After the last encounter with Raven, I didn't set my eyes on him again. Not even once. It was as if he vanished completely from the face of the earth. Even his shadow could not be seen anywhere around the school. At first, I thought he was simply hiding again, the way he always did whenever he wanted to be alone. But as days turned into weeks, his absence began to feel strange… unsettling. Raven never stayed away this long. Not without saying anything. Not without watching from a distance.
Minho, on the other hand, started coming closer to me than before. Slowly, quietly, yet steadily. At some point, his presence began to mean a lot to me. I noticed it in the little things—the way he always walked beside me, the way his eyes searched my face whenever I looked tired, the way I felt safer just knowing he was nearby. I didn't question it. Maybe I was tired of fear. Maybe I was tired of being saved in the shadows. Or maybe my heart was simply getting confused.
The school hunting day arrived sooner than expected.
It was a major event, especially for the final-year students. According to the rules, we were to go into the forest and hunt any animal—even if it was just a rat. The student or group with the highest number of hunted animals would receive a special award. The excitement was everywhere. Students talked about strategies, traps, and lucky charms as if it were a festival instead of a dangerous task.
We were divided into groups, and somehow—whether by fate or coincidence—I ended up in the same group as Jan and Minho.
When I heard the announcement, Jan screamed happily, holding my hands and jumping in excitement. Minho only smiled calmly, his eyes briefly meeting mine before he looked away. I didn't know why, but something about that moment made my chest feel tight.
Each group was given tools, instructions, and boundaries. Once everything was settled, we set off into the forest.
Searching in the forest wasn't easy at all. The trees were thick, the ground uneven, and strange sounds echoed from every direction. But with Jan talking nonstop by my side—telling random stories, laughing, and making jokes—it somehow became easier. She never stopped talking, as if silence scared her more than the forest itself.
I stayed close to her, listening to her voice, nodding occasionally, even when I wasn't fully paying attention. At least it kept my fear at bay.
We eventually reached the edge of an empty space, where the trees thinned out slightly. Suddenly, a sharp hiss cut through the air.
"Jina," Jan whispered, bending slightly. "That must be a rabbit."
My heart skipped. I swallowed hard, trying to stay calm. I told myself I could handle it. I had powers, didn't I? Or at least… something.
The hissing sound came closer.
Jan crouched down, scanning the ground carefully. I stood behind her, my eyes darting around. No one else from the group was nearby. It was just the two of us.
Then, without warning, a horrifying creature jumped out in front of us.
I screamed and stumbled backward, falling hard to the ground. My heart pounded violently as the creature crawled closer to me. Its movements were twisted and unnatural, its eyes fixed on me alone. I tried to move back, dragging my body across the forest floor, but fear locked my limbs in place. I couldn't stand. I couldn't scream. I couldn't breathe properly.
Jan turned sharply.
"Jina! Do something!" she cried. "Your powers! Use them!"
"I can't!" I shouted, tears forming in my eyes. "I don't know how!"
Jan's voice broke as she started crying. The creature ignored her completely. Its attention was on me. It crawled closer, raising its claws high, ready to strike.
I closed my eyes.
Then—suddenly—something moved through the leaves above us.
A figure flew down from the trees and landed firmly between us and the creature.
The mask.
My heart jumped.
"It's him…" I whispered to myself. "Minho…"
In an instant, fire burst from his hands. Bright, fierce flames engulfed the creature, burning it to ashes before it could even scream. The forest filled with the smell of smoke.
Jan screamed and ran away immediately, calling for help.
I stood frozen, staring at him.
He was dressed differently this time. His entire body was covered from his neck down to his legs, unlike before. The mask hid his face completely.
"Minho," I said softly as I walked toward him. "How did you change so quickly?"
He stepped back, his eyes locking onto mine through the mask. For a moment, he just stared at me. There was something unreadable in his gaze—something heavy.
Voices echoed from behind us. Other students were approaching.
I turned to look.
When I turned back… he was gone.
"Minho!" I called out, panic rising. I searched the bushes, the trees, everywhere. Nothing.
"Minho!"
"Jina!"
He suddenly ran toward me from another direction, breathing heavily, as if he had been there the whole time.
"Minho," I said, confused. "How did you change so fast?"
"Yes, Jina," he replied calmly. "I always cover my face when I fight creatures. I don't want them to know who is behind it."
Jan returned, smiling brightly, as if nothing terrifying had just happened.
"Thank you, Minho," she said, hugging him.
Before I could stop myself, I ran forward and hugged him tightly too. My body moved on its own. He hesitated for a moment, then held me gently.
"I don't know how to thank you enough," I said softly.
He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he held my hands firmly, his grip warm and steady.
"You will," he said quietly. "When the time comes."
I looked at him.
"There will come a day when I ask you for a favor," he continued. "I hope you will do it."
"What favor?" I asked, my heart beating faster.
"Just promise me," he said, his voice suddenly serious. "Promise that you will do anything for me. After everything I've done… after all the times I've saved your life."
I hesitated for only a second.
"Yes," I nodded. "If not for you, I wouldn't still be here."
"I promise."
He smiled and placed a large rabbit into my hands.
"I hunted this for you," he said. "You can present it as yours."
My eyes widened.
"Thank you, Minho."
Jan laughed and walked closer to us.
"Come on, Jina," she said. "Let's keep going."
As we walked, Minho slowed his steps and leaned closer to me.
"Jina," he said quietly.
"Yes?" I replied.
"There's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?" I asked, looking at him.
His expression changed—dark, serious, and unfamiliar.
"It's about Raven."
Minho said with a sudden expression that is a bit scary
And at that moment, I felt it.