The Perfect

As soon as I spoke, the three of them rushed forward.“One question each.”They stopped. Quickest, Clicker raised his hand first.“Why did you say that?”“Is that even a question? Of course, he snapped under Director Kook’s grudge.”Muscly Man acted like he knew everything. He knew nothing.“But seriously, ‘I don’t like you?’ What was that? Was that the best you could do?”“Could it have been the most?”“What?”“Yes?”“……”Muscly Man, used to my way of speaking, shut up. Annoyed, I looked at the last person. The drunkard raised his hand, claiming his turn.“What I want to know is, what did Director Kook say for sophisticated Mr. Han Jemyung to say ‘I don’t like you?’”“……”“Did Director Kook confess love?”Hahaha— The other two burst out laughing. Muscly Man bent double, and Clicker teared up. Only the drunkard awkwardly defended himself.“Isn’t it plausible? What else would make someone say ‘I don’t like you?’”“Haha, do you think love suits Director Kook? A childish revenger… ahem, this was nonsense. Even if he loves, why him?”Clicker pointed at me. His actions were annoying, but I shared his doubt. Why me? Even if he mistakenly thought I liked him, it didn’t mean he liked me back.“Maybe love at first sight.”“Haha!”This time, I laughed. Ridiculous. Was my battery-stealing pose sexy? Seeing their looks, I coughed to control myself.“See? Even he finds it funny. It’s nonsense.”“Love doesn’t make sense. It hits you when you least expect.”“Section Chief Bae reads too many romance novels. Reality and fiction are different.”Yes, very different. I nodded vigorously at Muscly Man’s words.“Director Kook was busy with revenge, but he’s very popular. Handsome, tall, strong, keeps you safe from Heartless. Annoying personality… ahem, these are my personal, non-realistic opinions. Despite his unusual character, clients confess to him often. High-caliber ones. Did Director Kook care?”“Maybe Director Kook’s taste is unique.”The drunkard held his ground.“Look at his novel taste.”The laughing duo’s faces changed. I looked at them, confused. Novels? Oh, CEO Na said Yangsimless read weird novels.“A year ago, we were shocked when Director Kook read a romance novel. He forced us to read and comment, we cried through it.”How boring must it be to cry through it? As a fellow writer, I felt sympathy.“It was tough. The novel was cheesy and cringe, but Director Kook teared up, moved.”Clicker looked dark, recalling the past.“But we got used to it and enjoy it now.”Muscly Man comforted him and countered the drunkard.“If that’s his taste, this Special Department guy is even less likely. That novel is so childish and cringy. The male lead is loved by everyone. He acts weak, but they all go crazy for him. Despite many candidates, he’s not dating. Recently, a new lead rival appeared.”Huh? Something felt off. My head itched. Muscly Man nailed it.“No one shares Director Kook’s taste except the author. Director Kook could fall for them.”“What novel is it?”They all looked at me.“There’s an internet romance novel Director Kook loves.”“What’s the title?”No immediate answer. They looked at each other, then Clicker grimaced and replied.“Love, Purity, Passion, That Name is Burning White Rose.”He shuddered.“Ugh, still can’t get used to that title.”The others clapped for Clicker’s courage. I didn’t. It was my novel.Who said bad premonitions are never wrong? Half dazed, I found myself at the 4K dormitory. Not by choice. Subconsciously, I packed to run but was caught by the drunkard.At least it wasn’t the house I fled from. The opposite house, but still tragic. 4K uses all six units on the villa’s third floor. CEO Na and other staff use the four on the first and second floors.The two on the third floor are for clients needing refuge or witness protection. If you want to protect me, send me to the opposite side of the globe, guys. Frustrated, I opened my laptop.I could use electricity freely, but my hands trembled seeing the screen. So 4K staff are my readers, and the biggest fan is Director Kook? Damn, I wrote all his evil deeds and insults in the novel! Pale, I remembered their words.‘Didn’t the latest chapters seem odd? The Director Kook there is like our CEO.’‘Right, the surname Kook is rare. Na too.’