𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗳-𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 || 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱

𝟮. 𝗖𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮

14:05

Suhyeok, Onjo, and I leave the infirmary. My arm's a little better now—no more sharp pain, just a dull ache in the background. We ascend the stairs in silence, the weight of what happened hanging in the air. No one seems to know what to say next.

"Onjo..." Suhyeok's voice breaks the quiet, and he stops, turning to face her. "I usually play basketball during lunch break. Can't you just tell me what you wanted to say on the rooftop?"

I glance at Onjo, who hesitates, her gaze shifting between us.

I give her a small, awkward smile, trying to ease the tension. "I'll just... go back to class," I say, the words coming out a little more strained than I intended.

My body turns as my legs rush up the stairs. I try to walk towards the classroom, but a weird smell enters my nose again. I look at my hands that are still covered in blood. My head starts to hurt dramatically, but I try not to make a single noise. I take a step forwards, but my leg twists. My body drops on the ground, making me let out a soft groan.

"Hara!" A voice calls out, and someone lifts me up. My vision is blurry, but I can tell exactly who it is. He steadies me against the wall, holding my hand to stop the trembling.

"What's wrong? Did you get hurt?"

More classmates begin to appear around us. Through my blurry vision, I see Cheong-san's face—a little too red for comfort, but the headache makes everything look strange.

"What happened to your arm?!" someone asks. "Did Hyeonju scratch you?"

Isak, pushing through the crowd to reach me, looks at my arm, her eyes filled with worry. "How did this happen? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I mutter, forcing myself to stand. My legs feel like jelly, but I manage to keep my balance. I look toward the window and freeze. A familiar figure is standing outside. My vision starts to clear up, and the headache begins to subside.

"What is it?" Isak asks, tugging at my sleeve.

"It's..my brother"

I run to the stairs and accidentally bump up to Suhyeok and Onjo on my way down. They look at me with confused eyes but I ignore it. I rush towards the police car where our science teacher is in. My brother appears from behind it and spreads his arms, waiting for a hug.

Without another word, I sprint down the stairs, nearly bumping into Suhyeok and Onjo on the way. They look at me, confused, but I don't stop to explain. I rush outside toward the police car parked near the school. My brother steps out from behind it, arms wide as if expecting a hug.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, confused.

"I'm here with a friend," he says, lowering his arms, his face suddenly sad.

"You're friends with high schoolers now?"

Jaeik, Haru's friend, steps out from the car, his familiar detective uniform making me freeze. "Do I look like a high schooler to you?"

"Oh, hello, Detective," I say quietly.

"Don't be so formal. I've known you since you were a baby," Jaeik replies with a grin.

"Whatever..."

Haru approaches, his expression immediately shifting when he sees my arm. He gasps, stepping closer. "What happened to you?"

"Hyeonju scratched me, but it's fine. Don't tell Grandpa."

"Are you crazy? He'll kill me if he finds out something happened to you on the day I go back. "