Every year after the Seollal holiday* my family and I would come to rest at my friend's house on a mountain far from Seoul. There was a small village and a Buddhist temple. which is the regular temple of the village and also

It is a temple belonging to my mother's friend's family. There is usually an annual festival in February, so my family often has the opportunity to help at this temple. together with people in the village

My mother's friend, who is Korean, used to do business in Shanghai together. But now I'm passing the business on to relatives.

Others took care of her and her family moved here to live a simple life on the mountain. and take care of the temple

Her family has a daughter named Yebin. Because we were the same age, we became close quickly.

Couples always hang out together.

Yebin was very skilled at mountain trails, so no matter where he went, with Yebin there was absolutely no way he would get lost in the forest around here.

I come every year during the festival. After Seollal ends, we come here and stay until the end of Seollal.

When the school term starts, you can consider this place almost like a second home. It's my family's own parents, if they're not busy with work.

In Shanghai or in Seoul, they often come to relax here. They like the peace and nature of this place. In the beginning, they came only for 4-5 days because of work, but now they come to stay for a month. I don't have any personal work, so I usually stay until school starts every once in a while. Even though I'm going back to visit my hometown in Shanghai,

Born in Shanghai but grew up and studied in Korea from a young age.

I'm 10 years old and this is my 3rd festival. Yebin isn't feeling well these days, so he doesn't have any friends to take him for a walk.

In the mountains, it was okay to just sit and lie down, so I thought I'd try going out for a walk alone, going with Yebin.

Set it many times and it should be enough to remember the way.

Jie Zhuang set out to go up the mountain and admire the beautiful nature. The white snow covering the trees, the sounds of birds and the gentle wind blowing made her happy and calm every time she came here because she was a child. national

She was often teased by her friends at school while she was in Seoul, so she always carried a lot of sorrow and uneasiness. But coming here made her release and relax, so she loved it here very much.

But while walking in the forest with ease, she began to feel anxious and restless.

As she found her way down the mountain, she couldn't remember which way. No matter which way, the trees were all the same. Everywhere you look

There was only white snow covering it. And because the snow had fallen and covered her old footprints, it was even more difficult to find her way. She walked around until she was exhausted and had to admit that she was lost.

Jie Zhuang sat down against a tree and tears slowly flowed out. She didn't know what to do.

10 years living alone in the middle of the forest Even though she had been here many times with Yebin, she couldn't memorize the route. She was sure.

Too much of yourself has caused you to be in this situation.

"Annoying"

A woman's voice sounded near her.

"It's so annoying. Her cries are so loud that I can't sleep during the day."

Jie Zhuang strained his eyes to find the source of the voice. She wiped away her tears and tried to look everywhere, but there was no sign.

Whose person do you think you might be deaf? You can hear the sound of the wind as well as the sound of people. In this area, there are unlikely to be any other people walking.

Like you because you're in the middle of a mountain. Almost the weather right now is quite unstable. The snow keeps falling.

Thump!

While coming to terms with the situation in front of her, she heard the sound of something falling. Jie Zhuang turned to look.

Following the voice, he saw a tall woman standing with her feet on her hips, but she couldn't see her face clearly.

"Um, I'm sorry, I-"

"What! Do you know how difficult it is for me to fall asleep?"

The person in front complained. Without paying attention to what the child in front of him would be like. He also put his hand over his mouth and yawned again.

I don't know why this woman was so serious about sleeping during the day and slept in the middle of a mountain where snow was falling.

Coming like this, looking at the way she was dressed, it wasn't even suitable for the weather. She could only think and keep her doubts.

I kept it in my heart until I almost forgot that I needed help, so I hurriedly asked the other person,

"I'm really sorry, I got lost so.....would you please show me the way?"

"And… huh? Lost?" The other person pretended to continue complaining. must stop When I heard that she was lost

A tall figure walked out from the shadows of the trees. She was dressed like a normal person, only wearing black tones all over, but the clothes she wore didn't look thin.

Can tolerate cold And her face is very beautiful. Only her speech and expression were rather cold.

