"I don't know if even your plan will work," I said, skepticism and caution threading through my words. "They strike when you least expect it, in ways no one can predict. Even someone as clever as you... I doubt you could come close to outsmarting that masked killer."
Internal Monologue (Elara): I couldn't bear to drag her back into this nightmare like before. Yet, this might be my only chance to finally claim revenge on that bastard and break free from this exhausting cycle of life and death. She's the smartest of the group, since high school, no challenge has ever been beyond Janice's grasp. When she's fired up like this, there's no stopping her. Maybe, just maybe, this time things could be different. But still, I can't risk exposing her to danger...I have already lost Alice, I don't know what I'll do if Janice also get deleted.
Janice placed a firm hand on my shoulder, her touch steadying. "You can trust me on this," she said quietly. "But let me be clear—I'm still not sold on this whole time loop story, or the idea that a 'friend' could just be erased from existence." Her eyes narrowed, unwavering. "That said, if someone is really trying to kill you... I won't hesitate. I'll make sure to make their life a living hell for trying something funny to my friend." She said coldly, cracking up her neck which is a thing that she usually do when she is dead serious.
Elara's resistance was fading. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on her—Janice had undoubtedly crafted some kind of plan, though what it was remained a mystery.
Internal Monologue (Elara): I didn't want to drag her deeper into this, but…
I exhaled, surrender softening into resolve. A flicker of determination surfaced on my face. "Alright," I said, voice steady with quiet conviction, "let's do whatever you've planned."
Internal Monologue (Elara): Right, I did it again. I'm sorry, Janice… but I need you, just this once more.
Janice rose from the bench, her stance firm and sure. "Let's go over my plan—come on." Her tone carried authority, yet beneath it, I sensed the tremor of fear and worry.
I shook my head, eyes scanning our surroundings nervously. "Not here. We can't risk the masked killer overhearing us."
Janice gave me a playful punch on the arm, breaking the tension. "Dummy," she said with a light chuckle, "of course not. Let's head back to my place—there, you're safe, and we can talk freely." Her calm seriousness was softened by the warmth in her voice, a quiet promise of protection.
"What? To your house? To your mansion-looking house?!" I said absolutely surprised.
Internal Monologue (Elara): Right, Janice is the wealthiest out of all of us. She lives in a mansion-looking house in the middle of the city, her parents are the CEO of one of the biggest conglomerate around here and are good people. Anyways, I don't have that much time left to waste!
"What? You don't want it there?" Janice asks sarcastically.
"No, let's go!" I rose from the bench and grabbed Janice's hand, "We don't have much time left, there are only 2 and a half hours before 6:00 P.M arrives." I said with urgency, maintaining eye contact.
We immediately ran into her house...
While we are running, I can't just shake the feeling that we're being followed and watched somewhere.
"Hey, calm down! I know we're raising against time here but if we continued on like this it will never help your situation." Janice said authoritatively she is visibly a bit irritated.
I leaned in a bit on her ear, "I don't know for sure but...we are being followed." I whispered to her with urgency.
"All the more reason to act calm, if they got alerted that you have sensed them they will grow even more hostile and with that they will just chase us down even more actually if we act slow we can yse that in our advantage to launch a surprise attack if ever they lunges into us." Janice said with calm seriousness still a bit irritated.
"Yeah, right...I am sorry, let's slow down at this point." I said calming for a bit and slowed down.
Janice pats my back gently.
Internal Monologue (Janice): She's really in a state of paranoia but I can feel her burnign desire to kick that masked psycho whoever they are's ass, that's my girl!
They continue to walk the path to Janice's residence...
Somewhere near the two of them...
"They're moving, get ready to tail them." The masked killer said coldly.
"Yes...Mister..." A mysterious voice said sarcastically, licking down their knife.