Crossing Fates

Chapter 9: The Hidden Watchers

The next day dawned bright and clear, but the tension that had been building over the past week clung to the campus like a storm cloud. Pond Nithipat found himself constantly looking over his shoulder, waiting for the next cryptic message or strange figure to appear. Dunk Saetang, as usual, was his calm and collected self, but even he couldn't deny that something serious was happening.

Pond's phone buzzed as he walked across campus, and he glanced down to see a text from Joong.

Joong: "Meet us at the library. Supa's found something."

Pond's heart skipped a beat. Could this finally be the break they were looking for?

Without wasting a moment, Pond quickened his pace, his mind racing with the possibilities. Supa had been a great addition to their group—her determination and natural curiosity were a perfect match for their growing investigation. But what could she have found that warranted an emergency meeting?

A New Discovery

When Pond arrived at the library, Dunk, Joong, Nawin, and Supa were already gathered around a large table in the corner, their faces serious. Supa had her laptop open, and her fingers were flying across the keyboard as she pulled up a series of images and documents.

"Hey," Pond greeted, sliding into the seat next to Dunk. "What's going on?"

Supa glanced up, her expression tense. "I've been looking into some of the weird stuff that's been happening on campus—especially around the dorms. There's something strange going on."

Pond leaned in closer, intrigued. "Strange how?"

Supa clicked through a few more screens before turning the laptop toward the group. On the screen was a map of the campus, with several red circles marked around the dormitory buildings.

"According to the reports I've found, there have been sightings of shadowy figures around these areas late at night," Supa explained. "It's not just random students messing around. Some of the reports go back months, but no one's been able to get a clear look at whoever—or whatever—it is."

Nawin adjusted his glasses, his brow furrowed. "So it's not just isolated incidents. It's been happening for a while."

"Exactly," Supa said, nodding. "And it's getting worse. More sightings, more cryptic notes... something's happening, and it's all centered around these dorms."

Dunk crossed his arms, deep in thought. "Do we know why? What's so special about these areas?"

Joong, ever the joker, leaned back in his chair. "Maybe it's haunted."

Pond shot him a look, though there was a flicker of unease in his chest. Haunted? No, that didn't make sense. But the alternative—someone watching them—was just as unsettling.

"What about the message you got?" Pond asked, turning to Supa. "Do you think it's connected to the sightings?"

Supa's face grew serious. "I don't know, but it's too much of a coincidence to ignore."

Unlikely Allies

As the group discussed their next steps, a new figure appeared at the edge of the table, clearing his throat softly to get their attention. Everyone looked up to see a tall, lean guy standing awkwardly with his hands in his pockets, his eyes shifting nervously from side to side.

"Uh... hey," he began, his voice low. "I heard you guys were... looking into some stuff happening around campus?"

Supa frowned, clearly not recognizing him. "And you are?"