nine;

It is their fifth session and Min Jun has gathered close to nothing. Do Kyungsoo has the habit of maintaining conversation without revealing things about himself.

“Why did you decide to become a psychiatrist?” He asks.

Min Jun is careful not to let too much personal information slip. She knows how manipulative people like him can be.

“It fascinates me,” she replies.

“Really? How so?”

“I...I feel like I can justify the way people act. By understanding what goes on in their minds.”

Instantly, Min Jun realizes that she has said too much. Kyungsoo is amused. Min Jun can see it in his eyes.

“You believe there is goodness in everyone? That we only commit these crimes because we’re not right in the head?”

Min Jun doesn’t answer. She doesn’t know how.

“There’s a saying,” Kyungsoo says, “that psychopaths are born and sociopaths are made. There are born monsters, and monsters that are a result of their surrounding environment.”

Min Jun is silent.

“I often wonder,” he continues, “whether I was born a monster or made into one.”

Min Jun quickly uncaps her pen and leans forward, readying herself to take down notes.

“What was your childhood like, Mr. Do?”

Do Kyungsoo regards her with an inscrutable look.

“Like I said...my uncle would beat me. Often.”

Min Jun fights the urge to roll her eyes.

“It would benefit us both, very greatly, if you tell me the truth, Mr. Do,” she says.

Kyungsoo’s gaze turns cold. Min Jun is unsure, but she detects a brief flash of annoyance in his eyes.

“Have you never considered the fact that I may be telling the truth?”