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Beauty POV

I wore a fitted red mini dress and two-inch heels, with my straight hair cascading down. I didn't put on makeup on my face because I hate it, and the heat on my face makes me uncomfortable.

I sighed. This is my second time going to a bar. The last time was with my cousin for her birthday, but I don't drink.

I hate parties and bars because they're noisy, and I'm not used to it. The first time I went, my expression wasn't good right away because I saw people making out everywhere.

After getting ready, I quickly went out and took a taxi to hurry since it was already 6:57 pm, and they were looking for me. I got in, paid, thanked the driver, and got off.

The 'Frenzy Bar' greeted me. Many people were inside, some didn't seem to care as they were kissing, hugging, and making out even on the sides.

I avoided looking around and walked towards the bar entrance. Two men were at the side and let me in. I suddenly felt nervous about this idea of mine. I immediately smelled the strong alcohol upon entering, so I winced. Everyone here was having fun. I ignored it and quickly looked for the VIP area they reserved. I went up the stairs and saw them with a man.

Lana was laughing with the man she was hugging, along with Luna and Mark. But like before, Luna was the only one who seemed serious.

Why was there a man? I was about to leave. Lana caught my eye and waved happily.

"Beauty! Come here!" They all looked at me, including their companions.

I felt uncomfortable but managed to smile and walk to them.

"Come here quickly," Xiana happily pulled my arm to sit on the soft couch and handed me a glass of tequila.

"Go ahead, drink," Lana said.

I looked at the glass they were drinking from while I just stared at it. Last time I knew, I didn't like the taste even though others said it was good.

"No, it's fine. I'll just have juice--"

"Juice? Denise, we're in a bar to drink. Besides, our finals are coming up. Have some fun for once, right?" she chuckled to her friend beside her and rolled her eyes.

"Drink up, girl. Your life is so boring," Mark interjected.

"Don't mind them. They're already drunk. Just drink if you want," Luna said seriously and downed the tequila before placing it on the table.

I looked at my glass and slowly drank it. I closed my eyes at the taste that hit my throat, quickly swallowed it without hesitation, and then squeezed the lemon on the side. This is the last time I'm going to drink this tequila ever again.

"See, it's good," Lana grinned and laughed.

I forced a smile, stood up immediately, and bid them goodbye. I felt hot, and I didn't expect the tequila to hit me so quickly.

"Do you want me to accompany you?" Lana's companion offered. I didn't like the way he looked at me since I arrived.

I immediately rejected him.

"I can handle myself."

"No, let him escort you--" Lana interrupted, heating up not just my body but also my head.

"I said it's fine," I said firmly.

They fell silent at my words. I didn't want to be rude, but I didn't want to engage with them again, especially with the man. I knew my voice didn't sound good because even I didn't like their teasing now. It's different from when I first met them.

I think there's something wrong with the drink.

I gave them the cold stare. Not one of them spoke.

"I'm out," I said finally and turned away from them. I needed to leave this place immediately.

The heat I felt worsened.

I struggled to hold onto the wall, my body weakening, feeling dizzy, and the heat overwhelming me. I felt like crying because I didn't know what to do.

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I couldn't help but sob. I didn't want to call my friend because she'd be really mad at me, and my dad might find out where I am.

I sat on the side. I shouldn't have trusted them from the start. I think they put something in my drink; that's the conclusion in my mind. They didn't tell me there was a man with them, and I really didn't like the way Lana's companion looked at me earlier, which made me uncomfortable. Why did she insist on accompanying me with the man?

Tears streamed down my face as I felt the burning sensation, and I was embarrassed. I really didn't know what to do. I looked up and saw two black pairs of shoes in front of me.

I know it's a man.

I swallowed, unable to make out his face until he bent down to meet my gaze. My lips parted when I saw his serious face and slightly messy hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt and black pants, and his strong cologne filled my nose. His thick eyebrows furrowed slightly as he looked at me.

He's a striking man with a captivating dark charm. His style effortlessly blends sophistication and edge, making heads turn wherever he goes. I couldn't speak, just kept staring at him. This man is unreal. I swallowed when I looked at his lips.

I suddenly felt tempted by his red lips.

I looked away. This is really bad, Beauty!

