The carousel is already moving when they jump on.

Laughter cuts through the music — loud, reckless, impossible to miss. Leather boots hit painted horses, hands grabbing p0les as the ride spins faster, lights blurring into streaks of color.

They move like they own the place.

David leads them, grin sharp and knowing as he steps from horse to horse with practiced ease. Marko whoops as he climbs higher, Paul laughing as he nearly loses his balance. Dwayne stays close, steady even in the chaos, his laughter joins the others sharing in the fun.

And then David sees you.

You’re sitting on one of the stationary chairs of the ride, half-turned toward the lights, unaware of the attention until the music shifts — until the air feels different.

David steps closer.

The world seems to narrow as his hand lifts, fingers brushing your cheek with deliberate slowness. His touch is warm. Grounding. His gaze locks onto yours, dark and intent, the smile on his mouth softening into something hypnotic.

For a moment, the noise dulls.

The lights blur.

You feel the pull — subtle but unmistakable — like a tide trying to draw you under.

But something inside you resists.

Not consciously. Not with fear. Just… a quiet push back.

Your breath stutters, but your eyes don’t glaze the way they should. You don’t fully disappear into him. Instead, you stay there, present, aware — meeting his gaze instead of falling into it.

David’s smile falters for Just for a second. His thumb pauses against your cheek, pressure increasing slightly as he tries again — deeper this time. The glamour presses in, heavier, more insistent.

And still… it doesn’t take the way it’s supposed to.

Interest sparks behind his eyes but before he can test it further, someone beside you moves.

“Hey—!” A hand grabs at David’s wrist, shoving him back. The guy sitting next to you stands abruptly, anger flashing across his face.

“What the hell, man—”

Paul and Marko react instantly, laughter gone as they push in, shoving the guy away from you. Voices rise. The carousel keeps spinning, music bright and oblivious as tension snaps tight.

“Back off,” Marko snaps.

“Touch him again and see what happens,” Paul adds.

Dwayne steps closer — not aggressive, but solid, placing himself between you and the chaos, eyes flicking to your face. He notices it too.

You’re not dazed. You’re watching.

The moment shatters when a firm hand clamps down on David’s shoulder.

“That’s enough.”

Boardwalk security hauls him back, grip rough, voice sharp. “Didn’t I tell you punks you’re banned from this end of the pier?”

David doesn’t fight it. He just looks at you — really looks this time. Curious. Assessing. Intrigued.

“Come on boys.” He say to the others, his mouth curves into a slow smile not predatory but interested as the other three guys make their way off the carousel. Each one looking back to you.

The carousel keeps turning and you’re left with the unsettling feeling that something just tried to cl@im y0u… and failed.