People Watching ★ 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐒𝐮𝐧

18: Found him but at what cost

Guess who's back again?!? Me!!!

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Sunoo tilted his head and pouted, "We've been searching for thirty minutes!" he whined, frustration seeping into his voice. "Why would he just leave without saying goodbye?"

Jungwon crossed his arms, his expression troubled as he gazed into the dimly lit parking lot. "Have you ever considered the possibility that he just doesn't enjoy spending time with you?" he suggested, the shadows deepening around them.

Sunoo's mouth fell open in disbelief, then quickly snapped shut. "And have you ever thought that by helping me, you might also be bothering him?" he shot back, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his tone.

Jungwon sighed, avoiding Sunoo's gaze. "I'm going to check the cafeteria. You stay here and check the parking lot," he instructed before turning away, his figure swallowed by the gathering darkness.

"Sure, but bring back some coffee!" Sunoo called after him, his voice echoing slightly in the empty space, but Jungwon only shook his head, leaving Sunoo to face the gloom alone.

With a heavy heart, Sunoo ventured into the parking lot, the weight of uncertainty settling over him like the encroaching night. He scanned the rows of parked cars, his gaze flickering to the overcast sky. "Did he really just vanish into thin air? It's been thirty minutes," he muttered to himself, the anxiety gnawing at him.

Suddenly, the sound of a slamming car door jolted him from his thoughts. He turned to see Sunghoon standing next to a gray car, his shoulders hunched and hands shoved deep into his pockets. The air around him was thick with tension, and a police officer stood nearby, frustration radiating from him like a storm cloud.

Sunoo quickly ducked behind a nearby car, the cold metal grounding him as he strained to catch a glimpse of the unfolding scene.

"Was that kid from the station your friend? I heard you bailed him out," the police officer asked, tilting his head. A lit cigar dangled from his fingers, the smoke curling up into the oppressive darkness.

Sunghoon's gaze remained fixed on the ground, a palpable unease in the air. "Maybe, but it's not your concern," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

The officer chuckled, a dark, mocking sound that sent chills down Sunoo's spine. "You've got guts, kid. But remember, whatever happens in your life is also under my control. I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it anytime I want."

Sunghoon inhaled sharply but stayed silent, the tension in his posture heightening. The officer leaned closer, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "You remember that young kid I encountered when I was little? The one with the fox-like features?" Sunghoon's voice held a rare intensity, unlike anything Sunoo had seen before.

The officer nodded, recognition flashing in his eyes. "Is that who that kid is? No wonder they look so alike. Always seeking attention, no matter what." His laughter rang hollow, echoing ominously in the still air.

Sunoo's heart raced. Does he know my mother?

Sunghoon's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with suppressed emotion. Then, in a moment that shocked Sunoo to his core, Sunghoon looked up, his eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "He's not an attention seeker. He's kind," he said, his voice rising with defiance.

The officer arched an eyebrow, his laughter cruel and chilling. "Sticking up for that kid? Do you really want to lose your place to sleep tonight? I'll give you another chance."

Sunghoon took a sharp breath, his body trembling as he fought to maintain his composure. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, and before Sunoo could process the impending danger, a loud smack echoed through the parking lot, followed by the sickening sound of Sunghoon hitting the ground.

Sunoo's heart stopped as the officer spat on him, muttering, "Stupid kid," before striding away, leaving a heavy silence in his wake.

Rushing to Sunghoon's side, Sunoo knelt beside him, fear clawing at his chest. "Hey! Are you okay?!" he shouted, panic breaking through his usually confident demeanor.

Sunghoon lay there, the world around him fading into the background. Slowly, he lowered his hands from his face, revealing glistening eyes filled with a torrent of emotion. Tears streamed down his cheeks, mingling with the blood staining his lips. A haunting laugh escaped him, a sound of anguish and vulnerability that shattered Sunoo's heart.

Sunoo felt a lump in his throat as he witnessed this raw, unguarded moment. He hesitated, then gently placed a hand on Sunghoon's back, offering a hesitant, comforting pat. "It's okay," he whispered, his voice trembling.

Overwhelmed, Sunghoon broke down, sobbing softly as he uttered, "I..."

"Now I know it wasn't your fault," Sunoo said, his voice steady, filled with a newfound understanding. "What happened when we were kids—You just didn't know what to say because this is all you've know, right??"

Sunghoon didn't reply, his silence heavy with unspoken truths.

After a few tense moments, Sunghoon finally sat up, his eyes red and puffy, but there was a flicker of something else—something more vulnerable and open. He turned to Sunoo, a genuine, warm smile breaking through the gloom. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

In that moment, Sunoo's heart raced. Sunghoon's sincerity was disarming, and for the first time, he noticed how close they were, the dim light highlighting Sunghoon's striking features. It was a revelation that left him breathless.

Not that he was interested, of course!

But as Sunghoon continued to look at him, that warm smile unwavering, Sunoo felt a flutter in his chest, a warmth spreading through him that was both unsettling and exhilarating. Flustered, he quickly averted his gaze, his heart pounding and stomach twisting in confusion.

No, no, no.

Sunoo abruptly stood up, coughing to dispel the awkward tension. "Are you feeling alright? I-I have to go, but I'll see you soon!" he exclaimed, scrambling to leave, his mind racing.

What am I feeling?!

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