THE NIGHT OF THE STORM

"Every secret has a price. And the more you know, the higher the cost."

As dawn broke over Hanseong Academy, casting soft, golden light through the narrow classroom windows, Jieun sat alone, thumbing through her notes from the night before. The silence was thick, almost unsettling, as if the academy itself was holding its breath. Her friends wouldn't arrive for another half hour, and this quiet time was her chance to sort through the growing puzzle before her.

She could still feel the tension from yesterday lingering in the air. Taewon's unease, Mirae's cryptic words, and the fear in Mr. Kim's eyes—all of it circled her mind like puzzle pieces without edges. Her instincts told her there was something beneath the surface here, something dark and twisted, and she had a feeling it was closer than she thought.

Just as she was about to go over her thoughts once more, a soft rustling sound caught her attention. She glanced up to find Mr. Kim in the hallway, walking hurriedly with his head down, almost as if he were avoiding being seen. He passed by her classroom, clutching a small brown envelope close to his chest.

Her curiosity piqued, Jieun quietly rose from her seat, slipping out of the room and following him down the hallway. She stayed a few paces behind, her footsteps light, her heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and excitement. Mr. Kim glanced over his shoulder twice, clearly nervous, as he made his way toward the old wing of the academy—a part that most students rarely ventured into, rumoured to be used only for storage.

Why would he be going there? she wondered, slipping behind a pillar just as Mr. Kim stopped in front of a locked door. He checked his surroundings once more before pulling out a key and unlocking it. With one final glance, he disappeared inside.

The door clicked shut, and Jieun was left standing in the empty hall, staring at the spot where he'd just vanished. Her mind raced. This wasn't some ordinary errand; Mr. Kim had been carrying that envelope like it held something precious—or dangerous.

The old wing had always intrigued her, its hallways shadowed and its walls steeped in stories of things best left forgotten. But now it was calling to her in a way she couldn't ignore. She would wait a few minutes, then slip in quietly, hoping to catch a glimpse of what Mr. Kim was hiding.

 The dim hallway of the old wing was eerie and cold, with dust motes swirling in the faint shafts of light that filtered through narrow windows. Jieun moved with caution, her footsteps muffled by the dust-coated floor, her breath shallow with anticipation. She followed the faint sound of hushed voices coming from the end of the hall, her pulse quickening as she drew closer.

Through a slight crack in the door, she could just barely make out the conversation. Mr. Kim's voice was low and tremulous, speaking to someone she couldn't see. "I've done everything you asked," he whispered, barely audible. "But these notes… they keep coming. I'm scared."

The reply was sharper, more authoritative. "You know the deal, Mr. Kim. Stay quiet, and everything will be fine. Don't complicate things."

Jieun's heart hammered as she strained to hear more. What deal? she wondered, her mind racing. She wanted to catch every word, but just as she leaned in a little closer, the door creaked, and she pulled back, holding her breath.

The footsteps inside grew louder, and she barely had time to retreat before the door swung open. She ducked behind an old cabinet as Mr. Kim emerged, his face pale, his hand still clutching the envelope as if it were his lifeline. He hurried past her hiding spot, oblivious to her presence, leaving Jieun alone in the empty hall.

When she was sure he was gone, Jieun crept to the now-closed door and placed her hand on the knob. For a moment, doubt flashed through her mind. But she couldn't shake the feeling that whatever Mr. Kim was hiding, it was a piece of the mystery she had to uncover.

With a deep breath, she turned the knob and slipped inside, ready to uncover the academy's secrets—whatever they might be.

The storm outside raged against the walls of Hanseong Academy, casting the school in an eerie darkness. Lightning flashed, illuminating the empty hallways in stark, sudden bursts. Most students had already gone home, but a few lingered in the classrooms and corridors, waiting out the worst of the weather.

A bone-chilling scream tore through the silence, echoing down the halls. It was piercing and raw, filled with such terror that it froze everyone in their tracks.

"What was that?" Soojin whispered, clutching Jieun's arm. Her eyes were wide with fear, her face pale.

Students and staff hurried toward the source of the scream, gathering near the janitor's closet. The crowd parted as they saw the horrifying scene unfold in front of them.

Lying on the floor in the closet was Mr. Kim, the janitor, his face twisted in fear. Blood pooled around him, dark and ominous under the flickering fluorescent light. A crumpled note lay beside his outstretched hand, but no one dared to touch it.

