Futuristic Mint Eye

[Pretzel Heart]

RP between Pretzel Heart and RANGYOKU

• An Invitation...
• Guest List
• Guest File

• 
  
  

  
  
  Seoul, Korea.
  
  It is the year 20XX. Paradise, a world of an everlasting party, "Magenta" is a reality. No crime, no uprise, all is taken care of, all live in the oblivion of their own pleasures and desires. The Eye watches over Seoul ever so closely, ever so constant in its duty to assure the eternity of happiness. But there are those who know better . . . Under a thick veil of bliss lies a harsh, bitter truth. Society is kept under a strict hierarchy, where "awareness" is a privilege to those in the system, Mint Eye. Those who know the truth, corrupt and pervert the truth, are to be "taught" the error of the ways, and if all fails, they are deemed fallen at the judgement of the Savior, while those who prove themselves faithful, the Disciples, learn of the truth and become its bearers and guardians for the future to come. Utopia is but an illusion to those who know better where every Believer is subjected to a shaping of their mind from the day they are born and become nothing but hypocritical and subserving acolytes for the rest of their lives. We are growing, evolving, an organization they deem a threat to their beliefs as we seek to let our voice be heard.
  
  The stage is set, the words are on a screen in display, everyone is watching, including those who would turn a blind eye otherwise.
  
  You have received a very special invitation by the RFA.
  
  It is time for this party to come to and end. Let us make it one we will never forget!
  
  

  

  
  ​
• 
  
  Spoiler: RFA Members

  CHERRY | Sujin Chae | 세영최
  Age: 19
  Born: November 3rd, Scorpio
  Height: 165 cm
  Weight: 69 kg
  Blood Type: A
  
  707 | Luciel Choi | Saeyoung Choi | 세영최
  Age: 22
  Born: June 11th, Gemini
  Height: 175 cm
  Weight: 69 kg
  Blood Type: AB
  
  Jumin Han | 주민한
  Age: 27
  Born: October 5th, Libra
  Height: 184 cm
  Weight: 78 kg
  Blood Type: B
  
  Jaehee Kang | 제희강
  Age: 26
  Born: December 28th, Capricorn
  Height: 165 cm
  Weight: 54 kg
  Blood Type: O
  
  ZEN | Hyun Ryu | 현류
  Age: 24
  Born: April 1st, Aries
  Height: 182 cm
  Weight: 75 kg
  Blood Type: B
  
  Yoosung★ | Yoosung Kim | 유성김
  Age: 21
  Born: March 12th, Pisces
  Height: 171 cm
  Weight: 68 kg
  Blood Type: A
  
  V | Jihyun Kim | 지현김
  Age: 27
  Born: September 9th, Virgo
  Height: 179 cm
  Weight: 70 kg
  Blood Type: O
  
  Vanderwood | Seong-Min Kwon | 成旻權
  Age: 25
  Born: May 17th, Taurus
  Height: 178 cm
  Weight: 72 kg
  Blood Type: O
  
  
  Spoiler: Mint Eye Members

  Savior | Rika | 리카
  Age: 26
  Born: November 3rd, Scorpio
  Height: 159 cm
  Weight: 46 kg
  Blood Type: B
  
  Unknown | Saeran Choi | 세란최
  Age: 22
  Born: June 11th, Gemini
  Height: 173 cm
  Weight: 59 kg
  Blood Type: AB
• 
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Sujin Chae​
  
  
  
  
  Name: [ Sujin Chae | 壽珍蔡 | 수진체 ]
  
  Alias: [ Cherry ]-Chosen because of his family name, which begins with the same character as 'cherry' in Korean (체리). Also he just loves cherries-|
  
  Age: [ 19 ]
  
  Born: [ November 3rd, Scorpio ]
  
  Hair: [ Dark brown, thin, unruly ]
  
  Eyes: [ Blue-green, sleepy, thick lashes ]
  
  Height: [ 165 cm ]
  
  Weight: [ 60 kg ]
  
  Blood Type: [ A ]
  
  Languages: [ Korean, Chinese, English ]
  
  Likes: [ Coffee, Cherries, Chocolate, Helping Others, the feeling of being Warm on a Cold Day, Jokes, Li Hyori (K-Pop Idol), Reading, His family, Swimming, Mint Eye? ]
  
  Dislikes: [ Social Interaction, School, Kimchi, Loud noises, Summer, Airplanes, Not being recognized as male, Large dogs, Heights, Getting ignored, Echo Girl ]
  
