Chapter 7
5146words
Chaerin walked ahead, her breath uneven, her hands trembling as though they still carried the weight of what she’d done.
“Damn it,” she muttered under her breath, kicking a trash bin so hard it clattered against the wall. “What have I done… Leni…”
Erika stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder.
“Hey,” she said softly, “calm down. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Chaerin jerked away. “Remove your hand.”
Her eyes burned with tears and anger. “How can you say that, Erika? I almost killed someone — a girl who called me sister… someone who trusted me.”
Erika’s tone was smooth, almost gentle. “I know how it feels, Chaerin. But face it — if you hadn’t beaten her, she would have destroyed you.”
“Leave me alone.”
Erika gave a faint smile. “Alright then. See you tomorrow at school.”
Nora hesitated before following her. “Erika, seeing Chaerin like that… I’m starting to fear her. What if she finds out it was us who framed that girl?”
Erika stopped. “We’ll see about that.”
“But Erika,” Nora whispered, “why are you doing this to her?”
Erika’s lips curled into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Because she doesn’t obey me. She avoids me when she’s with that pathetic girl or her old friends. I’ll change her, Nora. I’ll turn Chaerin into something new — someone her friends won’t even recognize.”
Her laughter was cold and hollow, echoing down the empty alleyway.
Chaerin stood still long after they left. Her body was trembling — her mind replaying the scene over and over again.
Leni’s voice screaming for mercy.
The thud of the steel rod striking flesh.
The blood.
The sound of her own voice shouting, “You and your bloody dreams die together!”
She clutched her head, whispering, “What have I done… what have I done…”
Her phone buzzed — Ricky’s name lit up the screen.
She stared at it blankly, her hands shaking too much to answer.
The phone slipped from her fingers and fell into the drain.
She didn’t even try to pick it up.
Ricky’s voice echoed faintly through the speaker before it vanished into static.
“Chaerin… what’s happening to you?”
By the time she reached home, her soul felt empty.
She went straight to her room and shut the door.
On her table sat a small white box — Leni’s cake.
The frosting had hardened, the slice half-eaten, untouched since yesterday.
Her breath caught. Slowly, she lifted the lid.
Inside the box lay the leftover cake — and a folded piece of paper she hadn’t noticed before.
Her fingers shook as she opened it.
“Sister Chaerin,
Thank you for being my big sister — the one I can always rely on I always wanted someone like you, ever since my parents abandoned me because they said I was a burden.
Do you remember when we first met? You saved me from the bullies. That’s what real sisters do.
I don’t have anyone except Mr. Paul… and you.
I’ll pray every night for your health.
Thank you, Sister Chaerin.”
The letter slipped from her trembling hands.
Her tears fell on the paper, blurring the ink into grey stains.
She clutched the letter to her chest and fell to her knees.
“Leni… I’m sorry… please forgive me…”
The room was silent — except for her sobs.
And somewhere deep within her, a faint whisper rose again — not Erika’s voice, but her own conscience, bleeding and broken.
The Morning
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, brushing against the quiet hum of conversation.
Chaerin’s parents sat at the dining table, planning for Christmas — laughter faint, warmth in the air.
Then Chaerin stepped out of her room.
Her eyes were red, her hair messy, her uniform slightly wrinkled. It was clear she hadn’t slept.
Her mother looked up immediately.
“Sweetheart… what happened to you? You look pale.”
Chaerin forced a weak smile. “It’s nothing, Mom. I just didn’t sleep well last night… I had a bad dream.”
Her father studied her face, concern creasing his brow. “You should take better care of yourself. Anyway, we were just talking about Christmas plans. Maybe we could go out together this year?”
Chaerin lowered her gaze. “Father… I lost my phone yesterday. It slipped from my pocket and fell into the sewer.”
Her father sighed. “Alright, I’ll get you a new one soon.”
“Thank you,” she murmured softly, voice fragile.
Her mother reached out gently. “Are you sure you’re okay, honey?”
Chaerin nodded faintly. “Yes, Mom. I’m fine. I should get going now. Please don’t forget about the phone, Father.”
She quickly grabbed her bag and headed out.
The morning air felt heavier than usual — every step echoing her guilt.
As she walked past the familiar street, her eyes caught a sign on Leni’s little store:
“Shop Closed.”
