Under the Mask

Something fell from the rooftop. No, not something but someone. And Lisa made eye contact with it err…her. But what caught her off guard isn the body falling or the heartfelt smile plastered on the students face, rather it was her necklace. The dangling music note pendant attached to it.

`And they say sitting near the window is fun.`

It took numerous shaking from Veronica for Lisa to snap back to reality.

”Lisa, ” Veronica called out, ”Are you okay? ”

”Yeah, ” Lisa breathed out, ”Yeah, Im fine. ”

”The game really needs to get us a heads up every time theres a new case needed to be solved. ” Veronica ranted as she took a glance at the body from the window.

”People are seriously gonna get traumatized, ”

Normally, Lisa would tell a pun or joke to soothe the tension but this time, she was silent as if a knife was placed near her neck. She was also sweating and having a hard time breathing.

”Hey, hey, ” Veronica held her hand, ”Breathe, ”

Lisa felt she was there again, at the glass elevator seeing her first friend fall from the tall building. Until now, she still believes she could have saved her if she was there on time. She still regrets it and blames herself for it.

By the time Lisa opened her eyes, Veronica was hugging her and patting her back, whispering comforting words. Uncertain of what happened, she also patted her back and placed her chin on Veronicas shoulder.

”Are you okay? ” Lisa asked as she heard Veronicas whimpers.

Veronica let go of Lisa and wiped her own tears, ”Im fine, ” She reassures Lisa with a smile, ”I should be asking you that. ”

Lisa shot her a confused look that made Veronica chuckle a bit as she brushed off Lisas tears.

”I already told you that when you cry, you have that charm that will make anyone else cry as well, right? ”

”I was crying? ” Lisa asked stunned that she didn even notice.

”You psycho, ” Veronica flicked Lisas forehead, ”Thats the sickest joke you ever pulled on me. ”

Veronica huffed as she sat down beside Lisa and crossed her arms while Lisa got the chance to check the body from the window.

Just then, a drone entered their room gaining everyones attention. It flashed a hologram screen bearing the information about the new case.

It read,

Case Title: Fallen Star

Summary:

A lady in her early 20s seemingly committed suicide at a famous college today, May 7. Her identity is unknown.

Documents at hand: Autopsy report, Security camera footage, and Witness statements

Mechanics:

1) Must be in a team made up of 3 or more players with a name for their team.

2) Players only have one day to enter.

3) There will be no penalties if you fail to solve the case.

Prize: $1 billion

NOTE: Do remember that a few alterations have been made to better suit the game.

”1 billion dollars?! ” Most of them exclaimed.

As if lightning struck, their room is now filled with thunders and tremors. Most of them were delighted, talking of what it would be like to win that money. Others bragged that they were going to win and told everyone else not to mess with them. Some were betting while a few are still finding teammates.

”I guess there won be any classes in a few months or so, ” Danielle mumbled from behind.

”I guess so, ” Lisa solemnly muttered.

As the drone left their room, so did Lisa from the game.

Yumi took off her VR glasses and puffed out a breath. She stared at the ceiling of her room, not knowing what to do next. Even so, she placed her VR glasses on the table and got up from her bed. She went to her closet and pulled out a handkerchief with a name embroidered on it.

I can believe its finally your case my friend, Yumi thought as she enclosed it in a hug as tears started to race down her face.