Two: The Corpse Statue (Part III)
1084 Words
Sirius returned to the publishing house after being summoned by the head editor for the contract signing of his new novel.
The moment he stepped inside, the secretary greeted him warmly, guiding him toward the meeting room where the chairman and head editor were already waiting.
Everything felt… surreal.
Because truthfully—
He couldn’t even remember writing some parts of that novel.
Still, Sirius pushed the thought aside and entered the room with a polite smile.
“Good morning, Mr. Kim,” the chairman greeted.
“Good morning,” Sirius replied, taking a seat across from them.
A set of documents was placed neatly in front of him.
“We called you here because we were impressed with your latest manuscript,” the chairman continued. “We would like to offer you an exclusive contract.”
For a moment, Sirius just stared at the papers.
This was it.
The opportunity he had always wanted.
To finally become a recognized writer.
He carefully read every detail written in the contract before signing his name.
“Thank you,” he said sincerely.
Photos were taken—handshakes, smiles, success captured in a single frame.
“We’re looking forward to your next chapters, Mr. Kim,” the head editor added. “Even I’m curious about what happens next.”
Sirius nodded.
But deep inside—
So was he.
---
When he stepped out of the building, he couldn’t stop smiling.
Just days ago, he had walked out of this same place feeling defeated.
Now?
He felt like everything was finally falling into place.
Without wasting time, he pulled out his phone and called his friends.
“Hello? Where are you guys?” he asked as soon as Julius answered.
He had seen them arguing in their group chat earlier about where to meet.
“We’re at Edward’s station,” Julius replied. “I needed to get a scoop.”
“Why’d you call?”
Sirius grinned.
“I just wanted to tell you both—I got accepted. My new novel.”
There was a short pause—
Then a soft chuckle.
“That’s great news, Sirius,” Julius said warmly. “Just tell us what time we’re meeting so I can get permission from work.”
“Alright,” Sirius replied before ending the call.
For now, he decided to withdraw some cash.
He looked around, searching for the nearest ATM.
Or maybe he could just head to L Mall—
Thud.
“Ouch—”
Sirius winced as someone suddenly bumped into him. He instinctively held his shoulder, gently massaging it.
“Are you okay?” the stranger asked.
Sirius looked up—
And froze.
There was something… familiar.
But he couldn’t place it.
“I’m sorry,” the man continued. “I wasn’t paying attention—I was on my phone.”
Sirius smiled politely. “It’s fine. I wasn’t looking where I was going either.”
He was about to walk away—
When suddenly—
The man grabbed his wrist.
Sirius frowned.
“…Why?”
The stranger smirked.
“You don’t remember me?”
Confusion crossed Sirius’ face.
“I’m sorry, but no,” he replied. “Can you let go of my hand?”
Instead of letting go—
The man tightened his grip.
And laughed.
“Oh come on, Sirius Kim… this face?” he said, leaning slightly closer. “You really don’t remember?”
Sirius’ expression hardened.
“Try to remember next time,” the man added, his tone suddenly darker. “Though… if I were you, I’d rather forget too.”
Sirius forcefully pulled his hand away, glaring at him.
“Can you stop? I don’t know you, so don’t bother me.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away.
But his heart…
Was beating faster than usual.
---
That evening—
The three of them finally met at a restaurant.
“Congratulations on your new novel, Rius!” Julius said, handing him a gift.
Edward followed, giving his own present before pulling Sirius into a quick hug.
“Thanks,” Sirius smiled. “You didn’t have to buy anything. Having you here is enough.”
Julius scoffed.
“What are you saying? Of course we’d give you something.”
“It’s also a token for your success,” Edward added.
They ordered food and began catching up, laughter filling the table.
“Ugh, that June Custodio is so annoying,” Julius complained. “He keeps bragging about his achievements.”
Edward laughed. “You’re still not used to him? He’s always been like that since high school.”
Sirius blinked.
“June Custodio?” he repeated. “Was he our classmate?”
The two exchanged a glance.
“…Yeah,” Julius answered casually. “You probably just forgot.”
Edward then went on about their workload at the station, mentioning the recent string of murders. Julius added how he had been assigned to cover the cases.
The mood lightened—just like old times.
Then—
“By the way,” Julius said, pulling out his phone, “what’s the title of your book?”
Sirius swallowed his food before answering.
“The Mystery Killer of the Night.”
Julius immediately searched for it.
Edward did the same.
“I’ll add it to my list,” Edward said. “I’ll read it when I have time.”
They ordered dessert and continued chatting.
Then casually—
Sirius spoke.
“Oh, by the way… someone bumped into me earlier,” he said. “He asked if I knew him. He was kind of weird.”
Both Julius and Edward froze.
Julius glanced at Edward.
A silent exchange.
“What was his name?” Edward asked carefully.
Sirius frowned slightly.
“He said his name was Myrus Kang,” he replied. “Was he our classmate too? I can’t remember.”
Edward leaned back.
“He was in a different section,” he said. “But yeah—you knew him. You used to visit the guidance office a lot, remember?”
Sirius blinked.
“…I don’t.”
“Did he say anything else?” Julius asked.
Sirius shook his head.
“No.”
Short.
Simple.
But something felt wrong.
---
They eventually paid the bill and left the restaurant.
Laughing.
Relaxed.
Unaware—
That from a distance…
Someone was watching them.
Eyes filled with amusement.
A slow, unsettling smile forming on his lips.
“You seem so happy… my dear.”
---
To be continued…
- Writer
