Puppets Dance

A new day painted the sky with the pastel colors of dawn, but in Choi Sung-Wook's soul, a thrill of anticipation reigned, far from the tranquility of the morning sunrise. Today, he didn't plan to become a lazy recluse, gratifying himself with video games and food delivery. No, today he had a much more refined entertainment in store.

Heroes? Villains? — Sung-Wook smirked, remembering these pompous labels. — They are all just puppets. Stupid, predictable puppets.

He was disgusted by the very thought of spending his time training these, in essence, mediocre individuals. But what can you do, the game demanded sacrifices. And he was the Player, the Puppeteer, pulling the strings of fate.

Today, the strings were to lead Lee Ji-Hye and Kang Min-Joon to his loft. And not just lead them, but make them clash with each other.

It's time to put on a little show, — decided Sung-Wook, leaving the house.

He walked down the street, enjoying the morning coolness and the anticipation of the upcoming spectacle. In his hand, he held his phone, a message for Ji-Hye already typed on the screen.

Sung-Wook: Ji-Hye, I'm waiting for you in the loft. Today we have a special sparring partner. I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.

After sending the message, he grinned. Pleasantly surprised? That was putting it mildly.

The next message went to Min-Joon.

Sung-Wook: Min-Joon, today you'll have a chance to prove yourself. Come to the loft, a worthy opponent awaits you.

A worthy opponent? Sung-Wook barely restrained a chuckle. For Min-Joon, even a teddy bear was a worthy opponent.

He walked down the street, and his face gradually changed. The smile became wider, his eyes narrowed, an unhealthy gleam flaring in them. It wasn't the smile of an ordinary person going to work. It was the grin of a predator anticipating the hunt. The grin of a puppeteer ready to start his game.

And at that moment, when the anticipation reached its peak, they began to appear around Sung-Wook. Thin, almost invisible threads, woven from energy, from the very essence of his power. They stretched from him in all directions, invisible to ordinary people, but tangible to those who possessed a special gift. Or curse.

These threads were his instrument, his weapon, his connection to the puppets. With their help, he could control, direct, manipulate. And today these threads were to lead two of his best… or rather, most promising students to him.

Let them think they are special, — thought Sung-Wook, looking at the faces passing by. — Let them believe in their power, in their significance. It only makes the game more interesting.

He knew that Ji-Hye and Min-Joon had already received his messages. He knew that they were hurrying to the loft, driven by curiosity, ambition, a desire to prove themselves.

Fools, — whispered Sung-Wook, and his smile became even wider. — They have no idea what awaits them.

He imagined their meeting. Ji-Hye's surprise when she saw Min-Joon. Min-Joon's overconfidence, who would probably think he could easily defeat Ji-Hye. And the inevitable clash that would follow.

This will be… amusing, — thought Sung-Wook, quickening his pace.

He could already see in his mind's eye Ji-Hye using her telekinesis, throwing objects at Min-Joon, him trying to dodge, to attack with lightning. He saw sparks, heard screams, smelled ozone.

Yes, it will be an unforgettable sight, — he whispered, and the threads around him trembled, as if in anticipation.

He walked through the city, and none of the passersby noticed anything unusual. No one saw the face distorted by a smile, nor the thin threads stretching from him in all directions. No one suspected that this unremarkable man was a puppeteer who controlled people's fates.

And they don't need to know, — thought Sung-Wook. — Let them remain in the dark. It's even better that way.

He was approaching his loft, and the anticipation was growing stronger. He could almost physically feel the tension in the air. The tension that was about to erupt into a fierce fight.

Soon, — he whispered, climbing the stairs. — Soon the show will begin.

He took the key out of his pocket, opened the door, and entered. The loft greeted him with its usual silence, broken only by the steady hum of the equipment.

Sung-Wook walked to the center of the hall, to the place where training sessions usually took place. To the place where Ji-Hye and Min-Joon were to clash today.

They are close, — he thought, feeling the threads tighten, vibrate. — Very close.

He stood in the center of the hall, closed his eyes, and surrendered to his senses. He felt Ji-Hye and Min-Joon approaching the loft, guided by invisible threads. He felt their impatience, their excitement, their… fear.

Yes, — thought Sung-Wook, smirking. — Be afraid. Because today you will learn what real power is. My power.

He opened his eyes, and a cold, predatory expression froze in them. His face was twisted in an anticipating grin, and invisible threads gathered around him, ready to spring into action at any moment.

The show begins, — he whispered, and his voice sounded ominous even to himself. — Puppets, dance!

At that moment, the loft door swung open, and a breathless Ji-Hye appeared on the threshold. A few seconds later, Min-Joon entered, looking at her defiantly.

The game had begun. And Choi Sung-Wook, the puppeteer standing in the shadows, was ready to enjoy every moment of it. Because for him it wasn't just a game. It was life itself.