The girl nodded and followed Liana's gaze. Her smile softened as she handed the umbrella back. "No need to," she said gently, making Liana frown a little.
Without another word, the girl turned to her colleague and asked them to cover her spot. Then she reached for Liana's hand. Her touch was warm despite the chill in the air. There weren't many people around, just the sound of rain hitting the glass outside.
Liana hesitated but didn't pull away. She let the girl lead her through a narrow hallway until they reached the staff quarters.
"Normally, no one's allowed in here," the girl said, glancing over her shoulder with a small grin, "but… maybe I can break a few rules for you."
She fumbled with her locker for a second before pulling out a raincoat and a key.
"What's this?" Liana asked, confused. She didn't reach for them right away, but the girl pressed them into her hands anyway.
"My bike key and a raincoat," the girl explained, her tone light but sure. "I know you'll return them, so just take them."
Liana blinked, touched by her kindness. A small smile tugged at her lips. "Are you sure?" she asked, her voice soft, almost uncertain.
The girl nodded. "Now go. You said it's urgent." She gave Liana a gentle push toward the door, her smile encouraging.
Liana grinned brightly in return. "Thank you," she breathed before running out of the staff room.
As she reached the shop's entrance, she quickly pulled on the raincoat and stepped into the storm.
The cold wind brushed her cheeks, and she bit her lip as she hurried toward the parking area. "How will I even know which one's her bike?" she muttered under her breath.
But when she got there, she was relieved to see only one bike stood waiting in the rain. She let out a shaky sigh, hurried over, and started it.
The engine roared to life, and without wasting a second, she took a sharp turn and sped off into the downpour. The rain pounded against her, but she didn't slow down.
"I'm coming… please, just hold on," she murmured under her breath, taking every shortcut she could find through the narrow alleys that led toward the college.
By the time she reached the gate, her soaked clothes under the raincoat clung to her skin, making her shiver. "I feel like my bones are freezing," she whispered, her teeth chattering slightly.
The watchman looked up and immediately recognized her. "Liana? But the college is closed today." His voice held surprise, and then concern as his gaze swept over her.
"I know," she said quickly, parking the bike beside the gate. "But I need to check something inside, please." Her voice came out breathless. The ache in her head was long forgotten, replaced by panic.
The watchman hesitated, torn between duty and the desperation in her eyes. Finally, he sighed and unlocked the gate. "Alright," he muttered. "But I'm coming with you."
Liana nodded without waiting another second. She pulled the hood off her head, and the cold air hit her instantly. The bandage on her forehead was drenched, strands of wet hair sticking to her skin.
Without caring, she hurried through the courtyard and into the dim corridor. Her footsteps echoed against the tiles as the old man followed close behind, his flashlight beam through the shadows.
It wasn't night, but the rain had turned into a storm, and the heavy clouds made it look more like evening than morning.
"Ethilia!" Liana's voice cracked as she shouted, her heart pounding. She ran past the empty classrooms, the sound of her wet shoes echoing around the hall.
"Ethilia!" she yelled again, climbing the stairs two at a time. Her voice grew hoarse, but she didn't stop.
As she had finished checking the entire college building, Liana was panting hard. The watchman stood a few steps behind, watching her with worry.
"Liana… you don't seem to be in any condition to keep running around," he said gently.
Liana nodded weakly, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. Her gaze shifted toward the courtyard, rain still pouring over the wet grass.
She swallowed hard. "Did I miss any place?" she asked, turning to him. Her voice almost broke. Her eyes welled up with unshed tears, and she bit down on her lower lip to stop it from trembling.
The old man hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Yes… a few."
Liana ran a shaky hand through her damp hair, her chest heaving up and down with each passing second. "No… I mean, any place where someone could be kept and no one would find them?"
The watchman frowned, thinking for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Those two are the only ones that fit. The basketball court and the old canteen. Both have been shut for a while," the watchman said, his voice low.
Liana nodded and turned toward the basketball court, a huge indoor space built just for the game. "Alright… can you please check the canteen? If you don't find anything there, come to the basketball court. And if I'm not there…" she paused to catch her breath, "wait for me."
The watchman nodded, concern still etched on his face, and watched as Liana turned and ran through the courtyard once again. The rain poured harder now, drenching her completely as she disappeared into the storm, heading toward the basketball court.
As she reached the basketball court, memories of past events that had taken place here flashed through her mind. Her jaw clenched instinctively, and she stepped forward.
"The door… doesn't seem like it's been opened recently," she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the rain. Then she began to turn on her heel to walk away.
But just as she moved, a strange sound echoed from inside, like someone calling out softly. Her breath caught in her throat, and a chill ran down her spine
She might seem strong, but deep down… she was a little scared of ghosts. Or maybe a lot.
She stepped back, and somehow her foot landed on an old can lying there. It made a sharp crash under her weight, and she gasped loudly, her heart skipping a beat.
Behind the door, Char and Ethilia froze at the sound. A small spark of hope flickered between them. Ethilia's throat had already given out, and Char tried to shout, but only a hoarse sound came out. "Help us…"
Outside, Liana's heart skipped a beat. Goosebumps rose on her skin. She turned to run, but a sharp and desperate pounding echoed from the door.
She froze and swallowed hard, whispering to herself, "Maybe… there's someone inside?" Even though fear urged her to run, something pulled her toward the door again.
The desperate pounding made her chest ache and her heart race. She touched the lock, her fingers trembling, and glanced around for something heavy to break it.
"Wait… I'm searching for something… who are you?" Liana whispered, her voice trembling with fear and a ray of hope.
Behind the door, Char and Ethilia's eyes widened in relief. Ethilia let out a soundless sob. Char tried again to shout, "It's us… Char and Ethilia."
But due to the pouring rain and how low Char's voice was, Liana wasn't able to hear.
Liana exhaled sharply and picked up a brick lying in the corner. Her shoulders tensed as she raised it and slammed it against the lock again and again.