⬆️ Link: https://youtu.be/XNf-wstTdms?si=ntztuLOT71xqYQM5

It was a little past 9 pm, where Jerome was roaming the dark streets of Gotham. Searching for a victim to kill. Jerome Valeska, a troubled kid living at home with his drunk mother. Jerome hated his life. Jerome tried his hardest to be something he wasn't. But Jerome could no longer play the role he was playing. Jerome had never killed anyone, but his insides and mind begged him to put an end to his suffering. Jerome loved seeing people in despair and pain because it made him feel better and cope with his troubles going on at home. Jerome was ready. With a pocket knife, he was holding tightly in his sweater pocket. Jerome was finally ready. That was until...

Jerome could spot a woman, a young woman. Walking toward an apartment complex. The moonlight is shown down on her light brown hair, illuminating her long hair and a little bit of her face. Jerome was taken aback by this girl. She looked beautiful but almost broken. Like Jerome was. A depressed, saddened expression on her face could explain it all. What could this be? A sign to Jerome that he shouldn't kill? Or a sign that he should figure out why? Figure out why this girl looked so broken by just the tell of her face? Without a second of hesitation, Jerome stepped forward, following her figure step inside the complex. But before Jerome could enter, his mind stopped him. She would catch him? Jerome sighed before he began to circle around the complex.

Karoline opened the apartment door. Her mother's purse and shoes were where they were supposed to be. Karoline quietly shut the door behind her and sat down her book bag. Karoline was 18, finishing her last semester at Gotham High. Karoline was exhausted, but she needed to finish off this year strong with good grades, so Karoline could get a free tuition. Karoline slipped off her shoes and quietly moved her feet across the small living room into the hallway. Karoline's mother's bedroom door was open at the end of the hall, so Karoline needed to make sure not to wake her before her alarms began to go off for work. Karoline entered her dark bedroom and shut the door behind her quietly. Karoline turned on her bedroom lamp and sat down on her bed, tired and ready for bed. But Karoline needed to finish her English essay to ace the class. So, Karoline decided to pick up her computer off her night stand, and sit criss cross on her bed.

Jerome, standing behind the apartment complex, everyone's windows were closed. But, as Jerome kept still and watched for any lights, Jerome could spot a dim light turning on. She must be on the second floor. As Jerome slowly crawled on top of the dumpster, he could see the girl's shadow going up to the window. But, thankfully, Karoline didn't look around. She just opened the window to let fresh air in while she worked. Jerome felt a smirk creep onto his lips. "This girl is making it too easy." Jerome mumbled to himself before Jerome stabled his balance, making Jerome see straight through the girls' window. Karoline was too busy typing her paper. She wanted to get this done as soon as possible and didn't even notice the ginger haired man spying on her through her opened window.

Karoline sighed to herself, scratching at the side of her head. Before her heart stopped in her chest, she could hear a creak on the window seal. Karoline slowly looked over at her window to see a tall, ginger haired man standing inside her room. Karoline quickly reacted, opening her mouth to scream, but Jerome quickly shushed her. Jerome popped open his pocket knife, raising it up to his face. "How about we play a little game, called the quiet game?" Jerome's deep voice whispered. Karoline felt a shiver run down her spine as she saw his face creepily. Jerome felt his body running with adrenaline. Jerome felt a whole new personality inside him. It was like... He felt completely different. No longer sad, no longer in pain. This girls fear is exactly what Jerome wanted. "Now... Why must an obviously smart girl like you leave her window open for all the maniacs in the world to see you?" Jerome whispered, stepping closer to the bed. Karoline stood up from reflex, pushing her back against the wall away from the bed. "Oh, come on now. There's no need to be scared. You need to lighten up." Jerome whispered, stepping closer to Karoline.

Karoline shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes as she tried to move away. Before Jerome stepped close, placing a hand firmly against the wall on the right side of Karoline. "Now, do enlighten me. What's your name?" Jerome smirked, maniacally. Karoline shook her head, unable to feel words come from her mouth. "Should I ask your parents?" Jerome asked, Karoline quickly shook her head. "It's... Karoline." Karoline whispered, feeling tears choke back her words. Jerome's face went into awe. Karoline was definitely Jerome's type. But, he barely felt anything sexual toward her. Karoline just seemed exactly like Jerome. Broken, and in need to be freed. "What a beautiful name..." Jerome almost moaned out in excitement quietly, pressing his pocket knife against Karoline's cheek. Making her gasp slightly in fear.

But, before Jerome could ask any more questions, Karoline's mother knocked on the door lightly. "Karoline, are you alright? I see your bedroom light still on. Are you sleeping?" Karoline's mother asked through the door. Jerome put a finger to his lips, slowly backing away from Karoline. "I will, see you again." Jerome whispered, loud enough for Karoline to hear. Before he walked toward Karoline's window, he entered through, exiting it.

Karoline felt a weight being lifted off her chest. Karoline hurried to her bedroom door. Twisting the doorknob and opening the door to reveal her mother. "Yes, mom. I'm all good. I am just finishing my English essay for tomorrow." Karoline said out, almost breathless in relief. "Okay, well, I'll get heading to work. Make sure to close your window." Karoline's mom said, making Karoline nod fast in agreement. Karoline smiled as her mom hugged her tightly before walking away. Karoline shut her door, leaning her back against the door as she put a hand against her chest. Karoline could feel her heart beating fast. Karoline let out a loud exhale before quickly running to the window. Locking it and shutting the blinds quickly.

One thing Karoline thought throughout the night... Why did that man imply that they'd cross ways again? Almost like, it was a threat. Was he expecting something from Karoline? Karoline could barely sleep that night, staying up, thinking about that creep.