  Quirks: [ Left-handed. Always wears a water-proof watch on his right wrist; refuses to ever take it off unless perhaps he is wearing gloves or long sleeves. His name is very unusual and frequently commented upon, since 'Chae' is incredibly rare and 'Sujin' is more common for women. Sometimes mistaken for a girl thanks to his name, appearance, height, and voice. Actually, he is very self-conscious about his voice, as when he was younger he was told it was annoying. Ever since he has trained himself to speak quietly and demurely. Has a terrible taste in men. ]
  
  Family: [ Mother ]-Yeonghui Chae|42|Deceased-[ Father ]-Ilseong Chae|45-[ Sister ]-Minju Chae|16-|
  
  Personality: [ Though at his core Sujin is someone with a kind heart, sometimes it is hard to tell, and his motivations are often confused by the many things holding him back. A homebody with an avoidant personality, he reasons that staying inside protects him from having to go through social interaction. Just being around others makes him extremely self-conscious, and he will overthink scenarios when he is uncomfortable or stressed. While he used to be someone who could be considered "charismatic," these days he may be a bit more awkward than he would like to admit.
  
  Despite this he can be impulsive, since if something is going well and he is able to relax, he has a tendency to go with the flow. While much less of an "active" type, the one thing that will get him to push against his comfort zone is helping others- even complete strangers or those he would otherwise distrust or dislike. In these scenarios, however, it is neither bravery nor justice that drives him, but rather a sense of penance and guilt. Because of this, Sujin could be considered to have a dangerously Co-Dependent personality, where it is easy for him to overlook his own wellbeing in the service of others. He's also probably a bit of an M. These ideals and his obsession with giving aid have led him to believe strongly in the dogma of Mint Eye, who want to make the world a better place. Though his more logical side remains in question of their actions, overall he has a very positive image of the cult and would defend them in a fight.
  
  Outside of ideology, Sujin could be considered an intelligent, rational individual. One of his skills is being able to keep a calm head and think on his feet; he refuses to back down from a problem until he has exhausted all possible solutions. He also has a very curious mind which has developed into a love of reading articles and books, giving him a vast array of "useless" knowledge in various fields. However recently his motivation for such things has been kind of low.
  
  Even if he is not the greatest at dealing with others, he continues to display a broad sense of humor and loves jokes, though his own brand tends to be bizarre, dark, or dry, relying on humor to deny otherwise unpleasant situations. He also holds an intense idolization for K-Pop singer Li Hiyori...almost to the point of it being weird (it is unclear whether he is serious or not).
  
  So while Sujin retains some ties to normalcy, the greatest roadblock in his life is the haunting sense of having "given up." Though once tenacious, now he lingers. His hyperactive mind has backfired, leaving him with the incomplete remains of what was once sound logic, lost in stagnancy. For someone who was once so confident in his ability to overcome any situation, this has become quite a problem... These days he could be seen as defeatist or pessimistic, at least towards himself. He holds a double standard where, for others, he will do his best to boost them with optimism, empowering them with visions of an idealistic world he may have long lost faith in.
  
  Overall, he is someone with little sense of self-worth, and the only way for him to justify his existence is to assist others, no matter the task, no matter how small. It might be hard to get him to open up at first, but in truth he is a passionate individual with a good heart, even if he has become severely misguided along the way. ]
  
  History: [ Sujin's life started out as fairly average. His father works in the financial sector of downtown Seoul, and his mother, a proud traditionalist, worked part-time teaching at a culture center while at home making sure to raise her children with an equal knowledge of Korean and Chinese. Both kids could be considered "bright"- easy to get along with, passionate, and incredibly driven and smart. Thus their parents took a more supportive role with them than common, especially with Sujin, believing in his ability to become a satisfactory achiever.
  However, this simple world began to be complicated when, in his first year of junior high, Sujin
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  He hadn't experienced this kind of attitude before, but his childhood friend
  -------
  who had been at a different elementary school, encouraged him to ignore it.
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  eventually overcoming any sense of lingering guilt as he became one of the more well-liked students.
  In Sujin's second year of junior high
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  He was from a rich family, had previously lived abroad, was highly intelligent, and developed a huge ego because of it. His good looks and confident, exotic nature made him very popular at the school, and he also became the top-ranking student.
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  but he neglected to respond.
  