‘Could the author be someone we know?’Damn it, it’s me. I made a big decision. Delete the novel. Over a year’s work gone, but to avoid exposure, I had to stop. I opened a notepad and wrote a brief notice.‘Due to personal reasons, this novel will end incomplete…’“Sniff!”Tears blurred my vision. I sobbed before the laptop, finally finishing the notice and logging into the novel site. My hard work was visible. I didn’t like the content, but the last chapter had the most comments.Lost in thought, I realized. Wait, so 4K staff are the Addiction Trio! Shocked, more waves of realization hit. CEO Na’s voice echoed.‘Director Kook was called Soondungi by family when young.’Soondungi! Gasp, Yangsimless is Soondungi! The SDE who sent me monthly comments! The connection between Soondungi and Yangsimless flashed by. I should’ve known from his terrible drawings. Clutching my head, I suddenly remembered. Wait, didn’t the producer mention a hunter? I called the publisher. Anxious moments passed, then the producer’s voice.[Author, I read the latest chapter. It was really fun! Did you see the view count soar? I really like Director Kook.]I was speechless from the start. I really needed to delete the novel. I steadied myself and spoke.“You contacted me, right?”[Yes, I found the hunter’s business card you mentioned.]“What’s the name?”[It doesn’t have a name, just a title. President. The company name is the number 4 and the letter K.]“……”[Then they contacted me again, and I gave the information you provided. Also, they said they’re a fan of your novel? Surprising for an adult male to be a fan.]Surprising? There are three more.[They asked me to tell you they’re enjoying your novel if I contacted you. Really seemed to love it. Probably commented too. Who could it be?]Soondungi, the one who sent fan letters with sketchy drawings.[Seems like they asked for the information due to a personal grudge.]“Personal grudge?”[They received a really annoying message from the account that requested the info. It had spoilers and critiques, making them furious. They were mad. Is that you?]“…Yes, it’s me.”[They were very angry. Said they’d track you down to the ends of the earth for revenge. It was chilling.]It was a first. After four targets, I felt calm.[Not sure what happened, but just tell them it’s you. As a fan, they’ll understand.]No way. I portrayed Director Kook as a scumbag in the novel…[They said they’d definitely visit you after the novel ends.]The novel will never end until my life does. So much for deleting the novel. A question arose. Did Director Kook like me because he knew I wrote “Love, Purity, Passion, That Name is Burning White Rose?”“Did they seem to know who I am?”[Absolutely not. They asked if you live abroad, since you often post at dawn, and if you’re male or female. They really seem to like your writing. Hohoho—]It’s true. He’s Soondungi. So he likes me instinctively without knowing I’m the author. Wow, he’s a ghost. I was impressed. But now was not the time for awe. I moved to Plan B. I needed a backup plan in case I was exposed.I deleted the tearful farewell in the notepad and quickly wrote the next chapter. A side story without CEO Na and Director Kook, “A Day in the Life of Wi Siwoo.” It was just the mundane daily life of the protagonist, Wi Siwoo. I didn’t care if fans hated it. Repeating the same points to brainwash them was key.…Siwoo stood despondent in front of the trash area, carrying a lot of recyclables.‘Recycle days are Wednesday and Thursday.’Ah, today is Sunday. Recyclables are usually collected on Thursday. Recyclables are usually categorized as vinyl, metal, plastic, paper, and glass bottles, collected by two companies. The separate clothing bin isn’t classified as trash; a used goods dealer collects and resells them…―Omitted―As Siwoo stood frustrated with recyclables, a kind neighborhood lady comforted him.‘I forget dates too. Old age makes me forgetful. Once, I couldn’t remember if my husband’s surname was Kook or Na? The most common surnames are Kook and Na.’Siwoo comforted her in turn.‘It’s understandable to confuse the two. Most people you meet have the surnames Kook or Na.’Indeed. 80% of the population has the surnames Kook or Na. A few years ago, a comet was discovered heading toward Earth, creating global fear of an apocalypse. To avoid disaster, people had to change their surnames to the fortunate ones, Kook and Na, predicted by renowned astrologers Kooktaro and Nahwatoo. Their collective wish made the comet disintegrate into cosmic dust just before colliding with Earth…I uploaded the chapter. At that moment, Clicker entered.