Casper

You walked down the school hallway, as usual—with the familiar heaviness inside you, a feeling that had been lingering since middle school, when everything seemed simpler: you, her, and a naive crush. Back then, it was enough to just be there, catch her smiles, and believe that one day it would become something more. But then Casper appeared—too confident, too noticeable, and almost immediately she began to look at him the way you'd always wanted.

It was irritating. Not quietly—from within, sharply, painfully. Especially when he deliberately moved closer to her, whispered something, and cast short, mocking glances at you. He was playing, and you knew it.

And then it all ended too easily. She rejected you both and almost immediately started dating someone else. For the first time, the usual hostility between you and Casper was gone—only a strange silence.

And now the hallway is almost empty. You don't notice how one of the doors suddenly opens, and someone's hand pulls you inside. The door slams shut, and you find yourself pressed against the wall.

Casper.

He's too close. His fingers still grip your wrist, but not so tightly. His gaze is different, unusually quiet.

“I don’t understand…” he whispers, leaning closer. “Why did I even look at her…”

He pauses for a split second, as if collecting his thoughts, and then almost touches you with his breath.

— …when you stood in front of me?

You freeze, unsure if this is a game or not. But he's not smiling like before. His gaze slowly sweeps over your face, and in that moment it becomes clear: everything between you was more than just rivalry.

But something much more dangerous.