𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 , the uncanny counter

경이로운 소문 ── EPISODE ONE

The five Counters stood at the end of the table, a clear separation between the three Korean Counters and the Australian. Their Yung partners all shared a look before Wi-gen began to speak.

"Su-j-"

"I prefer Yang," Su-jin quickly interrupted, speaking English out of habit. Wi-gen looked at him. "I don't want them to know any either of my names other than Yang. So, please, just call me that."

The three Korean Counters shared a look at the Australian speaking English. Su-jin's Yung partner, Seo Chaewon, cleared her throat and leaned forward in her seat, replying to Su-jin in Korean.

"Oppa, you have to speak Korean so everyone can understand you," She reminded him, her voice gentle and soothing as always. "You're not in Australia anymore."

He cleared his throat, looking away and switched to Korean. "Right. My bad."

Wi-gen began to speak again after a moment of silence. "Counters, this is Yang. Since the death of Cheol-jung to a level three evil spirit, we have decided to deploy Yang with you all in Korea for assistance and knowledge and also to help in training the new Counter."

The Korean Counters looked at Yang. Mo-tak's gaze was judging and skeptical as he looked the younger male up and down. Ha-na was also skeptical as she judged him. Mae-ok was looking at him with sadness at the mention of Cheol-jung, but hope and curiosity also glimmered in her eyes.

"He's so young, how is his 'knowledge' going to help us?" Mo-tak scoffed, his arms crossed over his chest. "He's probably only just become a Counter, hasn't he?"

Chaewon laughed softly and Yang scoffed. "I've been a Counter for three years. Also, I'm an adult now since I turned eighteen a few months ago. I can buy alcohol in Australia!"

Mo-tak scoffed. "Being able to buy alcohol doesn't mean you're an adult!"

"Enough!" Mae-ok hit Mo-tak's arm a few times with her hand. "You'll scare him away. I should introduce myself, I am-"

"I already know all your names," Yang interrupted her. "Chaewon gave me short introductions about each of you and your powers."

Chaewon smiled sheepishly when the other Counters looked at her, offering a shy wave.

"What's your abilities?" Ha-na finally spoke to voice her question, looking up to meet Yang's gaze. The younger's lips twisted into a small smirk.

"That's for me to know and you to find out."

Mo-tak groaned dramatically. "Yah! Look at this brat! We can't work with him if he doesn't want to tell us his name or abilities!"

"I'm not a brat!" Yang defended himself. Mo-tak and Ha-na looked at him and he scoffed. Mae-ok grabbed their arms.

"We'll be going now," Mae-ok smiled at the group's Yung partners. She gave a small bow of her head to Chaewon, which the younger quickly returned. "Thank you for the extra help. We appreciate it." She turned to Yang and let go of the other Counters to offer her hand to him with a small, gentle smile. Yang nodded with a thin lipped smile, awkwardly putting his hands in his jumper pockets while dipping his gaze. Mae-ok's smile dropped slightly and she cleared her throat, lowering her hands down. "Yang... are you ready to come to Korea? Have you told your friends and family?"

"Friends and family?" He almost laughed as he looked at Chaewon. She shook her head softly, her long and slender fingers reaching up to fix her hair. He cleared his throat and turned back to the other Counters. "Right, uh, yes. I've told them that I'm going to Korea for, uh, a work opportunity."

Mo-tak's eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Yang. "Wait, you look familiar. Do I know you?"

Yang scoffed. "I've never gone to Korea, so I don't think so."