MIX-UP (JossGawin)

Chapter 15

Joe pulled out his phone and called Tong, his voice low and hurried. "Hey, Tong. You free for lunch? Something weird just happened."

Tong's voice crackled over the line, laced with curiosity. "Weird how? And yeah, I'm free. Usual spot?"

"Yeah, see you in ten," Joe replied, still staring at the absurd pile of snacks in his locker, bewilderment gnawing at him.

At their usual lunch spot, Tong was already seated, idly scrolling through his phone. The late noon sun cast long shadows across the table as Joe slid into the seat across from him, placing a sandwich and drink on the table with a thud.

"Alright," Tong said, looking up with a grin. "Spill. What's got you so freaked?"

Joe sighed, unwrapping his sandwich. "Someone filled my locker with snacks. Like, a ridiculous amount. Chips, candy, even instant noodles. I'm talking a mountain."

Tong snorted, biting back a laugh. "Sounds like you've got a secret admirer. Or someone's trying to fatten you up for the winter."

Joe shot him a withering look. "I'm serious, man. And it's not just that. I keep feeling like I'm being watched."

Tong's smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown. "Okay, that is weird. And, uh, speaking of weird—Mark's missing."

Joe froze mid-bite. "Missing? What do you mean?"

"I checked his room before I left," Tong said, voice low. "Not there. Then I checked the old warehouse, where his coffin is supposed to be. Empty."

Joe's eyes widened. "So, he's just... gone?"

Tong nodded, his expression troubled. "Yeah. And I have no idea where he went."

Joe leaned back, the weight of the conversation settling over him. "You think he's behind the snacks? The weird feelings?"

Tong drummed his fingers on the table, thinking. "Could be. Mark's not exactly the subtle type. But it might also be Ming. You said he's been acting sketchy too, right?"

Joe exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "This is getting way too complicated. A missing vampire, a snack-stalking mystery, and God knows what else."

Tong chuckled, though there was little humor in it. "Welcome to our lives, Joe. Drama's included, no extra charge."

They ate in contemplative silence for a few moments, the usual bustle of the campus fading into the background. Finally, Joe broke the silence. "We need to find him. If Mark's out there doing who-knows-what, it's on us."

Tong nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Agreed. We'll start looking after class. But until then, keep your guard up."

Joe smirked, the tension easing just a little. "You mean besides our whole vampire roommate situation?"

Tong laughed, leaning back in his chair. "Yeah. Besides that."

Later that evening, back at the apartment. The room felt unusually quiet without Mark's brooding presence, and the absence gnawed at both of them.

"We've got to figure this out," Tong muttered, pacing the room. "Wherever he is, it's not safe."Joe, leaning against the counter, crossed his arms. "Not safe for us—or him?"

Tong met his gaze, the weight of responsibility heavy in his eyes. "Both."