"Ahhh!" I screamed at the top of my lungs when I opened my eyes and saw a video game-like screen floating in front of me.
What the hell is this?
"Hye-ran, sweetie! What's going on?!"
Mom burst into the room, turning on the light and scanning the space quickly.
"Where is that intruder?! I'll kill him!"
Dad had followed behind her, exuding a murderous aura.
"Mom... what is that?" I asked fearfully, pointing at the semi-transparent blue screen. I yanked the covers up to my neck.
Mom squinted at me.
"You're playing with us, aren't you? Your dad has to go to work. Don't scare us over nothing!"
"But… you don't see it?" I asked, creeping closer to the screen.
Dad sighed and walked off, clearly thinking I was lying. So… they couldn't see it? I had to tell Ji-nah about this—right now.
"Mom, seriously… you don't see it?"
"See what, honey?" she asked, tiredly. "I don't see anything. And don't think this little stunt will get you out of school. You're graduating soon. No skipping, young lady. Now, up!"
Oh right—classes. Ugh, what a pain.
I flopped back onto the bed. Mom walked to the window and pulled both curtains open.
After wasting a good chunk of time, I finally got ready, and Mom dropped me off at school.
The strange screen—only visible to me—followed me all the way there. I thought I had finally lost my mind.
"So basically it showed up when you woke up. Your parents think you're nuts because only you can see the screen, and now your mom wants to take you to a therapist?" Ji-nah summarized everything I told her.
"Exactly," I nodded.
"Well… I think you are nuts."
"Ji-nah! I'm serious!"
"So, what does the screen say?"
"Get rid of Player 103."
A chill ran down my spine just remembering that creepy mission notice. Who the hell was Player 103? I couldn't even hurt a fly!
"Yeah… that's a pretty dark message. You sure it wasn't a dream? Do you see the screen right now?"
Ever since I said "off," the screen vanished. This was getting suspicious.
"No. I don't see it anymore. Maybe I should just ignore it, right? It'll probably be gone tomorrow."
"Most likely. Maybe your brain's just hallucinating from playing too many video games."
It could be true. Though I never really overdid it with screen time…
And what was that "time limit" thing? Was it like… a countdown?
"By the way, Ji-nah, how's Jinwoo? I couldn't go to your place this weekend. Mom grounded me for spending too much time with you guys."
Ji-nah laughed. She was clearly teasing me because I liked her brother.
"Hey! It's not funny. If it were up to me, I'd move in with you just to see him every day," I said, pretending to be outraged.
Just then, the teacher walked in.
"Good morning, everyone. Get your projects out while I settle in."
The class groaned in unison.
"I have good news for you," Ji-nah whispered, leaning in. I mirrored her and sharpened my ears.
"He asked about you."
AHHHHH! I was so thrilled I could touch the sky.
"What else?" I murmured back, grinning like an idiot.
"That's it."
Way to get my hopes up.
"But you say nice things about me, right?" I narrowed my eyes, trying to read her expression.
"Of course! I'm your biggest fan!"
I beamed at her. Then I took my project out of my bag and paired it with Ji-nah's.
"I'm buying you lunch today!" I said, standing to hand in our work.
Hours passed, and finally, we were out of school. Thank goodness we didn't have PE—I was terrible at it. Especially because my chest made running way too uncomfortable.
In the afternoon, when I got home, Mom was waiting with lunch. I always preferred home-cooked meals.
"Your dad won't be home for dinner. He said he's swamped at the association."
"Figures," I replied, grabbing a big chunk of meat and digging in.
Being a hunter wasn't an easy job—I knew that much. Especially since my dad was the association's president.
"So, how was school? Still seeing things? I already booked an appointment with the psychologist."
My eyes widened. That was fast!
"No, Mom! I was just joking, seriously. Hehe… I won't do it again. I feel really bad for worrying you guys. I promise I'll reflect on it."
Mom narrowed her eyes, scanning me like a machine. Her stare could be sharper than a lie detector when she wanted.
"I'm trusting you," she finally said after several long seconds.
"Yes, please. Trust me. I'm done eating—I'm going to my room. I've got loads of homework," I said, making my escape.
I picked up my plate and washed it in record time before rushing upstairs.
Bad idea. My lungs were collapsing by the time I reached the second-floor hallway.
I dragged myself into my room and finally let myself breathe.
Then I nearly had a heart attack when the screen popped up again.
[You have four hours remaining]
[Eliminate Player 103]
[Warning: Failure will result in transfer to the punishment zone]
What the hell?
"I'm ignoring you from now on," I said to the screen.
I really sounded insane, talking to it like it was a person.
[Warning: Failure will result in transfer to the punishment zone]
"Sure, sure. Send me. I'm not afraid of you."
I walked to the bathroom and took a hot shower. The screen was still there, but I didn't give it any attention.
Hours later, I finished my homework and put my books away in the shelf by the window.
[Mission Failed]
[5 minutes until transfer to the punishment zone]
I walked over to my bed and laid down.
[3...]
I turned off the light.
[1...]
I closed my eyes.
[Transferring to the punishment zone]