The principal's office was unusually quiet.
A large grandfather clock ticked steadily in the corner, its rhythmic sound making every second feel longer than the last. Outside the window, students laughed as they walked across the courtyard, completely unaware of the tension filling the room.
Ethan's eyes remained fixed on the old photograph lying on the desk.
The boy in the picture looked almost identical to him.
The same dark hair.
The same sharp jawline.
Even the small scar above the left eyebrow was in exactly the same place.
It felt impossible.
Principal James Walker folded his hands calmly.
"So," he said, "how do you know Daniel Carter?"
Ethan swallowed.
"I don't."
The principal studied his face carefully, almost as if searching for a lie.
"You've never met him?"
"No."
"Never heard his name before coming to Sakura Blossom High?"
"I only learned about him yesterday."
The principal's expression changed ever so slightly.
"Yesterday?"
Ethan nodded.
"I found an old journal."
"What journal?"
"The Carter Journal."
For the first time, the principal looked genuinely surprised.
His calm expression disappeared for only a second before he quickly composed himself.
"Where did you find it?"
"The librarian gave it to me."
Silence.
A long, uncomfortable silence.
Finally, Principal Walker leaned back in his chair.
"I think that's enough for today."
Ethan frowned.
"That's it?"
The principal nodded.
"For now."
"But I have questions."
"I know."
"And you're not going to answer them?"
The principal looked toward the window before speaking quietly.
"Some answers are dangerous before the right time."
Ethan stood up slowly.
"I don't understand."
"You will."
As Ethan reached the door, the principal spoke once more.
"Mr. Carter."
Ethan turned around.
"Stay away from the East Wing after sunset."
The words sent another chill through him.
It was the exact same warning written in Daniel's letter.
Without another word, Ethan left the office.
Noah immediately jumped up from the bench outside.
"Finally!"
"What happened?"
Ethan sighed.
"I have absolutely no idea."
"That's impossible."
"I wish it wasn't."
The two friends began walking toward the school courtyard.
"So... am I expelled?" Noah asked.
Ethan stared at him.
"What?"
"I'm just checking."
"You weren't even inside."
"I like being prepared."
Despite everything, Ethan laughed.
"You really do make every situation less serious."
"I consider that my greatest achievement."
They found Olivia and Elena sitting beneath the old cherry blossom tree near the art building.
Although autumn had arrived, a few pale pink blossoms still clung stubbornly to the branches.
Elena noticed Ethan's expression immediately.
"What happened?"
He sat beside her.
"The principal knew Daniel."
Everyone became quiet.
"He asked me how I knew him."
Olivia frowned.
"But... you don't."
"I told him that."
"And?"
"He warned me to stay away from the East Wing."
Noah looked confused.
"Why does everyone keep talking about that place?"
"No idea."
"It sounds like every horror movie ever made."
Olivia elbowed him gently.
"This isn't helping."
"I know."
"But pretending I'm not scared also isn't helping."
The group laughed softly.
The tension eased, if only for a moment.
Later that afternoon, festival preparations continued across the campus.
Colorful lanterns were hung between the trees, students rehearsed music on the outdoor stage, and volunteers painted signs pointing visitors toward different attractions.
Mrs. Anderson clapped her hands loudly.
"I need four volunteers to help organize the library exhibition."
Before anyone could react...
Noah pointed dramatically.
"Ethan volunteers."
Ethan stared at him.
"I didn't say—"
"He's passionate about books."
"I'm not."
"He absolutely is."
Mrs. Anderson smiled.
"Wonderful."
"Ethan."
She looked toward Elena.
"You can help him."
Then toward Olivia.
"You too."
Finally...
"Noah."
His smile disappeared.
"What?"
"You're helping as well."
Olivia couldn't stop laughing.
"That backfired."
"Completely."
The library was quieter than usual.
Several old display cases had been brought out for the exhibition, each filled with photographs, trophies, and newspaper clippings from Sakura Blossom High's history.
While Olivia arranged old medals and Noah unsuccessfully tried to hang decorative lights, Ethan wandered toward one of the display cabinets.
Something caught his attention.
A faded newspaper article.
TOP STUDENT MISSING
Below the headline was the same photograph.
Daniel Carter.
The date beneath it read:
October 18... Twenty Years Ago.
Ethan's heartbeat quickened.
October 18.
The Autumn Festival.
Exactly one week from now.
"That's impossible..."
he whispered.
"What is?" Elena asked, walking over.
He pointed toward the newspaper.
She read the headline.
Her face slowly turned pale.
"The festival..."
she whispered.
"It happened during the festival."
Before Ethan could answer, the old librarian appeared beside them once again.
His footsteps were almost silent.
"You've begun connecting the pieces."
Ethan turned quickly.
"You know what happened, don't you?"
The librarian nodded.
"I remember everything."
"Then tell us."
The old man looked around the empty library before lowering his voice.
"Not here."
"Why?"
"Because these walls..."
he glanced toward the ancient ceiling,
"...have always listened."
He handed Ethan a tiny brass key.
Its surface was scratched with age.
"What is this?"
"The key to Room 117."
"I've never heard of it."
"You weren't supposed to."
The librarian smiled sadly.
"It hasn't existed for twenty years."
Before Ethan could ask another question...
The old man quietly walked away between the shelves until he disappeared from sight.
Ethan looked down at the small brass key resting in his palm.
Engraved on it...
Almost invisible beneath years of rust...
...was a single letter.
D.
For Daniel.
Or perhaps...
For something far more dangerous.