Chapter 33: The Accomplice.

The following day, upon learning of her father's heinous act towards her beloved friend, Ga-ram swiftly made her way to Ji-woo's residence, filled with genuine concern. Apologies poured forth from Ga-ram's lips, remorseful for any role her father may have played in causing harm to Ji-woo. However, Ji-woo, on the receiving end of these earnest apologies, felt compelled to assure Ga-ram that she was not to blame for her father's actions.

As they found themselves in the living room, unbeknownst to Ga-ram, Eun-kyung remained present. Together, they watched as the news unfolded before their eyes, revealing Ha-rin's apprehension by the police authorities. Reporters fired questions and camera flashes filled the air, capturing the moment Ha-rin was escorted into a police car en route to the station.

Ji-woo, witnessing justice being served, couldn't help but smile with satisfaction, finally sensing that Ha-rin would be held accountable for all the pain she had inflicted upon her. The weight upon Ji-woo's shoulders seemed to lighten.

Observing Ji-woo's expression, Eun-kyung couldn't resist voicing her concern. "Is it over yet?" she gently queried, prompting Ji-woo to gaze questioningly in her direction.

Eun-kyung then clarified, "There might be an accomplice. We still remain unaware of who orchestrated the vase incident."

Realization dawned upon Ji-woo, and she turned to Ga-ram, urgently requesting her assistance in relaying a message to her brother, whom she needed to speak with immediately.

Without hesitation, Ga-ram swiftly departed from the living room, honouring Ji-woo's instruction.

"Do you think he might possess vital knowledge regarding the incident?" inquired Ji-woo, her brow furrowing in concern and her voice laced with curiosity.

Ji-woo contemplated for a moment before responding, "Given that he was aware of Ha-rin's involvement in the bridge incident before we were, it is plausible that he may also have information about this."

Moments later, Ga-ram returned with Si-woo trailing behind her. "What's up, sis?" he questioned, his voice filled with curiosity.

"Might you have any knowledge regarding the vase incident?" Ji-woo asked, her tone earnest.

Si-woo didn't hesitate and immediately retrieved his phone, displaying a picture he had received on the day of the incident. "You were right, there's an accomplice," Ji-woo stated, causing Ga-ram to look at her in confusion. "I never mentioned an accomplice," Ga-ram pointed out.

Ji-woo realised her slip-up, coming to the realization that only she could see and communicate with Eun-kyung. She felt uncertain about revealing Eun-kyung's presence to the others, worried about their potential reaction.

Later that day, Ji-woo's aunt, Chae-young, returned to the house accompanied by two men. One was Attorney John, whom they were familiar with, but the other man was unknown to them. Attorney John introduced him as a prosecutor, stating that he was sent by U-jin to take over the case.

Ji-woo proceeded to recount all that Ha-rin had done to her - the bullying, the framing, and the attempted murder. The prosecutor expressed his intention to gather substantial evidence and locate witnesses from Ji-woo's school. However, before departing, Ji-woo voiced her concern about a possible accomplice involved in these events.

Chae-young, who overheard the conversation, couldn't help but express her desire for Ji-woo to stay at home, dreading the possibility that the accomplice may pose a threat now that Ha-rin was in police custody.

"Auntie, I understand your concerns but I'm supposed to take important tests this week which is starting from tomorrow, and I cannot afford to miss them," Ji-woo informed her.

"But we could alert the..." Chae-young started, only to have Attorney John place a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "She'll be fine. Her friends will make sure of it," he assured her, causing Chae-young to relent.

"Your mum is coming on Tuesday. Please stay calm while she's here and avoid causing any problems," she kindly tells Ji-woo.

Ji-woo rudely replies, "We all know why she suddenly decided to show up. She heard about your engagement and conveniently decides to come back after disappearing for so long. Let's be honest, your sister doesn't want to see you happy and is trying to ruin your relationship by coming back at this time."

Chae-young gazes at Ji-woo in utter shock, pleadingly exclaiming, "Ji-woo, please take back what you said. This isn't like you."

"I don't harbor any ill will, but if I don't speak up, you won't know about the evil plans that woman has. I'm warning you out of genuine concern because you're my beloved aunt, and I want to see you happy without any regrets. Don't let my manipulative mother get in the way of your happiness," Ji-woo says firmly, with Ga-ram by her side, supporting her as she limps back to her room.

Ga-ram, perching himself beside Ji-woo on the bed, inquires, "Do you believe that your mother possesses the capacity to commit such deeds?"

"Yes, she is incredibly selfish. Trust me, you shall soon bear witness to her true nature," Ji-woo assures, her tone filled with gravitas and conviction.

