Chapter 6
3452words
Chaerin turned, uneasy. “Oh… it’s you, Erika.”
Nora crossed her arms. “Chaerin, what are you doing here?”
Chaerin replied, “I just came to drop off my friends. Some guys were bullying this one, so I stepped in.”
Erika’s gaze slid to the trembling girl. A faint, cruel smile curled on her lips.
“Oh? Is that your new friend, Chaerin?”
Chaerin nodded uncertainly. “Yeah, I guess.”
The girl’s voice came out weak and broken. “Did you… come here to kill me?”
Chaerin froze. The question chilled her to the bone.
Erika stepped forward and rested a hand on the girl’s shoulder — the gesture soft, but her tone carried venom.
“Go home now. It’s late. I’ll see you tomorrow… and be ready.”
The girl’s eyes widened. She turned and ran, sobbing into the night.
Chaerin looked back at Erika. “Do you two… know each other?”
Erika’s expression shifted, unreadable. “Yeah. But forget it.”
Her eyes darkened, glinting like a serpent in candlelight.
“Chaerin, you’ve ignored me enough. Don’t do it again. Don’t leave me alone.”
Chaerin stammered, “S-sorry. I didn’t mean to.”
Nora smiled faintly. “It’s okay. We understand.”
Erika nodded once. “Alright then. Let’s all go home. See you tomorrow at school, Chaerin.”
Shadows and Doubt
The next morning, Chaerin woke with a strange heaviness in her chest.
The memory of last night clung to her — the café, the trembling girl, Teacher Wae’s warning that still echoed like a curse.
Her eyes fell on the white lily on her desk. Its petals were pure, untouched.
Just as she reached for it, her phone rang.
“Hey, Chaerin — are you coming to school today? I really Teacher you,” Ricky’s voice said.
Chaerin forced a smile. “Yes, Ricky. I’ll be there. I Teacher you too.”
After hanging up, she glanced at the lily once more… then turned away.
At the school gate, she spotted the same girl from last night — the same haunted eyes, the same fragile stillness.
Chaerin approached softly. “Hi… friend. I didn’t know you went here.”
The girl nodded. “Yes.”
They entered together in silence.
After a moment, the girl asked, “Is Erika your friend?”
Chaerin hesitated, then said, “Yes, she is.”
Suddenly, her mind flashed back.
“Wait — last night, you asked Erika, ‘Did you come here to kill me?’ Why did you say that?”
The girl said nothing. Tears welled in her eyes and slid down her cheeks.
Chaerin pulled her into an embrace. “Why are you crying?”
Around them, students whispered. All eyes were on them. Then Erika and Nora walked in.
Erika knelt beside the girl, voice dripping with false warmth.
“Don’t cry. Everything’s going to be fine. Drink this, and go to class.”
But the girl froze — she saw it. The flicker. That subtle, poisonous glint in Erika’s eyes.
And in that instant, she knew.
One day, Erika would destroy her.
The girl turned and walked away, glancing back at Chaerin — a silent plea in her eyes. But Chaerin said nothing.
Chaerin finally asked, “Who is she? Why is she so afraid of you?”
Erika’s voice was cold and flat. “It’s nothing. Let’s go to class. Chaerin, meet me and Nora after school.”
Chaerin nodded. “Okay… but I need to meet Ricky first.”
Erika smiled, her tone sweet but hollow. “Fine. After that, hang out with us.”
Later, during class, Chaerin looked out the window and caught sight of the girl — she was throwing Erika’s drink into the trash.
Chaerin frowned, unease creeping into her chest.
Something was wrong.
And deep down, she knew she had just stepped into something far darker than she could ever understand.
Temptation and Manipulation
After school, Chaerin met Ricky for lunch. They laughed over small memories, but her heart felt heavy beneath the smiles.
“Ricky,” she asked quietly, “what kind of girl is Erika?”
Ricky hesitated. “Honestly, I don’t know. She’s Ron’s girlfriend. Maybe you should ask him.”
Chaerin nodded slowly, her mind uneasy.
“Is something bothering you?” Ricky asked.
Chaerin forced a smile. “No, it’s nothing.”
Moments later, she excused herself and went to find Erika and Nora.
Erika greeted her warmly. “Did Derek call?”
Chaerin hesitated. “No… Erika, I want to say something. I don’t want to do this anymore. Something feels wrong.”
Erika’s eyes darkened — calm, yet venomous.
