“The Price of Freedom” Preview
So this was originally going to be chapter 6 of tVoF, but it’s been reformatted and re-purposed. What do you think?
**
You stare hard into your drink, turning it this way and that, admiring the way the garish lights of the bar refract through the faceted glass and down into the amber liquid. Dancing colors warp and flicker out, tickling at your memory. Was it the fireworks at the amusement park - back when your heart sang for his love? Or was it… that other time?
No. The present is all that matters. “To a successful party!” You hold up your glass to your drinking partners, who seem to startle at your sudden change of demeanor. Regardless, Zen and Yoosung join in your toast.
“Of course it will be a success!” Zen brings his glass to his lips with a flourish, a few drops making their way to the table before he takes a big sip of his beer. “You whipped up that fancy RFA get-together in no time! We’ll have months to plan for the big one. Oh, I can’t wait to stand before the doors, resplendent in my party attire, shining with joy as I greet each lovely guest!”
Yoosung frowns at him before downing half his glass. “Sure, sure, and I’ll be waiting tables again.”
“Not a chance. I’m teaching you how to dance this time.”
The blonde stares at you as if you’d threatened to delete his LOLOL character, his face turning pink. “I don’t think, uh, that I’d be very good. I-I’m fine waiting tables. Serious!”
“Mmhmm. Hey, you really are a good dancer though, MC. You and the new guy were really tearing up the dance floor!”
You take your turn to glare at Zen. “Oh my god, I was just teaching him some steps so he can feel comfortable at the party.”
Zen laughs goodnaturedly. “Did you see how shy he was, dancing with her, Yoosung? I thought he was going to melt into the floor! Say, do you think he likes her?”
Pointing your finger straight at his perfect nose, you drown the rest of your glass in one go. “No. Don’t even go there. Saeran? No. Oh, thank god. There’s a waiter headed this way. I guess ours left for the night. I officially need another drink” You wave the man over to your table and order another round for your little group.
“Woah, May. I think I’m good for the night and you probably are too. You have a long ride home, right?”
“Yoosung, you’re sweet, but I’m fine. I swear. Besides, can’t I just crash at one of your places tonight?” The men glance at each other with mirrored frowns, and the next several moments pass in awkward silence. Had you really worn out your welcome that quickly?
Zen’s reply is cut short by the waiter nearly slamming a glass down in front of you, before composing himself and passing out the other two glasses. “I’ll close up your tab,” he mutters.
Eyebrows raise all around the table, before you shrug and ask, “Who recommended this bar again? Rude.”
Zen gives you a helpless shrug. “Anyway, how’s the new apartment?”
“It’s fine. Yoosung set up my computer on the first night so I can play games and start the planning process.” There’s a sudden pressure in your chest, like you’re about to belch, but the gas has corners. You try to work it out, gulping down more air, but it just kind of sits hard in your gullet, making you feel woozy. “Hey, Yooshung, didn’t you say there was an expansion coming out for…,” you trail off as you try to remember the name of your favorite game. What a stupid thing to forget. “You know. Whatsit?”
You blink. Your vision is smeared by streaks of nauseating colored lights. Everything lurches like you’re on a ship in a storm. Blink. Above you are red eyes looking down in concern. “Zen? What…?” You’re too warm. Far too warm, and there’s a terrible pressure in your chest, in your head. Beyond Zen you see the ceiling, covered in garish metal signs that ripple like waves. Your stomach clenches, sending pain through your everything. Blink. Zen’s gone and Yoosung is crouched next to you, fretting. His violet pupils drip down his face and you slam your eyes shut to block out the horrible sight.
Distantly, through the rocking storm you hear, “Need…
