#eftl

Community Calendar:

`The chime of a grandfather clock, though none are visible.`

Make sure to mark the following dates on your calendars, folks.

The annual Market Between Seconds will open for exactly seven minutes this Thursday at the abandoned train station in Yongsan. Vendors will be selling time that was never used, names that were never spoken, and doors that lead to places not found on any map. Bring exact change. You will not be given a second chance.

The Hunters’ Guild—yes, those hunters—will be hosting a seminar on “Recognizing and Neutralizing the Supernatural Threat” this Saturday at a location we are not allowed to disclose. Attendance is free, but I must warn you: some who enter may not leave the same. Some may not leave at all.

Editorial: The Myths That Trap Us:

`A slow exhale, the sound of paper rustling as Seeking Rain unfolds something unseen.`

This week, we have an editorial on the topic of stories.

Stories are powerful. They shape the way humans see the world, the way they see us. The problem is… humans do not tell our stories. They tell theirs.

They say vampires cannot enter a home uninvited. A lie. The only reason they hesitate is because they are watching. Waiting. Measuring the weight of your pulse in the air.

They say werewolves are bound by the moon. That they must change when it is full. Also a lie. But I suppose it comforts them to believe that something wild and sharp-edged can be predicted.

They say dragons hoard gold. That we are greedy creatures, obsessed with wealth. That we are beasts, not scholars. Tell me, then—why is it that I remember every raindrop that has ever fallen? Every story whispered beneath a storm? Do you think I hoard that for greed?

They say witches sign contracts with devils. That fae cannot lie. That demons crave destruction. That ghosts cannot love. That magic always has a price.

Perhaps some of this is true. Perhaps some of it is just easier to believe.

But easy does not mean right.

So I ask you, listeners—who is shaping your story? And how much of it is your own to begin with?

Community Updates:

`The sound of a match being struck. A candle flickers to life, though there is no one to hold it.`

Now, for some community updates:

A new phone booth has appeared in Hongdae. No wires. No official markings. And yet, if you pick up the receiver, you will hear a voice. Some say it is a recording. Others say it is someone they once knew. The messages are always the same: “I need you to listen. I don’t have much time.” The phone rings every night at exactly 3:15 AM. No one knows who—or what—is calling.

Near Namsan Park, a man has been stopping strangers to ask for directions. Not unusual, except he is always wearing the exact same suit. The exact same expression. He asks for the same street every night. The problem? That street does not exist. And when you blink, neither does he.

Residents in Gangseo-gu have reported seeing a stray dog wandering the alleys. It looks normal, friendly even, except for one thing—it casts no shadow. Those who try to approach it feel an overwhelming sense of loss. One man who tried to pet it has not spoken since. If you see the dog, do not call to it. Do not whistle. Just keep walking.

Intermission:

And now for our usual intermission. I’ve been told by management that I cannot leave the building for coffee. Maybe never again. There have been a string of gruesome murders near the station over the last few weeks. These murders remain unsolved...and uninvestigated. I’ll be right back...

`Quand on Arrive en Ville – Fhin begins playing`

Traffic Report – A Poem for the Lost:

And now...traffic.

`The sound of a single car driving through the rain. A heartbeat. A second heartbeat. Then… silence.`

The road was empty, but I saw the headlights. The car was empty, but I saw the driver. The road was gone, but I still kept walking. The car was gone, but it still followed me. The driver was gone, but the smile stayed. The smile was gone, but the teeth remained. The road was empty. I was not.

This has been traffic.

Advertisement: Yggdrasil Planetarium – A Place to Dream

`A slow, droning hum. Something ancient sighing. Old Norse chanting picks up.`

`VOICE (soothing, wrong):` Come see the stars. The ones that watch back.

At Yggdrasil Planetarium, we offer more than just a glimpse of the cosmos—we offer an invitation. A chance to see the universe as it truly is. The constellations shift when you are not looking. The black holes whisper when you lean in close. And the void is not empty, dear guests.

It is waiting.

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring someone who will not be missed.

Yggdrasil Planetarium. Look deeper. Stay forever.

Listener Mail

`Static, a brief moment of soft rain.`

Our first letter comes from Listener H: "I’ve been waking up with dirt under my nails. I live on the 10th floor. My plants are all dead. I don’t remember leaving last night, but my shoes are wet."

I would suggest locking your windows. But I have a feeling that wouldn’t matter.

