episode_0230

( “Disappearing is a foolish thing.” )

( “Grudges don’t go away.” )

​

( “So, we met.” )

I remember a conversation I had with [the Red Woman] one day.

The monster of [The Black Book].

There is a being whose unbearable resentment reached the heavens and raised its body.

In the mind of the galaxy, the existence of ‘those things’ was a monster that could not be killed no matter what was done.

They were apartment neighbors, each with their own story.

‘Isn’t it true that resentment never goes away?’

Late evening, when the sunset is fading away.

Eun-ha was speechless at the sight of the [Red Woman] who came to her house without any notice.

As if it was melting into this world and disappearing, the left hand of ‘that thing’ that had become transparent was scattering like smoke.

My thoughts aren’t following along.

What’s going on?

How did it come to this?

I haven’t seen [the Red Woman] in a while, so maybe that’s why she’s playing pranks like that.

I hope this is a joke.

“How did it happen? What did the old security guard say?”

“I don’t know.”

I asked absentmindedly.

The answer I get is “I don’t know.”

Eunha put her hand on her throbbing chest.

“… … .”

It’s cold.

Is it really this cold when reality arrives without any contact?

Eunha took her hand away from her cold chest, feeling unfamiliar with the sound of her own pounding heart.

“… … .”

The beginning of May.

[The Black Book] suddenly appeared.

The first monster I ever met.

I was sawed all over in the bathroom and my heart was ripped out.

He also racked his brain trying to get away from [the Black Book].

“… … Let’s do it. Date.”

But maybe,

In the future, with our fierce neighbors and cousins,

That we will live together as a family forever.

I guess that’s what I was thinking.

“I’ll make it so fun that no one will know…even if someone dies.”

Even when I look back, I only have painful memories,

Like an idiot.

… … .

… … .

​

If death had a temperature, it would be like this.

A front door with a layer of ice forming on the wooden hallway.

Galaxy, who had stopped in her tracks, licks her dry lips.

The front door is wide open before my eyes.

Sunset seen through the hallway window.

The setting sun approaches briskly and kisses Eunha’s cheek.

“Just a moment. Let’s get ready and go.”

Eunha turned her back on [Red Woman] and returned to the living room to gather her supplies.

Impatience drips from your footsteps as you run down the cold hallway.

I finally decided to do it.

A date with a monster.

It was because I was concerned about [the Red Woman’s] condition, and I didn’t want to send away my neighbor who had finally come to visit me empty-handed.

Eunha, who was walking around the living room with uneasy steps, picked up her smartphone.

There is a saying.

If you don’t know, ask.

Eunha, who noticed that the out-of-range sign appeared on her phone, made a call to someone.

Doo do …

Then, in less than 5 seconds, the person on the other end answered the phone.

Were you waiting for the phone to ring?

“Hello, Grandpa! You managed to get the call!”

– “I realized one day that most problems can be solved if you just give them time.”

“I had nothing to do, so I just played with my phone.”

[Grandpa Park’s] voice is heard over the phone.

… … .

This time, I visited a park and gave a cell phone to a lonely old man as a gift.

I was wondering if I could make a phone call since I was given an old model, but this one works.

Crunch. Crunch.

I hear [the red lady] coming into the house.

Eunha, who was absentmindedly putting a bag of salt in her mouth, asked the wise old man a question.

“I’m going out to play with my neighbors right now. How should I plan our date?”

– “That’s what I gave you to ask. You idiot.”

As soon as I ask the question, I get a gentle nagging in return.

It feels like I’m using a high-performance voice recognition service.

But what can I do if I don’t know where to go with the monster?

Grandpa knows because he’s also a monster.

Eunha, who laughed at the old man’s nagging, urged him to answer.

[Grandpa Park], who let out a tired sigh as if he was playing with his naughty granddaughter, imparted small pieces of wisdom to her about life.

Knock knock.

