Pov Josiane....
Josie didn't tell anyone.
Not immediately.
Not Cain.
Not Kaela.
Not even Linux.
But the feeling stayed.
Someone else was involved.
That evening—
The campus felt quieter.
Darker.
I walked toward the dorm.
Alone.
My steps slowed.
Something felt wrong.
Too quiet.
Then...
Footsteps.
Behind her.
She froze.
Slowly—
She turned.
No one.
But the feeling—
Still there.
She started walking faster.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Footsteps again.
Closer this time.
Her heart pounded.
"Who's there?" she called.
No answer.
Suddenly—
A hand grabbed her wrist.
She gasped—
But before she could react—
She was pulled aside.
"Relax. It's me."
Linux.
Her breathing was uneven.
"You scared me!"
"You shouldn't be walking alone," he said.
His tone serious.
Protective.
"I saw someone," she said quickly. "They were watching me."
Linux's expression darkened.
"Where?"
"Near the corridor… and just now—"
He didn't wait.
He stepped slightly in front of her.
Instinctively.
"We're not alone in this anymore," he said.
Josie swallowed.
"I know."
Silence.
Then—
"Come,"he said softly. "I'll walk you."
They started walking together.
Closer than before.
Not touching.
But close enough to feel it.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.
Josie hesitated.
Then—
"No."
He didn't interrupt.
Didn't give advice.
Just listened.
"I'm scared," she admitted. "But I'm also… angry."
Linux glanced at her.
"That's good."
She blinked. "What?"
"Fear makes you careful,"he said.
"Anger makes you strong."
That stayed with her.
They reached the dorm.
But neither moved immediately.
"I meant what I said yesterday," he added.
"What?"
"I won't let anything happen to you."
Her chest tightened again.
"…You better not," she said softly.
A small smile appeared on his face.
Then—
His hand brushed lightly against hers.
Accident.
Maybe.
But neither moved away instantly.
For a second—
Everything slowed.
Then—
Josie pulled back slightly.
"Goodnight," she said.
"Goodnight."
She turned.
Walked inside.
Her heart still racing.
Not just from fear.
But from him.
Outside—
Linux stood there for a moment.
Watching the door close.
Then his expression changed.
Serious.
Dark.
Focused.
Because now—
It wasn't just about protecting me...
It was about finding—
Who else was watching.
To be continued…