Episode 3: The Master Appears
The door creaked open softly. Elisa looked up from her untouched breakfast.
A man stepped in.
Tall. Clean-cut. Dressed in black from head to toe. His face was smooth—too smooth, like he never showed real emotion. His eyes were sharp but quiet, like he could read thoughts before they were spoken.
He didn't smile.
"So you're the girl," he said. His voice was calm, smooth… but something about it sent a chill down Elisa back.
She stood slowly, unsure whether to speak or bow or run.
"I'm Mr. Jin," he said, studying her like a piece of art. "You've been brought here for a reason. I hope you'll behave wisely."
Elisa blinked.
"I thought I came to tutor your child…?" she asked carefully.
A slight pause. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"There is no child."
Her breath caught. "Then why—why am I here?"
He stepped closer, slowly, like he wanted to test her fear.
"You ask too many questions, Elisa," he said, his voice dropping lower. "But that's not a bad thing… if you know when to stop."
Her heart pounded.
Then, just as quickly as he came, he turned away and said, "You'll start working tomorrow. There are rules. Break them, and you'll regret it."
Before she could say another word, he was gone.
---
That night, she couldn't sleep.
No child. No tutoring. No answers.
Just secrets… and that door marked 13.
She stared at it again through the hallway camera's reflection on her window.
And for a split second—
She thought she saw someone standing in front of it.
Not Mr. Jin.
Not the boy.
A girl.
Wearing white.
Motionless.
Staring straight at her.