Night covered Saint Lin Academy.The clock on the music building struck nine, each chime echoing through the air like invisible beats—a reminder to the students: it was time to head back to their dorms.
But under this eerie atmosphere came three rather strange people..
"I'm serious—do we really have to be here?"Male Lucian shoved his hands into his pockets, voice as cool as ever.
"Of course we do!" Maya grinned, flashlight in hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement."The student council begged me to check it out—how could I refuse? Besides, have you seen the forum? The rumors are insane."
"Hey, did you hear? The piano's playing again in the music building.""But it's only nine—it's not even lights-out yet, right?""Someone said water was dripping out of the piano lid… so creepy."
Lucian gave her a sidelong glance. "You're not investigating—you're asking to die.""And you're not?" Maya shot back.
Lucian replied evenly, "I'm just here to pick up the performance files the council requested. And to make sure no one broke in.""Just passing by, huh?" Maya raised an eyebrow. "Please. You're curious too. And technically, you're the one breaking in."
Lucian ignored her.Maya stuck out her tongue. "You're totally the 'cold outside, warm inside' type. One day that act's gonna backfire."
Walking between them, Alice held a small tape recorder, quietly following along.In a soft voice, she said, "I… want to hear her play again."
Maya's eyes lit up. "See? Perfect team! one looking for ghosts, one for truth, one for music. "Lucian sighed. "More like a perfect disaster."
They reached the music room door.A gust of cold wind slipped out through the crack, carrying the faint scent of dust.
Maya took a deep breath. "So… shall we begin?"She pushed the door open.
Creak—The sound was like an old piece of wood sighing.
The lights inside were dim.In the center of the stage stood a grand piano, ancient and still.The lid was half-open, black and white keys gleaming faintly in the shadows—as if the darkness itself was breathing.
"No one's here," Maya whispered, standing on tiptoe.Lucian murmured, "Don't touch anything."
Then—
Dong—
One key pressed down by itself.A clear, single note.
Then more keys began to move—a soft melody flowed out, pure and sorrowful, like a memory long forgotten.
Maya's heart skipped. "Lucian… you hear that?""I hear it," he said, eyes narrowing.
Alice stepped closer, crouching beside the piano leg."…There's water," she whispered.
Maya's breath caught. "The legend was true then… the piano's tears?"
Lucian didn't answer, just stared at the keys.
Alice, on the other side, gently took out her small tape recorder.Her movements were careful—almost reverent.
And then—
The air turned cold.The piano's tempo quickened, desperate, trembling—each note like a cry of pain.
Buzz—
Maya's flashlight flickered a few times… then went out.
Lucian frowned. "Step back."His voice was sharp, commanding, as he pulled both girls behind him.
"Lucian!" Maya clutched his sleeve.
A flash of silver light flickered—and in that glow, she saw it.
On the piano bench—a faint silver figure began to form.
A girl in a white dress.Long hair loose over her shoulders.Skin pale as snow.Expression blank.
Her hands hovered over the keys, playing softly—and tears rolled down her face, drop by drop, onto the piano.
Maya stared in shock. "It's her… the piano girl.""She…" Maya whispered.
Lucian said quietly, "The Piano Girl. Died three years ago in a stage accident. She's the one from the legend."His pupils tightened. "Her soul never left."
"Why not?" Maya asked softly."She's still waiting.""Waiting for who?"
"Her partner," Lucian murmured.
Alice suddenly said, "No… she's not crying. She's speaking."
She raised the recorder and pressed play.
From it came not music—but a voice.
"Don't go.""I haven't finished playing yet."
A chill ran down Maya's spine."Lucian—she's—she's looking at us!"
The girl's lips curved upward in a stiff, unnatural smile.
"She… she's smiling?" Maya whispered.
Lucian's voice dropped low. "That's not a smile."Alice's soft voice trembled: "That sister… she's crying."