Chapter 8
The hotel was somehow strange.
At the front, there was a single reception desk. Beside it, employees with mechanical smiles stood quietly in line.
‘This structure isn’t for money or efficiency.’
Then, what is it for?
The antique yet luxurious interior felt detached from reality, and the man in the black suit standing in the middle seemed even more out of place.
It was hard to read his eyes behind the clear lenses of his glasses.
“……”
“……”
Finally, the man in the black suit spoke.
“How did you come to visit us?”
“Uh, well…”
Only then did the director regain her composure.
‘This is really a case of occupational hazard.’
She let out a faint, awkward laugh. To fully explain how they had come to this place would take more than an hour. Director Lee Seon-hae thought so, smiling sheepishly.
“Is this a hotel?”
“Yes, thank you for visiting our hotel.”
“Oh, I see. Honestly, I didn’t expect a hotel to exist in a place like this… I wanted to confirm if this really was a hotel. I apologize if it’s rude to ask.”
“Welcoming our guests is both my responsibility and my pleasure. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask at any time.”
Ding―!!
Soon, three more people entered the hotel.
“Director, let’s have a quick chat…!!”
“……”
“…Hello.”
“Yes, thank you for visiting our hotel.”
“Yes.”
The writer only slightly bowed his head. It might look like he was displeased, but the director knew better. He was just embarrassed and awkward.
‘He’s really shy despite how he looks.’
Lee Seon-hae awkwardly smiled, trying to ease the atmosphere.
“The truth is, we got lost on our way to the accommodation we had reserved.”
“I see, that happened.”
“Yes. The mountains nearby and heavy rain probably interfered with the signal. The navigation and our phones were all useless. Is the signal any better here in the hotel?”
“Reception might be slightly difficult in this environment. I ask for your understanding.”
“Oh, signal…?”
“……”
The man’s smile deepened. Noble and composed, yet his intentions were unreadable.
“Many of our guests prefer to limit communication with the outside world.”
“…Oh, really?”
Lee Seon-hae felt the writer nudging her back lightly. He probably meant, “It’s suspicious, so let’s not linger.”
She glanced around the spacious lobby. A few guests sat on the sofas.
“…Not many people here, huh?”
“That’s right.”
“Sorry for asking, I’m just curious.”
“It’s alright. Responding to such curiosity is also part of my responsibility in managing the hotel.”
“You manage this place?”
“Yes. However…”
The man’s gaze lingered on the drenched group.
Though his gaze was casual yet polite, they couldn’t hide their awkwardness. Even with umbrellas, they looked like soaked mice from running briefly through the rain.
The man ignored their embarrassment.
“If it’s alright, we can prepare towels and warm tea for you.”
“Ah, that’s not necessary…”
“The rain outside is quite heavy. Warming up would be beneficial.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
At this suggestion, the staff quietly whispered to the director and writer.
“Can we take a short break? Honestly, everyone is tired from coming here without a pause… Director, you’ve been driving the whole time.”
“The writer also felt motion sickness earlier. Honestly, I’m more worried than anyone. It’s raining heavily on this mountain, the sun set hours ago… What if an accident happens?”
Writer Hong wore an expression that said, ‘Then isn’t this place scary?’ but Director Lee Seon-hae agreed. The strange, uneasy atmosphere made her want to examine the hotel more closely as a creator.
“Oh, shall we take a short break? Want to?”
“Yes, yes, at least towels…”
“Since they even offer tea, let’s warm up a bit.”
Writer Hong poked the director’s side anxiously, but she remained firm.
“Could we take you up on that, please?”
“Of course. This way, please.”
The man guided them to a table in the lobby.
“……”
The director’s expression subtly shifted as she saw the table.
“…Director?”
“Ah, nothing. The table is pretty.”
“Oh, it’s elegant. The sofa too.”
“Right?”
“Looks expensive.”
“Yes…”
Before sitting on the sofa, the director looked at the man.
“The sofa might get wet. Should we feel bad about this?”
“This space is prepared for guests. Please do not decline and relax. We would be grateful if you rest comfortably.”
