December 6, 2030

  Jung Min-ju stared intently at the airport CCTV footage. It clearly showed Ko A-young’s face. Her eyes went blank for a moment. Suzumura Hideki shook his head. “…It’s too late. She left 12 hours ago. We’re one step behind.” Jung Min-ju kept staring at the screen, then spoke. “…That bitch is in Denmark now, right? I’m going after her. I’ve got something to say.”

  Suzumura looked worried. “…Hey, we can’t support you there. What if you get killed by those guys?” Jung Min-ju shook her head. “…I need to settle things with her.” She turned to Suzumura with a resolute gaze. “…And him too. They both hurt me.” Suzumura looked puzzled. “…Who? You mean Gamamusa?” Jung Min-ju nodded. “…Gamamusa’s just a lunatic. But the one who really crushed me… was Song Jae-seob.”

  …

  May 9, 2004

  “Ugh…!” Jung Min-ju collapsed, punched in the stomach. Song Jae-seob rolled his arm. “…Whew, five hits down… five to go?” Jung Min-ju groaned, struggling to stand. “…Why are you doing this? I sent you the money yesterday…” Song Jae-seob picked at his ear. “…Some crazy bitch snitched to the homeroom teacher, saying I was extorting you. Guess who?” Jung Min-ju groaned, confused. Song Jae-seob grabbed her hair. “…Your friend Ko A-young. Looks like she ratted.” Jung Min-ju’s heart sank. Song Jae-seob grinned. “Wanna help me out?”

  An hour later, Jung Min-ju, rubbing her arm and limping, entered the classroom. The other kids, laughing and chatting, froze and looked away when they saw her. She quietly sat, head down. “You’re here? How’re you feeling? Okay?” A voice came from in front. Jung Min-ju looked up to see Ko A-young smiling at her. “Hehe… why so down? You sick? Upset ‘cause Song Jae-seob ruined your birthday party? Don’t worry, I told the homeroom teacher. He’s gonna get what’s coming.”

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  Jung Min-ju, overcome with emotion, glared at Ko A-young. “…Why do you only think about yourself? You’re just an orphan.” The other kids stopped chattering and stared. Ko A-young faltered. “…What? Why’re you acting like this? You’re freaking me out…” Jung Min-ju, furious, stormed out. Ko A-young tilted her head. “…What’s her deal?” The other girls approached. “…Hey, you okay? Ignore her. She’s playing the outcast game. Just leave her be.” Ko A-young shrugged and started talking with them.

  …

  December 7, 2030

  “Cough…! Cough…! Ugh… this damn cold won’t quit…” Song Jae-seob, alone in his cell, woke up sick. A knock came at his door. “Number 668, visitor. Hurry up.” Song Jae-seob, looking half-dead, grabbed the guard’s shoulder. “Huff… huff… hold on… let me breathe…” The guard shoved him, and Song Jae-seob collapsed. “Quit faking! The infirmary said you’re fine. Get up!” Song Jae-seob gritted his teeth, pulling a razor blade from under his tongue. As the guard turned to walk, Song Jae-seob raised the blade, creeping closer. “Eat this, you bastard…”

  “…That’s enough.” Song Jae-seob froze at the familiar voice. He gaped as Gamamusa approached from the hallway. “…You bastard, what did you do to me?” Gamamusa smirked at his cursing. “…Watch your mouth if you wanna live.” Song Jae-seob scowled, glaring as he followed the guard to the visitation room. Gamamusa trailed quietly, scanning the area. “…No surveillance cameras here. No one’s watching, so don’t worry.” The guard left, locking the door. Gamamusa glanced at it, then approached Song Jae-seob, sitting at the table. “…You haven’t changed. How’s the headache?” Song Jae-seob pressed his forehead, wincing. “…It’s ‘cause of whatever you planted in my head, you bastard.”

  Gamamusa shrugged. “…Can’t help it. The experiment targeted the dopamine-releasing part of your brain. Dopamine boosts pleasure and motivation, but you burned through so much it wrecked your receptors. Without it, you’ll keep feeling pain.” Song Jae-seob frowned. “…Damn it, what am I supposed to do? Die here?” Gamamusa shook his head. “…No. I ran the same experiment on another psycho like you.” He leaned in. “…His name was Kim Dae-hyun, a high-risk sociopath like you. Wanna give it a shot?” Song Jae-seob stared into Gamamusa’s eyes. “…Crazy bastard… fine, what choice do I have? Guess I’m your lab rat…”

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