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Red string of Fate.
Everyone has heard of it.
A red string holding the pinky fingers of two soulmates.
The ones bound by it are fated to be together.
Even when the differences between them clash for dominance, even when the heart has already been wooed by someone, even when someone is not from this world of existence, even when one isn't a human.
The Red strings of Fate are absolute.
The threads of Fate weave the pair together and leave only a flawless seam, ensuring that the pair would always find protection, warmth, comfort and love with each other.
Due to the popular version of the red string amongst folks being romantic in nature, most people prefer that their soulmate is their lover.
But that is not the case for our Saheon.
Saheon disliked these strings of Fate.
His red string often manifested by itself and then disappeared into thin air. This often happens when the link is weak. He did not have a problem with this development.
Ofcourse it isn't that the strings were visible the entire time. Despite existing, people do not have the capacity to view it the entire time.
If one sees the red string, all one can think about is their soulmate. Possible affection, frustration in mind. Their minds can only think of their Fated One... almost feeling incomplete without them.
The Red String only shows itself during a few instances... until the fated pair finally meet.
While it would leave a bad taste in someone's mouth, Saheon almost preferred it that way. He did not care for any soulmate. His sister was enough. After all, only his sister had looked after him.
Happiness, Sadness, Protection, Warmth, Love.
Feelings and words that can only be associated with her. How could these words be associated with a stranger?
Perhaps since Fate did not wish for them to be together... she was killed in the forsaken Village ritual, that these madmen fellow villagers lost their marbles over.
Truly, a devastating event in his life.
However Saheon always knew that this world would not coddle him like his sister. He had known that people could be ruthless but he also knew that he could survive.
While the threads of Fate only weave a flawless seam, it needn't be that the fabric is flawless as well.
Oftentimes, it has been reported that the one who killed a murdered person was none other than their bound pair of red string.
Resentment would only stagnate and take the form of envy… and then when it reaches its final stage… hatred.
Saheon could not understand why. Isn't it a given that you'd only ever feel love towards someone who is bound by the red string of Fate? How could Fate be so cruel?
But, it isn't Fate that is cruel.
The red string is a string. It can be broken.
They do not know that even Fate can be altered when in need.
They treat the strings of Fate as if they were shackles.
Bindings that can not be undone, can not be broken, can not afford to not be abided by.
It isn't just Fate either, humans are just… rather vulnerable when under the influence of something stronger than them.
It conditions them.
However, Saheon had come to understand himself as an exception to this.
You see, the village he resides in is very special.
Jisan Village.
A village that abided by the yearly sacrificial ritual so that Misfortune would not unleash on them. Bizarre people. Absolute dogmatics. They can not be reasoned with.
Obsessed with not getting Contamination of Misfortune.
Obsessed with Fortune.
Hierarchy already decided.
Being placed low when one does not follow the dogmatism of lunatics.
Losing his entire family to this ritual.
And for what even?
If only the families of Jisan could escape the Fate of Truth being revealed, wouldn't his family members be alive? Especially his sister.
But they are not.
Misfortune had struck them.
Saheon knew fighting with the villagers would only get him killed, so he endured… gritting his teeth, keeping his eyes low, smiling to the Elders when praised and lowering his eyes when scolded.
He endured this.
Perhaps living in that forsaken Village was all to prepare for this. Prepare him for...
Ofcourse!
The cruel rat race for a corporate job where you absolutely had to maintain a facade with a plastic smile on your face! Also you can't forget the fake laughs and giggles! That's one of the most important parts, absolutely never forget that under any circumstances. Additionally, always have an innocent persona on and talk like a pure kind person.
Saheon was ecstatic.
He had applied to many companies... but the fattest cheque seemed to come from Baekilmong Co., he had even managed to get in... Ahh to survive in this cruel capitalistic world one needs things of value. Assets are well and enough... however the most liquid of all... Cash! Tons of money, Saheon was sure he could do many things with this particular weapon.
