The Night Of The Untraced

“I’ll send you the class schedule.”

Seungjoo answered immediately. The thought that he needed to survive first, regardless of any burdens, crossed his mind. That woman, who had seemed just like a regular person, was so terrifying, no, amazing. What should he do if someone’s appearance wasn’t even human?

“…It won’t suddenly pop up, right?”

“Yeah, it won’t.”

Muheun answered with a slightly amused voice, as though he had expected it. A deep smile lingered at the corners of his mouth. Just as Seungjoo felt a sense of relief, Muheun offered a slightly different greeting than before.

“I’ll come pick you up on Monday.”

* * *

It was only after that moment that Seungjoo understood. The sensation he felt when entering the house was the influence of the talisman Muryeong had given him, suppressing Yeongi. The coldness he had felt from the talisman wasn’t just a drop in temperature—it was Yeongi’s presence. He had unfortunately realized something he might never have known had he been lucky.

As promised, Muheun came to pick Seungjoo up first thing Monday morning. He had driven an expensive foreign car, but Seungjoo didn’t get in, sensing the attention it would attract. It was a different car from the one Muheun had driven to take him home the other day.

They walked in silence to school, not exchanging a word until they reached the school gates. Well, they spoke twice: once when Muheun offered to carry Seungjoo’s bag, and again when he insisted on walking him to the building’s entrance. Seungjoo politely refused his kindness and sent him back a little before the main gate.

After such a hectic day, it was almost time for school to end.

“Seungjoo, are you sure you’re not going with us?”

“Come with us for dinner, at least.”

“Hey, it’s on me. You don’t have to pay for the drinks.”

On the way to the main gate, Seungjoo was joined by Seohyun’s friends. Unlike Seohyun, who had given up, they persistently tried to get Seungjoo to join their drinking session. Seungjoo made it obvious that he didn’t want to join, but for some reason, they didn’t take the hint.

“Hey, isn’t that Choi Jinwoo?”

“It’s Choi Jinwoo! Hey, Jinwoo!”

Until then, Seungjoo had been ignoring everyone, but when he bumped into Jinwoo at the smoking area, he couldn’t help but scowl. How was it that he kept running into people he knew? This was supposed to be one of the biggest campuses in the country, so how could he keep meeting familiar faces?

“What’s going on? Where are you guys heading?”

“We’re going to drink! You coming?”

“Oh, I’ll come. Are we all going together?”

“I’m not going…”

Seungjoo answered with a completely exhausted expression. After a busy day, he now felt mentally drained for a different reason. Why were these people so excited when none of them even drank? And just when Seungjoo thought it couldn’t get worse, Jinwoo, who had come up close, pulled him into a headlock, making him even more tired.

“Ah, you smell like cigarettes.”

“Do I smell that bad?”

“Yep, a lot.”

He brushed Jinwoo off half-heartedly, but Jinwoo stuck around, relentless as always. He had heard that Jinwoo was the youngest at home, and despite his appearance, he was quite affectionate. That was a bit annoying, but it wasn’t as bothersome as Muryeong’s persistent nature, so it didn’t really trouble him.

How long did they drag Jinwoo along? By the time they saw the main gate from a distance, Seungjoo hesitated. He had the thought that he should contact Muheun. Although he had sent the schedule, Muheun wasn’t the type to just wait around since he was busy too.

‘Should I just go alone…?’

Honestly, he felt torn. Half of him thought it would be fine since nothing had happened all day, while the other half was cautious, worried about any potential risks.

But Seungjoo knew he would end up waiting for Muheun to arrive. He had ignored Gi Hwanyeong’s warning two years ago not to go home alone and ended up in a cast.

Just as he was thinking that he should contact Muheun, he was about to take out his phone.

“Hey, look at that person.”

“What? He’s really handsome.”

Startled, Seungjoo’s finger, which had been about to type Muheun’s number, froze. Seohyun and her friends were whispering as they stared at something. A vague sense of unease crept up, and as Seungjoo squinted his eyes, even Jinwoo, who had been clinging to him, let out an exclamation.

“Wow, if I looked like that for just a day, I’d have no regrets.”

“…”

No, that couldn’t be him. There were many handsome people in the world, and he hadn’t even contacted Muheun yet. Muheun had said he’d come at the end of the class time, but he hadn’t said he would be standing at the gate.

“Is that our school?”

“Well, it’s not from our department.”

“Yeah, there was no senior like that.”

Seungjoo slowly, very slowly, raised his gaze. His phone, which he hadn’t even been able to dial yet, was clenched tightly in his hand as he glared toward the main gate.

Under the painfully blue sky, a long figure stood in front of the gate.

“Go ask if they want to join us for drinks.”

“Would you go if it were you?”

Ah… Kim Muheun.

“…”

Though it wasn’t far, Seungjoo could tell from a distance that the person standing there was definitely Muheun. The glances from people around, and his taller-than-average height, made it clear.

He was just standing there, but with his black t-shirt, he stood out among the crowd.

‘Why is he standing there?’

He often thought this, but somehow, Muheun always drew attention. It wasn’t just that he was handsome; there was an inexplicable aura about him.

Or maybe, it would be strange if such a big guy with piercings and tattoos didn’t attract attention.

“Seungjoo, what’s wrong?”

“…Nothing.”

Anyway, now he had to go and talk to the person who was drawing so much attention.

‘Should I pretend I didn’t see him?’

Although it was a strange thought, Seungjoo instinctively wanted to turn and head out the back gate. It wasn’t because he felt embarrassed about being noticed; it was more because he had a feeling something bothersome would happen. Since he was a kid, anything related to Muheun had always caused him trouble.

Kim Muheun, Kim Muyeon, and Kim Muryeong, the three siblings with striking appearances from next door, had a significant impact on Seungjoo’s daily life.

Though they hadn’t done anything directly, the fact that their existence became known to Seungjoo’s friends led to constant pestering. Friends would ask about their relationship, beg for introductions, or even say they wanted to become friends and ask Seungjoo to pass along messages.

The least troublesome was Kim Muryeong, since they were the same age and went to the same school. However, Muheun and Muyeon rarely crossed paths, so they would cling to Seungjoo instead. Actually, they would also pester Muryeong, but he would easily slip away, leaving Seungjoo as the prey.

