The pins clattered in the box as I carried it. My GPS said the bar entrance was down this dark, creepy alley that I shouldn’t go down, but I’m almost late and I need to get these pins to Kosmo. Going around would take too much time.

I entered the alley.

God, how crazy would it be… if it were actually him?

Heh. I’d probably throw up.

His name made me curious—that’s why I took this job. It’s even spelled the same. I’ve been a fan of Kosmo Night for over two years, and there’s no way I’d pass up a chance to meet him. I know, I know. It’s kind of stupid; the odds of it being him are low since he lives in Florida, not California.

I’ve learned that his favorite color is scarlet. He despises spiders. He likes cats and lizards. He has a brother named Ty. Favorite sex position… still not sure.

I swear I’m not a stalker; I’m just a studious fan.

The moon hung above me, casting short shadows beneath my feet.

The box was heavy. I shifted to the alley wall and set it down—I did not want to be a huffing, puffing mess when I met this guy. I needed a second to collect myself. Just a second to calm down. It’s three minutes to nine, I have time. 

I sent Kosmo a message on the website.

Sai: I’m in the alley, almost there!

But the signal was spotty, and I don’t think it sent.

My big ears perked up at the sound of footsteps. A large figure shuffled clumsily down the alley in my direction.

My tail flicked as the stench of alcohol filled my nose.

Aaaand I never bought the pepper spray my dad had kept harping on about.

I looked at the heavy box of pins, debating whether to run. What if running makes him feel bad? He might just be a normal guy, and if I run, I’ll have ruined his day. Great, another girl who thinks I’m a creep, he’d probably think. Guy probably can’t catch a break with that creepy walk.

He had yellow tusks and pink cheeks—a walrus.

He stopped and stared at me with a growing grin.

I looked away.

He lunged, grabbing my wrists pinning them against the jagged wall behind me.

“Let’s have some fun.” His breath was sour as he pushed closer, leaning in with his large body. The brick dug into my hands. He slid my wrists together and gripped them tightly in one hand. I winced from the pain.

“L-leave me alone!” I bounced my knee into the walrus’s balls.

“You have a nice body.” The walrus moved his free hand to my crotch while pushing my legs apart with his, stepping on my toes. I was stuck.

“Let go of me!”

He gripped the fabric of my leggings, trying to pull them off me. He tugged and tugged.

“HELP ME!”

...Help me.

It’s funny in a way. Because no one ever hears me, or sees me. I know that no one is coming.

Like usual.