And that indifferent, monotone voice seemed frightening. If she didn't come out and show my face clearly, I would be even more frightened than before. But when I saw her face I feel a little more at ease.

"Wow, if you leave, I can sleep peacefully."

I'm not sure if locals around here like to sleep during the day in the forest.

But never mind, I hurriedly nodded in response when I saw the person in front of me say something like that.

"Follow me." The woman continued to lead the way, but I don't know why. Even though that person was walking, it was like there was a distance.

The distance between the two of us became more and more distant until I had to start running. As we started to get closer, we started to drift further apart. I don't know if it was because of the cold weather that it made me crazy or not.

But because my feet were weak and the cold made me even more tired, I stumbled and fell and began to lose sight of the other person walking in the lead. Just as I was about to shout to the other person to wait, a long stick was extended in front of me.

"Hold it and quickly get up." The person held out a stick for me to hold.

"Yes..Yes!" I quickly grabbed it and stood up and brushed my body. before hurriedly following the other person

"Hurry before it gets dark," another person's voice said. Started to urge me to continue walking.

During that time, I stared at the other person's back, my eyes barely blinking for fear that we would lose each other again and try.

Force your steps to keep up with the other person.

And finally I reached the way I came in.

"Alright, it's right in front. You can continue on your own."

The person pointed to a village not too far from here. I turned to look at the village I thought I would never return to, feeling happy if I went back to my parents and Yebin must have definitely missed her. Alone like this

"Next time, don't come alone again," that person's monotone voice told her again.

"Yes, thank you-" I turned to say thank you, but the other person walked into the forest. Jie Zhuang saw her back in the distance and this was a strange thing that she could never forget. She went to tell Ye Bin. Ye Bin thought it was a ghost in the mountain according to village legend because it was strange.

Who would be able to live in the forest and sleep comfortably during the day? The weather during this time is even more unsuitable.

But the children's words

If you were to tell an adult, they would probably think that you were just rambling on and on. In other words, you yourself would get ed about this too because

There was still snow. If she didn't get out in time, she would probably freeze to death in the snow. Luckily, she was able to get out that day.

safe

But because of curiosity and wanting to prove it, she took the risk and went back again. This time, she made traces in the trees so she could walk back. The authorities secretly came to hike in the forest. This time, she went to find that person and thank her. you

But it seemed like this forest was too wide, or that person might not have come to sleep during the day, or he would have changed places because what kind of crazy person was lying around in this cold weather? Yesterday, Jie Zhuang might have been so blurred that he was delirious. Wow!

While thinking like that, she suddenly saw some shadows on the trees. So she slowly went to look closer and saw a woman.

The same person in the same clothes was leaning back against the tree. Glad that he didn't think he was delusional, Jie Zhuang jumped up and screamed loudly.

"Aww, can you see that there really are crazy people sleeping here?!"

"Who is this crazy person?"

The familiar voice, a little annoyed, answered her almost immediately.

“I'm sorry.” Jie Zhuang smiled dryly and bowed his head at the other person in remorse.

Thump!

The person jumped down from the tree and walked closer. She surveyed me from head to toe before speaking again, "I told you already. Don't come alone again."

"I just wanted to come find you."

“Find me?” She pointed at herself with a slightly dazed expression.

"Yes, I'd like to thank you for taking me away." I handed the other person a basket of snacks I'd prepared from home.

"Here is the reward: dried persimmons and rice cakes."

Another person just stood there looking blankly with an expression that I couldn't guess what he was thinking, whether he was angry or happy or what he was really thinking.

And suddenly, she pointed her finger at the ground, still maintaining the same expression.

"Put it down."

"Yes..?" I don't understand why I have to put it down and take it from my hand. Or why is it such a big deal?

"Put it down" the other person still said the same thing with the same expression, which made me feel a little scared, so I had to do as I put it down where she pointed before backing up to stand in the same place.

The person squatted and looked at the contents of the basket for a while before immediately picking up a dried persimmon and putting it in his mouth to chew.

"Mmmm, delicious, thank you."

Hearing that, the feelings of doubt and worry from a moment ago disappeared. I was happy and felt a little more at ease.

that the person liked what I brought

"If you like me, I'll stop by again."

