Transformation or Death

Chapter 160

While Nameless (2)

Joo Ah-yoon didn’t show her face until Yoon Seol-hwa was discharged. Of course, since Seol-hwa’s hospitalization was mostly due to fatigue, the period wasn’t long, but it was unusual for Joo Ah-yoon , who wasn’t particularly busy, to not visit Yoon Seol-hwa, with whom she was close.

After Yoon Seol-hwa’s discharge, she went to Baekho Café after a long time to see Joo Ah-yoon. After several days, Joo Ah-yoon ‘s face looked quite haggard and sharp. The makeup she deliberately applied heavily to hide her young face looked especially fierce today.

“Sister, you’re crazy.”

This is what Joo Ah-yoon said as soon as she saw Yoon Seol-hwa. Crazy. Not even a question. It was an expression that seemed already confirmed.

An expression full of displeasure.

“Where have you been hiding our employee all this time?”

She immediately complained to the returned Han Jae-jung with irritation, but ultimately got nothing. Han Jae-jung, with an almost stubborn attitude, said to hear this situation from Yoon Seol-hwa. It was too righteous to be called passing the buck.

How could one think he’s avoiding it because he’s too lazy to talk to someone who’s apologizing so deeply? She must be very sorry.

No, she should be sorry. After saying they were colleagues, saying they were in the same boat, how could there be so many hidden things.

‘Damn really, I must be a bodhisattva.’

Joo Ah-yoon swallowed a bitter laugh at herself for forgiving even after all this.

This probably means Yoon Seol-hwa’s responsibility is much greater in this situation. Guilt accompanies sin. With Seol-hwa’s personality, the guilt won’t be small.

Punishment is needed to resolve guilt.

The reason Han Jae-jung didn’t tell Joo Ah-yoon about the situation was probably because he wanted Yoon Seol-hwa to tell the story directly and let Joo Ah-yoon choose what punishment to give.

Strictly speaking, this is a conflict between Yoon Seol-hwa and Joo Ah-yoon. It’s best for them to resolve it themselves.

“You know what, sister. What are you trying to do?”

Joo Ah-yoon frowned after letting out a deep sigh.

“Sister, I understand you wanted to escape from work for a while.”

Joo Ah-yoon guessed their absence was an escape.

“But you shouldn’t have involved brother too. Making him go ghost for days without contact. He was even a patient then? No matter how mentally difficult it was, you could have at least said something...”

While the result was correct, the motivation was wrong.

“Yeah, you could have at least told me. Is that all our relationship amounts to? Am I, am I always going to be an outsider between you and brother? Besides, you know brother works here. Even putting aside personal relationships, there’s no reason for me to be ignored, right?”

Joo Ah-yoon spat out words as if releasing built-up resentment.

“Why am I the only one left out... No, treated like an outsider. You knew I hate being ignored. But why only me... Again only me...”

She didn’t use swear words because she didn’t want this to be misunderstood as mere angry venting and lose persuasiveness, and because her affection for Yoon Seol-hwa hadn’t cooled yet.

“Am I forever an outsider and outcast? Because we couldn’t be close since childhood?”

Joo Ah-yoon doesn’t wanted denial. She just wanted Yoon Seol-hwa to apologize and say it won’t happen again. That alone could have erased all this anger.

“It’s been over ten years since I started hanging out with your family. I was the one who nursed you when brother disappeared, and I’ve comforted you so many times! Even though I was having a hard time too! But because you... because you were having a harder time, I’ve endured until now. But now I’m not needed anymore?”

She recalled their secret meeting that Haru mentioned. Reconciliation. Well, it wasn’t strange. They both seemed to have remaining affection for each other, and their separation was due to circumstances rather than each other.

“Am I in the way now?”

Her last words finally mixed with tears after holding back for so long.

“...Joo Ah-yoon , that’s not true.”

Yoon Seol-hwa approached her and held her hands.

“That’s absolutely... Not true. You’re still my precious sister. My beloved sister who I wouldn’t trade for anything.”

“...Sister.”

“Joo Ah-yoon , don’t ever say such things again. You’re like family to me... No, you are family. So don’t say such things...”

The cold touch gradually became warmer. Yoon Seol-hwa’s body easily takes on others’ influence. Joo Ah-yoon ‘s body temperature, warmed by tears, embraced her.

“...I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have ignored you.”

Indeed, this person never changes. Kind, beautiful, and pure – she. No matter how much time passes, she never changes. She who saved me from days of torment. She’s different from others. She neither ignores me nor says I’m unnecessary. Always beautiful, just like back then.

Joo Ah-yoon looked at Yoon Seol-hwa’s eyes and drew a gentle curve on her lips.

“Sister....”

“It’s all my fault. I’m sorry.”

Clear and innocent eyes. Eyes more blue and transparent than pieces of permafrost slowly created ripples in Joo Ah-yoon’s heart.

“Mmm, no, it’s okay....”

“It’s all my fault that I kidnapped and confined Jae-jung....”

“What?”

Did I hear that wrong?

“Can you say that again?”

“It’s my fault that I kidnapped and confined Jae-jung....”

“What the fuck, isn’t this bitch crazy?!!”

But Han Jae-jung hides and covers up anything that might harm her. So she won’t know. Like parents who don’t show harmful cartoons or movies to young children.

“Am I getting in the way of your dream, brother?”

Han Jae-jung’s eyes trembled.

“That’s not....”

“...Sorry, I spoke too harshly.”

It was a very malicious question. Asking like this while knowing he would deny it.

She did it on purpose. She wanted him to deny it, hearing those words would help her feel a bit more at ease.

“...Let’s work.”

In the quiet stillness, only the scent of coffee wafting through the quiet cafe filled the void.

***

Ippotranslation

***

Even in the night’s silence, this unique scent didn’t fade. Now truly alone, Han Jae-jung sat on the moonlit sofa, drinking alone.

His heart was heavy. He hadn’t wanted Joo Ah-yoon to be hurt like this.

He knows. It’s a hypocritical attitude. It’s selfish to wish for someone’s happiness while keeping secrets from them.

But this secret isn’t an ordinary problem. It’s about lifespan, about life itself. Above all, it’s about future goals. The fact that transforming reduces his lifespan provides enough justification to stop her from acting.

“...Hah.”

Han Jae-jung let out a deep sigh.

“I should... Tell Joo Ah-yoon , right?”

But it’s not something that can be hidden forever either. Sharing secrets could mean gaining more allies.

She might help find a way to solve this lifespan problem with him.

[Have you decided?]

“Yes, I’ll tell her.”

Tomorrow right away. No, even now if necessary.

Maybe it was the courage borrowed from alcohol. Han Jae-jung chose now. He sent a message to Joo Ah-yoon through the belt.

“I have something to tell you. Come to the Cafe now.”

After waiting a few minutes, the door chimed open.

“Is it here?”

“Yes, it is.”

But it wasn’t Joo Ah-yoon who came, but two villains.

“Why are you two here....”

The Sagittarius and Compass villains. Those villains he was indebted to before.

“...That’s what I want to ask.”

The Archer turned his head and asked.

“Jason! Is this the right place?”

“Y-yes, this is right! Why are you suddenly getting angry and making a fuss?”

While this odd confrontation continued.

Once again, the door chimed from behind.

“Brother? What’s wrong! W-why did you suddenly....”

She was panting as if she had run here urgently, and looked around the Cafe.

“Ah.”

Clatter. Her phone fell from her hand.

“I-I see... Brother is now telling me....”

“What?”

“That you’ve found new colleagues.... *sob*”

Slowly, her voice became wet with tears.

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