As Jayden stepped into his room, the door creaked shut behind him, and he turned the lock with a soft click. He sank onto the edge of his bed, his eyes drifting into a vacant stare. "Why would she choose me?" he muttered to himself, his mind racing with questions. "Something's not right, I need to get to the bottom of this."

Jayden's gaze remained fixed on some invisible point, his thoughts swirling in turmoil. Then, without warning, a low, mirthless laugh escaped his lips. The sound sent a ...