In the end, Seungjoo stopped mentioning that Muryeong had an older brother and sister.

“Seungjoo, why are you so late!”

It seemed that Seungjoo’s pace had slowed while he was lost in thought. His friends, who were already ahead, couldn’t wait any longer and urged him to hurry up. Even Jinwoo had already complained for the third time about Seungjoo walking too slowly.

The issue was that as soon as Seungjoo’s friends called out to him, Muheun turned his head.

“……”

“……”

Their gazes met. Seungjoo, who had taken a step forward, unconsciously stopped dead in his tracks. Jinwoo, who had his arm around Seungjoo’s shoulder, also widened his eyes and asked in a confused voice.

“Hey? Isn’t that person looking at us?”

“Ugh, no.” Seungjoo wanted to answer, but of course, he couldn’t say that. He just swallowed the sigh that was rising in his throat, feeling irritated. Whether Muheun noticed his feelings or not, he smiled softly and acknowledged Seungjoo.

“Seungjoo.”

“……”

Seungjoo’s friends all turned their attention to him. Those who had been joking about getting his number or making random comments now looked at him with wide eyes, waiting for his reaction.

Jinwoo spoke first.

“……Do you know him?”

What should he say? Of course, he had the answer prepared.

“Just an older guy I know.”

“An older guy you know…?” Jinwoo dragged out the words and rolled his eyes around, then suddenly, he gasped and turned to Seungjoo in surprise.

“Wait, is he the guy you said you made a mistake with last time?”

His voice raised slightly. In a panic, Seungjoo hurriedly tried to cover Jinwoo’s mouth, but before he could, Muheun, who had been watching from a distance, burst into a quiet laugh. Damn, his hearing was so sharp. No, at this distance, even if he had spoken normally, Muheun probably still heard it.

“Ugh!”

“……”

Seungjoo clicked his tongue, forgetting to release Jinwoo. Up until now, he had been pretending not to notice Muheun, but what embarrassed him more than getting caught paying attention to him was that Muheun had told someone else. Well, it wasn’t really Jinwoo’s fault.

“Ha! Oh, Seungjoo!”

“Uh, sorry.”

Seungjoo apologized half-heartedly while wiping his hands on Jinwoo’s clothes. Even though nothing was on them, if there had been, it would have been his own spit, so Jinwoo took a step back in horror. The sight was so funny that Seungjoo chuckled and told his friends.

“Hey, I’m going ahead.”

“Huh? You’re leaving?”

“Yeah.”

Now that the excuse had come up, Seungjoo gestured toward Muheun as if he had an appointment, just like when he had turned down a drink invitation earlier.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Luckily, this time, his friends didn’t try to stop him. They just waved with surprised faces, telling him to be careful.

By then, Muheun was still waiting, smiling meaningfully, as Seungjoo approached.

* * *

It took about 30 minutes to walk from school to his house. Taking the bus would be faster, but if he lazily walked to the bus stop, it would take another 10 minutes. Since Seungjoo hated getting on crowded public transportation, unless he was really running late, he usually walked.

“Didn’t you say you were going to hang out with your friends?”

On the way home with Muheun, Muheun asked after they had left the college district. He had failed once again to offer to carry Seungjoo’s bag. When he had hurt his arm before, Kim Muryeong had offered, but for some reason, the family had this strange obsession with bags.

“Where would I be going?”

It seemed like a pointless question between two people who knew each other’s circumstances so well. There was a high chance of seeing ghosts if they went out at night, and it wasn’t like they could go anywhere. Even if they could, Seungjoo didn’t intend to drink starting Monday.

And if he did go to a drinking party, would he wait until the end of the appointment?

“Next time, I’ll contact you, so don’t wait at the front gate.”

“Why?”

“Because… I might be late.”

Although it was unlikely that Seungjoo would be late, he said it that way. It would be much better for him to wait rather than Muheun waiting for him. Plus, if they stayed there like before, people would stare too much.

“You’re busy too.”

Muheun, who normally visited his family only about three times a year, wasn’t neglecting home, but was just extremely busy. He’d even mentioned before that he barely had enough time to sleep.

“Even if I’m busy, I still have time to pick up Seungjoo.”

“Save that time and take Seolgi for a walk instead…”

It was a sweet comment, but Seungjoo mumbled with a blank face. He knew it wasn’t a lie, but he hadn’t expected that much effort. If Muheun really had time, it would be better to invest it in Seolgi, who was eagerly waiting for him.

“But Seungjoo…”

“Yeah, what now?”

Seungjoo responded sharply, feeling a sudden sense of crisis. Muheun’s tone was lowering, signaling that he was about to make a joke.

As expected, Muheun grinned and asked with his usual mischievous smile.

“Am I just ‘an older guy you know’?”

“……”

Seungjoo froze for a moment. It wasn’t that he had said anything wrong, but he felt embarrassed. It was true that he had said it without much thought to avoid an annoying situation, but it wasn’t something Muheun should be making a big deal out of.

“Then what am I?”

“Well…”

Muheun thought for a while, squinting his eyes, clearly unsure of how to respond. After a long pause, he finally gave his answer.

“I guess I’m a close older guy who lives next door?”

After some thought, Muheun’s conclusion was that. Of course, he didn’t live next door anymore, and they weren’t really close, but it was a statement someone might have said 10 years ago.

“Why would we be close?”

“Then we’re not close?”

Muheun looked hurt, his eyes wide open. If someone who didn’t know him had seen that expression, they might find it sincere, but anyone who knew him even a little would find it utterly fake. Given Muheun’s personality, he wouldn’t care, but if Seungjoo had answered “I don’t know him,” he would have just laughed as if it was funny.

“It’s sad. This older guy even changed your diapers.”

“When was that?”

Seungjoo rebutted, his face dumbfounded. It wasn’t a made-up story, but it was from his childhood, and he didn’t even remember it. Muheun probably didn’t remember it clearly either.

“Remember when you peed on my face?”

“Ugh, crazy!”

With Seungjoo’s exclamation, Muheun let out a soft laugh. He looked satisfied, as if he had gotten the reaction he wanted. It was annoying, and Seungjoo stepped away in disgust. But Muheun had already closed the distance, so it didn’t matter.

“See? We’re not just ‘an older guy you know,’ right?”

