Deep in the forest, the light grew dim and uncertain.
The crowns of towering ancient trees overlapped, almost completely blotting out the sky.
A few stray rays of sunlight slipped through gaps in the leaves, casting shifting patches of light on the ground that only made the surroundings seem darker.
The air was damp and heavy with the smell of rotting leaves and rich soil. Beneath it lingered a faint, sickly sweet odor, like rust mixed with overripe fruit, that stirred an instinctive unease.
Leo walked in front, his footsteps nearly silent on the leaf- and moss-covered ground.
His senses were fully alert to every faint movement around them.
But he couldn't shake the discomfort at his back.
When he looked around, Hisoka was following three paces behind, golden eyes fixed on Leo's back without blinking and a delighted smile curling his lips.
That gaze felt almost tangible, sticky and invasive, as though Hisoka were studying him, savoring him, rehearsing some ritual of violence.
Leo frowned slightly.
"Hisoka."
He stopped and turned.
"Get in front."
Hisoka pouted in exaggerated disappointment.
"Oh~ I can't admire the captain's back anymore? What a shame~"
Even so, he quickened his pace and passed Leo.
Once they had switched places, Leo finally felt free of that gaze crawling over him. Unfortunately, he now had to watch Hisoka's swaying hips, which were hard on the eyes in their own way.
They walked for another five minutes or so.
Almost simultaneously, they stopped.
"Something's very wrong~"
Hisoka kept his voice low, though the playful lilt remained.
"It's been far too quiet for the past minute."
Leo said nothing. He slowly swept his gaze across the surrounding forest.
Something was definitely wrong.
Moments ago, he could still hear distant birdsong, beating insect wings, and the rustle of leaves.