Cursed Statue (A love between Goddess and Human)

### **Chapter 8: A Morning of Chaos, Secrets, and Laughter**

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**Scene 1: The Morning After**

The soft glow of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains of Yong's apartment, casting golden streaks across the living room. Yong stirred awake on the couch, groaning as he stretched. His body ached from the awkward sleeping position, but it was the chaos of the previous night that lingered in his mind. His back protested from the uncomfortable night, and his hand instinctively reached up to ruffle his disheveled hair.

He sat up, rubbing his temples, He sighed, leaning back and closing his eyes briefly when an unbidden memory struck: Eun Kyung leaning close, her voice soft and drunk, confessing her feelings. And then—the kiss. His hand unconsciously brushed his lips, and his cheeks grew warm.

**Yong (thinking):** *What a night.*

He glances at Eun Kyung and recalls the kiss. His fingers unconsciously touch his lips, and he shakes his head, embarrassed.

**Yong (thinking):** *Get a grip, Yong. She was drunk, Yong. It didn't mean anything. Stop overthinking.*

But deep down, a tiny voice whispered otherwise. Shaking his head, he stood up, The sound of Joo Hyun's snore snapped him back to the present. Yong turned to see his friend sprawled on the floor, an arm over his face, blissfully unaware of the world.

**Yong:** "Lucky guy."

Deciding to distract himself, Yong headed to the kitchen. He grabbed some lemons and started preparing juice, his movements mechanical but his mind racing. As he worked, He glanced toward the hallway leading to the guest room, where Eun Kyung was still sleeping. A pang of curiosity—and concern—stirred within him.

**Yong (thinking):** *Is she okay? Does she remember anything?*

A loud groan from Joo Hyun interrupted his thoughts. Yong walked over,

**Yong:** " Uff!! Finally awake? "

He handed Joo Hyun a glass.

**Yong:** "Here. Drink this. You need it."

**Joo Hyun (squinting at it):** "What's this? Lemon juice? Ugh, you're so responsible. Since when?"

**Yong:** "Since you decided to ruin my couch with your snoring."

Joo Hyun laughed weakly, taking a sip before making a face.

**Joo Hyun:** "What's with the second glass? Ohh!! One second ,Don't tell me—it's for Eun Kyung?"

Yong stiffened,his grip tightening on the glass, but kept his expression neutral.

**Yong:** "She drank too much last night. Someone has to take care of her."

Joo Hyun smirked, his expression full of mischief.

**Joo Hyun:** "Oh, I see how it is. Since when did you start worrying about her so much? Don't tell me you're catching feelings—Admit it, you like her."

**Yong (flatly):** "Stop imagining things and drink your juice."

Joo Hyun burst into laughter, but Yong ignored him, grabbing the second glass and heading toward Eun Kyung's room.

As he approached, his thoughts racing.

**Yong (thinking):** *What's wrong with me? Why do I feel this way? Do I really like her? Nahh!! It's not possible. Why would I like her and also she is not my type. *

He hesitated at her door, the events of the night replaying in his mind. He shook his head, took a deep breath, and knocked softly.

Inside, Eun Kyung stirred, her head pounding like a drum from the aftermath of her drunken escapades. She groaned, sitting up slowly, her hand clutching her forehead.

**Eun Kyung (muttering):** "Why does my head feel like it's about to explode? What happened last night? Why do I feel like I fought a bear?"

She tried to stand but wobbled.As she stood, the room spinning slightly. Just as she stumbled, the door opened, and Yong rushed forward, catching her before she hit the floor. the room swayed, and her legs gave out beneath her. Before she hit the ground, the door swung open, and Yong caught her in his arms.

Yong's heart raced as he looked into her drowsy, confused eyes. For a moment, their faces were inches apart, their eyes locked and time seemed to slow.Yong's heart raced as he looked into her drowsy, confused eyes.

Suddenly Joo Hyun appeared.

**Joo Hyun (popping his head in):** "What's happening here? Should I give you two some privacy?"

The moment shattered as Eun Kyung pulled away quickly, leaning on the wall for support.

**Yong (teasing):** "You really can't walk straight, can you?"

**Eun Kyung (apologetically):** "Sorry… I don't know why my head feels so heavy."

**Joo Hyun (teasing):** "Oh, we know why. It should be. You downed an entire bottle of beer last night!"

**Eun Kyung (horrified):** "What?! I don't remember that!"

Yong handed her the glass of lemon juice.