Tears formed again. I shouldn't be feeling this...

"Such a crying kid, tsk!" he muttered coldly.

What is happening to myself?

I wanted to kiss him.

I want to ease the heat on my body.

I hate myself now.

I pinched myself.

"C-can you help me?" I struggled to ask, tightly holding onto my dress and crying from the heat I felt. He raised an eyebrow, his face serious.

"A favor?" His lips quirked up.

"I don't make it for free."

I didn't know why my lips uttered the word 'yes' on their own, or maybe that's what I wanted. All I want now is to alleviate even a bit of what I'm feeling.

"K-kiss me."

I don't know why, but I feel like I'm taking a risk and sealing a deal with a devil. A dark smirk formed on his red lips.

"Sure"CopyMariin kung kinagat ang aking labi at pinilit ang sarili bumalik ka ang tingin sa papel na hawak ko yukot na ito dahil sa higpit pagkakapit ko. Dvmn that man! Halos sabunutan ko na aking sarili dahil kanina pa paulit-ulit na pumasok ko ang mukha niya. I hissed. He's the weirdest man I ever meet in my whole life! "Hindi ka pa ba uuwi ,Iha? Padilim na sa labas" Napatingin ako sa nagsalita. Ang librarian. Matanda ito na nakasuot ng salamin.Napatingin ako sa labas at medyo madilim na nga. Sh!t Hindi ko na pala namalayan ang oras. "Pauwi na po" mabilis kong sabi at tumakbo palabas ng building. Napamura ako ng ilang beses patakbo sa bus station pero agad akong nanghina ng maalala na ubos na ang pera sa wallet ko. Malas! Kaya wala akong magawa kundi ang maglakad na lang. Buti na lang at hindi naman sobrang layo ng lalakarin ko. Nakasimangot akong maglakad hanggang sa eskinita. Hawak ko ng mahigpit ang payong. Madilim ang paligid at ang ilaw pa ay pundido. Minsan pa ay tumitingin ako sa paligid sa takot. Baka kasi may biglang may nakasunod sa'kin kaya labis ang kaba ko. Mahigpit ang kapit ko strap ng bag ng tumahol ang aso. Sh!te talaga! Bumilis ang hakbang ko. Tinagilid ko ang mata kung may nakasunod pero agad akong nakahinga ng maluwag ng walang tao. "Hmmp..." Natigilan ako sa narinig. Napalunok ako at saglit na huminto. I look on my back. Isang madilim lang ang nakikita ko. Did I just missed heard? Tumalikod na ako at--- "Maawa ka sa---" Nagmamakaawang boses ang narinig ko. Tinig ng babae. Bumagal ang paghinga ko. Natuod ako sa aking kinatatayuan ng makita ang anino ng isang lalaki at nasa harap nito ang babae na nakaluhod. Bakas sa mukha ng babae ang takot dahil may hawak na patalim ang lalaki. Napa atras ako. Nanlalamig ang mga kamay ko at hindi ako makagalaw sa aking nasaksihan. Sa aking pag atras ay hindi ko sinasadyang naapakan ang chan ng beer na nakakalikha ng tunog. Ngunit bago pa ito lumingon sa pwesto ko ay may biglang humingit sakin sa madilim na sulok. Tinakpan nito ang bibig ko. "Shhh" malalim na tanong nito. Ramdam ko ang mainit ang hininga sa bandang tenga ko, ang ng mainit niyang kamay ay dumadampi sa aking labi. Maging ang init ng kanyang katawan ay ramdam ko na sa sobrang lapit namin na para bang yakap na niya ang likod ko. Naalerto naman ang lalaki na may hawak na patalim sa ingay at mabilis na umalis. Natulala naman saglit ang babae ngunit bumalik din sa wisto at tumakbo sa takot. "What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" Mariin niyang sabi. Napatingala ako sa kanya. Nakasuot siya ng black sando at pants. Seryoso ang kanyang mukha at madilim. May inis din ang nababagay dito. "P-Pauwi na ako tapos---" "Danger is everywhere. Remember that" malamig niyang sabi at tumalikod. Kumunot ang nuo ko sa inasal niya at pinagmamasdan siyang maglakad habang may bitbit na plastic. What's he doing here anyway?! Naglaho na siya aking paningin. As he eat by the dark area of street. I bite my lips. Ramdam ko pa din ang init ng kamay sa labi ko. Maging ang init na aking nararamdaman sa leeg. Dvmn you Aiden! ------- Mabilis akong tumalikod at agad kong natanaw ang building ng aking apartment. Panatag na ako dahil ang bawat gilid nito ay puro ikaw at sobra ang liwanag para sa