The Next Day The Death Card Game began once again. Notifications popped up on the students' phones, spreading tension throughout the school. Whispers echoed in the hallways, while various gangs gathered in corners, planning their strategies.
After School They gathered at a small café not far from the school. Around a corner table, Seung Min, Hae Jin, Jin Ho, Dae Hyun, Lee So Mi, and Yoon Ha Rin huddled over a laptop. Maps of the school and the layout of Lee Joo Hyun's office were displayed on the screen.
Jin Ho broke the silence. "What if Lee So Mi goes in as a cleaning service worker?"
Dae Hyun frowned. "What does that have to do with our mission?"
Jin Ho shrugged. "Hear me out. Lee Joo Hyun always needs janitors in his office. Turns out, the usual janitor—who was a friend of my late father—told me he's going out of town for a few days. He's the only one who cleans a special room in that office."
Lee So Mi raised an eyebrow. "So... you're suggesting I pose as his temporary replacement?"
Jin Ho nodded. "Exactly. That way, we can search for documents or clues about who's behind the Death Card Game. With some luck, we'll find crucial evidence."
Yoon Ha Rin added cautiously, "But it's risky. If you get caught, the whole plan could fall apart."
Hae Jin smirked. "Yeah, but we're already neck-deep in this mess. If we don't take risks, we'll just end up as the next victims."
Lee So Mi took a deep breath before saying firmly, "Alright. I'll do it."
Seung Min, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "We need to make sure everything goes smoothly. So Mi shouldn't be in there alone—we need a backup plan."
Hae Jin tapped the table. "Got it. We'll finalize the details tonight. Tomorrow... the operation begins."
Outside the café, darkness settled over the city. Streetlights flickered, casting long shadows on the pavement—as if hinting that tomorrow would bring even greater danger.
Yoon Ha Rin looked at Seung Min. "So, what about Jae Hoon?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.
Seung Min exchanged glances with Hae Jin before nodding. "Hae Jin and I will handle him," he replied firmly. "We can't let him get in the way of this plan, especially with Min Joon manipulating him."
Dae Hyun leaned back in his chair. "Then what's our role?"
"You and Ha Rin will stand by outside the building," Seung Min instructed. "Keep an eye on the situation and make sure So Mi can get in and out safely."
Hae Jin added, "Meanwhile, Jin Ho will stay at my place to monitor everything. He'll be our eyes and ears."
Jin Ho gave a confident nod. "I'll prepare the communication devices. So Mi, Dae Hyun, and Ha Rin will each have one. If anything happens, I'll guide you right away."
Seung Min stood up, grabbing his jacket. "I'm heading to my uncle's place to borrow some equipment. We need every advantage we can get."
Lee So Mi took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "So, I'm the one sneaking in, huh?" she said with a faint smile.
Yoon Ha Rin patted her shoulder. "Don't worry, we've got your back."
Hae Jin grinned. "Just make sure this isn't our last mission."
They parted ways, each preparing for the dangerous day ahead. This wasn't just about gathering information—this was a life-or-death gamble.
Outside, the city lights flickered faintly, as if reflecting the uncertainty that awaited them.
That night Shin Kyung, Yoon Ha Rin's older brother, opened the fridge and drank a glass of cold water. Glancing at his sister putting on her jacket, he asked with a hint of suspicion, "Where are you going this late?"
Yoon Ha Rin offered a faint smile, trying to sound casual. "Just hanging out with some friends, Oppa," she replied shortly.
But as she opened the apartment door, Shin Kyung's voice came again, firmer this time. "If you cause trouble... I'll send you back to Dad." His gaze was sharp, a clear warning.
Ha Rin sighed, choosing not to reply as she stepped out. The door shut behind her, leaving silence in the apartment.
Elsewhere Jae Hoon stepped out of his house, pulling his black hood over his head. His breath fogged in the cool night air as he sighed, lost in thought. But his steps halted when he noticed two figures standing outside his gate.
Hae Jin waved casually. "Yo! Long time no see, Jae Hoon!" he greeted with a wide grin.
Jae Hoon frowned, clearly annoyed. "What do you want?" he muttered, unlocking the gate with a bit of force.
