DRAM CH 8
by Fiddlesticks“Shall we talk here?”
“Let’s get out.”
Ha-yoon shook his head and motioned toward the outside. He hated the idea of discussing matters amid dead machines—being thrown into such an environment was punishment enough; his cycle of death and rebirth sufficed.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
Without another word, Yeo Yeon-oh fell in step behind him. Their mismatched footsteps echoed along the darkened street, while the moon—its light streaming through gaps in the clouds—served as a silent guide for their uncertain journey.
“……”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
In this space, even the machines had vanished. The night in the dead city was desolate, yet oddly, a spark of life seemed to linger. It felt as though they were reclaiming the nights that had been stolen from them.
Had it been anyone else, would they have dared to wander so freely at this hour?
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
Just then, the steady pace of Ha-yoon’s walk suddenly halted. Simultaneously, even the ambient sounds around him ceased. Gathering his tangled thoughts, he recalled a few things: Yeo Yeon-oh’s help, a reality so uncertain it defied belief, the offer to stick together, and even the suspicion that the man behind him might still be aiming a gun…
At the end of his frantic musings, Ha-yoon spun around and met Yeo Yeon-oh’s gaze. The latter was not pointing his gun nor displaying a murderous glare—he simply stood a step behind, smiling softly. Their eyes locked, and the smile on Yeo Yeon-oh’s face deepened.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Why?” Ha-yoon finally asked, his tone low and cautious.
It was a smile that did not suit such false tranquility. Ha-yoon fell silent as he stared ahead; his lips, poised to speak, suddenly sealed shut.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Why did you come?”
Ha-yoon repeated the question only after they had moved a good distance from the shelter. Yeo Yeon-oh’s small, almost fragile voice seemed as if it might vanish at any moment—a voice of someone on the brink. Weary to the point of collapse, Ha-yoon slumped against the wall of a ruined building.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Don’t ask how I got here anymore.”
Yeo Yeon-oh laughed softly in response. Without a word, Ha-yoon only nodded, and the man simply leaned against the wall beside him. Though the building’s debris would surely soil their clothes, he paid it no mind. Yeo Yeon-oh blended effortlessly into the gloomy outskirts, his refined face belying his familiarity with these shadows.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“I came because I thought you’d be here, Ha-yoon.”
“…….”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Guess I was right.”
A plain, matter-of-fact voice punctured the silence. Ha-yoon, resting one leg atop the other with his chin on it, looked up at Yeo Yeon-oh. The man’s face was one Ha-yoon could hardly decipher.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Hey.”
“Yes?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“You said you were heading to the Field center.”
“Yeah.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
There was something almost unreal about Yeo Yeon-oh. His proposal, though as enticing as a mirage, was as fleeting as hope itself. Though his soft, alluring tone almost tempted Ha-yoon to follow, the idea of clinging to a vanishing hope was far from appealing.
“So what exactly are you going to do over there?”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
Sometimes, the simplest things—a bit of certainty and faith—were all that were needed to make a decision.
With a gentle smile, Yeo Yeon-oh took a seat beside Ha-yoon. A cool breeze played with the hem of his clothes, and soon their bodies pressed close. He gently grasped Ha-yoon’s right hand and turned his palm skyward.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
His hand carried the weight of past hours—scars, raw and festering, told the story of his pain. After studying Ha-yoon’s battered hand for a moment, Yeo Yeon-oh slowly caressed it with his long fingers. The light touch, as soft as a feather, sent a shiver down Ha-yoon’s spine.
“Ugh, what are you doing…” Ha-yoon murmured as goosebumps rose on his skin. His shoulders involuntarily shrank; he almost wanted to pull his hand away, but Yeo Yeon-oh’s expression was so earnest it made him hesitate.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“This is the Field center, isn’t it?”
With a delicate motion, Yeo Yeon-oh traced a large circle with his fingertip, as if drawing the Field itself.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“And… this is where we are right now.”
His finger then drifted slowly down his arm, rubbing over veins and a prominent scar.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“Isn’t it absurd?” he added softly.
A light, amused tone caressed his words as Yeo Yeon-oh continued at his own leisurely pace, his gestures full of calm assurance.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“This entire land is run by a single system.”
