Supernova

7: Metamorphosis

TW: Serial killer mention

"Hi, P-Poppy," Jimin smiles, appearing from behind my locker door as I shut it.

I flinch, taking a step back. "D-did I scare you?" The smile on his face fades immediately. "I'm sorry, I thought you knew I was there. You're okay, right?" You're not making fun of me. It's the first thing I notice, and the only thing that matters. "Of course! You just caught me off guard."

The past few days have been a cruel 24-hour loop. I talk to one of the brothers, something bad happens, I see one of them again, go home, and worry an absurd amount. Like it's a level in a videogame I keep failing, it gets frustrating and repetative.

While reality isn't set up like that, there is one thing that hasn't changed; the first interaction is always started by them. I spent the majority of the night staring at the ceiling, wondering why that could be.

Eventually, I settled with two possible reasons. Either there is none and it's a freaky coincidence, or they're stalking me. I'd prefer the first one.

"G-great! Anyway, d-do you have any plans?"

"For right now, you mean?"

He nods, just as Taehyung joins us. I want to say something to him, but after his reaction to my question about Jeongguk yesterday, I'm reluctant to try. Instead, I focus on my hands. "No, not really. Why do you ask?"

Taehyung's voice is as dark as ever. "We're going to the cafeteria. Jimin-hyung and me, I mean. Wanna come?"

It clicks in my head. These conversations always start with an offer of some kind. A note, a conversation, or standing up for someone. Each time, I've ended up running away, no matter what my choice is.

And this time, it's a meal. "I thought there was a strike this week."

"There's pre-packaged lunches down there. Probably not as good, but it's better than nothing, right?" His tone tells me he's at ease. It's more appealing to stay, as nobody's yelling or confronting me.

Internally, I smile, as I realize that I genuinely want to try. Even if it's just to break out of a possibly paranormal loop. "Uhm... sure. Yeah, I can go" I look Taehyung in the eyes. "Thanks for offering."

We gather our stuff, and I force myself to not double-check my desk as I leave. "I'm so happy that Teacher G-Geum won't be here anymore." Jimin stretches his arms. "The school g-got so much lighter."

"You're welcome," I reply, not intending for it to be funny, but Taehyung and Jimin still share a laugh. A warm feeling of satisfaction spreads in my chest, nulling out the anxiety. "For real, though, thanks," Taehyung adds.

"For...?" Jimin asks, his eyes examining the younger. I peer over at them, not saying a word. It seems unecessary to make Taehyung specify. So much so, in fact, that I'm unsure if that's what Jimin means.

It becomes obvious that Taehyung is uncertain too. "For getting rid of the worst teacher this school's ever had...?" he guesses. I immediately look away, not wanting to think about my parents' involvement. "And not for-"

"Students, please line up one by one to make the line go smoother." A woman standing by the entrance to the cafeteria interrupts Jimin, and I slip behind the two others.

We walk past where the lunch is usually served to a large fold-up table that's overflowing with plastic boxes. A man with a clipboard and pen requests our names and classes, then hands us a box each. There's some meat and vegetables inside, but it's difficult to make out.

I remember something, and open my mouth to speak. Then, just as quickly, I shut it.

Did you guys know that there was a serial killer that put his victims' bodies in sandwiches and stuff? He sold it to people, too. Apparently, if you mix it with pork, it's difficult to notice. His name was Joe Metheny. Caught in the late 1990's, died a few years ago.