Vicious Spirits - Kat Cho Page 0,40

move. Needing to do something with the anxious energy that was building up inside of her.

“We’ll figure something out,” Jihoon said.

“I’ll figure something out,” Miyoung corrected him.

Jihoon stood and took her hand in his to stop her pacing. “When are you going to realize you’re not alone in all of this?”

“When the people I care about aren’t being forced to risk themselves because of mistakes I made,” Miyoung said, pulling her hand free.

Before Jihoon could reply, Junu walked back in with Somin.

“If we do this, then you need to be aware of a few things,” Junu said. “First, there’s no guarantee that the bangmangi can summon Miyoung’s bead. The magic isn’t all-powerful; it has limits. A dokkaebi usually uses it to summon riches or food from a stash he has close by, usually small, inconsequential things. I’ve never heard of one reaching beyond the world of the living. And I’ve never heard of one summoning something as powerful as a yeowu guseul. So it’s very possible it won’t work.”

Somin started to speak, but he shook his head to stop her.

“Plus, I haven’t used my own bangmangi since I first became a dokkaebi. I don’t know if I have the skill to help Miyoung find her bead.”

“It’s our only hope,” Miyoung said.

“I know, but it’s a shaky hope at best,” Junu said.

“But you’ll still go get it? You’ll at least try?” Somin asked.

“I’ll leave first thing tomorrow morning,” Junu said.

“Why?” Jihoon asked. “If you say we only have days, why not go today?”

“I have to make some preparations first,” Junu said vaguely. “And if I’m going to do this, it means you all have to trust me. No second-guessing how I do things.”

“Fine,” Somin said.

“I’m going with you,” Miyoung said.

“Are you sure you’re up for that?” Somin asked.

“Of course,” Miyoung said, but her declaration was weak and breathy.

“I’ll move faster without you,” Junu said.

“This is my life you’re talking about,” Miyoung said. “I should do something.”

Instead of replying, Junu pushed against her shoulder. Miyoung fell back, plopping onto the couch. “You’re too weak. It’s a long hike to get to the bangmangi,” Junu said. “You’ll have to trust me on this, whether you like it or not.”

“Fine, I have a headache. I’m going to go lie down.” Miyoung knew she sounded like a petulant child, but she didn’t want to stand around discussing how weak and useless she was right now.

So she stormed into the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

She was frustrated at how weak she still felt and tired of depending on other people to solve her problems. Just like her mother. Always like her mother.

“Miyoung,” Junu said, slipping into the room.

“Usually when someone closes a door, it means they want you to stay on the other side,” Miyoung said.

“Yeah, but I was never really good at taking a hint,” Junu said with a smile.

“Yeah, I know,” she muttered.

Junu stood by the door, not moving to come farther into the room but not leaving. He seemed to be debating something, so Miyoung finally rolled her eyes and said, “What?”

“You should know something,” he finally said.

Miyoung wondered what game Junu was playing here. It had been hard enough to accept that he’d help by going to find his bangmangi, but Junu loved to keep information to himself so he could use it as leverage later. She wondered what price she’d have to pay for what he was about to tell her.

“There’s a reason I know about the tear,” Junu said.

“Yes, one of your mysterious confidential sources,” Miyoung said. “I know all about your privacy policy.”

“Yeah, except this time it doesn’t apply,” Junu said. “Because I made a promise to help you, so I think you deserve to know this, especially since it affects your life. Or the length of it at least.”

“What are you trying to say?” Miyoung asked, trepidation sparking in her chest.

“A jeoseung saja told me about the tear. Because it’s affecting the order of death.”

“A reaper?” Miyoung whispered, and her knees went so weak she had to sit on the bed. “Are they coming for me?”

“A reaper?” Jihoon said from the doorway.

“Does no one respect privacy anymore?” Miyoung complained.

“I would, except I know you two and your habit of keeping dangerous secrets,” Jihoon said.

“Where’s Somin?” Junu asked.

“Her mother just came home. She’s helping with the groceries.”

“Well, why don’t we invite both of them in here? Since we’re having a party now,” Miyoung said sarcastically.

“Tell me about the reaper,” Jihoon said, turning to Junu.

“There’s nothing much to tell.