We're getting close. Closer than ever to catching the main culprit—someone who might also be connected to last year's incident.
I still remember Onny's beautiful smile. The way she used to light up a room. I won't forgive anyone who made her life miserable. And now… it's not just about Onny anymore. It's about all the victims. All the lives taken.
Hhhhhhhh.
What a strange feeling—relief, after so long.
[Phone Call – Late Night]
Ringing…
Bappi:
"Hey Walid, what's up? Why are you calling me so late?"
Walid:
"I'm having the nightmares again. I can't sleep. We're going to discuss something big tomorrow night at Rahul's house. I'm excited… and nervous."
Bappi:
"Maybe you're overthinking it. Just take it easy and go to sleep."
Walid:
"It's not just the nightmares. I've been thinking about something else."
Bappi:
"What is it?"
Walid:
"It's about Rahul. Mmm… feels weird saying this to you—"
Bappi:
"I'm your best friend! Just say it alre—oops, I shouted. Crap, my dad heard me. I have to cut the call, he's coming. Sorry, bye!"
Call disconnected.
He's gone.
I should've told him straight up. I won't have time to explain everything tomorrow. School will be busy.
And Rahul… he's dangerous. But I still can't call him a criminal—not yet. I'm not 100% sure whether what the detective told me is even true.
What a rough day. I need some sleep before it's too late.
[Earlier That Day]
I was walking down a narrow street, totally alone. The place felt empty. Just me, my heavy schoolbag, and the silence.
Suddenly—
???:
"Hush, hush… Hey kid."
"AHH—who the hell are you?! You scared the hell out of me!"
???:
"Calm down. Lower your voice, will ya?"
"Who are you? Why're you wearing that creepy mask?"
???:
"Don't you recognize my voice? We've met before."
"I—what? No. You're creeping me out. I'm calling the police—"
???:
"Okay, okay… chill."
He removes the mask.
"You?! You're… that detective—Tahsan!"
Detective:
"It's Tihsan, not Tahsan. Completely different name and meaning. Glad you remember me though."
"What do you want now?"
Tihsan:
"I've been watching you for days. Following everything you do."
"What?! You didn't tell me anything about that! Who gave you permission to stalk me? Are you even a real detective?!"
Tihsan:
"Relax, dumbass. Come with me. Not safe to talk here—people are passing by."
Tihsan Jakoan, a private detective investigating the student disappearances, believes there are more people involved—and that they're still out there, hiding.
He takes me to a small restaurant and books a private room. We order food. He's calm, focused, almost too casual. After we eat, the real conversation begins.
Tihsan:
"So… Who is Rahul?"
"What?"
Tihsan:
"I said, who is Rahul? Your new classmate."
"Uhh… you mean his background? He's a transfer student. His dad got relocated, so he joined our school."
Tihsan:
"I've been following him too. Found his house."
"You what? Why would you stalk him? He wasn't even here last year when it all happened."
Tihsan:
"What did he say his father does?"
"Not exactly sure… Oh right—he said his dad works at Soinik Industry."
Tihsan:
"That's what he told everyone. But Soinik closes daily at 9 PM. I followed his house for three straight days. His dad was home by 8 PM. Every time."
"Maybe… maybe he's taking days off?"
Tihsan:
"Sure, could be. But guess what—I followed him in the morning too. He does go to Soinik… but not as a manager or engineer."
"…Then what?"
Tihsan:
"He's a cleaner."
"…Oh."
Tihsan:
"Nothing wrong with that job—but does a cleaner really get transferred across cities and make enough to live like that?"
"…I didn't think of that."
Tihsan:
"Exactly. Rahul's story is full of holes. From day one, he tried to befriend you guys. He's been asking too many questions about last year's incident. It doesn't feel right."
"Wait—are you saying Rahul's involved?"
Tihsan:
"Maybe. Or maybe he has his own reasons. But one thing's certain—he's lying about who he really is."
"…We're having a private meeting tomorrow. At his house."
Tihsan:
"What a coincidence."
He smirks.
"Maybe fate's finally on our side."