Season two, chapter eighty-seven

"I love you endlessly"

THEA'S BEHAVIOR HAS BEEN uncharacteristic ever since learning about Mun's upcoming trip around the world. She experienced conflicting emotions as she recognized his need for a respite from the ongoing struggles against malevolent forces. Despite understanding the importance of Mun's journey, Thea harbored a strong desire to join him and remain closely connected. The fear of potentially becoming a burden and being perceived as irritating by Mun caused her great distress. The prospect of him considering her bothersome filled her with dread.

Mun's departure was in a few days, and he vividly recalls the recent conversation he had with Thea's mother. Ji-Hye requested his presence in Yung for a private discussion regarding Thea's upcoming challenges. Ji-Hye was aware that her daughter would experience unexpected changes in mood, not attributed to her menstrual cycle or any other specific cause, but rather as a way for Thea to navigate her emotional turmoil.

Thea will be a bit different. So you shouldn't be angry with her. She will always be picking about something with you and make you annoyed.

Mun sat comfortably in the dining area of the hideout, with his notebooks and drawing materials spread out on the table. He carefully sketched lines on paper with a pencil held in his hands. Ms. Chu joyfully worked in the kitchen with the assistance of Hana. Jeok-bong was inside the boxing ring, practicing punches. Mo-tak and Jangmul were focused on their personal tasks, helping to create a relaxed ambiance in the hideout.

Mun carefully set the pencil down on the table, gazing at the sketch in his notebook. He expressed satisfaction with a smile, all the while keeping his gaze fixed on his creation. Without averting his eyes from his masterpiece, he extended his hand to pick up the partially filled glass of water resting on the table. After taking a large sip, he swallowed the cold water, relishing the sensation as it traveled down his throat and settled in his stomach. He appreciated the refreshing quality of the water and as he was preparing to return the glass to the table, he hesitated when someone interrupted him.

"Don't move" Thea interjected suddenly with an authoritative tone and stern demeanor, materializing seemingly out of nowhere before Mun could set his glass of water down on the table. "Your glass will leave a mark" She removed the glass from his grasp with seriousness, though she avoided direct eye contact with Mun as she reprimanded him for the mess on the table. "Your art materials are all over the place" Thea scolded disapprovingly before departing with Mun's glass of water in hand

Mun was left speechless, with his hand raised in the spot where his glass of water had been before Thea abruptly took it away for a seemingly trivial reason. Thea's unusual behavior towards Mun baffled Hana, Ms. Chu, and Jeok-bong, who were witness to the peculiar incident. They were left feeling bewildered, perplexed, and quite taken aback by Thea's actions.

Mun set his notebook down on the table, his gaze following Thea as she walked away with his glass of water. Inside the notebook was a stunning portrait of Thea, showcasing her radiant smile with incredible precision. Mun intended to present it as a heartfelt gift to her, but it appeared that today was not the appropriate time.

Then, she'll start to be cold and pretend that you do not exist in this world.

Mun used a cloth to wipe away the sweat from his face, his lengthy and curly hair adhering to his forehead. He felt fatigued and parched after an intense morning workout session. After draping the cloth over his shoulder, he proceeded to the refrigerator in the kitchen and retrieved a bottle of chilled water.

While walking around, Thea seemed to be trying to swat a fly with a fly swatter, completely unaware of Mun seated at the counter. Despite Mun being right there, she did not acknowledge him, prompting Mun to raise an eyebrow in confusion and look at her oddly. He didn't react when Thea purposefully slammed the fly swatter next to him. Mun decided to ignore the situation; if Thea was going to ignore him, he would do the same. Therefore, he opened his water bottle and, just as he was about to drink, Thea sprayed fly spray directly in front of his face.

Mun stood still with his eyes shut, sensing the sensation of the chilly liquid on his face. Thea, verifying that the fly had been removed, proceeded to move away nonchalantly, disregarding the situation as Mun struggled with the inadvertent inhalation of the spray, causing him to cough.

