Dr. Nicolas dragged Aki out of the vehicle.

  They walked through a narrow road that led to an iron gate. Beyond it lay a cluster of buildings, their silhouettes sharp against the gray sky.

  Once inside, she was escorted into one of them — sterile corridors, dim lights, the faint buzz of machinery humming in the distance.

  Aki, still dazed from the drug, mumbled, “Where… am I?”

  No one replied.

  She was taken into a small clinic room and laid down on a cold bed.

  Dr. Nicolas’s voice broke the silence, firm and emotionless.

  “I’m giving you the antidote now.”

  She felt the heaviness lift — like her body had been tied down and suddenly set free.

  Her thoughts sharpened in an instant. She sat up, glaring.

  “Who are you? What are you doing to me?”

  “You’re at a psychiatric hospital,” Dr. Nicolas replied calmly, adjusting his gloves.

  Aki clenched her fists. “We both know I’m not mentally unstable.”

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  She was fighting the urge to punch him.

  He exhaled, eyes narrowing. “I didn’t want to do this either. I had no choice.”

  She studied him quietly — the twitch in his eyes, the way his hands trembled slightly.

  “Why was I brought here?” she asked.

  “You’ll know soon,” he said.

  As soon as he finished, another figure entered the room.

  The man’s hair was unnaturally white, his eyes hidden beneath a black blindfold.

  “Hoho,” he chuckled, stepping close — too close. “So this is the newcomer. You know, you’re quite famous among the staff already. They’ve been talking about you all day.”

  He leaned in, voice playful, teasing. “No need to be so nervous. We won’t hurt you.”

  Aki stared at him, expression twisting into visible disgust. What is wrong with this man?

  He grinned. “That face—” he laughed softly. “I’m Professor Hyde.”

  Aki blinked, staring at the blindfold. How can he even see through that? she thought, but quickly dismissed it, her unease growing.

  Hyde tilted his head. “So… can you walk now?”

  She didn’t answer.

  Dr. Nicolas frowned. “Aki, get up.”

  Still, she didn’t move.

  Hyde tried again, his tone light but commanding. “Come now, don’t make me repeat myself.”

  Aki’s body moved on its own.

  She stood, walking behind him — her movements stiff, unwilling.

  “See? I knew you were a good girl,” Hyde said cheerfully. “You’re just nervous because everything’s new, right?”

  Aki didn’t reply. Her eyes were wide and unfocused, her hands trembling.

  Why am I walking? she thought. I don’t want to follow him. I don’t even know him. So why can’t I stop?

  Panic rose in her chest. What is this? Why can’t I control myself? Am I really… losing it?

  She forced a nervous smile. No. I’m fine. I’m not crazy. I can’t be.

  That strange sensation grew stronger — an invisible pressure pushing her to obey him.

  They reached a cluttered office. The air smelled stale, faintly rotten, as if food had been left there and forgotten.

  “This is my workspace,” Hyde said proudly, gesturing at the chaos.

  The walls were painted black and blue, like mismatched tiles from an old game board.

  “Sit down,” he said. “No need to be nervous.”

  Her body followed the order before her mind could process it. She sat.

  And oddly, she did feel less nervous.

  What’s happening to me? she thought.

  Hyde sat across from her, folding his arms. “Now then, Aki… tell me about the accident.”

  Aki opened her mouth — but nothing came out.

  Her throat tightened, her mind screamed to speak, yet no words formed.

  Hyde frowned. “How odd,” he muttered under his breath.