Chereads / The Boy Next DOOR. / Chapter 4 - Pair of eyes.

Chapter 4 - Pair of eyes.

Time flew by, and it was finally the day they were going to move. After bidding farewell to his friends and loved ones, Dave found himself seated in the car, gazing out the window at the passing scenery. As they crossed over into the new country, he couldn't shake a strange feeling about this unfamiliar place. Unlike his beloved Lyralis, this country seemed to exude an undeniable dark aura. He glanced over at his parents, wondering if they felt it too, but they were engrossed in their own conversation, seemingly unaffected.

Dave shrugged off his unease and turned to his phone, seeking distraction. Perhaps it was just his first-time nerves, he reasoned with himself.

They had chosen to travel by car at his mother's insistence; she had expressed discomfort about flying that day. Dave chuckled inwardly, acknowledging his mother's occasional quirks.

After spending nearly fifteen hours in the car, their journey finally came to a halt. Dave had dozed off during the ride and woke up to his mother gently calling his name. Opening his eyes, he realized they had arrived at their destination. He stretched lazily before stepping out of the car, taking in the sight of the house before him.

The house exuded sophistication and elegance, evident in every detail. Its architecture seamlessly blended classic and modern elements, adorned with tasteful decor that showcased high-quality materials like marble, polished wood, and fine textiles. The design emphasized symmetry and proportion, creating a luxurious ambiance. Inside, state-of-the-art technology offered modern conveniences while maintaining a timeless and sophisticated atmosphere.

Dave smiled smugly to himself as he surveyed the house. "Not bad," he murmured sleepily, receiving a gentle rub on the head from his mom. However, before heading inside, his eyes caught sight of the house next door, piquing his curiosity.

Dave squinted his eyes as he scrutinized the neighboring house. It emitted a cold aura, lacking the warm, inviting feeling typical of a home. No lights illuminated its exterior or interior, contrasting sharply with his own house, which was adorned with cheerful lights.

His surprise peaked when he noticed an open window. "Don't tell me people are living here," he muttered to himself in shock. He couldn't fathom why his parents would choose a house next to such an eerie place. Eyeing the neighboring house disdainfully one last time, he shook off his unease and proceeded inside.

Upon entering his room, Dave found everything meticulously arranged by the maids and guards. His clothes were neatly hung or folded, with only the bag labeled 'sensitive stuff' left untouched. He switched on the light, revealing a haven of creativity and self-expression. The room boasted a unique blend of style and comfort, dominated by soft pastel hues or vibrant colors that created a welcoming atmosphere.

Artistic displays and plush textiles adorned the space, alongside personal touches like fashion accessories and carefully chosen decor items. The room resonated with Dave's personality, celebrating his individuality with a mix of modern and eclectic design elements. It was inviting, reflecting a keen aesthetic sensibility and a space where Dave could feel truly at home.

Getting up from his bed, Dave entered the bathroom, and he was immediately struck by its marvel. The bathroom was a sanctuary of indulgence and personal care, enhanced by soft lighting that created a relaxing and comforting atmosphere. The color palette featured gentle pastels and vibrant hues, contributing to a bright and uplifting ambiance. Thoughtfully chosen accessories adorned the space, including scented candles, plush towels, and artistic accents that added a touch of elegance. Skincare and beauty products were neatly organized, reflecting a dedication to self-care. Overall, the design harmoniously blended functionality with aesthetics, making the bathroom a tranquil retreat for personal grooming and relaxation.

Entering the bathtub, Dave undressed and immersed himself in the warm water, relishing the sensation against his skin. The contrast between the hot water and the cold breeze blowing in through the open window created a tingling sensation, adding to his relaxation.

After a few minutes, Dave finished his bath, drying his hair and body with a towel before proceeding with his nightly skincare routine. Once done, he wandered around his room, dressed in a short Nike shorts that revealed his smooth, milky thighs and a simple top.

As he moved about, Dave inadvertently glanced out the window and realized that it faced another room in the neighboring house—the same eerie house he had noticed earlier. This realization struck him with a sense of unease; the layout meant that someone from the neighboring room could easily observe him if they happened to look out their window. Likewise, Dave realized he could potentially peer into their room if their window was open, leaving him with a disconcerting feeling of lacking privacy.

"Why is it this close?" Dave muttered to himself.

"What the hell is this?" He blurted out in frustration, addressing no one in particular. He sighed deeply and sat down on a chair across the room, his back turned towards the window, sifting through items he had uncovered while packing.

Minutes passed, and Dave began to feel uneasy. It seemed as if someone was staring at him. He glanced back but saw nothing, yet his gaze lingered on the closed window of the neighboring house before he refocused on his task.

The unsettling feeling persisted, and Dave couldn't shake the sensation of being watched through the tinted, closed windows next door.

"Fuck this shit," Dave muttered angrily to himself, striding purposefully to his own window. He closed it firmly and drew the curtains together, blocking out any potential view into his room. Gripping the curtain edges, he sighed deeply, attempting to dispel the discomfort and regain his sense of privacy in this unfamiliar environment.

"Why am I feeling so restless? This place is so strange," Dave muttered to himself as he turned on a sweet, melodious song. Its soothing tones filled the room, providing a semblance of comfort. He nestled himself under his cozy duvet, hoping to drown out any lingering unease from the neighboring house.

As the music played on, its calming rhythm gradually lulled him to sleep, easing his mind despite the unsettling atmosphere of his new surroundings.