episode_0359

We seemed to face each other like mirrors.

Identical twins.

Yet, looking closely, so much was different.

Personality. Talent. Reputation.

Like a mirror’s flipped reflection,

Only our outward appearances clumsily resembled each other.

“It’s fine. We’re twins, after all.”

Words spoken by ‘you,’ smiling as you approached ‘me,’ who was always curled up crying on the bed.

That sight, as though the ‘me’ in the mirror was speaking…

Sent shivers down my spine, leaving a foul taste in my mouth.

“If we had been ■■■… maybe we would’ve been a little happier.”

I looked at the mirror.

Looked at ‘you.’

Two nearly identical twins.

“……”

I stared at the sleeping ‘you’ and thought:

Because we’re twins—

Will my blood be red too?

……

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

6. Extended bathing may pose health risks.

– Bathing aids in fatigue recovery and blood circulation.

– However, it is advisable to avoid bathing for more than 30 minutes.

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

……

Deeeeeeeeeng—!

“Haah…! Haah…!”

Early morning.

As the sun rose, bells reverberated across [Euncheon Park].

Deeeeeeeeeng—!

The ringing of an old man chasing time.

Almost as if jealous of the alarm that always woke Eunha, the bells rang before the alarm, jolting Eunha awake with a gasp.

“Haa… Haa…”

A nightmare.

But like white waves receding from the shoreline, each exhale slowly calmed her breathing,

Leaving only refreshing clarity behind.

Swishhh…

The sound of white waves.

The memories remain, but the ‘painful emotions’ attached to them were swept away—

A crisp, clean morning.

“…I’ve thought this for a while, but I’m really lucky the [Forgetting Saintess] lives downstairs.”

Thanks to her, every morning starts with a smile.

Eunha grinned as usual, waving at the ‘something’ peeking its head through her bedroom window.

……

Even as the calendar flipped, Eunha’s morning routine remained similar to last month’s.

“Good. The doors to next door are properly closed.”

First, she checked the ‘doors’ that had inexplicably appeared on the walls between her bedroom and living room.

The wooden door in the living room led to ‘Donating Mom,’ while the iron door in the bedroom connected to the [Beast]’s residence.

Sometimes, returning from her shifts at the café, she’d find the doors wide open—her heart would race so fast it nearly burst.

『Why are you smiling？』

“Because my heart won’t stop pounding.”

『Then stop it.』

“Easier said than done.”

Too many moms bring happiness.

Probably.

Swishhh…

Eunha stepped out of her bedroom.

She grabbed the ‘raw meat’ left on the living room table by [Beast] and stuffed it into the freezer.

Then, while washing up in the bathroom, she chatted with ‘Eunha’ reflected in the mirror.

『Why did your chest get bigger again?』

“People grow, they say.”

『Growing is fine, but you’re just inflating.』

The ‘Eunha’ in the mirror glared down at her own body, dissatisfied.

Seems her [Auto-Recovery] skill worked overtime during her latest fight with the director at the [Facility].

Tap tap tap.

A skill that reverts her to her ‘original state.’

But… What even was my original self? No way to know.

“Pfft… Ah, seeing you frown like that just makes me laugh harder.”

『Trashy.』

“The trashy one here is your body.”

『Hah? It’s your body too.』

Eunha mercilessly mocked the shabby mirror aberration who looked too feeble to even run.

So fun.

『…You…』

“Hm?”

Tap tap tap…

Then, the ‘Eunha’ silently observing her from the mirror finally spoke.

Though identical to Eunha, like a twin,

The unamused scowl on her face made it clear—she was not the real Eunha.

『How does it feel… knowing someone just like you is jealous of you?』

“……?”

A strange question.

From an aberration so weak it couldn’t even drown her properly, despite whining ‘My spot.’ if she lingered too long in the bath.

Hardly a topic she should raise when she herself covets Eunha’s place.

