Lisa's POV)
We met up with David and Steven outside the locker room. The guys were hyping about the win, and Tisha was snapping pics with the team. I tried to play it cool, still replaying that glance.
Steven was mid-story about the final goal, dramatically acting out the moment when the striker slipped past two defenders.
"I'm telling you," he said, gesturing wildly, "that was the cleanest play all season."
David laughed, shaking his head. "You say that every game."
"Because every game *is* the best game," Steven shot back.
Tisha pulled David into a quick photo with the rest of the team, flashing peace signs while Susan leaned against the fence scrolling through her phone.
I stood a little off to the side, pretending to check messages while my mind replayed the moment in the stands.
That smile.
It had only lasted a second, but something about it felt different. Like there was something unspoken in it. Like he knew something—or felt something—I couldn't quite name.
David caught my eye again as he walked back toward us, running a hand through his still-damp hair.
"Ready?" he asked the group.
As we walked out of the school gates, the weird hum returned – louder now, like a buzz in my ears. I rubbed my temples. Susan noticed. "Hey, you okay?"
The sound was faint at first, like a distant electrical buzz. I thought maybe it was coming from the stadium lights or one of the nearby street poles.
But then it grew stronger.
Like it was inside my head.
I shrugged. "Headache, maybe."
David frowned. "Want me to walk you home?"
For a moment I almost said yes.
The hum intensified. I felt... drawn to something. A weird pull in my chest.
It was hard to explain. Not exactly pain—more like a magnetic tug somewhere deep inside me, pulling my attention forward. My heart started beating faster, and the air suddenly felt colder.
"No, I'm fine," I said quickly. "Just... gonna head home with Susan."
David hesitated, clearly unsure.
"Text when you get home," he said.
Susan shot me a subtle grin, clearly noticing the concern in his voice.
"Relax," she told him. "I'll make sure she survives the dangerous walk home."
Steven laughed. "Yeah, the biggest threat out here is Tisha stealing more victory selfies."
"Hey!" Tisha protested, holding up her phone proudly.
The group said bye, and Susan and I started walking. The hum got louder, like it was... calling me. I felt a shiver.
The streets around the school were busy with students heading home, the sound of laughter and distant car engines filling the evening air. Streetlights flickered on as the sky deepened into shades of purple and blue.
Susan was talking about some party next week. I wasn't listening. The hum was getting painful.
"…and apparently Jake's parents are out of town, so everyone's going," she continued. "You *have* to come. It'll be—"
My head throbbed.
The humming pulsed like a heartbeat now, vibrating behind my eyes. I slowed my steps without meaning to.
"Lisa?" Susan glanced at me.
The strange pull in my chest grew stronger, almost urgent now. Like something ahead of us was drawing closer—or maybe I was being pulled toward it.
Then, it stopped.
Silence. Like the world paused.
The sudden quiet was so sharp it made my ears ring.
Even the distant street noise seemed to vanish for a split second.
A guy appeared in front of us. Tall, dark eyes, weird symbol on his jacket. "Lisa," he said.
Susan froze, staring.
He hadn't been there a second ago. I was sure of it.
One moment the sidewalk ahead of us had been empty. The next, he was standing there like he'd stepped out of thin air.
He was tall—maybe a few years older than us—with dark hair that fell slightly over his eyes. His jacket was black, worn at the edges, and on the sleeve was a strange symbol I didn't recognize. A looping design that almost looked like an infinity sign tangled with sharp lines.
My heart slammed against my ribs.
I felt a jolt. Who was this?
"Who are you?" I asked.
The guy's eyes locked onto mine. "You don't know?"
The way he said it sent a chill down my spine.
Like he expected me to.
Like I was supposed to recognize him.
The world spun. Something clicked.