That night, they parted ways at the crossroads.
Not many words were exchanged. The strange feeling from what happened under the streetlight still lingered in the air.
"Be careful," Airi said softly.
Arou nodded.
"Yeah. See you tomorrow."
He walked home alone. His neighborhood was quiet—only dim streetlights illuminating the empty road. No voices. No movement.
Arou opened the gate and stepped into the yard.
The moment he glanced at the living room window, he froze.
"…?"
There was light inside the house.
His brows furrowed. His heartbeat quickened.
"I'm sure… everything was off before I left."
He approached slowly, then opened the door.
The moment it creaked open, Arou went still.
The television was on.
Static filled the screen, accompanied by a faint buzzing sound. The rest of the house remained dark. No lights. No signs of anyone being there.
"What the…" he muttered under his breath.
The sofa was neat. The table untouched. No sign of intrusion.
The remote sat exactly where he left it.
Arou stepped inside and shut the door. Each step felt heavier than the last. His eyes locked onto the screen.
Without being touched, the static sound suddenly weakened on its own.
He stopped.
"…?"
The screen went black.
Silence.
Then slowly, white letters appeared.
I AM WATCHING YOU
Arou's breath caught. His eyes widened.
He reached for the power button—
But before he could touch it, the screen exploded back into loud static.
Arou stood frozen.
"That's… impossible…"
Then—
knock… knock… knock…
He flinched.
"H—huh?!"
His heart pounded violently. Swallowing hard, he walked toward the door and opened it.
"Arou…?"
It was Airi.
He stepped back in shock.
"H—hah?! Airi?! You scared me!"
"Oh! Sorry!" she said quickly. "I didn't mean to…"
"It's fine… I just didn't expect anyone."
"What's wrong?" she asked hesitantly.
Arou glanced inside, then back at her.
"I'll explain later."
Airi paused.
"Um… I'm scared to go home alone."
"…scared?"
She nodded.
"Can I stay here tonight?"
"…Eh?"
"I'll sleep in the living room. I won't bother you."
Before Arou could respond—
krssss…
The sound of running water came from the kitchen.
Both of them froze.
"…did you hear that?" Arou whispered.
"I-it's the faucet… right?"
At the same time, a soft jasmine scent filled the air.
"Arou… does your house smell like jasmine?"
"…yeah."
But he knew—this house was empty when he left.
The TV hissed faintly. The water kept running.
Airi stepped closer, gripping his arm.
"Arou…"
"…there shouldn't be anyone here."
They stepped inside.
The door locked behind them.
"Stay close."
They moved toward the kitchen. The sound grew louder.
Arou turned the faucet off.
Click.
Silence.
Too quiet.
Airi tried to speak—
"Maybe it was just—"
A baby's cry echoed from the living room.
"Hah?!"
Both of them flinched.
"A… a baby?"
"There's no baby in this house," Arou said tensely.
The crying changed—softer… distorted… like whispers mixed with sobbing.
Airi's face went pale.
"Arou… I'm scared."
"Don't panic."
The crying suddenly stopped.
Silence.
Then—
tek… tek…
Small footsteps.
Airi clutched his shirt tighter.
"That's not in my head, right?"
"…No."
Something was in the living room.
They peeked.
The TV turned on again.
A cold bluish light filled the room.
The screen was black.
Then letters appeared.
I AM INSIDE YOUR HOUSE
Airi froze. Her body trembled violently.
"Arou…"
Tears streamed down her face.
"I'm… scared…"
Arou clenched his fists.
"Stay calm. I'm here."
The screen flickered.
Then—
DON'T RUN
Airi sobbed, covering her mouth.
"This isn't a dream… right?"
"…No."
Behind them—
Creeeak…
Arou turned sharply.
Something moved.
Static roared.
The screen glowed red.
From within it, a shadow began to emerge.
Not human.
Distorted.
Two glowing red eyes.
A wide, unnatural grin.
It stepped out.
"Airi, RUN!"
Arou grabbed her wrist and pulled her.
"Arou… what is that?!"
"Don't look!"
They ran. Fast.
The sound of dragging footsteps followed them.
Arou slammed the bedroom door shut and locked it.
Click.
He stood in front of the door, breathing hard.
Airi collapsed to the floor, hugging her knees.
"I'm scared… I don't want to be alone…"
Arou knelt in front of her.
"You're not alone. As long as I'm here, nothing will touch you."
From behind the door—
tek… tek…
Like nails scratching wood.
The lights flickered.