Prey

Day 8682.

The stage lights dimmed as raindrops gently fell from the sky, I stood behind the brilliant black curtain. The heart beats fast, the rhythm of life has just begun. Just past the emotions of a second ago, I stepped into the spotlight, transforming from an ordinary girl into the star everyone was waiting for. And there are things… waiting for me.

I went back to the room for singer to rest, I saw that in addition to the gift boxes and red flowers, there was also a hydrangea. Hydrangea is my favorite flower, I wonder who gave it to me. The card had no name on it, just the words 'sent to Lilith'. I took all the gifts and flowers home. I put the gifts in my work room, I arranged the flowers and left them on the balcony.

My phone's text message bell rang, I picked it up and read the message my manager sent.

THE MANAGER: Your new song has reached 15 million plays.

I looked at the message for a while

ME: Do you think we should celebrate?

My phone sounded again.

THE MANAGER: Okay. I'll pay. How about 7 o'clock?

ME: Deal.

Then I combed my hair neatly and put on a neat outfit. I went to the restaurant where my manager had sent me the address.

The manager waved her hand and said, "I'm here."

“Sorry, I got stuck in traffic.”

“I ordered food, just waiting for it to come out.”

Before the dinner was brought out, we sat and waited. I had a beer and my manager said, "Cheer! Congratulations on your song being the top of the trend."

I took a swig of the beer and said, "Thank you for always being there for me in my career."

With a gesture of her hand, she answered, "It's all work, nothing special. I should be thanked for all of your hard work."

"It's also thanks to you." I answered with a smile. “Thank you for recognizing our efforts."

"Right."

After eating and drinking, the manager took me home because I was drunk.

I went inside my room and I staggered onto the bed. Suddenly my phone rang, I didn't pay attention and picked it up.

"Hello?" I said, I wonder who called me at this hour.

“Hello, Lily.” With a quiet voice, the man on the other end of the line spoke.

"Who’s that?" I ask.

“Do you like my bouquet of hydrangeas?” That man answered me.

“Ah… I see. Thank you for the bouquet, I like it very much.” I was grateful that he gave me my favorite flower.

“Are you drunk?” He asked me.

“Hmm? Why do you know that?" A little taken aback, I asked him back. But he didn't respond, so I kept asking. “But how did you find my number?”

"Secret." He answered in an enigmatic.

I also don't give a shit if my admirers figure out my phone number. "Is that so."

I got up and went to the kitchen, I opened the refrigerator and got a bottle of water. I was about to drink when he said, "Don't drink, there are aphrodisiacs in the water."

That sentence startled me and I dropped the water bottle. I heard him chuckle, then continued: "You really trust people easily."

I froze, my mind couldn't think of anything anymore, my heart was beating fast, I said: "How did you know I was going to drink water?"

He laughed, then replied, "There's nothing about you that I don't know. I also know what you like and what you want. I even know what color underwear you're wearing.”

I hung up in panic, I turned off the phone. I ran into my room, turned on the computer, and was about to text the manager when I saw a strange message.

UNKNOWN: Birdie, why’re you so cowardly? I just teased you a little and you're already scared. However, my words weren't lies. I know everything about you.

I scowled and quickly texted my manager to come over. About 30 minutes later, my manager also arrived. She looked very scared and worried about me, she said, “Lilith, are you okay?”

“I’m terrified.” I uttered trembling.

“I already called the police, don't worry.” My manager said to me.

A moment later, two policemen, a man and a woman, came into my apartment, looked at a few things and said, "The phone number and messages are all gone, we can't do anything. But don't worry, I'll call someone to take a look here for a few days."

"Thank you." I said.

"If you feel unsafe for the time being, try to spend a few days at your parents' or friends' house." The police officer spoke to me.

“I understand, thank you.” I replied.

The two policemen left, and my manager also came to comfort me.

“You could also temporarily stay at my house. Living alone makes me sad too." My manager consoled me by saying with a bright smile.

I nodded and said, “So I'll bother you for the next few days." I nudged her arm, we’re quite close so this was normal.

Day 8683.

I went to temporarily stay at my manager's house for a few days, everything was normal until I heard the phone ring again from a stranger. I immediately turned off the phone, but that person kept calling and sent me an anonymous message.

UNKNOWN: Pick up the phone. Quickly.

That wasn't a request; rather, it was an orders, and since I was afraid, I had to comply. I answered the phone.

"That's enough. Go home. If you don't want me to get involved with her."

After saying that, he abruptly disconnected the call. My mind was racing, my limbs were rigid, and I thought I would pass out at any second. The manager noticed that I had packed and said, "Are you going home?" with concern.

“Yes, I think it will be fine.” I tried to appear fine by smiling.

“Why don't you stay a few more days and then go home?” My manager is still concerned about me, therefore she wants me to stay.

“It’s okay, I don't want to bother you anymore.” Not grumpily, but insisting on going home was what I said.

“I don't mind… but just be careful. I will reschedule for you.” She said.

“Thank you.” I appreciate her.

I spoke, then I took off right away with my suitcase. I was restless and nervous when I got home. I was wondering what would happen to me, and then I realized I was finally at my apartment complex. I exited the taxi and approached my apartment. It's no longer the house where I always felt secure.

I went upstairs, unlocked, and shut the door. Before I could turn on the light, I turned around and noticed someone seated on the sofa. With a sinking heart, I opened my eyes wide and did not blink. When I heard he getting closer, he said, "Don't be scared. I promise not to harm you.

He stopped me and stood at the door of the house. I could feel his breath on my left cheek, smelling of mint. He whispered in my ear, “Birdie, I haven't given you permission yet and you're already flying. That's not a good bird.”

I was unable to speak because I was so terrified. I shuddered as his large fingers caressed my cheek.

