Chapter 8

The reason Baek Yeo-hyeon’s mother had gone silent after picking up the phone—

So that was why.

‘I was worrying about completely different things… I’m such an idiot.’

This is why the subconscious can be so frightening.

The only fortunate thing was that Baek Yeo-hyeon’s mother hadn’t immediately interrogated Heo Na-rim on the spot.

Just imagining what nonsense she might have blurted out in a panic made her shiver.

“That’s strange.”

Na-rim awkwardly agreed. Thankfully, Heo Na-ryeon didn’t seem to notice anything amiss.

“So… what are you going to do now? You said you owed them a debt, so weren’t you going to get married anyway?”

“It was a marriage I never wanted in the first place. When I said I was upset about them hiding the fact that he was adopted, they apologized.”

She went on, saying that even if they found Baek Yeo-hyeon, they probably wouldn’t bring up marriage again.

Na-rim slowly nodded. Na-ryeon, staring at her in silence, cautiously opened her mouth.

“I actually thought Baek Yeo-hyeon might have come looking for you.”

“What?”

“If he liked you, that would’ve been the right thing to do.”

Could there really be a “right answer” to human behavior?

Na-rim wanted to deny it, but she couldn’t—because it was true that he had come looking for her. So she chose silence instead.

She was too tired to make excuses or tell lies anymore. She was sure Baek Yeo-hyeon’s family, already suspicious, would interrogate her soon enough.

‘Should I ask my sister for help right now?’

Her sister, being a lawyer, knew much more than she did and might be able to resolve the situation. But judging from their conversation just now, her sister would likely just pin all the blame on Baek Yeo-hyeon.

That way, she’d be safe. And the dead couldn’t speak, which made things easier to deal with.

The living have to survive.

When Na-rim was a child, crying that she missed their mother, Na-ryeon had sternly told her about death. It felt more like a warning to never look for her mother again—so she never did.

“Something on your mind?”

Na-ryeon reached out and cupped Na-rim’s cheek. The genuine concern in her eyes made Na-rim feel like she might cry.

But Na-rim shook her head.

“No, I’m fine.”

Even if Baek Yeo-hyeon had been wrong, he was still someone she loved. She hadn’t even come to terms with his death yet—she didn’t want to dump all the blame on him.

Na-ryeon’s face showed frustration at Na-rim’s denial. But perhaps deciding there was no point in pressing right now, she let out a small sigh.

“All right. I’ll take you home, so rest well today. Should I make you something to eat?”

“It’s fine, I don’t have an appetite. I’ll just order delivery later.”

Afraid Na-ryeon might come inside, Na-rim quickly refused. Na-ryeon puffed her cheeks in displeasure.

“Unnie.”

Na-rim called to her as they walked together.

“Yeah?”

“You really didn’t like Yeo-hyeon?”

“Right. I just thought he had good conditions, so marrying him wouldn’t be bad—that’s all.”

“Then why…”

Why didn’t you stop when you knew I was his girlfriend, when you knew it would hurt me?

She wanted to ask. Though she wasn’t sure what answer she was hoping for.

“Na-rim-ah.”

As if sensing the unspoken question, Na-ryeon cut her off. Maybe it was just Na-rim’s sensitivity, but…

“If anything happens at home, call me. I’ll come right away.”

Na-ryeon had always worried about her living alone in an old house. Maybe she was still unsettled about that scream.

When they had first come to see the house together, Na-ryeon had frozen as soon as she saw it. Na-rim had turned down a perfectly fine officetel to live here, so it was understandable.

‘She was really against it at first.’

Na-rim had never seen her so worked up. She’d been adamant, saying “Absolutely not.” But this place was close to work and the best option among the listings nearby.

Na-rim had been stubborn too, and eventually Na-ryeon had given in.

She’d always been the one to let Na-rim win.

‘Maybe this is better anyway.’

Na-rim still didn’t know what that muttered comment had meant.

“Mm. Don’t worry, nothing’s going to happen.”

At her reply, Na-ryeon nodded.

Na-rim declined the offer to be walked home and went alone.

“…”

When she arrived at her front door, Na-rim froze mid-motion. The little ghost peeked its head out in curiosity.

A yellow sticky note was stuck where her body had been blocking the view.

Your house is way too noisy. If you’re going to secretly keep a pet, at least train it properly! Cause noise one more time and I’ll report you.

Noise.

And a pet?

Na-rim hurried inside. Without taking off her shoes, she rushed straight to the laundry room.

“No way…”

The basement door, blocked by the washing machine, was open—just a crack, but definitely more than before.

Too small for a person to fit through, but still… different from the first time.

She suddenly remembered the neighbor who had complained about loud noises late at night while she was on duty. And her face went pale.

Could the sounds all this time have been from the person in that basement?

They had been trying to get out, without her even knowing. The realization made her skin prickle.

I should report this.

But that was ridiculous—in her current situation, she couldn’t.

Still, she couldn’t just ignore it and go on living here. Now that she knew, how could she sleep peacefully?

I can’t turn away from this.

Na-rim steeled herself.

[Na-rim-ah?]

The little ghost called her name, sensing her determined expression. His voice was tinged with worry.

Without answering, Na-rim went to the bedroom. She opened the wardrobe and pulled out a metal baseball bat from the back.

It was a self-defense gift from Baek Yeo-hyeon, back when she’d been living alone.

[Why are you taking that out?]

Ignoring him, Na-rim moved toward the side table by her bed.

The ghost’s eyes widened in surprise.

[…You had something like that?]

A stun gun.

It was another self-defense item—this one from Na-ryeon. She’d been too embarrassed to even tell Baek Yeo-hyeon about it.

The little ghost stared as Na-rim strapped it securely to her wrist.

[You’re going to the basement? No! You don’t even know who’s down there!]

By now, he had clearly figured out her destination. He spread his short arms wide, blocking the laundry room entrance.

Na-rim tried to keep from limping as she said coldly,

“Move.”

[I can’t. It’s dangerous. You can’t even run properly right now.]

“Then what do you want me to do? Whoever’s down there is clearly planning to come out any time—what if they attack while I’m sleeping?”

The only relief was that the intruder was a human. And a woman.

Still terrifying, of course—but she wouldn’t show fear in front of this ghost.

“I can’t even call the police right now. If no one can protect me, I have to protect myself.”

That goes for you too, she added. For some reason, he looked shocked—like it had never occurred to him that he might be a threat to her.

It was almost funny. He was the most unnatural and dangerous thing here.

“I can’t trust someone who won’t even reveal their identity. To me, you’re dangerous too.”

She placed her hands on the washing machine. It wouldn’t budge—surprisingly heavy.

The ghost silently watched, then shuffled forward barefoot. His trembling little hand clutched at her pants leg.

[…I’ll tell you.]

His voice was so small, she almost missed it.

[So don’t do anything dangerous… I don’t want to see you in danger anymore.]

His voice was choked with tears. It sounded so much like Baek Yeo-hyeon when he used to hold onto her.