Error 404: YouTuber Not Found | BlankGameplays Fanfic

Chapter 8 - Unknown Caller

Ethan paced his apartment, glancing every so often at the door to his recording room. His hands fidgeted nervously, and his chest shuddered with every breath. 

He knew he was slipping. Those texts, the corrupted videos, it wasn't just a coincidence. Ethan glanced furtively at the mirror in the hall as he passed it, quickly looking away. He didn't want to see himself now.

And at the coffee shop- Jesse's phone- he had been texting her. 

Ethan froze, his back to the mirror now. He shook his head to clear it. 

"Get a grip, Erica," Ethan muttered, trying to force himself to smile, to relax. He fed on fear, anxiety.

But he couldn't shake thoughts of Jesse's phone... Ethan saw their text messages. He had called Ethan a liar, said things were about to get interesting. 

Well, a part of him agreed. Ethan buried his face in his hands. He knew the game- he couldn't let Jesse get hurt. If that meant shutting her out, well-

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. 

"Ethan?" Jesse's voice said from outside. Ethan's heart betrayed him, leaping in his chest. "I'm- I'm really sorry for  running out on you yesterday... I- uh, I was wondering if we could try that again."

Ethan thought frantically, glancing at his phone. 

A text from an unknown caller appeared. 

tick tock, kid. 

Ethan winced, opening up his contact book with shaking fingers. He set his jaw before blocking and deleting Jesse's number. 

He sighed. Hopefully that would buy him a little time. 

temporary fix, the unknown number said, as Ethan's phone screen shuddered, like an electronic hiccup. 

"Ethan? Are you home?" Jesse asked, sounding concerned. 

"Yup!" Ethan replied, trying to sound light. "Sorry, let me get the door." He plastered a smile on his face and went to greet Jesse.