Eli stared at the page, disbelief and confusion swirling together into a chaotic storm inside him. His breath caught in his throat, and his hand trembled slightly as he ran his thumb over the letters etched into the journal. How could this be? He didn't remember writing this. He couldn't have written this.
The handwriting was unmistakably his, each curve and slant a mirror of the way he'd always written—neat, almost too precise. It felt like a fragment of himself had somehow slipped into this moment, bypassing his memory entirely. How was this possible?
The classroom, which had moments ago been full of laughter and lively conversation, now seemed distant. The sounds became muffled, as if Eli was hearing them through a thick fog. His friends, gathered around him to celebrate his birthday, appeared oblivious to the sudden shift in his world. The journal in his hands grew heavier, as though it carried more than mere words—like it held an untold secret that could unravel everything.
He stared at the words again, his mind fixating on the message: I must collect all five diaries.
The phrase echoed in his mind, sending a shiver down his spine. Why? Why did he feel like this was something crucial? And why, of all things, was it written in his own handwriting? The question gnawed at him, every part of his being screaming that this loop wasn't like the others. The rules had shifted. Something was wrong—terribly wrong.
His birthday, which had once been a bright and carefree moment of the day, had suddenly become a turning point, a place where the foreboding chill of mystery began to creep in. His instincts screamed at him to be wary. He wanted to dismiss it, to enjoy the party like he had the first time around, but he couldn't shake the ominous weight pressing on his chest.
Taking a deep breath, Eli tried to center himself, forcing his face into a neutral expression despite the inner turmoil. His mind raced for explanations, but none came. Had he missed something in the earlier loops? He couldn't shake the feeling that this was a sign—a warning of something much bigger than he anticipated.
Could it be a prank? His thoughts flickered to that possibility, but he dismissed it just as quickly. The memory of his first loop surfaced. There was no writing in the journal back then, not like this. Then again, he had forgotten about his birthday until now, so maybe he had forgotten this, too?
Eli's hands moved almost on their own as he slowly reopened the journal to the page. He showed it to Mia and Leo, trying to keep his voice steady. "Guys… did you write this?"
Mia leaned in, her eyes narrowing as she examined the page. "What? No! Who wrote this?" Her brow furrowed, concern mixing with confusion. "Could the shopkeeper have made a mistake when putting this together?"
Leo, standing beside Mia, frowned. "I've ordered from that place a few times. They've never messed up before. This is weird." His face scrunched in thought, clearly unsettled by the situation.
A jolt of anxiety surged through Eli as he realized he needed to stop this before they got too curious. If they looked too closely, they might start to recognize the handwriting. His handwriting. Panic brushed the edges of his mind, but he forced himself to remain calm. He needed to control the situation.
He quickly shut the journal, offering a strained smile. "It's probably just a mistake. Don't worry about it," he said, waving it off as casually as he could manage. "It's just one page."
Leo sighed, his expression still concerned. "You're right, but I feel bad. I should've checked it before giving it to you. I'll go back and talk to the shopkeeper tomorrow."
Eli placed a reassuring hand on Leo's shoulder, his smile now more convincing. "Leo, it's fine. Really. It's not a big deal. You don't want to let this ruin the party, right?"
Leo's shoulders relaxed, though the unease hadn't fully left his face. "Yeah, you're right. Let's not ruin it. Thanks, man."
Eli exhaled quietly, relieved that the conversation was over, but the words from the journal still echoed in his head. I must collect all five diaries. The weight of that message lingered, casting a shadow over what should have been a happy moment.
As the party continued, the energy in the room picked back up. His friends were laughing, talking, and celebrating with him, but Eli's mind was elsewhere. No matter how hard he tried to focus on the moment, his thoughts kept drifting back to the journal and the mystery it presented.
By the time the party ended at 5, Eli still couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. He thanked everyone for coming, but the entire time, one question burned at the back of his mind, louder and more insistent than anything else.
Why was it written in his own handwriting?
Eli shook his head, the weight of the situation pressing down on his shoulders as he surveyed the now-desolate classroom. The once-bustling room, filled with the chatter and energy of his classmates, was now eerily silent, with only him and Alex remaining. The fluorescent lights flickered slightly above them, casting a pale glow on the worn desks and chairs. The faint sounds of footsteps and laughter from students heading home outside the door only seemed to emphasize how alone the two of them were in that moment.
Eli knew what needed to be done, and it filled him with a deep sense of dread. His mission wasn't just to survive the loop or find a way to fix it. He now had to deceive his closest friend—Alex—and make sure he didn't believe in the time loop. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, and his mind raced with the complexity of the plan.
How ironic, Eli thought bitterly, a self-deprecating smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Not long ago, I was breaking my back trying to convince him this was all real. And now… now I have to make sure he doesn't believe a word of it.
