Chapter 9: Resumption day

At school resumption day,I left early that morning to school,

After settling in, I decided I needed to see Jan. She had vanished the moment school closed, and ever since that strange encounter outside the gate, I haven’t heard from her.

When I reached Jan's hallway, her door was firmly locked. Maybe she hadn't returned yet.

I turned to leave, heading down the stairs when suddenly someone blindfolded my eyes from behind with warm hands and an excited laugh.

Jina!

I turned sharply. It was Minho with his usual smile

"Minho…‘I breathed out. "You scared me.’

"How was your short break? he asked, still smiling like nothing in this whole world ever troubled him.

"Everything seems the same," I answered.I was hoping to see Jan, but it seems she hasn't come back yet.’

"Maybe,’Minho said lightly. "Let's go to the cafeteria together. I want to grab something and maybe we could talk.’

Without waiting for my response, he guided me toward the café.

"Most students haven't returned,’he said as he opened the café door for me. "But by evening, everywhere will be crowded again.’

Inside,everywhere was a bit empty,just some few scattered students whispering over their drinks. Minho pulled out a chair for me.

"Any troubles? he asked, locking his gaze into me.

"Nothing really. Just… the whole thing about Hae. And how quickly everyone forgot.’

I leaned forward a bit. ‘Minho, how long have you been here in this school?"

"Long enough.’

His smile widened, I have been here for a long time, Jina. Any issue?

"I just wonder how someone could stay here for that long and be comfortable.’

Minho chuckled. "Is because you let things get to you. Everything is normal and I like it here.

"Normal?I repeated, Seriously?

He sipped his drink.

"Minho… who is Eunwoo and Yen? And what actually happened?

His expression didn't break

"Jina,’he said, ‘you really don't like your mother, do you?

I blinked. ‘Like my mom? And what does that have to do with this?

"You trust too much Jina’

I stared at him.

‘Yes,Because not everyone is someone you should be asking these questions. Who told you something happened to Yen?

"She is been on sick leave," he continued casually, "and she'll be back soon… I heard.’

"Yen will be back?I asked slowly.

Yes,Soon,he said, sipping again.

He stood abruptly. "I need to take this call. Hold on for me, okay?

He walked away, his eyes glued to his phone.

I sat there,sipping my drink and then a sudden movement caught my eye,Raven’,he was walking out of the café, his head down.

"Raven!" I ran to him.

He froze for a moment, he didn't turn immediately,When he finally did, he only nodded..

"Raven… are you okay?’I asked.

He forced a small smile, but his eyes were not smiling. He looked over my shoulder… behind me,i turned and

Minho had returned and was seated again and watching us with that same unsettling smile.

When I turned back, Raven was already walking away.i went back to my seat.

"You and Raven seem close,’Minho said, still smiling.

"He's just a good friend," I replied.

"Good friend huh?Minho repeated and leaned back. ‘Why? Do you want anything to bother me?

"What? No. I'm just…

A tall boy walked in.

"Minho, the field's ready. The match is starting."

Minho stood immediately.

Thanks for the company, Jina,’he said. "And remember,love and respect your mother. She must mean the world to you. Always listen to her.’

He reached out and gently tapped my cheek.

Then he walked away with the boy, still smiling.

And who told him I don't respect my mother?How would he know anything about that?

I stood and left the cafe. Getting to the hostel,Jan's door was open now.

I walked to her room. She was there unpacking her bag

"Jan?

She turned and smiled.

"Jina. You just came?

"Yes. I checked earlier you weren't around.

"Just returned,she said,

"Okay… you seem busy. I will go back to my room. We'll talk later."

She didn't answer.

I returned to my room and locked the door behind me.My heart wouldn't stop thinking,

Jina… Jina…"

A tiny voice floated through my half-sleep.

"Who's that? I called,

"It's me… Jan."

I sat up immediately. "Jan?"

The moment I opened it, Jan stood there, her face was pale,

"Jan, are you okay?I asked.

"Yes, Jina… I'm fine. I just…

She hesitated, glancing over her shoulder.

"My roommates didn't come back again today. And I haven't slept alone since I came to this school."

"Okay, Jan," I said gently. I reached for my spare blanket. "You can sleep here. Share the bed with me."

"Thank you, Jina."

She walked in and closed the door

We climbed into the bed, lying side by side. For a few minutes she didn't say anything. She just kept scrolling through her phone,

"Jina,"

"Yes, Jan? Hope you're okay."

She turned her face to me.

"Jina, I heard you're the daughter of an investigator, right?"

I nodded. "Yes. Jan, any problem with that?"

"Jina,"Eunwoo wasn't just blackmailed."