Akhil_9999_9

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Dark Circles, Dark Secrets is a gripping web novel that delves into the emotional complexities of trauma, societal pressure, and hidden truths. The story follows a young man burdened by a painful past, struggling with the effects of child abuse and the harsh realities of the world around him. Alongside him is Hinata, a bright and optimistic figure whose warmth contrasts with the darkness he carries.

As their lives intertwine, secrets are revealed, and the characters must confront their deepest fears. With themes of police brutality, personal struggles, and the search for redemption, the novel explores how our pasts shape who we are and whether it’s possible to break free from the darkness.


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Eclipsed Fate

Akira was about to fall asleep when he heard a faint ringtone from Hinata's room. He turned his head slightly, listening.

"Hello?" Hinata's sleepy voice answered.

A girl's urgent whisper crackled through the speaker.

"Hinata… I saw Akira. I saw him murder someone at the zoo."

Hinata sat up, her breath hitching. "Bomi… What are you talking about?"

"I called the police." Bomi's voice trembled. "I just wanted you to know because… you're his neighbor."

Before Hinata could say another word, the call ended abruptly.

A cold shiver ran down her spine. Was it a prank? A misunderstanding? But why would Bomi lie about something this serious?

She grabbed her phone and called Akira.

Her unease grew. She stepped out of her room and knocked on his door. No response. She turned the knob—unlocked. The room was empty.

Bomi's mother, confused by the late visitor, opened the door slightly. A young man stood outside, his head tilted down.

A chilling chuckle escaped from him. He slowly lifted his gaze, eyes gleaming in the dim light.

Her lips parted in shock. "What—"

Before she could react, Akira lunged. A screwdriver plunged into her skull, silencing her instantly.

Hearing the commotion, Bomi's father rushed in. His eyes widened in horror as he saw his wife's lifeless body slump to the ground.

"Y-You—!" He barely had time to scream before the same screwdriver tore into his throat. Blood sprayed across the walls as his body collapsed.

A wailing cry echoed from the staircase.

Akira turned his head. A young boy stood there, frozen in fear. His sobs filled the house.

Akira approached slowly. Then, to the boy's shock, Akira hugged him.

The warmth of another human should have been comforting—but the pain that followed wasn't.

The boy's body stiffened as Akira pulled the screwdriver from his neck.

Akira exhaled, stepping over the lifeless bodies as he made his way upstairs. He kicked open Bomi's bedroom door.

She was frantically dialing the police.

A crack—her phone shattered as Akira smashed it from her hands.

Bomi gasped, backing away, her eyes wide with terror. "P-please…"

Akira didn't speak. He just smiled.

A moment later, another scream filled the night.

Hinata redialed Akira's number, pacing in her room. The anxiety was suffocating.

Hinata's throat tightened. "Where are you?"

Chapter 15: The Call of Death