HRMCT 50

Chapter: 50

Isia’s head suddenly snapped forward.

What? What is that? What is that thing?!

A friend whose name she didn’t know.

No… was it even a friend to begin with?

Now that she thought about it, the face was completely unfamiliar.

As if she were seeing it for the first time today.

Someone whose name and face she didn’t know couldn’t possibly be her friend.

And if they had such a grotesque face…

Even less so.

Is that… a ghost? It has to be a ghost, right?

That was the only way she could describe it.

It was the kind of face she’d only heard about in childhood urban legends, like the tale of the Slit-Mouthed Woman.

Could a human mouth really split that far?

“Isia, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen something you shouldn’t.”

“N-No, it’s nothing.”

The voice sounded perfectly normal.

Just like the person she’d been talking to outside moments ago.

But she couldn’t bring herself to turn around again.

If she did, she knew she wouldn’t be able to endure it.

“Really? I thought something had happened. Come on, let’s go inside.”

It kept urging her forward.

As though they had to go downstairs as quickly as possible.

She didn’t want to.

She absolutely didn’t want to go in.

How was she supposed to walk down into such a gloomy place with something that wasn’t human standing behind her?

The fact that she hadn’t fainted already was a miracle.

But she couldn’t run back either.

If she did, she’d have to face that thing head-on again.

Caught between two impossible choices, Isia reluctantly decided to go down.

Forcing her trembling legs to move, she descended one step at a time.

“Isn’t this exciting?”

She felt warm breath tickle her ear.

It had leaned its face right beside hers.

Goosebumps spread across her skin.

“Y-Yeah…”

Just how far did these stairs go?

It felt like she’d been descending for over five minutes.

Yet they still hadn’t reached the bottom.

She was terrified.

So terrified that she felt like she might lose consciousness at any moment.

But she absolutely couldn’t.

The thought of what might happen if she fainted was even scarier than what she was feeling now.

She almost wished they’d hurry and reach the café.

It was supposed to be a famous place, so surely there would be other customers there.

Her pace quickened.

We’re almost there!

Moving so quickly she nearly tumbled down the stairs, she finally spotted a small sign ahead.

[Café Napolitan]

Without hesitation, Isia reached out and threw open the nearby door.

“So, what should we do today?”

“It’s Christmas, so how about shopping? Buy whatever you want. I’ll pay.”

“I’m telling you! That bastard’s such an asshole! Who breaks up with someone on Christmas Eve?!”

“This place has a nice atmosphere. No wonder it’s so popular.”

“Let’s take pictures. This is so pretty.”

The oppressive gloom vanished instantly, replaced by the lively chatter of countless people.

“Nice, isn’t it?”

The thing behind her spoke.

Without turning around, Isia nodded.

“Yeah… It’s completely different from what I imagined.”

She let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“Should we sit over there?”

“O-Okay.”

The café was apparently as popular as its reviews suggested.

Only one table remained empty.

Isia walked toward it.

“I’m going to the restroom for a bit. Pick what you want to eat while I’m gone.”

Thankfully, it didn’t insist on staying with her.

It headed toward the restroom.

Carefully, Isia glanced back at its retreating figure.

Long, straight hair reaching its waist.

Nicely dressed clothes.

To anyone else, it looked completely human.

Did I… imagine it?

It looked so ordinary that it was hard to believe it had a mouth split wide open.

And nobody else is reacting.

Maybe she’d simply frightened herself and seen things.

But…

No… that’s not it.

There was definitely something wrong.

Forget the face.

No matter how hard she thought about it, she had absolutely no idea who this person was.

She didn’t have a friend like that.

Should I run away now…?

This was her chance while it was in the restroom.

Just as she began turning her body—

“Oh, right!”

It clapped its hands and turned toward her.

Whip!

Unable to bear looking at its face, Isia immediately whipped her head back around and sat in the empty seat.

“Order a Jelly Tea for me!”

“O-Okay.”

She could feel its strange gaze lingering on the back of her head.

Only then did she realize.

It’s not actually going to the restroom.

It had only pretended to.

It wanted to keep watching her.

She didn’t know why.

But she was certain it couldn’t be for anything good.

It was only a guess.

Yet she was convinced she wasn’t wrong.

Gripping her trembling hands, Isia struggled to calm herself.

Think… think…

Who—or what—was that thing?

Since when had she been with it?

And why had they come here?

To find out, she had to remember.

But nothing came to mind.

It was as if a thick fog had settled over her memories.

Everything was hazy.

Why can’t I remember anything?!

As she desperately clutched her head—

“Hm?”

Something caught her eye.

At first, she thought it was the menu.

The stylish paper menus that cafés usually left on their tables.

But it wasn’t.

What was written on it wasn’t a menu at all.

“…Rules?”

More specifically, it was titled:

[12 Rules for Safely Using Café Napolitan]

“What the…”

Driven by instinct, she began reading.

Rules for Safely Using Café Napolitan

The café bears no responsibility for any harm resulting from failure to follow these rules. Please read and obey them carefully.

