Chapter 3
I took a deep breath and introduced myself as Lee Sunie or known as Sunoo. I was a junior student, fourteen years old. My friends know me as the school sunshine and very sassy for not being afraid of speaking what's in my mind. I who generally enjoyed curled up with a book and playing games rather than meeting new friends. But I became very reserved and introverted when our house got raided by unknown people. They kidnapped my parents and soon found them dead in the lake. I live with my cousins in my own home but they kicked me out. I have no one to ask for help. I stopped coming from school since I'm a homeless guy. Until that night, Junghwan found me curling up on the bench and force me to stay in his dorm with Homin. Since then I'd been very meek, my voice was small and somewhat muted. I work a part-time job as a seller in a small bakery to support myself. My friends helped me a lot even its against my will. I have no choice though since it's an emergency.
Working in a bakery was a terrible job, but I used to try it and learn to speak up for myself. But I was often ignored since I can barely talk to someone unlike before. My co-worker insulted me for being like this. That led to my depression. I've messed the day, my entrance exam and I'll curl up on my bed, sulking in the corner all day without eating anything. Junghwan and Homin start to worry but even they can't help me in this situation. My anxiety only grew big as days passed.
Now, it's been two months since the day when my auntie kicked me out of the house. By this time, Jinki forced me to go back to school so I did, and right now- we're walking back home when we saw the fan signing that was held outside. Beside the road. The stage was set with some rookie idols performing. Horde fans were chanting their names and screaming like crazy.
"Oh, look! A concert!" Jinki said, pointing the stage not far away from our direction. "I want to watch. I haven't been to a concert before!"
"It's not a concert just a fan signing event maybe?" I said and continue to walk but Jinki held my arm and dragged me to that stage.
"What the?! Jinki!" I hissed but Jinki didn't let me go and continue dragging me along the way until we stop behind the horde of girls.
I feel like my gut-churning just hearing the girls screaming while chanting altogether. Jinki chant along with them even though he doesn't like the group and doesn't know them either. I tried to grab his attention but this idiot seems already occupied in his little fanboying world. I give up and watched the idols performing instead but nothing from them interest me. After then, they were done performing and now talking to their fans.
I crossed my both arms, glaring at this idiot.
When I looked back on the stage again I caught one of the members was currently staring at me? I don't know if he's staring at me. Do I assume again?
Maybe he's staring at the girl in front of me. Yeah, maybe that's it. I looked back at the guy and it feels like we having a staring contest.
I move my eyes back to Jinki again when I noticed him facing me. He told me to go home now.
I smiled and walked first. I can still feel his stares stabbing me on my back. But I didn't look back.
When we were back to this deserted street again. I can't stop thinking about the night when some strange guy bumped me, bring me to the hospital, and even hand me his calling card. What's his name again? Isn't it Park Sungjoon? I almost forgot about him.
Jinki suddenly stops and gasp. I stopped too and looked at him to see if he was okay. I caught him staring at someone behind us. I looked up ahead to see that guy running towards us? Wait, isn't that the guy who stares at me from the stage?
It's obvious that he is still in the middle of performing but he runs off like that.
"Hey wait!" He said as soon he is already in front of us, panting hard. He took a deep breath before smiling at us and looking at me. I glance at Jinki beside me and caught him staring at this guy while his mouth hang open with adoration in his eyes. No doubt, this guy's beauty is seriously eyed catchy. With just one look he'll be slaying all the boys' and girls' hearts. Who wouldn't? Maybe me. He has dark hair that almost covers his eyes, a mole under his left eye, plump lips, and of course that charismatic eyes and brows like Toothless in a tv show- if that thing wasn't a dragon. He held out his hand in front of me with that same smile. "I'm Hwang Hyunsung!" He chirped.
I'm not rude to reject his handshake. So, I held out my hand too and shake it with him. Just like Sungjoon, he didn't let go of my hand easily.
"What's your name?" He asked, still holding my hands.
"Lee Sunie and this is Jinki," I replied, pointing Jinki but he didn't even glance at him. His eyes were too focused on me. I felt that same anxiety in my gut. Ever since my parents died and my aunt kicked me out- my co-workers insulting me, I was incredibly not comfortable around anyone except my three best friends. I didn't talk to anyone but Jinki and Homin encouraged me to take a chance to make new friends despite Junghwan's protest. I know, Junghwan was just being overprotective because of what happened to me these days.
I felt him squeeze my hand. I shuddered and try to pull away but he didn't let go. "Uh...my hand?" I asked.
"Are you nervous? I can feel you shaking." He said and suddenly he held my trembling hand with his own two hands. He caressed it softly like massaging it. "Don't worry, I'll make sure no one followed me." He assured, smiling at me.