There was no need to answer his teasing question. Why wouldn’t Seungjoo want to be just an older guy he knew? He actually wanted to be a complete stranger, but it was even more frustrating to know he kept reacting, even though he knew he shouldn’t.

* * *

After that, Muheun continued teasing Seungjoo by bringing up memories from their childhood, saying how Seungjoo used to follow him around when he was little but had changed as he grew older. Despite it being mostly Muheun’s fault, he acted like Seungjoo had become a completely different person.

“You said you were going to marry your brother when you grew up.”

“Wow, that’s really nonsense. Did I really say that?”

Seungjoo, who had been ignoring him the entire time, couldn’t hold back this time and snapped. To be clear, I was never the type to act that childish, even when I was younger. I didn’t even like being held in Muheun’s arms unless he coaxed me and made a big deal of it.

“It’s true. Back then, Seunghee heard it and cursed at me.”

“…You’re bringing up evidence that can’t even be verified, huh?”

There was no way to prove it, but that did make it seem more plausible. Especially the part about my sister cursing at him. If I recalled her fiery temper, it wouldn’t have been surprising if she got mad and yelled at him for trying to charm my younger brother.

“I bet there’s even a video somewhere.”

“Why would you look for that…”

Seungjoo quickly backed down, as if he thought that Muheun might actually find a video. It was clear that Muheun wasn’t the type to make things up.

Seeing how genuinely flustered Seungjoo was, Muheun smiled faintly and changed the subject.

“So, are you closest to the friend who smokes?”

The sudden question had no relation to anything they had been talking about so far. But since it was easier to answer, Seungjoo furrowed his brows and pondered Muheun’s words.

“Smoking… Choi Jinwoo?”

“Yeah, the guy who was standing next to you.”

How did he know he smoked? While thinking about that, a calm voice answered.

“I could smell it.”

“…”

From that distance?

“Wow… are you human?”

There’s no way you could smell anything from that distance. For a regular person, you’d have to speak loudly for the voice to carry. The smell would’ve faded a lot by the time they reached the main gate, so how did Jinwoo’s smoking become noticeable?

Yet, Muheun shrugged his shoulders and said in an almost mysterious tone.

“Why act surprised?”

People with spiritual abilities usually had superior senses compared to ordinary people. Sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch. And sometimes even strength. In fact, Muryeong had an incredible ability back in high school, guessing the school lunch menu just by sitting in class.

“Is Jinwoo the friend you drank with on Saturday?”

“Yeah.”

“Just the two of you?”

“No, Jinwoo and Kim Seohyun…”

Seungjoo, who had been answering obediently, trailed off. For a moment, he wondered,

Why is he asking about this?

Even though Seungjoo didn’t finish his sentence, Muheun didn’t mind and added a follow-up question.

“Does Seohyun smoke too?”

“I don’t think so.”

Seungjoo wasn’t entirely sure, but he seemed to remember that Seohyun disliked cigarette smoke. So when Jinwoo took out a cigarette, Seohyun probably stepped back with a disgusted look on his face.

“Are you close with the guys you were with earlier?”

“They’re just my sociology classmates.”

Apart from Jinwoo and Seohyun, they were just acquaintances. Not close enough to deny their relationship entirely. Still, Seungjoo couldn’t help wondering why Muheun was asking such pointless questions.

As he thought that, Muheun, who had briefly cleared his throat, raised the corner of his mouth.

“Since we sent Seungjoo off to college, you’re hanging out with girls now…”

“Oh! Are you seriously talking like a parent again?”

It felt like he was laying down groundwork for something. He was talking about things that didn’t matter. Seungjoo snapped back in annoyance, but Muheun just let out a soft chuckle, amused by his reaction. For some reason, his face was beaming with enjoyment.

“Take it slow. You should walk with me.”

If he wanted to walk with him, then he shouldn’t be saying unnecessary things. That’s what Seungjoo thought, but he slowed his pace and walked along anyway. After all, it was true that he was in a position where he needed help, and this situation was ultimately the result of his own mistake.

* * *

As they crossed the main road and approached the residential area, Muheun stopped teasing Seungjoo. He was annoyingly perceptive, realizing that Seungjoo could have insisted on walking alone by now.

Up until that point, Seungjoo, who had been walking one step ahead, absentmindedly looked up and saw the clear blue sky, which relaxed his expression.

“…”

The clouds drifting across the sky were fluffy and beautiful. Since there was no rain forecast, it seemed likely the clear weather would continue for a few days.

The warm sunlight was quite romantic, but even before he could fully appreciate it, a thought crossed his mind.

How long will this last?

Once his spiritual sight closed again, there wouldn’t be any more moments like this, walking side by side. Muheun would go back to hunting Gwimae, and Seungjoo would return to his mundane life. It might become harder to see each other in the future with the change in seasons.

He wasn’t particularly sad, but honestly, it felt a bit empty. It was because he knew that Muheun would vanish again once his sight was closed. Having lived his life with the “roaming horse star” (역마살) causing him to never settle down, Muheun couldn’t remain in one place for long.

That’s why I gave up.

There’s nothing lonelier than liking someone who won’t ever return. It wasn’t just because of that, but Seungjoo had already accepted his feelings for Muheun and grown used to his absence.

“The weather’s nice today.”

“…”

“Do you remember falling down here when you were little?”

Muheun’s soft voice asked about the past, a story Seungjoo had heard a thousand times already. Seungjoo chuckled and replied.

“Of course I remember. That was the first time I saw Kim Muryeong cry.”

It happened when he was about nine years old, not long after their sister and brother had passed. Seungjoo had fallen badly on his way home from school. It wasn’t serious, just a scraped knee, but Muryeong had cried and carried him all the way home. Seungjoo, on the other hand, had been a little embarrassed and was getting up on his own.

“That day, I thought our house was going to fall apart.”

He’d been checked at the hospital, and they’d asked him over ten times if he was okay. After that, for a while, Muheun had carried Seungjoo around, not letting him walk on his own. It had been so burdensome that Seungjoo promised to never fall again.

“Seriously, overprotective people…”

Clicking his tongue, Seungjoo muttered, and Muheun just silently smiled. Well, he didn’t have much to say. Compared to parents who cause a fuss and become bothersome, Muheun quietly hovering nearby was more of a hassle.