“……Not really? If anything, it’s nice knowing I’m not lonely.”

『……』

“Anyway, turn around.”

But as Eunha replied indifferently, the mirror ‘Eunha’ scowled and turned away.

Eunha checked the back of her head in the reflection and peeled off the strands stuck to her wet shoulders.

Jealousy.

Irrelevant to Eunha.

Who would ever envy a life filled with nothing but pain?

“Even if someone envied me… they wouldn’t spend their whole lives jealous. We help each other out, right?”

『……』

A meaningless conversation.

Eunha lazily smiled while examining her backside in the mirror.

October, after the rain.

A cool morning signaling autumn’s passing.

『…Is that so?』

Yet, despite everything,

The ‘Eunha’ in the mirror did not smile.

……

……

Tap tap tap.

“Hm?”

Then—

Eunha locked eyes with the [Scarlet Lady], leaning against the bathroom doorframe and knocking thrice on the already wide-open door.

『……』

A woman whose face was as lifeless as the world itself, clad in a blood-red dress.

Holding an old saw in hand, she stared at Eunha—still mid-talk with the mirror—like she was looking at a madwoman.

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

1. If someone knocks on your front door:

– First, check outside through the intercom.

– If you confirm a woman in a red dress is standing there,

– Immediately take a pinch of salt in your mouth and enter the bathroom.

– The front door will open by itself. ‘It’ will spend approximately 10 minutes inspecting everywhere, ■■■■ ■■■, before quietly leaving.

– The above must be completed within 3 minutes.

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

Since when was she here?

Creeeak…

Without a word, Eunha closed the bathroom door.

Clunk.

The [Scarlet Lady] wordlessly stopped the door from shutting.

Nope.

“Who are you?”

『Huh?』

“Huh?”

『Huh?』

“……When did you come in?”

『I knocked. Counted the knocks too. Why no answer?』

Had she knocked while Eunha was washing up?

She faintly recalled hearing taps.

Eunha stared at the saw in the [Scarlet Lady]’s grip, racking her brain.

Too early in the morning to get hurt.

“……Intercom. I haven’t checked it yet, so it’s fine, right?”

『You count numbers too when opening locked doors.』

“Ah, right. I do.”

Eunha let out a hollow laugh.

Guess I got too relaxed after passing the promotion exam.

Actually, this might be for the best. A fresh start isn’t bad.

“…….”

『…….』

“…Haah!”

Fumble fumble!

In one swift motion, Eunha yanked open the bathroom cabinet and grabbed the pre-prepared salt packet.

Then, just as she was about to stuff it in her mouth—

SNAP!

The [Scarlet Lady] seized her wrist.

Nope.

“Ngh—!!”

Eunha flicked her restrained wrist, throwing the salt packet toward her mouth.

But her weak muscles only managed to bonk the packet against her chin before it tumbled onto her ample chest.

Nope.

“Phew…”

Eunha sighed and obediently lay flat on the bathroom floor.

Maybe next time the [Scarlet Lady] visits, I’ll flee to the neighbor’s.

『Tch.』

Mirror ‘Eunha.’

With a face full of displeasure, she smeared foam from the shower gel across the mirror, blotting it white.

So much for solidarity—she’d already escaped alone.

“I have work soon, so hurry up.”

『Can I keep what I cut off?』

“If you clean up after, sure.”

『That’s why I like you.』

No idea what kind of insane conversation this is… but it’s familiar, so whatever.

Ignoring her trembling limbs—fear and tension blending into one—

Eunha bit her lip and smiled up at the [Scarlet Lady], who loomed over her.

Click.

Then—like their overlapping lips—

The bathroom door closed.

……

……

“Eunha, did you pull an all-nighter? You look exhausted.”

“Had a lot going on.”

9 AM. At the quaint Rabbit’s Cafe.

After somehow dragging herself to work on time—leaving the bathroom cleanup to the [Scarlet Lady]—

Eunha loosened her stiff shoulders, offering vague replies to Kang Nari’s concerned questions as she brewed coffee.

