Part 3The Swap

03

I paused.

This Swapper was cunning.

Perhaps Sarah's death served as a warning to the others.

They were no longer reckless. They were hiding.

The hunt just got harder.

Back in the dorm, I quietly observed my roommate, Ethan.

Was it my imagination, or was his skin glowing?

Ethan was humming a tune.

"Ethan, did you change your face wash? You look... radiant." I probed casually.

"Really? You think so?" Ethan beamed. "It's this new brand I saw on TikTok. It was cheap, so I tried it. I'll send you the link!"

He sent it immediately, rambling about skincare routines.

I laughed along, then pulled out my phone and texted my neighbor, Zach.

"Hey bro, you off tomorrow? Wanna go shopping for clothes?"

Zach replied quickly:

"Nah, I'm gonna study at home. SATs are in a month, I'm too stressed to go out."

The next day, I knocked on Zach's door with a crepe cake.

"Picked this up on my way back." I held up the cake and slipped inside.

"Nice! You're a lifesaver!" Zach took the cake happily.

I asked casually, "Bro, have you been losing weight? You look thinner."

"No way," Zach said naturally. "I've been stress-eating kebabs every night. Maybe the exam pressure is making me look gaunt."

He stepped on the scale in the living room.

"See? Haven't lost a pound. Got excited for nothing."

We chatted for a bit before I left.

Back home, I summoned the system.

[Swapper Identity Confirmed: Zach Wilson.]

[He stole a portion of your appearance.]

04

Zach hadn't lost weight, nor was his skin glowing. He looked normal.

But I remembered he had oily skin. If he ate greasy food or sweets, he'd break out instantly.

Yet, his face was clear.