By now, they had entered a neatly arranged residential area. Seungjoo, who had been observing the row of trees planted along the street, suddenly narrowed his eyes when he noticed a pathway leading up to the back mountain.

Between the alleyways, there was a tidy, narrow path marked by a wooden sign. The scenery, which was usually nothing special, felt oddly unsettling today.

‘What’s this?’

For a brief moment, he felt an eerie chill run down his spine. Normally, he wouldn’t have thought twice about the path, and when he was younger, he used to play there with Kim Muryeong. Well, after growing up, the path had been cut off due to a large fire in the back mountain.

“Why?”

“It’s just… something feels off.”

It was just for a moment, though, and soon, a pleasant scent began to fill the air. A smell… or rather, a fragrance. It was sweet and aromatic, and the moment he inhaled it, Seungjoo felt an overwhelming impulse to surrender to it completely.

“Seungjoo?”

“…”

He didn’t even realize when he had stopped walking. Muheun, who had been walking behind him, calling his name, didn’t reach his ears. He stood there blankly, staring into the distance, blinking slowly with a dazed expression.

Seungjoo… who was Seungjoo again?

“Seungjoo.”

Suddenly, Muheun snapped his fingers, and Seungjoo was startled, looking around. Only then did he realize that Muheun was standing right in front of him, staring at him with dark, piercing eyes.

“What’s wrong?”

Shadows began to form in those black eyes. Seeing that the concern in Muheun’s gaze deepened, Seungjoo let out a deep sigh.

“Ah…”

His blurry vision slowly started to clear. Blink, blink. After a moment, Seungjoo’s face contorted in confusion.

What the hell was that just now?

“Are you hurt?”

Muheun, now with a serious expression, reached out to touch Seungjoo’s forehead and cheek, but Seungjoo instinctively took a step back, avoiding the touch. Muheun’s hand hovered in the air, suspended.

“No, I’m not hurt…”

How was he supposed to explain this? As soon as he tried to put his feelings into words, his mind just spun in circles. His consciousness still felt foggy as if he had just woken up from a deep sleep.

“Something… it’s the smell.”

“…Smell?”

Muheun tilted his head, then immediately sniffed the air around them. But he didn’t seem to sense anything odd, his face showing only mild confusion as he squinted his eyes. Likewise, Seungjoo, still standing there, absentmindedly sniffed the air as well.

“That’s strange…”

It wasn’t like he had been dreaming while standing, but in that brief moment, the strange feeling vanished. No matter how deeply he inhaled or how intently he stared at the path, nothing changed.

“What smell? Tell me more.”

“No, it’s nothing…”

It was hard to answer Muheun’s question. It wasn’t that he was worried about Muheun thinking he was strange, but more about how concerned Muheun would become. He might end up taking him to the hospital if he thought something was wrong.

“It’s nothing. I must have been mistaken.”

So Seungjoo quickly put on a blank expression. Muheun had already smelled the cigarette scent from Jinwoo from a distance. If it was a real smell, Muheun would have noticed first. If it was something else, Muheun, as an exorcist, would have sensed it too.

So, he convinced himself it was just a result of sleep deprivation. No, he had to think of it that way.

“It’s probably nothing. Let’s just go.”

“…”

Luckily, Muheun, though skeptical, followed Seungjoo without further questioning. He shot a few more lingering glances but didn’t seem to want to press the issue.

Relieved by that, Seungjoo tried to shake off the strange feeling he had earlier.

* * *

The next day, Muheun once again walked Seungjoo to school. Perhaps thinking he wouldn’t need the car, Muheun didn’t bring it today. Seungjoo silently walked ahead, and Muheun quietly followed behind him.

When they arrived at school, Seungjoo’s classmates immediately showed a great deal of interest in the “guy who had been standing in front of the school gate yesterday.” They asked about his name, what he did, and what his relationship was with Seungjoo.

Then someone asked if he had a girlfriend, and Seungjoo quickly recited the line he had prepared.

“He’s the older brother who used to live next door when I was little. We weren’t really close. He’s busy lately, so I hardly see him. He just came by yesterday for something, and he’s thirty.”

By the time Seungjoo said this, most of his classmates gave up, thinking that there was no way something could happen since he was ten years older.

However, some still expressed interest, and Seungjoo cautiously added, as if sharing a great secret:

“By the way, his job is… not normal. He works mostly at night… and, well, it’s a pretty dangerous job.”

It wasn’t a lie. He really worked at night, and it was indeed a dangerous line of work. He believed he had shared only the pure truth, with no lies. How his classmates interpreted it was up to them.

Anyway, the effect was good. His friends quickly lost interest, their faces showing a hint of fear, and they decided not to ask more questions. Now, it seemed they had decided that he was the kind of person not to be messed with. Eventually, some even seriously asked Seungjoo if he was alright.

But just half a day later, that little lie lost all its credibility. After class, when Seungjoo and his friends exited the front gate, Muheun greeted Seungjoo and his friends with a friendly smile.

“Hello, looks like you’re Seungjoo’s friends.”

At that one short sentence, his classmates exchanged looks, as if to ask silently, “Is he really that person?”

“…I’ll contact you after it’s done.”

On the way home together, Seungjoo spoke to Muheun as soon as they left the school gate. He had told him not to stand there, but Muheun had stubbornly waited, drawing attention from everyone. The stares from his friends were so overwhelming that Seungjoo thought it would be bothersome again the next day at school.

“Hyung, you stand out too much.”

Five piercings on his left ear, one on the cartilage, and a tattoo of a flower pattern that started from the back of his ear and extended to the nape of his neck, hidden beneath the collar of his shirt. He did everything that would make him stand out, yet, with a smile, his face was as gentle as could be. Whether he was smiling or blank, he was someone who inevitably drew attention.

“Why do you have to stand at the gate? Why not just be nearby…”

“Seungjoo.”

“What?”

Seungjoo, answering curtly, glanced up at him. Muheun, with a face as if wounded by his teenage son, asked with a shocked expression.

“Are you embarrassed…?”

“Tch.”

The boldness of his expression almost made Seungjoo laugh. He tried to force his face into a frown, but it was hard to stop himself from snickering. Seeing Muheun smile triumphantly, Seungjoo couldn’t help but get annoyed.

