The Perfect

“Han Jemyung from the Special Disaster Prevention Agency, Management Section 5, Team 3, where do you live?”“That’s personal, so I’d rather not answer.”“So, you’re saying you don’t trust me even though we’re working together.”Director Kook muttered, looking at the business card. Behind him, the three employees grimaced, warning Han Jemyung. Answer! Don’t upset him over something trivial, just answer! Encouraged by the employees, the Special Disaster Prevention Agency member reluctantly spoke.“Since we’re working together, I suppose I can share this personal detail.”“Where do you live?”“…Garibong-dong.”“Really?”“Yes. …If you stretch it.”“What?”“Pardon?”Their gazes locked for a moment, but Director Kook, seeing the confident look in the other’s eyes, decided to let it go. As Han Jemyung finally exhaled, Director Kook turned his attention to the documents.“Why did this take a month?”“There was a misunderstanding in the process…”“How incompetent are you?”Director Kook asked seriously, making Han Jemyung flinch.“Even the most useless people in our company could handle this in a week. Does the Special Disaster Prevention Agency only hire the most incompetent?”* * *I checked the time after leaving 4K. Two hours. Only two hours had passed. It felt like two years. I was relieved I wouldn’t be fired but soon realized another problem. I couldn’t go home. I reached the apartment entrance but couldn’t go further.“Return the batteries. We have a witness, so why deny it?”I quickly hid behind a wall, peeking out to see the people gathered at the entrance. Three women were confronting a tall man. It was Yangsimless, of course. Damn, how long has it been since we parted, and I’m seeing him again?“These are for emergencies, for everyone to use. How can you take them all?”The residents’ association president, whom I had met before, pointed accusingly, her head tilted back. The other two women stood with hands on their hips, supporting her. I supported them from afar. But Yangsimless was as rude as ever.“Ma’am, is that how you say thank you?”“Thank you? Ha! Do I look thankful? Can’t you see the warning sign saying we can’t use the emergency box because of you?”“I see it. That’s why you should be thankful.”The three women simultaneously shouted, “What?!” Yangsimless mistook it for a question and kindly pointed to the warning sign.“There’s an issue with the emergency box, so carry your personal safety light. This means some idiots relied only on the emergency box and didn’t carry their own safety lights. Isn’t it common sense to take care of your own safety? Why spend public funds to provide this kindness to those who don’t even follow basic safety? To help those complacent idiots, we should wake them up, not provide safety lights. If they don’t prepare even basic safety lights, they deserve to die. Thanks to me, this warning is up, and even the biggest idiots will take care of their safety.”The three women looked up at Yangsimless in disbelief. I was also stunned.“Does that make sense?”Actually, it did a bit. Safety lights are essential for protecting oneself from Heartless. I always carry one and check it regularly. But saying they deserve to die?“People can make mistakes, or accidents can happen, making safety lights unusable. Are you saying those people deserve to die?”“That’s why I left one.”“Is that something to be proud of?!”“Yes.”“You, you, you!”“If your life is the most important thing, you should be prepared for mistakes and accidents. Thinking ‘it won’t happen’ is like saying you’re ready to die anytime. Well, it’s better for the world if such idiots die quickly.”Yangsimless smirked. His expression was infuriating. The women kept exclaiming, “Unbelievable.”“So you stole the batteries to wake people up? You, the shameless one?”“Of course not.”Yangsimless answered lightly, raising his chin.“Ma’am, if you knew the state of the first batteries I stole, you’d bow to me.”“I’d bow to that rock before bowing to you!”The residents’ association president shouted, then asked, still fuming.“What was the state of the first batteries?”“They didn’t work.”“What?”“They were all dead. What’s the point of having an emergency box with a few safety lights if you don’t maintain them? How long was it neglected for the batteries to die? And you call this emergency equipment for those in danger? Those who didn’t value their lives because of non-working safety lights would die. In the end, idiots die no matter what. But thanks to me, they saw the warning and might take care of their safety.”The women looked at each other, flustered. True, emergency boxes are rarely used except in emergencies. But I thought they’d be maintained.