“Really?” I widened my eyes, “But you’re the one doing the talking.”
“Well,” Sakuya seemed to be searching for an answer. Hanako answered for her, “Sakuya is helping me! I’m very new to this and Sakuya has more experience.”
“Oh.” The girls seemed fishy in my eyes, but I wasn't going to press them this time. I had bigger problems at hand. “So, are you experienced in accepting death?”
Both girls seemed to be confused.
“Well,” I propped myself on the counter and started explaining, “I just discovered how I died. In the real world. Now I don't know what to do with the information.”
Hanako and Sakuya looked at each other. Sakuya then spoke, “We were told that guests who remember their life, either dead or alive, will check out soon. If they're alive they will go back to the living world, if they’re dead they will go to the afterlife.”
“Ah, so that’s how it goes.” The afterlife, huh? It didn't sound as bad as I thought. Maybe I should check out. “So, do you guys think I should check out now?”
Hanako was the one who answered, “Are you satisfied with your life, Mister?”
“Call me Kai,” I smiled. “That’s a good question. I don't think my life is bad, There are many interesting things that I got to try. If I die, I think it’s just how it is.”
“So are you ready to go to the afterlife?” Sakuya completed Hanako’s question.
I could see my life flashing back like a movie. A nice one. “I think I’m ready.”
“We will gladly take your room key when you’re ready,” Hanako smiled widely. Her first job to complete, maybe?
I took my room key and put it on the counter, “Here you go.”
“I’m ready,” I said in peace. This was how it was supposed to be. “Thank you for talking with me, Hanako, Sakuya.”
I bowed before walking to the front door, walking out of the hotel.
NORMAL ENDING: The Three Rings
Koizumi Kaito checked out that night. He wore the three rings, just like when he checked in. He experienced many things in the hotel, but it seemed nothing had changed inside of him.
This is a choice from The Manager Awaited story. If you reach this point by choosing the I’m going to drink at the bar option, then proceed below.
A Drink and A Bet
Meeting Eleanor probably wasn’t the best idea, but I truly needed the drink. I dragged myself all the way to the bar and slumped on the bar counter. “The usual,” I said without bothering lifting my head.
Some clinking sound went into my ears, after that a soft voice. “What happened, Kai?”
It was the bartender. The sweet yet mysterious bartender that I still couldn't figure out. Her calm and collected voice soothed my chaotic mind. I felt like telling her everything.
I did just that. Down to the details about the dream of my past or the Manager’s fury. Elly listened with full attention, asking the right questions at the right times.
“The scar that you mentioned, does it give you any special powers?”
I blinked at the unique query. “I never thought about it. Maybe? I don’t know.” I shrugged.
Elly seemed to be deep in thought.
“Do you think it does?” I got curious and blurted out the most ridiculous thing that popped in my mind. “Maybe some immunity towards poisons?”
To my surprise, Eleanor showed a horrified face. It only lasted a second, though, but it was visible enough for me. My suspicion of her solidified. “You really put poisons on those cakes.” I declared without hesitation.
She let out an awkward laughter and I laughed along. Who knew who was watching?
Our laughter died, followed by silence. Then, there’s a sharp glint in her eyes and she moved closer. “Wanna make a bet?”
There was so much meaning behind her words and gestures. I knew by instinct that this was not a good idea. At all. However, there’s just something about her that stirred something inside me. I couldn't take my gaze away from hers. Instead, my body moved forward and I whispered, “What are the stakes?”
.
The next day, I went to the bar again.
I couldn't sleep a wink last night, but it didn't matter anymore. To me, only my bet with Elly mattered right now. My body shivered, reacting to the thrill that entailed. A bet of life, huh? What an interesting game she played, and I got dragged along!
Eleanor came out of the kitchen, bringing a piece of cake with a winning grin plastered on her face.
My eyes were following her movements when I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Kai?”
I hated that Hisa had to come right now, and I hated the way the hatred bloomed within me. Hisa was an important person, the most important person for me in this hotel, but I didn't want to see him right now.
“Yes, Hisa-chan?” I gave him a fake smile.
“Are you okay?”