“Ugh, they kept pestering me, saying they wanted me to introduce them.”

It had been so annoying back in middle and high school. Even the well-behaved KimMuryeong hadn’t hidden the fact that he had an older brother and sister by the time they were older. At that time, he had the excuse of being a minor, but now, that was no longer an option.

“They have good taste, at least.”

Muheun casually replied, narrowing his eyes as he smiled, though his expression didn’t seem to match his mood. He probably knew exactly why Seungjoo didn’t want him standing there.

“So, are you going to introduce them?”

“Are you crazy? Would I do that? My friends are all twenty!”

Seungjoo shuddered as if he were facing a tremendous scoundrel. Whether he liked Muheun or not, the ten-year age difference was just too much. To a twenty-year-old, a thirty-year-old was almost like an uncle.

“Well… twenty is still young.”

“…”

He should have immediately agreed, but Seungjoo couldn’t bring himself to answer. Unlike Seungjoo, who tightly pressed his lips together, Muheun asked lightly.

“Did you turn them down well?”

“Yeah, well…”

“What did you say?”

“I just said I couldn’t because you’re too old.”

He didn’t mention that they weren’t really close. That would have made Muheun act hurt and pretend to be disappointed.

Muheun tilted his head slightly and murmured, as if in disbelief.

“They won’t give up just because of that.”

It might be annoying confidence, but it was true. Seungjoo couldn’t exactly deny it and kept a calm expression. There was another excuse, one that Muheun would surely find ridiculous.

“I also said my job’s a little… unusual. I mostly work at night, and it’s a really dangerous job.”

“…”

“Why?”

“…”

“What?”

“…”

“That’s right.”

“…yeah, that’s right.”

Seungjoo couldn’t come up with anything to argue back with, and Muheun nodded in agreement. After walking a couple more steps, Muheun suddenly let out a silly laugh and brushed his bangs aside with one hand, almost as if he thought it was funny. Seungjoo, for some reason, felt a little proud of that.

“Did you refuse like that before?”

“No, back then I just told them it would be a crime if we met.”

Since the lecture ran late, it was starting to get dark when they entered the residential area. As Seungjoo absentmindedly gazed at the view, he suddenly turned his attention to Muheun. Since Muheun was walking on his right, Seungjoo could clearly see the tattoo on his left nape.

When did that flower tattoo start? It had grown since he moved out and started seeing him again. The pattern had expanded bit by bit every time they met. He wondered just how far it reached, but back then it seemed to stop around the wrist.

‘Doesn’t that hurt?’

It was spring now, but even in the summer, Muheun always wore long-sleeve shirts. And not just any color—always black. Only Seungjoo and Muheun’s family knew that it was to hide his tattoos.

“Why?”

As Seungjoo examined him, Muheun asked casually. Though his eyes were still ahead, he seemed to sense Seungjoo’s gaze. Since it wasn’t a secret, Seungjoo wasn’t embarrassed and answered without hesitation.

“Oh, I was just wondering if getting a tattoo didn’t hurt.”

“Is this it?”

A long finger traced the nape of his neck, from behind his ear to the prominent line of his neck. The slow, deliberate movement somehow seemed a little suggestive. As Seungjoo instinctively averted his gaze, Muheun casually spoke.

“It hurts.”

“…”

Seungjoo thought it was oddly unfamiliar to hear Muheun say that. The ever-composed Muheun didn’t usually show weakness. He would brush off anything as if it didn’t matter, even if he got hurt.

“It hurt, so I got it. The neck area hurt especially.”

“…Is that your thing?”

Seungjoo asked in disgust, but the answer he received was even more repulsive.

“Your preferences are a bit too much for me to share with you, Seungjoo…”

“Ugh, come on!”

Muheun’s smile was unbearably annoying. Seungjoo huffed, but Muheun only smiled more, his eyes narrowing like a crescent moon, letting out a low laugh. Seungjoo knew he shouldn’t react, but the things Muheun said somehow always got under his skin.

“Don’t you have any shame?”

“That’s exactly what makes me charming.”

Charm? It sounded more like something that would lead to trouble, but Seungjoo didn’t bother to argue. He knew that the more he argued, the more Muheun would enjoy it. Of course, walking faster wasn’t the best idea either.

“You’ll fall if you run.”

“I’m not running… I’m not falling.”

He wasn’t a toddler. Just running a little wouldn’t make him fall. Besides, he wasn’t even running fast enough to fall.

“We should go together.”

“Then walk faster.”

Seungjoo responded irritably, but unfortunately, that energy didn’t last long. As soon as he saw the trail that led to the mountain behind the house, unease crept over him. He worried about the strange smell from yesterday, wondering if it might come again.

‘It should be fine today.’

Seungjoo slowed down and fiddled with the talisman in his pocket. He had been carrying it for nearly two years, and there had never been a time when he felt the need for it more than now. It made him understand why people turned to religion.

To get straight to the point, Seungjoo’s worries were not unfounded. As they got closer to the trail, the same mysterious scent from yesterday grew stronger. No, it wasn’t just a scent—it was something more intense and thick.

“…”

It was the same kind as yesterday. Sweet and fragrant, it clouded his mind with every breath he took. He tried to stay alert, but even the thought of staying alert didn’t last long.

‘It won’t happen twice…’

This time, he’d really be worried. With that thought, Seungjoo blinked blankly. His dark brown eyes had long since lost focus. His gaze was blurry, focusing only on the dirt trail in front of him. His consciousness was slipping away like a fog clouding his mind.

One step, then another.

He wasn’t even aware that he was moving. He thought he was walking slowly, but his stride widened, and before long, he was walking briskly up the mountain path. He didn’t even notice that the only thing around him was trees, as his consciousness flickered in and out.

“…!”

He stumbled, catching his foot on a stone and nearly falling. But just before he hit the ground, someone grabbed his arm firmly. The warmth that touched his arm was enough to bring him back to his senses, but as soon as it disappeared, his awareness faded once more.

Where was he going?

Why? How? Where was he headed?

His instincts reacted before his thoughts, and his actions were faster than his reasoning. The scent grew stronger with every step, and soon it felt like his whole body was being submerged in it, his head growing heavier. He felt like he might slip into a deep sleep if he wasn’t careful.

