My Crazy Neighbor

6

I hugged the pillow when a chilling thought suddenly crossed my mind. What if... that's why my cat went missing because someone took him and turned him into siopao---No.

I felt embarrassed. My cat!

I gasped. I went out to the veranda. I immediately saw the city lights outside. Where's my cute cat?

"Meow."

I froze at the sound.

"Meow!"

As I turned, I quickly saw my cat scratching his ear while looking at me. He was on the railing of the neighboring apartment's veranda. I pursed my lips.

What was he doing there?

I panicked and called out to the cat.

"Siopao, come here!" I whispered as I reached out to him, but he was far, so I struggled. The cat then walked along the edge of the wall where there was a small path.

When he got closer, I immediately hugged him and didn't take my eyes off the veranda where the black curtain was blowing in the wind. I felt nervous for my cat.

What if my cat gets hurt...

I swallowed hard when I noticed that the coffee cup was missing from the veranda. And I knew one thing... my neighbor was there.

The wind was cold outside. The sky was very dark because there was a thunderstorm and heavy rain expected, as reported in the news. I held onto the pillow tightly. I was scared of thunderstorms because I had a trauma related to them.

"Meow." I looked at the cat as it approached me. He lay on my arms. I suddenly felt lighter as I felt his soft fur.

I forced my eyes open. I hate this weather. Thunder.

The wind was rattling against the glass door of my veranda. Lightning flashed outside, and its reflection hit my bed. It was already one in the morning, yet I remained alert. I couldn't relax in bed. It was cold, but I felt warm.

I got up from bed and headed to the kitchen. I drank some cold water. I closed my eyes for a moment, and when I opened them, the cat greeted me, staring in my direction while sitting on the couch.

I smiled.

This cute cat is really something. It's like he's always watching over me. When I sleep, it feels like I'm not alone.

--------

Dark...

The lights in my room suddenly went out. I jolted awake. I'm not used to darkness. And I don't like darkness, especially at night.

I tried pressing the switch again, but nothing happened. I grabbed the flashlight from my cabinet. The cat followed me.

I winced when I accidentally hit the mini chair in front without noticing. My finger hit the edge, causing me to wince and close my eyes. It hurts like hell...

"Ouch!"

"Meow." The cat rubbed against my legs a few times, as if comforting me. Cute!

I picked him up. But in just a few moments, I suddenly heard a growling sound, as if in pain, followed by a loud bang. I stepped back from the wall.

My heart started pounding rapidly. I swallowed hard and almost stumbled from where I stood. It was followed by four more bangs. Not just bangs but the sound of things breaking.

My hands felt cold. As I stepped back, I accidentally knocked over the glass. It made a noise. Water spilled on the floor.

I froze when the noise from the neighboring apartment stopped. Silence returned to the surroundings. It felt like my breath stopped.

'Wrong move, Beauty Hera Smith.' I murmured to myself.

Long silence.

I closed my eyes and held my breath as I walked towards the door and opened it. I don't know what was on my mind when I stepped into the corridor, it felt like it had a mind of its own.

'G-Ghost? Or something in that apartment I want to know now'

'Are you sure you still want to rent that apartment? I heard there's a ghost that appears there at night'

I continued walking. I suddenly remembered what my friend said about this apartment building. It's quite old, but when you step inside, it's surprisingly beautiful and simple, albeit small.

But at the time... it's creepy.

I don't know why my feet involuntarily led me to the next to my apartment. It's been a month since I rented here, and I never saw my neighbor.

The noises I hear at night

His seductive gaze lingered on my thighs. I swallowed hard, unable to think straight or move. His intense stare seemed restraining.

D∆mn you, Aidan!

"You better run, BEAUTY...run before I change my mind." I gulped and glanced at the closed door. My hands were sweating profusely. He still had a playful grin on his lips as if he knew what I was thinking.

I don't know if he's really playing because, in the first place, the door is already locked.

"Hmm...unless you want to pay me now, don't you?" He breathily whispered in my ears as he teased me.

"Let me leave---"

"I'm asking you if you're ready to pay." I was taken aback when he unexpectedly spoke in Tagalog. The accent in his voice surprised me a bit. Why did it sound sexy?

He licked his red lips as he pondered something. I quickly averted my gaze. He then released the knife he was holding and stood up. I immediately noticed the tattoo of a snake on his arm.

"Aren't you comfortable on the floor?" His cold question sent shivers down my spine.

"W-What do you mean?" I nervously asked.

"Or do you want to do it in my bed?" He smirked playfully, seemingly enjoying teasing me. I blushed at his words.

This man is a pervert!

"I'm not interested, you're not my type." I almost bit my tongue as I uttered those words. That's a lie.

He chuckled softly and bit his lip. He didn't seem offended by what I said. He was enjoying it.

He lit a cigarette in front of me. Shortly after, I felt a hand lift my chin. Our eyes met.

"Tell me, BEAUTY. What are you doing in my h*ll place?" He stared at me seriously. I couldn't answer his question and remained silent.

He never left my eyes.

"I r-really don't know," I murmured.

"Careful, baby." His mere voice sent shivers down my spine. He slowly lowered the hem of my nightdress and his warm finger grazed my skin. It felt like electricity coursing through me.

I couldn't move. My body didn't resist his touch. And that's why I hate myself for being like this.

I involuntarily closed my eyes as he pulled the fabric off my shoulder and brushed his warm lips. He slightly kissed my shoulder. That made me curse in my mind.

"'Dvmn you in the depth of h€ll, Aidan!" I wanted to shout at him, but my body was too weak.

"This h!ck€y looks good on you."

"Come on, BEAUTY. Let me invite you to the bar just this once. Please! Please," I sighed deeply.

Xiana pouted as she tried to persuade me to join them. They were actually my groupmates in our thesis, and they suddenly invited me. I wanted to reject their offer, but I thought I should socialize with them sometimes.