Perhaps he could find a way to cut his ties with Jisan... just maybe for now, he doesn't know if it's possible but money makes everything possible so maybe just maybe it could happen...
He had anticipated many things… however strange things happen in this world. Saheon had already experienced strange phenomenons in his Village... but this time he would face something unprecedented and unpredictable.
xxx
[New Employee Orientation]
[Welcome to Baekilmong Co., everyone!]
Ah the moment was here, Saheon was excited. He looked around the auditorium… Aren't there too many people here? He couldn't believe that he still had to compete with these fellow people for future promotions, but it didn't dishearten him, he could climb on top of everyone to snatch a position, he was positive of such a future fact.
In the auditorium also sat a man with black hair, wearing a suit, a black box in his lap.
The red string pulsates... and disappears.
Both the ends are too occupied with their thoughts to see this sight.
xxx
The host had announced that the employees would go through a probation period in order to check their skills.
‘A probationary period huh?’ Saheon thought to himself.
Well, it should be fine, he could prove to the superiors that he has much more caliber than his peers.
The doors in the auditorium closed. Next, the lights went out.
The surroundings changed to the inside of a subway train.
[Passengers, thank you for using Abyss Transpo today… Our train will not halt.]
[Please pay attention to the announcements for a pleasant journey to your destination.]
Huh? He was sure that he was sitting in the auditorium... but how could he forget about getting to wherever this place is?
A closed place. Seats across and beside him on both sides. Inside a subway train, according to the announcement it seemed at least.
Strange.
Saheon knew immediately.
Trouble.
Nothing he hadn't gone through though.
He had lived through major parts of his life in the damned Village he was born in. Witnessing strange phenomenons and what not?
Nothing new, he can handle it… however he had never gone through this one in particular, he needed information.
He decided.
He'll sit back till someone takes a lead.
In order to survive, information is of utmost importance. Knowledge is Power. To gain this power he just has to surround himself with head smart people, surely there'd be at least one of all these.
The subway train reached a station.
[Sorrow Station]
The doors opened. Saheon eyed the exit. It looked nothing out of the ordinary… but he doubted if ordinary equated to safety in this case.
Not.
He reached the conclusion.
Oftentimes ordinary means safe since it is tried and tested by many people that it is indeed safe.
But this situation was new. He needed people to test it out, whether it actually is safe to get off or not in any station.
“Look outside. It's just a subway station!”
Well sure looks like mister, want to get off?
Saheon eyed the man who spoke.
“I think it's better if you don't get off.”
Huh? Who the hell is speaking?
Saheon eyed the man who spoke such a loaded statement. How does he know? What does he know? How much does he know?
“You heard them say ‘Sorrow Station’. There's no station like that in Korea. Anyone would think it's strange.”
It is strange indeed but right now you're interfering with the experimentation process to see if it's safe or not.
Saheon looked clearly at the man. His expressions are calm, he's composed despite being in such a difficult situation… and he also advised the people around him to not leave based on his deductions… had he just found his survival tool, hm?
He decided to speak up, “I think he has a point. We should wait and see what happens.” So go on and get out on the platform so he can observe if it is safe or not.
As Saheon had these thoughts, once again the red string pulsating was ignored. There won't be another such instance.
[The doors are now closing.]
A few panicked individuals left in a hurry.
How stupid.
Even though information was shared with them they still decided to not listen. The chances of the information being correct is not guaranteed naturally, but to not even check it out is definitely not a smart move. It seemed they had planned on fleeing the train all along.
It seems the experiment to check if it is safe to leave or not is still ongoing.
He observed the people through the closed doors.
A grotesque sight unfolded.
Silver droplets suddenly poured from the ceilings and pillars of the platform, cascading down on the people who left the train.
Screams, then… silence.
[The train is now departing from the Sorrow Station.]
[Please pay attention to the announcements for a pleasant journey to your destination.]
Ahh people inside were screaming tsk, isn't it a frustrating situation already? Is anyone competent enough here? Surely there must be one right? Or maybe he has to figure it out himself if no one steps forward.
