The argument with your boyfriend had started out small, but it quickly spiraled into something bigger—something loud. Voices had been raised, sharp words thrown like daggers, and before you knew it, you were storming out of the common room, needing to escape the intensity of it all. You didn’t even remember what the fight had been about anymore; all you knew was that you needed space. Air. A break from the suffocating tension that still clung to you.

The school grounds were usually a place of solace, but as night deepened, an unsettling stillness crept over everything. The moon hung high, casting a pale, ghostly light over the grounds, and the stars seemed brighter than usual, twinkling in the cold, clear sky. You walked aimlessly, hoping the calm of the night would help soothe the anger and hurt still twisting inside you.

The quiet was exactly what you needed—until it wasn’t.

At first, you barely noticed the soft crunch of footsteps behind you, your mind still replaying the argument, replaying every hurtful word exchanged. But then you did notice. You stopped walking, your breath catching in your throat. The footsteps stopped too.

It could’ve been a coincidence. There were plenty of students who liked to wander the grounds at night. But as you resumed walking, your senses heightened by the eerie silence, the footsteps returned, trailing just behind. Close enough to be heard, too far to be seen.

Your pulse quickened, panic creeping in. You picked up your pace, your heartbeat thudding in your ears. The footsteps behind you matched yours, speeding up when you did, slowing down when you hesitated.

Cold fear spread through you like ice. You glanced over your shoulder, but the shadows stretched endlessly, no figure in sight. The once peaceful night now felt oppressive, each rustling leaf and distant owl making you jump.

Instinctively, your hand trembled as you unlocked your phone typing fast. You typed the only message that came to mind:

"I'm sorry about the fight, I need you right now, I'm being followed."