Lovers from Hell

Babe

I was awoken by a gentle breeze rushing through this coffin-sized room. I felt like I was watched, but there was not a single person in sight. Why do I feel so petrified? I get up, groaning. I check my phone, hoping to be greeted by a notification from my girlfriend, Ji Eun.
3:03 AM.

I sigh, realising that I haven't replied to her for 8 hours.

Ji Eun
7:01: Jong Woo, let's hang out

7:30: Are you okay? How's the residence?

8:43: It's getting late now. I guess we can't really meet up.

00:06: Night.

I feel the guilt getting to me, feeling frustrated at myself. Lately I've been feeling like I can't satisfy Ji Eun, no matter how hard I try; I just wish to be with someone who makes me feel like I'm good enough.

And sometimes, Ji Eun simply doesn't do that.

After I finally got to force myself to shut my eyes and doze off, I woke up early for my new job. I was working for an IT company for my high school friend, Jae Ho.

I took my ripped up, stained map and led myself to the bathroom. I got undressed, showing off my fair skin and subtle, toned abs. I don't have a huge figure - and I don't mean to sound cocky - but my body does look good, just longing for hands to be all over it.

I turn on the icy cold water, finally feeling slightly better after feeling gloomy since yesterday. Well I thought I was feeling better, until I heard a weird snicker behind me.

"M-May I use your shampoo, si-sir?" I hear a voice stutter next to me. I tried so hard to act normal, but he was acting so eerie. He would giggle at nothing, and cover his mouth with his hand and make weird faces. I haven't even been here for a full day, and I'm already considering putting in my notice to move out of this residence.

I give him my shampoo bottle, while he squirts almost half of the product into his grimy hands, scrubbing his bald head. I just roll my eyes and continue getting ready for the day.

Just as I was heading out of this place, the screeching voice appeared again.

"Room 303! You handsome boy, come eat breakfast with me." Bok Soon says.

I refuse politely, informing her that I am busy.

She pouts, "Oh, please? Nobody is eating with me lately, do you want me to turn into a depressed old lady? Please come!" she begs me, dragging me into the kitchen before I can respond.

I walk into the room, the lights flicker. Can this place seem any more like a setting in a scary movie? I sit down in the small, wooden chair as she grabs a bowl and cracks an egg open. I gag at the sight of it, it's full of blood.

"Miss, I can't eat that. Those eggs are completely out of date, you have to throw them away!" I tell her, only receiving a laugh from her.

"Of course, I'd never feed this to you and harm you, room 303."
It's kind of hard to believe those words for some reason.

I make my way out of the residence, seeing a shadow peeking out from behind it. It almost looked like a ghost, the skin looking so pale, and pitch black wavy hair complimenting it. I ignore this, continuing my journey to my job.

"Jong Woo! You finally made it, intern.'' I hear next to me as I enter a breezy, tall building.

I attempt to form a warm smile, ''Jae Ho. How are you?'' I respond.

''Jong Woo.. Please, in front of everyone else refer to me as sir or CEO. I get we've known each other for years, but I'm your boss. Use your manners.'' he tells me with a cold expression.

I almost laugh. Is he serious? How childish and immature is this guy? I could just imagine grabbing him by the neck and reminding him who he's speaking to.

''Yes. Of course, I'm sorry, sir.'' I respond, returning the same cold expression.

He chuckles, ''But privately, you can call me Jae Ho. Anyways, how is Ji Eun? Still as beautiful as ever, I hope.'' he laughs.

Is this asshole serious? Why is he so interested in my girlfriend all of a sudden?

''Uh, yeah. She's fine. Anyways, can you show me around please?'' I ask him, desperate to change the subject.

''Ah, Jong Woo, you're no fun. I spoke to Ji Eun yesterday and you're still as boring as you used to be.'' he tells me, almost making me want to rip his head off, ''But sure, let me show you around and introduce you to everyone.''

After around an hour of looking around and meeting everyone, I finally get started with my work. After several dreadful hours of this shitty work, I finally make my way 'home'. For some reason, my heart is beating rapidly and my skin starts to feel cold, as if my body is trying to warn me. Whatever.

Once I finally enter the residence, it's already night time. I decide to go up to the roof terrace, seeking for some alone time, away from everyone and everything. Just me and my thoughts.

"Hey, room 303.'' I hear from next to me, a soft, deep voice. I sigh, realising I will probably meet another weirdo here. I turn my head, my eyes meeting his. He has dark, expressionless eyes; yet they seem so warm and welcoming. His frame is bigger than mine, his subtle muscles noticeable under his black clothes. His dark, wavy hair complimenting his perfect face. Those soft, plump lips that I can't help but look at. 

I grab my breath and cough.

''Oh, yeah, sorry. Hi, I'm Jong Woo. I just moved in here.'' I tell him, holding my hand out.

He smirks subtly, ''Jong Woo. What a pretty name. I'm Moon Jo. Welcome to Eden Residence.'' he tells me, shaking my hand slowly, and I can't help but softly blush at the feeling of his soft, strong hands meeting mine.

''Hey, I saw one of those guys staring at you last night. I'm sorry about the people here, they're... peculiar.'' 

I nod my head, smiling. I finally feel slightly understood, maybe I'm not just going crazy after all.

''Right? I've never met anyone like that before. I just get scared, which is rare for me as a horror fiction writer.'' I respond.

His eyes light up, clearly interested. He takes a black, plastic bag and hands me a can of beer.

''Horror fiction writer, huh? Tell me all about it. What's your current story?'' he tells me, taking a sip from his beer.

I slowly watch his lips surround the can opening, watching his adam's apple move as he swallows the beverage.

''It's about this killer. He's a piano player, he kills his victims right before each of his recitals.'' I explain.

''Oh?'' he smirks, ''How does he kill them?'' he asks.

I'm surprised, he's actually interested in this?

''He chokes them to death.'' I smile, ''He grabs their necks, holding them, and loves the feeling.''

''Right, he loves to feel their body go cold as he's holding them, slowly watching their victim die in their hands. I get it.'' he responds.

I chuckle, ''I'm sorry, I love horror so much, I don't mean to ramble about this.''

He holds my hand subtly, ''No, please, I love the story. Horror is a very interesting genre. Don't you think maybe the keys in his piano could perhaps be.. the teeth of his victims, babe?'' he tells me.

My face drops. Babe? Did I hear that right?

''Oh, uh, yeah. I have to get going. I have to go to work tomorrow. But it was great meeting you.'' I tell him, really meaning it. He's the only normal person here.

He grabs me and pulls me in for a side hug. I can feel his heart beat on my skin, and slightly feel his chest. If only I could feel more of him.. What's going on with me? Why am I so flustered?

He smirks, ''It was great meeting you too, Jong Woo. Have a good night.'' he tells me.

As I'm walking down the stairs, I can still feel my face feeling extremely hot, and my heart beating like crazy.

Why does he make me feel this way?