“No, Chaerin. Absolutely not. You’re just new to this — that’s why you doubt yourself. What you’re doing isn’t shameful, it’s brave. Look at you: money, recognition, power. Everyone knows your name now.”
Nora stood nearby, silent and uneasy.
Chaerin felt the pull, the voice of temptation wrapping around her heart.
“You’re right,” she said. “I got what I wanted. No need to change. That’s who I am. And it’s all thanks to you, Erika.”
Erika smiled and pulled her into a hug, her gaze drifting to Nora — a hidden smirk playing on her lips.
Chaerin smiled faintly. “Let’s celebrate — my treat.”
Erika nodded. “Not today. Tomorrow. Rest now.”
Her voice dropped to a whisper. “See you tomorrow, Chaerin.”
The Warning
That evening, Chaerin stopped at the departmental store for a drink. To her surprise, she saw the same girl from before
“Do you… work here?” Chaerin asked
The girl nodded. “Yes.” The girl voice trembled
Mr. Paul, the manager, appeared. “Leni, is this your friend?”
“Yeah, she is,” Leni answered softly.
“Then sit together,” Mr. Paul said kindly. “Eat something, talk a bit.”
As they sat, Chaerin smiled gently. “So your name is Leni. It’s cute.”
Leni blushed. “Thank you, Sister Chaerin. You’re the second person ever to say that.”
“Oh? Who’s the first?”
“My manager, Mr. Paul. He’s like a father to me.”
Chaerin’s heart warmed.
After a moment, curiosity crept in. “Leni, why are you so afraid of Erika? She’s always good to us. Why not thank her?”
Leni’s expression changed — her eyes darkened.
“Chaerin,” she whispered, “my dear friend, stop being friends with Erika.”
Chaerin laughed nervously. “No, I don’t think so. I think you’re the one who should apologize—”
But Leni cut her off. “Chaerin, I had a strange dream last night. I was in a garden, surrounded by beautiful fruits. When I reached for one, a serpent appeared — tempting me with worldly desires.”
Chaerin chuckled softly. “Sounds like the story of Adam and Eve! That’s so random.”
Leni shook her head slowly. “No… there were two serpents. Both deceiving me. Both tormenting me. One is already here… and the second is coming.”
Chaerin fell silent. The air felt colder.
Leni’s voice softened. “I like you as my big sister. Please, don’t stay close to Erika.”
Chaerin brushed it off with a smile. “You worry too much.”
Before leaving, Leni handed her a small box. “I made this cake for you.”
Chaerin accepted it gently. “Thank you, Leni.”
But as she walked home, Leni’s words echoed in her heart — heavy and uneasy.
The Secret
That night, in her quiet room, Chaerin tasted the cake.
It was sweet — heartbreakingly sweet — and yet, something inside her felt bitter.
She called Ricky. “Hey… do you know anyone named Leni from our school?”
Ricky’s tone shifted. “Why?”
“No reason. Just curious.”
He hesitated, then lied. “Not really. I’m not from your school, remember?”
“Right. Okay. Good night, Ricky.”
After the call ended, her phone buzzed again.
“Hey Sodomy Queen, another shoot tomorrow. This client’s paying big. Don’t be late.”
Chaerin stared at the message, guilt crawling up her throat.
Teacher Wae’s warning echoed in her mind.
But exhaustion drowned the voice of conscience, and she fell asleep.
Corruption
The next morning at school, Chaerin’s eyes caught on a beautiful dress in the shop window — far too expensive.
Her OnlyFams money had run out.
Erika and Nora arrived together, all smiles.
Erika asked, “So, what’s the plan today, Chaerin?”
Chaerin sighed. “Derek messaged last night. He wants me at the club again.”
Erika’s lips curved into a grin. “Perfect! More money than ever.”
“But… I don’t want to do this anymore,” Chaerin whispered. “I want money and fame, yes — but not like this.”
Erika’s expression sharpened, her tone soft but deadly.
“Chaerin, how many times must I tell you? If you think like that, you’ll never be happy. The world runs on sin. You can’t change that — so embrace it. You’re bold, powerful, chosen.
Go to Derek. When you get paid, treat me and Nora to something nice.”
The words slithered into Chaerin’s heart like poison.
“You’re right,” Chaerin murmured. “I’ll take every opportunity. I’ll rise. I’ll become the goddess… the queen… the Sodomy Queen. Thank you for keeping me on track, Erika.”