* * *Seungjae didn’t understand. Why did CEO Na let a Special Department employee stay at the dorm? Why get unpopular idol merchandise? And why was Han Jemyung cradling a laptop and rolling around?“What are you doing?”“It’s my most precious device.”Han Jemyung hugged it tighter. His laptop was old junk. Who would steal it? Annoyed at being mistaken for a thief, Seungjae didn’t show it. Normally, he’d snap, but after the chairman’s house, he couldn’t. Though Han Jemyung just dragged him to a corner, he felt indebted.“What’s this about?”“CEO Na told me to give you this.”Han Jemyung hid his laptop, stretching his arm to take the envelope. Seungjae had another question. Did he really save me? He checked the contents and smiled.“Thanks. Must’ve been hard to get.”“Yes, it was. Didn’t expect to find old merchandise of an unpopular singer.”It was hard. Merchandise of a singer now in their 50s. Who listens to such old music?“Unpopular? They’re the longest-running idol girl group, still active. Their new song ‘Women Start at 48’ is praised for blending Latin and Korean traditional music. The special album is a 38-disc set of hits from 31 years.”Han Jemyung was listening.“What’s handmade about a CD?”“If there’s handmade pork cutlets, why not CDs?”“What?”“Yes?”“……”At the ‘yes?’ attack, Seungjae turned away.“Such unique taste. Haven’t seen it since Director Kook.”Mentioning Director Kook, Han Jemyung’s expression changed, staring at Seungjae.“What?”“The novel Director Kook likes.”“Sa Sunjung?”“Sa Sunjung? The title is ‘Love, Purity, Passion, That Name is Burning White Rose.’”“Remembered it in one go?”Han Jemyung flinched, then awkwardly smiled.“The title is memorable.”“Indeed, so cheesy it’s memorable. Too cheesy, so we shorten it.”Han Jemyung seemed to glare at him, but Seungjae dismissed it. He wouldn’t be upset over shortening a novel title.“It’s really annoying.”“Why Mr. Han Jemyung? He’s not an author, is he?”Flinch again. Feeling strange, he smiled awkwardly.“It’s the same name as my dad’s elementary school friend’s sixth cousin, who committed real estate fraud.”Well, that makes sense. Seungjae nodded.“I’ll be careful with that name too.”“No need to be particularly cautious.”“Didn’t you say you were scammed by Sa Sunjung?”“Sa Sunjung didn’t mean it, and the scam was barely a scam… By the way, about ‘Love, Purity, Passion, That Name is Burning White Rose,’ do you know who the author is?”“No idea. But I have a guess.”“Gasp!”“What’s wrong?”“Nothing. Sudden rhinitis.”Seungjae looked at Han Jemyung strangely but continued. It wasn’t the first time Han Jemyung was odd.“Probably a teenage girl writes such a childish romance. Though considering Director Kook likes it, who knows? The author might be a late-20s man working in a regular job like the Special Department… What are you doing?”Han Jemyung grabbed his laptop and moved away again.“It’s an expensive laptop.”Who’d steal that junk? Seungjae grumbled internally but stepped back to avoid misunderstanding.“Anyway, I delivered the item. And don’t leave this place today.”“Why? I need to go out.”“Not today. Stay here. Things are chaotic now; where would you go?”“Chaotic?”Han Jemyung added, as if remembering.“Is it because Director Kook went after Heartless? I heard Heartless wanted to talk to Director Kook.”“Yes. But thanks to someone, Director Kook is rampaging, killing Heartless before they can scream. The Special Department and Special Agent tried to capture one alive but almost failed.”“Almost?”“One Heartless remains. They’ve sealed off the village where it’s hiding.”“Protecting Heartless from a hunter? If Director Kook kills them without questioning, he has a reason. His instincts are sharp. He’d spare the right one, like with the chairman.”The Special Department employee’s comment was unexpected. Though Han Jemyung shouted he disliked Director Kook, he knew him well.