JI-HO

Sponge had not seen nor heard from Ji-Ho the following day, nor the day after. The day of their departure was slowly drawing to a close, and Sponge felt the need to bid a final farewell. However, Ji-Ho had not emerged outside as usual.

"You seem distracted," Vvh observed, seated on a wooden stool with one leg crossed over the other. Sponge kept herself occupied by clearing the snow that had seeped into the shed after a fierce blizzard the night before.

"Uh... no, just busy with this," Sponge replied, groaning as she shoveled a large amount of snow to the side, wiping her arm across her forehead. The cold and sweat seemed to mix, almost forming icicles on her skin.

"Being distracted can lead to injury," Vvh remarked, causing Sponge to groan inwardly. "I know—but like I said, not distracted," Sponge retorted, shrugging as she continued her task.

 She could sense Vvh's silent snort in response.

"I won't interfere in your personal matters, but if you feel the need, speak to your friend from the north before we depart tomorrow," Vvh suggested. Sponge blushed, turning towards Vvh and leaning on her shovel. "And what exactly do you mean by that?" Sponge inquired with a raised brow and a slightly heightened voice.

"What I mean is, go to town and have a conversation with your friend," Vvh explained, a tilt of amusement in her head, as Sponge rolled her eyes. "You're implying something, but I'm not quite catching on," Sponge grumbled, stabbing her shovel into the snow.

Vvh remained silent. "What about the snow?" Sponge asked, walking over to the other woman, who simply waved a hand. "Finish it when you return," Vvh replied as Sponge groaned for the fifth time. "Of course I will," she muttered.

Sponge wasted no time heading towards the town. "Ji-Ho," she breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the other girl seated on the front porch of her house, though her complexion was pale and her eyes dark. Despite this, Ji-Ho greeted Sponge with a smile.

"Hi!" Ji-Ho beamed, waving a hand and rising to her feet, though she stumbled slightly until Sponge placed a hand on her shoulder to steady her. "You're still feeling unwell?" Sponge inquired, to which Ji-Ho waved a dismissive hand, saying, "We're all a little under the weather, Spongey," with a small smile, causing Sponge to bite her lip. "That doesn't make me feel any better. You've been gone for days," Sponge remarked, tilting her head. Ji-Ho then pulled her towards the porch, urging her to sit on the steps before settling beside her.

"I know. I'm sorry. Things just got a bit hectic," Ji-Ho offered a pained smile as Sponge nodded and responded, "Hey, it's okay. I totally understand." Sponge shrugged, giving Ji-Ho a small smile. They both lapsed into silence, observing people passing by and the sound of children giggling, until Sponge remembered her purpose for visiting.

"Oh, right—My... uh, friend and I are set to leave tomorrow... I just came to bid you farewell," Sponge said, offering Ji-Ho a small, sad smile. "You're leaving?" Ji-Ho uttered, blinking in confusion. Sponge nodded, letting out a small sigh. Ji-Ho fell silent, looking away, running her hand along her arm before nodding weakly. "I thought we had more time," she murmured, prompting Sponge to tilt her head.

"I can always return—It's not too difficult around here. I think I can adapt to the cold," Sponge smirked, to which Ji-Ho rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't want you acclimatizing to this weather. I can see how your skin reddens at the slightest touch of cold; you aren't suited for these climates," Ji-Ho remarked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Sponge hummed, "I have to agree with you on that one. Turns out snow can be quite a bitch." Ji-Ho giggled and nodded. "Indeed," she said before placing a hand on Sponge's.

"Spongey," she said, causing Sponge to turn to her, raising a brow. "Yeah?" Ji-Ho gazed at her, brow furrowed in concern before lowering her gaze, shaking her head. "Never mind—just a silly thought. Forget it," she laughed, scratching the back of her neck and moving away, releasing Sponge's hand.

"Um, okay. You can share anything with me. Besides, I doubt I'll be able to swing by tomorrow; we likely need to leave early," Sponge mentioned as Ji-Ho nodded, appearing disappointed. "It's probably for the best. If another blizzard catches up to you, you might find yourself stranded here," Ji-Ho expressed, a hint of worry evident as she lightly bit her lip.

"Don't fret over me too much. Focus on yourself; you're still unwell and should be indoors," Sponge advised, studying Ji-Ho's face, which seemed paler than usual, her breathing irregular every few minutes, and a slight tremor noticeable in her hands if one paid close attention.

Ji-Ho winced, shaking her head slightly. "If there's one place I'd like to be, it's wherever you are—Spongey," she said, offering a weak smile as Sponge chuckled softly. "That's a bit cheesy, don't you think?" Sponge raised a brow as Ji-Ho giggled behind her hand. "It is. It's meant to make you cringe," she laughed.