Chaerin froze.
The memory of Leni’s broken voice — “Sister… please believe me” — stabbed through her heart.
Her lips trembled. “Leni…”
Her eyes welled up, but she wiped them quickly, hiding the tears as people passed by.
Then, quietly, she whispered, “I’m sorry…” and walked away toward school — her guilt heavier than her footsteps.
When Chaerin was heading for school, she passed by Leni’s store — the same small shop where Leni used to work. A sign hung on the door: “Shop Closed.”
For a moment, Chaerin just stood there. Her throat tightened as she stared at the faded letters. She couldn’t move. The memories from last night came rushing back — the shouting, the fear, the blood. Guilt settled deep in her chest. Her eyes welled up as she whispered, “Leni…” She quickly wiped her tears and kept walking toward the school, her mind drowning in regret.
All the way there, she couldn’t stop thinking about what she had done.
What have I become? she thought. I hurt her… I really hurt her.
When she finally reached the school gate, she froze.
Someone was standing there — a girl with a familiar figure, her posture, her hair… it looked just like Leni. Chaerin’s heart skipped a beat. “Leni…?” she whispered, slowly walking closer. But when she blinked — the figure was gone. Just empty air.
Her hands trembled. She looked down and murmured, “I’m sorry… Leni…”
A tear slipped down her cheek.
Suddenly, a soft hand touched her shoulder.
“Chaerin,” a familiar voice called.
Startled, Chaerin turned around. “I’m sorry, Leni…” she blurted out — but it wasn’t Leni. It was Erika.
Erika frowned slightly. “What happened to you?” she asked.
Chaerin, her eyes red, couldn’t hold back. She threw her arms around Erika and cried, “Please help me… I’m not worthy to be Leni’s friend…”
Erika stayed silent for a moment, then spoke gently, her voice calm but cold underneath. “What are you talking about, Chaerin? Don’t be so naive.”
Chaerin looked up at her, confused. Erika smiled faintly, lifting her hand to Chaerin’s cheek, wiping away her tears with her thumb. “Listen… there’s nothing wrong with you. The Leni you called your little sister — she betrayed you, Chaerin.
That’s why this happened.”
“But… but—” Chaerin stammered.
“But what?” Erika cut her off softly, leaning closer. “Don’t you remember what she said while you were beating her? She said your death will come soon. Tell me, what kind of little sister says that to the person she admires?”
Chaerin went silent. Her lips parted but no words came out.
Erika’s voice grew quieter — almost comforting, but laced with something else. “Leni was weak. She couldn’t handle the truth. Stay with me, Chaerin… I’ll show you who you really are. I’ll help you become someone no one will dare to hurt again. I’ll teach you how to stand above everyone — to take what’s yours.”
Chaerin looked at her, eyes glassy and lost. Erika’s hand was still on her cheek, her smile faint but certain.
And just like that — the guilt inside Chaerin began to twist, reshaping into something else.
Chaerin was hypnotized again by those words. She didn’t say anything — just quietly walked away to her classroom.
From behind, Nora asked softly, “Erika… how is she?”
Erika replied, “She lost her track… but I brought her back now.”
Nora hesitated, “Erika, I know what you’re doing is good for Chaerin, but somehow I think it’s not right. I mean, look at her…”
Erika’s eyes turned sharp. “All I can see, Nora, is the rebirth of a new creature. Do not interfere between Chaerin and me.”
Chaerin sat in class, silent and pale. Her eyes were empty, lost.
Then she saw it again — the illusion of Leni lying on the ground.
A flashback struck her — she and Leni roaming together, laughing, cracking silly jokes, their precious, divine moments of pure friendship.
Suddenly, her teacher’s voice broke the silence.
“Chaerin, are you alright?”
Chaerin looked up weakly. “Teacher… I’m not feeling well.
Can I go home?”
“Okay, fine,” the teacher said softly. “You look stressed. Go home and take some rest.”
“Thank you, teacher,” Chaerin whispered.
Erika was listening from behind but said nothing — only watching as Chaerin quietly walked out of the classroom.
After school, Chaerin didn’t go home. She sat outside the school gate, on the street — the same place where Leni used to wait for her.
The wind was cold, carrying fragments of laughter that no longer existed.
