Chapter 5
3218words
Teacher Wae looked at her with a faint smile. “Yes, it’s that simple. I just hope you don’t panic too much, Asumi. You always make things harder than they are.”
Asumi pouted. “That’s rude, Teacher. You always compare me with Chaerin.”
Teacher Wae smirked. “Well, if you were as smart as Chaerin, maybe I wouldn’t need to.”
Asumi crossed her arms. “And maybe if you were a better teacher, I’d be smarter.”
They both laughed lightly, but Asumi’s phone suddenly buzzed.
Chaerin’s name flashed on the screen.
“Asumi, did you arrive? Where are you?” Chaerin’s voice was eager.
“Yeah, we reached Seattle, but… it’s a little confusing here. We’re trying to find a way to your address.”
Chaerin’s tone softened. “Don’t worry. I’ll pick you up. I’m skipping school today just for you. I’ll be there in an hour. Until then, I’ll send you another address—let’s meet there instead.”
Asumi’s guilt spilled out. “I’m sorry, Chaerin… I didn’t want to trouble you like this.”
“Why sorry?” Chaerin chuckled. “Meeting you is the best thing in the world. Is Teacher Wae with you?”
“Yes,” Asumi said, “Do you want to talk to her?”
Chaerin hesitated. “It’s okay. I’ll talk to her when we meet. Just wait for me.”
The call ended. Teacher Wae leaned closer. “What did she say?”
Asumi’s phone buzzed again—Chaerin’s new location. Chill Art Café.
“She wants us to wait for her there,” Asumi explained.
They left the airport and headed toward the café. Outside, a young girl was sitting on a bench, scrolling her phone. Asumi approached her. “Excuse me, can you help us get to Chillas Art Café?”
The girl’s eyes brightened. “Oh, you’re from Japan?”
“Yes,” Asumi smiled shyly.
The girl clapped her hands. “I love Japan! I want to visit someday.”
Teacher Wae’s smile softened. “Someday you will.”
The girl nodded. “Then let me help you. Otherwise, you might get lost.”
“Thank you, sister,” Teacher Wae said warmly.
The girl shrugged. “It’s okay. That’s what the Bible teaches, right? Help each other.”
The words pierced Asumi’s heart. She froze, reminded of Chaerin. When they were kids, Chaerin used to say the same thing.
Erika dialed Chaerin’s number, but Chaerin didn’t pick up. Annoyed, Erika turned to Nora. “Where is she?”
Nora shrugged. “I don’t know.”
Moments later, Chaerin finally called back. “Erika, I’m not coming to school today. My friends have arrived. I’m going to pick them up.”
Erika forced a laugh. “Oh, really? Fine.”
But when the call ended, her face twisted. Her fists clenched around her phone.
Nora glanced at her. “What’s wrong?”
“She’s ditching us… for them,” Erika muttered. “Her old friend is here.”
Her voice was low, dark, heavy. Nora shivered.
Back on the street
The girl walked with Asumi and Teacher Wae. “So, are you here for work?”
Teacher Wae shook her head. “No. One of my students lives here.”
“Your student?” the girl blinked. “Oh! You’re a teacher?”
“Yes,” Teacher Wae nodded, “This is Asumi. She’s my student too.”
The girl bowed slightly. “Oh, I’m sorry if I said anything rude, Teacher.”
Teacher Wae chuckled. “No harm done.”
The girl tilted her head. “So this Chaerin… she’s Japanese too?”
Yes,” Teacher Wae replied, “But unlike us, she’s fluent in English.”
“Can I see her picture?” the girl asked.
“Of course,” Asumi said, unlocking her phone. She showed her a photo of Chaerin.
The girl’s face froze. “Wait… I know her.”
“What?” Asumi asked, startled.
The girl nodded slowly. “Yes. One night, I saw her running barefoot down the street. She almost bumped into me. She had her heels in her hands, like she was escaping from something. She looked… terrified.”
Asumi’s eyes widened. “What? Why would she run like that?”
