𝐥𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐬 ☽☔︎︎

The Stranger from hell

He stepped outside, the chill of the air striking him like a slap. The city loomed ahead, its buildings towering like giants. Each step felt heavier. The streets were bustling, but he felt isolated, an outsider in a world where everyone else seemed to know their path.

As he approached the address, a sense of foreboding washed over him. The building was surprisingly old, its brick facade crumbling in places. The windows were dark, almost lifeless. He hesitated at the door. This was it. The moment where everything could change. He took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Inside, the air was thick with silence. The receptionist's desk sat empty. The dim lights flickered overhead, casting eerie shadows. Jongwoo felt his heartbeat quicken. This wasn't what he expected. Where was everyone? He stepped further inside, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the vacant space.

He glanced around. Something didn't feel right. Was this really a job interview or something more sinister? A chill crept down his spine as he noticed a door at the end of the hallway, slightly ajar. A sliver of light peeked through. That was where he needed to go. But did he dare?

A few minutes later a car pulled up a nice expensive car that looked like it cost millions. Bodyguards stepped out of the car followed by a familiar face.

Jongwoo stood frozen, heart racing. Yoo Gi-hyeok, the man they all thought was dead, stood before him. The shock was visceral. Jongwoo's mind raced. He remembered the news reports, the funeral, the somber faces of friends and family. And now, here was Gi-hyeok, wearing a confident smile, as if he had simply returned from a long vacation. What did this mean? Why was he here?

"Jongwoo," Gi-hyeok said, his voice steady. "I need you to trust me." The words hung in the air. They felt heavy. Jongwoo's instincts screamed at him to run. Yet, he found himself nodding. He wanted answers. He was drawn into the mystery, the allure of the unknown. The job offer felt like a lifeline, but it was also a trap. Could Gi-hyeok be trusted?

The office was stark and cold, but the tension was palpable. Gi-hyeok explained the role. It involved data analysis, but there was more to it. He hinted at secrets buried deep within the company. Secrets that could change everything. Jongwoo's curiosity piqued. He felt the weight of the decision. If he took the job, he'd be pulled into Gi-hyeok's world-a world he knew nothing about.

"Why did you fake your death?" Jongwoo finally asked. Gi-hyeok's eyes darkened. "There are forces at play, Jongwoo. Dangerous ones." The urgency in his voice was undeniable. Jongwoo leaned in, entranced. This was bigger than he imagined. The thought of working with Gi-hyeok was thrilling, but also terrifying. What lay ahead? What truths would he uncover?

After a tense silence, Jongwoo agreed. Gi-hyeok smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. They left the city, driving for hours. The landscape shifted from urban chaos to barren stretches of land. With each mile, Jongwoo felt a growing sense of foreboding. The city they approached was isolated, surrounded by mountains. It felt like a hidden domain, cut off from the world.

When they finally arrived at the grand mansion, the sight before them was truly breathtaking. It was a stunning display of opulence and grandeur, with each intricate detail showcasing the wealth and sophistication of its owner. The façade alone exudes luxury, radiating a sense of extravagance that seemed to rival even the most lavish properties in the world. It was as if every corner of the mansion had been meticulously designed to exude an aura of exclusivity and affluence. The overall impression was one of sheer magnificence, leaving no doubt in their minds that this was a residence that had been built with no expense spared. The sheer scale and grandiosity of the mansion was evident in every aspect, from the sprawling grounds to the ornate architecture that spoke volumes of the exorbitant costs involved in its creation. The meticulous attention to detail and the exquisite craftsmanship that defined the mansion's design hinted at a price tag that could easily reach into the billions. It was a testament to the owner's extraordinary wealth and taste, a true masterpiece that stood as a symbol of their immense fortune. As they took in the majestic beauty of the mansion, it was clear that this was a place where luxury knew no bounds, and where every corner whispered of a life lived in the lap of luxury. A vast complex loomed ahead, its windows dark. There were no signs of life. "Welcome to your new workplace," Yoo Gi-hyeok said, his tone unsettlingly cheerful. Jongwoo stepped out of the car, unease washing over him. This was not what he expected. He had stepped into a shadowy underworld, and he was not sure he could find his way back.