Her clothes were simple but carefully arranged. A long, thin black cloth wrapped around her body, hugging her curves like it was made to fit, though clearly, it wasn't stitched like a modern dress. Another piece, thicker like a knitted sweater, was wrapped around her shoulders and breasts, covering from her neck down to just below her breasts, layered tightly like armour made of fabric.
A third cloth, wider and heavier, was tied around her waist like a skirt, hanging just past her knees.
Her arms were bare from the elbow to the wrist, and the same from her knees to her feet. Her smooth, deep brown skin stood out against the black fabric, and under the soft glow of the crystals above, she looked calm... confident... and quietly beautiful.
Jinhwan paused for a second just enough to take it in. Then he took a few steps forward, running a hand through his still-damp hair.
"Where's your brother?" Jinhwan asked, adjusting his sleeves as he stepped up beside Koko. "I didn't even notice when he placed the clothes back."
Koko looked at him, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"He's always like that, quiet. He doesn't like being around others much. He's probably already asleep in his room."
She brushed her silver hair back from her face, tucking the loose strands behind her ear. The light caught in her eyes for a moment, calm and silver like moonlight.
Jinhwan watched her for a second before stepping in front of her, keeping a bit of distance between them.
"Can I ask you something?" His voice was steady, but his eyes were focused, sharp.
"Sure. What is it?"
"When I first arrived in this world," he began, "I saw something from the hill.... looked like walls. I'm not sure what exactly it was, but it was huge, almost like a city. Do you know anything about that place?"
Koko tilted her head slightly, thinking. "Hmm.. from the way you describe it, it must be the main city. That's the only place I know that has walls. Tall ones, surrounding the entire place."
She looked back at him curiously.
"Why do you ask? Are you planning to go there?"
Jinhwan didn't answer right away. Instead, he turned and started walking slowly through the village, hands casually in his pockets. The soft sound of his footsteps blended with the faint rustling of leaves and distant splashes from the water.
"How long would it take to get there?" he asked over his shoulder.
Koko followed behind him, her steps light.
"If you walk nonstop, probably a full day."
Jinhwan nodded, eyes scanning the quiet village as they moved past glowing trees, monkeys gathered near the lake, and the soft purple light that lit their path like dusk frozen in time.
"Can you pack me some fruits and water?" Jinhwan asked as he reached the slope that led out of the underground village. "I want to head to that city."
Koko's expression shifted.
"You want to leave?" she asked, stepping forward quickly. "But it's not safe out there. I know you're strong... but still, it's dangerous."
She reached out and gently grabbed his right arm, stopping him.
Jinhwan halted at the feeling of her touch. He turned his head, eyes calm.
"I need to find that princess and get back to my world," he said. "So it doesn't matter. I can't stay here forever."
Koko looked into his blue eyes for a few silent seconds. Then she spoke softly, but firmly.
"Then I'm coming with you. I'm a healer. I'll be useful to you out there."
"And why would you do that?" Jinhwan asked, watching her closely.
"You helped my village. You freed us.. saved us from being slaves. This is the least I can do to repay you."
Her voice was calm, steady, like always, controlled.
Jinhwan stared at her for a moment longer, then nodded.
"Sure, why not. Having a healer with me is an advantage." He turned toward the slope. "I'll wait up there. Pack what you need, some food and water. We leave soon."
With that, Jinhwan climbed the path toward the surface. Once he reached the top, he sat down on a large rock, the wind brushing past his face.
The world above was quiet. Crimson skies stretched endlessly over the dead land. Cold wind slipped across the cracked earth, slapping lightly at his cheeks as he stared out at the lifeless horizon.
If I remember correctly, I had a board meeting scheduled with the other members... but since Mr. Park is the one overseeing my work, I'm sure he'll handle it like always.
Seyoung must be worried.. and Suhyeon..
She's probably blaming Seyoung for my absence. Those two really don't get along.
A small smile tugged at Jinhwan's lips.
Miss Cha and Uncle Joon must be out looking for me. I told her I'd be home in ten minutes, and now it's been three days.
I did hear that time runs differently in a gate. If I remember right... one hour on Earth equals twenty-four hours inside Once gate.
So, if I've been here three days... that's just about three hours back on Earth. That's good.
He let out a quiet breath, still staring at the dead horizon.
Even so.. I can already imagine Miss Cha scolding Uncle Joon for not picking me up after school.
"It's heavy," came a sweet voice from the slope. It was Koko.
As she stepped up onto the surface, the wind gently catching her hair, Jinhwan turned to see her carrying a few things. In one hand, she held a bundle of black fruits wrapped tightly in a cloth, tied at the top like a makeshift carry bag. Slung over her back was a small container made from animal skin; the way it jiggled with her steps made it clear that there was water inside. And in her other hand, something was carefully wrapped in another cloth.
Jinhwan stood up from the rock and walked over to her, reaching out casually.
"I'll take that."
Jinhwan reached out and grabbed the fruit bundle from her hand.
He glanced at her, his tone a bit more serious now. "I'll ask you again… You sure you wanna come with me? Don't expect me to save you if we run into something strong."
Koko looked up at him, her silver eyes steady. A soft smile curved her lips.
"I'm not as weak as you think," she said, brushing a bit of dust off her skirt. "I can take care of myself."
Jinhwan gave a small nod, satisfied with her answer. He shifted the weight of the bundle in his hand and looked out at the vast empty terrain.
"So, which direction?" Jinhwan looked her back.
Koko turned, raised her left hand, and pointed toward the rocky side of the surface, where jagged hills clawed against the crimson sky.
[Episode 35 End]