"Yurim! Does this color look good on me?" Mira asked excitedly.
"Yes… you look really beautiful," Yurim praised her softly.
"My granddaughter is always pretty," Grandfather smiled warmly.
"Don't forget to bring me the tea leaves and herbs," he said to Mira.
"Yes, Grandfather," Mira nodded.
They headed toward the door—
"Wait!" Mira suddenly stopped.
"What happened?" Yurim asked.
Mira leaned closer and whispered,
"I think… Yurim, you shouldn't come with us."
Yurim's eyes widened. "Why?"
"You know the market will be crowded," Mira said in a worried tone.
"What if someone recognizes your scent? It would be very risky for you."
The realization hit Yurim like cold water.
Her eyes widened, then slowly dropped to the ground.
"Yes… you're right."
She stole a glance at Rian.
Rian met her eyes, his expression serious, as if already thinking of a solution.
Mira hesitated, then said,
"I remember something. It might feel suffocating for you… but this is the only way to keep you safe in the market."
---
An hour later…
"The wind is really gentle… the grass looks like it's glowing," Mira smiled, swinging her legs happily.
Rian glanced at the long grass swaying softly.
They walked along a thin path, surrounded by golden fields and calm wind.
Cough—
"The scent of this perfume… or whatever this is… it's really strong," Yurim coughed.
"I'm sorry, Yurim," Mira smiled awkwardly, stepping a little farther away.
"We didn't have any other option."
"I don't mind," Yurim smiled, eyes bright.
"I'm just excited to see what a monster market looks like!"
"I'm happy too," Mira said softly.
"I haven't visited the market in decades."
Yurim's excitement doubled. She brushed her fingers through the tall grass, humming a random tune.
"Fool," Rian whispered, shaking his head in amusement.
---
"The market looks crowded," Yurim muttered.
But before she could see it clearly, Mira suddenly grabbed both their hands and pulled them forward.
"Look!" Mira said excitedly.
"These tiny statues—people and animals! I've always wanted to buy them."
"This rabbit looks like me," Mira laughed.
"Welcome to my shop," the shopkeeper said cheerfully.
"Here, you'll find faces that may resemble you—or animals."
"Really?" Yurim asked, eyes lighting up.
"Ye—"
The shopkeeper suddenly covered his nose, wincing at the strong scent.
"Yes," he finished quickly.
Then Yurim's gaze stopped at an angry-looking statue with a strange hairstyle.
"That one looks exactly like you," Yurim leaned toward Rian, pointing.
Rian glanced at it, unimpressed.
"You look just like that statue right now," Yurim laughed.
Suddenly—
"Hey, lady! Move away!" a woman snapped.
"Your perfume is making my child sick!"
She showed her dizzy child.
Yurim froze.
"I'm so—"
"We're sorry," Mira quickly stepped in, holding Yurim's hand and pulling her away.