great escape ;; bongson (gncd)

five

"So you thought you were getting a recording deal?" Youngtaek pondered after Sungyoon had given him the back story of how he ended up in the facility.

"Yeah… Now I realize how naive I was," Sungyoon laughed bitterly, "I would call myself a struggling musician so I jump up at anything that looks like an opportunity for me… Everyone told me to be more careful and I guess I should've listened."

"Well don't be so hard on yourself," Youngtaek consoled the older boy, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, "no one could've guessed you'd be kidnapped and forced into some sketchy science experiment."

"I guess you're right about that," Sungyoon chuckled lightly, "so what about you? How did you end up here?"

"I think mine is embarrassing," Youngtaek scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, "I was on a blind date…"

"Really? Have I seen this person already? The one who tricked you on the date?" Sungyoon asked curiously and Youngtaek exhaled a deep sigh.

"His name is Jaehyun, the guy who brought the medication for us." Youngtaek replied, the sound of Jaehyun's name on his own mouth making him upset.

"Oh yeah, now I remember how you called out to him that night they first briefed us," Sungyoon nodded knowingly, "I can't blame you for agreeing to go on the date, he's cute."

"Whatever," Youngtaek rolled his eyes, "he's still an evil kidnapper and because of him I'm gonna end up dead."

"Let's hope that won't be the case and this wacko's experiment works." Sungyoon grinned, trying to lighten the atmosphere, to which Youngtaek replied with a small smile.

There was nothing to be happy about in the situation that he was in, but nevertheless he was grateful he had met Sungyoon. The older boy was somehow able to make him feel comfortable and his constant positive attitude gave him hope that everything would be okay. After only a few hours of knowing each other, Youngtaek felt as though Sungyoon was a good friend that he would want to keep in his life. He wanted this predicament to end so he and Sungyoon could leave and bond under better circumstances.

Sungyoon and Youngtaek chatted about anything and everything, their friends, family and overall lives outside of the facility. It was only the sound of the intercom that snapped them out of their conversation.

"Subjects, it is now bath time. You will all be escorted by a nurse to the communal showers," a gentle voice sounded from the intercom, "you are allocated an hour before you will have to return to your rooms."

Once the intercom switched off, the sound of someone punching in the passcode on the keypad came from the other side of the door. The door opened and Donghyun stood at the doorframe. Now, Youngtaek had concluded that he hated everyone who worked at the facility, but he couldn't help feeling relieved by seeing Donghyun rather than another nurse. As he realized before, Donghyun seemed to have more emotions and empathy towards the captives.

"You can take whatever toiletries you may need and follow me." Donghyun said in his usual polite voice and gestured towards the box of toiletries.

Youngtaek and Sungyoon grabbed whatever they needed before exiting the room. In silence they walked behind Donghyun, the other captives walking next to them with their own allocated nurses. They arrived at a pair of tall glass doors that clearly showed rows of showers and basins on the inside. One of the nurses put in the passcode on the keypad and unlocked the doors.

"Alright, these are the communal showers," Donghyun turned towards Youngtaek and Sungyoon, "I will leave now, please make sure to be back in your room once the time limit is up."

With that, Donghyun hurried away and the other two were left to their own devices. They both entered the large room and each took their own shower stall. They both, alongside the other captives, showered in silence, the only sound being the gush of water from the faucets. Youngtaek finished before Sungyoon and quickly changed back into his gown. He stood at one of the basins, waiting for Sungyoon, when he felt a pair of eyes on him. He looked towards the doors and saw Jaehyun standing there, the boy's hands buried into the pockets of his hoodie and his eyes peering through his bangs.

Without thinking, Youngtaek stormed over to him. Jaehyun instinctively backed away until the two of them were standing in the dim corridor next to the communal showers. Jaehyun had his head low and Youngtaek could see him staring blankly at the floor. The fact Jaehyun remained so cold and deadpan made Youngtaek even more infuriated. He harshly shoved Jaehyun, hard enough that the other boy stumbled back into the wall.

"What the hell do you want from me?" Youngtaek glared at Jaehyun, speaking through gritted teeth, "you try to act like you care by getting rid of that medication and now you're just staring at me like some freak. Admiring your work? Checking in on the life you ruined?"

Youngtaek took a step closer and Jaehyun flinched. Jaehyun's head was down and his hands, now at his sides, were tremoring slightly. Youngtaek's glare faltered when he heard Jaehyun let out a soft, shaky breath. Jaehyun slowly placed his hands back in his pockets, clearing his throat, and stood up straight, his gaze still focused on the floor.

"Still not gonna explain yourself, huh?" Youngtaek spat bitterely, taking a step back.

"Hey Youngtaek, let's go." He heard Sungyoon call out to him softly and turned to see the elder boy waiting for him by the glass doors.

Youngtaek flashed one last glare towards Jaehyun before jogging over to meet Sungyoon.

"What was that?" Sungyoon asked as they walked back to their room, not forgetting to spare a glance at Jaehyun.

"Nothing."