Bandaids & Punches ✔️

6. A Test of Trust

May 12, 5:30 A.M.

The blaring alarm wakes Haneul up from his slumber, giving him a painful reminder when the words 'pick Jisoo' appear on the screen. He props on his elbows to get up but the cold room and the comfortable couch hold him as if never wanting to let go. A sleepy chuckle leaves his lips looking at the way his friends, Wonho and Chulsoo are sprawled on the floor. Minjae is nowhere in sight, probably sleeping in the room upstairs. He's jealous of the men sleeping like there's no tomorrow, and closing his eyes just for a minute to feel the same, was not a good idea as to when he opens them back, it's already 5:54 A.M. The doctor jolts up from the couch, stepping on Wonho in the process, who does not even flinch, still sleeping like a dead man. He has no time to freshen up, so he leaves the place only putting on his beret and coat.

The doctor drives to the airport in reverie, his eyes still half-closed and barely focused on the road. Fortunately, it isn't rush hour and he reaches his destination with ease. Haneul stands at Incheon airport, waiting for Jisoo to arrive. His cooling shades cover his droopy eyes and dark circles, the blue beret holds his unkempt hair in place and the button-up long coat hides his unpressed clothes. He's had a long but entertaining weekend, partying at Minjae's farmhouse, celebrating nothing in particular. He attended his parties religiously because Minjae always threw the craziest ones. Amidst the fun and excitement, Haneul forgot he had promised to pick Jisoo up from the airport the next morning.

Haneul leans on the pillar behind him, his head lulling to the side and shades sliding off his nose bridge.

"You look like death," calls out a familiar voice from his periphery. "You should've just messaged me, I would've taken a taxi to get home." There stands Jisoo with luggage in both his hands, dressed in a cream sweatshirt and a crisp brown overcoat, hair gelled into a comma hairstyle, the total opposite of Haneul's current state, an amused smile printed on his face. He walks towards the sleepy man and tugs him into a side hug, patting on his back.

"Welcome back," Haneul says, pulling back and taking the luggage in Jisoo's left hand. "Went over to Minjae's during the weekend. I forgot I had to pick you up."

The airport is loud as ever, cheering family reunions and automated announcements booming throughout the place. A 24/7 service that's seldom empty anytime, departures and arrivals happening consecutively. A few foreigners look weary and confused, trying to figure out their next procedure to enter the city. An English-speaking staff bows to them and leads the way.

"I told you to stop going to those frat parties, we're not in Vegas anymore," Jisoo snorts, moving to walk beside Haneul. "Don't you have to go to the hospital today?"

Haneul groans, his head still not ready for a new day. "Don't remind me, chief Min will kick my ass if I don't arrive there at ten." He removes his shades and puts them in his pocket, Jisoo laughing at his friend's distressed state. Haneul glares at the said man and weakly pushes him to the other side.

They exit the airport, cool breeze hitting their faces, and the early rays of the sun making the view in front of them calm. Jisoo takes in a deep breath, his eyes closed, enjoying the surrounding. "I've missed Korean air, feels good to be back." He smiles, walking up to Haneul's car to place his luggage at the back, and finally goes and sits at the shotgun seat.

"What do you want to eat?" Haneul asks, sliding into the driver's seat and starting the engine. "We can have breakfast and then I'll drop you at your place."

Jisoo folds his arms, leans against the headrest, and stares at the car roof, considering his options. "Let's go to Yeji Sikdang, it's been four months since I've eaten their food."

"Alright!"

Four months. Haneul's thoughts reel back to the events that happened during the time. Four months of Jisoo's absence and four months since the eventful encounter with Ace. Both the men do not have any knowledge about each other, or at least Jisoo doesn't. Haneul hasn't forgotten the shock in Dae Ho's eyes the first time he had called him Han Jisoo. There is something about him that the fighter tries masking. Haneul itches to ask Jisoo if he ever had a brother, if he did, why hasn't he mentioned him all the years they've been friends? The only thing that stops him from inquiring Jisoo is the promise he had given Dae Ho, the promise to not mention him to Jisoo until he is ready.