I heard Jinki clear his throat. "I'm still here," Jinki said with a sullen face.
I pulled my hand away from his hold and faced Jinki. I slightly bowed my head and said my goodbye. I pulled Jinki and hurriedly walked away but Hyunsung pulled me back causing me to almost fall.
I glared at him but it seems he ignored my warned stare. He signs me to wait. He took out his phone and tap something on it, not even letting my arm go. After a while he hand me his phone, his number was flashed on the screen. Wait, is he giving his number to me?
"This is my number. You can give me a call sometimes." He said but I immediately shook my head as a sign of rejection. His smile faded. "Why not? I want us to be close."
"Why? I don't even know you and you too, you don't know me."
He smiled and creepily touched both cheeks like he was already so fond of me. I quickly shake my face and back away from him. I noticed the shock in his eyes as his smile fall into a flat line. He tried to reach my face again but I back away again. What's wrong with him?
"That's why I want us to be close so we can know each other." He said. "Here," He suddenly grab my hand and placed his phone on my palm. "You can have my phone. I'll give you a call sometimes okay?"
"But-"
He pets my hair before turning away and running back to the stage. I watched him in shock even Jinki. We looked at each other before down to his phone. Okay?
I stared at his phone. His phone is kind of big than mine, looks expensive too. But I need to bring this back to him. I pocketed his phone and go straight home while Jinki asked me nonstop questions even myself doesn't know what just happened. Why the heck did that idol want us to be close and even give his phone to me. Was love, at first sight, is real?
Then maybe that Hwang Hyunsung is gay?
Jinki decided to stay overnight at our dorm. When we are already in front of our dorm, we can see a car parked in front of the dorm. I and Jinki inspect the car. Who's car is this?
"I told you! I don't want to go home! I'll stay at my friend's dorm!"
Our eyes peaked on the door once we heard Junghwan's voice. We see the door open violently with a lot of force and a young man- maybe first year in university? Stumble out, he almost falls. I and Jinki rushed to his side and helped him.
"Don't be too harsh on your brother Junghwan!" I heard Jinki shout. Wait, is this Junghwan's brother?
From the door, I can see Junghwan standing there while Homin was behind him- look all troubled. Junghwan's eyes are sharp like his brother gonna tear up if he keeps staring at him like that. We helped him stand up. His brother move his head to me and just like Sungjoon and Hyunsung's expression- he looked shocked.
"Sunie come inside now!" I heard Junghwan say with a demanding voice. I looked at him with a slight frown on my face.
"What? Why?" I asked confused but he didn't answer me, instead, he pulled me on my arm and pushed me inside. Homin hurriedly at my side. Homin tell me something but I couldn't hear what is he saying. Junghwan and Jinki's voices were too loud.
I don't know what happened next but that was the last time I saw before the night came and Junghwan hasn't come home yet. We waited until morning but he didn't come. The next day is a surprise indeed and our worry for Junghwan grew. This is the first time that we walked to the bus stop without Junghwan. After class Jinki and I decided to come to their school but even Homin told us that he hadn't come to school.
We decided to visit him in their house but things got worst. When we enter inside, we see two men wearing black suits seating on their expensive sofa. From across the sofa, his mother was seating there with his father. Her eyes were red and swollen. Her cheeks streaked where the tears had run throat her makeup. She reaches to her box of tissue paper for a wadded-up tissue. She shakily wipes her tears away.
The two-man in black looked at us and we quickly bowed our heads to give them a polite hello. One of the guys looked down on his tablet then look back at us again.
"Do not worry. Your two siblings were safe with us."
I frowned. What happened to them? What do they do to Junghwan and his brother?
Where are they?
"Where's Junghwan?" Homin asked and they looked at us.
One of the guys stood up and went closer to us. He stared us down. "You're name is Lee Sunie right? And you Cha Homin." He asked, looking at me and Homin. Jinki immediately blocked himself in front of the man.
"Who are you?! Don't you dare touch my friends!" He warned.
I heard Mrs. Yang sniffles and the thought about Junghwan came into my mind. I looked at Mrs. Yang. I know he knows something about their disappearance. I don't know what is her reason but-
"Where's Junghwan?!" Homin asked despite the uneasy feeling growing inside this house.
"Somewhere safe."
My heart skip a beat in fear. Hearing that from Junghwan's mom made me feel anxious even more. Somewhere safe with these weird dudes? The thought about the ward came into me. Don't tell me they bring both Junghwan and his brother to the ward?
"Look, teenagers need to be disciplined. Most of the kids these days have become toxic." Junghwan's father said.
