Haan

Chapter 9 - Confessions

I stared at Mi Rae in disbelief unable to speak.

"Oppa ... say something," she said in a small voice. "Jaebal, please ... don't hate me."

"You really killed them all ... with the plague?"

She bit her lips and nodded once avoiding my horrified gaze.

"What about Haraboeji?" I asked my voice shaking. "Did you kill him too?"

"Anniyo! No! I swear I did not infect Haraboeji and Eun Ho too. I meant to stop with Bora but ...."

"But what Mi Rae? What?"

"The Spirit, it's using the power in me to kill now. I'm sure it was the one who infected Haraboeji! Please! Jaebal! You have to believe me. I never harmed Haraboeji, he has always been kind to me."

She sniffed, wiping her nose when I said nothing.

"Jaebal Oppa ... You said you'd always be on my side. You said you'd always be here for me," she pleaded brokenly.

"How do you know you did not kill him?" I asked, trying to give her the benefit of doubt. It was hard but I wanted to believe her. I understood her need for revenge against her abusers but Haraboeji? And Eun Ho? I swallowed hard, hoping her explanation would be acceptable.

I gaped at her as she launched into her second encounter with the evil Spirit. She had met It this morning! I was appalled at the risks she took, meeting the evil being without a single thought or care of her own safety. How could she just rush into danger like that? I listened as she detailed her conversation with the Spirit.

"It tricked me! And now I'm afraid to go out and give It a chance to use me to kill again. Poor Haraboeji. It was not supposed to be like this!" she cried before bowing her head is defeat. Her shoulders slump and she seem to shrink into herself. "Maybe, if I stayed away from everyone ...."

"So that's why you tried to barricade the gate? It was not specifically to keep me out?"

"Of course it was. I had to keep you and the others out and away from me. I don't want anyone else to die! I'm so sorry for what I've done," she sniffled. "I wouldn't be able to bear it if you ... if you ..." she burst into tears before she could complete her sentence.

"Me?"

I didn't know what to say. Although it was not the time for such feelings, my silly heart was doing back flips at her words. Did she really like me the way I liked her? She just said she would cry for me if I died!

My conflicting emotions must have showed on my face because she hurriedly tried to explain her sudden confession.

"Oppa ... I like you. I've always liked you. You are kind, gentle and helpful. You are always so patient with me. I've admired you since you treated me kindly and helped me with the house. I know you like me too but I was always afraid of what people would think."

"What people think?"

"Yes. Didn't you know they call me the Devil? The devil girl who murdered her family for money. I'm evil, a walking curse who's suppose to bring misfortune to anyone who associates with me."

"That's not true ..." I said but inwardly, I cringed recalling the stories and rumours about Mi Rae circulating in the village.

She gave a small sad smile at my feeble denial.

"I don't know when my feelings of gratitude became love. But, I know now that I truly love you. I wouldn't be able to live if I caused your death!"

"Sarang? Love? Really?"

Was I dreaming a wonderful dream? A part of me was rejoicing that my feelings were being reciprocated. She new I had liked her for a long time but never dared tell her. I would not do anything to upset her fragile state of mind, so I had just waited. Waited for a time when she was well enough for me to tell her my feelings.

However, another part of me was berating me for the terrible timing. What was I even thinking? People were dying. Mi Rae was losing control of the power in her and the Spirit was using her. Also, Eun Ho needed my help right now!

What a mess, but I gathered my courage nevertheless to hug her. I needed to confirm if she really meant what she said. She stiffen but then melted into my embrace, hugging me back. I sighed, my heart surging with such joy I never knew existed.

"Yes, love Oppa. Saranghae Oppa. I love you, so please don't hate me for what I've done. I promise to stay away from everyone from now on. Don't come here anymore. I don't want you to be infected."

"Don't come here? After you confessed to me? No way! I'll think of something."

"It's not that easy," she said sadly. "I don't want that vicious Spirit to get you. I wouldn't be able to bear it if something happened to you."

I thought for a moment as I held her, savoring her closeness.

"You said there was a way of get rid of the power. The Spirit told you the last person It used got away right? So, all we have to do is find out what it was. How to purge the power from you, then we'll be able to live our lives together peacefully."

"Yes, if only we could, that would be wonderful!"

"Don't worry, I'll find a way," I promised as I kissed her forehead.

She said she loved me. At that moment, I felt like I could do anything. Of course I would find out how to set her free, of course I could beat the Spirit and make everything all right again! Mi Rae's happiness and freedom was at stake! Brimming with false confidence and with my heart full of hope, I foolishly begun planning for our future.

She sighed as if a huge burden had been lifted from her delicate shoulders. Sharing her terrible secret even with just one person must have provided a sense of relief. I felt proud to be he one she could rely on and share her worries. I'll make everything all right, I resolved. I have to!

I stayed with Mi Rae, holding her a bit longer before hurrying back to Eun Ho.