Gosh, his worried face melted my heart for sure, but I did not want to back down from the bet. Once again, I tried my best to smile at him, “Never been better! I had a nice sleep last night and it works wonders!” I knew he would not believe me, but I didn't want to prolong this conversation. “Don't worry about me, good luck at work today!”
Hisa looked at me, then at Eleanor, then back at me. He didn’t even try to hide his disapproval towards whatever we were doing. He didn't push through, fortunately. The male staff member sighed and walked away.
When the door to the bar was closed, Eleanor bursted out with laughter.
“Is it that funny?” I pouted.
“Well,” she managed to talk between laughs, “You certainly are not a good liar.”
“Well, sorry,” I responded with a heavy sigh. “Shall we?”
“I’m glad you have the guts to not back down,” Elly smirked.
“Likewise,” I smirked back.
Elly’s smirk got wider when she placed the plate of cake in front of me. “A special cake for a special person on a special occasion.”
“Thank you,” I moved the plate closer to me and inspected the cake. It was a three layered red cake with cream cheese around it. The top was garnished with red rose shaped cream and some real rose petals. The visual was stunning, for real.
“This is a very beautiful cake, Elly,” the praise was genuine, “You really have the talent.”
“Thank you,” Eleanor crossed her arms and accepted the praise with pride. “Wait until you taste it.”
That was exactly what I had in mind, how tasty this cake would be. I sliced a bit of the cake and opened my drooling mouth. I didn't even think if this was the last cake I would eat, I thought I would die happy either way.
The taste was just as amazing as it looked. The cream cheese melted in my mouth and blended with the sweet taste from the red sponge cakes. The rose petal added a surprising fresh natural flavor. I couldn't find anything wrong with this slice of joy which brought me to the heavens.
BAD ENDING: The Bet of Life
. . . or hell.
The only sensation I felt was hot, hot, hot. In every direction I could only see fire and torture. Ugly creatures screeching loudly, banging my eardrums. I closed my ears with both my hands and tried to breathe.
When the ugly creatures stopped whatever they’re doing and turned their heads towards me, I knew trouble was going after me. I stood up and ran, ran, ran, until I was out of breath.
This is a choice from The Manager Awaited story. If you reach this point by choosing the I'll go to the restaurant option, then proceed below.
Making a Deal
As I had predicted, Philos was in the restaurant, drinking his beloved black coffee. The Goat man had been here for a long time and he was here when I got here 30 years ago. He could probably give me solid advice.
It seemed that he also predicted my arrival. He bowed as if welcoming me to sit at the table. So I did.
Philos took another sip of his coffee and started, “What can I do for you, Kai?”
I clenched my hand, gathering courage to tell him what happened. “I remembered. What happened to me in real life. I am dead.”
The man before me nodded, “So, what do you want to do now?”
“That's the thing,” I sighed. “I have no idea what to do.” Oh, I felt like a heavy burden lifted off my back.
“Do you want to come back?” The red eyes gazed at me.
My jaw dropped. “You mean getting back alive? Is that even possible?” I didn't know the option was available to me.
“Of course,” Philos said with pride. “I can make it happen.”
I took some deep breaths and my mind started to clear up. “Now that I think of it, I personally think that it's not necessary.”
Philos’ eyes widened for a second. They went back to normal as fast as they grew. “You don't want to?”
I shook my head, “I mean, what for? I think if my time is up, then it's up.” Yeah, things should have been this way.
“You can do more things with your partner, you know,” Philos adjusted his monocle. “And you can take away his trauma.”
I lifted an eyebrow, “His trauma?”
The red eyes once again were directed to me, “Do you think it wouldn't give him trauma, seeing you fall and die like that?”
Oh, he got a point.
“From my experience, incidents like that bring the worst traumas to the witness. Think of how he felt when he tried to lift your body and it went limp like a dough for noodles.”
He had to say it! Now I couldn't unsee it. I felt horrible. “How do I come back alive?” I dared ask.
“I can help you if you give me something in return.” There was a glint of evil I saw. I knew coming back alive wouldn't come for free.
“I honestly don't have anything to give,” I said.
“Hmm,” Philos touched his beard with his fingers. “I know.”
I tilted my head, “What?”
“Don't worry,” Philos gave me a smile. I got even more worried.
“Philos,” I demanded.