In the end, she's going to stick with you. Like a super glue. You just can't shake her off.

Mun prepared to pack his suitcase, having washed and dried some shirts the previous day to bring on his trip. Carefully examining the shirts to confirm they were fully clean and dry, he carried them to his room where his open suitcase awaited on the bed to be filled with his travel essentials.

Upon entering his room, prepared to begin packing, Mun paused in the doorway. His gaze was drawn to the sight in front of him. A slight smile formed on his lips as he observed Thea perched on his bare suitcase on the bed. She hugged her knees to her chest, her eyes brimming with sorrow, giving her the appearance of a vulnerable child. Mun exhaled heavily, the smile persisting, as he made his way towards her, clutching his shirts firmly. Curiously, that brief moment stirred his heart rate.

"Bring me along" Thea pleaded with a pout, her eyes expressing a mix of sadness and urgency. She was reluctant to see him go, even if it was only for a short period of time

"Okay" Mun replied with an amused smile, placing his clothing on the bed and holding the opposite end of the unfolded suitcase. His gaze remained fixed on Thea, who was seated inside his suitcase. He jokingly suggested, "Lie down" but was caught off guard when Thea began to cry, overcome with emotion like a child

"You can't travel the world alone" Thea pleaded, tears cascading down her face as she desperately tried to persuade Mun to take her with him "You can't drink German or American beer alone. You can't leave me alone. Something's going to happen" Thea cried, her eyes brimming with tears. Mun let go of the suitcase end and gently lifted Thea up, as if she were a small child. Seizing the moment, Thea wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, holding on tightly. Mun smiled and then settled on the bed with Thea in his lap, clinging to him tenaciously. "Please bring me along," Thea reiterated with a tinge of sadness, burying her face in Mun's neck, causing his heart to ache with sympathy

"I'll be back soon" Mun promised, sighing as he gazed at her with deep affection. Thea frowned, struggling to suppress her tears, she held him close, reluctant to part ways. Mun cherished the brief moment, comforting her by patting her back and gently stroking her hair "It's okay" he reassured, resting his chin on Thea's shoulder as she wept into his neck, surprised by how much emotional impact this separation had on her

Everyone waited calmly in the dining area, eagerly looking forward to Mun coming out of his room. It was the day of his departure, of the heartfelt goodbye - everyone was filled with emotions, particularly Thea, who had spent the entire night in tears, begging him not to leave while clinging to him tightly as though her life hinged on it. Thea's eyes were puffy, and the reason was understood by all, hence no one inquired further and instead offered her support.

Thea released a profound breath, using her hands to brush away her tears and control her emotions. She fixed her gaze on Mun, who shut the ivory door upon his arrival at the dining room, carrying a black backpack and dragging his suitcase. A slight grin brightened his face as he took in the sight of the assembled group, anticipating the somewhat unforeseen goodbye.

"Here's your passport" Jangmul handed Mun his passport with a smile "You'll be staying at a six-star hotel and flying first class" He then gave Mun the rest of the necessary documents "I know it won't happen, but call me if you're not happy with something. I'll send you on my plane"

Mun conveyed his appreciation with a smile and then embraced Jangmul warmly, who reciprocated by gently patting his back. The rest of the Counters watched the interaction with wistful smiles. Thea, in particular, fought back tears and refrained from breaking down on the spot. She had already shed many tears in the recent days and had to stay composed.

To be honest, none of them were eager about Mun embarking on the trip. They continued to view him as the eighteen-year-old adolescent who had joined the team a few years back. Nonetheless, they acknowledged that he had since matured into an adult capable of looking after himself. They were unable to meddle in his choices, hence they had no alternative but to extend their well wishes for a safe journey.