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  By the time he graduated middle school, Sujin was looking forward to a chance at a new life. However, just before graduation
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  Especially as details about the case became clear.
  With things
  -----------------
  Sujin decided to
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  This was also the time that Mint Eye began to rise in power. While Sujin had been following the cult thanks to his dedication to the career of idol Li Hiyori, only after their announcement of the takeover of South Korea did he really begin to feel struck by their message. When their mysterious "Savior" began to speak through the television screen, Sujin felt as if her words were directed just at him. There was something like hope to be found in that speech.
  Eventually it was settled that he would
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  and he began to feel relieved and re-accustomed himself to
  ----------------
  He also picked up a hobby of swimming, joining the school's team to cultivate this new talent. However, after only a few months, it turned out that
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  His father got him a job at Penguin Mart, a popular pyeonijeom chain with a store down the street from their house, but he was fired within a month for
  ----------------------------------
  
  
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  His phone is these days merely a source for his family to reach him, so he was very surprised when, while lounging around, he got a mysterious message from an unknown app... ]
  
  
  
  

  

  
  

  
  
  
  *Notes*
  Originally I had him like, tiny, because I found it was hilarious how MC was presented as child sized in the CGs, even with Jaehee. But I guess in my heart I didn't like it ;; cause he gradually kept getting taller. I mean, he's still rather short, so I hope that's okay.
  Also for clothing, I thought it was cute to see Male!MC dressed the same as Female!MC (like this), so I will likely do the same here. :3​

Link to BBC​

 

[Pretzel Heart]

It was reputedly a beautiful day for a CD release. The weather, which had been steadily growing colder since the turn of the month, decided to take a morning break from tempest and rain, allowing the city to simmer in sunlight for a few thankful hours. Reports would later say that the lines of fans waiting to get their hands on the newest installment from South Korea's Angel of Music, the "Goddess Idol" Hiyori Li, were so long that they interrupted traffic in some areas. But thanks to clear skies and gentle warmth, the fans didn't seem to mind. This was all par for the course when it came to supporting their favorite star.

By 3:00 the crowds had finally begun to thin. The album was sold out in all but the largest or most remote locations. But many of the diehard fans were already at home, having finished listening to the songs hours before, and back to attending the business of the day. As if to close the curtain on a brilliant first act, the skies dimmed, the temperature dropped, and it started to rain.

It was under such gloomy conditions that Sujin Chae finally looked outside his window, giving something between a disgruntled sigh and a groan at the grim weather. He had just woken up.

Even the faintest sunlight filtering through the overcast clouds was enough to give him a headache, so he dropped the thick, black curtain almost as soon as he had lifted it, allowing gravity to settle it back into its somber place in the dark, still room.

Under different circumstances he would have been first amongst the fans who had lined up for the release. At least, that was what he was telling himself. In fact, he would have left early the day before, loitering at the music store a few stops away until they had allowed people to start lining up. But, things being as they were, he hadn't felt up to facing the stress of being trapped in a crowd surrounded by so many people...especially not when such a handy dandy thing as KPost existed.

Of course, at the cost of having his meticulously pre-ordered limited edition special Pink Love Disk delivered directly to his door, he was going to have to wait to listen to it.

A whole

day

It was simply impossible. Which meant...

Bleary blue-green eyes squinted across a thousand kilometers to the opposite side of the room where his computer desk sat. Inside him waged a war between the powers of laziness and fanatic fervor, in the midst of which he found himself regretting that he hadn't at least tried to bribe Minju into picking up a copy of the CD. Even if the last time she had firmly put her foot down, crowing about how she refused to wait all day with those "gross sweaty fanboys" ever again...at least dealing with her was easy when compared to dealing with strangers. Or having to wait to listen to the release. Or having to drag himself out of bed to use the internet.

Of course, there was always his phone.

It took Sujin a few minutes of shifting through the scattered piles of debris by his mattress to even locate where the damn thing was. But at least he didn't have to technically get up to do so. Even after the device was firmly in hand, he found himself unable to summon the energy to fully drag himself back onto the bed, choosing instead to remain hanging off its side at a precariously awkward (but surprisingly comfy) angle. He hadn't used the phone in so long that he honestly half forgot how to turn it on, and after fruitlessly mashing a few buttons was about to fling it back into the void when a resilient chime alerted him that it was booting. As he waited, impatiently drumming his thumbs against the screen, he tried to formulate a plan of attack. Thanks to South Korea's weird laws it wouldn't be as easy as going to iTunes. Ever since the takeover things had been tense with Apple and other American companies. For now they couldn't ignore one of their largest markets, but a politically-oriented idol like Li Hiyori surely wouldn't be popping up in their stores anytime soon. Well, he didn't need Apple, anyways. He was perfectly content with his Olleh Samsung. At least, he would be content if it could hurry up.

