Page 100 of Vicious Spirits

“I guess I’m just a really cool guy,” Junu said, trying to shrug off Hyuk’s suspicions.

“What are you planning?”

“I told you, it’s fine. It’s going to work.”

“Yes, I believe it will. I believe that whatever your plan is, youwantto die in the end.”

Junu’s pulse leapt at the accusation, and he tried to step around to get to his car. But the reaper shifted, blocking his path.

“That’s ridiculous,” Junu said. “You know me. I’m always out for myself first. Why would I want to die?”

“You know, don’t you,” Hyuk said. “The price it will take to remove her soul from that human body.”

Junu realized he might as well come clean. Hyuk was a reaper, which meant when he was focused on something, there was no deterring him. “You knew how to do it, and you didn’t tell me. Why?”

“Because you’re different now. For as long as I knew you, you always looked out for yourself first, but that’s changed. I don’t know if it’s that human girl or that gumiho. But a part of you cares so much for them that I worried you’d do what you’re about to do.”

“It’s my decision,” Junu said, trying to move to the car again. Hyuk stopped him with a hand to the shoulder.

“Please don’t do this. I do not want to reap your soul.”

“When you come for my soul, can I give you something to deliver for me?”

Hyuk huffed. “That’s not my job.”

“I know, but I need you to deliver it for me anyway. Miyoung needs her bead back, and you need her to get it to close the tear,” Junu said. “I’m trusting you, old friend.” He stepped toward the car again, and this time the reaper let him.

50

SOMIN HAD ALMOSTgotten used to the sleek kitchen in Junu’s apartment. She at least knew how to work the complicated espresso machine now. It was still early enough that everyone was sleeping, but Somin couldn’t, she was too anxious. She wanted to figure out a new plan, to find Miyoung’s bead, to get Sinhye out of Jihoon. To help her friends. But no matter how she’d turned things over in her head, she couldn’t find a solution. This supernatural world had too many secrets. She needed Junu’s help, his knowledge, his resources. She wouldn’t give up on her friends.

She carefully carried the steaming coffee to the other side of the apartment. Slowly opening the bedroom door, she knocked lightly.

“Junu?” she whispered, moving to the bed quietly. But as she approached, she realized it was empty.

“He left,” a voice said behind her.

Somin let out a shout, dropping the mug. It shattered, splashing coffee all over the pristine rug. Somin glared at the reaper who now stood at the foot of the bed, pressing a hand to her skipping heart. “You have to warn someone before you do that. Unless you’re trying to give me a heart attack and reap my soul.”

“No, I would never influence a person’s death if it wasn’t integral to keep the order of things.”

“What?” Somin frowned. “No, it was a joke—” She shook her head. “You know what, never mind. Where did Junu go?”

“He’s in danger. And you need to hold on to him.”

Her heart skipped a beat at the ominous warning, but she took a steadying breath. “What kind of danger?”

“I shouldn’t be here. We do not interfere in the affairs of the living. I almost didn’t come. But he’ll die if you don’t hold on to him.”

“How?” Somin asked.

“He thinks that he can sacrifice himself to help your friend. I believe he thinks it’s what he deserves.”

Somin shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

“He and Sinhye are going to meet with the sansin that cursed them both.”

“He wouldn’t do that. Junu’s too smart for that,” Somin said.

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