Just as he tried to pass them, Seung Min called out, "We need to talk." His tone was calm, but the weight behind his words was unmistakable.
Jae Hoon paused, his jaw tightening. His gaze shifted between Seung Min and Hae Jin, irritation simmering beneath his cool exterior.
Meanwhile At Seung Min's house, Jin Ho sat in front of a laptop, eyes fixed on the monitor. Wires and communication devices were scattered across the table. An earpiece rested in his ear as he worked on securing their communication channels.
Outside a towering building, Lee So Mi, Dae Hyun, and Yoon Ha Rin stood at the sidewalk, gazing up at the structure. The streetlights cast long shadows behind them.
Breaking the silence, Dae Hyun glanced at So Mi and asked, "Hey, why'd you cut your hair all of a sudden?" His tone was a mix of curiosity and mild surprise.
Lee So Mi touched her freshly cropped hair. "So no one recognizes me. Plus, it's more practical," she said nonchalantly.
Smirking, she added, "Besides, better than you with that buzz cut—you look like some street thug."
Dae Hyun scoffed, turning his head to hide the slight redness creeping up his face.
Yoon Ha Rin, now without her glasses, gave So Mi a thumbs-up. "Looks good. Suits you," she said with a grin.
So Mi chuckled. "Appreciate the support." Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she said, "Alright... time to head in."
With determined steps, Lee So Mi approached the entrance. Dae Hyun and Ha Rin watched from a distance, eyes sharp and alert.
In her earpiece, Jin Ho's voice crackled through, "You're clear so far. Security cameras are down for the next ten minutes. Move fast."
So Mi nodded slightly. "Roger that."
As the night deepened, so did the stakes. There was no turning back now.
Meanwhile Joo Hyuk paced back and forth in his office, his brow furrowed. "Why did Seung Min borrow the communication device?" he muttered, feeling that something was off.
Just as he reached for his jacket to leave, his superior entered with a serious expression.
"Detective Joo Hyuk, there's an urgent situation. You need to report immediately."
Joo Hyuk clenched his fist, anxiety gnawing at him. Seung Min... what are you planning? With no choice, he nodded and followed the orders, though his mind lingered on his nephew.
Elsewhere Seung Min leaned against the fence, arms crossed. "So... they threatened you?" he asked Jae Hoon, his voice calm but sharp.
Hae Jin let out a small scoff. "Figures," he mumbled.
Seung Min continued, "Listen, your mother's safe for now. Min Joon might act tough, but I doubt he'll dare to move recklessly. For now... you're not coming with us."
Jae Hoon frowned. "What? Why not?"
"But," Seung Min added, "keep us informed if there's any movement from Jin Seok."
Hae Jin chimed in, "Does Jin Seok even know about this?"
Jae Hoon paused, thinking, then shook his head. "Doesn't seem like it... If he does, he's not showing it."
Inside the building Lee So Mi moved cautiously through the empty hallway. The flickering overhead lights cast eerie shadows, sending chills down her spine. Too quiet... this is suspicious.
Her earpiece crackled to life. "So Mi, status?" Jin Ho's voice came through.
"Empty... too empty," she whispered, glancing around. Her eyes caught a door with the matching nameplate. Carefully, she opened it and began sifting through stacks of documents. Come on... it has to be here...
Outside the building Footsteps echoed nearby. Dae Hyun quickly pulled Yoon Ha Rin behind a parked car. Holding their breath, they watched as a guard passed by, oblivious to their presence.
Dae Hyun pressed his earpiece. "So Mi, hurry up. Someone's coming in."
"I know!" So Mi hissed, panic creeping into her voice. "Haven't found it yet—"
Her words were cut off by the creak of a door opening down the hall. Her heartbeat quickened. Damn it...!
On the lower floor Jin Seok entered the building, his gaze cold and unwavering. Without hesitation, he headed straight toward the same room.
Inside, So Mi's desperation grew. Her hands trembled as she rifled through the files. "Shiball..." she cursed under her breath. Where is it?!
The footsteps grew louder. Thinking fast, she slipped behind a filing cabinet, holding her breath as best she could.
The door swung open. Jin Seok stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number.
"Where is my father right now?" he asked coldly.
