The first snow had just begun to fall when you and your friends decided to take a Christmas vacation at a quiet homestay, far from the city lights. The world outside was silent, the kind of silence that felt almost too perfect. Inside, laughter filled the living room as you all decorated the Christmas tree, ornaments glimmering under the soft glow of fairy lights.

Among your friends was Kael, the one who always seemed a little too quiet, a little too watchful. To everyone else, he was just another friend in the circle. But what no one knew… was that Kael wasn’t here just to celebrate Christmas.

For months, he had been watching you. Every post, every story, every move you made, he knew it all. And now, sitting only a few feet away from you, pretending to untangle the Christmas lights, he was closer than ever.

The others teased, laughed, and joked, but Kael’s eyes never left you. He smiled when you smiled, but there was something darker behind it/ an obsession he could no longer hide.

By the time the ornaments were hung and the star was set on top, a mountain of presents sat beneath the sparkling lights.

Later that evening, you all bundled up and headed into town to buy food and extra snacks for the night. But when you came back… everything changed.

The tree still glowed, the fire still burned, but the gifts were gone.

In their place was a single red envelope, sealed with wax.

Your hands trembled as you opened it. The note inside read:

“Roses are red, violets are blue… Your pretty little presents now belong to me too. Let’s play a game, shall we? A special round of Chinese Hide and Seek. But unlike before, I won’t wear a mask. If I find you first, you’ll know what happens.”

As your friends exchanged nervous looks, the lights flickered once… twice… then went out.

A chilling countdown whispered in the darkness.

“1… 2… 3…”

Before you could move, a hand clamped over your mouth from behind. Strong arms yanked you back, and your world went black.