CW[1]
The alarm blared at 7:03 AM. It was that J-pop song she used to love. Hearing it every morning had fixed that.
She rolled over and slapped it quiet. Lying still, she watched the ceiling fan complete a slow, clicking rotation before she finally sat up.
Her grey hoodie, its cuffs comfortably frayed, hung on the door right where she'd left it. She pulled it on. The sleeves were a little shorter than she remembered, but that always happened after a run through the dryer.
In the kitchen, the cereal box stood waiting on the counter, the cartoon pirate on its front grinning his usual wide grin. She poured a bowl, added milk, and ate in the living room. The first spoonful tasted faintly of cardboard, the way it always did when the box was nearly empty.
After rinsing the bowl and leaving it on the counter, she checked her phone.
One new message from David.
I'm heading over. Be ready.
A smile touched her lips before she even thought about it. She slipped on her shoes and waited for him.
She heard the neighbor's two dogs bark as the sound of a car pulling up alerted them. They went silent as David stepped out.
Claire quickly adjusted herself. She was still in her sleep pants. Too late to change now. Besides, he'll enjoy the casual look.
A single knock.
Claire opened the door. There he stood. His eyes pierced her. His eyes were determined. Yet somehow… Hollow. She smiled, her voice soft. Come ri—
David pushed his way in. He didn't speak.
Claire took a step back. Her composure began to crumble. H-hey… David? What's going on?
He finally reacted. A devil's smirk split his face now. Still silent.
Claire's heart began to pound. Her voice cut the air. David. Seriously. Stop. You're scaring me.
Good. The only word he offered. Then, he shut the door behind him. A step forward.
She turned, making for the bedroom.
He was already there, and he looked up as she entered. He smiled.
Hey, Claire, he said.
She froze. Tense. Defiant.
A hand found her wrist.
She made a small sound against his palm.
His mouth pressed over hers as they fell backward.
I HATE YOU
I HATE YOU I HATE YOU
I HATE YOU I HATE YOU I HATE YOU
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[1] Implied SA