⚠️ Content Warning
This chapter contains mature themes, psychological manipulation, violence, and disturbing dialogue.
Reader discretion is advised.
They say follow your heart.
But they also say protect it.
They say forgive and forget—
then warn you never to let someone hurt you twice.
They say patience is the key,
yet remind you that life waits for no one.
The world is full of advice.
Some of it is wisdom.
Some of it is just noise.
People will tell you what they think you should do—
but they don't live in your skin.
They don't wake up with your fears,
your hopes,
your scars.
The truth is simple.
No one has the perfect answer.
Life isn't a straight road.
There is no single rulebook.
It's messy.
Confusing.
Cruel.
Different for everyone.
So listen.
Learn.
Think.
But in the end—
You are the one who must live with your choices.
Only you
can write your story.
Claut's eyes snapped open.
White ceiling.
Beeping machines.
The sharp scent of disinfectant.
A hospital.
His fingers twitched—and felt warmth.
Lucy's hand was wrapped around his.
She was asleep beside the bed, head resting against his arm.
Her eyes were swollen. Red.
She had cried for a long time.
Claut swallowed.
"Lucy…" he murmured weakly.
"Are you okay?
Hey… Miss Girlfriend."
She stirred.
"Mmm… Grandma… I'm sleeping… don't wake me…"
A faint laugh escaped him.
Lucy slowly opened her eyes.
The moment she realized—
Tears fell.
Soft. Endless.
Like petals drifting from a broken tree.
"You're awake…" she whispered.
Then she hugged him tightly.
"Ouch—ouch—ouch," Claut hissed.
"I-I'm sorry!" She pulled back instantly. "Are you okay?!"
He nodded. "Yeah… yeah."
She wiped her tears, smiling through them.
"It's been one month," she said softly.
"The doctors said you might never wake up…
but I knew you would."
Her voice trembled.
"I'm so happy. And I…
I wanted to thank you."
She leaned closer, cheeks flushed.
"You saved my life."
Claut turned his face away.
"Where's Rick?" he asked quietly.
"Is he okay?"
Lucy nodded. "Yes. He survived."
"And Mia… her brother?" Claut asked.
Silence.
"Lucy," he said, sharper now. "Answer me."
She looked down.
"After that day… their entire family died," she said.
"A car accident. No survivors."
Claut's chest tightened.
"Their friends were expelled.
The police are still investigating… but they found nothing."
A memory surfaced—
That smile.
That voice.
That presence.
Father.
Why…?
Why did you do it?
Why?!
The hospital door opened.
"MY SON!"
Kim rushed in, arms wide.
"You're awake! You have no idea how happy I am!"
He leaned in for a hug.
Claut didn't move.
"…Thank you," he said flatly.
Kim turned toward Lucy, smiling warmly.
"Oh! You must be Lucy.
Thank you for taking care of my son."
Then he chuckled.
"So… is she your girlfriend?
Interesting girl, don't you think?"
Claut's eyes darkened.
"No," he said sharply.
"She's just a friend."
Lucy stiffened.
"She helped me because she thought I helped her," Claut continued coldly.
"That's all."
He looked at her.
"Lucy, you should leave.
You don't need to come here anymore.
We're just friends—and I don't want anything from you."
The words were cruel.
On purpose.
Lucy's lips trembled.
Tears filled her eyes.
Without saying a word, she turned and left.
The door closed softly.
Silence.
Claut finally spoke.
"Why did you kill them?"
Kim froze.
"Their family," Claut said.
"It was just a school fight.
You didn't have to kill them."
Kim laughed lightly.
"Hahaha… you're imagining things.
You need rest."
Claut clenched his fists.
"Drop the act," he snarled.
"I know it was you."
Kim's smile vanished.
Then—
He laughed again.
"Yes," Kim said calmly.
"I killed them. All of them."
Claut's breath shook.
"Why…?" he whispered.
"Why?!"
Kim leaned closer, eyes burning.
"Because they touched my weapon."
Claut froze.
"You," Kim said softly,
"are my weapon."
Without you… I get bored.
Anyone who tries to take you from me
will die.
Only death.
Even that girl—
if she comes near you again, I'll kill her too.
Then Kim smiled wider.
"She's interesting," he added.
"I'd love to tear her apart…
paint the walls with her blood…
and hang her body in your room."
He laughed.
Loud.
Unhinged.
Evil.
"Hahahahahaha—!"
Claut said nothing.
But something inside him
shattered beyond repair.
Elsewhere — The Investigation
A dim office filled with files and cigarette smoke.
"Did you find anything?" a detective asked.
"No, sir."
The officer hesitated.
"Sir… if I may say something."
"Yes?"
"It's been a month. No evidence.
What if it really was just an accident?"
The detective sighed.
"We're wasting time."
Near the window stood a man in a black coat.
Hat pulled low.
Cigarette glowing between his fingers.
He inhaled slowly.
Smoke curled around his face.
Holt.
End of Chapter 10