The next day, Ji-woo focuses on studying for her exam, with Eun-kyung faithfully by her side, acting as her protector. Eun-kyung keeps a watchful eye, her gaze perpetually scans the vicinity, discerning any potentially threatening presence. Miraculously, the school at large has now taken it upon themselves to express remorse, extending sincere apologies or offering heartfelt displays of concern towards Ji-woo. This notable shift in demeanor can be attributed to the popularity of the video, which depicts Ha-rin callously propelling her off the bridge, an incident that has captivated the attention of countless viewers. The video has even surpassed the notoriety of the footage revealing Ga-ram's father attempting to cause her harm! As a result, the students has undergone a profound transformation, extending genuine apologies and heartfelt displays of concern towards Ji-woo. Some students have even offered her gifts and cards, expressing their unwavering support and admiration for her unwavering strength. It is both amusing and relatable that her nickname has now become the 'Goddess of Survival,' a testament to the numerous trials she has miraculously overcome.

Thanks to Eun-kyung, Ji-woo has come to discover the startling truth about her existence, realizing that her entire world is akin to a novel within Eun-kyung's reality. Furthermore, she has learned that she was never meant to be alive, but her presence continued after Eun-kyung entered her body. Eun-kyung is now known to her as her benefactor, and Ji-woo is immensely grateful for the opportunity to live a second life and set things right. With newfound determination, she plans to fight for her rightful place by Diego's side after overcoming these troubling events.

"I handed over the leadership of the cheerleading team to Ha-rin," Ga-ram revealed, prompting both Ji-woo and Eun-kyung to react with utter shock.

"You did what?" Ji-woo questioned, incredulous.

"I wanted to be by your side more, so I willingly gave up the leadership. However, since Ha-rin has been apprehended, I am back in the team," Ga-ram explained, though her smile failed to reach her eyes.

It has been two days since Ha-rin's arrest and no suspicious activity has happened. This led them to sit in the field outside during lunchtime, brainstorming a strategy to uncover the identity of the mysterious accomplice.

"Perhaps I should venture out and search for clues. It seems that staying close to you day after day isn't yielding any progress," Eun-kyung proposed.

"You're right," Ji-woo agreed, turning her gaze towards Eun-kyung.

"Who in the world are you talking to? I have noticed for the past two days that you keep looking beside you and engaging in conversations with... who knows what?" Ga-ram questioned, perplexed."

Ji-woo let out a gentle sigh, contemplating the situation before her. "I surmise there is no escaping this predicament," she mused, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "Eun-kyung did not return to her world, therefore she remains here in her ethereal state."

"What!" Ga-ram exclaimed, his voice filled with disbelief. "So she is present right beside us?" Ga-ram pointed emphatically towards Ji-woo's side, seeking confirmation. In response, Ji-woo simply nodded, affirming Ga-ram's observation.

Ji-woo then noticed Young-chul's perplexed expression as he passed by while looking in their direction, Ji-woo kindly offered a warm smile and a wave in his direction. Young-chul awkwardly reciprocated her gesture, but before their interaction could continue, Seo-ah abruptly appeared out of nowhere and forcefully pushed him away. With a furious expression, she then directed two pointed fingers towards her eyes and then towards Ji-woo, a clear message of resentment.

Ji-woo blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. Eun-kyung couldn't suppress her laughter any longer and chimed in, "I must say, I am rather relieved that I am no longer inhabiting your body. It seems she has become your responsibility now," she uttered mischievously, her voice trailing off as she departed from the scene.

Eun-kyung carefully observed the happenings at the school. Eun-kyung, determined to keep an eye on her friends, discreetly peeked into the council room where U-jin was engrossed in reviewing some documents. After lingering there for a few minutes, she moved on. Curiosity led her to check on Eun-woo, who was engaged in a battle of wills with a stubborn vending machine that failed to dispense his desired item despite his payment. In the library, she spotted Diego engrossed in a book, prompting her to wonder why such a studious and diligent individual like him was placed in Grade 12 C.

Eun-kyung then took a moment to observe Si-woo and Mun-hee engrossed in a video game session on their phones in the cafeteria, accompanied by the sight of Hyun-ki receiving a joyful shoulder massage from Sung-min in their classroom. Such a display of affection and support was certainly peculiar. Meanwhile, Il-seong skillfully showcased his guitar skills to a captivated audience of freshman students. Lost in the beauty of the music, Eun-kyung was abruptly reminded of the end of the lunch break as the bell rang, signaling the start of the final test for the day.

Feeling the need to return to Ji-woo's class, Eun-kyung began making her way back. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she witnessed a student sprinting towards their classroom, only to trip over a nearby dustbin. Eun-kyung attempted to place the dustbin back in its proper position but was reminded of her current form as her hand passed through it. Amused by her own forgetfulness, she chuckled softly.

As she stood up, her attention was drawn to a student whose back was turned to the door as she peeked through the window of the laboratory, engaged in a phone call. Puzzled by the student's presence when the test should already be underway, Eun-kyung felt an irresistible urge to investigate further. Passing through the door effortlessly, she caught a snippet of conversation just as she entered, her curiosity piqued.

"I can't believe she got caught....I can take care of myself.... don't worry she won't talk.... no one knows" the student chuckled.

"Nobody will ever think that I am capable of committing such a crime.... Ji-woo will be dealt with before Ha-rin's trial.... I can, besides I got away with it once, I can still get away with it again" with that the call ended, the student started laughing before turning towards the door, Eun-kyung looked shocked at who it was.