I said it without thinking because I saw the person in front of me looking happy with what she gave me so I said it like that.

"Really? Really?" The person stood up and tilted his head to look at me questioningly.

When I saw that expression, I didn't dare go back on my words and just nodded.

After that day, Jie Zhuang stopped by to bring various kinds of snacks. Go and give that person to the mountain every day. The two of us will meet under the same tree. Even though many types of snacks were given But that person seemed to like it.

Eat the most dried persimmons.

Throughout the time she had been here, she had gone into the forest so often that she was able to memorize the paths in the forest and not get lost like before. Ye Bin, who had recovered from her illness, wanted to follow along as a friend, but Jie Zhuang refused even though he had been teased at first. fly ed who comes to people

But after a while, I saw that I could come back on my own. She let Jie Shuang go alone.

She did this regularly until the last day of the school break. Tomorrow she had to return to Seoul to study.

While sitting and watching the other person eat the dried persimmons with gusto, Jie Zhuang asked the other person:

"What's your name? We've met many times so I can call you by your correct name."

The person in front of him paused for a moment before taking another bite of the persimmon, acting as if he was thinking about something for a moment before replying in a calm voice that Jie Zhuang was familiar with.

"Mr. Young"

"P'Nayong"

After hearing the other person's name, I called out the other person's name and smiled at him, who looked back in shock at my sudden surprise. I called her name and she noticed her once silent eyes widen slightly and then returned to normal.

“My name is Jie Zhuang.”

"I know, it's really annoying."

I laughed as soon as I heard the word annoying. He always likes to say this word. I don't know if it's because of him.

Is it really annoying or do you just want to cut off the conversation?

"What are you laughing at, little one?"

"I'm really sorry. Starting tomorrow, I won't be able to stop by to bring you snacks. I have to go back to Seoul to study."

"Good, then I can sleep comfortably during the day."

"But I don't have any more snacks." He stopped chewing and slowly Turn around and look at her face.

"Before, there was nothing, I could survive."

That's right, we've never come here this often before, but we come here every day. It's almost a routine. It's become a habit. When I think about tomorrow I have to go back to Seoul to face the world that school doesn't have. Being with my parents, not playing around, helping with the festival with Yebin.

And not being able to sit and eat snacks with Brother Nayong during the daytime here again made me feel depressed.

"Next year, please stop by."

Nayoung spoke without looking at her face.

"Is that possible?" I was shocked and happy to see that the other party wanted me to come again.

“Bring lots of snacks. I like dried persimmons.” It was the first time I saw him smile even for just a moment.

That warm smile made me feel like something was filling my chest, but I couldn't describe the feeling. It was like there were hundreds of butterflies circling around in my stomach. It's a feeling I can't explain, but it's very good.

Since that day, I've been counting down the days, wanting to get to Seollal quickly and be able to go to the festival next year. I want time to pass quickly to February next year.

This is the 9th year that the goal of coming back is not to come and play at a festival like a child.

Sixteen-year-old Zhou Jieshuang carried a basket full of dried persimmons and walked up the mountain every day until it became a problem.

Normally, Yebin and the people at home understood that she had given it as an offering to the ghosts in the forest because it was normal for the villagers around here.

Which was theirs. I brought things to the ghosts in the forest.

Brother Nayong is not a human being, she is a ghost of this mountain.

In the beginning, she wasn't sure who Mr. Young was because her appearance was no different from humans like you. But what was different, and she had noticed all along, was that he wouldn't touch her at all.

Until last year, she tried asking the other party why.

"It's dirty"

“Eh!? I'm already taking a shower, bro!” Jie Zhuang heard the other party say that and immediately sniffed and surveyed his body.

“The human heart is impure and impure, so I cannot touch a human being or I will be defiled.”

"........And if you touch it, what will happen?"

I made to go and grab him, but he grabbed a stick from nowhere and knocked me on the head.

"Ouch!!" Even though it wasn't very strong, it hurt a lot.

"Don't think you can get close to me."

Nayong never said that what would happen if he came into contact with a human being, but I always liked to tease and shock other people.