Erika smiled at Nora, triumphant.
At the club, Derek greeted her warmly.
“How was your day? Ready to make money?”
“It was fine,” Chaerin said quietly.
“Oh, I forgot — here’s another 80k from the last video. Keep this up, you’ll be a millionaire.”
Chaerin’s eyes widened. “A million? For today’s shoot?”
Derek grinned. “Not a joke. This industry will make you rich. You just have to sacrifice your soul.”
Chaerin smirked darkly. “Who needs a soul when you can gain the whole world?”
The shoot began — the room thick with smoke, sweat, and sin.
Naked under the lights, Chaerin drowned herself in indulgence.
When it was over, Derek handed her the phone she’d dropped.
She left quietly… until a voice called from behind.
“Sister Chaerin!”
She turned — and froze.
It was Leni.
“Leni? What are you doing here?”
Leni’s eyes filled with horror as she looked at the club sign.
“Sister… what are you doing in this filthy place?”
Derek stepped out, smirking. “Leni… long time no see.”
Leni’s face drained of color. She turned and ran.
“Leni! Wait!” Chaerin called after her, but she was gone.
Chaerin turned to Derek. “Do you know Leni?”
“Everyone does,” Derek said with a laugh. “But forget her — she’s not a good friend.”
“Who is Erika?” Chaerin asked.
He shrugged. “She’s your friend, isn’t she?”
“Not like that…”
“Then ask Ron. Want his number?”
Chaerin nodded. Derek handed it to her, but before leaving, he said one last thing:
“Erika once told me something… she said, ‘I was there at the Garden.”
Chaerin frowned. “What?”
Derek smiled faintly. “That’s all. Go home.”
Revelation
That night, Chaerin found herself drawn back to the departmental store.
“Mr. Paul… is Leni here?”
He smiled kindly. “Oh, Chaerin! She talks about you often. Thank you for being her friend.”
“Does she live here?”
Mr. Paul’s face fell. “Yes. Leni’s an orphan. No family but me. I found her outside this store one night — cold, starving… I took her in. She’s like my daughter now.”
Chaerin’s heart sank. “Mr. Paul… why is she so afraid? Why do students treat her like that?”
Mr. Paul sighed heavily. “Because she’s a victim, Chaerin. A victim of cruelty beyond reason. Five people bullied her… raped her… beat her… tortured her.”
Chaerin’s eyes filled with tears, her hands trembling.
“How could they…?” she whispered.
Just then, the door opened — and Leni walked in.
Chaerin’s eyes met hers, but she couldn’t speak.
She turned and ran out of the store, tears blurring her vision.
“Why did she run away crying?” Leni asked softly. “Did you say something, Mr. Paul?”
Mr. Paul sighed. “No, child. I just told her the truth about you.”
Leni froze, fear flickering across her face. “Why… why did you tell her?”
Tensions Rise
At home, Chaerin skipped dinner and went straight to her room.
Meanwhile, Erika’s phone buzzed. It was Derek.
“Leni’s back,” he said. “Chaerin’s close to her—and she’s asking questions about you.”
Erika’s lips curled into a venomous smile.
“Then it’s time. Derek, change Chaerin’s bank address to mine. You’ll get ninety percent of everything. Send me her videos.”
Derek chuckled darkly.
“Turning on your own friend now?”
“Just do it,” Erika snapped, her tone sharp as broken glass.
When the call ended, Erika dialed Ron.
“Hey baby, you awake?”
“Yeah, babe. What’s up?”
“Did Chaerin call?”
“Chaerin? That Japanese girl? No.”
“Good. Her phone was lost. If that number calls, block it.”
“Okay… she should be careful.”
“Yeah. You still abroad?”
“Yes, dear. I wish I was there with you.”
“Goodnight, Ron.”
“Night, love.”
Erika tossed her phone onto the bed, fury twisting her face.
“Chaerin… damn you.”
The next morning, Chaerin’s mother asked softly,
“Honey, why didn’t you eat last night?”
“I had dinner outside,” Chaerin lied. “I’m going to school.”
At the gate, Leni waited—hesitant, fragile.
“Hey, Leni,” Chaerin greeted. “Let’s go inside together.”
“Is that you, Sister?” Leni asked nervously. “About last night
Mr. Paul was lying. It was just a joke.”
Chaerin shook her head gently.
