Chapter Text
“Sunghoon hyung.” Sunghoon smiled seeing Sunoo.
The younger had been checking on him ever since Solon's stepmother visited him. It was Niki who told the fox guy what happened during his visit to him. It turns out Sunoo had told Niki about where Sunghoon is and so after Niki dropped him somewhere for a meeting the youngest went to visit Sunghoon. While they were watching a movie Sunoo called Niki, that's when the youngest told his boyfriend what happened despite Sunghoon’s request keeping it a secret.
Safe to say Sunoo was furious and was planning to go after Solon's stepmother. Sunghoon immediately asked Niki to stop his boyfriend, cutting their movie marathon short. He decided then and there he wouldn't tell Jake of what transpired. He doesn't want his best friend to go after Solon's stepmother when Sunoo is already going.
“Sunoo-ssi, please come in.” He steps aside as the younger steps in, smiling awkwardly.
Sunoo had finally asked him if he could visit which Sunghoon happily agreed. He led the younger to the living room where an array of snacks and drinks were placed on the table.
Once seated the two were wrapped in awkward silence. Sure, Sunoo would check on him but their conversations were formal and short. Also, it has been days since they saw each other face to face.
“Thank you by the way for helping me with the security.” Sunoo had assisted him in making Solon’s home more secure by denying Solon's stepmother access to the very building itself. It turns out the extra electronic key card at the front desk was used. They found out the original Solon gave a copy as he didn't usually stay long at the penthouse. It was then stolen by Solon’s stepmother herself, even slapping the receptionist when she was trying to get it back. Thankfully there weren't any tenants around that time and only Solon’s stepmom’s bodyguards along with some staff saw the incident. The staff were afraid to fight against her. With Sunoo’s help they added more security and told the staffs to notify him whenever the woman tried to fight her way inside. Also, the key card at the front desk was retrieved to ensure Solon’s stepmother won't get a hold of it.
“It's nothing hyung,” Sunoo replied, eyes cast downward.
Silence.
Sunghoon was playing with the hem of his shirt not knowing what to do. He should apologize first. Right, apologize. Taking a deep breath he worked up his courage.
“I'm really sorry!” two voices were heard, they both stared at each other realizing they said the same thing. A small smile mirrored each other's faces.
“Ah, you first hyung.” Sunoo says. Sunghoon took a deep breath before he starts his apology.
“I'm sorry for what happened last time. I did scold Jake for being rude but aside from that I'm really sorry for everything.” He said, bowing his head.
“I know you were trying to be honest and with Jake hyung he reached out to me days after and asked for forgiveness. I was a mess and it may have taken me a while but I believe you now hyung.” Sunoo replied, Sunghoon lift his head, eyes widen in surprise. He was happy but a part of him felt sorry, he could tell Sunoo was also hurting with the truth.
“But how?” was all he could say. Sunoo refused to look at him as he mentioned the name Sunghoon tried to forget.
“I hired someone to do a background check on you then went to…Jay-ssi and asked him to confirm things you've said to me. I'm sorry I know I shouldn't have done that knowing…” Sunoo sighed sadly,“... but I…I was desperate for answers.” He continued.
Sunghoon blinks, he doesn't know what to feel. He has been trying to forget about Jay. He didn't even ask Jake about him or if Jay told them what happened the day of their wedding. He was scared and so he tried to avoid it.
‘Is he alright?’ A part of him wants to ask but he shakes the idea away. He doesn't want to be associated with Jay this time. It would be better for them to be far from each other.
‘Jay would be happier not knowing I'm alive. I'll only make his life miserable.’ His heart aches at the thought.
“Don't worry, I completely understand.” He replied, though he wanted to ask Sunoo if he told Jay about him.
“I didn't tell him about you being in Solon hyung’s body. I don't think I have the right to do so.”
“I see…thank you,” was all he could say. He couldn't trust his voice not to break if he said more.
“Hyung, may I ask, do you know where your body is?” Sunghoon looked up in surprise, and was met with Sunoo’s pleading eyes. He doesn't know. Whenever he tries to open the topic Jake would just change the topic or excuse himself.
“I'm sorry but I… I don't really know.” He mumbled loud enough for Sunoo to hear.
“What do you mea-”
“Oh, Sunoo you're here?” They both looked at the direction of the voice and saw a freshly woken Jake by the staircase. His best friend was sleeping in the guest room when Sunoo arrived.
“You're awake.” Sunghoon smiled at Jake who was walking towards them.
