Hyun peered through the window, observing the crowd that showed no signs of dispersing. A new argument had erupted, providing a welcomed distraction. Their path to freedom involved navigating a mostly linear route from the abandoned classroom to a nearby gate. The task seemed simple enough, but any suspicion from Kai, Ron, or a curious onlooker could jeopardize their escape.
Escaping had always been a skill Hyun had honed over the years, having ditched countless classes in the past. However, the consequences back then were trivial compared to the risks they faced now. With Min's suggestion and Hyun's experience, the roles shifted, and Hyun took the lead.
Carefully, Hyun stepped one foot out of the room, scanning the surroundings for any potential threats. The corridor lay deserted except for a janitor cleaning up a pitiful puddle of vomit in the far corner. Up ahead, the commotion of the crowd echoed through the open ground.
Satisfied with his quick assessment, Hyun returned to Min, assuring him that there was little cause for concern. They simply had to blend in as naturally as possible during the initial part of their journey.
In what Hyun uniquely called the "first course," they needed to exit the room and turn left. Suppressing his instinct to hold Min's hand, Hyun gestured for Min to follow behind at a distance that wouldn't arouse suspicion. Their connection had to be disguised to avoid raising eyebrows. With his senses heightened, Hyun led the way, keeping a vigilant watch as they embarked on the riskiest leg of their escape, walking alongside a sea of people not too far away.
Emerging from the filthy dark into the open, the lovers experienced a stark contrast in their demeanor. Hyun's face showed no trace of fear as his acting chops took over. He strolled casually, wearing a subtle smile while maintaining a neutral expression overall. A warm, humid breeze caressed his face, and the breaking sunlight bathed his entire body. His eyes sparkled with vitality and exuberance.
In contrast, a dark cloud seemed to hover over Min's head. His wide eyes held a look of terror, as if he had just witnessed a gruesome murder. Unlike Hyun, Min's gaze lacked the same zest for life.
The two lovers proceeded along the straight path at a steady pace, careful not to attract undue attention. Min struggled to resist the urge to look at the chaotic scene surrounding them, but he managed to keep his head still. The air reverberated with thunderous barks and roars, as if a crowd had gathered to witness a brutal cage fight between aggressive animals.
After what felt like an eternity, the ceiling above them opened up, revealing the sky. They passed by several classrooms, stopping at one to retrieve their bags, before continuing towards the gate that marked the second leg of their journey. As they approached, they shed their disguises, quickening their pace toward their destination. This gate, primarily used by teachers and leading to a staff-only parking compound, was their exit point. Despite the main gate being closer and having a pathetic watchman, they decided against taking the risk due to the hubbub beside it. Some students even speculated that the guard stationed there was dead, and the principal hadn't found a replacement yet. Whispers circulated about a "funky odor" emanating from the guard's room during the sweltering heat.
Hand in hand, the two boys arrived at the gate, their steps muffled as they drew nearer. Apart from a focused janitor, a drowsy guard different from the man at the main gate, and themselves, no other humans were present.
Hyun remarked, "Looks like this guard is dead too."
Min innocently asked, "So... do we jump over the gate?"
Hyun chuckled and playfully tousled Min's hair, replying, "Ah, you cutie. We can just walk right through. He won't even notice."
Just as they were about to taste freedom, a loud, hoarse voice called out from behind.
"Hey! Min and Hyun! Where are you guys going?!"
Startled, Min climbed over the gate, while Hyun swiftly kicked it open and sprinted at full speed.
"Come on! Run!"
Despite his previous leg injury, Hyun dashed forward like a cheetah chasing after its prey. The parking lot, relatively empty, allowed them to run without much hindrance. At first, Min struggled to keep up, but adrenaline flowed through his veins, propelling him forward until he matched Hyun's speed.
Breathlessly, Min asked, "Who was that?! I hope we didn't get caught."
"Don't know. I really don't. But if things take a turn for the worse, we'll find a way!" Hyun assured him.
Suddenly, a loud bang echoed behind them, followed by cries of distress. The voice sounded familiar, rough, and boisterous. Min brushed off the thought, focusing on the present moment.
Unbeknownst to them, their pursuer was indeed Akio. Spotting the two boys from a distance, he called out to them, intending to ask about their peculiar companionship and movement. As they dashed away in response, Akio gave chase, only to slip on the liquid that the janitor had been cleaning and emit a cry, not due to the pain but the putrid stench that now clung to him.
Finally, the two lovers reached the street, and an electrifying current streamed through Hyun's entire being. Though the surroundings appeared dull and lifeless, with silent homes, scattered trash, thin vegetation, and a slumbering cat, Hyun radiated an unmatched liveliness. This vibrant energy grew as he stepped on dried leaves that crackled beneath his feet, releasing packets of positive energy into the air. Glancing behind, he noticed Min, adorably excited, struggling to carry his hefty bag. Despite running aimlessly, Hyun couldn't contain his laughter and overwhelming happiness. Min, too, shyly joined in the giggles as he caught up with Hyun. Driven by sheer exhilaration, Hyun thrust his hands toward the sky and propelled himself forward with unbounded enthusiasm.
Comments (0)
See all