Rainbow City

“Of course! See you tomorrow then.”The call ended from the other side first. Soohwan felt uneasy hearing someone impersonate him, especially because it was for something nefarious.“It’s okay, I’ll take care of everything.”He held Soohwan’s hand, trying to reassure him.“Doctor! I’ll help you deal with those Paradise bastards impersonating you and the General! Trust me! I won’t mess up like the last time with Adam!”“Thank you.”The couple watched the camaraderie between them with a pleased but puzzled expression. They were caught on the mention of Paradise impersonators.“By the way, we don’t know your name, Doctor. Could you tell us?”Since they were on the same side now, Soohwan sat up straight and introduced himself again.“Sorry for the late introduction. I’m Soohwan, a researcher from Rainbow City.”The couple was surprised as Kwak Soohwan lifted Soohwan’s arm dramatically.“He’s the savior who developed the complete vaccine distributed by the city, the real Dr. Soohwan, not a fake.”This time, Soohwan murmured something under his breath but didn’t lower his arm, a habit of conserving energy.“So, you’re Kwak Soohwan, and you’re Dr. Soohwan?”The husband pointed at them one by one. The wife’s mind was just as tangled.“If they’re not just namesakes, why would the founders of Paradise want to join our congregation? Are they trying to kidnap us?”“Elders, those guys are impersonating us.”If the founders of Paradise were imposters… it meant these two were the real vaccine developer and controller.“Oh my! So, you’re really the one who developed the vaccine?”“Yes, that’s correct.”“Oh my goodness, Mrs. Joon’s mom believed the vaccine story and fell for it completely. So you really developed the vaccine?”She showed her arm, claiming she got vaccinated.“Yes, it took some time.”She still looked skeptical. The doctor in front of her looked at most in his twenties. However, there was a certain wisdom in his eyes… And hadn’t he said he was the elder brother? Maybe the general’s imposing presence made Soohwan appear smaller.“So, was the general here really a controller too?”“Not anymore.”The last controller was Yang Sanghun.“Oh my goodness! This is unbelievable! Honey, the camera!”The husband, already prepared, handed a Polaroid camera to his wife. The countless photos around the house seemed to have been taken with this camera.“Major Moongil, could you take a picture of us? For a keepsake.”The small camera was forced into Moongil’s rough hands. The couple positioned themselves close to Soohwan and Kwak Soohwan, showing their camaraderie.“Just press the button?”“Yes, Major. Make sure to get all four of us in the frame.”“Moongil.”“Yes, General.”Moongil answered nervously, slightly worried that the General might smash the camera in frustration.“Take that photo, then get one of just me and Dr. Seok.”“Ah… Yes, General. Everyone smile. One, two, three, city!”The couple smiled brightly, showing their teeth, while Soohwan and Kwak Soohwan remained expressionless.“One more time. Just one more.”After taking another photo in the same pose, the couple each took a Polaroid film. With just the two of them left in the lens’s range, Kwak Soohwan hugged Soohwan from behind. He rested his chin on Soohwan’s head and grabbed his wrist.“I don’t want to make a fist.”“How did you know? But still, make a fist. Okay?”“It will look weird, I don’t want to.”“Don’t worry. I’ll help you strike a cool pose.”Soohwan reluctantly clenched his fist. Kwak Soohwan adjusted it into a fighting stance, positioning his right hand slightly forward and the left hand right behind it. Soohwan, unaccustomed to such an aggressive pose, subtly tensed his eyes.“Moongil, take the picture.”“Yes, General.”At the moment the shutter clicked, Soohwan thought he might have blinked. Kwak Soohwan then stood beside him, holding his hand.“One more.”Wondering if they were using too much film, Soohwan glanced at the couple, who were busy admiring the photos they had just taken.“Smile, I’ll smile too.”Soohwan cupped his cheek with his palm, rubbing it in a circular motion, and practiced a smiling expression.“Alright, I’m taking it.”Moongil captured Kwak Soohwan and Soohwan in the lens. As the shutter clicked, Moongil hoped the image would reflect what he saw.Soohwan, with his eyes gently curved and a smooth smile, looked happier than Moongil had ever seen him. Moongil’s eyes felt warm.“Damn it.”Moongil rubbed his eyes roughly.“What the hell is this! General and Doctor have gone through so much! Even after coming back to the city… Damn it! But still, Doctor and General are smiling!”Kwak Soohwan ruffled Moongil’s hair.“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”He held the two developing photos in his hands. The once-white film began to show colors. Soohwan, watching the images come to life beside Kwak Soohwan, remembered something and took the camera from Moongil.