“Mind if I join the conversation?” Sunghoon was glad if there was someone he could ask, it would be Jake. Heesung doesn't believe him though he knows his hyung would ask for him…well more like about Solon’s condition through Sunoo or Niki.
“Sunoo finally believes I'm not Solon.” Sunghoon starts, Jake's eyes widen at that.
“Yeah.” Sunoo nods his head, eyes downcast. Sunghoon feels sad for him. He knows the younger just wants to see his best friend.
“I see I'm glad.” Jake smiles.
“That's why…we would like to ask…where my body is?” Sunghoon hesitates, he doesn't dare to look at Jake afraid of what he'll see.
“Yeah, if Sunghoon hyung’s soul is in Solon hyung’s body then Solon hyung’s soul must be in Sunghoon hyung’s body.” Sunoo adds, voice hopeful.
“Hoon's body…” They hear Jake mumble, eyes on the floor. Sunghoon lift his head in worry, he felt his heart ache seeing the change in his best friend's demeanor.
“Yeah?” Sunghoon asks, he knows the topic was somewhat taboo. He doesn't know why. Is his body still in a coma? His attention went to the window as it started raining outside. Then to Jake who turned his back against them.
“Sunghoon’s body…,” Jake hesitates, taking a deep breath before he continues. “...is missing. I'm sorry.”
‘Missing?’
Both him and Sunoo were dumbfounded with the truth. Before he could ask more Jake started to walk away.
“I feel a bit dizzy. I'll just take a rest. I'm sorry again Sunoo for what I did.” Jake didn't face them again and just continued walking. They watched him climb the stairs and disappear leaving him and Sunoo alone.
“You're…missing?” Sunoo stutters. Sunghoon couldn't believe it either. He can't believe his body is missing. He could tell Sunoo was crushed by the news. The younger just wants his Solon hyung back.
“Don't worry we'll find Solon,” Sunoo finally looked at him. Sunghoon felt his throat constrict seeing a tear escape the younger’s eyes. He could see how devastated he was. The pain and hopelessness reflecting in his irises.
“We'll find my body and have you reunited with your Solon hyung, I promise.” Sunghoon was surprised as Sunoo’s tears came crashing down as the younger engulfed him in a hug.
He lets the younger hold onto him as long as he wants. He knows the feeling of searching for someone. The yearning. The hopelessness as each second that passes by. They hugged for as long as the younger desires.
“Thank you, hyung.” Sunoo says as he lets go, wiping his tears away. Sunghoon just nodded his head.
“Let's find my body and have me and Solon swap back though I don't know how but we'll worry about that later.” He says, the younger nodded in agreement.
“Problem is, we don't have a clue and it seems like Jake doesn't know as well.”
They were wrapped in silence as they tried to think.
“Police report!” Sunoo pipes. “There wasn't any news of your accident which is questionable but I'll have someone check for any police report.” Sunoo says, eyes twinkling. Sunghoon finds it strange how there wasn't any news about his accident.
'Did Tita and Tito do something?' He thought. Just like how his catastrophic wedding was kept from the public? He doesn't know. If only Jungwon…Jungwon?
“Sunoo, can you ask someone to look for Jungwon as well?”
“Why?”
“That woman told me he was missing.” He answers truthfully. He could see the frown forming on Sunoo’s face.
“Hyung he's hiding. There's no way he's missing.”
“Whatever the truth is, I do think we need to search for him. He might hav-” Sunghoon couldn't continue but seeing Sunoo’s face he could tell the younger gets it.
“I understand hyung, that guy is the only suspicious person right now.” After finalizing their plan Sunoo bids him goodbye rushing out after receiving a call from his dad.
Sunghoon sighed, as he massage his temple. Everything is a complete mess. Fate really loves messing with him. He got a second chance to live but now things became even more complicated. Sunghoon watches as the rain continues to pour. He really hopes for spring to come.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Jake knows…he knows what he did was wrong but he couldn't tell the truth. He doesn't want Sunghoon to blame himself. He doesn't want to lose his best friend the second time around. He just needs to let them believe Sunghoon’s body is missing then after searching tirelessly they'll give up and accept the truth that Sunghoon couldn't be found. Solon’s soul is probably in someone else's body.
“I'll search for Solon to compensate Sunoo,” He mumbled as he stared at the rain outside. He knows it's impossible but he'll try. He's aware of Heesung not knowing what is happening, not when he remembers how Sunoo asked him about the older. He knows the two won't go to Heesung searching for answers. Leaving only Jay as an option which was impossible at the moment.
'Jay...' Jake thought about his friend. He knows Sunghoon deserved to know what happened to Jay on their wedding day but it's not his story to tell. As for the two to reunite, he could tell Sunghoon doesn't want that at the moment.
