Season two, chapter sixty-seven

"Anger was
better than tears
better than grief
better than guilt"

"WHEN THINKING ABOUT LIFE, REMEMBER THIS: NO AMOUNT OF GUILT CAN CHANGE THE PAST AND NO AMOUNT OF ANXIETY CAN CHANGE THE FUTURE" That particular quotation left a significant imprint, surpassing the detrimental consequences of bullets. Nevertheless, Thea was simply hiding her emotions and authentic sentiments as a result of her previous traumatic encounters. She sincerely attempted to fill the emptiness within her heart, yet all she accomplished was inflicting self-harm in the course of her efforts. She would burden herself with stress prior to experiencing any actual stress, and this sense of frustration constricted her heart, leaving her breathless. If this was the current state of life, she no longer had the desire to continue living, nor did she long for anything else aside from eternal peace.

Nevertheless, unexpectedly he appeared, serving as a glimmer of hope in her despair, the individual who ignited within her a desire to embrace life's pleasures and face the unknown future with unwavering courage. It is undeniable that without encountering him, Thea would be uncertain of her current circumstances. Mun had been a source of assistance during her most trying times, standing by her side, attentively lending an ear to her troubles, and offering solace without any hint of judgment. But now, in this precise moment of his need, what was her role?

Mun seldom revealed his susceptible aspect, having acquired the ability to endure his feelings throughout the years. Nevertheless, despite his efforts to suppress them, Thea was cognizant of the hidden agony he carried and the facade he presented daily. While others failed to perceive the extent of his suffering, Thea had the ability to see through him effortlessly, as if he were as transparent as a glass of water.

Thea felt overwhelming frustration due to the realization of the multitude of emotions these events had stirred within Mun. This frustration may have stemmed from his inability to display any signs of being affected by them or perhaps from his lack of confidence to confide in her. Nevertheless, she acknowledged the irony of complaining when she was engaged in similar behavior.

What actions should she take? What response was expected from her?

At times, Thea would experience a sense of unworthiness of having someone like Mun by her side; he deserved someone who could properly attend to his needs, adore him, and provide comfort. Nonetheless, all Thea did as his girlfriend was suppress her feelings and keep distancing herself from him. If she couldn't even prioritize her own well-being, how was she expected to fulfill her role of caring for and loving him?

"This feels strange" Ms. Chu started speaking from the seat next to the driver, her voice carrying a slight undertone of sadness "I know we have to summon Ju-seok, but I just can't bear to face him while he's possessed" Possibly experiencing great frustration, she released an extended sigh indicating exhaustion "I can't imagine how Mun must be feeling right now"

"Goodness. I guess this is what it means to feel distraught" Jangmul added using the same tone of voice as Ms. Chu

"But given that Mr. Ma hasn't made a move yet, maybe he's wavering" Hana arched both eyebrows in an attempt to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the situation

"It'd be a great relief if he was swayed by his mother" Ms. Chu paused briefly, deep in contemplation, as she stared into emptiness "Did you say her surgery was today?" Her gaze shifted towards Thea as she twisted her body from the seat in front, a slight furrow appearing on her forehead

"Yes. Mun said he'd get there on time" Thea nodded, indicating her fatigue and concern with a heavy sigh

"Then..." Jangmul directed his attention towards the two girls seated in the back of the car, wearing a serious expression as if preparing to emphasize something significant "What if... just what if... if he was swayed by his mother... what if..."

"Just say it! Why are you beating around the bush?" In a burst of exasperation, Ms. Chu let out a piercing cry, startling Jangmul "Then what?"

"In that case, maybe he'll show up at the hospital" After Jangmul concluded his explanation, the trio of women felt bewildered and uncertain about the subject he was alluding to

"Who?" With her raised eyebrows, Hana inquired while Jangmul returned her gaze, exuding confidence and attempting to communicate a message through his eyes, a message that Thea swiftly comprehended

"Mr. Ma?"

"Ju-seok?"

"Yes" After comprehending all the information revealed, Jangmul's nod made the three women suddenly aware and rendered them speechless

"Mun, are you at the hospital?" Thea hurriedly asked through the earbud, her voice indicating her evident nervousness, but her eagerness to hear a reply made her feel inclined to chew on her fingernails

"No, we're still on our way" Mun responded promptly, his voice gentle but composed.