“Hmmm…”
“Excuse me.”
Ding―.
The man rang a small bell.
‘Bell?’
Lee Seon-hae blinked.
The handbell was smooth, without any markings. Unlike usual bells, it was matte, not shiny…
“……”
…Is that real gold?
“If inconvenient, may I place towels on the sofa first?”
“…Ah, that would be great.”
“I will prepare them immediately.”
‘Very antique.’
It seemed the bell was a signal. Staff quickly laid towels on the sofa, and another brought a neatly arranged tea set.
The process was swift but calm. Not a hint of rush, not even the faintest clink of the teacups or tray. Not a single unnecessary sound.
Perfect service.
“Wow…”
“When seated, we will serve tea.”
“Oh, yes, thank you.”
Once seated, faint golden tea filled the cup. Writer Hong immediately recognized it as high-quality chamomile.
The sweet scent of apple, smooth honeyed flavor, and fresh herbal aroma spread through the dry air of the lobby.
“…Ah…”
Writer Hong’s tense face relaxed slightly.
“…The scent is wonderful.”
“You flatter me.”
“Your tea-making skills are impressive. Did you train somewhere?”
“I taught myself.”
“Oh, I see.”
Director Lee Seon-hae, observing the writer, interjected jokingly.
“Is it okay to treat only us this well?”
“As you can see, there are not many guests here. That allows us to focus on each individual guest.”
“You’re more than just staff, right?”
“……”
The man gave a faint smile.
“That is correct.”
“Oh, a secret or something?”
“No, we should not make such secrets for guests. Only cautious to avoid appearing boastful.”
“Now I’m even more curious.”
“Ha ha…”
He responded with a slow, measured laugh.
“I am the operator of this place.”
“Oh my.”
The director asked again.
“General manager… or owner?”
“I handle both.”
“Wow.”
“I suppose I don’t look it.”
“No, sorry. It’s just…”
She looked at him again.
“You look so young, I didn’t realize.”
“I hear that often.”
“……”
“For reference, I’ve been an adult for quite some time.”
“…I haven’t even said anything yet.”
“My apologies. I thought you were scrutinizing the hotel’s management system.”
“That was obvious, how embarrassing.”
Writer Hong and the two staff couldn’t hide their suspicion.
‘Been an adult for quite some time?’
‘No matter how you spin it, looks like a college student… right?’
‘Exactly how old is he?’
The man, enjoying their gaze, called a staff member. They replaced the wet towels with dry, warm ones with precise care.
The dry, warm air slightly eased their tension.
‘The hotel is still suspicious.’
The director looked at the man who claimed to be the operator.
“…Actually, this friend here is the writer…”
“Indeed. I thought I recognized him.”
“Oh? You know him?”
“If my memory is correct, you are Writer Hong Kyung-yeon, right?”
“Oh my.”
Pfft―
The writer spat out his tea.
“Cough, cough…”
“My apologies. I was concerned if I appeared to presume familiarity.”
“Oh, no. I was just surprised…”
“I apologize if that was rude.”
“…No…”
Writer Hong was a renowned horror writer. Unlike Director Lee Seon-hae, his face was not widely known. He disliked being recognized.
Though some people might know him…
“Sorry, since I’m not in the industry, not many people know my face.”
“I remember names and faces together. You appeared briefly at a screening, correct?”
“Ah, yes. But I rarely went out…”
“I remember that you don’t appear often in public. That left an impression.”
“…I see.”
The man smiled at the director, answering the writer’s words with a laugh.
“I know about the writer, but it seems the director was about to ask something.”
“Ah, yes.”
The director smiled awkwardly.
“We’re imaginative people, so I wanted to satisfy some curiosity. About the hotel’s location, and other things…”
“I understand. Please feel free to ask anything.”
“Well, since I’m always with Writer Hong, you probably know me too, right?”
“Of course, Director Lee Seon-hae. The works you co-produce are known for their high quality. Your sense of direction and mise-en-scène are particularly impressive.”
“That’s flattering.”
“Personally, I was impressed by ‘The Sea’. It’s rare to combine both commercial and artistic merits in one film. Every detail was carefully considered. Excellent work.”
