Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Wonwoo's life consists of three things: the living, the dead, and his duty to keep things separate in between these planes of existence.

It sounds fancy but he's just a glorified babysitter monitoring the spirits who doesn't fully leave the mortal realm, making sure they don't disrupt the living too much. There's plenty of entities like him in this line of work. Him, personally, gets to drag malevolent spirits straight to hell while the angels got their work cut out for them running around and trying to promote crossing over.

Truly riveting stuff.

It's fun until he's reminded that he has been doing this for as long as he can remember and he's most likely to do so for the rest of eternity. And if you've got that much time in your hands, it's bound to get dull and repetitive. But by some force of nature or fate or a challenge from the higher ups, whichever it is, Wonwoo meets someone who will make him question his faith and purpose. Because if this is truly a test, then Wonwoo knows for certain that Kwon Soonyoung will be the answer that fails him. The living, the dead, and his duties be damned.

It's actually a mystery when it happened but somehow, along the the way, it did. Wonwoo doesn't even want to know how he got there, all he knows is that he had brushed off the first time they met as a coincidence. He should have known better.

Wonwoo has just started tracking down a killer on the loose. Normally, he wouldn't interfere in human affairs. But it has come to his attention that a malevolent spirit is behind all the recent killings. Three gruesome deaths so far and everyone else is busy so he set off to investigate the most recent one near the chemical plants in Suworam. A person reportedly missing for four days had been found lifeless, dumped in a garbage bag with its chest open and empty and its tongue nowhere to be found.

The humans classified the deaths as isolated cases. But with the first one having their eyes gouged and the second had their ears severed, it's only a matter of time before they piece them together.

Wonwoo was scouting the area for any traces the killer could have left behind when he felt an extremely strong pull that he cannot fight off. It sucked him back to hell and then immediately spat him back out all the way to the open portal in Namyangju.

Usually, demons get called through a portal when they're in the otherworld but it was the first time he was summoned to the mortal realm when he's already in it. He was confused at first as to how he got there in the first place until he saw a person holding a light to himself walking away from the portal.

Little did Wonwoo know that this meeting would set off a series of unfortunate events and getting attached to the person who willed him out of good intentions and sheer luck.

It's been three years and Wonwoo is convinced the actual anomaly is him and whatever it is that he feels whenever Soonyoung is around. Granted, in all that time, Soonyoung was recovering from an incident that happened shortly after they met. Wonwoo took it upon himself to protect Soonyoung at least until the next excuse he could find just to stay by his side. And he is running out of reasons.

At first, it was out of guilt. Who would have thought a reaper demon like Wonwoo catch any outward feeling towards a human. Not him. Most definitely not him. Because if he had, he wouldn't be sucker punched by the realization that he could not leave Soonyoung behind. So he chose to remain. He couldn't just leave Soonyoung to die as collateral for not doing his job right.

After the incident, Wonwoo promised to stay until all of Soonyoung's wounds have healed. Now all that's said and done, Wonwoo is still here. Now he can't leave because Soonyoung might need assistance. No one knows when Soonyoung's PTSD might kick in even after Wonwoo made sure that Soonyoung would not remember a single thing that happened that night. The mind might forget, but the body does not, is what Wonwoo tells himself when the small part of him is questioning what the fuck they're doing.

The one thing Wonwoo couldn't do anything about is the sadness. After the surgery, Soonyoung couldn't see for a while but he always asked to listen to his past videos and the ones his friends in the paranormal community uploads. When Soonyoung regained his eyesight, he binge watched them with Wonwoo's supervision. And while Soonyoung is still cheerful as ever, there are times when he would space out with longing in his eyes.

Without thinking, as Wonwoo always would whenever he's with Soonyoung, he suggested to go film a ghost hunting video together. He didn't expect Soonyoung would want to do the Reaper's Trail right away.

It's been a rising trend to visit where South Korea's latest popular serial killer committed his crimes. The very same one that Wonwoo was investigating all those years ago.

He has long since banished the malevolent spirit from the face of the earth and while he was at it, cleaned up the supernatural debris and made the scene look passable to the human logic. For all they know, the serial killer is still at large but has gone inactive.

Wonwoo did all of that shit only for the humans to name the killer after him. Not that reaper demons had the best reputation to begin with but the mortals could at least have been accurate with their depictions. It's actually a shared responsibility with the angels: they go after the good spirits, Wonwoo and his brethren get the bad ones. That's all there is to it. Or should have been if the humans just stop thinking that the demons are the root cause of evil.

Hell the fuck no.

It's the humans' prerogative to choose how they want to live their lives and if they chose to be bad people, then it's on them. Anything bad that comes out of portals after being summoned by the living are malevolent spirits. It's just easier to blame the demons for it than another has-been human who still have a vendetta against the world they no longer exist in. This, much to Wonwoo's chagrin, includes the spirit and their host now widely known as the Reaper.

This makes this trip with Soonyoung a lot more annoying than it should be. Don't get him wrong though, because he'd do anything for Soonyoung. But they're about to take part in making a spectacle out of the trail of victims the Reaper has left behind which hasn't been that too long ago. He's also terribly concerned for Soonyoung once they've reached the end of the trail that unfortunately has his own blood in it.

And so Wonwoo stalls. They've just finished loading up his car with Soonyoung's equipment. It's still so early in the day. Really, because the sun isn't even up yet. They can still call off the plans and maybe they could just watch horror movies that Soonyoung is surprisingly scared to watch.

"Are we really doing this?" He already asked the same question when he arrived earlier. It wouldn't hurt to ask again.

Soonyoung laughs but doesn't quite reach his eyes. "You don't have to come if you're really that scared." He responds with a lot less enthusiasm. There's insecurity laced in his words that he didn't have when he answered the first time.

For the record, Wonwoo isn't afraid of anything but he isn't going to argue Soonyoung about it. Not when he's already putting a damper in Soonyoung's mood so early in the morning.

"It's just...Fine. Let's just go." Wonwoo stammers defeatedly as he gets his car going. It seems that Soonyoung has made up his mind and the last thing Wonwoo would want is for Soonyoung to go without him. "Sorry, I'm just concerned for your well being."

With his eyes being focused on the road, Wonwoo could only feel a light touch on his knee. The thing in Wonwoo's chest goes wild, like an animal going feral, and he does his best to calm it down. Soonyoung must not know how much it affects him however fleeting those touches are. He shouldn't feel this way but he does and the more he tries to contain it, the more it fights back. At this point he's just waving a red flag in front of a raging bull. So maybe there is something he should be scared of.

"Don't worry about me. I'll tell you if I get overwhelmed or something." Soonyoung gives him a blinding smile when Wonwoo casted a quick glance at him. It's only then that the bull strikes, his breath feels like it has been knocked out of his chest. There's a cacophony of alarms blaring somewhere at the back of his mind.

Wonwoo is, as what the humans would call, royally, extremely, and absolutely fucked.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Transcript

 

[sy] What's good everyone? It's been a while, isn't it?

 

[sy] Sorry for the microwave quality. I'm currently in Wonwoo's car. He's gone out to get breakfast and snacks for our weekend adventure.

 

[sy] As you can tell from the title of this video, we're going to follow the Reaper's trail.

 

[sy] Now, I know this isn't the best choice coming back from the hiatus but I really want to do this before anything else. I would like to pay my respects to the victims of The Reaper.

 

[sy] For those who aren't in the loop, The Reaper was a serial killer who murdered six people and almost killed one person. The first victim was recorded on February of 2022 and the last two victims were on June of the same year.

 

[sy] The Reaper earned the nickname by their way of killing. The poor victims were found with their chest cavities open and their hearts crushed into pulp. After that, the Reaper took an organ that's uniques to each victim. 

 

[sy] There's plenty of theories as to why the killings happened but the most famous one was that the Reaper wanted to use the organs to summon something.

 

[sy] Now, we cannot really say for sure but what we do know is that the first five victims went to high school together. The last two...uhm-

 

(Soonyoung looks outside the window momentarily then returns his attention to the camera)

 

[sy] Oh, Wonwoo's coming back. I guess that's it for now. I'll continue the narrative later when we get to the first location.

 

[sy] Before I go, I want to thank everyone who prayed for me and patiently waited for my return. I love you guys so much.

 

[sy] Okay, thank you bye! I'll see you guys later. 

 

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Chapter Text

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

By 6 am, Wonwoo and Soonyoung is parked in front of an apartment building somewhere in Shinsaeng-dong. There's nothing special to it, looking like any other building in the area. They all seem normal to the human eye. Too normal actually. As if there wasn't a gruesome murder that happened in one of the units that set off the event that shook the entire nation.

Wonwoo investigated the area after it became clear that a malevolent spirit is behind all the killings. But it had been too late for him to find anything he could use as a lead. Everything has been swept off by the police and the amount of people that flocked the area made it impossible for Wonwoo to find any supernatural traces.

The victim's spirit wasn't helpful either.

Kang Eunhee was as nasty of a spirit as she had been when she was alive. She was a 43 year old woman who moved into unit 204 some years ago and has been nothing but awful to her neighbors. She was loud and obnoxious and complained about everything she laid eyes on. Despite the complaints flooding the admin about her unpleasant personality, she wasn't evicted due to her connections with the building owner.

On the night of valentines' day 2022, her unit was unusually quiet according to her neighbors but they've run out fucks to give to her and didn't think much of it. It took them a week to check up on her to complain about the foul smell coming from her unit only to find her lifeless body in the middle of her living room. Everything in the unit was spotless clean except for the futon she was lying on that soaked up all of her blood. Her eyeballs were gouged out of their sockets that have yet to be recovered to this day. The chest was cut open and the heart had been beaten into a pulp like a fruit fed through a juicer. 

In the police report, there was no indication of a break in nor signs of struggle which lead to the conclusion that the suspect was someone the victim knew. But that proved to be a wild goose chase when everyone came out clean after their investigations. There was nothing on the security footages either. Had Wonwoo caught on early with the malevolence, he would have altered things to make it look like a human did it.

Technically, a human actually did but they're under the influence of an entity so that doesn't really count. And it's always such a pain to chase after an intelligent evil spirit with an equally intelligent and evil human.

Wonwoo's eyes study the street they're in. It's littered with early riser humans and full of straggler spirits. These are intelligent spirits mindlessly wandering in an endless loop. Not to be confused by residual spirits that are lasting imprints of humans whose bodies and souls have already moved on to a different plane of existence and consciousness.

Stragglers are usually trapped by something, whether it'd be a greater entity, a person they knew when they're alive that wouldn't let them go, or the mere injustice of their deaths.

He gives them a disapproving look as they all pass by the car, wary of his demon presence. While they don't fall directly into Wonwoo's domain, he likes to keep an eye out on the stragglers specifically because they're always the ones who turn malevolent. All that frustration of not being able to rest peacefully has to go somewhere and most often than not, the living are always on the receiving end of it. And it's his problem if things get out of hand. So yes, he does care just a tad bit.

"I'm all set now." Soonyoung finally speaks after taking his medications. They don't have a lot of time to investigate 204 but they're not about to risk Soonyoung's health for it. Soonyoung already knows this but Wonwoo likes to remind him. ”Let's go?"

Wonwoo tears his gaze away from the spirit standing in front of their car whose head was cracked open and blood flowing down her face, screaming profanities at him about road safety and what not. It's not like he could do anything about it either. When he turns his head, he catches Soonyoung rubbing his right eye with his fingers. A habit he recently developed that has Wonwoo policing every time it happens.

"Not when you keep doing this." He gently reaches for Soonyoung's wrist, looking pointedly at him. Wonwoo immediately regrets it as he watches the small smile on Soonyoung's lips slowly disappear. He immediately lets go and goes to lightly touch the corner of Soonyoung's eye, working his power to alleviate the discomfort in it. ”Sorry. I'm just worried that we're gonna have to add a hospital visit in our itinerary with how much you're irritating your eye."

"But it's itchy." Soonyoung whines petulantly. His face just a twinge shade of pink as it always does whenever he's caught red handed.

Like clockwork, Wonwoo has to keep himself together because he's always teetering at the edge of something so damning like confessing how he feels. Those pouty red lips hang like a forbidden fruit that Wonwoo wants to get a taste of. And in all the time that he's existed, Wonwoo knows for certain that the taste of sin are always the sweetest.

He retracts his hand before he does or say something stupid and opts to reassure Soonyoung instead. "I know you can't help it but try to be gentle with your eyes, please."

Soonyoung sighs deeply like he's been holding in his breath then he speaks with a soft voice. "Okay."

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

It took them 15 minutes to go through the motions of getting admitted into the apartment building. They have a separate process for the guests of 204 that includes a quick orientation for the room and signing of a health and safety waiver. Like any other corporation that wants the quick buck but not the liabilities that may come with it.

When they get into the room, a foreboding feeling settles into Wonwoo's stomach. He's been on the mortal realm for too long that these emotions are making a home in his human facade. In an ideal world, he would put the blame on this for whatever it is that he feels towards Soonyoung but this place is flawed and Wonwoo is much worse. So he just silently accepts the fact that nothing is influencing him to do anything he's doing right now.

"Hi," Soonyoung starts, holding an EMF reader in one hand. It's a small device that detects electromagnetic fields which is also believed to locate spirits. "My name is Soonyoung and this is Wonwoo. I hope it's alright to enter your place. We won't stay for too long so I hope you spare us a moment to communicate with you."