A morning where both body and mind felt refreshed, brand new.

Ding-dong~♪

“Welcome.”

“Hey, Latte Sis! One iced milk coffee to go!”

“Sure. Let me ring you up.”

“Wait, is this really your milk?”

“Why would you ask that?”

If there was one benefit to her [Auto-Recovery] skill growing stronger, it was how quickly even scars faded from her skin.

Gracefully rolling her unblemished wrists, she scanned the peaceful cafe.

Ding-dong~♪

A customer took their coffee and left.

At some point, Eunhong had claimed the corner table—watching Eunha with an oddly satisfied smirk.

At the table right next to hers, a woman with cotton-candy pink hair lay sprawled, fast asleep.

Luminous hair cascading down to her waist.

Twin obsidian horns gleaming atop her head.

A first-time visitor.

“……”

Shifting her gaze from the fluffy pink sheep who’d brought her own pillow to sleep—

An empty table came into view.

Ban Harin’s usual spot.

Today, it stood eerily vacant.

‘Ban Harin… isn’t coming today either.’

Is she in that much pain?

Without the woman who hurled absurd jokes with a blank face, the café felt quieter somehow.

Eunha rubbed her stiff neck, gazing at Harin’s designated seat.

……

(ㅡ Eunha. Won’t make it to the café today either. Sorry.)

(Does it hurt a lot? I’ll head over to Harin’s place right n—)

(ㅡDon’t. That wouldn’t help.)

Ever since the promotion exam, Ban Harin had holed up at home, citing poor health.

No matter how many calls Eunha made, the reply was always the same:

I’ll be fine after resting a few days. Don’t worry.

She wanted to barge into Harin’s home, but… hadn’t Eunha herself nagged others not to visit her at ‘Morning Star Apartments’?

So she hesitated to act recklessly.

‘Well, it’s Ban Harin. She’ll be fine… But if she’s still sick tomorrow, I’m skipping work to find her.’

Worry piled high.

Patience ran short.

Staring at the empty table, Eunha steeled her resolve.

If she doesn’t come tomorrow, I’ll go to her.

Wherever Harin is doesn’t matter.

A glance at her apartment should be enough to lead me there.

There are plenty of ways.

Ding-dong~♪

“Princess~~~~ Mama is here~!!!!”

Suddenly, the café door swung open—

A thunderous voice roared from outside.

An unmistakable, familiar voice.

Simultaneously, a woman in white martial arts robes—her face hidden behind wide sleeves—entered the café:

Guildmaster Kim Hayang of the [Everlasting Sword Clan].

“Sarang. You’re embarrassing me.”

Kim Hayang strode in under the café patrons’ bewildered stares.

Behind her, Kim Sarang—dressed in pitch-black robes—followed with confident strides akin to the vast blue sky.

Absolute madness.

“……Welcome.”

“My apologies. My daughter is… spirited.”

Approaching the counter, Hayang offered an apology.

Lowering her sleeves revealed her usual lightly closed eyes.

But then—

Her eyes slid open just slightly,

Black pupils splitting into an ‘X’—locking onto Eunha with unconcealable fondness.

“…Indeed. Beautiful in a vulgar way.”

“Huh?”

“Even more so in person. Shall we step into the break room?”

GRAB. Hayang seized Eunha’s chest and dragged her into the back.

Having played kidnapper once,

Her abduction skills had become frighteningly casual.

……

After drinking Eunha’s ‘pure potion,’ Kim Hayang could now see the world with both eyes.

Yet, this newfound vision still felt alien.

Inside the break room, Hayang groped Eunha’s ample chest as if testing her senses.

“Have you been well?”

“I’m always healthy. And you, Guildmaster?”

“See for yourself.”

Flick.

Hayang casually flicked a finger.