dumaan. Yakap ko ang aking sarili ng dumampi ang malamig na hangin sa aking balat. Kalmado ang paligid at tahimik. Gaya ng unang apak ko pa lang dito ngunit sa kabila nito ay may nakakubling kapahamakan. Buntong hininga ako. "Meow!" Natigilan ako sa paghakbang ng marinig ang munting tunog ng pusa. I look around. At hinanap kong saan ang pinanggagalingan ng tunog na iyon. Kumulot ang nuo ko ng makita ang itim na kuting sa gilid ng kalsada. Madumi ang katawan nito at mas nakuha ng atensyon ko ang kulay ng mata nito. Magkaiba ng kulay nito , berde at asul. Siguro kasing lang siya ng kamay ko pero mataba. Nakatitig ang bilog nitong mata sa'kin. Napanguso ako at yumuko dito. How dare they abandon this little cute creature?! Tinap ko ang ulo nito at agad kong naramdaman ang balahibo nitong malambot. I giggled as I took the cat.Ang malambot ng balahibo nitong parang masarap yakapin. Hindi ko mapigilang makaramdam ng excitement. Lumingon ako sa paligid at hinanap kong may kasama itong kapatid o kaya ina ngunit wala akong nakita. Binalot ko muna ito sa panyo at kinarga. Mahina itong nag-ingay at sinandal ang ulo sa tiyan ko na siyang ikinangiti ko. "Mukhang naman walang naghahanap sayo kaya sakin ka na muna" I murmured. A cat purrs a bit as he/she agree with what I said. Nang makapasok sa aking apartment ay nagpasya akong ligoan ito. At nalaman ko na lalaki ang pusa. Pinunasan ko muna bago nilapag sa mini table ko. Hindi naman ito mahirap alagaan dahil masunurin ito. Napangiti ako ng makita nakatingin sakin ang bilugan nitong mata. This cute cat is really look innocent and fluffy. Nanggigigil ako."What should I name you, hmm?" I bite my lips and chuckled. Dahil mataba at ang fluffy niya. I will name him... "Siopao!" I giggled. That's a cute name for him! I stare at the cat who is already staring at me as I say words but he seems don't like it. He purrs at me. I pouted. "No buts!" _______ Napamulat ako ng mata ng biglang tumunog ang cellphone ko. Kahit inaantok ay inabot ko ito at sinagot ang tawag. "Hello" Tamad kong sagot. "Besh! Sa wakas!" Biglang nabuhay ang diwa ko at napaupo sa kama. "Serena?" "Yes! Your beautiful friend Serena WinWin" magiliw na sabi nito at bakas ang tuwa sa kabilang linya. I chuckled. Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang ugali niya. Still Serena that I meet 4 years ago. "Ba't ka nga pala napatawag?" Tanong ko. "Hoy! Ilang linggo ka ba naman hindi nagparamdam noh. Nakikipag taguan ka pa yata sa daddy mo so what ba? Gusto lang kitang kamustahin" walang preno nitong sabi kaya nagpahilot ako sa noo. "Ayaw ko muna ng pag usapan, okay?"Mahina kong sabi. Buntong hininga naman siya sa kabilang linya. "Hays! Fine, but I want to meet you this afternoon. Just send me the place, bye mwah!" Mabilis niyang sabi aangal pa sana ako ng patayin niya agad ang tawag napatingin ako sa cellphone bago ibagsak sa kama. "Meow" Lumingon ako sa baba ng kama ng makita ang pusa na nakatingin sa'kin. Nakatagilid ang mukha nito na sila ay naguguluhan. I smiled. Binuhat ko ito at niyakap. Sabi nila malas daw ang itim na pusa but for me. This cat is my little comfort zone. He purr on my arms. Ow! "Siopao are you hungry?" Pinaliit ko ang boses ko at pinisil-pisil ito. Araw ng sabado ngayon kaya halos tanghali na ako gumising. I stretched my arms. Nilagyan ko lang ng pagkain sa Siopao. Lumabas muna ako sa berenda ng aking apartment. Nilipad ng hangin ang aking bagsak na buhok. Napangiti ako at pumikit. This morning is refreshing. Lumipat ang tingin ko sa kabilang berenda. May itim na kurtina ito na nililipad ng hangin. Dumapo ang tingin ko sa mini table na may nakapatong na tasa ng kape. My mind is still full of wonder. Kumunot ang nuo ko ng gumalaw ang bahagi ng glass window at sumarado. Bahagya ko pang nakita ng anino ng kamay, napa Kurap ako. My lips parted. Did my neighbor see me?Translate To EnglishCopyI bit my lip hard and forced myself to look back at the paper I was holding, crumpled due to my tight grip.

