A soft voice called from the doorway.
"I made you some tea," a girl said, carrying a small tray. The cups clinked gently as she walked toward them.
"That's my granddaughter, Mira," the old man said lightly, tilting his head toward her.
Yurim and Rian looked up. Mira seemed to be around their age, her calm eyes curious and observant as she approached.
She paused for a moment, glancing between the two strangers. "Here, Grandfather," she said, handing over the tea. Then her gaze lingered on Yurim, and she frowned slightly, sniffing the air.
"Her scent…" Mira murmured. "She's human."
Yurim's fingers tightened nervously around her clothes, unease flickering in her eyes. Rian noticed but remained silent, his expression unreadable, only a faint trace of concern crossing his face.
"Yes," the old man replied, taking the cup from Mira. "She's human. And the boy is half-human. They faced trouble in the city because of it and had nowhere to go."
Mira's frown softened. "Don't worry," she said gently. "We're not like the city monsters. We won't hurt you."
Yurim nodded, her shoulders easing slightly. Rian gave a short, hesitant nod as well.
The old man turned to Yurim. "Tell me, little one, how did you end up here?"
Yurim hesitated, looking down at her hands. "I… don't really remember," she said quietly. "I just woke up in a classroom… and saw a boy devouring a girl. I ran… and saw awful things…"
Her voice trembled slightly. Rian glanced at her—not with pity, but with quiet understanding.
"I almost lost hope that I'd survive," Yurim continued. A small, tired smile appeared on her face. "But I met a kind monster who helped me survive in this world."
Her eyes flicked toward Rian briefly. He blushed and looked away, pretending to focus on the table.
"He's a good boy," the old man said with a soft laugh, glancing at Rian.
Rian gave him a faint, polite smile.
"But why do you live away from others? I don't see any other houses nearby," Yurim asked, curiosity piqued as she glanced toward the window.
"This is my grandfather's house," Mira replied. "Before, more people used to live nearby, but because of… one problem, everyone moved farther away."
Yurim blinked, confused. "Problem? What kind of problem?"
Before Mira could answer, the old man spoke, his tone gentle. "Ah, it's nothing for you to worry about. Mira never complained, even after everyone left. She stayed strong and never asked to move closer to others."
Mira lowered her gaze slightly, lips curving into a faint smile.
The old man patted her head. "She's a good girl."
Yurim smiled warmly. "Even I didn't have friends to play with in my world. Don't worry—we'll be friends from now on."
Mira's eyes lit up at her words. She looked at her grandfather, who nodded approvingly.
"It's already night," the old man said kindly. "You two should rest. Rian will sleep in my room."
Yurim glanced at Rian, who looked uncertain, as if processing the arrangement.
"Let's go," Mira said quickly, grabbing Yurim's hand with a soft laugh. "I'll show you my room upstairs."
---
"Woah… the bed is so smooth. I think I'll finally sleep peacefully after decades," Yurim whispered, running her hand over the blanket before curling up.
"Seems like you've been through so much… poor thing. Sleep peacefully here," Mira giggled gently, laying down beside her.
"I'm so sleepy…" Yurim murmured, closing her eyes.
"Where did you meet Rian?" Mira asked, curiosity soft in her voice.
"I… met him at school. Then… so much happened, I don't even know how to explain it. I thought he was like other monsters, but he helped me. He's kind of rude, but kind," Yurim replied.
"He's handsome and kind," Mira said, a faint blush rising to her cheeks.
Yurim laughed softly. "It's funny to see people interested in Rian."
"No, I was just curious. Actually, you're lucky to have a friend like Rian. I never got the chance to make one," Mira said slowly.
Yurim's smile faded slightly as she remembered the "problem" Mira had mentioned.
"You mentioned a problem… what problem? Why do others live far away?" Yurim asked.
Mira hesitated, thinking for a moment. "Actually… there's a tree near our house. It's not very close, but just a little. My grandfather says it hums melodious tunes and lures people toward it."
"What?" Yurim startled, curling further into the blanket.
"Yes. Once someone is lured to it, it… it absorbs their soul and transfers it to another world," Mira whispered.
"Don't… stop! It's scaring me!" Yurim said, voice trembling.
"What, you're already scared? Don't worry. Tomorrow I'll take you to a beautiful place near our house," Mira said, laughing softly.
---
Rain, who had been wandering and watching from outside, looked up toward the girls' window.
"She will be safe, little boy… don't worry," the old man said calmly.
"I-I wasn't worried about her…" Rian muttered, curling up under the blanket as he drifted to sleep.