episode_0016

Kim Jihyuk.

A man living as a successful actor at the young age of thirty-five.

With his superior looks and excellent acting skills, he had left a strong impression on Korean viewers and was considered one of the leading actors in the entertainment industry.

Surviving the harsh entertainment world and rising to stardom.

Having overcome a period of never-easy perseverance, Kim Jihyuk was famous for his strong mentality.

Thanks to his unique mentality and quick judgment, he was able to save his life in the pandemonium where people were being murdered. His manager and colleagues being by his side also gave him strength.

Although there were ordinary people completely unrelated to the entertainment industry, he knew that at times like this, he couldn’t show a disordered appearance, so he gathered his resolve and pulled himself together.

Even in that situation, the fact that he maintained his image showed he was a true professional.

As a professional, and as Kim Jihyuk the human, he did his best.

He comforted and calmed the people on the verge of panic.

He maintained composure in a situation where there was little to no food, let alone water.

It was impossible to tell if his resolute demeanor was acting or genuine.

But for those trapped in the cramped space, he became a reliable pillar of support.

Even the man who had lost his reason in excitement.

Even his colleague Isia, who had given up in despair.

Even the managers who staggered with helplessness.

People held onto hope because of his steadfast attitude, unwavering.

The hope that they could be rescued and escape from this hellish place.

‘Wrong…. The rescue team isn’t coming.’

He finally had no choice but to acknowledge the reality he had been denying.

No, perhaps he had tried to ignore it.

He tried every possible attempt, clinging to his sanity.

The police and fire department, who had promised to come for rescue, did not arrive.

…It would be more accurate to say they couldn’t come.

He publicized the current situation and requested rescue through Byulgram and NeoTube.

He appealed for help.

But people’s reactions deviated greatly from his expectations.

Accusations and ridicule poured in, saying it was a lie or to stop joking.

He didn’t give up and kept trying.

He somehow managed to inform the outside world about the situation and requested rescue.

But before long, his posts were buried and disappeared.

The number of people in similar or even worse situations than themselves increased exponentially, requesting help.

Three days passed like that, and it was slowly reaching the limit.

The moment to abandon rescue and make a decision had arrived.

Now, phone calls to the police or fire station no longer connected.

He tried calling numerous acquaintances, but none connected.

What remained was…

『Break through those things and escape on our own.』

Kim Jihyuk gathered the people and discussed options, but the response was negative.

They were already utterly exhausted, and everyone knew.

That they couldn’t break through those things outside and escape.

The portly middle-aged man railed in a frenzy of utter despair, but that was all.

The man, on the verge of collapse, soon sat down.

He cursed and denied reality, but nothing changed.

‘What if we had tried to escape on the first day when we still had energy? What if we had all pushed through, as that annoying thug said? Did I needlessly cause people to die here?’

Kim Jihyuk’s strong mentality began to crack.

The emotion of hope that he had held onto was slowly sinking into a swamp.

It was the same for everyone.

Though unspoken, it was evident in their weary bodies and heavy expressions.

The people in the room felt it.

『We won’t get out of this room alive.』

Everyone felt that way.

Just as everyone was slowly etching the word ‘give up’ into their minds.

An elderly couple quietly conversing in a corner.

Three days of enduring without water or food with their frail bodies was too harsh. It was much more exhausting, difficult, and agonizing than for the younger people.

The elderly woman barely leaned on the elderly man and simply whispered.

“Our Dong-woo must be safe, right?”

“Of course. He’ll be waiting for us somewhere safe. Definitely.”

“I hope so. Truly.”

“So, cheer up. Dong-woo is waiting for us. Okay?”

The elderly man felt choked up and frustrated, but he swallowed it down.

In this situation, he couldn’t be with his grandson or protect him.

He couldn’t even protect the person he had loved and been with his entire life.

He had lived his life with all his might, but at this crucial moment, his powerless self, unable to do anything, felt utterly despicable. He felt like he was going crazy at the sight of his wife, leaning on him and gradually losing strength. More than thirst and hunger, it was the helplessness of being unable to do anything that tormented him.

“Lastly, Dong-woo… I want to hear his voice.”

At her words, which sounded like an ominous whisper, the elderly man was startled.

“What nonsense! Why ‘lastly’! We’ll meet soon!”

At her scolding husband’s words, the elderly woman simply smiled silently.

She also knew. That her husband was gritting his teeth and precariously enduring.

How could she not know, having spent a lifetime with him?

Even at this moment, her husband, puffing out his chest and acting tough for her, old and faded, made her feel so grateful and sorry.

If she hadn’t suggested coming here, he would have stayed by their grandson’s side.

If she had known this would happen, she would have spent a little more time with their grandson.

Replacing her fading strength was only unfulfilled regret.

“Old Man! We’re dying from exhaustion, so please be quiet! Huh?!”

“……”

“What? What are you gonna do if you stare? Huh? Huh?”

The portly man was still the same, even having fallen to rock bottom.

It seems true that a thug’s nature doesn’t disappear easily.

The elderly man silently glared at the portly man.

Unable to watch the worsening atmosphere, Isia stepped forward.

“Mister! That’s enough! Can’t you see everyone is struggling?!”

“I can’t see it! You damn bitch! How dare you step up and act like-”

“That’s enough.”

Kim Jihyuk, who had been deep in thought, stood up and approached the man.

His manager Young-cheol and Isia’s manager were with him.

As the three sturdy men pressured him, the portly man quickly cowered.

“Oh? Oh? Look at these bastards, huh? You guys, if I just get out, huh?”

