Boy Meets D.Evil

1.8

The Wood. A place I used to enjoy due to its' tranquillity and solitude became Hell on Earth. Every cell in my body is tense and telling me to never return, especially now that I'm doubting Hana. It's not like she had my trust at some point but now I'm not sure if it's safe to work with her. But then again, why should I trust Namjoon's words? He owes me an explanation after all and the last time I asked Hana about it she took control of the situation and I never got an answer. If that's how things are gonna go then I'm not really obligated to be honest too? I flinched at the burning sensation on my hand and stopped for a moment to check it out. Bandages are slightly covered in blood and Hana's mark is bleeding. Is that supposed to happen? No, it shouldn't be like this even if it were an ordinary wound. It was a healed scar yesterday, what happened?

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah...", I answered in a voice that gave out I'm unsure and doubting my own words

"Yoongi", Hana started with her eyes glued to the path in front of us and furrowed brows

"I know when you're lying or doing something behind my back. Your scar will bleed and sting, the pain is gradually increasing with the number of lies. At a certain point, it will be unbearable for both you and me so why don't we avoid that?", so Hana also feels pain when I'm dishonest? 

"How am I supposed to feel about Namjoon and you?"

"You're as curious as a child. Just focus on our current mission, you'll find out soon what Namjoon really is anyway", what he really is? Why does that infuriate me so much? No matter how unfair it seems to me, Hana's right. We're risking our lives here and I should focus on avoiding mistakes and being wary of our surroundings.

We finally stepped on the dreadful porch and Hana walked inside as if the possibility of running into a murdered doesn't exist. What can I do but follow her and hope we get out alive? The stench of death is still present. I dragged my t-shirt over my nose and cringed when I realized we have to check each and every bag. Hana was already doing her part, opening each bag on her way and examining the content in details. Maybe if I only check the jars, I'll avoid having to dig my face in the rotten flesh. Most of the faces were familiar and belonged to my neighbours. Even though they hated my guts, I felt sorry for the way they died and how their families know nothing about their whereabouts. It's... sad and so wrong. I'm feeling guilty for never asking about them... because... they were supposed to be in a nursing home

"Hana"

"Hm?"

"I doubt we're gonna find your body here"

"Why not?"

"All of the victims are old and we were told they were in a nursing home or died of old age", she stopped for a second with a visibly shocked expression and proceeded to search

"But... that makes no sense. Doesn't he target females my age?", that's what we thought, until now. Also, Hana's parents never started an investigation when she died. None of the pieces in my head go together. I'm pretty sure her death is a case for itself, she's got nothing to do with this.

We found nothing and left what used to be a kitchen. I stayed at the entrance to make sure no one disturbs us while Hana quickly went to check the bathroom for any clues. She indeed returned in a matter of seconds with two black pieces of cloth in her hand

"I found this what seems to be the exact same accessories I'm wearing. It was on the floor next to the sink and I can't think of a single reason to tear it apart like this", her fingers glided over torn silk and her face looked worried, maybe even sentimental

"I got this from a good friend of mine... she was the most beautiful person I've ever met. Well, was. Anyway, ready for the basement?", old Hana returned with her signature smirk. All I could do is sigh and nod at the fast pace, a bunch of information coming from everywhere and none of them connecting. The basement better reveal something to open our eyes or we're seriously stuck. Hana was already halfway inside when I was still making up my mind and standing like a coward on the first step. Something doesn't seem right, I don't like the fact Hana's just walking around so bravely, we could get caught at any moment. One wrong move because she rushed things and we might lose our head. She returned to turn on the lights and send me one sharp look before going down the stairs. This time I followed with my own slower tempo to take in the surroundings. It looks like an ordinary basement, nothing out of place. I approached a large broken frame leaned against the wall and saw what's left of the picture. Hana in front of a church? What a view. I find it quite ironic and maybe comical under different circumstances because now I'm scared of what's awaiting us. She's in white formal clothes with the same uncomfortable expression like on the picture with her parents except that this time she's with a priest. At least I think so due to the robe. Pieces with his face and environment are missing, it made me believe someone intentionally hid those crucial pieces of information but I'm not sure yet in what way they're important. Wish I had my camera to take pictures, it could be useful in the future but Hana claimed it would slow us down.