His voice was devoid of emotion—a simple, matter-of-fact explanation. As he spoke, he held Ha-yoon’s hand and tilted his head as though sketching a picture in the air. Slowly, his expression settled into focus.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“I’m going to rebuild the Field,” he declared.
At that moment, the shudder that had been crawling along Ha-yoon’s skin stopped. Yeo Yeon-oh’s words sent a chill straight to his fingertips. An unnameable tension weighed down upon them.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“I’m heading to the center—to reprogram the central control unit with new values.”
Yeo Yeon-oh’s gaze never left Ha-yoon’s eyes. Ha-yoon felt paralyzed, his dark eyes locked with Yeo Yeon-oh’s, as though swallowed whole by their depth.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Isn’t there any reason a stupid machine couldn’t do that?” Yeo Yeon-oh added, almost rhetorically.
It took a moment for Ha-yoon to process his words—a notion so beyond his imagination it was almost impossible to grasp.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
“…So what changes?” Ha-yoon managed after a long pause.
“In time, you’ll be free to roam as you please—no longer trapped in daylight or living in constant fear of being killed.”
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“…….”
“You won’t have to kill them all, either. After all, our target was always up there.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Every machine was linked to a system core—and that core took orders directly from the central control unit at the Field center. Yeo Yeon-oh’s plan was simple yet dangerous: storm the top. It was the only sure way, even if it meant facing insurmountable peril.
Ha-yoon fell silent. He wondered if, by killing the machines and creating a new Field, he might finally escape this cursed life.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Do you really think you can do it?”
“That’s why I came to you, Ha-yoon.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Why?”
Yeo Yeon-oh’s reply was vague—an uncertain murmur. Ha-yoon fixed his steady gaze on him. The man, with lowered eyes and long lashes shading his gaze, simply said,
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Just… I have a feeling.”
After a moment of silence, Yeo Yeon-oh smiled faintly and continued,
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“I believe that with you by my side, we can do anything.”
It was a hopeful declaration that made Ha-yoon let out a small laugh as he looked toward the crumbling wall of a building.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Do you trust people?”
“You trust me, Ha-yoon.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Trust in what?”
“Um… generally, the ones who can shoot well don’t lie. Everyone I’ve met was honest.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
In a playful whisper, Yeo Yeon-oh added,
“I don’t think you’d be the kind to lie, either.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“…….”
“Am I right?”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Their eyes met in the pale light, and in that moment, even as fragments of light danced between them, Yeo Yeon-oh’s gaze shone warmly.
“Then let’s get our heads on straight—together.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“What? Is that what your friends say?”
“They don’t care what I do.”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“And what if I’m not any help?”
Yeo Yeon-oh laughed softly, his eyes crinkling as his cheeks lifted into a genuine smile. In that instant, his appearance was pure, almost childlike in its simplicity.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Are you trying to scare me?” Ha-yoon finally asked, his voice low.
There was no answer—only a calm, reassuring smile from Yeo Yeon-oh as he interlaced his fingers with Ha-yoon’s. His gentle warmth spread through their joined hands.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Don’t worry. Back then, I was the one who stood up. That’s what teams do.”
Despite his lingering distrust, Ha-yoon’s resolve slowly softened. After a long, thoughtful pause, he spoke.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Alright… I’ll go with you.”
Almost immediately, Yeo Yeon-oh broke into a wide, satisfied smile. Though Ha-yoon still harbored doubts, this was the best they could do right now.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“My friends will give you a proper welcome,” Yeo Yeon-oh promised warmly.
As they walked, Ha-yoon silently recalled the long, lonely years he’d spent fighting, dying, and waking again—years filled with scars where memories should have been.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Let’s sleep here tonight,” Yeo Yeon-oh suggested softly.
“Sure. Thank you for letting me rest,” Ha-yoon replied, his tone even and distant.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Their conversation dwindled as they reached the shelter. Once inside, every gaze fell upon them. Lee Yu-won, who had been pacing, quickly grabbed Ha-yoon’s arm.
“Why? What’s the matter? Why are you here with us?”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Ha-yoon forced a small smile and patted his shoulder in reassurance. Glancing briefly at Yeo Yeon-oh, he noted that they were already surrounded by shelter folk.
“What about those men? They seem to have adjusted quickly—aren’t they on guard?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“They saw you coming with your brother, so they judged it was safe. Enough said… no more explanations.”