“Still not thanking me?”The women’s faces hardened. So did mine.“Even so, what you did was wrong. It’s theft.”“How is it theft if I took a communal item that anyone can use, and I’m part of ‘anyone’?”“It says it’s for emergencies!”“It was an emergency.”“You’re not starving to death or anything…”Yangsimless narrowed his eyes, making the flustered woman stop and clear her throat suddenly.“Anyway, you’re not starving right now, so why did you need emergency batteries?!”The flustered woman tried to point again, but another woman stopped her, preventing her from falling into Yangsimless’s trap about what constitutes an emergency. Instead, the woman who stopped her stepped forward.“You should have prepared batteries ahead of time. Why did you sneak around like a thief? Because you felt guilty, right?”“Who said I sneaked around like a thief? I took them openly. Who’s the so-called witness?”I flinched and pressed myself against the wall. Yangsimless gritted his teeth.“Daring to slander me and spread nasty rumors around the apartment? I’ll find that coward who tarnished my reputation and make them pay for the pain I’ve suffered.”Gulp. I swallowed hard. Watching Yangsimless vow revenge, I wondered if I should avoid going home today. The fight seemed to be wrapping up as one of the women shouted.“And why do you keep using informal speech with us? Huh?”The topic shifted to Yangsimless’s way of speaking. The residents’ association president surprisingly explained.“If someone speaks informally to him, he does the same.”“Even so, we’ve been going to the same pool for a year. Every time we meet, he uses informal speech.”“Ma’am, when you speak informally to me, that’s informal speech too.”Yangsimless interjected. The woman’s blood pressure seemed to rise as she repeated, “You, you…” before finally shouting.“Is it a brag to speak informally to someone older? Is it?”“Yes. And ma’am, the way you talk influences how I respond.”What’s influencing what? As I doubted my ears, the women collectively grabbed their necks in frustration.“Oh my, this idiot is talking nonsense again. Oh my.”The women seemed more shocked about losing an argument to an idiot than not getting the batteries back. I was shocked too. I must never get close to Yangsimless. Worried, I walked towards the back entrance and stopped in front of the flyers looking for a witness. I looked around and quickly took one down.Damn, do I have to move? Filled with concern, I sneaked through the back entrance like a spy in a movie and finally got home. Just as I closed the door and sighed in relief, my phone rang. Startled, I saw ‘Manager Kim’ on the screen. I had briefly explained the situation in a text, promising to call later, but he couldn’t wait.[Hey, Jemyung! Is it true? 4K’s really going to help?]The manager acted overly familiar, calling my name. If Manager Kim in the novel did that, the protagonist’s heart would race. No. The protagonist would be happy to finalize an important deal, but their thoughts would be on CEO Na, not hearing Manager Kim’s voice…[Han Jemyung. Hey, Jemyung?]The manager’s annoying voice was all too clear in reality.“Yes, they said they’d do it. They’re going hunting today.”[Today? Are you sure it’s not another 4K? It’s ‘4K,’ not ‘FOR K’ or something, right?]“I saw the sign.”[Just in case, ask for their business registration too.]“…”[…That’s difficult, isn’t it?]“You know my personality.”[I know you’re timid and shy. At first, I didn’t believe it because you don’t look it, but now I do. It’s like I’ve been brainwashed by you.]I felt validated.[But sometimes you’re so sarcastic and say such nonsense that I wonder if you’re a Heartless.]You’re one to talk, being like a Heartless 24/7. But the manager was right. Sometimes the sarcastic remarks in my head come out of my mouth. It feels like my mouth moves before my brain realizes it. Anyway, the manager knows me well. I decided to tell him.“But I have to provide field support.”[Okay. You provide field support… You?! How can you, being so scared?]The manager’s surprise reminded me of the hardship I faced at 4K, making me tear up. I was about to vent my frustration when the manager spoke first.[Make sure to take calming pills and carry an extra one.]“Can’t you replace me with another employee?”[Nope. You have to do your job.]Manager Kim in the novel is out. Forever out. I’ll send him to a remote island with only two residents.[I’ll get you calming pills. You’ll be fine. You won’t face Heartless directly in field support.]Even so…[And I found out CEO Na has a great reputation. He’s responsible and has never made a mistake. You’ll be safe with him.]If I were going with CEO Na, I’d jump into the middle of Heartless.