The Killer's Symphony of Love

Chapter 1- Friend or Enemy?

As I pondered childhood memories, searching for that elusive element that would evoke nostalgia, I struggled to pinpoint the essence that made my early years special. The topic arose during a conversation at university, where everyone shared their cherished childhood memories. Yet, a stain obscured my recollections, preventing me from identifying that one significant aspect. I hoped that someday I could contribute more than just my physical presence to such discussions.

Suddenly, a familiar masculine voice broke my introspection.

"Hey, are you listening?" James queried.

"Oh, yeah, sorry, what?"

"Come on, Eris, you're not even listening. We were talking about the party."

"Party?"

"Yeah, tomorrow at Ryan's place. Are you in?"

"Okay, sure."

"Great, see you there!"

Saturday:

Nervously choosing an outfit for the party, I found myself unable to decide. Desperate, I called Stephany, my best friend, but our conversation left me no closer to a decision. I closed my eyes, randomly picked an outfit from my closet, and headed to the party.

En route, I met Stephany, who wore a mischievous smile as she eyed me.

"Excited?" she asked.

"Why?" I feigned ignorance.

"Haha, you know why – James!"

Ah, then I blushed, and we continued in silence until we arrived.

The party was in full swing when James greeted me.

"Hey, Eris, you came!" He handed me a cup of beer, and we joined the revelry in the living room. Amidst the intoxicated crowd, James offered me some weed, and, against my usual inclination, I agreed. As I struggled not to cough, he leaned in and whispered:

"Listen, Eris, I have something to tell you. Come with me."

Grasping my hand, he led me to a bedroom, and as the door closed, he approached, perhaps a bit too intimately.

"So, what happened?" I asked, attempting not to fixate on his lips.

"Shh, close your eyes," he murmured, kissing me passionately. As things escalated, my apprehension grew. Attempting to convey my feelings, I hesitated.

"James, I..."

He paused, studying my face.

"I love you," I finally confessed.

"Good girl!" he smirked.

Suddenly, laughter and voices approached the room, and before I could react, people burst in. Laughter turned to congratulations, revealing that James had orchestrated our encounter as a bet to prove he could have any girl. Devastated, I fled.

As I walked home, consumed by the betrayal, a silhouette approached me in the darkness. Oblivious to the danger, I was startled when the figure blocked my path, revealing a hidden knife.

"Go to sleep!" the mysterious person said.

As he poised to strike, I raised his hood, only to recognize the familiar eyes, pale skin, and smile. Time seemed to stand still. Just as I processed this revelation, James and his friend intervened, seemingly oblivious to the peril.

"Yo, babygirl, where are you going? The party has just started!"

As I turned back to the mysterious figure, he vanished. I wanted to go home, but James prevented me from moving. One of his friends injected me with something, and darkness enveloped me.