Kang Eunhee is standing in the middle of the room on the futon she was murdered in. She's just there in all her grisly glory seething with inexplicable rage. One look at her and Wonwoo could tell that she's a straggler— a hair's breadth away from being malevolent. If this keeps up, he'll just have to get rid of her on their way out.

Soonyoung moves towards the futon but the EMF reader isn't picking up Eunhee's energy. That or the device is broken. Either way, Soonyoung is now worrying his bottom lip with his teeth, a habit Wonwoo has come to understand as a sign of Soonyoung getting anxious.

"I don't get it. Almost everyone that's been here said that there's instant activity even without any equipment." Soonyoung lightly taps the EMF reader against his palm, looking around the small unit with a disheartened look on his face.

Wonwoo sends a sharp gaze at the spirit which is useless because he is met with two voids where her eyes should be. For someone that's known to run her mouth as a human and now as a spirit, Kang Eunhee is uncharacteristically quiet. Usually, it's Wonwoo's presence that makes the spirits wary but judging by the way the spirit follow Soonyoung's movements from where she's rooted on her futon, he knows it's not him this time.

"Maybe we should do the offering first," Wonwoo suggests. He has to do something about the situation. He opens the equipment bag and takes out the candles. "By any chance, did you take the matches?"

"I don't think I did." Soonyoung walks over to the center of the living room, still trying to get anything other than the steady green light of the meter.

Wonwoo purposefully drops a candle to get Soonyoung attention. "Sorry, it just rolled off. But, uhh, can you check the car for the matches? I'll set up over here."

The matches are actually in the bag but Wonwoo uses his power to place it in the dashboard of his car to get Soonyoung out of 204 for a bit. He locks the door after Soonyoung then turns to the spirit who has a sinister look on her sunken face.

"I remember you." Kang Eunhee says with a voice so hoarse it feels like nails scratching against sandpaper. "You were there that night when the bastards that killed me were vanquished."

Wonwoo feels a cold flash travel through his body. That night was difficult even for a demon like him. And he'd rather not think about it right now. Not when he's also keeping track of Soonyoung walking back towards his car. Time is running out. "Now you're talking. I suggest you keep that up when my friend gets here and ask you questions."

"Begone demon! I'm not afraid of you."

"Maybe you should be."

A devious smile slowly grows on Eunhee's face. If Soonyoung wasn't with him, Wonwoo would have smacked the spirit into the next dimension. "I will hurt your friend." She says, making what little furniture is left in the apartment shake to prove her point.

Wonwoo's ears perk. He really doesn't give a fuck about Eunhee's display of power. What concerns him more is that Soonyoung found the matches and is making his way back up the elevator. The next thing Wonwoo knows, he's already knocking the spirit into the futon, finger's digging deeply into the sockets. Eunhee's agonizing screams make the room vibrate even more so Wonwoo presses her head harder until her jaw goes slack.

"I don't particularly care for stragglers like you but I will make an exemption if you do not cooperate and respond to my friend. You've already died by malevolence, I promise you, you do not want to have eternal death." Wonwoo growls, feeling the heat flow through his hand as the spirit writhes and wails soundlessly under his touch.

The rattling on the door catches his attention and he snarls at it. Wonwoo raises his unoccupied and is a second away from casting his power when he hears Soonyoung's soft voice slicing through the chaos in his head urging him to do it. He pulls both of his hands close to him, fingers digging into his palms as he gathers himself together.

"Wonwoo?" Soonyoung calls out again, the doorknob rattles a lot more with urgency. "Is everything okay in there?"

Wonwoo makes quick work to rearrange the room and reverse what he's done as much as he could while he rushes to open the door.

"I'm here. I'm here." Wonwoo hopes his voice is steady enough to not raise any suspicion. "I didn't know it was locked." He flashes his best smile but it ultimately falters when it's reciprocated. An uncomfortable feeling suddenly gnaws at him, something he's not ready to admit right now, possibly not ever.

"I was worried the ghost got to you or something." Soonyoung lightly pats Wonwoo's shoulder as he walks past him. Wonwoo doesn't know how to explain it but that singular touch jolts his entire being, clearing the leftover haze from losing control that almost obliterated Kang Eunhee. Soonyoung has no idea that it's Wonwoo that got to the spirit.

When Wonwoo returns to the center of the room, Soonyoung already lit up the candles a good distance away from the futon. He lets out a sigh at the sight of Eunhee looking like she was when alive - complete eyes and all— albeit a little bit translucent than when she had her murdered getup on. She doesn't look too happy but then again, she wasn't really that pleasant before she died so it's whatever. Wonwoo just wants this to get this done and over with.

He stands behind the camera and tinkers with the settings a bit while Soonyoung tries to ask permission to the spirit using the cheap flashlight that he always had. Surprisingly, Eunhee is being cooperative. When Wonwoo gives the go signal, Soonyoung proceeds to explain the history of unit 204 and introduces the spirit that dwells in it. He doesn't use his usual cheerful cadence when talking in front of the camera. It's nothing new to Wonwoo who has been on the trenches with Soonyoung's drastic change in personality but he knows it might be jarring to the audience to see him like this once the video is up.

Wonwoo always think that they still have a long way to go in terms of getting Soonyoung back to who he used to be before the incident but maybe it's just him who doesn't want to accept what Soonyoung had become. That sinking feeling is there again and it's growing heavier within him, like an anchor slowly weighing him down to a point of no return.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Transcript

 

(Soonyoung is sitting on the floor next to the futon, three lighted candles in front of him)

 

[sy] so for this investigation, we're going to use the flashlight 

 

[sy] for yes or no questions. It's nothing fancy. You can get it at your local store

 

(Soonyoung twists the flashlight on and off, then puts it on the futon)

 

[sy] We tried an emf reader when we came in

 

[sy] but we're not getting any reaction. That's why we set up these candles as offering.

 

[sy] we're also going to use the ovilus. It uses electromagnetic frequencies and picks out clear words.

 

[sy] so hopefully Kang Eunhee-ssi will respond to this. You will, ma'am, right?

 

(Flashlight flickers on)

 

[sy] [music] thank you. I know it must've been exhausting having people trespass your space

 

[sy] I'm sorry that you also have to deal with us. Don't worry, we won't stay long

 

[sy] just a couple of questions and then we'll be on our way.

 

[ovilus] star

[ovilus] burn

 

(Soonyoung shows the ovilus to the camera with a shocked expression)

 

[sy] star. burn. What does it mean?

 

[sy] just to confirm, are we talking to Kang Eunhee of unit 204? If we are, can you turn this light off, please.

 

(Flashlight turns off)

 

[sy] okay. Is there any other spirits here that would like to communicate?

 

[ovilus] sacrilege

 

[sy] is what I'm doing a sacrilege? I just-

 

[sy] I honestly don't know. I usually just ask what happened to them

 

[sy] but this being so recent and public knowledge, it feels wrong in a way

 

(Flashlight turns on)

 

[sy] yeah I'm sorry. This might be a selfish move for me considering what happened

 

[sy] I just want to empathize I guess-

 

[ovilus] murderer

 

[sy] do you remember who killed you? [music] is it someone you know?

 

(Video speeds up to 2x)

 

[sy] hmm. I guess you don't remember. 

 

[sy] it's just so weird that a lot of people say that 204 is one of the most active area in the Reaper's Trail

 

[sy] like the neighbors started complaining about loud noise in this room until someone tried to investigate and the rest just followed

 

(Wonwoo speaks off camera)

 

[ww] we could try something else

 

[ovilus] demon

 

[sy] maybe we should. The ovilus don't even make sense

 

[sy] unless- oh [ _ ] do you think there's a demonic presence here? Is Kang Eunhee trying to warn us?

 

(Flashlight turns on)

 

[ovilus] reap

 

(Soonyoung stands up abruptly)

 

[sy] oh my god. [Music] Holy [ _ ]! It just said reap. Did you mean reaper? I still don't understand the demon part.

 

[sy] what could it possibly mean? Are you trapped by a demon? I'm so confused right now

 

[sy] sorry it's been a while since we did this

 

(Flashlight turns off)

[ovilus] go

 

[sy] oh. Do you want us to leave?

 

[sy] okay. Just to be sure, is this what you want? For us to leave you alone?

 

(Flashlight turns on)

[ovilus] kill

 

[sy] okay, we respect your decision. Thank you for this brief encounter.

 

[ovilus] burn

 

[ww] alright, let's go

 

[ovilus] evil

[ovilus] star

[ovilus] burn

[ovilus] eighth

[ovilus] blind

[ovilus] die

 

(The device makes a loud beeping sound)

 

[sy] I guess that's our cue to leave

 

[sy] We apologize for disturbing this place. If there's any other spirits present here, none of you are allowed to follow us

 

[sy] but I truly hope you find your peace one day.

 

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Chapter Text

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

In all the time that Wonwoo has existed, he's always done his job properly. Granted that, that's all he's ever known. Reap the evil spirits, and help maintain the balance and peace. Always calculated. Not one move was wasted. He only left hell to track down a malevolent spirit then he would return as quickly as he had come.

He's never been fond of the mortals as he is now. At this point he might as well identify as a human with how much he's spending his time in this realm than in hell. He figured that as long as he continues to fulfill his duties and visit the underworld from time to time, he's good. Even the high god of hell hasn't said anything about it yet. He just hopes that he may never be asked to leave Soonyoung alone because the heaviest punishment hell could offer simply pales in comparison to that.

Which is saying much since he cannot function well when it comes to Soonyoung. Although everything had been harmless so far—except for that one time three years ago—the worst is always getting flustered at the faintest of touches lingering longer than expected. He should really work on himself because the investigation in 204 is cutting it too close for comfort.

Wonwoo should have taken Soonyoung as far away as possible but he has half the mind to think about their equipment. Soonyoung will be very upset if they lose any of their footage. And Wonwoo doesn’t want that.

So he's packing their things in the bag as carefully and as quickly as he can. He will just repair any minor damage afterwards if there's any, excluding the ovilus that he broke with his powers.

In his defense, that thing was spewing out some bullshit and Wonwoo wasn't going to stand there and wait for it to say something more coherent. He just did what needed to be done to spare both of their sanities if they ever wanted to see the end of their itinerary.

He quickens his pace as he feels the energy of the room shift. The temperature is increasing rapidly, like it's getting set on fire with no flames. The furniture rattles from where they're installed. And the floor, ceiling, and walls feel like closing in on themselves.

Even the air seems to vibrate with growing intensity. Wonwoo doesn't have to look around to confirm that Eunhee is turning into a poltergeist. Just a few more ounces of energy and she will have just enough to turn malevolent.

It's one of the many things that Wonwoo dislikes in the paranormal community. They make places like 204 famous, and by doing so, attract a lot of people to visit and feed the spirits energy they shouldn't wield. With how famous the blood trail had become, spirits like Kang Eunhee has too much to expend.

After he's finally done, making sure nothing gets left behind, he goes to get Soonyoung who has his back on him, standing awfully close to Kang Eunhee. This is when Wonwoo realizes his mistake. He really should have left with Soonyoung. But it's too late now. And when Wonwoo grabs Soonyoung's arm, he nearly recoils at the ice cold touch. He spins Soonyoung's body around only for his blank face to stare right back at Wonwoo's surprised one.

Soonyoung's jaw is slack, drool dribbles right out of his mouth. His eyes have rolled to the back of his head, only the vacant whites could be seen. He's still breathing but it's shallow and a fat pause in between breaths.

There's an ache somewhere in Wonwoo's chest that he belatedly realizes as fear, squeezing his insides so tight he feels like bursting. He fights through it as he hikes his bag on his back and carries Soonyoung's limp body out of the unit.

The rattling intensifies on their way out, something drops behind them, and Eunhee is shrieking so loud, the air feels charged. Wonwoo ignores all of them. His only focus is to get Soonyoung to safety. And while all that display of power isn't tangible, Soonyoung has gone deep into metaphysical paralysis that makes him susceptible to a number of things, the worst one being taken over by a spirit.

Wonwoo knows the risk of this trip but he didn't think it would go this far. Calling off this investigation is only next to getting Soonyoung back to consciousness first. Which leads him to take the elevator.

He channels his power to encompass the building and cut the electricity off. The elevator lights flicker and then with a resounding bang that echoes through the place, the power completely dies. This way, he doesn't have to worry about the security footage, however unsuspicious they've acted so far. Carrying someone out of 204, or any room for that matter, shouldn't draw any attention but Wonwoo isn't risking it any more than he already had.

He places the bag on the elevator floor and gently situates Soonyoung next to it, which is gross, Wonwoo admits but he doesn't have an option as he himself takes a seat. He cradles Soonyoung's head as he works his power to reach Soonyoung where Eunhee has taken him.

"Come on, Soonie. Come on." Wonwoo whispers, his chants sounding like a prayer. He chokes back a sob as his free hand caresses Soonyoung's face. Soonyoung looks peaceful here, Wonwoo almost feels guilty having to wake him up but Wonwoo has to. He's not going to lose Soonyoung like this. "Please come back to me."

