loose ; nct luwoo

06

"Our station was recently informed by the police that a group of officers were able to save a young man from the serial kidnapper around a local pet store. They first witnessed the victim being beaten from across the street when they took action. Although the victim suffered severe trauma from the incident, his physical wounds were not fatal and he is currently undergoing mental therapy. But this just goes to show that no one is currently safe. As usual, the male victim fit the kidnapper's typical description."

Jungwoo coughed into his arm before looking over to Taeyong, who was luckily fast asleep on his couch.

He was a bit intrigued in this specific case, especially since the police never stated anything to the news station about the culprit's face, voice, or body, despite the fact that they "saved" a victim and would've had to be very physical with him to do so. Curious, Jungwoo searched up the case on his phone, reading additional information.

Then, he found it:

The culprit was, as stated, definitely taller than 6 feet. He was not hefty or overweight, but rather fit, making him potentially more dangerous than he already was. No officers got a good look of his face, as it was dark and covered by a low baseball cap.

It was unbelievable to him, the excuses the authorities could make up. As a former assassin, he had many dealing with the government, and he definitely knew the tricks they used. However, it was a bit absurd to fib about such things, when almost every man in Seoul was at risk.

Jungwoo also found it particularly odd that the kidnapper was identified as male, yet he thirsted for other males. Naturally, he already knew his fair share of that, but he had also just accepted the fact that not everyone is like him. Usually, serial kidnapping cases involve old men and young women, but this seemed to be quite the opposite.

He looked back down at his phone, reading a bit more.

This just in! Saved kidnapping victim identified as Nakamoto Yuta!

Jungwoo knew who that was.

Nakamoto Yuta: Jungwoo's very close childhood friend that continued to live in Gunpo, his hometown. He hurriedly continued searching, eventually stumbling upon the hospital he was located at.

"Seoul National University Hospital."

He gathered his phone and coat, not caring about who or what else he was leaving behind in that moment. Jungwoo ran out the door, becoming lightheaded once again. He almost immediately stumbled to the ground, throwing up. His knees were so weak, he could hardly stand. The bitter cold nipped at Jungwoo's exposed skin, at least, until the front door opened.

Lucas stood there, taking a moment to process what was in front of him. Once realizing, he rushed to aid his lover, bringing him inside. He guided him to their bedroom, helping him to clean up.

When they sat on their bed together, Lucas complained, "What on Earth were you thinking?"

Jungwoo began hyperventilating while tears formed in his eyes. "Lucas I...I don't know...I don't know why but Yuta...he's out there...hurt...they found...the police...kidnap..." He rambled between sobs until he his words made no sense anymore.

The younger brought them closer, soothingly rubbing Jungwoo's back to calm him down. It helped, as he, slowly but surely, indeed became more tame. He didn't often have panic attacks, but when he did, they were usually very long and drawn-out, with endless nonesense ranting and mumbling. They lucked out this time, and now Lucas had a new way to try and prevent them.

Jungwoo didn't want him to let go, but he had to in the end. Lucas caressed the older's cheeks, wiping away his pretty little tears. He carried him bridal-style into the living room and onto the couch, head in his lap. They noticed Taeyong and Renjun half-awake watching some oddly random movie on the TV in front of them.