|| 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐄𝐑 || HeeJake ||

• || 21 || •

As the night approached, Jake prepared himself with a mix of nervous energy and determination. He showered, dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit that highlighted his best features, and made sure his appearance was on point. His mind was still reeling from the unexpected offer, but he pushed his fears aside, focusing instead on the money he was promised.

The night air was cool as he stepped out of his apartment and made his way to "The Rusty Key." The bar was nestled in a quiet part of town, its entrance marked by an old, weathered sign with faded lettering. The place had a rustic charm, with dim lighting that spilled out onto the street, casting a warm, amber glow. As Jake entered, the smell of aged wood and whiskey filled his senses. The interior was cozy yet mysterious, with dark wooden furniture and low-hanging lights that created an intimate atmosphere. The patrons were scattered around the room, some engaged in quiet conversation, others lost in their own thoughts.

Jake found a corner table and sat down, his nerves returning as he glanced around the room, wondering who might be the stranger he was supposed to meet. To distract himself, he pulled out his phone and opened the news app.

One headline caught his attention: "University Shifts to Online Classes Due to Ongoing Investigations." Jake read on, discovering that the recent incidents, including the shooting at the school, had prompted the university to move all classes online for the foreseeable future. The article mentioned heightened security measures and the ongoing search for the person responsible. Jake couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, thinking about how close he might have come to danger.

Pushing the thought aside, Jake refocused on his surroundings. The bar's ambient noise was a mix of clinking glasses and soft jazz playing in the background. He noticed the bartender, a gruff-looking man with a thick beard, serving drinks with practiced ease. The place was not too crowded, which made the situation even more tense. Jake kept an eye on the entrance, waiting for the stranger to appear.

As the minutes ticked by, Jake's anxiety grew. He checked his phone again, making sure he hadn't missed any messages. His mind kept circling back to the sum of money, trying to rationalize the situation. The thought of what he had agreed to still made his stomach churn, but the potential reward was too tempting to ignore.

Finally, Jake received a text: "I'm here. I see you." His heart skipped a beat as he looked around the bar, trying to spot anyone who might be watching him. The text was simple, but it filled him with a sense of foreboding. He swallowed hard, steeling himself for whatever was to come.

Jake's pulse quickened as he scanned the room, his eyes darting from one face to another, searching for any sign of the person who had sent the message. The bar's dim lighting made it difficult to see clearly, adding to the tension that coiled in his stomach. He could feel his palms growing clammy, and his breath came in shallow, anxious bursts. Every sound around him—the clinking of glasses, the soft murmur of conversation—seemed to amplify the suspense.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. It's just one night, he told himself. Get through this, and then it's over. The thought of the money, the sheer amount of it, was the only thing keeping him in his seat, preventing him from bolting out the door.

His phone buzzed again, jolting him from his thoughts. Another text appeared on the screen: "Don't be scared. Come to the back room."

Jake hesitated, his heart pounding so loudly in his chest that he was sure everyone in the bar could hear it. He looked toward the back of the bar where a narrow hallway led to what seemed like a more private area. The door at the end of the hall was slightly ajar, the light beyond it flickering like a beacon, calling him closer.

Swallowing his fear, Jake stood up, his legs feeling unsteady beneath him. He made his way toward the hallway, each step heavier than the last. As he walked, he couldn't help but feel like all eyes were on him, even though no one seemed to pay him any special attention. It was just his nerves, he told himself, but it did little to calm him.