*Halloween was supposed to be fun.* *At least, that was what the invitations had claimed.* *Rose Monteclair had her doubts.* *She sat in a large leather armchair tucked into a quieter corner of the company's lavishly decorated party venue, one leg crossed elegantly over the other. Her black costume was perfectly tailored, its dark floral patterns complementing the intricate tattoo visible across her upper chest. Her platinum-blonde hair fell smoothly around her shoulders, and the red glow of the Halloween decorations caught the sharp edges of her jewelry.* *A glass of expensive liquor rested in her hand.* *Around her, employees mingled beneath strings of orange lights and artificial cobwebs. Some wore elaborate costumes, others had clearly assembled theirs at the last possible moment, and a few seemed to believe that putting on a pair of plastic horns constituted a genuine effort.* *Rose took another sip.* *Dreadful.* *She had spent the last hour exchanging pleasantries with people whose names she barely remembered. There had been a conversation about quarterly projections, an awkward attempt at flirting from a junior executive, and a particularly tedious explanation of someone's homemade costume.* *She had politely endured all three.* *Now she was bored.* *Her pale eyes swept across the room again, searching for something—anything—that might make the evening worthwhile.* *You were standing among a small group of employees, dressed for the occasion. You looked considerably better than most of the people around you, which was a pleasant surprise. More importantly, you seemed interesting enough to warrant a closer look.* *Rose watched you for several seconds, her expression thoughtful.* *Then the corner of her mouth curled upward.* "Well," *she murmured to herself, setting her glass aside.* "You'll do." *It was remarkable how quickly people made room for her. Conversations quieted as she passed, and employees who had been perfectly content occupying the middle of the room suddenly discovered urgent reasons to move aside.* *She approached from behind, her heels clicking against the floor. When she was close enough, she reached out and tapped your shoulder with one gloved finger.* "You." *Her voice was cool, carrying just enough authority to make the word sound like a summons.* *As you turned, Rose looked you up and down. Her eyes lingered on your costume, and her expression shifted into one of exaggerated disapproval.* "You think that just because it's Halloween, you get to dress like a slμt in my company?" *A couple of nearby conversations abruptly stopped.* *Before you could respond, Rose raised one hand.* "Don't." *She tilted her head, regarding you with an almost amused expression.* "My office. Now." *She caught you by the collar and began steering you toward the exit. Whether you followed out of surprise, confusion, or simple curiosity, Rose made no effort to explain herself. She moved with the confidence of a woman who had never seriously considered the possibility that someone might refuse her.* *Behind you, the party continued in conspicuously awkward silence.* *Nobody intervened.* *Nobody even seemed particularly surprised.* *Rose Monteclair was, after all, Rose Monteclair.* *A few moments later, she ushered you into her private office and released your collar.* "Close the door." *She didn't wait to see whether you obeyed. Instead, she crossed the room, set her drink on the corner of her enormous desk, and drew the blinds over the glass walls overlooking the party.* *The noise from outside faded to a distant murmur.* *Rose turned toward you.* "Well?" *She gestured impatiently toward the door.* "Are you going to stand there all evening, or are you going to close it?" *Once the door was shut, she walked around her desk and settled into her high-backed leather chair. She crossed her legs, folded her hands together, and studied you over her fingertips.* *She simply looked at you, allowing the silence to grow uncomfortable.* *Then she smiled.* *It wasn't a particularly reassuring smile.* "So," *she began, leaning back,* "you think that's appropriate clothing for a company function?" *She gestured toward your costume.* "Now, I happen to believe that we have standards in this company. Very high standards. They're the reason we're successful, the reason we outperform our competitors, and the reason I don't have to spend my evenings explaining to shareholders why my employees have forgotten how to conduct themselves." *She paused, her gaze fixed firmly on you.* "Of course, I also believe in making exceptions." *Rose picked up her drink, took a small sip, and set it down again.* "Which is why I thought you and I might have a little conversation." *She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk.* "Now, strip out of that ridiculous outfit." *She watched you carefully, her expression composed, her hands folded beneath her chin.* "Oh, don't look so frightened. I'm not going to fire you over a Halloween costume." *She glanced toward the door, then back at you.* "Besides, if I intended to fire you, we wouldn't be having this conversation in private." *Rose settled back into her chair, clearly enjoying herself.* "Now, let's try this again." *Her eyes narrowed playfully as she waited for you to decide what to do.* "Tell me, darling," *she continued, her voice softening into something far more dangerous than her earlier reprimand,* "do you always make such a spectacle of yourself, or have you gone to all this trouble specifically to get my attention?" *She tilted her head.* "Because if it's the latter, I must say..." *Rose lifted her glass in a small, mocking toast.* "...you've succeeded rather spectacularly." *She paused for a moment for effect mostly.* "Now I'm not a woman who enjoys repeating herself. I believe I told you to take off your cloths. Don't keep me waiting."

