“What are you going to do about these letters?”

Haru stood against the wall, keeping her presence hidden from the two people that were conversing inside the office. She figured that eventually, she’ll catch onto some information but, it was even better to hear it from the person himself. 

Right now, Mr. Jung was in such a state of alarm that it almost didn’t sound like the usual guidance counselor. It was hard to imagine such nervousness exuding from the same person that always sat before her with his typical composed nature whilst bugging her. 

“There’s nothing I can do until I figure out the person leaving them.” His voice continues.

“It may just go away.” The other person, who sounds like a staff member, tries to soothe him. 

“These are obsessive signs.” Mr. Jung reveals. “The words, the context – my goodness, the number of letters in a week – it’s a problem.”

So, that’s why his expression was like that that day. 

Haru hesitated on revealing the culprit’s identity since she wasn’t clear on the situation...in fact, she’s guilty for thinking her guidance counselor was having an inappropriate relationship with a student but finding herself able to trust him once more, Haru feels somewhat at fault for suspecting him. 

Realizing she has taken quite a bit of a bathroom break, she should return to class before Jieun gives her another lecture on missing ‘learning time’. 

***

Daehyun steps back into his office after a trip to the breakroom. Taking a seat at his desk, he looks down to find something out of place.

A folded note taped to the edge of his desk. It served its purpose and stuck out like a sore thumb. 

Peeling the note away from the surface, he opens up to read it.

Strangely…

He was met with a single name and classroom – Kim Nahyun. Class 3B. 

The few words leave his mind blank…until it all clicked together. Jumping up from his seat, he hurries down the hallway as the students begin filling the space with the goal of transferring to their next class. Haru looks up as her guidance counselor passes right by her. Following after him with her eyes, Haru figures that reaction was spurred by her little act. 

“We’re going to be late, Haru.”

Looking away, she follows after Jieun to their next class. 

“What’s with the expression? Did something happen?” Jieun observes the girl beside her.

Haru relaxes her lips, hiding away her smile. “The day is working out well.” That sight of the relief on Mr. Jung’s face was enough to urge a sense of pride to burst within her. “Beyond my expectations.”

***

“They’re in it together.”

Haru reveals in her seat while both Yongguk and Youngjae stare at her. 

“I told you the one refilling his tank of gas is purple sneaks’ friend.” She further explains. “Did you go to the convenience store that I saw them together in?”

“That’s not enough proof, Haru.” Youngjae replies.

“But, it suggests that it’s possible.” Haru responds. 

“Why do you think they’re in it together? And don’t be making connections that aren’t there.” Youngjae has started to notice that Haru tended to theorize. 

“You guys are too wrapped up on evidence.” She retorts. “Alright, listen – it’s going to be believable – what if purple sneaks was robbing the house when his friend was getting gas…and then this time, his friend was robbing the house when purple sneaks was caught at the convenience store?” She finished asking when she stared into the two faces demonstrating pure confusion. “What if they are using each other to throw off the direction of the investigation?” 

Now, that she was thinking about it…this was extremely well-thought through by those two. 

Her attention switches between Yongguk and Youngjae. 

“Yongguk?” Was he not going to answer her? Instead, he lifted his hand and scratched the back of his head. “Youngjae?”

“That big statement of yours mean nothing without evidence.” Youngjae finally answers after a period of silence and Haru immediately lets out a groan. 

“So, what?” What was his big idea then?

“Well, let’s go find some.”