Love Is Hard - Karma X Reader

chapter 7

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"why do I feel like I am being watched", I mumble to myself looking over my shoulder slightly, looking around but no one seemed to be paying me any attention. "Doesn't seem like anybody is following me ... .so why " I picked up my pace hoping to shake off the creeping sensation crawling up my spine, but even so it was nearly impossible to shrug off this strange and unfamiliar but awful feeling of being followed. But the problem is the streets are so crowded now with all the traffic and foot rush on sidewalks that even if anyone were to follow I wouldn't know until it's too late. I can hardly see more than a few feet behind or ahead of me. Even the thought sends a chill down my spine.

I pulled my hood up, shielding my face from the cool breeze, and took a sharp turn into a side street. The alleys were quieter here, the footsteps behind me seeming to echo longer, louder, making me more and more agitated by the minute.

"Where is the damn complex, feels like been walking forever"

....

After what felt like an eternity of heart-pounding anxiety, I finally stumbled through the complex's main gates. I pressed my back against the apartment door, and only when it clicked shut did I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding. My heart raced, and I stood still for a moment, trying to steady my breathing.

The air in the apartment was still, too quiet. My eyes flicked toward the door, and for reasons I couldn't explain, I opened it a crack and peered into the hallway. Empty. Dead silent. A shiver ran through me. "Weird," I whispered. "I haven't seen anyone around at all, except for the receptionist." I made a mental note to ask her about it next time. Maybe she would be able to give me some info about this apartment.

Kicking off my shoes with a tired groan, I flexed my sore feet. "Ugh... feels like I've run a marathon or something." The ache in my legs was dull, but it made me feel like I'd been walking for hours.

Well at least this kept me somewhat company", I looked down at the empty carton of milk in my hand which was now squeezed to death by yours truly. "Sorry buddy, it wasn't your fault" I say to the poor thing and throw it in the trash with a sigh.

The dim light of the living room felt suffocating, but I couldn't bring myself to turn on more. I switched on the kitchen light, the dull hum of the refrigerator filling the silence. I stared at the cabinets, then at the fridge. I could feel my stomach twisting in hunger, but my mind was too drained to care.

"I really don't wanna cook..." I muttered, opening a cabinet and pulling out a few snacks. "Guess it's junk food for lunch."

Dropping onto the couch with a bottle of water and snacks, I set them on the coffee table and clutched a cushion, gripping it so tightly my knuckles went white.

What the hell was that? I went to find answers, but look what happened. I could still hear those accusing words in my head, playing over and over again.

Why were you in the forest that night?

You are lying.

What was I supposed to do? Tell the truth?

"Yeah, right!" I snapped out loud. "As if anyone would believe me! Heck, I can barely believe it myself!" My eyes landed on the showcase across the room, the distorted photos staring back at me, mocking me. "DAMMIT!" I hurled the cushion at it, the sound of glass rattling piercing the stillness. It didn't break - it just echoed through the emptiness of the room.

Breathing hard, I gulped down water, trying to calm my racing pulse.

I was about to take a bite but before I could -