For the Sake of My Daughter
Junhee's resolve did not waver, no matter what anyone said. More than that, as Miho had warned, if they only chased the tails of those shadows, the victims would only keep piling up. Therefore, Hwan believed that now was the perfect opportunity. Of course, using an ordinary person as bait troubled him, but it seemed this was the only way to catch those existences. Though it weighed on his heart, perhaps this was the only way to reduce the damage even further. Hwan hesitated, then pulled a protective amulet from his pocket. "It'll shield your body for a while." It was a talisman given to him by the monk he had met thanks to Father Choi. The amulet was imbued with sacred power. Especially the kind that protected against evil, he thought it would come in handy during such a dangerous moment. Junhee accepted it, then nodded with a solemn expression. But a sudden doubt crept in, and she asked, "Then... what should I do now?" Hwan smiled awkwardly. "Just keep doing things as usual." Junhee's brows furrowed. "Isn't that it? Don't I have to do something?" "No. You don't need to. Besides, with me here, they'll be on high alert and won't move easily for a while. They might even be hiding. If they decide to vanish on purpose, it won't be easy to find them." "Then..." "You need to make them appear again. And the place they'll show up will be you, since your connection has kept them here." "So... they'll appear again using Yeon or... or So-hee's form?" Hwan nodded. "Yes. A changwi bound to the monster will come to find someone connected to him, even to gain his freedom. That's how he'll trick the next person more easily." "You mean... to make them become servants of the monster in my place?" Junhee's voice was heavy with grief. How resentful she must have been, to seek revenge even after death. Would she turn them into the monster's servants, just like them? But Hwan's words were different. "They're not appearing because they hate you. No. A changwi... appears before the one they most trusted and loved." "T-That..." "A changwi will not reveal itself to those without deep connection. If there was no deep bond, they wouldn't follow. In other words, since their appearance before you is orchestrated by the gwoeui's control, they're being manipulated to target the easiest to deceive and the most connected." "So... that's what it was... Does that mean Yeon still..." Ah! Hearing that truth, Junhee could not hold back the tears that burst forth again. Learning the truth tore at her heart like it was being ripped apart. And greater regret came rushing in. If only she had known her feelings sooner, if only she had trusted more from the beginning, if only there had been no such petty pride... If that had been the case, none of this would have happened... The regret only grew heavier. /////// Since that day, Junhee had been spending each day in restless anxiety. Would Yeon appear again soon? Would she reach out? The days of waiting in unease and worry continued. Yet days passed, then two, three, and four, and there was still no response. It was now the fourth morning. Even after staying up all night in case Yeon appeared, there was still no contact. Now unease was beginning to take on a different meaning. According to their words, only by coming directly could she find them. But what if they didn't appear? Wouldn't that mean she could never save Yeon's or So-hee's souls? She struggled to shake off that fear. Junhee could not bear the anxiety and sent messages to the young priest several times, but the only reply was always the same: "Just wait." She even got angry at the calm response. She herself was so restless, unable to sleep at night, how could they answer so coldly... But their words were not wrong. Right now, waiting was all she could do. She rose from the sofa with a long sigh. Early January, people outside were enjoying the New Year and such. It felt like a completely different world that she was locked in her room, worrying over everything. She wished this was all just a nightmare. Just then, the phone rang. Ah! Just in case, she answered, but... it was not a call with a restricted sender like last time. Ironically, it was a call from the editor. Thinking about it, the deadline was approaching. Every month when the deadline drew near, they always called. She almost wanted to ignore it, but... Junhee could not ignore it forever and finally picked up. The nagging continued. The same words every time. This time, they stressed she absolutely could not be late. It was the kind of thing that stuck in her ears like a scab. Even so, if it had been usual, she would have apologized and bowed... but Junhee could not concentrate on even the editor's nagging. She had no time for such trivial things now. Maybe Yeon or So-hee's soul was still suffering pain from the gwoeui... She just kept repeating "I understand." She wanted them to hang up quickly. That day, the nagging was especially long. Ah! Fatigue was pressing in. From deep within, anger bubbled up. "I understand." Even as the reply came, the nagging did not stop... "F*ck, I understand!! Just hang up already!!" Eventually, her anger reached its peak. Junhee shouted in irritation and then immediately hung up the phone. There was no longer any reason to listen to the nagging. Maybe, in all that chaos, a call from Yeon might come. Junhee gave her face a weary rub, then stood up slowly and headed to the kitchen. Thirst had struck. Moreover, because of this fatigue, she needed to make some coffee. After pouring a cup, he could not sit still any longer and had no choice but to sit at the computer. Of course, he kept the phone right beside him. He kept it connected to the charger so the battery would not drain. Eventually, he opened the novel-writing program and placed his hands on the keyboard. His mind was hazy. How could he write in this state? His head was too complicated for other reasons. Right now, his thoughts were full of Yeon and So-hee. And not only that. Those unbelievable events still... Just in case, he checked the internet articles. Even without checking, the events from that night in the apartment were already on the news. If there was any good news, it was that no one knew what they had done. They had caused such a commotion, yet no one knew. No one mentioned seeing Yeon or So-hee, not even in the CCTV. That was true for him too. For such strange events, the internet was heating up a bit. The only good thing was that the previous owner of the place had already moved out to another house. If someone had been there... more innocent victims might have been added. Moreover, he might have been mistaken for a thief and caused even more trouble. In any case, the news did not give any clear answer, only expressing some doubts. Perhaps it was thanks to the special abilities of that strange priest and woman that the situation had not been revealed. Given how chaotic it had been with no scenes captured and no witnesses, it must have been something special. So... it still felt like an extension of a nightmare. Moreover, what kind of era was this? It was hard to believe that things that could not be explained scientifically were happening now. He turned off the news screen and returned to the novel-writing program. However, he still could not write a single word. His mind was far too complicated. And the phone was still silent. //////// Suddenly, he snapped out of it and realized it was already night. Junhee startled, quickly checking her phone. As expected, no contact at all. Eventually, even today there had been no reply, he let out a heavy sigh and walked slowly to the living room. The empty living room was filled with a chilly air. As usual, a sigh escaped. Why was it so lonely... He went to the kitchen, turned on the light, and made coffee. After pouring the coffee, he returned to his room. He looked at the computer screen. Some sentences had been written to a certain point. Staring at them blankly, he sipped the coffee endlessly. He did not know if it was well written. In fact, he did not remember what he had written. His mind still felt like a chaotic mess. He could hardly control the sudden anxiety that kept coming. He sighed heavily. And he was about to place his hand on the keyboard again. Then... drr-rr... the phone began to vibrate, and the bell sounded.