But i wasn't a liar ✔️

Part 12

Part 12

Hyunjin stumbled into his room and slammed the door behind him. His legs gave out as he collapsed onto the floor, back pressed against the wood.

"Why aren't you with me now, Felix?" His voice cracked as he pressed his palms against his eyes. "I never lied about what happened. Why doesn't anyone believe me?" His fists clenched against his knees. "I can't go back there. I need...I need you!"

His breath came in ragged gasps as the injustice burned through him. "Why can't they understand another person's pain? How can they be so cruel just to protect themselves?"

The boy who once laughed freely now sat broken, half his spirit crushed under the weight of memories no one else would acknowledge.

---

Flashback - Eight Years Earlier

The office smelled of expensive cigars and sweat. Beol paced like a madman, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floor.

"I still don't understand why we didn't kill them!" Beol slammed his hands on the desk, making the whiskey glasses tremble.

Jeon Sung sighed deeply. "How many times must we have this conversation, Beol?"

Beol's face twisted in frustration. "Explain it to me then! They set fire to the garden! Do you have any idea how much damage they caused?"

Jeon Sung stood calmly and walked to the window. reflected in his cold eyes as he spoke. "Two children tricked our guards. Started that fire with nothing but a cigarette." He turned slowly. "That's not just clever. That's exceptional."

Beol shook his head. "You're risking everything on some theory about two kids?"

Jeon Sung's lips curved into a thin smile. "I'm planning for the future. Imagine what they could accomplish...with the right motivation."

The thin mattress creaked as Felix dabbed at Hyunjin's wounds with a damp cloth. "Does this feel any better?" he whispered.

Hyunjin stared at the ceiling. "We had our chance...and we lost it."

"Stop thinking about that." Felix's hand trembled as he turned Hyunjin's face toward him. "Look at what they've done to you!"

Hyunjin grabbed Felix's wrist. "We don't belong here. We need to get home—and you're hurt too!" His eyes dropped to the bandage peeking from under Felix's sleeve.

Felix forced a smile. "Just a scratch."

Yuhi's voice shattered the moment. "On your feet! One more stunt like that and we'll put bullets in both your heads! To the shooting range—now!"

---

Hyunjin collapsed onto a wooden chair after his turn, his arms trembling from recoil. Beol's shadow fell over him before cold fingers gripped his chin.

"Does it hurt?" Beol tilted Hyunjin's face upward, thumb brushing a fresh bruise.

Hyunjin flinched but stayed silent.

"Even covered in blood..." Beol's breath smelled of cigarettes as he leaned closer. "...you're still the prettiest thing here." His fingers trailed down Hyunjin's neck.

Hyunjin froze. No one had ever touched him like this—not with this mix of cruelty and hunger.

"Hyunjin!" Yuhi barked. "Back to the line!"

Hyunjin jerked away, nearly tripping in his haste. Beol's gaze followed him, dark and possessive.

Yuhi stepped between them. "What's your game with that kid, Beol?"