DOWNFALL -HIERARCHY

Chapter 32: The Name

TW!: Mention of D3ath
Narrator's POV:

Ri-an stirred, his mind hazy as he slowly regained consciousness. He was in a dark room, his wrists bound to a chair. His body ached, and he groaned as he tried to shift in his restrained state, the pain from his injuries making it hard to move. A loud click suddenly echoed through the room as the door unlocked. The door creaked open, and the figure stepped into the room, their features still mostly hidden by the dim lighting.

Ri-an blinked, his vision clearing slightly. He looked up, trying to make out the figure backlit by a dim light from the open door. His body was tense, the adrenaline starting to kick in, but he knew he was completely helpless in his current state.

He was momentarily blinded as a flashlight flashed directly in his face. He reflexively winced and closed his eyes to shield them from the brightness. Recognizing the familiar voice calling out his name, a sense of relief washed over him. "Woojin," Rian whispered hoarsely, his voice raw and rough.

Woojin quickly rushed over to Ri-an, the concern etched on his face. He shone the flashlight on Rian's wounded and bound body, the light revealing the full extent of his injuries.

"Kim Ri-an!" Woojin repeated, his voice filled with worry. He crouched down, his eyes scanning Rian's bruised and battered appearance. "What happened to you?"

Rian mumbled in response to Woojin's question, his voice strained but still filled with anger and disdain. "That darn scholarship kid," he said, the words coming out slightly slurred due to the pain he was experiencing.

Woojin carefully set the flashlight on a nearby surface, its beam casting long shadows across the room. He knelt in front of Rian, his fingers deftly working to loosen the ropes that bound him to the chair.

"Hold still," Woojin instructed, his voice gentle but urgent. "Let me untie you." As Woojin untied the knots securing Ri-an to the chair, he observed the deep bruises and cuts that his friend's body gains. Sympathy welled up within him, but he kept his focus on freeing Rian as quickly and painlessly as possible.

He worked diligently to untie the tight knots, his fingers moving with practiced ease.
With each twist of the rope and movement of Ri-an's body, Ri-an couldn't help but wince in pain. Every small movement felt agonizing, and the dull throb from the beating he had endured sent jolts of pain through his bruised and battered form.

The tightness of the ropes had inflicted significant damage to his wrists, leaving them raw and bruised. "Hang in there Kim Ri-an." Woojin said, his voice soft. "

Woojin finally finished untying the last of the ropes, and Ri-an's arms were free from the chair's grip. Woojin stood up, picking up the flashlight from the surface he had set it on. He glanced at Ri-an, a mix of concern and determination in his eyes, and asked, "Can you stand?"

Ri-an, his body aching and bruised, took a moment to gather his bearings. He attempted to stand, gritting his teeth against the waves of pain that shot through his limbs. His knees trembled, and he swayed slightly as he tried to find his balance. Woojin rushed to Ri-an's side, quickly supporting him as he struggled to stand. He carefully maneuvered Ri-an, positioning himself as a firm and sturdy pillar of balance. His arm wrapped around Ri-an's waist, providing a steadying presence.

"God, my body feels like it's been through a meat grinder," Ri-an muttered, his voice hoarse and strained. He gingerly shifted his weight, wincing as his various injuries made themselves known with sharp pangs of pain.

"Careful," Woojin cautioned, his voice gentle yet firm. "You're not in good shape. Let's take it slow." As they slowly walked towards the door, Ri-an leaned heavily on Woojin, the pain from his injuries making every step a struggle. Woojin supported him silently, ensuring Rian didn't collapse.