The Moonbay Pier was known for its bright, vivid colours that shimmered against the night sky. It was a place full of life, home to countless attractions that came alive after dark. At the far end of the pier stood a quiet viewing area, where visitors could gaze out across the vast Pacific Ocean through a mounted telescope.
Lining the walkway were twenty-four-hour restaurants and quirky little shops, always open, always buzzing. There was even a small amusement park with a roller coaster and Ferris wheel, their flashing lights and mechanical hums giving the pier its signature soundtrack. I'd been coming here since I was a child. Even though I was never allowed to indulge in any of the fun—no games, no rides—I still found peace in the glow of those lights. Somehow, just being here gave me a strange sense of comfort.
"Maggie?"
"Yes, Mother?" I replied, pulled from my thoughts.
"Are you a virgin?"
I blinked and gave her a look. "Wae na hante geugeol mul-eobolgeoya?" (Why would you ask me that?)
She laughed, looping her arm through mine. "Why not? We never talk about these things."
"These things?"
"You know—mother and daughter things. It's either silence because we're both so busy, or we're arguing because you're never home."
I shrugged. "Because I'm training."
"Exactly." She stopped walking and turned to face me. "And for what? The Ollimpig?" (Olympics?)
I rolled my eyes. She didn't get it. She never did.
"Tell me why you're doing all this training, and I'll stop questioning it."
But how could I tell her the truth when I didn't even know it myself? This month, it was fitness. Next month? Who knows. I was just following orders—my father's, mostly.
I groaned. "We've had this conversation before."
"And not once have you given me a straight answer, Maggie."
"Because I don't know!" I snapped.
She looked taken aback by my outburst. "There's no need to shout. I was just asking."
I softened. "I'm sorry, Eomma. You know I don't like talking about it. It always ends in an argument."
She sighed. "It's the only thing we do talk about. That or your father. And that never ends well either."
"I know," I muttered.
"If you want us to stop fighting, then what should we talk about?" she asked.
I hesitated, then blurted out the one thing I never imagined saying.
"How I lost my virginity?"
Her face lit up. "Really? You don't mind telling me?"
Yes, I minded. Deeply. But I shrugged. "Why not?"
She squealed, linking her arm in mine again as we kept walking. "So, what was it like? Candles? Romantic music? A bed covered in roses?"
I laughed. "A bed of roses?"
She nodded seriously. "That's how I lost mine. It was so romantic."
I shook my head, still laughing. She frowned.
"Wasn't your first time romantic, Maggie?"
Fuck no.
I was sixteen. Lunchtime. Behind the bike shed. Just wanted to know what the hype was about. That was it. No candles. No roses. Just a boy I liked, and not much else.
"Sorry to disappoint, Mother, but no. No bed of roses for me."
Her face twisted in horror. "What? Not even candles?"
"Ani." (No.)
She made a noise of disgust. "What is wrong with boys these days? No class at all."
Neither did I.
"Well," she sighed, "as long as you didn't rush into it, did it with someone you cared about, and were safe, that's what matters."
I tilted my head, grinning mischievously. "And what if I did rush it? Did it with someone random and didn't use a condom? What would you do? Nal beolyeo?" (Disown me?)
She chuckled. "Disown you? Don't be ridiculous. You're my daughter."
"That I am." I paused. "So... do you really want to know the details?"
Please say no.
She thought for a moment, then smiled. "Tell me. But let me grab us a coffee first. Then you can spill everything, okay?"
"Okay," I said, pointing. "I'll be down at the end."
She walked off toward the nearest café, leaving me alone to wander along the pier. Even this late, people lounged on benches, looking out to sea. Kids darted around with ice creams, some wobbling along on bikes with training wheels.
At the very edge, I paused.
The rhythmic pounding of the waves below filled the quiet. The ocean breeze kissed my skin, tangling through my long blue hair. This was my escape. When training got too intense or life became too loud, I came here. Something about the waves crashing against the rocks made me feel grounded.
A telescope stood nearby. I stepped behind it, adjusting the focus to peer out at the endless horizon.
Then I heard it—voices.
I glanced behind me. No one. Just the wind. But there it was again.
Curious, I placed one foot on the lower railing and leaned over the edge. Down on the beach below, partially hidden in the shadows, stood three tall figures. Their faces were obscured by masks.
"What the fu—?"
I squinted.
They were pulling something out of the trunk of a car. Something wrapped tightly in a white sheet. A large red stain bloomed across it.
One of them lifted it with ease and hurled it into the ocean.
My breath caught in my throat. My legs trembled as the truth settled over me like a cold fog.
A body.
I felt heat surge through my limbs, nausea tightening my chest. Who were they? And who was that?
"Oh my God," I whispered.
Panic bubbled up. What was I supposed to do?
Call the cops? No. By the time I explained everything, they'd be long gone.
I looked back down, debating whether I should confront them.
But then one of them pointed.
Right at me.
Oh shit.
They'd seen me. And I'd seen them.
If I stayed here any longer, I'd be next.
Could I outrun them?
Hell yes—I was fast. So I ran.
Like a fucking coward.