Chapter 3

Why couldn't they have broadcast that *before* I was nearly choked to death?!

Just as my consciousness was about to completely vanish, the monster suddenly released its grip. My body sagged to the floor like a deflated balloon.

"Killing you like this is too boring. How about you answer a few questions for me?" The monster smiled sweetly, its eyes, however, filled with murderous intent. "Sound good?"

I didn't exactly have the power to refuse. "Ask away."

The monster suddenly leaned close to my face. "Tell me, was it wrong for me to be a girl?"

I flinched. "No."

"Then why did I have to die? Just because I was seen as a burden?"

I didn't answer. Blair, on the floor, was frantic. "Say something! Hurry up and answer her! What if she gets mad and kills us all?!"

Under pressure, I forced myself to look at the monster. "No."

"Then why did I die before I even had a taste of milk, before I could even call out 'Mommy'? What did I do wrong?" Tears of blood started to well in its eyes, its voice turning guttural and sharp. Layers of skin peeled away, revealing the raw flesh beneath.

Chloe, the timid roommate, fainted on the spot at the sight.

Honestly, I couldn't answer that question. Because *I* was the one who had lived. If it weren't for modern laws, if it weren't for the fact that my brother needed money for his arranged marriage, I might have been a ghost choked to death myself.

"You can't answer my questions, so you have to die." Its sharp nails dug deeply into my neck, blood trickling down my skin.

Meanwhile, Blair, taking advantage of our struggle near the dorm door, slammed it shut with a *snap*. She locked it multiple times, completely disregarding my desperate situation. Only after she'd done all that did she let out a sigh of relief, glaring at me with hatred. "It's all your fault for being so stupid and not answering her questions! If you're going to die, die outside, don't drag us down!"

"Didn't you say they were your family just now? Go ahead and spend some quality time with your 'family'! Don't thank me for creating this private moment for you!"

My mind was a mess. If the monster applied just a little more pressure, I was gone for good. Through the window, I saw Blair's triumphant gaze, and a surge of pure rage filled me. Damn it, if I'm going to die, I'll take someone with me!

"The one inside... she knows the answer to that question... You... you can go ask her..."

The monster smiled. "No rush. I won't let any of you off the hook."

Blair's smile vanished instantly. "You bastard! You want to drag me down with you?! I should have finished you off completely back then, you menace!"

In my fading consciousness, a smile touched my lips. Blair, even if I die... I'm taking you with me!

The monster's grip tightened further. Just before I completely lost breath, my hands fell limply to my sides, and the bracelet on my arm slipped to the floor.

The monster glanced at it casually, then its eyes widened in disbelief.

"You! You're Kira?!"