Hae-Li closed the book and slipped it back into her bag just as her friends were about to arrive. Suddenly, a scrap of paper fell from between the pages. She picked it up and secretly read the writing beneath the desk.
“DEAD!!”
Thump!
That single word on the paper made Hae-Li’s entire body tremble violently, but her friends quickly noticed her distress.
Hwang Siska, who usually went by Siska, immediately came over, hugged her, and asked what had happened. But Hae-Li remained frozen and didn’t answer.
Slowly, she wiped away the tears that had slipped down her cheeks unnoticed while crumpling the paper in her hand. She hid the mysterious letter from them. She had just received an utterly senseless death threat. Whether it was a coincidence or had been meant specifically for her, she couldn’t tell.
“What’s wrong? Why are you freaking out like that?” Rully asked.
“Sorry, sorry! I think I’m just exhausted. I didn’t get much sleep last night,” Hae-Li said, wiping the sweat from her face with a tissue.
“Drink this. You might calm down.” Kim Yuli handed her a bottle of mineral water.
Of course, they cared deeply about the girl’s problems. They would never let anyone meddle in one of their lives.
“Oh, right. We’re still going out tonight to discuss the vacation plans we made before, right?” Go Hera said, putting an arm around Siska beside her.
Hae-Li set her drink on the desk and stood up at once. Remembering what had happened to her the night before made her face grow anxious again.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can make it tonight,” Hae-Li said.
“Huh? Why?” They all stared at her.
“Hae-Li, you’re still coming on vacation with us, right? To celebrate my engagement to Minhyuk?” Go Hera showed off the beautiful ring on her ring finger.
“Hae-Li, you drank way too much last night. I know that isn’t like you. Are you okay?” Kim Yuli asked, looking worried.
“Seriously, MJ and Jinjin were shocked when you took their drinks. Yeah, that stuff was pretty strong. They must have mixed it,” Siska added.
“It’s okay. You don’t need to worry. I’m fine,” Hae-Li replied.
“Then did you get home safely last night?” Rully asked.
Before Hae-Li could answer, two other girls suddenly entered their classroom.
“Hey, guys!” they greeted everyone.
“Yeah,” everyone answered flatly.
“Sorry, Hera sis. I couldn’t make it to your party last night. Vei Ni and I brought you a gift today.” Kim Fanny handed Go Hera a present.
“Yeah, thanks.” Hera gave her sweetest smile.
“Hey, why haven’t you gone home yet? Wasn’t class already over?” Lee Vei Ni asked.
“We still have another college course this afternoon,” Siska answered.
“Okay, guys, I’m in a hurry. I have something really important to take care of. See you later. Bye!”
Hae-Li grabbed her bag and hurried out. She didn’t want to remain haunted by this overwhelming anxiety. The longer she stayed there, the more likely the people around her were to notice the inexplicable change in her behavior.
Now her problems were piling up. It wasn’t just the nightmares and her past anymore, but also this worthless threat.
“I think something happened to her.” Kim Yuli sighed and pulled out the chair beside her.
“She’s always so closed-off with us. Hiding her problems and dealing with them alone isn’t good for her,” Siska added.
Lee Vei Ni sat down in Hae-Li’s chair, and her foot seemed to find something beneath the desk. She felt something strange under her shoe. Looking down, she picked up the rolled-up paper and stared at all her friends.
Vei Ni placed the paper on the desk and spread it open in front of them. They all exchanged glances.
“What is this?” they murmured.