Yesteryear

Running Backwards

Yongguk didn't show up on the third day in succession that Wooyoung marched into the institute. He knew the other man was around, for the door was already unlocked despite the sun not having risen yet. It was five in the morning. Wooyoung was sure that Yongguk watched over him from the confinements of his office, but he didn't go to check. Something inside of him knew that this would be the last attempt Yongguk allowed him on this suicide mission. If Wooyoung didn't make it this time, Yongguk would call it quits. No need to challenge his favour.

After changing his clothes and strapping the remote to his body as before, Wooyoung took another deep breath.

He could do this. He knew the shooting started at around eight, so he had some time. As soon as he woke San, they would get the hell out of there, somewhere safe.

Wooyoung wanted to stay and explain everything to the man, but he feared Yongguk would come after him in person if he didn't hurry. After getting San out, Wooyoung would have to place all of his hopes on the man's wisdom to stay off any war sites for a few months.

Wooyoung straightened his back.

Last attempt. If this one didn't work, salvation wasn't meant to be and San would die, no matter what he tried.

Wooyoung once more stepped out into the muddy and rainy morning of France. The rain was not as heavy yet, still wetting the ground and the bleak winter nature with its cold drops.

The sun hadn't risen yet in Falaise either, and it had a few more hours to do so. In the dark of the night that was only sparsely lit by some lanterns on the watchtowers, Wooyoung marched over the field.

He didn't duck, didn't sneak. As if he belonged there, he walked over to the pit and once more peered his head inside the tent.

This time, he was in luck. San was already up and aided the other nurse with preparations in the tent. They spoke with each other in hushed voices as not to wake up the exhausted soldiers. The smiles on their faces were full of hope, full of reassurance. Unknowing of what the day would bring.

Wooyoung leaned in the entry to watch as San put the crate down.

"Louis," he called out, garnering the man's attention. His face remained carefully neutral since he didn't know if taking San away from the camp would fuel the French army's suspicions towards either of them. If San got shot as a renegade, he still got shot.

The woman glanced at him only once, then she continued working. San, on the other hand, looked at Wooyoung with gigantic eyes. Surprised yet again about the man's sudden appearance, he schooled his face so not too much abrupt glee would show through.

"Hongjoong is sending for you," Wooyoung said. He didn't know what rank Hongjoong had here and if he would ever send for a nurse in the morning, but the words had the desired effect. San immediately put his box with bandages down to approach Wooyoung.

"I will be back later," San informed the nurse before the two of them left the tent. Wooyoung knew his missing played no role here. All lives saved and lost under his hands would get the same fate even if he wasn't there if Wooyoung's theory was true.

San helped Wooyoung out of the pit before he scrutinised him. In the area's twilight, his eyes were filled with adoration despite their strained situation.

"Wooyoung, why are you here?"

Wooyoung looked around, not at ease enough to explain himself.

When his finger reached for San's sleeve, he planned to drag the man off hastily, but San had different plans. His fingers interlaced with Wooyoung's and gave a doting squeeze that had Wooyoung's heart stutter.