A growl—a beast’s cry—came from somewhere. Was it just his imagination? As Seungjoo walked in a daze, he suddenly lifted his head.

At the middle of the mountain, in the middle of a desolate forest path, he encountered a large, black, grotesque creature.

“…”

If you were too scared, your voice wouldn’t even come out. Thinking of running was only possible when you had some room to think.

Growl…

It was an animal that looked like a boar or a shadow. Every time it moved, black liquid dripped from it, but its eyes glowed bright red. When it opened its mouth, sharp fangs flashed menacingly.

“…Crazy.”

Seungjoo’s senses returned, but it was already too late. His dazed gaze and the fading awareness were now struck with the shock of a lightning bolt. His instinctively hesitant movements stopped when a rustling sound came from the grass, and the creature turned its head.

“…”

“…”

Their eyes met. Or rather, he felt as though they met. The red glow of its eyes burned into his retina, and an overwhelming feeling of floating surrounded him. The growl that had been low and continuous had now turned into a weak, strained breath.

‘This…’

It felt like the moment when he nearly got hit by a truck a few days ago. The fear he had brushed aside was now manifesting in front of him. The warning his instincts screamed and the sudden rush of danger pointed to one truth.

‘I might die.’

Strangely, in that moment, Seungjoo had a premonition of his end. The curse that had avoided him until now was creeping up from his feet. The fear that he had thought was someone else’s problem had now taken shape right before his eyes.

And at that moment, at the same time,

“…Seungjoo.”

A large hand covered his eyes from behind. The suffocating sensation was replaced by a warm, comforting one that filled his stomach. The familiar scent of the wind and the slightly cool body temperature surrounded him. Finally, a gentle, adult voice reached his ears.

“Good boy, I’m here.”

“…”

It felt like he could breathe again. As soon as he heard those words, the reality that had felt so distant came rushing back. The warmth he felt from behind, the way he was pulled into someone’s embrace, and the sensation of a chin resting on his hair. It was as if he had come back from the brink of death, and his heartbeat, now faster, hummed in his ears.

“Do you trust me?”

“…Hah.”

They said you couldn’t trust anyone who said things like that. But despite thinking that, Seungjoo nodded. In this deserted forest, face-to-face with an unknown creature, the only person he could trust was Muheun, right behind him.

“Don’t worry…”

Through the gap between his fingers that covered his eyes, Seungjoo saw Muheun’s left hand. Between his index and middle fingers, there was a red talisman with writing on it. Just like he had done not long ago, Muheun gently whispered as if comforting a child.

“Let’s close our eyes and count to 100.”

“……”

Why hadn’t he closed his eyes back then? Was it because the flames rising like fire were so mesmerizing, or because the wild boar stomping its front legs was so strange? Or was it because the low growl, that cry, made him feel somehow afraid?

Growl…

Like the flames burning brightly, a strange light appeared in Seungjoo’s eyes. The enormous flames slowly encircled them.

The last thing Seungjoo saw was a dark shadow rushing toward them.

* * *

There is something called Gwimae (鬼魅

)

. It is an incarnation of the life force inherent in nature, born from natural phenomena. It includes beings like goblins, and is a transcendent entity that cannot be compared to humans.

While souls can either disappear or attain enlightenment, once Gwimae is born, nothing is possible. It has no place to return to, so it cannot be enlightened, and it cannot be destroyed because it is not a being that humans can oppose.

So, what’s the problem with these Gwimae?

It would be nice if they could just be left alone, but unfortunately, they negatively affect other living beings. The malice accumulated from their anger causes the minds of others to rot for no reason.

At least the living ones are fine. A sick mind can be healed, after all. The problem lies with those souls who have already lost their shells.

Souls that cannot follow their messenger are said to be lost. When they remain in this world for too long, they gradually lose everything. First, they lose their reason and thought, then their memories, and finally, their hearts. If they lose everything, they become irredeemable evil spirits. The energy of Gwimae accelerates this process.

However, when there is a harmed life, there must also be someone to save it. Such people who protect humans from spiritual beings are called exorcists, and the organization they belong to is called the Exorcist Association.

Exorcists are divided into two types: those who destroy evil spirits and those who track and seal Gwimae.

And the latter type is Gwimae hunter Kim Muheun.

“So?”

“Just trust me,” Muheun said with a gentle smile, which was truly reassuring. Seungjoo almost found himself nodding without realizing it.

Seungjoo, who had stiffened his neck as if about to move, asked with a face full of distaste.

“…Are you saying we’ll encounter another Gwimae?”

After encountering the mysterious wild boar earlier, Seungjoo collapsed into Muheun’s arms and fainted. When he regained consciousness, it was late at night, and Muheun was sitting next to him on the bed, just like before. Thankfully, neither of them was naked this time, but that wasn’t the important part.

‘What the hell happened?’

Muheun had said that the wild boar was a Gwimae, and the scent Seungjoo had caught was likely the energy of the Gwimae. Muheun had sealed the Gwimae, and since Seungjoo had fainted, he brought him to his apartment, thinking his parents would be worried.

After explaining the dangers of Gwimae and the role of exorcists, Muheun finally said this:

“Yeah, probably.”

“……”

First, ghosts, and now a Gwimae too. When Muheun said it, there was a high chance it was going to happen, and that Gwimae—the rare kind that most exorcists would never even see in their lives.

“But… you sealed it earlier, didn’t you?”

“I did. The wild boar we saw earlier.”

So that should be the end of it. There couldn’t possibly be several Gwimae in the same neighborhood, could there?

“You don’t get it, do you?”

Muheun murmured slowly, then fell silent for a moment. He seemed to be pondering how best to explain it.

Finally, Muheun began speaking calmly.

“This is just your guess, but let’s say… Seungjoo, you’re a scentless flower. A flower so rare that everyone wants it.”

“……”

It was an analogy that almost made Seungjoo lose his lunch. What, what flower? Muheun seemed to sense his thoughts and let out a faint laugh.

“Just an example. On the other hand, Gwimae is like a bee.”

“…And so?”

Seungjoo replied obediently. His tone was suspicious, but Muheun didn’t mind at all. His pitch-black eyes were focused firmly on Seungjoo.

“But then, my Yeongi passed onto you, didn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“A new scent has appeared.”

