Sisters (3): Names Etched in Memory, Despair Laid Bare
The sisters, moved by the man's warm kindness, let tears well up in their eyes, leaving him utterly flustered. Now they could somewhat grasp his intentions—he was worried about them, blaming himself for whatever he might have done wrong.
"S-sorry! Did I do something wrong? Is the food not to your liking? Should I have ordered something else?"
He handed them tissues, fidgeting anxiously, like a massive bear stumbling cutely in confusion. It might have been an illusion, a novel emotion they'd never felt before. But if it was such a pleasant illusion, the sisters welcomed it.
Since the tears stemmed from gratitude, they stopped quickly. Instead of words of thanks, the sisters offered smiles.
"Mm..."
"Nom..."
Cautiously, the sisters each took a slice of pizza. It was the most delicious meal they'd ever had. After savoring and finishing one bite, they expressed their thanks.
"...Thank you."
"...Tasty."
Only then did the man seem to relax. With smiles blooming on everyone's faces, the meal truly began.
"Eat lots."
"Yes."
"Yeah!"
※
After the meal, the three took some time to rest. Fortunately, the heavy shadows on the older sister's face had lifted considerably, and the younger one's death-glare had softened into a gentler gaze toward the man.
But the man, fretting over various concerns and glancing at the sisters, hesitated to speak. Finally, steeling himself, he cautiously broached the subject.
"Hey, kids. Um... you know."
"Mister."
The older sister responded first, quicker than he could continue.
"You two... Huh? Why?"
The sisters stared blankly at the man, who faltered. They knew he was trying to help them however he could, which made them all the more reluctant to accept.
They'd grown up hearing they were born unlucky. Bad things always happened, despair filling their lives. Suddenly encountering such kindness felt like it would unleash a flood of calamity upon him, breaching the dam they'd built.
They didn't want to taint the light that had approached them amid endless misfortune and despair. They couldn't bear to lose this single ray shining down on them in the deep darkness.
There was only one answer: never meet again after tonight. Refuse further favors and leave.
"Could you let us stay just one night?"
"Of course. That was the plan. But if you'd like to stay longer..."
She knew exactly what he wanted to say—the words she'd hoped for most—but the older sister gently shook her head.
"No, we're fine. Just one night is enough."
"Ah... I see..."
He seemed to have more to say, his lips moving, but in the end, he nodded as if understanding the sisters.
Yet there was one thing he couldn't let go, gazing at them with resolute eyes.
"Got it. But in exchange, one favor."
"A f-favor?"
"Yeah."
The word "favor" made the sisters tense. Of course, they had a faint trust that the man before them wouldn't ask for anything harmful. But the dark times they'd endured weren't so easily shaken off. Especially for the older sister, who'd already had a small trust shattered once.
"Could you tell me your names?"
Relief washed over them; it was a simple wish, not some ugly desire. Names, of all things—truly unexpected. No one had ever properly asked for theirs before. Even the orphanage director had called the kids by numbers.
Introducing themselves for the first time felt unfamiliar. The older sister whispered to her sibling, out of the man's earshot.
'What do we do?''It's okay. He seems nice.''Yeah?''Yeah... What about you, sis?''...I think so too.'
Decision made, the older sister looked at the man.
"Our... names?"
"Yeah. It's fate, right? We might meet again someday."
"Ah..."
Meet again? They wished it were true, but knew it was futile hope. Still, they didn't dwell, softly replying in hopes luck might strike twice.
"My name... is Sua. Yu Sua."
"I'm Yu Se Eun. Mister."
The man recoiled as if struck by lightning, staring at the sisters in shock. Worried they'd said something wrong—maybe names weren't what he wanted—they anxiously asked,
"Mister?"
"Huh?"
"Why... why are you...?"
Snapping out of his daze at Yu Sua, he blinked and countered.
"Huh? Why? What'd I do?"
"No, you just froze and stared blankly..."
"Oh..."
What could he have been thinking? He sighed briefly, shook his head to refocus, and apologized to the sisters.
"Sorry. Just had something on my mind."
Curious as they were, they let it pass. But there was one thing they desperately wanted to ask. They'd wished for many things before, but none had come true, so fear held them back. Yet this newfound warmth had changed them greatly. Sharing the sentiment, they mustered courage.
"N-no, it's fine. Um... could you tell us your name too, mister?"
"My name?"
"Yes... My sister and I are curious about it..."
Her voice trailed off, heart pounding. Would he think it presumptuous? Amid swirling worries, the man pondered briefly before murmuring,
"...Lee Seojin. That's me."
"Seo... jin."
"...Seojin."
The sisters repeated the name, as if etching it indelibly—like children chewing favorite food thoroughly. They burned it deep into their minds, determined to remember everything about Lee Seojin. This day's greatest fortune, their final warmth—they repeated it endlessly, vowing never to forget. Thus, Lee Seojin became their budding obsession.
