She was sitting at her table, her notes scattered around her, but her mind refused to concentrate. The rivets on the criminal psychology book blurred, as if her subconscious pushed her to be vigilant. The library, usually calm and reassuring, seemed today full of secrets.
A slight noise caught his attention. She turned her head, and her heart stopped. A silhouette moved furtively between the shelves, so fast that she wondered if she had seen her. She shivered, her instinct screamed that something was wrong. Jimin had never believed in ghosts, but tonight, she felt the presence of a hidden danger.
Why am I here?
She decided to take a deep breath, trying to calm her anxiety. She shouldn't have forgotten why she came to this school
I'm here to look for answers. Prove that I'm right
The words of his cousin echoed in his head, reminding him of his reaction to basic course questions. She didn't know any answers to simple course things, so how could she have so many good grades?
I am determined not to give up until I have discovered what is behind this intellectual masquerade.
The minutes passed, and the silence became oppressive. She got up to take another book, her hands trembling slightly as she went through the titles.
The history of Gyeongju rituals
A title that caught her attention. She grabbed it and flipped through it quickly. Stories of murder, accidents, and disappearances all mixed with the spiritual. It was that kind of story that fascinated her, where appearances are deceiving.
—Why so much pressure?
Whispered a voice, almost imperceptible. She froze instantly, realizing that this voice did not come from her. His heart was racing.
Who is there?
She did not dare to move, fearing what she might discover. His eyes scrutinized the darkness, but nothing moved.
—Maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me.
She still decided to leave the library, but as Jimin walked towards the door, she felt like a weight on her shoulders. Jimin turned slowly, and his heart missed a beat. A figure was there, hidden in the shadows, watching her. A shiver runs down his spine.
—Who are you?
Her voice trembled, but she forced herself to stay calm.
The figure did not answer. She took a step forward, and Jimin instinctively retreated.
I'm afraid, but I refuse to show my weakness. Anyway, if he wants to kill me, he will make him remain worthy.
—You're looking for answers, aren't you?
It came from the unknown, his voice was soft but full of threat.
She frowned
—What do you know?
The stranger smiles at the enigmatic air and disappears into the shadows, leaving her alone with her tormented thoughts.
What does all this mean? I'm dreaming, maybe it's fatigue?
She came out of the library, her head full of questions and her heart heavy. The corridors were empty, and the echo of his steps resounded.
She stopped for a moment, a dilemma forming in her mind:
Should I run away, flee this atmosphere heavy with secrets and anguish, or stay to continue my investigation, I should turn around to try to talk to this person.
If she were real, she would like to ask him a few questions.
On the one hand, she wanted to flee. Escape this invisible danger that seemed to be waiting for her in every corner of the library. But on the other hand, if she left now it would mean that she was missing an opportunity to communicate with someone who seemed to know a lot about school.
She took a deep breath, weighing the pros and cons.
I'm going back.
They say people know when they're going to die. It's obvious. On that famous day, we will make stupid decisions and have little to think about. And this decision she had just made could cost her a lot.
The streets were deserted as the members of the SO gathered in front of the imposing doors of the school. Night had fallen, enveloping the school in oppressive darkness. None of them had ever entered the establishment after the closure. They knew it was forbidden and that they could have big problems if they got caught.
Minho being the vice-president, knew a way to enter without being spotted by security, a passage often used by students for their night getaways. They walked along the school wall until they reached a small side portal, usually well-locked. Fortunately, Minho had managed to get a copy of the key from a former student.
— Are you sure we should do that?
It was Jihye, who trembled with anxiety
— We have no choice,
Daehyun answered him while keeping an eye on Minho who inserted the key into the lock.
- It's either that, or we go home and wait until we swing all our little secrets.
Added Jisoo with a sarcastic smile
The gate opened silently, and the students slipped into the heart of the school. They walked silently towards the library, illuminated only by the light of their phones. The atmosphere was gloomy, every step resonating in the night silence. They were far from suspecting what awaited them
Back in the library, she went in search of the mystery man, too busy in his quest, she did not notice the individual lurking in the shadow of the shelves, watching her from the beginning. He was patient and calculating, waiting for his moment, making sure that no one stayed to witness his act.
Without a sound, he slipped behind her. Before she could react, a cold and firm hand pressed against her mouth while a syringe sank into her neck, injecting a paralyzing liquid.
In a few seconds, his limbs became heavy and his movements impossible. Panic took hold of his eyes as Jimin became aware of his imminent fate.
He made her slide to the ground, with his meticulous and precise gestures. A thin rope wrapped around his neck and began to tighten, relentlessly. His hands, deprived of strength, were desperately trying to repel his attacker, in vain.
The embrace of the rope is getting stronger and stronger, cutting off his breath. The heavy silence in the library is only broken by the low sound of his scratches and the whistle of his breath that was gradually extinguished.
I don't want to die...here
As her vision was blurred and her conscience faded, she saw the shelves of books blurring around her.
I'm going to die, just like that.
His last gaze was fixed on an open page in front of me; the words turned into an indistinct mass.
My curiosity got the better of me
The last thing Jimin felt was the icy sensation of the rope around his neck before life left her completely.