NOVPUB"Nayoung…" a voice whispered, soft but chilling. "Nayoung…"
Her eyes fluttered open. She was lying in a room she didn't recognize—dimly lit, with walls that seemed to stretch endlessly into shadow. She sat up slowly, the floorboards creaking beneath her weight. The air felt heavy, like it was pressing against her lungs.
"Where… am I?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
She stood, her feet touching the cold wooden floor as she walked to the door. It groaned as she pushed it open, revealing a long staircase spiraling down into darkness. A faint light flickered below, casting strange shadows along the walls.
Driven by instinct, she descended the stairs, each step echoing like a heartbeat. Voices drifted up from below—two voices she recognized. She paused, her hand gripping the railing.
"...I told you, we don't need her," the first voice spat, sharp and unyielding.
"She's just a burden. Why do you have to take her?" the second one added, laced with irritation.
Nayoung's breath hitched. She knew those voices. She rushed down the remaining steps, her heart pounding as she reached the bottom. Two figures stood with their backs to her, their faces hidden. But she knew them—she'd recognize those silhouettes anywhere.
"Oppa?" she called out softly, her voice trembling.
They didn't turn around. Instead, their voices grew louder, crueler.
"Always in the way," one of them muttered. "Just dragging us down…"
"Wouldn't it be better if she just disappeared?" the other added coldly.
Nayoung took a step back, her hands shaking. "No… No, that's not true…" she whispered, her eyes stinging with tears. "Why are you saying that?"
Finally, they turned around. Her heart stopped. It changed—it's now Elshienne and Nathan. But their eyes were hollow, empty, like they were made of glass. Their faces twisted with disdain as they stared down at her.
Elshienne's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Always chasing after us... so annoying," she sneered.
Nathan crossed his arms, his gaze icy and unfeeling. "Maybe it's time you woke up, Nayoung. You don't belong with us," he said flatly.
"No… no, You're not Elshienne" Nayoung stammered, her legs trembling. She reached out her hand, desperate to touch them, to feel something real. But as her fingers brushed the air, they shattered into fragments of light, scattering around her.
Nayoung screamed, stumbling back. The floor gave way, cracking beneath her feet. Darkness swallowed her whole, dragging her down, down, deeper into the void.
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Nayoung woke up with a gasp, sitting up quickly as she clutched her chest. Her breathing was heavy, and her eyes were wide with panic. She looked around the room, the sunlight streaming through the windows.
"A dream…Again..." she whispered, rubbing her eyes. The feeling of sadness and confusion still lingered, but she shook her head and took a deep breath.
She glanced at her watch and her eyes widened. "Oh no! I'm late!" she exclaimed, jumping out of bed. She rushed to get ready, barely combing her hair before running out the door, her bag swinging behind her.
The memory of the dream faded as she hurried down the hallway, her mind now focused on getting to class before the bell rang.
Nayoung ran down the hallway, her feet hitting the floor with quick, hurried steps. Her cheeks puffed out in frustration as she muttered to herself. "Why didn't Minseok wake me up?! Now I'm late! Huhuuu… should I just cut class?" she whined, her shoulders slumping for a moment before she shook her head. "No, no! I can't do that… but I'm so late! Argh!"
She continued running, dodging around students who gave her odd looks. As she turned the corner, she saw a large crowd gathered around the training field, loud voices and excited cheers echoing through the air.
"Wait…" Nayoung slowed down, blinking in realization. "Is the mock battle already started? I thought it was after lunch!" Her eyes widened, and she immediately picked up her pace, practically sprinting towards the crowd.
When she finally got there, she squeezed her way through the group of students, ignoring the annoyed glances thrown her way. "Excuse me! Coming through!" she called out, pushing past until she reached the front. Her eyes landed on the middle of the training field, and she broke into a bright smile.
"Yes! It's brother!" she cheered happily, bouncing on her toes.
Around her, students were buzzing with excitement, their conversations overlapping with murmurs and giggles.
"Kyaaa, look at Namsu! He's so handsome!" one girl squealed, clutching her friend's arm.
"I know right! That ponytail makes him look so cool!" another added, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Hmph, I still think Wonjae is better," another girl huffed, crossing her arms.
The first girl turned to her, frowning. "What? Are you serious? Wonjae? Namsu's like… ten times more handsome! Just look at him!"
The girl defending Wonjae scoffed. "Wonjae's smile is way better! And did you see him in last month's mock battle? He was amazing!"
"Namsu's skills are more refined! He's top one for a reason!"
"Wonjae's the dark horse! He's just waiting for his moment!"
Their playful argument continued, each side rallying up more supporters, creating a split in the crowd—Team Namsu and Team Wonjae.
Nayoung just giggled at their banter, her eyes locked on Namsu as he stretched his shoulders and prepared for the match. Her heart swelled with pride, watching her brother stand tall and confident in the middle of the field.
"This is gonna be good," she whispered to herself, anticipation lighting up her face.
Nayoung looked around, her eyes scanning the crowd until she spotted Seojun standing with Professor Park and Alexa. Her face brightened, and she immediately weaved her way through the crowd, almost stumbling in her rush.
When she reached them, she greeted cheerfully, "Hello, Professor Park! Hello, Professor Alexa!"
Alexa smiled and waved back. "Hello, Nayoung. You're just in time," she said warmly.
Professor Park also nodded with a friendly smile. "Good to see you, Nayoung."
Nayoung then turned to Seojun, her cheeks puffing out in a pout. "You didn't wake me up, Professor! I almost missed my brother's fight!" she complained, crossing her arms dramatically.