Erika and Nora came out, laughing. They stopped when they saw Chaerin sitting alone.
“Chaerin, you didn’t go home?” Nora asked.
Chaerin looked up sadly and said, “I want to see Leni. I’m going to the hospital. Do you know which one she’s admitted to?”
Nora replied, “It’s the first hospital on the left — Seattle Hospital.”
Chaerin nodded faintly. “Thanks, Nora. And yes… don’t call me. I lost my phone yesterday.”
As Chaerin walked away, Nora turned to Erika. “Erika, I think we should go with her. What if Leni says everything?”
Erika’s smile faded. “Let’s go. Even though the rumor didn’t spread too far, I only sent it to a few people. Come on — Chaerin, wait! We’re coming with you.”
At the Hospital
Chaerin approached the counter. “Excuse me… is there anyone here by the name Leni?”
The nurse checked the list. “Yes, she’s in room 302. Before you go, please sign here.”
Chaerin signed the paper, her hands trembling.
She walked down the silent hallway. Each step echoed — louder, heavier — until she reached Room 302.
Slowly, she opened the door.
Leni lay on the bed, covered in bandages. An oxygen mask covered her pale face. Her hands and legs were bruised, scarred — the marks of the rod still visible.
Chaerin froze. Then her lips quivered, her body shaking as tears streamed down her face.
She approached slowly, dropped to her knees beside Leni’s feet, and whispered through sobs,
“I’m sorry, Leni… I’m one of the worst.”
Her voice broke. Each word was drenched in guilt.
Behind her, Erika sighed impatiently. “Can we go now, Chaerin? I think she needs rest too.”
Chaerin didn’t look back. “You both can go… I’ll stay for a while.”
Erika’s face darkened — her eyes burning with quiet anger — but she said nothing.
Chaerin stood up and moved to the chair beside Leni’s bed. She sat down slowly, watching her dearest friend breathe through that mask, every inhale like a punishment she deserved.
The monitor beeped softly — the only heartbeat left between what was and what’s gone forever.
Chaerin felt thirsty and stepped outside. She saw Erika and Nora sitting on a bench, laughing at some joke. Quietly, Chaerin sat beside them. Both of them turned to her.
“Chaerin,” Erika asked, “how is she? Did she open her eyes?”
Chaerin softly shook her head. “No…”
Nora giggled and said, “Erika, look at this one—” They both laughed again.
Chaerin’s anger snapped. “You two just shut up! Don’t you have any soul? There’s someone—someone we know—lying in that hospital bed fighting for her life! Isn’t Leni your friend?”
Erika stayed silent, her eyes sharp but unreadable.
Chaerin continued bitterly, “I guess you both don’t have friends. That’s why you’re like this.”
Erika smirked faintly. “Oh, I do have friends. This world is my friend. They know me by many names. They praise me, and I give them the desires of the heart”
Chaerin frowned. “What the heck are you even saying?”
Erika leaned back and smiled darkly. “It all started… in The Garden.”
Before Chaerin could respond, a voice called out — “Is that you, Chaerin?”
She turned. “Mr. Paul!”
“Yes,” she said, standing quickly. “Sir, how is Leni?”
Mr. Paul sighed, his eyes heavy with grief. “She’s unconscious. I found her in the alley… someone had beaten her. I don’t know what’s happening to this world — how can a human do that to another human? It’s evil.”
Those words pierced straight through Chaerin’s heart. She looked down, her eyes trembling with guilt.
Erika interrupted coldly, “Maybe Leni did something wrong. That’s why someone did this to her.”
Mr. Paul snapped, furious. “Leni did something wrong? Who are you to say that, brat? I know her better than any of you. Don’t say such stupid things!”
Nora grabbed Erika’s arm. “That’s enough, Erika. Don’t say things like that.”
Just then, a nurse rushed toward Mr. Paul. “Sir, your patient has woken up.”
“What?!” Mr. Paul gasped, tears forming. He and Chaerin hurried to Leni’s room.
When they entered, Leni slowly opened her eyes. “Sir… is that you?”
Mr. Paul was already crying. “Honey, I thought I lost you.” He hugged her gently.
“Leni,” he said softly, “there’s someone here to see you.”