Saheon eyed the black haired man who sat beside him. Didn't he give advice to the people who were planning to get out on the platform to not go? Maybe this man will be his key to surviving, hm no no he'll manage himself just fine, but it is interesting to observe these people.
Hm? Clenching his fist. Why? Worried about people? That's good for him although if it's from unsureness then it's problematic… he should check this one definitely.
“...This is like some ghost story.”
“You mentioned a ghost story?”
Saheon eyed the duo. Ghost story huh?
Compared to the discussions other groups were having, it seemed these people had a good head on their shoulders, not panicking, not foaming through their mouths and most importantly, maintaining their composure in such a life endangering situation.
He stood up and approached the man to enter the conversation.
“Um, you were sitting with me earlier right?”
He eyed the man then the woman.
“My name is Baek Saheon.”
The short haired woman extended her hand as well.
“Given the situation, we might as well introduce ourselves. I'm Go Youngeun.”
“I'm Kim Soleum.”, said the black haired man.
Saheon sat down on the seat beside the man. He eyed his surroundings, looking at the other groups, particularly their lip movements to see if they're talking about something relevant.
“Ah, those people… it looks like they’re trying to communicate with the front car somehow?”
“Seems so.”
Saheon glanced at the front car, doesn't seem like they'll be hearing them. He looked away.
The train halted at another station. Saheon eyes the man beside him. What will he say? Will he say something?
The man had an almost blank expression… except for the sweat rolling down his jaw. Stressed? Scared? Or worried about others? How interesting.
Some people were talking and preparing to get off. Kim Soleum stood up and ran, he blocked the door.
Saheon kept observing. What is this guy on? Out of everyone here other than the short haired woman, this man was the one worth looking at.
Blah blah blah.
Ah these dimwits keep occupying this guy's precious time. It is however rather fun to observe a person who is capable of fulfilling the whims of people who are moving with the herd with anxiety.
The man spoke, “I'm giving you a hint. I'm talking about the announcements.”
[Please pay attention to the announcements for a pleasant journey to your destination.]
Well, that much is obvious and Saheon had already deduced this, but the difference was that this man made it known to others. To these anxious people, to calm them.
But what is the use? You can not talk sense to someone who is panicking and rushing for outcomes. Naturally, a bicker started. Running their mouths at the man who gave them a hint to surviving.
“If we can’t get off and escape because of you, are you going to take responsibility? Will you take responsibility?”
“Yes.”
Saheon blinked. Responsibility? For these grown adults who managed to land a job and were told that they were on a probation period and superiors would pick out the freeloaders?
Truly dimwits. Perhaps this man who is so eager to take responsibility for this herd is also one.
He sighed. Nevermind these people, he had planned to figure out a way for himself either way but this is going too far. However a mental sticky note was put up, this man is someone who is dependable… perhaps a bit overbearing with it but not too bad.
The doors closed. The people from the front car got off. They died as well. Not surprising.
Saheon observed the short haired woman looking worried for the black haired man. Why worried for someone who's willingly taking responsibility?
He looked at the man and decided to approach him.
“You truly are amazing sir.”
“Sir?”
“Ah I tend to call people sir when I meet them.”
Saheon put on an awkward smile. “There aren't many people like you these days. You know, who can firmly say what's right and wrong instead of being vague. I hope the outcome matches your confidence.”
Because our Saheon has to know if this man is actually dependable or not, it would be a shame if all of this is just a facade and there's no potential for this man to be taken advantage of. For now this much buttering should do.
Still a blank expression huh? If he didn't know any better he'd figure this was a company veteran he was dealing with, no surely there are only newcomers here, doubt the company would assist future employees when they don't care about people dying while taking this test of sorts.
“Baek Saheon.”
“Yes?”
Oh? Finally paying attention to someone other than your precious herd? What would it be?
“Is there a particular station you want to get off at? I mean… is there a word or name that, when it appears, makes you think, ‘I should get off here’?”
“…Huh, suddenly?”
“I’d like to hear everyone’s thoughts.”
