Forbidden Scent

Ghoul World

I agreed in letting Chan be my mentor in "How to be a Ghoul 101".

"First of all, you know, at least, what a ghoul is, right?" I nodded yes. "Ok, can you explain to me what your definition of ghoul is? And please do not say "Ghouls are killers" or something as stereotyped as that."

"Ghouls.... Ghouls are a different species than humans but have a very similar anatomy. The only difference is that ghouls have those killer members on their backs..." he couldn't help but to laugh.

"You're right about that but let's not call them killer members, okay? They're actually called Kagunes and they are as red as blood. Each ghoul has a different kagune and with it, they can defend themselves when another ghoul or enemy tries to attack."

"What about killing humans?"

"Why are you so obsessed with killing humans? Do you want to kill a human?" he laughed again but as soon as he saw my face, with my eyes wide open, he stopped. "Relax, you don't have to kill any human."

I started breathing again. I don't think I'd be able to kill someone... I just can't do it... He saw how scared I got after that, so he explained to me where and how they usually get the human flesh to feed on. Apparently, there's this bridge in Seoul, called the Bridge of Life, which is the Korean's favourite place to end their lives. It's really sad to feed on people who were so sad, that they had to kill themselves, but at least it's better than killing one innocent human being.

"I was wondering, how come can my parents, Mr Yoshimura, you and I eat human food? I mean, you just ate an apple, weren't you supposed to feel all sick and nauseous? From what I read on that book earlier, ghouls aren't supposed to be able to digest human food because of a certain enzyme on your... hum... On our bodies."

"Yeh... About that... I don't know if I'm the right person to explain you that... I can tell you, though, that it has to be with your mum's previous job, you know, as a nutritionist." he seemed really sure about Omma being a nutritionist but I don't recall her ever mentioning that.

"I'm sorry Chan, do you mind if I just go talk to my mum for a moment? I'd like to clarify that before you teach me more about the Ghoul world.

"Nah, not at all! I think I'll just catch on reading that damn book you were reading to me while I was unconscious. You never got to finish it, after all."

I went towards the front of the café, only to find an empty place where Mr Yoshimura was, smiling with his eyes closed while cleaning a small colourful cup. This is one of the reasons why I call him a weirdo... I mean, who stays for hours on a café, smiling at anything and cleaning dishes that are already clean?

"Hum... Mr Yoshimura, sir? Where's Omma? I thought she was in here with Appa, talking to you..."

"Ah, Jane! Isn't the sky so beautiful? Even with those grey, massive clouds, you know that there's a blue sky with a shiny sun above it! I hope it rains today. I want to plant some vegetables in my yard but the soil's too dry for anything to grow there. What do you think Jane? What should I plant? Some carrots, maybe..."

"S- sure, carrots. But, my mum, where is she?"

"Yes, yes, your mum. She's outside with your dad." he was still cleaning the same damn cup.

"Thank you, sir!"

As soon as I walked out of 커피, both mum and dad ran to me. "Are you okay? I'm sorry for not telling you this sooner! Please talk to us!" I was surrounded by questions and I was the one who needed the answers. They suddenly stopped talking and stared at me hoping for a reply.