The bell rang, signaling the end of another lesson. Everyone was packing their things, but I couldn't shake the thought of the old wing and the infamous Room 13. Even though the teacher hadn't officially assigned anything there yet, whispers had already spread through the school about flickering lights, cold drafts, and strange noises.
Sofi waved at me enthusiastically. "Let's meet at the oak tree before we go to the library. I have a plan!"
Nicole linked arms with her, laughing softly. "You and your plans…"
Across the courtyard, Liliana and Daniel were teasing each other quietly. Daniel had bent down to tie Liliana's shoelace, earning an exaggerated gasp from her. "You're such a gentleman," she whispered. He smirked, shrugging casually.
Jessica and Lucas were sitting on a bench, sharing sketches and debating over which colors looked best. Their shoulders touched lightly, and every now and then, they exchanged quick, playful glances.
I walked toward the group, Eren falling into step beside me. "So, curious about Room 13?" he asked quietly.
"I am," I admitted. "But I don't plan on being scared."
He smirked. "Good. That's the best approach. You're more fun when you're cautious but curious."
Sofi clapped her hands. "Okay, team, here's the idea. We're going to explore the old wing tomorrow for a little… research adventure. But we need to plan it carefully no one gets lost, and no one freaks out!"
Nicole laughed. "As if any of us could get lost in our own school!"
Liliana leaned toward Daniel, whispering something that made both of them giggle. Jessica rolled her eyes at them but smiled softly at Lucas, who returned her grin.
I glanced at Eren. "You're coming too, right?" I asked.
"Of course," he replied, his grin quiet but confident. "I wouldn't miss it."
The rest of the afternoon dragged as we went through lessons, but the thought of Room 13 hovered in my mind. Every time I looked at Eren, there was a spark in his eyes as if he already knew something about the room that the rest of us didn't.
Finally, the last bell rang. The group met at the oak tree again, joking and laughing about small things: Sofi tripping over her bag strap, Daniel teasing Liliana about her notes, Lucas pretending Jessica's sketches were terrible. The energy was light and fun, and I felt comfortable just being part of it.
As we walked past the old wing on our way to the bus stop, I couldn't help glancing at Room 13. Its door was slightly ajar, and a faint chill seemed to escape into the hallway. I shivered slightly not from fear, but from anticipation.
Eren noticed my glance and smirked. "You're staring at it," he said softly. "Curious, huh?"
"Maybe a little," I admitted.
"Good," he said, his tone low. "Curiosity keeps things interesting."
Sofi waved at the rest of the group. "Come on, we should get a head start tomorrow! This is going to be fun."
Nicole linked her arm with Sofi's again, whispering excitedly. Liliana and Daniel walked close together, holding hands. Jessica and Lucas were still quietly teasing each other, but their smiles were soft, genuine.
As we boarded the bus, I couldn't stop thinking about the day. The couples, the laughter, the playful teasing—it all made the group feel connected, like we had known each other far longer than just a few days. And then there was Eren, whose quiet energy and subtle hints of mischief made my curiosity about him and Room 13 grow stronger.
Looking out the window as the bus rolled away from the school, the sun setting in shades of pink and gold, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. Tomorrow, we would step closer to the mystery of Room 13.