**Yong:** "Here. Drink this. It'll help."

Eun Kyung took a hesitant sip, her face immediately scrunching up.

Eun Kyung:** "Ugh, so sour!"

**Yong (rolling his eyes):**"Stop complaining and drink it."

Pouting, she finished the glass. Yong's gaze lingered on her cheek, where a faint bruise had formed from the fight. His expression softened.

**Yong (softly):** "Does it hurt?"

Eun Kyung touched his cheek, her eyes widening slightly at his concern. Suddenly a playful smile spread across her lips.

**Eun Kyung:** "Not as much as your blush does."

**Yong (flustered):** "What? I'm not blushing!"

Joo Hyun burst into laughter, and Eun Kyung giggled, her spirits lifting. The lighthearted moment eased the tension, and soon they were teasing each other relentlessly.

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**Scene 2: Breakfast at the Cafe**

After ensuring everyone was ready, Yong, Eun Kyung, and Joo Hyun headed to a nearby cafe for breakfast. The place was bustling with the morning crowd, and the aroma of coffee and freshly baked bread filled the air.

The cozy ambiance and the scent of freshly baked pastries greeted them as they found a corner table.

Eun Kyung's eyes sparkled as the waiter brought their order: a feast of croissants, pancakes, muffins and pastries.

**Eun Kyung (holding up a croissant):** "This is so fluffy! Is it made of clouds?"

**Joo Hyun (mock-seriously):** "Yes, we pluck clouds every morning for breakfast, and we milk unicorns for the butter. Would you like some rainbow jam with that?"

Yong chuckled, shaking his head at their antics.

**Yong:** "You two are ridiculous."

Eun Kyung beamed as she tried each dish, her dramatic reactions drawing amused looks from the other patrons.

**Eun Kyung:** "This pancake is like eating happiness! What kind of sorcery is this?"

**Joo Hyun (teasing):** "It's not sorcery; it's maple syrup."

Yong gaze softening as he watched Eun Kyung marvel at the food like a child.

As they ate, Yong noticed a man seated a few tables away, watching them intently. His eyes narrowed as the man quickly looked away, pretending to be engrossed in his coffee.

**Yong (thinking):** *Who is he?* **Yong (thinking):** *Who is he? Is he watching us?*

He dismissed the thought for the moment, focusing back on the Eun Kyung's lively chatter, though unease lingered.

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**Scene 3: Secrets in the Park**

After breakfast, the trio strolled through a nearby park. The air was crisp, the sun casting dappled shadows through the trees, the sound of birds filled the atmosphere, the cool breeze and the rustling of leaves made for a peaceful setting. Eun Kyung skipped ahead, her energy seemingly endless. Joo Hyun, ever curious, turned to Eun Kyung.

**Joo Hyun:** "So, Eun Kyung, who are your parents?"

**Eun Kyung (matter-of-factly):** "My father is the king of the place where I live, and my mother is the queen of that place."

Joo Hyun's jaw dropped and his eyes lit up with greed as he elbowed Yong.

**Joo Hyun:** "A king's family! We've hit the jackpot! Yong, do you hear this? We're hanging out with royalty!"

**Yong (smirking):** "Don't get too excited."

** Joo Hyun (skeptically):** "Where's your father, then?"

Eun Kyung pointed to the sky.

**Eun Kyung:** "Up there."

Joo Hyun's face fell.

**Joo Hyun (confused):** "Oh… that's sad."

**Yong:** "And your mother?"

**Eun Kyung (pointing up again):** "Up there too."

**Joo Hyun:** "Oh no… that's even worse."

Joo Hyun rubbed his temples, trying to process the information.

**Joo Hyun:** "So… what do you own? Any property?"

**Eun Kyung:** " Yes I have a lot of property. Diamonds, gems, gold, and much more."

Joo Hyun's jaw dropped, his eyes practically turning into dollar signs.

**Joo Hyun:** "And where is all this?"

**Eun Kyung (cheerfully):** "Up there."

Yong laughed so hard he had to hold his sides tears rolled down his cheeks, while Joo Hyun groaned dramatically.

As their laughter subsided, Yong's eyes caught the same man from the cafe lurking near the park entrance. The stranger quickly turned and disappeared into the crowd.

**Yong (thinking):** *Something's definitely not right.*

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### **Scene 4: A Sweet Escape and Sudden Danger**

The cool night breeze swept through the bustling street as Yong, Eun Kyung, and Joo Hyun walked together under the warm glow of streetlights. The soft chatter of families and couples filled the air as they approached a small ice cream stand.