After some time, Wonwoo eventually feels it. The faint tug of Soonyoung's fragmented soul calls for him and Wonwoo hangs on tight to bring it to the surface. He holds his breath, waiting for Soonyoung to wake and when he does, Wonwoo lets out the biggest sigh of relief. There's some wetness to his face that he's quick to wipe before Soonyoung gets a good look at him. The grip inside his chest slowly lets go. And so he does the same to the electricity in the building.

Soonyoung rapidly blinks as if testing out his eyes. He brings a hand to Wonwoo's face, fingertips ghosting along the features like he used to do when he couldn't see after his surgery. They stay there for a while basking in each other's presence, not saying anything, afraid that it would break whatever spell they have and wake up to a different reality.

It's the elevator whirring back to life that snaps them out of it, finally making them aware of where they are and how close their faces have gotten. Wonwoo thinks Soonyoung is pretty but he's even more breathtaking from up close. His words sit at the tip of his tongue but before he could even let out a whisper, Soonyoung abruptly sits up, nearly bumping their heads together. It’s good that Wonwoo has his demon reflexes because the sheer speed and force of it can actually give them both a concussion. He wouldn’t really have one because again, he's a hellspawn, but he’ll have to break his own head so as not to be suspicious and he’s really not interested in that.

"Did I just pass out?" Soonyoung coughs, patting his pants considering where he had been laying.

Wonwoo does the same thing once he's fully standing up. "Yeah. But it's not that bad."

"Oh no."

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

Leaving the building was as tedious as getting in. But once they're out, Soonyoung welcomes the sunshine and breathes in the cool air. For a moment, Wonwoo allows himself to admire Soonyoung until that sliver of peace is broken by the roadkill spirit that was pestering him earlier, shouting the same litany about road safety. Wonwoo feels bad about it but there's nothing he can do. He'll have to ask one of the angels to guide the spirit the next time he visits the otherworld.

For now, they have to get going.

Wonwoo gets in the car after securing their equipment in the backseat. He finds Soonyoung looking up at him nervously. There's this thing that Soonyoung does where he bites his bottom lip when he feels he's done something wrong. It has to be a tactic because Wonwoo finds himself giving in almost immediately without hearing what it's about as with the other people who are subjected to this kind of look. If Wonwoo didn't know any better, he'd think of it as flirting but it's the eyes, as always, that makes a difference. The gaze bears on Wonwoo with unshed tears.

"Is there something wrong?" Wonwoo's almost afraid to ask. "Are you hurting somewhere?"

Soonyoung shakes his head, dropping his gaze to his fidgeting fingers while Wonwoo waits with bated breath.  "I couldn't see earlier," Soonyoung says quietly. "All I ever saw was darkness even before I passed out." His voice cracks as he speaks. "I think- I- we should just call this trip off. I'm not what I used to be—"

"No." Wonwoo says firmly. It's true that he doesn't like where they're going but he realizes that he hates it even more to see Soonyoung like this. Small and unconfident. He's always been lithe but he used to have an air of confidence in him, a presence so big one can't help but stand back and admire. And he's now watching it crumble right before his very eyes when they've had so much progress rebuilding it. This can’t be the end. "I know I wasn't really into this investigation but if you thought this could give you some closure, shouldn't we at least try one more time? If the next one turns out just as bad, we can stop there. What do you think?"

Soonyoung only nods as a reply and it's good enough for Wonwoo. He'll just have to make sure that their next location will have a better interaction. If he has to be a puppeteer, then so be it.

Whatever it takes.

Sometime during the drive to Gicheon-ri, Soonyoung reaches out to hold the corner of Wonwoo's zip jacket. His grip loosens as he slowly drifts to sleep. In a particular bump in the road, Soonyoung completely let go. It wasn't the most comfortable position so Wonwoo guides Soonyoung's arm back. Well, tries to, because Soonyoung grabs onto Wonwoo’s hand like one of his emotional support objects. In a way, Wonwoo has already resigned himself as something Soonyoung can use to his own satisfaction, so it's not really that far off.

He also doesn't mind it. Because Soonyoung is warm to the touch, so far from the deathly chill earlier that had Wonwoo shaking in his bones. Wonwoo smiles to himself, warmth spreading throughout his body from where he's holding Soonyoung.

He can't help but imagine a life where they're just on a road trip to somewhere fun and safe. There's no spirits, angels, or demons to worry about. Just two normal people. Possibly friends. Hopefully lovers. But Wonwoo decides that it doesn't matter what they are as long as they're together. He could honestly get used to this feeling.

But as he's pulling up at the back of an inconspicuous building leading to their next location, the realization hits him like a ball of fire. And yet he sinks lower into the pit of his feelings and whatever ugly moat that's bubbling underneath it.

"Soonie," He says gently, rubbing Soonyoung's arm. They're no longer holding hands which disappointed Wonwoo greatly. It dissipates as soon as Soonyoung stirs awake and pouts for being woken. "I'll leave you here for a bit. I'm just gonna go check the area first." Soonyoung makes a noncommittal noise and then sleepily readjusts himself to resume his nap.

It takes every bit of his willpower not to squeeze Soonyoung's cheeks. They're just so plump and squishy, Wonwoo just knows they would feel bouncy against his lips if he's given the chance to shower Soonyoung with kisses. He could almost hear the sweet symphony of Soonyoung's giggles and— he really needs to stop the delusion. Wonwoo reminds himself that he doesn't have that kind of luxury so he settles on lightly pinching Soonyoung's button nose instead, to which he gets a response of it crinkling along with a pout.

Wonwoo walks away with a somber smile on his face. He enters the basement parking lot thinking about prospects and probabilities. What are the odds of having his feelings returned? It can't be that much but he doesn't want to be cruel. Eventually, Soonyoung has to go on without him. Wonwoo thinks that the best time to leave is after they finish the blood trail. Perhaps after he’s done editing it. The mere thought of it brings another wave of sadness he doesn't know he's capable of having. He can't even bring himself to accept that he is having all these human feelings.

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

The basement is a different world altogether.

As warm and bright as it is outside, the inside is dark and cold. Even the otherworld doesn't look as drab and dreary compared to this. The smell of dread and desperation is pungent. Wonwoo gets a whiff of his inevitable future. He turns to look at the car where Soonyoung is still sleeping soundly despite the sun gracing his face. It was unintentional, there isn't any place available for Wonwoo to park. For a second he contemplates relocating the car but he decides against it and walks deeper into the basement thinking, a little sunshine won't hurt.

The driveway opens into a large area. If Wonwoo's not shrouded with his own darkness, his footsteps would echo. The place used to be a solution to the never ending issue of overcrowded parking out on the street but after the building was declared unstable by the government, it was left behind to succumb to time and decay.  Very much like the people taking refuge under the cracked ceiling and columns.

Wonwoo makes his way to the middle of the basement where a number of metal barrels used for bonfire is arranged in a huge circle.

The second victim had been murdered in the middle of it but the body was found dumped outside in a narrow alley. There was no actual lead for it since the residents fled the night of the murder and only returned after the police stopped the investigation. The case was immediately closed when it was clear that the victim was homeless and that nobody stepped forward to claim it even after identification.

The alley was a more popular spot for the blood trail. While it's not in the safest neighborhood, at least it is an open area. But the problem with it is that the victim's spirit doesn't roam there, someone else had been responding to the investigators. As to who it actually is, nobody hasn't figured it out yet and it's not going to be Wonwoo confirming it.

He calls out for the one he wants to meet. Shortly after, a mirage of a person that once was appears at the center of the circle. Just like Kang Eunhee, the second victim presents herself in how she was brutalized: body bathed in blood, mangled chest, and instead of eyes like Kang Eunhee, her ears are missing.

"Hwang Nara?" Wonwoo says with his mind. 

"Have you come to fetch me?" She replies, breezing towards the edge of the circle in front of Wonwoo. The reason why the second victim doesn't go anywhere else is because she can't. Not even the angels can help with this situation. Something about domain and logistics that makes it a lot more complicated to move the spirits.

"I'm afraid I do not have the power to do that." Wonwoo shakes his head apologetically. "I'm here to ask for your cooperation. I'll return with a human friend and he's going to ask questions. I would appreciate it if you respond."

Nara watches him carefully, contemplating. Wonwoo is above begging but he's considering it. Thankfully he didn't have to as he gets the response he wants.  "I will see what I can do."

"Thank you."

When Wonwoo returns outside, the light blinds him momentarily. And in the cheesiest movie type cliché, his vision clears to find Soonyoung smiling warmly at him. This is when clarity washes over him again but this time it’s warm and comforting. He runs towards the car with a wide smile on his face.

Maybe a little sunshine won't hurt.

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Transcript

 

[sy] we're now in the second location of the reaper's trail

 

[sy] there's two places for this one. In this basement, Hwang Nara was murdered [music]

 

[sy] but she was dumped outside in an alley. That's the second one

 

[sy] rumor has it that Hwang Nara is more active here so it's an easy decision. She was a middle aged woman in her

 

[sy] early forties, according to the reports. Her case was quickly closed because no one claimed her body

 

[sy] but the police reopened it because of the murders that follow

 

[sy] there's not much information about her so hopefully we can get to know her more

 

(Soonyoung shows a device to the camera)

 

[sy] we're going to use an onvoy this time. It has two settings

 

[sy] the yes or no where the ghost can answer our questions by tapping it like this

 

(Soonyoung taps the receiver of the device and it makes a beeping sound, a big NO shows on the screen)

 

[sy] and we also have the feeling mode. There's a range of emojis they can choose from to express how they feel

 

[sy] it's pretty self explanatory. I'm gonna push the onvoy so it's inside the circle

 

[sy] and we're just gonna stay close to it to be safe

 

(Soonyoung shows another device that lights up)

 

[sy] we also have this flux device. This one tracks movement and detects changes in temperature.

 

[sy] it's already pretty chilly in here so if there's a change in that, we would know for sure

 

[sy] Now that's settled, I'm calling the presence of Hwang Nara. We just want to ask you some questions, share your story to the world

 

[sy] I hope that's okay. We don't mean any harm, we just want to get to know you more that's all

 

[onvoy] YES

 

[sy] [music] oh my god. Okay okay. Hi my name's Soonyoung

 

[sy] my friend right here is Wonwoo. Is there any other spirit here apart from Hwang Nara? Please use any of our devices here

 

[onvoy] NO

 

[sy] it's just Hwang Nara, then?

 

[onvoy] YES

 

[sy] do you know what happened to you? Why you're here

 

[onvoy] YES

 

[sy] can you leave this place? Do you go back to the alley where your body was dumped?

 

(flux beeps)

 

[sy] guys the temperature is dropping even more I can't explain how it's possible

 

[onvoy] NO

 

[sy] [music] are you saying you're stuck here? What the [ _ ]

 

[sy] then who's the spirit in the alley?

 

[sy] do you know who it is? Are we still talking to Hwang Nara?

 

(video speeds up)

[onvoy] YES

 

[sy] oh [music] wait, yes to knowing the alley spirit?

 

(video speeds up)

(flux beeps)

 

[sy] so it's the Nara question. I get it now, sorry my mind is buffering because [ _ ] it's freezing in here

 

(Soonyoung looks somewhere behind the camera)

[sy] are you okay? Do you want your jacket back?

 

(Off camera)

 

[ww] don't worry about me, I'll be fine.

 

[sy] okay, I'll be quick with this so we can go

 

[sy] Hwang Nara, is that your real name?

 

[onvoy] YES

 

[sy] oh. Do you know if there's anyone we can contact for you?

 

[onvoy] NO

 

[sy] I'm sorry. It must've been difficult for you to live out on the streets. I hope you're not suffering where you are now

 

(flux beeps)

(video speeds up)

 

[sy] should we try the emoji mode? She’s not responding anymore

 

(Soonyoung reaches for the device, slides it closer)

 

[onvoy] NO

(flux beeps)

(Soonyoung backs up)

 

[sy] [music] [ _ ] [ _ ]

 

(off camera)

 

[ww] are you okay?

 

[sy] yeah yeah yeah I'm fine. I just felt something warm touch my hand 

 

[sy] was that you? Hwang Nara? Did you just touch my hand? I swear you guys

 

[sy] on my life, I felt something brush my hand

 

(goes on camera)

 

[ww] how about we don't swear with your life. Are you good? How do you feel?

 

[sy] I'm fine. Maybe Nara just wants to hold hands but like, it's really really cold now

 

[ww] we should go then. we have enough footage

 

[sy] yes but I feel like we didn't get much

 

(flux beeps)

 

[ww] most people following the blood trail just wanted to make contact

 

[sy] but–

 

[ww] you're freezing. We agreed not to put your health at risk.

 

[ww] please don't look at me like that. We can always return some other time

 

[sy] fine. I'm so sorry Hwang Nara, I wish we could have communicated more.

 

[ww] thank you for your time. We'll be leaving now. No one has the permission to follow us. You cannot follow us home.

 

(flux beeps)

 

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

---

Chapter Text

"How are you not freezing?" Soonyoung's teeth chatter as he speaks. The beam from the only flashlight they brought shakes in his hold.

Wonwoo certainly doesn't need the light. Or being detected by the homeless people. Or being susceptible to the low temperature. But Soonyoung does. Wonwoo's only reprieve is that Soonyoung is protected by his jacket. And that's the one thing that matters. The rest, they can handle once they're out of the basement.

