My hallucinations didn't cease me to cook the following day. Grabbing the nearest knife and beef I began chopping them up. The edge of the utensil chipped pieces of the raw meat. The sound of the knife against the cut board was something Sangwoo enjoyed. Of course, I didn't question it, for I have weird obsessions as well. Spreading olive oil above the heated pan I guided the minced beef. I curled my fingers around a wooden spoon. A faint smoke along with aroma breezed the kitchen. Leading the spoon towards the beef caused a pleasing sizzle. Setting the stove into a lower rate, I eyed the beef being steadily cooked. 

My lover left for his typical early walk around the quiet neighborhood. My Bulgogi is a surprise for him it's a present for confronting me whenever I need it the most and it is his favorite dish. It's only been a day and I'm already flabbergasted at his calming judgment. His pity struck so hard for me and it made me confident than before. This phrase has been repeated like a broken record all day:

You could have told me, I feel terrible now.

Sangwoo, Oh Sangwoo, the same guy who haunts my dreams said he feels terrible for me. Like a fool, I smile at that. 

Turning back at the Bulgogi, I continue flipping the pieces of meat. The beef seemed alone and too bitter to be eaten like that, therefore I searched for vegetables. My hands snatched a carrot out of the fridge, setting it on the cut board. Following the similar step as the meat, I chopped it. Gathering the bits of carrots in the palm of my hands they fell alongside the half-cook meat. Sizzle. Sizzle. I sprinkled a faint amount of salt. I repeated the familiar step with the onions. However, I was going to do the same with some green pepper but my eyes can't see to spot them. It wasn't on top of the counter, inside the fridge nor in any cabinets. "Wait, there's always leftover vegetables in the basement. Duh." I whispered underneath my breath, smacking my head. With a lid over the pan, I left the kitchen traveling down the basement. 

Opening the handle down to the basement was rare. I've never dared to peek down below my house. It was something I did not think of nor did. The place was only for storing extra supplies just like green peppers which I was on the hunt for. The wooden floorboards creak with every step I made. I wasn't bothered though but the darkness was. My vision couldn't see anything in its way. My hand tried tapping around the wall for the light switch. Once I smashed it on I found myself in a foreign place. I couldn't recognize the clarity of what this basement once was. What a damp environment this place is, ugh! My legs carried me towards a carton loaded with green peppers. "Here you are!" I whispered and stupidly smiled at the vegetable. 

Abruptly, my ears rang from a loud clang coming from somewhere. I turn my head swiftly and stare in horror. I didn't feel the pepper slip away from my fingers as I gasped underneath my hands. I stood still like a statue, unsure what I'm witnessing. 

3 people restlessly laying on the floor, 2 women and 1 men. Both women had a pasty brown hair but one seemed to be dead as I see her corpses unmoving. She was separated from the other two survivors though. The women who were alive had smeared makeup and tears trailing over her bare body. She must've felt ashamed being nakedly displayed in front of two men. However, the man too was bare and held a screwdriver, who caught my attention. All three were drenched in blood, splattered around their body, hair and scars/bruises that filled their faces. The man's face seemed to be swollen from all of the black and blue bruises. Although, through all of the scars these victims had they had a familiar face. My head felt dizzy remembering who they were now. 

The missing residents...

The same ones that appeared in T.V that one night. I can hear the news reporter clear now. Today there has been a report of 3 missing residents which all 3 are from the same neighborhood. "All from the same neighborhood." I thought. My neighborhood I'm guessing. But why in the name of hell are they down here, in my basement?

My knees drop, crawling towards the endangered strangers. I could hear the thunderous sound of my heart now. My fingers slip off both of their piece of cloth around their mouths. The man spits out quickly as the women cough vigorously. "A-Are you o-" I was interrupted by the shouting of the man. "Please save us!" His hoarse voice begins. "I don't want to die like this! Please!" His shouts echo the eerie basement. "I have a family praying for me!" The women spoke up. Instead of thinking, I begin blabbering nonsense. "Of course! Of course! I just want to know who did this to you." 

"It was this man, with muscles and taller than you. Has eyes and a soul like a devil!" The man yells. The women nodded at every word he says. "He has blonde hair and dark circles l-l-like you." The women points out. My hands brushes under my eyes. "Please help!" Alerts she. Gathering all information they've said. I found a conclusion but uncertain it's him, it can't be! "Is it Sangwoo?" My voice cracked. I fear for an answer, I fear for it a lot. Almost not wanting to hear anything these neighbors say. I bit my lip.

The women catches her breathe while arching her eyebrows at my words. "Yes, that's him!"~