He let out a quiet, humorless laugh in his mind. His gaze shifted toward Alex, who was leaning against the window, his body language casual, but his eyes focused and sharp. There was always something about Alex that made Eli uneasy under pressure. It wasn't just Alex's intelligence—it was the way he looked at you, as though he was always dissecting everything, finding the hidden meanings in your words, reading into your every hesitation. Eli swallowed hard, already feeling the pressure beginning to mount.
I need to be careful, he thought, trying to steady his nerves. Alex is no fool. He'll catch on if I slip up.
Eli took a deep breath to calm himself and approached Alex, his footsteps almost unnaturally loud in the empty room. The tension between them was palpable, the silence between words hanging heavy in the air like a storm waiting to break.
"So," Alex said, his voice cutting through the stillness, "you're ready to talk now?" His tone was rhetorical, almost mocking, as if he had already anticipated that Eli wouldn't give him straight answers. His eyes never left Eli's, piercing through the fragile calm Eli had been trying to maintain. Eli's stomach tightened.
He really knows how to apply pressure, Eli mused, his heart racing. Man, I've really been talking to myself too much lately.
Eli shook his head slightly, trying to push away his internal dialogue, and replied, "First of all, let me tell you this—I can't explain much. Something… something is holding me back." His voice came out steady, but he could feel the tension creeping into his muscles, the weight of every word heavy on his tongue.
Alex's eyes narrowed, suspicion flashing briefly across his face. "And I assume you can't tell me what this 'something' is?" he asked, his voice cool but edged with a demand for answers.
"No," Eli said simply, holding Alex's gaze, refusing to look away. This was the moment. He couldn't let any cracks show.
For a few seconds, the two of them stood locked in that intense silence, Alex scrutinizing every flicker of emotion on Eli's face, every twitch, every breath. Eli felt as though he were under a microscope, and despite his best efforts, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease rise to the surface.
Alex's expression softened slightly, though his eyes remained sharp. "The consequences of telling me must be pretty damn high for you to be this… stubborn," he said, his voice quieter now, almost thoughtful.
Eli's heart sank at Alex's words, the weight of his own guilt pressing harder. He wasn't lying—there were consequences, ones that reached far beyond just the two of them. More than you'll ever know, Eli thought bitterly, sadness creeping into his voice as he replied, "Yes." It was a simple word, but it carried all the weight of the truth Eli couldn't share. He hoped Alex wouldn't hear the sadness he was struggling to suppress.
Alex paused for a moment, his brows furrowing in thought. He seemed to be weighing his options, the gears turning in his head. Finally, he spoke again, his voice taking on a new determination. "Fine. I'll ask questions, and you answer what you can."
Perfect, Eli thought, hiding the relief that threatened to show on his face. This was the situation he had wanted to create. If Eli had come up with some convoluted story, Alex would never believe it. He knew Alex would ask follow-up questions, ones that Eli wouldn't be able to answer convincingly. But this way—this way, Eli could control the narrative, answer selectively, and when Alex asked something too difficult, he could simply say nothing. It was the safest way out.
Eli nodded, signaling for Alex to begin.
Alex's expression hardened as he asked his first question, "Is this a hostage situation?"
The question caught Eli off guard for a moment. He hadn't expected Alex to ask that first, but he had anticipated it at some point. He composed himself quickly and responded, "Yes." It wasn't a lie. The loop had them all as hostages—if Eli didn't find a way out, everyone would disappear.
Alex's frown deepened, and for a fleeting moment, a dark shadow crossed his face. His lips pressed together in a thin line, but just as quickly as it appeared, the expression was gone.
He straightened himself, his voice quiet but cold as he asked, "Who is—no, who are the hostages?"
Eli replied, "The school."
Alex's eyes widened in shock, a rare expression of genuine surprise crossing his face. Eli had never seen him react like that before. For a brief moment, the sharp and composed Alex was shaken.
First time I've seen him like this, Eli thought, resisting the urge to smile despite the gravity of the situation.
Alex took a few deep breaths, his expression returning to normal, though now a deeper seriousness lingered in his gaze. He looked at Eli, his eyes searching for some hint of deception, before continuing, "Are we being monitored?"
"Yes," Eli answered quickly. Once again, it wasn't a lie. The loop monitored everything, and the moment Alex figured out the truth, it would reset. The loop would make sure of that.
Alex's voice was calm—unnervingly calm—as he asked the next question, "Will I be disposed of because of this?"
Well, that depends, Eli thought to himself, though he didn't dare voice it out loud. Instead, he cast a glance toward the door, making it seem as though he was checking for something—making the situation feel even more precarious, more believable. He let the tension build before replying, "...No."
Alex's frown deepened, his eyes flicking toward the door for a few seconds before locking back onto Eli. "Is the time loop you talked about real?"
Eli froze for just a moment, then masked his surprise with a small, forced smile. He replied in a tone that was slightly amused but deliberate, "No."