He fished out something from his pocket and put it on the table. It was a candy. It had an eye design on the wrapping.
“Eat it and all will be fine,” The gloved hand was welcoming me.
“I haven’t known what you will take from me,” I insisted for the last time.
“Your memory.” His answer was short.
“You mean, I won't be able to remember anything about this hotel?” I tried to dive into the vague answer.
Philos nodded.
“How about my memory from before? In real life?”
He nodded again.
“Will I be able to remember my name?”
He shook his head.
“You will take all of my memories?” I half shouted.
“You don't seem like you need them that much,” Philos shrugged.
Well, to be honest, I could live on even without my memories. It may be a hassle, or it may not? The idea was slowly getting into me and I just realized I had brought my hand to the candy.
I opened the wrapping and gulped before I took the candy in.
GOOD ENDING: The Value of an Identity
I woke up to the steady sound from the machines. I blinked my eyes several times, adjusting myself to the bright lights of the room. Where was I?
“Kai?”
I heard a male voice near me. Who was it?
“Kai woke up! Nurse, the patient is awake!”
A nurse came in and checked my vitals. “Hello, Sir, can you say your name?”
I wanted to open my mouth but I couldn't remember my name. Who was I?
“I,” I said slowly, “don’t know.”
The nurse and the male went pale and they left me behind to talk.
Three months after I woke up, the male, who I called Rui-chan before the fall, still came to visit me every three days in the unfamiliar place he said was my home. Even after Rui-chan told me everything about my past, I still felt something was missing in my life. I didn't know what it was, but it certainly affected me. Rui-chan said I wasn't as lively as before.
I started taking pictures again, because Rui-chan said it was my profession before the fall. However, my pictures lost their color and all of them got rejected. I didn't think anything was working in my life anymore. I sighed more often and it was bothering Rui-chan.
Six months after I woke up, he said he couldn't take it anymore. Rui-chan disappeared from my life just like that.
When we reached my room, there was a man already waiting for us. Well, well, I didn't expect the Manager to come.
“What did you do?” For the first time, I heard the Manager’s high voice. Although his porcelain face stayed the same, I could feel his rage. “It’s dangerous to go beyond the window. You should know better, Arakawa Hisakata.”
Oh no, his anger was directed at Hisa-chan. “But my memories are there,” I tried to defend him. “I would be gone by now if Hisa didn't come with me.”
“No buts. It’s still very dangerous.” The Manager shook his head, a sign of disapproval. “Arakawa-san, tell me if you ever want to go beyond a window again, you hear me?”
“I understand, Manager. I’m sorry,” Hisa bowed for a mistake that wasn't even his.
The Manager stomped away after hearing Hisa’s promise.
Maybe things were solved between the Manager and Hisa-chan, but for me, the guilt I felt became bigger and bigger. Once again, I made Hisa in trouble. “Sorry, Hisa-chan.” My mouth uttered what’s in my mind.
“Im fine, its nothing,” Hisa said lightly. “How are you?”
It never bothered me before, but maybe because of the incident today, or because of my cloudy thoughts, I felt bothered by his attitude. Hisa never thought much of himself, and I didn't like it.
“I think I need time alone to process everything. Sorry.”
My serious voice made Hisa speechless and went away almost immediately.
.
It was past dinner time.
I wanted to sleep but I couldn't. I kept on remembering the fall. More importantly, “What happens from now on?” I said out loud.
I was dead, weren’t I? So, will I go to heaven or hell? There were hell creatures so I believed there’s hell. But didn't I hear the rumor that Yuina was from heaven? She didn't seem like one, though.
Anyway, I thought I needed to talk to someone about this. About everything. I needed to clear my mind to be able to take the next steps.
Who should I talk to? Where should I go? I didn't know who would be in charge of the lobby, might be the manager, might be the other staff members. Should I take a risk? Philos was probably in the restaurant around this time. A drink sounded good too and Elly might have something for me. Or I could try and find Hisa since he knew me the best. I was still afraid of meeting him because we parted in not a good way, though.
I walked out of my room as I decided.