Must’ve prepared something in advance.

Instantly—

Kim Sarang, who’d followed them in with bated breath, yanked a dagger from her robe and hurled it at Hayang’s head.

SHWING!

A blade streaking toward the back of Hayang’s skull.

SNATCH!

Without even turning, Hayang caught it effortlessly behind her back.

“Ooooh…!”

“How was that?”

She hadn’t even glanced at the incoming dagger.

Tossing it back to Sarang, Hayang smiled at Eunha.

“……?”

“Thanks to you, my eyes are open. This debt will take a lifetime to repay.”

Her face brimmed with pride.

The ‘X’-shaped pupils overflowed with honey-sweet emotions directed at Eunha.

Just to showcase her restored sight, she’d prepared this ridiculous stunt.

Truly impressive.

Casually catching a dagger aimed at her skull?

‘……What?’

Dazed, Eunha stared at Hayang.

Then, whispering low enough for others not to hear:

“Guildmaster Hayang.”

“Hm?”

“Does catching a dagger behind your back… have anything to do with seeing again?”

“Huh?”

Hayang and Sarang blinked in unison, exchanging glances.

“…Ah.”

“Oh.”

A truly harmonious mother-daughter duo.

Practically twins.

……

“No side effects from the potion? That’s a relief.”

“It may be best to keep my eyes closed in public. A blind woman suddenly seeing would only burden Eunha.”

“I don’t mind.”

“…And adversaries may let their guard down around me.”

Hayang then seated Eunha on her lap, kneading her shoulders.

Over and over, she expressed gratitude through hugs.

She’d spent all yesterday staring at Sarang and her snow leopard, unloading years of pent-up affection.

Now, she seemed lighter—as if freed from a heavy weight.

Eunha decided to overlook the sudden increase in skinship.

“I see… If it gets tough, visit the café often. No guides here mean you can relax freely.”

“‘Guides’?”

Hayang curiously scanned the break room before patting Eunha, still snug in her embrace.

Baffled.

Her beast-like intuition insisted few places unsettled her—

Only Eunha’s apartment from afar and this café.

But… if Eunha says it’s safe, she’d trust it.

Hayang closed her eyes again, stroking Eunha’s hair.

‘……Once Sarang passes the promotion exam… Eunha promised to grant one wish, didn’t she?’

Too kind for her own good.

If only the results would come faster…

Remembering Sarang’s wish, Hayang nodded at her daughter.

“Ah. Right. I remembered something.”

“Hmm?”

“The Association’s movements are suspicious. Eunha, you should stay cautious. That’s why I came.”

October—where ordinary days had ended.

Leaving behind instructions to contact her if anything happened, Hayang departed—

Leaving only part-timer Kim Sarang behind.

‘The Association’s acting suspicious… Could that be why Harin hasn’t come? I’ll keep it in mind.’

Now she has a good mom.

Eunha smiled, watching her leave.

……

……Shift… shuffle…

Shortly after Hayang’s exit,

The pink-haired woman who’d been face-down on the table this whole time—

Fluffy… Fluffy…

Sat up, rubbing her black horns—half-lidded eyes blinking drowsily as she stumbled out of the café.

……

……

Click. Creak.

Time passed.

The sound of insect legs skittered through the dark bedroom.

“……”

A house devoid of light.

Ban Harin rose from bed and soundlessly approached the window.

Click—creak…

The wall clock read 1 PM.

Yet, outside Harin’s window, only an expanse of night stretched endlessly.

“I can receive calls, but it seems I cannot make them myself.”

Click… creak…

“Not hearing Eunha’s voice these past days has been unbearable. If only I could call.”

Ban Harin.

The woman who hears the whispers of insects.

The world she sees belongs solely to aberrations.

Click. Creak.

Since October 1st—

The day she grasped the insect’s flute—

“……For now. I’ll step out.”

She had yet to return to the real world.