MIX-UP (JossGawin)

Chapter 6

Joe had thrown himself back into his campus activities, hoping to get a break from the bizarre situation at home. He attended lectures, studied in the library, and hung out with his friends, trying to keep his mind off the strange vampire lurking in his apartment.

But for the past few days, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching him. 

Whether he was in the lecture hall, the cafeteria, or walking across campus, there was an unsettling sensation of being followed. He glanced over his shoulder more times than he cared to admit, but he never saw anyone suspicious.

"Get a grip, Joe," he muttered to himself as he left his last class of the day. "You're just being paranoid."

Despite his self-reassurance, the unease persisted. As he headed to the library, his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a text from Tong: "Hey man, you free for dinner later?"

Joe hesitated, then decided it was time to address his concerns. 

He quickly typed out a reply: "Sure. Also, have you secured your vampire? Feels like I'm being watched lately. Tell me Mark isn't stalking me."

A few minutes later, Tong's response came: "Dude, chill. Mark's been in my room all day. He goes back to his coffin when I'm on campus. No way he's stalking you."

Joe sighed in relief but still felt a bit uneasy. "Okay. Just making sure. See you at dinner."

Tong's next message was instant: "Cool. Let's hit that new Thai place. Heard it's killer."

Joe smiled at the unintentional pun. "See you there."

He tried to focus on his studies, but the feeling of being watched lingered. As the library's closing time approached, he packed his things and headed to the meeting spot. 

Tong was already there, lounging against the wall, his trademark grin plastered across his face.

"Hey, Joe! Ready for some killer Thai food?" Tong said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Joe rolled his eyes. "Yeah, let's go. And thanks for reassuring me about Mark. I guess I'm just being paranoid."

Tong chuckled. "Dude, you're way too uptight. Mark wouldn't bother you. He knows better."

As they walked to the restaurant, Joe couldn't help but glance around, half-expecting to catch someone hiding in the shadows. 

They arrived at the Thai place and found a table. The restaurant was bustling with life, the smell of delicious food filling the air.

"Okay, Joe, seriously, relax," Tong said as they sat down. "You're safe with me."

"Yeah, yeah," Joe muttered, scanning the menu. "I just can't shake the feeling. Maybe it's all the vampire stuff messing with my head."

Tong laughed. "Or maybe you're just going crazy. But seriously, Mark's chill. He's just happy to be out of that damn chest."

Joe sighed, deciding to trust his friend. "Fine. Let's just eat."

The food arrived, and they dug in, the conversation shifting to more mundane topics. Joe started to relax, the lively atmosphere helping to ease his mind.

As they finished their meal, Joe felt a little better, though he still couldn't completely ignore the nagging feeling of being watched. He decided to chalk it up to stress and the strangeness of recent events.

"Thanks, Tong," Joe said as they left the restaurant. "I needed this."

"Anytime, man," Tong replied, clapping him on the back. "Now let's get home before Mark gets too bored."

They made their way back to the apartment, Joe feeling slightly more at ease but still determined to keep an eye out for anything unusual.