"Because, unlike some, my immune system is stronger." Wonwoo jokes, rewarded by the sight of Soonyoung pouting. He gently peels the flashlight from Soonyoung's trembling hand.

Soonyoung's softly gasps when their skins touch. "Oh wow, you're so hot."

"Thanks, I worked out."

Wonwoo knows exactly what Soonyoung is talking about but he cannot help but tease, especially when he gets these adorable reactions from him. This time, Soonyoung gives him an eye roll thinking Wonwoo cannot see properly but the grin slowly growing in his lips tells Wonwoo all he needs to know.

"You're an idiot." He says with a full smile gracing his face.

Pride swells within Wonwoo. He may not be an anything-pleaser— people, demons, angels, and gods alike — but he is a simp for Soonyoung. And that's actually much worse because he does all these things to make Soonyoung happy and yet cannot make himself come to terms with what he feels.

Wonwoo hasn't personally been to limbo but this might be what that feels like.

They're still halfway through the basement. Beside Wonwoo, Soonyoung wraps his arms around himself, shuddering breaths come out in visible puffs of air. Wonwoo switches the flashlight to his other hand so he could hold out the one closest to Soonyoung for him to take.

Soonyoung practically hugs Wonwoo's arm, wrapping his cold hands around Wonwoo's like a heat pack. Even though the hands in his are freezing, a smile is trying to break out from his lips.

It's really not the time nor place to be giddy about things as simple as this but it's probably the only time he gets to experience anything like it. For as long as he's lived, he's never depended on anyone nor had someone depend on him. It might only be because of the warmth he generates with his power but he's more than willing to share.

Having experienced the stark contrast of lighting, Wonwoo isn't as phased as Soonyoung does once they're finally out of the basement. The harsh light makes Soonyoung grip Wonwoo's hands tighter as he closes his eyes shut, only trusting Wonwoo to get him safely to their vehicle. He fights the urge to just carry Soonyoung for the rest of the way. Because, one, he doesn't have Soonyoung's permission and two, asking him would break the moment Wonwoo is trying to immortalize in his mind.

It's well in the middle of the morning and the car is fully under the sun. So when they finally get inside, Soonyoung lets out a satisfied hum as he sinks into the passenger seat. A peaceful smile adorns his pale face.

Wonwoo settles next to him, gets the engine running, and presses the button for the windows so Soonyoung could enjoy the fresh air. They just sit there in silence. He's long since stopped fighting the smile on his lips because he's still with Soonyoung. And this is actually the most content and happiest Soonyoung has ever been in a while. Despite the hiccups they've encountered along the way, Wonwoo cannot deny that this is where Soonyoung's heart is at. So who is he to deny that?

He must have spaced out because when Wonwoo finally comes to, Soonyoung is looking at him. The color is back on his face and if Wonwoo is so brazen, he would say that Soonyoung is blushing. But he is more flustered for having prolonged eye contact with Soonyoung than being bold and honest. So he keeps his mouth shut and looks away.

It suddenly feels hot in the car. Even after closing the windows and blasting the air conditioning, his clothes still cling onto his skin.

Silence stretches between them, only the low hum of the car to remind them where they are. He's suddenly attuned to his own heartbeat, a steady increase of its thrumming at the thought of getting caught staring. He looks down on his hand, suddenly missing the touch they shared earlier when his warmth was needed. Now it's getting clammy by itself.

What takes wonwoo out of his spiral is the gentle touch on his hand. He sighs a content exhale for a moment and then realizes how disgusting his hand must feel like with all the sweat. He tries to let go but Soonyoung holds firm.

"Thank you." Soonyoung squeezes Wonwoo's hand before letting it go.

"For what?" Wonwoo has an inkling as to what that's for. Still, he waits for Soonyoung to tell him.

As it turns out, he loves being validated for all the things he does. Something to remind him that all the sacrifices no one asked him to do are not for naught.

"For letting me do this." Soonyoung says quietly to himself, the back of his hand getting all his attention.

Right. Wonwoo almost forgets about Nara touching Soonyoung's hand. He hadn't seen it coming and he was much too late to react. It didn't seem like it was done with malice but Wonwoo just had to ask. Just in case.

"Are you hurt somewhere?" He leans forward to observe Soonyoung's face. At this point, he's using every excuse to be closer again.

Soonyoung shakes his head. When he meets Wonwoo's imploring gaze, tears well in his eyes. Wonwoo nearly jumps into action if not for the genuine smile on Soonyoung's lips.

"I know you're just playing along with me but I really felt something touch my hand."

There's an unbridled happiness in Soonyoung's voice that draws Wonwoo in. It really has been a long time since Soonyoung has been this happy that Wonwoo also feels like bursting as well. He doesn't, of course. Because this is Soonyoung's moment. So the next best thing to do is to reclaim Soonyoung's hand.

"Hey, I might not believe in ghosts, but believe in you."

In an effort to conceal his identity, Wonwoo has established himself as a skeptic of the paranormal. Not exactly his proudest moment, but he also didn't think he'd stick around for too long to keep this bit going. In the brief time after they met and the incident, Soonyoung has taken upon himself to make Wonwoo believe. It also seems that their ghost hunter and non-believer dynamic sells really well to the people of the Internet.

And there's nothing more amusing to watch than Soonyoung showing Wonwoo the ropes of being a paranormal investigator. Although Wonwoo doesn't need to learn all about that, Soonyoung does make a great teacher. And maybe this is just Wonwoo's bias speaking because Soonyoung could talk endlessly about tigers and he will be hooked every single time.

"Does this mean we can continue the trail?" Soonyoung lets go of Wonwoo's hand in favor of wiping the unshed tears in his eyes.

"We can." Wonwoo sighs. Soonyoung is spending too much time rubbing his eyes again, so he peels his hands away. "But you really need to stop doing this to your eyes."

It should be off putting with how much Wonwoo keeps reminding Soonyoung to be more gentle with his eyes, but the sheepish smile he gets as Soonyoung's face grows red from embarrassment is always worth repeating himself. Again, he's taking all his chances without betting anything. Win-win.

"Sorry. It will probably happen again."

At least Soonyoung's honest about it.

"Yeah, I figured. Wear your sunglasses. The sun's getting too bright." Soonyoung frowns but Wonwoo is quick to supply. "I will turn this car around, I swear—"

"Alright, fine, I will!" Soonyoung interrupts in between fits of laughter.

It does more than placate Wonwoo's mock irritation. Now it's his turn to be emotional. For what exactly, he's not interested in mulling over. What's important is that Soonyoung's happy, therefore he is.

What more could he ever ask for.

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

Wonwoo may go back and forth with himself on how he deals with his feelings but there's only one thing that's always at the forefront of his mind. And that is to help Soonyoung recover and that includes getting the shine and vibrance he used to have before Wonwoo came along and ruined it.

Doing the blood trail is the most progress they've had. This also means stubborn Soonyoung is also returning. Not that Wonwoo is complaining. If he is to be honest, he kinda missed the childish banter. Soonyoung just stopped being playful while he was recovering. So Wonwoo had hoped to get some of that back.

Well, he gets his wish when Soonyoung keeps pushing his sunglasses up on his head. He said he doesn't want to get used to seeing the world through tinted lenses. Wonwoo, much to his own dismay, simply lets Soonyoung because this isn't a fight he wants to win. Especially when he's focused on driving safely.

The roadkill spirit would be proud of Wonwoo if she ever sees him taking road safety seriously. Not that she would ever know or that he's been reckless before but still. If ever they get into any sort of driving incident, he'll never be able to forgive himself. It will probably be the thing that will push him to the edge, knowing he is a hazard to Soonyoung.

With all these emotions swirling into an ugly concoction, Wonwoo pulls up into the first gas station he sees. They're not due to stop yet but Wonwoo has to rein himself before he gets fully overwhelmed. It seems like allowing himself to feel more deeply instead of fighting it has also brought unwarranted thoughts in his mind. Because while he knows he'll never be good enough for Soonyoung, Wonwoo's head is now supplicating all the reasons why Soonyoung should hate him.

"I need to use the restroom," Wonwoo doesn't miss a beat and is already running out of the car. It makes him look like he's going to take a dump but it's whatever. He can't even understand why he's suddenly feeling like tearing at the seams.

He immediately splashes his face with cold water just to feel anything. The creeping feeling seems to have caught up with Wonwoo and its suffocating him. Wonwoo lets his head hang over the sink, water dripping from his face. For a moment, he stays there watching the ivory surface that's yellowing on the edges.

Wonwoo tenses. He smells the presence before it physically makes itself known. And no, he may be in a public restroom, but it isn't shit although it's just as pungent.

Lilies and incense.

The figure approaches him. It starts as a wisp, just a sliver of presence, then it slowly materializes into a human form.

"You look like shit, demon." The entity says with a smile so menacing for something that is supposedly an agent of good.

It's one of the angels that goes by the name of Jeonghan. His blond hair looks like a halo as it glows against the restroom's flourescent lights. There isn't a protocol on how entities manifest but most angels wear funeral clothes, if not a complete black attire, to look empathizing for the departed. This one somehow looks like he's walked out from a fashion show.

As easy as Jeonghan is on the eye, his personality makes up for it by being complex. And by complex it means that he loves— lives for it even — riling up everyone who has the misfortune of running into him. Apparently, being an angel who can do no wrong is only secondary to being an annoying, insufferable little shit.

Wonwoo grimaces. His grip on the sink tightens as his world tilts on its axis. He certainly doesn't need Jeonghan, of all entities, to show up when he's like this. The silence must have gotten to Jeonghan already because he opens his mouth again.

"Interesting," He leans against the sink, much too close for Wonwoo's comfort, and pretends to dust his spotless suit. "You know, you used to fight back when I call you for what you are. Or is that not how you identify yourself, anymore?"

Wonwoo raises his head to look up at Jeonghan whose lips are upturned in a knowing smirk. He fights back the growl bubbling in his chest because the last thing he'd want Jeonghan to do is call him feral again.

"Fuck off," He spits, moving away to grab paper towels for his face. There's some distance between them now but he still hears Jeonghan's low saccharine laugh that brings out his primal urge to impose.

One of his many qualities that makes Jeonghan the favorite angel is knowing exactly what to do and say to convince the spirits to go with him. Unfortunately, this also means that he knows exactly how to press everyone's buttons. Wonwoo has already lost this particular battle when Jeonghan materialized in front him. His only saving grace is to change the topic, hoping that Jeonghan bites the bait.

"Aren't you supposed to be taking spirits to the otherworld?"

Jeonghan scoffs in a way that indicates that he knows what Wonwoo is doing but he still takes it. "My work here is done. I was actually on my way to Incheon when I caught a whiff of your faint demon essence."

Wonwoo washes his hands just so he has something to do while Jeonghan is talking. He clenches his jaw to keep himself from lashing out because that's exactly the reaction Jeonghan is looking for.

"You're still with your little human, I see." There's venom laced in his words. Jeonghan is holding the bait now and he's practically dangling it right in Wonwoo's face.

Going feral doesn't seem to be a terrible idea after all.

For a moment red is all Wonwoo sees, the water sizzling on his hands, and steam rises from it. He almost pounced on Jeonghan. Almost. But then, in the distance, he hears Soonyoung's laugh.

For a second, he thinks that Jeonghan is playing tricks on him. But then he hears that sweet laugh again.

 Suddenly, his vision clears.

Jeonghan's smirk is still plastered on his face when he comes into focus. Even though Wonwoo isn't reacting much to his provocations, he looks equally entertained. "You look like a mutt hearing his owner have fun without him. And here I thought the human was your pet.”

"Wouldn't you know all about being a fucking pet."

Wonwoo immediately regrets having said anything. That is just too low even for him. Then again, he wishes Jeonghan would leave him the fuck alone.

Jeonghan had this age-old rumor about him originally being a demon—to justify his asshole tendencies — and he had to do the gods' biddings for him to become an angel. Some says he signed the rest of his human lives away. Others say Jeonghan is assigned to take down evil and powerful humans. Nobody has ever been around for as long as Jeonghan does to verify the rumor so it stayed as it is. Not that Jeonghan has done anything to refute them but he's become an outcast among the angels.

Although it doesn't seem to be a sore spot for Jeonghan because he laughs in that mirthful way that makes Wonwoo feel sick again. He tries to walk past Jeonghan but he's held back by the elbow.

"Careful there, demon," Jeonghan's voice drops just as Wonwoo's heart falls down to his stomach. "Or you might be falling from grace."

Wonwoo winces. Jeonghan's grip burns in his skin in such a way that it shouldn't. So he forcefully yanks his arm away.

"Tell me what it's like when I get there.”

He doesn't wait for a response but as he walks out of the restroom, he could hear Jeonghan chuckling to himself.

Everything else fades away when Wonwoo catches sight of Soonyoung walking out of the convenience store carrying two bags of what Wonwoo suspects are food. He grins at the thought of Soonyoung getting his appetite back. A terrible idea for a road trip but Wonwoo’s taking a ton of losses so far he considers Soonyoung’s binge eating as a win.

Soonyoung runs up to him with the widest smile, talking about how someone recognized him inside the store. Wonwoo couldn't fully share Soonyoung’s enthusiasm because he could feel Jeonghan’s presence lingering, like he’s observing just how far along Wonwoo has fallen.

