After finishing dinner, John leaned back in his seat, watching Leena with his usual smirk. "Still scared of the town, or do I need to prove to you again that there's nothing to worry about?"
Leena rolled her eyes. "I never said I was scared. Just… cautious."
John chuckled. "Come on, I'll show you where I live before I drop you off. Might help you trust me more."
She didn't argue as they stepped outside. The town was nearly empty, the streets bathed in the dim glow of old streetlights. The occasional sound of crickets and a distant owl was all that broke the silence.
John led her to a small but well-kept cabin near the outskirts of town. It had a rugged charm—a wooden porch, a single dim light glowing by the door, and a motorcycle parked outside.
"Home sweet home," he said, gesturing around. "Not as fancy as your city apartments, but it's cozy."
Leena looked around. "It suits you."
John grinned. "And what exactly does that mean?"
"Rough, a little messy, but charming."
John laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment." He leaned slightly closer. "You sure you don't want to stay? Midnight's coming, and you might get lonely."
Leena scoffed. "Nice try. Now drop me off before I regret trusting you."
John sighed dramatically but got back on his bike. "Alright, princess, let's get you home."
Back at the Guest House
By the time John pulled up in front of the guest house, the town was completely silent. The old building looked even more unwelcoming at night, its dark windows giving off an ominous presence.
Leena glanced at her phone. 11:40 PM.
She sighed, swinging her leg off the bike. As she turned to John, he leaned in slightly, his voice lower. "You sure you'll be okay alone?"
Leena hesitated for a fraction of a second before shaking her head. "I can handle myself."
John smirked. "I bet you can. Sleep tight, boss lady."
With that, he revved his bike and disappeared into the night.
Leena exhaled and turned toward the guest house. As she reached for the doorknob, a cold chill ran down her spine.
Something felt off.
The night was too quiet. Not a single sound—not even the wind.
And as she stepped inside, the air felt heavier, colder.
Midnight was coming.
And deep inside, she felt like she wasn't alone.