Another letter from Listener K: "There is someone in my apartment who looks exactly like me. They don’t move when I move. They don’t blink when I blink. I thought it was a mirror until I walked away, and they stayed behind."

Do not turn your back on them. Do not let them see your fear.

Our final letter from Listener P: "Last night, I saw a star that wasn’t in the sky. It was in the water. It was getting closer."

Not all stars fall. Some crawl.

Closing Thoughts

`The rain slows. A final roll of thunder.`

That is all for tonight, dear listeners. Be mindful of the stories you tell, and more importantly, the ones told about you.

And remember: some roads should have never been travelled twice.

Sleep well. If you can.

Breaking News: Chimera at Large:

`A distant siren wails, but it sounds… wrong. Warped. Like it’s being played backward.`

Breaking News, listeners. A classified containment breach has been reported at an undisclosed facility beneath the Seodaemun district. Reports say a chimera—yes, an honest-to-ancient-myth chimera—has slipped past its captors and is now… well, somewhere.

Eyewitnesses claim it was last seen slinking through the alleyways of Euljiro, its form shifting, flickering, unable to decide what it wants to be. A tail too thick. A mouth too wide. A growl that sounds like your mother calling you home for dinner. Do not follow it. Do not answer it. And for the love of whatever ancient powers still watch over us, do not try to feed it.

Authorities—who have yet to confirm who exactly they work for—assure us they are “handling” the situation. Which, as we all know, means “we lost it, we don’t know what it wants, and we’re hoping someone else deals with it first.”

More on this as it develops. If you see anything… do what you always do, Seoul. Pretend you didn’t.

And now, some updates from the community.

Community Updates

`The sound of an umbrella opening. A soft hiss of wind.`

A new pop-up café has appeared in Mapo. No one knows who owns it. No one remembers it being built. The baristas do not blink. They will ask for your name, but do not give it. Just order your drink, accept what they hand you, and do not, under any circumstances, turn around before you leave. The coffee, I’m told, is excellent.

A missing person has returned… sort of. The son of a well-known chaebol family, lost for months, stumbled out of Gyeongbokgung Palace at dawn. His suit was in perfect condition. His hair, untouched by time. But his eyes—his eyes were the wrong color. His family has welcomed him home, but insiders whisper that when they hugged him, he did not hug them back.

Passengers on Seoul Metro Line 4 have reported an unusual occurrence: a train car that was not on the schedule. Those who boarded it found themselves somewhere… else. Somewhere that smelled like pine trees and old paper, where the city’s skyline flickered like candlelight. If you find yourself in this train car, do not fall asleep. It will let you off… eventually. Probably.

In Gangnam, near a convenience store that only appears after midnight, a man has been seen walking without a shadow. Witnesses say he is always smiling, always watching, but never blinking. If you see him, keep walking. If he speaks to you, do not respond. His voice is said to sound exactly like the one you wish to hear most.

And finally, for those in need of employment, Park’s Pizza is hiring.

Advertisement: Park’s Pizza – ‘A Slice of Forever’:

`The sound of a pizza cutter slicing through dough. A bubbling, almost… breathing… cheese sizzle.`

`PARK (cheerful, yet deeply unsettling)` Hello, Seoul! Park’s Pizza here, serving you since… well, let’s not get caught up in dates. Time is a tricky thing, and at Park’s, we prefer our customers to focus on flavor.

Craving something classic? Our Bulgogi Blood Moon Special is made with only the freshest, ethically sourced ingredients. Our delivery drivers always make it to your doorstep, even if you didn’t order anything. And remember, our signature crust isn’t just dough—it’s a promise. A warm, flaky promise.

Come dine in at our Itaewon location. Or don’t. We already know what you like.

Park’s Pizza. A slice of forever. Because we said so.

Horoscopes – What the Stars Whispered Tonight:

`A soft chime. A crackle of distant thunder.`

Tonight’s horoscopes are brought to you by the sky, which never sleeps but always dreams.

Aries – Something is following you, but only when you aren’t looking. Turn quickly, and you might catch it. But do you really want to?

Taurus – The next door you walk through will lead somewhere unexpected. Make sure you have an excuse prepared.

Gemini – Someone is thinking about you. Their thoughts are warm. Their thoughts are endless. Their thoughts are… hungry.

Cancer – You will find something you lost long ago. It will not recognize you anymore.

Leo – A stranger will ask you for help. They will not be a stranger for long.

