Ilay had just entered his room at UNHRDO when his phone rang, the red line indicating an external call. He picked it up.
"Reigrow here" Ilay answered curtly.
"Hi, Ilay... is it okay if I call you Ilay? I forgot to ask last time" the voice on the other end sounded familiar.
"Do whatever you want" Ilay replied, his tone indifferent.
"Are you angry?" Tae-ui asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
"Why would I be?" Ilay retorted, though his tone remained sharp.
"Hmm... it doesn't sound like you're up for small talk, so I'll get to the point" Tae-ui said, cutting straight to business.
Ilay didn't respond.
"I'll give you one piece of advice. Save your resources and stop snooping around. You won't find anything" Tae-ui continued, his voice calm but firm.
"That's none of your business" Ilay shot back.
"You're snooping on me—how is that not my business?" Tae-ui countered.
"I'll do whatever I want" Ilay's voice grew colder.
"So, you're still going to keep doing it?" Tae-ui pressed.
"I don't like to repeat myself. As I said, I'll do. whatever. I. want" Ilay emphasized each word, his tone icy.
"You've already put in a lot of effort" Tae-ui said, laughing lightly. "How about this? Ask me. Ask me whatever you want to know."
Ilay remained silent.
"What's the matter? You're not asking..." Tae-ui teased, laughter still in his voice.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?" Ilay muttered, the irritation seeping into his voice.
"Have fun while you can" Ilay added, his voice darkening.
Tae-ui chuckled. "What will you do? Come on, Ilay. Help me out here."
"What exactly do you want?" Tae-ui continued, his tone softening. "I've never done anything to you. You were the one who came at me, suddenly. I don't even know what part of me made you so angry."
"I was even hoping to meet you and clear things up. You didn't seem like a bad guy" Tae-ui said thoughtfully. "But if just hearing my voice riles you up this much, what will you do if we're face-to-face?"
"Tae-ui..." Ilay's voice softened, almost contemplative.
"How about this?" Tae-ui mused aloud, almost as if to himself. "Maybe I caught you at the wrong time. Since this is just a normal call and I can't see your face, I can't guess what's going on on your end."
He paused before adding, "How about I call you again in a few days? Then we can talk it out—whatever part of me is driving you mad. Okay, take ca—"
"Wait" Ilay interrupted suddenly.
"Yes?" Tae-ui responded.
"When? When will you call again?" Ilay asked, his voice a little sharper, almost eager.
"In four or five days" Tae-ui replied, his voice cool. "Take care until then. Bye."
Tae-ui ended the call, sighing as the connection dropped.
"Ilay... which part of me captured that madman's attention?" Tae-ui muttered to himself, his voice low and reflective.
******
YOU ARE READING
Whispers Before Dawn
FanfictionExcerpt: Each time Tae-ui reached his hand out toward Ilay, as soon as Ilay moved to grab it, Tae-ui pulled back, laughing softly. "I expected better from you" Tae-ui teased, his grin growing wider. Ilay remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly...