“Leni, don’t say anything. From now on, I’ll be by your side. I won’t leave you.”
“Yes, Sister,” Leni whispered, comforted.
In class, Erika and Nora approached.
“Chaerin, you look pale,” Erika said sweetly. “Is something wrong?”
“I’m fine,” Chaerin muttered. “Leave me alone.”
Erika exchanged a knowing look with Nora and walked away.
But guilt gnawed at Chaerin all day—Leni’s words, Teacher Wae’s warning, the café, and The Garden—all circling like vultures.
The Set-Up
After school, Erika and Nora spotted Chaerin and Leni laughing together.
Erika’s expression darkened.
“Nora,” she whispered.
Erika handed her a small envelope.
“Put these pendrives in Leni’s bag. They contain all of Chaerin’s videos. Tomorrow, she’ll be exposed—and everything she owns will be mine. Do this for me.”
Nora hesitated, fear clouding her eyes—but Erika’s control was absolute.
Meanwhile, Chaerin and Leni shared ice cream at the amusement park.
“Sister Chaerin, you’re so kind,” Leni said softly. “Why stay friends with Erika? She’s… not good.”
“I know,” Chaerin sighed. “But she taught me how to live—how to take what I want. I can’t just abandon her.”
“Do you know where Erika is from?” Chaerin asked.
“She always says the same thing,” Leni replied. “‘From The Garden.’”
“What is The Garden? And Leni… why don’t you ever take revenge?”
“Sister,” Leni said sadly, “revenge never heals. Forgiveness does. Even when we do wrong, there’s someone who forgives.”
Chaerin froze—Teacher Wae had said the same.
“You remind me of someone,” Chaerin murmured.
“Sister, come to church with me tomorrow—Sunday,” Leni smiled.
“Sure,” Chaerin said. “Here—take my number.”
Leni grinned, eyes bright for the first time.
“I’ll call you tomorrow!”
She ran off, leaving Chaerin smiling faintly, unaware of Erika watching from the shadows.
The Garden
Later that night, Chaerin saw Erika waiting beneath a flickering streetlight.
“Why have you been ignoring me, Chaerin?” Erika’s voice was low, dangerous. “Didn’t I give you everything? Fame, money, power—and now you look at me like I’m poison?”
“I’m sorry,” Chaerin whispered. “I just don’t want to live like this anymore. It feels wrong.”
“Wrong?” Erika sneered. “You didn’t kill anyone. You didn’t lie. How is that sin?”
“It’s still corruption,” Chaerin said firmly. “I can be your friend—but I can’t keep doing these things.”
Erika’s eyes flared.
“Why do you keep asking where I’m from? Do you want the truth?”
Chaerin hesitated.
“Fine then,” Erika hissed. “I’m from The Garden. Now you know. So stay with me.”
She suddenly fell to her knees, trembling.
“Don’t leave me!”
Chaerin, startled, knelt and hugged her.
“I won’t. I trust you, Erika.”
Erika’s expression softened—almost tender, but her eyes gleamed like knives.
“Stop investigating me, Chaerin.”
“You’re scaring me,” Chaerin murmured.
“See you Monday,” Erika smiled faintly.
“Are you free tomorrow?” Chaerin offered. “We could hang out.”
“No,” Erika said coldly. “You’re going with Ricky?”
“No. I’m going to church—with Leni.”
Erika’s lips curled.
“Church? How boring.”
“No, it’s not,” Chaerin said gently.
Erika watched her leave, rage simmering beneath her smile.
“I had to beg… for her.”
The streetlight flickered—and she slammed her fist into it.
Sunday morning, Chaerin’s mother called,
“Honey, going to church?”
“Yes, with a little sister from school,” Chaerin replied happily.
“Good,” her father said. “Godly friends are the best kind.”
Chaerin ignored Ricky’s call, his texts demanding she skip church.
“Sister Chaerin, are you here?” Leni’s voice came through the phone.
“Yes, I’m inside.”
They sat together as the pastor preached,
“No one hides from God. Every secret sin will be exposed. Turn away, repent—before it’s too late.”
Chaerin’s legs trembled. Sweat dripped down her back.
Leni beamed, whispering,
“I loved his words, Sister Chaerin.”
Chaerin forced a nod, but her soul shook.
“This is my first time in church,” Leni said. “And my first real friend. I’ll pray for you.”
Chaerin hugged her tightly.
“Thank you, Leni.”
