𝐴𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡𝒉𝑖𝑛𝑒 // 𝐿𝑒𝑒 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝒉𝑜

five.

Jisung wasn't messaging her back.

As the weekend rolled around, Haneul heard nothing from him. She'd stormed up to his apartment, banging on the door indignantly to summon him. Nothing.

Hyunjin had sheepishly answered her outraged, then anxious texts though, assuring her that even though he hadn't seen Jisung, he was probably safe and just moping around somewhere. He was too busy to help her search for their friend, but he wished her luck.

Their conversation did little to rid Haneul of her nagging worry.

Without either of her friends to spend time with, Haneul unenthusiastically dragged herself around the city. Sampling treats here, skimming a bookstore there.

She had almost given up and gone home when one small building caught her eye.

Heavens Odds and Ends.

Although the name only specified Heaven, Haneul spotted several knickknacks and statues of demons in the glass window. Maybe she could find something to help her in there, and a bit of information too.

Haneul's nose crinkled at the musty smell of the store, her eyes wandering in surprise at the tall shelves crammed with thick books. Colorful charms and pendants were scattered in wooden showcases, glittering in the warm yellow light that filled the room.

A small old woman appeared unannounced at Haneul's side and she flinched. "Jesus, you scared me," Haneul laughed weakly.

The woman arched an eyebrow. "Well, I'm not Jesus, but I can help you. Are you looking for something in particular?"

Lips pursed, Haneul's eyes drifted back to the charm case. "I think—no, I was attacked by a demon the other night. I'm pretty sure I've been seeing something following me recently, is there any charm or sacred object I could get, something to keep them away?"

Skeptical, the woman narrowed her eyes. "Most people come in here saying things like that, but few have actually encountered a true demon. How are you sure it wasn't just your imagination?"

Haneul recalled the state of her front door, which been torn from the hinges rather violently. She'd had to reinforce it with several rolls of duct tape while she waited for a carpenter to come and repair it.

"It ripped parts of my house to shreds."

She was paying attention now. "Oh really? Did you see it? What was its classification?"

"I'm sorry, I have no idea what that means. And no, it technically left before I could."

The woman scoffed, suddenly waving the girl away with disinterest. "It could've very well been a burglar. You need nothing from me; I won't sell one of my relics if it's just going to collect dust."

Desperately, Haneul fished the black shell out of her pocket. "Wait, I have proof!"

"Enough, child. Go home and..."

Her voice trailed off as her crinkled eyes settled on what was resting in Haneul's palm. The woman gently took her hand in disbelief, peering closer at the shell but not touching it.

"Where did you get this?"

Haneul just gestured to the shell. "It doesn't matter, this is proof. Can you help me?"

The woman eyed Haneul up and down. "Do you know what this is?" she questioned, gesturing to the shell. "This came from the waters of the Underworld itself. It's been touched by divine magic, I can sense it."