The classroom was quiet as everyone listened to the professor teaching, talking about criminal psychology and behavioral analysis. It was a very interesting and outstanding topic, one that immediately piqued my interest. I'm Leah, and I will be twenty-two in three months. I'm the kind of person people would call a nerd, the book brain of the school, the outcast. But I didn't care. I didn't give a fuck. At least I knew what I wanted, and I was going for it. The professor continued teaching, explaining different psychological patterns behind criminal behavior. Oh shit. I didn't get this at all. I raised my hand. “Hey, Prof.” He looked at me. “Yes?” “Um, well, I have a question.” “Okay. I'm listening.” “Well, Professor, I'm confused about something you said. You said some criminals can convince themselves that their actions are justified. How does that actually happen if they know what they're doing is wrong? Why don't they feel guilty about it?” The professor stared at me for a moment before answering. “That is one of the most complicated aspects of criminal psychology, but you have a point there. Guilt isn't the same for everyone. Some offenders understand that their actions are wrong but find ways to justify them in their minds. Others might genuinely believe they have done nothing wrong. They might blame the victim, convince themselves that they were forced into the situation, or believe they had a good reason for what they did.” He paused briefly before continuing. “In criminal psychology, we call some of these thought patterns cognitive distortions. The person changes the way they interpret reality so they can live with their actions without seeing themselves as the villain.” He looked around the classroom. “But remember, understanding why someone commits a crime doesn't mean we excuse the crime. Do you understand now, Miss Leah?” I nodded slowly, finally understanding. Just as I was about to sit down, bang! The heavy door swung open. I looked across the hall and saw a young man enter. He was definitely a student, but I hadn't seen him in this class before. He was tall, definitely older than most of the students, and built like an athlete in perfectly fitted clothes that emphasized his athletic frame. I expected him to move toward one of the empty seats, but he didn't. He simply stood there, looking around as if he were searching for something. Then his eyes fell on me. The moment our gazes met, something in his expression changed. His stare was cold, intense, almost predatory. Yet there was something strangely attractive about it, something that made my pulse quicken. I should have looked away. Somehow, I couldn't. Eventually, I forced myself to break eye contact and sat down, but my heart was still pounding. A strange shiver ran through me, raising goosebumps along my arms. Why was he staring at me like that? Did he know me? I tried to think of any possible reason, but nothing came to mind. I barely knew anyone in this place. There was no reason for a stranger to look at me as though he had been searching the entire room just to find me. The young man finally walked toward the professor. They exchanged a few quiet words before the professor turned to face the class. “Everyone, this is Damien Voss, a new student joining us today. Please welcome him.” Damien gave a brief nod to the class without saying a word. Then he turned and walked toward the empty seats. My eyes followed him without meaning to. He walked straight past several available seats before stopping at the one directly behind me. My body went stiff. He pulled out the chair and sat down. I could feel his presence behind me even without turning around, and for some reason, I had a terrible feeling that his seat hadn't been chosen by accident. After that, the rest of the lecture became strangely distracting. I tried to focus on the professor's explanation, but Damien sitting directly behind me made it nearly impossible. He was handsome, with black hair and brown eyes, the kind of guy every girl would probably dream about. But shit, why was I thinking about him? Leah, get back to your senses. He's way out of your league. Don't tell me I have a crush on him. Oh no. No. Hell no. I shook my head slightly and forced my attention back to the lecture. The lecture hall was huge, with rows of seats arranged in a gentle slope toward the front. Students filled most of the room, some typing on their laptops, others scribbling notes into their notebooks, while the professor moved between the board and his desk. I tried to do the same. I looked down at my notes and forced myself to concentrate on what I was writing. But every few minutes, I found myself wondering if Damien was still looking at me. I refused to turn around. Maybe I was imagining everything. Maybe his earlier stare had meant nothing. Still, I couldn't shake the strange feeling sitting at the back of my mind. By the time the lecture finally ended, I felt relieved. I packed my books into my bag, waited for the crowd to thin out, and then made my way back to my apartment.

I got to my apartment. It was small, cozy, with a little bedroom, kitchen space, and bathroom plus toilet together. There was a desk where I kept my books, and also a small closet area for my clothes. I sat on my bed. Fuck, I'm exhausted. But who is this guy? I said. There's a weird aura coming from him, but he's fine, I said giggling. Whatever. I cant think about that. I stood up, removed my clothes, then headed to the towel hanger where I kept towels, to cover myself. When my phone dinged, I went to my bag, brought it out, checked it, then my eyes went wild. The message said, “Leah, fuck, you're sexy. Don't do that again out of nowhere.” I was terrified, looking around to see if there was a camera, but I couldn't see. Then another message came. “Oh, don't bother. You're never going to find it.” “Who are you?” I typed. “Oh, I'm just someone watching you. That's all.” Due to the fear, I blocked the number. “What the hell? I have to find that camera,” I said to myself. I searched for two hours, but I couldn't find it. I checked everywhere, even where I couldn't reach. I checked. I was so exhausted on a towel like a freak. Fuck, I need to shower. I went in, but remembered, what if that freak put a camera in here? I couldn't wait anymore. I just showered, went to bed, hiding myself in my duvet, because probably, I can't change because of some freak. I started thinking about how my day went and how the man stared at me, how now I've got a stalker. I don't really see anything special about myself that I would have a stalker. I'm ugly, nerd, you mention it, I said to myself. Why can't I have a normal life? I shouted all of a sudden. I knew he must be watching, so I put up my two middle fingers. Fuck you, stalker.

I regretted my actions, later on but wait, what if he wants to kill me? Oh my God, why would anybody want to kill me? I said, sniffing in tears. I've not graduated yet. I need to find a good job and make money. I can't die yet. Well, I blocked him, right? Everything's gonna be fine. Then I relaxed, closed my eyes, smiling like an idiot. Well, my life is gonna be normal tomorrow.

Leah! A loud voice called me on my way to class. I turned back to see my only friend, Nova, running to me. Nova was my friend here, but eventually she went to New Jersey to handle some matters concerning her mother. I smiled as a heavy weight was felt as my best friend jumped on my back. I've missed you, she said as she began kissing my cheeks. Nova, what are you doing here? I thought you weren't in the States, I asked, confused. Well, matter settled, Leah. It wasn't that serious. Okay, I get it, I said with a grin. But it's nice seeing you. I've missed you too. She shook her head. Come on, let's head inside for class. Her boyfriend, Martin, follows behind us quietly. Turns out they were childhood friends who turned out to be lovers. I didn't know him that well, but all I know is he treated Nova right, and that's what matters. Well, who could blame him for falling in love with Nova? She was breathtaking in a way that words could barely capture. Her beauty wasn't loud or demanding, yet it was impossible to ignore, with delicate features, captivating eyes, flawless skin, and a smile that could make anyone's heart skip a beat.

I saw them kissing as we were about to enter class and I gagged. Ew, she glared at me. It's high time you get a man, she said in a mocking voice. I just shrugged. Well, you'll find him when you dig a little bit deep, in my ass. Ew, she said in disgust. Right. That's what I expected, I said, while sitting down. Look, I don't need and never will need a man/male or someone who has a dick. She stared at me like I had two heads. But why? Do I even need a reason? I asked back. Nova was about to say something when we heard someone bash in with force, screaming. It was a young girl. “There's a dead body,” she said, panting, “in the restroom.” All the other students were panicking, as Nova and I were also panicking. We stood up and went in that direction.