𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑜𝑛 / 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑢𝑛𝑔

S2 ch 49

Jiwon stirred awake slowly, his head pounding as if he had been hit by a truck. The soft sheets beneath him contrasted the unsettling sense of captivity he felt. As he tried to move, he realized that the room he was in was nearly bare-ornate but devoid of anything that could be used as a weapon or tool for escape. Even the windows were locked, the heavy curtains concealing any view of the outside world.

A deep unease settled in his chest. Where was he? Why did this place feel both foreign and strangely familiar? Before he could dwell on it further, the door creaked open, and a servant entered, carefully balancing a tray with steaming food. Jiwon barely hesitated. The moment the tray was placed on the table, he bolted, ignoring the sharp protests of his aching body.

His bare feet slapped against the cold marble floor as he ran down the long, dimly lit hallway. His heart pounded in his chest like a war drum, desperation fueling his every step. He didn't know where he was going, but anywhere was better than here. Just as he thought he might have a chance

A strong force collided with him.

The impact sent him crashing into the wall, pain exploding in his side as he crumpled onto the floor. He groaned, feeling the sting shoot through his limbs, his breath coming in ragged pants.

"Fuck... that hurts," he hissed, clutching his ribs as he blinked up at the towering figure before him.

The man standing over him was tall, broad-shouldered, and alarmingly familiar. His sharp jawline, piercing eyes, and the way he carried himself-it all tugged at something deep in Jiwon's memories. He knew this man. But from where?

"And where do you think you're going?" the man drawled, amusement lacing his tone. He leaned down, fingers tilting Jiwon's chin up with an unsettling gentleness.

Jiwon swallowed, his skin burning under the stranger's intense gaze. The way he studied him, as if memorizing every detail of his face, sent a shiver down his spine.

His body moved before he could think-his fist flying toward the man's face. But the attack never landed.

With an infuriating ease, the man-Rafayel, the name suddenly surfacing in Jiwon's mind-caught his wrist mid-air. The grip was tight. Painfully so. Jiwon gasped as Rafayel squeezed harder, his fingers digging into the delicate bones of his hand.

"Ah-ow, ow! Let go, you bastard!" Jiwon whined, squirming to free himself.

Rafayel's smirk deepened, his thumb lazily brushing over the inside of Jiwon's wrist, right where his pulse fluttered wildly. "Still as feisty as ever, I see," he mused, his voice laced with something unreadable.

Jiwon's eyes widened. "What the hell do you mean 'as ever'?" His breathing grew uneven. "Who the fuck are you?"

Rafayel's smirk faltered, his grip loosening just slightly. He stared at Jiwon as if searching for something, as if waiting for him to remember.

"I see," Rafayel finally said, his voice quieter now. "They really did a number on you."

"What-" Jiwon started, but before he could finish, Rafayel pulled him up effortlessly.

"We have a lot to talk about," Rafayel murmured, dragging him back toward the room he had tried so desperately to escape from. "But for now, you need to rest."

Jiwon struggled, but Rafayel was stronger. Unshakable. The door clicked shut behind them, the lock turning with an ominous finality.

Something was very, very wrong.

------

Jiwon paced in the room, running his fingers through his tousled hair as his mind raced. He couldn't sit still; every fiber of his being screamed for him to fight, to resist. His eyes darted to the door, locked tight, and then to the windows-just as useless. Trapped. Again.

The sound of the lock clicking made him jolt, and Rafayel stepped inside, this time carrying a tray of food himself. He set it down on the nightstand with deliberate ease before turning his gaze to Jiwon.

"Eat," Rafayel ordered, folding his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.

Jiwon scoffed, crossing his own arms defiantly. "Not a chance."

Rafayel let out a slow breath, his expression unreadable. "Suit yourself." He turned to leave but then paused. "You should remember soon enough. It'll be easier if you do."

Jiwon clenched his jaw. "Remember what?"

Rafayel didn't answer. Instead, he gave Jiwon one last lingering look before stepping out and locking the door once more.

Frustration and confusion churned inside Jiwon like a storm. He collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling. There were too many questions, and not nearly enough answers.

And worst of all, a part of him was terrified to remember what he might have forgotten.

To be continued....