The Unknown Call

Episode 6: The Suspicious Journey

​That night, even after returning home, Steve’s mind was far from peaceful. His head was spinning with a chaotic mix of shock and suspicion. He freshened up and sat in front of his laptop, but his eyes weren't really registering the data on the screen. A single thought kept playing on a loop in his brain.

​In the past, during his final heated conversation with Sara, he had explicitly shouted, "It was my mistake to trust such 'Unknown Persons' and fall in love with them." Today, Selena—a girl who had just joined the office—had used those exact same words: "I don't trust 'Unknown Persons'." And she had said it right when he casually asked for her address! Could this really be a mere coincidence? On top of that, Sara and Selena’s voices were identical—a perfect, carbon-copy match. Who was this Selena? How could his past words come out of her mouth? Did she have some hidden connection to his past? Lost in these endless thoughts, he didn't even realize when he finally drifted off to sleep.

​The next morning, Steve got ready as usual. Dressed in his formal attire and deeply absorbed in thought, he headed to his new office.

​The office atmosphere was bustling with activity. Selena was seated at her desk, completely focused on her assigned work. From inside his glass cabin, Steve stood watching her through the window. Every movement she made, the way she carried herself, vividly reminded him of Sara. Reining in his wandering thoughts, Steve forced himself to dive into his work, but his attention kept drifting back to her voice. 'If Selena really is Sara... there is no way she could recognize me. We never met in person; we only spoke over the phone at night. She has absolutely no idea what I look like. But how does she know my exact words?' Steve’s head was spinning with questions.

​Soon, the digital clock on the wall struck 1:00 PM—lunchtime.

​The office staff gathered in groups inside the cafeteria. Selena was sitting with the rest of the team, laughing and talking in a very friendly manner. Every word she spoke made Steve’s heart skip a beat. But the moment Steve walked into the cafeteria carrying his lunch box, Selena abruptly fell silent. The bright smile on her face instantly vanished.

​Steve noticed this sudden shift. Purposely, he walked over smoothly and sat down in the chair right next to Selena, opening his lunch box. As soon as he sat down, Selena visibly stiffened. Feeling uncomfortable, she quietly pushed her chair back and shifted a little distance away from him.

​Steve placed his fork on the table, looked straight into Selena’s eyes, and asked calmly,

​Steve: "Selena... Why are you moving away the moment I sit down? Is there a reason?"

​Selena paused for a second. Looking down at the food in her box, she replied in a very cool yet firm voice, looking right back at him.

​Selena: "It's nothing, Sir... I always keep my distance from 'Unknown Persons'. That's all!"

​Hearing those words, Steve's hand froze holding his spoon. The ambient chatter of the cafeteria suddenly faded into a dead silence in his ears. "Unknown Persons"... hearing those exact words from Selena's mouth once again, directed straight at him, turned his hundred suspicions into an absolute certainty. There was a massive secret behind Selena. She just had to be Sara! But since they had never seen each other, she clearly didn't recognize him either. 'Whatever the case, I need to get clarity today,' Steve resolved firmly.

​By 5:00 PM, the office hours came to an end. The staff members packed their bags and started leaving one by one. Selena packed her bag as well and walked out of the building. Steve immediately grabbed his car keys and followed her out.

​Selena walked up to a nearby bus stop and stood waiting. Quite a bit of time passed, but there was no sign of a bus. Looking at her watch repeatedly, anxiety was clearly visible on her face as it became obvious that the bus was running extremely late.

​Steve drove his car right up to the bus stop. Rolling down the glass window, he asked in a thoroughly professional tone,

​Steve: "Selena... The bus seems really late. Shall I drop you? Come on, get in the car."

​Selena looked at Steve for a brief moment. The serious expression instantly returned to her face. She replied straight to the point,

​Selena: "No thanks, Sir. Thank you. I told you before... I keep my distance from 'Unknown Persons', I don't want their help."

​Hearing that dialogue again, Steve felt a sudden wave of annoyance and frustration. 'The exact same words again... Is she doing this intentionally or is she being genuine?' cursing under his breath, he replied, "Fine, as you wish!" He drove the car slightly ahead, pulled into a parking space, and was about to step out.

​But suddenly... before Steve could even open his car door... Selena walked over quickly and came straight up to his car! She opened the passenger door and, without looking left or right, silently climbed into the front seat!

​Steve was utterly stunned. He turned to her and asked,

​Steve: "Hey... Didn't you just say you wouldn't come? Why did you suddenly get in?"

​Buckling her seatbelt and keeping her eyes fixed straight ahead without looking at Steve, she replied in a very calm, even voice,

​Selena: "Time is running out, Sir, and the bus isn't coming anytime soon. That's why I got in. Now please move the car forward... I'll give you the directions, it's safer to head to my home this way."