“Huh!” Jie Zhuang saw the other person lying against a tree and thought of having fun to try and startle him, but…

Poke!

The flicking stick landed squarely on Jie Zhuang's head.

“Ouch!” Jie Zhuang, who had been hit on the head, let the basket slip from his hand, causing persimmons to fly out.

“Som-nam-na.” Nai Yong waved the stick in his hand back and forth before he walked over and picked up a fallen persimmon, brushed it up and ate it immediately, then picked up the rest and put it in the basket and walked out of there, causing Jie Zhuang to stand. Wailing and complaining, the other party could barely keep up with him.

"Where are you going?"

"Walk around and find a quiet place to sleep."

"Are you sleeping again?"

"Why?"

"Can I sleep like this at night?"

"I have to wake up at night."

I followed Mr. Nayong at a distance. No matter how close I tried to walk, he would leave about 2-3 distances between us. He always has feet and always carries a long stick that he usually uses to hit me on the head.

"What do you have to do at night?"

"You really are annoying, little girl."

"I just want to know. You're not small anymore! And my name is Jie Zhuang."

After I accidentally threw up in anger that the other person liked to use the word “annoying” to cut off the conversation.

Often there was silence between the two of us.

I know that when we first met I was just a 10 year old kid.

As for his older brother, he is probably in his early 20s but even though many years have passed,

He was still the same, unchanged over time like any other human being. As for me, from a girl whose height didn't reach my shoulders that day, I had grown into a 16-year-old girl. The height would be as high as Mr. Ong's shoulders.

In the end, it was me who couldn't stand being quiet like this.

"If you wake up in the middle of the night, next time I'll come to you at night. During the day you'll be able to rest-"

"No! You absolutely must not come here at night!"

Nayoung turned around and snorted and looked at me with red eyes that were very angry and ferocious and even had fangs.

I had never seen it before. It was terrifying and made me tremble because Nayoung had never experienced anything like this before.

Be quiet and show no emotion on your face. But now she looked at me like she had done something very wrong.

"Yes..Yes."

I stammered out an answer and nodded quickly for fear that the other person wouldn't believe me even though I wanted to know the reason. But if he looked that angry, I definitely wouldn't dare come here at night.

After being yelled at that day, I didn't dare ask about it again because I didn't like such scary looks. But my curiosity still persisted, so I ended up asking Yebin about it.

"Do you know about the mountain spirits?"

"You know, Grandma used to tell me about it when I was a kid. It's a village legend."

"Tell me about it."

"I thought you already knew. I saw you going into the forest on the mountain every day and always bringing things to offer as offerings."

"I know but not in detail. Just tell me."

"Oh," Yebin then began to tell the legend of the mountain fairy.

It is said that this demon or demon is a combination of the sins of many humans combined because of the darkness in

The mind makes one so evil that there must be a ritual to ward off ghosts and evil things every year. which is the custom of

A festival in our village that requires a ceremony to ward off and drive away bad things.

"Oh, and people in the village now still pay homage and worship..."

"Wait, it's not over yet."

Previously, this demon was a normal human being, but due to being consumed by the darkness in his heart, he became a demon.

But one day, the ghost realized that the closer he got to humans, the more darkness would consume himself. Because of himself

This spirit absorbs bad things into itself. The closer you are to humans, the more you will plunge yourself into darkness and suffering.

Tormented forever, he fled to the mountains to stay away from humans and practice penance to accumulate merit.

Let the darkness disappear, but people still fear it and think it is the cause of all bad things.

Until a child was swept away into the forest on the mountain. It was said that the child was a descendant of the Mudang* even though the elders

They searched for him and couldn't find them, but the child suddenly returned safely, telling the elders that there were people in black clothes and

Red eyes walked towards her, causing the people in this mountain area to change their minds, some bringing gifts and others making shrines.

The festival, from the original ritual to ward off demons, was changed to ward off bad things from humans instead and

Add rituals for worshiping the forest and spirits, with commonly used offerings such as dried fruits and alcohol.

"That's about it."

“Oh, you like alcohol too?” I accidentally blurted out. But Yebin didn't care and continued.

“But it is said that the dark side is very powerful at night, so you shouldn't go out into the forest at night.”