At that moment, [Red Woman], who had come up behind Eunha, tapped her shoulder with her right hand.

“who.”

“The grandfather I know.”

Knock knock…

He taps me on the shoulder again.

This time it’s a real nail.

The cold feel of the iron bars touches the back of my neck.

“who.”

“A monster I met at Euncheon Park, who gives wisdom to those I meet. However, I have to leave the park before dusk ends, and there is thick fog around the park, limiting my visibility. Meanwhile, a large bell tower is dimly visible beyond the fog…”

Words spoken desperately.

It seems that stronger physical force is needed for smooth conversation.

Eunha, who experienced this fact firsthand, lowers her body to avoid the claws touching the back of her neck and sits down on the sofa.

After all, a saw is a good means of communication.

I’ll have to use it later.

“I didn’t give in.”

“what.”

Eunha ignored the stinging gaze hitting the back of her head and tapped her thigh that was trembling from trauma.

– “Someone said. Most memories start during the preparation process. So don’t ask unnecessary questions and just stay by the kid’s side.”

“Hmm… That’s right. Thank you, Grandpa.”

– “What should I do with this soft girl… Tsk tsk, I guess I’ll end up being crushed.”

“What? Are you done talking?”

Aww! Aww!

A cute puppy’s cry could be heard over the phone.

I don’t like it when people treat people like rugs, but I’m honestly grateful for the advice I received.

Eunha continued small talk while placing her hand on the arm of [Red Woman] who was wrapped around the boat.

The monster’s back hug was quite cold and soft.

ㅡ 『… … We are all lost. We just stopped walking… In the end, we have to move forward.』

An old tree filled with wisdom.

From the spring water that has accumulated like a pond in the hole of the oyster, the sparkle of wisdom flows out.

– “Please stay by our side… We, who have lost our way, will follow the starlight of the North Star and move forward in the darkness.”

“… … .”

– “The direction you go is important. Remember that.”

So, with [Grandpa Park’s] meaningful words,

The phone call ended with a worried voice, like a grandfather sending off his mischievous granddaughter.

In the end, it’s telling me to go on a date with [the Red Lady].

Eunha looked out the window at the darkness with a positive mind.

It’s night.

… … .

… … .

After that, it was time to pack my things in the carrier.

Because it’s my first time leaving the apartment at night.

“Have you eaten? If not, let’s eat at a restaurant.”

“Why are you bringing meat?”

“I had to do something because the freezer was full.”

I pack a few bags of raw meat from the freezer into my carrier.

I check the chamber of my ‘Emergency Escape Pistol’ just in case, grab some spare clothes and a bundle of amulets, and get up.

『… … .』

[Red Woman] dripping blood.

He bows his head slowly at the sight of Eunha diligently preparing for the date.

Her blood-soaked hair fell forward, obscuring her eyes.

The thing that had become transparent, holding its left hand, lifted its head and stared at the galaxy.

I couldn’t see the expression on ‘that thing’s’ face because of the hair that was hanging forward like a ghost.

Perhaps it’s his usual drowsy face.

『… … .”

A pair of nails held preciously in his right hand.

Galaxy, who had finished organizing her carrier, looked back at [Red Woman].

A dress dyed red with someone’s blood monopolizes Eunha’s gaze.

Swish…

Eunha looked down at the bloody dress.

At that moment, [Red Woman], with one cheek puffed out, lifted Galaxy’s chin with the tip of her claws.

Galaxy’s gaze, which had been directed at the dress, now turns to the woman’s face.

“Look here.』

Then, as if satisfied, the nail falls from his chin.

A warm feeling flows from the face of ‘that thing’ hidden by the hair.

Warm and warm…

The warmth of resentment towards the red thread that was inevitably connected.

If it weren’t for the fact that my chin was lifted by a nail, my heart would have been pounding a little harder…

Galaxy, who let out a faint laugh, carefully reached out and tidied up the hair of [Red Woman] who was coming down.

