Chapter 27: A Race Against Time
When Life Began
Sitting up in a start, Haneul found something blocking her view. Touching her forehead, she gently removes the little note tapped to her skin before reading the scribbles left upon it.
Stay in bed until I get you.
From the tone it was written in, Haneul figured it to be Mino. But, the meaning behind those words was something she wasn’t sure about. Looking towards the door, Haneul tried to listen to whatever that was possibly transpiring that he didn’t want her to know about. Haneul goes to lift the comforter off of her but remembering Mino’s note, she decided that she would stay since he had done a favor for her.
***
“Mino – “
The mentioned young man places his hand up to prevent Seungyoon from continuing. “Yell at me later.” There was a more important task at hand. Looking back, he stares at the man sitting on the floor, still tangled up in the ropes from before.
Agreeing this time, Seungyoon also returns his attention to the center of the room. “The matter with you can wait.” At this point, the rest was present. They didn’t expect that when Haneul and Mino returned, there would be a third person.
“Seungyoon.” Mr. Yang calls out. “See if you can break the control Jeeun has over him.”
He doubted his own abilities but when the others are urging him on, he couldn’t say no. Stepping forward, he took a knee to face the man at eye level. Flashing his red eyes, he spoke his first words – “What Jeeun has told you, forget it – “ Before he could even finish his words, he could see there was no way he could override Jeeun’s binding.
“Keep going.” Mr. Yang urges him from behind.
With no other choice, Seungyoon tries once more. “Listen to my words and forget what has been told to you.”
“Jeeun – “ The man struggles to say.
“Heed my words instead.” Seungyoon continues. “What is Jeeun planning?”
“I don’t have much time.” The man sputtered. The others soon realize that he was fighting the binding with his own willpower. “Jeeun…there’s something wrong with Jeeun– “ He snarled and tried to catch his breath.
“Yeah, she’s nuts.” Mino muttered to himself.
Seungyoon wasn’t content with that answer. “Be more specific – “
The man manages to release himself from the ropes but before anyone could get to him, his hand had wrapped around his own neck and twisted it violently. There was no time to react as his limp body had already fallen forward.
Among everyone there, there was one who wasn’t surprised. “Jeeun is meticulous, despite the chaos she creates.” Mino states.
“No one followed you back, Mino?” Mr. Yang questions.
“Who knows.” It’s not like he’s good at multitasking. He was busy making sure he brought the two loads home – speaking of which, he wonders if Haneul had awaken yet.
Jinwoo walks forward and places his hand on Seungyoon’s shoulder. “You tried your best, let Seunghoon clean this up.”
Yet, Seungyoon remained. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the man. No improvement…it was as if he hadn’t done anything this past week. The others stood in their spots in silence. The whole situation was starting to take a toll on everyone. This time, especially Seungyoon.
“He’ll be fine.” Mr. Yang mutters as he passes by.
***
That night, Mino never came to get her…Bom also didn’t return to the bedroom. Haneul was left watching the sun set and completely disappear as the moon takes its usual spot. Looking down at the small plant placed at the window sill – which must have been Mino’s doing – she saw the leaves starting to shrivel.
She lifts the small bush up to her nose to smell its subtle rosy scent, contrary to Mino’s previous words of it being nonexistent.
Deciding it wouldn’t hurt to get it something to drink, she gently holds onto the pot and makes her way towards the stair. Forcing her feet to take one step at a time as quietly and softly as possible, she gets down far enough to see into the dark living room. Many of them were already in bed but one person stood out. Her dark figure stills at the window and the sight nearly scared Haneul stiff.
Only when did she realize who it was did she calm down.
Bom seemed to have been distracted by whatever she was focused on that she didn’t once make it appear as though she sensed Haneul’s presence or that the young woman was drawing closer.
“Is there something wrong?”
The sudden question that appeared out of nowhere caused Bom to snap her head around, fangs drawn along with red intimidating eyes to match. “Don’t sneak up on me like that.” She hissed before calming herself. L
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