Heechul was waiting for them at the funeral home. When Chinsun emerged from the passage that connected from Naesae with Baekhyun and Sehun in tow, the first person she bumped into was of course Jongin. Both proceeded to turn away from each other, taking a step to the side so as to create an uncomfortable distance between them.

“Damn, things really did change while I was gone,” Sehun muttered to himself.

Hearing him say that, Baekhyun promptly elbowed Sehun in the stomach to shut him up. Sehun glared at Baekhyun in response but did not say anything once he realised that Jongdae and Mark were also consciously not addressing the elephant in the room.

Mama Kim entered in that moment with a tray full of tea for everyone. She too joined the meeting though remained standing at the side, acting more as an observer and listener rather than active participant.

“Right then.” Heechul clapped his hands to get everyone’s attention. “Ghost Month is coming up and it’s always a tumultuous time. This time however, I suspect Kim Sungil will be making use of the thinning barriers between the world of the living and the world of the dead to his advantage.”

“As well as the full moon,” Boa added.

“Yes.” Heechul nodded.

“What is his goal exactly anyway?” Jongdae questioned. “Why linger around here?”

“Does he even have a goal?” Sehun countered. “From the sound of it, he’s too consumed by vengeance to have a sense of awareness and goal.”

“Yet he’s made conscious decision of showing up again just as the Ghost Month is approaching,” Mark commented with an edge in his voice. “This can’t be just a coincidence.”

“Mark’s right,” Boa agreed. “Let’s not forget about the egg ghost either. It’s been following Baekhyun ever since he was scratched and each time it appears it has evolved.”

“As though it was serving as countdown to something big happening,” Chinsun whispered softly.

“It would not be a stretch to assume that he’s targeting Baekhyun,” Mark stated. “Actually it would not be a stretch to assume that he’s targeting those of us with high spiritual energy since he attacked me and Chinsun as well. Baekhyun and Chinsun just happen to be ideal candidates. Baekhyun is a source of raw and untapped spiritual energy while Chinsun is like a bottle of finely matured wine, having spent years refining and turning her spiritual energy. If he manages to absorb their energy then he’d be invincible.”

Yet again Mark had shown deep observational skills and offered a new perspective to the matter. Heechul’s expression hardened and Jongin’s whole physicality switched towards the offensive. Gulping loudly, Baekhyun felt the blood drain from his face while Chinsun gave him a smile of reassurance.

“At this rate, Kim Sungil will likely attack on the day of the Ghost Festival,” Heechul stated with a serious expression. “So I’ll take charge and conduct the rituals on that day with Boa’s assistance.”

“What?” Jongin tensed, his brows furrowing together in protest. “I’ve been doing it all these years. It’s my duty—”

“Yes you have, and you’ve done an excellent job,” Heechul interrupted. “But us adults have discussed and decided that I’ll be the one doing it this year. You kids will stay in the sidelines.”

“Leading the ritual is like wearing a target on your back, beckoning to be attacked.” Jongin inhaled sharply, trying hard to not raise his voice.

Unlike Jongin who’s shoulders were tense with his hands clenched into tight fists, Heechul remained relaxed and even slouched in his chair.

“More reason for me to be leading the ritual. Stop trying to be the hero for everyone kiddo. Let us adults do something for once,” Heechul replied nonchalantly though his eyes visibly darkened. “We’ve been running away for long enough.”

Turning towards Boa, Heechul exchange a quick glance as the two shared a thread of guilt and self-abasement. Jongin however was unwilling to sit back and do as they ordered.

“Stop treating me like a kid,” Jongin hissed through tight jaws. “You can’t just waltz in after years and do as you please.”

“I’m just doing what I should—” Heechul tried to argue but was immediately interrupted again by a seething Jongin.

“No you’re just being selfish again, thinking that you know what’s best,” Jongin snarled. “You haven’t changed