[By the way, there’s another director there. Everyone clammed up about him. They looked gloomy and shook their heads.]I realized the importance of holding grudges. People must be so scared of Yangsimless’s grudges that they never talk. That’s why I couldn’t get any information about 4K or Yangsimless.[Is he not skilled?]He’s the best in the industry. I wanted to say but held back, not wanting to praise Yangsimless. After hanging up, I was about to change clothes but stopped at the dresser. After thinking for a while, I opened the second drawer. I pushed aside the junk and pulled out a box. Inside was an emergency gun. But I just looked at it and closed the lid. Would I need it? Instead, I packed two more safety lights. Three should be enough. As I prepared thoroughly, the phone rang again.Ring—I thought it was the manager again, but the phone screen showed no number. What’s this? Then I remembered CEO Na’s call to the office. That also had no number!“Hello.”There was no sound. CEO Na was the same at first! I cleared my throat and spoke as gently as possible.“Hello?”My voice cracked. Damn it.[Are you home?]Startled by the sudden voice, I pulled the phone away. Surprised once by realizing it was Yangsimless, then surprised again by his question. Home? How did he know?! I quickly dropped to the floor. Thud! My knee hit the floor hard, and I almost cried from the pain, but I stayed low and scanned the window. Damn, is he watching me from outside? This is the 15th floor. But it was too early to be relieved. I got up but pressed my back to the wall, still watching the window. After a long while, I realized I was on a call. No sound was coming from the phone.“Hello?”[Why did you drop to the floor?]Startled, I pressed closer to the wall and crab-walked away from the window.“Me?”[I heard a thud.]Ah, he heard the sound. Of course, it’s the 15th floor, no one can see in from outside. …Unless 1406 can see from there?! I looked out but thankfully, no nearby buildings had a view inside. I closed the curtain just in case.“I didn’t drop.”[Yes, you did.]He couldn’t have really seen, right?“I just rolled.”[Rolled? What a clumsy body. Why are you like that?]What made his words more infuriating was the innocence in his voice. It was a pure curiosity, like a scientist exploring the truth.“If I figure out why, I’ll let you know first.”[Knowing won’t change your clumsy body.]“…Why did you call?”[You said you live in Garibong-dong, right?]“Yes. …If you stretch it.”[Pardon?]“Yes?”An uncomfortable silence followed. Damn, it won’t work a third time.“The site is about an hour from Seoul, so I’ll head there first. Let me know when you’ll arrive…”[I’m going to Garibong-dong now.]“Why?!”[To get a government contract signed.]Ah, a signature.[Let’s be clear. Our company has already fulfilled this year’s government quotas. We’ll charge a strict fee for this case. If we don’t agree on this, I’ll drop it immediately. Whether you helped Na Jinwook or pathetically clung to him.]“But CEO Na didn’t mention a fee…”[Then let Na Jinwook handle it.]“How much is the fee?”[Two million per day.]“Two million won?”[Two billion.]Right. Two billion per day. Ha ha, more than our team’s monthly budget. Is this a joke?“I can’t pay two billion.”[Then it’s over…]“Two, two million might be possible.”[Alright.]What? He agreed so quickly it seemed suspicious, but there was still one more hurdle.[I’m heading to Garibong-dong now.]“No! I’ll come to Gaebong-dong. Actually, I just left the house.”[No background noise. You’re still inside.]“…I’m in the elevator.”I quickly ran to the bathroom, closed the door, and gently hit the sink with the showerhead.Thud.A dull porcelain sound echoed.“Ha ha, I’m already at the first floor.”[Special Disaster Prevention Agency must pay well. Elevator fees are high.]Pay well, my foot. I’m barely scraping by. That’s why I got a cheap 15th-floor apartment and don’t use the elevator.“It’s important, so I’m in a hurry.”I quickly ran to the veranda and leaned out the window.“The weather’s great today. The breeze is nice.”[There’s a dust storm today.]…No wonder my throat is scratchy.[Meet me in front of XX Apartments. How long will it take?]“It’ll take an hour.”[You must be really slow because your body’s so clumsy.]Click. The call ended. I almost shouted at the phone while still hanging from the balcony railing. Should I appear in a minute and make your heart burst?Ring—Gah, startled! I nearly dropped my phone at the ringing. Another call with no caller ID. Did Yangsimless sense me cursing him? I answered the call while still hanging from the railing. Yes. I muttered absentmindedly.