Following the series of cathartic events and tumultuous discoveries, Soonbok and Jongin were finally enjoying their much deserved rest, taking the opportunity to recharge themselves mentally, physically and emotionally. The two long-term best friends stopped by their favourite fried chicken shop, and marched their way into Soonbok’s flat equipped with freshly fried crunchy chicken, and ice cold beer. For tonight, they were going to forego their identity as nurses and the duties associated with it. For tonight, they were going to focus on themselves. For tonight, they were going to simply enjoy each other’s company.

Or so was the goal.

Jongin threw himself onto the Persian rug, leaning his back against the sofa. Meanwhile, he haphazardly slid the plastic bag he was holding onto the coffee table, allowing the box of chicken to pour out like a cascade. Soonbok immediately kicked him in the ribs and sent him a deadly glare.

“No crumbs on the floor,” Soonbok threatened menacingly. “Also, keep your greasy hands off my sofa you hear me?”

Jongin rolled his eyes as the girl proceeded to layer old newspaper over the sofa like an armour. She halted momentarily and then placed newspaper around Jongin too as preemptive measure. The male ignored the girl’s over-cautious actions and reached for her laptop instead to find something to watch. His fingers danced across the keyboard, his muscle memory recalling the password all too easily. The computer unlocked and what was displayed caused Jongin’s eyes to double in size.

“What the f—” Jongin chocked on his breath, sending Soonbok a look of alarm.

An unquestionably dodgy-looking gay website was staring blatantly back at Jongin. Soonbok glanced at the outrageous website and shrugged her shoulders.

“Professional interest.”

“Professional interest?!?” Jongin echoed in disbelief.

Feeling as though he was being made fun of, Jongin wearily turned his attention back to the website and finally read the title of the video left open: Chem — Documentary by VICE UK.

“Chem…?” Jongin frowned.

The word rang a bell in Jongin’s mind, but he could not quite reach the threads of knowledge to remind himself where he had seen the word before. Seeing through the struggling male, Soonbok opened a bottle of beer with nonchalance, pushing it into Jongin’s hands before opening a bottle for herself and taking a satisfying gulp.

“Chem is a term used commonly in the UK. It refers to using various drugs in combination to facilitate ual sessions between men lasting several hours or even days with multiple ual partners,” Soonbok explained casually. “It has recently gained notoriety in mainstream media after the NHS has identified it as a health priority due to dangerous ual behaviour and risks of ually transmitted disease.”

“And you are watching this enlightening documentary on a gay website because…”

“Because it’s the only place I could find it in its entirety.”

Seeing Soonbok’s seemingly rational explanation, Jongin found himself snorting loudly. His shoulders shook gently before escalating into full quaking. Soon, he was doubled over in laughter, at a loss against his best friend dearest who devoted every waking second of her life towards anything addictions and substances related.

“Anything for the greater good of society huh Bokkie-bok dearest?” Jongin breathed out, finally calming down and bringing himself to enjoy the fried chicken.

Soonbok raised a questioning brow at the male, almost wanting to ask him what drug he was on that triggered such a fit of giggles. It did not take long though for a heavy cloud to veil Soonbok’s eyes, darkening her facial features. She bit a piece of chicken thigh and chewed slowly, her gaze dull and stationary.

“For the greater good of society,” Soonbok repeated listlessly.

The shift in the girl’s demeanour did not go unnoticed by her companion. Forgetting about the saliva inducing food, Jongin did not forget to wipe the grease from his hands before turning his body towards Soonbok, giving her his full attention. The male said no words and simply waited. He waited as his gaze swept over the girl’s features. He waited as he counted the nu