The resentment seeping through her hair makes her smile happily.

… … .

The thread of fate that was everything in the world was so thin and easy to break,

The woman was envious of the saw that was carving her into tiny pieces.

If only my ‘thread of destiny’ could be like that… without being cut by any hardship or adversity, but rather be able to cut through all obstacles.

I wish I could cut off all my resentment and foolishness and meet my true ‘destiny’.

​

Would it have been different then?

​

… … .

“Is your left hand okay? Does it hurt?”

“What is that?”

“Security office flashlight.”

Squeak…

Time goes by.

A time when the night sky is beautiful.

Eunha left the house dragging a carrier with a ‘1++ sticker’ on it.

Something stuck outside the hallway window falls down, making a tomato-popping sound.

Gyarrr~!

The sound of children’s laughter can be heard from somewhere.

The sound of meat being trampled on the stairs.

A thumping noise coming from the ceiling.

『… … .』

They retreat quietly to the sound of [the Red Lady’s] clattering footsteps.

‘It’s okay. It’s actually better. While you’re at it, why don’t you take a look outside the apartment? [The Red Woman] is here too, so it might be safer.’

I use a flashlight to illuminate the dark hallway, where not a single ray of light enters.

Really get out. Out of the apartment.

Beyond the fence managed by the old security guard.

I wonder if I can come back alive.

But in the end, I’ll survive.

I pulled myself together from my dazed state.

“Wow, the apartment hallway is scary at night. I feel like a ghost might come out.”

『… … Last time, you were playing with a girl in the hallway.』

Suddenly [the red woman] said.

A voice that is filled with resentment.

Were you watching?

‘That thing’, which left the house following the galaxy, looks around the 9th floor hallway with fresh eyes.

A ‘clay doll’ placed in the corner of the hallway looks at the galaxy with pity.

“We’re just friends. [Bug Princess] comes by often and we play together.”

“I have a child.”

“Isn’t our Fly cute? I have other babies too, so I’ll introduce them to you later.”

[Red Woman]’s gaze softened noticeably when the topic of children came up.

The hand that was about to take out the saw, a means of communication, returns to its original position.

Come to think of it, did you practice children’s songs to become an elementary school teacher?

I don’t remember exactly.

‘That thing’ that had calmed my throbbing heart held onto the loose end of Galaxy’s boxy shirt that was walking ahead with its right hand.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2. We recommend that you refrain from going out at night.

– Due to recent facility renovations, the lights in the apartment hallways are off.

– Because the inside of the apartment is very dark, it is not recommended to leave the house or walk around the apartment after sunset.

​~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4. Don’t look up at the sky at night.

– Don’t look up at the sky from an open space.

– Avoid making eye contact with those looking down on you.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eunha, who was about to take the elevator down to the first floor with [Red Woman], was troubled.

‘Rules’ regarding night activities.

The ‘rule’ of refraining from going out has already been broken, so you should mentally prepare yourself to come if you want…

The rule not to look up at the sky required a little thought.

You shouldn’t look up at the sky…

Based on my experience, if you look up at the sky even a little bit, you’re out.

The night sky will surely come to tear apart someone’s limbs just because it briefly enters your field of vision.

A situation that makes me burst out laughing just thinking about it.

Because of this, I felt that I needed a tool that would physically limit my field of vision, so that I could not look up at the night sky.

“So you came to find Yeo? Fly went to dreamland.”

“Let me borrow your umbrella for a moment. Your pajamas are pretty.”

“I praise your courage in crawling out on a late night.”

Eunha visited ‘Room 1003’ where [Bug Princess] resides and borrowed the girl’s parasol.

[Bug Princess], with her eyes covered by a black veil, looks up at the galaxy that came in the middle of the night and bursts into laughter in disbelief.

『Now he’s just going out. It looks like he’s planning to leave the apartment… That kid’s glaring at you as if he’s going to kill you.』

I turned my head at the girl’s words.

