Y/n
James: "Hey, everyone," he said with a smile as he walked over and greeted us all.
Emma: "Mom, Dad—this is James, Y/N's friend. And James, these are my parents." She gestured between them as James stepped forward with a polite smile and offered a handshake.
Emma's Mom: "Oh my, you're quite the handsome one, aren't you?" she said teasingly, nudging Emma's dad, who gave a small chuckle and nodded in agreement.
James turned to me, his eyes softening as he sat down beside me.
James: "So, you two are getting engaged tomorrow, huh? That's amazing. I'm really happy for you." His voice was warm, and his smile reached his eyes.
Emma: "Yep, and you better be there, Mr.!" she said playfully.
James: "Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Max: "So, bro, what brings you here today?"
James: "Actually, I needed to have a quick word with the manager of this place." We all nodded in understanding.
Then James glanced at me again, leaning in slightly.
James: "You look really nice today, Y/N," he whispered, his voice low just for me to hear.
"Thank you," I replied softly, smiling as my cheeks warmed just a little.
We were having a great time, laughing and chatting, when Max suddenly spoke up.
Max: "Oh right! We've got to head out with Mom and Dad. Y/N, take care, okay?"
James: "Huh? So she's staying alone?" He looked surprised.
Emma: "Actually… she was going to ask you to stay with her for a few days." She smirked a little, giving me a teasing glance. My eyes widened in shock.
Emma: "I mean—she, uh—"
James: "Well, I'd be happy to stay with her," he said warmly, his eyes twinkling as he looked at me.
Max: "Hey, it's totally up to her, buddy."
James nodded and turned to me, waiting for my reaction. Before I could say anything, Emma's mom stood up.
Emma's Mom: "Alright, we should get going then." The family began gathering their things.
Emma: "Y/N, are you going with Ja—?"
"Don't worry, I'll manage. You go." I smiled, and we hugged tightly before she followed the rest of her family out.
James and I were left alone.
James: "They looked really happy."
I nodded, "Yeah…" Then I glanced at him and realized—he was already looking at me.
James: "So… shall we head home?"
"I'll just grab a taxi." I said, trying to keep my voice even.
James: "Y/N… are you still mad at me?" His tone was softer now, almost nervous.
I sighed and looked at him. "Fine… let's go."
He chuckled under his breath, and we walked to the car together. There was something comforting about being beside him again.
James: "So… are you really okay with me staying with you?"
"I can manage, James. You don't have to worry I will find some roommate" I said quietly, trying to sound steady.
James: "Y/N… I want to stay because with you….... and yeah there are some things I need to say."
I looked at him, curious and a little nervous.
James: "No matter what happens, we're still best friends. That won't change."
His words made me smile gently. "Yeah."
James: "And… you know how I feel about you. But more than anything, I just… I care about you so much. That's what matters most."
"I know, James." My voice was soft now, almost a whisper.
James: "I acted like an idiot before, and I regret it. But… finally, I want you to know—I'll always be here for you. I'll wait for you… even if it takes forever."
His hand reached out, gently taking mine. His touch was warm, steady.
"J-James…"
James: "Yes, Y/N?" he said, eyes searching mine.
"I… I think we should go," I murmured, unable to hold his gaze any longer.
He nodded, his smile tender but understanding. Without another word, he started the car. We drove in quiet comfort, and when we reached the room, there was a soft kind of peace between us—unspoken, but very much there.
"So… here. You're going to stay in Emma's room," I said.
He nodded.
I went to my room, took a quick bath, and crawled into bed, exhauste
The darkness swallowed everything.
Then—
???: "I… I can't control it…"
That voice. Cracked. Familiar. Terrifying.
Someone was on top of me. Heavy. Close. My eyes blinked open, but I couldn't see his face—just a blur. A shadow. But I knew… it was a man.
???: "I'll make you mine… tonight."
"No… N-no…" I whimpered, dizzy. My body felt heavy, weak, unresponsive—like I was drifting in and out of consciousness.
His breath was on my neck. His touch cold and possessive. I felt teeth against my skin—biting.
???: "You'll regret ever walking away... I'll drain the light from your eyes... leave you hollow… just like her."
He leaned closer—his voice a venomous whisper.
???: "When I'm done, not even you will recognize what's left."
That's when I woke up—gasping, drenched in sweat, the phantom of his breath still hot against my skin.
That voice echoed in my skull.
Then—
I gasped, eyes snapping open like I'd just surfaced from drowning.
My hands were shaking violently, breath ragged, uneven. My entire body was drenched in sweat—it clung to my skin like a second layer of panic.
"Oh my god…" I choked out, voice trembling. "Who was that?"
I looked down at myself, fingers fumbling over bruised skin, torn fabric, the faint imprint of teeth still stinging on my neck.
"What… what did he do to me?"
It wasn't a dream. I could feel it. The touch still burned. The pain was far too real.
Something happened that night.
Something unspeakable.
I staggered out of bed, knees buckling. My vision blurred, spots dancing in front of me. The room tilted as I stumbled forward, crashing into the wall.
I barely made it to the hallway. Then I ran—no, dragged myself—to his door and slammed my fists against it.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
"James!" I screamed, voice cracking. "James, help me! Please!!"
But deep inside, beneath the hysteria, I already knew—
Help might be too late.
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