Dark obsession

Episode 3: Too Close to Ignore

Sleep didn’t come easily.

You kept seeing him—the way he stood, the way he spoke, the way his eyes held yours like you couldn’t look away even if you tried. His voice echoed in your mind.

“But I know you.”

It didn’t make sense.

It shouldn’t make sense.

The next morning, you tried to distract yourself. College felt like the safest place—crowded, loud, normal. Exactly what you needed.

Or so you thought.

“Hey, are you even listening?” your friend nudged you.

“Huh? Yeah… sorry, I just didn’t sleep well,” you replied, forcing a small smile.

“You look pale. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, just tired.”

But you weren’t just tired.

You were uneasy.

As the lecture ended, you gathered your things quickly, eager to get out. The hallway buzzed with voices, students moving in every direction. You exhaled, trying to calm yourself.

Then you saw him.

Leaning against the far wall.

Like he belonged there.

Your steps faltered.

“No…” you whispered under your breath.

He straightened, his gaze locking onto yours instantly, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.

Panic flickered in your chest as you turned away, trying to walk faster.

A hand suddenly caught your wrist.

You froze.

“Why do you keep running?” his voice was right behind you—low, almost gentle.

You pulled your hand back quickly. “What do you want from me?”

He stepped closer, not enough to touch—but enough to make your breath uneven.

“Nothing you don’t already have,” he said softly.

Your brows furrowed. “Stop speaking in riddles!”

For the first time, something shifted in his expression—something darker.

“You’ll understand soon,” he murmured.

Your heart pounded. “Stay away from me.”

Silence.

Then, quietly—

“I can’t.”

The way he said it wasn’t dramatic. It wasn’t loud.

It was certain.

And that terrified you more than anything else.