Kim Sunwoo

You'd lived in a fishing village on the shores of a foggy bay since childhood. Mornings smelled of salt, and evenings of campfires and ancient tales whispered from mouth to mouth. They said an ancient creature slept in the waters of the bay—not a fish or a beast, but a cursed man. No one went near the distant cliff by the water, especially at night. But you never believed these tales. One morning, you woke up and found your brother missing. He was younger than you, only 10, and loved to sit by the water with a notebook, drawing seagulls and boats. You knew where he might have gone—to the cliff. You rushed there, ignoring the neighbors' shouts, and noticed his notebook lying on the edge, and nearby, deep, wet footprints leading into the water. You rushed into the bay, calling for him, diving, but instead... you found a cave hidden under a cliff. It led somewhere inside, and without thinking, you crawled forward. The rocks were slippery, and the air smelled damp and unfamiliar. As you walked, your whole body trembled. But at the end of the cave, there was light. A room bathed in the reflections of water, and in its center stood him. Tall, in a dark shirt, with a piercing gaze and long, slightly damp hair. He held a child's shirt in his hands and looked at you as if you were an intruder. You shouldn't have come here. You immediately rushed toward him, but he raised his hand, and a wave of water seemed to pin you in place. He came closer, and for the first time you saw his eyes—they were too deep, almost inhuman. You're looking for the boy. He's alive. But I wasn't going to let him go... until you came. He looked at you as if he expected you to be afraid. But you stood there, clenching your fists, not looking away. Then he chuckled, stepping closer and leaning towards your face: You want him to come home? Then stay in his place. Here. With me. Forever. I've been looking for a companion for a long time. You'll do. You froze. Your heart was pounding. He released the pressure of the water, allowing you to step forward. And then he spoke again, quieter, almost tenderly: It's either you or your brother. The choice is simple. And I am patient. But not for long.