Between Words

The next morning, Eun‑ha walked slowly through the school hallways, still lost in thoughts about the conversation with Joo‑seon the night before. Something about that book had stirred something deep inside her.

Joo‑seon was waiting for her as usual, by the garden bench. But this time, he didn’t smile when he saw her. He held the book close to his chest, as if it were something precious he needed to protect.

— You really brought it… — she said with a small smile.

— I said I would, didn’t I? — he replied.

---

The memory of last night still lingered:

— “Hey Eun‑ha?

— Joo‑seon?

— It’s about my book. You have to see it.”

---

Now, there they were. The two headed to the library and sat in a secluded corner near the window.

Joo‑seon placed the book carefully between them. The cover was old and worn.

— This looks… strange. — she murmured.

— Yeah. But I couldn’t stop reading. — Joo‑seon answered, eyes fixed on the pages.

When Eun‑ha opened it, she saw handwritten words in almost faded ink.

— “When a soul is lost between life and death, it takes form in a feline…” — she read softly — It sounds like a legend...

She smiled, then stopped at a page with a date scribbled in the corner: September 17, 1997.

— That date! It’s the day my stepfather met my mother. — she murmured, smiling.

— Really? — Joo‑seon replied.

Before they could go on, a voice interrupted:

— A romantic reading for two?

A tall boy leaned against a nearby shelf. His light-brown hair was messy, his eyes feline and provocative. His shirt was half unbuttoned, giving off the vibe of someone born to cause trouble.

— Ji‑hwan… — Eun‑ha sighed, already familiar with the guy.

— Feeling jealous? — she replied without blinking.

— Wow, calm down, princess… I just came to find a book. — he said with a smirk — But if you need company, I can hold the candle.

Joo‑seon said nothing. He just looked aside and closed the book with a soft snap, like the contents mattered more than replying to a taunt.

After that brief exchange of jabs, Eun‑ha and Joo‑seon tried to continue reading, but Ji‑hwan’s presence loomed like a cloud.

— Just ignore him. He acts like that with everyone. — Eun‑ha murmured.

— Still... — Joo‑seon sighed, closing the book gently. — Can we read it another day?

She nodded, still curious but understanding. They gently tucked the book into his backpack and left the library together.

---

At lunch, Min‑ha joined the table where Eun‑ha was sitting. Ji‑hwan, seated not too far away, shot them a teasing glance.

— So, the mystical trio: a black cat, a little witch, and a… monk? — he laughed to himself before getting up and walking away.

— Did that guy just call me a monk?

— Someone should check that ego. — Min‑ha shrugged. — He’s too handsome to be humble.

— Unfortunately, he knows that too well. — Eun‑ha replied.

---

The afternoon descended gently over the school courtyard. Classes had ended, and students scattered in hurried groups, backpacks slung and laughter echoing.

— Finally free — Min‑ha sighed dramatically as she stretched. — If I hear one more thing about dynastic wars, I swear I’ll hibernate right in class.

— You were already asleep, Min‑ha — Eun‑ha laughed, gently pulling her friend’s arm.

Joo‑seon walked beside them, the book tightly held. He didn’t say a word, but his eyes felt alert, as if waiting for something to happen.

That’s when, crossing the small school garden, a black cat appeared in their path. Its fur shimmered in the sunlight, and its eyes locked on… Joo‑seon.

He froze. And so did the cat.

— Wow… — Eun‑ha murmured. — So cute.

— Cute? — Min‑ha crossed her arms. — Animals like that only show up when trouble’s on the way, Eun.

The cat didn’t move. Just its tail twitched, as if curious… or waiting.

Joo‑seon stared at the animal for a long moment. There was something off about its gaze. As if it recognized him.

— Have you seen this cat before? — Eun‑ha asked, stepping closer but still cautious.

— No — Joo‑seon whispered. — But it seems like it knows me.

Min‑ha snorted.

— There it is. Officially cursed, Joo‑seon.

The cat took a step forward… then another. It brushed past Joo‑seon’s legs, then darted into the bushes and disappeared.

— There it goes — Min‑ha said, lifting her arms. — Message delivered. Now it’s just a matter of time till you turn into a cat-vampire or something.

Eun‑ha chuckled quietly, glancing at Joo‑seon. He seemed lost in thought. His fingers lingered on the book cover, unconsciously stroking it.

— Are you okay?

— I’m fine… — he murmured. — Just thinking.

Min‑ha rolled her eyes.

— You’re always thinking. That’s the real problem.

Eun‑ha shrugged. Maybe it was true. But how could she turn her mind off after everything they had read?

The rest of the day passed slowly. The sky darkened without anyone noticing, and the world seemed to calm with the arrival of night.

---

Hours later, at home, Joo‑seon lay on his side, eyes fixed on the ceiling. The book remained on his desk, closed… yet it seemed to call to him.

When he finally fell asleep, reality vanished in an instant—and something new began to form.

Joo‑seon dreamed of an empty road. He was alone. Suddenly, a man cloaked in black appeared ahead. You couldn’t see his face. He moved slowly, inching closer, until he was right beside Joo‑seon’s ear.

— It’s almost time... — he whispered.

Joo‑seon tried to speak, but his mouth wouldn’t move. And then...

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