I want to ask him what he means by that but I feel a light tug on my long sleeve coat. I looked behind Homin, seeing him look scared. I held Homin's hand and yanked Jinki's collar. I pulled them both out of Junghwan's house. Just when we were outside, four guys- mans in black blocked our way. I frowned, looking at them in confusion.
I heard the door open and those two guys walked out.
"Why are you blocking us?" I asked. The guy who knows us stopped in the front, taking his tablet out.
"Cha Homin. Your older sister Cha Hawon registered you for being a disgrace of your family." He read up causing my eyes to widen. I looked at Homin and even Jinki was too shocked to hear that.
"You're sister is Cha Hawon?!" Jinki asked.
"Lee Sunie. Your cousin Jeon Poe registered you for being a worthless person."
What? What is this guy talking about?
"You've been bad kids to your family. You need to learn your lesson and accept your fate."
Before we could do anything they sprayed something on our face. Immediately, the stench of rot with mixed strong cologne hit me in my face, running down my throat. I gagged, my nostrils beginning to hurt. I wheezed from my throat as the aroma became strong. I coughed and Homin too, even Jinki. I tried to cover my nose but the smell is too strong. My vision began to spin as I felt dizzy.
I tried to held Homin or Jinki but I can't feel them. It seems like they aren't on my side. I move my head to see them but that only causes my head to spin more. I cough and my limbs feel like giving up. I fall on the ground but before the darkness consumes me. I see that guy again. That idol who wants to be friends with me. I saw him running out of their car. He runs towards me despite his member and manager's calls. Hyunsung didn't stop and run directly at me. He kneels in front of me, holding my hands with his own trembling hands.
But one of the men in black hit him on the back of his neck. He falls beside me, inches away from my face. I can hear his manager calls but before I can see what happen next, I blacked out.
-
I can't hear anything. Everything seems so quiet. Wait, Am I sleeping? Back in the dorm already? But somehow it feels weird and I somehow knew before trying to open my eyes that this was a different kind of morning?
I tried to open my eyes but the stinging pain shot all over my body. The pain spread across my temple and intensified to an unbearable fire behind my eyes. My mouth was dry, and I feel like my throat was burning.
I tried to move but something cold metal pressed into my flesh. I want to open my eyes but the stinging pain burns my eyelids. Something is not right. Why was my whole body especially my head and my eyes were burning in pain?
I tried to move and pain shot down the side of my scalp. I struggled to open my eyes so that I could look at my surroundings. When I opened my eyes, I was met with the white ceiling. I struggle to get up but the cold metal prevents me. My eyes move on my wrist and see the handcuffs around it. I moved my hands again but they only dig into my flesh.
I looked around frantically, I was laying on the bed with apparatus and tubes on me.
The entire room was bright, cold, and white. It was a decently sized room and the only thing in the room was the bed I was on, and a mirror across from me.
Panic took over me as I tried to get up. The beeping beside me picked up its pace and was beeping faster. I raised my upper body and began struggling although the metal hurt my wrists so bad. I don't care. I just want to get out of here!
Something uncomfortable below my nose, and I guessed that it was an oxygen tube? I hissed and tried to move around.
I stopped as soon as I heard the faint scream from somewhere. He seems trying to scream for help. My heart pick a fast beat as the heart monitor beside me went in pace. The pain only got worse but I didn't mind it. As long as I'm in a panic, the pain was nothing to me. But this pain is horrible and hard not to feel. My scalp, my temple, and my lung are burning so bad that I end up crying in pain.
There was an echo of footsteps with wheels squeaking. I held my breath and lay back down on the bed. The footsteps grew louder as the person came closer to me.
"Patient Lee Sunie is already awake. How are you?" I see a man with a lab coat coming in. He's pushing what seems an apparatus table? It resembled of that but I don't know what that object is.
I gulp, looking myself across the mirror. I looked at myself in horror. My hair wasn't pure black anymore. The white color highlighted my hair in their beautiful shade, damp bangs of which covered up my forehead in thin strings, reaching my eyelids while falling on top. My eyes were crystal, cold, dark-violet eyes and my skin was inhumanly pale. It was as though I'm not a human anymore and it was horrifying. I only wore nothing but white- silky white slacks and a tucked-in, button-up shirt with matching shoes.
The burning pain shot my entire body again and that's when my vision began blinking in red until it turn all red as the pain continue. What is happening to me?! Why I'm here?
"W-what...is happening to me!" I panted hardly, trying to chase my breath. My eyes hurt as my vision turned all blindly red. I can't see but red. Everything is so red!
