MANIAC | SEOKSOO FF

PART 08

Jisoo couldn’t bear to stay in his apartment any longer. Taking Jeonghan’s advice, he decided to head to Seungcheol... but shook it off.. as Seungcheol also lives alone.. what if the stalker tries to invade... So he headed to Soonyoung and Jihoon’s house, his neighbors in the same complex. He needed the comfort of a familiar, safe environment. The walk down the hallway felt eerie; every shadow seemed to stretch toward him, every sound magnified.

When he arrived at their door, he knocked softly, half-expecting the stalker to jump out from behind him. But instead, the door swung open, and Soonyoung greeted him with his usual warm smile, his face shifting quickly to concern when he saw Jisoo’s expression.

“Jisoo, you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Soonyoung said, ushering him inside.

“Honestly,” Jisoo muttered, glancing over his shoulder, “that’s how I feel.”

Jihoon appeared, holding Dino, who wriggled in his arms, reaching out to Jisoo with a delighted grin and infectious laugh.

“SOOO NIMMMM!” Dino chirped, his small hands waving excitedly.

Jisoo forced a smile and gently ruffled the boy’s hair, trying to mask his worry. But Jihoon, sharp as ever, picked up on the tension. “What’s going on, Jisoo?”

Jisoo took a deep breath. “There’s… someone following me. They left a gift on my doorstep, and they’ve been sending me messages. Threats. It’s like they know everything I’m doing.”

Soonyoung’s jaw tightened, and Jihoon looked between them, his normally calm face clouding over. “You’re staying here tonight,” Jihoon said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Before Jisoo could respond, there was a knock at the door. His heart leaped into his throat.

Soonyoung opened it to reveal Seokmin, who stepped inside, his usual sunny demeanor slightly dimmed with worry as he looked at Jisoo.

“I heard you were here,” Seokmin said, placing a gentle hand on Jisoo’s shoulder. “Are you okay?”

Jisoo exhaled, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. “I’m just…glad you’re here.”

Seokmin offered him a reassuring smile. “I’m here whenever you need. We all are.”

As they settled into the cozy living room, Dino’s playful chatter in the background lightened the mood for a moment. But then Jisoo’s phone vibrated. His stomach clenched as he saw the message preview. Reluctantly, he opened it.

×××××××
Didn’t I warn you, Bluebell? No sharing secrets. It’s just you and me. This is your final warning. I see you like being around friends... but they can’t protect you forever. Remember, I’m always closer than you think.

Jisoo’s blood ran cold as he showed the message to Seokmin, who frowned deeply. “They’re taunting you. Trying to isolate you.”

Jihoon set Dino on the floor, his face unreadable as he shared a glance with Soonyoung. “We won’t let that happen, Jisoo,” he said firmly. “You’re staying with us. Whoever this is, they’re not getting to you tonight.”

“Soonyoung,” Jisoo began, his voice barely above a whisper, “I don’t think I can stay calm. They’re watching me, I know it.”

Soonyoung placed a reassuring hand on Jisoo’s shoulder. “We’re not letting you out of our sight. You’re safe here, okay?”

Just then, Jihoon returned from the kitchen, holding a steaming mug of hot chocolate. “Here, this will help,” he said, handing it to Jisoo. “Take a deep breath. You’re not alone in this.”

Jisoo took the mug, his fingers trembling slightly as he inhaled the warm, comforting scent. But as he sipped, his phone vibrated again. The familiar dread washed over him. He glanced at the screen, his heart racing.

“Not again…” he muttered, reading the new message.

×××××××
I can see you, . Enjoying the warmth of your friends, my bluebell. It won’t last. You can’t hide from me forever.

Jisoo’s breath hitched, and he turned the phone toward Seokmin, who was watching him with wide, concerned eyes. “They’re getting bolder.”

Seokmin clenched his fists, his sunny demeanor replaced with a serious edge. “This is sick. We need to tell the police.”

“Tell them what?” Jisoo shot back, frustration boiling over. “That I’m being stalked by a ghost who knows my life? They’ll think I’m losing it!”

Jihoon stepped closer, his expression resolute. “You’re not losing it. We’ll figure this out together. You have to trust us.”

Dino toddled over, tugging at Jisoo’s shirt. “Soo Nim, are you sad?” he asked, his innocent eyes searching for answers.

Jisoo knelt down, forcing a smile. “No, buddy. Just… some grown-up stuff.”

“Grown-ups are silly,” Dino replied, his face lighting up. “You should just play!”

Soonyoung chuckled softly. “Wise words from my wise son.”

But the laughter felt hollow to Jisoo. He glanced back at his phone, the screen flashing ominously. “What if they come here? What if they know I’m here with you?”

“Then let them come,” Seokmin said fiercely, his eyes blazing with determination. “We’ll protect you, Jisoo. You’re not alone.”

Just then, another message arrived.

×××××××
Your friends can’t shield you from the truth, bluebell. I’m closer than you think. You should’ve kept quiet.

Jisoo’s heart raced. “They’re toying with me. It’s like a game to them.”

Jihoon placed a hand on Jisoo’s back, grounding him. “We’ll turn the tables. You’re the teacher here. Let’s make this a lesson they won’t forget.”

“Soonyoung,” Jisoo said, his voice shaking slightly. “What if this is bigger than we thought?”

“Then we’ll face it together,” Soonyoung replied, his voice steady. “But first, let’s find out who this person is. We need a plan.”

"But for now.. get some sleep.." Jihoon patted his back guiding him to guest room.