The instant Yunho and Wooyoung delivered their warning, the elevator doors slid open with a chime that made Seonghwa flinch, his chest tightening like a vice. His heart pounded in rhythm with the storm brewing in Yunho's eyes. Gone was Yunho's usual friendly, easygoing demeanor; it had been replaced by a grave seriousness that sent icy shivers down Seonghwa's spine.
Despite the heavy warnings and the foreboding atmosphere, Seonghwa couldn't help but feel drawn to the mystery ahead. His curiosity stirred, a whirlwind of questions whirling in his mind. Yet, he refrained from voicing them, noticing the subtle shake of Yunho's head—a silent plea for him to remain quiet.
As they stepped out of the elevator, the silence grew oppressive, thickening the air around them. The trio walked down the short hallway, each footstep echoing ominously in the stillness. Just as Seonghwa was about to step forward, a firm hand landed on his shoulder, halting him abruptly. He turned, his heart racing, to find Yunho's concerned gaze meeting his. Seonghwa's lip trembled, fear evident in his eyes as he searched for reassurance.
"You're going to be fine," Yunho said softly, offering a reassuring smile as he began to walk away. "Just remember what we said."
Wooyoung gave Seonghwa's hand a firm, comforting squeeze before flashing a warm smile and following Yunho down the corridor.
Left standing alone, Seonghwa felt the weight of his friends' departure press heavily on him. His body felt anchored to the spot, caught in a turbulent sea of conflicting emotions and thoughts. The sense of isolation intensified the anxiety he had been trying to suppress. His mind raced in disarray, torn between conflicting impulses. Why shouldn't I look at his left eye? Maybe if I did, it would make for a compelling story, something that Ricky could use for our report. But what if I ignored their warning? They've been here longer; they must know something I don't. What if I accidentally look?
With a deep, shaky breath, Seonghwa squeezed his eyes shut, fighting to silence the whirlwind of thoughts. He shook his head vigorously, trying to clear the mental fog that clouded his judgment. Determined to focus, he steadied himself and began to walk forward, each step a battle against his own rising uncertainty.
He straightened the collar of his shirt and squared his shoulders, summoning all the confidence he could muster. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, crossing the threshold from the elevator area into the exclusive private lobby.
The office sprawled before him, an expansive landscape of cubicles and desks stretching out in every direction. The space seemed to expand endlessly, the rows of workstations forming a maze that blurred into the distance. Overhead, the fluorescent lights buzzed incessantly, casting a cold, clinical glow that highlighted the sterile nature of the environment.
