Left Out Friend

40

“Are you sure about this? We can still cancel it and talk if you’re hesitating…” Eunwoo said softly, leaning against the door frame as he watched Sunoo stare at himself in the mirror.

Sunoo turned his head with a stoic, expressionless face. Though he tried to look brave, his eyes betrayed him — they told the truth he couldn’t hide.

Eunwoo saw it too. He could tell Sunoo was unsure, and he hoped he’d change his mind. He had already asked the same question many times since earlier, but Sunoo only frowned slightly and gave him a small smile.

“Don’t worry. I just... I know what I'm doing.” he said, walking past Eunwoo with a limp.

Eunwoo sighed in frustration. He couldn’t convince him. He watched Sunoo’s back as he slowly disappeared from sight, each limping step making his chest tighten.

Why so soon? he thought bitterly. In that state, he should be resting… Why can’t he just wait? And why does he need to meet Jake? Everything is already over!

He was about to chase after Sunoo when he heard another door open. Turning, he saw Jay step out, his face and knuckles still wrapped in bandages. Jay locked his door and started walking, but Eunwoo rushed toward him.

“Are you sure about this, Jay? Can’t you stop him? It’s not good!”

Jay frowned in annoyance. “I can, if I wanted to,” he said flatly.

Eunwoo’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?! Sunoo’s not even in good condition! He can barely walk! And what is there to talk about with that jerk who started all of this? Everything’s under control now, he doesn’t have to worry!”

Jay stopped, his brows furrowing. “Jake isn’t the mastermind. That’s why I won’t stop Sunoo. Jake needs to be heard too. He was once a victim,” Jay said harshly, then walked away.

Eunwoo stood frozen, confusion flooding his mind. Once a victim? What kind of joke is that? He felt frustrated. What did he miss? Would any of this even change the fact that Jake started everything?

***

The three soon arrived at their destination. Jay turned off the car engine and glanced at the passenger seat. His grip on the steering wheel tightened as his heart pounded in his chest.

Sunoo’s hands were clenched into fists, his eyes fixed on the entrance door. He was nervous, but determined. Jay wanted to believe that this was the right thing to do, that this meeting would finally bring closure.

In the back seat, Eunwoo wore a fierce expression, torn between anger and worry. He wanted to stop them from meeting that psycho, but Jay had silenced him during the drive. All he could do now was sit there, huffing in frustration, his brows furrowed since they left.

Jay sighed deeply, pressing his lips together before unbuckling his seatbelt. The sound caught Sunoo’s attention, and he did the same, taking a slow, steady breath to prepare himself.

When Jay quickly stepped out and opened the door for him, Sunoo was caught off guard. He wasn’t expecting Jay to move so fast while he was still trying to calm his nerves.

As Sunoo stepped outside, the cold air greeted him. The cloudy sky hung low, and the wind felt sharp against his skin. Eunwoo followed right behind them.

Jay pushed open the entrance door, and they walked in — Sunoo first, then Eunwoo, and finally Jay.

The staff and officers turned toward them, surprised. No one had been informed about their arrival.

One officer approached, frowning slightly. “How can we help you? And why weren’t we informed?”

It was a fair question. They were supposed to keep a low profile, especially after what happened. And coming here without guards made it even more shocking. Some staff quickly blocked the doors while others checked outside for security.