𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗩𝗲𝗶𝗹 | 𝗧𝗫𝗧 & 𝗘𝗡-

「 ✦ EPISODE 5 ✦ 」

Jungwon held his ground. "Because it does. We're the only ones who can clear our names. If we don't figure out what really happened to Rina, this will never go away."

Keira shifted uneasily. "Shouldn't we just wait for the police? They haven't exactly accused us yet."

Bella's voice was sharp. "You really think that matters? Have you seen how people look at us? They've already made up their minds."

Kai let out a bitter laugh. "The police don't care. Trust me."

They turned to him.

"I went to the station yesterday, asked them to clear our names." His voice was flat, but there was something dark beneath it. "The officer barely looked at me. Said he 'doesn't take advice from emo teenagers.'" He rolled his eyes. "So, yeah. We're on our own."

Jungwon clenched his jaw. "See? This is why we have to do something."

Aecha's stomach twisted. "Guys... I get it. I do. But I can't. I just—" She shook her head, panic crawling up her throat. "I can't be involved in this."

Bella's eyes narrowed. "Why not?"

Aecha swallowed. "My parents... they can't find out. If they do, everything I've worked for will be ruined. I have to get into that university. If I don't—" She cut herself off.

Jungwon took a step forward. "Is that really all you care about? Your grades? Your future?" His voice was laced with frustration. "Your future is already ruined, Aecha. Because your present is."

Aecha's breath hitched.

He's right. About everything.

But she was too scared.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, eyes dropping to the ground.

Keira sighed. "I agree with Aecha."

Kai's chuckle was low, almost mocking. "Really? Shouldn't you be the most eager to fix this? Your 'popular girl' reputation is on the line."

Keira's jaw tightened as she turned on him. "You really need to stop acting like you can see through everyone." Her voice was sharp as a blade. "Because you can't."

Kai smirked, but there was something unreadable in his gaze.

Keira narrowed her eyes. "And what about you? Why are you even here? Don't pretend you care."

His expression darkened. "I'm surprised you still know me."

A tense silence fell over the group. Bella, Jungwon, Ni-Ki, and Aecha exchanged uneasy glances.

There was something there. Something unspoken between Kai and Keira.

Kai let out a slow breath. "Like I said, none of this matters. People will say whatever they want. We can't stop that." He turned, shoving his hands back into his pockets. "So just deal with it."

With that, he walked away.

Keira exhaled sharply. "Asshead." She spun on her heel and stormed off.

Aecha glanced at the time.

"It's late. I have to go," she muttered.

Jungwon sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "See you at school tomorrow."

One by one, they scattered into the night, shadows disappearing into the mist.

But the weight of Rina's death still hung over them, unshakable.

And somewhere in the darkness, the truth waited to be uncovered.

Aecha's fingers hovered over her phone screen, frustration bubbling inside her. Another cancellation. She scoffed under her breath, biting her lip as she tapped the app again, hoping this time would be different.