"Why aren't you there yet?" Thea replied once more, displaying a serious demeanor, as if attempting to obtain further details regarding the matter

"Well... by the way, why did you call?" Mun hesitated before diverting the conversation, as though he was reluctant to disclose the cause of the time extension "Is he..."

"No, nothing's going on here. We just thought that maybe Mr. Ma could show up at the hospital" Thea clarified, her forehead showing a crease of concern. Mun's response had ignited some doubts within her, yet she decided against probing deeper into the matter

"At the hospital?"

"Mun" Mo-tak spoke solemnly, implying the significance of the information he was about to reveal

"I'm here, Mo-tak" Mun's reply came unexpectedly with a grave tone, in stark contrast to his previous conversation with Thea. This led Thea to become attentive to Mo-tak's forthcoming words

"Someone visited Ju-seok at the prison the day after he ruined his trial" Mo-tak began speaking, which left Thea slightly puzzled upon hearing his words, yet she already had someone in mind as to whom it could be

"What do you mean?" Mun, just like everyone else, was perplexed and felt a shiver run through his body upon considering the most unfavorable result

"But the CCTV footage is gone and there are no records of it. The supervisor and the guards don't remember anything either" Mo-tak began to clarify once more while Thea pieced the information together "Also, someone broke in here the day before his escape and left without a trace. That's when they found him unconscious"

"What's going on here?" Ms. Chu inquired with astonishment after intentionally eavesdropping on their conversation "Are you saying he was approached by an evil spirit?"

"The only evil spirit who's strong enough to do that is..." "Hana initiated by uttering, opening her eyes in a sudden moment of realization

"Mr. Hwang" Mun completed the sentence and Thea could almost visualize the expression of fear on his face. It caused a chill to travel down her back merely by mentioning his name

"If it was them, they could've planned Ju-seok's escape from prison" Thea's heart started racing and she got goosebumps as Mo-tak finished speaking with great seriousness

"They're at the hospital" Out of nowhere, Mun disclosed with a quivering tone, sending a shiver down everyone's spine for a brief moment filled with fear

"The hospital? Why would they go there?" Jangmul expressed doubt and apprehension, finding it hard to accept the information he heard, which was also beyond belief for everyone present

Regardless of the response given, Jangmul pressed the accelerator with maximum force, leading to the two girls seated in the back clinging to the nearest object to avoid being thrown off the seat. The urgency to arrive at the hospital promptly was so intense that they even disregarded multiple red lights, knowing that this would inevitably lead to financial penalties or potentially more severe consequences.

Thea swiftly exited the vehicle, instantly tripping over her awkward steps. The hospital was packed, posing a slight challenge in reaching the elevator, particularly as Thea caught sight of Mr. Hwang and Gelly observing them from a corner with malevolent yet taunting grins. This unmistakably fueled Thea's intense animosity and fury.

Thea's fists tightened as her eyes displayed the deep-seated hatred and rage she harbored, prompting Mr. Hwang to derive even greater contentment from the girl's reaction. It was evident that she had immense potential to be a valuable addition to his team; all he had to do was find a way to ignite her enthusiasm and incite her into seizing the chance to join them. He simply had to provoke her.

Hyun-ki sensed the immense anger, bitterness, and hatred emanating from Thea. Despite her efforts to conceal it, he understood the extent of Thea's pain. As her Yung partner, he experienced all the negative emotions she felt due to their connected souls. He shared in all her sadness, anger, resentment, and hatred, which constantly battled within her, yet she never expressed them verbally. Hyun-ki anticipated that if Thea persisted on this path, she would eventually succumb to the darkness, which he wished to prevent. He didn't want his devoted partner to transform into one of those disgusting beings consumed by vengeance, similar to what happened to Mr. Ma.

Thea had always been known for her emotional stability and superior control compared to her teammates. However, Mr. Hwang seemed to unsettle her and cause her to lose control of her anger. This anger that had been suppressed for years, but now it was emerging. She couldn't understand what was happening to her.

"Thea, you need to calm down and focus on the real problem here," Hyun-ki's words resonated in Thea's thoughts without restraint, although his manner was so grave that it motivated Thea to abruptly break free from her anger

Hana exclaimed, "Don't lag behind" She tightened her grip on Thea's arm and stared fiercely in the same direction as Thea, filled with intense animosity. "Let's go," she stated, guiding Thea to the elevator without any resistance from her

Ms. Chu and Jangmul were undeniably worried about Thea's reaction when she saw Mr. Hwang and Gelly, but they couldn't fault her since they themselves harbored animosity towards them. Thea understood that if she allowed these strong emotions to persist, it would not only have an impact on her, but also on Hyun-ki. If she were to give in to her urge for revenge, she would be dismissed from her position as a Counter and would return to a coma, ultimately resulting in death.

