Boy in Pink

Chapter 40

It was later that day, or night. I couldn't tell with no windows or clocks. All I had was the book, and I couldn't even use it. Soon, I heard footsteps approaching. Who could that be...? I wondered as the door opened. "Hello?" I called out, still not being able to lift my head.

"Um, hey kiddo..." It was the person from earlier.

"Junpei, right?"

"Yeah, I um... just wanted to apologize for earlier, and how rough I grabbed you. You okay now, kiddo?" They asked, sitting next to me on the bed.

"Mhm, I'm fine now..." I murmured as they gently brushed my hair out of my face.

"You sure? I stole some painkillers if you need them." I chuckled softly.

"It wasn't that bad, Junpei, but thanks. Really. I just need something to do or I'll go insane here," I said jokingly, but Junpei's expression darkened.

"That's the point, kiddo."

"The point?" I asked, confused. "Junpei, what are you talking about?" They sighed and started untying me.

"The point of you being here is so you go crazy so they have a reason to keep you here longer," they explained.

"But why do they want me here longer in the first place?" I questioned, earning a defeated sigh from them as they finished untying me.

"That, I dunno, kiddo... just, whatever you do, don't try to escape, okay?" I nodded, confused at why they thought I would.

"Got it, Junpei..." I murmured and sat up, stretching my body. That was awful...

"Oh, kiddo. I got the book back too," they told me and handed it to me.

"Let me guess, you stole it back?" I asked half-jokingly, but they nodded.

"Yeah... I know that he wouldn't have given it to me if I asked, along with the painkillers."

"Oh, Junpei, speaking of that man..." I pause before continuing, "why did he bring me here?"

They sighed as they bandaged my now bloody wrists from the ropes, "I don't know, kiddo. But it's not a good reason."

There was an uncomfortable silence as they bandaged my wrists and hands.

"Well, kiddo... I did hear him talking to someone over the phone."

"Do you know who?" I asked, earning a shake of their head.

"No clue, but they were talking about you. Perhaps it was his boss or higher up power? I don't exactly know..."

"What were they talking about...?"

"Let me recall it... oh, right! Transporting you to somewhere else, and... shoot, what else..." They mumbled something incoherently.

"Junpei, it's okay, don't worry yourself. I'll be okay," I reassured them, and they sighed.

"You're right, you're right. I think I am going crazy myself, being here for so long..." I wanted to ask how long they've been here, but I was more worried about their mental state.

"Go sleep if you can, Junpei. I'll take care of myself." They smiled softly and got off the bed, walking to the door.

"Bye, kiddo. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Junpei."

"Goodnight, kiddo." And with that, they closed the door.