PRISONERS (17/?)
Title: Prisoners (17/?)
Author: qrn
Pairing: OT6
Rating: M (Mature), for sexual & violent themes
Summary: Each of them has their own problems that may just be too hard to cure.
Author's Notes: Okay, so I know I promised to update yesterday... but I got distracted. You see, my uncle just had to take us all to IKEA & the beach (I had no idea why he was in such a good mood), so I had no time to finish off the remaining 20% of the chapter last night =.= I apologize deeply to those who had been waiting for me to post this up =( Anyhoo, this is Junnie's POV (as you can see) & more escape plots are revealed! I hope you guys don't kill me for the overly depressing & disturbing content >.< Feedbacks & comments are welcome, as always ^^ Enjoy!
17. JUNHYUNG
"So you're positive too, huh?"
My head snapped at the sudden question. Joon was leaning next to the fridge door, hands tucked into his sweatpant pockets. His expression was nonchalant, and there was a mocking air to it. I gripped the glass of water tightly on the dining table, trying to stay calm.
"I saw the paper on your desk yesterday," he shrugged.
I felt my muscles tensing up.
"For both of you to catch the bug..."
I gritted my teeth.
"...just how much did you fuck each other?"
The glass fell, causing the water to spill on the table. I jumped up and charged at him, smashing his back against the wall. He didn't flinch.
"Shut up," I hissed.
He stared at me scornfully. "You know," he said. "Me and the hyungs had a talk last night."
I looked at him, hard.
"You can't stay here anymore."
I couldn't believe my ears.
There was a gap of silence, and all I could hear was the ticking clock on the wall.
"...What?" I managed to get my voice out. Was he joking?
"You heard me," he said, his expression firm. "Byunghee-hyung decided it's better if you move out." Those eyes were dead serious.
I still held on to his collar. "But... why?"
"Well..." Slowly, he pushed my hands with the side of his wrist. "You're behind on the rent for a few months."
"Hyung." My eyes widened in disbelief; that couldn't be the only reason. We'd been friends for a long time. "Why?"
Looking away, he walked past me. "Just because."
This couldn't be happening. I knew I'd been broke for a while because I spent most of my savings for HyunA's hospital bills. I got fired again from my last job because I hit a customer in the face (it was his fault for slapping a female worker's butt), and right now I couldn't think of a quick way to get money just to survive.
"No, hyung!" I didn't know why I suddenly kneeled down and begged, despite having the urge of punching him in the face. "Please." How could they throw our friendship just like that?
He stopped, his back facing me. "Look, Junhyung-ah." Letting out a sigh, he asked, "Do you think we can have someone like you living in the house?"
I swallowed uneasily. "What... what do you mean?"
As if hesitant, he didn't answer straightaway. Once again, the sound of the ticking clock filled the room.Then he said quietly, "You know what I mean."
I stared at him, my jaw dropped in horror upon realization.
"We want you out of the house by tomorrow morning." Then he added coldlessly before walking away, "Just spend your remaining time with her."
I was left alone in shock, unable to move.
Such friends.
When I woke up, it was already daytime. The bright sun entered the small window and shone directly on my face. I opened my eyes slowly, my head still tingling with dizziness. I cringed as my arms brushed against the cold floor.
Ouch.
I could still feel the effects of last night's electric shock therapy. I glanced at the clock on the wall, which read 10:37.
Fuck.
Sitting up straight, I shook my head to stay awake. My bones were aching, and I was hungry.
My drugs.
In reflex, I searched under the bedpan for the plastic sachets. I froze; there were none.
Oh, no.
I checked every zipped pocket and side pouch of my bag frantically, but I still couldn't find a single one.
Did they enter my room while I was gone?
I recalled that bastard Yoo took one during the counselling, and that lab lady confiscated my pack of cigarettes.
Those motherfuckers.
I promptly reached down to the base of the bag, beneath a pile of old clothes. The picture was still there. I sighed in relief.
Thank God.
I took it out of the bag and quickly slipped it in my shirt pocket. My heart began pounding as cold sweat was forming on forehead, and I continued searching for more cigarettes (there were none left in the bag, too). Hoping they didn't take everything away, I stood up to look around the room. I was pretty sure I hid a few just in case of emergencies, but right now I couldn't even think properly. My hands began feeling around for any gaps on the brick wall as I fought the stinging pain in the back of my head.
They've gotta be here somewhere.