Alex sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Of course," he muttered, more to himself than to Eli.
If only you knew, Eli thought inwardly, his chest tightening with guilt. But he couldn't tell Alex the truth—not now.
"What do you have to do?" Alex asked next, his voice dropping an octave, filled with more intensity than before.
Eli sighed deeply, letting the exhaustion show in his voice. "A game. I have to play a sick game," he said, his tone heavy. "If I win, everyone will be spared. If I lose…" He let the words hang in the air, letting Alex's imagination fill in the blanks. After a pause, he added quietly, "Everyone dies. I can't tell anyone unless they ask me first, and even then, I can't say much."
"Like now," Alex said, more of a statement than a question.
Eli just nodded, his expression carefully neutral, though inside, his heart pounded in his chest.
Alex, sensing the shift, asked, "What is the game?" His voice held a mix of curiosity and frustration, the need for answers gnawing at him.
Eli, though, said nothing. His lips remained pressed together, and his silence was louder than any response he could have given. It wasn't that he didn't want to answer—it was that he couldn't. There were too many things he couldn't say, too many truths that would unravel the delicate balance he was trying to maintain.
Seconds ticked by in silence, the weight of the unanswered question hanging in the air. Alex, his patience thinning, asked again, "What happened to Class D? Why don't I recall anything about them?"
Again, Eli didn't answer. His mind raced for a response, for something that wouldn't blow the cover he had painstakingly crafted, but there was nothing. Some questions he had anticipated; others, like this one, caught him off guard. He felt the tension mounting with each unanswered inquiry.
Alex's frown deepened, his frustration clearly growing as he realized he was getting nowhere. His eyes narrowed as he studied Eli, the gears turning in his mind as he tried to piece together the puzzle.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Alex asked, "What can I help you with?"
Eli froze for a second. This is it. The question he had prepared for, the one that mattered most. He had to be careful here, precise with his words. After a brief pause, he looked around, his eyes flickering toward the door as if confirming something unseen, trying to add to the tension.
"For today, doing nothing will help me the most," Eli finally said, his voice calm but carrying an underlying note of urgency.
Alex's brow furrowed at the cryptic response, clearly dissatisfied. Before he could press further, Eli spoke again, cutting off any protest. "However, I will need your help tomorrow, but I can't tell you about it right now."
Alex's eyes locked onto Eli's, searching for any hint of deception. Eli didn't flinch under his intense gaze, though his heart was racing. This was the critical moment—Alex had to believe him, had to think this was all part of some complicated game or ruse.
Before, Eli had thought that ending the loop early wouldn't be much of a problem. He could let it restart, face the same day again, and work his way through the puzzle piece by piece. But now, everything felt different. The discovery of the journal had changed things. It had unsettled him, left him with more questions than answers, and the weight of the mystery gnawed at his thoughts.
He needed to check things. Maybe the journal held a clue, a hidden piece that could point to a way out, a permanent solution to break free of this endless cycle. The stakes were higher now—he wasn't just concerned about making it through each loop, but about whether he could end it for good.
Besides, there was another part of him that wasn't quite ready to give up on today. He had to know if the loop would really end at six, just as he suspected. If he could confirm it, it might give him leverage for what came next.
Silence stretched between them, and for a moment, Eli feared Alex might push harder, might demand more answers. But then, Alex sighed, the tension in his shoulders loosening just slightly.
"Fine," Alex finally said, his voice steady but laced with frustration. "I'll go home today."
The word "home" struck Eli, a sharp pang of guilt and sadness hitting him. Home, Eli thought. He hadn't even thought about his parents in the chaos of the loop. He couldn't even contact them. For a moment, the weight of everything crashed down on him, but he shook his head, forcing himself to stay in control.
"Thanks," Eli said, and this time, there was no pretense. He meant it. He was truly grateful. The sincerity in his voice made Alex pause for a moment, his sharp eyes softening just a fraction.
Alex allowed a rare smile to tug at his lips, brief but genuine. "Don't mention it. That's what friends are for, right?" He studied Eli one last time, the weight of unspoken words between them. "I'm assuming you're not coming with me?"
Eli smiled back faintly and nodded, though inside, his heart clenched. Alex had no idea what tomorrow held, or that by the time it came, he wouldn't remember any of this.
As Alex moved toward the door, he stopped, his back still facing Eli. "Although I'll go today, you'd better tell me how I'm supposed to help you tomorrow," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. The weight of his words hung in the air like a promise.
Eli watched as Alex took his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and headed for the door, his footsteps echoing through the now-empty classroom. Eli's eyes followed him sadly, knowing full well that, by the time tomorrow came, Alex wouldn't remember anything.
"Sorry, Alex," Eli thought as his friend disappeared through the door, leaving him alone in the fading sunlight that was covered by dark clouds.