" The Girl They Called Devil "

Episode 39: The Truth Behind the Absence

Yujin barely slept a wink all night. Her mind kept going back to Dea’s unanswered calls and the strange way he had disappeared without a word. As soon as the first light of dawn touched the sky, she got ready quickly, her movements hurried and restless. She didn’t stop to chat with Woo-jin or her parents—she just grabbed her bag and rushed out of the house, her only thought being to find out what was going on.

She reached the training center in record time and went straight inside, looking around anxiously for Dea. But all she saw was Zhang Lingqi walking toward her.

“Good morning, Yujin,” he greeted her. “Dea sent a message again—he won’t be coming today either.”

Yujin’s heart sank a little, but she had already made up her mind. She looked at Lingqi with a serious expression. “Brother Lingqi, I have something very important I need to take care of right now. May I skip training today, please?”

Lingqi raised an eyebrow, studying her face. He could tell she was worried and determined. “If it is truly that important, then yes, you may go. But keep this between us—don’t tell Dea I agreed to let you skip, alright?”

Yujin nodded quickly, feeling relieved. “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word. Thank you so much!”

Without wasting another second, she turned and hurried out of the center. She took a taxi straight to Dea’s house. When she arrived, she walked up to the door and knocked gently at first, then a little louder. To her surprise, the door was slightly ajar—it wasn’t locked. She pushed it open carefully, stepped inside, and locked it behind her for safety.

“Dea? Are you here?” she called out, her voice echoing softly through the quiet house.

There was no reply. She walked through the living room and toward the bedroom, her steps growing faster. When she pushed the bedroom door open, her breath caught in her throat. Dea was lying on the bed, his face pale and his forehead covered in a thin layer of sweat—he was clearly unwell.

Yujin rushed over immediately, kneeling beside the bed. Her eyes filled with tears as she reached out to touch his forehead—it was burning hot. “Dea! Are you okay? What happened to you? Why didn’t you tell anyone you were sick?”

Dea slowly opened his eyes, looking at her with confusion mixed with a little surprise. His voice was weak but still held its usual sharpness. “What are you doing here? And why are you skipping training? You’re supposed to be at the center.”

Yujin looked at him, both angry and deeply worried, her voice trembling with tears. “What do you mean why am I here? You’re lying here sick all alone and you didn’t say a word to anyone! You told Lingqi you had gone out of town—why lie like that?”

Dea let out a small, tired sigh and tried to shift into a more comfortable position. “If I had told Lingqi or anyone else that I was just sick, they would have fussed over me like I was a helpless child. I don’t like being treated that way. So I said I was busy outside—it was easier.” He looked at her teary eyes and managed a faint, dry laugh. “And why are you crying so much? I’m not dying, you know.”

Yujin frowned, wiping her eyes quickly. “Stop talking nonsense! You look terrible. Have you eaten anything since yesterday? Did you even have breakfast?”

Dea shook his head honestly. “No… I didn’t feel like eating anything.”

Yujin stood up, wiping her hands on her clothes. “Wait here. Don’t you dare move from this bed. I’ll make you something light and healthy to eat.”

She walked into the kitchen and began looking around. A moment later, she called out, “Dea, where do you keep the milk?”

“Look in the refrigerator,” he replied from the bedroom.

A few minutes later, she called again, “And where is the bread?”

Dea chuckled softly and shook his head. “Wait, I’m coming.”

He slowly pushed himself up and walked toward the kitchen, still looking weak but trying to act normal.

Yujin turned around and saw him leaning against the doorframe. “Ah! Why did you get up? Go back to bed immediately!”

“I’m fine,” Dea said, walking over to the shelf and pointing. “It’s right there, on the top shelf. I can help you get things—it’s easier than you shouting every minute.”

Yujin crossed her arms, looking stern. “I don’t need your help. Just go back and rest. I can find everything myself.”

Dea laughed quietly but did as she said, returning to his room and lying back down.

Yujin worked quickly, preparing a simple but nutritious breakfast—warm porridge, toast, and a glass of warm milk. She carried the tray carefully into the bedroom and placed it on the small table beside the bed.

“Here, eat this slowly. It will give you some energy,” she said softly.

Dea sat up and began to eat. After a few bites, he looked at her with genuine surprise. “This tastes really good. You’re actually a great cook.”

When he finished the meal, he leaned back against the headboard and looked at her steadily. The room was quiet and calm, and for the first time, he didn’t look guarded or distant.

“You asked me before about my past,” he said slowly. “You wanted to know why I know how to fight, why I have this place, and why there is so much you don’t know about me. You said you were free to listen… and now, since you’re here, I’ll tell you everything.”