Ten years ago, inside the faculty room of Santa Barbara High School, tension rose among the teachers.
The vice principal urged an immediate cancellation of classes, warning about the coming storm. Some professors agreed, insisting on the students' safety. But Professor Lee slammed his hand on the desk, furious. "Exams are coming. We need the national ranking. Do you want this school to be called the dumbest in the country?" His words sparked louder arguments, voices clashing against each other.
The principal leaned back, unimpressed. "He has a point. Why should we cancel? It's just a typhoon. How many storms have we faced before? Nothing ever happened."
The vice principal tried once more, but the principal silenced the room with a shout. "No cancellations! Don't forget who has authority here!"
Outside the door, Janelle was listening quietly. Her calm eyes betrayed no emotion, even when a teacher noticed her. "Hey, kid! Get back to class," he said. Janelle walked away without a word. The teacher returned inside and whispered something to the principal, whose face darkened with deeper rage.
Present day. Royal Minimart, midnight.
Kent sat by the counter, half-watching the news.
"…A new storm has formed over the Pacific Ocean, heavy rainfall expected…"
The TV voice drowned out as Kent's memory pulled him back.
Ten years ago. 3:40 a.m.
Before the typhoon struck at full force, Kent hid by the back wall of the building, keeping himself out of sight. From his corner, he saw Professor Lee whispering to the principal. Meanwhile, students were being led into the underground tunnel by faculty members. Kent only scoffed to himself. They're just scared. Nothing's going to happen.
Back to the present.
"Hello!"
A hand waved in front of Kent's face. He blinked, focusing—then froze. Janelle stood there, smiling.
"What's wrong? Is my face that scary?" she teased.
Kent stuttered, his voice breaking. "Y-You… you're alive?" He reached out, holding her hand, but Janelle instantly slapped him across the cheek.
"Pervert! This bottle of soju is mine, and that's your punishment."
Kent held his cheek in confusion. "W-What? Pervert? I just touched your hand! Damn it… she hasn't changed at all."
From the corner of his eye, he noticed his boss staring at him suspiciously. Kent forced an awkward smile. "Boss… hehe." But the store owner only gave him a look, as if Kent had gone insane.
On the street, Janelle muttered to herself. "He asked if I'm still alive… What am I, a ghost? Hmph! I should beat him up." Her expression softened, a small giggle escaping. "…But at least he's kinda cute."
The camera rose into the sky. Dark clouds churned, thunder roared, and rain began to fall.
Floodwater surged through an underground tunnel. Among it—floating lifelessly—were the corpses of students.
The screen went black.
[Chapter 3 – Close]