Leni turned her head weakly. Behind him stood Chaerin.
Leni’s voice trembled, “Sister… is that you?”
Chaerin’s lips quivered. “Leni…” She rushed forward and hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face.
The nurse entered. “Mr. Paul, could you come with me? There are some medicines you need to buy.”
“Of course,” he said, wiping his eyes. “Chaerin, stay with her.”
“Yes, sir.”
When they left, the room fell silent.
Chaerin knelt beside Leni’s bed, her voice shaking. “Leni… I’m so sorry. I’m not human. What I did to you was inhuman…”
Tears poured down her face. She lowered her head, sobbing.
But Leni reached out, her fragile hand touching Chaerin’s. “Sister… stand up. Don’t say things like that. It’s in the past.”
Leni’s eyes glistened as she said, “Please help me sit up a little.”
Chaerin gently helped her. Leni smiled faintly. “Can you bring me that bowl of water over there?”
Chaerin nodded and did as told. Leni took the bowl, dipped Chaerin’s trembling hands into the water, and began washing them softly.
“Sister,” she whispered, “I forgive you.”
Chaerin broke down. “How… how can you forgive me so easily? I almost killed you!”
Leni smiled weakly. “Because, Sister, you were my first friend… my first sister. It’s easy to forgive you because someone greater has forgiven me too.”
Her words echoed in Chaerin’s mind — reminding her of what Teacher Wae once said at the airport.
At that moment, the door creaked open. Erika entered.
Leni froze, terrified. The bowl slipped from her hands and shattered on the floor. “Why… why are you here?” she cried.
“Sister, save me!”
Chaerin grabbed her hand tightly. “Don’t be afraid, Leni. I’m here.”
Then she turned to Erika. “What is it?”
Erika replied coldly, “It’s late. Can we go home now?”
Chaerin nodded. “Okay… wait for me outside. I’ll come.”
“Alright,” Erika said. She gave a chilling smirk to Leni before leaving. “Leni, get well soon. I’ve Teachered you at school.”
Her voice was sweet — but her eyes carried poison.
As the door closed, Chaerin sighed. “You don’t have to be afraid of Erika. She’s… she’s a good person. I know five people did terrible things to you, but I don’t think Erika was one of them.”
Leni whispered, “Sister, please believe me. Don’t trust them. They’re not good people.”
Chaerin looked conflicted, torn between truth and denial. Erika had been with her through everything — how could she be evil?
“Okay,” Chaerin finally said softly. “I won’t. I should go now.
I’ll visit you tomorrow.”
Leni smiled faintly. “Okay, Sister. Take care.”
Chaerin nodded and walked away, tears quietly falling from her eyes — not realizing that outside the door, Erika was still smiling… waiting for her next move.
After talking with Leni, Chaerin felt a strange sense of relief — like for a brief moment, she was back to her old self again. But the feeling didn’t last long.
Outside the hospital, Erika was waiting on the bench. “Hey, you good now?”
Chaerin smiled faintly. “Yeah… I am.”
Nora, scrolling through her phone, looked up. “Hey Chaerin, Derek and Ricky called me. I told them you lost your phone.
Derek wants to see you tomorrow — he sounded kinda mad.”
Chaerin sighed softly. “It’s okay, I’ll call Ricky tonight.”
Nora grinned. “Great. See you tomorrow then.”
Chaerin nodded. “Yeah… Erika, Nora — meet you both tomorrow.”
She walked away, a small smile lingering on her face.
Erika watched her leave, her eyes unreadable. “It’s good to see you happy again, Chaerin,” she said softly — though something in her tone didn’t quite feel right.
When Chaerin reached home, she quietly pushed the door open. “Father… are you awake?”
No answer. She looked around — her father was asleep on the couch, her mother too. The house was silent.
She sat down at the dinner table, glanced at the phone lying there, and turned it on. One by one, she saved all her friends’ numbers, then typed out a message:
“This is my new number. Please save it.”
Within seconds, replies began to pop up — short, casual, friendly.
For the first time in a while, Chaerin smiled. But somewhere deep inside, a quiet unease still lingered… like peace was something she was never meant to hold for long.
The Next Morning
Chaerin woke up and looked outside the window.
“It’s such a nice day,” she whispered softly to herself.
