The Halloween season arrived faster than I expected, and with it came a strange heaviness in the air.
The school had gone all out with preparations for the midnight celebration.
Decorations filled every corner of the premises
—pumpkins carved with wicked smiles, artificial cobwebs stretching from wall to wall, dim orange lights flickering like restless spirits. It felt as if the entire school had transformed into another world overnight.
After speaking with my mother earlier that day, she had warned me strictly not to attend the Halloween event. Her voice had been firm, filled with concern, and for once I had no intention of disobeying her. I had already decided I would stay in my room and watch everything from a distance.
Yoon came into my room later in the afternoon, already dressed and ready to leave. She looked different—lighter somehow, as if the weight she usually carried had been set aside for the moment.
"Jina, I'll be traveling home today," she said, adjusting her bag. "Please be safe. And you don't have to go for the Halloween party, okay?"
"I don't intend to go either," I replied with a small smile. "Don't worry."
She nodded, looked at me one last time as if she wanted to say more, then turned and left.
By noon, the school premises were already crowded. From my window, I could see unfamiliar faces entering—visitors, guests, maybe outsiders invited for the celebration. Laughter echoed everywhere. Music drifted through the air. Students walked around in elaborate costumes, their faces hidden behind masks and makeup. Some were dressed like vampires, others like witches, ghosts, and terrifying animals. The school looked festive, but something about it made my chest feel tight.
Everything had been prepared perfectly.
I was still watching from my window when a knock came at my door.
"Jina," a familiar voice called.
It was Jan.
She walked in wearing a cat costume, her face glowing with excitement. The outfit suited her so well that I couldn't help but smile.
"How do I look?" she asked, spinning lightly.
"You look great," I said honestly. "It suits you."
Her smile widened. "Good. Because you're coming with me tonight."
She reached into her bag and brought out another costume—also a cat costume—and held it up proudly. "I bought this for you."
I took it, admiring it for a moment, then gently handed it back. "Jan, it's really lovely. But I won't be coming. I'd rather just watch from my window."
Her smile faded immediately. "No, Jina," she said, holding my hand. "I'll be lonely there if you don't come."
"You have other friends," I replied softly. "You won't be alone."
Her expression changed completely, her eyes turning serious. "Jina… have I ever begged you for anything before? Just this once. Please."
I sighed deeply. "Jan—"
"Five minutes," she interrupted, pulling me up gently. "Just five minutes, and you can go back upstairs. Please."
I hesitated, then finally nodded. "Five minutes. That's all."
Her face lit up instantly. She helped me wear the costume, adjusting it carefully as if afraid I might change my mind.
Outside, everything looked normal—crowds of students in costumes, loud music, laughter, drinks, flashing lights. Jan bought drinks for both of us, and I found an empty seat where I could sit quietly while she went to greet people. I kept checking the time. Five minutes turned into ten. Ten turned into twenty.
By the time I stood up, Jan was nowhere to be found.
I needed to tell her I was leaving.
It was already past 7 p.m.
I moved around the building, pushing gently through the crowd, calling her name softly. Everywhere was crowded, faces hidden behind masks and paint. The noise made my head ache.
As I reached the back of one of the classrooms, something caught my attention. The place was dark, but I could sense movement inside. My heart skipped. I hid behind a corner and peeped in carefully.
Inside the classroom, I saw two women standing around someone lying on a table. The person was tied—hands, legs, even the mouth. The room was dim, yet I could see clearly enough to know the person was young. A student.
They struggled weakly.
My breath caught.
Then two men entered the room, and before my eyes, they transformed. Their forms shifted, their features sharp and unnatural. Vampires.
I covered my mouth, fear flooding my body. Just as they moved closer to the helpless student, I screamed.
They turned sharply toward me.
Realizing what I had done, I turned to run—but froze.
Someone was standing behind me.
The person wore a costume, face completely covered, similar to the mask boy who had always saved me. For a moment, relief washed over me. I felt safe. But the grip on my arm was tight—almost painful.
"Thank you for saving me again," I whispered. "But please… can I see your face? Just once. I want to know who's been protecting me."
The grip loosened. Slowly, the person removed the mask.
It was Minho.
I screamed, then immediately hugged him tightly.
"Minho… it's you?" My voice trembled.
He smiled—the same gentle smile he always had. "Yes, Jina."
I looked at his neck instinctively. "Your injury… you're healed."
He touched it lightly. "I'm fine now. Completely."
I hugged him again, tighter this time. "How do you always know when I'm in danger? And… these powers…"
"My heart is always with you," he said softly. "I meant it when I said that. I will always come for you. Always."
I almost laughed at myself. All this time, I had doubted him.
I turned back to the classroom suddenly. "I saw something here… where are they?"
"I've handled it," Minho said calmly. "Don't worry."
So fast.
He took my hand and led me away. Outside, everything looked normal again—as if nothing had happened at all.
I wanted to find Jan, but she was nowhere in sight.
"Don't worry," Minho said. "If I see her, I'll tell her you've gone."
He walked me upstairs and stopped at my door. I hugged him once more.
"Good night, Jina."
"Good night, Minho."
I locked my door behind me and lay on my bed after removing the costume.
So… I finally know who was behind the mask.