Teacher Wae shook her head firmly. “No. Chaerin isn’t the type of girl who’d get into trouble.”
Asumi bit her lip. “Maybe… we’re overthinking.”
Her phone buzzed again. Chaerin.
“Asumi, where are you now?”
Asumi smiled with relief. “Almost there, Chaerin. Ten minutes.”
“Good. I’ll see you soon.”
Asumi hung up. Meanwhile, Chaerin left her apartment, her phone buzzing with another notification. A text from her bank. An OnlyFams deposit—$60,000. She grinned. Confidence surged through her veins.
At the café, Asumi and Teacher Wae waited. The girl who helped them smiled. “Alright, I’ll leave now. Take care of yourselves.”
Teacher Wae stopped her. “Wait a moment.” She and Asumi went inside a Nike store nearby, bought a pair of sneakers, and handed the box to the girl.
“This is for you. A small gift, as appreciation.”
The girl gasped when she opened it—G-Dragon Peaceminusone x Nike Edition.
Her eyes shone. “Thank you so much! But really, it wasn’t needed. I helped you because I wanted to. But… since it’s from your heart, I’ll accept it.”
At that moment, a familiar voice called out.
Chaerin ran toward her, arms wide. Asumi dropped everything and hugged her tight. “Chaerin! I Teachered you so much!”
Teacher Wae smiled warmly. “How are you, Chaerin?”
“I’m good, Teacher,” Chaerin said, her eyes sparkling.
The girl waved goodbye. “Okay then, I’ll leave. Take care.”
Teacher Wae asked, “Wait, what’s your name?”
The girl turned back and smiled. “Nikki. Nikki Torres.”
Asumi grinned. “That’s a beautiful name.”
Nikki waved. “See you. Bye bye!”
And just like that, she disappeared into the crowd.
Chaerin: “Who’s that girl?”
Asumi: “She helped us find our way here.”
Chaerin: “Hmm… okay. Let’s go then. Where do you want to go first?”
Teacher Wae: “Probably your home first. Can’t you see we’re tired?”
Chaerin: laughs lightly but her tone feels sharp “Yeah, I can see that. Sorry, Teacher Wae.”
As they walked down the quiet streets of Seattle, Asumi felt her chest tighten. She kept glancing at Chaerin—her posture, her clothes, the way she spoke. Something was off. The Chaerin she once knew felt like a distant dream.
Asumi: “Chaerin… you’ve changed a lot. I mean… the way you dress, the way you talk. You’re not the same.”
Chaerin: teasing smirk “Asumi, it’s my body, and I can wear whatever I want. These clothes make me feel comfortable. Unlike yours… so conservative. You look like someone’s grandma.”
The words stung. Asumi bit her lip and fell silent. She knew deep down that her Chaerin—the innocent, kindhearted friend she cherished—was fading. She looked at Teacher Wae, who exchanged a quiet, knowing glance with her.
Chaerin: “So, Asumi, how’s everything back home?”
Asumi: “Everything’s fine… but since you moved here, I’ve felt so lonely.”
Chaerin: smiling, but her eyes hollow “Sweet of you. Do you Teacher me too?”
Asumi: nodding softly “Of course.”
Chaerin: “Asumi, listen. We can’t live our lives depending on others, waiting for them to keep us whole. We have to move forward, even if that means leaving people behind.”
Her words landed like a dagger. Asumi didn’t answer. She simply looked into Chaerin’s eyes, searching for the warmth that used to be there. For a second, Chaerin’s smile faltered, like a mask slipping. Teacher Wae noticed it—something unnatural was lingering inside her former student.
Teacher Wae: “Chaerin, how much longer until we reach your home?”
Chaerin: “Almost there.”
When they arrived, Chaerin’s parents greeted them warmly, their smiles lighting up the doorway.
Teacher Wae: “We brought this sweet for you.”
Chaerin’s Mom: “Thank you, Teacher Wae! And Asumi—you’ve grown so much! How is your mother?”