“I’ll take a picture of you, Major Moongil. And Major Kwak too.”“No. Why should I take a picture with him?”“Then, take one with me, Doctor.”“You little punk, just take a picture with me.”Kwak Soohwan placed the photos on the table and put his hand on Moongil’s shoulder.“Don’t put your hand there.”“Then, shall I lean on your shoulder?”“My shoulder is reserved for Dr. Seok.”Soohwan held the camera lens to one eye to frame the shot.“Alright, I’m taking it. One, two, three.”The shutter sound was light and crisp. With a whirring sound, the film ejected, and Soohwan immediately handed it to Moongil.Kwak Soohwan might not have noticed, but when the picture was taken, Moongil crossed his arms and rested his head on his chest in a playful pose. Moongil winked, signaling Soohwan to keep it a secret.The photo of Soohwan and Kwak Soohwan on the table was in its final stage of development. As expected, Soohwan had his eyes closed in the picture where he was making a fist.“Our Dr. Seok still looks great in photos.”Even though he said that, Kwak Soohwan actually looked more handsome.“Can I keep it?”“Of course.”Soohwan placed the Polaroid photo into the wallet that Kwak Soohwan had bought for him. The other photo had also fully developed, and Soohwan wanted to keep that one too, almost as much as he had coveted the stone he was so attached to.Soohwan held the photo up to cover his face. It showed him smiling and Kwak Soohwan looking at him.“Why? It turned out well.”“Do I… smile like this?”“You do, normally.”Kwak Soohwan had seen Soohwan’s face like this many times. Occasionally, when Soohwan woke up before him, he would look at him just like that.“Don’t we look great together?”Kwak Soohwan removed the photo from Soohwan’s face. His eyes were so clear, they seemed ready to spill transparent crystals at any moment.“Yes, we’re perfect together.”Kwak Soohwan laughed out loud. His laughter was open and honest, as if he didn’t care who heard. But the couple was busy chatting with Moongil.Moongil was deliberately recounting everything he knew to the couple. He felt he might burst with frustration if he didn’t. He wanted this couple to pass on the story so that General and Dr. Soohwan would be duly appreciated for all their hardships.To Moongil, Kwak Soohwan and Soohwan were heroes. Their stories, as the pioneers of the era of freedom, deserved to be remembered by future generations. Fueled by this sense of duty, Moongil passionately recounted his hero saga. The couple, captivated by the tale, stayed up all night, enthralled.***By morning, Kwak Soohwan was dressed in the military uniform that Moongil had brought. He had skillfully tied the accompanying city military tie.Soohwan found the formal suit uncomfortable and couldn’t tie the tie properly, so he just hung it around his neck. Kwak Soohwan pulled Soohwan towards him by the tie’s ends. His hair, which had been neatly styled earlier, now felt soft and fluffy from above.Kwak Soohwan, tying the tie from the opposite side, seemed unaccustomed to it and tilted his head in confusion a few times. He then moved behind Soohwan, wrapping the tie around himself as he tied it. Every time his hand brushed Soohwan’s chin, it tickled, making Soohwan’s shoulders twitch.“Is it too tight?”“No.”Kwak Soohwan then fastened the cuffs on Soohwan’s sleeves. The subordinate who had bought the suit had a keen eye, as the charcoal tie complemented Soohwan’s complexion perfectly.Soohwan, already pale, looked even more austere in the black suit, making Kwak Soohwan want to loosen the tie he had just tied. Kwak Soohwan lightly clenched his fist.“You look even more handsome like this, our Soohwan.”Though he was slender, his proportions were good, and the suit fit him perfectly.“You look better, Major Kwak.”He had never seen anyone who looked better in a military uniform.“How much better?”Seeking further validation.“Enough that you wouldn’t say something crude.”Soohwan candidly shared his current feelings without much thought. Caught off guard, Kwak Soohwan was speechless for a moment before playfully leaning in.“Should I start calling it ‘genitalia’ then?”Just then, someone knocked on the door.The wife peeked in, with the husband visible behind her. Their eyes were filled with more determination than ever.Having heard from Moongil about their survival and the suffering they endured, their gaze also held reverence. Moongil might have embellished their heroism a bit, but stories of valor often were. The General’s tale about Gwanyu’s exploits sounded unbelievable to Moongil too. Cutting off the enemy’s head and returning before his tea cooled—wasn’t that how legendary tales always went? Moongil found his justification.