When I reached the bottom row, I could feel a small crack among the bricks. Suddenly I remembered hiding a few drugs in there on the first day. Grinning widely, I carefully pulled out a loose brick. I slid my hand into the small hole, and nearly leaped in joy to find two sachets and three cigarette packs.
Seems like they're not as smart as I thought they were.
I took out a lighter (which was surprisingly still left in my pocket) and lighted a stick. As I inhaled the poison deeply, my head felt lighter and the pain slowly disappeared. Lying down on the floor with my legs stretched out, I continued to finish smoking while trying to figure out some things about this crazy place.
What do they want from us?
First of all, they read out our life records, revealing the problems each of us had been trying to hide from each other (was that to make us feel like trash?). I could fucking care less about their issues--just seeing that poor fool Kikwang acting like a weak coward was irritating enough. I wouldn't even bother trying to make sure whether that spoiled blonde Yoseob was really struggling with ADD or not. And that bossy jerk Doojoon, who was taken away to a different room than me for the individual counselling session. Not to mention the anorexic kid and the idiotic maknae.
I don't need to care about them.
As I was finishing the round, I heard a slight beep. My head perked up all of a sudden.
What was that?
I threw swift glances here and there as an uneasy feeling started to creep up my stomach. Apart from the bed and the small table next to the window (they were out of question), there was nothing that was able to make such a noise (it sounded slightly machine-like).
Where did it come from?
I got on my feet and looked around the room. There was no more beep, but I was pretty sure I heard it--despite how abrupt it was. Finally I laid my eyes on the old clock hanging on the wall.
It can't be.
I shook my head. Although a voice in the back of my head said no, something else was telling me to search the clock. Shakily, I climbed the bed and to reach it. It was too high, so I stood on my toes and stretched out an arm.
Just a little bit more.
Finally the tip of my finger was able to touch it. I jumped and reached the top edge of the chapter ring with a loud smack, causing the clock to go off-balance and fall on the bed. I grabbed it at the speed of light for inspection. I held my breath as I saw a tiny, chip-like device on the middle of the clock face.
No way.
My eyes widened as I saw my reflection through the small lens on the round widget.
Could it be...
Without a second thought, I smashed the clock on the floor. It was shattered, and the device made another weak beeping noise as it twitched slightly, broken.
They're watching us.
I swung open of the cell door and rushed down the long hallway.
How could I not realize it?
My head was starting to hurt; I didn't know which way to go.
I have to get out of here.
I might not have known my way around the building, but there had to be an exit door for sure.
I bumped into a few people at the stairs. "Move!" I yelled at them.
They cringed, and quickly stepped aside. "Geez, what's his problem?" one of them mumbled.
I clicked my tongue. Idiots. As I was running down the steps, I could feel their stares behind my back. But I didn't care--I had to escape from this sick place.
It was painful seeing her like this.
"What..." she said, coughing. "... day is it now?" Her pale skin was covered in ugly reddish spots, and her limbs were so thin that I could almost see through her bones.
"Tuesday," I replied. I didn't know how many times I had visited her for the past four months.
She managed a weak smile. "We'd be walking on the beach right now," she said, staring out the window to the orange sunset.
I felt a lump in the back of my throat.
"Why is it so cold?" She looked up at the white ceiling, tears forming in her beautiful eyes.
I wrapped my hands around hers tightly to make her feel warm.
"I don't want to die." I could see fear on that fragile face as she those awful words escaped her lips. "Not now." Drops of tears trickled down her sunken cheeks. "Not ever."
"I won't let you," I choked, feeling a stinging pain in my chest.
"I thought we'd stay together," she said hoarsely. "Forever." She coughed again. "I thought nothing could separate us."
I couldn't stand it.
"You're right," I said as I embraced her thin figure, my hands running through her red hair. "Nothing." My eyes were getting warm. "Because I've promised you that I would never let anything come between us."
She planted a soft kiss on my cheek. "I remember... that promise." She let out a little laugh that was different than usual.
I closed my eyes, and I could feel the tears dropping down one by one.
I would always be with her, no matter what.
I reached what appeared to be the bottom floor, surprised to see no guards anywhere in sight.
This is strange.
For some reason, it was chilly. I made my way through the dim-lit corridors (I couldn't believe it was still slightly dark inside the building despite being daytime), looking for an exit door.
It's gotta be here somewhere.
