BLACK ROSE

day 2 pt.2

"Just come fast!"

Niki held her hand and they both started running around the maze They sped down the winding path, hearts pounding as the humming grew louder, filling the air with an unsettling melody. Eunchae glanced at Ni-ki, who was visibly shaken but determined to keep going.

“Are we even going the right way?” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the eerie sound.

Eunchae bit her lip, glancing around for any sign, any clue.

“I don’t know… but staying put feels worse.”

Just then, they spotted another faint rose marking on the hedge ahead, half-hidden in shadows. Eunchae’s face lit up with hope.

“There! It has to mean something.”
“Alright, then. Let’s follow it but if we see any more shadows, you’re leading.” Ni-ki nodded, gripping her hand tighter.

Eunchae shot him a grin. “Deal.”

Together, they followed the mark, stepping further into the unknown, determined not to let the maze or its ghostly secrets shake them

As they continued, the maze seemed to close in, the hedges growing denser and taller, blocking out even the dim light from above. The humming softened but didn’t disappear, like it was lurking just out of reach.

Suddenly, they stumbled upon a small clearing with a strange stone statue at its center a woman cloaked in vines, her face expressionless yet haunting.
Eunchae’s eyes narrowed.

“Why would there be a statue here? It’s like it’s watching us…”

“Maybe… we shouldn’t stay too close?” Ni-ki took a cautious step back.

Before Eunchae could respond, the statue’s eyes seemed to flash, a faint glimmer that made them both gasp. Ni-ki instinctively stepped in front of her, pulling her back.

“Alright, that’s it. This place is definitely cursed.”

Eunchae tightened her grip on his arm, whispering,

“Let’s just… keep moving and pretend we saw nothing.”

And with quick, careful steps, they slipped away from the statue, hoping whatever power it held wouldn’t follow them deeper into the maze.

After what felt like hours wandering through the maze, Eunchae and Ni-ki stumbled upon a small, hidden alcove sheltered by thick vines.

The ground was soft with layers of fallen leaves, and it seemed safer than anywhere they’d seen so far.

Exhausted, they exchanged a relieved glance, silently agreeing to rest. Ni-ki lay down first, pulling Eunchae close to keep her warm against the night’s chill.

“Goodnight, scaredy-cat,”

she whispered with a soft smile, closing her eyes. And despite the eerie surroundings, they both drifted into an uneasy but much-needed sleep.

Chaehoon

After escaping the dim chamber, Chaewon and Sunghoon wandered deeper into the maze until they found a secluded nook surrounded by towering hedges.

Exhausted, they decided it was the perfect spot to rest for the night. Sunghoon spread out his jacket on the ground, and they settled in, their bodies finally relaxing after the tension of the maze.

As Chaewon curled up beside him, she whispered, “Do you think we’ll find answers tomorrow?”

Sunghoon shrugged, holding her close. “I hope so. But for now, let’s just get some sleep.” With that, they closed their eyes, the faint rustle of leaves lulling them into a restless slumber.