The Crestwood Academy

Chapter 4: The Secret Plan

In the middle of the night, the campus slumbered beneath a velvety blanket of darkness. The moon's soft glow cast ethereal shadows through the dorm room windows, creating a sense of tranquility. Motha and Nooram were lost in the realm of dreams, their weary bodies seeking solace in the embrace of sleep.

Outside, the wind whispered its secrets, rustling the leaves of nearby trees. The distant sound of a solitary owl hooting added a touch of mystique to the nocturnal symphony. The corridors stood empty, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle of college life, as silence settled over the dormitory.

Within the confines of their room, Motha and Nooram lay deep in slumber, oblivious to the world outside. Dreams wove their tapestries, painting vibrant scenes upon the canvas of their minds. It was a night like any other, or so they thought.

But destiny had other plans, and the peaceful serenity was shattered by an abrupt knock on the door. The suddenness of the sound pierced through the tranquil atmosphere, jolting Motha from his sleep. His eyes flickered open, a mixture of confusion and trepidation clouding his groggy mind. The room was still and silent, save for the echoes of his racing heartbeat.

Motha's senses sharpened as he sat up, the realization of the knock stirring a surge of adrenaline within him. He glanced at Nooram, still deep in slumber, deciding it was best not to disturb his friend's rest just yet. Pushing back the covers, Motha swung his legs over the edge of the bed and planted his feet on the cool floor.

A hushed anticipation filled the air as Motha approached the door, each step feeling like an eternity. His hand trembled as he reached for the doorknob, his mind racing with possibilities. What awaited him on the other side? Who could be knocking at this ungodly hour?

With a deep breath, Motha turned the doorknob, and the door creaked open slowly, revealing the figure standing in the dimly lit corridor. His eyes widened, his breath hitched in his throat. "Rashid?" he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper.

———

Meanwhile, Earlier that day, Amna and Yannie strolled through the hallowed halls of their college, heading towards their clubroom. The walls were adorned with colorful posters, showcasing the various events and activities that had taken place over the years. Sunlight filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow upon the polished floors. Laughter and chatter from other students echoed in the distance, creating a lively ambiance.

As they reached their clubroom, a modest yet cozy space tucked away in a corner of the building, a sense of familiarity washed over them. The room was adorned with shelves lined with light novels and BTS magazines. Posters displaying Korean quotes and inspiring photographs adorned the walls, reminding them of the purpose that brought them together—their passion for BTS.

Taking their seats at a large wooden table, Amna and Yannie shared a quick exchange of mixed glances, one full of energy, and the other filled with nervousness. Today, they were going to tackle a topic that had been swirling in their school for years—the forbidden fourth floor. It was an idea born out of Amna's stupid curiosity, a desire to uncover the truth behind the sealed-off area of their college.

Amna retrieved a stack of notebooks, each filled with handwritten accounts passed down by their seniors. As she opened one of them, she couldn't help but be drawn into the mysterious tales that unfolded on the pages. "Listen to this, Yans," she whispered, her voice filled with intrigue. "According to Ali's notebook, the fourth floor was closed off after the former school principal was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Some believe it was a murder, but the details remain shrouded in secrecy."