Thin Ice- SunSun

[Chapter 17]

After a lengthy search of the complex, Sunoo still couldn't find Riki. Every time he called he was sent to voice mail straight away. It was evident that the boy didn't want to be found, so reluctantly Sunoo gave up. Riki was still a functioning human, he'd surely be fine for a few hours on his own. 

The more tricky part of this whole thing, was that Sunoo now had to find his way back to Jungwon. Following a sign that pointed to the ice rink, Sunoo got back to the familiar spot, soon finding another sign that pointed to the basketball courts. Wandering over to his friend, that was still sat on the grass, Sunoo noticed that the courts were empty.

"Hey, where's Heeseung and Jay?" Sunoo questioned, taking a seat next to Jungwon.

"Practice finished, maybe 15 minutes ago. They should be out soon." He replied, quickly realizing Sunoo wasn't with the boy.

Sunoo sighed, seeing the confused look on Jungwon's face. "I couldn't find him. This place is ginormous." 

"I'm not surprised, he's probably made his way into the city by now." Jungwon's gaze falls upon the white fleece Sunoo was wearing, he wondered where his friend got that from, since he didn't have it when he left. "Whose fleece is that?"

Unnerved by Jungwon's question, Sunoo didn't really want to get teased about Sunghoon. Scratching his nape, Sunoo mumbles. "I just found it."

"Eww you don't know where that's been." Jungwon squeals. "Here, put this on, if you're so cold." He hands Sunoo the jacket he had left behind.

"I'm actually alright, I like it." Sunoo cuddles into the soft fleece further, the sent was Sunghoon's, it was like he was here with him. 

Jungwon shoots Sunoo a judgmental look, before noticing Heeseung and Jay approaching them. They had already changed from their team uniforms into more normal clothes. 

"Hey, how come Riki ran off a while ago?" Heeseung asked. The boy was dressed in his classic over sized pink hoodie, black skinny jeans, and a white baseball cap. He looked super casual, which was a big contrast to the person next to him.

"Don't worry about it, he's just being his normal annoying self." Jungwon laughs, hiding a sense of frustration behind his voice.

"Do you guys wanna go then? We've only got a few hours spare, our coach is making the team do weird bonding exercises later." Jay states. Dressed up in a grey blazer, they wore a white shirt underneath, with chains hanging round their neck and statement earnings to finish off the look.

Jungwon was also surprised to see Jay had a pair of thin rimmed glasses on their face, which only made them more attractive. He felt himself turning that usual shade of pink he became around Jay, only flushing brighter, when Jay sent a wink his way. 

The two waited for Jungwon and Sunoo to be done packing their stuff, then they all headed away from the complex. The city was bustling, it was loud and jam packed full of people. The group were only really used to their small town, making this a big change for them. This city was like 100x more chaotic than it was at home. 

********

Most people feel the illusion that they are free. When there are only select moments in life, you can truly understand the definition of freedom. Sunghoon liked to think he was a realistic man, the world never can totally crumble away, there will always be something left behind, that you have to hold onto to. His breath was cold, his mind was empty, his body moved without instruction, though this wasn't freedom, this was the closest he could get.

The slashing sound of his skates against the ice, music to his ears. The way he danced with no control, the song was his puppet master. The times he flew through the air, graceful as an egret. Sunghoon felt alive on the ice, this was his sanctuary, this was his sacred place. He was meant to be here, he was destined to show his talents to the world.