“Don't inform anyone or report it to the police. You don’t really want to know what happens if you disobey orders, don't you?” He whispered to me.

I didn't dare look him straight in the face, so I nodded. He patted my head, then said. “Good girl.”

He spoke, then gave me a kiss on the forehead and showed me inside the room. He laid me down on the bed and wrapped a blanket around me. He wished his nightingale a good night before heading out.

Day 7376.

As soon as I get up in the morning, I get dressed and put on my backpack. Upon coming to a halt in front of the dining table, I observed a sandwich plate bearing the phrase "Don't skip breakfast."

I was hesitant but still took it and ate it. When I went to school, I felt like I was being watched. Perhaps that feeling came from the fact that I knew I was being watched every little bit.

I nervously sat in the lecture hall, I sat at the back. Suddenly a large hand placed on my thigh, he leaned close to my ear and said, “don't turn your head, look straight.”

I was forced to stare straight because I was afraid. Reaching forward, he put his hand on my inner thigh. I grabbed his hand right away. With a shudder, I murmured, “Please don't do that outside.”

“So you mean you allow me to touch you at home?”he asked after chuckled.

“No… It’s not like that.” My voice trembles a bit.

“Well, I'm kidding. Pay close attention in class.” He chuckled softly.

I turned to stare at his enormous back as soon as he departed. When I got done with school, I went back home. My phone screen came on as I laid there on the bed. I noticed Veronica, my bestie, sent a message.

VERONICA: Lily, go to the bar or not?

ME: Go.

Since I didn't want to go home anyhow, I instantly agreed. I sent her a text asking if I may visit her apartment as well.

ME: Could I visit your place right now?

VERONICA: All right, but for what?"

ME: For ease, let's go together later.

VERONICA: Okay, then you can take my dress and wear it. Anyway, you often wear my clothes.

She sent a message with a sticker.

ME: Then I'll come over here. I texted hastily.

I hurried to the bus stop in the area and boarded it. My phone rang after I had been seated for a long. When I answered the phone, I was like, “What?”

“Why have you not returned yet?” I felt like I was being choked by his voice.

“Don't act like you're my mother.” I frowned in discomfort.

“Where’re you heading now?” He went on.

“I won't tell you.” I feel like I'm having trouble breathing and am out of breath.

I immediately hung up and ignored his calls back. I went to my bestie, Veronica’s house. She's a stylish girl with a free spirit when it comes to fashion. So it makes perfect sense to borrow her outfits.

I've travelled two thirds of the way via bus, which takes around 45 minutes from my house to hers. She requested me to select a picture from a series of ones she provided me of new outfits she had purchased. I chose with a classy, dark set.

I got off the bus at the station and walked to Veronica’s residence.

I rang the bell when I got there. Veronica eventually came downstairs and opened the door to let me in.

“Come on in, I'm not sure what to wear.” Just as she turned to head upstairs, this girl lamen to me.

I went into the room after her, her room appeared to be a battleground, with clothing strewn all over the place. “Is it necessary to throw clothes everywhere like that?” I asked, letting out a sigh.

“Forget it. In any case, a maid will clean it for me.”As usual, she spoke with a very calm expression.

“You really are rich bad bitch.” I laughed and joked with her.

She laughed out loud too, but after that, she glancing at me, she opened her mouth to say something, but then shut it. I observed that, then i said, “What?”

“You're so damn attractive. It's a shame you're single.” She chuckled as she spoke.

“What did you say?” I said, grabbing a pillow and hurling it in her direction.

“Don't challenge me.” She tossed the pillow at my hip after picking it up. She said, "I've been waiting for this day for a long time so I prepared a bunch of pillows.”

When Veronica opened the closet, a ton of pillows fell out. We flung pillows at each other until we were both exhausted and curled up on the bed. To be completely honest, even though Lucretzia is a bad birch, I still have the most faith in her.

After considering whether or not to tell him what I was going through, I said, “Girl.”

“Yes?” She replied.

“I want to tell something with you.” I was unsure whether or not to say anything for a moment.

“If you have something to say, then say.” With a sardonic tone, she raised her head to face me.

I decided to tell her honestly, "don't be shocked."

“Lily, what else surprises me, aside from the fact that you’re still a virgin?” She chuckled and carried on with her sarcastic speech.

“Hey, I'm only twenty three years old.” I argued back, then returned to the main topic, “Actually, someone is stalking me.” I said seriously.

“Are you kidding?” Even yet, she continued to chuckle, believing me to be kidding.

“I'm not making this up.” With my elbows resting on the mattress, I sat up and gave her a serious look.

“Are you being honest with me?” She sat up with me and stopped laughing.

“I received a call from unknown number the other day.” I uttered those words. “Nevertheless, because I was drunk at the time, I answered the phone carelessly. It was quite typical in the first portion, till I drank water. About the aphrodisiacs in the water bottle I was about to consume, he joked—

Veronica said, “Wait,” cutting me off. “How was he aware that you were consuming water?”

“That's where the issue is. He responded, he even knew what underwear I was wearing, when I asked.”

“Darn it. A perverted stalker?” On my behalf, she was upset.

“Yeah, probably so.” I answered, glancing down.

"And then?" She took a seat a bit nearer to me.

“After the cops arrived, I spent a few days staying at my manager's house. You know what? He threatened to hurt her if I didn't return.” I hugged Veronica. “When he came to me, he advised me not to tell anyone. To find me, he even travelled to my college. I really don't want to return home.”

Veronica rubbed my back and comforted me despite her amazement. “So you want to stay at my house at this time for that reason. I’m by your side at all times. Rest assured, the bastard will be brought to justice."

"Hope so" I replied.

We gave each other an intense hug, both because she wanted to console me with hugs and because I was afraid.

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