[This is Na Jinwook.]“…Gulp.”[Were you eating?]“No. I swallowed my spit.”Oh, you fool. You said you swallowed your spit. But I thought I heard a faint, short laugh from the other end. But it seemed like an illusion, as the calm voice continued.[Director Kook might call and demand a fee. If he does, refuse and contact me immediately. I’ve taken full responsibility for this case.]“I couldn’t refuse.”[You already spoke with him?]His question brought a surge of frustration.“Yes. He mentioned a two-billion won daily fee, said I should call you if I didn’t like it… And he insisted on coming to Garibong-dong…”[Garibong-dong?]“Never mind that. He agreed to two million won daily, but…”It was pathetic to say, but I had to vent.“Even two million won is a lot for our department…”[What about substituting it with our company’s allocation for next year?]“Great!”[…….]“Sorry for being too excited.”I apologized quickly, but he remained silent. Was he already fed up with me? His voice came back, sounding somewhat amused.[I’m glad you’re happy. I’ll adjust the contract later to ensure no losses. But did Director Kook say two billion won daily?]“Yes! Who in the world charges two billion daily…”[It must be a simple E-grade case, so he quoted low.]If we get another “simple” case, our department will go broke. Yangsimless earns that much but still steals batteries. Meanwhile, CEO Na calls out of concern for me. Hehe.[By the way, Han Jemyung.]“Yes!”[……No need to answer so loudly.]“I like answering loudly.”Another brief silence, then he brought up his point.[Have you met Director Kook before?]“No. Why?”[Director Kook never forgets a face, but he said you seemed familiar.]Yangsimless, with his unnecessary sharp vision.“I have a common face. He must be mistaken.”[Or maybe you met him when you couldn’t remember.]“Meeting someone like Director Kook would be unforgettable.”Right, he agreed. Then he added.[Director Kook isn’t as bad as he seems.]He seems exactly as bad as he is. But I didn’t say it. I appreciated CEO Na defending a colleague. How can these two be so different? One is polite, sensible, and considerate, while the other is crude, shameless, and selfish. I wondered how they ended up working together.“Excuse me, but…”[Contact me immediately if there are any issues.]Click. The call ended abruptly. I felt disappointed. I wanted to talk more. Maybe Yangsimless’s hellish call made me feel that way. I quickly pulled out my notebook to capture the tingling feeling.A call came to a gloomy Siwoo. An unfamiliar number. Who could it be? He cautiously answered, and a deep, rich voice like Van Dyke brown caressed his ears.[This is CEO Na.]A brusque tone. But to Siwoo, it made his heart race more than anyone else. Yes, what’s the matter? His voice trembled as he asked, and the other side was silent for a moment. Why? He wondered, then the voice asked.[Is something wrong? I hear worry in your voice like a mist.]How did he know?![Tell me. I was just having a drink in my study.]Siwoo could instantly imagine it. The dark chandelier lighting. The gleaming 17-pyong mahogany desk in the study. Sitting behind it, holding a cigar in one hand and sipping a 870-year-old whiskey, the only bottle in the world. Siwoo felt emotions he rarely allowed to melt away.“Actually, my cherished manager was suddenly demoted to an island.”[There are two residents on the island, so he won’t be lonely.]“How did CEO Na know that?”Siwoo heard the shocking news in his surprised ears.[Because I sent him.]One reason to work tirelessly for a company is not just earning money but also the perks. One perk is discreetly using electronic devices at work. Whenever I get a break, I type my handwritten novel into the computer. Of course, I finish my tasks first. Especially on days like today, with fieldwork, there’s no company security to stop me from uploading my web serialization.However, the reason I’m typing away furiously right now isn’t because I can’t contain my creative urges. It’s because of awkwardness, embarrassment, and having nothing to do. When all three converge, you might as well draw with your feet. The awkwardness stemmed from the shock the field agents felt when they saw me, a management department employee, show up. This was followed by embarrassment due to their anger.I get it. They requested support, and all they got was me. There are only four people guarding the safe house, so their anger was even greater. Fortunately, when I introduced the person I came with, they looked at him with surprise, curiosity, and disbelief. Then the leader and Yangsimless went out to talk. The remaining agent explained the situation to the anxious family inside the safe house.