shadow preachers.
for @sredrvm
I. corner of your eye.
He was really similar to a vision from the past, something in his eyes reminded her of the demons her grandmother talked about. Tall and attractive with a small touch of fear. Mihyun couldn’t help but smile as she noticed the book in his hands, it was the same she wanted to purchase. Horror books were, apparently, the latest trend. The author was well-known for being an expert in that genre and it captivated her in a strange way considering she has never been a big fan of anything spooky.
Between the tall shelves, the woman didn’t hesitate to approach the fellow reader, curiosity always won whenever she wondered if she should talk to a perfect stranger. Barely reaching his shoulder, the tip of her fingers indicated him he had to look down to see her. “Sorry to disturb you but can you get me that book by Jack Loomis… You see, I can’t really reach it but I need it.”
Little did she know the man she just met was, in fact, the author.
II. vintage t-shirts.
“Nine inch nails aren’t that bad, come on Mimi.” Her eyes were on the t-shirt he got her, a birthday gift. As an independent psychic, the skull on it didn’t bother her that much but the band itself was the problem. Moonsik could have done worse, she definitely knew it, but somehow she doubted his real intentions. Was it a real birthday gift or simply a prank? Maybe both. Both was fine for her. Expensive gifts were not something she wished for, she didn’t need anything to prove they were friends. Or, something close to that. She didn’t know if she could call Moonsik her friend but, despite his absence of moral, his presence in her life made her oddly happy.
Another gaze thrown at the “gift”, she surrendered. “I won’t listen to their music, though.”
III. pressure.
The last time she heard someone being angry, Mihyun didn’t recall they were that composed. She wasn’t scared of him because she guessed he could be worse. There was always a hidden side of him, something wrecked she avoided as much as she could. He wasn’t the nicest friend, he wasn’t the one you could talk to easily, but she was hopeful. You only needed to know how to approach him.
Her eyes caught his wallet flew across the room. “Only here for the money.” were the only words she understood. His cat in her arms, she didn’t fear to walk towards him, closing the distance as he ended his call. Maybe he, as insensitive as he seemed, was also able to feel such emotions. In this moment, it was useless for her to speak. He didn’t need comforting words, he didn’t need someone to help him. They looked at each and she smiled.
Hope is all around.
IV. all the things she says.
“You’re not that scary.” were the words she whispered when he told her he was, in fact, Jack Loomis. His pen name now sounded funny to her and his fascination for horror was nothing but a sign he was able to like, appreciate something else than his own person.
“Do you think I don’t know? I’m friend with you so you can carry my harp.” were the words she spoke as he called her short. Still, his height didn’t impress her, it was an advantage for both of them. He’d carry her harp, she’d be his armrest.
“Your money doesn’t interest me! were the words she almost screamed when he defined himself as some living bank account. “Poor or rich, I couldn’t care less. You could have a house on the moon I wouldn’t care.” She remembered how heated she was, how could he think money was the sole reason for her to befriend him? Then, she thought about the phone call. Of course, he would think that way because others treat him as such.
V. the truth.
“You’re not like everyone else.” Something was wrong with him, definitely, but wasn’t it the problem with all humans? A failure in their genes, in their head. They were all nothing but bodies exposed to torture. The purpose of life wasn’t to be rich, poor, perfect or messy. “What do you mean?” He said, looking at the girl sitting next to him. Her wide eyes were staring at him. “You’re smart, you’re weirdly funny but… there’s something wrong.” She noticed his frown but decided to ignore it as she maintained a serious expression. “I don’t meet a lot of people like you… That’s strange.” It was her turn to frown but it was quickly replaced by a wide smile. “You’re taller.”
















