The Boy Next DOOR.

"So, what's up, Jordan? Why do you want to see me?" Kelvin asked as he approached the cafeteria during lunch. Jordan was seated far from their usual spot, a detail that immediately unsettled Kelvin.

Is the matter that serious?

"Hi Kelvin, have a seat. I've been meaning to talk to you about something. First, I hope you're doing okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. You?"

"I'm also good, thanks. But this is about Ortho."

"Ortho?! What about him?"

Jordan hesitated, glancing around nervously before speaking again. "Kelvin, there's something off about that guy. I think he's up to something, but I can't fully figure out his motives."

"What do you mean, Jordan? Be clearer."

"Look, I was on my way back... Let me just cut to the chase. I followed Ortho secretly into the forest. There, someone appeared out of thin air in front of him, cloaked entirely in black.

"They talked about how his master needs you soon and how they're planning to use Dave to lure you in. It's bad, Kelvin. Really bad. He's into some dark magic—I've never seen anyone appear and vanish like that." Jordan's revelation made Kelvin's eyes narrow in suspicion.

"Ortho? Really? I knew there was more to that guy," Kelvin said, his voice low and edged with anger. "Thanks for telling me, Jordan. I appreciate it. I'll take it from here. But if you notice anything strange, let me know immediately. And please, stay out of this—I don't want you getting hurt."

"I'll also need you to keep an eye on both Ortho and Dave. Dave seems to be a little too attached to him," Kelvin added as he left the cafeteria, just before the rest of their friends arrived.

Jordan sat alone, lost in thought, his mind racing with questions.

What are they? Who exactly is Kelvin, and why does danger always seem to follow him?

"I knew it. I knew that Ortho guy..." Kelvin muttered through clenched teeth, his fist smashing into the wall in frustration.

"Who is he? Where did he come from? How did he know which school I attend? And, God, Dave... Dave isn't safe around him. What does he want?" Kelvin's thoughts spiraled as anger coursed through him.

"I need to act fast before this spirals out of control. But what can I do? What should I do?"

Hours later, as school hours ended and students began heading home, an encounter unfolded.

"Dave," Ortho called, stopping Dave just as he was about to get into his car. Ortho looked around and, seeing none of his friends nearby, approached him.

"Yo, Ortho, what's up?" Dave greeted casually.

"I want to show you something in the woods," Ortho replied smoothly. "I saw it yesterday, and I thought you'd love the sight."

"In the woods? Really?" Dave asked, intrigued.

"Yes. Would you like to see it? Let me show you."

"Okay, no problem. Let's go," Dave said, stepping out of his car. Together, they headed toward the woods.

Minutes earlier, Ortho had been standing in a secluded corner, making a hushed phone call.

"Yes. I've planned everything. I'm bringing him today, so be ready. We can't miss this opportunity," Ortho whispered.

"That's great. We'll prepare to abduct him, but are you sure about this plan?" the person on the other end asked.

"I'm certain. Everything's in place. Once I get Dave into the woods, you'll kidnap him. Then, I'll rush to Kelvin and tell him that some thugs have abducted Dave. Kelvin will follow me to the spot, and that's when we'll spring our trap to capture him too." He said as malicious laughter echoed between them before the call ended.

Present Time.

"Are we going on foot?" Dave asked as they approached the woods.

"Yes," Ortho replied with a smile. "I saw it yesterday, and it was so beautiful. You were the first person I thought of sharing it with."

As they walked, the serene environment captivated Dave. The trees swayed gently, leaves rustled softly, water flowed in the distance, and birds chirped melodiously. The vibrant butterflies added to the charm, convincing Dave there was something incredible ahead.

But as they ventured deeper, memories from a decade ago surfaced in Dave's mind and he remembered ' Not all that glitter are glod'. His steps faltered, and he stopped abruptly, catching Ortho's attention.

"What's wrong?" Ortho asked, his gaze narrowing as he noticed Dave's hesitation.

"Let's go back. I can't go any further," Dave replied, shaking his head.

"Why? What's wrong? We're almost there. You can't back out now," Ortho urged.

"No. I can't. I want to go back. I'm sorry, but I can't do this," Dave insisted.

Frustration flashed in Ortho's eyes. Why is he backing out now? No, this can't happen.

Grabbing Dave's arm, Ortho pulled him forward forcefully, surprising him.

"Ortho, let me go! I said I'm not going!" Dave protested, struggling to free himself.

"No, Dave. It's not your decision to make. You're coming with me, and that's final," Ortho said, dragging him deeper into the woods.

"Let me go! I'm not interested anymore. Where are you taking me? Please, let me go!" Dave's mind raced with panic.

"Now!" Ortho commanded as they reached a clearing in the woods.

"What do you mean 'Now'?" Dave asked, confusion etched on his face. His heart dropped as several men in black cloaks emerged from the shadows.

"Ortho, what's this? What's going on?" Dave asked, his voice trembling as he struggled against the firm grip.

"This is the beautiful thing I had for you. You won't understand now, but you will soon. Take him!" Ortho ordered.

"Take who?! I'm not going anywhere! Don't touch me! What do you people want?" Dave shouted, thrashing against their hold.

His fight and resistance was futile, as a strange substance was blown into his face, and within seconds, his world faded to black.

"He's a stubborn one," one of the cloaked figures remarked as Ortho handed Dave over to him.

"Yeah, he's stubborn, but no matter how much fight he has in him, he can't stand against us," Ortho replied confidently.

"Alright, you all should leave now before anyone shows up. I'll head out and inform Kelvin," Ortho added.

As the cloaked figures prepared to leave, a chilling voice growled from the shadows, stopping them dead in their tracks.

"Don't you dare move an inch unless you want your heads offered as sacrifice," the voice threatened, sending a wave of shivers through them all.