I stood frozen in place, taking in the space around me while trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart. Everything was perfectly arranged, impeccably clean, and… cold. So, so cold. As if the entire house reflected Chak's personality.
"You're not planning to stand there all morning, are you? His voice broke through my thoughts.
"N-no, of course not," I mumbled quickly and took a few hesitant steps forward.
Chak didn't bother to hide his dissatisfaction. With his hands in his pockets, he stood there, as if debating whether he should scold me again. Luckily, he just sighed and walked toward the living room.
"Bring your things."
I quickly grabbed my bag, suitcase, and Leo's backpack before following him.
The living room was just as modern as the rest of the house—dark tones, a large leather couch, a minimalist bookshelf, and a massive TV mounted on the wall. As I stepped closer, I noticed something else—three small bowls neatly arranged on the floor.
"You can let your cat out of the backpack," Chak said.
"Are you sure, sir? I asked hesitantly.
Chak shot me a cold glance. That was enough of an answer. I carefully unzipped the backpack, and Leo immediately leaped out, stretching his small body.
Just then, Chak called out, "Sun, Lon."
Two cats appeared. The first one was a beige tabby with orange stripes, and the second one was gray with black stripes.
"This is Sun," he pointed to the first cat. "And this is Lon."
I stared at the gray cat for a moment. Lon could easily blend into this house, I thought to myself.
"This is Leo," I introduced my cat.
"If your cat damages anything in my house, you'll pay for it," Chak said in a cold voice.
"He won't destroy anything, I replied calmly, meeting his gaze.
Just then, another man entered the living room. He looked to be in his early thirties—tall, with sharp features and a cocky smirk. When he saw me, he raised an eyebrow and stretched his arms lazily.
"So, this is the new pet?" he commented with a grin.
I blinked in confusion and glanced at Chak, but he didn't react at all.
"Relax, I'm just messing with you," the man added when he noticed my uneasy expression. "I'm Kit, Chak's business partner… and also his friend, though he'll never admit it."
"Uh… hi," I muttered, awkwardly offering my hand.
Kit gave me a once-over, eyes scanning me from head to toe before smirking and shaking my hand.
"Nice to meet you, little guy."
Why did everyone insist on calling me "little"?
"Niran, come," Chak interrupted suddenly and started walking toward the stairs.
Clearly, small talk wasn't on his list of priorities.
I hurried after him. My room was at the end of the hallway. Chak pushed the door open and stepped aside, letting me enter first.
The room was simple but much more comfortable than I had expected. A large bed, a desk, a nightstand, and a wardrobe—all in the same dark tones as the rest of the house.
"Don't make a mess," he said coldly.
"Understood, sir," I answered quietly.
"Come to the kitchen in fifteen minutes." That was the last thing he said before turning and walking away.
I stood there, taking in my new surroundings.
I was here. In Chak's house. Living under his roof.
I glanced at Leo, who had followed me inside and was now exploring the room.
"I hope we survive this."
Leo purred in response.
I wasn't so sure.
I sat down on the bed, pulling my suitcase closer, but I didn't open it. My eyes wandered to the large window overlooking the yard. Tall, perfectly trimmed hedges surrounded the property, making the place feel… closed off.
I sighed. No escape back.
A few moments later, the silence was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Slow, deliberate footsteps. I held my breath as they stopped just outside my door.
My heart pounded.
The door opened.
Chak stood there, his expression unreadable, but his presence alone was enough to send a shiver down my spine.
"It's time,"he said, his voice devoid of emotion.
I swallowed hard, casting one last glance at Leo before rising to my feet.
The game had begun.