15ㅣMurder Case
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While things remained stagnant, a major incident broke out. A serial killer appeared in our neighborhood, sexually assaulting and murdering young women. What was unusual about him was that he left expressions on their faces using the victim's blood. After telling me about the incident, Jeong-guk strongly urged me not to leave the house.
“Usually they attack pretty, young people, but since Seyeon is pretty, there’s a high chance that she’ll get attacked if she goes out.”
Why did those words make my heart race so? Was it the word "pretty" or the handsome face peeking out from beneath the arm that partially concealed my flushed face? Constantly trying to hide my frantic heartbeat and flushed cheeks, I let Jungkook's words go in one ear and out the other. Little did I know that one word would change my life.
I headed to a bar to soothe my frustrations about my relationship with Jeong-guk, which was stalling. Drinking alone, I downed a bottle, then two, and exceeded my limit. I left the bar in a good mood, having already drank enough. It was later than I expected, and the streets were pitch dark, but with the alcohol in me, I felt nothing to fear.
As I was walking down a narrow, almost streetlight-less alley, I heard footsteps behind me. A sudden memory flashed through my mind: the bizarre serial murders Jungkook had told me about. My heart pounded with a new meaning. My palms were sweaty, and all my attention was focused on the man behind me. Just as I felt myself getting closer, I heard the man running towards me, and I ran forward, keeping my eyes fixed on the ground. However, my physical structure prevented me from overtaking him, and I was eventually caught and rolled on the ground.
I was gripped by extreme fear and tension. I was consumed by the fear that the man might kill me. He chuckled creepily, as if he found my frightened expression amusing. He unbuttoned my shirt, one by one. I wanted to struggle, but I was overwhelmed. The man on top of me was a serial killer.
I had a gut feeling. I was going to die here. This was my final fate. How could even the end of fate be so filthy and shameful?