The classroom was filled with the low hum of students talking and the steady scratching of pencils against paper. The afternoon heat was unbearable, and the air felt dry.
A student, Kenji Sato, raised his hand.
"Teacher, can I go buy a water bottle?"
Miss Ayane glanced at the clock and sighed. "Fine, but hurry back."
Kenji nodded, grabbed some coins, and walked out. The hallway was quiet, the distant voices of other classes faint in the background.
He reached the vending machine, inserted the coins, and pressed the button. A cold water bottle dropped down with a heavy clunk.
Twisting off the cap, Kenji gulped down the water. Half of it was gone in seconds.
As he turned back toward the classroom, a sudden dizziness hit him. His vision blurred, and his head felt heavy.
"What…?"
A sharp, pulsing pain spread through his skull. His chest tightened. His stomach twisted.
Kenji stumbled, his knees buckling beneath him. Before he could reach the door, his body collapsed, slamming onto the cold hallway floor right in front of the classroom.
BANG!
The loud noise startled the students inside.
Miss Ayane turned toward the door, frowning. She walked over and opened it.
A hushed gasp filled the room.
Kenji lay on the floor, his skin pale, sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Kenji?" Miss Ayane kneeled beside him, shaking his shoulder. "Can you hear me?"
The students murmured in confusion. Some stood up, concern flashing in their eyes.
"We need to get him to the infirmary," one of them said.
Miss Ayane and two students lifted Kenji and carried his limp body down the hallway.
The infirmary was quiet, filled with the sharp scent of antiseptic. Doctor Hayato, the school's medical officer, checked Kenji's pulse and breathing.
"It could just be dehydration," the doctor said, rubbing his chin. "Let's let him rest."
Miss Ayane sighed, shaking her head. "He was fine a few minutes ago…"
A soft groan made them turn.
Kenji's fingers twitched. His breathing deepened. Then—his eyes snapped open.
"Kenji!" Miss Ayane stepped forward. "Are you okay?"
For a moment, he was silent. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"Yes… I'm fine," he whispered.
Miss Ayane exhaled in relief. She walked toward him, placing a reassuring hand on his back. "It's okay. Just rest."
Kenji turned his head, looking at her.
A small, unnatural smile stretched across his lips.
"Yes, teacher."
Then, his mouth opened unnaturally wide.
A large parasite with a gaping, jagged mouth burst from his throat, writhing as it forced its way out.
Before anyone could react, the parasite lunged forward, its teeth sinking into Miss Ayane's arm.
She screamed.
The doctor stumbled back, eyes wide with horror.
Kenji's body jerked violently, the parasite twisting and tearing free from his mouth completely, its slimy, pulsating form slithering across the infirmary floor.
Miss Ayane clutched her bleeding arm, her breaths sharp and panicked.
The doctor's face turned pale as he backed toward the door.
And then—Kenji's body started convulsing.
The nightmare had only just begun.