A silver-colored clock tower stands silently on one side of the road, as if mourning something. Occasionally, a car passes by, breaking the silence for a brief moment.
The clock ticks steadily.
The hour hand is about to reach three.
The minute hand has passed eleven by three marks.
The second hand crosses twelve.
The time is 02:59.
A little distance away from the clock tower, a forest can be seen.
Scene Shift
Darkness has swallowed the surroundings of the forest. Under the faint glow of a crimson moon, everything appears mysterious. A cold northern wind blows. From time to time, the distant sound of bats echoes through the air. Together, it creates a strange melody—
a melody capable of mesmerizing anyone instantly.
If one falls under its spell, they would want to stay in this world forever.
Like a maze where people lose their way and never return.
Yet, there is a difference—
in a maze, people want to escape but cannot,
here, people stay by choice.
A figure dressed in black is seen walking alone through the heart of this enchanting melody.
He is completely alone.
No people. No animals.
He walks with focus.
Suddenly, his eyes lock onto something unfamiliar yet deeply desired in the distance.
A pair of deep red eyes, glowing fiercely.
An unnaturally pale body.
It slowly moves closer.
Its ferocity is unmistakable.
Scene Shift
Back at the clock tower, the time is now 03:00 AM.
The bell begins to ring.
With the same echoing sound of the bell—
Scene Shift to America, inside a bedroom
A seventeen-year-old girl is sleeping on the bed.
The table clock keeps ringing, but she doesn't wake up.
A middle-aged woman enters the room and turns off the clock.
Olivia: Jay! It's already 7:30! Wake up or you'll miss the bus again today.
Olivia leaves the room.
Jay gets out of bed and stands in front of the mirror.
Her hair is messy, sleep still lingering in her eyes.
She looks at her reflection and starts talking to herself—
Jay:
Today you have to do it, Jay!
You must answer Susana to her face. Got it?
Yeah. You're Jay!
You can do anything.
A smile appears on Jay's face.
---
Scene Shift – Road
Jay is running down the road.
Her uniform collar is messy, tie in one hand, school bag clutched to her shoulder with the other.
A piece of bread in her mouth.
Hair loose and untidy.
Worry written all over her face.
Jay (thinking):
I'm late again.
Jay, you're useless. Stupid.
The teacher is going to be angry again today.
Jay rushes into the classroom with her eyes closed.
Jay:
Sorry sir sorry sir sorry sir sorry sir—
(she keeps repeating nonstop)
Getting no response, she slowly opens her eyes.
The teacher isn't there.
All the students burst out laughing.
Susana is sitting at the first desk.
Susana:
Our Miss Late has arrived.
I've never seen such a foolish girl in my life.
..continued