“Are you ready? We are. After all the suffering you both endured to free our citizens, it’s outrageous that someone would impersonate you!”The husband clenched his fist in indignation.“We’ll go alone. We won’t be able to protect you if something goes wrong.”Kwak Soohwan deflated the husband’s determination outright.“B-but, we could be of help.”“I also oppose it. It’s too dangerous.”Soohwan shook his head. He couldn’t bear the thought of Kwak Soohwan getting hurt while trying to save them if the couple found themselves in danger.“But if we don’t go, wouldn’t Jun’s mother try to escape?”“That won’t be a problem.”Last night, Kwak Soohwan and Soohwan had had numerous discussions before falling asleep, which was why they decided they could go alone.***Five hours earlier, at a house in Busan.“Did you know? There are a lot of camellia flowers blooming on Uryong Mountain.”Kwak Soohwan whispered, hugging Soohwan from behind. The room they had been given was the one used by the couple’s second child. The single bed was almost too small for the two of them, and Kwak Soohwan’s feet stuck out from the bed.“Camellia flowers?”“I picked one for you before. It was so delicate that it got crushed, so I threw it away. If we see one tomorrow, I’ll pick the prettiest one for you.”“Was it when I… was kidnapped by Dr. Choi Hoeon?”Soohwan clasped Kwak Soohwan’s hands that were linked around his waist. Kwak Soohwan nuzzled his nose into Soohwan’s neck, seemingly unwilling to recall that time.“Isn’t it strange? Eden also started in Busan.”“Do you think Paradise is a remnant of Eden?”“A little.”Soohwan thought so too.Because Eden was a group that worshipped themselves as the Tree of Life and the Savior. And the one who founded Paradise was someone impersonating him, making the connection inevitable.“Why do they do that?”Even without specifying, Kwak Soohwan knew what Soohwan meant.“Because they don’t want to admit they were wrong? They realize their firmly held beliefs were actually mistaken, but it’s too late to turn back. They went astray from the beginning. Luckily, I have Dr. Seok, so I’m still living like a human.”“You were always human, Major.”“Didn’t you once call me a dog? Woof, woof.”When he playfully growled and pretended to bite Soohwan’s neck, Soohwan’s stomach shook with laughter.“Oh? You laughed?”“I did.”“To be honest, sometimes I wonder. Adam was originally human, right? By that logic, I’ve probably killed countless people. What if I’ve grown to enjoy it? Even if the world has changed, there’s no guarantee I won’t do it again. If someone harms Dr. Seok, I wouldn’t be able to hold back. Maybe that citizen representative was right. Maybe mutants should be leashed.”He seemed to be talking about his inner violence.“Is that why you keep trying to fight the bear?”“That was a joke.”“I know. And I also know you won’t do it.”“How do you know?”He swiftly moved on top of Soohwan. Under the warm light, their gazes intertwined even more gently.“Because killing is easier, but it’s not something you should get used to.”Kwak Soohwan widened his eyes.“You’ve always kept your word. Even in really tough situations, you’ve protected me.”Soohwan reached out and placed his palm on Kwak Soohwan’s cool skin. But it wasn’t cold anymore. His own body temperature was changing to be like Kwak Soohwan’s.“Is that why you wanted to discharge?”“…”The generation that had experienced war knew better than anyone that another war should never happen. Thunder and car horns sounded like bombs to them, triggering traumatic memories. From the start of their memories, the world had always been in a state of war.They had to kill Adam to survive, but later generations might criticize them for their brutality. However, that would be an easy judgment from those who hadn’t faced Adam. They had always struggled to survive, and no one could condemn that.“It’s a transitional period. We can get used to it.”Soohwan returned all of Kwak Soohwan’s words to him.“And Prime Minister Lee Hee-chan wouldn’t just let you retire.”“What if I don’t want to and he won’t let me?”“You should apologize. It’s a good thing everything was resolved. Otherwise, everyone would have died because of us.”“Without us, they would have all been dead anyway. If we hadn’t stopped Choi Hoeon.”“But that didn’t happen. We didn’t do it for a reward.”Soohwan pulled Kwak Soohwan into his embrace. He patted his back, which still seemed full of grievances. And as always, he spoke with heartfelt sincerity.“We just struggled to live as humans. That’s all.”His face was pressed against Soohwan’s shoulder, and the area around his eyes was hotter than anywhere else.“I don’t care as long as you’re not hurt. Anyone who harms you won’t be spared.”“Then Major Kwak should be punished first.”He suddenly lifted his head. His eyes were only slightly red.“I’m making you feel good.”That was true. Soohwan ran his hand through Kwak Soohwan’s bangs several times, just as he did.