Her gaze fell on the small white lily on the windowsill. She smiled, grabbed a bottle of water, and gently poured it into the pot. The morning light touched the petals, and for the first time in days, she felt peace.
Her phone buzzed.
It was a text from Ricky:
“I want to meet you today after school.”
Chaerin replied instantly, her heart a little lighter.
“Okay, dear 💕”
Another text beeped — Derek this time:
“Hey, you brat! Meet me today, we’re shooting another content!”
Chaerin typed back quickly:
But even in that short reply, there was something off — as if her soul hesitated before her fingers pressed send.
She hurried to the kitchen, where the soft sound of plates and morning news filled the air.
“Chaerin, did you get your new phone?” her father asked, sipping his tea.
Chaerin smiled. “Yes, Father. Thank you for that. You’re the best papa in the world.”
Her mother looked at her, curious. “You look so cheerful today. Did something good happen?”
Chaerin laughed faintly. “No, Mom. I just feel… happy today. And the weather’s beautiful.”
Her mom smiled back. “So, about Christmas — do you have any plans? I was thinking we could invite Asumi and Teacher Wae, and their families too.”
Chaerin’s eyes lit up. “Yes, Mom! That’s perfect. You’re the best. I’ll call them today.”
Her father nodded. “Make sure you do that, sweetheart.”
Chaerin grabbed her bag. “Okay, I’ll leave now. Papa, thank you again!”
As she left, her parents looked at each other with gentle smiles.
“Our old Chaerin is back,” her mother whispered.
On the way to school, Chaerin passed by Leni’s store. The “Closed” sign still hung in the window. She stopped for a moment, her reflection faintly staring back at her from the glass.
“I’ll visit you again, Leni,” she said softly. “Thank you, God, for keeping her alive.”
And then she walked away, feeling lighter.
When she reached school, Erika waved. “Hi, Chaerin! You look great today.”
Chaerin smiled warmly. “Yeah, I feel so relieved, Erika. Thank you for helping me out… and Nora too.”
Then she walked off toward her classroom.
Erika stood there, her smile lingering for a second before slowly fading.
She whispered under her breath, her tone calm and almost sweet — but her eyes darkened.
“You’re happy now… but not for long.”
The pencil in her hand snapped with a sharp crack — the sound was small, but cold enough to echo in the silence.
She didn’t even flinch.
After School
Erika appeared again, casually eating an apple. “So, Chaerin, what’s your plan for today?”
Chaerin laughed softly. “I’ve got so many plans today! First, I have to meet Ricky and Derek — they’re a little angry with me. Derek’s also shooting a new video. And after that… I’m going to visit Leni.”
Erika tilted her head with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Wooow… that’s great! But why that brat Leni?”
Chaerin frowned. “I don’t know what happened between you two — and I don’t want to know it either. So please, just shut your mouth.”
Erika smirked and offered her the apple. “Okay, sweetheart. You’re the boss now… here, take a bite.”
Chaerin took it, smiled faintly. “Thanks. Bye bye… oh, by the way, where’s Nora? I didn’t see her today with you.”
Erika replied smoothly, “Yeah, she’s home. She’s got a fever, so she’s resting.”
Chaerin nodded. “Okay. See you Monday then — tomorrow’s Sunday.”
Erika didn’t respond right away. She just watched Chaerin walk away, her smile returning slowly — not kind, not cruel, just knowing.
“Hmm…” she murmured, finishing the last bite of her apple.
The half-eaten core slipped from her hand and rolled on the pavement — stopping near a small ant that crawled close. Erika stared at it for a moment before stepping on it with her shoe.
Then she walked away, silent.
Ricky was standing outside the school gate, waiting. When Chaerin saw him, she ran and hugged him tightly. Ricky, surprised but smiling, hugged her back. He blushed slightly and asked,
Ricky: “What happened? You look so happy today.”
Chaerin lifted her eyes toward him and said softly,
Chaerin: “Yes… I am. I’m just happy today, that’s all. I finally feel alive again.”
Ricky: “So, are we hanging out today or not?”
Chaerin: “Sorry, Ricky. Not today. I already have plans. But tomorrow’s Sunday — we can hang out after church.”
Ricky: “You’re going to church again? Forget that, hang out with me instead. It’ll be more fun.”
