The Stalker's Game

Chapter Twenty: Unseen Games

Ethan's POV:

Today was the day. I'd spent the entire weekend thinking about how I'd approach Lena, how I'd start to weave my way into her life. It had to be subtle, careful—just enough to plant the seed of our connection, but not so much that it would scare her off. I'd waited for this moment ever since I first saw her in P.E., and now it was time to make my move.

I spotted her in the gym, her expression distant, probably lost in thought about the volleyball game. She looked different from the other girls—more focused, more determined. That's what drew me to her in the first place. She wasn't like the others.

"Hey, Lena," I said, stepping up to her. My voice was calm, casual—just a guy trying to make small talk.

She looked up, startled for a moment before she recognized me. "Hi, Ethan," she replied, a hint of hesitation in her voice.

Perfect. She was curious, maybe even a little uneasy. Good. That was exactly what I wanted. Just enough discomfort to keep her thinking about me, to make sure I stayed in her mind long after this conversation was over.

"You ready for the game today?" I asked, keeping my tone light.

"Yeah, I think so," she said, offering me a small smile. "A little nervous, but excited too."

Nervous. That was something I could work with. I nodded, letting my gaze linger on her just a little longer than necessary. "You'll do great. I'll be rooting for you."

Her smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered. I could see the discomfort in her eyes, and it thrilled me. It wouldn't be long now before she started seeking me out, trying to figure out what it was about me that unsettled her. And when she did, I'd be there, ready to pull her deeper into my web.

The coach called us over, and our conversation ended, but I watched her as she walked away. She didn't look back, but I knew I was on her mind. That was enough for now.

Later, as I slipped into the gym for the volleyball game, I made sure to stay out of sight. I positioned myself in a corner where I could watch her without being seen. Lena was focused on the game, her movements quick and precise. She was good, better than I'd expected. It made me want her even more.

As the game progressed, I found myself watching her every move. The way she jumped to spike the ball, the determined set of her jaw as she dove for a dig—it was all mesmerizing. My Lena. She didn't know it yet, but she was mine. And soon, everyone else would know it too.

I saw her parents in the stands, cheering her on. It annoyed me, the way they fawned over her, but I knew I couldn't let it show. Not yet. There would be time to deal with them later.

For now, I just watched, letting the game play out. She was perfect, and the more I watched, the more certain I became that we were meant to be together. It was just a matter of time.

When the game ended and the girls celebrated their win, I slipped out of the gym before she could see me. I didn't want to push too hard, not yet. But soon. Soon, she'd be mine.

Lucas's POV:

The last class of the day was always the hardest to get through, especially when I knew there was a volleyball game going on. I wasn't really into sports, but something about this one felt different. Maybe it was because of Lena. I'd been thinking about her ever since I saw her in class that first day. She seemed different, new—not just to the school, but like she brought something new with her.

As I passed by the gym on my way to class, I couldn't help but glance inside. I saw Lena talking to someone, her expression a mix of nerves and something else I couldn't quite place. It wasn't until I took a closer look that I realized who she was talking to.

Ethan.

A chill ran down my spine. I knew Ethan—had known him for years, in fact. There was something off about him, something dark that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but I knew it was there. Seeing him talking to Lena set off all kinds of alarms in my head. He was the last person she needed to be around.

I watched them for a moment, feeling a strange sense of protectiveness well up inside me. I didn't know Lena well, but I knew enough to know that Ethan wasn't someone she should be involved with. But what could I do? I couldn't just walk up to her and tell her to stay away from him. She'd think I was crazy.

Reluctantly, I turned away and headed to my last class, but the thought of Ethan talking to Lena stayed with me, gnawing at me like an itch I couldn't scratch.

After class, I made my way back to the gym, hoping to catch some of the game. The girls were already on the court, and the game was well underway. I found a spot near the front, close to the girls' bench, and settled in to watch.

Lena was incredible on the court—focused, intense, every movement precise and calculated. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was the kind of player who made you want to cheer, even if you didn't care about the sport.

But then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw him. Ethan. He was lurking in the shadows, watching Lena with a look that made my skin crawl. He was so focused on her that he didn't even notice me watching him. The way he looked at her—it wasn't normal. It wasn't right.

I felt that protective instinct surge up again. I had to do something. I couldn't just let him worm his way into Lena's life. But what could I do? How could I keep her safe without coming off as some jealous weirdo?

I didn't have the answers yet, but one thing was clear: I had to keep an eye on Ethan. If he tried anything with Lena, I'd be there. And I wouldn't let him get away with it.

As the game ended and the girls celebrated their win, I watched Ethan slip out of the gym, unnoticed by everyone but me. My gut told me that this was just the beginning, that Ethan wasn't going to back off. And that meant I couldn't either.