“True. We all trust Director Kook for that. But the Special Department, who dealt with him for a year, knows nothing compared to someone who spent a month with him. Obviously, L&Y must’ve influenced them. CEO Ryu participates as a consultant in big issues.”L&Y CEO Ryu is a sly person. He loathes Director Kook, possibly out of inferiority because Director Kook is better at capturing Heartless, but he deeply respects Director Kook’s abilities more than anyone else. However, he is also very eager to maintain L&Y’s position in the Special Department and not lose it.“Recently, Director Kook’s importance increased, making CEO Ryu eager. So he influenced the Special Department, causing their foolish actions. Ironically, CEO Ryu knows Director Kook well. Though he seems reckless, swinging his axe, he’s usually right. What irks me is the cannon fodder. The low-level Special Department field staff don’t know what they’re guarding. They’ll attack Director Kook ignorantly and get killed.”Seungjae, despite his sarcasm, worried inwardly. Given Director Kook’s personality, killing Special Department staff is nothing to him. CEO Na went to minimize casualties, but stopping Director Kook’s rampage is difficult. The damage must be minimized. Seungjae looked up, noticing Han Jemyung’s odd expression. He was expressionless. Why no reaction? Then he murmured coldly.“A true dog’s death.”For a moment, his voice felt like someone else’s. But thoughts about Han Jemyung were interrupted by footsteps and the door flinging open.* * *Muscly Man burst in, looking serious, and ordered Clicker.“Block all communications in Director Kook’s area.”“I can’t block short-range radio frequencies. Is it that bad?”“The Special Department is swarming Director Kook. CEO Na wants to block their communications to stop them.”“I could create multi-channels for interference…”“Do it all. Now. Hack their communications if possible.”“I need equipment from the office.”“No time. Do it from your dorm.”Clicker glanced at me. I got the hint.“I can stay alone. Go handle it.”“Absolutely not.”Muscly Man firmly refused.“What if danger arises?”“This is a safe housing complex. The only danger is a comet hitting Earth.”“No, that won’t happen. The comet will turn to cosmic dust before reaching Earth.”“……”“What?”Nothing. I murmured and looked away, shocked. Damn, they read my novel. The one I posted 10 minutes ago?!“Well, being crushed by a comet is better than being tormented by Director Kook.”“Tormented to death?”“After the scratch on Director Kook’s delicate heart, do you think you’ll be fine?”If Yangsimless’s heart is delicate, mine must be silken tofu.“I survived many threats from Director Kook.”“He never directly said he hated you.”Is that the same as almost dying?“Be glad Director Kook doesn’t like you. Otherwise, unrequited love can be worse than death.”“You empathize well with Director Kook’s pain.”“Of course. Heartbreak is hard…”He trailed off. So he’s been heartbroken.“Anyway, Director Kook must be struggling. Even if not, he’s the best at catching Heartless. A valuable asset. Naturally, he’s protected. I don’t care if Director Kook kills or half-kills you for revenge. But I don’t want him upset, making mistakes. Do you think I’ll let him? Stay with us. We can at least restrain Director Kook.”There was respect and affection for Yangsimless in his words. It was surprising. If an employee is constantly scolded by Yangsimless for not earning their salary, they should naturally hate their boss. Besides, Yangsimless had all the qualities to be disliked. I stood up.A moment later, I followed Muscly Man to Clicker’s dorm on the first floor. His dorm was as I expected. Several computers and monitors were running without their owner. I wanted to report him for electricity abuse. While Clicker worked, I sat quietly behind him, chatting with Muscly Man.“Just hypothetically.”Muscly Man didn’t take his eyes off the monitor, but I continued.“What if Director Kook got heartbroken?”Both Muscly Man and Clicker turned to me simultaneously.“Director Kook got heartbroken?!”“No, I mean, hypothetically…”“Why imagine such a horrible thing?”Because it’s not hypothetical? I hid my retort and smiled awkwardly.“He wouldn’t become a murderer, killing innocent people indiscriminately, right?”They looked at me suspiciously. My smile twitched.“I don’t know why you’re asking, but don’t imagine such horrible things. Don’t you see that?”Muscly Man pointed at the monitor. Clicker seemed to have hacked into the Special Department’s field staff transmission. The camera shook a lot, indicating urgency. At the entrance of a rural village with single-story buildings, Special Department staff lay injured, and the screen was filled with broken buildings and thick smoke, as if a bomb had exploded.