[C] Time's Running Out || p.jm

5

I got up as usual and followed my routine: taking a bath, shampooing my hair, drying it, and getting dressed. Each step was methodical, almost therapeutic, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that today would be different. As always, I was running late for the bus, so I dashed around the house, trying to find my stockings, a sandwich clutched between my teeth.

"Have you found those socks of yours?" Dad shouted from downstairs, his voice filled with the same mix of concern and amusement that greeted me every morning.

"Yeah!" I called back, slipping on my socks, shoes, and bag. I bounded down the stairs, using the rail as a slide, a habit that never failed to make Dad anxious.

"Hey! It's dangerous to do that! You'll hurt your head again," he scolded, but his frown quickly turned into a smile as I landed safely.

"Really gotta go, Dad. Love ya!" I said, giving him a quick hug. His warmth and concern were like a comforting blanket that I carried with me, especially on chaotic mornings like this. I sprinted to the bus stop, heart pounding with the adrenaline of cutting it so close. Just in time, I hopped on the bus.

"Late again, Miss Choi," greeted the driver, a friend of my dad's who had seen me grow up through the years.

"Better late than never," I teased back, finding an empty seat by the window. The morning sunlight streamed in, casting a warm glow that temporarily eased my nerves. To my surprise, I noticed Jimin sitting across from me. He gave me a disdainful look, his expression a mix of annoyance and superiority. I smirked back at him, equally disgusted but refusing to let him get to me.

After a few minutes, we arrived at school. As I entered the grounds, I felt the weight of the students' stares. It seriously broke my spirit today. The whispers and looks felt like a physical burden, making my steps heavier with each passing moment.

Then, I overheard two classmates whispering, their voices carrying a mix of fear and vanity.

"Yaa, what should we do? The killings are still happening! I can't ruin my pretty face. I just had plastic surgery to look cute," one girl said, distressed.

"Just quit the school. What's the big deal?" her friend replied matter-of-factly, as if transferring schools was as simple as changing clothes.

"What? No!! There are so many hot guys here. I don't wanna quit!" the first girl whined, her voice tinged with desperation.

"Then just deal with it. You don't need to be pretty as an angel to have a handsome boyfriend," her friend teased, making them both laugh.

Watching them, I felt a pang of sadness. I had no memories of past friends, no shared laughter or inside jokes. It was like I was navigating a world full of strangers.

Entering my class, I found my seat. Suddenly, a guy I didn't recognize burst in, catching everyone's attention. His face was flushed, and he was out of breath, clearly having run a long way.

"The principal wants everyone to evacuate the building now! It's Mr. Rose again!" he shouted, then left as abruptly as he had come. The students packed their things calmly, unfazed by the announcement. It was eerie how routine this had become for them.

The teacher entered just as we were about to leave, facepalming at the chaos. She let us go, deciding to leave as well. In a blink, the classroom was empty. Only the teacher and I remained, packing our things. I offered to help her.

"No, it's okay. You should go to the auditorium. It's not safe here," she said, her voice heavy with the weariness of too many disrupted days.

"What makes you think that? And who's Mr. Rose?" I asked, frowning, my curiosity piqued.

"He's the killer who's been terrorizing the school since last year. Every month, a student is killed. It's exhausting. Mr. Rose is called that because—"

"Soeun! We should go," Jimin interrupted, walking into the class with an air of authority that grated on my nerves. I turned to face him, annoyed by his intrusion.

"What are you doing here? I'm helping our teacher, don't you see?" I said irritably, my patience wearing thin.

"Yeah, I see that, but the principal wants us to evacuate now. It's dangerous," he insisted, his eyes hardening with impatience.

"It doesn't mean I can't help my teacher," I stood my ground, refusing to be bullied into compliance.

"Right, teacher?" Jimin asked, seeking her support. My eyes widened in anger. How dare he use the teacher to win.

"You lovebirds, stop arguing. Just go. I'm okay, Soeun. I appreciate your help, but I can manage," the teacher said, placing a hand on my shoulder. Her touch triggered a vision.

I saw her struggling to enter a burning house, firefighters holding her back. She cried, desperate to retrieve a precious locket. Then, the scene changed to a funeral. The teacher mourned at her daughter's grave. The sorrow etched on her face was profound, a mother's unbearable grief. Before I could look closer, the vision ended.

"Yaa!!! Soeun-ah!" Jimin shouted, snapping me back to reality.

"I-I'm okay..." I blinked, adjusting to my current state. The teacher looked at me, worried.

"Are you even okay? Ah, forget it," Jimin said, pulling my wrist and dragging me out of the class. I tried to wriggle free, but it was useless.

"Don't... Erghh," I protested, struggling against his grip.

"Don't resist! Just follow me," he commanded. Before I could act on an idea, someone stood in our way.

"Jimin, let her go. We'll take it from here," Jennie demanded, joined by Rose, Lisa, and Jisoo.

Jimin hesitated, glaring at them. Finally, he let go of my hand, sparing one last glance before leaving.

"Jeez, what is wrong with that guy?" Rosé said sarcastically, her eyes following Jimin's retreating figure.

"Anyway... Everyone is supposed to gather at the auditorium, but I guess we can skip that, right?" Jennie winked, her mischievous grin easing the tension.

"What if..." I hesitated, the weight of potential consequences looming over me.

"Nah, the teachers are a joke. Let's go!" Lisa reassured me. Her confidence was infectious. I was scared of getting in trouble and facing my dad's wrath, but I followed them, hoping to learn more about Mr. Rose.

"Today on our list... we're going to the mall!" Jennie announced cheerily. The others squealed in happiness. I managed a wry smile. We rushed to the parking lot, arriving at an expensive red car. I was in awe of its sleek design and luxury.

"No need to be so surprised, Soeun. This car is especially for the five of us! Come on board!" Jennie said excitedly. Her energy was infectious.

Weirdly, a type of happiness grew inside of me. Skipping school didn't seem so bad with a good purpose. For us, it was a good purpose.

"Let's go!" I said, joining their excitement. I sat in the back with Rose and Jisoo, while Lisa took the passenger seat and Jennie drove. We were all pumped, the camaraderie and excitement washing away the morning's anxiety.

"Okay, girls. The first ritual before shopping is..." Jennie began, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Open the music!" Lisa, Rose, and Jisoo chorused. Jennie turned on the music, and 'Kill 'em with Kindness' by Selena Gomez blared from the speakers, filling the car with upbeat energy.

Along the journey, we sang along to the music and other trending pop songs, our voices blending in a joyous harmony. For a moment, the fear and tension of the past days melted away, replaced by the simple joy of being with friends. I thought, what could possibly go wrong today?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Thanks for continuing reading this story and I wish for a happy day for you guys! Don't forget to comment and vote to this chapter okay? xD
Dedicated to @kookiestV

Happy Independence Day Malaysia!

EDITED 13/7/2024