The Dark - By David Obasi

Written By: David Obasi

Category: Short story, Dark Romance, Mystery

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

David Obasi presents a gripping narrative titled "The Dark," a short story that delves into the realms of dark romance and mystery. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this tale invites readers into a world where love is laced with secrets and suspense. Obasi's work captivates with its exploration of a romantic encounter shadowed by hidden truths, crafting an atmosphere of intrigue and emotional depth.

About the Work

"The Dark" explores themes of love, mystery, and betrayal, wrapped in the allure of a romantic blind date. The story's mood is both suspenseful and poignant, drawing readers into a world where appearances deceive, and true intentions are obscured. Obasi's storytelling weaves a tapestry of vivid imagery and emotional tension, leaving readers contemplating the complexities of love intertwined with danger.

The Dark

Original Submission by David Obasi

The Story so far…

A tale about a romantic blind date with a dark secret.

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The Date

Obasi David

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He woke up just as he did everyday, but this time it was different and not in the usual way. Staring at his computer screen for what seemed like ages while he sipped his coffee to melt his frozen brain. Sorting through his latest mail and then the link that prompts him to a site that showed him several pictures of smiling people, straight-faced until he finally settled on one, beautiful and good for the eyes, before silently accepting the invite as he sips his coffee. He now has a date.

All dressed to kill, he heads for the location, a big house with lots of big loaders and the elite. Scanning the area as he grabs a drink from the passing waiter; smooth and tingly with just the right kick as he gulps it down quickly. Lots of people talking, with slow music filling the air as some danced whilst others walked about. In his own world, he never really did focus on the colors of life so everything stayed black and white.

Then he spots her; beautiful, curvy, with a red gown that hugged all her features as she catwalked across the room, stopping to look behind her before moving again. He followed, but not too close as she stopped to talk to some people, smiling as she shook hands and laughed, and frowning, once she left said company. She was headed for the balcony and with time, remained there.. seizing the moment, he grabs two drinks heading in her direction.

She stood facing the city, backside turned towards him that swayed as she slowly moved from side to side to the rhythm that from the party, he stops, exhales before walking towards her.

“It’s a nice view... of the city.”

She turns, catching his gaze as her lips slowly parted before gazing away from him.

“Yes, it sure is.” She replies dryly with her back to him.

“Here, you look like you could use some.” He said, handing her a drink.

“Thanks.” She replied, slightly turning to receive it.

Slowly, circling her fingers around the brim of the champagne glass sensually, she stares him dead in the eye before bringing it to her full red luscious lips.

“So why you not at the party?” he asked, calmly, as he matched her gaze.

“I’m… I'm just not into the crowd thing and besides, I could ask you the same thing.” She replied coyly, smiling a bit.

He sips his drink before answering,” I didn’t come here for the view, I came here for you.”

She turns, slowly facing him as though his words ignited something in her; her beauty seemingly glowed with the moon as her full breasts slowly heaved with her breathing as her heart beat faster. Fighting hard to avoid her gaze, but was quickly overwhelmed as he slowly shifted his focus to her eyes whilst he slowly sipped his drink.

“It’s not just your face, nor your… figure. It’s your eyes.”

Edging closer towards the lights, her eyes sparkled a dark green, captivating him as she stood too close in front of him.

“What do you see in my eyes?” she asked, gazing longingly at him.

“I see a woman who needs to be loved. I see a woman who is scared of what might happen next. I see a woman who needs a shoulder to cry on and be protected. I see a woman who knows what she truly wants and always gets it.”

She continues to stare at him, gazing slowly whilst raising her glass to her lips, mildly tasting the wine; eyes still locked as she sets it down by the ledge, and for the first time, she gave a genuine smile. Slowly, gently, he eases her for a kiss; slow, enchanting, enticing and sweet. Her lips tasted like honey lemon, sweet and sour, but refreshing.. and for a moment they stayed close, both exploring each other as the kiss endured. He stops, looking at her as her eyes remained closed, neck tilted slightly, wanting more and for a long time since today, he had never felt this good.

“I will protect you from whatever you’re afraid of. I will keep you safe from whatever it is you’re running from. I love you.” he said reassuringly.

His words sinking deeply as she opened her eyes to gaze at him, short for words, she embraces him tightly as he caresses her head, kissing her intensely. Tears fall down her cheeks as her heart beats to a rhythm that causes her to smile, and in that moment, she felt complete and alive…

Silently, she rests and suddenly… jerks, convulsing dangerously. He holds her tightly, maintaining his composure as she crumbled to the ground, no screams, no gasps as her eyes slowly closed. He looks and finds her bleeding from a fatal bullet wound; she was shot and right in his arms. He holds her close, cradling her in his arms until she was gone, cold as the rain that slowly started to pelt them as he laid her on the cold floor.

He wipes the weapon, silenced to mask the sound of the gun to a whisper, slowly he takes out his phone to take her photo, which almost immediately beeped to reveal a completed transfer. With one final look at her corpse, all straight faced as though he was staring at something irrelevant, he shifts his gaze and thoughts towards the city as it slowly beamed with lights and life as it always did for centuries.

“I’ll never know what she was running from. I’ll cash her check in the morning.”

End…

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates diverse voices in poetry and creative writing from around the world. It provides a platform for writers to share their unique narratives and innovative styles, fostering an international community of literary enthusiasts. Participants engage in a vibrant exchange of creativity, contributing to a rich tapestry of global storytelling.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to David Obasi for his contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 with his story "The Dark." Through his evocative storytelling, Obasi has enriched the competition with a narrative that challenges and intrigues. We appreciate his participation and look forward to seeing more of his compelling work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.