Yongguk faintly felt his chains being cut but he didn’t know for sure. He couldn’t even tell if he was sitting, lying down, or even still hanging at this point…

Just that he heard a voice. As clear as day. 

“Yongguk, it’s your lucky day…or is it because it’s a special day today.” 

There it was again. The mention of the ‘special day’. A mention that has repeatedly been coming out of and what reminded her that she couldn’t stay here on such a day. But, he never did get to ask her to clarify what it meant.

“Well, whatever.”

He knew for sure it’s Haru’s voice. The chuckle following the words sounded just like her. He rarely heard it but he couldn’t be mistaken this time around. 

“Now, before I leave, there are some things I need to say – “

“Haru?”

“If you open your eyes, you’ll know it’s me.” 

Again, the soft chuckles. 

“Remember what I told you last – hey, you can’t fall asleep yet. You have to hear me out.” She chides gently before continuing. “I told you to remain the way you are, remember that?”

He gently nods. How could her tone be so casual?

“Keep working hard and stop being a pushover. I’m not going to be there to protect you anymore.”

Why does it sound like they were parting?

“Haru, your…volunteer hours.” He mutters through his fatigue and utter exhaustion. 

A sigh leaves her lips. “You know I don’t ever get A’s.” 

“You’re almost done.”

“Yeah, I know. But, something came up. You understand, don’t you, Yongguk?”

There was a bit of silence before her voice came over once more. This time, much softer and genuine.

“Thank you for everything, Yongguk. It’s been…fun.” 

He didn’t know when she left. He wasn’t even sure if that was the last thing she had said. But, he did remember hearing the familiar sirens getting louder and louder. He remembers pain shooting up his body when someone made contact with it. 

“We got you, Yongguk.”

The voice comforts him and he peeks – oh, it’s Detective Youngjae.

“Just a few minor injuries, that’s all.”

The detective never stopped talking – it was the first time Yongguk has ever saw him so chatty. The detective even stayed at his side when they rolled him into the ambulance and during the course of the ride to the hospital.

***

“Now that we’ve done what you want, you’ll behave, yes?”

Behave? 

Even without her answer, he continues. “Can we talk about why you were on Beogeu Street on the day of the kidnapping?”

“Let’s not.”

Haru sat on the edge of her bed and allowed nostalgia to wash over her as Jongup continued his scolding spree. Nothing she’ll say will stop it. So, she’ll let it happen while drowning it out. 

She has learned that it was the most effective approach. 

After two years, she ended up returning here anyways. Her hands run over the familiar comforter…nothing has changed. 

“Are you listening to me?”

“What, Jongup, what?”

“What were you planning to do, that area isn’t any park to take a stroll in.”

She shrugs. “I just wanted to find out who was stalking me.” 

“And, then what?”

“Wing it, I guess.” Did he know her to put much thought into anything?

“You somehow thought it was going to end well?” 

“It usually does.”

Her response renders Jongup speechless. Barom also doesn’t say a word as he watches the back and forth banter between the two. In his case, he wasn’t the least surprised Haru did something of that nature and he assumes Jongup feels the same way. 

Haru was ne