The Psychopath Next Door

Chapter 1

DENISE LAURENT XHION POV

"This is the only vacant room, Iha. What will you get?" The landlady of the building asked.

I looked around completely. Mind you, it's not small, it's just for me because I'll be renting alone. I don't have a choice anyway. Because it's close to the University I moved to.

"I'll take it" I replied sparingly.

The landlady was happy. She smiled at me.

"It's good, it hasn't been rented for quite some time. If so, when did you move, Iha?"

"Tomorrow too" I promptly answered.

It nodded.

"This is the payment. I have included the advance for one month" I handed over two thousand. One thousand is one month here. It was immediately taken.

"Oh okay, iha. Just tell me if you need anything else" he smiled and left.

I looked back at the apartment I took. It was clean and the things inside were organized. The only things missing are my clothes and things.

I walk to the corridor of highway on this apartment. I looked next to my apartment. Room 201. I noticed that only two of us rented here on the third floor--

I was shocked to hear a loud thump from inside it. I stepped back. I grabbed my chest. The thump thrice. I quickly turned around to talk to the Landlady of the building. I saw this guy talking but when he saw me he immediately left.

"Oh, iha. Do you need anything else?"

"it crashed because it's next to my apartment--"

"are you scared? I'm sorry.. there's a lot of cleaning in that apartment." he said quickly and gently smiled at me.

I looked up and swallowed.

"Ah, is that so?" That's all I said and immediately left the building. I held my chest when I felt my heart was beating so fast.

I probably need to cut down on the coffee. I shook myself and sighed. But before I left. I turned back to the building I came out of. It's a little old but the apartment is nice when you're inside.

I was about to walk when I felt someone at me. I looked around but there was nothing. I looked up and was immediately stunned.

I saw a man who was standing beside my apartment. He was wearing a black hoodie and his face could not be seen from a distance. I was immediately startled as if he looked at my place.

I looked away but when I glanced at it again, there was no one standing there. I don't know if I'm just hallucinating or.. maybe I am.

"K-kiss me"

I don't know but why I'm feeling like I'm taking a risk and sealing a deal with the devil. A dark smirk formed on his red lips.

"Sure"

I was shocked when he held me upright while holding my waist and leaning me against the pander. I winced at the pain in my back. His hot breath touches my ear and it adds to the heat I feel.

I looked up when he squeezed my waist, so my hair immediately rose on what he did. Sh!t My body heat seems to be getting worse!

His face was still serious, just like when I first saw him in university – Drystan Daemon Morgan. His intimidating aura and dangerous presence remained, casting a shadow that reflected the seriousness of his demeanor.

Non another but a man that I saw on the railings.

His gaze was intense while I was gasping as if staring at his lips. Dvmn this man!

"You really want this, huh?" he rasped in an almost whisper. His dark eyes penetrated my entire being. I felt like I was going to drown in his deep gray eyes.

I could barely see his face because he had his back to the light.

I gasped when he just put his lips on my lips and gently bit the bottom of my lip. It's like he's teasing me. He stopped for a moment and bit my lip again.

I groaned at what he did.

I was about to push him away in annoyance when he leaned closer to me and captured my lips. His kiss deepened, and I couldn't keep up. His lips were soft and warm.

I clung to his clothes. I can't help but shiver as his hands slowly explore my back. His long, tantalizing fingers gently trace and tease, igniting a seductive heat.

He bit my lower lip and sucked on it like he was hungry. He's very expert at this. I almost lost my breath from what he did. But I tried to keep up with every movement of his lips. He even pressed his body closer to me so I could feel his heat.

"Hmm..." I gasped for air. Sh!t D-Did I just moan? I could feel his warm hand crawling up my thigh.

I can't understand myself because I like what he did.

He groaned. His lips were red. I even felt his deep breathing hitting my face before he turned his face away from me. I gasped after he released my lips.

He sensually licked his lips before fixing his deep gaze on me.

"Want more?" He whispered deeply and gave me a smirk. When he caught me staring at his lips.

I swallowed and my body was still hot.

"Did you hear the news? There is another woman who died near Urales street." I stopped eating when I heard the whisper.

It's been a week since I transferred here. I noticed that in this area there are many cases of murder. I calm myself and act like I didn't bother of what I heard.

