O.N.E. VIRUS

0: PROLOGUE

[note: this entire story is in Bryce's pov, unless stated otherwise]

[disclaimer: all countries/states mentioned are real, however, all other locations(such as specific buildings, streets, etc) are fictional. Also, nothing that happened in this story is something that happened irl, have no fear. Again, this may have not needed a disclaimer because it was an hfjone au slightly inspired by the short analog horror series "the tanji virus." It is heavily reccomended you read the description of this story before reading further, although it is your choice. You do not have to watch "the tanji virus" to be able to read this.]

[ WARNING. This chapter contains... descriptions of getting bitten, fevers, virus, fishing(like- hurting fish), derealization. And also cursing. You have been warned]

I scoff as I finish reading the newspaper. I've waited 3 years and still NOTHING about that dreaded competition. I'm honestly starting to think I had dreamt it.

I glance out the window, watching as the sun set behind the horizon. The dazzling yellow, pink, and red-orange sky gives everything a golden tint.

Who knew living out of the city could be this beautiful?

After Liam sent everybody home, life has been taking a turn for the better for me. I've gotten more money, I've gotten a better job, and I have more paid vacation days! How cool is that?

My job required me to move out of Connecticut and to Rhode Island. It wasn't too far, only just over an hour away by car. And my house is near the water, which is good.

I didn't realize my phone was ringing. When I notice, I pick it up and hold it to my ear. "Hello?" I ask, my voice scratchy from not talking for the past few hours. "Who is this again?"

"Hey-Hey! Bryce!" A voice on the other end laughs. I'd recognize that voice anywhere.

"Yo! Bradley!" I laugh, "what are you doing calling me now?"

"Just a little Check-in!" He laughs before immediately stopping. "Can I... bring my son in though?"

"Oh? Why?" I ask him, confused. "And into where?"

"Well, he's been getting..." Bradley trails off. "Bullied. At school recently. He's a bit angry with me... I'm not sure what I did but..."

"Okay...?" I ask, impatient. "And...?"

"Well, I wanted him to have a little vacation time with me! Maybe he's upset that we barely spend time together?" Bradley laughs on the other end of the line. "You have a guest bedroom in your new house, right?"

You...

You literal jerk...

Now I get it. He doesn't want to spend more time with you. He's upset with you. Just like I am.

And you're trying to use my house as a hotel? Oh hell no.

Wait.. well... it does get lonely around here... so...

"Sure." I grumble. "I have one. You can bring your son and use it. You just can't interfere with my work schedule."

"Hey-hey! That's great! We'll be there today!" Bradley hangs up the call.

Wait a minute... TODAY?! I mean, I do have a guest bedroom but it's cluttered... Ugh. Guess I'll have to clean it.

I stand from the couch, stretching as I do so. I then sigh, looking back out the window to see that the sky had darkened. If Bradley and his son are coming here today... then I guess it'll be a long night.

I let my mind wander as I move the boxes from the guest room into mine. You might think I had come... cliché "poor to rich" glow up. But it honestly was nothing of the sort.