I woke up with a strange tingling sensation in my hands.
My eyes were still heavy, not fully awake, when I slowly turned to the side. That was when I noticed it—tiny sparks of light flickering softly from the music box. The ballerina's eyes seemed to glow faintly, almost as if they were alive.
My heart skipped.
I forced my eyes fully open.
Nothing.
No light. No glow. Just the quiet stillness of my room.
"Maybe it was just a reflection," I whispered to myself, trying to calm my racing heart.
But the tingling didn't stop. It spread slightly, crawling up my arms, and my head began to ache. My breathing felt heavy, as though I had been running for a long time in my sleep.
I ignored it.
I had somewhere to go, and I couldn't afford distractions.
Dragging myself into the bathroom, I splashed water on my face, still feeling the faint buzz in my hands and behind my eyes. I took a quick shower, moving faster than usual, then stepped out fully dressed, pulling a face cap low over my head.
I glanced once more at the music box.
Without wasting time, I quietly locked my door and slipped out of the hostel, careful not to draw attention. I passed through the school gate like a shadow, my heart pounding harder with every step.
Outside, I stood by the roadside, pretending to check my phone while actually waiting for something—or someone.
Suddenly, a tap landed on my shoulder.
I turned sharply.
Yoon.
She stood there, silent, studying my face as though trying to confirm her thoughts. For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then she waved down a taxi without saying a word, her eyes never leaving mine.
I didn't argue.
I got into the taxi with her.
She told the driver the destination, and the rest of the ride passed in heavy silence. When we finally stepped out, I looked up and realized we were in front of a large hospital.
My chest tightened.
Yoon glanced at me again and gently led the way inside. We moved through the corridors, up the elevator, and finally stopped in front of a room.
She opened the door.
The sight inside made me freeze.
Raven lay on the bed, motionless.
Tubes were attached to him, oxygen resting against his face. Deep wounds marked his body, the one on his neck standing out the most—angry, dark, and terrifying.
I turned away instantly.
"I can't," I said, my voice breaking as I stepped back. "I can't do this."
"Jina," Yoon called softly. "Please."
I stood at the doorway for a long moment, my back to the room, my hands clenched into fists. Then, slowly, I turned back and walked toward the bed.
Raven looked fragile. Vulnerable. Nothing like the image that had haunted my mind for days.
I closed my eyes.
Just heal him, I told myself. That's all.
I raised my hands slightly, keeping a small distance between my palms and his body. My breathing grew rapid, uneven. My fingers trembled violently as a strange energy stirred inside me.
It felt different.
Unstable.
My head throbbed harder, and my chest felt tight.
I stopped suddenly, stumbling back.
Yoon watched me closely, her eyes sharp, as though she could see something I couldn't.
I tried again.
This time, I focused harder, pushing everything else out of my mind. My breath quickened even more, and my hands shook uncontrollably. A sharp pain shot through my head, and suddenly I felt something warm drip from my nose.
I gasped and staggered back as a small wave of force pushed me away from the bed.
Yoon rushed forward and handed me a towel.
I wiped my nose and saw blood.
My heart sank.
I looked at Raven again.
There was no visible change.
No healing.
No movement.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, turning to Yoon. "I tried."
Without waiting for a response, I rushed out of the room, my chest aching with failure.
Yoon stood still, her eyes fixed on the door I had just exited.
The room fell silent.
Then—
Raven coughed.
Yoon turned sharply.
His body began to shift, muscles relaxing as the unnatural stiffness faded. Slowly, visibly, the wounds on his body started to close. The deep gash on his neck sealed itself, leaving behind faint scars that disappeared moments later.
His breathing steadied.
Yoon covered her mouth, tears welling in her eyes as a smile broke through.
She gently removed the oxygen tube.
Moments later, Raven's eyes fluttered open.
He looked around slowly, confusion clear on his face.
"The hospital?" he murmured.
Yoon rushed forward and hugged him tightly. "You're okay," she said, her voice trembling. "You're alive."
Raven sat up carefully. "What happened?"
"Jina was here," Yoon said softly. "She healed you."
Raven's eyes darkened slightly at the mention of my name.
"Yes," Yoon continued. "She saved you. But… something was different."
Raven looked at her silently.
"I could feel it," Yoon added. "Jina is losing her powers. I don't know why, but it's happening."
Raven said nothing. He slowly removed the cannula and IV attached to him, standing up as if he had never been injured at all.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Then he walked toward the door.
"Raven, wait," Yoon called. "You should at least see a doctor—"
He didn't turn back.
The door closed behind him, leaving Yoon alone in the room, staring after him with a worried expression.