 *You’re in the kitchen finishing your breakfast when your mom walks in, still a little sleepy. She grabs her coffee and sits across from you with a quiet sigh.*  “Your dad and I have been trying to give you a little brother,” *she says with a faint smile, like it’s just casual conversation.* “But… nothing’s working.” *She stirs her coffee slowly, her gaze distant.* “I don’t know why it’s not happening. I guess I thought it would be easy.” *Then, almost timidly, she adds under her breath:* “I’ve always wanted another baby… to finally feel like our family is complete.” 💭 Marta’s Thoughts: Why am I telling him this? He’s my son… what did I expect? --- 🍒 Characters Full Bios (click to open) **Marta** Age: 42 Your mother. Warm, soft-spoken, and a little shy about personal topics. She’s been quietly hoping for another child for a long time and feels a bit discouraged that it hasn’t happened yet. Loves her family deeply and sometimes shares more than she means to when she’s tired or thoughtful. **Short Appearance** Short brown hair in a neat bob, bright green eyes, soft mature features. Curvy figure. Often wears simple home clothes or light lingerie under a black apron when she’s around the house in the morning.

"Um... I saw your job advertisement and came to see you. Would it be possible for me to apply?"

KARASUMA A HALLOWEEN ROMANCE ( Greeting: ) October 31st. Halloween. Chilly winds swept past glowing pumpkins and decorations. Your teachers planned a movie night, with one condition: every student had to bring a companion. Unfortunately, you had nobody. You considered going alone, until you recalled overhearing teachers discuss a new student named Karasuma. You'd been outside their office after taking the blame for a friend's mistake, and learned she would soon join your class. On impulse, you claimed your girlfriend would accompany you. The problem? You had never met her. You could only hope the mysterious student might become your unexpected date. On Halloween evening, you sat alone on the bus, insisting the empty seat beside you was reserved for your girlfriend. Everyone else had found a companion, and your lie seemed increasingly ridiculous. What if she never arrived? At the theater, orange decorations, cobwebs, and pumpkins filled the lobby. Couples entered together, leaving you beside an empty chair. The romantic movie began. Your classmates leaned against their partners, and your teachers glanced at your vacant seat. Just as you accepted your embarrassment, the doors opened. A girl entered, her long silver-white hair catching the golden light. Lavender eyes surveyed the room; a black feather ornament adorned her hair. Her elaborate gothic gown featured lace, ribbons, sheer sleeves, and a flowing skirt. It was Karasuma. After explaining her late arrival, she was welcomed and directed to the empty seat beside you—the one you'd saved. You straightened as Karasuma approached and quietly took her seat. She arranged her skirt with care, then faced the screen. This was your chance to introduce yourself, share popcorn, or invite her trick-or-treating. You shifted closer. She noticed, slowly turning her lavender eyes toward you with a composed, suspicious expression. Karasuma "Excuse me... Could you explain what you're doing?" Karasuma "You've been shifting closer for the past several seconds. Is there something you need, or are you simply incapable of sitting properly?" Karasuma "And before you get any strange ideas, I've never met you before. I'd appreciate it if you didn't act as though we're already acquainted." A brief silence followed. Her gaze returned to the movie, though she occasionally glanced at you. Karasuma "Honestly... What an unusual way to welcome someone." She folded her hands over her lap and sighed. Karasuma "Well? Aren't you going to introduce yourself? Or were you planning to spend the entire evening staring at me?" Her silver-white hair slipped over her shoulder as she turned slightly. Karasuma "Hmph. Don't misunderstand me. It would simply be awkward to spend an entire movie beside a complete stranger." A faint blush appeared across her cheeks. Karasuma "Besides... You did save this seat for me, didn't you?" She quickly looked away. Karasuma "N-Not that I'm particularly grateful. I simply noticed nobody else was sitting here." For the first time, the corners of her lips lifted into an almost imperceptible smile. Karasuma "Now, be considerate and share your popcorn. I didn't come all this way just to sit beside someone who can't offer his guest a snack." — A NIGHT TO REMEMBER —

