FROM ZERO [✓]

26

Although it was only a short flight to China, it was the most torturous flight Hyunwoo had to endure in his 2 years of being a flight attendant.

The passenger kept his eyes on him for the entire flight, even when the rest of the passengers in the cabin were either asleep or occupying themselves with the in-flight entertainment. Even Seokwon noticed. Halfway through the flight, he had leaned over to Hyunwoo and asked why that passenger kept staring.

He never felt more liberated when all the passengers had disembarked. It felt as though an immense weight had been lifted off his chest. "I wonder what's the deal with that guy who kept staring," Seokwon mumbled as they got off the plane.

Hyunwoo's other colleague, Yeonjung, joined them. "Maybe....maybe that passenger likes Hyunwoo!" Seokwon cast her a disgusted look. "God, Yeonjung, you need to calm down on the gay fanfiction." Yeonjung rolled her eyes and left them to join her female counterparts.

Hyunwoo didn't say anything. He wished it were as simple as what Yeonjung had said. If only that were a gay man who had a crush on me, instead of a member of a gang which is literally after my blood. He couldn't help but sigh again.

The moment he was reunited with his luggage, he virtually tipped half its contents onto the floor to find the bracelet. A sense of relief washed over him when he felt the cold metal against his wrist. I'm safe now.

"I still don't understand your obsession with that bangle. It's nice and fancy, but you literally act like your life depends on it." Seokwon laughed. If only you knew, Seokwon, that my life literally depends on it. Hyunwoo simply smiled at Seokwon's comment.

He was heading to a cafe in the airport along with a few of his colleagues when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID. It was an unknown caller. Hyunwoo answered the call either way. A familiar voice sent chills down his spine.

"Tsk, tsk. I see you like playing your cards dangerously. I wouldn't if I were you."

Hyunwoo stood still, riveted in fear. Kihyun knew? He could feel the sweat run down the side of his face. Of course, he knows, his counterpart was on the same flight as me. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he replied.

"I didn't want to take it off, but it wasn't allowed on the flight. I'm really sorry."

Kihyun laughed. "You're such an obedient child. You're actually making me trust you." Hyunwoo felt even more unnerved by Kihyun's choice of words. Why is he able to make me feel so horribly afraid of him? He couldn't stand it anymore.

"Why do you have to put me through such torture? Why can't you leave me alone? I never had the intention of- " He was cut off before he could complete his sentence.

"I don't care if you have any intention. Let me tell you an important lesson. In this world, there is no one you can trust, not even your own family. I'm sure you know who I'm referring to."

Kihyun hung up before Hyunwoo could ask what he meant by that. Can't I even trust my own family? What does he even mean by that? He remembered his sister's words. Beware of Kihyun. She had been right, so why shouldn't he trust her?

When Hyunwoo kept his phone back in his pocket, he suddenly became aware of the looks of alarm on his colleagues' faces. "Who's torturing you?" Seokwon asked while glaring at Hyunwoo. "No one?" Hyunwoo realised he had spoken a little too loudly earlier on.

"Come on, Hyunwoo, we all heard that. If someone's giving you a hard time, it's only right if we stand up for you. That's what friends do." Seokwon explained, putting his arms on his hips. Hyunwoo backed away slowly.

"Okay, guys, I didn't mean 'torture' literally, you know, like figuratively speaking?" Seokwon rolled his eyes. Gosh, I hate it when he rolls his eyes. You know he's right when he does that. "For the love of God, Hyunwoo. I may have only known you for 2 years but I know when you're lying."

Hyunwoo took a step back. "Just....leave me alone, okay?" He turned and fled.

I really wish this wasn't happening to me.

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