Hungover Dawn and the Staff's Shadow
Kim Jin-seo awoke to sunlight streaming through the window. She had a slight headache, but it was a refreshingly clear morning overall. At first, the unfamiliar sight startled her, but she soon remembered she was on a missionary trip and this wasn't her room but some other lodging. Reassured, she stretched and got out of bed. Then it hit her—this was the men's quarters, and specifically Do Seon-woo's room. She jolted in shock. No, outright horror.
Fragments of last night's memories surfaced. "Whoa, shit…."
Even in their patchy state, they were horrific enough to make her curse involuntarily. She couldn't fathom why she'd done that or said those things.
Kim Jin-seo glanced around, but Do Seon-woo was nowhere in the room. She headed to the living room. There was Ma Yu-hyeon asleep on the sofa, and on the floor, Do Seon-woo curled up in slumber.
"…."
Seeing him triggered the dream—the sweet one induced by black magic. She squeezed her eyes shut, banishing the lingering images.
She'd smelled the booze, gotten wasted, caused a scene, barged into his room, kicked out the rightful occupant, and crashed in his bed. She didn't even deserve to think such excuses.
Kim Jin-seo wanted to apologize right then, but she couldn't wake him. Nor could she wait around for him to stir. Grabbing her things in a hurry, she slipped out of the lodging.
"This is insane…."
Her mutter carried deep regret.
A scream jolted me awake. "Kyaaah—!"
It was unmistakably Seong Ha-yeon's voice. Thinking an accident had happened, I bolted upright. First thing I saw was Kang Dae-man's massive frame sprawled on the floor, and Seong Ha-yeon freaking out at the sight.
Kang Dae-man was slumped right in front of the door to Seong Ha-yeon's room, which explained her shock.
I wasn't the only one roused by the scream. Ma Yu-hyeon popped out from somewhere, eyeing the fallen Kang Dae-man and the shrieking Seong Ha-yeon in turn.
"What the hell's going on?"
"…W-where is this?"
Seong Ha-yeon, eyes wide in surprise, looked around and asked. I let out a disbelieving chuckle.
"Where? It's the lodging…. If you're up, head back to your rooms."
"Huh? Our rooms… Oh. Ah… Eek."
Seong Ha-yeon trailed off, her face hardening as yesterday's events hit her. She rolled her eyes around, then bowed her head in embarrassment, covering her face with her hands as she scurried out. Her steps were frantic.
Then Yeo Min-seo and Han Su-ryeon emerged from their rooms, both still bleary-eyed.
Yeo Min-seo ran her fingers through her hair and spoke. "What was that scream? Seong Ha-yeon?"
"Yeah. Freaked out seeing Kang Dae-man."
Ma Yu-hyeon pointed at the sprawled giant on the floor.
"Eek, no wonder. Why's Dae-man like that?"
Han Su-ryeon backed away, eyes bulging.
Ma Yu-hyeon glanced at me first before answering, gauging my reaction. I shot him a silent say something smart. He got the hint, turning to Han Su-ryeon with a smile.
"He drank a bit much yesterday. Probably passed out."
"All that bulk and he's weaker than he looks. Hey, Ma Yu-hyeon. We're out."
"Yeah, go on~."
"My head's fucking killing me, shit…."
Yeo Min-seo grumbled, dragging Han Su-ryeon away. The latter kept glancing back at Kang Dae-man, clearly concerned.
I went to wake Kim Jin-seo, but she was already gone—must've left the lodging.
"Ugh, exhausting. Shouldn't have invited those guys. Booze is best solo."
With everyone out, Ma Yu-hyeon stretched and said. He swept back his shaggy blond hair and continued. "But why'd you sleep in the living room? You went to your room fine last night."
"Kim Jin-seo came in, so I just stepped out."
I said it casually. Ma Yu-hyeon covered his mouth in mock horror.
"Kim Jin-seo went into your room? You two lost it?"
"The crazy one here's the guy who brought girls to the guys' lodging."
"That's different. Still, barging into a room…."
"Don't piss me off. Makes me wanna kill you."
"Eep… Got it~."
Ma Yu-hyeon nodded. Then Kang Dae-man stirred, clutching his temples—headache, probably. He wobbled to his feet and shuffled into the living room.
"…Why was I sleeping here?"
"No memory of yesterday?"
"Yesterday…. Oh, damn. How…."
He seemed to recall, clutching his head in self-loathing. "To fall to mere alcohol! So weak…!"
"That guy's a real nutjob," Ma Yu-hyeon muttered. Not wrong. Only Kang Dae-man could say that amid a hangover.
Thinking back to yesterday tired me out; I sank onto the sofa. Ma Yu-hyeon grimaced and headed to the window.
"Ugh, booze stench…. Hey, why'd you say not to drink that stuff? Everyone dropped dead after cracking it open."
He opened the window as he asked.
"High proof. Figured it'd cause trouble."
"Ah… Makes sense."
I lied smoothly; he nodded nonchalantly. We breathed in the fresh air wafting in. I watched him quietly.
I'd planned to tell him it was from Yeom Man-geun's factory, engraved with an Intoxication Spell, and dangerous. But on second thought, no need. Better to say less around Ma Yu-hyeon. Especially with the distant future in mind.
"Man~ Perfect weather today, Dae-man!"
"Indeed. Ideal for training!"
Ma Yu-hyeon and Kang Dae-man admired the cloudless sky and morning sun.
Damballa's voice echoed from somewhere. I slipped into my room, slung on my bag, and tucked her inside. She squirmed uncomfortably.
"Hang in there a bit. Soon enough…."
A situation where she could rampage freely. I didn't voice the rest, but Damballa nodded as if she understood.