It was unusually quiet (the other patients must have been busy in the dining hall or common room upstairs). My heart was pounding as I turned on my heels and ran off to any random direction, hoping it would eventually lead me outside.
Where am I going?
My eyes tried searching for familiar-looking rooms, but it was difficult since all doors resembled one another. Hell, I wasn't even sure if I was walking the right way or not. I glanced down the long hallway.
I can't see the ends.
Then I remembered being led to the common room on the first day I arrived here.
Where is the entrance?
The more I walked, the more my head hurt. Although I'd tried both ways of the corridor, everything looked the same.
Am I walking around in circles?
A shiver went down my spine as I realized that no matter where I went, I could never find a way out of this place.
It's an endless maze.
I was already out of breath at this point, and my legs were shaking.
What the fuck is this place?
Balling my hands into fists, I tried to keep myself composed. "There has to be a way out," I muttered to myself with a shiver. "There has to be."
I don't want to stay here forever.
I shook off the unpleasant thought. I have to stay focused, I thought as I continued walking. I didn't hear any footsteps approaching--until I heard a deep voice from behind.
"What are you doing here?"
My heart stopped beating for a moment.
I turned around to find a tall, bulky man with bushy mustache standing in front of me; a guard.
Oh, shit.
"Are you lost?" he asked.
Who the hell are you?
He didn't let me answer. "It's nearly lunchtime. Shouldn't you be heading to the dining hall?"
I staggered backwards slowly. "I..."
I need to get out of here.
He stared at me, hard.
He's suspicious.
He asked an unexpected question, "Are you from Room Eleven?"
My chest felt as if it was tightening; the effect from the electric shock was still there. "...Yes."
I have to be careful.
He didn't say anything, as if thinking hard.
Go away.
Suddenly he gripped me on the arm. "What the fuck?" My eyes widened. That, too, was unexpected.
"Stay quiet," he said, dragging me away.
"Where the fuck are we going?" I exclaimed. There's no way in hell I'll want to go back to my room, nor to the dining hall.
"Don't say anything and just follow me," he whispered, sounding nervous.
Was he serious? "I'm not gonna do some fucking experiment," I said through clenched teeth.
"Trust me." We took a right turn towards a darker corridor.
He must be joking, I thought to myself incredulously. He expects me, a patient, to believe his words. It was easy to tell that he was only bullshitting so that I would become another guinea pig for another sick experiment. I tried to pull my hand, but the grip was too strong. We passed many unfamiliar doors in silence, and we seemed to have reached the forbidden territory in the building. I have to escape, I thought in fear.
"Look, I'm not allowed to do this," he said hurriedly as he pushed open a red door (I thought I saw his fingers trembling). "But you need to get out as soon as possible."
What?
The door swung open, and I held my breath. The room was painted entirely in red; it was as if a massive bloodbath had taken place just a few moments ago.
"What the fuck is this..." I mumbled to myself, shocked.
"Hurry and save your friend."
Friend? I cringed at the word. He pointed inside the room. I followed the direction of his finger, and saw a small figure huddling in the far corner.
"He was locked here since last night," the guard said breathlessly (it was as if he was extremely scared of something). "After the therapy."
I saw a glimpse of short blonde hair under the crimson light.
No way.
It was indeed Yoseob. He looked up in alarm, eyes widening as he saw me.
How the hell did he end up here?
He jumped up and ran to me in a speed of light. "You," he said through chattering teeth. "How...?" He clutched to my shirt, his whole body shaking.
For a moment, I seemed to forget my initial hatred towards him. I didn't say anything, and only stared anxiously around the blood-red room.
"Get me out of here," he said, shaking his head. "Please get me out of here."
I glanced at the people sitting down in the other two corners, metal chains tied around their ankles. They were unconscious on the floor.
This is sick.
"Your other friends are in the common room," the guard continued, his eyes moving around anxiously.
They're not my friends, I wanted to scream. And I'm not going back to that shitty room.
"The next therapy session is going to be held tomorrow," he added in a rush.
Why is he helping us?
He began to walk away from the room before telling us, "You have to get out of here before it's too late."
Too late?
Yoseob didn't lift his head. "I don't want to stay in this room." His arms were wrapped around me tightly, not letting go.
I turned my attention to the blonde, confused. "What the hell did they do to you?"
Before he could answer, we heard a loud squelch from behind us.
The two of us stood still, and I felt something wet on the back of my head. I saw splats of red on Yoseob's blonde hair.