[Red Woman], who had put her own claw into the carrier of the galaxy, was glaring at [Bug Princess] who was talking properly with the galaxy.

I can hear the resentment building up from here.

“Kuuuu, good. Take what’s yours. I think it’ll be more fun that way.”

“Thank you so much. I’ll come back tomorrow morning to return it.”

『What~. Isn’t this a favor from a companion? Of course I should help.』

Sagak-.

[Bug Princess] licking her lips seductively.

The mischievous princess looked down at the [Red Woman’s] transparent left hand as if she had found something interesting.

He took a black parasol out of the umbrella stand in the hallway and handed it to Eunha.

“Hehe, be careful of the night sky. You should also avoid the puddles of rain on the ground.”

He reached out to receive the extended parasol.

But [Bug Princess] says, ‘You have a nice parasol stand,’ and puts the parasol between her large breasts, avoiding Eunha’s hand.

The pleasant scent of grass from a babbler.

Then, [Red Woman], who had come up in an instant, took out the parasol.

[Bug Princess] burst into laughter and said she would see me again next time before closing the front door.

Click-.

『… … .』

“Then shall we go? I’ll take the umbrella.”

slap.

I got hit in the chest.

Why?

“… … … That dress is pretty.”

『You’re pretty too.”

Ah. I was jealous of you sharing compliments with [Bug Princess].

Eunha took out a bundle of amulets from her pocket and stuck them on [Red Woman’s] dress.

“Do more.』

“Your voice is pretty when you sing nursery rhymes.”

“No matter how much you cut it, it won’t die.”

Share compliments.

Try something you’ve never done before.

『Do more.”

“Hmm… There’s a lot of blood flowing. If it’s steak, it’ll taste savory.”

“I like you.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“you.”

Monsters and humans.

We walk side by side down the dark hallway, relying on only a flashlight.

Although, I haven’t left the apartment yet,

Each and every one of these chatter, ticks, and jokes,

Everything that the two of you do together,

It gradually fills up [the Red Woman]’s heart.

“Your hair is soft.”

“I like you.”

“Your body is in great shape, so any clothes will suit you well.”

“I like you.”

What is the purpose of the resentment that reaches the sky?

Perhaps, by stepping on the high-built resentment,

It must be to reach the North Star in the sky.

“… … .”

『I like you.”

“… … .”

“Really… I like it.”

Pass…

Resentment builds up.

‘That thing’ leans against the galaxy, hiding his left arm, which has become transparent up to the elbow, behind him.

Paang…

Using the parasol borrowed from [Bug Princess],

Take the elevator,

Go down to the first floor,

Leave the apartment.

Two people under a narrow parasol.

The woman mustered up her courage and linked arms with Eunha.

“… … Be careful of puddles. Don’t stick your head out of the umbrella. ”

Please, this is the time,

I hope it lasts a little longer,

[The Red Woman] went forward with the galaxy through a world that had fallen into darkness.

… … .

… … .

… … .

The thread of fate that was everything in the world was so thin and easy to break,

The woman was envious of the saw that was carving her into tiny pieces.

… … .

If only my ‘thread of destiny’ could be like that… without being cut by any hardship or adversity, but rather be able to cut through all obstacles.

I wish I could cut off all my resentment and foolishness and meet my true ‘destiny’…

… … .

“Oh, damn it. Soy sauce is salt too! Right, right! ”

and,

Only resentment remains in my empty heart,

As countless years passed by,

One day.

We met a woman.

“Let’s solve it through conversation. I’ll buy salt quickly.”

Clumsy, beautiful,

A woman with a constant smile on her face.

Even if you cut it with a thin saw and cut it into pieces,

Surviving in the end and smiling cheekily…

The person of destiny that I have been hoping and hoping for for a long time.

“It’s dyed red, red~.”

By meeting her.

A story I thought was over.

It starts moving forward again.