Although she wasn't particularly afraid of death, she was concerned about the impact her foolish choices would have on her family, leaving them grieving and in pain. With this thought providing her solace, she composed herself and patiently anticipated the elevator doors to open.

"Ms. Chu! Over here!" Upon the moment the elevator doors opened, Thea instantly caught the sound of Mun's distressed pleas. This caused a shift in her expression, displaying worry, therefore she swiftly exited the elevator without any delay, trailing behind Ms. Chu and Hana

Thea, appearing focused yet struggling to catch her breath, paused at the entrance of the operating room and observed the compact space, where the doctors lay unconscious on the floor. Meanwhile, Mr. Ma's mother, lying on a stretcher with tubes inserted into her mouth, was in critical condition and required immediate attention to avoid a fatal outcome.

"It's okay. She will live" Whispering silently to herself, Ms. Chu anxiously surveyed her surroundings with desperate eyes, murmuring, "I can save her. She'll live" In a swift manner, she hastily seized one of the oxygen tubes and connected it to the woman's mouth with hands quivering. Her gaze briefly shifted towards the alerting machine, which was beeping as an indication that the woman had stopped breathing "Please. Please. You need to live. Please" Within seconds, a purple light surrounded Ms. Chu's hands as she positioned them in front of the woman's face "Please..."

Ms. Chu shut her eyes and regulated her breathing while the purplish-blue radiance emanating from her hands gently and cautiously infiltrated the body of the unconscious woman, eliciting a frowning reaction of despair from Thea and the others.

Thea noticed that Ms. Chu's breath became uneven and her nose began to bleed. Nevertheless, this did not discourage her from trying to save Mr. Ma's mother. Displaying a sense of urgency, Thea bit her lower lip and anxiously looked at her boyfriend, who seemed to be the most distressed amongst the group. The way he had a slight frown on his forehead and appeared to be nibbling on his lip, combined with his labored breathing causing his chest to rise and fall, evoked a strong desire in Thea to embrace him tightly.

She approached Mun with caution, taking small and gentle steps. Mun was so focused on Ms. Chu and Mr. Ma's mother that he didn't realize Thea was coming towards him until he felt her gentle touch on his shoulders. This startled him momentarily, but he immediately felt at ease once he made eye contact with her. This instantly relieved some of his anxiety.

He embraced Thea's slender waist tightly, finding solace in her embrace. He was aware that she understood his emotions and believed he could rely on her for support. He felt fortunate to have her as a constant presence in his life.

The Counter group experienced feelings of anxiety, sadness, and disappointment as they watched the woman on the stretcher remain unconscious and unresponsive for what seemed like an eternity. It made them wonder if they had already lost Mr. Ma's mother and if there was no hope left except seeking vengeance for her demise. However, just when they believed all was lost, the woman suddenly started coughing, causing the group to release a collective sigh of relief.

"She'll be okay now" Ms. Chu, gasping for breath, cleaned the blood from her nose and was supported by Hana from her shoulders to prevent her from collapsing

"Let's wake them up too. She still needs surgery" Jangmul pointed at the unconscious men on the ground with a concerned expression

"Well done, Ms. Chu" Hana lightly patted Ms. Chu's shoulder with a slight smile on her lips to express appreciation for her achievement

Thea's smile of relief was accompanied by a gentle caress of Mun's cheeks. Mun, who had let out a long, weary sigh, closed his eyes tightly and sought solace in Thea's embrace. She readily provided him comfort, always there for him. Having her by his side made him feel immensely grateful, for he couldn't imagine his life without her and the thought of losing her was unbearable. Nonetheless, life's impermanence meant that not everything can remain constant, as the concept of "forever" is nonexistent.

Author's note;

Lately, these chapters have been a bit dull because there isn't much romance, and I need more romance! I live for romance! 😭 However, not everything is rosy, right? So it's obvious that Mun won't take long to realize the kiss between Thea and SuHo. Can you imagine how he will react? 😭

Question of the day: Cats or dogs? 🐕 🐶

I definitely prefer cats, I don't know, they're very cute when they're small ☺️ See y'all in the next episode!🌷