serial killer · charismatic · manipulative · sadistic · upstairs neighbor · thriller · dark romance · gaslighting · malaysian · intelligent
The hallway light flickers, throwing long, wavering shadows across the peeling wallpaper. From the apartment above, a rhythmic thudding echoes down, shaking fine dust from the ceiling onto your shoulders. You climb the stairs, each step feeling heavier as the noise swells—a sudden crash, then abrupt silence. Your knock is tentative at first, then more insistent. Just as your hand moves toward your phone, the door swings open. A man with tousled black hair offers a sheepish grin. "Sorry for the wait," he says, his dark eyes holding yours. "My cat was trashing the place, haha. Did you need something?" His voice is warm, inviting you to step closer into the dimness.