I stood up until I headed to the comfort room. I just washed my hand before wiping it with tissue paper. This was followed by the entry of a woman talking to someone on the phone.

"Alright, let's meet later at Pandora Club" before hanging up. He looked at me in the reflection of the mirror and smiled. I tried to smile back and left that place.

I looked at the watch. It's 5:20 pm in the afternoon so I need to leave because this place is dangerous at night. I walked to the bus station not far from the University. I was just standing on the side of the station.

I looked at the other side of the road and there was a glass that reflected any person who would be honest. A tall man came and stood beside me.

He was wearing a black hoodie with a skull brand and he was holding a cigarette. I suddenly smelled his strong perfumes. I looked away from him when his gaze hit the glass I was looking at.

After a while, the bus came so I immediately got on it. I sat on the side. I noticed that the man next to me didn't follow so I looked at my previous seat. There was the man standing. I couldn't see his face in the dark but know if he is looking at my place.

It blew smoke into the air before throwing it away. I looked away from it because it was creepy. The bus started. But my body had a mind of its own and looked again at the man standing at the bus station.

Swallowed to see that it was still looking at my place. My hair stood up and I was very scared.

1 hour passed....

I also arrived at my apartment building. I quickly went inside and locked all the doors.

I feel drained this past day.

I turned on the TV to watch the news.

"A woman was found dead

next to the Pandora Club. According to what I saw. He had many stab wounds in different parts of his body. Meanwhile, a man was caught on CCTV as a suspect in the incident."

I froze and swallowed.

A familiar picture of a smiling woman appeared on the TV. She was also wearing the same uniform as the one I was entering. My mouth was covered.

My memory came back to a woman with a name on the phone.

'Alright, let's meet later at the Pandora Club'

This was followed by the release of a video where the tall man can be seen with his back to the CCTV. It was wearing a Black Hoodie and...it had a skull print on it.

I let go of the remote I was holding in fear. Y-the killer... was the one next to me earlier at the bus station.

Knock! Knock!

I looked at the door.

Knock! Knock!

I looked at the door.

I feel like my breath stopped. My breathing slowed down and my hands got cold. I kept looking at the door as it knocked repeatedly.

My palm clenched before stepping towards the door. I held the door knob. I opened the door with my eyes closed.

"Hi ! "A woman came up to me. She was wearing a nightgown and she was holding a small red ribbon cake.

I was suddenly hooked because it was my favorite.

"Hi?" I suddenly confused. I just saw him now. His face is gentle and it's a little small to me.

"You're Denise, right?"

Even though I was confused, I nodded.

His smile widened and he quickly put the red ribbon cake in my hand.

"Welcome, Neighbor--I mean just welcome hehehe" He scratched his head.

"Bye!" He shouted and ran away in front of me and went down the stairs. I was stunned.

Huh?

I looked at the red ribbon cake. I actually didn't want to accept anything from a stranger but she seems harmless kid. I closed the door and sat at my desk.

I felt nauseous. Why I'm being paranoid? Is it because of the woman who died and the male killer? I can't rest...if the killer still remembers my face and kil---nevermind.

I was doing my activity when I heard a loud noise coming next to my apartment.

This is it again. I closed my eyes because the sounds came one after the other. And it stopped immediately.

I got nervous.

I don't know why the landlady of this apartment doesn't seem to care. Does she have no concern for the person renting? I really don't understand what people are living here."

It's too mysterious and has made me. What sounds are created every night? And why only at night?

They say mystery makes us excited, but for me, mystery is not fun to play with.

The red ribbon cake caught my eye. I reached for it and opened it. A small chocolate cake with strawberry top.

I frowned when I saw a note inserted in the back of the box. It said 'Welcome my Neighbor'

I almost dropped the cake. I don't know if the giver just made a mistake because as far as I know there are only two room apartments here on the third floor.

Just me and my apartment neighbor.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

DENISE LAURENT XHION POV

I was struggling to cling to the edge of the wall. Besides my body being weak, I felt dizzy. The heat I feel is also too much.

I feel like crying because I don't know what to do.

Tears formed in my eyes and I couldn't stop sobbing. I don't want to call my friend because she's going really mad at me.. And Daddy might not know where I am.

