Chapter 4
The freezing winds of the mountain resort whistled against the balcony, but Ranzo stood still, his silhouette framed by the pale moonlight. He pressed the phone to his ear, his expression unreadable. "I understand. That was all I needed to confirm," Ranzo muttered before ending the call.
His gaze darkened as he stared into the void of the night. "So, even the organization knows nothing about that man," he thought. "But the question remains—why would someone go to such lengths to take Marine's life? What secret is buried in her past that I am still blind to?"
He turned around, his eyes falling on the bed. Marine was lying there, her eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling. She hadn't slept a wink. Ranzo stepped inside, his boots clicking softly on the floor. "Why are you still awake? Sleep. We have a long journey back home tomorrow."
Marine shifted slightly, her voice a soft whisper. "We only have one bed, Ranzo. Where will you sleep?"
Ranzo didn't look at her, his usual cold arrogance returning. "Don't worry about me. Just close your eyes. I can sleep anywhere." Without another word, he settled himself on the small sofa. Marine watched him in silence, her heart fluttering. "You never let anyone touch your bed, Ranzo... not even back home," she thought. "Giving it to me today... does it mean you're finally softening?"
As the biting cold of the night surrendered to the first rays of the morning sun, Ranzo felt a heavy warmth pressing against his chest. He groaned softly and opened his eyes. His breath hitched. Marine was curled up against him, her head resting peacefully on his chest, her breath steady and warm. Ranzo froze for a heartbeat, his instincts screaming to push her away, but then he saw her face—so calm, so devoid of the usual fear she carried.
He slowly lowered his head back onto the sofa cushion, a conflicted sigh escaping his lips. "Why is it like this, Marine? Every time you make me angry, it melts into this strange tenderness. I tell myself I don't like you, but I made a promise to my parents... a promise to protect you. My hands are tied by my own word."
Suddenly, Marine stirred. She looked up, realizing where she was, and scrambled back. "I—I'm sorry! I didn't realize... I just fell asleep on you without thinking." Ranzo sat up, adjusting his shirt, his face a mask of indifference. "Get ready. We're leaving."
Marine blinked, stunned. "That's it? You're not angry? That's a first." Ranzo stood up, heading toward the bathroom. "There's no point in being angry with you." Marine smiled to herself as she watched him walk away. "It was freezing last night... I just wanted some warmth. I can't believe he actually let it slide."
Four hours later, they were at the bus station at the base of the mountain. The snow was still falling lightly. "I wish cars were allowed up there," Ranzo muttered, looking frustrated. "I'd be here every weekend to ski if I could bring my own ride."
Marine giggled. "It's funny, isn't it? We own luxury cars, yet here we are, waiting for a public bus like everyone else." Ranzo looked up at the sky, his ego showing. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. How about this—when we get home, we settle this with a round of video games?"
Marine's eyes widened. "Wait... did you just ask me to play with you? Ranzo, are you okay?" Ranzo waved his hand dismissively in front of her face. "What? Do you want to play or not?" "Oh, I'm playing," Marine said, a mischievous spark in her eyes. "And get ready to lose, because I'm not holding back this time." Ranzo smirked, looking ahead. "Dreaming is good for health, Marine. Keep doing it."
As the bus moved through the winding roads, exhaustion finally took over. Marine's head lulled to the side, eventually resting on Ranzo's shoulder. Ranzo glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. He remained still for a moment, then carefully lifted her head just enough to slide off his coat. He draped the heavy fabric over her, tucking her in securely before looking back out the window, as if nothing had happened.
When they reached the city, Marine woke up, feeling the warmth of Ranzo's coat wrapped around her. She looked at him, her heart skipping a beat. "Give me my coat back," Ranzo said, his voice laced with a hint of a blush he tried to hide behind his attitude. "No," Marine teased, clutching it tighter. "I'm keeping it until we get to the door."
Ranzo went silent, walking ahead with long strides, while Marine skipped along behind him. As they neared their neighborhood, she caught up to him. "Ranzo, please... don't tell Mom, Dad, or Grandma about what happened yesterday. They'll be terrified." Ranzo closed his eyes for a second, his pace steady. "I'm not an idiot, Marine. I know when to keep my mouth shut."
But as they turned the corner toward their house, Ranzo's footsteps faltered. His eyes widened as he spotted an old, disheveled woman sitting in the alleyway—a beggar. His heart thudded against his ribs. He quickly shut his eyes, walked past her without looking back. He stopped a few paces away and turned. Marine wasn't with him. She was kneeling on the ground next to the woman, staring into her eyes with a look of pure bewilderment.
"Marine! What are you doing?" Ranzo barked, walking back to her. "Why are you sitting with a beggar?" Marine didn't look up. Her voice was trembling. "Ranzo... why does she feel so familiar? I've never seen her here before, but her eyes... they feel like home." Marine reached into her bag, pulled out some money, and placed it in the woman's lap.
As she started to stand up, the woman's hand suddenly shot out and gripped Marine's arm. Marine gasped, looking back. The woman smiled—a sad, beautiful smile. "Thank you... you are a lovely girl." Tears began to well up in Marine's eyes. Without knowing why, she leaned forward and pulled the old woman into a tight embrace.
"Marine, stop it! Let go of her! We're going home!" Ranzo shouted, pulling her away. "I don't know why I did that," Marine sobbed as Ranzo dragged her toward the house. "I just... I felt something." The woman watched them go, her eyes fixed on Marine. "Is it really her? My little girl?" she whispered to the wind. Ranzo gripped Marine's arm tighter, his face pale. "Go inside. Now."