"Hi guys, it's Dahlia here! Today is episode 20. Before we begin, we just want to thank everyone for helping us reach one million subscribers! Make sure to grab a snack and your beverage of choice, because this episode is going to be extra long and extra special. As always, this is House of 5, and you're watching episode 20!" Dahlia said cheerfully.
"Alright, cameras off," Penny, the camerawoman, called out.
At first, this was fun—five of us living together in one big house, like some kind of dream. At least, that's what we all thought.
"Connor, come check this out," Dad said.
I remember the week before I moved into the house. It was a normal day—calm, peaceful, quiet. My dad was browsing YouTube on his laptop when he stumbled upon an ad for a house rental in some random neighborhood no one had ever heard of.
"You can pay to live in this house. Only 500 bucks a month. Comes with everything you need," he explained. "But you'd be living with four other people. Want me to put in an application?"
"Hold on, can I at least see pictures first?"
He handed me his laptop. The house looked incredible—modern, spacious, stylish. It honestly felt like a steal at that price. I had money saved up, and I figured, why not? I just hoped the other tenants were around my age. I was 17—no way did I want to share a house with a 32-year-old or something.
We didn't get a tour. I didn't even know if the place was real. All I got was a single email with a time and address. Being raised to be punctual, I showed up about 30 minutes early. I was nervous I wouldn't even be able to find it, but among all the normal houses, this one stood out—it was the biggest, nicest, and eeriest-looking house on the block.
I knocked on the door, and a woman answered. She looked to be in her early 30s, wearing a blazer and holding a clipboard.
"Hello! You must be Connor, one of our five new residents," she said with a polite smile.
"Yes, ma'am."
She shook my hand firmly. "I'm Meaghan. It's very nice to meet you. Please, come in. This is your house, after all."
I stepped inside—and instantly, I was blown away. The place was perfect.
"If you'd like, I can give you a quick overview of the house before the others arrive," she offered.
"I'd like that."
"This house has nine bedrooms and twelve bathrooms. There are four levels: the basement, ground floor, second floor, and third floor. It also features a huge pool with a hot tub. You're free to explore, but for now, go ahead and claim a bedroom."
"Any recommendations?"
"I'd suggest the master bedroom—it's on the first floor down the hall. Huge bathroom. First come, first serve, and you beat everyone here."
"Sounds good."
"Do you know anything about the other residents?" I asked.
"A bit," she said carefully. "I can't share too much, but you'll be living with another boy and three girls. The youngest is 16, the oldest is 17."
Damn, I really got lucky.
"Feel free to make yourself at home," Meaghan added. "Unpack and settle in."
As I walked to the master bedroom, I heard her greeting someone else at the door.
"Hi, welcome! You must be one of the five residents. Your roommate is already here—he's claimed the master bedroom, but the other rooms are great too."
Weird thing is… no one just gives away a mansion like this for $500 a month. The electricity alone must cost more than that.
Soon, I heard her again: "Hi there, welcome! Two of your roommates are already here…"
By the time I finished unpacking, everyone had arrived.
"When you're done unpacking, please meet in the living room," Meaghan said. I was first, so I took a seat and waited.
"So, what do you think of the house?" Meaghan asked.
"Sold. Ten out of ten," I replied.
The other guy walked in next. Purple hair. Eyeliner. Total emo vibe. He didn't even say hi, just walked past. I gave him a small wave.
Then the girls arrived.
"Great. Now that everyone's here, why don't we do introductions?" Meaghan said. "Connor, why don't you start?"
"I'm Connor. I'm 17. Super excited to be here."
"I'm Leon. Also 17. Night owl," the emo guy said flatly.
"I'm Kara. I'm 16."
"I'm Dahlia, age 16. I'm into anime and manga."
"I'm Penny, also 16," the last girl said.
"Dahlia, I gotta ask—what's your favorite anime?" I said.
"That's a tough one. I don't really have a favorite—I like them all," she smiled.
"Alright, now that you've met each other, I'll need you all to sign these contracts, and I'll be on my way," Meaghan said, handing each of us a clipboard.
None of us even read them. We just signed.
"I'll leave my business card in the kitchen. On the counter, there's also a cheat sheet with contact numbers for things like maintenance. Call them if you need anything. Other than that—this is your home now. Make yourselves comfortable."
And with that, Meaghan was gone.
Which left one major question: what now?
We were strangers. We had no rules, no schedule, no parents. It was a few hours until dinner.
"I'm gonna make something. Anyone have preferences?" I asked.
"Maybe you shouldn't," Leon muttered.
"Relax, I can make a mean smash burger—with bacon and caramelized onions. Maybe some hot dogs. Or brats," I said.
"What's a brat?" Kara asked.
"Basically a cheese-filled hot dog."
"Do we even have the ingredients?" Dahlia asked.
"Shit, you're right," I muttered.
"I assume we don't. But if we do, just don't burn down the house," Leon said dryly.
Turns out, the kitchen had everything. Super organized, too. I got to work.
The brats came out juicy and crispy—honestly, some of my best work. I didn't put cheese on them, so people could add what they wanted. Everyone was fine with burgers, so I grilled up a bunch on the massive grill. It was… majestic.
"Dinner's ready! Come eat," I called out.
They came running.
"You sure this won't give us food poisoning?" Leon asked.
"Positive. You can't screw up a smash burger."
Everyone made their own. Some stacked everything on, others kept it simple.
We decided to eat at the big dining table together.
"Alright, everyone," I said, standing. "It's just us. Five strangers. No school, no parents—just one giant house. So let's enjoy it. Not alone, but together."
"Boo," Leon said, smirking.
"Hey, it's the best I could come up with on the spot!"
Everyone laughed. The moment felt real. It felt right.
We had no idea what this house was about to put us through.
That night, we all slept peacefully.
Except for Leon.
He heard a noise outside. He stepped out cautiously. The entire area was foggy. Thick, heavy fog that clung to everything. He stayed close to the house, unsure what he was even looking for.
Then he heard it—a strange dragging sound. Slow. Heavy. Something huge.
In the distance, two glowing lights appeared.
Eyes.
They stared at him. Unmoving.
Then… a scream.
A girl's scream, echoing through the fog.
Leon froze as he heard it—the sound of flesh being torn apart. A grotesque, wet munching.
Then… silence.
The glowing eyes vanished into the fog.
"What the hell was that…" Leon whispered, his heart pounding.