Virgo – Do not step on the cracks in the pavement tonight. Do not ask why.

Libra – The reflection in the window is not quite right. This is fine.

Scorpio – That song stuck in your head? It is not just a song.

Sagittarius – You will dream of a place you have never been. Someone will be waiting for you there.

Capricorn – The numbers are lining up. Do you see them?

Aquarius – There is something in the rain tonight. It knows your name.

Pisces – Stay inside. Just… stay inside.

Good luck.

Intermission:

A brief intermission. I am uncertain of why I am taking a break now rather than some other time. I’m uncertain of why I’m doing this broadcast at all. I’ve chosen to not be certain of anything at all. Try it.

`Ochi Chernye – Ivan Rebroff starts to play`

Breaking News: The Chimera Again:

`Heavy breathing. Something drips. Something moves.`

A new update on the chimera situation: It has been spotted in an alleyway near Dongdaemun. Authorities have surrounded the area, but… there is a problem.

The chimera has been fed.

It has changed again. Shifted into something smaller, something… familiar. Some witnesses claim it looks like a lost dog. Others say a child. One unlucky fool said it looked exactly like their own reflection, staring back at them.

So I repeat: Do not engage. Do not believe your own eyes. Do not listen if it calls your name from outside your house.

That is, of course, assuming you make it home tonight at all.

The Weather:

`A sudden downpour. The sound of puddles rippling.`

And now, dear listeners...the weather-- The rain is heavier now, thick with secrets. It falls slowly, deliberately, as if it has something to say.

Some drops carry whispers. Some carry memories.

A few carry... teeth.

Dress accordingly.

Listener Mail:

`The static hums, shifting.`

Tonight’s letter comes from someone who did not sign their name. Wise choice.

"I heard scratching at my window last night. I live on the 15th floor."

`The sound of shifting paper`

That’s all they wrote. Hmm.

My advice? …Don’t open it.

We have another letter from a listener. No return address. No name. Just a note written in red ink that smells faintly of rust.

"I came home late last night and saw my apartment light was already on. I live alone. I stood outside the door for a long time, trying to remember if I had left it that way. Then, I heard something inside. It wasn’t footsteps. It wasn’t talking. It was the sound of someone breathing. Someone who wasn’t me."

"I don’t know how long I stood there. I don’t know when the breathing stopped. But when I finally unlocked the door… the light was off again."

"Nothing was missing. Nothing was out of place. But I still haven’t slept."

My advice? Check your locks. Check them twice.

And if you ever hear breathing from the other side of the door… maybe check into a hotel for the night.

Closing Remarks:

`The rain softens, a low rumble of thunder in the distance.`

That is all for tonight, dear listeners. The city still hums with secrets, and the rain still listens.

Remember: the chimera is still out there. The hunters are still watching. And Park’s Pizza is... always open.

Sleep well. If you can.

`Light music beings to play, lightening the mood slightly.`

Midnight PSA

A friendly reminder to all supernatural beings currently residing in Seoul: hunters are very real. They walk among us, pretending to be lost tourists, ambitious influencers, salarymen working overtime. But their eyes—oh, their eyes betray them.

Reports have come in from Itaewon and Hongdae. A trio of hunters, wearing faces too smooth, too symmetrical to be natural. They carry no weapons you can see, but their pockets hold vials of something that smells like burnt magic and old prayers. Should you spot a figure whose footsteps echo with the weight of ancient vendettas, do not engage. Slip away like a whisper in the rain.

`Light music stops abruptly.`

If you’re a vampire, do not let them see your reflection disappear in a café window. If you’re a werewolf, resist the itch in your bones when the moon is high. If you’re a fairy… well, you shouldn’t be listening to this on a phone. They’ll find you.

In short: Blend in. Stay hidden. Seoul is ours, but it is not always safe.

Community Updates:

Now, for some community updates!

Strange happenings in Insadong’s underground market—again. A vendor claiming to sell “limited-edition elixirs” has been offering bottles of distilled moonlight. A reliable source tells me it is not moonlight but rather stolen dreams, and let’s just say… those who drink it don’t ever wake up quite the same. Buyers beware. The Dokkaebi Market will be relocating due to *unfortunate* incidents involving human tourists wandering into enchanted stalls. The Eraser Witches have made progress in locating and dealing with the affected humans, but for future precaution, the market will be moved to Incheon.