“I think I have a good idea.”“Thinking about having sex here?”Soohwan slowly grabbed Kwak Soohwan’s lips between his thumb and forefinger. Though he could have easily avoided the slow, gentle motion, Kwak Soohwan puckered his lips playfully.“Just listen.”This time, Soohwan sat on top of Kwak Soohwan.“They were impersonating us, right? Gathering people with half-truths.”“Right.”“The honorary family has never publicly announced that I developed the vaccine. So…”As he explained, Kwak Soohwan’s bottom nudged him persistently, but he claimed it was beyond his control.***“In short, the way to expose the impostors is to be the real deal.”Kwak Soohwan hadn’t expected Soohwan to make such a decision, but it was a victory for him. So he took even more care in adjusting Soohwan’s suit.Kwak Soohwan habitually tried to put on his gloves, then threw them into the trash can. Her husband quickly ran over and retrieved them, asking why she was discarding something so valuable. It was clear he intended to sell them for a high price once an auction system was established.“If things go according to that plan, won’t you all be in danger? Do you think the noble families will just stand by?”“We’ll think about that when the time comes.”Kwak Soohwan’s uniform remained the same, but his epaulets were gray. In front of the couple’s house, a military jeep was waiting. Its loud engine noise indicated indifference to being noticed.Soohwan stood before a full-length mirror for a final check of his attire. His perfectly fitted suit, while uncomfortable, helped him maintain a straight posture.“Don’t become narcissistic. Remember, Narcissus drowned.”“I was just looking.”“Honestly, you think you’re handsome, don’t you?”“A little. But that feeling disappears immediately when I stand next to Major Kwak.”“Why? We just have different styles. Dr. Seok is exactly my type.”“My type is Major Kwak too.”Kwak Soohwan glanced around before giving Soohwan a quick kiss on the lips.“I’m truly a lucky guy.”“Me too.”Before heading out, Soohwan hugged him, listening to his heartbeat. Just as drums boost morale on the battlefield, the sound of his heartbeat gave Soohwan confidence.“Let’s go.”He fixed Soohwan’s hair, which had become disheveled from the embrace, and left the dressing room, bidding farewell to the couple.“Wish me luck.”“Keep your promise about the reward and medal.”“Stay alive for that to happen.”“Sir, there’s no one in the city who can kill me.”Kwak Soohwan shook hands with both the husband and wife.“Thanks for all your help. I appreciate it.”Soohwan also said goodbye with a handshake.Outside, Lee Chaeyoon and Yang Sanghoon were sitting in the jeep, waving them over. They tapped the door and signaled for them to get in.Soohwan got into the back seat first, and Lee Chaeyoon turned around, his eyes shining.“Doctor, you look amazing today. Want to marry me?”“Don’t even dream of it.”Kwak Soohwan shut the door, replying curtly. The couple continued to wave as they drove off.“Doctor, who are those people?”Yang Sanghoon waved back, even though the couple wasn’t waving at him.“They used to be teachers at the learning center.”“Really? How do you know them? You don’t like strangers.”“Not anymore.”Soohwan quietly laughed, and Lee Chaeyoon, surprised as if struck by lightning, laughed along.No one is truly alone. The couple’s embroidery artwork reflected this essence.Living in the city again meant Kwak Soohwan and Soohwan couldn’t live in isolation. They wanted to create the Adam virus vaccine to live freely together. Thanks to the couple’s conversation, they gained new insights and hints about living in the city.Kwak Soohwan and Soohwan were not isolated islands. The old upper echelons, who indulged themselves while ignoring the outside world, were the true islands, living in isolated territories.As they headed towards Uryong Mountain, everyone in the jeep remained silent.6:50 AM. They drove as far as the jeep could go and continued on foot. Though not heavily armed, they all carried pistol holsters. As Kwak Soohwan said, the red camellias were in full bloom despite it being the dead of winter. The snow-covered camellias didn’t seem cold, naturally holding the snow among their petals.Kwak Soohwan picked a flower, brushed off the snow, and placed it behind Soohwan’s ear.“I always wanted to try this.”Soohwan thought it must look ridiculous but kept it on because it was from him. He only removed it when they reached the liberation gate of the old temple site, as if he wanted only Soohwan to see him like that.“Can you both cover Dr. Seok?”“Yes, from this distance, it’s possible.”