Pair of eyes.

Time slipped away, and before Dave knew it, the day of their move had arrived. After bidding farewell to his friends and loved ones, he found himself seated in the car, staring out the window as the familiar scenery faded into the distance. As they crossed into the new country, an odd sensation settled in his chest. Unlike his beloved Lyralis, this place carried an undeniable darkness, an eerie aura that sent an unexplainable chill down his spine. He glanced at his parents, wondering if they sensed it too, but they remained engrossed in their conversation, seemingly unaffected.

Shaking off his unease, Dave turned to his phone, seeking a distraction. Maybe it's just nerves, he reasoned. First-time jitters, that's all.

The journey had been long—nearly thirteen hours by car. His mother had insisted on driving instead of flying, citing an inexplicable discomfort about boarding a plane that day. Dave had chuckled inwardly at her quirks, but now, with exhaustion creeping in, he was starting to feel the weight of the decision.

At last, the car came to a halt. The gentle call of his mother's voice stirred him from sleep. Blinking against the dim glow of streetlights, he stretched lazily before stepping out. His eyes fell upon their new house, a grand display of sophistication and elegance.

The architecture was a flawless blend of classic and modern styles, exuding luxury in every detail. The polished wood, pristine marble, and intricately designed fixtures spoke of wealth and refinement. Warm, inviting lights spilled through the tall windows, illuminating the lush surroundings. The interior, though unseen, promised comfort and state-of-the-art technology, seamlessly woven into an aesthetic that balanced opulence with homeliness.

Dave smirked, surveying the grand structure before him. "Not bad". His mother ruffled his hair affectionately, drawing a sleepy chuckle from him.

But just as he was about to step inside, something caught his eye—the house next door.

Unlike their well-lit, inviting home, the neighboring house loomed in eerie silence. No lights glowed from within, no welcoming warmth seeped from its walls. It stood cold and lifeless, as though time had abandoned it. But what unsettled him most was the open window on the second floor.

His brows furrowed. "Don't tell me someone actually lives there". The thought sent a shiver down his spine.

His parents had chosen this house, meaning they had seen the one next to it—so why had they never mentioned how unsettling it was? Shooting the ominous house one last look, Dave shook off his discomfort and stepped inside.

His room was already set up, thanks to the maids and guards. Clothes were neatly arranged, his essentials unpacked, and only the bag labeled sensitive stuff remained untouched. Switching on the lights, he took in the space—his own personal haven of creativity and self-expression.

Soft pastel hues blended with bold accents, giving the room a unique, lively character. Plush bedding, decorative art pieces, and a mix of modern and eclectic furnishings filled the space, reflecting his personality. Every inch of the room screamed comfort and individuality, a perfect retreat after a long journey.

Dave let out a content sigh before heading into the bathroom, and he immediately paused, marveling at its design.

The bathroom was a sanctuary of indulgence—soft lighting casting a golden glow, a perfect balance of gentle pastels and vibrant hues creating an uplifting atmosphere. Neatly arranged skincare products, plush towels, and scented candles completed the aesthetic. It wasn't just a bathroom; it was a retreat, a place designed for relaxation and self-care.

Undressing, he sank into the warm bath, relishing the soothing heat against his skin. A cool breeze filtered through the slightly open window, sending a pleasant shiver down his spine as hot met cold. The contrast was oddly relaxing, his body sinking deeper into comfort.

Minutes later, refreshed and clad in a pair of short Nike shorts that accentuated his smooth, milky thighs, paired with a simple top, he moved around his room, sorting through the last of his belongings.

It was then that he noticed something unsettling.

His window directly faced another room in the eerie neighboring house.

A frown tugged at his lips. If his window aligned perfectly with theirs, that meant someone from the other side could watch him if they chose to. Likewise, he could see into their room—if they ever opened their curtains. The thought unsettled him.

"Why is it this close?" he muttered, irritation creeping into his tone.

He turned his back to the window, forcing himself to focus on his unpacking. But the feeling of being watched clawed at his senses. His body tensed, his skin prickling with an unshakable awareness. He glanced over his shoulder—nothing. The windows next door remained shut, their dark glass obscuring whatever lay behind them.

Yet, the sensation remained.

"Fuck this." Dave stormed over to his own window, yanking it shut before drawing the curtains together in one swift motion. He stood there for a moment, gripping the fabric, his breaths coming slow and measured.

Why does this place feel so strange?

Shaking off the unease, he grabbed his phone, put on a soft, soothing song, and climbed into bed. The music wrapped around him like a comforting embrace, its melody easing the tension in his chest.

As the notes filled the room, his eyes grew heavy, exhaustion finally taking hold. Slowly, the eerie atmosphere of his new surroundings faded into the background, replaced by the gentle lull of sleep.

But just as his consciousness slipped, a fleeting thought crossed his mind.