Damn that man!

I almost wanted to scratch myself because his face kept popping into my mind. I hissed.

He's the weirdest man I ever met in my whole life!

"Aren't you going home yet, dear? It's getting dark outside," I looked at the speaker.

The librarian. An old man wearing glasses. I glanced outside, and it was indeed getting dark. Sh!t, I didn't realize how late it was.

"I'm going home now," I quickly said and ran out of the building.

I cursed several times as I ran to the bus station, but I immediately felt weak upon remembering that my wallet was empty.

Bad luck!

So, I had no choice but to walk. Luckily, it wasn't too far to walk.

I walked with a frown until I reached the alley. I tightly held onto my umbrella.

The surroundings were dark, and the lights were out. Sometimes, I glanced around in fear. I was afraid someone might be following me, so I was very anxious.

I held onto my bag strap tightly as the dog barked.

Sh!t, really! I quickened my pace. I glanced around to see if someone was following me, but I quickly breathed a sigh of relief when I saw no one.

"Hmmp..." I paused at the sound.

I swallowed and stopped for a moment. I looked back. I could only see darkness. Did I just mishear something? I turned around and—

"Have mercy on—" I heard a pleading voice. A woman's voice.

I held my breath. I froze in place as I saw the shadow of a man, with the woman kneeling in front of him. Fear was evident on the woman's face as the man held a knife.

I stepped back. My hands turned cold, and I couldn't move from what I witnessed.

As I stepped back, I accidentally stepped on a beer can, creating a sound.

But before I could turn to my spot, someone suddenly grabbed me from the dark corner. He covered my mouth.

"Shhh," he whispered deeply.

I felt his warm breath near my ear, his warm hand touching my lips. Even the heat from his body was felt so close to me, as if he was embracing my back.

The man with the knife was alerted by the noise and quickly left. The woman was momentarily stunned but then returned to her senses and ran away in fear.

"What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" he said firmly.

I looked up at him. He was wearing a black tank top and pants. His face was serious and dark. There was also annoyance in his demeanor.

"I-I'm going home and—"

"Danger is everywhere. Remember that," he said coldly and turned away.

I furrowed my brows at his behavior and watched him walk away with a plastic bag.

What's he doing here anyway?!

He disappeared from my sight as he went into the dark area of the street. I bit my lips. I still felt the warmth of his hand on my lips. I could still feel the heat on my neck.

Damn you, Aiden!

I quickly turned around and immediately saw the building of my apartment. I felt calm because every corner of it was familiar, and the light was bright for anyone passing by.

I hugged myself as the cool breeze touched my skin. The surroundings were calm and quiet. It felt like my first step here, but despite that, there was hidden danger. I sighed.

"Meow!"

I paused my steps upon hearing the tiny sound of a cat.

I looked around and searched for where the sound was coming from. I furrowed my brows upon seeing the black kitten on the side of the street. Its body was dirty, but what caught my attention was the color of its eyes. They were different colors, green and blue. Maybe it was the size of my hand but chubby. Its round eyes were fixed on me.

I smiled and bent down to it.

How dare they abandon this little cute creature?!

I touched its head and immediately felt its soft fur. I giggled as I took the cat. Its soft fur felt so good to hug. I couldn't help but feel excited.

