Light High | •° RIIZE °•

06. FIRST SHARING

Hyeon's pov

Today ** of **** 2023, Friday.

As the moon hung ominously in the night sky, I reflected on the two weeks I had spent at Light High. For fourteen days, my search for Yeon yielded nothing but frustration. However, I had uncovered unsettling truths about the school. Jia's increasingly peculiar behavior suggested she was entangled in the school's sinister web.

I discovered that Mr. Wonbin, with his volatile temperament, was the grandson of the school's notorious founder. No wonder he mirrored the same malevolent mindset. His girlfriend, Minyoung, was equally unhinged, having once attempted to murder me with a pencil.

The school's structure was as bizarre as its occupants. Only four subjects were taught, each managed by a sole teacher. Classes were held only during the early periods before the break, after which students were left to their own devices. The most revolting sight was a couple in the library, their public display of affection sickeningly graphic.

The constant barrage of confessions from both boys and girls—merely because I resembled Yeon—was infuriating. I could barely fathom how Yeon managed such attention with patience.

Adding to the school's chilling aura was the disappearance of the 50th ranker. Rumors swirled that he had fallen victim to a curse. Through my research, I unearthed a dark history: a shaman had cursed the school for the death of a previous last ranker, and the ranking system was steeped in ancient, malevolent traditions.

To my horror, I had replaced the last ranker who had vanished. His innocent eyes haunted me, and my heart ached for him.

"Hyeon, the dinner is ready," Eunji's voice cut through my thoughts. I hastily closed my diary and hid it under the closet before heading to the dining room.

I was the last to arrive at the table, and I took the only available seat between Eunji and Anton. The group's conversation halted as I sat down.

"How's the school, Hyeon?" Sungchan inquired.

"No better than hell," I replied bluntly. "Don't you guys want to leave this place?"

"More than us, it should be for the lower rankers," Eunji said, nodding in agreement. I felt a flicker of relief at our shared disdain for the institution.

"Enough talking. Let's eat," Sohee declared.I offered a silent prayer of thanks before starting my meal, but the silence that followed made me uneasy. Everyone stared at me, their expressions inscrutable.

"Ah, I'm Buddhist, so it's my way of thanking those who prepared the food," I explained, assuming their scrutiny was due to my custom.

"No, we know," Anton said. "It's just that Yeon noona used to do the same before eating."

"Maybe she was also Buddhist," I suggested, hoping to divert the attention.

"My mom always said it's ill fortune to mention the deceased during dinner," Minyoung interjected, her words both unsettling and oddly convenient.

After the meal, I returned to my room, which was situated at the far end of the building, offering a view of the garden. As I settled on my bed, I noticed Ms. Oh, the science teacher, wandering in the garden with a black potion and some documents. The clock read 11:54 PM.

"What on earth is she doing out here at this hour?" I wondered aloud, curiosity outweighing my caution.

Stealthily, I slipped out of the dorm, determined to follow her without alerting anyone. My heart pounded with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation.

Ms. Oh led me to a large, concealed door, resembling the entrance to an underground cave. The area seemed eerily distant from the school grounds, surrounded by a dense, foreboding forest. I hid behind a tree, my breath shallow.

"What are you doing here?" a voice suddenly asked. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat, but it was only Seunghan. I exhaled in relief.

"You startled me! What are you doing here?" I whispered urgently, wary of being overheard.

"I could ask you the same," he replied, his tone carrying an edge of suspicion.

"Don't you think something is off about this school?" I asked, hoping for insight.

"Are you Yeon?" Seunghan's question was blunt and piercing. "You seem unnerved every time we mention her. Why is that?"

"I have no idea who Yeon is," I lied, attempting to deflect.

Without warning, Seunghan seized my hand and began dragging me away. "Where are you taking me?" I protested, but he remained silent. I had no choice but to follow.

He brought me to an abandoned classroom, isolated and distant from the main school. The room was dimly lit by moonlight filtering through dusty windows.

"Few people know about this place, so you can speak freely here. I expect the truth," he said, taking a seat near the window. I joined him, my mind racing.

"I'm not Yeon," I admitted. "But I am her twin sister. I came here to find her after she warned me about something wrong at Light High. She said they were after her. I thought she was exaggerating."

"I thought she was dead, but she sent me a letter saying she was safe at Light High. She told me not to come looking for her, but the letter contained a danger sign we used to use. So, I came searching."

"But they keep saying she's dead," I said, frustration evident in my voice. "I know she's in danger."

"It's been over a year since she disappeared," Seunghan noted. "So you're saying she's still alive?"

"After we received news of her death, my entire house burned down. I was the only survivor," I revealed, my voice trembling with the weight of my loss.

"I'm sorry," Seunghan said, his empathy genuine. I nodded, appreciating his understanding.

"I'll help you," he offered suddenly, surprising me.

"Help me with what?" I asked, puzzled.

"With finding Yeon," he clarified.

"Of course, you should help. You know why I'm here. And I heard someone had feelings for my sister," I teased, but his reaction was unexpected. He shyly turned away, a smile playing on his lips.

"Oh god, you look adorable when you smile. It really suits you," I said, genuinely moved by his expression.

"Thank you," he replied, his shyness endearing.

In that moment, amidst the shadows and uncertainties, I found solace in Seunghan's companionship. It was a small but significant reprieve, and the weight of my troubles felt a little lighter.

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Finally!!