great escape ;; bongson (gncd)

four

Youngtaek could not stop thinking about how Jaehyun reacted to his simple question. Sure it was a small reaction, but it was an unexpected one nonetheless. He was starting to see that behind Jaehyun's emotionless persona, there was a deeper story. Remembering how teary Jaehyun's eyes looked, as though he was about to cry, Youngtaek couldn't even bring himself to be angry at the guy anymore. He just wanted answers, but he didn't how he would be able to get them.

After their hostile breakfast, the captives were left in silence, seated in their beds under the watchful eyes of the two beefy guards standing at the door. Youngtaek was left to his own thoughts, pondering whether Seungmin had reported him missing yet or if the police were searching for him. He wondered where this facility was located. Was it underground? Was it on some remote land or hidden amongst the bustling city? Was Jaehyun being forced to do this against his will? And if so, why?

His mental rambling was interrupted by a hard knock on the door before the guards opened it. In walked Doctor Lee and a few nurses behind tailing behind him in an orderly fashion. Youngtaek realized Donghyun wasn't there and neither was Jaehyun.

"Subjects, I have exciting news," Doctor Lee clapped his hands together and gave everyone a gentle smile that made Youngtaek feel nauseous, "I have designed the appropriate amount of ice pods and in a few days they will be ready for testing!

"Of course I wouldn't want you all to be lying in these uncomfortable beds for the duration of those few days, thus you will split into pairs and moved to a very spacious dorm room. You will be allowed to leave your rooms three times a day for your meals in the cafeteria.

"I trust that you will find this arrangement more convenient and comfortable," Doctor Lee nodded, that smile never leaving his face, "you will be escorted by one of the nurses, please cooperate. Thank you."

With that, Doctor Lee took large strides and exited the room. The nurses dispersed to their allocated captives and began carefully removing their IV drips. Once Youngtaek's nurse had removed his drip, she helped him to his feet and gave him a pair of slippers to wear. Along with the white hospital gown they had already put him in, Youngtaek felt miserable.

The nurse held onto Youngtaek's arm as she led him out of the room. They entered a wide hallway that was covered in concrete from the floor to the walls. The ceiling was high, but Youngtaek definitely felt like they were underground somewhere. They turned into another corridor which had several doors across the walls. They stopped at a door with the number 709 written on it and the nurse typed in a passcode to open it, covering the keypad with her body so Youngtaek couldn't see the password.

She opened the metal door and stepped aside, gesturing for Youngtaek to enter the room. He complied, taking slow steps into the room. The walls and floor were complete concrete, as was the rest of the facility they were in. As he entered, on his left was a tiny passageway that revealed a toilet and a basin. The rest of the room was a plain square with two beds - that looked at least more comfortable than their hospital beds - pressed up against the wall on either side. In the middle of the beds was a box of toiletries.

Youngtaek stood in the middle of the beds, taking in his new environment, before turning to look towards the nurse. She was still standing at the door, seemingly waiting for someone. Another nurse arrived at the door and behind her was a man shorter than Youngtaek with jet black hair and sharp facial features. He entered the room and gingerly inspected his surroundings, as Youngtaek did. He made brief eye contact with Youngtaek as he approached the beds before dropping his gaze to the floor.

"You two are now roommates, we hope you are both able to adapt to staying together," the nurse that escorted Youngtaek announced, "there is a toilet on your right, showers are available in the communal bathroom.

"You will be served lunch in the cafeteria. Besides bath time and meal times, you will unfortunately not be allowed out of this room," the nurse continued with a pitiful smile, "if there is anything you need, don't hesitate to buzz us."

She gestured to an intercom that was near the door and, with that, the two nurses closed the door. The keypad sounded from the other side of the door, signaling the door was locked.

"If there's anything I need, it's a phone to call the damn cops." Youngtaek muttered under his breath and he flinched at the sound of the other man's soft laughter.

"Oh sorry," the man quickly said upon Youngtaek lifting his eyes to look at him, "this whole situation is making me lose my mind, laughing is a sad coping mechanism."

"It's alright, I think I'm also about to go crazy," Youngtaek huffed with a bitter smile on his face before he reached his hand out, "I'm Youngtaek."

"Sungyoon." The man replied, shaking Youngtaek's hand.