Wonyoung sprinted to catch up with her brother, concern written across her face. She could tell something was wrong by the way Heeseung had left so suddenly, the cold expression on his face before he walked away. The others were still confused, but Wonyoung had always been able to read her brother like an open book.
Back by the training field, Karina tilted her head, furrowing her brow, still lost in thought. "What was that?" she murmured to herself, trying to piece together the strange moment she had shared with Heeseung. There was something she couldn't quite grasp, something about the name "Evan" that felt too familiar.
Sunghoon noticed his sister's faraway look and immediately scanned her with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked, eyeing her carefully.
"I'm okay," Karina replied, her voice light, but her eyes were still distant. "Gosh, this vest is so heavy... help me?" she added, reaching behind her neck as if the weight of the armor was suddenly unbearable.
Sunghoon quickly stepped in and helped her unstrap the vest. He didn't miss the slight hesitation in her voice. Something was off, but he didn't press her for answers—yet.
Jungwon, noticing the tension, looked over at Karina, his expression concerned. "Is everything alright?" he asked. Karina shrugged noncommittally, though the unease in her eyes didn't go unnoticed.
Sunghoon, now more aware of the situation, frowned. He'd seen Karina whisper something to Heeseung before his brother's face froze like he'd been hit with a sudden shock. It wasn't just a moment of battle tension—something deeper had happened.
"I'll take you to the clinic," Ningning offered, her voice soothing but filled with concern. Karina just nodded, her mind still spinning from what had transpired.
Before anyone could say anything else, a voice came from behind them. "Heeseung and his behavior... I saw the whole battle from afar."
Everyone turned to see Sungchan approaching. Ningning's face lit up in surprise. "Sungchan!" she called, jogging over to him as he patted the back of her hair affectionately.
"He lost?" Sungchan asked, looking at the group with a raised brow. Jungwon shook his head quickly.
"Nope. But something's definitely off."
---
Inside the house, Heeseung entered his room with a heavy, frustrated step. He walked straight to the sink and turned on the faucet, letting the cool water run for a moment before splashing his face and pushing his wet hair back. He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his mind racing. Evan... that name kept ringing in his ears. Anger bubbled inside him, and the frustration of it all gnawed at him.
Why does she know that name? He gripped the edge of the sink tightly, his knuckles white as the anger in him grew. He didn't want to think about it. He didn't want to remember. But he couldn't push it away. Not now.
Just then, a soft knock came at his door.
"Oppa?" Wonyoung's voice was soft, but there was a quiet concern beneath it.
Heeseung didn't respond immediately. His breathing was still shaky, the anger and confusion fighting for control. But after a moment, he released his grip from the sink, wiping his face with the back of his hand, and walked to the door.
Wonyoung pushed the door open gently. She looked at him, her eyes searching his face for any hint of what was wrong. Heeseung's jaw tightened, but he didn't say anything.
"Why are you angry?" she asked quietly, stepping inside.
Heeseung let out a slow breath, finally meeting her gaze. He didn't speak at first, only exhaled deeply.