Tense silence filled the room. Behind the shadows, So Mi clenched her fists, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. This is way beyond just a document retrieval... things just got a whole lot more dangerous.
Meanwhile...
Joo Hyuk paced back and forth in his office, his brow furrowed. "Why did Seung Min borrow the communication device?" he muttered, feeling that something was off.
Just as he reached for his jacket to leave, his superior entered with a serious expression.
"Detective Joo Hyuk, there's an urgent situation. You need to report immediately."
Joo Hyuk clenched his fist, anxiety gnawing at him. Seung Min... what are you planning? With no choice, he nodded and followed the orders, though his mind lingered on his nephew.
Elsewhere Seung Min leaned against the fence, arms crossed. "So... they threatened you?" he asked Jae Hoon, his voice calm but sharp.
Hae Jin let out a small scoff. "Figures," he mumbled.
Seung Min continued, "Listen, your mother's safe for now. Min Joon might act tough, but I doubt he'll dare to move recklessly. For now... you're not coming with us."
Jae Hoon frowned. "What? Why not?"
"But," Seung Min added, "keep us informed if there's any movement from Jin Seok."
Hae Jin chimed in, "Does Jin Seok even know about this?"
Jae Hoon paused, thinking, then shook his head. "Doesn't seem like it... If he does, he's not showing it."
Inside the building Lee So Mi moved cautiously through the empty hallway. The flickering overhead lights cast eerie shadows, sending chills down her spine. Too quiet... this is suspicious.
Her earpiece crackled to life. "So Mi, status?" Jin Ho's voice came through.
"Empty... too empty," she whispered, glancing around. Her eyes caught a door with the matching nameplate. Carefully, she opened it and began sifting through stacks of documents. Come on... it has to be here...
Outside the building Footsteps echoed nearby. Dae Hyun quickly pulled Yoon Ha Rin behind a parked car. Holding their breath, they watched as a guard passed by, oblivious to their presence.
Dae Hyun pressed his earpiece. "So Mi, hurry up. Someone's coming in."
"I know!" So Mi hissed, panic creeping into her voice. "Haven't found it yet—"
Her words were cut off by the creak of a door opening down the hall. Her heartbeat quickened. Damn it...!
On the lower floor Jin Seok entered the building, his gaze cold and unwavering. Without hesitation, he headed straight toward the same room.
Inside, So Mi's desperation grew. Her hands trembled as she rifled through the files. "Shiball..." she cursed under her breath. Where is it?!
The footsteps grew louder. Thinking fast, she slipped behind a filing cabinet, holding her breath as best she could.
The door swung open. Jin Seok stepped inside, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out his phone and quickly dialed a number.
"Where is my father right now?" he asked coldly.
Tense silence filled the room. Behind the shadows, So Mi clenched her fists, her heartbeat pounding in her ears. This is way beyond just a document retrieval... things just got a whole lot more dangerous.
Suddenly, Jin Seok's phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the screen—Shin Kyung flashed on it.
Frowning, Jin Seok answered, "Hello?"
Shin Kyung's calm voice came through, "I'm at the basketball court. Come here. We need to talk."
Jin Seok glanced toward So Mi suspiciously. "Right now?"
"Yes," Shin Kyung replied firmly. "It's important."
There was a tense pause before Jin Seok sighed quietly. "Fine." He shot So Mi one last scrutinizing look before turning away and walking off, his steps echoing down the hallway.
So Mi remained frozen until his footsteps faded completely, then let out a shaky breath. That was too close...
Outside the building Shin Kyung stood near the parking area, holding his phone. Directly in front of him was Yoon Ha Rin, hands trembling as she pressed a small knife against her own stomach. Her eyes locked onto her brother's, blazing with determination.
"If you don't make that call and distract Jin Seok…" Ha Rin's voice quivered but remained resolute, "I'll stab myself."
Shin Kyung stared at her in disbelief. "Ha Rin, are you insane?! Put that down!"
"This is the only way!" Ha Rin shouted, tears brimming in her eyes. "If he catches So Mi, everything's over!"
Shin Kyung clenched his fists, conflicted emotions flashing across his face—anger, fear, helplessness. "Drop the knife... You don't have to do this—"
"No!" Ha Rin's tears spilled over, but her grip didn't falter. "I know you want to protect me... but I want to protect them too!"