This urges Wonwoo to pick up speed in walking Soonyoung to their car, speeding off as soon as their seatbelts are secured. Soonyoung protests in confusion, probably having plans on eating what he bought in the car before they set off. Wonwoo dismisses it, of course, giving the lame excuse of being behind schedule.

Soonyoung doesn't look like he buys it. Wonwoo couldn't care less. As long as he puts distance between them and Jeonghan who had the audacity to give Wonwoo a wave. His reflection on the rearview mirror grows small but Wonwoo could still recognize the devilish grin Jeonghan gives him.

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

The drive to Suworam had been stressful at best. Wonwoo couldn't even enjoy the fact that his refusal to stop for lunch resulted in Soonyoung feeding him kimbap slices. Although he is forced to stop to get gas two hours after running away from Jeonghan.

Now it's nearing three hours after their last stop that they're finally pulling over to one of the clearings that lead to the third site. It's hardly a clearing, considering the overgrowth taking over the area but it's slightly better than the rest of the way.

The local government had long since given up to regulate the influx of tourists wanting to visit, especially after the chemical plant went bankrupt shortly after finding the body. It's also mostly overrun by occultists that make it nearly impossible to impose any government control. Which is why it is encouraged to get a trusty guide for the entire trail, if not, at the very least, for this particular site.

Wonwoo had explained during the drive that their supposed guide ditched them at the last minute and gave Soonyoung a choice to skip. There's really no guide because Wonwoo is more than capable but for Soonyoung's sake, Wonwoo has to sell a little lie. He was also kind of hoping to cut the trip short after his encounter with Jeonghan. But Soonyoung bought it and refused to back down, reminding Wonwoo that they didn't come this far just to give up.

There's that Soonyoung with his indomitable fighting spirit.

Wonwoo is certain that Jeonghan didn't follow them but the encounter is more than enough to dismantle what little confidence he has with his relationship with Soonyoung. He's still on the fence about confessing but has since allowed himself to enjoy Soonyoung's company a bit more. Although it's still unclear to him what awaits for the both of them at the end of the trail.

That is if they actually finish going to all the stops.

And the third site is well... something. It's a bigger clearing surrounded by shrubbery and foliage. The ginkgo trees around the perimeter make it look a lot dimmer than it is, dark enough to feel unsettled but light enough to not require flashlights just yet. Somehow this feels more sinister than the basement, anything could jump out at them at any given second.

There's also a pungent smell to the place. Compared to Jeonghan's scent, his is sickly sweet, buries into your nostrils that it stings to breathe. This one smells like something and someone has died here. It lingers, too, as if to warn that death is imminent. To the human senses, the stench of the ginkgo trees is far more overpowering.

Being familiar with the smell of death, Wonwoo had forgotten to act like a human and was going to walk through the area without a mask. Soonyoung was kind enough to remind him by handing over one of his extras.

The weathered yellow police tape is still holding up— albeit very low, a child could jump over it. But what used to be an empty space in the middle where the body was exactly dumped into is now an altar overflowing with ornaments and offerings. Bones are scattered here and there. The ground feels mushy at certain parts and crunchy in others. Utterly disgusting.

Wonwoo frowns at the pentagram carved on the hard soil, the sign a shade darker than the rest of the ground. The occultists must have poured blood over the sign to strengthen it. Soonyoung had pointed it out in awe, talking about the article he read that said it's pig's blood. Wonwoo didn't have the heart to tell him that the blood was from a human. The occultists really believe that what they're doing is going to open a portal or some movie type shit they expect to happen. No one can ever try and summon evil on earth when it's already there.

"Hello, sorry for intruding. We're just going to investigate real quick. I hope that's okay." Soonyoung says to no one in particular, walking closer to the enclosed space of the police line. He sets down his backpack near a post that's still holding up the police tape. Wonwoo does the same with his own, taking out the tripod to start setting up.

Soonyoung helps him with the camera, already turning it on to get as much footage as he can.

"Hey guys, we're on the third stop." Soonyoung goes over to the police line to film the shrine. "This is where Song Yunseo was found in a garbage bag. Her chest was torn open like the other ones and she's missing a tongue. This is the case that presented the possibility of a serial killer. Which as you all may know turned out to be true." He turns the camera to himself, walks back to where Wonwoo has finished putting up the tripod. "I'll be setting up our ghost equipment while Wonwoo secures this camera."

A few seconds later, Soonyoung steps into view holding a string of lights and a radio-like device.

"This is an emf rope. It detects electromagnetic movement. So if a spirit walks on it, the lights will change color and we would know exactly where the disturbance is. I think I'm putting it across the circle. This," he says, raising the other device, "is a new equipment called the Alice box. Like the ovilus, this one also generates words based on emf energy. I was gonna get the ovilus again but I don't know where it went so hopefully the Alice box would work just as well.”

Soonyoung proceeds to prop the Alice box next to a medium sized rock outside the police line. Wonwoo, on the other hand, gets distracted by a rustling behind him while he's securing the light attachment on the camera.

The moment he turns his head to look at the direction of the noise, Soonyoung lets out a surprised yelp. Wonwoo nearly breaks his neck at the speed he looks back. Soonyoung is halfway in the circle, like someone— or something— pushed him and he lost his footing so he has to break his fall with his hands, breaching the area of the pentagram. It's only for a split second and before Wonwoo could even move to help, Soonyoung is already back on his feet.

"I'm fine, I'm fine!” Soonyoung exclaims, wiping his hands on his jacket. He explains himself for the viewers but Wonwoo doesn't register a thing because the spirit they came for finally materialized in the middle of the shrine.

Unlike the first two apparitions, Song Yunseo looks like how she did when she was alive. No bloody clothes, no hole in her chest, and no missing body parts. She looks lovely.

Almost.

Black tendrils of energy are emanating from her body, like spilled oil spreading on the water. Whatever energy she's being fed cannot be good.

Yunseo suddenly turns towards Wonwoo. Her movements are jarring, like it pains her to even move. She opens her void of a mouth, a black hole releasing more of the tendrils. If Wonwoo stares long enough, he feels he's going to be sucked in.

Wonwoo’s stomach drops and his throat closes as if the tendrils got to him somehow and twists around his insides when the spirit speaks through her gaping mouth.

"He shouldn't be here.”

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Transcript

 

[sy] I hope the camera got that. It felt like something touched my back and then I tripped over the police tape [music]

 

[sy] even so, I'm sorry for crossing the line.

 

[sy] I'm only here to ask some questions. I hope you don't mind our light over here.

 

□□□□□□□

[alice box] leave

 

[sy] but we haven't started yet. Please just a few minutes and I promise you, we'll leave after that

 

(The light at the far end lights up)

□□□□□□■

[alice box] danger

[alice box] go

 

[sy] we will. I swear.

 

[sy] are we speaking to Song Yunseo?

 

□□□□□■□

[alice box] me

 

[sy] do you know where you are? You're a bit far away from home, aren't you?

 

[alice box] bound

[alice box] can't

□□□□□□■

 

[sy] can't what? [music] You can't leave this place?

 

[sy] I'm trying to figure out if she was bound to this land by the Reaper or the other guys.

 

[sy] because everyone so far is tied to where they were murdered

 

□□□□□■□

 

[sy] which would only support that the murders were intentional not just in the manner

 

[sy] of how they were killed but also with the location of the bodies

 

[alice box] summoning

□□□□■□□

 

[sy] but what exactly is the reaper trying to summon and why you guys specifically

 

[sy] I don't know if you're seeing this, guys, but the light is moving closer to me

 

□□□□□□■

 

[sy] and she moved away again. Sorry for bringing it up. You can come closer whenever you feel like it

 

[sy] I'm just on the other side of the circle

 

[alice box] fire

[alice box] bone

□□□□■□□

 

[sy] 'bone' is new. Are we not supposed to be stepping on them?

 

[sy] kind of impossible not to do that because they're everywhere

 

[alice box] gone

 

[sy] Wonwoo is signaling me to hurry up. Umm please wait a bit

 

[sy] Yunseo-ssi are you able to communicate with the other victims of the Reaper?

 

[sy] I'm just throwing out any theories I know

 

□□□■□□□

 

[sy] you're moving closer to me but you're not answering

 

(video speeds up)

[alice box] vessel

 

[sy] vessel? Is that why your chests were open? To make space for something?

 

□□■□□□□

 

[sy] but it didn't look like the Reaper succeeded with the summoning

 

[alice box] trap

 

[sy] yeah it looks like all of you are trapped. Unfortunately, the occult guys

[sy] have taken advantage of your dump site and did some weird [ _ ] here

 

□■□□□□□

[alice box] sacrifice

[alice box] star

■□□□□□□

 

(video goes black)

 

[intertitle] that's all we got from the third investigation

[intertitle] after that, there was a loud sound beyond the treeline

[intertitle] we packed our things and left in a rush

 

(video goes back on, Soonyoung is in the clearing by the car, self-recording)

 

[sy] I don't know at which point the camera stopped filming

[sy] so if this is the only proof that we went here, here you go

 

(off-camera)

 

[ww] have you checked your clothes for ticks?

[sy] yeah, I already did

[ww] wait, what happened to your neck? Did you scratch it?

[sy] no. It's not even itchy

 

(goes on camera)

 

[ww] it's really red, though

[ww] let me take a pic. It's probably not sho wing on camera

 

(A picture of Soonyoung’s neck appears on screen, there's three red scratch-like marks on it)

 

[sy] what the [ _ ]

 

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Chapter Text

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Wonwoo never thought that holding a first aid kit would present more questions in his never ending pile of things he'd rather not address. He's more than aware that running away from these things are going to maul him like hellhounds. They're just waiting for the perfect time to pounce.

In a sense, Wonwoo is also waiting. For what exactly, he doesn't know. But it most definitely isn't a sign from the gods, that's for certain. Because if he really is, then he wouldn’t have willfully ignored all the chances thrown his way.

At this point, he’s might as well have been waiting for a miracle as he throws another opportunity away.

They're still in the clearing in Suworam. After discovering the marks on Soonyoung’s neck and another thorough inspection of ticks in their clothing, they finally got inside the car.

“Let's get that treated.” Wonwoo had said, frowning at the fact that Soonyoung keeps getting touched in all the investigations so far.

Soonyoung had this look like he's about to argue but ultimately decided against it. He only let out a small huff to show his resignation then slowly raises his head, showing the expanse of his neck and the three angry marks running across the side of it.

Now this is what Wonwoo is completely unprepared for. Suddenly the first aid kit in his hand feels too heavy and the air feeling too thick for no reason. He must have pressed the heater on instead of the air-conditioning because his hand is sweating buckets despite willing it with his powers to just not.

If he's any more smitten than he already is, he would probably say that Soonyoung renders him powerless but that's too cheesy even by his standards. So he doesn't. Besides, he's not even supposed to feel anything.

But try as he might, the hounds always catch up to him and make him face them anyways.

Wonwoo takes out a cream and squeezes a generous amount on his finger. When he starts rubbing it on one of the scratches. Soonyoung, as always, is cold to the touch. The difference in their temperatures makes goosebumps chase around the touch where Wonwoo’s hand had been. He's quickly distracted when Soonyoung swallows thickly, Adam's apple bobbing on his throat.

“You know, I don't really feel anything. Like, I saw it but I can't feel it.”

“We still should treat it.” Wonwoo rasps, lips feeling too dry. He has made quick work with the application and is now done with it. “You're good now.”

Soonyoung lowers his head. Wonwoo doesn't have enough time to move away, bringing their faces so close together. Too close. Wonwoo swallows the lump in his throat.

“Thanks,” Soonyoung whispers, a little breathlessly. His eyes drop down to Wonwoo’s lips where Wonwoo momentarily swipes his tongue over them. Soonyoung then slowly blinks back to connect their gazes.

As if by some force, Wonwoo is frozen in his place. He could only watch Soonyoung closing the distance between them . His eyes close shut instinctively, awaiting for that singular touch that he's been starving for. The thrumming in his chest makes itself known, growing ever so violently against his ribs.

Then the image of a ghostly pale face, purple lips partially parted, and blown-wide vacant eyes trailing blood for tears flashes in his head. It's only a split second of a distant memory but it has Wonwoo on a chokehold, preventing him from meeting Soonyoung halfway.

Before Wonwoo could fully comprehend what he's doing, he is already moving away. “No problem.” He clears his throat in hopes of pushing down the lump blocking his airways. It now sits heavily in his chest.“We should get going.”

Soonyoung blinks, as if trying to understand what has just happened. When he realizes that he's been left hanging, he quietly laughs to himself and slumps back in his seat. “Right. We probably should.” The disappointment in his voice gets drowned as the car revs away from the clearing.

The atmosphere has turned sour and it's all Wonwoo’s fault. He keeps a tight grip on the steering wheel and takes quick glances at Soonyoung through the rearview mirror.

Soonyoung, on the other hand, has turned to his side as much as the seat belt allows him to, the scenery outside looking a lot more interesting. He also has his shades down despite the sun setting low on the horizon.

The silence hang heavy for the rest of the drive, only the low hum of the radio keeping them company. When they pull over to a gas stop, some three hours later, only a few curt words passed between them.