As the home screen finally came into view Sujin was thankful to see that the battery was near full, so at least he wouldn't have to worry about foraging for the charger. Otherwise the digital surface was blank, containing nearly nothing past the basic apps it had come preinstalled with, and not even a single notification to mark the long time it had been off. Except...that wasn't right. There was one, a faded grey box hanging menacingly at the top of the screen.

"Mystic Messenger needs to be updated. Start download now?"​

Sujin studied the unexpected words with a raised brow. Well, it had been a while since he had turned on his phone. While he certainly didn't have any use for a messenger, it was probably just a routine update that he would have to accept anyways, so he flippantly agreed in a hurry to get back to his Noona.

Normally using the internet could be a process for someone like him, who needed to do breathing exercises just to scroll through a few comments some days. But today was different. He was a man on a mission. Though even after finally pulling up Google (having found, over the years, that he preferred its clean interface to Naver's clutter and ever-present threat of notes...not to mention the advantages of getting around South Korean blockers), he had some difficulty trying to figure out what to put in. As typical, the search engine kept trying to redirect him to Wikipedia. There were videos of the album's teaser trailers, a few English blogs, but nothing immediately promising. The hunt only wet his thirst, and he became more determined the deeper he got.

Then, several pages in, at last! A promising link.

Li Hiyori Propaganda Video New Song, Full Download Here Now​

Just as his salivating fingers got ready to press it, however, he heard a ding signifying the end of a download. It surprised him since, in his fandom high, he had practically forgotten all about the update.
But what was more surprising was what came next.

Without warning his beloved Noona was stolen away, the screen of search results replaced by a cold page asking him to choose a username and display image. More than a little irritated, Sujin tried to close the app or whatever it was to no avail. Damn system updates. With another of his sigh-groans he gave into the phone's demands, clicking the input photo option to bring up his pitiful library. There was no way he was going to use his actual face...the thought of even looking into a mirror filled him with terror, let alone a selfy cam...but luckily he didn't have to worry about that. Despite owning the phone for several years, there were barely 20 pictures saved to it. As expected, almost all were of Hiyori Li. Seeing her refreshing image every time he turned on his phone might actually get him to use it....but there were so many to choose from, all options great. From her first album, back when she had shorter hair and the angelic smile that had first captured his heart, the Okinawa beach shoot promo that he had taken a punch to get prints for, the collab she did with Echo Girl...wait, what? He'd have to remember to delete that, wondering what sort of state he had been in to save it in the first place. But swiping away the cursed image revealed something. A picture he had actually taken on his own, last summer. He had awoken early that day, finding his curtains pulled wide to reveal the pleasant little garden afforded by their corner suite. Someone had placed a cheerfully painted bowl of freshly-washed cherries on the windowsill, signaling the start of the fruit's ripest season. It had been such a perfect, thoughtful scene - just like his father to set up - that Sujin had to capture it. The juicy glimmer of the dark red rind got him thinking.

Sujin Chae. Chaeli...

Finally settling on a photo from the only time he had seen Li Hiyori live, he moved onto the username input and typed:

C H E R R Y​

using the English characters as it felt a little cooler. Hm. It was just for a stupid update he probably wasn't ever going to use again, but somehow, looking at the combination, Sujin felt an unusual tug of satisfaction.

He couldn't even remember the last time he had set up a profile.

But there was no time to dwell on past failings, for as soon as he had pressed the enter key a new screen appeared. A rather unusual one that looked to be scrolling through code, making him wonder if what he had always suspected was true, and Li-Noona's perfection had somehow broken his phone.

But his confusion was nothing compared to his panic when a message popped up on the screen.

It startled him so badly that he not only dropped the phone but managed to jolt himself off the bed entirely, landing painfully in a mess of scattered books, papers, and bowls filled with cherry pits and stems. Man, I really need to clean, he blearily thought as he pulled himself up (after several somewhat pathetic failures) to sit more safely on the bed's edge.

At least now he was wide awake, eyeing the floor where the phone lay face down as if it were some poisonous jumping animal. It kept pinging as if receiving alert after alert, and every ding caused him to flinch.

