"What a refreshing morning," the old man hummed softly, looking out the window. Sunlight spilled over the grass, and a cool breeze brushed against his weathered face.
"Bring the tea, Mira," he called.
"Yes, Grandfather — just one minute," Mira replied from the kitchen, carefully pouring tea into the cups.
Rian, sitting near the table, spoke quietly.
"Actually… I think it's time for me and Yurim to go back to the city."
The old man turned to him, surprised.
"But why so soon, Rian? It's not safe for you — or for Yurim. She told me everything about what happened in the city. With her being human, things won't be easy. You should rest here for at least a month."
Rian frowned slightly.
"A month? That's too long. I need to get Yurim back to the human world before she's noticed here. And I have my own things to take care of too. I can't stay that long."
"Here, Grandfather… your tea. And this is yours, Rian," Mira said softly, placing the cups before them before sitting beside her grandfather.
The old man sighed and leaned back.
"The city's very far, you know. You'll need proper transport. My truck's old — it's barely running anymore. I was thinking of asking my friend to repair it."
He paused, then turned to Mira.
"Mira, take Rian to my friend's workshop. Tell him to give Rian a proper ride — and take the truck with you to get it fixed. I'll stay back to take care of the crops today. And please, be careful on your way."
Hearing about Rian and Yurim leaving, Mira's expression shifted — quiet confusion flickered in her eyes. Still, she nodded silently.
"Where's Yurim?" Rian asked.
"Ah, Yurim… she's still asleep. Maybe she hasn't had proper sleep in days," Mira replied softly. "Poor girl."
"We'll be leaving soon. Could you wake her up for me?" Rian said.
Mira nodded and headed upstairs. But moments later, a sharp scream echoed from above.
Rian shot up instantly and rushed upstairs. "What happened—?"
Mira's voice trembled.
"R-Rian, look! What happened to Yurim? Her body's stiff—she's not moving! Only her eyes are blinking!"
Rian hurried to Yurim's side and tapped her cheek.
"Yurim! Hey, wake up!"
A few tense seconds later, Yurim's body relaxed. Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked around awkwardly, cheeks pink with embarrassment.
"I… got sleep paralysis," she muttered. "It's nothing to worry about."
Both Rian and Mira blinked, confused.
"Sleep… what?"
"Sleep paralysis," Yurim explained with a small sigh. "It happens to humans sometimes. It's not serious — just scary for a bit."
They exchanged puzzled looks, still not quite understanding.
---
Later, as the repaired truck rumbled along the narrow road, Yurim sat in the open cargo space with Rian. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of wet soil and pine.
"You're always in such a rush," Yurim muttered, giving Rian a sideways look.
He rolled his eyes slightly but didn't respond.
From the driver's seat, Mira suddenly spoke. Her tone was calm, but something in it felt heavier.
"You remember the tree I mentioned last night?"
Rian and Yurim both turned their heads toward her, curiosity flickering.
"The soul-sucking tree. My grandfather's friend's shop is actually close to it… we need to be careful when we pass by."
"What? That tree?" Yurim asked, panic rising in her voice. "Is it really safe to go near there, Mira?"
Rian looked between them, confused — silently asking what they were talking about.
---
Soon, they reached the repair shop. It looked old and quiet, standing near the edge of a wide sea. The salty breeze filled the air.
Mira hopped down and ran toward the small building, waving excitedly.
"Oh! Uncle, it's been so long!"
An old man with a kind smile stepped out.
"My little girl, you're back," he said warmly.
Yurim and Rian followed Mira inside.
---
"This truck will take a week to fix," the old man said, rubbing his chin. "And as for another vehicle…" He looked around, thinking. "I don't have any spare ones right now." His eyes softened as he looked at the two travelers. "You should stay here for a while. It'll be safer."
"I understand," Rian said quietly.
"Good. Then, Mira, help me lift this pile over here," the old man added, bending to pick up some junk from the ground.
---
Outside, the sky glowed golden.
"The sea looks so beautiful…" Yurim murmured, sitting on the sand beside Rian. The soft waves rolled over their feet.
Mira was still inside the shop, helping the old man. The wind danced through Yurim's hair, and for a moment, everything was peaceul.
"Look…! What is that, Rian?" Yurim suddenly pointed toward the water, her tone sharp with panic.
Rian's head snapped in the direction she pointed, eyes narrowing. "What? Where—"
Splash!
Cold water hit his face.