"You didn't have to do all this for me. Thank you, sir" Mun replied appreciatively, gently clasping Jangmul's hand with a smile

"You gave me an economy ticket when I went on a mission five years ago" Mo-tak expressed incredulously, observing favoritism. He remarked "This is discrimination" as he shook his head. The frown on his face turned into a smile when Mun extended his arms and embraced him tightly "Good luck" Mo-tak smiled warmly, reciprocating the affectionate hug

"After seeing your troubles, I pulled out all the stops for Mun this time" Jangmul expressed affectionately, confidently justifying his actions with pride

"Don't overwork yourself. Just do your job and come back" Hana stressed while gently holding onto Mun's suitcase. When he tried to hug her, she gently pushed him away with his suitcase, advising, "Back up. It's just a trip" Mun responded with a playful smile as he distanced himself, recognizing Hana's reluctance towards physical touch, except when it came to Jun-Seo, her boyfriend, who observed the interaction with a grin

"Gosh"

Ms. Chu approached Mun and, overcome with emotion, hugged him tightly as tears ran down her cheeks. With a sense of optimism, she inquired, "Will you call us everyday?"

"Of course" Mun confirmed with a warm smile, gently hugging Ms. Chu, the motherly figure he deeply cared for

Ms. Chu cautioned, stating, "You'll be in big trouble if you get hurt while you're away" as she sniffled and meticulously fixed Mun's jacket

"I'm The Uncanny Mun" Mun pleasantly stated, attempting to brighten the atmosphere with a smile "You don't have to worry, Ms. Chu" he comforted, delicately clasping her hands as she expressed her sadness through a nod. After wiping her tears, she reluctantly released his hands before walking back to her place beside Hana again

Jun-Seo joyfully walked towards Mun and gave him a warm hug, which Mun reciprocated. Jun-Seo then expressed, "Please return soon, brother-in-law. My sister will not survive without you," he playfully whispered the last part, eliciting a small chuckle from Mun as they released the embrace

"Here" Jeok-bong said as he approached, offering Mun a yellow envelope enthusiastically. Mun's puzzled expression transformed into a slight frown, but he maintained a smile "Buy some snacks on the plane. It's not a lot though. Sorry" Mun chuckled with amusement and then extended his arms towards Jeok-bong. With enthusiasm, he warmly hugged him, displaying affection as he began to bounce happily, a smile gracing his features

"Hey" Mo-tak scolded Jeok-bong, grabbing him by the jacket and steering him away from Mun "It's not a train. It's a plane and he's in first class. No need to buy snacks" causing a frown to appear on Jeok-bong's face as he was suddenly separated from Mun

Mun then looked at Thea, who had been notably silent throughout the encounter. As a result, everyone else went quiet, eager to witness the exchange closely. They were aware of the difficulty of the situation for Thea, so they assumed she would stay by his side in those final moments. Nevertheless, they were taken aback when Thea stepped back and turned away as Mun moved towards her for a hug. Everyone watched in bewilderment as Thea promptly departed from the location.

Jangmul chuckled nervously and looked in the direction where Thea had gone "Cut this nonsense and let's go. You're going to miss the flight" he said, clapping his hands and addressing Mun "Bye" he added with a friendly smile as everyone began to depart, with Hana pulling Mun's suitcase. The sudden exit of Thea left everyone bewildered.

Mun paused momentarily, experiencing a mix of bewilderment and sorrow from Thea's refusal. He recognized that she was attempting to manage her feelings, using rejection as a coping mechanism. Jun-seo offered support by placing a reassuring hand on Mun's shoulder, urging him to continue onward. It was apparent to everyone that Thea's behavior was a product of her emotional struggles, and she couldn't be faulted for it.

Thea observed the scenery passing by through the car window, taking in the trees, vehicles, and buildings with her eyes. A moment of somber silence enveloped the atmosphere as everyone grappled with the sadness of saying goodbye. Despite Thea's attempts to avoid making eye contact with Mun, he couldn't help but fix his gaze on her, yearning to hold her hand. Unfortunately, things do not always unfold according to one's wishes. Seated on his right was Ms. Chu, on his left was Jeok-bong, and next to Jeok-bong sat Thea, who deliberately avoided turning to face Mun even though she could sense his eyes on her.

