That night, I couldn't sleep.
I kept turning on my bed, staring at the ceiling.
That drawing in the art room kept coming back to my mind.
The bus stop.
Number 17.
That day.
"Relax," I whispered to myself.
"You're just overthinking."
Still, I checked my phone.
No message.
Morning came.
School felt louder than usual.
Everyone was laughing, talking, acting normal.
I watched them and thought,
How is everyone so calm?
In class, I opened my notebook.
I tried to write.
Nothing came out.
Then—
Buzz.
My body went stiff.
Slowly, I checked my phone under the desk.
Unknown Number:
You think you are special now.
I frowned.
Another message came right after.
Unknown Number:
You are not.
I almost smiled.
"Wow. That hurt," I muttered.
I typed back:
Then why me?
Three dots appeared.
Then disappeared.
Then appeared again.
Finally, a reply came.
Unknown Number:
Because you notice things others ignore.
I looked around the classroom.
Some students were sleeping.
Some were talking.
The teacher was explaining something nobody cared about.
I whispered,
"I ignore things too."
My phone buzzed again.
Unknown Number:
You looked at the clock three times yesterday.
My smile vanished.
That was true.
I do that when I feel nervous.
I never told anyone.
I typed:
Are you watching me?
The reply came instantly.
Unknown Number:
Observation is different from watching.
I sighed.
"Of course it is."
Suddenly, the teacher shouted my name.
"Do you find your phone more interesting than my class?"
Everyone turned to look at me.
I panicked.
"No—sir—I mean—sorry!"
The class burst into laughter.
I wished the floor would swallow me.
My phone vibrated again.
Unknown Number:
Rule One: Don't draw attention.
I stared at the screen.
Rule?
After school, I didn't go home immediately.
Curiosity pulled me back.
I stood near the corridor, watching students leave.
If this person was nearby, I would notice.
At least… I hoped so.
A voice came from behind me.
"What are you doing here?"
I jumped.
A teacher stood there, arms crossed.
"I'm… waiting," I said.
"For?"
"My… friend," I answered, unsure.
She pointed toward the exit.
"Go home."
So much for my plan.
As I walked outside, my phone buzzed.
Unknown Number:
Nice try.
I stopped walking.
He saw that.
Another message followed.
Unknown Number:
Don't try to find me again.
My throat went dry.
Then one last message appeared.
Unknown Number:
Tomorrow, you will learn the rules.
The screen went silent.
I looked back at the school building.
Whoever this person was…
he was always one step ahead.
And whether I liked it or not—
I was already pulled into this.