“You said support was coming? A new company was supposed to send people, and it’s just two?”The husband of the victim’s family was angry. His wife, holding a child about three years old, looked worried.“That person isn’t even a field agent?”I felt their eyes on me. I typed furiously, pretending not to hear.“He’s not a field agent, but he’s a management department employee we’ve spoken to.”“So he’s just someone who pushes papers in an office. What can he do here?”Exactly!“But he knows the situation well…”“That doesn’t mean he can protect us. Send him back and get someone proper.”Right!“We didn’t ask for this either. We’re just as shocked he’s here.”Hehe, I’m shocked too.“But what can we do? He brought the support company and will assist, so let’s see…”“There’s only one support person!”“Yes, one. But if he’s the representative of 4K, one might be enough.”Their eyes turned to me again. This time, I couldn’t pretend not to notice and looked up slightly.“That’s right.”But even with my confirmation, the agent looked doubtful, and the husband was even more skeptical.“What is 4K anyway? I’ve never heard of it.”“They’re top in the Heartless hunting industry. I’ve only heard rumors, though.”“Rumors? So you don’t know if they’re actually good.”“Yes, but 4K is said to handle the toughest jobs in the industry…”“So it’s all rumors. Even if it’s true, what can one person do? Other companies sent seven or eight people and couldn’t do it.”The husband barely suppressed his anger. But it was futile. His anger was destined to explode. Bang, the safe house door opened, and the team leader stormed in.“Pack up. We’re leaving.”Leaving? I stood up in shock. Who’s going to protect me?!“Leader, what do you mean, leaving?”“The great one said we’re in the way, so we should step aside. Let him find the Heartless we couldn’t see for over a week on his own! Let’s go!”Despite his sarcastic words, the leader’s face was twisted with anger. It was obvious. Damn, what did Yangsimless say this time? Before anyone could stop him, the agents grabbed their bags and left. The husband and I were left saying, “Wait,” as our protectors disappeared. And then the person who would endanger not just our lives but our blood pressure appeared. The husband immediately shouted.“Hey, you from 4K or whatever!”4K? So it’s a company where everyone except one is gay… Damn. I made eye contact with Yangsimless. I quickly composed myself, but I think he saw me laugh. I turned my head, but I felt his glare on the side of my face. Luckily, the husband’s words caught his attention.“Who are you to tell the people protecting us to leave?”Oh, don’t use informal speech…“Did you see me tell them to leave?”Vengeful Yangsimless responded in informal speech. The husband’s face twisted.“They were the only ones protecting us, and they left because of you! You said they were in the way!”“Get it right. I said the government’s useless agents who waste their salaries were in the way, not to leave.”That’s even worse.“And you. Whether you’re a victim or a pervert, stay out of the way if you’re not helping.”“Pervert? Are you here to save us or what? If you keep this up, do you think I’ll stay quiet?”“Don’t stay quiet.”“What?”“I’m here to catch Heartless, not save you, whether you’re a victim or a pervert. If you take it out on me, I won’t stay quiet. I swear I’ll make you wish you were being chased by Heartless.”The husband seemed to realize something. This guy is crazy. He turned to me. Damn, I couldn’t avoid eye contact in time.“Hey, you’re from the Special Disaster Prevention Agency, right? You brought this lunatic here and just stand by? Are you going to save us or not?”“Technically, he’s right. Companies contracted with the Special Disaster Prevention Agency only handle Heartless.”I didn’t want to help Yangsimless, but facts are facts. Besides, this was the task CEO Na gave me. I was foolish to take lightly the issue of communication with the field. What’s the point of explaining well if problems keep arising?“Hey, did you hear that? Even this useless Special Disaster Prevention Agency guy knows what’s what.”Communication didn’t work with me either. Fortunately, the husband realized he couldn’t talk to Yangsimless and focused on me.“Then who will protect us?”Well…“You protect them.”The husband had no choice but to look at Yangsimless. Yangsimless knelt on one knee in front of his bag and took something out. It looked like a weapon to catch Heartless, but it wasn’t a gun. He pulled out a long rod, longer than his arm, with something wide and flat attached to the end. But it was all wrapped in leather, so its true nature was unclear.