“Heartless’s doing?”As if answering my question, the field staff’s voice came from the screen.‘The axe-wielder suddenly set off a bomb, and we couldn’t stop it. Two barricades are already down. We must activate the trap immediately to eliminate him before he reaches the target, less than 500 meters away…’* * *People think the war ended three years ago, but those on the field are still fighting an ongoing war. CEO Ryu and Special Management Department’s Number 2 watched the situation on the screen side by side.They had two monitors: one showing the field situation and the other showing a man tightly chained in an empty room. The chained man was the last Heartless they barely captured while Director Kook killed the others.He had said he wanted to talk to Director Kook. So Number 2 and L&Y CEO Ryu made a simple plan. Let him meet Director Kook. A fake one. The room where the Heartless was chained wasn’t soundproof. He could hear the Special Department staff’s transmissions and the urgent situation outside. They planned to push the fake Director Kook into his room soon.“Could the real Director Kook arrive first?”Number 2 asked, and CEO Ryu shook his head.“It’ll take a while. Even if he moves instinctively towards the enemy, it won’t be easy this time. The Special Department staff, believing their comrades were killed by Director Kook, are showing strong hostility towards him.”They needed real hostility to restrain Director Kook. The Special Department staff needed a reason to risk their lives to kill him. So using a bomb on their allies was unavoidable. This was L&Y’s role in this operation. They didn’t care how many Special Department staff were injured or sacrificed. They only focused on the man chained in the empty room. CEO Ryu contacted someone and gave an order.“Send in the prepared person to the Heartless’s room.”“Will it work?”“Yes, the Heartless doesn’t know Director Kook’s face. But he seems familiar with the person supplying the mutated drug. So he’ll want to talk about Director Kook. If we’re lucky, we can find out the relationship between Director Kook and the supplier. Knowing before the Americans will strengthen the Special Management Department.”Number 2 smirked.“You pretend to care about us, but you want to find Director Kook’s weakness. Despite his rampages, he has powerful backers. Famous human rights lawyers, wealthy families, new energy company owners. There’s even a rumor that someone influential in American business supports him. Director Kook must have saved powerful people’s lives while hunting Heartless in the U.S. last year.”“Not lives, but he must have exploited weaknesses.”CEO Ryu’s voice was sharp. Number 2 smirked again.“You’re as vengeful as Director Kook.”CEO Ryu’s eyes flashed with irritation. It was worse than an insult.“At least this time, we can rein in the rampaging brat. No matter why powerful Americans protect him, it won’t work in Korea. His childish rampages end now. If Director Kook is linked to the mutated drug spreader, even his backers can’t openly support him. We must get evidence.”“Did the Special Department get pressured too?”“They got some advice. Don’t obstruct Director Kook and fully cooperate.”Number 2 twisted his lips.“Arrogant Yankees.”CEO Ryu turned to the monitor. A tall man with an axe broke into the Heartless’s room. He looked very much like Director Kook. He stood before the Heartless.‘You wanted to meet me?’The fake Director Kook asked. The barely breathing Heartless glanced up.‘Are you… the cook?’‘Yes.’‘An honor.’CEO Ryu instructed the fake through the radio.“Ask what he wanted to say.”The fake asked on screen. The Heartless stared silently. CEO Ryu sensed something wrong and instructed again.“Say you don’t care what nonsense the supplier said.”The fake recited the lines, but the Heartless remained silent, instead curling his lips into a smirk. The two observers instantly sensed failure. What went wrong? How did he know it was a fake? Confirming their suspicion, the Heartless sneered.“Tell the real one, it was an honor.”Damn it, give us real information, not this nonsense! As CEO Ryu angrily brought the radio to his mouth, the monitor suddenly went dark. Number 2 asked fiercely, his face tense.