Asumi: “She’s fine, Aunty. We all Teacher you.”
Chaerin’s Father: “Are you staying for the whole weekend?”
Teacher Wae: “No, we’re leaving tomorrow night.”
Chaerin’s Mom: “So soon? You should stay longer. We don’t have many Japanese friends here besides you.”
Teacher Wae: smiling politely “Thank you, but I have schoolwork to take care of. And Asumi here is still my student—I can’t let her slack off.”
Asumi: “Teacherrrr, I’m not dumb!”
Chaerin’s Mom: “Asumi, be a good girl. I have high hopes for you.”
Chaerin: interrupting, voice sharp “Are you done talking? If yes, I’ll show them my room.”
Asumi hesitated, whispering to Chaerin’s mother:
Asumi: “Aunty… is Chaerin okay? She feels so different.”
Chaerin’s Mom: forcing a smile “I’ve noticed too. But… maybe it’s just adolescence. Kids grow up.”
Teacher Wae squeezed Asumi’s shoulder, silencing her.
In Chaerin’s room, they settled their belongings. Chaerin helped them politely, but her movements felt mechanical.
Chaerin: “Rest for a while. Later I’ll take you out—there’s a café you should see.”
That evening, just as they were leaving, Asumi noticed a white lily on the balcony. It was withered, neglected. Her heart sank.
Asumi: “Chaerin… your lily. You loved these. Why didn’t you take care of it?”
Chaerin: coldly “Leave it. Flowers die. Let’s go—the world outside is waiting.”
Asumi froze. She realized in that moment: her best friend’s innocence was gone.
At the café, Chaerin introduced them to “Chilla’s Art Café.”
Chaerin: “This place makes the best coffee. Actually… it’s special to me. This was where I had my first date with my boyfriend, Ricky.”
Asumi’s eyes widened. Teacher Wae’s brows lifted.
Asumi: “You… you have a boyfriend? What’s his name? Do you have a picture?”
Chaerin giggled and showed them. They complimented Ricky, and Chaerin looked happy, almost normal again.
But then, from the table beside them, a group of boys whispered loudly.
Boy 1: “Hey, do you know that content creator, The Sodomy Queen? She’s Japanese, and she’s hot.”
Boy 2: “Yeah, she’s been blowing up online. Crazy stuff.”
Chaerin’s smile shattered. Her face went pale, her hands trembling. Her heart pounded in her chest like war drums.
Asumi: “Chaerin, are you okay? You’re sweating.”
Chaerin: forcing a laugh, voice shaking “I’m fine. Just… not feeling well. Excuse me.”
She rushed to the bathroom, nearly tripping. Inside, she slammed the door shut, gripping the sink as her body shook. She looked up at the mirror—her reflection stared back at her, but it wasn’t hers.
Her own face darkened in the glass, twisted, hollow, like something possessed by the devil itself. The Chaerin in the mirror smiled at her—a smile that promised ruin.
When Chaerin came out of the bathroom, her face was pale, her eyes heavy with fear. But suddenly, anger boiled inside her. She stormed toward the group of boys, grabbed one of their phones, and shouted:
Chaerin: “There are women in this world, if you want to do something disgusting, go home and do it there!”
The café went silent for a moment. Teacher Wae and Asumi rushed forward, pulling Chaerin back.
Teacher Wae: “Chaerin! What happened to you? Calm down, it’s okay… let’s just go home.”
Asumi: “Chaerin, what’s wrong? Why are you like this?”
Teacher Wae: “If something is bothering you, go ahead and tell us, dear.”
Chaerin clenched her fists, her voice trembling as she forced words out.
Chaerin: “It’s nothing. I just hate when people talk about… filthy things.”
But deep inside, she knew the truth. It wasn’t the boys. It was her. She was the one tangled in sin—lust, lies, anger. She had become everything she once stood against.
Asumi and Teacher Wae exchanged a quiet glance.
Asumi: “Okay then… let’s go home. Maybe some rest will be better for you.”
