Disciple: Baek Jaesung 22
As with all things in the world, the day of the decisive battle arrived right on schedule. It was the very day Murray had decided to confess to Everett. The most important day of Murray's life, one that would never come again.
Murray washed himself thoroughly from the morning. He always kept himself clean, but today he put in twice the usual effort. He even showered twice. He slicked back his hair with wax and spritzed on the good cologne he saved for special occasions. For clothes, he went casual with a shirt and jeans. No matter how he thought about it, a suit would be overkill. His build was so good that anything looked sharp on him, but today's outfit had taken days of agonizing selection.
Relations with Everett had been frosty lately, but Murray chalked it up to a temporary mood swing on her part. Nothing strange about it. Stress from being in a foreign land, meeting strangers, learning new things—it was bound to happen. A fleeting whim like that couldn't overcome the deep bond he and Everett had built. Today's confession would surely be the turning point, forging a new relationship between them. Murray held that firm belief in his heart.
He ate breakfast alone. Everett had joined Jaesung and Sujin for theirs, as usual. At some point, Murray had started feeling left out of the group. He considered approaching her but decided against it. Maybe it was the confession nerves, but striking up a conversation didn't come as easily as before. And today, Everett looked even more beautiful than usual. Recalling the evening confession, Murray let out a small sigh.
Instead of getting close and talking, he stole glances at her. A smile bloomed on Everett's face—radiant like sunlight, clear as a pristine stream—one she rarely showed him. He could count on one hand the times he'd seen it. Once was when she awakened her ability. Suddenly, he craved a drink, even though it was morning. Murray never touched alcohol first thing, no matter how parched he was, but today he cracked open a beer. The salad that usually tasted great was oddly bland. Must be the confession jitters, he told himself.
Today's schedule was completely free. The association let participants roam as they pleased on the final day. After eating, Everett stuck with Jaesung. Jaesung seemed to be skipping his usual training too. Murray hovered around, waiting for an opening to talk, but none came.
Haa... Why's it so hard today? Just go up and say something.
Finally, Jaesung and Everett parted ways perfectly. Murray's chance. He took a deep breath and stepped forward. But then someone beat him to it.
"Hey, wanna parade around with me today?"
It was a rough-looking guy with messy hair. Murray remembered him—the one who'd picked a fight with Jaesung before. The rude asshole who'd pissed everyone off. Name was Bong Jin-su, right?
"Not interested."
Everett's voice was ice-cold. Her sharp rejection lifted Murray's spirits a bit. Yeah, that's the Everett I know.
But the guy didn't back off. He got even pushier. Murray's blood boiled. He couldn't even get a word in, and this lowlife was hitting on her?
"Come on, don't be like that. Let's hang out. You just got here from abroad—you probably don't know the spots."
"Better than you."
"Haha! Feisty like a cat. We match perfect."
Murray couldn't take it anymore. He strode up to them. Their eyes turned his way.
Murray locked eyes with the guy, forcing calm into his voice despite the rage. "That's enough."
"Who the hell are you?"
The guy sneered, glaring back without flinching. Annoying bastard. Best to ignore types like him.
"Everett. Let's go."
Murray grabbed her hand roughly. Surprisingly, she didn't resist. Getting rid of the rude jerk took priority.
"Hey! Where do you get off? No manners?"
The guy yelled at Murray, face twisted in fury, like he might charge any second. Snorting like an angry wild boar fresh from the hills.
Murray smirked and raised his fist. "Korean hunters are tough, but trash like you is everywhere in the States too. Quit flexing your puny strength and fuck off while I'm being nice."
"You bastard!"
The guy lunged. Temper as short as his looks suggested. Murray had seen this coming. He activated his ability— the famous reinforcement type, Body Strength.
Murray seized the charging guy's arm and squeezed like he meant to snap it.
"Physical brawler, huh? I don't lose arm-wrestles either!"
Bong Jin-su grabbed Murray's arm with his free hand. They gripped each other's arms, faces inches apart, locked in a power struggle.
His strength is no joke! That kind of ability!? Murray was caught off guard by the unexpected resistance, but he wasn't getting overpowered.
"Hey! You two fighting!?"
An association staffer's shout rang out. Bong Jin-su glanced at the suited employee, clicked his tongue, and let go. Murray released him too.
Bong Jin-su eyed Murray up and down, then stormed off.
(Murray. Thanks.)
Everett smiled gratefully. Murray's cheeks flushed. This smile. I'd give my life for it.
(No big deal. You looked bothered.)
(Hehe. Dressing like this has upsides, but too many creeps is the downside. Guess it means I've got appeal as a woman—not all bad?)
Everett laughed. Murray wanted to add something but held his tongue. No need for an argument here. Normal chit-chat like this felt fresh after so long.
(Tonight... you didn't forget our promise, right?)
(Oh, of course. Fireworks? Can't wait.)
Her fresh smile as she mentioned it let Murray exhale in relief. He'd worried she'd forgotten, but she remembered faithfully. He fiddled with the ring in his pocket and smiled.
