Decipher || Applyfic

Chapter 4

Meejin's pov

Do you think I take orders from you?

It's best for you if you cooperate.. I'm not gonna ask you the reason behind today's events because I'm sure it's not worth my time but if you wanna survive in here then this better not get out.

Meejin nodded and quietly headed towards the exit.

Ah.. one more thing, do you know the girl that Jihu mentioned.. Meejin, wasnt it?

Kang Meejin, it's me.

Jaemin scoffed.

So Jihu discovered your secret identity?

Why? Do you think I can't have secrets?

Meejin left the auditorium as Jaemin thought about who this girl was and if she really was hiding something, how come he never have known about her.

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Han Jaemin was a social butterfly. His charms naturally attracted people towards him and his knack for gossip was enough to keep them hooked.

His closest friend was Jihu, due to their common interests and influence across the school. Apart from socializing at Elite High, Jaemin's popularity also came from the fact that he was an influencer with over 100k followers.

He neither particularly hated anyone nor did he care for people genuinely besides few. Jaemin appeared as an arrogant and toxic person on the outside but truly an insecure person who thought that he was only looked because of his influential background.

He therefore had made up his mind to become the center of attention at Elite High and was successful in achieving this goal. That was until another student from Elite High started posting fictional thrillers inspired by Elite's realities and quickly gained followers.

Jaemin felt threatened by this anonymous account and decided to find the user at any cost. Failing to find any clues he contacted them on Kstagram and started getting subtle clues to their identity.

During this cat and mouse chase, Jaemin grew more and more interested in the anonymous writer and instead of feeling threatened, he eventually started to find this new feeling of rivalry amusing.

He was ever so impatient to meet his intriguing contender in order to find out the means through which they touched the same peaks of fame as Jaemin without even revealing themself despite all the efforts he had made to come this far.

While investigating this mystery, Jaemin didn't get a chance to catch up with Jihu or the circle and was now left with hundreds of unanswered questions after Jiah's death, especially because of the fear he saw in Jihu's eyes.

Killer's pov

*Flashback*

Jiah opened her eyes only to find herself back in her homeroom, her hands and legs tied with duct tape. She glanced around the dark and quiet classroom, detecting no movement.

Soon her eyes were fixated upon the silhouette, sitting on a chair at the opposite end of the classroom, staring at her from within the shadows.

W-what do you want from me?!

Shh.. calm down, that's no way for a queen like you to act.

How can you expect me to remain calm in this situation?! What did I ever do to you for us to end up like this?

Do not raise your voice at me.

The figure stood up as Jiah backed away in a corner.

You really don't know what you did huh? Well I wouldn't want you to think you died an unfortunate death, so I suppose I might as well make you reflect on your sins.

D-death? Y-you won't kill me..right? You can't..

You know.. as a child I was really loved by my parents. They'd give up anything to provide me with a luxurious life.. I had everything I needed and we were such a happy family.

Then what..?

*End of Flashback*

I wish things had gone according to plan, then all these people wouldn't have had to get hurt.

Yuki's pov

Yuki entered the private meeting room restricted to the members of the circle for their meeting and sat next to Saki.

The circle previously leaded by Lee Jiah was now taken over by Yuta until its members would come up with a resolution for future plans.

Zyran and Yuki belonged from the most influential backgrounds next to him. Jihu was introduced to the circle by Jiah and was always preferred by her to take care of significant matters due to his loyal nature.

Saki secured her spot in the circle because of her vengeful nature and trouble making personality. Despite her unknown family history, Saki quickly adapted to the ways of Elite High.

Aside from each other, the members of the circle were particularly close with Han Jaemin. Jaemin would've even been a part of the circle if only he was as wicked as them.

Although Jaemin was arrogant and mused on fame, he had never made it his motive to crumble anyone who came along the path.

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So what's the occasion for us to gather here again, for the first time after Sayu-

Yuki suddenly paused after she saw the regret in everyone's eyes. Silence enveloped the room as the atmosphere got tense.

After a moment of processing, Yuta stood up.

As you all know, we lost our beloved leader and friend Jiah. The police is currently investigating this case but we can't trust anyone. It is best if we decipher this mystery ourself before any of us gets tangled up further in this mess. Being one of the initial members, I'll be taking charge of the circle until we figure this out, any objections?

Everyone shook their head in union. If there was anyone who could hide their secrets from coming to light in this situation, it was Yuta.