⚠️Warnings: Mature, Strong language, abuse, toxicity
"Greed, an insidious companion, whispered promises of possession into Adrian(Hwang Pil-Gwang) 's ear. The thought of claiming So Mun for himself consumed him. He knew that his actions were fraught...
"It's a damn cold night, and I'm trying to figure you out.." -I'm with you \Who
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Chapter IX: 🍂
[3 Days Later]
🔸So Mun POV
I gave myself some time, maybe even a little too much of it. I did not attend high school these last 3 days of the week. And my body feels overheated. I am stricken with a crushing fever. And now I lie like a hot stone between the sheets. Shortness of breath, eyes narrowed and forehead beaded with sweat. I confess, I hold no desire to encounter him, for he stands as the primary architect of my malaise. I artfully sidestep his presence, particularly because his calloused hands and frigid flesh, upon contact, evoke shivers within me.
He remains like a frostbite, a piece of glass constantly scratching my skin and threatening my body.
I have told myself not to feel anything, I even scolded myself to remain lucid. Indifferent. Yet, today I noticed the faded marks of his hickeys on my shoulder—traces akin to footprints in the snow, etchings on the earth—and an inexplicable flutter seized my stomach. My foolish body betrays me with pleasure, daring to yearn for more. And I got sulky, susceptible to fever, my eyes sparkling. Soft at the thought of sobbing.
"So Mun?"
I turn slowly, with effort, in time to see Mae-Ok and Hana cross the doorway to my room. Mae-Ok with a tray in her hands, a vegetable soup with rice, and Hana with a bowl of water to change the bandage on my forehead.
"Are you feeling better?"
I shake my head, emphasising that my condition has only worsened, the fever refusing to relent. They both sit at the end of my bed and Hana approaches me.
"We spoke to Wi-gen..." Hana begins, peeling away my bandage, her warm palm offering no contrast to my feverish skin, providing no solace. Her face seems distant, and though she avoids meeting my gaze directly, the disquiet is palpable.
"What did Wi-gen say?" I press, sensing reluctance in their silence.
Mae-Ok sighs, disappointed, but eventually responds, "She mentioned that the fever you suffer is a consequence of prolonged physical contact with an individual harboring malevolent spirits. It is the juxtaposition of his body, the chill of his nature that has inflicted this upon you. This fever persists for a week, and the only remedy to alleviate symptoms and abbreviate its duration is to be in close proximity to the very person who transmitted it to you."
Mae-Ok's revelation is punctuated by a sudden splash, prompting us to turn towards Hana, who has inadvertently knocked the bowl of water to the floor.
"Then what?! Not only did that wretch make him like this, he also has to be near him!"
"Hana, calm down. No one likes the idea. Mo-tak has gone to discuss with the others, we're exploring alternative solutions...," Mae-Ok reassures, placing the tray of food on my bedside table. She deftly rewraps my bandage and retrieves the toppled bowl. "I'll fetch a cloth. Please ensure So Mun eats." Mae-Ok departs, leaving us alone. Hana, still seething, standing next to my bed. Her furrowed brow and lowered gaze reflect her vexation. "Hana, please sit down," I reach out, gently tugging the sleeve of her sweatshirt, coaxing her to the bed. Without resistance, she reclines beside me. "Why you? Why would he choose you of all people? I don't understand. I can't comprehend it." I shake my head, grappling with the same perplexing questions that torment her.