Come on, Sujin. Relax.

He tried to remember his breathing exercises.

It's probably just something like that Siri thing Apple has.

Nodding to himself, he worked up the courage to pick up the phone.

​

Well, it definitely wasn't Siri. What even was this app? Had he downloaded something sketchy by mistake? Which meant...... that was a real person typing! Oh god oh god oh god...what should he do?

The words sent a shiver down his spine, and yet...

I need help
Please?

<< Hello? I'm here, sorry. What can I do?​

The response was immediate.

Despite himself, Sujin couldn't resist a small tease. In fact, much to his bewilderment, he found himself slowly relaxing into the conversation as he read, almost like...muscle memory.

Mystic Messenger​

xUnknown

Haha

xUnknown

You're pretty funny.

xUnknown

...but finally connected. Thank god.

CHERRYx​

That appears to be the case.

CHERRYx​

So what did you need? Also, who are you? I seem to have downloaded this by mistake... ;;

xUnknown

I'm sure you're surprised.

xUnknown

It's not every day you get a text from a stranger.

xUnknown

I'm a bit flustered myself. I found a smartphone at the subway station, but all it had was this messenger app.

xUnknown

I want to find the owner, but I don't see any contact info or call records...

xUnknown

I've been sending messages with this app but no reply.

xUnknown

All I see is an address and some important-looking numbers saved in notes.

xUnknown

I'd like to go there myself but I'm currently abroad...

Type a message.......................................................................................................

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| |

xSENDx

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So whoever was typing was just a good samaritan? To be sure, the circumstances were odd, but, if he was being honest, it wasn't as if he couldn't sympathize with being a bit awkward and yet just wanting to do right. This stranger and him shared a common goal, and they needed his help. So he may as well give them a chance...

Mystic Messenger​

CHERRYx​

I see... But first, do you mind telling me who you are? ;;

xUnknown

Me?

xUnknown

Oh, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself.

xUnknown

I'm just...a student studying abroad. I'm Korean.

xUnknown

I could tell you my name but it doesn't really matter.

xUnknown

You won't find me on search engines. ^^;

xUnknown

But anyways..

xUnknown

Can you help me find the owner of this phone?

xUnknown

I know you're surprised to have someone suddenly pop up and ask you a favor like this.

xUnknown

But still...

xUnknown

I'd appreciate it if you could help.

CHERRYx​

I can do my best.

CHERRYx​

But......

Type a message.......................................................................................................

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xSENDx

..........................................................................................

He was doing it...he was actually doing it. Holding a (somewhat) normal conversation with a complete stranger. Over the phone...

It was almost frightening how easily he had fallen into pace. At least, he didn't think he had said anything condemning. The stranger was still talking to him, after all. Everything was going well. And it was...nice.

Almost too nice.

Mystic Messenger​

CHERRYx​

Are you sure it's alright to be so friendly with me...

xUnknown

Oh. Sorry. ^^;

xUnknown

Living abroad makes you lonely.

xUnknown

Anyways, you said you'd help?

xUnknown

I'd really like to find the owner.

xUnknown

Then God will be happy.

xUnknown

Oh! Sorry I didn't mention it before. I'm religious.

Type a message.......................................................................................................

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xSENDx

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Religion...

He knew how important it was to some people, but he didn't really like to think about it. Especially not after everything that had happened...and the takeover......

Mystic Messenger​

CHERRYx​

You mean Mint Eye, right?

xUnknown

What?

xUnknown

I mean, yes.

xUnknown

Of course.

xUnknown

The Savior wants us to help others.

xUnknown

Even if I'm abroad, I still want to respect her wishes.

CHERRYx​

I see...

xUnknown

The Savior says you must not miss any opportunity to do good, no matter how small.

xUnknown

Well, some think that it's just being nosy.

xUnknown

But I'm not like normal people.

xUnknown

I can't help but think about how stressed the owner might be...

xUnknown

Never mind what I just said. I'm sorry if I weirded you out.

CHERRYx​

No, it's fine.

CHERRYx​

Actually, I feel the same way.

xUnknown

You do?

xUnknown

I knew it. You're a good girl.

xUnknown

So will you please help me out?

xUnknown

I'll make it up to you once I'm back in Korea.

Type a message.......................................................................................................

