Chapter 7

I headed straight for the literature section. I looking through the  rows of shelves until I found the section where I finally spotted the section where *The Metamorphosis* by Franz Kafka was shelved.

This book was a classic, and I needed it for class, so I grabbed it and flipped through a few pages. I grabbed it flipped a few pages and read the first few chapters, and soon I was lost in Kafka's bizarre world of transformation and existential dread. Just as I was really getting into it, I felt a chill in the air and looked up, my heart skipping a beat.

Standing a few feet away from me was a guy with deep black eyes that seemed to pierce right through me. Uh-oh, did I accidentally bump into him or something? I stayed quiet for a few awkward moments, waiting for him to say something, but he just stared. It was unsettling. I glanced down at his clothes—he didn't have a uniform on, he was draped in black clothings.

Feeling uncomfortable, I shifted my weight from one foot to the other, trying to break the tension. "Do you, um, need something?" I said, my voice cracking slightly. As soon as the words left my mouth, he took a step closer, and I instinctively took a step back. He raised his arm to grab a book from the shelf above me, completely ignoring my existence like I was just a ghost.

Okay, well, that's that, rolling my eyes internally. Maybe he was just one of those super serious types or something. I turned to leave, but suddenly I froze. I felt my glands contrast trying to push it scent out.  I felt a wave of discomfort crash against me like a tidal wave. It was as if the air had thickened, pushing against my neck and bringing me pain.

In a panic, I dropped the book I had been holding and desperately tried to rip the scent blocker from my neck. "Stop, put your hand down and leave!" his voice rang out, deep and chilling. It sent shivers down my spine. I struggled to find my voice, but my body felt like it was on autopilot, and before I knew it, I was stumbling backwards, my heart racing, until I finally reached the door of the library.

Just as I stepped outside, the cool air hit me like a splash of cold water. I leaned against the wall, trying to catch my breath, my mind racing with questions. Who was that guy? Why did he have such an eerie presence? I couldn't shake the feeling that something strange had just happened. I don't know what happened but I don't plan on looking into it that'll only bring trouble shivering slightly I calmed myself down.

But as I turned to leave the library, I couldn't help but glance back. To my surprise, he was standing at the threshold, black eyes locked onto mine, a faint frown playing on his lips. It was like he knew something I didn't. My heart pounded harder. I felt a strange pull toward him, like a moth drawn to a flame. What was it about him?

I know I said I don't plan on looking into it; and I don't, but he was just there, shrouded in shadows, his eyes piercing through. I could almost hear my heart pounding in my ears, a relentless reminder of the urgency that now pulsed through my veins.

"Hey!" I called out before I could stop myself. "Wait!"

He didn't move, just stood there, before turning and walking away.

Feeling confused, I shook my head and walked back to the dorm, reaching my room, I sent a quick email to the liberian saying I'll pick up the book later. Once I finished I sent a quick message to Andy too meet me up at the door to the lunch room.

Taking a quick shower since I didn't when I finished my classes. Putting on the everyday uniform provided by the school I headed over to meet Andy. I reached towards the door by the lunch room.

I saw Andy there picking up the pace. He was glued to his phone, playing that same game I always see him playing when he's alone. Seriously, I think he might be obsessed with it. I decided to bring up the strange guy I'd seen at the library. "He was just... odd. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about him," I said, trying to downplay the anxiety that was still creeping in.

Andy raised an eyebrow, totally intrigued. "What do you mean? What did he do that freaked you out?"

I hesitated. How do I explain that feeling without sounding paranoid? "I don't know. He just... looked at me. It felt like I was the most unimportant thing in the world, but at the same time, he was seeing everything in my eyes. It made me feel... alert."

"Alert? Like you were in danger?" Andy pressed, he looked way to intrigued.

I dodged the question. How was I supposed to answer that? I didn't want to dig into those feelings especially the discomfort my glands brought me. Just then, I looked around at the passing students the passing students made me realize something "Hey, I just remember is there a way to find people at school? You know, see what everyone's up to?"

Andy's expression shifted from curiosity to excitement, but he looked at me for a moment before responding, like he knew I was avoiding the topic. Feeling a bit guilty, he said, "I think I know what you're talking about. You mean the school web room? Students create accounts, and it's like a social media platform just for our school. People post about everything—classes, parties, even the latest gossip."

"That sounds cool! How do I sign up?" I asked, eager to distract myself from that weird encounter.

"I can help you get set up," Andy said with a smile, pulling out his phone. He tapped away, creating an account for me and showing me how to navigate the site. As he explained everything, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. Being able to see what's happening around me and keeping up with school life seemed like a great way to keep my mind occupied for the rest of the year.

As we continued to set up my profile, I tried to push thoughts of that guy out of my head. The chances of running into him again were probably low; he might not even go to our school—maybe he was just a random visitor. He didn't have a uniform on so I might be right. Either way, I was grateful for Andy's help and for finding out about the web room. But no matter what, I couldn't quite shake the feeling of that man's eyes lingering in my mind.