Because there used to be a story about a group of people who didn't know this story walking into the forest at night. And then I met the demon eyes.

Red stood baring his teeth at them. Some people managed to escape from the forest in time, while others disappeared mysteriously.

At this point, I can understand a bit more about how you have to keep your distance and don't want me to go find you.

At night it might be because of this.

But even so, I would like to try touching Nayong one more time to see that his touch is similar to that of a human.

or different

I could only think about it, but when the time came, I never got close to it, not just because he always kept his distance. But because I myself am afraid that he might get into trouble because of my self-will.

and be tainted because of me

Year 11 festival

This year the festival was bigger than ever with the changing times and the increasing number of people in the villages in this area.

Last year it just became a new tourist attraction because journalists came to report on the legends of the village and

Mountain spirits and the festival falls on Valentine's Day. As a result, many couples came to visit.

Here, during the day, they come to hike and during the night, they come to visit the festival.

I'm 18 years old, so this year I plan to make chocolate for Mr. Nayong. Even though he likes only dried persimmons and eats a bit of rice cakes, this year I'll have to let him taste the chocolate. Chocolate made by me.

During the first few weeks The reason why I haven't shown up to the other side in the mountains yet is because I practiced making chocolate with Yebin and was busy preparing for the festival.

But in the end it was successful and just in time for Valentine's Day.

I held onto the box of chocolates I had been trying to make myself for so many days because I was afraid I would drop it and damage it, and thought only.

While thinking about what to say to the other party, she heard a familiar voice.

"Little girl, why are you late this year?"

I looked up into the sunlight and saw the shadow of another person sitting on a branch. I don't know what kind of expression I made at that time, but I felt very good to see another person.

"What's the matter? You're late and you don't have any persimmons or snacks on hand."

Nayoung grumbled angrily. Even though his expression hadn't changed much from before, she could tell that the other person was probably very upset.

I handed the complainer a box of chocolates in front of him to get him to stop complaining.

“Hmm, what is it?” Mr. Young looked at the box in disbelief alternating with Jie Zhuang’s face.

“Here, take it.” I put the box down on the ground, knowing that the other party wouldn't accept the item directly through me as usual, but I secretly regretted not handing it over directly.

I watched the other party unpack the box and slowly pick it up. Bite-sized pieces of chocolate came out.

"Is this black lump something to eat?"

"It's a kind of dessert called chocolate."

"Um..can you eat something like this?"

"…..Try it and see, I made it myself!!" I started to get a bit annoyed. Do you not trust each other?

Brother Nayong still looked at my face in disbelief, alternating with the chocolate in his hand before taking a small bite and slowly. Chew it slowly. I watched the other person's reaction with excitement, hoping that the other person would be satisfied with the taste of what she made.

No, she tried to make it not too bitter and make it a little sweeter than usual.

"Sweet but a little bitter. Delicious."

"Yessss!"

I jumped with joy when another person said that the chocolate I made was delicious.

"But Persimmon is still number 1."

"Yo"

"But today, I'll agree to eat your chocolate to solve the problem."

The two of us took a walk in the forest and talked about various things that had happened over the year that we hadn't seen each other, mostly me.

I told another person more than I told the story of myself getting into a university in Seoul and then told the story that my parents would move here permanently if I graduated from university and complained about Yebin who had a girlfriend.

I'm not going to the festival with her today.

"Plus, this year most people went in pairs. I had to walk alone again, so annoying." I complained that I had to see people in pairs alone.

You must walk alone

"Let me be your friend."

Suddenly, she heard a sentence she didn't expect come out of the other party's mouth.

"yes?"

"Oh, you don't want to walk here alone."

“Really?!” Mr. Yong nodded with a calm expression.

"But...at night..you-"

"It should be fine. Actually, after midnight tonight, I'll turn back into a human."

Hearing that, I was speechless with joy. The thing I had always been worried about was about to disappear.

“Because the festival had a ceremony to dispel darkness, it gradually faded. disappeared from me and there were still people stopping by to worship and respect me, so this day has finally arrived."

"Then I'll meet you at the forest entrance tonight. I'll be waiting."