Although they were brothers, Muheun had a completely different appearance from Muryeong. Not only did he look different, but his voice was as well. His cold features occasionally felt threatening.

“So, what would the bee do? It would desire the flower, right?”

Instead of answering, Seungjoo just nodded. He guessed Muheun wasn’t really expecting an answer.

“It’s not over when you catch one bee. Other bees are always lurking, waiting for a chance to strike when there’s an opening.”

“So, what you’re saying is…?”

“It means a swarm of bees will surround you, Seungjoo.”

At first, Seungjoo thought it was a ridiculous analogy, but when he heard “swarm of bees,” a chill ran down his spine.

Why him? Why not some other flower? Seungjoo almost asked the question, but stopped himself and just kept silent.

If he had known the reason, maybe his sister and brother wouldn’t have lost their lives.

“Well, in the end, it’s all just a guess. Or should I say this: Do you know how a Venus flytrap attracts insects?”

“I know. It gives off a scent to lure them.”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

Muheun smiled like he had just answered correctly, but the words that followed sounded much colder than his sweet smile.

“Gwimae is like that Venus flytrap.”

“……”

So now, was he the insect? It was definitely better than being a flower, but for some reason, Seungjoo didn’t feel very good about it. The fact that he almost threw himself into that trap made his spine crawl, though the unpleasantness lingered as well.

“Actually, not many people, even exorcists, can sense the energy that Gwimae emits. Only my mother and I in our family can. That’s why we’re Gwimae hunters.”

The Gwimae hunt is a kind of exorcism job, but not every exorcist can engage in it. Only a few are capable of tracking the energy of a Gwimae, only a few are immune to its possession, and only a few can use talismans to create a perfect barrier.

“By the way, Seungjoo, you felt the Gwimae, right?”

“……”

“At that distance, even I couldn’t feel it.”

The depth in his eyes seemed serious. He must have climbed quite a distance, considering his foggy consciousness. He wasn’t entirely sure, but he had felt winded midway through.

“Normally, the energy from that Gwimae wouldn’t have become strong until about three days passed. The association wouldn’t have recognized it until around that time either. So, I thought about it. Why… how did you sense it, Seungjoo?”

As he spoke, Muheun cautiously took Seungjoo’s wrist. His movements were slow enough to not be startling, but the moment their skin touched, Seungjoo unconsciously straightened his back.

“How does it feel?”

“……Why is your hand so cold?”

It felt similar to when he touched the talisman. The cooler body temperature created a strange illusion, as if a breeze was blowing. He’d felt this same sensation when Muheun had pulled him into his arms and when his eyes were covered earlier.

“My hand is always the same.”

Muheun spoke while letting go of Seungjoo’s wrist. The area where his hand had touched seemed to radiate warmth, and Seungjoo absentmindedly rubbed that spot. Muheun, glancing at him, spoke.

“Probably… it’s because you’re an empty vessel.”

“An empty vessel?”

“Yeah, you were supposed to be born with Yeongi, but you were born empty, so you instinctively crave other people’s Yeongi. That’s why you’re more sensitive to Gwimae’s energy.”

It was a phrase that was almost understandable, yet still confusing. Seungjoo had never felt Yeongi, not from birth to now. He had been very close to the three siblings next door, who were overflowing with Yeongi.

“It did feel strange. The day you were drunk…”

“……”

“No, let’s talk about that later.”

Seungjoo almost jumped up at the sudden mention, but quickly regained his composure. He hoped Muheun wouldn’t bring it up again. Whether Muheun knew or not, he let out a soft laugh.

“Anyway, until now, you’ve never absorbed enough Yeongi to open your spiritual eye. It only opened temporarily, and your senses were activated. It’s like giving a person who didn’t know they were thirsty a single drop of water.”

“Ah….”

That made sense now. It meant that he had unknowingly discovered his thirst and tried to fill it. The energy from Gwimae, which was also a form of Yeongi, must have been what his body was craving.

“……So, what do we do?”

A feeling of urgency suddenly emerged. According to Muheun, his senses were already activated. Gwimae was something Muheun would handle, but Seungjoo couldn’t always rely on Muheun’s help.

“It’s fine. When your spiritual eye closes again, your senses will be blocked too.”

To Seungjoo’s surprise, Muheun had come up with a simple solution. It made him wonder why he had been scared for so long.

“Oh, so it’s not a big problem.”

Seungjoo sighed with relief, loosening the tension in his shoulders. After all, Muheun had told him to trust him from the start, so it would be fine as long as he stayed close until his spiritual eye closed again. Besides, even though Muheun had said he had Yeongi, it wasn’t really his own.

“Ghosts would be different, but if it’s a living person, it’s still fine, right? Since I don’t even have Yeongi, won’t the Gwimae just pass by like the ghost did?”

“Ah… Seungjoo, it would be nice for me, but…”

Instead of agreeing, Muheun let out a low sigh. His expression softened, and he spoke in a tone that suggested he felt sorry.

“Gwimae eats souls.”

“……”

The voice that had spoken about ghosts earlier seemed to echo in Seungjoo’s mind. Whether he was horrified or not, Muheun didn’t miss the opportunity and made a playful expression.

“Literally eats them. Chomp.”

It was almost like a child trying to scare another. As Muheun clicked his teeth together, Seungjoo froze, thinking that Muheun had just treated him like a five-year-old.

Seeing this, Muheun pouted in disappointment.

“You’re not scared. You used to cry when I did this when you were younger.”

“Would I cry?”

Seungjoo didn’t recall crying at five… or maybe he had.

“Well, anyway, Gwimae is picky about what it eats. It doesn’t just eat anything…”

Seungjoo had a sudden feeling that the unsaid part meant that he wasn’t just “anything.” As he frowned, Muheun quickly lowered his voice, trying to smooth things over.

“So, if anything feels off, tell me immediately. Don’t just brush it off thinking it’s nothing.”

“Okay, well…”

“Even if it’s just a misunderstanding, it’s fine, alright?”

Finally, Seungjoo understood. Muheun had been scaring him on purpose to make him aware of things. He had ignored the strange smell earlier, thinking it was nothing.

“It’s better than you getting hurt.”

It was a difficult issue. If you dismiss things as unimportant to avoid worrying someone, when the worst happens, it causes even greater anxiety. It’s better to prevent such situations from the beginning, but things don’t always go as planned.