“What’s this? Has Director Kook already reached the Heartless?”“It’s not that.”CEO Ryu muttered, grabbing his gun.“Something went wrong here.”It’s Director Kook. He’s here. He knew it instinctively. Simultaneously, all the lights went out. CEO Ryu calmly sent Number 2 outside. After confirming the car left, he put on night vision goggles and a small gas mask for safety.He silently ordered his guards to surround the house. This place was far from the incident site. He had confirmed Director Kook entering the village with the last Heartless. So how did he leave and come here? How did he know about this place?Many questions filled his mind, but he didn’t doubt the intruder was Director Kook. His instincts told him. The blood-boiling heat of meeting a predator filled the room. This ghostly bastard. He resented the abilities he couldn’t match. Why did the heavens bless such a person with these powers?Bang, bang, bang!Gunshots. His guards were shooting. Only the top brass of the Special Unit knew L&Y was directly involved in this operation. Fifteen men were deployed to attack the Special Department. It was top secret, even within L&Y. They couldn’t afford to confront Director Kook here.But the ominous gunfire continued. CEO Ryu quickly ran towards the source, the room where he and Number 2 had watched the monitors. But his pace slowed in the hallway. Bodies of his guards lay strewn. Some were beheaded, others shot in the head.Then, the lights came back on. CEO Ryu discarded the goggles. Under the bright lights, the guards’ bodies were clear. He gripped his gun and stood at the open door. More bodies lay inside. The only survivor, his last guard, knelt with Director Kook’s axe at his neck.“CEO, please save me.”The guard pleaded. CEO Ryu stepped forward, calmly requesting.“Director Kook. Let him go.”Director Kook seemed deaf, staring at the frozen monitor. CEO Ryu remembered the CCTV room with the chained Heartless. The monitor showed the last scene they watched: the chained Heartless and the axe-wielding man resembling Director Kook. Director Kook grinned, baring his teeth.“I just felt like coming here.”His body and face were covered in blood, even staining his grinning teeth. CEO Ryu’s eyes hardened. The blood on his teeth was obvious. This bastard laughed while killing his men. Proving it, Director Kook turned his eyes and moved his axe. Blood spurted from the guard’s neck like a fountain.Na Jinwook and Section Chief Bae were late again. They believed no one could truly follow Director Kook’s mind, so this was a good effort. 4K had many new weapons. The small company’s success was partly due to Director Kook’s animal instincts and their unique weapons.But they never used lethal weapons directly. They feared Director Kook might misuse them. So the Special Department staff’s deaths weren’t Director Kook’s doing.Director Kook knew this better than anyone. That’s why he came here. Jinwook found the answer far from the scene. But the only one who could confirm it was the man sitting, bleeding from his shoulder.“You’re late.”CEO Ryu scolded them, trying to take out a cigarette but switching hands due to his shoulder pain.“Not late, but early. We should’ve come after you died.”Section Chief Bae smirked, lighting CEO Ryu’s cigarette. Jinwook sharply observed the still-active monitor. He quickly grasped the situation.“Where’s Director Kook?”“Who knows. He didn’t answer my questions and just vanished.”“Probably because your questions weren’t worth answering.”Section Chief Bae retorted. CEO Ryu glared at Jinwook through the smoke.“Your staff are becoming like Director Kook.”“No, they’ve always been like this.”Jinwook replied, tracking Director Kook’s location on his phone, but the signal was still off. The last signal was 20 minutes ago, here. It was likely a message to come here. Probably to clean up.“CEO Ryu, you did something pointless today.”“As long as 4K has Director Kook, you can’t say that to me. Besides, he was more rampaging today.”Jinwook didn’t look up from his phone, but CEO Ryu quickly caught their brief silence.“What happened to Director Kook before coming here? He’s been radiating murderous intent since yesterday, excessively bloody in capturing Heartless.”