This evening, I hurriedly found the clothes that I thought looked best and most appropriate and went out to wait at the forest entrance with feeling.

Excitement, joy, and so much more all came together as we stood waiting and were trying to compose ourselves suddenly. He was startled when something lightly hit his head.

"Waiting long?"

Brother Nayong who wears a mouth mask and the same black outfit..

Plus he's carrying a stick!

"Why are you bringing the stick? Why are you wearing a cloth to cover your mouth?"

I complained to the other party who came into the village but dressed secretly. Like thieves or thugs.

"Well, I don't like the smell of humans. When they're gathered together in large numbers, they make me vomit. I don't feel anything with just you alone, but when they're gathered together in large numbers, I can't stand it."

"Oh, I'm telling you, I feel like I'm losing my life. So you can't take this wood away, right?"

Enough to accept the reason about the cloth covering the mouth, but about the matter, how will the other person make an excuse?

"Actually, even though I can control the darkness, I can't touch humans until after midnight."

“I'm really asking, why? Why can't I touch you? Will you slow down as a human being-"

"Because if I touch a human I will disintegrate, so I need a stick to hit those who come near me."

Even if the other party is joking But to me it's not funny at all.

I felt my ears ringing and unable to hear any other words after the word “disintegrate”. It was a feeling of fear, fear of being broken.

He felt guilty that he had pretended to touch his body. If one day she made a mistake, what would she do? And today

Invite him to come out. If another person touched another human being, what would she do? Tears suddenly flowed out of her eyes.

"Hey, why are you crying? I'm not going to disappear now. Besides, soon I'll be back as a human like you."

I wiped away the tears but they kept flowing out.

“My god, I chose a beautiful outfit. You're all ugly now, little one."

I still cried non-stop and Brother Nayong continued to comfort me and make me stop crying.

"After midnight, you won't be able to pretend to catch me because I'll hold you tight and never let go."

I, who was lowering my head and wiping away tears, stopped my actions as soon as I heard another person say nothing but indifferent words.

Anticipating this, I also saw the warmest and most sincere smile from the person in front of me.

"Stop it. Wipe your face and eyes and let's go."

"Really."

"Wow, that's really annoying, little one."

"I'm not lying."

I smiled and wiped my face and eyes like Nayoung said. Now I look really ugly but I'll go back and put on makeup again.

It would be a waste of time, but going like this is secretly embarrassing.

"Don't worry, she's cute."

While hesitating whether to put on new makeup or not, the other person who seemed to be able to read her mind said that sentence to her.

So embarrassed that your face turned red.

"Let's go."

Before going, Mr. Nayong left a stick at the entrance to the forest and said to me,

"You have to protect me and don't let anyone touch you," Mr. Ong joked.

"I understand!" I said, raising my hand to make a smile.

The two of us walked together with a distance, but I was careful not to walk in crowded places. Even though it was an area with few people and not much interesting, this kind of atmosphere made her happy just to use it. Spending time on Valentine's Day with the person you love is more than enough happiness.

"Did you know that Valentine's Day is a day when women give chocolates to the people they like?"

The two of us who were tired from walking around the festival took a break to avoid the crowd near the forest entrance.

"Hm, if that's the case.."

"I like you."

The two of us could only stare at each other's faces. I tried to stop myself from moving closer, but it was like we were both drawn to each other until we could feel each other's breath.

Bang!

But the sound of the fireworks was what brought both of us back to our senses. We still couldn't touch each other. There should be about an hour left.

I almost broke you.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

This year's fireworks looked more beautiful than every year because there was another person beside them.

"Um, and on the 14th Next month, the person who receives the chocolate, if they want to respond to the other person's feelings, must take it.

I'll give you another candy. It's called White Day."

"What are humans doing so difficult these days?"

I laughed at the expression on another person's face who seemed annoyed by these customs of people in this era.

"Really, I'll go get some dried persimmons for you. I saw them selling in the middle of the alley but there were a lot of people. I'll wait here."

I saw that there was less than half an hour left. If I went out and bought his favorite dried persimmons, it would be just in time.

