FROM ZERO [✓]

19

Hyunwoo went back to the hotel and sat on the bed. He was still trying to figure out where he had seen the tattoo before. I definitely did not see it on Kihyun. All the times that I met him, he wore long-sleeved shirts.

Hyunwoo groaned in frustration. Where did I see this? He hurled his phone onto the sheets. He was in the midst of a mini tantrum when Seokwon walked in.

If I just knew where I had seen this, maybe I'd know exactly who Kihyun is.

"Whoa, what's got your balls in a twist?" Seokwon threw his bag onto the floor beside the bed and sat down beside Hyunwoo. Hyunwoo reached out and grabbed his phone.

Showing him the picture of the tattoo, he asked, "Have you seen this before?" Seokwon took the phone and studied the photo carefully.

"I've seen it somewhere," Seokwon put the phone down and frowned. Hyunwoo sighed. So have I. At that moment, Seokwon snatched his phone up and began typing something furiously.

"I think I've got it," Seokwon muttered. "Hurry, load." Hyunwoo peered over Seokwon's shoulder curiously. "Got it." Seokwon declared with a flourish.

He handed Hyunwoo his phone. Hyunwoo's eyes widened as he read the article Seokwon had found.

"BRUTAL GANG FIGHT KILLS 5

On 12th August, a fatal clash between two local gangs resulted in the death of five individuals. Two were members of a gang, while the other 3 were passersby who had tried to stop the fight. The fight also left 2 seriously injured, but are currently in stable condition.

The police are unable to find the remaining gang members and have since issued an appeal to the public to keep an eye for the gangs. The gangs go by the names White Rose and Scxrlet. Members of White Rose can be identified by a tattoo of a rose surrounded by geometric shapes on their right forearm. Members of Scxrlet can be identified by a tattoo of a red cross behind their left ear.

The two gangs are known to have committed murders and robbery and are listed as 'highly dangerous' by the local police. The police urge the public to stay calm if they meet a member of either gangs and to inform the police once they are in a safer location.

Article published 15th August 2016"

At the bottom of the page was a photo of the identifying tattoos of the respective gangs.

The one labelled "White Rose" was exactly the same as the one that was on Kihyun's arm.

That means...

....that means Kihyun is part of White Rose.

Hyunwoo felt a chill run down his spine. I have to report Kihyun to the police. It's the right thing to do. He buried his head in his hands.

He's been so nice to you. Reporting him would be equivalent to betraying him.

Seokwon grabbed Hyunwoo's arm. "The tattoo you showed me....was that your friend?" Hyunwoo nodded sadly.

"You have to report him to the police. I know it's going to be hard but you have to." Seokwon glanced at Hyunwoo with a pitiful look in his eyes.

Hyunwoo sighed and hugged his knees to his chest. "I need some time alone." He mumbled, pressing his face against his knees. "I'll go buy dinner from the convenience store. Call if you need anything."

After Seokwon left, Hyunwoo picked his phone up and stared at the picture of Kihyun's tattoo. Guilt wrapped around him like a vine. I'm sorry, but it's for the safety of the community.

He closed his eyes and turned his phone face down so he wouldn't get reminded of Kihyun.

Why, Kihyun, why?

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