"Someone gets the principal!" a teacher called out, barely containing the tremor in her voice.

Within minutes, Principal Lee arrived, his face a mask of feigned concern as he surveyed the scene. Behind him was Mirae, her usual composed expression slightly cracked, a glint of discomfort in her eyes as she observed the crowd's reaction.

The police arrived shortly afterward, pushing their way through the gathered students and teachers. Detective Sun-woo Han stepped forward, his gaze cool and steady as he took in the grisly sight.

"All students and staff, please step back," Detective Han ordered, his voice calm but firm. "This is now a crime scene."

Jieun stood on the edge of the crowd, her heart pounding as she watched the scene unfold. Her instincts buzzed with suspicion; she knew this was more than a tragic accident. Mr. Kim had been on edge for days, and now he was dead. Someone had wanted him silenced.

"Do you think he found out something he shouldn't have?" Taewon whispered, appearing beside her.

Jieun's gaze hardened. "It seems likely. Mr. Kim knew something dangerous, and now he's paid the price."

Nari, who had been watching from a distance, caught Jieun's eye. She moved closer, her voice low. "I heard a rumour that Mr. Kim received threatening notes. Do you think it's related?"

Jieun exchanged a glance with Taewon, their minds racing. "If he was getting threats, someone wanted to scare him. But why would they go this far?"

"Probably because he wasn't scared enough," Nari replied softly. "Maybe he found something he wasn't supposed to."

Detective Han cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs among the crowd. "We've found a note beside the body. We'll be collecting statements, so if anyone saw or heard anything unusual today, please come forward."

Jieun felt a chill run down her spine. She knew Mr. Kim's death was connected to the web of secrets within the school, and this note could be the first clue to unravelling it. As the police cordoned off the area, she exchanged a look with Taewon, Soojin, and Nari. They all knew this was only the beginning.

Later that evening, as the rain continued to pound against the school's windows, Jieun and her friends gathered in a secluded spot, away from prying eyes. Their faces were tense, each of them haunted by the scene they'd witnessed.

"We have to figure out what was in that note," Taewon said, his jaw set in determination. "If Mr. Kim died because of what he knew, then it could lead us to the people responsible."

"But how do we even get access to it?" Soojin asked, glancing around nervously. "The police will have it now."

"Maybe not," Nari said, an idea forming in her eyes. "I know someone who works in the principal's office. If the police hand it over to the school, we might be able to see it."

Jieun nodded, her resolve hardening. "We're going to find out what really happened to Mr. Kim. This school has too many secrets, and it's time someone uncovered them."

The group shared a determined look, their minds focused on the same goal. They were done with waiting on the sidelines. They would investigate, no matter the cost.

And in the shadows, someone was watching them, aware that they had just taken the first step down a dangerous path.

After the initial shock of the janitor's scream, Detective Han starts his investigation by collecting witness statements. Several students report seeing Jieun with the janitor shortly before his death, casting suspicion her way. At the same time, CCTV footage surfaces, showing Dae-Hyun in the hidden room with the janitor a few days prior. This room is a place Jieun, Taewon, and Young-Jae uncovered during their own investigation. They had tracked the janitor's strange behaviour, leading them to this hidden spot—though they didn't realize they were about to uncover such dark secrets.

Detective Han notices Jieun's demeanour seems slightly off in his questioning, though she maintains her composure. He can't put his finger on it, but his instincts tell him there's more to her story. At the same time, he sees Dae-Hyun's defensive posture and the undeniable tension in his interactions with the other students, heightening his suspicion of both students. As Detective Han uncovers more, Jieun begins to feel the walls closing in, her mind racing as she tries to avoid implicating herself while still pursuing her own plans.

Meanwhile, as Jieun, Taewon, and Young-Jae regroup to discuss the investigation, Nari pulls Jieun aside with a warning. "Be careful—this investigation won't just stay about the janitor," she murmurs, casting a meaningful glance toward the detective's office. Nari's own motives are shrouded, but her quiet urgency makes Jieun aware she's not the only one who knows more than she's letting on.

As Detective Han starts piecing together the puzzle, his attention grows sharper on both Jieun and Dae-Hyun.

The next day, Jieun and her friends sat around a table in the bustling cafeteria, their trays untouched as tension hung over them. The memory of the previous night lingered, casting a shadow over their conversation.