Choice 1: I’ll go to the restaurant
Choice 2: I’m going to drink at the bar
Choice 3: I’m going to talk to whoever is in charge in the lobby
“You know, I always feel this tingling sensation on my scar whenever I’m close to you, Philos,” 45-years-old Kai teased the man with horns, who was sitting beside him in the bar.
“A scar?” The man with a monocle asked.
“I don't think I remember having it outside the hotel,” Kai answered truthfully, “It showed up the second day I got here. It’s weird. It feels, nostalgic.”
Recalling from memory, it was also the second day when the drowning accident happened with the boy named Kai. Philos sipped his cocktail, “I wonder what happened.”
Kai sighed, “Yeah, I wonder what happened.”
So much had changed. The short black hair turned green and long. The spark of curiosity washed away with age. The chaste chattiness of a pure young boy turned into intricate flirtations. It was still there though, the boy named Koizumi Kaito.
“Mister Manager, my name is Kai! Call me Kai!” The boy hopped at the lobby counter.
“Yes, Kai. It's a lovely name,” the smile looked weird in the porcelain face, but Kai knew it was real.
“I heard you helped me,” Kai returned the smile, “Thank you so much. Is there anything I can do in return?”
The Manager almost wanted to request Kai to shut up, but he managed to be polite. “It was our duty to help our guests. Regarding that, do you remember anything after the incident?”
“What do you mean?” Kai raised an eyebrow. “Oh! You mean this new scar?” The boy raised his t-shirt and showed quite a deep scar near his right chest.
The Manager examined it to determine that it was indeed a new one, made in the hotel. “It’s new?”
“Yeah, maybe I got it from Mister Philos when he helped me!” It was vague but Kai remembered the horns in the water.
“Ah, I see. Alright, let's tend to it so it can heal nicely.” The Manager silently decided to tell Philos about it.
Philos found it weird that Kai used the scarf even in the water. They were both standing in the pool where it reached Philos’ torso and Kai’s neck. Kai was playing around gleefully and he pointed at the slides.
The older man watched silently as Kai climbed the ladder up and shouted his lungs out while sliding down. He was going down his direction, so Philos moved aside for Kai to land smoothly.
The boy did land safely, a big splash of water accompanied his arrival. However, he didn't come back up after some time.
“Kai?” Philos didn’t find any signs of bubbles. If anything, the man felt the pool was getting deeper and deeper until the water reached his own neck.
Alerted, Philos dived and saw the boy drowning in water, his neck still covered by the scarf. With a bit of effort, Philos helped the boy move to the side of the pool, where the Manager knelt.
“I knew something happened here,” the Manager helped Philos get Kai up to the surface and started giving CPR.
“He probably drowned, the pool suddenly got deep earlier on,” Philos tried to conclude.
The Manager nodded, “Good thing you’re here. Sorry for the trouble, Philos.” Sometimes, the Manager thought of Philos as an extra staff member. It was already the umpteenth time Philos got into his guests’ accidents. Good thing Philos was neutral.
Kai’s white hands turned to have colors as he started coughing water.
“He’s alive,” Philos murmured.
“Let him figure it out himself,” the Manager looked at the red eyes. They fell into an agreement before Kai got his consciousness.
The Manager brought some pancakes and ice chocolate to the boy, who sat across from his regular, Philos. It seemed that the incident last time didn't hinder the boy from getting close to his subject of curiosity.
“Mister Philos,” the boy said with his mouth full.
Philos looked at the boy.
“Do you want to play water with me after this?”
The older man touched his cup, “You should wait 30 minutes after food before swimming.”
The boy’s smile couldn't be wider.
.
Philos heard about the boy’s room from the Manager, but his eyes still widened seeing it for real. The boy pulled Philos to his hammock bed and proudly announced, “Welcome to my water park! Here’s where I-” He stopped and pulled a blue scarf from under the blanket. “What’s this?”
Curious, Philos got near himself. “Is it yours?”
“I don't know,” the boy shrugged, “Just found it.” He inspected the scarf and found an embroidery of a name near the end. “Koizumi Kaito.”
The boy’s black eyes widened a bit, knowing the name. “Hey, it's my name! I’m Kai and this is my favorite scarf!”
“You wear scarfs?” Being around for some time, Philos knew a scarf wasn't that common for daily wear.