Right now he needs to make sure his best friend and Sunoo won't find out about what happened.
‘Records, shit!’ Jake thought, he forgot about the hospital and police records. He needs to get to it first before Sunoo and Sunghoon finds out.
“I just have to persuade Sunghoon to leave the country afterwards. He'll be safer away from Jungwon - wherever that guy is.” He grits his teeth remembering that bane of existence.
‘The apple doesn't fall far away from the tree.’ He thought, remembering how Jungwon’s mother treated Sunghoon in Solon’s body. Yes, he knows. He watched the footage. Sunghoon agreed to put some cameras in the living room cause Jake was worrying about him. When Jake got back the receptionist was tense and so he questioned her. He was seething in anger at what that horrible excuse of a woman did.
‘I'll make sure Solon doesn't suffer with his stepmother once he gets back.’
He knows he's being selfish but after everything that happened he wants his best friend to live a happy life away from this drama. He regrets not being able to save him.
“I just have to make sure they won't find out about the fire and have Solon back in whoever’s body he is in.” Jake mumble to himself as take his phone from his night stand, dialling a number.
“Hey hyung…”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Sir,” Jay looks up to see Mr. Han, his personal assistant, walked toward his table with a folder in his hand. Jay immediately opened it as soon as it was handed to him.
He reads the content, his frown getting deeper as he reads further.
“Did detective Byun make a mistake?” He asked, eyes hard.
“I don't think so Sir,” Jay digs his nails in his clenched fist. This can't be right. What does he mean by this? Sunghoon…
“Tell Detective Byun to come right this instant.”
“As you wish, Sir.” Jay waves him off as he slumps back on his chair staring at the ceiling.
‘What does he mean the police and hospital reports have been wiped out? and those teenagers…” Jay could feel a headache coming.
‘Did Jungwon do it?’ He doesn't know where the younger is ever since the day he left him at the hospital. Jay closed his eyes as memories resurface. The omitted parts of what really transpired during that time - the one's he kept hidden from Jake and Heesung till this day. Jay ran his hand on his hair as he lowered his head, lifting it second after as his eyes landed on his table and zeroed on his ballpen - the sharp part of it.
Jay had already thought of a plan; he just needs to timed things right. He carefully parked the car at the basement parking lot. The younger needed treatment and he can't leave him in this state. He'll just search for Sunghoon later and beg for forgiveness.
‘Get Jungwon treated and find a way out.’ He made a mental plan already for his escape later. Jay's attention went to Jungwon when he heard him sigh.
“Hyung, can I borrow your jacket?” He heard him say. Jay didn't hesitate to take it off.
‘Is he sick? Is he feeling cold?’
“Jungwon-ah, are you okay?” He asked gently, the younger just nodded, not looking at him. “Come on, let's get you treated.” Jay turns the engine off and gets ready to get out.
He heard some shuffling behind and thought of Jungwon getting ready as well.
“I'm sorry Jay hyung.” Jay was about to check on the younger when he felt a sharp painful sensation on his arm. Jungwon has injected him with something. He immediately pushed Jungwon and grabbed the syringe throwing it on the floor. He hastily opens the door and runs out.
Running away from his car he suddenly stops feeling the world tilting in front of him.
‘What did Jungwon inject him with?’ he tried to continue but his steps falter, falling to his knees as his vision blurries.
“Are you okay?” He heard someone’s voice rushing to his direction but before he could take a look he fell to the floor as he slowly lost consciousness.
“Step away from him!” It was Jungwon’s voice. “If you don't want to get killed run away and don't tell anyone.” He threatens, retreating footsteps was heard after, probably the stranger that tried to help.
“Guess the new drug works. I knew you would try to run away but I'm sorry hyung I have to make sure you come with me.” was the last thing Jay heard as he succumbed to darkness.
Over the next sixth days Jay was locked up in a room. On the first two days he was banging on the door begging to be let out. By the third day till the sixth he accepted his fate. He couldn't ask for help, not when his phone was still with Jungwon. It was only on the 7th day was he let out.
The door on his room finally opened that morning. Jay didn't waste time he immediately looked for the younger.
“Did you have to do those things?” He asked, seething in anger. The study room where Jungwon was has become a complete mess with everything thrown and shattered. The younger just gave him a small smile.
“I knew you were gonna leave sooner or later. I just had to make sure you stay but I'll keep my promise hyung just until tomorrow morning please stay with me. It's just another couple of hours. I promise after breakfast I'll set you free and you'll never see me again.” Jay didn't answer, and just stared at him in disbelief. He knows he doesn't have a choice here. What if he left by midnight and get shot again by that sleeping drug?
