Old Wounds, New Faces [Part 1]
Pairing: Go Hyun-tak x OC
The world splintered when Ahn Su-ho was deprived of consciousness. Oh Beom-seok was once a beloved friend turned foe due to his loneliness that festered into uncontrollable rage. He set his wrath to the undeserving Su-ho, who his mind twisted an innocent amity into a commanding affair, and decimated not only his friendship with the boy, but all of his genuine connections. The sun would not shine for them for a long period of time, but for one, an overcast will shadow their being for eternity.
Si-eun and Eun-kyung were choked with guilt. Si-eun believed he had a hand in destroying Su-ho's life for not being strong enough and Eun-kyung despised her inability to appear in Su-ho’s time of need. Failure clung to them like a good friend. They had lost a pivotal pillar and confidante in their lives; the impression he left weighed on their battered friendship. His absence was felt. It lingered in every waking moment. Haunted by the what-ifs of that specific night.
A constant motif that dwelled in her mind was of time travel. To have the ability to repeat the day and alter the sequence of events that led to the downfall of Su-ho. To relieve his grandmother of the grief of missing her only grandchild and to spare Si-eun of his misplaced guilt.
Sometimes, her mind wanders further back. To the day they confronted the sham gangster and his crew of runaways. Other times, she wishes to rewrite Su-ho and Si-eun’s introduction to Beom-seok when he first transferred. It was a never-ending calamity. No matter how many scenarios her mind conjured up, the outcome would ultimately stay the same: Su-ho stuck in perpetual sleep and Eun-kyung cursed to be unable to help.
Life hadn’t been the same since. Si-eun, overwhelmed with an intense ire for revenge, enacted a violent vengeance against those who had a hand in Su-ho’s condition. She didn't know the exact details of his assault, but she heard rumors that it was an impassioned and bloody altercation. She never asked for details. She didn't care for them. She would only know if Si-eun wanted her to know.
Si-eun had told her about his inevitable transfer. A sort of punishment for his actions pushed by Beom-seok's adoptive father. It lit a fire within her that after all the crimes his son committed, whether he chooses to acknowledge it or not, that he still chose to be petty. Si-eun’s new school was somewhat closer to hers, although she had heard terrible stories that had allegedly occurred at that school. She could only hope that Si-eun would open himself up again for the right people and make more friends.
From what Su-ho had told her, Si-eun was the type to pretend not to care. He constructed walls to put distance between himself and other people. He very rarely allowed others in, but underneath his facade he was just a boy who yearned to love and be loved.
Si-eun and Eun-kyung spent their days seated outside of Su-ho's hospital room. The room itself felt too suffocating; it made the situation feel more surreal than it already was. Outside of the bleak walls they could pretend.
Si-eun took this time to document his days via text while Eun-kyung wrote in her journal specifically for Su-ho. It was a miniscule gesture to ensure Su-ho would feel included. To brief him on the happenstance of their lives, to share the moments he missed, and to insure Su-ho knew they thought of him the entire time he was (hopefully) temporarily gone.
Their visits would usually end after eating at Su-ho's old workplace. Eun-kyung took it upon herself to help out until he could return. They would eat the lettuce wraps Su-ho so desperately forced upon them when he was awake. They would mostly eat in silence, only murmuring about their days occasionally, and ruminating over the fond memories they shared.
After a couple of days, Si-eun looked better. The dark circles under his eyes were fading and he looked happier. He mentioned of a happenstance that ended with three guys and himself being forced to volunteer over the weekend. He promised to visit Su-ho later that day, but Eun-kyung was delighted he was lowering his guard with others.
Eun-kyung offered to give him a ride as Su-ho’s grandmother allowed her to ride Su-ho’s bike in the meantime, but he declined. In his own silent way, he appreciated her concern even if it was unwarranted.
There was a placidity to the day after Si-eun was forced to volunteer. It was a bit unnerving and nothing she did could settle the pit that continued to grow in her stomach. Something was wrong, but she couldn't place her finger on what. It was just a feeling, a sentiment she felt before, that also ended in tragedy. She could only hope she was wrong.
As she maneuvered her way out of the sea of young girl, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She instinctively dug for it and saw Si-eun had been the sender. He was not an avid texter like her. He mostly read the blocks of texts she'd sent, only throwing her a thumbs up emoji to let her know he was finished reading, but when he did text it was important.
Sad Eyes: Track my location, my friends are in-trouble
Her heart dropped in that moment as buried feelings erupted to the forefront of her mind. She briskly opened the WithMap app and began sprinting in his direction. While she wasn't too far from his location she feared she wouldn't make it in time as he appeared to be moving away from her. She pushed her body to its maximum compacity . She wouldn't dare to be late again. She couldn't be late again.
The app showed Si-eun had stopped and resided in the building she was now entering. She took a slight breather when she noticed the amount of stairs she would have to climb before she hurried up the steps. Si-eun and his friends were in trouble. She was so close. She pleaded for everyone to be alright; she couldn't lose another friend or see Si-eun be riddled with even more guilt.
