---
A couple of months had passed since that day.
Steam curled around me as I stepped out of the shower, warmth lingering on my skin. Wrapping a towel around myself, I headed to my bedroom, my gaze settling on the outfit laid out before me. A quiet satisfaction built in my chest-I felt confident today. Excited. I was finally meeting up with a friend I hadn't seen in so long.
After drying off, I slipped into my clothes, savoring the familiar routine. A spritz of perfume-subtle but just enough-then I made my way downstairs, a genuine smile tugging at my lips. My stomach growled as I grabbed a quick bite, barely tasting it in my eagerness.
The house was vast, spanning four stories, and I moved fast through its familiar space. I descended to the lowest level, tugged on my white shoes, unlocked the door, and stepped outside.
The driveway was empty. My mom's car was gone-meaning my stepdad was at work. Good.
With a breath of fresh air filling my lungs, I started walking down the street. The complex was sprawling, beautifully designed, its pathways lined with carefully trimmed trees and soft afternoon light. The park was just ahead, the meeting place.
I sank onto one of the cushioned chairs near the front building, a cluster of tables and seats creating a cozy resting spot for residents. Across from me, the playground stretched wide, filled with bursts of laughter and movement.
Settling in, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone.
---
As I scrolled through my phone, a prickling sensation crept up my spine-a fleeting but undeniable feeling that someone was watching me. My fingers hesitated over the screen, but I forced myself to shake it off, turning back to my phone. Just my nerves.
A few minutes passed before a familiar voice shattered my thoughts.
"Chae! Oh my god, I haven't seen you in ages!"
I instantly looked up, my heart skipping in recognition. Mari.
Without hesitation, I stood and pulled her into a tight hug. Warm. Familiar.
"Omg, you look amazing!" I said, taking a step back as she twirled, showing off.
"What can I say?" she grinned, radiating pure confidence.
She really did look good. Too good, almost-as if the time apart had only made her glow even more.
We settled into our seats, the air buzzing with unspoken excitement. That's when I noticed the bag she carried, resting casually beside her. My mind ran through possibilities-snacks, a gift, something unexpected.
She reached in and pulled out a pack of gummies.
"Hmm... you want some?" Her voice was soft, the kind of hum that lingered, effortlessly inviting.
I nodded, caught slightly off guard. "Yeah, thanks. Wow."
She handed me a generous handful, and I popped a few into my mouth, chewing alongside her. The simple act felt oddly grounding-like a ritual neither of us had realized we missed.
---
Mari leaned back casually, her gaze locked onto me with quiet confidence. "So, how've you been? What have you been up to, hmm?"
I glanced away, a little shy under her direct stare. "Ugh, well... I guess I've been okay. Just the same, honestly. Living a boring life."
At my words, her eyebrows lifted slightly. She looked away for a brief moment before turning back to me.
"So you haven't done anything fun?" she asked, lazily chewing a gummy.
I sighed, continuing to eat mine as I stole a glance at her. "Nah. I still don't have my driver's license. I don't even have a job yet. I mean... I've been doing Twitch streaming, but so far, it's not really going anywhere."
Her lips curled into a soft smirk.
"How about this-I'll pick you up, and we'll spend the day together. Or better yet, we go out and party," Mari suggested, still watching me while popping another gummy into her mouth.
I perked up immediately. "For real?"
"Of course. Better yet, I'll pick you up tomorrow. Got any plans, or what?" she said, casually tucking her bag of gummies back into her bag.
"Nah, I don't." I grinned, leaning forward slightly. "I'm down, though."
At that, her smirk deepened.
--
Mari handed me another gummy, popping one into her own mouth as she smirked. "Good then, that's the plan, right?"
I stood up, stretching slightly as I glanced at her. "Okay, first-how about you come over to my place? I got a PS4."
She grinned, rising to her feet. "Cutie, let's go."
I raised an eyebrow at the nickname. *Cutie?* I thought, but let it slide.
"First, I need to grab something from my car, hold on," Mari said, turning toward the lot.
As she walked off, I started making my way home, moving further down the street. The complex stretched around me, familiar but quiet. She'd probably drive down once she was done-no point in waiting.
That was when I noticed her.
A woman-ginger-haired, pale-walking up to Mari's car near the driver's side window. Her posture was tense, her movements sharp, and from this distance, I could tell she was speaking to Mari. Angryly.
I stopped. What the hell?
The conversation between them was quick, heated. Then, as if sensing me, the woman's gaze flicked downward toward where I stood. Just for a second. Then she turned away and walked off, disappearing down another street.
A moment later, Mari's car pulled up near me. She parked, stepped out, and shook her head in annoyance.
"Didn't know you had crazy people living here, Chae," she said jokingly-but there was an edge to her voice, like she wasn't entirely amused.
"What happened?" I asked as we stepped inside, kicking off our shoes.
"Just some crazy bitch, telling me to stay away from you," she muttered, heading toward the stairs.
I froze. "Wait, what? What do you mean?"
Mari turned slightly, watching me. "You don't know her?"
"No." The answer was instant. My chest tightened slightly. "I don't know *anyone* around here. I barely socialize."
Mari lingered for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then she simply shrugged, moving further into the kitchen.
---
Mari leaned against the counter, shaking her head with a mix of warning and amusement. "Well, whoever she was... she doesn't know who she's playing with." Her tone was playful, but there was a sharp edge beneath it.
I grabbed a drink from the refrigerator, popping the cap as I took a sip.
Mari's gaze lingered on me, serious now. "Be careful, Chae. If you don't know her... how does she know *you*? She even said your name."
I froze mid-sip, a strange unease settling in my chest. That thought hadn't hit me until now. My name. She had *said my name.*
"That doesn't make sense. That was my first time even seeing her," I muttered, trying to brush off the discomfort as I handed Mari a soda.
She took it, studying me for a second before clicking the tab open. "Watch out for her, then. Whoever she is-I think she's crazy."
I nodded slowly. The mood hung heavy for a beat before easing as we stayed in the kitchen, munching on snacks, letting the tension slip into the background.
After a while, I led Mari up to my bedroom. My sister was curled up in her bed, sound asleep, barely stirring as we entered.
"Well, this is my bed," I said, dropping onto it.
Mari's eyes flicked toward my TV, resting on my gaming chair. She grinned, grabbing the PS4 controller before sitting down beside me.
"What kind of games you got, hmm?" she asked, leaning in slightly.
I powered on the console, the screen blinking to life. "Fortnite, *Call of Duty*, and more."
Mari smirked, scrolling through the options before making her pick. "Alright, let's see what you got."
---