The boy chuckled and scratched his head, “My mom loves to wear scarfs so she made tons for me. This is my favorite one, she gave it to me last year.”
Getting no response, Kai grinned. “Alright, now which one do you want to try first, Mr Philos?”
There were only several other guests at the time, so the Manager could not help himself to resist the boy’s request. He brought the boy to the lobby, showing that the sunset would always be there. He showed the boy a glimpse of the bar, only because it was age restricted. The boy even had the gall to wave to the hostess.
Lastly, they went to the restaurant, where the Manager offered the boy to sit down and try their menu. As expected, the boy agreed with enthusiasm, his legs swaying under the table.
Well, it shouldn't be a shock to see his seat empty when the Manager came back with the menu. . . Except that he saw his guest was interfering with his other guest.
“These are so cool, Mister!” The boy dared touch one of the other guest’s body parts without restraints.
Terrified, the Manager pulled the boy’s hand and apologized quickly to his regular. “We're very much sorry, Philos. He’s just a kid, please give him some break.”
The man called Philos sighed as he continued sipping his coffee.
“You, I think an apology is needed,” the manager’s rage was directed towards the boy.
Trembled, the boy bowed down, “Sorry Mister Philos Goat, sir. I just think that your horns are very cool!”
The porcelain manager brought the 14 year old boy to his room. Once he opened the room, the boy gasped. Fortunately, he didn’t see the Manager’s head turned 360 degrees as well by the view.
It was far from an ordinary bedroom. It was not a room at all. The pools and high slides made it more like an indoor water pool attraction. Before the astounding playing ground, stood four palm trees which supported a cozy looking hammock, complete with the pillows and some thin blankets.
“This is just perfect!” The boy shouted, “Are all the rooms in this hotel like this? Can I see the other rooms?”
The Manager froze for a second before replying, “That would violate our privacy regulations, boy.” His black eyes stared as the swim ring changed into an ordinary head of a black haired boy with two black? slit eyes.
His heart calmed down seeing the guest turned out to be more ordinary than he thought, “Do you remember your name?”
The boy touched his chin for a while and shook his head. “Can you show me more about the hotel, Mr Porcelain Manager?”
He didn’t have anything on him, and he found the endless horizon confusing. A plain white T-shirt and thin knee length sports shorts were all he wore. It was comfortable enough to walk in his usual pair of sandals, but they would wore out if he couldn't find the end-
A gust of wind brought his attention to a sturdy looking building that came out of nowhere. Tasokare Hotel, the wooden signature said.
.
One of the main features the 14 year old boy had was curiosity. The man, the being, that greeted him said something, but the only thing that went into his mind was the unnatural line surrounding the man’s neck.
“Are you human? Is this skin?” The boy touched the man’s hard icy hands, trying to figure out more. “Am I dreaming?”
Smiling, the porcelain man—as the little boy decided to name him— patted his head and answered, “You can pretend this is a dream, and I will be with you for the time being. Please call me the Manager.”
“Alright, Mr Porcelain Manager,” the boy was happily satisfied with the current answer.
Satiated with another tempura platter by chef Shin’ya, I went back to my room for a nap. I opened my room and my jaw dropped. It wasn't the usual sunset that greeted me beyond the window.
I stepped closer and shook my head. The vision was still the same.
It was so green. Trees and grasses and woods. The crazier part was, the ground was on the same level as my room. I could just open the window and walk into the woods.
Well, it was locked, as expected.
There was a hook and a backpack was hung on it. I wonder what it was.
Wait, I thought. I shouldn’t be so careless. Philos said anything can happen in the hotel.
Should I call Hisa to help me? He wouldn't turn me down, but I feel bad about it. I’ve bothered him so much. I didn’t know if I could do this myself, either. This was my room so I should be able to. I’m so unsure!
“You brought us out here so people won’t hear you say that?” My mouth opened faster than my brain could think.
“Well, they would never stop teasing me if they did.” The goat man shrugged.
I laughed. Here I was expecting the scary truth and that’s it?
“So you saved me not by swimming but by walking.” I concluded after my laughter ended.
“There are consequences to that scar,” Philos turned around and poked under my chest, right where my scar was.
I could feel something hot flowing inside when he did that.