They get back on the road shortly after and Wonwoo, once again, is left to fester in his own thoughts while Soonyoung resigns himself for a nap.

It's excruciating to watch the events leading up to this moment play out, the sight of Soonyoung drifting further out of reach. But Wonwoo doesn't have the right to complain when was the one who pushed Soonyoung away. It hurts even more knowing that Soonyoung might feel the same way he does.

Maybe not anymore. Not when Wonwoo has essentially severed that connection between them. He did say he doesn't want to be cruel but why does it feel like he's causing damage whichever way he chooses?

There's an inevitable end to this whole thing and they're both heading closer to it.

It's almost midnight when they arrive in Namyangju. Their next stop is a recreational resort that's already famous even before the killings started. The paranormal community believes that there's a portal to the other world.

The singed circle.

How it came to be? It depends on who you ask.

The more popular version of the story says that a group of teenagers did a seance on a big bonfire and somehow opened the portal. There's also a failed sacrifice somewhere in the narrative. Some claims that there's no victim involved and others recall a victim getting third degree burns from being pushed into the flames.

Now it's a fenced-off circle of black stones and an even darker soil in the middle where no grass would grow.

None among the living can substantiate any speculations and none in the otherworld keeps track of the origins of something that's as naturally occurring as portals. They always form where the division between two planes of existence are the thinnest.

But of course, the humans love to put an emotional twist to things and have decided that doing a little seance will ‘help close the portal’.

It is believed that walking counter-clockwise around the circle three times and offering a simple wish will do the trick. It doesn't actually do shit but if it's working for the resort’s tourism, then it's effective. Just not in the way it's advertised for.

As for Wonwoo, this is where everything started for him.

Soonyoung is such an avid fan of the singed circle. He makes videos about it every time he visits. And in all the times Soonyoung has wished for something, he said that meeting Wonwoo was the only wish that came true.

Well, Soonyoung did say he asked for company since he went alone that time and Wonwoo just happened to be there. What Soonyoung thinks is a coincidence is actually a result of sheer luck and will because there's no way walking around the circle did anything significant.

But it did bring them together so that's got to count for something. Right?

Maybe.

Soonyoung stirs in his seat and gives himself time to reboot. The nap must have done him good because he's finally over with the silent treatment and is talking to Wonwoo again.

“I'm thinking of doing the investigation later at 3 AM. We should get some rest before that, emphasis on you because you've been driving us around the whole day.” He says as Wonwoo pulls over in front of the resort’s receiving area. “Or I can just go there by myself if you're still knocked out.”

And just like that, any remaining tension from earlier dissipates as Soonyoung looks up to him with sleepy eyes and a grin playing about on his lips. Wonwoo returns a bit tentatively because he's still not sure how to go about the situation.

Should he bring it up and apologize for it? But if he does that, then what?

He doesn't trust himself enough not to spit out that he's regretting it. That he very much wants to cross the line and admit that he's insufferably smitten even when he has no right to. That he will worship the very ground Soonyoung walks on and maybe then he'd be worthy enough to get a taste of Soonyoung’s lips.

But he's not about to declare anything, much less at a resort lobby in the dead of the night. So like a decent being with a slightly derailed perception of his own feelings because he never really considered them before, he keeps his mouth shut.

At the very least, Soonyoung is not going to bed mad at him.

“I'll be there for you,” Wonwoo eventually responds. The thought of Soonyoung being alone near the open portal reminds him as to why he can never do anything about what he feels. It's already too dangerous. The spirits might not harm Soonyoung but Jeonghan looks motivated enough to create chaos. Wonwoo has far greater things to worry about.

It isn't long before the admission process is completed and they're driven on a service buggy, cruising down a paved way cutting through the wide expanse of grass. Soonyoung is talking animatedly to the lady driving them, he falters a bit when she asks how Soonyoung has been since he stopped coming to the resort.

She is a middle aged lady who isn't so keen on the internet so she must have had no idea what happened to Soonyoung. She mentions that there's a lot more youngins like the both of them with camera and ghost hunting equipment coming by to film.

When they get to the cabin, Wonwoo quietly carries half of their bags inside to give them more time to talk. He returns just in time to catch a portion of their conversation.

“I like this one more than the one you used to bring along. You look better together.” She says while unloading the rest of their belongings.

“Oh, we’re not..” Soonyoung’s voice is only above a whisper. “..like that.”

The forced smile on Soonyoung’s face stops Wonwoo in his tracks. A sudden realization stabs him like a knife, twisting on itself to drive in deeper.

How did he become the very thing he hopes Soonyoung would overcome? They've been doing so well, too. Soonyoung is happy. Or was.

Wonwoo cannot peel his eyes away. The staff has abandoned her task to give Soonyoung a hug. She's a lot shorter than Soonyoung so he slumps in her arms and buries his head on her shoulders.

That could also be Wonwoo if he wasn't an idiot— it's actually more like, if he wasn't a demon but he's not about to complain about something he has no control over. Whereas being an idiot is an absolute personal choice.

The staff says something under her breath but Wonwoo doesn't stay around too long to make out the words. He never uses his powers to invade Soonyoung’s privacy. To occupy his time, Wonwoo makes his way into his unlit room and drops on the bed with a soft thud.

Rest for demons isn't the same as how humans do it but Wonwoo somehow is so worn out that the cheap linen and cushion feels heavenly. It almost feels wrong to be in this much comfort when he has mistakes to correct and duties to fulfill.

Surprisingly, he eventually succumbs to it, eyes fluttering close as his mind wanders off.

Usually, if he cannot be physically in the otherworld, his consciousness would be there. Everything under the cosmos works not on magic but on energies. This is why the idiom about birds and flocking together is a common adage among the humans. Because it's what helps them thrive.

The same applies to everything else. When spirits consume so much energy from the living, they would build up on that energy until they get strong enough to manifest and break through the barrier to have some kind of semblance of being alive.

As for Wonwoo, it had been a while since he stayed long enough in the otherworld to muster energy to make himself last on the mortal plane. The high demon will have his head for going MIA but he’ll deal with it if his consciousness actually made its way to the otherworld.

Because he doesn't make it there.

Instead, Wonwoo is lying on the ground. Not exactly what he was expecting but nothing ever really works for him these days. His head is slightly propped up a by a wide smooth stone while the rest of the field is soft under his weight. When the breeze carries the smell of lavender, the tall grass surrounding him dances along.

He lays there for a moment, staring at the empty sky while he figures out where he is. It doesn't look like he's in the otherworld. The dark sky looms above, looking like it's brewing up a storm as the wind picks up speed

In the distance, he could hear a familiar voice calling for his name.

Wonwoo abruptly sits up and the field stills. In the silence, his heart loudly thrashes in his chest. He whips his head around to search for Soonyoung. But he couldn't see that far, not with the darkness slowly descending in the horizon. The voice calls out again, echoing from every possible direction.

 “Goodbye, Wonwoo.”

Soonyoung’s name hangs at the tip of Wonwoo’s tongue as he finds himself unable to speak. A scream lodges at the back of his throat. He tries to run through the sea of lavender only to find himself rooted to the ground.

He drops to his knees, a hand clutching over his chest. He cannot breathe. The tall grass suddenly towering over him, like a tsunami ready to swallow him whole. There's no water that comes but he still struggles to breathe.

The rest of his body buckles and he barely catches his own fall. He comes face to face with the stone slab his head had been resting on. He thought it was just a normal smooth stone but he couldn't be any more wrong. 

No. 

It has an inscription on it, the letters are jagged and rough to the touch. It looks as if someone had tried using a sharp object to write on the stone. The blood drains from Wonwoo’s face as he properly makes out what it says.

Kwon Soonyoung

Wonwoo crumples over the tombstone. His chest heaves in a crippling irregular rhythm. Never in his entire existence has ever been scared of eternal death. But being confronted by Soonyoung’s mortality proves eternal life to be a much more agonizing curse.

The smell of lavender is most definitely suffocating him now. It's consuming him like poison gas. And there's no way out of it. He could barely breathe.

With a knee-jerk reaction, Wonwoo wakes to a blanket smothering him. He scrambles out of it, emerging with his body all sweaty and his breathing labored. In one particular inhale, he gets a lungful of the lavender fabric softener and he almost conjures fire to destroy his beddings.

The only thing that stops him from doing so is Soonyoung.

Wonwoo bolts out of his room. It takes a whole lot of restraint not to slam Soonyoung’s door to check up on him. He pauses to breathe. One. Two. Then he gently pries the door open.

It's dark in the room but it's never been an issue for Wonwoo. Relief washes over him to see Soonyoung sleeping soundly in his tiger pajamas. The very one Wonwoo got for Soonyoung’s birthday last year.

It's a black pajama set with white tigers on it. Soonyoung had asked him for anything with a tiger on it but everything else available only comes in those classic black and orange stripes. And Soonyoung already owns plenty of them.

At the time, Wonwoo had wanted his gift to stand out. Something Soonyoung can use on a daily basis that isn't a plush toy. Anything would have stood out because, as it turns out, he's the only one Soonyoung asked for something tiger related. And in true Soonyoung fashion, he loved the pajamas.

Wonwoo had joked that Soonyoung loves anything with a tiger on it but Soonyoung reassures him that it's more than that. He loves it more because Wonwoo has chosen it for him. The gift, as Soonyoung had put it, speaks for Wonwoo’s personality perfectly. Something that isn't loud but ever present.

It all feels so long ago. Back when Wonwoo had better and stronger excuses to stay. When he was staying out of guilt. But the guilt bloomed into something else. Something more profound. Something dangerous.

Back then he had been certain he would leave with no qualms. He never used to stay long enough in this realm to build anything for himself, establish something he has to leave behind. He never really allowed himself to have someone to lose. 

Now everything is just up in the air. 

He may have built a life— a truly, hauntingly beautiful lie— he will have to destroy himself and leave Soonyoung in its ruins.

Wonwoo stares at Soonyoung a bit longer. He's probably looking like a total creep but he wants to memorize Soonyoung as much as he can. It's probably one of the few moments left for him to do so.

Soonyoung looks peaceful like this. The slow and steady rise and fall of his chest is lulling the whirlwind wrecking inside Wonwoo’s. There's a dull ache in its wake as he continues to watch. A sight to engrave in his memory for when things get too much to bear and he needs something to anchor him.

With a last lingering look, he leaves.

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

Shinsaeng-dong is quiet in the middle of the night. The moon hangs overhead, illuminating places it can reach and casting shadows on those it can't.

Wonwoo moves along in the darkness. It's quicker like this. When he's with Soonyoung, he does things at a much slower pace. At a speed Soonyoung can understand. A whole day’s drive only takes a few moments in the shadows.

And maybe this is why he's never hesitated to leave before. He hasn't slowed down enough to appreciate the beauty, he never had any reason to in a world he shouldn't exist in. It's beautiful, sure, but it serves no real purpose to him.

Then Soonyoung happened and suddenly Wonwoo’s world tilted on its axis at a dizzyingly speed and couldn't find any stable footing from there on.

The wind breezing past is cold and unforgiving. Wonwoo shudders as he steps out of the dark, crossing the street towards a car parked in front of the building he was in earlier in the day. The roadkill ghost is perched on the hood of a car, regarding Wonwoo warily.

“You again.” She says, her tone accusatory. Like he'd been the one who ran over her.

Stopping in front of her at a considerable distance, Wonwoo studies the spirit. Thick, dark blood flows down her face like an endless river from the gaping crack on the side of her head. Her brown hair turns into an ugly shade of auburn in places that clings to her skin. Beneath all the gruesome details of her death, she looks young, around 18 years old if Wonwoo has to guess.

This doesn't come as a shock to him. Humans could die at any point in their lifetime. Some gets to live long and some unfortunate ones die before they're even born. This one just got a few couple years in hers before she passed.

“What's your name?” Wonwoo says instead. He slides his hands in his pocket, not to look intimidating but to keep them from freezing over. The air nips harshly at the rest of his exposed skin.

The spirit scoffs but replies anyway. “Ju Haneul.”

“How old are you…” He trails down, not quite sure how to go forward with this conversation. Wonwoo usually eliminates malevolent spirits without any preamble. So this is just as strange to him as it is to Haneul. To her credit, she doesn't look phased that a reaper demon is talking to her.

“How old I was when I died?” She continues for him, a hint of sarcasm laced in it. As if disclosing the age she got run over would do anything significant. Still, she humors him with an answer. “I was 17. Happy now? What do you want?”

Wonwoo shifts his body to face the building, looking up at the empty balconies. Some spirits in the area are looking down at them, watching the interaction. “You know the lady in 204?”

“That ahjumma is very mean. She would report us everytime I walk down the hall with my baby brother. Said that there's always the possibility of him crying around and running off and that she's only preventing the inevitable noise.” Haneul’s voice is quiet, tinged with sadness at the mention of her brother.

“You knew each other when you were alive?”

“Yes. When I- when that day happened,” her voice breaks, like her mouth can't keep up with the memories in her head. “Ahjumma complained about us giggling as we passed down her door and told us to take a walk outside to not bother any residents. And so we went outside even though our mom told me not to leave the building. I thought- I thought it's okay because it's just in this sidewalk, you know.” Haneul gestures at the raised walkway that separates the road from the buildings. “But then– there's a car speeding towards us and I only had time to push my brother away.”

