In our previous life, I had rushed in without a second thought. Pried the equipment off his leg. Dragged him to safety. And because of that, he convinced himself I had stolen his romantic moment—robbed him of a chance to be saved by his "true love."
That delusion eventually led him to burn me alive.
Phantom pain ached in my bones. Watching him struggle, panic etched into his soot-stained face, a cold smile touched my lips.
I had been so stupid.
I saved his life, and he treated it as an unforgivable sin.
The smoke grew thicker, waves of heat distorting the air.
Derek coughed violently, shouting through the haze, "Leave me alone! Get out of here!"
I raised an eyebrow. "What? You're just going to wait here and die?"
He choked, his gaze darting away before hardening with resolve. "I don't need your fake kindness! Someone else is coming to save me!"
"Oh?" I drawled, remembering his hysterical screaming on the night he killed me. My smile turned icy. "This Forensic Science beauty you mentioned? I'd love to see who she is."
Since the department was founded, it had been a monastery. Our cohort had exactly one woman: me. Not even a female transfer student to pad the numbers.
When Derek heard me mention the "beauty," his eyes lit up, fear receding slightly.
"Just you wait! She'll be here!"
I didn't argue. I simply stood my ground, watching the show.
Moments later, the click of heels echoed against tile. A crisp, feminine voice called out.
"Hello? Is something burning down here?"
I looked toward the sound.
The newcomer had delicate features and an innocent expression. Pretty, certainly.
But I knew one thing for a fact: she was definitely not a student in the Forensic Science Department.
At the sound of a voice, Derek Finch screamed toward the doorway.
"I'm here! Save me! Hurry!"
His voice cracked, shrill and pathetic—a far cry from the cold, ruthless man who had watched me die on New Year's Eve.
The girl recoiled, startled by the sudden shout. Seeing a figure amidst the flames, her face twisted in distress. "How are you even in there? The fire... it's too big. I..."
"I'm stuck!" Sweat streamed down Derek's face, stinging his eyes as panic took hold. "Get me out! You have to find a way!"