“I'll take your silence as a yes, hyung. Oh, I believe you'll keep your promise THIS TIME hyung so I'll give you this.” Jungwon slides his phone on the table.
“You can check on Sunghoon hyung with someone but don't contact Sunghoon hyung himself. I know that you're a patient man, hyung. I trust you can wait until tomorrow after breakfast to go back to him.” Jay clenched his fist tighter, as he stares at the younger.
'Who the hell is this in front of him?' The Jungwon he knows wasn't this cruel.
“I'll keep my promise of not touching a single person that Sunghoon hyung adore but I'm not quite sure of Sunghoon hyung himself…if you misbehave.” Just then Jungwon showed him his laptop showing a real-time stream of their apartment window outside as if viewed from another building.
‘Don't tell me…”
“It's what you think hyung so just be nice and be obedient for a while. No funny business. ” Jay didn't answer, not when his anger was brewing.
He can't believe the younger had injected him with a sleeping drug. He knows it was easy for the younger to have it created, especially when Jungwon’s family was one of the top players of the pharmaceutical industry. But now? He even has someone watched Sunghoon’s every move.
“Even if you do call for someone it would be too late hyung so if I were you I wouldn't try escaping or do unnecessary things. And if you do decide to kill me. I'll just press this button on my watch to send a signal to fire.”
“Fuck!” Jay punched the wall out of anger.
He stormed off the room and immediately called for Heesung asking for Sunghoon’s situation. He was hopeless at the moment. He wants to be with Sunghoon he really does but for now he has to endure it not when Jungwon has a fucking hitman.
Jay didn't left his room and didn't even bother to eat that day. He was worried about Sunghoon. His tears won't stop falling as Sunghoon’s countless voicemails echoed in his room. Each words a stab to his heart. Each cry a punch to his gut. He felt worse. He wants to be with his love and erase those doubts in his heart.
He stares at the starless night sky outside as he hopes Sunghoon is alright.
"Please hold on for a while. I'll come back I promise. I'll propose again and have us another wedding." He whispered, hoping the wind will deliver his message to Sunghoon.
Just then he received that dreadful phonecall from Heesung. He remembered his hyung’s words, his hyung’s wavering voice as he tells him the news.
“Jay…Sunghoon…Sunghoon’s got into an accident.” He immediately ran out of his room in haste meeting Jungwon in the living room. If he has to fight the younger to be with Sunghoon right that moment he will.
“Hyung, where are you going?” Jungwon was drinking coffee by the couch.
“I need to go to Sunghoon.” He grits his teeth, tears were brimming in his eyes. For a brief moment, something unspoken flickered across Jungwon’s face - an emotion Jay couldn’t quite place vanishing as quickly as it came. Jay frantically search for his key. He saw it when he pass by the living room in the afternoon.
“But our agreeme-”
“I don't want your bullshit right now my lifeline’s in danger. What's the point of staying here if the very person I'm protecting will…” Jay could feel a lump on his throat, fear evident in his voice not because of what Jungwon might do but for his life - Sunghoon.
“I see…” was all he hears, “Hyung, catch!” Jay turn around in time to catch what the younger tossed. In his hands were his car keys, he immediately opens the door without sparing a glance at Jungwon.
“In the end it's still him,” was the last thing he heard before he steps out.
The last time Jay saw Jungwon was at the hospital. The younger was injured and was begging to see him. It was once again against his will meeting him. As he woke up finding himself on the couch of the younger’s hospital room, opening his eyes he was met with Jungwon staring at him.
“Are you having a great time injecting me with those drug?” He ask as he gets up, he stills for a moment as he felt lightheaded.
“Don't worry you got what you wanted. I bet you probably hurt yourself from celebrating too much.” He says tone mocking, as he stares at the younger, whose head was lowered, eyes not meeting him. He waits for a minute for the younger to tell him what he wants but with no response he decided it was best to leave.
“Tsk,” Jay clenched his fist, taking a deep breath as he walked towards the door.
“Hyung, catch!” Jay instinctively catches whatever it is once again. It was one of the things they do ever since they've met and so it became a habit. Jay stares at a key card.
“It's my apology to you hyung.” Jay wanted to break the thing and toss it in the trash but hearing his voice, weak and fragile - maybe it's the sliver of humility in his heart that made him hold on to it. Without sparing the younger another glance he holds onto the door handle.
“Let's not meet again,” Jay says, voice cold, as he finally steps out of the room.