I looked around and searched for its sibling or mother, but I didn't see anyone. I wrapped it in a cloth and carried it. It made a soft noise and leaned its head on my stomach, which made me smile.

"It seems no one is looking for you, so you're with me for now," I murmured. The cat purred a bit, agreeing with what I said.

Upon entering my apartment, I decided to give it a bath. I found out it was a male cat. I wiped it clean before placing it on my mini table. It wasn't difficult to take care of it because it was obedient.

I smiled as its round eyes looked at me. This cute cat looked really innocent and fluffy.

I couldn't help but feel excited. "What should I name you, hmm?"

I bit my lips and chuckled. Because it was chubby and fluffy. I will name him...

"Siopao!" I giggled.

That's a cute name for him! I stared at the cat who was already looking at me as I spoke, but he didn't seem to like it.

He purred at me.

I pouted.

"No buts!"

I woke up abruptly when my cellphone suddenly rang. Despite feeling sleepy, I reached for it and answered the call.

"Hello," I lazily answered.

"Bestie! Finally!" My spirit suddenly lifted, and I sat up on the bed.

"Serena?"

"Yes! Your beautiful friend Serena WinWin," she said cheerfully, and her joy was evident on the other line. I chuckled. Her personality hadn't changed. StillCopyBeautyPOV "Behave, okay?" Paalala ko sa pusa ko pero nakatingin lang bilugan nitong mata sa akin kaya natawa ako. I tap his fluffy head before I close the door of my apartment. I look at my wrist. It's already 1:30 pm. Napatingin ako sa langit dahil parang may babagsak na malakas na ulan. Agad akong sumakay ng taxi bago pa naabutan ng ulan. I texted Winowa of the location of our meeting.At napili ko ay kung saan ang lugar ng aming madalas puntahan. Napatingin ako sa gilid ng sasakyan ng mahagip ng aking mata ang pangalan ng Village. Nashville Village. Ang pangalan ng Village kung saan ako nangungupahan. This place is kinda...far from the center. Hindi masyado kilala at tago. Maraming matataas na puno na nakahiga sa kalsada at walang makikitang mga bahay. Nung una, kalo naliligaw ako. Not until marating ko ang dulo. At bumungad sa akin ang lugar na sobrang kakaiba. Tahimik at kalmado ngunit delikado. --------- Dalawang oras ang lumipas at narating ko na ang centro. Del Vally kung tawagin. Bumaba ako sa taxi at nilakad ang coffee shop. I wear my eyeglasses before I enter. Lumapat ang tingin ko sa isang babae na nakasuot ng itim na dress. Her face was serious but when she saw me. It's already changed into a bubbly one. "Beauty!" Masiglang sigaw niya kaya natawa ako. I miss her. Mabilis niya akong niyakap. Nakaupo kami sa couch at agad siyang nagsalita tungkol nangyari sa kanya sa nakaraang linggo hanggang siya ang nagtanong sa'kin. "So, how about you?" Nakanguso niyang tanong at sila ay interesado sa mga nangyari sa buhay ko noong nagdaang buwan. "Ahm..fine" simple sabi at sumimsim ng kape. Napasinghap siya at nanliliit ang mata sa akin. "Eh? Impossible! Ilang araw na ang nagdaang tapos fine lang sagot mo. Come on, Beauty! Never had a crush or ...." Nakakunot ang noo ko. Crush? "Yeah crush! Like you meet a handsome guy then he always on your mind then you start to fantasize him--" I pursed my lips. I never---'Danger is everywhere. Remember that' I was stunned. Why does his cold voice suddenly flash into my mind? Napa Kurap ako. "I n-never.." Kagat labi ang sabi ko. "O...kay" Nanliit niyang mata na tila'y hindi kumbensido sa sinabi ko. She stamps her hands on the table. "Anyway, saan ka nga pala umuupa? Hindi mo man lang sinabi sakin?" Nagtatampong sabi niya. Simula ang lumipat ako ay hindi ko sinabi sa kanya dahil alam kong nagpupumilit siyang sumama. "Nashville Village" Natigilan