Somnia

Chapter 5

(a/n): School wants me dead. I have to study for exams and me and 'studying' don't get along so well :(

"You know this isn't right, right?" Jiu whispered to the Chinese girl next to her. The two girls sat stiffly on the red, almost brand new sofa compared to the one Jiu saw that night. Some of it was burnt and ripped and a few of its legs had snapped. She was sure it was the same couch. It had to be. Something was definitely up.

"I realize that when we were at the gates. The hinges were normal." Handong replied. "Freaky. How could all of this be replaced and repainted in just two days?" Jiu blinked, still unsure if what she saw was real or not. Then, a man entered the room with a tray of teas and delights.

"Sorry if that took so long," He said, placing the silver platform down on the short table before sitting down on the sofa chair across from the two girls. "Speaking of which, what are two young girls like you doing in these woods all alone?"

"We umm-"

"We were on our way to a friend's house, but we got lost and we found this house, and may I add you have a very lovely home."

"Why thank you." The man replied. Jiu tried to hold back her laughter. Handong don't give out compliments about anything except for how smart someone is and books. She was obviously faking everything she said, and when she fakes it is usually to hide how horrified she is. Like how she would compliment Dami's hair when she was angry at her for taking her black dress without permission. 

"I'm sorry if it is rather dusty here. We don't get many visitors at all." He continued.

"It's quite alright." Handong said politely. "May I ask, how long have you lived here?"

"About twenty five years ago, actually. I moved here to Seoul around a month before, and I bought this house. It was old, and faded at the time. They said it belonged to a family once. But with some modifications, I made it look brand new." The man said proudly.

Handong tugged on Jiu's shirt to get her attention. "Jiu, we have to get out of here!" She whispered.

''What did she say?" The man raised an eyebrow at the two before taking some cups of tea.

"My friend here is wondering if we could stay the night." Jiu said. "It's getting dark and I'm pretty sure the nearest town is a four hour ride from here."

-facepalm-

"You are more than welcomed to!" The man smiled genuinely. "It's nice to have company once and a while, I just need you to follow some of my rules."

"Sure." Jiu smiled.

"Firstly, no one is allowed to go to the third floor's bedroom. That room was locked when I got here and I can't find the key. Secondly, the basement isn't allowed for anyone except me. That is my workplace and I prefer to keep it for myself." The man said in a very serious tone. "Is that understood?"

"Yes, Mr...?"

A smirk appeared on his face.

"Jeongsin. Lee Jeongsin."