When the door was in-sight, she pushed her entire weight onto it and the sound of the door slamming deafened the commotion. There were five guys she didn't recognize. One, who wore a deep burgundy uniform, towered over Si-eun, who was laying on his back unmoving. It felt like frigid water was doused over her head. The scene was all too familiar. She wanted to cry out to Si-eun, to plead for him to wake up, but his assailant was far too close.
Instead, she casually dropped her backpack before asking, "Who's Hyun-tak, Jun-tae, and Hu-min?"
One of the boys, who looked to have been only watching the assault, pointed at two others who were huddled together in pain. "There’s Hyun-tak and Jun-tae."
The one closest to her arched an eyebrow, mild amusement seeped onto his face, as he turned to Hyun-tak and Jun-tae. "And what business do you ha-" His question was interrupted by her fist. Her assault persisted as her fury inflamed. This guy hurt Si-eun. She ensured every blow she enacted was meant to confined him to the ground. That the ache would be too distressing to even attempt to get up.
When she determined justice was served, and the line not meant to be crossed was far too close for comfort, she looked at the two uninjured guys and said, "Tell your boss if he fucks with with Si-eun and his friends again, I will tear down his little gang brick by brick." She motioned to the door, "You can go now."
The two took a brief moment, eyeing their defeated friend lying on the ground, before bolting out. They scurried away like little mice running from a predator, leaving their injured comrade to suffer the consequences, it was almost laughable if Eun-kyung wasn't filled with worry about Si-eun.
"Si-eun!" She rushed towards his immobile body. His eyes fluttered as if he was trying to focus his vision. "Can you hear me?"
The door behind her was slammed opened and another figure joined them. It wasn’t neither of the two guys from earlier. This was someone new. He wore the same colored uniform as Si-eun, except he wore no tie and the shirt underneath was black with bits of white.
He consumed the scene before rushing towards Si-eun. "Hey Si-eun! Are you okay? Si-eun!" Eun-kyung watched as this unfamiliar guy stress about Si-eun’s health. He was genuinely worried. Si-eun had several scrapes on his face and bruises were starting to emerge.
"Su-ho," Her heart sank, "Eun-kyung, I got into another fight. I'm sorry."
Her lip quivered before a tear trailed down her cheek. She swiftly wiped it away before reassuring him, "It’s okay. I'm just relieved you're okay." Her reassurance seemed to calm him down enough for him to fall unconscious.
In the distance, sirens could be heard getting louder. Worried they were for them, she turned to the boy next to her. "I'll take Si-eun. Can you help the others?"
He paused for a moment before nodding, "Yeah." He made his way towards the other two and they mumbled softly for a bit. She stabilized herself before lifting Si-eun into her arms. He was lighter than she previously thought. She noted to buy more snacks for him when they went out.
She waited for the others to gather their thoughts before they began the journey down the stairs. As the sirens grew closer their movements accelerated. They didn't want to get caught. When they reached the every last step, the guys had no clue where to go.
"We can go to my apartment." Eun-kyung offered. "It’s close by." They agreed and silently followed her.
The group swiftly evaded capture by sticking to the alleyways. Eun-kyung had occasionally strolled through the seedy parts of her neighborhood and knew how to navigate them all safely. She could rest easy now that everyone of importance to Si-eun was relatively safe minus some emotional and mental distress, some minor injuries, and immersed guilt spouting out of one specific member. Overall, they all appeared to be fine except for Si-eun, who looks like he took the brunt of the assault. Eun-kyung considered that a win. She just wished Si-eun didn’t have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.
When they reached her apartment door, she welcomed them in. “You guys can take a seat in the kitchen. I’ll take out my medkit after I lay Si-eun down.” Her apartment wasn’t that spacious. The kitchen and the living room kinda melded into one entity. That was a small hallway that head to only one bedroom—her room— and the bathroom.
The guys did as told, each guy sitting down on a chair, utterly exhausted of the days events. Eun-kyung walked into her mundane room and gently laid Si-eun’s unconscious body on her covers. Si-eun looked peaceful at the very moment minus the obvious bruising and scratches. She hoped no nightmares plagued his being for the unforeseeable future. He deserved to be riddled with good dreams.
After she left him alone, she went for her medkit. It was a small and inexpensive thing, but it’d been beneficial so far. Most of the items were already used as Su-ho and Si-eun had a knack of finding trouble. She had spent the majority of her supplies on them.
With the med-kit in hand her eyes wandered to the Si-eun’s schoolmates. The bespectacled boy was a familiar quiet. It was not like Si-eun’s intense, but warm silence. It was like a breeze on a excruciating hot day. Cooling as it brushed against the skin.
The one with the slight tan was blazing, yet still carried a placidity to his glow. He was brilliant as the sun, but illuminated for only a selected few. There was a glint in his eye that beamed a sort of sorrow. It was the same one she saw in Si-eun, but his was much more pronounced.
