Monday started weird.
Sera opened her locker like she always did — sleepy, half-paying attention, one AirPod in.
But something was off.
Inside, nestled between her textbooks and her extra socks, was a tiny white envelope.
No name. No stamp. Just her.
She looked around.
No one watching.
She unfolded the note with careful fingers.
The handwriting was neat.
"You looked scared that night. You should be more careful. Some people don't forget faces."
Her heart froze.
The paper shook slightly in her hands.
She stuffed it into her pocket before anyone could see keeping in mind to show minjeong later though, eyes darting around the hallway.
No one seemed out of place. No one staring.
But that feeling — the one from the other night — crept back under her skin like a chill.
The weirdness didn't last long. The school bell rang, and excitement buzzed through the corridors as students were called into the main hall.
A general assembly.
Teachers lined the aisles. Murmurs of curiosity filled the room until the principal stepped up.
"Starting next week, we'll be showcasing the work all clubs have prepared this semester. It'll be a three-day event. Parents, guests, and other schools will be invited. Take it seriously. Represent us well."
Cheers broke out.
Sera watched as Minjeong practically vibrated with joy beside her.
Taeyang leaned closer. "You're gonna be famous."
"I already am," Sera said with a fake hair flip. "Didn't you hear? Mystery food critic, target of cafeteria bullies…"
Minjeong snorted. "A full reality show."
Sera laughed.
For a moment, the note disappeared from her thoughts.
Lunch came fast.
The cafeteria was loud, packed, and somehow even hotter than usual.
Sera sat with Minjeong and Taeyang, the three of them crammed around one of the back tables.
"Did you see the Art Club's float plan?" Taeyang said between bites. "They're literally building a cherry blossom tree out of recycled hangers."
"They've peaked," Minjeong said. "Let them retire now."
Sera giggled, chewing on a tteokbokki stick, finally letting herself relax.
Then—
It happened.
A crash of metal.
A loud splatter.
The gasp of thirty mouths at once.
Something cold and slimy slid down her back.
Sera froze.
Minjeong gasped. "Oh my goshh—"
Everyone was staring.
Food. Kimchi stew. Rice. Bits of radish. All over her blouse. Her hair. Her tray.
And standing behind her, wide-eyed and falsely innocent—
Eunbi.
Tray still in hand. Empty.
She blinked like a drama actress.
"Oh my gosh! I—I slipped!"
A few students exchanged glances.
Did she, though?
Taeyang shot to his feet, face darkening.
"You—" he started, but Sera stood abruptly, face flushed from a mix of heat, shame, and sheer fury.
"It's fine," she muttered.
"It's not," Minjeong hissed, grabbing her wrist. "Come on."
Taeyang reached for her bag. "I'm walking you out."
They left the cafeteria together, whispers trailing behind them like smoke.
In the girls' bathroom, Sera stood at the sink, breathing hard.
Minjeong gently patted the back of her hair with damp paper towels. "It's gonna stain."
"Let it," Sera muttered.
"Jisoo would've flipped if he saw that."
Sera's heart twinged. "He didn't even come to school today."
Minjeong frowned. "Do you think that note…?"
"I don't know."
She looked at her reflection.
Ruined hair. Red cheeks. Wet collar.
But her eyes were steady.
Burning.
And somewhere deep down, she whispered to herself—
"But I'm not done."