siya. "Village what?!" "Nashville Village" "Wait...is that village part of South Centro?" Curious niyang tanong. Saglit siyang tumahimik na parang may iniisip. Nanahimik ako. Yes, I remember it's part of SouthCentro. "That village is far.." Mahina niyang sabi at halos pabulong. Umangat ang tingin niya sa'kin. Tumango ako. "San ka nag-rent?" Sunod niyang tanong. "Sa Foster Building, malapit lang kasi sa bago kong pinapasukan na University at--" "That building is haunted, Beauty" Natigilan ako. H-uh? "I remember---luma na yung building na 'yon. Diba apartment 'yon? Sabi nung schoolmate ko..kaya wala daw umuupa dahil marami daw kakaiba ng nangyayari don sa lugar na 'yon...like a creepy thing" Nang Hilakbot niyang kwento. ( FLASHBACK ) Natuwa naman ang landlady. She smile at me "Mabuti naman, medyo matagal na din itong hindi nauupahan.Kung gayon, kailan ang lipat mo, Iha?" ------- "M-ay kalabog po kasi sa katabi ng apartment ko--" "Na'ko, natakot ka ba? Pasensya na.. meron kasing cleaning don sa isang apartment na 'yon." maagap nitong sabi at malumanay na ngumiti sa akin. ( END OF FLASHBACK ) I remember that day. Kahit may kalabog tuwing gabi tila ay walang pakialam ang landlady. Walang kahit isang nagreklamo sa mga ingay na naririnig sa gabi. "Sigurado ka bang gusto mo pang na kumuha ng apartment don? I heard na may multo daw na nagpapakita don kapag gabi" "M-Multo?" Utal na tanong ko. "Oo, meron daw nagpapakita doon at gumagawa ng ingay kapag gabi dahil may pinatay daw doon na babae... Creepy, right?" 'Multo' Pinilit ko ang iniisip ako. Mabigat ang mga hakbang ko patungo sa Forster building. Katulad ng dati, tahimik lang ito na animo'y walang tao. Tanging tunog lang sasakyan ang maririnig. Nang makapasok sa loob ang apartment ay agad kong binagsak ang aking sarili sa malambot na coach. I massage my head. Sa pananatili ko dito ay wala naman akong karanasan kakaiba bukod sa ingay narinig ko sa gabi. Ngunit mula ng gabing 'iyon ay hindi na muling nasundan pa. At 'yon ang pinagtataka ko. But I think it's better. Napamulat ako ng mapansin na walang sumalubong sa'kin.Agad na hinahanap ng mata ko si Siopao. Where's my cat? "Siopao!" Tawag ko sa pusa ngunit walang lumapit at umikot sa hita ko gaya ng ginawa niya kapag nandito ako. Kumulot ang noo ko. "Asan 'yon?" Bulong ko at binuksan ang aking kwarto ngunit wala ito. Bigla akong nararamdaman ng kaba. Inikot ko na ang buong apartment ko pero hindi ko ito makita. Mabilis akong bumaba para tanungin ang landlady ngunit wala naman daw siyang nakita na pusa. "Pusa ba kamo? Aba'y wala naman akong nakikita na pusa dito sa building, Iha" Bagsak ang balikat ko. Napatingin ako sa nagsalita na babae. She's wearing a black t-shirt with leggings. "Hi! Miss, may nakita akong pusa , pero kinuha na nung lalaki. Matagal na yatang hinahanap" sabi nito kaya bigla akong nararamdaman ng lungkot. "White na pusa ba?" Sabi nito. "H-uh?" "White na pusa yung kinuha kanina lang. Yon ba hinahanap mo?" Tanong nito kaya nabuhayan ako ng loob. Ibig sabihin hindi si Siopao ang kinuha nito. Agad akong nakahinga ng maluwag. "Itim na pusa ang hinahanap ko" Napakamot ito sa batok. "Ah, ganon ba. Hehehe my fault" Natawa ako ng mahina."Okay lang" "Archie nga pala. Ikaw ba yung bagong lipat lang dito, you are?.." "Beauty" ---------- It's already 6pm. Pero hindi pa rin bumabalik ang pusa ko. Napatabon ako ng mukha dahil marami pumasok sa isip na masamang nangyari kay Siopao. What if...may nagkainteres na kunin sakin ang puso dahil kakaiba ang mga mata nito. O kaya sobrang cute nito ay ninakaw sa akin.Translate To EnglishEditCopyBeauty POV

"Behave, okay?" I reminded my cat, but it just stared at me with its round eyes, so I chuckled. I tapped its fluffy head before closing the door of my apartment.

