A moment ago.
Sayoung opened his eyes. The familiar landscape unfolded before him. A black-and-white seashore. Another version of himself, with lavender eyes, stood before him.
The unwelcome guest with lavender eyes tilted his head in greeting instead of speaking. *Shhh...* The gray ocean moved slowly, the waves breaking before they could reach his feet. Sayoung didnât hide his displeasure. He crossed his arms and tilted his head.
âI thought you said you wouldnât show up anymore.â
The unwelcome guest slowly shook his head.
âI didnât summon you. You were pulled in.â
Behind the guest, the image of the waves rolling in appeared, and his body had become somewhat transparent. Recently, Sayoung had begun experiencing thoughts that werenât his own. It was clear now: Sayoung and the other Sayoung were slowly becoming one. It was both unsettling and comforting. Sayoung asked again.
âPulled in?â
âYes. And⦠you have a watch now.â
The guest motioned toward Sayoungâs wrist. Sayoung raised his right hand. Sure enough, there was a broken watch on his wrist. The same watch his brother always wore. The fact that it was now on his wrist meant...n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
ââ¦Damn it.â
Whatever was going on, it wasnât good news. A menacing aura began to seep from Sayoung. The guest shrugged. Sayoung tried to remove the watch, but it wouldnât budge. It was like a shackle. He gritted his teeth and asked.
âTell me how to get out.â