Huh?
Yoseob touched his right cheek slowly. He stared at the red color on the tip of his fingers, his face pale with fear. I looked down, and there were small pinkish lumps on the floor.
What--
Both of us turned to the spot where the guard was supposed to be standing before. The walls of the corridor were splashed in red; he was no longer there (only his clothes were), and there was a huge pool of blood and chunks of what appeared to be...
Flesh.
"You're not taking the AZT treatment?"
I stared at the old woman sitting in front of me. Her face was filled with feigned concern.
"No," I answered.
More wrinkles were visible on her forehead as she furrowed her eyebrows into a frown. "Why not?"
Not only was she unattractive--she was a busybody, too. "None of your business."
She raised her eyebrows, then looked back at the file in her hands. "You're a regular here," she said. Her police uniform might make her seem important, but she was only a stranger who pretended to care. I knew she didn't give a damn about people like me (they labelled us delinquents, along with other insulting nicknames), and it'd have been a win-win situation if she considered this stupid interrogation shit finished. "Underage smoking, theft..." she went on to list the number of crimes I apparently had committed.
I leaned back on the uncomfortable chair.
"About your drug use..." she continued, "...you've been to rehabs before, have you?"
"So what?" I snapped.
"Obviously they didn't help," she added. "But since you're a minor, we can't put you into jail."
I'd heard those words countless times before.
"There's a good place in the countryside." She looked at me seriously.
What?
"Countryside?" I shouted, standing up. "Whatever happened to the normal juvie in the city?"
"You've been there quiet often, as your records say," she said, flicking through the pages.
Just take me to that good old place and everything would be over with.
"But recently, a lot of kids go to the one in the country to get treatment." She stood up from her chair, making her way to the door.
Treatment?
"I'm not going there." I tried shaking off the handcuffs, although I knew it would be useless. "It must be some mental hospital shit."
She stared at me, hard. "We transfer kids like you to that place because a juvenile is long deemed ineffective."
Kids like me?
"You can't make me," I grunted. I couldn't believe I wasn't allowed to have any say in this.
"The chief has passed an order to bring you there in two days." Without letting me answer back, she shut the door behind her.
I regretted ever stealing that loaf of bread.
Author: qrn
Pairing: OT6
Rating: M (Mature), for sexual & violent themes
Summary: Each of them has their own problems that may just be too hard to cure.
Author's Notes: Okay, so I know I promised to update yesterday... but I got distracted. You see, my uncle just had to take us all to IKEA & the beach (I had no idea why he was in such a good mood), so I had no time to finish off the remaining 20% of the chapter last night =.= I apologize deeply to those who had been waiting for me to post this up =( Anyhoo, this is Junnie's POV (as you can see) & more escape plots are revealed! I hope you guys don't kill me for the overly depressing & disturbing content >.< Feedbacks & comments are welcome, as always ^^ Enjoy!
17. JUNHYUNG
"So you're positive too, huh?"
My head snapped at the sudden question. Joon was leaning next to the fridge door, hands tucked into his sweatpant pockets. His expression was nonchalant, and there was a mocking air to it. I gripped the glass of water tightly on the dining table, trying to stay calm.
"I saw the paper on your desk yesterday," he shrugged.
I felt my muscles tensing up.
"For both of you to catch the bug..."
I gritted my teeth.
"...just how much did you fuck each other?"
The glass fell, causing the water to spill on the table. I jumped up and charged at him, smashing his back against the wall. He didn't flinch.
"Shut up," I hissed.
He stared at me scornfully. "You know," he said. "Me and the hyungs had a talk last night."
I looked at him, hard.
"You can't stay here anymore."
I couldn't believe my ears.
There was a gap of silence, and all I could hear was the ticking clock on the wall.
"...What?" I managed to get my voice out. Was he joking?
"You heard me," he said, his expression firm. "Byunghee-hyung decided it's better if you move out." Those eyes were dead serious.
I still held on to his collar. "But... why?"
"Well..." Slowly, he pushed my hands with the side of his wrist. "You're behind on the rent for a few months."
"Hyung." My eyes widened in disbelief; that couldn't be the only reason. We'd been friends for a long time. "Why?"
Looking away, he walked past me. "Just because."
This couldn't be happening. I knew I'd been broke for a while because I spent most of my savings for HyunA's hospital bills. I got fired again from my last job because I hit a customer in the face (it was his fault for slapping a female worker's butt), and right now I couldn't think of a quick way to get money just to survive.