Thea purposely ignored Mun's gaze by casually looking away or covering her face with her hands to evade his sight. The tension in the car made everyone uneasy, with discreet glances being thrown towards Thea in anticipation of a response. It was clear that Thea's stubborn nature meant she wouldn't easily give in. Ms. Chu, observing the discomfort and feeling the need to intervene, promptly came up with a plan.

"I forgot the medicine" Ms. Chu exclaimed loudly, causing everyone in the car to be startled

The sudden shout caused Thea to jump slightly in her seat, much like the rest of the team in the car who were startled by the unexpected noise breaking the silence.

"You startled me" Hana complained from the seat beside the driver, placing one hand on her chest as she turned towards Ms. Chu with wide eyes

"Mo-tak, let's stop at a pharmacy" Ms. Chu urgently asked, indicating her need for medicine "It's his first time abroad. He may need to adjust to the water" she added, her expression showing deep concern as she leaned forward to convince Mo-tak to turn back. Mun couldn't help but smile at the sight of her anxiety

"They have plenty of good medicine there too" Mo-tak quickly confirmed, his hands firmly holding the steering wheel and his gaze fixed on the road

"And if he doesn't have time to buy it?" Ms. Chu anxiously inquired, her brow furrowed with concern as she observed Mun seated beside her

"Mun, I don't think she wants you to go" Hana playfully remarked, turning her head from the passenger seat to get a better view of him. As their eyes met, they both subtly recognized that Thea shared the sentiment and was also hesitant about him leaving

"You said you almost needed a diaper when you went on that business trip" Ms. Chu said sternly to Mo-tak, publicly revealing his embarrassing situation and causing him to feel deeply ashamed

"That's not it. I suddenly got diarrhea" Mo-tak explained awkwardly, visibly embarrassed as nervousness caused his lips to part

"It's the same thing"

"What are you saying? I was in a hurry—"

"That's what happens when you're in a rush"

"Come on now"

"Stop!" Jeok-bong abruptly called out, prompting Ms. Chu and Mo-tak to pause their dispute, as all attention shifted to him following his unexpected interruption

"What's wrong?" Mun asked, looking puzzled as Jeok-bong leaned in towards Thea, almost looming over her as he lowered the car window to take in the fresh outside air. In response, Thea instinctively pushed herself back against the seat to create some space between them

"I smell poop nearby" Jeok-bong noted upon detecting a foul scent coming through the opened car window, without realizing Thea's unease next to him

"Poop? An evil spirit?" Mo-tak inquired with astonishment, peering at him through the rearview mirror wide-eyed

Unexpected interruptions during the journey to the airport were truly unanticipated by all, particularly on a day that was supposed to run seamlessly for the purpose of seeing Mun off. The expectation was for everything to proceed smoothly, given that it would be their final opportunity to bid him farewell. Nonetheless, destiny had different ideas in store.

"Come on. It's a prank, right?" Mun inquired with a grin, gently guiding Jeok-bong closer to him as he observed that Jeok-bong was not going to depart from Thea's side

Thea felt a sense of calm and relaxation as she leaned back in her seat after Jeok-bong moved away from her with Mun's help. Mun seemed visibly unsettled by the situation, as Thea was aware of his tendency to become jealous, particularly when other men approached her closely.

She slyly glanced at him while nonchalantly pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her heart inexplicably raced, and she experienced a fluttery feeling in her stomach. This caused her to feel some remorse for the recent days during which she had treated him poorly.

Like spraying the fly spray directly onto his face causing him to cough persistently. She also seemed to disregard his presence, possibly in an attempt to provoke him. In truth, she did not intend to behave in such a way; she was simply trying to manage her own emotions as she prepared for the forthcoming day of farewell.

"No, you can tell by his face. He did smell it" Hana remarked with sincerity, gesturing towards Jeok-bong's frowning face

"It's pretty strong" Jeok-bong informed with a furrowed brow while scenting the air flowing in from the car window. He proceeded to express, "We need to hurry!"