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xSENDx

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The conversation progressed before Sujin had a chance to question the stranger's assumptions about his gender. He had taken too much after his mother in features, and, being on the smaller side, it was a mistake that had come up even when meeting people face to face. Tiresome, but at least it made more sense when chatting (oh god he was really chatting, wasn't he?) online. Perhaps the stranger lived under a rock and didn't recognize Li Hiyori from his avatar? The thought almost made him laugh. He would have to set them straight, when they met up. Wait...was he actually planning to meet this person!? Well, it was someone else who believed in the philosophy of Mint Eye, and, somehow, despite the oddness of it all, he was feeling...comfortable. It almost hurt, a dull, aching pain he had gotten so used to having that he had almost forgotten it was there at all.

A wistful feeling.

Mystic Messenger​

CHERRYx​

Sure.

CHERRYx​

I'd be happy to. ^ㅂ^

CHERRYx​

So what can I do?

CHERRYx​

Do you want me to get the police? Maybe you can mail the phone...

xUnknown

What?

xUnknown

No.

xUnknown

I need you to go to the address.

xUnknown

It's a really safe place. If you feel unsafe, you can turn around.

xUnknown

I know the area. It's developed.

xUnknown

Please?

CHERRYx​

Wait...

CHERRYx​

You want me to go there?

CHERRYx​

I don't know...

CHERRYx​

I really want to help, but... ;;

CHERRYx​

It's a bit...weird?

xUnknown

Weird?...^^;;

xUnknown

I'm not weird.

xUnknown

Haven't you ever heard of the saying 'you get a treat if you listen to older men'...?

CHERRYx​

What? No... ;;

xUnknown

Sorry. I was just kidding ^^;;;

Type a message.......................................................................................................

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xSENDx

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With just a few simple statements the mood had completely reversed. It wasn't his fault...right? The stranger was the one acting odd. It was perfectly sensible to be alarmed at such a request. Maybe whoever was typing somehow knew his weakness when it came to speaking with others, and how he didn't have any friends with whom to share messages normally, so they were just taking advantage... He had been shocked into going along at the stranger's pace...of course he would be vulnerable. So did that make this all some kind of sick joke? Or worse...it could even be dangerous! The stranger was making too many assumptions, the circumstances too convenient. Was this some new form of harassment? Would someone really target him, after all this time...?

Mystic Messenger​

xUnknown

Anyways...

xUnknown

I know I'm asking too much.

xUnknown

You might think I'm odd.

xUnknown

...I am a bit odd to be honest.

xxUnknown

But would you consider it? I'm talking to you right now.

xUnknown

Two complete strangers at two completely different places...It's a miracle we've connected.

xUnknown

No one responded to my messages. You're the first one.

xUnknown

I don't know how we got connected...

xUnknown

But maybe this was meant to be?

xUnknown

xUnknown

That is me in the photo.

xUnknown

Maybe this will make you less suspicious...?

xUnknown

I'm returning to Korea soon, so I'll definitely make it up to you.

xUnknown

If you feel unsafe near the place, you can just delete the app.

xUnknown

Please? I'm begging you.

Type a message.......................................................................................................

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xSENDx

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Sujin had merely bitten his lip, silently washed away on the tide of words. In his heart feelings of aversion and yearning once again warred. Even with the photo, he had every reason to be suspicious, and yet...

Maybe this was meant to be

xxxxxI'm begging you

Even...someone like him......

How could he turn his back on someone truly asking for help just because they were a little socially awkward? The type of person who would refuse such an earnest request...was disgusting.

Besides, even if something were to happen, it wasn't as if his was an existence that meant very much to begin with. He was ashamed to have even given it a moment's thought.

Had he truly learned nothing?

Mystic Messenger​

CHERRYx​

...Okay.

CHERRYx​

I can't deny such a request.

xUnknown

You trust me...

xUnknown

Thank you!

xUnknown

Just a sec. I'll send you the address

xUnknown

Now how do you do that...

xUnknown

Found it.

xUnknown

^[Address] Clink Link

CHERRYx​

Okay. Give me an hour and I'll be there.

xUnknown

An hour?

xUnknown

Can't you go now?

CHERRYx​

It's not that close to me, sorry... ;;

xUnknown

No, you're right

xUnknown

I'm sorry

xxUnknown

Just excited to find the owner soon.

CHERRYx​

No worries. I'll let you know when I'm there.

Type a message.......................................................................................................

