Chapter 19
It was that ghost.
The blond ghost in a military uniform who had appeared by the window before — the one who gave me the dagger and offered cryptic advice.
I did think he might be handsome, even when I only saw the lower half of his face.
Now I can finally see the whole of him.
He has a different kind of masculinity than Dan Seo-hyuk — distinct, well-defined features, lips tightly closed, but instead of seeming cold, he gives off a composed and solemn impression.
His uniform doesn’t look Korean. Unlike the Korean army’s, his is more fitted and formal — almost ceremonial.
That air of dignity combined with his sharp attire gives him an incredible aura. It’s so intense I find it hard to meet his gaze.
If Dan Seo-hyuk is the image of an “eastern beauty,” this man is the archetypal western one.
A ghost that threatens the protagonist with his good looks — was there ever such a character in the original story?
At least not up to the part I’ve read.
If there had been a ghost this handsome, I definitely wouldn’t have forgotten him. Maybe he’s a spirit that shows up later in the series?
Or maybe… he’s not a ghost but a guardian spirit?
But no — his complexion is far too pale, and the touch of his hand on my shoulder feels icy cold.
I thought ghosts could only touch people if they wanted to harm them.
Yet he hasn’t hurt me. His eyes are an unnaturally vivid red as he looks down at me.
Hmm.
Given that his presence sends chills down my spine, I suppose he really is a ghost.
Still… he just saved me, didn’t he?
The pale hand that had been reaching toward me froze the moment the blond ghost appeared.
That could only mean one thing —
protection.
But why?
Before I could make sense of it, that pale hand began creeping into my bag — slithering, like a snake. The sight made my skin crawl.
“……”
When the hand vanished, silence filled the room.
<‘tkffuwntpdy’ has left the chatroom.>
Ran off even from the chat. Quick on their feet, huh.
Wait — does that mean this blond ghost is actually dangerous?
Gulp.
My nerves tighten. Just because he helped me doesn’t mean he’s a good ghost.
[You can stab the doll directly with the dagger.]
…Now that the hand’s gone, can you go back too? I glanced at him hopefully, but the blond ghost spoke again.
[But a human influenced by the ghost will try to stop you.]
A human influenced by a ghost?
“You mean Chae Song-yi?”
No answer.
Is he just going to vanish without a word again?
Panicking, I reached out and grabbed his wrist.
I was worried my hand might go right through him…
Maybe because he touched me first before, the contact felt surprisingly tangible — startlingly real.
“Hey…”
I had to crane my neck to look up at him. He might even be taller than Dan Seo-hyuk.
“Are you… a good ghost?”
Even I knew it was a stupid question. Even if he said yes, it’s not like I should trust that.
But still—
Just like before, I don’t feel scared of him.
The blond ghost lowered his gaze to where I was holding his wrist.
[…]
He didn’t pull away, only watched me silently.
[Don’t trust anyone but yourself.]
He said it in a flat tone, expression unreadable.
“Then why did you help me?”
[I didn’t help you.]
“You showed up just when that creepy ghost tried to attack me! And you gave me this before, too!”
I quickly pulled the dagger from my bag and held it up.
“If that other ghost wants this so badly, there must be something special about it, right?”
[Who knows.]
“Liar. If this dagger can exorcise ghosts, then it’s really powerful, isn’t it?”
I fiddled with the blade and muttered under my breath.
“You tell me not to trust anyone, but that’s kind of contradictory, you know.”
[Child.]
The blond ghost drew his arm back from my grip, his motion sharp and final.
[The more reasons you make to justify your trust, the deeper the wound when it breaks.]
He spoke like a teacher scolding a student, his large hand settling briefly on my head — not a pat, just a quiet, weighty touch.
Then, without another word, he disappeared.
I stared blankly at the spot where he’d been moments ago.
“What kind of ghost worries about hurting people’s feelings…”
My complaint lingered in the air for only a moment before fading.
After school.
I met Dan Seo-hyuk and Tak Yeon-ho on the school field.
Seo-hyuk sat beside me on the bleachers, while Yeon-ho sat a step below, turned toward us.
“Guys, I was actually going to ask the community for advice about this!”
His eyes were wide with excitement.
“But get this — there’s someone with the exact same problem! They might be another victim of the cursed doll!”
I took my phone from my pocket, feeling Seo-hyuk’s gaze on me.
“There were a bunch of deleted comments under their post — probably the ones that told them how to solve it! So I messaged them asking to share the method. I’ll tell you as soon as they reply!”
