Miho the Killer
Chapter 27: Juho

Chapter 27: Juho

The drive to where Juho was hospitalized was about an hour away from Shin’s ’safe house’. I had to wear a blindfold and handover my phone to the old man to avoid finding out where we were actually going. The cautious man’s explanation was that it wasn’t a matter of trust. If I knew where it was, should I get caught by anyone going after Miho, I would spill it all once I got tortured. ’Nobody can hold through a torture’ were his words.

Toward the end of the drive it felt like we were driving on some mountain road on a steep slope. I was only allowed to take off my blinds once we were actually in a building, just out side a very very sturdy looking door that required a lot of digits and a key to unlock and open.

With some taps and beeps and clack, the door unlocked and Shin pulled it open. We walked in and closed the door behind us. We went through a short air shower, then another glass door, and stopped in front of yet another glass door.

"This is as far as we will go without protective gear."

I did not respond as my eyes were focused on a young boy sitting by a desk reading a book. His back was turned against us and it seemed no sound passed through and he didn’t hear us coming. Shin pressed a button on the intercom to open the communication.

"Juho, we are here."

The boy quickly turned and excitedly jumped up and ran toward us, stopping short of yet another glass door that separated us.

"Uncle!"

"How have you been, young man?"

"Good! I was reading that book you got me last time!"

The boy looked about 12 years old. His skin was even paler than Miho but they shared the same marble complexion. I could see that he had all the good features of his elder sister. He was an extremely good looking young boy who was sure to grow up to be a heart throb.

It didn’t take him too long for him to notice me standing next to Shin though. Although there was no possible danger, he took a step back from the glass.

"Who is she?"

Shin looked at me, giving me a cue to speak.

"Hi, my name is Sohee. I’m your sister’s friend."

"Friend?"

He didn’t seem convinced at all.

"Yes. A very good friend."

"Why isn’t sis here?", he seemed agitated by this sudden change in what would have been a joyous routine for him.

"Juho. Listen very carefully."

Shin started to speak what we had rehearsed in the car.

"Miho had a little incident and injured her head."

The boy gasped.

"But don’t worry. She’s fine. But she won’t be able to come by for a while."

"How badly is she hurt?!!!"

"I said she’s fine."

"Why couldn’t she come then?!"

"She needs to be hospitalized for some time. But I promise you, she’s fine."

"I want to talk to her! Make her call me!"

"You know we don’t do phone calls here."

"I DON’T CARE! GET HER TO CALL ME!"

The boy, who looked so calm and jolly just a moment ago, was extremely distressed. His sister must have meant the world to him.

"Juho-", I tried to speak to him this time.

"WHO ARE YOU?!!!"

"I’m Miho’s friend. My name is Sohee."

"LIAR! Miho doesn’t make friends! There is NO WAY you are her friend!"

"Juho. I came here because... I had to speak to you."

"What do you want from me?! Bring my SISTER!"

The boy was fully throwing a fit. He was banging on the glass.

"I... I came here to apologize..."

Shin placed a firm hand on my shoulder and gave me a look that said ’This isn’t what we rehearsed’.

"Juho, your sister got hurt because of me."

That stopped the boy.

"She got hurt... because of you?"

"Yes..."

"How did it happen?!"

"We were walking down the stairs together... and I tripped. I was falling and Miho grabbed me... she..."

Juho’s lower lips started to quiver.

"She embraced me and fell together... I didn’t get hurt because she protected me... but she... Miho..."

I sat on the ground and started to sob. It wasn’t acting. I lied to Shin. I never intended to come here and act to trick Miho’s brother. I came here to apologize. That his one and only sister, the sister who meant everything to him, was hurt because of me.

I didn’t even glance to see how Juho was reacting. I felt horrible that I made this all about myself now. I was being selfish. It wasn’t about comforting Juho. It was about excusing myself, seeking forgiveness, so I could feel the burden in my heart lift.

I couldn’t stop crying and I bawled my eyes out, being absolutely useless and repeating ’I’m sorry’ like a broken record. Shin said nothing and Juho said nothing. In the dead silence, only I sat on the floor crying uncontrollably.

After a few minutes of utter selfishness, I heard Juho speak.

"Alright. You are her friend."

I looked up as if Jesus has spoken to announce my redemption. Juho wasn’t crying and he didn’t look anxious anymore. He just stood close to the glass door and looked down at me with sympathetic eyes. His face shined brightly and for a moment I thought I even saw a faint smile.

"Gees. I never knew sis could make a friend. I’m glad she did, haha."

The boy was even laughing now. He looked happy.

Shin joined in the laughter and as I sat helpless on the floor wiping my tears, I felt their bond permeate through the glass and embrace each other.

The old man ruffled my hair and helped me get up.

"Don’t worry, Juho. Your sister’s going to be fine."

"Yeah, I get it, I get it. Sorry, I overreacted earlier."

This young man suddenly seemed more mature than me.

"We’ll come by again next week, OK?"

"Yeah. I’ll be looking forward to it. Tell Miho she doesn’t have to come until she recovers. I’m not worried anymore."

"Sure. Nothing can keep Miho down for long, eh?"

"Of course! She’s the strongest tigress there is!"

Shin gave the young man a thumbs-up, which he reciprocated.

As the old man was helping me out, Juho called out to me.

"Hey"

I turned to face him again.

"Thank you for being my sister’s friend."

Then he beamed me a smile that I only remember seeing from Miho.