Yong, as always, had a calm yet protective demeanor. He turned to Eun Kyung with a gentle smile, his voice soft and tender.

**Yong:** "Which ice cream would you like?"

Eun Kyung's face lit up like a child seeing her favorite toy.

**Eun Kyung (cheerfully):** "Chocolate!"

Yong nodded with a small smile and turned to the vendor.

**Yong:** "Two chocolate ice creams, please."

Before the vendor could respond, Joo Hyun dramatically gasped, placing a hand over his chest.

**Joo Hyun (mock hurt):** "I see how it is. Invisible. Forgotten. Cast aside!"

Yong chuckled, clearly amused.

**Yong (teasing):** "Alright, alright. What flavor do you want?"

Joo Hyun pretended to think for a moment, tapping his chin.

**Joo Hyun (grinning):** "Strawberry."

**Yong (to the vendor):** "And one strawberry for him, please."

Moments later, the trio sat on a nearby bench, happily indulging in their icy treats. Eun Kyung, true to her spirited nature, was fully immersed in her chocolate ice cream. She licked it enthusiastically, unaware of the small smudge that had formed near her lips. Yong, ever observant, noticed it immediately.

He leaned slightly toward her, his tone low and calm.

**Yong (softly):** "Eun Kyung… there's ice cream near your lips."

Eun Kyung looked up at him, blinking in confusion.

**Eun Kyung:** "Where?"

Yong sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. Without another word, he reached out, his thumb gently brushing the smudge away. He stared at it for a second before, almost instinctively, licking it off his thumb.

Eun Kyung's cheeks flushed as she stared at him, speechless.

**Eun Kyung (teasing):** "Well, that's bold of you."

Yong quickly pulled back, coughing awkwardly to cover his embarrassment.

**Yong (defensive):** "I-It's not what it looks like."

Before Eun Kyung could tease him further, her eyes widened, and she burst into laughter.

**Eun Kyung:** "Wait, wait! You've got ice cream on your face now!"

Yong frowned.

**Yong:** "Where?"

Eun Kyung leaned forward and wiped the smudge from the corner of his lips with her thumb. Then, mimicking him, she licked it clean, grinning mischievously.

**Eun Kyung (playfully):** "Now we're even."

Yong's jaw dropped, utterly flustered, while Joo Hyun cackled in the background.

**Joo Hyun (mockingly):** "Wow, you two are practically feeding each other now."

Eun Kyung and Yong exchanged a glance before breaking into laughter, the moment light and carefree.

But the joy didn't last long.

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As they continued enjoying their ice cream, a man dressed in dark clothing and wearing a black face mask approached. His movements were deliberate, his hand gripping the handle of a knife hidden by his side.

Yong's sharp instincts kicked in as he noticed the man's intent. His body tensed, and his voice dropped to a commanding tone.

**Yong:** "Eun Kyung, stay behind me."

Eun Kyung barely had time to react before the man lunged at her. Yong moved swiftly, pulling her into his arms and shielding her from the attack.

**Eun Kyung (panicking):** "What's going on?!"

Joo Hyun froze, his eyes wide in shock.

**Joo Hyun (shouting):** "Who the hell is this guy?!"

The attacker swung the knife again, aiming for Eun Kyung. Yong caught his wrist mid-swing and twisted it sharply. The knife fell to the ground with a metallic clatter. However, the blade nicked Yong's hand, drawing a thin line of blood.

**Eun Kyung (frantically):** "Yong, your hand!"

Yong ignored her concern, his focus solely on the attacker. He delivered a powerful punch to the man's face, causing him to stumble back.

**Yong (to Joo Hyun):** "Take Eun Kyung and stay back!"

Joo Hyun nodded, quickly pulling Eun Kyung to a safer distance.

The attacker recovered and charged again, his movements wild and aggressive. Yong dodged the attack, countering with a sharp elbow to the man's ribs. The attacker grunted in pain but managed to shove Yong backward before attempting to flee.

**Yong (furiously):** "Oh no, you don't."

He took off after the man, leaving Joo Hyun and Eun Kyung behind. The chase led them through dark alleys, the sounds of their footsteps echoing against the brick walls. Finally, Yong tackled the man to the ground, pinning him down.

**Yong (angrily):** "Who sent you? Why are you after Eun Kyung?"

The man remained silent, his face obscured by the mask. Yong's fists clenched in frustration.

