MANIAC | SEOKSOO FF

PART 06

The evening felt heavier than usual as Jisoo made his way home, clutching bags of groceries in each hand. He couldn’t shake the unsettled feeling creeping up his spine. Normally, his mother would be waiting for him at home, filling the place with warmth and the comforting smell of dinner. But tonight, the apartment was dark and empty. She had left for their hometown early that morning to attend his grandfather’s memorial, promising to be back in a couple of days. Meanwhile, his brother, a doctor, was pulling an overnight shift at his clinic.

So, Jisoo was alone.

As he walked through the quiet streets, his thoughts drifted back to the eerie feeling he’d been having for days now, as if someone was watching him. He dismissed it as paranoia…until he caught a flicker of movement behind him. A shadow slipped just out of view, and his heart began to race.

Glancing back, he noticed a figure lingering under the dim streetlight, following his every step.

Feeling his pulse quicken, Jisoo picked up his pace. The footsteps behind him did the same. Panic surged through him, and he broke into a sprint, abandoning a bag of groceries as he darted down narrow streets, hoping to shake off his pursuer.

The footsteps grew louder, closer, as if the person was playing a twisted game of cat and mouse.

He finally reached his apartment complex, heart pounding as he fumbled with his keys. Once inside, he slammed the door shut, locking it securely behind him. Catching his breath.

The sound of his heavy breathing echoes through the empty house. Suddenly, he hear a soft knock at the door. His heart races as he hesitantly approach it, peeking through the peephole.

A hooded figure stands outside his door, holding a small, wrapped package.

The guy look around cautiously before focusing on the peephole again. In a whispery voice, he says, "Open the door. It's for you." The guy's eyes seem to bore into Jisoo's through the small hole.

"L-leave ut on door.." Jisoo fumbled with his words.

The figure sets the package on the ground and turns to leave. As they walk away, Jisoo noticed that he was wearing a pair of black gloves.

Jisoo quickly unlock the door and peek outside, but the figure has vanished into the night. He picked up the package, feeling a sense of unease.

He locked the door and slowly making his way back inside, the package in hand.

Jisoo set it on the kitchen counter, eyeing it warily. As he turn to leave, he notice a piece of paper stuck to the side of the package. It reads: "Open me when you're alone."

With bated breath, he tear open the package. Inside, he found a beautifully crafted music box. It's adorned with intricate carvings and plays a haunting melody when he wind it up. But there's something else - a note tucked inside the lid. His hands shake as he unfold it.

The note reads: "I've been watching you. I know your routines, your fears, your secrets. I just wanted you to have a little gift. Until next time... - A Secret Admirer". His blood runs cold, and he suddenly feel trapped, like a pawn in some chess game.