Luke didn't bother knocking when we reached the door. Instead he pulled out a pair of keys, unlocking the door and stepping inside. Nervous, I followed.

"Weird," Luke breathed, watching as I disappeared into the house. Surprisingly, there were lights on. Were people up already? It was only six thirty, at latest. "I'll never get used to that."

I bit my lip, thankful he couldn't see as my cheeks tinged pink.

"Kota!" Luke called, and I braced myself for someone to yell at us, angry for us for waking them up so early, or a dog to start barking. That wasn't the case.

Instead, a friendly looking golden retriever appeared, tail wagging as he charged toward us. Behind him came a boy I recognized- he often got home late, and I had only seen him at night, but I was pretty sure he was the same boy. At night his hair looked black, but I could tell now that it was actually a rather light brown. His black-rimmed glasses reflected the light above us, but through the lens I could make out hunter green eyes, his high cheekbones almost hidden, too.

If I had to guess his age, I would have placed him a year or two older than I was- sixteen, maybe seventeen? He was a head taller than I was, with a medium build and fair skin, his thin brows angled at the edges in a way that made him look curious and constantly interested. He almost looked like a stereotypical nerd, if it weren't for his posture. He stood upright, shoulders back with a cool confidence that I could only dream to have. What really stuck out, however, was the kind smile he had on his face. It warmed me instantly. It almost looked like he was happy to see me. I knew better, however. I was still invisible.

Literally.

"Hey Luke," he greeted, sounding surprised. "Weren't you and North helping Uncle with the diner?"

Uh... uncle? I thought Luke had said they were friends. And who was North? Now that I thought about it, I didn't know much about Luke. I mean, I knew he was a new student at my sister's school this year, he and a few friends had transferred from a private school for some sort of exchange program, but I didn't have much more information than that.

I was suddenly much less comfortable. Irrational as it was, Luke was starting to feel as if he was just as much of a stranger as Kota was. What was I doing following him into some strange house? My mother's warnings flashed through my mind. Murder. Rape. Kidnapping.

Lost in thought, I almost jumped when the golden retriever barked, staring directly at me. The dog sniffed, tilting its head and barking again.

"Max? What's wrong bud?" Kota asked, confused.

Luke glanced at Max, then followed the dog's gaze to me. Then he returned his gaze to his friend. "You know how I told you about your neighbor? Sang?" I cringed.

Kota sighed, his eyebrows pinching slightly. "I do."

"Well, I brought her. Right Sang?" he asked, giving me a pointed look as he did. He looked expectant, almost excited.

I froze, unable to bring myself to speak, to breathe. I wasn't some new friend of Luke's- I was a freak of nature. One who was stupid enough to follow a stranger into another stranger's house.

"Um... Sang?"

"Luke," Kota started, sounding frustrated, "would you just give it up? We all know Sang isn't real- I'm sure this is a setup for some elaborate prank of yours, but-"

"I'm serious, Kota," Luke promised, shooting me a confused look. Kota had sounded almost like he was berating a child. Luke was obviously hurt by my silence. "She's right here. Say something, Sang. He can't help if he doesn't believe your real."

Trembling with anxiety, I shook my head, backing up.

For the first time since I met Luke, I felt truly alone.