One day in Seoul 🇰🇷

🇰🇷: 31

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow through the windows as Katarina and I made our way downstairs. The tension from earlier had settled, but the weight in my chest still lingered. David was already asleep, his face still showing the remnants of pain from the accident. Seeing him like that only fueled the fire in me, reminding me of the unfinished business with Paul.

Mari greeted us with her usual energy, her face bright despite everything going on. "Ayan, finally, bumaba na rin kayo! We can’t lose hope, di ba?" She was trying her best to keep the mood light, her bubbly attitude like a small ray of sunshine in this dark night.

Katarina’s father, on the other hand, had prepared a small feast for us—adobo, rice, some steamed vegetables, and sinigang. Despite everything, he still wanted to make sure we ate. It was his way of looking after us before retreating to his room to get some rest himself.

As we sat down, the atmosphere felt a little more relaxed, but my mind was far from it. The food in front of me didn’t matter. My thoughts were elsewhere—filled with images of blood, revenge, and Paul’s face. I couldn't shake the desire to find him, to make him pay for everything. My fists clenched under the table, and I barely touched my food.

Katarina, sensing my unease, looked at me from across the table. "Francis, okay ka lang ba? You barely ate," she said softly.

Before I could answer, Mari’s phone rang, cutting through the quiet. She glanced at the screen and immediately answered it, putting the call on speaker for everyone to hear.

"John?" she said, her voice a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Mari, I’ve been trying to call everyone but couldn’t get through. Katarina’s phone is missing, and her father is already asleep," John’s voice crackled through the speaker. "Francis, I need you to come to the precinct. Now."

His tone left no room for questions, and before any of us could respond, the call ended abruptly.

The room fell silent, the tension suddenly creeping back in. Everyone exchanged glances, confused but alert. I could feel the weight of the situation shift again. Whatever John needed me for, it was serious. He wouldn’t have called like that otherwise.

"Anong nangyari, why so sudden?" Mari asked, her eyes wide with worry. She looked between Katarina and me, but none of us had an answer.

I knew John wanted me to see or hear something important at the precinct, but I couldn’t shake the thought of leaving Katarina and Mari here, vulnerable. If I left, and something happened to them while I was gone… No, I couldn’t risk it. The thought alone made my blood run cold.

"Francis, go," Mari said, sensing my hesitation. "We’ll be fine. Don't worry about us."

I shook my head, unsure. "I can’t just leave you both here. What if—"

"I’m serious," Mari interrupted, her tone surprisingly firm. "I’ll use all the money I’ve got for security, kahit bodyguard pa yan. You know me. I’ll take care of us while you’re gone."

Katarina reached for my hand from across the table, her touch soft but grounding. "Go, Francis," she said quietly, her eyes meeting mine. "If John needs you, it’s important. We’ll be okay."

I stared at her for a long moment, searching her face for any sign of doubt. But there was none. She was scared—I could see that—but she trusted me. They both did. And as much as I hated the thought of leaving them, I knew I didn’t have a choice.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded. "Alright," I said, my voice low. "But call me the second anything feels wrong, okay?"

Mari gave a confident smile, though there was a flicker of fear in her eyes. "Of course. Go do what you need to do."