"No, hyung!" I didn't know why I suddenly kneeled down and begged, despite having the urge of punching him in the face. "Please." How could they throw our friendship just like that?
He stopped, his back facing me. "Look, Junhyung-ah." Letting out a sigh, he asked, "Do you think we can have someone like you living in the house?"
I swallowed uneasily. "What... what do you mean?"
As if hesitant, he didn't answer straightaway. Once again, the sound of the ticking clock filled the room.Then he said quietly, "You know what I mean."
I stared at him, my jaw dropped in horror upon realization.
"We want you out of the house by tomorrow morning." Then he added coldlessly before walking away, "Just spend your remaining time with her."
I was left alone in shock, unable to move.
Such friends.
When I woke up, it was already daytime. The bright sun entered the small window and shone directly on my face. I opened my eyes slowly, my head still tingling with dizziness. I cringed as my arms brushed against the cold floor.
Ouch.
I could still feel the effects of last night's electric shock therapy. I glanced at the clock on the wall, which read 10:37.
Fuck.
Sitting up straight, I shook my head to stay awake. My bones were aching, and I was hungry.
My drugs.
In reflex, I searched under the bedpan for the plastic sachets. I froze; there were none.
Oh, no.
I checked every zipped pocket and side pouch of my bag frantically, but I still couldn't find a single one.
Did they enter my room while I was gone?
I recalled that bastard Yoo took one during the counselling, and that lab lady confiscated my pack of cigarettes.
Those motherfuckers.
I promptly reached down to the base of the bag, beneath a pile of old clothes. The picture was still there. I sighed in relief.
Thank God.
I took it out of the bag and quickly slipped it in my shirt pocket. My heart began pounding as cold sweat was forming on forehead, and I continued searching for more cigarettes (there were none left in the bag, too). Hoping they didn't take everything away, I stood up to look around the room. I was pretty sure I hid a few just in case of emergencies, but right now I couldn't even think properly. My hands began feeling around for any gaps on the brick wall as I fought the stinging pain in the back of my head.
They've gotta be here somewhere.
When I reached the bottom row, I could feel a small crack among the bricks. Suddenly I remembered hiding a few drugs in there on the first day. Grinning widely, I carefully pulled out a loose brick. I slid my hand into the small hole, and nearly leaped in joy to find two sachets and three cigarette packs.
Seems like they're not as smart as I thought they were.
I took out a lighter (which was surprisingly still left in my pocket) and lighted a stick. As I inhaled the poison deeply, my head felt lighter and the pain slowly disappeared. Lying down on the floor with my legs stretched out, I continued to finish smoking while trying to figure out some things about this crazy place.
What do they want from us?
First of all, they read out our life records, revealing the problems each of us had been trying to hide from each other (was that to make us feel like trash?). I could fucking care less about their issues--just seeing that poor fool Kikwang acting like a weak coward was irritating enough. I wouldn't even bother trying to make sure whether that spoiled blonde Yoseob was really struggling with ADD or not. And that bossy jerk Doojoon, who was taken away to a different room than me for the individual counselling session. Not to mention the anorexic kid and the idiotic maknae.
I don't need to care about them.
As I was finishing the round, I heard a slight beep. My head perked up all of a sudden.
What was that?
I threw swift glances here and there as an uneasy feeling started to creep up my stomach. Apart from the bed and the small table next to the window (they were out of question), there was nothing that was able to make such a noise (it sounded slightly machine-like).
Where did it come from?
I got on my feet and looked around the room. There was no more beep, but I was pretty sure I heard it--despite how abrupt it was. Finally I laid my eyes on the old clock hanging on the wall.
It can't be.
I shook my head. Although a voice in the back of my head said no, something else was telling me to search the clock. Shakily, I climbed the bed and to reach it. It was too high, so I stood on my toes and stretched out an arm.
Just a little bit more.
Finally the tip of my finger was able to touch it. I jumped and reached the top edge of the chapter ring with a loud smack, causing the clock to go off-balance and fall on the bed. I grabbed it at the speed of light for inspection. I held my breath as I saw a tiny, chip-like device on the middle of the clock face.
No way.
My eyes widened as I saw my reflection through the small lens on the round widget.
Could it be...
Without a second thought, I smashed the clock on the floor. It was shattered, and the device made another weak beeping noise as it twitched slightly, broken.