“Protect your own body, whether you’re a victim or a pervert.”The grudge against 4K lingered. The husband couldn’t hold back any longer and raised his voice again.“Hey, I don’t care about protecting just myself! I have a wife and child! And do you think you’re protecting us for free? It’s all from my taxes!”“What about my taxes?”“What?”“You boast about the tiny amount of tax you pay, but I pay thousands of times more, so I can shout louder. I don’t want my precious taxes spent on someone who might be a victim or a pervert. What will you do about that?”“Do you think your opposition matters? This is my right.”“If you want to claim your rights, go to the lawmakers and demand they change the law to save you. According to current law, we have no obligation to save your life. There’s no clause in your claimed rights that says we must save your insignificant life. Yet you think we should risk our lives to save you because you pay a tiny amount of tax? Who’s going to save this Special Disaster Prevention Agency employee with a clumsy body who pays the same taxes? Who’s going to save me?”The husband was speechless.“That’s your job! If you didn’t like it, you shouldn’t have chosen it. You chose to help others…”“I chose it to make money. Not to help someone who might be a victim or a pervert. I told you, my job is to catch Heartless. I don’t care if you and your family die.”“But you sent away the people who were helping us.”“They left on their own.”“Isn’t it your responsibility for sending them away? If you had any conscience, you should have made a plan to protect us.”“There’s a better plan.”“What?”“You. You should step up. You’re making a fuss to save yourself. If you really want to live, sacrifice yourself to protect your wife and child. You have no ability but lots of greed.”“You really…”“Go ahead. Keep talking. I’m willing to delay catching Heartless to deal with you.”He held the object that looked like a weapon. The husband seemed scared. He realized too late that if Yangsimless left, they’d be worse off. Still angry, he tried to step forward, but his wife, who had come out late, grabbed his arm and stopped him. She realized Yangsimless wasn’t someone to reason with and asked me.“Can he really get rid of the Heartless?”“According to him, yes.”“What’s your opinion?”“My opinion is…”I glanced at Yangsimless. He was sitting on the floor, looking at his phone. The sun would set soon, so when was he planning to catch them? I turned to the wife, who was still waiting for my answer.“I believe he can do it.”I trust CEO Na, not Yangsimless. If he said it could be done, it would be. The wife finally relaxed and took her husband back to the room. I returned to my laptop. Trying to forget I was in the same space as Yangsimless, I continued my work. But I had typed so much earlier that there wasn’t much left to do.Should I upload it since it’s done? I usually serialize two or three times a week, but sometimes I upload daily if I write well. The amount was just right for uploading, so I connected to the server and uploaded the text. I get a notification when a new chapter of my novel is uploaded. Like this.Ding—Good, it’s up…Ding—The sound rang twice. I turned my head. Yangsimless also turned to look at me.“…”“…”An invisible awkwardness passed between us, and we both turned away. Annoying…“Annoying.”Yangsimless muttered. You’re annoying too! Fueled by anger, I quickly went into my phone settings. But there was only one notification sound for the website, so I couldn’t change it.“I can’t change mine, so annoying Director Kook should change…”But he stood up abruptly, cutting me off. He glared at his phone and cursed.“Damn, why is it always Na?”What’s his problem? Did he see someone more handsome than him named Na? Then his phone rang. He answered with a displeased look.“Yeah, I know. I just saw the beginning. …I know, it’s annoying that Na is the main character. …Hey, don’t read it. I can’t… Damn.”He looked out the window and hung up. Then he picked up the leather-wrapped object as if it was time. I realized the sun had almost set. The sky was already darkening, and shadows crept into the house. Something was wrong. Why is it dark? It wasn’t just inside. The safety lights around the safe house should be on to repel Heartless. But there was no blue light protecting the building outside.“Hey, why aren’t the lights on?”The husband, who came out of the room, had the same question. I don’t know. That’s all I could say, but Yangsimless had an answer.“There’s no power.”