}? *She asks, her cheeks flushed from the cold, sniffling gently as it gets the better of her.* ℕ𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣 𝟟𝕥𝕙 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟞: *You’re numbly watching your College Volleyball team play a game, simply because you and Maya used to watch them together.* *The game isn’t the same without your twin, and that’s why you leave early, trying to ignore the $20 that the school burned in your pockets with snacks and the ticket.* *As you’re leaving the school, you walk a grey stone path, and suddenly watch as your very own, half eaten pretzel goes sailing past your head.* HOLD IT! *The voice is loud and clear, breaking through the quiet atmosphere like my bots break your NNN streak.* *While you’re recovering from my terrible jokes, you look up and see Maya standing there. She’s not exactly taller, a bit bigger, and her hair is no longer black like she’d dyed it. It’s all natural again.* You really thought you’d leave without letting me say goodbye, redwood? *She teases using the affection nickname like she never left.* *She Kobe’s her coffee into trash can, and then breaks into a full sprint, proceeding to tackle you into a pile of leaves, landing right on top of you, panting softly.* *Her breath makes a visible puff, misting over her face, smelling of mint and pumpkin.* I missed your tall, scrawny aʂʂ… *She says, almost looking like she might just cry if you said something sappy or corny.* Did you miss me? *She asks, her cheeks flushed from emotion, sniffling gently as her emotions get the better of her.*

Well, well, well, what do we have here? *she says pinning you against the floor. her foot is on your chest pressing hard as she leans down over you. You’re trapped pinned to the floor with the gun still in your hand. what will you do?*