They're watching us.
I swung open of the cell door and rushed down the long hallway.
How could I not realize it?
My head was starting to hurt; I didn't know which way to go.
I have to get out of here.
I might not have known my way around the building, but there had to be an exit door for sure.
I bumped into a few people at the stairs. "Move!" I yelled at them.
They cringed, and quickly stepped aside. "Geez, what's his problem?" one of them mumbled.
I clicked my tongue. Idiots. As I was running down the steps, I could feel their stares behind my back. But I didn't care--I had to escape from this sick place.
It was painful seeing her like this.
"What..." she said, coughing. "... day is it now?" Her pale skin was covered in ugly reddish spots, and her limbs were so thin that I could almost see through her bones.
"Tuesday," I replied. I didn't know how many times I had visited her for the past four months.
She managed a weak smile. "We'd be walking on the beach right now," she said, staring out the window to the orange sunset.
I felt a lump in the back of my throat.
"Why is it so cold?" She looked up at the white ceiling, tears forming in her beautiful eyes.
I wrapped my hands around hers tightly to make her feel warm.
"I don't want to die." I could see fear on that fragile face as she those awful words escaped her lips. "Not now." Drops of tears trickled down her sunken cheeks. "Not ever."
"I won't let you," I choked, feeling a stinging pain in my chest.
"I thought we'd stay together," she said hoarsely. "Forever." She coughed again. "I thought nothing could separate us."
I couldn't stand it.
"You're right," I said as I embraced her thin figure, my hands running through her red hair. "Nothing." My eyes were getting warm. "Because I've promised you that I would never let anything come between us."
She planted a soft kiss on my cheek. "I remember... that promise." She let out a little laugh that was different than usual.
I closed my eyes, and I could feel the tears dropping down one by one.
I would always be with her, no matter what.
I reached what appeared to be the bottom floor, surprised to see no guards anywhere in sight.
This is strange.
For some reason, it was chilly. I made my way through the dim-lit corridors (I couldn't believe it was still slightly dark inside the building despite being daytime), looking for an exit door.
It's gotta be here somewhere.
It was unusually quiet (the other patients must have been busy in the dining hall or common room upstairs). My heart was pounding as I turned on my heels and ran off to any random direction, hoping it would eventually lead me outside.
Where am I going?
My eyes tried searching for familiar-looking rooms, but it was difficult since all doors resembled one another. Hell, I wasn't even sure if I was walking the right way or not. I glanced down the long hallway.
I can't see the ends.
Then I remembered being led to the common room on the first day I arrived here.
Where is the entrance?
The more I walked, the more my head hurt. Although I'd tried both ways of the corridor, everything looked the same.
Am I walking around in circles?
A shiver went down my spine as I realized that no matter where I went, I could never find a way out of this place.
It's an endless maze.
I was already out of breath at this point, and my legs were shaking.
What the fuck is this place?
Balling my hands into fists, I tried to keep myself composed. "There has to be a way out," I muttered to myself with a shiver. "There has to be."
I don't want to stay here forever.
I shook off the unpleasant thought. I have to stay focused, I thought as I continued walking. I didn't hear any footsteps approaching--until I heard a deep voice from behind.
"What are you doing here?"
My heart stopped beating for a moment.
I turned around to find a tall, bulky man with bushy mustache standing in front of me; a guard.
Oh, shit.
"Are you lost?" he asked.
Who the hell are you?
He didn't let me answer. "It's nearly lunchtime. Shouldn't you be heading to the dining hall?"
I staggered backwards slowly. "I..."
I need to get out of here.
He stared at me, hard.
He's suspicious.
He asked an unexpected question, "Are you from Room Eleven?"
My chest felt as if it was tightening; the effect from the electric shock was still there. "...Yes."
I have to be careful.
He didn't say anything, as if thinking hard.
Go away.
Suddenly he gripped me on the arm. "What the fuck?" My eyes widened. That, too, was unexpected.
"Stay quiet," he said, dragging me away.
"Where the fuck are we going?" I exclaimed. There's no way in hell I'll want to go back to my room, nor to the dining hall.
"Don't say anything and just follow me," he whispered, sounding nervous.
Was he serious? "I'm not gonna do some fucking experiment," I said through clenched teeth.
"Trust me." We took a right turn towards a darker corridor.
