𝘗𝘺𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘊𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩 | 𝘺.𝘫𝘸 𝘹 𝘬.𝘴𝘯

💌 48 - apprehend

The following day...

The hospital smelled like sterile air and faint disinfectant. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Sunoo and Jay made their way down the quiet hallway, a small bouquet of flowers and a get-well card clutched in Sunoo's hands.

They found Jake's room easily. Through the half-open door, they could see him lying in the hospital bed — his face pale, a bandage wrapped around his head, his arm in a sling.

A nurse stood just inside, adjusting the monitors.

Jay stepped forward, but the nurse quickly turned to them, her expression gentle but firm.

"He's still sleeping," she said quietly. "He's stable, but it's best not to disturb him yet. Let him wake up on his own."

Sunoo nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. They both approached the bedside carefully, setting the flowers and card down next to an already-growing collection of gifts from Jake's family.

There was a portrait of Jake's favorite picture of Layla on the bedside table to which Sunoo smiled at. "Get better soon, Jake." he muttered under his breath.

Jay smiled. "We'll be waiting for you."

They held Jake's hands strongly.

They stood there a moment longer — reluctant to leave — before silently exiting the room and stepping back into the corridor and out the hospital.

The ride to school was quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts. Walking on the school grounds felt weird, acting as if everything was normal heading inside the building.

As they walked into their classroom, the murmur of students and the scraping of chairs filled the air, but Sunoo barely noticed. His mind was still with Jake, still replaying the night over and over.

Then —

"Park Jongseong," a voice called from the doorway.

Everyone turned.
Standing there was the principal, Mr. Min.

Jay stiffened beside Sunoo.

"You're needed in the principal's office," the man said. "Now."

Sunoo instinctively grabbed Jay's sleeve. "I'll go too," he said quickly, not wanting Jay to face whatever this was alone.

The principal hesitated — but then nodded.

Together, they walked the silent halls toward the office.
But when they arrived, it wasn't just a scolding waiting for them.

It was the police.

One of the officers stepped forward, pulling out a notepad. "Park Jeongseong," he said formally. "You're needed for further investigation regarding the incident at Choi Yeonjun's residence."

Jay's face twisted in disbelief. "What? No— I didn't do anything! I was trying to protect my friend!"

"We have witnesses that saw you engaged in a fight shortly before the fire started," the officer continued, ignoring Jay's protests. "You'll need to come with us for questioning."

Sunoo felt his stomach drop. "Wait—wait, he didn't start the fire!" he blurted out. "It was an accident! That guy—Hyunwoo—he—!"

The officers didn't budge.
Before either of them could say more, they were already placing cuffs on Jay's wrists.

Jay struggled for a second, panic flashing across his face, before locking eyes with Sunoo.

"Stay here," Jay said, his voice low and urgent. "Don't get involved."

And then they led him away — down the hall, out the doors, and into the back of a waiting police car.

Sunoo follows them out as he looks into the backseat window where Jay sat. "I'll be fine, Sunoo. Don't worry."

The car began to drive off as Sunoo watches it fades into the distance.

And for the first time since the party, he realized he was truly alone.