"It's sweet," Sponge remarked, causing Ji-Ho to blush before her attention was caught by children running in a particular direction, some clutching their worn-out skates.

"Spongey, do you skate?" Ji-Ho asked, visibly excited, bouncing in her seat as Sponge raised her eyebrows. "S-Skate? N-no, well, perhaps walking on ice—," Sponge began, only to let out a yelp as Ji-Ho suddenly stood up, pulling her to her feet and urging her towards the frozen lake. "You might slip," Sponge laughed, observing the children giggling on the sidelines while slipping and sliding on the ice.

Ji-Ho gracefully skated around, turning towards Sponge, who was cautiously making her way over. "Who do you think you're talking to? I've been living here since I was a child; I can skate on this ice!" Ji-Ho laughed, wiping away a tear when Sponge almost lost her footing. Ji-Ho glided toward Sponge, wrapping her arm around her, both of them smiling.

Sponge chuckled nervously, "I'm not great with unstable ground," she joked, prompting Ji-Ho to laugh. "You walk to town across the lake almost every day," Ji-Ho countered. Sponge giggled, "True, but I'm pretty sure there's a near-miss of me tumbling down every single day," she admitted as Ji-Ho followed her, her legs trembling slightly.

"Come on, over here," Ji-Ho said, stepping back and taking Sponge's hands in hers. Sponge yelped as Ji-Ho pulled her along. "We're going too fast," Sponge complained, already feeling dizzy as they spun around. Ji-Ho only laughed, her eyes crinkling with mirth. "Nope! If you want, we can go even faster!" Ji-Ho exclaimed, laughing as Sponge let out a loud shriek when she accelerated their spin.

—

Vvh lifted her head as the door of the shed creaked open, and Sponge entered, her hair tousled in all directions. "Had fun?" Vvh inquired, tilting her head as Sponge rolled her eyes. "Not so much that I have to finish my earlier work," Sponge replied, retrieving the fallen shovel from the side of the shed. Vvh rose from the sofa, following Sponge outside, gazing up at the sky.

"I have some business to attend to. It's good you returned early; I was waiting for you," Vvh stated, turning to Sponge, who was already digging into the snow. "Uh-huh, okay. I'll make sure the shed stays intact," Sponge responded absentmindedly, not even sparing a glance at Vvh, who then grabbed Cecil's reins.

"I'll be bringing Cecil. I'll be back shortly," Vvh announced as Sponge glanced up, watching Vvh smoothly mount Cecil.

"Oh, alright. I guess I'll see you later—" Sponge's words were cut off as Vvh snapped the reins, sending snow flying towards Sponge's face as she rode off. Sponge glared, spitting out the snow, muttering an "Asshole" before resuming her digging.

Vvh chuckled inwardly, stroking Cecil's neck. "Good girl," she murmured, amused as she rode towards town. The journey was brief, and she had to slow Cecil down on the lake where children were skating. "It's that scary mask lady again!" a boy whispered, gazing up at Vvh in awe as she passed by, ignoring their comments. "So cool," a girl remarked, her arms wrapped around the boy.

Upon reaching the house where she was needed, Vvh dismounted Cecil, tying her to a post at the side before approaching the front door. She hummed as she walked behind the house, noticing the door was left open—for her. Vvh entered smoothly, shutting the door behind her to ward off the cold from infiltrating the house.

She paused when she noticed someone seated at a chair, hunched over a table with a paper in front of her, holding a quill loosely in her hand. "So you did come," she said, her voice devoid of emotion as she looked up at Vvh.

Vvh simply tilted her head in response, having nothing to say at the moment; this was merely business, after all.

"Ji-Ho, it seems you didn't understand what I said a few days ago. I declined your bounty," Vvh tilted her head as Ji-Ho sighed, wiping her eyes with her arm. "I knew—I understood, but I waited outside my house, hoping you would be there to end my suffering," Ji-Ho whispered, sniffling quietly.

Vvh remained silent, unmoving like a statue. "But I should thank you—I met someone while waiting for you, I met such a kind friend," Ji-Ho whispered. Vvh tilted her head. "Then stay if you must. Death is not always the solution, child," she said, her tone unkind. She did not take kindly to being used as a tool for suicide.

Ji-Ho's gaze shifted to Vvh's mask. "You know, now that I've met you, you kind of remind me of her. You both give off the aura of someone kind, yet pretend the opposite," she said, offering Vvh a weak smile.

"Please, Ms. Bounty Hunter, if you would be so kind as to end my life," Ji-Ho whispered, blinking away tears. Vvh offered no response, maintaining silence; not even her breathing was audible. There was no twitch or tremor in her hand.