“Do you think they’ll really come? I tracked the believers and their homes using the phone number the Doctor provided, but there was nothing related to Paradise there. Not even a scripture book.”When they suggested recommending a believer connected to the broadcasting station, the impostor acknowledged her as an excellent believer. This indicates they want to convey something through the broadcast. Like Choi Hoeon, they intend to deceive people, and we must arrest them all.They had agreed to meet by 7, but the path was desolate without even a bird in sight. The temple had once been entirely burned down, leaving only the liberation gate among the three entrances.Kwak Soohwan picked up the walkie-talkie from the jeep.“Moongil, can you hear me?”[Loud and clear.]“Is there anyone else up here besides us?”[Not even a single ant.]Hmm, Kwak Soohwan tucked the walkie-talkie inside his uniform and forcefully pushed the closed liberation gate. Soohwan looked past him at the old temple site. The blackened pagoda and the tightly closed temple staff quarters were visible. The two-story building was so dilapidated it was hard to find an intact tile, making it uninhabitable.Kwak Soohwan crossed the Liberation Gate. It was said that long ago, it was named Liberation Gate because one could shed their worldly desires and attain enlightenment by passing through it. Following him, Soohwan entered the temple site, inhaling the cold air.The wind from the mountain circled around the pagoda and then disappeared somewhere.“Seems like the lady didn’t fall for it. Should we move to Plan B?”“Hold on a second.”Soohwan held onto Kwak Soohwan’s cape. Someone appeared from behind the temple staff quarters.The person wore a gray jacket and pants resembling the padded monk’s winter attire. Judging by his appearance, he didn’t look a day over twenty. Following him was another young man dressed in black, seemingly of the same age.“We’ve been waiting.”The boy’s voice was high-pitched, like that of a child who hadn’t yet reached puberty.“For us?”“Yes, for Dr. Soohwan and Major Kwak Soohwan. We don’t intend to fight with you.”“Who… are you?”Soohwan asked the two. They were people he had never seen even at Eden’s headquarters in Busan.“We sincerely apologize for impersonating you.”The boy clasped his hands in front of him and bowed politely. The man in black followed suit. Kwak Soohwan couldn’t believe they had planned to use full force against these mere boys.“Ha, so the believers thought you were Dr. Soohwan and me?”The boy smiled gently.“We thought you both had passed away.”“So you pretended to be us and created a cult?”“Please come inside. We’re not armed.”Even if they were armed, there was nothing to fear. The two boys opened the door to the staff quarters. Despite its rusted hinges, the iron door moved effortlessly as if it were made of paper. Kwak Soohwan followed them inside and closed the door. He could already imagine Lee Chaeyoon and Yang Sanghoon cursing, wondering how they were supposed to provide cover now.“They’re mutants too.”Kwak Soohwan whispered to Soohwan behind him. The iron door was too heavy to open with ordinary strength, confirming his suspicion. The impostors led the way, carrying a candlestick from the corridor. Their exposed backs showed no signs of hostility. Soohwan held Kwak Soohwan’s hand, and he gripped it firmly in return.The room they led them to was the staff hall, which had a fireplace. About fifty years ago, before the place was devastated by Adam, it housed religious staff. However, there were no believers here, only the two boys.The fireplace was unlit, and the warmth in the center came from a wood-burning stove. The boy poured warm water from a kettle into paper cups. Only then did it become clear that he was missing his ring and little fingers. He poured four cups of water. To show there was no poison, they drank first. Soohwan also took a cup, but Kwak Soohwan refused.“We thought you would show up if we impersonated you. But you didn’t, so we assumed you had passed away.”“If you think someone is dead, it’s okay to impersonate them?”The boy smiled serenely. It wasn’t an expression typical of someone his age, suggesting he had passed through the Liberation Gate many times.“What about him? Why hasn’t he said a word?”Kwak Soohwan pointed at the boy in black.“Hyungang had his vocal cords removed. So I do all the talking.”The boy in black suddenly bowed slowly.“Thank you for killing Dr. Choi Hoeon. We are survivors whom Dr. Wonho used as test subjects.”Soohwan’s body shuddered. The overflowing water burned his hand, but he made no sound. Kwak Soohwan tensed up, ready to eliminate them if they tried any tricks. Although they were still boys, both could be S-class, so he couldn’t let his guard down.“Major Kwak Soohwan, you’ve met our first brother, haven’t you?”Kwak Soohwan frowned without answering. His attention was already drawn to the second floor of the hall.“The brother without eyes because his eyeballs were removed.”