Haneul flinches like her vision has already come to an end with the crash that killed her. She blinks as if realizing that she's shared too much. Wonwoo hadn't asked but he doesn't mind hearing the story.

“How do you feel about moving into 204?” Wonwoo had impulsively decided to take out Kang Eunhee. He needs to go to the otherworld but he can't go there empty handed and he doesn't have the time to track a malevolent spirit. He could just use the growing popularity of the blood trail as an excuse to get rid of a poltergeist before it turns malevolent. It's only a matter of time.

Preventing the inevitable.

Kang Eunhee has to understand. She'd be livid but it's her own words against her. It's laughable really. Wonwoo would have been amused at the turn of events if not for the more pressing matters plaguing his mind.

“I don't want to be anywhere near her.” Haneul scoffs at the suggestion.

“I’m bringing her with me. You can take her place afterwards.”

It's a shot in the dark. He can't just take Eunhee after the investigation with Soonyoung. It would look suspicious. Wonwoo had every intention of figuring out how he can arrange a spirit to move in 204. But Haneul’s already here and she looks expectant at the thought of Eunhee finally gone.

“You- you're not going to get rid of me?” Her voice is tentative, waiting for the caveat of this bizzare negotiation.

“No. Unless you turn into an evil spirit, I cannot send you to hell.”

Haneul looks at Wonwoo for a second then brings herself to stare at the building she used to live in. Wonwoo watches her gaze return to him, looking like she's deciding what to say.

“Oh yeah. Someone came by earlier asking me to cross over, saying it's ultimately my choice whether to move on or not.”

“What’s keeping you here, then? Is your family still in your apartment?”

She lowers her head, the crack on the side of it even more visible. “No. I was stuck here for a while, mourning my own death. When I came to my senses, they've already moved out. Now I'm just here.”

“That's…” Wonwoo begins. If he plays his cards correctly, say the right words, he won't have to ask someone else to take over 204. “that is very unfortunate. I can't imagine how frustrating it is to advocate for road safety and not be heard.” Haneul nods at this. Just a little convincing and Wonwoo will be done. “You see all the people coming in to visit Kang Eunhee’s apartment? Maybe you could use her absence to your advantage. They have equipment to communicate with the dead.”

Haneul looks back up with a burning determination in her eyes and in a sick and twisted way, Wonwoo knows that he has succeeded.

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

Unit 204 looks just like they'd left it. It doesn't even look like they've been there at all. If memory serves him right, some things clattered as he hauled Soonyoung out of it. It's either the management had cleaned up after them or that he imagined it in his haste to leave.

Wonwoo doesn't mull over it any longer than he has to because he's standing before the place yet again. But there's a significant difference in its atmosphere. It's a lot colder and a much more menacing aura surrounds it, settling over with inexplicable rage. Something dangerous.

He feels it, like all the other times he's done this process, and yet he isn't expecting the sharp blow on his back, knocking the wind out of him.

Wonwoo loses his balance. He isn't quick enough to break his fall and the pressure behind his head grows heavier, making sure his face hits the solid floor. He does, however, manage to twist his face to the side so his nose doesn't crack upon impact.

The world stills for a second, his chest pounding and a silent scream escaping his mouth. There's a ringing in his ear while his vision blurs in and out of focus.

Fucking hell!

His body hurts but not as much as his pride.

It's as if Kang Eunhee can read his mind because she's lifting Wonwoo’s head by the hair and slams him back down on the ground. There's a resounding crack and Wonwoo’s vision blacks out for a second. He is too stunned to figure if it was the floor that made the noise or if it was the sound of his skull breaking.

Eunhee slams his head again with more force than the last. His consciousness is slowly slipping when he feels a trail of hot, thick liquid reaching his lips and it tastes bitter on his tongue. He gasps in some air, choking on his own blood. It's better than passing out at the hands of a spirit.

Wonwoo tries to writhe away. Panic coils around his body like a serpent sizing him up to swallow him whole. He couldn't move. Eunhee grasps him by the neck, sharp fingernails piercing through his skin, sending cold electrifying shock in his body. Try as Wonwoo might, no amount of struggling could shake the spirit off of him.

Newly turned poltergeists are strong but they've never been able to take down a full fledged demon. Not to Wonwoo’s knowledge at least. Then again, he didn't think Kang Eunhee would be anywhere other than on the futon where she died. Yet there they are.

He stops moving when Kang Eunhee hisses in his good ear.

“Where's that little wretch you were with?” She says, her voice sounding like nails scratching on a chalkboard. “If you won't kill him, then I will. His death is long overdue.”

The dread presses heavy on his body. Heavier than the poltergeist that has Wonwoo pinned down to the ground. The thing in his chest goes wild, hammering painfully at his ribs, making it all the more difficult to breathe. His vision clears momentarily like a big gust of wind blowing the fog away only for the mist to return in a blinding rage.

The image of Soonyoung sleeping soundly back in the resort in Namyangju is what gets Wonwoo to his feet. Eunhee flitters backwards but her menacing look remains.

He had every intention to return. He just needs to tie up some loose ends and hopefully be back before Soonyoung wakes up to do the investigation.

He hadn't really considered that entities might actively target Soonyoung. It has always been Wonwoo that's attracting them, save for the ones on the trail that have come into contact with Soonyoung one too many times.

Wonwoo wipes the blood that has pooled on his lips, leaving a bitter reminder all over his mouth. The liquid feels hot against his palm, bordering on uncomfortable, as it forges itself into a jagged blade, drawing even more blood as it grows sharper.

This isn't how he's planning on taking down Kang Eunhee. Technically, he shouldn't even be interfering until she turns into a malevolent spirit. But she's not too far off into becoming one. He could pull up some excuses when they get to the purgatory but Kang Eunhee has left Wonwoo with no choice but to send her directly to hell.

The blood blade is hot and heavy in his hand. He takes a second to compose himself, a slim window to back down before he fully commits. He sees Kang Eunhee’s fading figure, her energy dark and foreboding at her wake and Wonwoo steels himself, clutching the blade tightly in his hand, burying the edges deeper into his skin. A small price to pay for his sins.

If this is what keeps Soonyoung alive and safe from Kang Eunhee, then to hell with protocol and pleasantries.

In one swift movement, Wonwoo is by Kang Eunhee. He grabs her by the throat before she could fully disappear and slams her on the ground. The shrill scream that escapes her mouth shakes the entire unit. Even the building thrums and creaks, like a crack crawling through a frozen lake.

Eunhee squirms under Wonwoo’s hold. She has since returned to the state Wonwoo first saw her in. Hollowed out eyes, empty chest and bathed in blood. But there’s a renewed power underneath all that filth. Something Wonwoo hates to admit is affecting him.

The temperature drops even more. Wonwoo’s breath comes out in rapid puffs of air. The cold sinking into his skin, movement slow and painful. He needs to act quickly or Eunhee isn't going to be the only one that will perish tonight.

Wonwoo raises the blade and drives it deep on her forehead. Kang Eunhee lets out a long, inhuman shriek, the building vibrating along with it. Wonwoo twists the blade, pushing it deeper until the blade is fully spent. He winces as Kang Eunhee uses her last remaining energy to scream her final words before she disintegrates.

“One way or another, he will have to die.”

The air stills. The building stops shaking. And Wonwoo finds himself alone in the apartment. Only accompanied by his labored breathing. He has successfully extinguished Kang Eunhee but why is he still fucking freezing? 

Even when he's back in the shadows, he feels unwelcome. He takes one last look at the building, thankful that it didn't crack and collapse. But as he retreats further into the darkness, he realizes that something in him is crumbling away.

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

The first thing Wonwoo sees as he goes through the portal to the Purgatory is a familiar face who doesn't look too pleased to see him. “Hey Josh, long time no see.” Wonwoo tries to liven up his tone, lips quivering as he forces a smile while his hands uselessly swipe over his disheveled clothes.

Normally, Wonwoo would immediately tease Joshua by calling him with his previous name "Jisoo"— he has a knack of changing names whenever the Purgatory has a major shift in reflecting the mortal world. Gods forbid an entity entertain himself or something along that line. As Joshua had put it the last time Wonwoo visited, he just learned the lingo around that time.

A lot has happened since then and Wonwoo isn't sure if he could still joke around with Joshua like that.

If Wonwoo really wants to be on Joshua's good side, he has to play extra nice today. But with the way Joshua is regarding him with such sternness that he only reserves for judging the departed, Wonwoo might be waiting for a miracle.

As one of Purgatory's soulscours, Joshua has the power to see through the spirits and sentence them to any kingdom—hell, purgatory, or heaven— for as long as it takes before they can reincarnate. To be under the same scrutiny sends shivers down Wonwoo's spine, feeling every part of him so exposed, including the ones he doesn't understand yet.

Maybe Joshua would be so kind to explain what he sees so Wonwoo doesn't have to spend so long sorting himself out. 

Although, it doesn't take much skill to see how beaten up Wonwoo looks after his altercation with Kang Eunhee. He hates to admit it, but the poltergeist really did a number on him. And yet, no amount of physical blows could ever compare to his bruised ego.

For even just a moment, a poltergeist was able to take down a demon like him, and now a soulscour is judging him like one of the human spirits.

Wonwoo fidgets from where he's standing, still waiting for his verdict that he's certain is coming. It would be nice if it comes sooner than later because he still needs to return to Soonyoung. For what feels like eternity, Joshua's gaze finally softens, looking like he has so much to say but instead, he turns on his heels and proceeds to walk away.

It is only then Wonwoo finally acknowledges the cacophony of voices from all the spirits around them. It's just as hectic as it is in the mortal realm when the humans are going on their daily commutes.

Wonwoo doesn't think it's possible but all the noise dies down in his ears when Joshua stops a couple of steps ahead of him and motions his head to the direction of the gates. His next words send Wonwoo's chest into overdrive, the thing in it is beating so hard it could drill a hole through his body.

"The high demon is expecting you." 

Wonwoo must have looked crestfallen and unwilling to move because Joshua has to walk back to drag him by the wrist. 

Together, they weave through the throng of the freshly departed waiting for their own verdicts. The otherworld keeps up with the modern times and now, the Purgatory looks like a grand central of spirits. It helps them get acclimated to the otherworld if they are somewhere familiar. Still, there are some who refuses to go through the gates of judgment— an endless row of turnstiles with soulscours manning every available entrance— and gets stuck in the ante-purgatory where the Grand Portal is.

They walk past one of turnstiles that is closed off with a glowing red sign that says DO NOT ENTER. They're actually just entryways resevered only for entities. Plus, they help sell the entire grand central terminal look of the place.

"When I heard about your situation, I really thought Han was just exaggerating things as he normally does. But by the gods, you're worse off than I expected."

Hearing an iteration of it from Jeonghan makes Wonwoo want to punch the daylights out of his perfect little angelic face. But with Joshua? Wonwoo is fighting the urge to end his own misery.

Joshua, however, being a little too good on his senses, tightens his grip on Wonwoo's wrist. "Whatever it is that you're thinking, don't do it." He says, pushing open a restroom with an OUT OF ORDER sign plastered to the door. No one in the otherworld ever needs to use one but for the sake of being true to its inspiration in the mortal realm, the Purgatory has to have one.

If anyone who has no business being there, whether it'd be human spirits or entities, were to try opening the restroom, they will always find it locked. It's a special portal only the higher ranking entities use to get around the kingdoms. Even for beings who have plenty of time on their hands, not one of them has time to travel like mortals.

They both popped into an office unfamiliar to Wonwoo. It is quite dim in the room, a thin layer of fog filling the space. There's a strong mix of lilies and roses that make Wonwoo's head spin and when the fog finally dissipates, Wonwoo's stomach almost turns over in itself as the blood seemingly leaves his body.

The room clears to reveal the high demon sitting behind a desk with Jeonghan on the seat across from him. The two of them looked to be in the middle of a conversation when Joshua and Wonwoo appeared. It's not their presence that has Wonwoo shaking to his bones but it's the item resting on the high demon's desk that he's more concerned about.

At first glance, it looks to be a phone but looking more at it, it's stockier and has two short antennas protruding on top of it. It could honestly be anyone's device but Wonwoo is certain for what it is.

An ovilus.

Jeonghan looks at Wonwoo like he would devour him. His smile that is supposed to be angelic is anything but. It's all Wonwoo needs to know that the device is indeed theirs. That explains why the couldn't find the ovilus and the last place they used it was in Kang Eunhee's unit. They must have left it when Wonwoo was carrying an unconscious Soonyoung out of the place.

And now the high demon has it.

"Seungcheol—" Joshua begins but Jeonghan is quick to interrupt.

"So nice of you to escort our little dinky over here, Jisoo." Jeonghan stands in front of them, malicious glint glassing over his amber eyes. "But we'll take it from here. You can see yourself out." 

This is when the high demon stands up from his seat, his chair scraping over the pristine marble floor. Wonwoo flinches at the sound of it grating at his ears. He's usually cool with Seungcheol but with his current situation, he doesn't know where he stands anymore.

Being back in the otherworld, Wonwoo somehow feels unwelcome in it. Nothing much has changed but nothing feels familiar to him.

