Ch.24 Storm Part-01

"So, I'm going now..." Blake adjusted his shoes while glancing at Aurora.

"Just go already! How many times are you going to repeat that?" Aurora complained, folding her arms.

"I know, I know... but are you sure you'll be okay?" Blake asked, his voice tinted with worry.

"Of course I will be! You're only going away for a two-day work trip," she reassured him with a smile.

"Well..." He hesitated, placing his hand on the door handle. "If you need any help, just—"

"Just gooo!" Aurora interrupted, giggling as she pushed him gently out the door.

Blake turned around from the stairs, looking back at her with lingering concern, while Aurora waved with an easy smile. When he was gone, she closed the door, letting out a small sigh before locking it.

"So... for now, I've got two whole days to do whatever I want!" she said to herself, jumping onto the bed. She wrapped up in a blanket, opened a bag of chips, and grabbed a magazine.

"Let's see… two days, so what can I do?" she mumbled between bites, flipping through the pages. "Oh, there's a sale on clothes tomorrow. Maybe I can go with Amber and Flora..."

She turned another page, humming softly. "Or maybe... a beach trip would be nice, too."

After scribbling a few ideas into her notebook, the day's excitement started to fade. Soon enough, she drifted off into a light sleep.

By evening, the weather had changed. The once clear sky was now covered in thick, black clouds. Strong winds howled through the cracks of the window, making them rattle loudly.

The noise jolted Aurora awake. Rubbing her eyes, she groaned softly.

"Hmm...? Rain?" she murmured, yawning as thunder rolled.

She peeked outside the window and gasped slightly. The city was blanketed by dark clouds, and the streets shimmered with rain.

"I hope he reaches the station safely..." Aurora muttered, closing the curtains.

Yawning again, she turned on the TV. "Okay, let's see what's on..."

After a minute of channel surfing, she sighed. "This one's boring... this one too...ugh!"

Then she stopped.

"Today, we explore strange and unexplained paranormal events!" said a deep, dramatic voice.

"Oho... perfect! A little spooky entertainment never hurt anyone!" Aurora said cheerfully—and instantly regretted it an hour later.

When the show ended, she was curled up in her blanket, eyes wide.

"Okay... not watching *that* alone ever again," she whispered.

Just then, the power went out. *FLASH!* *BOOM!*

"Eh!? Power cut!? Right after a horror show!?" she squeaked.

She stumbled in the darkness, bumping her foot into the table.

"Ow—ow—ow! Stupid table!"

After finding her phone, she tried the main switchboard, but the whole block was dark.

"Seriously? Great... blackout during a storm. Classic horror setup," she muttered.

She lit a few candles and opened her food app. Every restaurant was closed.

"Seriously!? The universe is doing this on purpose!"

Disappointed, she checked the kitchen, but there was barely anything ready.

"Vegetables... eggs... raw rice... and me who can't cook. Great combination."

She flopped on her bed, scrolling through food videos. Her stomach growled.

"Oh no... why does everything look *so good* when I can't eat it!?" she whined.

She sat up abruptly. "Fine! I'll cook something simple, I can watch a video!"

Right then, *click!*—her phone died.

"You've GOT to be kidding me..." she muttered in defeat. The candle flickered.

Then—*rattle.*

Aurora froze.

"...That... was the door knob, right?"

She swallowed hard. "N-no... it's probably the wind... right?"

*Rattle-rattle.*

Her eyes widened. "It's not the wind! It's definitely not the wind!"

She backed away quickly, whispering frantically. "Okay Aurora, think... the door's locked! Yes, you locked it! Unless—oh no oh no oh no—"

The door creaked loudly. *Crrreeeaaak...*

Aurora squeaked and dove behind the wardrobe, clutching a pillow like a weapon.

Footsteps echoed in the dark living room. A faint shadow moved near her door.

Her heart thumped. Sweat dripped down her forehead.

She could hear something—slow, steady breathing.

And then... *click.* The door slowly opened again.

Unable to take it anymore, she jumped out with a loud yell—

"STAY AWAY, YOU DEMON!!!"

And *bam!* — her punch landed perfectly in the intruder's stomach.

"GAH—!! What the hell!?" the figure doubled over, clutching his gut.

Aurora blinked, heart racing. "W-Wait... that voice—?"

As the lightning flashed, she saw his face.

"K!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?"

He groaned, glaring up at her. "What *am I* doing here? I should be asking *why* you just punched me for existing!"

"You—you came sneaking in like some kind of phantom!" she shouted, still startled.

K rubbed his forehead, sighing in irritation. "The door was HALF open, and it was storming outside. I thought your lock broke or something."

"It wasn't!" she yelled defensively. "I *double locked* it!"

"Then maybe you forgot," K grumbled, wincing as he stood up. "Or maybe your 'lock' is just as reliable as you."

Aurora gasped. "H-HEY! "