Dead end. Wherever they turn, there is no exit. Only a supply room and a locked bathroom.
After Kai's arrival, the group separates. Each person chooses a different spot, as much space as the cramped room allows.
The walls seem to press in, and the air grows heavy. Richard sits hunched near the far wall, repeatedly muttering into his hands as he stares at the floor. Chastity leans with one shoulder against a wall, her purse clutched to her stomach as she scans the room, her expression bored but her eyes darting.
Mary and Ivy stand side by side in the corner, holding each other close, too afraid to separate even for a moment. Meanwhile, Sol lingers near the supply crates, tapping the edge absently as he scans the ceiling. Was this it? He thinks. Are we here to only survive? It can't be that simple.
Though only hours have passed, they know nothing about this place. The futility of searching dawns on them, and they decide not to waste energy looking for a nonexistent exit. In the silence, Sol frequently glances at Kai, who has settled by the bathroom door.
Kai crouches with his back to the wall, knees drawn up, quietly watching the others with unreadable eyes.
Sol rests his chin between his thumb and index finger, unconsciously rubbing his jaw while he tries to make sense of the situation. It all feels like a trap. No one knows why they're here, yet beneath the surface, they all wait for something worse to happen.
Kai holds the stick of his lollipop between his lips, playing with it lazily. His eyes, sharp and unreadable, drift across the room and then lock onto Sol's. Sol feels it instantly, the weight of those piercing blue eyes locking onto his own. He tries to hold the stare for a very short moment, but something about Kai's calm yet intimidating gaze makes his chest tighten.
His eyes flicker away, just for a second. Then back. Then away again. He awkwardly shifts his weight, suddenly aware of himself and his "loud breathing". His hand reaches for the back of his neck, that nervous habit again. Kai's reaction is completely different. He doesn't move.
Just watches. Sol finally looks down and tries to distract himself with the crates. Sol doesn't just have the mystery of the room in his head now but also the mystery of the stranger, whose gaze he can still feel on him, even though the dark-haired man already looked away.
Then, there is a sudden click. The bathroom door beside Kai creaks open. Everyone turns now. Kai glances sideways. He pulls the lollipop stick out of his mouth and raises an eyebrow. Sol flinches.
Kai didn't move anymore, just tilted his head slightly, watching the door stop with mild interest. The rest of the group had their attention completely on the door. "Did that just open by itself?" Sol asked, voice low. "Looks like it," Kai murmured while smirking and standing up. Richard stomped his thick boots, already moving toward the door. "Move, I'm checking it out."
Chastity tried to grab his arm, but he instantly shook her off. Mary looked concerned, like always. She pulled Ivy behind her. "Don't go near it, darling." Sol took a few cautious steps forward, peering into the dim space. "A bathroom?" Just as Sol took another step forward, a rough hand shoved him aside. "Outta the way," Richard barked, pushing past him.
Sol stumbled slightly, but he still caught himself. Richard scanned the room with narrowed eyes. He opened the cabinet under the sink. Empty. Pulled back the shower curtain. Nothing.
He investigated every corner, yet found nothing that could get him closer to the truth. His wife, Chastity, hovered near the doorway. "Richard, be careful." Richard stepped out of the bathroom, scowling. "It's just a damn bathroom. It hasn't changed since we left it." Chastity narrowed her eyes but decided to keep quiet. Sol stayed quiet, rubbing the spot on his shoulder where Richard had shoved him.
Yet Kai, who hadn't moved from his spot against the wall, finally spoke. "Thorough work," He said. "Really inspiring. You checked the shower curtain and everything." Richard shot him a glare. "You got something to say?" Kai shrugged, unfazed. "Just impressed. You're a real role model, sir." Sol felt himself stifling a laugh while Chastity looked away, lips twitching.
He turned around toward the supply room. "Well done, detective," He said while walking toward the supply room. "Next time, try checking for ghosts." He said while digging through a candy crate. Richard scoffed, but oddly enough didn't respond.
They didn't know the time nor the day, but Chastity was sure their day was over. "We should set up the sleeping bags." Richard turned his head toward his wife, eyes dark. "Whatever," He spat. Sol stepped forward, offering a hand to help Chastity set the sleeping bags up, and he even tried to get Mary to join. "We should trust each other a little more." He said to her and smiled lightly.
Mary hesitantly gave in, nodded, and helped set up a spot for herself and her daughter. The rustle of fabric filled the room. No one spoke much. The old couple were the first to go to sleep, then the little girl, and lastly her mother, next to her. Kai had gone quiet, stretched out near the supply crates, eyes half-lidded but watching.
Then Sol sat down last then lied down, trying to clear his mind and rest a little. The lights dimmed. And then suddenly, a new door appeared. No warning or sound. Just a door, waiting to be discovered.