Whispers Before Dawn

Chapter 23

I didn't know what I was seeing.

That's my Tae-ui, right?

But he looked different—his skin tanned, his height seeming more imposing than I remembered. His eyes... I couldn't shake the feeling when I looked at them.

They looked like the eyes of a dead doll.

For some reason, I couldn't hold his gaze for long. I had to look away.

My heart was pounding in my chest, harder than it had in months. I tried to calm myself. I had finally seen him—just a glimpse, but enough to confirm that he was alive. He was here. He would come back soon. I could wait a little longer, just knowing that.

But just as I started to ground myself, I looked back at him, needing one last glimpse to hold onto.

And that's when I saw it.

His eyes were bloodshot, his jaw clenched abnormally tight. He was....

He wasn't happy to see me.

My breath caught in my throat, and I felt the weight of that realization sinking into me like lead. Does he hate me?

I had no way to explain things but I decided to go and stay in South Korea and wait for him. I had some idea now where and how he will be coming back.

And when he did... I'd be there.

******

Three weeks later, Ilay was at his hotel, working on his laptop when a sudden knock at the door interrupted his focus. He moved swiftly, opening the door to find a soldier standing there, face expressionless.

"You've been called to Army Headquarters, Seoul, the Republic of Korea" the soldier stated formally.

Ilay nodded, not needing further details. "Let's go" he said, slipping on his shoes.

Ilay followed the soldier silently, his steps quick but calm.

As they moved through the streets, Ilay's asked. "When did he come back?"

The soldier's expression remained unchanged. "Who?"

Ilay didn't push further. "Okay" he muttered, letting the conversation drop.

They arrived at a military building, and the soldier gestured for Ilay to wait outside. The area was tense, with soldiers stationed nearby, their presence commanding. Ilay stood by the stairs, his eyes scanning the area.

Ilay stood by the stairs, his gaze fixed on the entrance. Moments later, Tae-ui appeared, descending the steps with a firm, purposeful stride. Ilay watched him closely. But just as their paths were about to meet, Tae-ui suddenly veered off toward the garden area and doubled over, vomiting.

Ilay moved immediately, his steps swift. As he reached Tae-ui, he extended his hand to offer comfort, but Tae-ui swatted his hand away without even looking at him. Ilay stopped in place, his hand falling back at his side.

Five soldiers rushed over, offering water and juice. Tae-ui accepted a bottle of water from one soldier and glanced at another.

"Is Building G empty?" Tae-ui asked, his voice sharp, cutting through the air.

"We'll make sure of it" the soldier replied with a salute before running off to handle the request.

Tae-ui then grabbed Ilay's arm, his grip firm and unyielding, and started walking without a word. Ilay followed, his eyes fixed on Tae-ui's every movement, staying close by his side.

As they walked, Ilay turned his head slightly toward Tae-ui. "When did you come back?" His voice was quiet, but the question hung heavily between them.

"Reached Seoul two hours ago" Tae-ui replied, his tone flat, offering no further explanation.