Beyond This World / Moon Gang-tae & Ko Mun-yeong (On-going)

Chapter 11: Every Night (KMY)

• Ko Mun-yeong's POV

He makes me feel human. Having someone appreciate your work which you have made in the dark, it makes my heart suddenly burst with joy. So this is how it feels like to be appreciated?

"K-Ko Mun-yeong? Why don't you show y-yourself to us, oh?"

"Hyung, you won't be able to see her for now. But at least you now have her autograph, right? And now you know that she's okay. You asked me before why she's gone. So now you know that she's just taking a break here in this house."

"B-But I want to see K-Ko Mun-yeong."

I'm staring at the two brothers in front of me with a smile on my face. I wish everything else would go back to how it was years ago, so that I can do normal things with them, and not like this when I only have an hour each day to be myself..at the time of the day when everyone is fast asleep.

"Oppa," I held on to Sang-tae's arm gently.

He froze and relaxed a few seconds after.

"Do you want to see me later?"

Gang-tae was mouthing something. He was trying to figure out where I am so he can give me his dagger looks. He kept on chopping his neck with his hand which means...'stop it'.

"S-See you? I can see you, oh?"

"De. I can read you your favorite book."

"Yaay! Gang-tae, Ko Mun-yeong will read me a book! Ko Mun-yeong will read me my favorite book later!"

"Wow. You're so excited about it, huh. Wake up at 12 midnight and go downstairs. I'll wait for you, oppa."

Someone in the room is visibly unhappy at my plan.

...

I wear my Magda Butrym asymmetrical floral fuchsia dress and prepare for my special storytelling session for tonight.

Why is it special? It's because this is the first and last time I'll be doing it--and for my number one fan at that.

During my 18 years of stay here in the mansion, there were hundreds of people who came and went. I'd say 92% are cowards, scrambling for the door the moment they feel my presence. And the remaining 8% are...interesting people.

And part of the 8% is Lee Sang-in. He rented this place and stayed in the library for a few days. He saw and read all the manuscripts I've written and was curious on who wrote all of them.

I found that the perfect time to talk to him.

I was surprised that he didn't run away the second he heard my voice. But now I know that when someone only cares about money, there is no situation too creepy or too scary.

Turns out, he's a book publisher who was taking a vacation, trying to flee momentarily the bustles of the metro. He found this house nestled in the heart of the woods and learned that it was up for rent.

He was supposed to relax and unwind but a businessman knows the best time to strike when the iron is hot. After a day or two he was out, excited to publish all my books.

It is a perfect professional relationship that we share. He didn't care about my story or on who I am exactly.

I only had two conditions for him--promote the book to as many kids and parents as possible, and come back every now and then to give me the things I need...just like this expensive dress.

I gave him a hustle. And he gave me a purpose.

...

Finally, I heard the footsteps that I was expecting. 12:08 AM. Sang-tae isn't the most punctual person, I see.

"Oppa, are you ready to--"

I turn around and see Gang-tae instead.

He's wearing a worn-out white shirt that has already curled into bacons at the neck, and a dark blue pyjama.

I was surprised but I need to play it cool. Correction--surprised and happy.

"Where's Sang-tae? Are you the one who's really excited to listen to my storytelling?"

"I had to throw in his glass of water a small dose of sleeping pill. He can't see you at this time."

"But why?! Didn't you see how excited he was??"

"Listen. My brother is a special person with special needs. He has a routine that he follows. He's been doing the same thing over and over for years now. If I were you, I wouldn't disrupt it."

"Why? What's wrong with just an hour of listening to me??"

"For you it may mean nothing, but for me and my brother, it's everything. It's an hour of rest that will be taken away from him. I'll also be affected if he throws tantrums in the morning due to lack of sleep. So I beg you to please postpone it for now."

He sat comfortably on the sofa next to me.

I thought he was going to rat out on me about earlier but I was taken aback by his calm demeanor tonight.

He looked at me intently.

I blushed.

"You dressed up like that for my brother?"

I thought he was going to say something sweet.

"Yes. Why, you jealous huh?"

"Of course not. It's just...it's just..."

"It's just what?!"

"Like there's just too much going on? The color's too bright and you have--what's that, a big bow on your left shoulder? And it's hugging your body--"

He suddenly stopped. It was his turn to blush.

I smiled at him.

"Say that again?"

He cleared his throat. "I said...it's...it's quite tight on you."

What are you looking at exactly? You naughty boy.

"I wear what I want and it's none of anyone's business even if I walk around naked. My house, my rules."

"Okay, fine." He rested his case, a very good decision.

Gang-tae slouched a bit more and placed his veiny left arm on the sofa's headrest.

He crossed his leg on top of the other and I suddenly felt my head spin...from the sexiness this guy is exuding in front of me.

"Ko Mun-yeong, may I ask you something?"

"You have 49 minutes left. Sure."

"Who are you really?"

I knew this moment would come. I just didn't know it'd be this soon. But time's running out, so I guess I'll just go with the flow.

"Once upon a time..."