Meanwhile, in the historic district near Bukcheon Hanok Village, an inexplicable phenomenon has caught the eye of both humans and creatures alike. At precisely 2 am, the narrow alleys light up with ghostly lanterns, seemingly unconnected to any festival or modern illumination. Some say it is the playful work of mischievous fairies; others suspect a gathering of spectral scholars heatedly debating the merits of old Seoul legends. Are they messages? Portals? A very elaborate art installation? The jury is still out, but I recommend keeping your distance. Lanterns do not simply appear without purpose, and Seoul’s ghosts are never without an agenda.

The vampire social club has a new drink special—sparkling type-O mimosas. It is currently 2-for-1 when ordered with brunch on Saturdays and Sundays only. Sources say the carbonation really brings out the sweetness of the iron flavor. Those of you who are hematophagically inclined, you know where to go to try a new spin on a classic.

And hidden jazz bar in Gangnam is rumoured to host a spectral symphony once a month. The pianist, they say, has no hands, and yet the music still plays. If you find the right alley, if you hear the right note, follow it—but only if you can pay the price.

And finally, a transportation update: For those who regularly use The Moonlight Bus (Line 404), the bus is back in service as of this week, after last week’s ‘passenger mishap’. All slime has been dissolved and removed. Please remember: do not talk to the driver. Do not talk to the passengers. Do not ask about missing stops. If you see something, say nothing and drink to forget.

Sponsorship:

Now, a word from our sponsors:

`Soft, ominous music begins to play.`

I see them flicker, twist, and crawl, Shadows where no light should fall. They breathe in echoes, hum in dust, Their voices curdled thick with rust.

Their fingers tap against the glass, A sound too soft, a touch too fast. I blink—too late—they shift, they grin, They watch me watching them again.

The walls collapse, the ceiling sighs, Their whispers drip behind my eyes. They coil inside, they taste my skin, They pry apart the bones within.

I call them lies, but lies don’t weep, Lies don’t linger while I sleep. Lies don’t crawl from out the drain, Lies don’t laugh inside my brain.

I tell myself they’re never there— But still, I see them everywhere.

`Soft ominous music cuts out.`

Brought to you by Lotte Duty Free!

Listener Correspondence:

`Slightly upbeat music begins to play softly.`

In these early days of our moonlit musings, I extend an invitation to you, dear listener. Send in your stories, your encounters, your questions. Perhaps you saw a witch performing an ancient rite behind the 7/11. Perhaps you’ve spotted a demon trying and failing to walk their cat in the early morning hours. Your whispers are the lifeblood of this broadcast.

A recent note arrived from an anonymous listener near Namsan Tower. They described a chilling encounter: a cloaked figure, moving with an impossible grace, standing silently on a dark, rain drenched street. The figure vanished as swiftly as a shadow at dawn, leaving behind a single, cryptic message scrawled in disappearing ink on a lamppost: *epiQ Members: Smash or Pass*.

Well. That’s...wildly unhelpful.

Another listener writes in:

"I saw a man in a coat too long for his frame, standing beneath the streetlamp outside Dazed Jewels. His shadow stretched the wrong way. I blinked, and he was gone. But there was something left behind—a note, scribbled in rainwater: ‘Beware the hunters. When the rain speaks, listen.’”

Another friendly reminder: If the rain ever tells you something, do not answer aloud. It is always listening.

`Soft upbeat music fades out.`

The Weather:

And now...the weather— Tonight’s forecast calls for rain, of course. It always does.

But listen closely. Tonight’s raindrops are heavier, slower, carrying whispers from old gods who have not yet left the city. Some drops will taste like ink, others like memories. Avoid the ones that taste like iron.

Magic is in the air tonight.

Which means you should stay indoors, or step outside only if you’re willing to become part of the next warning I give.

Intermission:

A brief intermission. Some of us need a little break you know. We can’t all afford to be somewhere on the edge between millennially wizened and cripplingly insane. Some of us need coffee.

`Relax, Take it Easy (Acoustic) – MIKA begins to play.`

Closing Remarks:

And so, another night in the metropolis comes to a close. Seoul hums with secrets, and tonight, you have heard just a few. Remember that our supernatural community thrives in the spaces between light and shadow.

The hunters are watching, the city is shifting, and the rain… oh, the rain knows more than it lets on.

Stay safe. Stay hidden. And if you must be seen, make sure you are unforgettable.

Until next time, dear listeners. May your nights be long, your magic undisturbed, and your secrets kept.

Sleep well. If you can.