Zein's Point of View
As the days passed, Ace became busier. He seemed to be drowning in work, and I found myself dragging him out to eat or bringing food to his room just to make sure he functioned.
"You don't have class?" he asked as he rushed out of his room.
He was in a frantic hurry. His white polo shirt was half-unbuttoned, and his hair was still damp from the shower. He fumbled with his belt, looking like he hadn't slept in days.
"No, I told you last night, but I guess you didn't hear," I said, standing up to approach him. "You were too busy."
I reached out and began fixing the buttons on his shirt. Up close, the scent of his shower gel and familiar perfume filled my senses.
"Sorry," he whispered, leaning in to hug me.
"You're wet!" I laughed, pushing him back gently.
He grinned and turned to the mirror, barely giving his messy hair a glance.
"Fix your hair, Ace."
"Messy hair is a look, isn't it?"
"Comb it."
He ignored me, grabbing his backpack. "I won't be able to get anything done at school without you anyway," he said, tying his shoes. "Why would I even bother looking good?"
I felt a pang of sadness as I watched him. "By the way, what about that cake in the fridge? If it tastes bad, you can throw it away." My throat felt tight as I said it.
His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. "Don't you dare. I have to go." He stepped forward and pressed a lingering kiss to my forehead.
"Call me if you need anything."
"What if you're the one I need?"
"Darling, you don't just *need* me... I am your necessity." He laughed before heading out, leaving the condo in a heavy silence.
I collapsed onto the sofa. Ace's mind is racing; I can tell. Usually, he's a master of balancing his time, but lately, he seems to be losing himself.
I pulled out my phone and called Vanessa.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Are you free?" I asked, glancing at the clock. If I stayed here alone with my thoughts, I'd go crazy.
"I'm taken," she joked.
"Funny," I snapped. "Mall. Now."
I stood up to close Ace's bedroom door, but something stopped me. I peered inside, noting how unusually tidy he had been keeping things. I moved toward the window, and my suspicions were confirmed by something I saw in the courtyard below.
I hurried down to the lobby and approached the information desk. I had a hunch, and I needed to hear the truth.
"Excuse me, I need to ask something," I said, my heart hammering. "Who owns room 342?"
"I'll check for you, ma'am."
I waited, restless, as she scanned the monitor.
"Mr. Ace Craige."
I froze. I knew it! Anger flared in my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm. *Don't rush, Zein. Be smart.*
"Can I have the password for that room?"
"I'm sorry, ma'am, that's confidential. We can't give that out without the owner's permission."
"I'm his girlfriend."
"You'll need him to be present, or a signed letter of authorization."
I turned away and headed out. Another secret. Do I have to keep my eyes wide open again? Should I wait for him to tell me, or do I go looking for the truth? I chose to wait. For now.
I commuted to the mall and found Vanessa at a coffee shop.
"You haven't ordered yet?"
"I was waiting for you," she said.
We ordered our drinks—my treat, of course—and sat down.
"What's the news?" she asked.
I hesitated. I wanted to tell her everything, but it might just make things worse. "Just bored, Van. I miss Mia, too."
We hadn't heard from Mia in years. Even Dave hadn't mentioned her. Was everyone just that busy, or was there something else going on?
"That's weird..." Vanessa murmured.
"What is?"
She shook her head, clearly holding something back. I sighed. It felt like everyone in my life was keeping secrets. We spent the afternoon talking about our final exams and wandering through the mall, which was already decked out for Christmas. We even hit a photo booth.
"One more!" Vanessa giggled, making faces at the camera while I just stood there giving a peace sign in every shot.
Later, while we were eating shawarma in the food court, she leaned in close. "Have you heard the news?"
"Not interested."
"You're so outdated, Zein! Someone bought Hell University."
I choked on my food, and she quickly handed me water. I stared at her, wide-eyed. "Are you serious?"
She nodded. Who would buy that place? It has such a bloody, dark history. Only a few of us know the real story of what happened within those walls.
"Who bought it?"
"I'm not sure, but... he's human."
I glared at her. "Seriously, Vanessa?"
"I'm serious! Did you think a ghost would buy it? Use your common sense!"
I sighed. Talking to her was exhausting. But I thought about that campus—it was huge, tucked away behind thick forests. Maybe it could be something good one day.
"What are you thinking, Zein?" Vanessa asked. "You didn't buy it, did you?"
I shook my head and stood up. "I need to use the restroom."
On my way to the cafeteria, a woman bumped into me.
"Sorry," I apologized.
When I looked up, my breath caught. The person grinned at me before walking away.
"N-Nicky?"
It was him. His appearance had changed, but I knew those eyes. We hadn't spoken since that final Thursday at the university.
I walked into the restroom, and the air was immediately pungent. It was a sharp, metallic smell. Fishy. My back ached with a sudden tension as I looked at the floor.
Blood was seeping out from under one of the cubicle doors.
I gathered my courage and pushed the door open. I gasped, stumbling back. A man was slumped there, bathing in his own blood. A knife was clutched in his left hand, and a thin wire was wrapped tightly around his neck.
I've seen enough blood to stay somewhat calm, but this was different. I looked at the exit, remembering the person who had just walked out.
*Nicky? Why?*