I sat on the side. I shouldn't trust them from the start. I think they put something on my drink. The conclusion formed in my brain.

They didn't tell me that they had a man with them. And I really don't like the way Xiana's partner looked earlier.

And it's so make me uncomfortable. And why does he try to make me go with the man he's with?

My tears flowed because I felt like I was on fire. I ended up sobbing. I really don't know what I'm going to do.

I looked up to see two black pairs of shoes in front of me. My eyes blurred while looking up at it. I know it's a man.

I swallowed. I couldn't see his face until he bent down and met my gaze. My lips parted when I saw his serious face.

Her hair is a bit messy. He's wearing a white t-shirt and black pants. A strong perfume from him fills my nose. His thick eyebrows were slightly furrowed as he looked at me.

He's a striking man with a captivating dark charm. His style effortlessly blends sophistication and edge, making heads turn wherever he goes.

I couldn't open my mouth and just kept staring at him. This man is unreal. I swallowed when I looked at his lips. I suddenly felt tempted by his red lips.

I looked away. Sh!t this is really bad, Denise!

My tears formed again. I shouldn't feel this...

"Such a crying kid, tsk!" It's a cold whisper.

What is happening to me? I wanted to kiss him. I want to ease the heat on my body. I hate myself now. I pinched myself.

"C-can you h-help me?" I was struggling to ask and tightly clinging to the dress I was wearing. I was crying because of the heat I felt.

His eyebrows rose and his face was serious.

"A favor?" The side of his lips lifted."I don't make it for free"

I don't know why my lips seemed to spontaneously say that word. Or maybe that I want to happen. All I want is now... to relieve even a little of what I feel.

"K-kiss me"

I don't know why, but I feel like I'm taking a risk and sealing a deal with a devil. A dark smirk formed on his red lips.

"Sure"

A word that I never expected.

"Your soul" he whispered coldly and touched his warm lips to my cheek.

"Are you kidding me?" I stammered and clenched my hand. But I don't think he's not serious because his face had no expression.

"I'm not, because when you tell me kiss you... your soul is already sealed on mine" He let out a horrible grin. A devil smirk.

I feel my heart beating hard.

"And you can't release it"

I was an idiot for almost the whole class. I can sense that they are looking at me but I didn't bother. Especially the look of Xiana and Daniel. Xiana didn't stand by me anymore. I catch him looking at the place but he immediately looks away.

I found out that there is a booster in my drink. A drug that when taken will overheat the body. How did I know? Well, I have a connection.

"Dismiss..."

I immediately stood up. I put on my bag. But Xiana quickly blocked in front of me. His demeanor was a bit anxious and his eyes were dark.

"D-Denise.. I'm really sorry for what I did," He whispered softly and looked like he was about to cry.

"I know you know what I mean...s-sorry

care"

I could feel the fear in his voice because it was shaking.

"P-Promise I-I won't do it again" he almost knelt in front of me so Daniel immediately pulled him away from me. And it stole the attention of others.

They disappeared in front of me. But I can't forget the fear I see in the reflection of his eyes. I shook my head. Maybe she's just guilty of what she did.

I walked down the hallway out of the University. I walked heavily when I felt the familiar aura looking in my direction. My chest beat suddenly.

Please not now!

"Denise"

I stopped walking when I heard a cold but weak voice. Sh!t

I turned around but I couldn't see anyone except the people I was with. I closed my eyes for a moment and forced myself.

Hallucinating again.

I swallowed. I looked up which I deeply regretted. I saw a familiar man. He was leaning against the wall staring at my place as if he had been watching my every move.

His eyes darkened.

And devil's smirk formed on his red lips. A warning smile.

"You can't escape from me, Denise" He mouthed. But I seem to hear his deep voice even in the distance.

My suit is a fitted red mini dress and two inches heels. I didn't put any makeup on my face because I hate it. The heat on my face and I'm not comfortable.

I sighed. This is my second time going to the bar. Before, I was with my cousin because it was his birthday. But I don't drink.

I hate parties and bars because it's noisy and I'm not used to it. The first time I went there, my expression wasn't immediately good. I saw people out there... they seem to make out anywhere.

After that, if I fix it, I immediately go out and just take a taxi to go fast. It's already 5:57 pm and they are looking for me.