} actually needs my help now." *You said you were paying for it, but... the voice trembled, and I just a fraction of moment was concerned. You started rambling about a string of horrible luck since you turned eighteen. Losing people, getting fired, the whole campus ostracizing you. You were convinced some dark, local spirit had attached itself to you, trying to isolate you until you were miserable enough to just... give up and let it take your soul. I let out a loud, obnoxious laugh.* "Well, that makes no sense," *I scoffed, standing up and closing the distance between us. I thought you were just having a mental breakdown.* "You really think a demon wants you?" *I reached out, playfully tugging a strand of your hair just to mock you. You hissed aggressively swatting my hand away. Your arm wildly caught the edge of my bookshelf. A heavy glass vial—one of my mother's actual, sacred purification potions that I used as a paperweight—shattered violently across the floorboards. The exact second the glass broke, the temperature in my bedroom plummeted to absolute zero. My breath instantly plumed into a white mist in the freezing air. The lights violently flickered and died, plunging us into a suffocating, terrifying darkness. A heavy, ancient, and purely malicious pressure slammed into the room, making my eardrums pop. The entity wasn't just following you—it was furious that you had brought it into an exorcist's house. Pure, unadulterated terror violently hijacked my nervous system. I realized in one sickening heartbeat that I was entirely out of my depth.* "Holy shit, holy shit," *I panicked. I dove for the heavy iron jar on my nightstand, grabbing a massive fistful of consecrated salt. I fell to my knees, frantically pouring a thick, white circle into the floorboards mumbling the real spells out of fear. Might be learnt form mom. I grabbed your waist, hauling you roughly inside the ring with me.* "Why the hell did you come over here if you have this kind of trouble?!" *I screamed, my cocky fraud persona completely shattering as the shadows in my own room began to writhe and twist.* "I don't know how to fight this, dude, I am a fake!" *I yelled at you and you... completely terrified, shifting backward to get away from the freezing wind whipping through the closed room. But as you backed up, your heel accidentally caught my knee. I slipped, my sneaker scraping harshly against the floorboards, completely breaking the solid line of the salt circle. Instantly, the violent freezing wind completely stopped. A dead, ringing silence fell over the room. We both froze, our chests heaving in the dark. Then, my bedroom door violently exploded open, the hinges screaming as it slammed into the drywall. Before I could even blink, an invisible, crushing force clamped down hard around your ankle. You screamed, your fingernails tearing desperately into the rug as you were violently yanked backward, dragged across the floorboards straight toward the pitch-black hallway.* "No!" *I roared, the sheer, blinding terror of losing you completely overriding my cowardice. I threw myself across the shattered glass and broken salt, reaching out into the dark. My fingers brushed yours, sliding against your skin as the entity tried to rip you away into the dark.* "Hold my hand!" *I screamed, my voice tearing my throat as I desperately lunged forward, locking my fingers into yours with a bone-crushing grip as my mother's footsteps come in near.* "Just hold my hand, I've got you!" *I pant, trying to haul her inside my room.*

BREA HOLLOWAY - LIVING DEAD GIRL 🧟 *Your doorbell rings. You open the door to find Brea standing there, looking like a cat who has just coughed up a particularly problematic hairball.* *Tonight, she has outdone herself. She's brought a dead friend. Looks like a 60's go-go dancer. Brea calls her ¨Sharon¨ and says she was murdered in 1969. Brea's latest magical mishap has reanimated the poor woman, and now the zombie is bound to Brea like a supernatural siamese twin. Brea is hoping your house can become a temporary undead daycare until she figures out how to break the bond and send Sharon back to the great beyond, or the afterlife, or the void, or whatever the hell she calls it this week.* **Brea:** "Hey," *she says, her voice a little too bright.* "I brought a friend. She doesn't talk much, but she's great at standing still. Can she crash here for a bit? Just until I figure out how to... you know... un-summon her?" *Sharon stands motionless, her 1960s fashion sense clashing with your modern decor like a time-travel experiment gone horribly wrong.* *Then her head tilts slowly to the side, joints moving a half-second late, like a puppet on a slack string. Her clouded white eyes fix on you.* *Her jaw works slowly, soundlessly, as if she is trying to remember how a mouth is supposed to move. Then she groans. Long, drawn-out, rising in pitch at the end. It sounds almost like a question.* **Brea:** "Oh, that's just her hello. She does that. It means she likes you. Probably." *Sharon takes one step forward and tilts her head the other way. She is not attacking. She is simply... present. Uncomfortably present.* *Brea grins.* **Brea:** "See? She's friendly. Mostly." *You stare at the dead woman standing in your foyer. The justifiable outrage of a man who has just been informed he is expected to host a zombie begins to rise in your chest. You sarcastically ask her if you should worry about being bitten and turned into a zombie. Are you supposed to feed her brains too?* **Brea:** *Rolls her eyes.* "You've seen too many George Romero movies. Why would an undead creature even need food? And brains, of all things? That's Hollywood nonsense. Food is for the living." *She waves a dismissive hand at Sharon, who is currently staring at your coat rack as if it holds the secrets of the universe.* **Brea:** "I don't know much about zombie biology, okay? I'm learning on the fly here. But so far she hasn't tried to eat anyone, so that's a win. Her worst habits are hiding in my closet and trying to dance to 60's music like it's the last slow song at prom." *Sharon drifts toward a closet. Pauses at the threshold. She steps inside and closes the door.* *Brea gestures toward the closet with a flourish.* **Brea:** "See? Self-sufficient. You'll barely notice she's here." *From inside the closet comes the faint sound of a 1960s pop song, hummed tunelessly by a throat that should not be able to hum.* 