Ting-a-ling-a-ling~♬ Ting-a-ling-a-ling~♬ Life’s a one-shot deal anyway~♪ Ho-woo~!

“Who is it?! Who’s making a call at a time like this… huh?”

A cheerful trot ringtone filled the cramped room.

Everyone’s gaze converged on one spot.

The elderly man’s pocket.

“H-hey, Old Man! Pick it up quickly! What are you doing!”

“Elder! Please answer it!”

Both the portly man and Kim Jihyuk said, startled.

Until now, they had only tried to make calls.

Not a single call had come in.

Until now.

The bewildered elderly man answered the incoming call, even though it was an unknown number, on the off chance.

“H-hello-”

「Grandpa!!!」

“D-Dong-woo! Oh my, Dong-woo!!”

「G-Grandpaaa! *sniffle*!」

It wasn’t even on speakerphone, yet everyone heard it.

They had definitely made contact with the outside world.

“A-are you okay? Are you safe? No injuries?”

「Yeah, Grandpa, I’m fine. But I can’t reach Grandma!」

“Oh, oh. Grandma’s right here, she’s fine. It’s okay! You’re not hurt, right?”

Everyone held their breath and listened in on the call.

It wasn’t polite, but the moment of making a dramatic call with family was overwhelming for everyone.

“D-dear. Is that Dong-woo?

“Oh, oh! Wait a minute. Dong-woo! Talk to Grandma for a bit.”

「Grandma!」

“…It’s our Dong-woo. *sob*.”

「Grandma, why didn’t you answer the phone! Do you know how worried I was!」

“…I’m sorry. Grandma lost it. It was something Dong-woo bought me, I’m sorry.”

The elderly woman struggled to speak clearly, even as she choked back tears.

However, her weakened voice sounded precarious.

「Grandma, why does your voice sound like that? Are you hurt?!」

“No. Grandma and Grandpa are both fine.”

「But why does your voice sound like that!」

“…Dong-woo….”

「Grandma, are you okay?! Why are you like this!」

“Our Dong-woo. Thank you for being Grandma’s grandson.”

「What’s wrong! Grandma!」

“*sigh*… There’s so much I’m sorry for. O-our Dong-woo. I love you.”

Finally, tears streamed from the elderly woman’s eyes.

She struggled to continue speaking, barely suppressing her sobs.

「Aah!! Grandpa! Grandpa!」

“Yes. Dong-woo. Grandpa is here.”

At the elderly woman’s unusual condition, her grandson cried out as if in a fit.

「Grandpa! What’s wrong with Grandma! Why is she like this! What in the world!!!」

“Mm. She’s just a bit tired. She’ll be fine after some rest.”

Everyone knew it was nonsense.

It was a warm consideration for a grandson they might never see again.

「Grandpa!! Where are you! I! I’ll go right now!」

At his grandson’s words, the elderly man was horrified.

How could he say he was coming to a place like this!

“N-nonsense! No! Absolutely not!”

「I’m coming! I’m coming! So, uh-」

Just as their desperate conversation of trying to dissuade each other was about to continue.

「Quiet. Shut up. Ah, hello?」

Suddenly, another person’s voice was heard.

A resolute, somewhat cold voice.

「Hmm? Did it cut out?」

“Ah, hello! I’m listening.”

「Ah, yes. I’m the phone’s owner, but I’ll call you back shortly.」

“W-what?”

「This young man is quite agitated. Please wait a moment.」

*beep*

In this unexpected situation, the elderly man looked at the phone, then raised his head.

Everyone in the room was staring with wide eyes.

Just before being consumed by the emotion of despair.

Everyone’s dimming eyes began to sparkle once more.

“W-what is this, exactly?”

The elderly man was flustered but immediately felt relieved.

His only grandson was alive. And judging by his voice, he was healthy.

Most importantly, he seemed safe, as if he was with other people.

As if hearing his grandson’s voice for the last time had left him with no regrets.

The elderly couple embraced each other, shedding silent tears.

Kim Jihyuk, who had been observing the situation, soon collected himself.

“Elder. It’s true that they said they would call back, isn’t it?”

Kim Jihyuk’s voice, which had been calm until now, trembled slightly.

The elderly man, realizing something, told everyone.

“Look at my mind. They said they would call back shortly.”

At that one sentence, everyone felt as if they could breathe again.

Could it be? Perhaps?

It might have been premature hope, but they wanted to believe.

‘We might be rescued!’

Everyone comforted each other with noticeably brighter expressions.

Several minutes passed, feeling like several hours.

Ting-a-ling-a-ling~♬ Ting-a-ling-a-ling~♬ Life’s a one-shot deal anyway~♪ Ho-woo~!

The group was incredibly glad to hear the mischievous ringtone.

“Hello?”

「Yes. I spoke with Dong-woo, and we’ve decided to come pick you up together.」

“W-what did you say?!”

The elderly man was startled.

How could they say they were coming to a place swarming with these demons!

He couldn’t drag his beloved grandson into a place like this.

Or perhaps-?

“Are the rescue team coming, by any chance?”

「No. Only Dong-woo and I are coming. There is no rescue team.」

“W-what?!”

The elderly man felt utterly dismayed.

Just as he was about to grit his teeth and shout that they absolutely must not come.

「More importantly, there’s something I need to confirm.」

A heavy, serious voice.

The elderly man unconsciously felt his neck stiffen.

The other party’s next question was…

「You are said to be the owner of Dongdaemun Dong-woo Gukbap. Is that true?」

What the hell is this bastard?

The moment the question was heard, that was everyone’s thought.