⚠️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...
"You gotta let yourself be let down...". -Victoria Hillestad
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Chapter XXVI: 🍂
🔸So Mun POV
Rain pounds against the vast windows of the company, an incessant dripping echoing through the office, framing the sprawling city below. Wheels splash through puddles on the grey asphalt, and the streets are a sea of multicoloured coats and umbrellas—some hurrying, others strolling. The pace is slow, almost deliberate, as if the rain itself demands a moment of reflection.
"Mun?"
Rain feels like a balm, a rhythmic, passionate embrace welcomed by the most tormented. Lonely individuals. It almost appear to be more soothing, more poetic than sunlight. My thoughts drift, lulled by the downpour, until Hyeok's voice pulls me back.
"So, Mun! What's with you today??"
I sigh, returning to stare at Hyeok, who stares back at me. His head is tilted slightly to the side, intensely studying my dazed expression.
"What?" My voice is weary, low.
I didn't sleep well last night. I spent most of the time talking to Wi-gen. Talking about him, Hana and me. Lately Wi-Gen seems to sympathise with me, even though she is against the idea of Adrian being around me. She said that the grand council doesn't like what's unfolding between us, and they sincerely hope that I can exorcise him as soon as possible, or if not, they'll have to intervene. Intervene and remove Adrian. "You've been in the clouds ever since we came in," Hyeok observes. I shake my head, though I know it's true. My confusion lingers, especially after yesterday.
Moreover, I haven't seen him. Adrian has been conspicuously absent since my early start at eight this morning. Nowhere to be found.
Hyeok and I are stuck here, grounded, tasked with recording staff comings and going—a monotonous job that feels pointless, save for the discomfort of Hyeok's company. Maybe I'm learning patience, how to fake smiles for clients, and how to watch the clock drag.
"Did he tell you anything else? About me?" I blurt out, referring to the unsettling request from the head manager to keep an eye on me.
What does he want? What have I done? Is it my role as a counter that unsettles him? Does he fear I might stir trouble? I know this place brims with evil spirits, but I can't fight them alone. I must be smart about it.
Hyeok drums his fingers on the mahogany table, his nose wrinkling in thought. "No, but I sense he'll call me for information about you sooner or later." I bite my lip, frowning. "And what will you tell him?"
Hyeok shrugs.
"What should I tell him? I barely know you. All I know is you go to my school and work at that noodle shop with those weirdos!" He gestures animatedly. "I don't even know why he wants to know about you! Out of the two of us, I'm more interesting!" He complains, and I let him.