1. Operating Hours

The café is open daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM only. Do not remain inside after closing time.

2. Do Not Use the Corner Seat

Always leave the table in the farthest corner of the café empty.

If someone is already sitting there, never look at them.

3. Beware of Red Menu Items

Do not order any menu item written in red.

Those items are not meant for you.

4. Check Your Reflection

If you cannot see yourself in the restroom mirror, leave the café immediately.

5. Do Not Request a Change of Music

Even if the background music sounds strange, never ask the staff to change it.

There is a reason it is playing.

6. Beware of Your Shadow After 8:00 PM

After 8:00 PM, check the wall to make sure you have only one shadow.

If you have more than one, leave the café immediately.

7. Never Share Personal Information

If you entered the café with a stranger claiming to be your friend, never tell them your address, phone number, family information, or any other personal details.

Doing so may seriously endanger your safety.

8. No Orders at 3:33 PM

Do not place any order at exactly 3:33 PM.

That time has special significance.

9. Do Not Pick Up Lost Items

Even if you find something lying on the floor, do not pick it up.

It is waiting for its owner.

10. Call the Staff Only Once

When calling an employee, call only once.

If you call more than once, an unwanted presence may answer instead.

11. Do Not Talk to Unknown Customers

If an unfamiliar customer speaks to you, do not engage in conversation.

Be especially careful if they already know your name.

12. Before Leaving the Café

If you do not order anything, you will never be able to leave the café.

Please follow the rule of one menu item per customer.

These rules are intended to ensure your safety while using Café Napolitan.

The consequences of violating them cannot be guaranteed.

Isia’s face turned deathly pale.

Every single rule felt deeply unsettling.

As though breaking even one of them would bring disaster.

But an even bigger problem struck her.

Rule number two.

She had already broken it.

The seat she was sitting in was the one in the farthest corner of the café.

Now that she thought about it…

The music playing in the café sounded strange.

No…

It wasn’t music at all.

It’s… screams…

How had she failed to notice until now?

Those were screams.

Not screams of surprise or excitement.

They were screams of agony.

The kind someone would make while their flesh was being torn apart…

Or while their fingernails were being ripped out.

The moment she recognized it, her entire body began shaking.

W-What do I do…?

She had definitely come to a very strange place.

Mom…

She suddenly wanted to see the mother whose face she couldn’t even remember.

Just then, she sensed someone approaching.

It wasn’t the thing that had gone to the restroom.

“Are you ready to order?”

It was an employee.

He was tall and handsome.

The kind of man anyone would call attractive.

But Isia barely noticed.

Still, she couldn’t ignore him.

The rules clearly stated that anyone who failed to order would never leave the café.

If she wanted to escape this place, she had to order something.

She accepted the menu from the employee.

Just as the rules had warned, several menu items were written in bright red.

Each came with its own description.

Murder Victim’s Blood Latte

Café Napolitan’s horrifying signature drink.

A deep crimson latte topped with blood-red foam.

The first sip offers sweet raspberry and pomegranate flavors.

Moments later, an unmistakable metallic taste spreads across your tongue.

A tiny heart-shaped dark chocolate sits on top, completing its disturbing presentation.

Mr. James’s Flesh Smoothie

A green-and-brown smoothie whose chunky pulp resembles decaying flesh.

Each sip delivers a rotten sweetness, while the chewy texture of Mr. James creates a uniquely unsettling experience.

Jelly Tea Crawling with Bugs

Transparent tea filled with jelly worms that appear to be alive.

Every sip gives the unsettling illusion that the worms are wriggling around inside your mouth.

Just reading the names and descriptions made her feel nauseated.

Who were these menu items even for?

Judging from the rules, certainly not ordinary customers.

Then…

Her eyes landed on one item.

Jelly Tea Crawling with Bugs.

That was the drink it had asked for.

It was the only menu item containing the words Jelly Tea.

Swallowing nervously, Isia spoke.

“…One iced Americano… and… one Jelly Tea.”

“Jelly Tea. Are you certain?”

“Y-Yes. Yes.”

Her whole body trembled as she nodded.

The employee stared silently at her for a long time.

His gaze was unsettling.

Enough to make her deeply uncomfortable.

Normally she would have complained about such rude behavior.

But she couldn’t bring herself to say anything.

Despite the lively atmosphere filling the café, a chilling cold continued to spread through her chest.

“Your order has been received. We’ll bring it to your table when it’s ready.”

Fortunately, the employee said nothing more before walking away.

Was that the right choice?

The rules had clearly said not to order items written in red.

But the thing in the restroom wasn’t an ordinary person.

Maybe it would be fine.

Everything was confusing.

I’ll drink mine and leave as fast as possible.

Before it came back.

The moment her iced Americano arrived, she’d down it in one gulp and sprint straight out the door.

Just as she made up her mind—

Creeeak—

The rusty hinges let out a spine-chilling groan.

The restroom door was opening.

The self-proclaimed friend with the slit mouth emerged, drying her hands.

“Did you order mine?”