I showed him the screen.
<괴담탁탁박사: MachoKing!! If you heard the solution in a comment, could you please share it? My friend’s really suffering from a haunted doll too! Please!!>
So Yeon-ho had messaged the user “MachoKing.”
Judging by how red his face was getting, he was clearly embarrassed about it.
“‘Sure, I can share it, Dr. Ghost-Story!’ That’s what they said!”
“Ahhh, sorry for calling them a friend without asking first!”
That’s what you’re embarrassed about?
His flustered expression was so adorable I couldn’t help but smile warmly.
So cute — even more like a kid than before.
“What did the reply say?” Seo-hyuk leaned in abruptly.
So impatient.
“Just look together.”
I’d already taken a screenshot of the chat. When I showed it to them, both their eyes stopped on the same line.
“What?” I asked.
“It says not to share this information with anyone else,” Seo-hyuk said.
“Oh!”
“Are you sure it’s okay?” Yeon-ho added, worried.
“…It’ll be fine,” I said slowly.
After all, the ghost already ran off scared once — the blond one made it flee.
And I still had the dagger in my bag.
“Can’t tell if you’re brave or just reckless,” Seo-hyuk muttered, taking the phone to read the message again carefully. His long lashes caught the light as he lowered his eyes.
Are his eyelashes longer than mine? His side profile’s too handsome. Ugh.
As I glared at him, he seemed to notice and looked my way.
Then my gaze accidentally met Yeon-ho’s.
“What?”
“S-sorry!”
He startled and turned his head away so fast it was almost funny.
Now it looks like I was bullying him!
I frowned slightly, and Seo-hyuk spoke up again.
“‘A living thing that can die easily without being killed by artificial means’ — what do you think that refers to?”
“Maybe a plant? If you neglect it, it withers and dies.”
“But isn’t neglecting it still an intentional act?”
“Hmm… maybe not exactly.”
“I think it means the ghost will transfer to whatever you kill on purpose. So they’re warning you not to do that,” Seo-hyuk said, crossing his arms and frowning in thought.
“Still, maybe we should try offering a flower first.”
I nodded in agreement.
“When do you want to try? I’ve never seen a haunted object before — I need to brace myself mentally.”
“Today.”
“So soon?!” Yeon-ho nearly jumped off the steps.
“Isn’t that rushing it?”
“Better than waiting and risking another victim,” Seo-hyuk replied firmly. “Time won’t make it any easier to solve.”
He had a point.
If Yu Chae-song made another wish with that doll, something terrible could happen.
“Who has the keychain now? The friend who got hospitalized?”
Yeon-ho asked, and Seo-hyuk glanced at me.
“Hmm, I think Chae-song still has it,” I said, remembering what happened in class.
Seo-hyuk’s eyes narrowed — like he was silently asking if something else had gone down.
I pretended not to notice and laid out my plan.
The most important thing was to get Chae-song away from the keychain and meet her alone.
“But she probably won’t agree to meet if I call her,” I said, frowning.
“Same for me,” Seo-hyuk said. “That ghost will remember my face.”
He was right — even if Yu Chae-song herself didn’t, the ghost beside her would.
So, naturally, both our gazes turned to Yeon-ho.
“Me? But I barely know this Chae-song girl!”
“That’s why it’ll work!” I said brightly. “She won’t suspect you or be nervous!”
“…What’s that supposed to mean?”
“That our dear Dr. Ghost-Story looks trustworthy and kind, of course!”
“‘Ghost-Story Dr.,’” Seo-hyuk corrected quietly.
Not helping, dude.
“But I don’t have any excuse to call her out,” Yeon-ho said miserably.
We shared a silent look — then Seo-hyuk suggested, “Tell her you want to confess to her.”
“WHAT?! Who confesses in person these days?!”
Yeon-ho’s ears turned bright red as he flailed in panic. Seo-hyuk just tilted his head slightly, genuinely puzzled.
“There are plenty who do,” he said flatly, blinking slowly, as if he couldn’t understand the problem.
He’s not even trying to be smug — that makes it worse!
Yeon-ho looked on the verge of tears, so I patted his shoulder comfortingly.
“Cho-yeon…” he whimpered.
“I’ll give you her number,” I said cheerfully. “So go ahead and text her right now.”
Of course, I still fully intended to make him do it.
His despairing face said it all — poor thing didn’t stand a chance.
