Morning soon arrived, but no windows for sunlight to pass through. Instead, the ceiling lights brightened slowly, casting the illusion of a sunrise.
Some kids were already risen before the lights came on, while others stirred the moment the glow reached them. On a lower bunk, a boy with messy red hair and vivid green eyes marked by a mole at the end of each—sat up, his nose twitching at a faint metallic scent.
His head turned toward the source, and the sight that met him unsettled him for a moment. Noticing his reaction, everyone else's attention followed. Most of them froze in surprise before letting out soft sighs, while the rest only stared blankly for a while before turning their eyes elsewhere.
On the floor lay 016, his body smeared in blood, yet his face wore the peace of someone lost in a pleasant dream.
The red-haired boy's lips pulled into a small smile. He shifted, about to move toward him, but a voice from the bunk above cut in.
"013, what are you doing? Look away and don't make trouble. We were only assigned to this room yesterday." The speaker, a boy with pale blue hair and pearl-shaped eyes, leaned over with a nagging expression.
"I told you—it's thirteen, not 013," the redhead muttered, slightly annoyed
"Tch. What's the difference?"
"It sound's less weird." Rising to his feet, thirteen began walking toward 016 and added, "And who said I'm making trouble?"
He moved closer to 016, but once he crossed a certain distance, Thirteen stopped abruptly. He didn't even notice that 016's deep red eyes were wide open, staring straight at him.
A chill ran through him. For a moment, he was genuinely afraid—afraid that if he dared to look away, he'd lose a limb or two.
Thirteen forced a stiff smile while his thoughts ran wild. The rumors about him were so true, it felt like I'd just read a full report.
There were always whispers about 016 being the top dog of this facility. He hadn't reached the official rank of "Asset" yet, but it was obvious where he stood. Even the man in the chair acknowledged him like his own child. And if he acknowledged someone, it meant two things: not only was that person ruthless, but also not right in the head.
Recently, apart from 009, 010, 015, and 016, everyone else had been replaced—either because they'd become "wastes" or were suddenly needed for some other use. So 011, 012, 013, and 014 had no choice but to take on new numbers and were thrown here to fill the empty beds.
Seeing Thirteen's forced smile, 016 smirked. Slowly, he sat up. The smirk melted into something softer—an innocent smile. His dark red eyes, which moments ago reflected nothing, now shone bright and lively.
Thirteen was not ready for that. His stiff smile collapsed at once. Just a moment ago, 016 looked like he'd kill anyone in sight, yet now… despite the blood smeared across him, his jade-pale skin looked smooth, tempting to pinch. His eyes sparkled with a childlike innocence, like he didn't even know what right or wrong meant, and his jet-black hair fell loosely against his cheek.
WTF!?
All the newcomers were left stunned, utterly mesmerized. 009 who was fixing his bed could only scoffed at the idiots who had instantly fallen for that face.
Thirteen slowly lower his guard down, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He straightened his back a little, as though proud of himself, and began his introduction.
"We didn't get to familiarize ourselves yesterday," he said warmly."I'm the new 013—but please, just call me Thirteen."
He lifted his chin and pointed toward the top bunk, where a boy with pale-blue hair lay sprawled across the mattress, one arm dangling lazily over the side. "And that's 014, my friend," he added, his voice carrying an affectionate note.
016 answered the smile with one of his own—bright, almost cherubic. His dark lashes lowered just enough to shadow his eyes, hiding the sharp glint buried there. Useful, he thought quietly, his innocent mask never slipping. Not many would react that quickly. If he'd come even a step closer, I would have killed him on the spot. Excellent .
"Right?" Thirteen prompted, tilting his head playfully
"Ah…" 016's fingers began to fidget with the hem of his sleeve. He ducked his head, lips trembling in a practiced display of nerves. "I-I'm sorry… b-blood… it's still all over me…"
A cold shiver shot through 009 and 010. Their faces tightened; even the tiniest smile from a demon was never a good sign.
010, who had been lounging on her bunk, swung her long legs over the edge and hopped down. Her blond hair bounced as she leaned down beside 009, lowering her voice into a sharp whisper. "It's all 018's fault," she muttered, glancing sideways as though afraid of being overheard. "That girl doesn't know the difference between a savior and a devil."
"Hey!" 009 hissed back, keeping his voice equally low, though his face flushed red with indignation. His dark eyes narrowed as he leaned closer until their foreheads almost touched. "018 is innocent! She just wanted to be friends with him. Who could've known 016 is a lunatic?"
His tone carried the loyalty of a long-time fan defending his idol.
010 rolled her eyes so dramatically it was a wonder they didn't get stuck. With a flick of her hair, the long golden strands caught what little light filled the room. Her green eyes flashed as she whispered back, "Do you realize I'm a girl too? And just as pretty as her. Kinder, even."
009 almost snorted. "Tch. Keep dreaming," he whispered, his lips curling. "And as for being kind—didn't anyone ever teach you not to lie? Kind, my ass."
Their hushed argument was cut short when both noticed 015. The quiet boy was clutching his blanket like a shield, shuffling nervously across the floor, inching his way toward 016's bed.
He climbed the ladder and carefully drew the blanket over the bed, tucking it in with almost reverence. Then, as quietly as he had gone up, he descended and started toward 016.
015 was exactly as people described as reserved, detached, someone who barely spoke a word. He had no friends, no was close to him… except for 016. To anyone paying attention, it almost looked less like friendship and more like worship.
015 stopped in front of 016, not sparing Thirteen a single glance, and let a faint smile curve across his face."Little brother… you should have told me if you were angry. I would have taken care of it for you. Now look at you—drenched in blood." His voice was soft, almost tender, as his hands cupped 016's face. His thumbs traced the smeared crimson as though it were something precious. "But… your eyes. When they burn that deep red against all this blood… it's almost divine. There is at least one beautiful thing to come from the mess."
The room went utterly silent.
016's lips curved into a genuine smile. "Big brother, you're far too doting."
"It's only natural," 015 replied, his grin sharp and unwavering, as if the answer had always been inevitable.
Thirteen, who had just witnessed the exchange, went rigid. A cold weight pressed against him—it felt less like he'd tried befriending someone, and more like he'd stepped into the presence of a cult's high priest.
016 caught Thirteen's stiff expression and, with a sudden flicker of amusement, gave him a smile that dripped with devilish charm. "Brother Thirteen."
"Y–yes," Thirteen stammered.
"You should wash up. The toilets should be open by now," 016 said warmly, his expression disarming, his smile carrying a strange pull—sweet, addictive, dangerous.
"A-ah, yes… um—014, let's go," Thirteen muttered, opening the huge steel door and quickly retreated.