After paying, I thanked him and went down. 'Frenzy Bar' came to me. There were many people who entered and others didn't seem to care because even on the side they were kissing.

I looked away and walked towards the entrance of the bar. Two men were on the side and they let me in. I suddenly feel nervous about this idea of ​​mine.

I immediately smelled the strong liquor upon entering, which made me cringe. Everyone here is having fun. I ignored it and immediately looked for the VIP they reserved. I went up the stairs and saw them with a man.

Xiana was hugging the man and laughing. Even Tiana and Daniel, but like before, only Tiana is always there

the serious face.

I frowned. Is it just us, is there a man? I'm about to leave. Xiana grabbed me and waved happily.

"Denise! Here!"

They looked at me to be with them. I feel uncomfortable, but I manage to smile and walk to them.

"Hurry up here" Xiana happily extended my arm to sit on the soft coach and handed me a glass of tequila.

"Go ahead and drink" Xiana said.

I looked at the glass in my hand. They drank their glasses together while I just looked at it. Last time I know, I didn't like its taste even though others said it was delicious.

"No, it's fine. Just drink juice--"

"Juice? Denise, why don't we go to the bar to drink because our finals are coming up. Have fun sometime, right?" he said with a laugh to the one next to him and winked.

"Admit it, Girl. Your life is boring" Daniel replied and shook his head.

"Don't mind them. They are already drunk, just drink if you want" Tiana said seriously and sipped the tequila before placing it on the table.

I looked at my hand and slowly swallowed it. I closed my eyes at the taste of it in my throat. I quickly swallowed it without hesitation. And next squeezed the lemon on its side.

This is the last time that I'm going to drink this tequila ever again.

"See, that's delicious" Xiana grinned and laughed.

I tried to smile. I immediately stood up and said goodbye to them. Because I'm hot. I didn't think the tequila would go through my body so quickly.

"Would you like me to accompany you" Xiana's male companion presented. I didn't like the way he was staring at me since I arrived.

I immediately rejected him.

"I can handle myself"

"No, let's him to scourt yo---" Xiana replied, making not only my body but my head even hotter.

"I said it's fine" I said firmly.

They were silent from what I said. I don't want to be rude, but I don't want to engage with them again. Especially for men. I know my voice doesn't sound good because even I don't like the way they behave now. It's different from when I first met them.

I think there's something wrong with the drink.

I give them the cold stare. No one spoke.

"I'm out" I finally said and turned my back on them. I need to leave this place immediately. The heat I feel is getting worse.

"Want more?" He whispered deeply and gave me a smirk. When he caught me staring at his lips.

I swallowed and my body was still hot. I pursed my lips. I looked away because I was suddenly overcome with shame. I swallowed when he touched my chin and looked up at him.

He looked deeply. I felt like I would be suffocated by his hot gaze. Something in my stomach rumbled.

"Or you want me to fvck you---" I didn't realize that my hand landed on his cheek. I swallowed when his jaw tilted so I could see its tension.

He touched the side of her lips and grinned back at her. He licked his lips. And he seemed to be happy that I slapped him.

I felt annoyed by what he said. I'm not like his girls who, when kissed, immediately go to bed. Yes! I requested him to kiss me but----I didn't really say that because I wanted what he was thinking! I want to ease my heat but not in that way!

"Thank you for help, Mister Morgan but s*x is not my thing---" I said firmly.

"I don't need your thank you. It's favor and deal. You have to pay back" he interrupted me. And bowed to me before lighting a cigarette right in front of me. The playful grin still lingered on his lips.

"Then, I give you a money for---"

"I need it" he said deeply and blew the smoke into the air.

I was annoyed to look at him.

"Then what do you want?"

He laughed softly before putting a few strands of hair covering my cheek in my ear. I was stunned by what he did and froze at his whisper.

A word that I never expected.

"Your Soul" he whispered coldly and his warm lips touched my cheek.

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

DENISE LAURENT XHION POV

I bit my lip hard and forced myself. I looked back at the paper I was holding. It's bent because of my tight grip.

Damn that man!

I almost pinched myself because I repeatedly entered his face. I hissed. He's the weirdest man I've ever met in my whole life!

"Aren't you going home yet, Iha? It's getting dark outside" I looked at the speaker.

