A soft voice came from the doorway.
"I made some tea," a girl said, carrying a small tray. The cups clinked gently as she walked toward them.
"That's my granddaughter, Mira," the old man said lightly, nodding toward her.
Yurim and Rian looked up. Mira seemed to be around their age, her calm eyes curious and observant.
She paused, glancing between them.
"Here, Grandfather," she said, handing him the tea. Then her gaze lingered on Yurim. Her brows knit slightly as she sniffed the air.
"Her scent…" Mira murmured. "She's human."
Yurim's fingers tightened around her clothes.
Unease flickered across her face. Rian noticed but stayed silent, only a faint trace of concern crossing his eyes.
"Yes," the old man replied calmly. "She's human.
And the boy is half-human. They faced trouble in the city and had nowhere else to go."
Mira's expression softened. "Don't worry," she said gently. "We're not like the city monsters. We won't hurt you."
Yurim nodded, her shoulders easing slightly. Rian followed with a brief, hesitant nod.
The old man turned to Yurim. "Tell me, little one. How did you end up here?"
Yurim hesitated, staring at her hands. "I… don't really remember," she said quietly. "I woke up in a classroom… and saw a boy devouring a girl. I ran.
After that… everything became terrible."
Her voice trembled. Rian glanced at her—not with pity, but understanding.
"I almost lost hope of surviving," Yurim continued.
A small, tired smile touched her lips. "But I met a kind monster who helped me live in this world."
Her eyes flicked toward Rian. He quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the table, a faint blush rising to his cheeks.
"He's a good boy," the old man chuckled softly.
Rian gave a polite, restrained smile.
"But why do you live so far from others?" Yurim asked, glancing toward the dark window. "I don't see any nearby houses."
"This is my grandfather's home," Mira replied. "People used to live close by, but because of… a problem, they moved away."
Yurim blinked. "What kind of problem?"
Before Mira could answer, the old man spoke. "It's nothing you need to worry about. Mira never complained, even after everyone left. She stayed strong."
Mira lowered her gaze, a faint smile forming.
The old man patted her head. "She's a good girl."
Yurim smiled warmly. "we'll be friends now." she said.
Mira's eyes brightened. She looked at her grandfather, who nodded.
"It's already night," the old man said. "You should rest. Rian will sleep in my room."
Rian looked uncertain, but didn't object.
"Come," Mira said, grabbing Yurim's hand. "I'll show you my room."
"Woah… the bed is so smooth," Yurim whispered, brushing the blanket. "I think I'll finally sleep peacefully."
"You've been through a lot," Mira said softly, lying beside her. "Sleep well."
"I'm so sleepy…" Yurim murmured, eyes closing.
"Where did you meet Rian?" Mira asked.
"At school," Yurim replied drowsily. "A lot happened after that. I thought he was like the others… but he helped me. He's rude sometimes, but kind."
"He's handsome too," Mira said quietly, a faint blush on her cheeks.
Yurim laughed softly. "It's funny seeing people interested in Rian."
"I was just curious," Mira said quickly. "You're lucky to have a friend like him. I never really had one."
Yurim's smile faded slightly. "You mentioned a problem earlier… why did everyone leave?"
Mira hesitated. "There's a tree near our house. Not very close… but close enough. Grandfather says it hums a melody that lures people."
"Lures them?" Yurim whispered, pulling the blanket closer.
"Once someone goes near it," Mira said softly, "it absorbs their soul and sends it to another world."
"Don't—stop," Yurim said, voice shaking. "That's scary."
Mira giggled lightly. "You're already scared? Don't worry. Tomorrow I'll take you somewhere beautiful nearby."