“See? My powers are flowing to you because of that crack. That's why you feel the ‘tingling sensation’ whenever you’re close to me,” Philos’ voice was deadly serious.
“Is it a bad thing?” I asked.
“No. It is never a good thing when you relate with hell creatures, but what’s done is done. You should be careful.”
“You’re not as bad as I think you are.” Once again, my mouth acted faster than my brain.
“Why, of course,” a smile formed on his face. Not a genuine one as far as I saw. “You can come to me whenever you feel like you’re stuck.”
“Stuck?” Why would I feel stuck?
“Anything can happen in this hotel,” the man gestured at the hotel. “It’s not a rare occasion that people come to me seeking advice.”
I raised an eyebrow, confused at his explanation, but I think I’d just swallow it for now. “Alright, Philos.”
“Once again, be careful, my boy.” Philos tapped my shoulder and went into the hotel. I wonder what this all meant.
Another tap at my shoulder jolted me.
“Whoa, it’s just me, Kai.”
The familiar voice calmed me down. “Hisa-chan, don't scare me like that.”
“It’s more like you scared me,” Hisa chuckled.
Ah, he’s really handsome. I wished I could jump into his arms right now. All the fears and worries that I had before vanished just like that. “Thank you, Hisa-chan.”
Hisa nodded, “A smile suits you better.”
Help. I knew I was blushing. I could feel my cheeks getting so hot. I wondered how red my face was.
Suddenly, Hisa’s face got serious. “What happened, Kai? Did he do something to you?”
“Oh?” The question made me remember the conversation I had with Philos. “Oh, it’s nothing. Philos and I just had a chat.”
Hisa frowned. I was so touched by him worrying about me. “I’m serious! Nothing happened, really!”
The young man sighed, “Okay, I trust you. But you have to tell me if anything happens, promise?”
Hisa gave his pinky finger to me. It was such a cute and sweet gesture. I linked my pinky to his. “Promise,” I planned to keep this promise to the end.
Bubbles. Ah, that’s from me. Wait! I can't breathe! I can’t swim either!
Help! I’m going to drown!
Someone pushed me, but I still can’t breathe. This is as far as I go.
*
I jolted up violently, panting and sweating. It was the first time I had a dream in the hotel. Was it even possible to dream here?
More importantly, I know that never happened in my life, but it was so vivid. Did I actually-
A visual of the Manager popped up in my head. He was looking down at me, his hands on my chest. Then I saw the goat man not far from where I was. It was.
“It was my room!”
The memories started flowing into me. The teenager came into the hotel, to my own room with many pools. Me playing with Philos’ horns.
I giggled when I remembered how foolish I was.
I think it was real. The scar must be from back then. I have to make sure.
*
I peeked at the bar and the scar started tingling again. It always did whenever I was near Philos. Philos was drinking some cocktails in the bar. It was rather quiet with just a few people here. Eleanor was nowhere to be seen, toilet maybe? It was the perfect chance.
I sat beside Philos and put my hands on the counter. “You know, I always feel this tingling sensation on my scar whenever I’m close to you, Philos.”
“A scar?” The man with a monocle asked.
“I don't think I remember having it outside the hotel,” I answered truthfully, “It showed up the second day I got here. It’s weird. It feels, nostalgic.”
I sipped his cocktail, “I wonder what happened.”
Kai sighed, “Yeah, I wonder what happened.”
I had to talk about it, but I felt as if my lips were sealed. The dream I had was proof! I need to.
“You know what happened, didn't you?” I looked at him, straight to the eyes.
“How did you come to that conclusion?” Philos didn't seem shocked or anything.
I looked forward again, this time my voice was light. “I dreamt about it.”
“Interesting,” his long nails clinked with the glass. “What did you dream about?”
At last, the conversation was moving forward. “Water. I was drowning and you saved me. Thank you for that, by the way,” I was genuinely grateful for that one. “Then the scar was there. Was it your horn?” I took a wild guess.
I didn't expect anything, but I surely didn't prepare myself for him to look at me with such spiteful eyes and cynical smirk. “Do you really wanna know?”
My heart beat faster and I felt a shiver on my spine. I didn't know where this would lead me but, “Yes.” Curse my curiosity!