"Jeonghan," Seungcheol's voice is calm and collected, which makes it all the more terrifying. "we can continue our conversation some other time."

For the first time in a while, Jeonghan's expression changed from smug to disbelief. "But-" He stops himself when Seungcheol gives him a look, his jaw tightening before storming out of the office. A powerful smell of lilies burst in his wake.

Joshua gives Wonwoo's wrist a comforting squeeze then lets it go. "I can't tell you what to do but be nice to the boy. I'll go and talk to Jeonghan." He says to Seungcheol. Before he leaves, he gives Wonwoo one last look and an encouraging smile then vanishes behind the door.

Now all there is left is the high demon and Wonwoo.

There's a momentary pause. The pungent scent of lilies still linger in the air, making Wonwoo feel lightheaded while he does his best to avoid Seungcheol's eyes. His best efforts prove to be futile when he feels the urge to glance at Seungcheol's awaiting gaze.

Wonwoo doesn't know exactly what he's expecting but Seungcheol's disappointed look is not one of it. He has been so caught up in Soonyoung that he hadn't really, fully, considered the actual weight of neglecting his duty. Now he's bearing the brunt of his willful ignorance.

"Please, take a seat." Seungcheol's demeanor isn't threatening, per se, but his guttural voice reverberates through Wonwoo's bones, forcing him to sit down. Wonwoo visibly winces and that doesn't go unnoticed to the high demon. "I heard you sent a poltergeist straight to hell, bypassing the soulscours. I'm surprised Jisoo didn't give you an earful on your way to my office. I heard he wasn't too happy about it."

Wonwoo, whose attention has drifted to the ovilus on the table, snaps his eyes back to Seungcheol who hasn't stopped assessing his current disposition. He isn't really expecting the conversation to be this casual.

"She– she'll turn malevolent soon with the amount of energy she's getting." Wonwoo mentally scolds himself for sounding so unsure of himself.

"I see." Seungcheol rests an arm on the table, blackened fingers drawing patterns on the surface. "Do you know why we exist? I'm sure you do. But in case you've forgotten, we’re here to keep the balance of the universe. And as we all know it, the universe runs on choices. Free will. But free will is easily abused. And that is why we're here. To make sure no one, not even entities, abuse that power. If we don't do our duties, then anyone could just enter heaven without repenting for their sins, a result of their own choices.

Why do the angels even bother convincing spirits to crossover if they could just drag them all from the mortal plane to the otherworld? Do you understand now, Wonwoo? Because it's not their choice to make. Our only job is to take the ones who already chose to be malevolent. Anything before malevolence has a chance of redemption.

Jeonghan was just there offering his guidance. Kang Eunhee could have redeemed herself but we will never know that because you took that choice from her. If demons could just send all spirits to hell without proper verdict, why would we ever need soulscours like Joshua? Where do we go from here, Wonwoo?”

Wonwoo clasps his hands together under the table. If only to keep them from shaking uncontrollably but his palm stings from when he wielded the blood blade. Nothing he does could quell the debilitating dread wrapping around his throat.

Answering for his mistakes is one thing but leaving Soonyoung defenseless is another.

He wracks his brain for anything he could say to appease the high demon but nothing comes up. He must be taking too long to respond because the next thing he knows is Seungcheol running a sharp claw deep onto the table.

Wonwoo flinches at the sound of it before he registers the glowing line running across his injured palm. The cut burns through his skin as he swallows back a scream. He whimpers as a result while drops of blood float in the air and whizzes towards Seungcheol's finger.

The high demon observes the blood before tasting it. He smacks his lips, razor sharp teeth glinting. His eyes turn entirely black and his guttural voice returns. "Hmm. A bit stale for my liking."

Meanwhile, Wonwoo's hand shakes out of control. His breathing, heavy. Heart pounding.

This is it, he thinks. The consequence of the choices he made. Had he known this would be it, he never would have gone through the portal. There are so many things he regrets doing and yet— and yet there's still plenty he hasn't done.

He should have gone for that kiss.

If Wonwoo could just have more time with Soonyoung. Just to make sure he's safe. Just one last reason to stay. If he goes now, Soonyoung will look for him like he did when he couldn't see. And everything they've done so far will all be for naught.

Wonwoo realizes that he can't give it up just yet. Not when Soonyoung is at his most vulnerable. He wants to make up for his sins. Redeem himself to Soonyoung.

Despite the searing pain, he clenches his hand, sits up straighter. And in the most composed he could get his voice to, he speaks his mind. "Let me go." 

Seungcheol raises an eyebrow. His eyes have muddled back into normal but he still looks stern. He doesn't say anything which Wonwoo takes as a cue to continue.

"You said where do we go from here. I say, you let me go. Let me finish the blood trail with Soonyoung and then you'll have me back." Wonwoo's heart is at his throat. Seungcheol pokes his tongue in his cheek, looking rather bemused at the proposal.

Wonwoo, in his desperation blurts out. "If I have to personally beg the gods, I swear I will." 

"You sound like someone I know." Seungcheol says under his breath, minutely shaking his head. "Alright." He says in resignation. "This is the one time I'll let you go. Don't make me interfere with your personal affairs." 

Wonwoo nearly jumps out in his seat out of joy. "Thank you so much!" He says, a little breathlessly.

"Go." Seungcheol waves a hand to shoo Wonwoo away. "Leave my sight before I change my mind. And take this damned thing with you." He proceeds to push the ovilus with his claws.

Wonwoo hurriedly grabs the device, bowing deeply to the high demon and then beelines to the door. He pops out of the restroom, feeling his heart beating so fast in his chest. Relief washes over him, having that chance to make it right by Soonyoung.

On his way to the exit, he walks past the staircase leading down to the underground wharf. Spirits who choose to repent for their sins are walking towards it where they would board the ferry to the underworld and spend however much time they need in there. 

Kang Eunhee would be already in hell, suffering for the sins she did when she was alive and while she was dead. 

After all is said and done, Wonwoo will also be punished for his sins. For now, he keeps moving. Time is of the essence.

Wonwoo quickens his pace, walking through the throng of spirits that are heading towards the stairwell to heaven. The true Purgatory. An endless spiral of steps leading to the pearly gates of Heaven.

Jeonghan always raves how much fun it is up there. Although Wonwoo has long since figured out not to believe an angel who spends majority of his time in the Purgatory whenever he's not in the mortal realm. Joshua says it's not that much different than any of the kingdoms, just operating to keep the balance of the universe.

Before he could even start to wonder how Heaven actually looks like, someone has accidentally nudged him in the shoulder. The impact of it makes Wonwoo drop the ovilus on the marbled tile. He's only just realizing that he's crossed the gates to the ante purgatory where plenty of spirits hang around.

The spirit who bumped into Wonwoo is quick to pick up the ovilus from the ground. "Watch out." He whispers, swiftly shoving the device back into Wonwoo's hands before brushing past him to join the crowd of spirits. Wonwoo didn't get a good look at the spirit but he feels like he knows him from somewhere.

The ovilus beeps, prompting Wonwoo to get a move on and head towards the Grand Portal. Back to the singed circle in Namyangju.

Back to Soonyoung.

⋅⋯•✦•⋯⋅

But Soonyoung is not where Wonwoo is expecting him to be.

When Wonwoo is emerging from the portal, he nearly crashed into Soonyoung. He would have lost his balance and knocked the both of them to the ground had he not pivoted at the last second, arms going over Soonyoung's shoulders for support. They're so close that Wonwoo could feel his own heart beating against Soonyoung.

"Why would you go on without me?" Wonwoo scolds but proceeds to engulf Soonyoung in an embrace. His free hand cradles the back of Soonyoung's head. He could sob out of joy but Soonyoung's lack of response alerted Wonwoo that something is wrong.

He really thought that Soonyoung had started the investigation, but as Wonwoo holds him at arms length, Soonyoung's vacant eyes stares back at him. It's like 204 all over again when Kang Eunhee momentarily got ahold of Soonyoung the moment Wonwoo wasn't looking.

Under the moonlight, Soonyoung looks lifeless. Dark circles loom underneath his unseeing eyes. His breathing is erratic. He's still in his pajamas, Wonwoo notices, but he is barefoot, feet sinking into the soft soil of the singed cirle.

Realizing that they're standing on the portal, Wonwoo gently guides Soonyoung out through the broken part of the barrier surrounding the singed circle. Soonyoung is nothing but a marionette in Wonwoo's hold.

The second they're out of the circle, Soonyoung gasps in on a deep breath like he'd been under water. His lips tremble as he breathes through his mouth. He frantically looks around, trying to figure out his surroundings. To add to the confusion, Wonwoo hugs him again, holds him tighter as if Soonyoung is going to disappear if he doesn't.

"Was I– was I sleepwalking again?" Soonyoung sounds breathless, arms reluctantly wrapping around Wonwoo's torso.

Wonwoo buries his head into Soonyoung's neck as a response. There's not a single word to describe how relieved and at the same time how terrified he is. He wants nothing but to stay like this for the rest of eternity, just the comfort of Soonyoung pressed against him.

"I hope you weren't looking for me for too long." Soonyoung is saying, running lazy patterns on Wonwoo's back with his palm. 

I'll turn over the otherworld if I have to, Wonwoo wants to say but he shouldn't make promises he won't keep so he remains silent. The deal with Seuncgcheol hangs heavy at the back of his mind.

"I wasn't." He says instead, giving Soonyoung one last tight squeeze before letting go. "Are you okay?"

"I think so." The ovilus that Wonwoo is still holding beeps, getting Soonyoung's attention. "I thought we lost that one." 

Wonwoo hands the device over. "Are we still investigating tonight?"

Soonyoung startles. "Oh right! Let me just change clothes. Can you prepare the equipment while I clean up?"

"Sure. What are we doing this time?" They're already making their way back to their cabin. Soonyoung walks a little hurried while Wonwoo lags behind him, keeping a lookout for any threat. There's nothing. With some distance between them now, he didn't hear what Soonyoung just said. "I'm sorry, what was it again?" 

Soonyoung walks backwards, responding with a huge smile on his face while the one on Wonwoo’s fall at his response. 

"Estes." 

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦

Transcript 

 

[sy] good morning. evening. whatever. It's half past 3. Definitely meant to film before that but we kinda overslept

 

[sy] Wonwoo had to chase me around because apparently, i was sleepwalking. Sorry ‘bout that

 

[sy] I really thought my sleepwalking days, nights, were over. yikes terrible times. i don't remember jacksheet 

 

[sy] but i was told i had to be tied down sometimes because i once fell off the balcony hehe

 

[sy] anyways, enough about me. Let's talk about Lee Younghoon, our fourth victim. He was a caretaker of the singed circle.

 

[sy] we- I actually met him a couple of times. Kinda grumpy and standoffish but he would leave us be. Just kept us from getting too close to the circle

 

[sy] if you go back to my older videos, you’d see him blurred out in the background. Min- we would have a hard time editing the footage because he's just always there

 

[sy] hopefully, we get to talk to him tonight. As you all know, the singeed circle is believed to be a portal so we might talk to someone else.

 

[sy] still, its worth a try. Now back to Mr. Lee. A couple of days leading to his death, his co-workers said that he was frantic and agitated. He was told rest so as not to affect the guests of the resort

 

[sy] and so he did. The next time anyone would ever see him, he’s already dead. Right in the middle of the singed circle. His chest torn open.

 

[sy] what's bizarre in this case is that, he’s not missing any body part. But the autopsy record states that the blood is almost drained from his body by the time he was found

 

[sy] i was extremely saddened about this case because we interacted with him before when we were investigating the signed circle 

 

[sy] and now we're hoping to communicate with him. Tonight, we’re going to use the estes method. For those who don't know, it's basically sensory deprivation

 

[sy] I'll be putting on a blindfold and headphones so I won't be able to see or hear anything except for what comes out of the spirit box. 

 

[sy] Ready?

 

[ww] yes

 

(Soonyoung puts on the blindfold and then the headphones)

 

[sy] Hello. My name is Soonyoung. And I’ve been here a lot of times. Tonight, I’m with Wonwoo. We’ve come here to communicate with Lee Younghoon.

 

[sy] So please, feel free to talk through this device.

 

(Soonyoung turns on the spirit box)

 

[sy] right off the bat, there's laughing

 

[sy] finally

 

off camera

 

[ww] finally what?

 

[sy] here

 

[ww] finally here? Yes we're here. Who are we talking to?

 

[sy] dead something. I can't hear the rest

 

[ww] we only ever want to communicate with Mr. Lee. Is he here with us?

 

[sy] you must have stolen that

 

[ww] steal what? Did you steal something?

 

[sy] it’s mine

 

[ww] what is yours? Who exactly are we talking to?

 

[sy] a bunch of laughing

 

[sy] there’s a faint scream

 

[sy] burn

 

[ww] yes, this used to be a campfire

 

[sy] dead

 

[ww] Mr. Lee died here. We trying to talk to him

 

[sy] almost

 

[sy] mine

 

[ww] almost yours. what is that supposed to mean?

 

[ww] if this is not Mr. Lee, can we get a name at least

 

[sy] I can’t

 

[ww] cant what? we’re running out of time. I can’t have soonyoung-

 

[sy] wait

 

[sy] he’s mine

 

[ww] okay. enough

 

[sy] mine

✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