"Everyone bring what I gave you yesterday? Busy day ahead—lots of places to hit. First…."
We gathered in the basement level 1 auditorium as planned. While Han Dae-ho briefed the schedule, I checked on the others.
Kang Dae-man, who should've been worst off, looked surprisingly fine. His stamina was unreal. Ma Yu-hyeon, Yeo Min-seo, and Han Su-ryeon seemed okay too, but Kim Jin-seo and Seong Ha-yeon looked rough—sighing nonstop just standing and listening.
"…You kids barely sleep last night? You look off."
Han Dae-ho noticed. He eyed Kim Jin-seo and Seong Ha-yeon suspiciously, then shot a glare at Ma Yu-hyeon.
He crooked a finger. "Ma Yu-hyeon, front and center."
"Me? Why?"
Ma Yu-hyeon pointed at himself, feigning confusion as he stepped forward. Oscar-worthy nonchalance.
Han Dae-ho scowled, his mere furrowed brow making him look ferocious. "What'd you do yesterday? Why're they like this?"
"No idea! Probably partied too late among themselves. We stayed up a bit too."
Han Dae-ho scanned Ma Yu-hyeon, Kim Jin-seo, and Seong Ha-yeon for lies. The first two played it cool, but Seong Ha-yeon dropped her gaze under his glare.
He tilted his head. "Ma Yu-hyeon, you drink? Or bring booze?"
Quick on the uptake. Ma Yu-hyeon smiled innocently, shaking his head. I noticed he smirks subtly when lying.
"Huh? No way…. Why ask me, though?"
"No one else'd bring it."
"Harsh. I've been on my best behavior lately…."
"Pfft—ah, sorry, sorry."
Laughter burst from somewhere—Han Su-ryeon, bad at reading the room. Han Dae-ho's suspicion deepened, staring down Ma Yu-hyeon, who finally averted his eyes.
"Fess up, I'll let it slide. Did you or not?"
"…."
Silence stretched. Ma Yu-hyeon clamped his mouth shut.
"We hung out at night."
I broke it. No way we'd get to the museum otherwise—just endless scolding here. Han Dae-ho fixed me with a one-eyebrow raise.
I kept my face neutral. "What're you saying?"
"Hotel's central floor has a garden terrace and café. Snuck out, hung there late."
"Terrace with a café? Missed that."
"It's there. Chatted, enjoyed the view, went back late."
The terrace café was real. Hanging there? Lie.
Han Dae-ho eyed me dubiously. "…So, no booze?"
"We clergy students can't drink, right?"
"True enough."
He glanced at Ma Yu-hyeon, sighed, nodded. "Fine, long as no funny business…. Let's roll. Nap on the way if tired."
He bought it—thank god. Lying to him sucked, but no choice. We followed him out to the vehicles. En route, Ma Yu-hyeon tapped my back. He was drenched in cold sweat.
"Dude, clutch save. Thanks."
I ignored him. He either didn't know I disapproved of their antics—or didn't care.
The day flowed smoothly. Schedule was monotonous, dull. "Exploring foreign religious culture"—temple visits, missionary-led dispatch masses. Bus rides' minor mishaps were the highlights.
"Ah, Kang Dae-man! Stop shoving. Can't breathe in this sardine can, you jerk… bad guy!"
Post-dinner, en route, Yeo Min-seo griped. Kang Dae-man beside her was squishing her breathless. Mindful of Han Dae-ho aboard, she toned down her curses—sounded awkward.
Kang Dae-man, far from hunching, puffed up bigger. "My build's the issue. Something to be proud of."
"Wanna die? Shrink those shoulders before I rip 'em off."
"Slouching ain't proper posture."
"Balloon-muscle wimp talking big."
"What? Can't let that slide."
Han Su-ryeon burst laughing at their banter. Their noise made bus rides bearable.
I pressed my forehead to the window, lost in thought. Anxiety and excitement churned. Next stop: the museum. National Museum. Home to the Retrograde Staff, Poteau Mitan.
Thrilling to finally hunt it. But uneasy too—very. No incidents all day. Peace felt wrong. Weird.
The bus arrived. Massive, opulent museum. The staff looked crude—like a mere twig. Odd it'd be displayed here.
"Free roam, but groups of 4 or 3 for safety. Check your holy relics—don't lose 'em."
Alighting, Han Dae-ho instructed at the entrance. He'd be around but roaming solo; contact via twig relic if trouble.
Groups: Kim Jin-seo, Kang Dae-man, Yeo Min-seo. Me, Ma Yu-hyeon, Seong Ha-yeon, Han Su-ryeon. All dazzled by the lavish interior, eyes sparkling. No time for me to gawk.
Needed staff help to disable security—first, slip away.
"…Where's the bathroom?"
I asked the group casually, mid-sightseeing. Han Su-ryeon looked around, shrugged. "Dunno. Ask staff… oh, right, can't."
"Tourist spot staff might know Korean. Or English," Seong Ha-yeon said. Han Su-ryeon nodded.
I edged away naturally. "Gonna find it. Scout ahead without me."
"Sure. We'll be by that big statue thing. Meet there."
Ma Yu-hyeon said. I nodded, broke off. Hurried steps. Scoured for Yun Chang-su's described staffer: Voodooist posing as employee, unique necklace.
Easy spot—skull pendant. He treated me kindly at first, assuming tourist. But when I pulled Yun Chang-su's signed envelope, his eyes changed.
"…."
He muttered oddly, unfolded and read. Rubbed the ink to verify original. I watched for Han Dae-ho or kids, throat dry from nerves. What if wrong guy?
Then he bowed deeply, offered a respectful handshake. "An honor, Cult Leader. This way."
Poor Korean, but clear.
(To be continued next time)