The last guy was much like the moon. There was a hidden gentleness to his tough facade. A dingy overcast that obstructs his splendor. A softness that cocoons the person of his affections. He was exquisite in the way one could not expressed. It was just there, shrouded in the uncertainty of his history, but tangible to only those who knew what to search for.
Eun-kyung took a seat in the last available chair and pushed the med-kit towards them. “This should help.”
“Thank you,” The bespectacled one said. His voice was meek and slightly drowsy. He immediately cared for the wounds of the guy right next to him.
“And you are?” The one with the tan asked.
He sent her a smirk, “What a coincidence, so are we.”
“So I heard.” She quipped.
“I didn’t know Si-eun had any other friends.” The one being cared for uttered.
“Si-eun’s a very private guy.” She mentioned, “You guys probably noticed.”
“He’s not exactly subtle.”
The conversation dwindled for a minute before she said, “He’s told me about you guys.”
“About how handsome I am?”
“About how obnoxiously loud you are.” She jested, “You’re definitely Hu-min.”
She let out a laugh before pointing to the one wearing glasses, “You’re adorable. You must be Jun-tae.” He ducked his face while it turned a bright red. He toyed with his fingers before nodding slowly.
Eun-kyung smiled, “And you must be Hyun-tak.”
“I’m Eun-kyung.” She stood up from her chair and walked towards the kitchen, “Are you guys hungry?”
“Yes!” Hu-min roared in delight.
Hyun-tak playfully smacked his head, “Be quiet. Si-eun’s sleeping.”
Hu-min rubbed the back of his head, sending a glare to his friend. “But I’m starving.” Hu-min cried, “I could faint at any moment. Do you even care?”
“No.” Hyun-tak joked as Jun-tae watched curiously in the sideline.
Eun-kyung cut in, “I can make fried chicken.” She didn’t have much food in her apartment, she usually spends her days eating out, but yesterday she had more free time to prep for today’s meal. “Is that alright?”
“Sounds good.” Hyun-tak nodded.
Hu-min hummed as if he was daydreaming, “Fried chicken.”
“Do you need help?” Jun-tae questioned about to get up.
Eun-kyung held up her hand before reassuring him, “I just need to make the batter and fry it. Just get some rest.”
Eun-kyung opened her cabinet to take out a pan, a bowl, flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a variety of spices. She washed the bowl thoroughly before adding and mixing various ingredients until the batter was smooth.
She added oil to her pan, turned on the stove, and walked to her fridge to get the marinated chicken. In the background she could hear the boys chatting as the mood became lighter. She continued on with adding the chicken to the batter, making sure to coat it meticulously, when she heard her name.
“Eun-kyung,” Hu-min’s voice was unexpectedly subdued. “On the rooftop, Si-eun called out a name.”
She stilled for a brief moment; he paused almost unsure of how to navigate the conversation. The other two grew silent. Almost waiting for a blowout argument. She waited for him to continue to ask about him—Su-ho—she could feel her heart race.
Hum-in bit the bullet and asked, “Who’s Su-ho?”
“Su-ho is a friend of mine and Si-eun.” Eun-kyung said while keeping her hands and mind busy. She had never spoken about Su-ho outside of the Si-eun and the people who knew him.
“What happened to him?” This time it was Hyun-tak who asked.
Her vision was becoming blurry. “Someone hurt him and Si-eun blames himself for what happened.” She didn’t want to dive into the details while she was frying chicken. The betrayal still burned in the back of her mind. Beom-seok was supposed to be their friend, but he turned out to be an adversary. His anger corrupted him and then, he turned his attention to Su-ho.
She remembered sitting outside of his hospital room watching the video, the last one of Su-ho fully conscious, and feeling utterly helpless. She watched Beom-seok and two other strike Su-ho after he was already down.
She sniffled, “Can one of you watch the chicken?” She didn’t want them to see her this vulnerable. While the guys were friends of Si-eun, they were strangers to her.
She pulled out a tray and placed it on the counter near the stove. Hu-min was already standing next to her and she said in a shaky voice, “It needs to few more minutes.”
She walked inside of her bathroom and shut the door behind her. The bathroom was very plain and impersonal like the rest of her apartment. She stood in-front of her sink and turned on the cold water, splashing her face to get rid of the redness in her eyes, and took a deep breath.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment and could hear the hushed tones of the guys in her living space and the sizzling of the chicken frying. She took a glance at her reflection and she looked utterly drained.
She spent a few more moments before she deemed herself ready. She opened the door, crept towards her bedroom door, and peeked inside to see if Si-eun was still asleep. He hadn’t moved one inch.
Eun-kyung walked back to her kitchen. The guys didn’t mention Su-ho afterwards. She silently thanked them before taking over the cooking once again.
Eun-kyung ate in silence, but she revelled in the boisterous manner in which Hu-min, Hyun-tak, and Jun-tae behaved. Hu-min and Hyun-tak reminded her of Su-ho and Si-eun in a strange way. She could see bits and pieces embedded in them, but they were also so different. She was glad Si-eun found a group like this one.
