𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧

1. Ripples of Fear

[JAE]

"AN 11-YEARS OLD GIRL named Park Sun Hee has been missing since March 13, prompting family and police concerns. She was last seen in Geumjeong District, in north-central Busan, on the evening of March 13. There are concerns for her welfare due to her age and the length of time she has been missing. No explanation has been given for her sudden disappearance, but it is hinted that her disappearance has a connection to the multitude of vanishings that unfolded in the subsequent years.'

This marked the latest in a series of mysterious disappearances this month, with two or three others preceding it. Individuals vanished without a trace, leaving behind a mystery that hung in the air. It was as if they had been abducted by aliens.

Embrace the veiled sanctuary of security, where masks conceal the truest intentions, heed the caution, young one; for in the dance of shadows, the next veiled target might just be you, purred the Shadowgeist in my mind.

I purposely ignored him and turned my phone off, flopping on my bed.

"Jae!" My mother's voice echoed from the kitchen. With a huff, I rolled off my bed, skidding down the stairs in socks, only to be saved by the banister when I tripped on the last step.

 "You're going to be late!" she exclaimed, brandishing a spatula like a weapon. "Calm down mum," I said, disarming her and using the spatula to salvage a charred pancake. 

"I thought you'd want something before your interview," she innocently remarked, peeking at the blackened pancake. My mother's cooking skills were nonexistent, but she always tried. 

"I've told you, I don't eat breakfast. I've got to go or I'll miss the train to Seoul," I replied, giving her a quick kiss before rushing out, bag on my shoulder. "But darling—" my mum began, cut off by the door closing. "Jeez, this kid..." she mumbled, turning back to her culinary endeavors.

 ◪◪◪

"Exhaling a frustrated 'Shit,' I gasped for air in my seat. The realization had struck while I was waiting for my train —I had completely forgotten to purchase a ticket. A mad dash had ensued as I tried to buy one because the train guard wouldn't accept me.

"Stupid guard," I muttered under my breath, attempting to catch my breath. The day was already starting badly.

You should have let me help you.

Shut up, I growled back at the Shadowgeist. 

The only thing you could have caused is more problems.