“Why is there no power?”“I cut it.”Our voices seemed trapped in the darkness, unable to make a sound. Thud, the sound of thick leather hitting the floor reached our ears. Yangsimless’s weapon was revealed, but we couldn’t see it clearly in the dark.“Wait, then the safety lights around the house too!”The husband finally realized and rushed to the window. But he only confirmed what I had already seen. There was no blue light to protect us.“Why… why, why did you do that?!”“Why do you think? To catch the Heartless. Now there’s nothing to stop it from coming here. You and your family, whether victims or perverts, stay hidden inside.”Damn…“Damn it! Are you crazy?! What if the Heartless comes and gets us first? Will you take responsibility?!”“No.”Yangsimless was cool. The stunned husband turned to me and shouted.“Hey, do something!”“It’s dangerous outside, so it’s best to hide in the room.”“And?”“Keep hiding.”“That’s it? You’re a Special Disaster Prevention Agency employee. You get paid with our taxes. Do something!”“I’m scared too.”After a long silence, the husband seemed to accept reality.“Damn, where should we hide?”We all gathered in the innermost room, relying on my laptop’s light. Of course, Yangsimless wasn’t included.“Wouldn’t it be better to hide on the second floor?”The wife asked, terrified. I shook my head. It’s hard to escape from the second floor, especially with a child.“An adult man could jump, but it’s difficult with a wife and child. Escape is a last resort. It’s better to barricade here and hide until it’s safe.”“It’s so dark. Even if the Heartless comes in, how will it see anything?”Still using informal speech. For about three seconds, I envied Yangsimless. But I’m just a lowly employee who can’t complain. Instead of speaking informally, I ignored him and answered the wife.“If we turn on the lights, it will only signal that people are here.”“Is hiding the only option? Honestly… I don’t trust the person outside.”The wife held her crying child tightly, tears in her eyes. I looked down at the child and spoke.“There is one other option.”“What is it?”Again, I ignored the husband and spoke to the wife.“From the beginning, I found something strange about this case. You might have heard from other field agents or company staff, but it’s unusual for a Heartless to target an entire family.”“Well, others didn’t mention that. But I heard it’s not uncommon to attack specific targets.”“Yes, it’s not uncommon. They can attack multiple people. But even if they target several people, they must all be deeply connected to the Heartless. As you know, Heartless attack based on instinct, not a conscious decision to eliminate someone. So the targets are people they had deep relationships with, deeper than typical family ties. That’s why it’s strange that all three of you are targets, not just the wife. Are you sure all three of you were attacked? If the target is only the wife…”“We were all attacked. Otherwise, why would our whole family be stuck in this safe house for weeks? Right, honey?”The husband frowned at my words but nodded at his wife’s.“Yes, that’s right… We were all attacked.”He seemed unsure, but the wife was firm.“I’m sure. He was my stalker. He secretly took our family photos, so he knows our faces. He’s the type to curse our family photos.”“Understood. Then no other plan is needed.”“What other plan?”“Honey, we don’t need to hear it.”“Wait. What’s the other plan?”I considered ignoring him again but answered, seeing the wife biting her lower lip in tension.“If the target is only the wife, the husband and child should stay separately. The more a Heartless’s mind deteriorates, the more it acts like a robot with one command. If it realizes you’re not the target, it’s likely to retreat.”The husband fell silent. In the dim laptop light, I couldn’t see his expression clearly. But I could tell the wife kept glancing at him.“But if the whole family is the target, it’s useless, right? We’ll stay together.”Alright, let’s do that. I returned to the original plan.“Let’s barricade with furniture. Prepare ropes to escape through the bathroom window if needed. I’ll turn off the laptop to save battery, so gather what you need quickly.”I waited, but the couple didn’t move.“What are you doing?”“Get weapons?”“Weapons would be good, but safety lights are more important.”The couple finally realized, “Oh, safety lights.” But still didn’t move.“I’ll turn off the laptop to save battery. Hold a safety light each. Can the child hold one too? It’s best to have one for the child.”Even after all that, they didn’t move. I knew something was wrong. Sure enough, the husband confessed.