I looked at my wrist. It's already 1:30 pm.

I glanced at the sky as if a heavy rain was about to fall.

I quickly got into a taxi before the rain could catch up. I texted Winowa the location of our meeting. I chose the place where we usually hang out.

I looked to the side of the car and caught sight of the name of the Village. Nashville Village. The name of the Village where I rent. This place is kinda...far from the center. Not very well-known and secluded.

There were many tall trees lying on the road, and no houses were visible. At first, I felt lost. Not until I reached the end. And the place that greeted me was so different. Quiet and calm yet dangerous.

Two hours passed, and I reached the center. Del Valley, they call it. I got off the taxi and walked to the coffee shop. I wear my eyeglasses before I enter.

My gaze landed on a woman in a black dress. Her face was serious, but when she saw me, it immediately turned into a bubbly one.

"Beauty!" she exclaimed energetically, making me laugh.

I miss her.

She hugged me quickly. We sat on the couch, and she immediately started talking about what happened to her last week until she asked me.

"So, how about you?" she inquired, showing interest in what happened in my life in the past month.

"Ahm...fine," I said simply and sipped my coffee. She gasped and narrowed her eyes at me.

"Eh? Impossible! It's been days, and you're just fine? Come on, Beauty! Never had a crush or ...."

I furrowed my brows. Crush?

"Yeah, crush! Like you meet a handsome guy then he always on your mind then you start to fantasize him--"

I pursed my lips. I never---'Danger is everywhere. Remember that.'

I was stunned. Why does his cold voice suddenly flash into my mind? I blinked.

"I n-never.." I bit my lip.

"O...kay," she said, her eyes narrowing as if not convinced by my words. She stamped her hands on the table.

"Anyway, where do you rent? You didn't even tell me?" she said in a slightly annoyed tone.

Since I moved, I didn't tell her because I knew she insisted on coming along.

"Nashville Village."

She paused.

"Village what?!"

"Nashville Village."

"Wait...is that village part of South Centro?" she asked curiously. She fell silent for a moment as if she was thinking.

I fell silent. Yes, I remember it's part of South Centro.

"That village is far..." she said softly, almost whispering. She looked up at me.

I nodded.

"Where did you rent?" she asked next.

"At Foster Building, it's close to my new University and--"

"That building is haunted, Beauty."

I froze. H-uh?

"I remember---that building is old. Isn't it an apartment? My schoolmate said...that no one rents there because strange things happen in that place...like a creepy thing," she told a chilling story.

( FLASHBACK )

The landlady was pleased. She smiled at me, "That's good, it hasn't been rented for a long time. So, when are you moving, dear?"

"T-There's a noise next to my apartment--"

"Oh, you got scared? I'm sorry.. there's a cleaning in one of the apartments." she quickly said and smiled gently at me.

( END OF FLASHBACK )

I remember that day. Even though there was a noise every night, the landlady seemed not to care. No one complained about the noises heard at night.

"Are you sure you still want to rent the apartment there? I heard that there's a ghost that appears there at night."

"M-Ghost?" I stuttered.

"Yes, there's one that appears there and makes noise at night because a woman was killed there...

Creepy, right?"

'Ghost'

I forced myself to think. My steps felt heavy as I walked towards the Forster building. Like before, it was quiet as if there was no one. Only the sound of vehicles could be heard.

Upon entering the apartment, I immediately collapsed on the soft couch. I massaged my head.

During my stay here, I didn't have any strange experiences except for the noise I heard at night. But since that night, it was never repeated. And that's what puzzled me.

I woke up to notice that no one greeted me. My eyes immediately searched for Siopao.

Where's my cat?

"Siopao!" I called for the cat, but it didn't come near and just circled around my legs as it usually did when I was around.

I furrowed my brows.

"Where is he?" I whispered and opened my room, but he wasn't there