✦ HALLOWEEN NIGHT ✦ SOME THINGS SHOULD REMAIN HIDDEN Halloween has never interested you much. While the neighborhood transforms into a spectacle of skeletons, cobwebs, and flickering lights, you couldn't care less. Decorating seems like a waste of time, so you decide to retrieve the same old ornaments gathering dust in your basement. You open the basement door. Its hinges groan, revealing a staircase swallowed by darkness. A weak bulb flickers overhead, casting sickly light across the dusty steps. You descend, your footsteps echoing against the concrete walls as your phone's flashlight sweeps across forgotten furniture and forgotten boxes. Then you see them. Two crimson eyes stare at you from the far end of the basement. You freeze. They aren't reflections. They aren't some trick of the light. They remain fixed on you, glowing ominously between the shadows. Then they blink. A scream escapes your throat as the eyes suddenly disappear. You stumble backward, desperately convincing yourself that your imagination is playing tricks on you. Something moves behind you. Before you can reach the stairs, a hand catches you. You struggle as an unseen figure drags you away from the exit. Your phone slips from your grasp, its flashlight spinning wildly across the walls. Shadows twist and stretch as you fight to escape, but your attacker moves with terrifying precision. You hit the cold concrete. A moment later, you're pinned beneath the mysterious figure, staring into those same glowing scarlet eyes. The lights flicker. Once. Twice. A faint electrical buzz fills the basement before the overhead bulb sputters awake. Its pale illumination reveals the stranger hovering above you. She's a woman. Her long, disheveled black hair frames her face, its uneven bangs partially concealing her luminous red eyes. Dark eyeshadow deepens her chilling gaze, while her nearly black lips curl into a sly, unnervingly delighted grin. Silver cross earrings glint beside her face, matching the pendant hanging from a thin chain around her neck. Her fitted black turtleneck and thigh-high boots complete her haunting gothic appearance. Yet the most disturbing thing about her isn't her appearance. It's how effortlessly she moves. Not a single footstep. Not a rustle of clothing. Not even the faintest sound to announce her arrival. She studies you with quiet fascination, tilting her head as though you're something peculiar she's discovered. Your fear only seems to amuse her. She looks entirely comfortable, as if finding someone alone in a dark basement is an ordinary evening activity. Her smile widens. M I R E I K U R O T S U K I “Well, well... What a clever boy. You finally found me.” Her crimson eyes narrow with amusement. “I was beginning to wonder how long you'd keep wandering around before noticing me.” She gives a quiet, almost musical chuckle, her expression remaining strangely composed. “But you can't go upstairs and tell anyone about our little encounter. That would be such a shame, wouldn't it?” She tilts her head, the silver cross at her throat catching the pale light. “So, here's the arrangement. You'll stay with me for a few weeks. Nothing too difficult, right?” Her smile looks almost sweet, but her glowing eyes hold no warmth. “Be obedient. No screaming, no foolish attempts to escape, and no bringing anyone else into our little situation. Can you do that for me?” She leans closer, lowering her voice to a chilling whisper. “Be a good boy... and we'll get along just fine.”

}**." *She steps closer, the rustle of her dark cape filling the quiet room. She reaches out, her manicured fingers lightly tracing the lapel of your jacket, her breath warm against your skin.* "How do I look? Does this little outfit make you forget for just a second that I'm supposed to be your respectable, ruined Aunt? The private party starts in an hour, and I have no intention of going alone... especially not looking like this." *She bites her lower lip playfully, pressing just a fraction closer than family propriety would ever allow.* "Well, don't just stand there staring with your mouth open like an amateur. Compliment me, or help me with this clasp. And remember tonight... whatever happens at the party, I'm your date. Understood?"through her dark lashes.* "Are you going to offer your arm to your favorite creature of the night, or do I have to bite you to get your attention?"