FROM ZERO [✓]

23

When he woke up, he found himself tied to a chair, bound by thick manila rope.

His arms were tied behind the back of the chair, and no matter how much he struggled, he couldn't feel the rope loosening. All he felt was the rope burning into his skin.

Where am I?

He studied his surroundings. A few broken electrical appliances were piled up in a corner. There were a few windows and the empty frames hung to them. The glass had broken a long time ago.

He seemed to be in an abandoned warehouse of sorts. He noticed a writing on the wall across him. As he squinted to make out the sprayed on letters, he felt realisation wash over him.

WHITE ROSE

It dawned on him that he was probably in the secret hideout of the infamous gang. How do I get out of here? He struggled again, trying to squirm his way out of the chair.

"If I were you, I would stop wasting so much energy."

A soft voice caught his attention. Hyunwoo looked up to see Kihyun leaning by the doorway. He had rolled up the sleeves of his black top, revealing his tattoo.

"Please, let me go! I haven't done anything!" Hyunwoo pleaded. Kihyun sighed and took a step forward. He shook his head and pulled what looked like a pistol out of a hidden holster.

Hyunwoo's heart raced with fear. He's armed but you're not. He can move freely but you're tied to a chair. The odds were against him. He began sweating even more profusely as Kihyun approached him.

It was so hard to believe that the very same man was eating ramen in his parents' restaurant just a couple weeks ago. What have I done to deserve this? Hyunwoo was close to tears.

"I didn't want to do this either, but you left me with no choice," Kihyun's soft voice reverberated around the empty warehouse, "it's the price to pay for sticking your nose into someone else's business."

Kihyun whipped around and pointed the pistol at Hyunwoo. "I could silence you for good now, but I have other plans for you." He lowered the weapon slowly, cocking his head to one side.

Hyunwoo heaved a sigh of relief. The plans Kihyun had for him probably weren't very pleasant, but at least he got to live a little while more.

I wonder what he's playing at.

Kihyun started to circle him slowly, his eyes never once leaving Hyunwoo. "What should I do with you?" He stopped behind Hyunwoo and placed both hands on his shoulders.

Hyunwoo tried to ignore the growing fear within him. Showing your fear only makes him feel stronger. "What do you think I should do with you? I can't risk letting you expose my identity, you know?" Kihyun ran a finger down Hyunwoo's cheek.

He squeezed his eyes shut. Why is he doing this to me? Just then, Kihyun leaned down, bringing his face inches away from Hyunwoo's. 

"I have the perfect plan."

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