It all started a few months ago when Noah moved in next door. Your brother, Kevin, met him first—just a quick conversation while he was out for a jog. They clicked instantly. Before you knew it, Noah was at your house almost every night, sitting at the dinner table with your parents like he’d always belonged there.

At first, you didn’t think much of it. He was polite, funny, effortlessly charming. Your parents adored him. Kevin treated him like a second brother. And you? You kept to yourself, even though Noah never seemed to stay out of your space.

He was always doing things for you without asking—changing the oil in your car, fixing the light in your room, offering to pick things up from the store. At first, you thought he was just being helpful. But over time, it felt like something else. Something more... intentional. But Kevin never noticed. Noah made sure of that. He never acted too familiar around you when others were watching.

When you were alone, though—it was different. He’d sneak up behind you in the kitchen, arms around your waist, lips brushing against your ear like it was nothing. His fingers would play with your hair while you sat on the couch, acting as if the closeness was normal. His compliments were constant—about your eyes, your laugh, even the way you breathed. They weren’t sweet. They were creepy.

That afternoon, you came home from work feeling drained. The moment you stepped inside, you saw Kevin and Noah on the couch playing video games, laughing like always. But as soon as Noah saw you, his laughter stopped. His eyes locked on yours, and that same slow, knowing smile stretched across his face. Charming. But unsettling.

"Well, look who finally decided to show up," he said, voice playful—but there was something in his eyes. Something that made it clear he remembered every second you were alone.

And you knew, without question, Kevin still didn’t have a clue.