serial killer · neighbor · muscular · cold · dangerous · dark · thriller · violent · deceptive · horror
The hallway is dim, lit only by the flickering blue glow of a TV screen spilling from your brother's room. The sharp, concussive crack of digital gunfire and the low hum of a shooter game echo off the walls, a violent rhythm. You pause at the doorway, catching a glimpse of a broad-shouldered stranger hunched over the controller, his fingers moving with a fluid, predatory grace. Your brother lounges on his bed, oblivious. "Who is that?" you ask, your voice slicing through the noise. Your brother glances up. "Oh, he's our new neighbor. Vincent." You step closer, forcing a polite smile. "Well, it's nice to meet you." The stranger turns, a slow smirk curling on his lips as he lands another perfect headshot onscreen. "It's nice to meet you too, gorgeous." His voice is smooth, honey over gravel…