Chaerin: “I’m sorry, guys. Because of me… we couldn’t even hang out properly.”
Asumi: “Don’t worry. We’re best friends, Chaerin. Taking care of you is my responsibility.”
Teacher Wae: “Let’s take a taxi. It will be easier for us.”
Inside the taxi, Chaerin’s phone buzzed.
Ricky: “Hey Chaerin, I didn’t see you in school today.”
Chaerin: “Yeah… my friends from Shibuya are here. They’re my special friends.”
Ricky: “Okay, have fun, dear. See you tomorrow at school.”
She hung up, staring at her reflection in the window. Guilt tightened her chest. Lies… chasing recognition… selling her soul for money. She wanted to scream, but instead stayed silent.
When they reached home, Asumi followed Chaerin to her room. After a quiet moment, she gently asked:
Asumi: “Chaerin, is something bothering you?”
Chaerin turned away, her eyes heavy with sadness.
Chaerin: “…No.”
Asumi’s gaze drifted toward the corner, where the white lily sat drooping in its pot.
Asumi: “Look at the white lily, Chaerin. See how it still stands tall, even though it’s starting to fade? That’s why your parents gave it to you. That’s why we remind you of it. Because this flower represents innocence… and that’s what we all saw in you.”
Chaerin’s lips trembled. She couldn’t control it anymore—tears streamed down her face.
Chaerin: “…” (she said nothing, but her sobs filled the room)
Asumi quickly stepped closer, but her foot caught on the wooden floorboard. Even stumbling, she still wrapped her arms around Chaerin, holding her tightly.
Asumi: “Why are you crying, Chaerin? What’s hurting you so much?”
Chaerin couldn’t answer. Her sins burned inside her like a secret she couldn’t confess. But as Asumi’s arms tightened around her, Teacher Wae joined, and together they held her, their warmth against her trembling body.
Chaerin cried harder, the tears soaking into Asumi’s shoulder.
She didn’t speak. She didn’t confess. But she knew. Deep inside, she knew the truth: she had planted the seed of her own destruction.
The next morning, Chaerin woke up to the faint morning light spilling through her curtains. Teacher Wae’s calm voice came from the kitchen.
“Chaerin, aren’t you going to school today?”
Chaerin yawned, brushing her hair aside. “I’m not feeling well,
Teacher Wae. I don’t want to go to school today… I just want to spend a little more time with you.”
Asumi appeared at the door, smiling softly. “Teacher Wae, it’s okay. I want to spend time with her too.”
Teacher Wae nodded kindly. “Alright then. Come for breakfast soon, I’ll help Ms. Lee with the table.”
Asumi sat beside Chaerin, studying her face. “Are you feeling alright today?”
Chaerin nodded faintly. “Yeah… I am.”
Her phone suddenly buzzed beside her pillow. The name Erika lit up on the screen.
Chaerin answered, her tone gentle. “Hey Erika, sorry… I’m not coming today either.”
Erika’s reply was short. “Okay.”
Her voice sounded calm, but distant.
As the call disconnected, Erika sat in silence, her phone still in her hand. Her expression hardened, her thoughts whispering like venom beneath her breath.
“Chaerin… I think your friends are more important than me. But when the time comes…”
She smiled faintly, her voice lowering to a whisper only she could hear.
“…I’ll destroy you.”
Just then, Nora entered the room. “Hey boss, was that Chaerin?”
“Yeah,” Erika replied coldly.
“Where is she?” Nora asked, curious.
“She’s not coming today,” Erika said. “She’s with her old friends.”
Nora noticed the faint shadow of anger cross Erika’s face, but said nothing. The room felt heavy — as if something dark had just taken root.
Back at Chaerin’s house, she sighed and picked up her phone again. “I should tell Ricky too,” she murmured.
She called him. “Hey Ricky, I can’t come today.”
“Why?” Ricky asked, his voice soft with concern.
Chaerin replied quietly, “I’m with Asumi… and I’m not feeling well.”