The librarian. It's an old man wearing glasses. I looked outside and

it's quite dark. Sh!t I didn't realize the time anymore.

"Going home" I quickly said and ran out of the building.

I cursed a few times as I ran to the bus station but I immediately fainted when I remembered that the money in my wallet was running out.

Bad luck!

So I did nothing but walk. Fortunately, I don't have to walk too far. I frowned and walked to the alley. I hold the umbrella tightly.

The surroundings are dark and the light is still dim. Once again I looked around in fear. Maybe because someone suddenly followed me, so I was very nervous. My bag strap tightened as the dog barked.

Really sh!te!

My step quickened. I tilted my eyes to see if anyone was following but I immediately breathed a sigh of relief that no one was there.

"Hmmp..." I was stunned by what I heard.

I swallowed and stopped for a moment. I look on my back. I only see a dark one. Did I just miss hearing? I turned around and---

"Have mercy on---" I heard a pleading voice. A woman's voice.

My breathing slowed down. I froze in my place when I saw the shadow of a man and in front of it was the woman kneeling. The woman's face showed fear because the man was holding a knife.

I stepped back. My hands were cold and I could not move from what I had witnessed. In my retreat I accidentally stepped on the beer can which made the sound.

But before he turned to my place, someone suddenly asked me in the dark corner. It covered my mouth.

"Shhh..." it whispered deeply.

I feel his warm breath on my ear. His warm hand touched my lips. I can even feel the warmth of his body because we are so close. As if he was hugging my back.

The man with the knife was alerted by the noise and quickly left. The woman was stunned for a moment but also returned to the right and ran in fear.

"What are you doing here in the middle of the night?" He said emphatically.

I looked up to him. He was wearing a black shirt and pants. His face was serious and dark. There is also irritation here.

"I-I'm going home after---"

"Danger is everywhere. Remember that" he said coldly and turned away.

I frowned at his behavior and watched him walk while carrying a plastic bag.

"Danger is everywhere. Remember that" he said coldly and turned away.

I frowned at his behavior and watched him walk while carrying a plastic bag.

What's he doing here anyway?!

He disappeared from my sight. As he eats in the dark area of ​​the street, I bite my lips. I can still feel the warmth of his hand on my lips. Even the heat I felt on my neck.

Dvmn you Drystan!

-------

I quickly turned around and immediately saw my apartment building. I am reassured because every side of it is full of light and there is too much light for passers-by.

I hugged myself as the cold air touched my skin. The surroundings are calm and quiet. It's like my first step here but beyond that there is a hidden danger.

I sighed.

"Meow!"

I stopped walking when I heard the small sound of a cat. I looked around. And I looked for where that sound was coming from. I frowned when I saw a black kitten on the side of the road.

Its body is dirty and the color of its eyes caught my attention more. It has different colors, green and blue. Maybe he's the size of my hand but fat. Its round eyes stared at me.

I snorted and bowed to it.

How dare they abandon this little cute creature?!

I patted its head and immediately felt its soft fur. I giggled as I took the cat. Its soft fur felt nice to hug. I can't stop feeling excited.

I looked around and looked for his brother or mother but I didn't see anyone. I first wrapped it in a handkerchief and loaded it. It made a soft noise and rested its head on my stomach which made me smile.

"Looks like no one is going to look for you, so go with me first" I murmured. A cat purrs a bit, agreeing with what I said.

After entering my apartment I decided to take a bath. And I found out that the cat is a boy. I wiped it first before placing it on my mini table. It is not difficult to bathe it because it is obedient.

I smiled to see his round eyes looking at me. This cute cat really looks innocent and fluffy.

I shudder.

"What should I name you, hmm?"

I bite my lips and let out a small chuckle. Because he is fat and fluffy. I will name him...

"Shopah!" I giggled.

That's a cute name for him! I stare at the cat who's already staring at me as I say the word, but he doesn't seem to like it. He purrs at me.

I pouted.

"No buts!"

I opened my eyes when my cellphone rang. Even though I was sleepy, I reached for it and answered the call.

"Hello," I answered lazily.

"Besh! Finally!" Suddenly my spirit came to life and sat on the bed.

"Winowa?"

"Yes! Your beautiful friend Winowa Perez," He said kindly and there was a trace of joy on the other line.

