The morning sun streamed through the cabin windows, casting a warm glow on the breakfast table where Soul sat, his caramel frappuccino cradled in his hands. The sweet drink usually brought him comfort, but today it felt oddly heavy. Tabi and A.G.O.T.I. sat nearby, their chatter bubbling with playful teasing and laughter.
A.G.O.T.I.: So, Tabi... did Nikusa get freaky on you last night?
Tabi: (rolling his eyes) No, and it's none of your business!
A.G.O.T.I.: (chuckling) Oh, come on, you like it, don't you?
Tabi: Why are you like this on me!?
A.G.O.T.I.: Because it's way too much fun for me! Even when Soul is with Midnight, Sakuroma, and Hermione—the real baddies!
Tabi: That's uncool, man. Just leave him out of this!
As the banter continued, A.G.O.T.I. noticed Soul's silence, his gaze distant and unfocused.
A.G.O.T.I.: (concerned) Soul?...
Soul remained still, his mind consumed by the haunting images from the night before. The distorted SpongeBob and the surreal world of Bikini Bottom replayed in his thoughts like an unending loop.
Soul: (snapping back to reality) Huh? What?
Both Tabi and A.G.O.T.I. exchanged worried glances.
A.G.O.T.I.: Dude, are you okay? You look like you just saw a ghost.
Tabi: Yeah, man. You've been out of it. What's going on?
Soul hesitated, the weight of his secret pressing heavily on his conscience. He didn't want to alarm them, but he couldn't shake the feeling that they were all in danger.
Soul: (sighing) It's... it's nothing. Just didn't sleep well last night.
A.G.O.T.I.: (raising an eyebrow) Really? 'Cause it looks like you've seen some serious stuff.
Soul: (forcing a smile) Seriously, I'm fine. Just tired.
He took a sip of his frappuccino, hoping the sweetness would ground him. But the cold drink only amplified the surreal sensations still coursing through him.
Tabi: (leaning in) You sure? You know you can tell us if something's bothering you.
Soul: (looking down) I appreciate it, but I promise it's nothing.
A.G.O.T.I. didn't seem convinced, but he shrugged it off and turned back to Tabi.
A.G.O.T.I.: So, what were you saying about Nikusa?
As the conversation resumed, Soul attempted to join in, forcing himself to focus on the lighthearted banter. But his mind drifted back to the DVD, the eerie episode that felt like a specter haunting him. He could still feel the blood-red eyes of SpongeBob piercing into his soul, and the creeping anxiety threatened to spill over.
After a few minutes, A.G.O.T.I. nudged him again, a teasing smile on his face.
A.G.O.T.I.: C'mon, Soul! If you're going to zone out on us, at least tell us your thoughts! Is it about Midnight or Sakuroma?
Soul: (shaking his head) No, it's... different.
Tabi: (curious) Different how?
Soul: (hesitating) I just have a weird feeling about... everything.
A.G.O.T.I. leaned in closer, his playful demeanor fading.
A.G.O.T.I.: What do you mean? Like... bad vibes?
