The next morning, the sunlight filtered through the windows of Seraphine High, but my thoughts were entirely on Room 13.
Sofi bounced over the moment I reached the oak tree. "Are we all ready for today? I've got my notebook, Nicole's got her camera… this is going to be epic!"
Nicole laughed, linking arms with her. "Epic is right. But let's not get lost this time!"
Liliana nudged Daniel playfully. "I hope you're still brave enough for the real deal. No backing out now."
Daniel smirked, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "I've been ready since yesterday."
Jessica and Lucas followed, quietly whispering plans to record and document everything. Their shoulders brushed occasionally as they leaned close to each other, subtle but intimate gestures that didn't go unnoticed.
I found myself walking next to Eren. "So… you're really going to check this out with me?" I asked.
He grinned faintly, his confident energy contagious. "Of course. Someone's got to make sure you don't get lost or scared."
"Not scared," I corrected him. "Curious. Definitely curious."
"Good," he said, smirking. "Curiosity is what keeps it interesting."
The group approached the old wing, our footsteps echoing through the narrow hallway. The door to Room 13 stood slightly ajar, just like yesterday. A faint chill brushed against us as we drew near.
Sofi peeked in first. "Okay, who's going in first? Again?"
Daniel gestured for Liliana to go first this time. "You lead, I follow."
Nicole grabbed Sofi's hand, trying to stay brave, while Jessica and Lucas quietly set up a small tripod and camera to document the room.
Eren fell naturally beside me, scanning the room with sharp, observant eyes. "Last time was just a taste," he whispered. "Let's see what it's hiding."
Once inside, we noticed things we hadn't seen yesterday. A small, dust-covered box tucked under the teacher's desk. Faded writing on the blackboard that looked almost like symbols. The faint cold spot in the corner had grown stronger, making Sofi shiver and Nicole tug her closer.
Sofi whispered dramatically, "It's… alive!"
Liliana clutched Daniel's arm. "Don't exaggerate. It's just… old."
Eren crouched near the box, examining it carefully. "This wasn't here yesterday," he noted. His calm demeanor made the moment feel thrilling rather than scary.
I stepped closer, curious. "It looks… important. Should we open it?"
"Careful," Eren replied, giving me a subtle smile. "We don't know what's inside. But yes… I'd be curious to see."
The group carefully investigated the room. Sofi and Nicole examined the walls and windows, taking notes and photographs. Liliana and Daniel mapped out the room, marking oddities. Jessica and Lucas documented the faded writing and the old drawer. As I helped Eren examine the box, I noticed a small engraving on the side: a symbol that looked like a star encircled by faint letters.
"Look at this," I said . "Do you recognize it?"
Eren squinted, leaning closer. "Hmm… not exactly. But it's old, and it might be important. Keep it in mind we might need it later."
The group exchanged whispers, curiosity growing. Even the couples' playful energy seemed tinged with nervous excitement, making the room feel both lively and tense. Suddenly, the lights flickered violently, and the faint whispering returned this time louder, almost like words we couldn't understand. Sofi yelped, clutching Nicole's arm, while Liliana jumped and pressed close to Daniel.
Eren stepped in front of me, calm but alert. "Stay close. Don't panic. Let's figure this out together."
I noticed subtle movement in the shadows near the back corner. Something small and fleeting, almost like a figure disappearing as quickly as it appeared. My heart raced not from fear, but from anticipation.
Jessica whispered to Lucas, "Did you see that?"
Lucas nodded, keeping the camera steady. "Yes… something's definitely here."
After several minutes of careful investigation, the group decided to leave the room for now. The cold draft lingered as we stepped back into the hallway.
Sofi groaned dramatically. "I swear, it's alive. I'm never coming back!"
Nicole laughed, tugging her forward. "Don't be ridiculous. It's just a mystery."
Liliana teased Daniel as they walked out. "I bet you're secretly scared."
Daniel shrugged, smiling. "Maybe. But I'd face it for you."
Eren glanced at me as we walked away from the old wing. His subtle grin and quiet presence made my curiosity about him and the room grow stronger. "This isn't finished," he said softly.
I nodded, feeling the same way. "No… not finished at all."
The group boarded the bus, chattering excitedly about what we had seen. Everyone was buzzing with energy, laughter, and speculation about what Room 13 really held. But in the back of my mind, I knew the room had secrets that were just beginning to reveal themselves.