; CONNECT (1/2)

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Changkyun’s were set on the figure in front of him, slowly flickering across their body. They were slumping their weight on one of their legs. Their clothing was tatty and not only was a cut on their face, but the fading purple and blue bruises littered their jaw. This lip was split and there were grazes on their hand.

His breathing was heavy and his eyes fleeting. They darted at either end of the street before slowly they lowered their hand from Changkyun’s lips. An elongated breath was released.

“You look awful,” Changkyun spoke deeply, “Mind telling me how you’re still alive Kihyun?”

“Really not the place or time,” the male bit back. “There have been some men congregating in their area over the past few days. I couldn’t understand what they were saying, but I did hear your name. Now, put the knife or gun away, whatever you’re holding.”

“It’s a knife,” Changkyun clarified. He didn’t know why. But in his state of shock, he wasn’t sure what else he was meant to say. Kihyun quickly pulled him down the walkway quickly, taking him towards the car he had arrived in.

Changkyun parted his lips to speak, but his voice was caught in his throat. A frown gradually creased on his forehead as he was pushed in the direction of the vehicle.

“Get in it’s not safe here,” the male ordered him as he darted around the other side. It took Changkyun a moment to gather his thoughts and pull open the car door. He slid into his seat, sliding the keys into the ignition. In the passenger seat, the beat-up boy was already riffling through the documents that Shownu had given him.

“That’s private information,” he began.

“Start driving,” Kihyun said absentmindedly. Scoffing quietly, Changkyun changed gears and turned out onto the street.

“I don’t care that you don’t believe this is the right time, but you have some serious explaining to do. Everyone thinks you’re dead.”

“I wanted to get in contact, but I don’t have a phone. I don’t have money. I didn’t know where to go. I don’t even know where anyone has gone,” Kihyun explained. “I thought maybe Minhyuk went to his mother’s place but it was empty. I have been staying in there for the last three days.”

“Where were you before then?” Changkyun questioned. “From what I’ve heard the ambush was nearly a week ago.”