The Unknown; Hellbent

Everyone couldn't stop staring at the couple with face caps, the stark contrast between their hair colours added to their ethereal look. Gasps and whispers could be heard as people wondered if they were real or just cos players.

The sun was high, and the laughter and chatter of families filled the air as they arrived at Funtime Park. The vibrant colors of the rides, the aroma of popcorn and candy, and the joyful screams of thrill-seekers created an infectious energy. Alexia practically bounced with excitement as they entered the gates, her arm brushing against Ezekiel's occasionally.

Tyler trailed behind, watching the two with an amused smirk. "Don't scare the poor guy with your energy, Alexia," he teased.

"Scare him? Never!" she shot back, grabbing Ezekiel's hand with a grin. Alexia made them try different rides and games, all the while screaming like a kid.

While they had stopped at a bench to rest and snack on some sweets, she turned to him, her face still energetic

"Come on, Kiel! Let's try the haunted house!"

Ezekiel raised an eyebrow. "The haunted house?"

"Yes!" she chirped, already tugging him toward the dimly lit, eerie-looking house. "It'll be fun!"

Ezekiel let himself be led by her, though still wondering why she'll want to try some that'll scare her.

Tyler chuckled, shaking his head as he walked toward a nearby bench. "I'll wait outside. Someone has to capture your reactions when you come running out screaming."

"Keep dreaming!" Alexia retorted, but her confidence wavered slightly as they entered the darkened space.

The haunted house was dimly lit, with flickering red lights casting ominous shadows on cracked walls. The air was cold and damp, a stark contrast to the warmth outside. Eerie sounds echoed around them—creaking floorboards, distant whispers, and the occasional unsettling laugh.

Alexia clung to Ezekiel's arm almost immediately, her excitement giving way to nervous giggles. "This isn't so bad, right?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Not yet," Ezekiel replied flatly, his sharp gaze scanning the room. He turned to look at the girl who was clinging unto his arm "I thought you wanted to try it out, why are you now getting scared, you want to leave" he asked, his words sounding deeper than they appeared.

"Well, yes I want to try it out, I love thrills and the unknown, I'm not leaving, though it'll get scarier than this I'll see it through" she told him, her tone laced with confidence, Ezekiel looked away from her, his attention turned back to the house, for a moment something strange flashed through his eyes, it disappeared in an instant.

They turned a corner, and a mannequin with glowing red eyes lunged out of the shadows, accompanied by a deafening scream. Alexia yelped, jumping back and clutching Ezekiel's arm with both hands. He didn't even flinch, his eyes narrowing at the figure.

"Fake," he muttered, pulling her along without hesitation.

Alexia let out a shaky laugh. "Of course, it's fake. I knew that," she said, though her grip on his arm remained firm.

As they ventured deeper, the scares became more elaborate. The walls seemed to close in, grotesque figures emerging from the darkness with movements eerily lifelike. Alexia's earlier bravery dissolved completely when a ghostly figure slid across the floor, its glowing face inches from hers.

With a scream, she bolted behind Ezekiel, pressing herself against his back. "Kiel! Make it stop!"

Ezekiel sighed, his patience thinning. "It's not real, Alexia," he said, though he placed a reassuring hand on hers, which clutched the back of his shirt tightly.

They continued down the hallway, Alexia sticking close to him like a shadow. "How are you so calm?" she muttered, half in awe and half frustrated by his unshakable demeanor.

"Because I know it's fake," he replied simply. "You should try reminding yourself of that."

"That's easier said than done," she grumbled, but her tone was softer, comforted by his steady presence.

Just as they reached the final hallway, the lights flickered and went out completely, plunging them into darkness. Alexia froze, her breathing shallow. "Kiel?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of her racing heartbeat.

"I'm here," Ezekiel replied calmly, his voice cutting through the oppressive silence.

The sound of footsteps echoed around them, followed by sinister laughter. Alexia whimpered, clutching Ezekiel's arm as if her life depended on it. "I-I can't see anything."

Ezekiel reached for her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. "Just follow me," he said, his voice gentler now.

Guided by the faint glow of emergency lights at the far end of the hallway, Ezekiel led her through the darkness. Each step felt heavier than the last, the oppressive atmosphere weighing down on them. Alexia clung to his hand, her fear easing slightly as she focused on his warmth and the steadiness of his grip.

Suddenly, a loud crash sounded behind them, and Alexia let out a startled cry, squeezing Ezekiel's hand. "W-What was that?"

Ezekiel didn't answer immediately, his sharp eyes scanning the hallway. "I dont know but don't worry, nothing can hurt you," he finally said, his voice firm.

As they neared the exit, one final scare awaited—a man in tattered clothing burst out of a hidden door, his bloodied face illuminated by a flickering strobe light.

Alexia screamed again, instinctively throwing herself into Ezekiel's arms. Without hesitation, Ezekiel wrapped his arms around her, shielding her from the scare actor. He glared at the actor and the man backed off, clearly satisfied with her reaction, the exit doors swung open, flooding the hallway with light.

Alexia clung to Ezekiel even as they stepped outside, her heart pounding. It took her a moment to realize how tightly she was pressed against him. Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly stepped back, brushing her hair behind her ear. "I-I'm sorry… I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine," Ezekiel interrupted, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. His hand lingered on her shoulder for a moment before he let go.

Outside, Tyler was waiting with his phone in hand, his grin wide. "That was priceless! Alexia, your face—"

"Shut it, gingerhead!" Alexia snapped. She turned to Ezekiel, her eyes soft. "Thank you, Kiel."

Ezekiel looked at her face still full of sweat, shoving one hand into his pockets, he reached out, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear "It's nothing," he muttered, though the faintest hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

For the rest of the day, Alexia stayed close to Ezekiel, her fear of the haunted house replaced by a newfound sense of warmth. Ezekiel, despite his usual aloofness, found himself growing more comfortable with her presence.

As they walked hand in hand to their next ride, Tyler trailed behind, snapping a picture of the pair. "This is gold," he muttered, already imagining the teasing opportunities.

At the end of the day, they returned to the car, Alexia still buzzing with excitement despite her earlier scares. She glanced at Ezekiel as they drove back home, her smile softening. "You know, today was the most fun I've had in a long time," she said quietly.

Ezekiel glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Is that so?"

"Yeah," she replied, her voice sincere. "Thank you for coming with me."

Ezekiel didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. But after a moment, he nodded slightly. "You're welcome."

Tyler, overhearing their exchange, smirked. "Aw, look at you two bonding. Should I start planning the wedding?"

Alexia glared at him,her face red. "Shut up, ginger head, you talk to much!" She whined.

Ezekiel said nothing, but for the rest of the ride, the corners of his lips remained faintly upturned.