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| |

xSENDx

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The apartment was really only a few stops on the metro away, but Sujin wasn't prepared to go anywhere near others just yet. He hadn't left his room in god knows how long. His clothes were in a dirty pile, there were bowls of cherry pits and stems everywhere. He hadn't showered since...recent memory...and he felt honestly terrible going out in such a state. However...he could not ignore someone in need.

Trying to hurry, he cautiously broached the last defense protecting his stronghold: the door. He couldn't even remember the last time he had passed it, much less went outside.

"Minju? Dad?"

He called, half expecting them to freak out over Hell freezing over, horses eating each other, and Sujin the prodigal emerging from his room. But he was greeted by silence. It seemed as if no one was home.
Relaxing a body he hadn't even realized had been tensed, he took a quick shower, purposefully avoiding eye contact with the mirror until he had gotten out. Surprisingly, the sight didn't make him cringe as much as he had expected. Same girlish eyes, not helped by the fact he was in desparate need of a haircut. He also looked a bit...thinner, giving him an almost skeletal appearance with pale, sun-deprived skin and eye-bags he was suspicious were, contrarily enough, the result of sleeping too much. But now that he was clean and had benefitted greatly from a good hairbrush, he felt that he could be amongst others without embarassing himself.

Clothes were another matter.

There was no time to do laundry, and it felt like a waste to go through the effort of getting clean just to put on something that had been stinking up the floor since recent memory.

Expression scrunching into a frown, he made his way to Minju's bedroom. He didn't know what was more humiliating: having to wear his sister's clothes, or the fact they fit him at all. Trying to pick out the most conservative pants and shirt from her collection, he tried to ignore the guilt of going through her stuff as he remembered the weather and dug deeper into the closet. Did she really need so many sweaters...? There sure was a lot of other crap in there as well...magazines from backlogs years old, abandoned gifts from birthdays past, it seemed as if a makeup case of some kind had spilled all over the floor (not that he was in any position to gripe), and, was that a--- oh god. He'd better pretend he hadn't seen that.

At the very back he finally found what he had been looking for: A raincoat. But there was something in the way this one sagged on its hanger, as if to fit a body shape different from all the other swaying clothes. A familiar smell wafted from it like old perfume...musky, and yet somehow pleasing at the same time.

Mom...

He had no idea Minju had kept any of her old stuff.

Feeling guiltier than ever, he took the jacket and succumbed to a beige sweater for the crisp December air before returning to his room. Raiding his sister's in nothing but a bath towel felt weird enough, never mind changing in there. On his way out, however, he spotted a T-Money card on the desk. It was one of the special edition ones, a weird looking cat with a flower adorning it. Sujin remembered Minju mentioning something about her and her friends all getting matching T-Moneys with the Kakao characters. But if she had gone out, why had she left it?

Well, knowing his sister, she was probably fine. But it did remind Sujin that he needed cash. After finally getting dressed he grabbed the card, hoping it had credits left on it and Minju would understand, as well as dug around in his old Penguin Mart apron to find the remains of his paycheck. If he was going out anyways, might as well try and stop at a music store on his way back. Besides, there was an uncanny wrongness to leaving empty-handed. Also throwing his phone charger into his pocket - just in case the Messenger ate up battery life since he'd be screwed if it went dead - and he was finally ready to go.

Standing in the doorway, pulling the hood of his mother's raincoat over his eyes, Sujin took one last look at his house. He couldn't tell if it appeared so small and sad because he hadn't seen such a view, of his home from the outside, in so long. But why was he getting sentimental? He'd be back within the hour.

