Peace (3)
I realized just how inconvenient it is to have one hand out of commission.
I'd planned to shower before heading to work, but wrapping plastic bags tightly around my injured hand took forever. Button-up shirts were a no-go, so I dug deep into my closet for something easier to slip on. Grunting and groaning, I finally got ready, grabbed some bread and milk because I was starving, and headed to the parking lot.
I drove to CG Entertainment. Employees who recognized me greeted me with worried looks. Not wanting to show how rough I felt, I brushed it off with a casual wave and smile, heading up to the office.
The truth was, I wasn't okay at all. After coming back from the hospital, I'd shoved the wreckage of my apartment into a corner and passed out cold. Even waking up much earlier than usual, I still arrived right on my normal commute time.
Every time my left hand failed me, Hyeon Ha-yeon popped into my head. The image of her slender hand roughly clamping over my mouth and snapping my finger like a twig—every time it surfaced, my injured hand throbbed.
The last time I'd met the goddess, she'd told me Hyeon Ha-yeon was still fine. She'd even warned me to watch out for Lee Ji-yeon more before vanishing. If Hyeon Ha-yeon truly hadn't regained her hero memories from her past life... then she'd broken my finger in her right mind, completely sane.
That day, the sticky, dripping madness in her eyes—it was straight out of the records I'd seen of the hero. But she hadn't remembered yet?
...Isn't this dangerous?
"...How's the hand?"
Choi Dae-pyo said as he sipped his tea. My gut was screaming anything but fine, but I gave a vague reply.
"...Yes."
Choi Dae-pyo clicked his tongue at my answer and started scolding me.
"Looks like you got it caught somewhere... What, did you take out a loan from a loan shark or something?"
"...I just tripped and hurt it."
He clearly wasn't buying it, so I stayed quiet. He drained his cup, set it down, and cautiously broached the subject.
"...Lee Ji-yeon should be okay, right?"
I flinched at her name but played it cool.
"...Yes, she'll be fine."
He stared at me for a moment, then said he got it and sent me on my way.
Back in the office, I tried paperwork, only to realize I couldn't type with this hand. Sitting idle just bred more worries, so I looked for any task, but nothing was feasible. Modern life really drives home how crippled you are with one bad hand.
Eventually, I headed to the recording studio I hadn't visited before. I'd checked in—Hyeon Ha-yeon was in the final stages of recording.
As I neared the studio, dread toward her started creeping up. Clutching my throbbing hand, I took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Her voice leaked out, making me flinch, but I inhaled deeply and stepped inside.
"...Going well?"
The team watching her greeted me warmly. The person in charge noticed and approached.
"Kim Cho-in! How's the hand?"
I forced a smile and exchanged greetings.
"Yes... How's the recording?"
The progress report was lukewarm.
"Eh... It's limping along somehow..."
He glanced at the team, then suggested we talk outside. We grabbed coffee from the company cafe and settled in a quiet smoking room.
"...So, things okay with Lee Ji-yeon?"
Turned out, rumors of me and Lee Ji-yeon were already everywhere. The day I'd gotten smacked by her, Hyeon Ha-yeon had bolted from recording—and that twisted tale had spread.
He slurped his coffee.
"Playing both Lee Ji-yeon and Hyeon Ha-yeon, got your ass handed to you..."
The absurdity made me snort in disbelief.
"...Even so, two-timing isn't cool, right?"
He glanced at me, flicked his ash, and replied.
"Watching Hyeon Ha-yeon, I could kinda see it."
Seeing my crumpled face, he chuckled and continued.
"Nah, she's so glued to you... Who'd think you're just her manager?"
...Have I been too close to Hyeon Ha-yeon?
He stubbed out his cigarette.
"Next day, she shows up all sunshine and smiles—everyone knew it wasn't true."
The fact that she'd snapped my finger and then breezed in smiling hit hard.
"...I see."
He patted my back and stood.
"Go cheer her on. Without her favorite oppa, her vocals aren't hitting the mark."
I gave a small smile to his teasing.
"Yes."
The corners of my mouth trembled faintly.
Back in the studio, Hyeon Ha-yeon was out of the booth.
"Oppa! No... Team leader! You okay?"
She rushed over, worried. Our eyes met, and I instinctively averted mine.
"...Yes, I'm fine."
The person in charge called a break and stepped out. I'd heard her singing was off, so we needed to talk anyway.
Hiding my shaking heart desperately, I led her to a spot with some foot traffic. Normally I'd chat about anything, but now... no clue what to say.
She spoke first.
"...Oppa, is your hand okay?"
She frowned, gazing at me with concern. I'd never imagined she'd bring up my injury first.
I feigned calm.
"...Yeah, it's fine."
Saying that to the one who'd wrecked it felt surreal.
She grabbed my injured hand, voice misty.
"H-how long till it heals?"
Her genuine worry sent chills down my spine. No trace of the scolding fury—just pure, terrifying concern that nearly brought tears.
I barely managed, hiding my fear.
"...About two months."
"Ow... Two months... That sucks..."
Tears welled up for real, making me suspect split personality. She wiped them and asked carefully.
"...How's Ji-yeon unnie?"
I jolted hard. Still staring worriedly, my body started trembling.
Steadying my shaky voice.
"...She's recovering fast too."
"Phew, good..." She sighed in relief.
I seriously doubted split personality now. Trying to slip my hand free, she gripped tighter.
"...Oppa, did you find the lock?"
The lock mention shattered my composure. Sweat poured, body shaking.
She waited, eyes probing.
Voice trembling uncontrollably.
"...N-not yet."
She stared, released my hand, and grinned.
"...Hope you find it soon."
Hyeon Ha-yeon wasn't split personality. Confirmed.