The knocking finally stopped, and the door slowly opened. The two police officers who had visited the day before now stood on the threshold. One of them held a brown folder.
"Good morning. We're here to inform you of the latest development in your relative Joan's case," one officer said seriously.
Everyone exchanged looks. Arkhan stepped aside to let them in. The officers entered the living room, and the group quickly gathered around.
"From our continued investigation, we've found something important," the officer continued, opening the folder and pulling out an A4-sized photograph.
The photo showed a charred human body, almost unrecognizable due to severe burns.
"We also recovered parts of the victim's clothing and an ID card."
The officer displayed the items. Jio picked up the ID card that had accidentally fallen. The moment he saw it belonged to his brother, his tears fell instantly.
"We found the body in an abandoned building on the edge of the district. Have any of you been there before?"
Everyone shook their heads instinctively.
"We will expand our investigation at the site to find any remaining evidence. But we also want to warn you—if any of you feel like you're being followed, threatened, or receive any suspicious messages, report it immediately. Don't ignore it."
After giving their instructions, the officers prepared to leave. But before stepping out, one turned to Arkhan.
"We're also reviewing CCTV footage from the area. Please cooperate if we need any further information."
Once the officers left, silence once again filled the house.
******
Arkhan sat alone in the school garden when the school speakers announced Joan's death. He stared ahead blankly, eyes vacant.
"Who is Unknown?"
Suddenly, his phone buzzed. Another message from the mysterious sender.
The unknown person sent a video. In it, Joan was seen leaving the café and pulling something from her bag.
Arkhan squinted to see it clearly.
"A taser?"
He recalled that morning's conversation—Nero had seen a strange mark on Sena's neck, which Sandy suspected to be from a taser.
"Did Joan attack Sena last night? But what happened afterward? Sena came home... but Joan..."
Another message came from Unknown.
"You better watch out."
It was followed by a photo—of Arkhan himself, sitting in that very garden.
His heart pounded in fear, but he quickly typed a reply.
"Who are you? Come out, you coward."
A response came quickly.
"Not yet, Khan. Joan wasn't the only one. I still want to play with the rest of you."
"Damn it," Arkhan cursed, throwing his phone to the ground—thankfully, it didn't break.
"Khan!"
Sandy came running over, panic on his face. "What's going on?"
Arkhan slowly turned to face Sandy, who had come with Levan.
"Unknown is at it again," he said angrily.
Levan picked up Arkhan's phone from the grass and handed it to Sandy.
"I'll help you. We need to start investigating this Unknown, now."
Levan pointed at himself in confusion. "Me too?"
"You want your secret exposed?" Sandy threatened.
"Fine, fine, I'm in," Levan grumbled. Unlucky him—he was now stuck in this nightmare too.
Sandy glanced around cautiously. "There's a chance he's nearby."
"Ever since I got that first message, I've had a feeling—we're all being watched by Unknown," said Arkhan.
Another message popped up on Arkhan's phone—but thankfully, it wasn't from Unknown. It was Jio, letting them know Joan's funeral would be held later that afternoon.
The three of them left the garden—unaware that someone had been watching them all along.