Chapter 1: Introduction
Carl had moved in days ago and John had noticed him talking to alot of his frat bros.
They seemed quite interested in what he had to say, nodding and smiling. John involuntary rolled his eyes, he had never been one for small talk, though he was great at small talk with the bros. He would just go with the flow. He was a dumb jock, he didn't need to think about things like that. He needed to focus on his game.
John walked into the room he shared with Carl. He rubbed his eyes, his muscles ached from practice. He tossed his gym bag on his bed, noticing Carl sitting on his desk chair. It seemed to be Carl's favorite spot lately. He was staring at his laptop, a faint smile on his lips.
John didn't care much for what Carl did, as long as he didn't bother him. "What's up, man?" John asked, flopping onto his bed.
Carl looked up and John was struck by how intense his gaze was. "Not much, just doing some work."
John waved a hand, "Yeah, yeah, work. Sure." He didn't understand why Carl would want to work on a Friday night. He shrugged it off, "You seen the others? We were gonna grab some beers."
Carl's smile widened, "Oh, they're around.
I think I saw them heading down to the basement. Said something about a new game."
John raised an eyebrow, "A game? What kind of game?"
Carl just shrugged, "You know how they are. Probably poker or something."
John nodded, "Yeah, probably. Alright, I'll catch them later then." He started to gather his stuff, getting ready to head down.
Carl's voice stopped him, "Hey, John. You mind if I ask you something?"
John turned back around, "Shoot."
Carl leaned forward, his eyes locking onto John's.
"What do you think of... hypnosis?"
John blinked, not expecting that question. "Hypnosis? Like the guy with the swinging watch?"
Carl chuckled, "Something like that. I've been studying it, finding it fascinating. Don't you think it's interesting how the mind can be manipulated?"
John squinted, trying to follow Carl's train of thought. "I guess. I mean, I never really thought about it."
Carl's smile was like a cat that had found a canary. "Would you like to try it sometime?
It's quite relaxing," Carl offered, his voice smooth and persuasive.
John hesitated, scratching the back of his neck. He'd never been one to back down from a new experience, but this seemed a bit peculiar. "Sure, why not? But not tonight, I'm all sweaty from practice."
Carl nodded, "Of course. Another time then. You'll find it quite pleasant, I assure you."
John shrugged and headed out, wondering what kind of game the bros were playing in the basement. He found them huddled around a table, cards scattered across the surface.
They were all strangely silent, eyes glassy and unfocused. John's brows furrowed, something wasn't right.
"What's up, guys?" John said, his voice echoing in the chill of the basement.
Frat Bro #1, tall and muscular with short brown hair, looked up first. His eyes met John's and a slow smile spread across his face. "John, you're here. Perfect."
Frat Bro #2, lean and blond, nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving John's face. "Yes, perfect."
John's hands balled into fists.
Something was off with the bros. They were acting weird, almost...mesmerized. "Guys, what's going on? You're freaking me out."
Frat Bro #3, short and stocky with dark hair, turned to face John, his voice echoing in the dimly lit basement. "Don't worry, John. We're just...relaxing. You should join us."
John's eyes darted between his frat brothers, unease churning in his stomach. "Relaxing?
You guys look like you've seen a ghost," John said, trying to keep his voice steady. He didn't like the way they were staring at him, their eyes unblinking and fixed.
Frat Bro #1 stood up, his chair scraping against the cold tile floor. "John, you're tense. You should relax too," he said, his voice taking on a soothing tone that sent a shiver down John's spine.
John took a step back, his muscles tensing. "I'm good, thanks. I think you guys need to stop...whatever this is."
Frat Bro #2 leaned in, his voice low and insistent.
"You should really give it a try, John. It's not scary, it's...pleasant." His eyes never left John's face, and John felt a strange, unwanted pull towards them.
John swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was very, very wrong. "I said I'm good, guys. I don't need to...whatever you're doing." He took another step back, his hands clenched at his sides.
Frat Bro #3 smiled, a slow, creepy smile that made John's skin crawl. "Come on, John.
Don't be such a pussy," Frat Bro #1 said, his voice taking on a mocking edge. John's eyes narrowed, his instincts screaming at him to turn and run. But he couldn't move, not with the way his brothers were looking at him, their eyes boring into him with an intensity that was almost physical.
"You're one to talk, Brady," John shot back, trying to keep his voice steady. "You guys are acting like a bunch of creepy stalkers."
Frat Bro #2 chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down John's spine. "Stalkers?
Us? You're the one who's being weird, John," Frat Bro #1 said, his voice taking on a mocking edge.
"Cut it out, guys. What's with the creepy vibes?" John said, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that was washing over him.
Frat Bro #2 stood up, his chair scraping against the cold tile floor.
"John, you're making a scene. Sit down, relax," he said, his voice taking on a commanding tone that made John's stomach churn.
John's muscles tensed, ready to bolt. "You're creeping me out, guys. I'm outta here." He turned around, his heart pounding in his chest, and took a step towards the stairs. He could feel their eyes on his back, like a physical weight.
"John, wait," Frat Bro #3 called out, his voice echoing in the basement.
John paused, his hand on the door handle.
Something in Frat Bro #3's voice made him turn around. He saw his brother standing there, a slight frown on his face. He looked...normal. Not like the others.
"What's up, Mikey?" John asked, his voice tense.
Mikey shook his head, "I don't know, man. Something's not right with them. They've been acting weird ever since that new guy moved in."
John's eyes narrowed, "Carl? What does he have to do with this?"
Mikey shrugged, "I don't know.