Kill Me Softly

Back Into the Fire

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Yoonbum was disgusted that a member of the police force would be so cold to someone in need. But what dominated his thoughts was that the sun had set. The street was now dark, and he could see figures emerging from alleyways. Desperation took over, and Yoonbum remembered how safe he had felt when Sangwoo had been taking care of him. Without a second thought, he sped over to the phone and dialed Sangwoo's cell phone. Every ring mad Yoonbum feel more anxious, and when there was no response, his heart sank and he began to panic even more. In one last attempt, Yoonbum used the last of his money to call Sangwoo one more time. Again, there was no response. By this point Yoonbum was in full panic and he would have done anything for simply somewhere to take shelter until morning. To the side, Yoonbum caught a glimpse of a group of tall figures approaching him. His blood went cold when one of them spotted him.
"Hey, there! What're you doing out here by yourself? Little thing like you might get into trouble out here."
Yoonbum's body felt numb. He couldn't think, he just felt an overwhelming sense of terror.
"Help," he whispered, "Sangwoo, anyone, get me out of here."
"Come here, you little fucker. We'll teach you what happens to people who trespass on our land. Let's have some fun, shall we?"
"No! Stop!"
Yoonbum shouted. He looked around, hoping someone would hear and come to help him. There was nobody in sight except the other dark figures, who didn't even bother to look up. Yoonbum knew deep down that no one was coming to save him. Adrenaline began to course through his body and he ran. He could hear the group running after him, yelling at him to stop. He knew they would catch up soon. His head ached and he wouldn't be able to outrun them even if he was perfectly healthy. The next chance he got, Yoonbum ran down a dark alley, hoping they wouldn't follow. He spotted a bicycle sitting next to a dumpster, and he grabbed it. Yoonbum mounted the bike and began to pedal as hard as he could. After a while, he had outrun the gang, but his brain wouldn't let him stop until he had found somewhere safe to hide until morning. Yoonbum didn't know where he was going. His head pounded and his lungs burnt. His legs were aching and he felt as though he might pass out at any moment. He pedaled until his body couldn't stand it anymore and just before he collapsed from the effort, he stopped. Completely out of breath, he looked around. Shocked, he found he was on his uncle's street. In a state of exhausted delirium, he dragged himself down the street, praying that Sangwoo was still staying in his uncle's house. It was strange that Sangwoo hadn't picked up his cell phone. When they had been friends in school, Sangwoo had his phone on him at all times. He also always answered his phone, even if it was in the middle of class. These thoughts crossed Yoonbum's mind, but he was in too much pain to think too much about it. Finally he reached the house. Yoonbum's heart soared when he saw that the lights were on inside. Exhausted, he shuffled up to the front door and let himself in. As soon as he entered, he slid down the wall onto the floor. His head was hurting badly and he was still in pain from his escape. Yoonbum pulled himself together, but noticed that he couldn't hear anything. When he had rested for a while and could breathe again, he called out for Sangwoo. But nobody came.Despite his head's throbbing, he pulled himself up and began to wander around the house, calling Sangwoo's name. Through his pain, Yoonbum began to worry. Sangwoo must be somewhere. The lights were on and the front door had been unlocked. Surely nobody else would be living in his uncle's old house. Yoonbum entered the bedroom where Sangwoo had held him while he recovered. The room looked exactly as it had before Yoonbum had left. There was still a collection of medical supplies on the table. There was also knife Sangwoo had threatened Yoonbum with when he had been trying to cover up Yoonbum's memories. Yoonbum saw that the knife's blade was dulled, and he thought he could even see a bit of dried blood on it. This sight disturbed Yoonbum and his mind filled with thousands of terrible things that might have happened. He wasn't sure whether he should be worried for Sangwoo's safety or the safety of someone else. He thought Sangwoo had only killed because he was protecting Yoonbum, so that would mean he wouldn't have a reason to kill again. But Sangwoo was clearly unstable, so was it possible he had had another victim?