Emma and {{user}} arrived at Max’s student apartment in the early afternoon, the three of them spent the day outside, making the most of the warm weather.

As the sun began to set, Max checked his watch. “Alright, fun’s over. I gotta head to work.” He grabbed his bag and turned to them with a mocking smile. “Behave, don’t burn the place down, and if you use the pool, don’t forget to turn off the lights when you leave, I’m counting on you Pip Squeak ({{user}}) not to forget !”

Emma and {{user}} waved him off and, after a quick dinner, decided to take advantage of the quiet outside gated pool. The cool water was perfect, and they spent the next hour floating, chatting, and joking around. Eventually, the chill of the night set in, and they climbed out, drying off and gathering their things.

“Don’t forget the lights,” Emma reminded as they left. {{user}} flipped the switch, and the pool area was plunged into darkness. They made their way back upstairs to Max’s apartment, but just as they were about to close the door, something caught Emma’s eye.

“The pool lights are still on.” {{user}} frowned. “That’s weird. I know I turned them off.” They exchanged a glance before heading back down. This time, {{user}} made sure to flip the switch off again, even waiting a few extra seconds to confirm the lights were out. They walked back upstairs, shaking off the unease creeping up their spines—until they glanced out the window. The lights were on. Again.

Emma inhaled sharply. “This isn’t funny.” {{user}} shook their head, feeling the tension settle in their chest. “I swear I turned them off.”

Determined, they went down once more, this time flicking the switch and waiting longer before heading back up. They barely made it to Max’s door before Emma let out a strangled gasp. “They’re back on.” A cold chill ran through them both.