Crescendo (1)

Kim Hyeok's voice was still buzzing on the line, but Go Ara barely heard him. She dropped the phone and left her cubicle at a run.

The other writers were looking around in confusion. She had to get them out of the office. The only exit that didn't lead to the hall was the door to the stairwell.

"Everybody!" Her scream cut through the babble of voices. "The stairs. Take the stairs!"

She hustled them toward the red Exit sign. The gunshots were closer now.

"What's going on out there?" Han Chae-ah was asking. Her black bangs flapped wildly. "Why are they screaming?"

"It's him, isn't it?" Song Ok-sook shouted. "The Reaper?"

Go Ara nodded once and heard Han Chae-ah moan.

They reached the stairwell and streamed through the doorway as Go Ara hurried them along. Song Ok-sook was last in line. She looked at Go Ara, standing outside the door, making no move to follow.

"Come on!" Song Ok-sook shouted.