Angelo's heart raced as he stared at the toppled chair. Something was wrong. Deeply wrong.
He forced a laugh, trying to mask his unease. "Guess the chair had enough of studying too."
Jade raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Sure."
JJ chuckled. "Even the furniture's smarter than us. It gave up before we did."
Eli didn't laugh. His eyes remained locked on Angelo, studying him in that unnervingly perceptive way of his.
"Yeah," Eli said softly. "Weird."
Angelo turned away, pretending to focus on his notes. But the weight of unseen eyes pressed on him.
What's happening to me?
---
The rest of the study session dragged on, but Angelo barely processed any of it. Every noise, every flicker of light, felt amplified.
By the time they finished, Angelo was more exhausted than ever.
Outside, Jade stretched. "Same time tomorrow?"
"Do I have a choice?" Angelo muttered.
Jade grinned. "Nope."
Eli and JJ waved as they headed in different directions.
"Later, Ghost Boy," JJ called.
"Still hate that nickname," Angelo muttered.
"See you," Eli said quietly, eyes lingering on Angelo longer than necessary.
When Angelo was finally alone, he exhaled shakily.
What's happening to me?
He needed answers.
---
Back home, Annabel was sprawled on the couch, phone in hand.
"Hey," she called without looking up. "Did you fail today's study session yet?"
Angelo rolled his eyes. "Not yet. Maybe tomorrow."
She snorted. "At least you're consistent."
He headed to his room, closing the door behind him.
He needed space.
Quiet.
But as soon as he sat down, the flickering started again.
The lights dimmed, brightened, dimmed again.
And in the reflection of his computer screen—
A shadow.
Angelo whipped around. Nothing.
"Great. I'm officially losing it."
But then—
"No, you're not."
Angelo froze.
The voice wasn't his.
---
Slowly, he turned.
In the corner of the room stood a figure.
It looked like him—but different.
Paler. Sharper. Eyes glinting like stars in a void.
"Who—what—are you?" Angelo whispered.
The figure smirked. "I'm you. Or at least… a part of you."
"No. Nope. I'm not doing this. I need sleep."
"You can't escape me, Angelo."
"Yeah, well, watch me try."
He buried his face in his hands. "This is insane."
The figure chuckled. "Insane? Maybe. But you're not imagining me."
"Why are you here?"
"To remind you of what you are."
"What am I?"
The figure's smile widened.
"Everything."
---
The next morning, Angelo felt like he hadn't slept at all.
Annabel noticed. "You look like you fought a demon all night."
"Close enough," Angelo muttered.
"Maybe less gaming and more sleep?"
"Yeah. Sure."
He left before she could argue.
At the tutorial center, Jade immediately noticed his mood.
"Rough night?"
"You have no idea."
JJ clapped him on the back. "Cheer up! Only a million more hours of studying to go!"
Angelo groaned. "Can't wait."
But even as they joked, Angelo felt the weight of unseen eyes.
And the shadow of himself, waiting.
Watching.
This is far from over.