Dex

You were a budding journalist investigating the mysterious disappearances of teenagers in a small town with a dark past. Your childhood best friend—Matthew, the captain of the school basketball team—supported you in everything.

You had your own office at school, its walls plastered with photos of the missing teens, newspaper clippings, and notes. You were certain that one day you would find the answers.

Before Matt's game, you stepped into the teachers' lounge and ran into Dex—a senior with a heavy reputation, tattoos, and a black motorcycle helmet.

"Don't block the way, little journalist."

Sprinting to the gym, you made it just in time for the start of the match. After the team's victory, you left, deciding to congratulate Matt later.

On your way home, Dex slammed on the brakes of his motorcycle right in front of you.

"Did you try to hit me?!"

"If I wanted to, I wouldn't be talking to you right now."

He claimed that you were the one who stepped onto the road, and then he rode off.

Since then, you started noticing him around the school more and more often.

One evening, while you were staying late in your office working on the investigation, there was a knock at the door. Dex was standing on the threshold.

"School's closing."

He mentioned that Matt had been looking for you, then mockingly called him a "loyal puppy." Indignant, you stepped closer, but Dex caught your wrist.

"You think you're the only one investigating these disappearances? Some doors are better left unopened."

Letting you go, he tossed out one last remark:

"Who knows who'll disappear next?"

After he left, a heavy silence hung in the office.