Saviors

41

   Jihoon's head felt like it was stuffed with cotton balls. Lead ones. Without moving the rest of his body, he opened his eyes. He couldn't see anything. The only light was a sliver coming in under a door that was way above him. Was he in a basement? Think Jihoon, think. What happened? He shifted his arm and heard the clank of chains. No. Jihoon clawed at the ground, trying to get up. The sound of the chains hurt his ears, hurt his head, brought back painful memories. Soonyoung Hyung. With a struggle, he managed to sit up. Jihoon looked around with a heavy heart. Chains coated the floor in their metallic glint like the rough waves of an ocean. An ocean of despair. They glimmered strangely in the dim light. He could barely see the room he was in, but it was smaller than Jihoon remembered, and there was a faint outline of a door that he didn't remember was there last time. Last time. He shuddered and peered through the darkness. In the corner opposite to Jihoon, was the shadowy lump of his fellow member. His heart sank. Jihoon clawed at the chains on the floor, attempting to drag himself towards Soonyoung.

~

   "Yeoboseyo? Nuguseyo?"

   "Ah yes, Jisoo-ssi? This is Officer Hwang. Would you please walk us down the path that Jihoon-ssi and Soonyoung-ssi took every night? We may be able to get some evidence."

   "Ne. I thought you might want to know that. Where should I meet you?"

   "In front of the Pledis building."

   "Alright." Jisoo hung up and looked at Seungkwan and Jun. "I'm going to meet that policeman to show him the route they took. I'll be back in a while, and I'll have my phone with me in case you need to call me." He began to walk out the door, but stopped and turned around once Jeonghan entered the room. "How's Seungcheol Hyung?" He asked.

   "Still blaming himself." Jeonghan sighed. "You going out? I don't blame you. This atmosphere is depressing."

   "No. Actually I'm going to help Officer Hwang." Jeonghan nodded. Jisoo's heart fell at the sight of his member's eye bags. We need to find Jihoon and Soonyoung quickly. The past three days must have been hell for them.

~

   Jihoon reached out his hand and grabbed Soonyoung's shoulder. He pulled Soonyoung towards himself. The older boy shifted and groaned.

   "Hyung." Jihoon whispered. His voice was scratchy and rough. When was the last time he had a drink of water? How long had he been out? There were so many questions, but no answers came to mind. Soonyoung sat up, rubbing his head.

   "Where am I?" His voice was even worse than Jihoon's. Jihoon burst out crying.

   "I'm so sorry Hyung. I'm so sorry. It's my fault. I think Minhyuk kidnapped us." All grogginess disappeared from Soonyoung's eyes. He quickly looked around the dark room. Then, once he confirmed that they were alone, he grabbed Jihoon and pulled him towards himself.

   "Don't blame yourself. I'm to blame. I should have protected you." Jihoon cried into Soonyoung's shoulder and a couple of tears slid down Soonyoung's dirty face. The door clanged open loudly against the opposing wall. Jihoon jumped further into Soonyoung's arms, if that was even possible. His eyes were full of fear.

   "He's here." Jihoon whispered.

~

   Jisoo leaned against the tall gray building and watched people walk past him. The whole world looked washed out in the watery winter light. The glare of the pavement made him squint. No one looked at him, for that he was great full. He didn't think he could handle a bunch of fans and their energy level. He was tired. He didn't want to have to deal with that. A sleek black car parked in front of the Pledis building and the young Officer Hwang stepped out. Another buff, less nice looking Officer stepped out after him. Jisoo bowed in greeting. Officer Hwang's eyes were sympathetic as he looked upon Jisoo's worn down form. The other Officer shook his hand and smiled at him, making him seem infinitely nicer.