[Sim Daejung, Lily Gong and Lee Burkholder]

With only Lily and Lee left here with me, I'm wondering if the others will be safe back home, being ready to face the people who have caused turmoil in their lives so far.

At the same time, however, all I want is to wrap up this insane day and look forward to the future under another perspective. Talking to all of them was the wake-up call I needed. If I want to prove myself as a good person, I don't really need to come up with anything over the top. I just have to be honest with myself.

When Lily snaps me out of my thoughts, I'm relieved that she does so. She and Lee have chosen to stay a little longer, but I can't really make out why. I'm tempted to ask, but actually hold my tongue. I mean, all wounds have been opened. It's time to let them heal.

Lily clears her throat before speaking. "I have to admit it, I thought it'd be a disaster," she comments, chuckling at the latest word. "Between all those questions and the others' clashing personalities... How did you manage to get us all together?"

I chuckle back, giving her a mischievous glance. "You shouldn't underestimate the power of persuasion. I mean, everyone can talk their way into someone else's mind. It's easy."

"You make it sound easy," is Lee's answer. I'd say I beg to differ, but he actually has a point, so I just stay quiet.

He goes on. "Now, I really hope Anna's plan goes through smoothly. Even though you reassured us, I don't want her to face disaster once again," he comments, his voice filled with a slightly bitter note.

I chuckle. "Why? I mean, she has already proven that she can rise again even after the greatest fall."

Still, Lee hesitates. He doesn't want to screw up. He knows Anna is in a delicate situation. I'm sure the two of them won't repeat the same mistakes again. They know that the only way to move forward after making one is keeping a positive mindset.

I clear my throat, trying to change subject. "Okay, guys, do you want a beer?" Both Lee and Lily decline. Too bad I'll have to drink on my own—oh, come on, who am I kidding? I'm just teasing them!

I turn serious. "Guys, you don't need to feel sorry for what happened behind closed doors, okay? If anything, it was my idea-"

Lily cuts me off, bursting into laughter. "Come on, Daejung, don't be silly! It was actually good. You should give yourself more credit. You might be a master of mischief, but this doesn't mean that you're a dishonest person. Do you agree, Lee?"

Lee raises his thumb. It's pretty obvious that he and Lily are truly friendly. This doesn't mean that the other inmates had second intentions, but I feel like the two of them made the most of what was supposed to be a simple game.

It may be over, but this doesn't mean that we're not going to cross paths forever. I'm sure I'll see them again tomorrow, ready to wreak havoc as usual, at least on my part.

"I have to go," says Lily out of a sudden. "I've just remember I have to run some errands. See you tomorrow?" She smiles at me, expecting a positive answer.

"Of course. What about you, Lee?"

"I have to go, as well. After all, I have a girlfriend. I can't leave her all alone," he answers, after which he heads to the door. I offer to take him back home, but he declines. So, we separate at the entrance.

"See you!" Lee waves at me for the last time today before disappearing in the hall. This leaves me with Lily alone. I have to take her back home—after all, I want to say her goodbye properly.

We pass the threshold in silence and head to the stairs. "Fourth floor, right?" I ask, trying to guess and prove her that I do remember that notion.

"You're indeed right. Come on, let's go." I take the lead and literally fly down the stairs until we reach the fourth floor. I check that my mask is on correctly and am about to stop by Lily's door, when she precedes me.

"You don't need to take me inside," she points out. "I'm fine." Fair enough. She opens her door and waves me goodbye before closing it behind her.

"See you, Lily."

I run back upstairs. After real life drama, I'm ready for some TV and a shit load of junk food.

***

I can see why Americans love reality shows and trash TV. Whether the truth is represented as it is or fabricated to make it look more interesting, it's harsh and depicts an aspect of their society I shouldn't have underestimated.

They love exposing each other in public, throwing piles of shit at each other, acting entitled as if they were always right. They brag a lot about their façade and turn petty when things don't go their way. At least, this is what happens in reality TV.

But, would something like what I did with the other inmates be acceptable to broadcast? Most importantly, if it were, would it air as it is, with no changes, no filters and no exaggerations?

The answer, while shocking, is predictable at the same time.

It wouldn't.

***

I wake up, drenched in sweat. My heart is racing. My hands are shaking. I need to take a shower right now. I don't know if I can handle it anymore.

That face is still plastered in my mind and I can't get rid of it. It's not a completely familiar face, but I'm sure I've come across it at least once in my life. It can't be the same person who, when I tried to avoid Lee Daehwa's attempts at flirting, was around with her.

I decide that, for the sake of my sanity, I should just focus on the shower and then go straight back to bed.

***

Back from the shower, I'm ready to fall asleep once again, and this time I hope till the morning, when I realize that my phone is sending me a notification. I can only see that because the display lights, as the ringtone is turned off. (I mean, I'm not the kind of person who keeps it turned on at night)

It's a message on KakaoTalk. Damn, when will I ever delete that app? It brings me nothing but trouble and undesired calls.

I open the app and read the message, which is obviously in Korean.

당신은 나를 기억하나요?

I read it out loud. "Do you remember me?" Who the hell is it?

I look at the number. I don't recognize it among my contacts, even though I deleted them all. It isn't Daehwa's either. As far as I know, she doesn't seem to have ever changed her number. Then, who the fuck is it?

I'd like to go back to bed right now and forget about this bullshit as soon as possible. After all, who could be bold enough to text none other than me, especially since my reputation in South Korea plummeted?

The only certain thing is that I, Sim Daejung, am in for a long night. This is why I decide to answer and then leave them hanging.

"Who are you?"

As soon as I hit send, I lie down in bed and pretend to close my eyes, knowing that I won't fall asleep any time soon.