"What should we do? We need to take Mun to the airport" Thea asked with a sense of urgency, leaning in to observe the reactions of her fellow teammates, who shared her apprehensive expression

Making the decision was quite challenging as they deliberated whether to divide into two groups – one to accompany Mun to the airport and the other to confront the evil spirit, or to part ways with Mun and focus on defeating the evil entity. Recognizing the sheer power of the evil spirit, they realized the necessity of having the entire team present to stand a chance against it. Consequently, they opted for the latter choice. Stricken with sorrow and weighed down by their emotions, they gently assisted Mun as he exited the vehicle, ensuring he had his belongings with him before leaving him at the roadside.

Naturally, Thea was unwilling to remain seated, making it nearly impractical for her to remain in the car. She was resolute in her decision to accompany her dear boyfriend to the airport, desiring to bid him a proper farewell and have more time with him prior to his departure.

"Fighting. You can do it!" Thea expressed her encouragement upon exiting the vehicle, while Ms. Chu, Mo-tak, Hana, and Jeok-bong voiced their objections in the background, reluctant to see her depart

Mun's smile was involuntary as he observed Thea emerging from the car, prepared to join him on his journey to the airport, a steadfast companion when others were not willing. He understood that he could consistently depend on her, regardless of the challenges they faced. This relationship represented his initial and enduring affection, his cherished confidante, and his ideal partner in life, bound together as soulmates. The assurance of her presence assured him that solitude would never be a concern.

"Thea!"

"Don't be like that!"

"We require your presence to summon the territory!"

"Let her be. She just needs more time with her boyfriend. After all, it will be the last time she will see him," Ms. Chu reassured, wearing a somber expression while quieting the criticisms of the others. "Don't worry, Thea, look after yourselves. Try not to shed too many tears!" She grinned, swiftly shutting the car door to prevent further criticisms

Mun and Thea, situated by the roadside, waved with their hands as the vehicle drove out of sight in the distance, abandoning them without transportation. Nevertheless, they found solace in having one another.

The couple calmly entered the airport after arriving with ample time. Thea was comfortably seated on Mun's suitcase, which rested on the luggage cart he effortlessly pushed. The airport was bustling with travelers arriving from various locations, individuals preparing for their flights, and others seeing off or welcoming loved ones. Thea observed her surroundings with curiosity as she placed her hands on Mun's suitcase.

"Wait" Thea suddenly interjected, prompting Mun to halt in his steps as per her instruction. "I want to go to KFC" Thea gestured decisively towards one of the airport's small stores. Seated with her arms crossed and a determined look on her face, she continued, "Lets go" Expecting Mun to adhere to her wishes, she waited for him to comply. Sporting a playful grin, Mun obliged and started pushing the luggage cart towards the store of her choosing

Now, Thea contentedly savored her crispy chicken nugget from KFC while comfortably perched on Mun's suitcase, positioned atop the luggage trolley he was pushing. Thea happily kicked her feet back and forth before reclining against the cart, offering Mun a taste of her chicken nugget with a smile. She grinned as Mun sampled the nugget, and she dipped it into the sauce she held before taking a satisfying bite with pleasure.

Thea enjoyed the food she was eating, humming with satisfaction. She looked around the airport, searching for ways to occupy herself until Mun's flight. When she spotted the store nearby, her eyes lit up with anticipation.

"The lucky puppy candy" Thea remarked cheerfully, her mouth filled with food. "Let's see that" she exclaimed eagerly. Mun accommodated her request and wheeled the luggage cart into the petite shop, while Thea scrutinized each item with keen interest. She was particularly drawn to the Lucky puppy candy, a familiar sight that had tempted her on several occasions but remained unclaimed

Upon acquiring Thea's desired items, they left the store together. Thea remained seated on her suitcase atop the luggage cart, while Mun pushed it forward. She held onto the bag of sweets she had purchased, smiling blissfully as she looked around eagerly. Thea was keen on extending their time together, hoping to persuade Mun to postpone his departure in order to extend their time together.

