Was he happy, that no one would threat and torture him anymore? Or was he mad, that
Joonjae died too easily, without feeling any suffering first?
He couldn’t decide.
He didn’t think it would matter anymore. He had nothing to do with him anymore.
Or so he thought.
When he woke up the next morning, the tooth was gone. And there was a thumb. With blood
still dripping from the gaping wound, the pale bone and red flesh were visible, the skin was
rigged and torn like it was being bitten off by a beast.
He got what he wished for.
Chills crept down his spine. His hands trembled. His heart thumped wildly.
But why?
Why now? Why did they grant my wish days later? Why after Joonjae died—
Realization struck Jihoon. He finally understood now. He finally saw the horrifying truth. Of
why the shoes were old and full of dust. Of why there was a mysterious initial. Of why he got
Joonjae’s thumb, only after he died.
The things they gave in exchange for the teeth, were all coming from the dead.
“Jihoonie, are you up yet? I made you some pancakes—Jihoonie?”
Jihoon was paralyzed with fear, too terrified to answer. Seungcheol quickly reached him,
pulling him into a protective embrace. “It’s okay, Jihoonie, it’s okay.” He stroke Jihoon’s head
tenderly, talking in soft whispers. “You’re okay. You’re safe. I’m here with you.”
Jihoon held onto Seungcheol’s back with shaking hands. He buried his face into Seungcheol’s
shoulder, hugging him as tightly as he could, trying to take as much comfort as he could get
from his brother.
“I’m sorry, Hyung...” Jihoon said in a raspy voice. He could hear Seungcheol’s smile in the
way he caressed his back gently. “You have nothing to apologize for, Jihoonie.”
But he did.
He should’ve kept his promise. He should have never asked for anything. He shouldn’t have
wished for anything. As he leaned himself closer to his brother, he repeated those words.