“The one who spoke earlier was the person we talked about in the day. We agreed to go together.”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Lee Yu-won’s grip tightened as his eyes flashed with concern. Before he could say more, the sound of footsteps filled the air—everyone’s attention converged on a figure: Old Man Kim, approaching steadily.
“……”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Yeo Yeon-oh regarded Kim silently. The machine parts clinging to Kim’s leg were impossible to ignore, yet Yeo Yeon-oh’s impassive gaze made it seem trivial. After a few measured steps, Kim stopped and asked,
“What are you looking at?”
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“Up here.”
Yeo Yeon-oh blinked slowly and smiled—a polite tone that commanded respect.
Read the complete chapter at Lily on the Valley without random text
“You won’t stay still for long, will you?”
“I won’t just stand by and take it.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Their eyes shifted between one another as if weighing each word. Ha-yoon tilted his head, watching the exchange. It was the first time he had seen Kim speak so casually.
“…May I ask you a favor?”
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
A rusted machine scraped along the ground as Kim moved. At that, Yeo Yeon-oh leaned forward as if urging him to speak. In a quiet voice, Ha-yoon met Kim’s gaze—his dark blue eyes sharp and discerning.
After a brief nod from Yeo Yeon-oh, Kim hurriedly wrapped up his words and retreated inside. The shelter people, who had been watching in silence, began to move as well.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Before long, the group had dwindled to just three. Ha-yoon looked at Yeo Yeon-oh, while Lee Yu-won stood tense as ever.
“Do you know each other?”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“This is our first meeting today.”
Ha-yoon’s face twisted in skepticism. Could such a casual conversation really occur between strangers? Not a single coherent word was exchanged—and yet, the seed of suspicion was quickly planted.
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Their eyes met sharply. Yeo Yeon-oh smirked playfully, and Ha-yoon sighed deeply before turning away. Continuing this mind game would only lead to more pain.
The shelter was divided into several sections. Ha-yoon entered one area, picking up a worn cloak from the floor and laying it out before lying down. Nearby, Yeo Yeon-oh settled on a faded sheet, closing his eyes quietly.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
“Hyung, want to swap? You sleep inside, and I’ll take your place.”
“……I’m fine. Just sleep.”
For the best reading experience, visit lilyonthevalley.com
Only Lee Yu-won fidgeted nervously. Like a frightened dog, he soon grew exhausted and drifted off.
It had been an unusually long night. To have held on until now was nothing short of a miracle. Ha-yoon gently massaged his aching eyes and sighed.
Please visit lilyonthevalley.com to support the translator
“…….”
Despite his bone-deep exhaustion, sleep did not come. Moonlight streaming through the window illuminated the space. As Ha-yoon gazed at the darkened area, he found himself instinctively watching Yeo Yeon-oh—and he held his breath.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
Yeo Yeon-oh, who had been quietly closing his eyes, met Ha-yoon’s gaze steadily. Even as their eyes locked, there was not the slightest hint of surprise. Enveloped in a soft, dim light, Yeo Yeon-oh simply stared with gentle compassion.
Ha-yoon longed to ask what he was looking at, but no words came. The mysterious, dark-blue eyes seemed to bind him entirely. After a long while, Yeo Yeon-oh’s lips curled into a soft smile before he lowered his eyes in comfort.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Just…”
“…….”
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“Sleep well.”
In a hushed whisper, Yeo Yeon-oh bid him goodnight—as if he could read Ha-yoon’s innermost thoughts. It was a one-sided farewell, yet its sincerity was unmistakable. For a moment, Ha-yoon simply stood there, feeling the sting of that gaze on his cheek; despite the sharpness it might have brought, he remained motionless, breathing quietly.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com
“…….”
The night’s end was marked by a profound, almost sacred silence. Slowly, Ha-yoon gathered his thoughts, focusing solely on what lay before him. At the center of his vision was Yeo Yeon-oh.
Visit Lily on the Valley to read full chapter without gibberish
Yeo Yeon-oh… Yeo Yeon-oh…
As Ha-yoon softly repeated his name—a name that now stood in for the promise of life rather than death—he closed his eyes. The space, bathed in the cool stillness of dawn, felt impossibly peaceful.
Support us by visiting our official site at lilyonthevalley.com