Chapter Five

Since entering East High University, Dara has faced unexpected challenges. But she has never succumbed to anything or anyone. 

Immersed in her studies late into the night in her dorm room, the faint light of the desk lamp casting a warm glow on her books, she thought about her disturbing encounter with Christian, Jackson, and Kim. 

Something about their sudden interest in her was disconcerting. They were too insistent, their attraction too practical. Even the gentle Kim had an air of mystery about her that Dara didn't quite understand. 

Chloe's warning rang loudly in her ears. They weren't just popular, they were dangerous, something Dara still didn't understand. 

Her cell phone rang, distracting her from her thoughts. When she picked it up, Tunde's name popped up on the screen. Her heart warmed instantly. Tunde was an anchor for her, who was always there for her in a changing world.

"Hi," she said, her voice softening.

"How are you?" came Tunde's deep, soothing voice. 

"I'm fine," she replied. "Just studying."

"I Know you're strong. But don't forget. I'm here for you." 

Dara smiled, and it felt a little lighter on her soul. "Thank you. I miss you, Tunde."

"I'll see you again soon."

Their conversation calmed Dara's frayed nerves. However, when the conversation ended, she felt a prick of guilt. She hadn't told Tunde about Christian and the others. Not a look, not a conversation, not a disturbing feeling that she was being watched. 

The next morning, she went to her sociology lecture. When she arrived, the lecture hall was already buzzing with conversation. She found an empty seat in the back of the room, pulled out a notebook and prepared to take notes. Just as the professor began to speak, she felt someone's presence beside her. When she turned around, it was Jackson sitting next to her. He smiled a smile that made her stomach rumble. 

"Hi," he whispered. "Didn't expect to see you here." 

Dara raised an eyebrow. "This is a mandatory class. Why wouldn't I be here?"

Jackson shrugged, his smile unwavering. "Just thought you'd be too busy being perfect."

Ignoring him, Dara focused on the lecture. She couldn't ignore Jackson's presence, however. He often leaned over to her and pretended to ask questions about the material, but he was clearly trying to distract her. Each time this happened, her frustration grew. 

When class was over, she quickly gathered her things and tried to leave the room discreetly. However, Jackson persisted in pursuing her. 

"You're really a hard nut to crack," he said. 

"And you're really annoying," she replied.

Jackson laughed, clearly flattered. "Come on, Dara. Lighten up a little. You might like it if you let yourself." 

She stopped abruptly and turned to him. "Listen, Jackson. I don't know what game you're playing, but I'm not interested." 

Jackson raised his hands in surrender, but there was still a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Okay, okay. All right, all right. I will let you be… just for now." As he walked away, Dara felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. His words sounded like a warning, not a promise.

That night, Dara was in the campus library. The calm atmosphere was a welcome change, and she immersed herself in her textbooks, forgetting for a moment the weight of the world. But the tranquility didn't last long. 

There was a faint noise nearby. She looked up and saw Kim standing a few meters away with a book in his hands. 

"I didn't mean to scare you," he said. Dara was instantly alert. 

"What do you want?"

Kim hesitated, her expression unreadable. "I just wanted to say hello. Also, I wanted to apologize. About Jackson. He's a little over the top."

Dara watched him,not understanding his intentions. "Thank you, I guess."

Kim nodded and turned to leave. But before she could do so, Kim looked back at her. "You are unique, Dara. Don't let anyone change that." His words echoed long after he'd left, and Dara felt a mixture of emotions she couldn't put a name to. 

Was he serious or was this another ploy?

The answer came sooner than she expected. When she returned to her dormitory that evening, she found an envelope taped to her door. Her name was written on the envelope in bold letters. Excited, she opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper. 

The message was short but chilling: they are not what they seem. Be careful. 

Dara's blood ran cold. Who had written this? And what did they know? 

Standing still and clutching the note in her hands, Dara felt a rush of realization. Looking around, she saw a shadow of some sort moving at the end of the hallway. But when she blinked, the shadow was already gone.

For the first time since entering East High, Dara felt real fear. Something was unfolding around her, something much bigger than she could have imagined. And she was at the very center of it.