KTC | Chapter 22

Choi Seonwoo advised them in a tone oddly reminiscent of scolding children, then devoutly made the sign of the cross. He mumbled something about Jesus Christ, but honestly, he looked like he just wanted to lie down and sleep.

“Thank you, Father.”

Lee Juhee bowed deeply, followed by her team members who each wore a complex expression. Used to prying into others’ innermost secrets without permission, their discomfort was understandable.

“If something like this happens again, may we request your help—”

“Ah come on, haven’t you learned your lesson yet!”

Choi Seonwoo interrupted Lee Juhee sharply, showing his irritation for the first time. Angela in the bag around his neck also hissed in agreement.

“Didn’t you understand what I said? Don’t let it come to that in the first place. I can expel an evil spirit, but the fragments of the abyss it stirs up remain your burden to bear. If this happens repeatedly, the person themselves could become a demon. Shouldn’t someone like you know better?”

“Ah… yes, yes.”

Startled by Choi Seonwoo’s fierce glare, Lee Juhee quickly nodded her agreement. Choi Seonwoo, seeming too annoyed to continue the conversation, slung his bag over his shoulder and walked over to Seo Jihan.

“Let’s hurry up. I’m hungry, sleepy, and annoyed.”

With that announcement, Choi Seonwoo led the way down the corridor. Seo Jihan quickly followed behind. The men in black suits guarding the elevator silently made way for them.

Choi Seonwoo and his group headed straight to the parking lot and sped toward Sammok Pier. Whether genuinely exhausted or not, Choi Seonwoo soon began to doze off and eventually slumped over.

Lost in his thoughts, Seo Jihan was startled by the weight of Choi Seonwoo’s head dropping onto his shoulder but soon relaxed. He adjusted Choi Seonwoo’s forehead with his palm and turned slightly to make himself a more comfortable pillow. He then intently gazed down at his face.

Rosy lips, a straight nose, and eyelids peacefully closed, his gaze lingered like a serpent, settling on the smooth forehead. Blinking slowly, Seo Jihan sighed. The drying sweat on Choi Seonwoo’s hair fluttered lightly, revealing a faint scar.

A surge of emotion, previously unknown, quietly swept through his chest. His eyes stung. Seo Jihan’s bony, protruding fingers gently traced down Choi Seonwoo’s smooth cheek.

“Hyung.”

How mysterious fate could be. There was no other way to describe this.

“Seonwoo hyung.”

The memory of Seonwoo extending his hand in a moment of despair ten years ago was now vividly clear in Seo Jihan’s mind. Carefully, he slid his arm between the seat and Choi Seonwoo, wrapping it around his waist.

Even burying his face in the sweat-mingled hair brought comfort instead of discomfort. For once, his usually foggy mind felt clear.

The organ tutor sent by Chairman Seo was Kim Jinseok, a male student majoring in church music at a theological college. After completing his military service and looking to earn tuition fees, he had advertised for tutoring jobs, which Nam Sangkyung spotted and interviewed him first, followed by an interview with Chairman Seo before sending him to Shindo.

The pay was double that of other tutoring jobs, and the interview setting was unusual, which initially scared him, but it turned out to be an unwarranted worry. Once he realized that the work environment was surprisingly good, he taught Seo Jihan enthusiastically.

Already proficient at playing the piano and a fast learner, Seo Jihan had managed to handle the organ pedals quite adeptly after just ten days of lessons. Just as Kim Jinseok was beginning to enjoy teaching, he was abruptly informed of his dismissal.

“It’s time for you to go back. I think I can practice on my own from now on.”

Though it was a pity to lose such a well-paying job, there was nothing he could do if his employer decided to let him go. He had sensed from the first day that he wasn’t particularly liked, so it wasn’t a total surprise. Kim Jinseok packed his bags and went to say goodbye to Choi Seonwoo.

“Really? That’s too bad. The young brother’s presence was well-liked by the other parishioners.”

Choi Seonwoo genuinely looked sorry. Kim Jinseok, feeling regretful, forced a smile.

“I’ll come visit when I have time. It’s so peaceful here, perfect for clearing my mind.”

“That would be good. Keep attending church after you go back.”

