Memorize - Episode 11
11 Split in Half
"Are you going to speak up again? If you just stayed quiet, things might have gone smoothly."
Park Dong-geol received a jab from the argumentative woman but didn't respond. Instead, he spoke in a surprisingly soft voice.
"You didn't hear what this lady said? She suggested we shouldn't argue with each other."
"What about your actions so far? Shouldn't you reflect on those?"
"Well, that's true. But since we're gathered to share our opinions, why not listen to each other?"
People were taken aback by Park Dong-geol's sudden humility. The argumentative woman furrowed her brow, seemingly puzzled by his change in demeanor.
"I apologize for my actions in the clearing earlier. And please, don't take offense at my rough speech. It's just how I've always spoken, not because I have any ill feelings towards you."
Park Dong-geol glanced around, slightly bowing his head. Although some resentment remained, his tone was much softer than before. He moved to the center of the group and began to speak.
"I agree with some of what the bank employee said. It's not right to argue now. Let's put aside our negative feelings and focus on escaping those monsters. How about it?"
"...Then go ahead and speak," someone replied.
Park Dong-geol's expression turned slightly sinister as he continued.
"I want you all to understand your own situations. I'm not asking for much, just that you realize where you stand."
"What part of it bothers you?" Lee Bo-rim asked, her voice tinged with annoyance.
Park Dong-geol smiled darkly and replied.
"Survival is a given, but cooperation? It sounds nice, but in reality, it's just empty words. Looking at our situation and our emotions, it's hard to cooperate."
The argumentative woman snorted, "Then leave. Go and survive on your own."
Park Dong-geol didn't flinch, instead nodding in agreement.
"Of course, I've thought about that too."
Ahn Hyun intervened, signaling the woman to calm down.
"Listen to him until the end, okay?"
Park Dong-geol continued, his voice smooth.
"I'm not educated, and I'm rough. But I don't know how to lie. I'm simple. After what happened in the clearing, I realized a lot. The word 'cooperation' really bothers me now."
As Park Dong-geol spoke, everyone recalled the chaos in the clearing and shuddered. He seemed to be waiting for this reaction.
"Honestly, I was terrified. I was so scared I almost wet myself. Think about it—those monsters we only see in movies were right in front of us. If that guy with the crossbow hadn't acted quickly, most of us would be their next meal by now. So, I've been thinking. I'm not bragging, but I've killed before. I won't hesitate to use this weapon to survive. Why? Because I don't want to die."
Park Dong-geol's words were lengthy, but he wasn't finished yet. People were skeptical but began to focus on what he was saying. I understood his intentions but decided to observe further.
He pointed at individuals, continuing his argument.
"Others might not know, but that thug over there looks like he's done some exercise. He has a weapon and has dealt with monsters. And you, you seem capable of backing up your words. The guy with the crossbow is a given. These four can definitely support each other. That means cooperation is possible among them."
Ahn Sol, Lee Shin-woo, and Lee Bo-rim looked gloomy, realizing they were being excluded.
"So, you're saying you can't cooperate with people who aren't useful?" Lee Bo-rim asked, her voice trembling.
Park Dong-geol reassured her, "Wait, I'm not finished yet."
Lee Bo-rim tried to speak again but was interrupted.
"Can you do what they can? Can you throw rocks or wield knives to stab those monsters? I don't think so. Especially you and that kid next to you. You just scream whenever they appear. At least the woman over there stays quiet and doesn't get in the way."
The woman he pointed at was the one who had asked me why I was leaving earlier. She maintained a calm and cold demeanor.
After a while, Lee Bo-rim spoke up again, her voice shaking.
"So, the conclusion is to abandon those who aren't useful?"
Looking at Lee Bo-rim's defeated expression, I thought about Park Dong-geol's intentions. He had a point, but his method was harsh.
Park Dong-geol showed his yellowed teeth and spoke confidently.
"Why jump to conclusions? I didn't say that yet. Don't be so sensitive. The world is about give and take. Cooperation only works if you contribute something. If we just cooperate without doing anything, how will it end? The thug is busy with his girlfriend, and that kid is more of a hindrance than help. I don't want to protect those who can't even help themselves. My life is the most important. Isn't that true for all of you?"
The argumentative woman had no response, fidgeting with her hands. Lee Bo-rim's face was visibly red, her fists clenched in frustration. Park Dong-geol observed their reactions calmly before continuing.
"My life is the most important, and I think that's the same for everyone here. If we acknowledge that, let's speak clearly. Some people here can't cooperate. They're just blindly following their will."
Ahn Sol looked flustered when Park Dong-geol pointed at her, glancing at Ahn Hyun before lowering her head. Park Dong-geol shrugged exaggeratedly and continued.
"That's why I told the kid to walk on her own earlier. If she had followed the guy with the crossbow, she wouldn't be in this situation. What's wrong with you all? Am I talking nonsense again?"
It wasn't nonsense; he had accurately assessed the situation. However, his approach was harsh.
"If you think I'm wrong, prove it. Go down the hill right now and bring back one or two of those monsters. If you can do that, I'll shut up."
Park Dong-geol finished speaking and returned to his spot. I was curious about the others' reactions and began to observe their faces.
Ahn Hyun was deep in thought, his eyes closed. Ahn Sol trembled beside him. Lee Bo-rim and Lee Shin-woo looked the most pitiful, clearly targeted by Park Dong-geol's words. They were visibly tense, grinding their teeth.
After a while, Ahn Hyun spoke up.
"I understand what you're saying."
Ahn Hyun glanced at his sister and continued in a clear voice.
"Ahn Sol is my sister, not my girlfriend. I have no intention of abandoning her."
Ahn Sol was moved, embracing Ahn Hyun tightly. Park Dong-geol looked surprised, realizing he didn't know they were siblings.
"I didn't know that. But nothing changes. Who can guarantee that the same accident won't happen again?"
The situation was unfolding interestingly. Park Dong-geol couldn't target Ahn Hyun directly, so he aimed at Ahn Sol to pressure him. Park Dong-geol had chosen to isolate himself, but not quietly; he was causing a stir. Ahn Hyun remained silent, and the hill fell into an eerie silence.
"Don't think too badly of me. My words might have been lengthy, but this half-hearted state won't get us anywhere. It seems many of you dislike me."
The argumentative woman, slightly less aggressive than before, asked, "So, what do you ultimately want?"
Park Dong-geol replied directly.
"I want to form a proper team here."