Jay let out a sigh, the memory of that week haunts him, visiting his dreams for years. Just then he heard a knock on his door without waiting he immediately asked the person outside to come in. That Sunoo guy has ignited his interest on Sunghoon’s accident. He doesn't know how that guy learned such things about their relationship and why he was so focus on finding his body but now he wants to find out.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
“Hey you, here's your food.” The man slowly lift his head as a plate was slide in the tiny rectangular door that slides open and close. He walked towards the plate filled only with beans and rice and without a second munch on it. Not even minding the water bottle hitting him on the head. He had been left for hunger for 2 days and was only surviving by tap water on the small bathroom he has inside his cell. There was nothing much in his room aside from a caged window, a small bed, a door with a smaller sliding door for his food and water and a bathroom - that's basically it.
He doesn't know where he really is as he woke up and finds himself inside the cell with his left leg chained up already. He doesn't even know how many years it has been. Gone where the days he hope to be rescued. The days where his voice would became hoarse from shouting for help stopping only when his voice fade out. He was constantly beaten and was starved. He doesn't even know how he's still going after years of torture and abuse.
After eating he immediately drank some water just a bit and tucked the bottle beside his pillow. He makes sure he doesn't waste any of it especially when tomorrow's breakfast isn't a sure thing. With nothing to do he finds himself staring at the window the moon’s silver light filtering through his cramped and dimly lit room.
“Please save me…Niki-yah…,” He whisper as a tear drops. He hopes the younger will find him. It's a hopeless wish but it's better than nothing. He hopes to be free, for others to find him, but his future right now is bleary as he stares at his chains. Those chains that bind him to this depressing space.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It has been two months since Jay started his investigation. The man who handled Sunghoon’s case had already retired 2 years ago and was nowhere to be found. Jay had been trying to find the guy but was still with no luck.
“Here are the cases of those teenagers you ask for.” Detective Byun handed him the folder.
Jay found himself taking a deep breath after reading the report.
“One got run over by a truck, two got into a bar fight and was killed later, one drowned, one died of suicide, one jumped out of the building and the last one…she's admitted in the mental hospital. That's how they all ended?” He asked, Detective Byun just nodded his head. Jay still can't believe those things happened to those teenagers who accidentally killed Sunghoon. He lowers his head as he wipes his hands on his face out of frustration. It seems the more he dig, the more things get complicated.
“When did it all happened?” he asked, curious.
“Just within two and a half years, the first death happened just after a month of them getting released from community service.” Jay sighed, as he massage his temple. It was ridiculous.
“Did anyone reported anything?”
“Miss Lee, the one who died jumping off the building reported having a stalker following her for two months but the police didn't made an effort as he was not harming her.” Jay shakes his head.
“What about the one in the hospital?”
“Miss Kim, she was the one who first responded to Mr. Sunghoon at the night of the accident. She went missing for three months and was saved from an operation for women trafficking. She had mentioned several times about the man. The masked man with black gloves. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to identify the guy as she was under the influence. She made a report seeing the man just five months after her recovery. The police had been called several times to her house but was empty handed each time. Miss Kim also mentioned about a guy in the room beside her where she first stayed for three days before getting transported. She asked the police to help him but when asked about the location she only reported about a worn-looking building beside a casino. Her description weren't helpful and so the police seize the operation after a month. It was after a year when her mother had decided to get her into the mental hospital for hallucinations and abnormal behaviour.”
“Did the police try to connect all those cases?”
“Those cases were treated individually as the time line and cause of death were different. All mentioned cases have been closed along with Miss Kim, as hers was considered to be due to her traumatic experience - with the man in black just a hallucination of hers.” Jay nodded in understanding.
‘With her hallucinating it must really be just an illusion…but what if it was true?' Jay shake his head, he doesn't know anymore.
“Sunoo…Kim Sunoo…do a background check on that guy.” Jay haven't checked on that fox guy. Who was desperate asking where Sunghoon’s body was.
‘What's his goal? Why does he seem to know a lot about Sunghoon? Why was he so eager to know about the accident?’ Jay could feel the headache coming again. His attention went to Detective Byun who asked to excuse himself. Jay called Mr. Han to see Detective Byun out of the house.
He only wanted to check Sunghoon’s case but the report about the accident was missing in their records. Even the hospital doesn't have any record of Sunghoon. As if everything that happened that night didn't occured.
‘Who the hell is doing these things?’ Jay thought as he finds himself staring at the starless night sky outside his window. He takes a sip of his vodka as his eyes lands on his wedding ring.
'What the hell happened?’