**Yong:** "Answer me!"

After a few more punches, the man finally cracked.

**Attacker (muttering):** "Alright, I'll tell you. The businessman… he sent me."

Yong's eyes narrowed.

**Yong:** "Why? What does he want with Eun Kyung?"

**Attacker:** "He knows you're hiding his statue. He thinks you love her. He wants her dead to punish you."

Yong's jaw tightened, his mind racing.

**Yong:** "How does he know who I'm with?"

The attacker hesitated.

**Attacker:** "He has people watching you. Everywhere you go, they're there."

As the attacker revealed this, Yong pieced together the encounters—the man at the café, the stranger at the park.

Before Yong could interrogate further, the attacker took advantage of his momentary distraction and slipped out of his grasp, sprinting away.

**Yong (yelling):** "Coward! Come back here!"

He watched the man disappear into the shadows, his chest heaving with anger and frustration.

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### **Scene 4: Sweetness, Laughter, and Danger**

The night was crisp, with a soft breeze that carried the distant hum of conversations and laughter. Yong, Eun Kyung, and Joo Hyun strolled down a lively street illuminated by warm yellow lights. Small shops lined the path, each bustling with life, but the trio's destination was clear: the cozy ice cream stand ahead, its neon sign glowing enticingly.

Yong walked slightly ahead, his hands casually tucked into his pockets, but his eyes often darted toward Eun Kyung, who seemed enchanted by the vibrant energy around them.

**Yong (calmly, turning to Eun Kyung):** "Which ice cream would you like?"

Eun Kyung's face lit up as if he had just offered her the moon or like a child seeing her favorite toy.

**Eun Kyung (excitedly):** "Chocolate!"

Yong's lips curved into a subtle smile, his gaze softening as he nodded and he turned to the vendor.

**Yong (to the vendor):** "Two chocolate ice creams, please."

Before the vendor could respond, Joo Hyun dramatically clutched his chest as if deeply wounded.

**Joo Hyun (mock hurt):** "I see how it is. Ignored. Forgotten. Cast aside!"

Yong smirked, a teasing glint in his eyes as he looked at his friend.

**Yong (teasing):** "Alright, alright. What flavor do you want?"

Joo Hyun perked up immediately , his hand on his chin as he pretended to deliberate.

**Joo Hyun (grinning):** "Strawberry."

**Yong (to the vendor):** "And one strawberry for him, please."

Moments later, the trio sat on a nearby bench, happily indulging in their icy treats. Eun Kyung, true to her spirited nature, was fully immersed in her chocolate ice cream. She licked it enthusiastically, unaware of the small smudge that had formed near her lips. Yong, ever observant, noticed it immediately.

Eun Kyung licked her ice cream happily, oblivious to the small smear near her lips. Yong noticed immediately, his sharp eyes catching the detail.

**Yong (softly, leaning closer):** "Eun Kyung…You've got some ice cream near your lips."

Eun Kyung looked up at him, tilting her head and blinking in confusion.

**Eun Kyung:** "Where?"

Yong sighed, shaking his head slightly. Without saying another word, he leaned in and getting closer, his thumb gently brushing the smudge away. For a moment, time seemed to slow as his touch lingered. He instinctively brought his thumb to his lips, licking off the chocolate.

Eun Kyung's cheeks turned a soft pink, and she stared at him, wide-eyed,speechless.

**Joo Hyun (teasing with wide-eyed):** "Well, What is going on here ??"

Yong quickly pulled back, coughing awkwardly to cover his embarrassment.

**Yong (defensive):** "I-It's not what it looks like."

Joo Hyun burst into laughter, clapping his hands dramatically.

**Joo Hyun (mocking):** "Yong, the smooth operator. What's next, feeding her by hand?"

Before Yong could retort, Eun Kyung's eyes lit up mischievously.

**Eun Kyung:** "Wait, wait! Look at you! You've got ice cream on your face now."

**Yong (frowning):** "Where?"

Eun Kyung leaned forward and wiped the smudge from the corner of his lips with her thumb. Then, mimicking him, she licked it clean, grinning mischievously.

**Eun Kyung (playfully):** "Now we're even."

Yong's jaw dropped, utterly flustered, while Joo Hyun cackled in the background.

**Joo Hyun (laughing):** "I can't believe this! You two are ridiculous."

Despite his embarrassment, Yong couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips as he shook his head.

But the joy didn't last long.

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