Chapter 1
My eyes widened as I read the message again: *"I hope you remember me, doll." Over the past week, I had been receiving cryptic texts from someone I vaguely remembered meeting. Last Friday had been a blur—a mix of laughter, loud music, and the kind of excitement that only comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. It was a usual evening at Elmwood Academy. My friends, Cara and Jade, and I had decided to check out a student-hosted event in the main hall—a mix of music, games, and a mini dance floor setup. The hall was packed, buzzing with energy as students mingled and shared stories over snacks. I was dressed in my favorite casual outfit, comfortable yet stylish, hoping to enjoy the night without drawing too much attention. At some point during the evening, someone had sent me a series of drinks—sparkling apple sodas garnished with lime. At first, I thought it was a mistake, but the server pointed toward a figure in the far corner of the room. He wore a dark hoodie, his face obscured by the dim lighting, except for his striking green eyes that seemed to cut through the crowd. I smiled politely, assuming it was just a friendly gesture. Later in the evening, I stepped outside to catch some air, only to find myself face-to-face with the same mysterious person. He had taken off his hood, revealing sharp features and a confident yet enigmatic smile. “Enjoying the evening?” he asked, his voice smooth and calming. We ended up talking for a while. He mentioned he was new to the school and seemed fascinated by the event, but every now and then, his responses were vague. Something about him felt familiar and yet out of reach, like I had met him before but couldn’t place where or when. As the night wound down, I lost sight of him in the crowd. It wasn’t until I started receiving these strange messages that I began to feel uneasy. Who was he, and why did he seem so intent on keeping me guessing? Every possibility ran through my mind, a mix of curiosity and unease. What did he want, and why couldn’t I shake the feeling that there was more to this encounter than met the eye? --
