𝐁𝐋𝐔𝐄 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 , the uncanny counter

경이로운 소문 ── EPISODE TWELVE

Yang knocked on Ha-na's door. He had been gone for most of the day after what had happened with Mun, trying to clear his thoughts. When he entered the noodle shop, Mae-ok and Mo-tak told him what Mo-tak had remembered, and that Mun had left a few hours ago, looking upset.

"What?" Ha-na asked as she opened the door, but she immediately changed her demeanor when she saw who it was. "Oh, Yang. Hi."

"Hi," He mumbled. "Can I come in? I wanna tell you something."

She nodded, stepping aside to allow him to walk in. Yang didn't pay attention to what the area looked like, focusing on his shoes. She closed the door, leaning against it as she turned to look at him.

"I like Mun," He blurted, eyes watering. His words came out quick and stumbled together. "I'm pretty sure everyone knows that now. I really like him. He told me he really likes me. He asked me out, but- but I said no. He was so upset and I feel really bad, but I just- I just don't want him to get hurt because of me. Cheong-sin wants to kill us both, but I think he wants to kill me more, and is just waiting for the right opportunity. Evil spirits can read memories, right? Yeah? Well, what if they see that Mun and I are together and use it against us? Plus, plus you said that a lot of Koreans aren't supportive with queer couples, right? I don't want the assholes at Mun's school to give him a hard time for dating a guy. Also, I'm not even a Korean citizen. Whenever my visa expires and Yung sends me back to Australia, which will probably be whenever we catch Cheong-sin, it would be so hard. I don't want to do long distance, I don't want to lose him, I don't want him to know about my dad, I don't want him to get hurt because of me. Why is this so hard, noona?"

At that point, Ha-na had gotten an idea of what was happening. He was full on sobbing and hiccupping between words. She shushed him gently and hugged him, leaning her head against his.

"I know it's hard, Yangie," She whispered, stroking his back as he cried into her shoulder. "I think you did the right thing by telling him no right now, we need to focus on catching the spirits. It's going to hurt, even if you did the right thing. If you want to, I'm sure we'll find a way for you to be in Korea permanently, we'll get you a citizenship. You guys can talk it out after we get through this, and we will all get through this together. Mun will see his parents, you'll see your family, all the spirits will be saved, and you'll be able to try again, okay?"

He sniffled, his crying slowing as he pulled away. She smiled at him, patting his hair gently. "Feeling better? Okay, good. How about we go out there and I make you some fried eggs, how does that sound?" She gave him a smile and he couldn't help but also smile as he nodded once.

. . .

Jeong-yeong had died. While waiting for Mo-tak in her car for the two to go on their first date since Mo-tak got his memories back and remembered that they used to date, she had been shot. It had been too late once Mo-tak had found her in her car.

Four of the five Counters, all dressed in black, stood in the main area of the noodle shop. The tension between Yang and Mun was clear, the two standing as far away from each other as they could and avoiding talking to each other.

The doorbell rung and Jang-mul entered, the Counters bowing in greeting. He sighed. "I'm coming from her funeral."

"Is the burial tomorrow?" Mae-ok asked.

He nodded. "Yes, I'm sure you guys all want to go to the funeral, but say your goodbyes later."

Mo-tak walked through the back door. Yang immediately looked at him worriedly, but he didn't even look in their direction. "There is no 'later'. Today's the last day I can do it."

"You'll go there?" Jang-mul asked. "Mo-tak, please calm down and think rationally. You're aware they all think you guys, except Yang, are dead. You shouldn't be seen now."