One could mistake her for a motionless figure were it not for her tilting her head down, radiating an aura akin to black darkness as she peered over Ji-Ho.

"My father is a good man; he doesn't deserve to be associated with someone like me—and my friend... my friend will forget about me the moment she leaves this land," Ji-Ho whispered, her voice tinged with heartbreak as she looked away, as if she couldn't fathom or desire such an outcome.

"You still have something tethering you to the land of the living. Ending your life would be considered murder," Vvh stated, her hand caressing the grip of her blade. Ji-Ho let out a dry chuckle. "Isn't that what you do? Commit murder?" she retorted weakly but with a sharp edge.

"I kill those who fight back," Vvh replied as Ji-Ho sighed. "Would you want me to fight?" she asked. Ji-Ho stared at the other woman, but Vvh didn't reply or move from her spot.

Ji-Ho glanced down, chuckling before coughing, covering her mouth, then gasping as she saw blood speckled on her palm. "The cold is cruel," Vvh remarked as Ji-Ho tried to blink away her tears, eventually sobbing quietly.

"I don't want to die," Ji-Ho whispered, wiping her eyes, trying to stop—to dry her tears. However, the thought of leaving her father and Sponge behind only made her sob even louder. Vvh could only watch.

"I can't comply with your request, Ms. Ji-Ho. Good day," Vvh turned to leave.

But Ji-Ho called out to her, "Wait! If you can't end my life, could you please deliver this to my friend?" Ji-Ho said, folding a paper shakily, her breath trembling as Vvh turned to her. "My... My friend, her name is Sponge. She lives near the southern borders. Could you give it to her?" Ji-Ho pleaded, standing unsteadily as she approached Vvh.

Vvh froze, gazing at the paper Ji-Ho handed her. "Could you give this to her right away? She's a traveler, and she's leaving tomorrow. Please, if you can't end my life, just do this for me," Ji-Ho implored, dropping to her knees, placing the note in front of Vvh's boots, clasping her hands together as her forehead touched the ground.

"Please, Ms. Bounty Hunter," Ji-Ho whispered, closing her eyes. The other woman did not reply, and there was no sound to be heard.

A gentle—but cold breeze brushed against the side of her face, prompting Ji-Ho to open her eyes. She looked up and found the masked woman and the paper gone from in front of her.

Ji-Ho stared at the open door, watching as the falling snow entered her home uninvited, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Thank you," she whispered.

—

January 11 of XXXX, Korean Territory (The North)

This is my last day in Northern Korea. While I am disappointed to say goodbye to Ji-Ho, I believe that when the time comes, I could always return to this place. Although I will never get used to the snow, I think it would be worth it to have wet socks if it means being with Ji-Ho. I am not too excited about leaving; I have noticed that Ji-Ho looks weaker, and I am afraid the cold might take her. Perhaps I should come back later and ask if she and her father would like to come with us to the South-

—

Sponge nearly dropped her quill as the front door slammed open, a rush of wind sounding almost like screams. She turned towards the door, seeing Vvh walk in and close it behind her with a loud bang.

"Hey, you're back," Sponge perked up, tilting her head as Vvh patted the snow from the top of her head and off her shoulders. "You don't look too great," Sponge remarked, standing up and walking over to the fireplace. She grabbed the metal stick, poking the wood inside, stepping back slightly as the flames grew stronger.

Behind her, Vvh placed a paper on the table silently. "What's that?" Sponge asked, eyeing the folded paper on the table as Vvh turned to her. "It's yours," Vvh replied, causing Sponge's eyebrows to raise.

"Mine? A letter? I don't know anyone here to receive mail—I promise I didn't kill anyone," Sponge nervously grinned as she watched Vvh sit down on a chair, letting out a deep sigh and shaking her head.

Sponge frowned, narrowing her eyes before walking up to the table and picking up the note. Her eyes widened as she saw a familiar name.

"Ji-Ho?" Sponge murmured, her brows furrowing in confusion.

It was a letter, the paper weathered and yellowed with stains that looked like water droplets. Sponge opened it to read the contents, her mouth forming words as she read.

Vvh only lowered her head.

—

To Spongey,

You might be wondering why I've written you this letter. Don't worry; I'll clarify everything for you. But first and foremost, I want to apologize for failing as a friend. I hadn't expected to encounter you on that fateful day. I was actually waiting for someone else, mistaking you for them, given your ominous and somewhat terrifying appearance, until I saw you nearly burying your head in my furnace. It was endearing, and I couldn't resist striking up a conversation with you.