Chaerin: “No, Ricky. I’m sorry… I can’t do that.”
Ricky looked disappointed but nodded.
Ricky: “Alright then. Call me after church, okay?”
Chaerin smiled and leaned in, giving him a gentle kiss. Ricky kissed her back, his face turning red.
Chaerin: “Okay… I’ll see you then.”
From the school’s second-floor window, Erika was watching everything. The apple she was eating fell silent into the trash can. Her eyes darkened.
Erika (softly): “Your time has come… Chaerin.”
Chaerin held a bouquet of flowers and walked into the hospital room.
Chaerin: “Hello, my dear.”
Leni (smiling): “Sister! You came… I thought you wouldn’t visit today.”
Chaerin: “That’s never going to happen again. As long as you’re alive, I’ll be here with you. See? I brought you flowers.”
Leni held Chaerin’s hand gently.
Leni: “Sister, you’re the only thing I need in my life. Thank you… for being my sister.”
Chaerin couldn’t hold back her tears. Leni’s words pierced her heart — pure and kind, so unlike the world Chaerin knew.
Mr. Paul entered the room, teasing,
Mr. Paul: “Should I come in, or am I interrupting something romantic between you two?”
Chaerin (bowing slightly): “Hello, sir. How are you?”
Mr. Paul: “I’m fine, Chaerin. You look brighter today than yesterday.”
Chaerin: “It’s nothing, sir.”
They sat together, drinking tea, sharing jokes, and laughing about old memories. For a moment, the room felt like a small piece of heaven — filled with warmth and laughter.
But the peace broke when Mr. Paul’s tone shifted.
Mr. Paul: “Leni, the police are investigating the suspect who hurt you. Do you have any idea who it could be?”
Leni froze. Her eyes shifted toward Chaerin, who trembled.
Chaerin dared to meet Mr. Paul’s gaze — his smile remained, but anger flickered beneath it.
Mr. Paul (quietly): “Whoever did this… can’t escape from the sin they’ve made.”
His words echoed in Chaerin’s mind like a curse. Her heart pounded with guilt.
Leni squeezed her hand tightly.
Leni: “Sir, please… I’ve already forgiven that person, whoever it was. That’s what I believe in — forgiveness. Tell the police to stop the investigation. I have everything I need right here — a family.”
Chaerin broke down, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Mr. Paul (concerned): “Why are you crying, ?”
Chaerin: “Because Leni is such a good girl. I’ve never met someone like her… except maybe my old friends back home.”
Mr. Paul: “Indeed… she’s a rare soul.”
Leni: “It’s nothing special, sir. I’m just following what’s written in the Scriptures. But sister, you mentioned your hometown — you’re not from America, right?”
Chaerin: “Yeah… right. Actually, I’m from Japan. From Shibuya.”
Mr. Paul: “Oh, that’s wonderful.”
Leni: “Wow, that’s so cool! I thought you looked a little different — Asian. Do you have any pictures of your friends?”
Chaerin nodded and showed her phone. Leni smiled warmly.
Leni: “They’re beautiful, sister. They look like good people.”
Chaerin: “How do you know?”
Leni: “I just feel it. They seem like kind souls… and good friends.”
After a while, Chaerin stood up.
Chaerin: “I think I should go now. Oh, and Leni — tomorrow’s Sunday. I’ll come again. We’ll have a little fellowship here, okay?”
Leni: “Okay, sister. Take care.”
Mr. Paul: “Goodbye, Chaerin. Stay safe.”
Chaerin smiled faintly and left — unaware that darkness was already watching her from a distance.
Chaerin walked toward Derek’s club that evening, holding a small box wrapped neatly in pastel paper. Earlier, Nora had mentioned that Derek was mad — so Chaerin had bought a cake for him on the way, hoping to make peace.
As she entered the club, the dim lights and loud music hit her ears. Derek looked up from his seat and smirked.
Derek: “So you came. Took you long enough.”
Chaerin bowed slightly.
Chaerin: “I’m sorry, Derek. I know it’s late.”
Before he could speak, she held out the cake box.
Chaerin: “Here… I brought this for you.”
Derek frowned, confused.
Derek: “What the heck is this?”
Chaerin: “Please… accept it.”
