VEIN locked it and began walking down the hostel corridor.
---
The corridor was long and quiet.
Four female teachers were walking toward him from the opposite side. VEIN quietly moved closer to the wall and slightly increased his speed, passing them without much attention.
Once he had passed them, he slowed down again.
Behind him, a voice called out.
"VEIN?"
VEIN kept walking.
The woman looked puzzled.
"Hey, VEIN."
Still no reaction.
She smiled slightly.
"Mister VEIN. AR…"
VEIN stopped.
After a short pause, he turned around and walked back toward them, stopping about three feet away from the woman.
"Sorry but…?" he said politely.
The woman looked at him.
"Didn't you recognize me?"
VEIN looked into her eyes for a moment and gently shook his head.
3.
"No."
The teacher laughed lightly.
"Really, VEIN? I recognized you immediately by the birthmark on your neck. How could you forget me?"
VEIN adjusted his collar slightly.
"It's not a good idea to look at someone's neck," he said calmly. "And this isn't a birthmark."
Another teacher suddenly spoke.
"Tattoo?"
Everyone looked at her.
SINE quickly pinched the second teacher's hand.
VEIN bowed his head slightly.
"My apologies," he said. "But I believe you're calling the right name for the wrong person."
SINE seemed a little embarrassed.
VEIN gave a polite bow.
"Please excuse me. I should be going now."
He turned and walked away.
As he continued down the corridor, he took out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face before placing it back again.
---