"Beauty in the Dark"

Koa waited until late at night. He could hear the faint sound of water running—maybe the stalker was showering.

Now was his chance.

Barefoot, heart racing, he crept toward the door. It was unlocked. He held his breath and stepped into the hallway.

But just as he reached the staircase—he slipped.

The floor was slick—covered in something… oil?

Koa (panicked): “No—no no—!”

He tumbled down two steps, then three—his knee twisted beneath him in a sharp, sickening way. He landed hard with a cry, unable to stand.

He tried to crawl, but the pain was blinding. His leg was useless. He dragged himself a few inches before—

Footsteps. Slow. Calm. Too calm.

??? (from above):

“You’re hurt.”

Koa looked up—he was standing at the top of the stairs, looking down at him. Not angry. Not surprised. Just... disappointed.

??? :

“You knew this would happen.

You weren’t ready to leave.”

He walked down slowly and knelt beside Koa, brushing the hair from his sweaty face.

??? (softly):

“Now look at you. You’re broken. And it's all because you tried to run away.”

He kissed Koa’s forehead gently.

??? :

“But don’t worry. I’ll take care of you. Like I always do.”

He lifted Koa into his arms like he weighed nothing, carrying him back to the bed.

Koa lay on the cold floor, leg still aching, heart pounding.

Hours must have passed… or minutes. It was hard to tell.

Then—click.

The door creaked open. No footsteps. No voice.

He turned his head slowly.

The door was unlocked.

Koa’s breath caught in his throat. He didn’t know if it was a trap—but he had to try.

With trembling arms and a limp, he crawled forward, teeth gritted against the pain.

The hallway was different. Too clean. Too quiet. Lined with mirrors. The further he went, the more the walls seemed to repeat, like he was stuck in a maze.

Then—footsteps. Behind him.

A voice.

???:

“You really don’t listen, Koa.”

Koa froze. Then turned—just in time to see the shadow step from the dark.

??? (softly):

“But it’s okay… I forgive you.”

Back in the room, Koa was laid gently on the bed. The stalker sat beside him, pulling out a first-aid kit.

His hands were gentle, precise, almost tender as he cleaned the wounds on Koa’s knees and wrapped them.

??? (smiling):

“You’re hurt, my love. I told you not to run.”

Koa (weakly):

“Why are you doing this…”

The stalker placed a warm hand on Koa’s cheek.

??? :

“Because no one else loves you like I do.

Now eat something… and rest.

You’re not going anywhere.”

He fed Koa small spoonfuls of soup like a caretaker—too close, too sweet, too terrifying.

Koa finished the last spoonful of soup, the warmth sitting heavy in his stomach.

The stalker—calm now—picked up the bowl and smiled.

???:

“Good boy. I’ll be right back… don’t move.”

He stepped out, door clicking softly behind him.

But there was no lock.

Koa’s eyes widened.

He forgot to lock the door.

Koa hesitated—his knee still hurt, but this could be his only chance.

He slipped off the bed, teeth clenched against the pain, and quietly moved to the door. Slowly, carefully, he pushed it open.

The hallway was dim. This time, different.

He followed the sound of water—toward a half-open door glowing faintly with light.

Koa peeked inside.

It was a bathroom.

And the stalker… was changing.

His shirt was halfway off, revealing a toned, perfect body—lean abs, broad shoulders, smooth skin. Like a model sculpted out of marble.

Koa’s breath caught in his throat—not just from fear now, but from sheer disbelief.

How could someone so beautiful be so terrifying?

Then—the stalker turned slightly, as if sensing something.

Koa quickly ducked behind the wall, heart thudding so loudly it echoed in his ears.

To be continued

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