The doctor seemed doesn't like to answer me and he only raised his clipboard. "Incredible indeed." He walked closer to me and checked my eyes. "You're eyes were changing color. It's already red and the white of your eyes are all bloodshot red. The veins were very visible."
"What did you do to me?!" I yelled out and hissed as my eyes stung.
"We're changing you to the respective kids. So you may behave enough to your parents, us." He said and adjusted the oxygen below my nose. He looked at the heart monitor and soon his brows creased. "Your blood pressure is very low as your heart isn't stable. Don't be panic alright? Calm your heart."
Just when he said that I felt the sudden pain shoot through in my heart as the beeping sound go faster. I scream in pain, clenching my fists tightly- nails dug into my flesh.
I looked down at my hands again and I stop screaming just seeing my nails were already long and sharp as black veins were very visible in my skin.
"What's happening to me! Please let me go!" I sobbed, letting my tears escape from my eyes.
"Calm down if not, we have no choice but to put you to sleep."
The door suddenly swung open and another man in a lab coat came in. He seems older and he has a wide smile on his face. He was staring at me with adoration in his eyes, enjoying seeing me like this.
"He looks like a zombie. I heard that you're having a problem with the new patient?" He asked him.
"Yes, it seems like he doesn't calm down. Should I put him to sleep?" He asked but the old doctor shook his head.
"That won't help. Bring patient Han Jihae here." He ordered and the other man nodded before heading out of the room.
"Please let me go!" I sob, looking at the old guy. He walked closer to me. Touching the black veins in my skin. I noticed my whole hands slowly turning dark and hollow. I sobs harder and tried to struggle but no matter what I do, I can't get out.
After then, the man came back with another guy in the same clothes as mine. His hair wasn't white but highlighted in brown shade. We had the same pale skin, bags under his eyes, and the color of his eyes wasn't normal at all. It's black- too dark to be normal eyes. His iris seems like a marble. It's horrifying especially when it glistens in the light. But the obvious thing I can easily notice is the tube that linked on his scalp- on the back of his neck. The tube is long enough to the point I can't see where it coming from. What is the edge of that tube?
His eyes immediately landed on me.
"Look at your new brother. He can't calm down. Can you calm his heart down?" The old man asked and the guy nodded uneasily. "Go now. Calm him down for your professor."
Professor?
The guy took one step then another step closer to me as I tried to move back but that doesn't help me at all since I'm chained in this bed.
He placed his hands on my side, looking at me with his eyes. He looks younger than me, I think just in Homin's age? His cheeks seem like bulging just like a freaking chipmunk. He brings his face close to mine- almost two-inch apart.
Now, I can look up close his eyes. It's indeed black. I can't see anything other than the darkness.
"Calm down brother." He whispered that confuse me. He move his hands up to my eyes and the next thing I knew that warm breath brushed my cheeks.
"You need rest."
But that didn't help me at all. It only causes me to panic even more. I jerk my head side by side violently and scream, calling for help.
I can hear the old man start yelling at the man, telling him to bring another one and I can feel that they pulled that guy away from me.
I looked around frantically, my heart going faster and faster to the point I can breathe properly. The pain in my scalp only gotten worsen as my vision was still red.
The old man tried to hold me down as I began kicking in the air. Tears- no, blood flowing out from my eyes. Sweat rolled down faster on my forehead.
"This is bad. You're bleeding and sweating too much now." I heard him say.
My eyes burn and my nose too. I can feel the thick liquid rolling down under my nose and from tears. I cough and this time, blood spits out from it. My throat burning, my eyes- everything seems to hurt so bad.
I heard the door open then closed. I move my eyes to the door and see the man with that guy again. That idol! Hwang Hyunsung, looking at me with wide and worry in his eyes.
He hurriedly run to me but was pulled back when the man pulled the tube behind his head that linked on his skull maybe.
He groan in pain and held the tube behind his head.
"H-Hyunsung?" I said almost in a whisper.
The old man signs Hyunsung to come closer. He slowly approached the old man. He said something on Hyunsung that I can't hear. My hearing began disappearing as my bloody vision slowly went dark. I looked move my eyes anywhere violently, fear consume me thinking my vision will be fade and I won't see again.
My eyes stop moving when I felt a warm hand hold my wrist that close to him. I looked up to see Hyunsung smiling at me. He said something bad I can't hear. I can't hear anymore!
"I can't hear! I can't! Please help me!" I scream and cried, blood rolling down my face and my eyes sting harder.
Hyunsung embrace me but it seems all my senses are fading away. I cried harder, sobbing hard on his shoulder. My vision is the last sense left but even this slowly fading away.
"I'm scared..." I mumbled with a wavering voice.
I stared up the ceiling until my vision faded.