※
Two weeks later, in front of the Hero Association headquarters.
Lee Seojin collected his severance pay smoothly from the counter, stepped out, and immediately cursed at the building behind him.
"Fucking hell... Is this bullshit even legal? Making it this goddamn complicated?"
It had taken two whole weeks—far longer than expected. He'd heard heroes were usually begged to stay, but this level of clinginess was insane.
Hah. Great benefits and fat paychecks make it all good? Nice facilities and perks justify everything?! Desperate to cling to someone's pants leg just quitting? Ugh... Fine, generous severance buys my forgiveness.
"Now, time to focus solely on the sisters."
No longer a hero, just an unemployed bum—they could handle themselves. He'd bid farewell and move on.
That said, two weeks delayed his search, but he hadn't idled. He'd commissioned his brother privately and, shamelessly, borrowed his junior's resources too. Han Sujung came from money—some company or investment firm? Deep talks from his past life would clarify, but he'd mostly brushed her off back then. No profound chats.
...Gotta hang out more from now on.
Explaining his hero resignation and the sisters during those requests—they'd obliged readily, despite the brevity.
"Here."
He'd gotten a text from his brother about results and headed straight from HQ. Entering what was now his old workplace—the Team 1 leader's office in Association Building A—fresh feelings hit, despite the short time.
"...You're here."
"Hello, sunbae."
"Oh? Han Sujung, you're here too? Did I come while you were working?"
"What? You asked me to investigate those kids. I heard it matched the team leader's request, so I came."
"Ah... Didn't know. But..."
Why's the vibe so off? Something wrong?
The words echoed in his throat but stayed unspoken. A grave atmosphere hung heavy; instinctively, he sensed bad news.
"Never mind. So, what'd you find?"
"What'd we find~?!"
Kim Hoyeon shot up incredulously at the question, file in hand, striding over to poke him.
"H-hey, hyung, what's up?"
"Lee Seojin. You know I don't pry often, right?"
"Yeah."
"So, one question: Why investigate these kids? Got some secret kids stashed?"
They're the future hero and villain leaders, pivotal in the war... But saying that? He'd be called crazy. Dodging with a grin,
"Huh? Oh, uh... Hard to explain. Met 'em on the street, felt bad, wanted to help. Heroes help people, right?"
"What? Ha... Just say you don't wanna tell. What's with the lame excuse?"
"Hey~ Lame? Has hyung seen me change?"
"..."
"..."
Classic dumbfounded faces—like the rabbit detective eyeing the bear in that cartoon. Fair; even he admitted it sounded lame.
"Fine. But I am a do-gooder at heart..."
"...Ugh, whatever. Look—this is my report merged with Han Sujung's."
Kim Hoyeon plopped on the sofa, slamming the file on the table. Seojin sat opposite, grabbed it, and thanked them.
"Thanks, hyung. You too, Sujung. Not an easy favor."
"You asking favors?!"
"An acquaintance like you?!"
They spoke in unison; embarrassed, he scratched his head sheepishly.
"Heh heh... Couldn't help it. Only got you two as friends. Who else?"
"...Ugh, shut up."
"...W-well, can't be helped then."
Ignoring Kim Hoyeon's exasperation and Han Sujung's sudden bashfulness, Seojin flipped through the file.
Not much—four or five pages with photos and details. But the content...
His expression hardened page by page. By the end, they could tell without asking.
"Hyung... This... No way. How could... this happen?"
"Shocked? I was too at first—thought it was minor."
Kim Hoyeon nodded sympathetically.
The file detailed the sisters' lives: birthdates, family, residence, incidents... Info any collector would envy.
But the horrors within were unimaginable.
"Divorce, domestic violence, multiple ignored pleas for help... Begged heroes, got turned away... Currently homeless...?"
BAM!!!
Fury choked his words; slamming the table split it clean.
"Heh~ That was pricey... Brute strength in a rage ain't useful."
"...Sorry. I'll pay."
Anger boiled deeper watching. Unforeseen severity—his guesses mere scratches.
Having endured every worldly despair explained the younger becoming Demon King, their rift. Yet one mystery lingered: How did the Hero endure and still protect others, save him...?
"Like they gathered every misfortune. How..."
Han Sujung shook her head gravely, worried despite never meeting them.
"...This real?"
"Wish it was fake. Every bit verified."
"...Hah."
"Won't pry details. What's your plan?"
Face buried in hands, sighing, Kim Hoyeon's gentle probe came.
Thoughts swirled chaotically, but one conclusion emerged.
"Gonna save 'em."
"Not simple. Tough. Might even fail."
"Doesn't matter."
To Kim Hoyeon's concern, resolute Seojin smiled faintly, rising.
"Never did from the start."