"Why's everyone so quiet? Are we in mourning or something?" Young-Jae finally broke the silence, raising an eyebrow with exaggerated drama. He leaned back, pretending to inspect his lunch with a look of mock horror. "If this food doesn't kill us, maybe we'll survive another day."

Soojin snorted, half-laughing as she nudged him. "Only you could make a joke at a time like this."

Young-Jae shrugged, giving a small grin. "Hey, someone has to lighten the mood. Besides, the poor janitor probably wouldn't want us all sitting around moping."

Jieun managed a small smile, but her mind wandered back to last night. She felt a different emotion, a reminder of what only she knew. She picked at her food absently, her eyes flickering toward the doors every few seconds, as if expecting something…or someone.

Suddenly, the cafeteria's lively hum fell silent. Detective Han entered with a purposeful stride, flanked by two officers. His gaze landed on their table, and Jieun felt a chill run down her spine as he approached.

"Miss Park," he said, his voice polite but firm, "could you come with us for a moment? We have some questions."

Jieun nodded, schooling her expression into calm neutrality as she stood. Just as she was about to follow the detective, she noticed another figure being escorted from across the room—Dae-Hyun, his usual confident expression replaced by a glint of irritation.

Jieun's friends exchanged worried glances. Young-Jae's face softened, the humour gone as he whispered, "Good luck, Jieun. We're here for you."

Soojin placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Stay strong."

With a slight nod, Jieun followed Detective Han out of the cafeteria, her heartbeat quickening. Dae-Hyun walked a few paces ahead, casting a glance over his shoulder as if assessing her reaction. As they reached the corridor, she could feel the eyes of the entire school following their every step.

The detective observed their reactions carefully, sensing a tension that extended beyond mere coincidence. As Jieun moved toward the door, she cast one last look at her friends, particularly Taewon, whose concerned eyes followed her until she disappeared through the hallway.

At the police station, Jieun and Dae-Hyun were led into separate interrogation rooms, the walls echoing with a palpable tension. Each room was sparsely furnished, equipped with a single table and two chairs facing each other under the harsh glow of fluorescent lights.

Detective Han entered Jieun's room first, shutting the door behind him with a firm click. He took a seat across from her, his expression serious yet composed.

"Jieun," Detective Han began, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "I know this must be hard, but I need you to be honest with me. Someone saw you talking to the janitor shortly before his death. Can you tell me what that was about?"

Jieun looked down, her heart pounding as she struggled to steady her breath. She allowed herself a sad, distant look, her fingers fiddling nervously with the hem of her sleeve. "I… I didn't mean to be the last one who saw him," she whispered, her voice quivering. "He was just so kind, always checking in on everyone. When I saw him looking unsteady that day, I… I just wanted to help."

Detective Han's expression softened slightly as he listened. "So, you were worried about him? Did he seem unwell to you?"

She nodded, tears forming in her eyes as she looked up. "He looked pale, like he might faint, so I rushed over. I asked if he was feeling okay, and he assured me he was fine but… I couldn't shake this feeling that something was wrong. He was one of the sweetest people at school, you know? Everyone liked him." She let out a shaky breath, glancing away. "It's awful to think that the last thing I told him was to take care of himself."

Detective Han leaned in slightly, watching her closely. "Did he mention anything unusual? Anything that seemed out of place?"

Jieun bit her lip, as if lost in thought. "No… he just smiled and thanked me. Said he appreciated my concern, but everything was fine. I didn't think anything of it then. Now… I feel like I should have done more."

Seeing her distress, Detective Han handed her a tissue. "I understand, Jieun. This must be difficult. If you remember anything else, or if you start feeling unsafe, don't hesitate to reach out."

She gave him a small nod, clutching the tissue as though grounding herself with it. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, the weight of guilt and sadness seeming to weigh down her every word. Meanwhile, in the adjacent room, Dae-Hyun sat with his hands folded, trying to appear unfazed. A different officer entered, asking similar questions. "You were seen with the janitor, too. What were you doing with him in that room?"

Dae-Hyun clenched his jaw. "We were discussing school rules. I was just checking in on him for my role in the disciplinary committee. I had no idea anything like this would happen."

His jaw was set, and he responded curtly to each question, deflecting suspicions with irritation rather than grief. When asked about the secret meeting recorded on the CCTV, he narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, I talked to the janitor. He was suspicious. But if you think I had something to do with his death, you're looking in the wrong direction."