He must be joking, I thought to myself incredulously. He expects me, a patient, to believe his words. It was easy to tell that he was only bullshitting so that I would become another guinea pig for another sick experiment. I tried to pull my hand, but the grip was too strong. We passed many unfamiliar doors in silence, and we seemed to have reached the forbidden territory in the building. I have to escape, I thought in fear.
"Look, I'm not allowed to do this," he said hurriedly as he pushed open a red door (I thought I saw his fingers trembling). "But you need to get out as soon as possible."
What?
The door swung open, and I held my breath. The room was painted entirely in red; it was as if a massive bloodbath had taken place just a few moments ago.
"What the fuck is this..." I mumbled to myself, shocked.
"Hurry and save your friend."
Friend? I cringed at the word. He pointed inside the room. I followed the direction of his finger, and saw a small figure huddling in the far corner.
"He was locked here since last night," the guard said breathlessly (it was as if he was extremely scared of something). "After the therapy."
I saw a glimpse of short blonde hair under the crimson light.
No way.
It was indeed Yoseob. He looked up in alarm, eyes widening as he saw me.
How the hell did he end up here?
He jumped up and ran to me in a speed of light. "You," he said through chattering teeth. "How...?" He clutched to my shirt, his whole body shaking.
For a moment, I seemed to forget my initial hatred towards him. I didn't say anything, and only stared anxiously around the blood-red room.
"Get me out of here," he said, shaking his head. "Please get me out of here."
I glanced at the people sitting down in the other two corners, metal chains tied around their ankles. They were unconscious on the floor.
This is sick.
"Your other friends are in the common room," the guard continued, his eyes moving around anxiously.
They're not my friends, I wanted to scream. And I'm not going back to that shitty room.
"The next therapy session is going to be held tomorrow," he added in a rush.
Why is he helping us?
He began to walk away from the room before telling us, "You have to get out of here before it's too late."
Too late?
Yoseob didn't lift his head. "I don't want to stay in this room." His arms were wrapped around me tightly, not letting go.
I turned my attention to the blonde, confused. "What the hell did they do to you?"
Before he could answer, we heard a loud squelch from behind us.
The two of us stood still, and I felt something wet on the back of my head. I saw splats of red on Yoseob's blonde hair.
Huh?
Yoseob touched his right cheek slowly. He stared at the red color on the tip of his fingers, his face pale with fear. I looked down, and there were small pinkish lumps on the floor.
What--
Both of us turned to the spot where the guard was supposed to be standing before. The walls of the corridor were splashed in red; he was no longer there (only his clothes were), and there was a huge pool of blood and chunks of what appeared to be...
Flesh.
"You're not taking the AZT treatment?"
I stared at the old woman sitting in front of me. Her face was filled with feigned concern.
"No," I answered.
More wrinkles were visible on her forehead as she furrowed her eyebrows into a frown. "Why not?"
Not only was she unattractive--she was a busybody, too. "None of your business."
She raised her eyebrows, then looked back at the file in her hands. "You're a regular here," she said. Her police uniform might make her seem important, but she was only a stranger who pretended to care. I knew she didn't give a damn about people like me (they labelled us delinquents, along with other insulting nicknames), and it'd have been a win-win situation if she considered this stupid interrogation shit finished. "Underage smoking, theft..." she went on to list the number of crimes I apparently had committed.
I leaned back on the uncomfortable chair.
"About your drug use..." she continued, "...you've been to rehabs before, have you?"
"So what?" I snapped.
"Obviously they didn't help," she added. "But since you're a minor, we can't put you into jail."
I'd heard those words countless times before.
"There's a good place in the countryside." She looked at me seriously.
What?
"Countryside?" I shouted, standing up. "Whatever happened to the normal juvie in the city?"
"You've been there quiet often, as your records say," she said, flicking through the pages.
Just take me to that good old place and everything would be over with.
"But recently, a lot of kids go to the one in the country to get treatment." She stood up from her chair, making her way to the door.
Treatment?
"I'm not going there." I tried shaking off the handcuffs, although I knew it would be useless. "It must be some mental hospital shit."
She stared at me, hard. "We transfer kids like you to that place because a juvenile is long deemed ineffective."
Kids like me?
"You can't make me," I grunted. I couldn't believe I wasn't allowed to have any say in this.
"The chief has passed an order to bring you there in two days." Without letting me answer back, she shut the door behind her.
I regretted ever stealing that loaf of bread.