Reborn as a Prophet in a Horror Movie

#043Reader Mode

#043

Obviously Seojun, known for his prickly attitude, wasn’t suddenly overcome with compassion. He idly played with the binoculars slung around his waist, lost in thought.

“Wasn’t it way too risky to look for Bobby before? That’s why we held off, right?”

He put an extra emphasis on ‘risky’ as he surveyed their surroundings, trying to make his concern seem genuine. He even added a dramatic lip-lick for effect.

“Just think about it. How could we have possibly searched through a campground terrorized by Gas Mask and that monster? But now, things have changed. That monster’s calamari, and Gas Mask… well…”

He didn’t need to elaborate on the serial killer’s gruesome end. Seojun continued, his justifications sounding almost convincing.

“So, we should at least find poor Bobby’s body, shouldn’t we? It’s what he deserves for his brave end. Plus, we might even find the car keys and get Airi to a hospital safely.”

In truth, Seojun didn’t view Bobby as brave, pitiable or even a friend, but his words flowed smoothly, slick with feigned empathy. Johan gave a subtle nod, gently taking Seojun’s hand.

“I’m with you, Jun. If we piece together the timeline of Bobby’s capture and Gas Mask’s return, he probably didn’t have time for… cleanup.”

Johan’s mention of ‘clean-up’ clearly had nothing to do with housekeeping. Seojun’s heart sank. Staying true to horror clichés, Gas Mask’s style wasn’t just about brutal murders, but also involved desecrating bodies in unimaginable ways.

Such gruesome methods weren’t quick or clean. Considering Gas Mask had come back for them quickly, it seemed unlikely that he had time to dispose of Bobby’s body. Johan added, with an oddly serene smile,

“It’s been one hell of a day. It’s a bit early, but let’s head back to the comfort of our homes.”

Seojun was amazed at Johan’s laid-back attitude, as if they were just wrapping up a lengthy overseas trip. His voice, however, betrayed his weariness.

Exhaustion was setting in – Their bodies were sore, the breeze brought unpleasant odors, and the air seemed thick, almost sticking to their skin. The group exchanged tired looks as the tension subsided, their fatigue visible in their eyes.

“Let’s get moving before Airi gets any worse.”

Christina, still holding Airi’s hand, wiped away her tears and stood, brushing dirt off her knees. Airi winced, wanting to say something but held back by the sharp pain in her ribs.

“Guuagh…”

“Just lie still, Airi. William, stay with her. We’ll find the car keys.”

“Thanks, Christina.”

“Don’t thank me! You’re hurt too, and we can’t leave Airi here alone.”

With a voice filled with determination, Christina cut through the gloom. Seojun stretched out his long limbs, letting Johan’s hand slip away. He saw a flash of disappointment cross Johan’s face but chose to ignore it, focusing on the task ahead.

“Christina. Johan and I will check where Gas Mask took Bobby. You and Golden, check the cabins again. The keys might be with his stuff.”

“Ah, that’s a good idea.”

“What? Me? Why?!”

Agreement clashed with protest. Christina spun around, startled by the outburst. Golden, caught off guard by the sudden instructions, reacted as if he’d been shocked.

He was making a baffled expression, as if he truly couldn’t understand why. Seojun, losing his patience, poked Golden’s chest with his finger. Even this light touch made Golden step back.

“Seriously? You need me to spell it out for you? Why should Christina have to search a campground that was terrorized by a killer and monster all by herself?”

Golden’s cheeks flushed with outrage. Airi, laying on the ground and breathing shallowly, shot him a piercing look. As an outsider in the group, Golden found himself without allies, especially now when his friends were either dead or missing. Even if they were here, they still might not have backed him up.

Golden, infuriated, tried to grab Seojun’s slender finger off his chest, but Johan swiftly intercepted, pulling it away. Without Johan’s quick action, Golden might have touched Seojun’s finger, bare as a leafless tree branch in winter. Johan, despite his numerous injuries, was not generous enough to give Golden the chance.

“Resorting to violence instead of words is beneath you, Golden. Just like your father said in school when he was a guest lecturer.”

Unfortunately, Golden wasn’t foolish enough to miss the slight sneer on Johan’s seemingly friendly lips. He responded bitterly,

“Isn’t it strange to split up this way? Normally, you’d be with Christina Toolbox, as always.”

He made a valid point, but it wasn’t Johan’s intimidating presence or firm hold on Seojun that broke Golden’s spirit. It was Seojun’s biting words, said in a voice as coarse as sandpaper.

“I hate you.”

Seojun wrenched his wrist from Johan’s grip, his voice unwavering.

“Golden, just so you get it, the idea of spending time alone with you is unbearable. You’ve made my life hell just because I pointed out where you lost your bike. Get it? Even thinking about walking with you is giving me a rash.”

Seojun gestured to his pale forearm. Even though they had faced Monster X and Gas Mask together, the animosity between him, Golden, and his trio of friends hadn’t lessened at all. Seojun arched an eyebrow at Golden’s stunned look following his blunt honesty.

Christina, as kind as ever, gently pulled Golden aside for a moment to offer some comfort. Seojun watched Golden’s dejected back trudge towards the cabins with his shoulders slumped. Christina’s consoling pats on his back seemed almost futile in her attempts to cheer him up.

Seojun couldn’t help feeling irked by Christina’s protagonist-like kindness, especially towards someone like Golden. But he wasn’t in a position to tell her who to befriend so he looked elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Johan was cheerfully examining the dried tentacle he’d pocketed. Seojun, feeling a bit creeped out, quickly looked away. Johan caught his reaction and decided to spark up a conversation.

