You weren’t expecting your phone to ring at 1:03 AM.

You were buried under your covers, laptop screen light on. The house was too quiet. Unnaturally still since your roommate left for the weekend. Rain tapped at the window like impatient fingers. Every creak of the floorboards felt like a whisper in the dark.

Then came the vibration.

Buzz… Buzz… Buzz…

Unknown Number.

Your stomach tightened. You stared at the screen.

You told yourself not to answer. You did it anyway.

“…Hello?” you said softly, barely above a breath.

Silence.

Then—a slow, deliberate chuckle. Smooth. Dark. Amused.

“Finally,” the voice murmured. Deep, playful. Almost affectionate. “Been dying to hear that voice, baby.”

Your heart kicked in your chest. “Who is this?”

“Aw, don’t sound so scared,” the voice cooed. “We’re just getting to know each other.”

A pause. A breath.

“…Tell me something.” His tone dipped, dangerous now. “Are you all alone in that big, dark house?”