Shin Kyung cursed under his breath. Damn it… why is she being so reckless? But seeing the sheer resolve in her gaze, he realized she wasn't bluffing.
In the distance, the sound of Jin Seok's approaching footsteps grew louder.
"Put the knife down now, Ha Rin," Shin Kyung hissed, panic creeping into his voice. "I've done what you asked. Don't—"
But Ha Rin held firm, blade still against her skin, eyes unwavering. For all of them… this has to work.
Yoon Ha Rin still gripped the knife tightly, her breath quick and uneven. Shin Kyung looked at her for a moment, hesitated, then finally gave in. "Alright... I'll go before Jin Seok gets suspicious," he said softly before turning and walking away.
As soon as her brother disappeared from sight, Yoon Ha Rin let out a sigh of relief. Dae Hyun approached her, raising his hand. "Nice job," he said with a grin, offering a fist bump. Ha Rin smiled faintly and bumped his fist. They quickly hid again behind the car.
Moments later, Jin Seok emerged from the building, his expression unreadable. Without a glance back, he got into his car and drove away.
A few minutes passed before Lee So Mi appeared from a side door, her breathing heavy. "That was way too close..." she muttered, hurrying over to Yoon Ha Rin and Dae Hyun.
Not long after, Seung Min and Hae Jin arrived. Upon seeing Lee So Mi, Seung Min immediately pulled his younger sister into a tight hug. "You did well," he said, relief evident in his voice.
Lee So Mi offered a tired smile. "Almost messed up... but I managed," she said.
Yoon Ha Rin, still processing everything, glanced at Hae Jin. For a moment, their eyes met, and confusion flickered across her face. "Wait... Why do you seem so familiar?" she mumbled.
Dae Hyun chuckled lightly. "He's not Kieran," he said, patting Hae Jin on the shoulder. "But... well, it's complicated. Hae Jin's someone who 'transmigrated' into Kieran's body."
Yoon Ha Rin froze. "What... are you saying?"
Lee So Mi sighed deeply. "Ah... it's a long story. We'll explain later. Right now, we need to leave before anyone gets suspicious."
They exchanged glances, the weight of the complicated situation sinking in. One thing was certain—this was far from over.
Elsewhere, at home, Lee Joo Hyun adjusted his neatly pressed suit, standing near the window with a cold expression. His gaze was distant as he sipped his coffee.
Across the room, Min Joon lounged on the couch, casually playing a game on his phone. The colorful screen reflected in his indifferent eyes, but his words broke the heavy silence.
"You always blame me," Min Joon muttered, fingers still tapping at his phone, "and yet you keep praising Jin Seok... like he's your perfect pawn."
Lee Joo Hyun's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, keeping his gaze fixed on the night outside.
Min Joon let out a soft, bitter chuckle. "If Mom were still alive... maybe someone would've stood up for me," he added, his voice dropping to a quieter tone. The words hung in the air, laced with resentment and something deeper—hurt.
Lee Joo Hyun didn't respond. His silence was answer enough.
Elsewhere, Jin Seok sat in his car, his gaze fixed on the iPad resting on his lap. The device displayed a live feed from the office CCTV, showing a blurry image of Lee So Mi entering and leaving the room earlier. His lips curled into a cold, knowing smirk.
"I knew it..." he muttered under his breath, voice laced with certainty.
Beside him lay a thick folder containing the original documents—the very ones Lee So Mi thought she had secured. But Jin Seok had anticipated their move long before.
"If they really got their hands on these..." He glanced at the folder, pausing, "they'd have enough evidence to report me to the police." He let out a low chuckle. "Too bad... that's nothing more than wishful thinking."
He swiped on the iPad, pulling up a blinking map that showed the movements of Seung Min's car. Every step, every turn—tracked. Switching to another tab, he opened files detailing countermeasures he had prepared in advance.
"My instincts were right. They're planning something bigger," he murmured, eyes sharp with calculation. "But I won't let them get ahead."
His car sped off into the dark night, Jin Seok's gaze unwavering. This game was far from over—
and he had no intention of losing.
🎵 "God's Menu" – Stray Kids