No one really converses with the sick—not even the sick themselves—because all that typically emerges is pity and well-wishes for a peaceful afterlife. You, however, were the first person to regard me as if I had a chance at seeing another day. Your eyes brimmed with so many plans for the future that I found myself daring to hope I'd wake up alive the next morning.

I had anticipated my demise that day, Sponge. I was awaiting death's arrival. Instead, you arrived, not with death, but with the gift of renewed will to live.

You're an incredible friend, and I wish our paths had crossed much earlier. Perhaps then, we could have ventured beyond these lands to fish under a sunlit sky, in a place untouched by snow and cold, where we could set sail on a boat. You could teach me the art of fishing as we navigate the waters together.

Because of you, I've started envisioning what I might do the following day…

You are simultaneously the best and the worst addition to my life, Spongey. I am approaching the end—I won't witness another dawn, nor relish the life of a fisherman. You've planted aspirations in my mind that I struggle to contemplate.

Love,

Ji-Ho

—

Sponge blinked in disbelief, "What... What is this..." she breathed out, turning to Vvh, who had her head lowered. "Vvh, tell me what's going on," Sponge demanded, placing the paper back on the table. Vvh only shook her head, "It's too late, the cold is a cruel thing," she murmured—her tone as if she's stating a fact, as if what is happening is a normal Monday to her.

Sponge rushed out of the shed, the snow angrily whipping against her as if trying to stop her.

Sponge let out an angry growl, sprinting towards Cecil and untying her. "Sponge," Vvh called, stepping out of the shed as Sponge frantically pulled Cecil out of the stable. "I need to go, please," Sponge pleaded, her hands shaking, her breath trembling, white puffs escaping her lips as she quickly mounted Cecil, her knuckles white from gripping the reins tightly.

"Sponge, the blizzard is getting stronger," Vvh calmly stated, placing a hand on the rein to prevent Sponge from bolting away, her grip firm as Sponge struggled to breathe. "I need to go to her. Who knows what she's trying to do," Sponge replied, fear choking her voice. Her heartbeat drowned out the howling winds and swirling snow.

Vvh gazed at Sponge, her hand still on Cecil, before slowly releasing the reins. "I'll... I'll come back," Sponge said before snapping the reins, urging Cecil to gallop away. The ride was chaotic and fast, the wind and snow lashing at Sponge's skin, the cold seeping into her bones. She had forgotten to wear her gloves from earlier, her hands now trembling and numb, barely feeling the leather under her fingers as she caught sight of the familiar glow of the town through the white haze.

"Seo-Jun?" Sponge murmured, spotting him in front of Ji-Ho's house, looking pale, confused, and with red eyes, holding a weathered, yellowed paper—the same one Sponge had received from Ji-Ho. "Sponge," Seo-Jun said, his voice strained, hands trembling. "I—don't go in," he whispered, wiping a tear from his face as Sponge froze.

She heard crying and shouting inside—the familiar deep voice of Ji-Ho's father. Pushing Seo-Jun aside, Sponge ran inside the house before halting in shock.

"Honey, why! Why!" Sun-Ho cried, holding Ji-Ho who had a white rope around her neck, Sponge's blood froze. "Why did you leave me! Why! Oh god! Please," Sun-Ho wept, his cries animalistic—guttural as Sponge swallowed, her heart pounding loudly, barely able to hear Sun-Ho's sobs and wails.

A hand touched her shoulder, and she turned to see Seo-Jun, his gaze downcast, his face pale and eyes shadowed. "She—She took her own life, before her illness could take her," Seo-Jun mumbled, his voice almost drowned out by Sun-Ho's grief.

"My daughter is dead… Everyone left, my wife and my children," Sun-Ho whispered. Sponge could only bite her tongue as she gazed into Ji-Ho's eyes, still wide open, fixed on her. They were unfocused and hazy—she was gone.

Seo-Jun knelt beside Sun-Ho, "Please, let's leave this place first. You need to take your medicine," Seo-Jun whispered, helping Sun-Ho to his feet as Sponge knelt down, supporting Sun-Ho as he allowed himself to be led out of Ji-Ho's house.

Sponge cradled Ji-Ho's head in her lap, holding her close like a child swaddled in its mother's arms. "Ji-Ho..." Sponge murmured, blinking, unsure of what to feel. There was a hollow emptiness in her chest—her eyes burned, but no tears fell.

"No... No," Sponge whispered, embracing Ji-Ho. Her arms trembled as she held the lifeless girl tightly, her body growing cold and limp. Sponge could feel the chill from the door, the unwelcome breeze seeping into Ji-Ho's house.

Vvh was right—The cold was cruel.