Leni looked deep into her eyes.
“I see someone in you. I’ll protect you.”
“Thank you,” Chaerin smiled faintly.
“Do you have a boyfriend, Sister?”
“Ricky. He’s a good guy.”
Leni’s face changed.
“Ricky… Ron’s friend? Erika’s friend?”
“Yes. Why?”
Leni whispered, voice trembling,
“There are five people in our school I cannot forgive.”
Chaerin’s breath caught.
“Is Ricky one of them?”
Silence. The weight of that single word crushed Chaerin’s heart.
“Then I’ll stay away,” she promised.
Chaerin cancelled all plans with Ricky. Alone in the park, the world felt colder.
She called Asumi.
“Asumi, if someone says she’s from The Garden—and she was there when you were born—what does that mean?”
“The Garden?” Asumi asked. “Then she’s the Serpent, Chaerin.”
“What if she’s your friend?”
“Then I’d run—or kill her.”
“Because evil never walks alone.”
Chaerin ended the call, shaking. She finally understood.
Erika wasn’t just toxic—she was something else entirely.
She tried calling Ron. No answer.
Erika had already warned him.
That night, Erika called Nora, her tone sharp as ice.
“Nora, ready for tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Nora whispered. “Tomorrow will be a great day.”
Erika smiled to herself, the darkness behind her eyes deepening.
At school, Leni waited again, smiling softly.
“Let’s go inside—meet me at lunch.”
“Yes, Sister,” Leni replied, her voice warm with trust.
During class, Chaerin’s eyes kept drifting to Erika.
At lunch, Erika approached, but Leni quickly pulled Chaerin away.
Erika’s gaze turned sharp. She called Nora.
“Are you there?”
“Yes, boss.”
“Now. Put the pendrives in Leni’s bag. And the photographs… inside her desk.”
On the school grounds, laughter echoed—Chaerin and Leni laughing like sisters.
But suddenly, Leni’s smile faded.
“Sister Chaerin,” she whispered, “I had another dream. The same garden. The same two serpents. The first one hated me… so it worked through the other. And now, the second serpent has arrived.”
Before Chaerin could ask more, mocking voices filled the air—
“Here comes the Sodomy Queen!”
Leni froze. “What’s happening? I’m scared!”
“Don’t be afraid,” Chaerin tried to reassure her, though fear crawled up her own spine.
Erika stood nearby, her smirk slicing through the noise.
Nora opened Leni’s bag—pendrives spilled onto the ground.
Erika’s tone was venomous. “Leni, why do you do this to your beautiful sister?”
Leni’s eyes widened, trembling. “Sister Chaerin, I didn’t do anything! Please believe me!”
Chaerin’s rage boiled over. “Erika, Nora—come here. Bring me my bag!”
She snatched Leni by her ponytail, fury twisting her face.
“Now you die!”
Leni screamed, tears streaming down her face. “Sister… I didn’t do anything! Please… let me explain!”
Chaerin’s voice broke with anger. “If you didn’t, why are my pendrives and photographs in your bag?”
Erika called Derek. “Did Leni come to your club and take those pendrives?”
Derek’s lie came cold. “Yes. I have to go now.”
Leni fell to her knees. “Sister, they’re lying! Please trust me!”
Chaerin spat, “Everything was fine until I ate your damn cake!”
She struck Leni—once, twice—kicking her face.
Blood splattered the ground.
Leni sobbed, choking on her own tears. “Sister… you’re my first friend. I could never hurt you!”
Chaerin roared, “Your voice makes me sick!”
She lifted a metal rod. Leni whispered weakly, “Sister… in my dream, the second serpent was you. And your death will come.”
Chaerin screamed, “You and your cursed dreams die together!”
The rod came down—again and again—until Leni stopped moving.
Her small body lay still, bruised and broken.
Erika smiled faintly. “You’re getting stronger, Chaerin. That’s how you survive.”
Her words slithered like poison.
Erika and Nora walked away, leaving Leni’s body behind.
Moments later, Mr. Paul found her bag—and then her.
“Leni!” he cried, lifting her limp body. He rushed her to the hospital, his hands shaking.
“Doctor, is she alive?”
The doctor sighed, “She’s unconscious… but alive.”
Chaerin had crossed the final line.
She had almost killed the only soul who ever called her sister.
In that moment, Chaerin was no longer the girl she once was.
She had become the serpent—cursed, hated, and never at peace.