“Yes! I’ll cherish this as well!”

Kim Jinseok pulled out a crucifix necklace he’d kept inside his shirt. Choi Seonwoo responded with a wink-like smile.

On his first day on the island, Choi Seonwoo had asked if he had been to a funeral house recently, which had startled Kim Jinseok. It had been just five days since he had attended the funeral of a high school friend who had died in a traffic accident.

After hearing this, Choi Seonwoo took him to the church’s sacristy and, buying a crucifix necklace out of charity, blessed it right there and gave it to him as a gift.

“It’s not your friend’s spirit, but something else was clinging to you. It would have eventually fallen off on its own, but wearing this will make it go away faster.”

It turned out to be true. Kim Jinseok’s restless dreams had settled that night. Since then, Choi Seonwoo had appeared to him as a truly remarkable clergyman.

“Well, I guess I’ll be going then!”

Kim Jinseok bowed energetically and crossed the yard with a bright face. Choi Seonwoo watched him leave with a heavy sigh.

“Hmm? Why does the brother look so sulky?”

Watching the two say their farewells with great distaste, Seo Jihan spoke bluntly.

“It’s nothing.”

“…Then that’s fine.”

Choi Seonwoo merely smiled, pretending not to care.

That kid was something else.

Three days after the tutor had arrived, Seo Jihan had bought various religious items from the sacristy and asked them to be blessed. It was clear he had no intention of acting the part of a believer, despite buying Catholic sacramentals.

Choi Seonwoo indulged him by blessing the items nonchalantly. Unexpectedly, Seo Jihan consistently wore the bracelet. After over six months without sunlight, his pale skin contrasted sharply with the black obsidian bracelet, which suited him quite well.

Now that I think about it, that looks a lot like the amulet bracelet I used to wear.

Choi Seonwoo was suddenly struck by the thought.

Naseong Beopsa had put similar bracelets on his wrists since he was toddling. Made of stainless steel that was hard to break, each bead of obsidian was engraved with a charm.

Choi Seonwoo checked the calendar. September 29th, the day of the upcoming Chuseok, was marked with a small black ribbon. Following his gaze, Seo Jihan also looked at the date.

“What’s that day?”

“It’s my mother’s death anniversary,” Choi Seonwoo responded nonchalantly.

Surprised by the unexpected answer, Seo Jihan fell silent, awkwardly looking around. Choi Seonwoo stared at the calendar a few more seconds before changing the subject.

“Starting next week, you could play the accompaniment at mass, what do you think?”

“I’ll do it.”

Contrary to expectations that he might grumble or get annoyed, Seo Jihan was unusually compliant. Choi Seonwoo knew it wasn’t out of guilt for asking; he had noticed that some of Seo Jihan’s sealed memories had returned. The signs were there since Seo Jihan had persistently asked about the scar on his forehead.

Hmm, not good.

Choi Seonwoo internally fretted over Seo Jihan dredging up past memories but was relieved he didn’t seem inclined to delve into nostalgia.

This was just right, the balance between them.

“I need to get my ID before my birthday.”

After being tied up with confirmation ceremonies and Chuseok events, Choi Seonwoo finally found a late afternoon to join Seo Jihan for an evangelical event on the day before the Chuseok holiday.

“Just gain another 10 kilos, and let’s pick a day to go to Yeongjong Island. We can take pictures, make the ID, maybe shop a bit, and eat something nice.”

…Was this something like a date request…?

Putting aside his overly imaginative thoughts, Choi Seonwoo promptly objected.

“The priest isn’t that free. Let’s just apply for the ID and go back.”

“I’m at the age to go out and enjoy myself. Just indulge me for one day.”

For someone who used to get irritable at any criticism, Seo Jihan was now openly cajoling.

Choi Seonwoo’s gaze became enigmatic. Seeing his congenial smile laden with newfound confidence, it was evident.

Ever since returning from the NIS protective ward, Seo Jihan had been eating voraciously, as if starved. The results were apparent: he had bulked up significantly. Although still quite lean, his former handsomeness was returning.

If he continued to improve physically, he would undoubtedly be considered top-tier in looks alone. This change was a source of pride for Choi Seonwoo, encouraging him to be more lenient.