“Oh…”
They both laughed awkwardly.
“Ah, sorry. Didn’t mean to bring it up, didn’t want to seem like asking for praise. You know my intention, right?”
“Do not worry. Your words are a pleasure to hear.”
The man continued.
“It is an honor that the director shows interest. If you wish, we can proceed in a Q&A format.”
“Right, like an interview?”
“However, one condition… the contents must not be disclosed externally.”
“…Why not?”
“The hotel’s value increases by remaining unknown.”
“The more you say that, the more suspicious it sounds.”
“I must have spoken poorly to give that impression. My apologies.”
Smiling lightly, he rang the bell again.
A staff member brought a chair, and he sat, signaling clearly his willingness to answer questions. Lee Seon-hae smiled awkwardly.
“Hope this doesn’t take too long.”
“Do not worry. I enjoy conversations with guests as well.”
“Really?”
“Most of our guests are reserved, so such opportunities are rare.”
“I see…”
Lee Seon-hae glanced around the lobby.
Three guests were visible, but none spoke. Dressed in white, staring blankly, or in suits reading newspapers, or constantly writing.
“……”
No life, and not very pleasant either.
‘They don’t even look normal.’
The director asked her first question.
“This is a hotel, right?”
“Of course.”
“Not many people here.”
“We are still in trial operation. Full admission is strictly limited.”
“Oh, that explains it.”
Lee Seon-hae nodded in understanding.
“Honestly surprised. Didn’t expect a huge hotel in the mountains. Couldn’t see clearly due to weather, but looks over 20 floors?”
“Our hotel has 25 floors above ground.”
“So many rooms?”
“No. The upper and some lower floors are reserved for guest-exclusive services.”
The 25th floor has a rooftop garden. 23rd floor, an aquapark. 22nd, sky lounge. 3rd, 5th, 6th, lifestyle zones. 2nd, grand hall and buffet. Guest rooms are 7th to 21st floors.
The writer, feeling uneasy, asked,
“…No 4th floor?”
“Correct, no space with the number ‘4’ exists in the hotel.”
“Any reason?”
“Some guests are extremely sensitive to certain numbers. So any floor containing ‘4’ is intentionally excluded. I didn’t design it, but records indicate so.”
“Some hotels do that… You’re the owner but didn’t design it?”
“I only manage the hotel.”
Director asked again.
“Few guests, peculiar location, unusual facilities.”
“The hotel is designed for a small number of guests.”
“Then, how many roughly…?”
“135 rooms total.”
“…135…”
The director looked at the staff beside her.
“How many rooms do hotels like this normally have?”
“Not sure… I haven’t been to such hotels…”
Writer Hong answered.
“On average, 500. Small hotels may have 200, large ones over 700.”
“As expected, Hong is like my personal Wiki. Ask anything, he knows.”
“Just remembered from research.”
“Exactly.”
The director looked at the man.
“Fewer rooms than normal for a hotel this size?”
“The space in each room is generous.”
“Pleasant for guests, but operationally…?”
“The design focuses on quality for select guests rather than profit.”
“…Ah, I see.”
“Reservations not possible online, right?”
“Not in the systems I know of.”
“Hmmm…”
The director’s expression darkened further.
“Is it okay for us to be here?”
“You are officially hosted, so there should be no problem.”
“True.”
After a moment of thought, she asked decisively.
“Can we stay here too?”
“Director?”
“No, wait. Listen, Writer Hong.”
“I’m listening.”
“When will we get another chance at a hotel like this?”
“Uh…”
“Plus, there might be a room.”
The director looked at the man.
“Would it be difficult, sir?”
“…Not very.”
He lightly touched the bridge of his nose, a habitual gesture.
“As mentioned, we are still in trial operation. There may be occasional issues like lights going out or minor noises due to equipment checks.”
“That’s fine, we want that kind of experience.”
“To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend it.”
“Why not?”
“From a personal view, the guests here are…”
His mouth curved slightly, eyes calm but unreadable.
“They can be eccentric.”