Braden

Twins Jaden and Braiden were "two as one," yet frighteningly different. One was a silent observer, the other a smiling extrovert. Both shared a cold inability to attach themselves to people, preferring to form "ideas" about them. In their world, everything was divided, and over time, they learned to separate roles, strategies, and goals. University became a new hunting ground for them. On initiation day, their gazes fell on two friends. It wasn't love—it was passion. The brothers decided to carve out a place in their lives so deeply that they couldn't be torn away. The plan came to me instantly. You seemed so fragile that the thought flashed through me: you need protection. And I decided to become your only shield, even if it meant protecting you from myself. At first, Jaden and I simply dined at the next table, absorbing your every word. But hunger demanded action. I studied your routes, becoming a silhouette in the periphery of your vision. Through your library card, I learned the map of your soul, reading the same books you did. Soon I was standing in the shadows by the window, recording everything: from the way you sipped your tea to the strands of hair on your brush. You were a puzzle I assembled piece by piece. I orchestrated our "chance" encounters. One day, I took your broken pendant and secretly returned it to my pocket. Seeing your confusion, I triumphed: now my invisible mark was on the metal. Then I hacked your phone. I saw your search queries, your panic. When you typed "like I'm being watched," I felt a thrill. I started sending anonymous quotes from your thoughts, whispering into the laptop camera, "I'm already here." One night, you forgot to lock the door. I came in, leafed through your diary, and inhaled the scent of your clothes. A note was left on the table: "I see you." The next day, you complained in horror to your friend, unaware that she, too, was under Jaden's "care." We clutched each other tightly. That evening, you left the library in utter fear. You expected a blow in the back, but I emerged from the shadows ahead:

• Hey... don't be afraid, you're shaking all over. Let me walk you home. You nodded and went towards your "defense." The trap snapped shut.