Distorted Reflection ✓

S I X T E E N

A few days later, Taehyung and Jeongguk were both discussing on what other leads or options they had to figure it all out.

Taehyung knew he had to talk to Namjoon once again. To simply put it, he was acting wierd. And the male wanted to know why that was. It could be anything, of course. But the way he eyed the house and acted so warily, it was like he knew something. And Taehyung just wanted to be certain. He needed help, he couldn't do this all by himself. 

But who would believe him? Taehyung's entire world had flipped upside down in a matter of weeks. He wouldn't be able to blame anyone for not believing his words. Even he himself, still had trouble believing it. 

Jeongguk hummed quietly to himself, thinking along with the other. There had to be something. Anything. Anyone. 

But how do you figure something out even the authorities couldn't? When there are no leads? Having to begin from scratch apart from a few words of memories? How do you figure out the unexplainable?

''What about that guy who showed you around when you first came to see this place? I forgot his name..''

Taehyung beamed, ''Hoseok!'' grabbing his phone in a flash and dialing the said person's number. 

Jeongguk could only watch and listen, his nerves giving him the feeling as if he wants to throw up. Worries rocketed through his mind. What if Taehyung couldn't help him? What if he's stuck there forever? What does 'forever' even mean? What if the place ends up getting demolished? What will happen to him? Was he making Taehyung's life extra difficult? He couldn't help but feel utterly guilty about the entire situation.

But there remained a little bit of hope inside of him. There has to be a way out, right? There has to be.

The phone rang once, twice.. Taehyung glanced at Jeongguk, giving him a small smile. A smile that gave him exactly what he needed the most: hope. 

He now has a friend.

''Hello, Taehyung! How are you doing?''

''I'm doing decently! How about you? I actually wanted to ask you some questions about my new place, if you don't mind.''

Taehyung sat down, putting his phone on the speaker. 

''Of course! Ask away.''

The dark haired male didn't even know where to begin. Does he ask about the accident? The house? Previous owners? He sighed. Does he tell him? Glancing back at Jeongguk, he bit his lip, a frown on his face.

''This might sound wierd.. but, uh- when you first showed me the place, I asked you why and for how long it had been empty. You mentioned an accident, and all that stuff. Can you give me a little more detail? If you have time, that is.''

On the other side of the line, Hoseok grabbed an old file, pulling a chair back and sitting down. 

''I have time, don't worry. How come you ask? Everything alright?''

Hesitating, Taehyung nodded, speaking up. ''Yeah, more or less. Let's just say that some things happened. Like I said, I personally don't believe in such things, but I would just like to know what happened back then and such. Just to feel more relieved or something like that, you know what I mean?''

He heard a tiny snicker coming from his side, Jeongguk pinched himself mouthing 'I'm very much real-ish,' which made the older male grin.

''Totally understandable! I grabbed an old file, let's see what we got here..''

It was silent for a few moments, the only sound being pages flipping over.

''Like I said back then, the house had been empty for five years. On March 16th, the accident occured. Only one body was found. Eventually they gave up on the case, it was like the male just vanished. The only thing they had were the footages, but the camera somehow switched off so not everything was caught on tape.'' 

Checking up on Jeongguk, Taehyung saw his facial expressions turn sad and sour, his skin getting a little more pale. 

''What about the footages? Can I watch it somewhere, somehow?'' The male wondered. Who knows, they might find a clue.

''I think all of the evidence got taken by authorities. I'm actually scrolling through the internet right now, there is nothing to be found. Everything got deleted, as if they didn't want to cause an even bigger ruckus.''

Humming, Taehyung listened on.

''The vehicle got demolished, the driver who didn't make it got buried.''

So that explains why they couldn't track the license plate. 

''What about the previous owners of this house? You told me they moved out after the accident happened, thinking the place was going to be haunted. Was there even a slight indication as to why they thought that? Or did they all just presume? Surely, they wouldn't just leave the house like that, right?'' He asked.

''That, I don't know. Furthermore there's nothing of use in the file, and I only know so much. Maybe they did, maybe something did happen. I don't know. Has anything happened that made you wonder, Taehyung? You can tell me, you know? Sure, we got to know each other because of my job, but consider us friends, alright? I'm here if you need me. I think I'm the most trustworthy person to tell this stuff to, as I know about the accident and all the other strange things that happened back then. If anyone's there to listen, it's me.''

Taehyung pinched his nosebridge. Hoseok had a point. They indeed were friends, and it was more likely for Hoseok to believe him than Jimin. His best friend was an amazing person, but he would also laugh in his face when needed. Another reason why Taehyung valued him so much. They were honest with each other, they were real. They didn't sugarcoat things. 

He walked over to Jeongguk, his facial expressions asking permission. The boy thought for a moment, hesistating, before nodding slightly. 

''Don't tell him everything yet, though. Only the most necessary things.'' 

With that, Taehyung spoke up, sighing out loud. Now where does he begin with this?

''This is going to sound ridiculous, Hoseok. But believe me, it's nothing but the truth. I'm not even sure what it is either, yet. All I know, is that some crazy stuff has been happening. When I first moved in, everything seemed absolutely great and wonderful. But then, my work got immensely stressful and because of that, I got forgetful. At least, that's what I thought. But it's not just me. Objects have been moving themselves. Windows and drawers opened up on their own accord. Clothes were scattered everywhere. That was only the beginning. Then, lights started rapidly flicking on and off. Coffee had already been made and shoes had already been tied. It got even worse, Hoseok. I started believing I was slowly going insane. I need to figure out how to put an end to all of this. But I don't know how. That's why I called you.'' As requested, Taehyung left the most important bits out. This was enough for now.

''Woah there, Tae. Looks like you got yourself into some trouble. Luckily for you, you have a friend who's willing to help you figure it all out. Don't worry too much, you might wake up with a bald spot.''