"Mun, there's ramen" Thea said with a smile upon spotting the small shop across from them "Let's eat ramen" she suggested with enthusiasm

Thea's smile disappeared as Mun let go of the luggage cart and positioned himself in front of her. Observing him closely, she saw him effortlessly lift her off the cart as if she were a small child, before gently placing her back on the ground. With sadness in her eyes, Thea gazed at him, knowing that the unavoidable goodbye she dreaded was approaching. She was reluctant to part ways, reluctant to say goodbye to him.

"It's about time" Mun lamented, his voice tinged with sorrow "I'm leaving" he stated, focusing his gaze on Thea's petite figure. She averted her eyes, feeling tears welling up, not wanting him to witness her emotional state once more

"Oh"

"Give me a hug" Mun asked, gazing at her with eyes brimming with sadness. He extended his arms, inviting her to embrace him, but Thea hesitated and took a step back, keeping her head low. Mun let out a sorrowful sigh, then crouched down to her level and assured, "I'll come back soon" With a soft touch on her forehead, he attempted to uplift the atmosphere

"I'll miss you" confessed Thea with a quivering voice and tears brimming in her eyes. Mun, unable to hold back any longer, embraced her tightly as she wept uncontrollably against his chest. Gently and affectionately, he kissed her forehead, feeling a knot forming in his throat

"Thea... I want you to know you're the only reason that I still breathe, that I still live. I love you with all my heart" Mun reflected silently, holding back his emotions by biting his lip as he refrained from voicing these feelings to her. He was aware that confessing his love would cause him to break down, and he couldn't allow that to happen

Nonetheless, it was a brief journey, so he wouldn't be away indefinitely. Mun acknowledged that he would deeply miss Thea, even though they were gonna maintain daily communication. The physical closeness of being able to touch, kiss, hug, and express love for her would be absent for six months. Despite not having departed yet, he was already experiencing a sense of longing for her presence.

Thea slightly retreated from him, keeping her arms wrapped around Mun's waist, and gazed directly into his eyes. Tears glistened in both of their eyes. Mun struggled to control his feelings, taking a deep breath as Thea leaned in on her toes, slowly moving closer to him, and softly brushed her lips against his in a tender goodbye gesture. Mun shut his eyes, feeling a shiver go down his spine, and let out a shaky sigh as the fleeting moment concluded. This intimate kiss marked their final embrace, signifying the six-month wait until they would be reunited for another.

"I'm going back" Thea stated as she bid farewell to Mun with a somber expression and tears lingering in her eyes. She added, "Tell me when you get there" with another smile before she turned away and began to move in the opposite direction

Once Thea was far enough away from Mun, she found herself overcome with emotion once more. Tears streamed down her cheeks like cascading waterfalls, leaving her eyes red and swollen from crying so intensely. Despite this, Thea took a deep breath and reluctantly wiped away her tears, feeling as though she had cried all she could. She felt a deep ache in her heart, as if it had been clenched tightly. Her throat was sore from the large knot that still remained. The thought of being apart from him for six months was unbearable, but she knew she would find a way to cope. With Jun-seo and her parents by her side, she believed she could endure the separation. That's what she told herself, at least.

While standing in the distance, Mun remained motionless as he observed her departure. Shortly after, he experienced a sensation of tears forming in his eyes too. He shielded his eyes and sighed, gazing upwards in an attempt to hold back his emotions. Despite his efforts, the tears managed to escape, streaming down his face. He would deeply miss her, feeling an intense longing. With no possibility of reversing the situation, he gathered the strength to follow his path.

Author's note;

I apologize for the delay in updates. I have been feeling unmotivated, but I am here now. My summer vacation will soon be ending, and I hope to finish the final chapter in time to complete this book after nearly a year. 🥺 Thank you for your patience!

Question of the day: Any Wattpad book you would recommend? 📚

Thank you for reading! See you in the final chapter! 🩷