“This .” I’ve been scanning the whole commission board for a while now and there’s only one ghoul hunting job left available. It’s indicated that this is a commission ideal for a group of vampires to do but that’s not the reason why I have been avoiding this specific job. I have no doubts when it comes to my abilities. What’s been bothering me is its location, it’s way too far. 
 

It took me 3 days of traveling just to reach the said village. And to see a similar bar like what Namjoo and Hayoung introduced me to is such a bliss. “Guess I know where to stay for a while.” as I plan to start the job when the moon is high up.

Upon entering the bar, given that the night is young, there are only a few vampires around. The moment I sat down in the corner, I started planning my attack for tonight.

“As long as I stick to eliminating them and not having myself killed, I guess I’ll be fine.” I told myself as I folded the map after studying the best location to where I should come from. Then suddenly the confidence I have in myself is slowly starting to crumble at the thought of how things would end up if I die in the field. The village is too far from the city, I went solo in a job that’s meant for a party of 3 at least. Well, the only person to blame when I vanish is myself. 

“I can’t die when there are so many people waiting for me at home.” This sudden realization hit me hard when I thought of what my father kept on telling me, we’re family. 

“You should stop being a downer. You’ll make it, whatever that is you’re planning to do.” A lady joined me at the table but I didn’t bother to look at her as I’m not here to mingle or find my better half like what Hayoung said about this place. “I haven’t seen you around, not a local?”

“No, I’m not. I’m only here to finish a job.” I said trying not to move forward on our little chat.

“Not much of a talker are you? I’m Park Soeun by the way.” She said extending her hand and I took it. Then memories of how Bomi and I usually meet during the first day of school flash right before my eyes. 

“Park Chorong.”

“Holy sh- you’re Park- You really are!” Soeun exclaimed as she takes a good look at my face. But seriously? What’s with the excitement and jolly personality? It’s uncomfortable how I’m starting to see Yoon Bomi in her.

The way those eyes curve as she smiles, the positivity she radiates, her being this carefree and friendly stranger. It all reminds me of Bomi.

“I sure am.”

“You don’t look pleased. If you’re ashamed of what happened, don’t be.” Soeun said as she made herself comfortable at the seat in front of me sipping blood. “But losing someone so precious.. jeez I understand why you’re so pessimistic in life.”

“Seems like you’ve heard about us.”

“What do you mean ‘seems like’? Of course I’ve heard about you and Yoon Bomi!” hearing again the name of the woman I love.. mortifies me to my very soul. When will I learn to move on from this? “You’ve been the talk of the town ever since that controversial council meeting. Also, most of our kind in this village supports the president and his choice.” 

“Okay..” I honestly have no idea how to respond given that the president’s choice, whether the vampires support him or not.. has nothing to do with me. Where is Soeun leading me in this conversation? 

“More importantly, I’d like to say that I look up to you and the chosen one! I still believe that the two of you are destined for each other!” Now that’s interesting. I’m starting to get invested in knowing her thoughts about all this. It’s time for me to see everything from another person’s perspective. 

“Even after the rumors of Bomi and the President dating?”

“Call me crazy but that’s bull. I’ve read news about the whole meeting and I believe that Bomi risking her life just for you to be saved? It’s more than enough for me to stay on board to this ship!” 

“You’re funny.” She really is, “Thank you, for lifting my mood up.” I tried to listen to her thoughts but she seems to be really just saying everything out loud, and that’s when I started to let go of my guard. 

“If you two end up together, you owe me a drink! So stop being so sulky and get your together! I prefer the better version of you.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you. You know what they say, never meet your heroes.” And with that, I ordered another pitcher of blood for us to share.

It’s crazy how I was able to keep a conversation going with a random stranger, Soeun really did make it easy for me to share how I honestly feel about everything. How I’ve been running away all these years, how I’ve been so hard on myself even though it really isn’t solely my fault.  

Seeing the whole story in someone else’s eyes sure helps and I’m glad that I’ve met this girl