Mu-ryeong’s Spirit

Both of them instinctively turned to Hwan-young at the same time—Mu-ryeong out of habit, Seung-joo out of sheer bewilderment. It was surprising enough that Hwan-young had inserted himself into their conversation, but the fact that he was interested in something as trivial as their childhood friendship? That was unexpected. Even Hwan-young himself seemed caught off guard by his own words, his lips pressing shut a second too late.

"Yeah, our families have always been close."

Mu-ryeong responded casually, resuming his meal. It was the same automatic answer he gave every time someone asked about his relationship with Seung-joo. Taking large bites of food, he finally acknowledged Seung-joo’s awkward glances and added another comment.

"He knows I’m an exorcist."

"…Hey."

Startled, Seung-joo nudged Mu-ryeong with his elbow. He had no idea what had prompted Mu-ryeong to blurt that out so suddenly, but it was throwing him off completely. A rumor that Mu-ryeong could see ghosts was one thing, but outright admitting he was an exorcist? That was messy.

"What the hell are you saying in a place like this—"

"Can he see ghosts too?"

Hwan-young’s abrupt question cut him off. Seung-joo was the only one startled—again. There was something unnerving about the way Hwan-young’s voice lowered, making it sound even more ominous. Seung-joo scowled, rubbing his arms instinctively.

"Do I look like I can? Ugh, just thinking about it is awful."

From childhood to now, Seung-joo had always considered himself lucky that he couldn’t see ghosts. He wasn’t like Kim Mu-ryeong, with his iron nerves, nor did he have the thrill-seeking tendencies of Mu-ryeong’s older siblings. He just wanted to live a normal, regular life.

"Is that so?"

Hwan-young murmured, his gaze shifting elsewhere. Then, as if it were nothing, he added,

"I can see them."

"…."

Fantastic. Just what Seung-joo didn’t want to know. And if that wasn’t enough, Hwan-young casually jerked his chin toward the empty seat beside Seung-joo and said,

"And there’s one sitting right next to you."

"Wow… I really didn’t need to hear that."