“……I understand.”

Seungjoo answered late, his cheek twitching. The burden felt suffocating from within. It would be resolved soon enough, but the fact that he was trapped in this endless cycle didn’t sit well with him.

“Yeah, this is all because of the alcohol. I might as well start quitting early, I suppose.”

Thinking this, Seungjoo turned to get out of bed.

“Do you want me to get you some clothes to change into?”

Muheun asked lightly, as if Seungjoo had gotten up to wash. But Seungjoo had no intention of doing that.

“No, I need to go home.”

“Why? Just sleep over. My bed’s big.”

Muheun added generously that he would have to leave soon anyway. The bed was, indeed, large. It could be at least a king-size. Of course, the size of the bed had nothing to do with whether he would go home or not.

“I can’t sleep unless I’m at home.”

“You slept fine last time, though.”

“……”

Seungjoo looked at Muheun with a bewildered expression. He was baffled, but there was nothing to argue back with. He didn’t want to bring up that night as an excuse, because he’d have to discuss it in detail, which was uncomfortable.

“…I have to go to school tomorrow.”

“School’s pretty much the same distance from here.”

Still, Muheun complied and stood up to follow Seungjoo. He stretched his back with a yawn, arching side to side. Given his height, it seemed like he could almost touch the ceiling.

“Seungjoo.”

“Yes?”

Seungjoo, who had been tidying up the bedding, turned toward Muheun. Muheun let out a small groan and grabbed Seungjoo’s bag, which had been set down next to him. Despite Seungjoo’s insistence that he didn’t need help, Muheun seemed determined to carry it.

“How about taking a few days off from school?”

“…Honestly, I’d like that.”

Staying at home without going anywhere would be safe. Seungjoo’s house had no place where spirits could enter. He had considered this, but there were too many factors that made him hesitant.

It had become an obsession over time. If he avoided things just because they were dangerous, he would only feel like he was losing, which damaged his pride. Everyone’s excessive interference led to nothing but resistance, so it was easier to block everything out and pretend nothing was there.

But now, the thought of hiding at home somehow made him feel like he was giving up.

“What about my attendance, though?”

Instead of voicing his true feelings, Seungjoo gave a fairly mundane excuse. It was a reasonable one, yet when Muheun looked at him, narrowing his eyes, Seungjoo could feel something off.

“Well… you can get an F if you miss more than four classes.”

“……”

That didn’t mean you could miss three classes and still be okay. Seungjoo let out a small laugh at the absurdity of it all, but Muheun’s narrowed eyes became sharp.

“You wouldn’t know. You’re high school graduate.”

Come to think of it, among the three Kim siblings, only Muyeon had gone to college. Kim Muryeong didn’t due to poor grades, and Muheun, despite having good grades, chose not to pursue higher education. He said he didn’t feel the need, but it was hard to understand why he studied so hard if that was the case.

Seungjoo followed Muheun out of the bedroom, slowly. Last time, he hadn’t noticed, but now he realized how spacious the apartment was for a single person. Aside from the bedroom, there were two other rooms, and the living room, with just a single sofa, was nearly as big as a small playground.

‘Why does it feel so empty?’

It wasn’t just spacious; it felt like there was too little furniture. The bedroom had only a bed, and the living room had only a sofa. Even a model home would feel more lived-in than this.

“When’s the furniture going to be delivered?”

“Furniture?”

Muheun looked at him, puzzled, as he called the elevator through the intercom, answering casually.

“It’s already here.”

“……?”

Seungjoo frowned and looked around the apartment again. Still, the only thing in sight was the white leather sofa.

“Wow, you’re really a minimalist…”

It was almost like living with nothing at all.

“I don’t really come home that often.”

It seemed like Muheun didn’t spend much time at home because he was so busy. He added that this place was provided by the association.

“How did you get here earlier?”

When Seungjoo got out of the underground parking lot, he suddenly realized something and asked. He had passed out near the back mountain of his place, and Muheun’s apartment was a fair distance away—about a 10-minute drive. It would have been quite the hassle to carry someone passed out that far.

“I just walked here. I carried you on my back.”

“…You carried me?”

“Yeah.”

Muheun answered calmly as he held his phone near the car’s front door, unlocking it with a beep. He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow.

“Should I have carried you in my arms?”

He said this, but it seemed like he didn’t want to carry him like a princess, as it might have embarrassed him. Of course, that would have been embarrassing, but that wasn’t the important part.

“Wait… that distance?”

“Yeah, that distance.”

“Aren’t you tired? It must have been heavy.”

“Not really?”

Muheun got into the driver’s seat, and Seungjoo naturally sat in the passenger seat. As soon as the car door closed, Muheun leaned in and buckled Seungjoo’s seatbelt for him. When their eyes met, Muheun gave him a soft, almost melting smile.

“It’s just like when you were little.”

“……”

Muheun was babbling nonsense again. That couldn’t have been true.

“What are you talking about? I must have weighed twice as much then.”

Twice as much? Depending on the time, he might have weighed three times as much. Seungjoo wasn’t exactly small, and he wasn’t particularly thin either.

“I could still carry you even if you weighed twice as much.”

But Muheun, with a calm expression, stated this as a fact, without a hint of a lie. In fact, Muheun and his family were capable of lifting a car with their bare hands. Thinking from a regular person’s perspective had been foolish.

The two of them said nothing as they left the underground parking lot and headed home. It wasn’t an awkward silence, and there was no need to fill the quiet with unnecessary conversation. Even though Seungjoo gazed blankly out the window, there was no uncomfortable feeling.

Seungjoo leaned his head against the car window, slowly blinking his eyes. Even though he had passed out, it felt like he should have been sleeping for much longer, but sleep wasn’t coming.

“Are you tired?”

“No, not really.”

He answered absentmindedly, but then something caught his attention. That wasn’t the issue—what caught his attention was that Muheun, who had stayed awake all afternoon, seemed more likely to be tired.

“…I think you must be the one tired.”

The chapters have been revised, edited, and compressed, and the complete main story has been released for free, as I’m concerned it might be taken down or worse. I didn’t want to disappoint the readers, so I apologize for any inconvenience, and I hope you enjoy reading the complete story! The side stories will be coming soon, so don't worry~