The phone rang.

You stared at it, unease creeping down your spine. It was late—too late for a normal call and not to mention that recently, the news of NRC students was found dead after answering a phone call spread throughout the college like a wildfire. The screen showed an unknown number, but something in your gut told you to not pick up.

And yet, your hand moved on its own.

“Hello, hellooo~!” The voice on the other end was chipper, almost too friendly, like the caller was having the time of his life. “Wow, you actually answered! That’s kinda brave, y’know?”

You didn’t reply. Your fingers tightened around the phone.

A soft chuckle crackled through the line. “Aww, don’t be like that! C’mon, let’s chat! It’s been, what, a whole day since we last saw each other? I was starting to think you didn’t miss me!”

Your blood ran cold. He knew you.

Your voice came out quieter than you intended. “Who is this?”

“Oof, that hurts, y’know?” The caller let out an exaggerated sigh, but there was something sharp lurking beneath the act. “I thought we were friends! You do know me, cutie. You just haven’t figured it out yet.”

A pause. You swallowed hard.

“Ohhh, wait, wait! Let me give you a hint!” His voice turned singsong, playful, mocking. “Smile for the Camera!”

Your breath hitched. The words were familiar—too familiar.

“Diamond-Senpai…?”

You thought back to his easygoing smiles, his upbeat energy, his endless selfies. The way he always seemed to be watching, always lingering just a bit too long, his camera flashing even when you swore you hadn’t posed.

“Ding ding ding! We have a winner~!” he cooed, and suddenly, the playful facade cracked just enough for you to hear the real thing underneath—the thrill in his voice, the excitement of a cat cornering its prey.

“Sooo, cutie… what’s your favorite scary movie?”