Episode 4: Unexpected Messages

                                    

                                          
The soft morning light spills through the sheer curtains of Hanjin's apartment, creating a warm glow that envelops the room. Hanjin stirs awake, feeling the comforting warmth of Dohoon beside him. The peaceful moment is fleeting as he reaches for his phone on the nightstand, squinting against the light. His eyes widen as he sees an unfamiliar number and a cryptic message flashing on the screen:
"We're not done yet. See you soon."
A rush of anxiety courses through him, his heart racing as old memories of Shinyu flood his mind. He sits up abruptly, the warmth of the bed now feeling stifling. The message lingers ominously, echoing the unresolved feelings and complexities of his past. Hanjin's hands tremble slightly as he contemplates the implications of those words, a sense of dread settling in his stomach.
As the morning progresses, Hanjin and Dohoon sit together in the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and toast filling the air. Dohoon chatters away, recounting a funny incident from class, but Hanjin barely hears him, lost in his thoughts. He steals glances at his phone, the message gnawing at his mind, and Dohoon picks up on his distracted demeanor.
Dohoon (concerned, leaning closer): "Is everything okay? You seem... off today."
Hanjin hesitates, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. He forces a smile, trying to mask his unease.
Hanjin (trying to sound casual): "It's just a message from someone I used to know."
Dohoon's brow furrows, and he raises an eyebrow, sensing there's more to the story.
Dohoon: "A friend? Or... someone else?"
Hanjin shifts uncomfortably in his seat, the pressure of Dohoon's gaze intensifying his internal struggle.
Hanjin (with a slight shake of his head): "It's nothing really. Just some old memories coming back."
Dohoon studies him for a moment longer, concern etched on his face, but ultimately decides to let it go, choosing instead to engage in lighter conversation.
Dohoon (jokingly): "Well, if that message is about a long-lost treasure, I want in!"
They both laugh, but Hanjin's heart isn't in it. The unease lingers like a dark cloud over the otherwise bright morning, and he can't shake the feeling that something is about to unravel.
Later that day, Hanjin struggles to concentrate during his classes. The lectures blur together as the message continues to haunt him. When lunch arrives, he finds himself sitting alone at a table, pulling out his phone once more. He stares at the message, the words replaying in his mind like a broken record.
He hesitates, the prospect of reaching out to this person filled with uncertainty and dread. But curiosity gnaws at him, compelling him to respond.
Hanjin (typing cautiously): "Who is this?"
After hitting send, he sets his phone down, anxiety bubbling within him. He can't shake the feeling of being watched, as if the shadows of his past are lurking just behind him.
As he waits for a response, he feels a familiar hand on his shoulder, and he jumps slightly, startled out of his thoughts. It's Dohoon, who has approached with his usual playful demeanor, completely unaware of the turmoil swirling inside Hanjin.
Dohoon (playfully): "Hey, earth to Hanjin! What's got you so lost?"
Hanjin glances up at Dohoon, forcing a smile, but inside, he feels a pit in his stomach grow deeper.
Hanjin: "Oh, just... thinking about some stuff."
Dohoon plops down across from him, his expression shifting from playful to concerned as he senses Hanjin's tension.
Dohoon: "You sure you're okay? You know you can talk to me, right?"
Hanjin nods, but the weight of his secrets feels heavier than ever. He opens his mouth to respond, but the words get stuck in his throat. Instead, he tries to divert the conversation.
Hanjin: "Yeah, I just have a lot on my mind with school and everything. How about you? Did you finish that photography project?"
Dohoon brightens at the change of topic, excitedly diving into a discussion about his latest project, and Hanjin feels a flicker of relief. But the message still looms in the back of his mind, and the anxiety is hard to shake off.
As they finish lunch, Hanjin feels his phone buzz on the table, and he glances down to see a new message from the unknown number. His heart races as he swipes to unlock the screen.
"You know I can't let you go that easily. Let's meet."
The words hit him like a cold wave, sending chills down his spine. He feels his breath hitch in his throat as he processes the implication. The weight of his past, particularly Shinyu, resurfaces, and he can't help but feel a mix of fear and curiosity.
Dohoon (noticing Hanjin's reaction): "What is it? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Hanjin forces himself to smile, attempting to mask his internal chaos.
Hanjin (carefully): "Just a... a text from an old friend. I think I need to deal with this."
Dohoon leans in, his expression serious.
Dohoon: "Hanjin, if it's something that's bothering you, please talk to me. You don't have to face it alone."
Hanjin feels a pang of guilt, knowing how much Dohoon cares for him. He opens his mouth to assure him, but the truth is complicated, tangled with emotions he hasn't fully processed.
Hanjin: "I will, I promise. Just... give me a bit of time to sort things out."
Dohoon's eyes soften, and he nods, though the concern doesn't completely leave his face.
Dohoon: "Okay, but just know I'm here for you. Always."
Hanjin nods, grateful for Dohoon's unwavering support, even as his heart remains heavy with secrets. As they part ways for the next class, he can't shake the feeling that the past is creeping back in, and he must confront it sooner rather than later.
He takes a deep breath, the weight of the unknown pressing on his shoulders. With each step, he feels the tension mounting, the reminder that the message he received is just the beginning of something he's not yet ready to face.
End of Episode 4.