“Ah.”
Saheon pretended to ponder for a second before shrugging.
“Not really. I’m not very knowledgeable about this stuff.”
“I see.”
Here Saheon was wondering if he'd be tagging along with this guy's herd and now this, ah he truly only had himself to depend upon.
[Attention passengers, this is an announcement from Abyss Transpo to ensure a pleasant journey. Please pay attention.]
[The train is about to pass through a curved section, which may cause noise and shaking.]
[Please be seated to prevent accidents.]
Oh dear.
Saheon immediately took a seat. He closed his eyes. What a troubling sequence of events. Panicked voices all over. He focused on his thoughts. To escape without fail.
[Attention passengers, this is an announcement from Abyss Transpo to ensure a pleasant journey. Please pay attention.]
Hm?
[There is a lost item.]
[If you’ve found the lost item, please disembark at the next station and hand it over to the station staff.]
A free escape ticket?
Saheon opened his eyes, scanning through his surroundings.
[The lost item is the left eye of a type-A male in his twenties.]
Oh?
It seemed his opportunity to leave was here.
He didn't speak a word, until a man fitting the description revealed himself.
He sighed and asked.
“You said you're blood type A right?”
“Y-Yes.”
“Too bad.”
[This stop is Anger, Anger Station.]
The door opened.
Saheon held his phone in his hand, holding it in a fist and bashed it onto the man's eye.
A sickening sound echoed.
The person collapsed while writhing in pain.
Absolutely cannot let someone else or this guy who fulfills the criteria in particular, afterall the criteria fit Saheon perfectly. It meant it was his chance to escape, no one else's.
Saheon got out of the train. People inside screamed at him. Ah right how could these sheep not flail around after one of them has been struck? He chuckled.
“You're all morons. If it only takes an eye to escape, just do it already! It said we could get off the train.”
The people inside just stare at him with completely blank faces. Oh there's just no hope.
“Well it's hard to expect that people who give responsibility of themselves onto others for survival would have the brains to do as such.”
[The doors are closing.]
Saheon waved at the train with a smile. Ah, finally! Now he'll be free from these noisy freeloading people.
Saheon looked at the people inside.
He looked at the black haired man.
Kim Soleum.
Saheon's smile remained the same, looking at him.
The red string tugged at his finger. Huh?
No no no no no no no no no
This can't be happening? What the hell is this? No no this is not right, not possible, why is this happening here of all places?
Saheon's eyes widened, a desperate look adorned his face. What the hell? This fucker also had the ‘lost eye’ item? And he was showing it to him through the window? And their pinky fingers were connected with the red string of Fate? Oh he's in fucking hell.
xxx
While Saheon had acknowledged the red string of Fate, Soleum had not.
In fact he did not even see it. Why is that? Because Kim Soleum is not in the capacity to view it yet. The string manifests itself, wavering the air around it and disappears just as quickly.
When the train departed from the Anger Station, Soleum only managed to glance at the where the string was supposedly connecting them, although there was no string there. He paid no mind to it. He had more pressing matters in hand… all the while Saheon had to suffer from the knowledge that his Fated One exists in flesh and the weak link between the One and him had not dissipated, in fact he could see that the string connecting them was crimson red.
In Jisan, it was told to him by Elders, that the more red The Fate string is, the more deep their connection would go.
Crimson red…
He knew he was done for. Ah he even had to lose his eye because he acted hastily and didn't want to die with those people.
xxx
‘Congratulations! You all have completed your probation period.’
Saheon held his handkerchief against his left eye. Fuck everything he was going to settle this matter with his supposed soulmate after this stupid company's gift awarding ceremony ended.
Soleum was called upon the stage as the ‘Top Elite amongst the new employees.’
Hah right right, why not? He led all those sheep with him, he deserves it doesn't he? What a fucking saint.
He was called upon as well and he went up and took the bag.
He went to sit beside Soleum.
He didn't say a word, the handkerchief still held against his eye.
He waited for his ‘supposed soulmate’ to speak.