Thinking of time reminded him that he'd better hurry, and so he took off for the station.

~~~​

It was kind of sad; he hadn't been on a train in so long that it almost felt nostalgic. In fact, he couldn't even remember the last time he had been further than the Penguin Mart on the corner...and even going there had become overwhelming after getting fired.

Still too early for rush hour, the train car was thankfully empty, meaning Sujin could enjoy the fact they started playing a new Mint Eye video one station in. The message on all Mint Eye videos was pretty much the same, but he was happy to recognize one of Li-Noona's new songs featuring at the end. He even hummed along before catching himself and going bright red, pulling his hood down even further less any of the other passengers had noticed.

As the stranger had proclaimed, the mysterious phone owner's address was in a normal enough area, surprisingly close to downtown. The directions brought him to a tall grey building that had little to distinguish it from the other complexes surrounding it, and he wondered why he had wasted so much energy worrying. Inside, however, was a bit more unusual, the foyer being hung with a plethora of framed professional-looking nature photographs, their sheer number pointing at something beyond idle decoration. Sujin's heart skipped a beat at the sight of a receptionist desk, but as no one was currently there, he decided to avoid all contact and press ahead.

All the way to the fourteenth floor...

Stepping off the elevator, he became aware of just how unsettling the empty foyer with its crowded photographs had felt as the sensation was multiplied tenfold. Of course most people don't hang around apartment hallways, but the complete and utter lack of any sound generated a silence that was almost oppressive...as if no one had lived there for years. With a strange sense of awe, Sujin wandered down the hall, taking his time to check the number on every door. The feeling of his heart beating a thousand miles per second combined with the eerie stillness of the place to make him feel almost feverish. He couldn't tell if the apartment numbers were going up or down, if he should turn back or go ahead. Perhaps this was all a mistake. Perhaps he should...

Sujin froze. Something had disturbed the silence.

Whirling around, he came back to face an empty hallway.

And yet...

Trying to get ahold of himself, he figured out that the correct unit was practically back at the start, right next to the elevator. But he still couldn't shake an uncanny feeling. Almost as if the silence itself was watching him. He turned one last time to look down the hall, but it was very clear. No one was there. However...

There was what appeared to be a little alcove on the other side of the elevator. Probably too small for a person to fit, but...if he just leaned back, he could take a peak inside... ... ...

Ping!

The contrasting boom from his pocket jerked Sujin's attention back to the task. He had forgotten all about silencing his phone, and it seemed as if he had another message.

Are you there yet?​

The timing was uncanny.

In truth he was so shaken that he had completely missed the numbered lock, but there was no need for the stranger to know. He wanted to finish this as quickly as possible. Just getting this far had already taken a lot out of him.

Mystic Messenger​

CHERRYx​

Kidding. It's here.

xUnknown

Haha, nice.

xxUnknown

Got me again.

xUnknown

I'll send you the digits. Try it.

xUnknown

^[Password] Click Link

CHERRYx​

...Shouldn't I ring first? ;;

xUnknown

Hmm. You're right!

xUnknown

Sorry I wasn't thinking straight.

xUnknown

Then ring the doorbell.

CHERRYx​

No answer...

xUnknown

Hmm. No choice then.

xUnknown

I guess the place is empty.

xUnknown

Why don't you press the code?

CHERRYx​

Okay, I guess... ;;

xUnknown

Good.

CHERRYx​

It's open...

xUnknown

Why don't you go inside?

CHERRYx​

...Is it really okay to just walk into a stranger's house...?

CHERRYx​

I know we want to find the owner, but... ;;

xUnknown

You can just leave a note. I'll give you my info.

xUnknown

If something happens, you can show my messages. That'll do.

CHERRYx​

...I guess. Surely they would understand, right?

CHERRYx​

Okay.

CHERRYx​

I'm going in.

xUnknown

Th

xUnknown

ank

xUnknown

you...

Type a message.......................................................................................................

|

| |

xSENDx

..........................................................................................

For the second time that day, Sujin was startled into dropping his phone. At the stranger's ominous last words he had stepped through the apartment's doorway, causing the screen to, for some reason, completely wig out. His cheeks bright despite the fact the hall remained empty, basic instinct brought him to pick up the phone, dart into the building, and slam the door behind him before anyone could see the faux pas. It was only after he had sunk to the floor, waiting for his frantic heart to still, that the magnitude of his actions came rushing in. Wasn't this tantamount to breaking and entering!? What would he do if the owner suddenly came home and called the police? A supple young boy like him couldn't survive in prison! Much less the disappointed look his father would give...

But it didn't take long to realize he probably wouldn't have to worry about that.

The empty silence of the outside hall had leaked under the the door to pollute the rest of the sad apartment. Despite appearing well-furnished, with a full office and bed visible from where he sat, there was a depressing feeling layered over everything like dust. And plenty of actual dust, too.

All in all, it was honestly a bit creepy.

I'll just leave the note and get out of here...

But as he moved to stand his eyes caught on the phone still in his hand. His panic had drowned out the endless pinging, but now he could hear it full force, causing him to finally switch it to silent. His eyebrows closed in on one another as he tried to process so much change. From the lonely chatroom with the unknown number, he had been planted in a full house of rapid-fire chatterers.

And they seemed to be talking about him.

RANGYOKU ​