Cherreads

The Forsaken Key

Ryu_Rina_
Im Minsu, a young woman who returns to her quiet village after failing her graduation exams. With the weight of disappointment heavy on her shoulders, she seeks solace in the familiar surroundings of her childhood home, a hanok nestled in the heart of nature. However, what should have been a peaceful retreat quickly spirals into a series of mysterious events that shatter the calm. Minsu soon uncovers that her aunt, who disappeared without a word when Minsu was still in high school, had been involved in a dangerous pact with dark forces. Her aunt's sudden departure wasn't a simple escape—it was an attempt to shield Minsu from a curse that now seems to have followed her home. In the village, Minsu crosses paths with Kim Hyowon, the enigmatic owner of a local tea shop. His cryptic warnings and strange behavior draw her deeper into the web of dark magic that her aunt had been entangled in. As she delves into the mystery of her aunt's disappearance and the shadowy forces at play, Minsu learns that the curse is not only tied to her family but to her very existence. As she navigates the haunting truths of the past, Minsu must confront powerful spirits and unravel her aunt’s secrets in order to stop the curse from consuming her too. Alongside Hyowon, who harbors his own hidden past, Minsu embarks on a journey to uncover the truth, facing trials that test her courage and strength. But the deeper she delves into the mystery, the more she realizes that the battle is not just about survival—it’s about reclaiming her future and her identity, even if it means confronting the ghosts of her past and the sins that have haunted her family for years.
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Between Fangs and Claws

The hum of the coffee shop was like any other a blend of clinking cups, hushed conversations, and the soft swish of the barista’s apron as they moved behind the counter. Adrian strode in, his sharp gaze barely flicking toward the order board as he walked past the line of people. His mind was preoccupied, his phone held firmly in one hand, eyes scanning through an email from his company’s legal team. He was too distracted by his thoughts to notice the petite figure standing in his path until it was too late. A gasp broke through the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of liquid splashing. Adrian's body jerked, the scalding hot coffee sloshing onto his dark gray suit just as his phone flew out of his hand. “Shit!” came the voice, soft but hurried, as the person in question scrambled to steady their own coffee cup and avoid more damage. Adrian barely had time to react as a small figure stepped back, eyes wide with panic. "I.I’m so sorry!" The voice trembled, and Adrian finally looked up to meet the wide, apologetic eyes of the person who had crashed into him. His gaze softened as he saw the clear panic on the other person’s face. The person in front of him was a young man slender, with messy dark hair and a few stray strands falling into his face. His eyes, a warm shade of brown, flicked nervously from the coffee splattered on Adrian’s suit to Adrian’s face. His lips parted in a silent apology as he clutched the coffee cup, looking for something to say, but the words seemed to fail him. Adrian’s frown deepened, his suit already ruined, but the surprise of the moment faded quickly. He tilted his head slightly, giving the man a once-over. "Are you alright?" Adrian asked, voice calm yet with an edge of amusement, despite the ruined suit. He reached for the napkins on the counter to dab at the coffee stains. The guy blinked rapidly, as if processing Adrian’s question. “Yeah, I... I mean, yeah, but oh god, your suit! I’m so sorry, I wasn’t paying attention!” His hands fluttered in the air awkwardly as he stepped forward, his movements frantic. Adrian couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “It’s fine, really. I’ve had worse.” His voice held a quiet authority, but something in his expression softened. He took a breath and added, “Not the first time something like this has happened.” The young man Kai, as Adrian now saw on his name tag bit his lip and exhaled a shaky breath. "I'm so embarrassed. I swear, I’m usually more careful." He finally seemed to calm down a little, though his nervousness lingered. Adrian couldn’t resist. “Seems like you’re a little distracted. What’s going on in that head of yours?” Kai blinked again, almost flustered. "Huh? Oh. Just... life, you know?" He laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Work stuff... which is apparently bad luck today.” He pointed toward the stain on Adrian’s suit, his fingers twitching nervously. Adrian’s eyebrow arched. “Work stuff, huh? What do you do?” Kai hesitated for a moment. “Uh... marketing. At... uh, a company. Not nearly as cool as... whatever it is you do.” Adrian chuckled again, shaking his head. “I’ll say this, though: I’m not in the marketing game. I’m actually... not great with people, so let’s just say you got me at a good moment. A coffee spill’s the least of my problems today.” His voice was smooth, almost teasing as he finally took in Kai’s nervousness. Kai looked embarrassed but a little relieved. “Well, if it helps, I’ll pay for a new suit?” “Too much of a hassle,” Adrian replied. “But you do owe me a drink. How about we get one sometime this weekend?” Kai blinked, clearly caught off guard. “Wait, you mean... after spilling coffee all over you?” Adrian smiled, a sly glint in his eyes. “Well, if you’re willing to make it up to me, why not?” Kai’s hesitation was palpable, but there was a playful curiosity there now, his shoulders relaxing as he gave a half-hearted laugh. “I’ll be honest, I wasn't expecting that...
Obruche_Princess · 4.8k Views