“Oh, Jie Zhuang?~” The voice she didn't want to hear and hated the most.

“Eunbi, what are you doing here?” I turned towards another voice calling as Nayoung hyung looked at me in confusion.

"Well, I came to travel with my boyfriend. Plus, it's a big festival here because it falls on Valentine's Day, so I had to come. But, who are you traveling with?"

Eunbi, holding the arm of a young man who must have been her boyfriend, walked towards me.

She was a child who had been in the same class as Jie Zhuang in high school and was the person who always bullied Jie Zhuang.

"It's my business. You can go out with your boyfriend." I tried not to interfere with the other party.

"Oh, I came with my girlfriend, but hey, this woman is dead." But Eun Bi still tried to talk in a way that didn't make sense.

Eunbi laughed so loudly that it made me cry. “Whatever it is, it has none of your business.”

Eunbi walked closer, patted her shoulder, and leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Is this what you taste like, friend?"

I slapped the other person's hand away, causing the other person who had been slapped violently to become angry and raise his palm and

Prepared to swing at my face at that time, I thought I wouldn't be able to dodge it in time, so I could only close my eyes and accept it, but thought that

Definitely not letting the other party slap you for free.

But he didn't feel any pain at all.

And the picture I saw in front of me was Nayoung holding another person's arm to prevent the other person's hand from reaching my face.

"Hey, what are you going to do to my girlfriend?" The man was about to run over and push Mr. Nayoung, but suddenly he saw Nayoung's face.

He was frightened and ran into the forest.

Nayoung hyung pulls off the gag and turns to look at Eunbi.

“Don't-come-touch-Jie-shuang-again!”

Eun Bi's red eyes and long fangs startled her and she quickly shook her hand away from the transformed Mr. Young.

The demon let her see her and she ran away in the forest, freaking out, following her boyfriend.

"It's nothing." The red eyes returned to black and the fangs that had sprouted just now disappeared.

"I'm fine-oppa!"

Nayoung fell to his knees on the grass, her face dripping with sweat and she began to breathe heavily.

"I made a mistake. I can't stand seeing you being attacked in front of me while all I can do is stand and watch."

"Uncle?" I was confused and didn't understand what was wrong with the other person.

"There's only less than 5 minutes left. I could hold you forever but it's too late.”

I immediately cried out when I heard that, and even more sobbed when I saw the other person's light glowing slowly. Slowly dissolving in front of me

“But now I can hug you, Jie Shuang.”

I rushed into the other person's arms as soon as I heard how much time was left. I didn't know how much time he had left to completely disintegrate. All I could do was hug him tightly and absorb everything in him as much as possible.

“What do you know? I really like you too, Jie Shuang.”

Nayoung said while hugging and caressing my head.

“My little girl has grown into a kind-hearted young woman. I am glad to have gotten to know you. Today's chocolate is very delicious. If possible, I would like to stay until next month and give you candy every day. This can only be given to you.”

He broke the embrace slightly before pressing his lips to mine gently and for a long time until the last light on Nayoung's body disappeared, leaving only emptiness in front of her.

Jie Zhuang could only stand there and cry. Just a little more and we would be able to hug each other and be together. But it turned out that this first hug and kiss would already be our last.

After that incident, every month passed. One day, she would go up the mountain into the forest and take the persimmons to the same spot where she saw Nayong. She would set them down and sit and eat them all, waiting for the person who liked this to one day come back and sit next to her and pick them up to eat. as before

But like every day there is nothing but only you.

It was like it was just a dream, but she was sure that everything really happened and that she was still sane.

As she stood up to leave, something suddenly fell from the tree.

“What is this?” Something resembling candy in a white package with no letters on it was lying on the ground.

Seeing that, she hurriedly looked towards the trees, but there was nothing. Even though there was no person she wanted to meet the most, she believed that

Nayoung had already accepted her feelings because the candy she was unwrapping was a persimmon flavor that no one else would.

You can give her this flavored candy.

Jie Zhuang happily sucked the candy. Even though they hadn't seen each other, she knew that Mr. Young would always be by her side.

END

Seollal - Chinese New Year

Mudang - Korean medium

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