She stood up slowly, watching me after my last statement, her eyes filled with a mix of fear, disbelief, and something deeper—acceptance.
"Jina… who were those people that came to the house?" my mother asked quietly.
"Mother," I called, standing up too. My voice trembled but my heart was firm.
"My father—your husband—was killed because of an investigation related to my school."
"Mother, people like those ones are all over my school," I continued. "They are killing innocent people. Hiding in human bodies. And… I am the only one who can see them for what they truly are."
She pulled me into her arms tightly.
"And I am the only one who can stop them," I whispered. "With this power."
She stroked my hair slowly.
"To awaken this power," she said softly, "you need to learn how to use it. According to your grandfather, you need a sabumnim—a master—to guide you."
I looked up at her.
"After that," she continued, "you can fully awaken the power with the sword your grandfather kept for you in Busan."
"So… how do I meet this sabu—"
"Sabumnim," she corrected gently.
"They are rare. But when the time comes, I will make some calls. We will meet one."
"But mother," I said urgently, "what time do we even have? Your life is already in danger."
"They won't come again, at least not immediately," she replied. "
And they don't want you dead."
I said looking at her
She frowned. "Then why—"
She said looking at me
"They want me," I said firmly. "If they can't get me, they'll use you to draw you out."
The truth of my words sank deep into her chest.
"Which is why," I said, gripping her hands, "you need to leave this house."
She stared at me. "To where?"
"To somewhere safe. Somewhere far from here."
"Jina—"
"If you don't leave," I said, tears rising, "I won't go back to school."
She was silent for a long time.
"Yangdong," I finally said. "Go to your mother's village."
Her eyes widened. "That's very far."
"I know. That's why it's safe."
"What about you?" she asked, her voice cracking.
"Don't worry about me," I said quickly. "I've made friends. And I'll come when I can. Please… I don't want anyone knowing where you are."
I held her hands tightly, pleading.
After a long moment, she nodded.
"I'll go this weekend."
"No," I said, shaking my head. "Tomorrow. Please."
Tears rolled down my cheeks.
"Mother… please."
She sighed deeply and pulled me into a hug.
"Okay, Jina. I'll do as you say."
Relief flooded me.
I rushed to help her pack. She watched me quietly, her eyes never leaving my face. That night, I didn't sleep. I stayed beside her, listening to her breathing, afraid that if I closed my eyes, something terrible would happen.
At exactly 6 a.m., I woke her.
"Mother, the taxi is coming. Please get up."
She smiled weakly and went to bathe. I prepared everything quickly. When the taxi arrived, I loaded her bags myself.
She turned to me before getting in.
"Jina."
"Yes, mother."
She hugged me tightly. "Please be careful."
"I will," I said softly. "Just… go."
I gently guided her into the taxi.
"Driver, please be careful," I said.
The car drove off. I stood there waving long after it disappeared.
I locked the house carefully, took another taxi, and returned to school.
Everything looked normal—but I knew better now.
I went straight to my room and checked the time. Two hours had passed.
I called her.
"Yes, Jina," she answered. "We're still on the road."
I nodded, though she couldn't see me.
Jan burst into the room moments later.
"Jina! Where have you been?" she asked, hugging me.
"I had to handle something at home," I said.
She studied my face. "You sure you're okay?"
"Yes," I lied gently.
She smiled. "Come on, let's eat."
At the cafeteria, she chatted happily, but my mind was far away. After five hours, I couldn't take it anymore.
I needed to call my mother.
Somewhere safe.
The tree.
I excused myself and rushed there, dialing immediately.
"Mother?"
"Yes, Jina. I've arrived. I'm with your grandmother."
I exhaled in relief. "Okay. I'll call later."
I ended the call.
"You know you need permission before using this place."
My heart jumped.
I looked up.
Raven.
"I didn't even check—"
"I know," he said calmly. "I covered the sound. No one heard."
I swallowed.
"But remember," he added, smiling faintly, "this only works when I'm around."so be careful for next time
Then he left from the tree.
I stood there quietly before returning to the cafeteria.
Jan was gone.
I sat alone, calm for the first time.
At least… my mother was safe.
And for now, that was enough.