*-*-*
The last night in Busan. The finale was a small festival. A huge night market sprang up in front of the training center—street food, souvenirs, games, instant portraits, experience booths, you name it. So big they opened it to tourists and locals too. Way more people than usual, festival vibes in full swing.
Plenty to eat, play, and see, but Murray ignored it all. His focus was singular: the confession.
He headed to a hill a bit away from the market. Parking lot nearby, mostly empty. Prime spot for quiet fireworks viewing, per dungeon hunter forums.
Great view of the bustling market below. Plenty of couples among the crowds, arms linked, munching street food, playing games—pure bliss that made onlookers smile.
Murray pictured himself and Everett in their place. Perfect match.
To make it real, nail this confession. Stay cool. Stick to the plan. She'll say yes for sure.
He'd prepped: candles in a heart shape, balloons on branches, a small banner. Maybe overkill, but better too much than too little.
Murray swallowed hard, rehearsing lines.
(Everett... my little star, my one sun. I want to build the rest of my life with you. You complete me. I love you. Hmm... nah.)
(You're my little world. From the first sight to now... you've been my idol. Marry me.)
Over ten lines prepped, but none clicked in practice. First time confessing love—everything felt clumsy. He didn't realize it.
After agonizing, he settled on simple.
(I love you sincerely. Will you marry me?)
Kneel, offer the diamond ring box. Classic proposal. Classics endure for a reason.
Rehearsing satisfied him. He nodded.
(Yeah, simple's best.)
No need for flowery crap. Plain words would convey his heart fine.
He practiced a few more times. She should arrive soon.
Married to Everett... how amazing? She's perfect. And I'm perfect for her. We'd be a dream couple.
Imagining their future marriage curved his lips uncontrollably.
Our kids... ooh! Too soon? Nah, we're young. Dungeon hunters—we can have 'em later. To have kids... gotta sleep with Everett, right?
Murray pictured her naked. Still fantasy, but soon reality. Guy like him couldn't help getting hard.
Whew! Save the dirty thoughts! Bigger things now!
He shook his head, banishing the lust. No ruining the moment with horniness.
"Alright, time for the grand finale—the fireworks! All you hunters, tourists, locals—let's countdown together!"
"""Yes!"""
(Huh? Everett... should've been here by now?)
The MC's voice boomed from the market speakers. Main event time.
"Here we go—fireworks countdown! Starting from 100! Reeeady~!"
"""100! 99! 98! 97! 96!"""
"Countdown's long, huh?"
"Dunno, tradition."
Fireworks were the confession climax. Romantic sky blooms would perfect it. The plan revolved around them.
"""87! 86! 85!"""
Murray checked his watch anxiously amid the countdown. She was five minutes late.
(Everett never breaks promises...)
"""72! 71! 60!"""
Time pressed. Jittery, he called her. Ringtone dragged.
-The customer hasn't answered. Beep after...
"""24! 23! 22!"""
(Something wrong!?)
He tapped his foot unconsciously. Anxiety showing. He bit his lip. Zero loomed.
Ring ring!
He snatched the phone. (E-Everett!)
"This is Investigator Oh Myung-gyun from Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. A fraud case under your name requires sending three million won to..."
"Fuck you, motherfucker! You bad-ass bastard bitch!"
"""3! 2! 1! Wooohoo!"""
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fireworks exploded. Vibrant colors painted the black sky like the world's most stunning artwork. Any woman would melt to a confession under that.
"Uh... sir? Can't hear—somewhere quiet..."
"Your mom!"
Murray hung up savagely. He waited. But even after fireworks ended and crowds dispersed, no Everett.
*-*-*
Murray stormed to Everett's room. Why break the promise? He pounded the door like mad. What if something happened? Calls ignored. Unexplainable unless trouble.
He couldn't hide his worry. Other women on the floor eyed him weirdly, but he ignored them.
(Everett! You in there!? Open up!)
Creeeak!
Door opened. He barged in. Room pitch black. He groped for the light.
(Don't turn it on!)
Everett's voice from the dark. Hearing her eased his anger more than rage at the broken promise. Worry won.
Regaining calm, he asked into the void. (Everett! Scared me. We had a deal! Why no-show? And it's too dark. Lemme light it.)
(I'll do it.)
Flick! Lighter flame sparked mid-air. Murray jolted.
(What the—?)
Flame lit a candle. Random candle? Murray blinked in confusion.
Click! Lights blazed.
Murray froze, mouth agape.
A small banner hung: 'Surprise!'
Center: huge cake with candles.
He dropped to his knees. (E-Everett...)
Not joy. He doubted his eyes. No choice.
(Happy birthday, Murray! Today's your clearance day.)
The cake was Everett. Lying prone, ass up in vulgar pose. Naked. Butt plug candle in her anus, body slathered in whipped cream and fruit. Even tattoos. A massive, lewd cake—the world's most obscene.
(What... the... fuck...?)
"Huh? Not thrilled for a surprise gift? Politically incorrect?"
Familiar voice. Murray turned slowly. Jaesung emerged from the bathroom.