The night sky above Seoul was barren, suffocated by light pollution.
Just like Mari’s life—once shining, now dimmed beyond recognition.
“How did it all go so wrong?”
When college began, she thought everything would fall into place.
Scholarships. Her family’s hopes. A bright, promising future.
But she had trusted the wrong people.
First, a small investment.
Then, co-signing a loan.
And finally, everything vanished. Money. Friends. Family.
“The number you have dialed is no longer in service.”
The cold, robotic voice cut through the silence.
Once called "family," they now refused to answer her calls.
This was her third visit to the rooftop.
The first two times, the security guard had stopped her.
This time, no one was around.
.
.
.
[The Rooftop]
Mari stood before the rusted railing.
The wind sliced through her clothes and stung her skin.
The city noise below felt like it belonged to another world.
"I’m sorry."
She wasn’t sure who the apology was for.
She placed her toes over the edge.
Her body leaned into the emptiness.
The wind whipped through her hair.
"Maybe… it’ll be easier once it’s over."
Time slowed.
She only heard the rush of the wind.
And then—
[The Black Wings Appear]
"…?"
No shock. No pain.
She was suspended in midair where the fall should’ve taken her.
Before her stood a boy.
Dressed in black.
Eyes of cold silver.
And wings darker than night itself.
Feathers drifted from the tips of his wings, brushing against Mari’s shoulder.
Cold. Like ice.
The boy stared down at her.
No anger.
No pity.
Just an air of weary annoyance.
"You..."
His voice was low and deep.
"Were you that desperate to die?"
[Silence]
Mari froze, unable to look away.
Not fear. Not curiosity.
Just… numbness.
The boy sighed and extended his hand.
"If you were just going to jump, why bother holding on this long?"
"Who are you…"
Mari managed to whisper.
Her voice was barely audible.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"You’re standing at the edge."
"And I…"
He paused for a breath.
"I’m the one who manages your death. Name’s Sunoo."
His wings shifted, scattering black feathers into the void.
"A Grim Reaper."