Masquerade | Johnyong

★ Twenty-three

Chapter 23: Chrysanthemums

Johnny couldn't sleep.

He steps outside onto the balcony for some fresh air but the air around him feels painfully heavy. He stares at the night sky. There was no moon, no stars, just emptiness. Johnny could only sigh.

He should have done things differently, he thinks. Now, he stands on the balcony alone staring at an empty sky with dull eyes.

Johnny couldn't remember the last time he felt so dull and cold. It's so cold. When did it get this cold? He wonders.

Johnny looked at the time on his watch. It was really a good time to sleep but he couldn't. He needed some sleep in so he could work tomorrow, otherwise, his father would come down here to beat him.

He goes down stairs, heading into the kitchen to get some milk.

He pours himself a glass of milk and puts it in the microwave for a few seconds before taking it out.

Johnny goes into the dining room and sits down.

He hears footsteps coming towards the dining room and in comes Yuta. Johnny glances up at Yuta. He tucks in his lip, unsure of what to say to him or to even say anything at all.

Yuta walks past him but stops in his tracks as he's about to open the door. He turns to Johnny. "Done?" He questions. Johnny looks up, puzzled. "What?"

"Why do you act so heartbroken? You planned on doing the same thing to him. Are you angry that it wasn't you who killed him?" Yuta questions.

"What are you talking about? That is nowhere near the truth." Johnny retorts.

"The truth?" Yuta scoffs. He glares at him. "The truth is you had been manipulating him since the moment you saw him. You made him love a heartless bastard like you."

Johnny doesn't dare say anything or look at Yuta. He only stares at the floor, hands clenching tightly around his cup. He'll take the blame for Taeyong's death.

"Now you act like your whole world has come crashing down as if you even cared about him? Are you insane!?" Yuta yells, accusing him.

"You're sickening!" Yuta spits. Johnny closes his eyes, a lump forming in his throat.

"You disgust me."

Johnny shoots up from his seat, "Yes, it's all my fault. I got Taeyong killed but don't you dare say I never cared about him. . ." He snaps. Yuta's eyes narrow, sending a scorching glare to him. "I loved him more than anyone in this world." Johnny breathes.

Yuta grabs the glass of milk and throws it in Johnny's face before storming off.

Johnny sighs as he wipes off the milk. He leaves the kitchen and into the living. He grabs a coat from the closet before heading out, slamming the door behind him.

"Where are you going, sir?" The driver asks. "I won't need you for tonight." Johnny says, grabbing the car keys from the driver.

He gets in. Not wasting any time, he turns the engine on and drives off. All while Ten watches from the balcony.

Johnny didn't know where he was going. He just needed to escape this place after a while.

He rolls the window down as he leans on it to get some fresh air.

🕊

9:47AM
Sungchan watches Haechan, who's look oddly shaky. "What's wrong?" He asks.