**Fictional Obsession**
Cha Na-ra's life is a never-ending nightmare of parental abuse and suffocating loneliness. Trapped in a world where hope is a rare commodity, she finds an unexpected escape in a mysterious book titled "Mystery of the Midnight...
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Na-ra pedaled faster, eager to meet her friends, as the school came into view. The familiar silhouettes of her club members gathered under the dim streetlight, chatting animatedly. As she approached, Ji-eun waved enthusiastically, her voice echoing through the empty courtyard.
"Na-ra! Over here!" Ji-eun called out, beaming. Next to her were Hee-jin and Min-hwa, their presence making Na-ra a bit uneasy. Something about Hee-jin felt off, but she pushed the thought aside as she parked her bicycle.
Soo-jin clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, everyone, listen up! Tonight’s plan is simple but important.” Her voice was firm, taking on the role of the leader naturally. “We’ll split into pairs. Each group will have exactly 20 minutes to explore their assigned area. If you’re not back within that time, we’ll give you an extra 5 minutes before calling for help. No one goes off alone, and no funny business.”
There were murmurs of approval from the group. Na-ra glanced over at Taehyung, who was standing a bit away from the crowd, his expression darkening. She could feel the tension radiating off him, and it took everything in her not to burst into giggles at his obvious jealousy.
“Pairings are as follows,” Soo-jin continued, oblivious to the tension in the air. “I’ll be with Hee-jin. Ji-eun, you’re with Jin-woo. Da-eun and Min-ho. And Na-ra, you’re with Min-hwa.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, except for one very disgruntled spirit. Taehyung, who had been quiet until now, started grumbling under his breath.
“What? With him? Absolutely not. This is absurd!” His voice was only audible to Na-ra, who was struggling to keep a straight face as she listened to his complaints.
"Na-ra, what do you think?" Min-hwa asked, his tone friendly. Na-ra blinked, trying to focus on the conversation.
"Uh, sure, sounds good!" she stammered, glancing at Taehyung who was glaring daggers at Min-hwa.
"I can’t believe this. That guy? I swear, if he even thinks about—"
Na-ra bit her lip, trying not to laugh as Taehyung’s jealous tirade continued. She forced herself to smile and nod at her friends, her mind reeling at how she was the only one who could hear his possessive ranting.
“First pair up, Ji-eun and Jin-woo, you’re starting!” Soo-jin announced, handing them a small flashlight. “Remember, no more than 20 minutes. We’ll be right here.”
Ji-eun saluted jokingly and dragged Jin-woo towards the darkened building. Na-ra watched them go, feeling a pang of anxiety. She excused herself, slipping away from the group under the pretense of needing a moment.
“Taehyung,” she whispered once she was out of earshot. “You’ve got to calm down. I can’t talk to you while we’re with everyone else. It would look weird if they saw me talking to thin air.”
Taehyung’s expression softened slightly, but his eyes were still burning with jealousy. “I know, but… I don’t like it. That guy—”
“Min-hwa is just a friend,” Na-ra interrupted, placing a hand on her chest where she knew Taehyung’s hand would be if he were solid. “You’ll be with me the entire time, okay? Nothing bad will happen.”