Ricky’s tone softened. “Alright, dear. Take care of yourself.”
When the call ended, Chaerin stared at her screen — blank, quiet, reflective.
The silence in the room felt louder than before, as if the world outside was holding its breath.
After breakfast, the air in Chaerin’s home felt strangely heavy.
The sunlight that once filled the kitchen now seemed dull, almost pale.
Chaerin sat quietly near the window, her mind clouded with guilt and fear. The laughter of Asumi and Teacher Wae echoed faintly from the other room — warm, familiar, but distant to her heart.
Every time her phone vibrated, she flinched.
Every reflection she caught of herself — in glass, in spoons, in the dark shimmer of the window — felt like a stranger staring back.
She whispered to herself,
“Erika… Ricky… everyone. What have I become?”
Asumi walked in, smiling. “Chaerin, let’s go out for a little while before we leave. It’ll be good for you.”
Chaerin nodded weakly. “Yeah… let’s go.”
The three of them — Chaerin, Asumi, and Teacher Wae — walked through the quiet streets of Seattle. The autumn breeze brushed against their faces, carrying with it the faint smell of rain.
Asumi turned to Chaerin, her eyes gentle. “You know, I still remember the day you planted your first white lily back in
Shibuya. You said it was your ‘innocence.’”
Chaerin forced a smile. “Maybe that flower died the day I left Japan.”
Asumi frowned slightly. “Flowers don’t die that easily,
Chaerin. They wait for someone to water them again.”
For a moment, silence filled the air. Only the sound of passing cars and the far-off hum of the city could be heard.
When they arrived at the airport later that evening, the weight in Chaerin’s chest grew heavier.
Teacher Wae placed her luggage on the conveyor and turned back to face Chaerin. There was something knowing in her eyes — a sadness too deep to hide.
“Asumi, wait for me near the gate,” Teacher Wae said softly.
Asumi nodded and walked away.
Teacher Wae slowly approached Chaerin. Her footsteps echoed through the cold airport corridor. Then she stopped right in front of her and, without saying a word, pulled her into a gentle hug.
Her voice trembled, almost like a prayer.
“Chaerin… why did you do this?Remember there is someone who can forgive your sins”
Chaerin’s eyes widened. She froze, unable to breathe. Her mouth opened — but no words came out.
The noise of the airport faded, replaced by the pounding of her own heartbeat.
Teacher Wae held her a moment longer, then whispered, “You still have time to return, my dear. Don’t let your soul be taken by what you’ve done.”
Chaerin’s lips quivered, her eyes welling up.
“I… I don’t know what’s happening to me anymore,” she whispered.
Teacher Wae smiled faintly, tears forming in her own eyes. “Then find yourself again… before it’s too late.”
Asumi came back, holding her boarding pass. “Teacher Wae, we have to go!”
Teacher Wae let go, brushing Chaerin’s cheek softly.
“Goodbye, Chaerin.”
Chaerin could only whisper, “Goodbye…”
As they disappeared past the gate, Chaerin stood still — empty, fragile, and trembling. The airport noise returned, but inside her, it was quiet… dead quiet.
That night, the rain began to fall.
On her way home from the convenience store, Chaerin heard shouting in the alley behind her school. A group of boys and girls were circling a student, laughing cruelly. The girl cried out — bruised, helpless.
Without thinking, Chaerin rushed forward.
“Stop it!” she shouted, her voice sharp and shaking. “Leave her alone!”
The group froze. Something in her tone — cold, commanding — made them step back. They muttered curses and ran off into the dark.
Chaerin knelt beside the girl.
“Hey… are you okay?”
The girl reply “yes im okay, thanks”
A voice came from behind: "Chaerin… long time no see."
Chaerin turned and said, "Oh… it’s you, Erika."
But the bullied girl froze, paralyzed with terror. Her blood ran cold as Erika emerged behind Chaerin, and the buried horrors of every past torment surged forward, suffocating her in a shadow of fear she could never escape.