I chuckled. His behavior still hasn't changed. Still Winona that I met 4 years ago.

"Why were you summoned?" I will ask.

"Hey! How many weeks haven't you shown up? I think you're still hiding with your daddy. So what? I just want to say hello," he said without stopping, so I felt a headache.

"I don't want to talk about it, okay?" I said weakly. He sighed on the other line.

"Hays! Fine, but I want to meet you this afternoon. Just send me the place, bye muah!" He said quickly. I would have screamed if he hung up the call immediately. I looked at the cellphone before dropping it on the bed.

"Meow..."

I turned to the bottom of the bed to see the cat looking at me. His face was tilted as if he was confused. I smiled. I picked it up and hugged it. They say black cats are bad luck, but for me. This cat is my little comfort zone.

He purred on my arms. Oh!

"Shopao are you hungry?" I lowered my voice and squeezed it.

Today is Saturday so I woke up around noon. I stretched my arms. I just put food in Shopao. I first went out to the veranda of my apartment.

The wind blew my frizzy hair. I smiled and closed my eyes. This morning is refreshing. My gaze shifted to the other side. It has a black curtain that is blown by the wind.

My gaze landed on the mini table with a cup of coffee on it. My mind is still full of wonder. I frowned as part of the glass window moved and closed. I could barely see the shadow of the hand.

I blinked.

My lips parted.

Did my neighbor see me?

DENISE POV

"This h!ck€y looks good on you"

He whispered deeply while tracing his finger on my neck. His Adam's apple rose as he carefully observed my neck.

I swallowed and seemed weak from what he did. His eyes darkened. My eyes saw how his veins gradually appeared on his neck. He growls as if he's in pain.

He moved away from me.

"Run"

"Huh?"

He gave me a firm look. A warning look.. I backed away and quickly tried to open the door. I could barely open it because I was shaking so much. Even my knee will give out.

I heard he clicked something. So the door opened by itself. I immediately opened it and went out but he spoke.

"You're playing dangerous, Denise" He coldly said

After that day, I never saw him again. I guess it's been one week. The night is silent, no sign of the man who always stood by the railings of the second floor at the university.

I looked down on my shoes. It has a bit of mud sticking to it because it just finished raining. It's afternoon again and I'm going home. I decided to walk all the way to my apartment.

Every step I take, I count it. Suddenly, I feel like I'm back in my childhood memories-feeling of having no problems, no responsibilities, and just enjoying.

I immediately looked behind when I heard a faint sound. I frowned because there was no one behind. Until I saw the plastic bottle, I felt relieved. Maybe it just came back from being flattened.

I walk down the street until I pass the dark alley. Nothing bad happened to me. I smiled, but it slowly disappeared when I saw the three men.

I swallowed.

I think they are drunk, and this is so bad. My hands began to tremble. I look around to see if I spot someone walking in my direction, but there's no one.

'Danger is everywhere. Remember that.'

A word that suddenly popped into my mind.

'Drystan'

'ghost'

I shook my head. I took heavy steps towards the Forster building. As before, it was quiet as if there was no one there. Only car sounds can be heard.

Once inside the apartment I immediately threw myself into the soft coach. I massage my head.

During my stay here, I didn't experience anything strange except for the noise I heard at night. But from that night it was not followed again. And that's what I wonder about.

But I think it's better.

I woke up to notice that no one greeted me. My eyes immediately searched for Shopao. Where's my cat?

"Shopah!" I called the cat but no one came and circled my thigh like he did when I was here.

I frowned.

"Where is that?" I whispered and opened my room but it wasn't there. I suddenly felt nervous. I've looked all over my apartment but I can't find it.

I quickly went downstairs to ask the landlady but she said she didn't see any cats.

"Are you a cat? I don't see any cats here in the building, Iha"

My shoulders are slumped. I looked at the woman who spoke. She's wearing a black t-shirt with leggings.

"Hi! Miss, I saw a cat, but the man took it. I think he's been looking for it for a long time," he said, so I suddenly felt sad.

"Is it a white cat?" It said.

"Uh?"

"The white cat that was taken just now. Is that what you are looking for?" This question cheered me up. That means it was not taken by Shopao. I immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm looking for a black cat"

He scratched the back of his neck. "Ah, is that so. Hehehe my false"

To Be Continued...