The cafeteria buzzed with the usual energy as Taesoo Kang and his friends sat together, sharing lunch and lighthearted conversation. The group of four—Taesoo, his best friend Minho, and their two friends Ji-eun and Hyejin—were the picture of carefree college life.
Suddenly, the speakers crackled to life, and an announcement echoed across the campus. "Attention students: Please return to your classrooms immediately."
The group paused, glancing at each other in confusion. "That's weird," Minho said, lowering his chopsticks. "Why would they make an announcement like that during lunch?"
Ji-eun shrugged, though her unease was evident. "Maybe it's some kind of drill?"
"Drills don't sound that serious," Taesoo said, his brows furrowing. "Let's just go."
Reluctantly, they gathered their things and headed back to their classroom. As they entered, they noticed their classmates filing in as well, their faces a mix of confusion and worry. The usual chatter had taken on a nervous edge.
"What's going on?" one of the students whispered.
"No idea," another replied.
Taesoo took a quick look around, assessing the tension in the room. He stepped forward, his natural charisma and calm demeanor commanding attention. "Hey, everyone," he began, raising his voice just enough to be heard. "Let's not panic. Whatever this is, I'm sure the teachers will explain it soon."
Most of the class nodded, their murmurs quieting. Taesoo's ability to lead was one of the reasons he was so well-liked. But not everyone was on his side.
"Who are you to tell us what to do?" a voice spat from the back.
Taesoo turned to see Donghyun, a student who never missed an opportunity to antagonize him.
"I'm not telling anyone to do anything," Taesoo replied evenly. "I'm just saying we should stay calm and wait for the teachers."
Donghyun scoffed. "Yeah, right. I'm not sitting around waiting for something to happen."
He motioned to his small group of friends and strode toward the exit. Taesoo started to protest but stopped as Donghyun reached for the door.
A loud thud echoed from the other side. Then, in an instant, blood splattered across the glass window of the door.
The entire class froze, their eyes wide with horror. Donghyun and his friends stumbled back, their faces pale, as the metallic scent of blood seeped into the room.
"What… what was that?" someone whispered, their voice trembling.
No one dared move, the tension in the air thick enough to choke.
Taesoo's mind raced as he stared at the door, his heart pounding. Finally, he took a deep breath and stepped forward. "I'll check it out," he said, his voice steady despite the chaos.
His friends grabbed his arm, their eyes pleading. "Taesoo, don't—" Ji-eun started, but he gently shook her off.
"Stay here," he said firmly, his gaze locking onto the door. "I'll be fine."
The room was silent as Taesoo approached the door, every step echoing in the charged stillness.