“Jun, what do you think of a person who loves flowers but then pours boiling water over them?”

“Is there such a crazy person?”

“Right? The world’s full of such strange people. It’s terrifying…”

Johan’s eyes lingered on Christina and Golden, his expression strangely satisfied. Confused by Johan’s analogy, Seojun clicked his tongue and redirected his thoughts.

Airi and William…

Them being sidelined from the action given the severity of their injuries made sense. But their overly affectionate glances, dripping with sweetness, made Seojun uneasy. Thankfully, only two members of the Gold-Silver-Bronze Trio and Bobby had died, but was it wise to leave anyone alone here?

The Hamon campsite, isolated from the outside world, still felt ominous and dangerous. According to the rules of horror movies, couples often had tragically short lives.

William doesn’t seem like the type to touch his injured girlfriend… but you never know.

Life is unpredictable. After all, who would have thought that Seojun would get hit by a truck and then possess a horror movie character? And to his surprise, he was beginning to feel a growing bond with those around him.

Seojun approached them with care, noting how William’s lifted eyebrow seemed to convey a whole range of emotions – a feat that never ceased to amaze him. Clearing his throat, he blurted out a warning,

“Hey, no funny business while you two are alone, got it? I’m talking about sex. Don’t even think about more than holding hands in this unclean, exposed place.”

Seojun’s blunt warning, despite his good intentions, came off a bit harsh due to his personality. Airi, who had been groaning in pain, surprisingly regained her voice to express her astonishment.

“Wow, Seojun. You might not look it, but you’re quite the pervert, aren’t you?”

Airi’s chiding was followed by a disdainful glare from William. If he had the strength, he might have leaped up to punch him. Seojun, feeling unjustly accused, especially after losing his first kiss to a tentacle, couldn’t help but feel wronged.

After being thoroughly scorned, Seojun walked alongside Johan as they departed, William giving them a tired farewell wave.

Airi wasn’t in great shape, but due to the dim lighting, they couldn’t rush so their pace was slow. The Hamon Campsite, far from a maintained luxury retreat, now looked even more messy after the recent chaos.

As Seojun and Johan wandered towards where Bobby had been taken, stumbling upon Bobby’s dropped tin pot brought a small sense of relief.

At least we’re getting used to the darkness now.

Seojun forced strength into his weary body. Johan, walking next to him, had rosy cheeks. The lively shine on his skin was strangely eerie given their circumstances.

Well, everything they experienced today was of that strange variety. Didn’t Christina and Airi even roast a squid from outer space? There’s no way anything could be stranger than that!

A sudden gust of cold air swept through, and Seojun embraced the refreshing breeze on his face, feeling revitalized. His muscles relaxed, and a small contented smile spread across his face.

Johan watched, captivated. His eyes traced the details of Seojun’s face – from his smooth forehead to his strong yet delicate cheekbones, and the gentle curve of his nose. Even his dark, bruised lips held Johan’s attention.

Johan’s gaze then lingered on Seojun’s eyes, which were dark and lustrous, resembling smooth pebbles beneath the quiet surface of a flowing stream. Without warning, as if possessed by an uncontainable urge, his finger lovingly caressed the delicate skin of Seojun’s eyelid.

From Johan’s perspective, it was a moment beyond his control. But for Seojun, it was an unexpected jolt — like a bird suddenly stripped of its feathers. Heat crept up his cheeks and ears, his eyes glistened, and he felt a rising heat emanating from his lower abdomen.

This brief touch sparked an intangible energy between them, making the air feel warm and sweet, as if the cold wind had been replaced by something electric.

Seojun’s thoughts took a sharp turn as he felt a painful desire growing within him. Maybe it was because he had just warned Airi and William about it, but he couldn’t help but blurt out something he’d never say otherwise.

“Just try having sex with me! I’ll rip off your face, Johan!”

The word “sex” echoed loudly through the silent night, where not even a bird could be heard.

“Se…x?”

As expected, Johan stiffened at his bold choice of words. The blushing and agitated Seojun, however, was too wrapped up in his own emotions to notice. He had his reasons.

Countless horror movies showed couples letting their guard down and having sex after defeating the enemy. And it was a death flag. Even though he and Johan weren’t dating, Seojun couldn’t ignore this cliché. And Johan’s previous casual actions had taken root in Seojun’s mind, resulting in a misunderstanding.

“Trying to have sex right now is like taking a high-speed route towards death. I’ve seen enough to know, Johan.” Seojun said, his eyes fierce.

It was a warning. But Johan didn’t react with anger or confusion at the sudden and strange conversation turn. Instead, he simply tilted his head, curious.

“You think you know everything? That’s odd. Jun, I don’t think you do…”

Johan’s eyes moved strangely, as if he only blinked when he remembered to. His voice was soft, his words deliberate, like a secret being whispered.

“There are ways to express trust, Jun. I’ve tried, but why won’t you believe me?”

“What?”

Seojun’s response was calm, but the conversation was anything but normal.

“Jun, I like you. To be honest, I expected you to have realized this by now. But, since you haven’t, let me be clear. This is the story of my love throughout my lifetime!”

In Johan’s blue eyes shone an unmistakable sincerity.

T/N: “Jun, what do you think of a person who loves flowers but then pours boiling water over them?” I believe Johan is talking about Golden here. He acts like an immature kid who bullies his crush because he can’t express his emotions properly. Tsk. /ᐠ – ˕ -マ