 After hours of questioning, Jieun finally returned home, drained yet relieved to be out of the police station.

Not long after she arrived, a gentle knock sounded on her door. Jieun opened it to find Taewon, Young-Jae, Nari, and Soojin standing there, their expressions a mix of worry and curiosity. Each one carried an unspoken question in their eyes, but Jieun held up a weary smile.

"Hey, come in," she said, stepping aside. They filed in, casting glances at each other before settling in her living room.

Taewon was the first to speak, his voice low. "Are you okay? We were all worried after the detective took you and Dae-Hyun in like that."

Jieun let out a sigh, settling onto the couch beside them. "I'm… okay, just exhausted. They had so many questions, and I didn't know what to say half the time."

Young-Jae, usually the joker, was uncharacteristically quiet, rubbing his hands together as if in deep thought. He looked up at her, his eyes searching. "What did they ask you? Do they really think you or Dae-Hyun had something to do with the janitor's death?"

She nodded slowly, careful not to reveal too much. "Yeah. They just kept asking about why I was with him last… Honestly, I don't think they're completely convinced I'm innocent yet."

Soojin scooted closer, putting a comforting hand on Jieun's shoulder. "But we know you'd never… you could never hurt anyone. They have no idea what they're talking about!"

Nari spoke up next, her tone as calm as ever but her gaze sharp. "Detective Han will keep watching you, Jieun. You need to be careful. The smallest detail could make them more suspicious, especially if they start digging into your history."

Taewon gave her an encouraging smile, though concern lingered in his eyes. "We've got your back, okay? All of us. If they try to pin this on you, we won't let them. And if we need to figure out what really happened to prove it, then that's what we'll do."

Jieun nodded, her expression softening at their words. She felt a rush of gratitude for each of them. Though her path was one she'd chosen to walk alone; she couldn't deny the comfort in knowing they cared.

As the conversation lulled, Young-Jae tried to lighten the mood. "Look, if anything, they should be questioning Dae-Hyun, not Jieun. The guy's practically the definition of 'suspicious' with that brooding look of his."

Everyone chuckled, even Jieun, easing the tension in the room. Soojin rolled her eyes playfully. "Hey, leave Dae-Hyun alone. He might be intense, but he's serious about his responsibilities. He probably hated that janitor just for breaking some school rule."

They laughed again, each of them stealing glances at Jieun, hoping to see her smile. In their presence, Jieun felt the heaviness lift, if only slightly. For a moment, she could almost forget the secrets she held and the weight they carried.

After a while, Taewon got up, offering her a soft look as he reached for his bag. "We won't stay too long. Just wanted to check in and remind you—you're not alone in this."

Jieun nodded, her heart swelling with a mixture of guilt and appreciation. "Thank you, all of you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

As they left one by one, Jieun stood by the door, watching them disappear into the evening shadows. The silence in her home settled back in, and she felt herself slip back into the reality.

Taewon stepped into his home, closing the door behind him with a heavy sigh. He leaned against it for a moment, his mind still tangled in the unsettling events of the day. Visiting Jieun, seeing her so worn from the interrogation, only added to his confusion. He could feel he was on the brink of uncovering something huge—something that would shake everything he thought he knew.

As he walked down the quiet hall, the usual comfort of his home felt distant, as if he were somewhere else entirely. Taewon tossed his bag onto a chair and ran a hand through his hair, trying to make sense of the puzzle pieces in his mind. The janitor's death, Jieun's strange behaviour, and the hidden secrets lurking within the school—all of it weighed heavily on him, and the more he thought about it, the more he could sense danger inching closer.

"But why does it feel like I'm missing something?" he wondered, frustration settling over him. The details he knew didn't connect, and the truths he was finding only seemed to reveal more lies.

Taewon dropped into his chair, staring at the ceiling as questions whirled in his mind. "Who else is involved? And…why is Jieun caught up in all this?" He couldn't shake the feeling that, for all his intuition, there was something right in front of him that he wasn't seeing—a twist to the story that evaded him, turning every discovery into another riddle.

The tension tightened around him like a vice, and he knew he couldn't ignore it. This was no longer just curiosity; he felt a responsibility to find the truth, not only for himself but for Jieun, too. But with each answer he uncovered, he sensed he was stepping deeper into a web of secrets that could trap him as well.

In the quiet of the room, Taewon clenched his fists, resolving to push forward, no matter the cost.