"What's the time?" Erlen muttered, glancing at his watch. The hands were moving again.
"8:34?! Shiii— I'm gonna be late for school!"
He rushed to get dressed, half his shirt untucked, and ran out the door.
When he reached his classroom, he went straight to his seat. Loa waved at him.
He froze.
"Ahhgh—ohh, sorry Loa. Quick question…" he said nervously. "Can you, uh… turn your head 180 degrees?"
Loa blinked. "That's a stupid question, dumbass. No!" she giggled.
The day passed, and soon school was over. As everyone got up to leave, Loa approached him.
"Hey, Erlen… wanna come with us to the haunted mansion by the riverside?" she asked, half-nervous.
"What? Do I look like I'm ready to throw my life away—"
"100 bucks," she interrupted.
Erlen froze. "Yes ma'am! Would you like me to escort you or carry you?" he said, suddenly polite.
Loa smirked. "Gold digger. I'll call you at sunset."
He muttered to himself, "Sunset, huh… okay, bye."
Later that evening, Loa called. "Meet us at the school. We'll pick you up from there."
He agreed, showed up, and hopped into the van.
"So… why are we even going there?" Erlen asked.
Joho grinned. "Making memories!"
"Couldn't find a better place for that, huh? Dumbass," Erlen replied.
"C'mon, just enjoy it," Loa said.
Erlen sighed, leaned back, and took a nap.
When they arrived, his eyes widened. The mansion wasn't abandoned—it had been turned into a hotel.
"Yo! This place is a hotel?!" he laughed.
They went inside, but Erlen instantly sensed it—something else was here. Watching them.
He gently pinched Loa.
"Ouch!"
"Sorry… just be careful," he said quietly.
They checked in and were given a single large room.
Joho clapped his hands. "Alright! Sleeping pairs! Me with Kaeo, Erlen with Loa, and Hugo with Jaun."
Erlen and Loa blushed as they glanced at the single bed they'd share.
After changing, they lay down.
"Hey, Erlen…" Loa whispered. "Don't think I'm weird but… can I get the blanket, please?"
He nodded silently, handing it over.
A few minutes later, the lights went out.
The air grew heavy.
Erlen could feel it—something lurking in the dark.
A cold touch brushed against his leg. He kicked instinctively.
"Ouch! Who hit me?!"
"Hugo, is that you?" Erlen asked.
"Yeah, man! You kicked my jaw—thank God you missed most of it, but still!"
"Sorry, bro. Go back to sleep."
But Erlen knew something.
That touch... wasn't human.