For a moment, Derek said nothing. He had never received a gift before. Looking at Chaerin’s nervous face, something inside him softened.
Derek (quietly): “Thank you, Chaerin.”
He smiled faintly, placing the cake beside him.
Derek: “So, are you ready? Everything’s set. Take the stamina boost syringe.”
Chaerin lowered her head, her voice trembling.
Chaerin: “Derek… actually, I don’t want to do this anymore. I don’t need the money. You can keep it. I just… can’t do this.”
Derek stared at her — even though he was known as cruel, something about her words struck him. He sighed, almost pitying her.
Just then, one of the producers stormed out of a back room.
Producer: “Hey, man! Are you backing out again?”
Derek stood up.
Derek: “Sorry, guys. Maybe next time. My client’s having a bad day.”
Producer: “Give her to me then. I’ll make her night unforgettable—”
Before he could finish, Derek grabbed the man’s collar and growled,
Derek: “I said next time.”
The producer froze. His arrogance faded instantly.
Producer: “Alright, alright… we’re leaving.”
When they were gone, Chaerin whispered softly,
Chaerin: “… Derek. Thank you… for protecting me.”
Derek: “Don’t thank me, Chaerin. I just… couldn’t stand it. I lost my sister once — brain cancer. Her dream was to become a baker.”
Chaerin’s eyes softened, tears forming.
Derek: “When you handed me that cake, it reminded me of her. For a moment… it felt like she was still here.”
Chaerin smiled sadly.
Chaerin: “I’m sorry, Derek… truly.”
As she was about to leave, Derek called out,
Derek: “Chaerin… how’s Leni?”
Chaerin: “She’s doing well.”
He looked down, conflicted. Then, in a low voice —
Derek: “Chaerin, come here. There’s something you need to know.”
Chaerin hesitated, then slowly stepped closer. Derek reached out and held her trembling hands.
Chaerin: “Derek… why are you holding my hands?”
Derek: “Because you need to listen carefully.”
Chaerin nodded silently.
Derek: “It wasn’t Leni who betrayed you. It was Erika…. She framed her. I gave her the photos and videos”
Chaerin’s eyes widened. Her heart felt like it stopped beating.
Chaerin: “What… what are you talking about? That can’t be true!”
Derek: “It is. I swear on my sister’s grave. Think, Chaerin — didn’t Leni ever tell you about the five people who hurt her?”
Chaerin: “She… she mentioned it once, but never told me who.”
Derek: “Then you should know now. The five people are Erika, Nora, Ron, me… and—”
Chaerin (shaking): “And who? Who is it?!”
Derek (hesitant): “And Ricky. Your boyfriend.”
The words hit Chaerin like a storm. Her knees nearly gave out.
Chaerin (sobbing): “Leni… I’m sorry. You were right… all along…”
Derek: “Yes, she was. She tried to protect you.”
Chaerin (furious): “Then why did you lie?! Why didn’t you tell me before?!”
Derek: “Because I was scared… Erika controls everything. She even hacked your account — every dollar you made went straight to her.”
Chaerin’s tears turned into rage.
Chaerin: “Why is she like this? Why… Erika?”
Derek (shaking his head): “Because she’s not human, Chaerin.
She’s something darker. I wish… we were never part of The Garden.”
Chaerin: “The Garden? What does that even mean?”
Derek looked into her eyes — his voice cracked as he whispered,
Derek: “The Garden… it’s Eden. The place where sin was born, where the first bite was taken. And Erika… she’s the serpent.”
Chaerin froze, her breath trembling. The entire truth unraveled in front of her — every illusion shattered.
Chaerin (in disbelief): “Then I’ll bite that apple… and destroy it myself.”
Derek smiled weakly through his tears.
Derek: “I’m sorry, Chaerin. And tell Leni… I’m sorry too. My time’s coming soon.”
Chaerin wiped her tears and looked at him with compassion.
Chaerin: “Just like Leni forgave me… I forgive you, Derek.”
Derek covered his face, sobbing uncontrollably. As Chaerin walked out of the club, she looked up at the night sky — cold wind brushing her hair.
Chaerin (whispering): “What have I done… Erika, I will never… ever forgive you.”
The city lights flickered. Somewhere far away, the serpent smiled.