But not a word.
Saheon's head was getting hot, it throbbed painfully.
Why was this guy not saying a thing?
He's his fucking soulmate!! HIS SOULMATE.
Does he not care about things like that?
Even if he does not, he would at least know that regardless of the status of the relationship between two persons bound by the string they become important to each other. This guy was taking him for granted already and they hadn't even had a word with each other!
Saheon's head was bursting either way, not only did he lose his eye but also his soulmate was not acknowledging his existence for some reason.
Alright. If this is how he wants to play, he'll play the game. He too didn't look in his direction and kept quiet the entire time.
The ceremony ended quickly, Saheon only heard things he already knew. Freeloaders getting off finally and the incentives of working in the company. He doesn't care about this… but yes the Wish Potion does seem quite worthy to work for.
He looked at the man beside him, his supposed soulmate, the string connected their pinky fingers yet the man did not look in his direction even when he could feel Saheon's gaze.
xxx
Saheon managed to get his eye patched up quickly, luckily for him it seems this company does seem to have appropriate people for the task.
The host had also announced other incentives which included housing. Company housing huh?
Well who would turn down housing near the workplace?
Fine.
He quickly got assigned a room number and key. Not bad.
His pinky finger felt a tug. Amazing, it seems his soulmate is coming right here, isn't that so perfect? Fate truly leaves no space for you when it comes to play.
He sat down on a chair in the living room, his hand on the table.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
His index finger kept tapping the table. Where the hell is this guy? Hurry up, there's important stuff to talk about.
He can't believe such a guy is his soulmate, to hell with him.
He held his phone and tried to keep himself occupied but kept looking at the entrance door.
The red string keeps gently tugging itself.
So irritating.
Maybe he'll take care of his soulmate… well, no. It's too early for that and if this guy is any useful it's a waste.
The door opened.
Finally, it was time. Fate had brought them together and he'll get acknowledged at last.
Huh?
This guy was going straight inside a room?
“Hey.”
Saheon spoke up, the rage he felt was barely shown in his face… even then his expressions were sour and visibly pissed.
The man looked at him, no, Kim Soleum looked at him. He's his soulmate, he has to acknowledge him so he can acknowledge Saheon.
“Hey?”
Kim Soleum looked at him with an irked expression. What? Why? He was supposed to sweet talk with him for not acknowledging the string and then gradually talk about what will happen, what is this?
Saheon couldn't help but flinch, what was up with this guy… no what the hell is wrong with this guy? He had judged him as a sort of pushover who liked helping people but this is a completely different look.
Saheon was fueled by anger as well, he spoke up, “You must've enjoyed watching while I had to gouge my perfectly fine eye out because of that lost item, huh?”
How could Saheon not voice his anger?
Even then, he had been way less venomous in his speech than he had intended.
Connections. They make one's heart weak.
He was already becoming weak.
“Oh I found it pretty amusing.”
Huh?
Baek Saheon was startled. What is his Fated partner on?
Kim Soleum walked up to him and put his hands on his shoulders. It would have appeared as a sweet gesture if it weren't for the psychopathic look on his face.
“Thanks for that. I had a great time. Is this what they call a dopamine rush?”
“Huh…?”
“Make sure to share more good news with me. Actually I hope we work together.”
“...”
“Work’s going to be a blast.”
Soleum patted his back a few times then walked towards his room without even a glance back at him.”
What even happened?
His soulmate is a little crazy… could he come to accept that?
No no no seriously what the hell is he supposed to do in this situation?
Should he try to kill him?
No… that would be a waste, right? He finally met him, he can't just get rid of him this soon.
Once he manages to make Soleum notice that they're soulmates, maybe it'd be a different situation then? It is quite astonishing that Soleum managed to completely not see it, there would've been a small reaction at the least so that must mean he definitely hasn't noticed the string.
It'll go alright, he's just a little fucked in the head but that's not the worst situation!
Saheon went inside his room as well, preparing for the next morning so he'd make Soleum notice him.