Torment and Torture

XVIII

Yoonbum opened his eyes and found himself in the dimly lit basement. He was tied to a chair, his hands held down by leather belts or straps, he couldn't quite tell.

Yoonbum heard laughter from the corner of the room before he saw Sangwoo approach and kneel down infront of him.

"So, you were trying to leave?"

"N-no-"

"Tut tut....don't lie to me Yoonbum....remember what I said would happen if you crossed that line in the hallway?"

Yoonbum had a sudden flashback to the time when the knife grazed his neck, as a deterrent to Yoonbum telling him not to leave.

"Yes...but-"

"You were past that line. You defiled the only rule I set. I'm surprised I haven't killed you yet."

"S-Sangwoo....please...."

"Hmmm....unless you can give me reasons why I should spare you?"

"B-because...."

Yoonbum didn't want to think on his feet like this. There was too much pressure to say the right thing, too much pressure that if Yoonbum said the wrong thing he would get his throat slit.

"You can't think of just one reason? Oh...Yoonbum."

Sangwoo held up the knife and licked along it.

"W-wait! Because...I know you need me!!"

Sangwoo stopped with the knife and looked at Yoonbum with confusion.

"I....need you?"

"Y-yes."

"Why on earth would you think that I need you?"

"Because I'm the one who knows you most."

"What?"

"I have been watching you for years, Sangwoo. I know you. And you know that I know you better than anyone."

"....haha. That's stupid."

"No it's not."

"Why do you think you know me so well? You don't know anything about me."

"I know everything about you."

"Yoonbum, it sounds as though you want to stay."

"I....I don't know.

"You don't have the option to leave, so you better start doing as I tell you."