Chapter 5 – The Truth Test

10:00 a.m. – Room 1.16, Department of Cognitive Sciences

Professor Park was writing on the board with her usual methodical elegance, her letters always slanting slightly to the right, as if even her handwriting reflected balance and control.

Behind her, students took notes in silence.

But that morning, something felt different.

Jungkook sat in his usual seat in the second row, the JJK notebook open, pen already in hand. Yet his eyes were not on the text projected onto the screen.

They were fixed on her.

A few rows behind him, Jimin watched carefully.

He had learned how to read Jungkook’s silences.

And the one he saw today was familiar.

This was the Jungkook who was preparing a strike.

Not an impulsive attack.

A precise move. Cold. Calculated.

Professor Park turned toward the class.

“Today we’ll be discussing false memories and implanted memories. One of the most fascinating—and also most delicate—areas of cognitive neuroscience.”

A murmur of interest swept through the room.

“The human mind can be manipulated. We know that. But when manipulation becomes voluntary, intentional, and systematic... then we are dealing with something far more dangerous.”

Jungkook raised his hand.

“Professor, may I ask a question?”

She nodded, surprised.

Jungkook rarely spoke during lectures. When he did, it was usually because he had something worth remembering.

“There's an experiment known as Protocol 3-112. It involves the induced simulation of traumatic events. Has it ever been conducted in this department?”

Professor Park hesitated.

Only for a fraction of a second.

But Jimin saw it.

Recognized it.

The microscopic tremor in her gaze.

“Not that I'm aware of,” she replied.

“If that's something you read online, I encourage you to verify your source. The university does not permit unauthorized experimentation.”

“And what if it had been approved in secret?”

Silence.

The atmosphere in the classroom shifted instantly.

Several students exchanged uneasy glances.

Others discreetly began recording with their phones.

Professor Park did not back down.

“I'm sorry, Jeon, but this is an academic classroom, not a stage for conspiracy theories.”

“It’s not a theory,” Jungkook said, rising to his feet.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out Dr. K. Nam’s note.

“This document speaks for itself. An experiment was conducted here. On September 12. Involving a student who suffered a psychological collapse.”

Jimin closed his eyes for a second.

Here we go.

“This is a private document obtained illegally,” Professor Park shot back, her tone noticeably harsher now.

“You've just admitted you've seen it.”

Jungkook's voice remained calm.

“Then you confirm it's authentic?”

Silence.

Another second.

Too long.

Too loaded.

Too honest.

“The lecture is over,” Professor Park said, gathering her belongings.

“Anyone interested in serious academic study is welcome to stay. Those who prefer theatrical drama... should go to the theater.”

Then she left.

Without rushing.

But without denying anything.

---

12:44 p.m.

Jimin and Jungkook sat beneath the cafeteria awning, sheltered from a light rain that drummed softly overhead.

“You know you're burning everything down, right?” Jimin said.

“Professors. Your reputation. Maybe even your enrollment.”

Jungkook sipped his coffee.

Bitter.

Just the way he liked it.

“I know.”

“Is it really worth it?”

Jungkook turned toward him.

“You think I'm looking for revenge.”

His voice was quiet.

“But I don't want to destroy the university.”

He held Jimin’s gaze.

“I want to see who survives the truth.”

Then he pulled another photograph from his notebook.

Not a student.

Not a professor.

A man with thick glasses and a tense expression.

Jimin took the photo.

Beneath the image was a handwritten note:

Dr. Kim Nam — Missing since 2023. No sightings. No body recovered.

“He knew everything,” Jungkook whispered.

“And then he disappeared. Nobody looked for him. Nobody talked. Nobody asked questions.”

For a moment, only the sound of rain filled the silence between them.

Then Jungkook spoke again, even more quietly.

“I’m going to find him.”

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***