The harsh flicker of artificial light sliced through the darkness, bathing the room in stark, sterile brightness, marking the start of the day. Sangwoo lay motionless, the shock collar around his neck a constant, biting reminder of his constrained freedom. As he moved, the slight weight on his chest shifted as it dropped off him while he sat up.
Pebble, the name Sangwoo, had decided on after Yoon Bum insisted he named the thing, walked over to his dish, his small mewls making it known he was ready to be fed. Yoon Bum thought the name cute, but Sangwoo called it "Pebble" because it was insignificant and easily overlooked. Sangwoo watched it with an aloof curiosity tempered by a touch of disdain.
Approaching with deliberate steps, the chain tightened, a metallic rasp echoing the limitations of his new world. He knelt, fingers brushing the kitten's fur, soft against the stark harshness of his reality. "Time for breakfast, Pebble," he murmured, his voice empty of warmth. As he went through his new ritual of feeding for the dependent creature at his feet.
This careful attention hid a deeper chaos. Each precise gesture, the refreshing of water, the careful portioning of food, was Sangwoo's defiance against his own helplessness. The kitten, oblivious and dependent, became the one thing he could dominate. Watching it eat, Sangwoo felt a wave of resentment wash over him; it lived in its own little world, unbothered by the confined environment, unlike him, who couldn't think of anymore more than escaping this hell.
The kitten's trust, its complete and unguarded ease, irked him. "It trusts as if no one has ever betrayed it - a luxury for the naive," he thought scornfully. Despite this, the forced responsibility of caring for the kitten brought a distorted sense of normalcy to his fractured life.
As the kitten finished its meal, it brushed against his side, its small body a warm presence against the room's chilled. While he waited for his own meal, the parallel wasn't unknown to him, leaving a bitter taste.
Inside Sangwoo's bland room, Yoon Bum entered, accompanied by Reid, whose presence had become increasingly notable and oppressive, breaking the monotony.
Sangwoo's muscles tensed as he assessed the shift in dynamics; Reid's watchful eyes added a layer of tension that was hard to ignore. Yoon Bum seemed unusually peppy, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he observed Sangwoo with the kitten.
"Seems like you two are getting along well," Yoon Bum commented, nodding towards Pebble. His voice carried a tone of approval that was as surprising as it was suspicious. Sangwoo maintained a neutral expression, masking the churn of his thoughts. He knew better than to display his emotions freely.
"You've been doing so well these last few days that I think you've earned a bit of a reward," Yoon Bum continued, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of pride and something unreadable. Sangwoo's interest piqued despite his reservations. Rewards from Yoon Bum were few, and never without their complexities.
"You'll spend some time in the sunroom today," Yoon Bum declared. Sangwoo's heart skipped a beat. He had never left this room since his confinement began. A sunroom meant large windows with natural light—luxuries that seemed almost mythical now.
It also meant a chance to map out the area for an escape plan.
"Sure," Sangwoo responded, his voice steady despite the surge of anticipation. "That sounds... nice."
Yoon Bum nodded, clearly satisfied with the response. "Good! Reid will get you ready. This is a big milestone for you," he said, emphasizing the words as if it were a contract binding Sangwoo to continued compliance.
As Reid moved to unlock the chain from Sangwoo's collar, the proximity of his actions felt invasive, yet Sangwoo stood still, allowing the momentary liberty to wash over him. The chain fell away with a clatter that echoed off the bare walls, and for the first time in months, Sangwoo felt the lightness of being unbound.
Yoon Bum cradled Pebble in his arms, bringing a touch of gentleness to the otherwise stern environment. "We'll bring this little one along. It might enjoy some sun," he said, hinting at more than just a simple outing.
Reid stepped forward, blindfold in hand. "Turn around," he said with no attempt for an explanation. But Sangwoo knew better—it was obvious they didn't want him to get a layout of the house.
As the blindfold enveloped his vision, Sangwoo's senses sharpened. He listened to the faint echoes in the room, each sound a clue to the layout and distance of his temporary prison. While being guided out of the room, Sangwoo noticed a few familiar smells—a faint mustiness mixed with the cold, damp air that spoke of enclosed, underground spaces.
'It's just like the basement back home, the irony.'
"Watch your step, Sangwoo." Yoon Bum's voice came from somewhere behind him and he hesitated, lifting a foot until he felt the texture of smooth hardwood beneath his feet.
They were ascending a set of stairs now, each step resonating with a hollow echo that further hinted at a basement, a rather large one at that.
Guided by Reid's firm grip on his neck, Sangwoo counted each step, mentally mapping his path from his room to what awaited him above. The air grew warmer, and the subtle scent of pine filled his nostrils, replacing the musty chill of the basement.
"Almost there." Yoon bum's excited voice went ahead of him as he kept walking what felt like a hallway by the length of his steps.
They stopped, and Reid removed the blindfold. Sangwoo blinked against the influx of light, the sunroom bursting into view. The space was a lush oasis, bathed in sunlight that poured in through large glass windows. Indoor plants thrived, their leaves vibrant against the backdrop of tasteful lounge furniture.
But Sangwoo's freedom was as illusory as the surrounding garden. Reid secured him to a chain similar to the one in his basement room, a heavy reminder of his ongoing captivity. The sunroom, while beautiful, was just another cell, crafted to give the appearance of freedom while firmly maintaining Yoon Bum's control.
They stopped, and Reid removed the blindfold. Sangwoo blinked against the influx of light as the sunroom came into view. The space was lush, bathed in sunlight that streamed through large glass windows. Indoor plants thrived, adding vibrant green splashes against the backdrop of tasteful lounge furniture.
Yet Sangwoo's freedom was illusory. Reid secured him to a chain similar to the one in his basement room, underscoring his ongoing captivity. While the sunroom offered a semblance of openness, it was merely a well-crafted enclosure, another layer of Yoon Bum's control.
The windows, while expansive, were fogged over, blurring the outside world and reinforcing Sangwoo's confinement.
Yoon Bum stood at the center of the sunroom, a benign smile playing on his lips as if inviting Sangwoo to appreciate the grandeur of his 'gift.' To Sangwoo, however, this smile seemed nothing more than the self-satisfaction of a puppeteer admiring the strings of control he deftly manipulated.
"Thank you, this is a... generous change of scenery," Sangwoo said, his voice measured, hiding the churn of his thoughts under a veil of feigned gratitude. Yoon Bum's smile widened, evidently pleased with what he perceived as Sangwoo's compliance.
Moving to one of the lounge sofas, Sangwoo reclined back, his legs stretching out in front of of him with calculated ease as Yoon Bum set Pebble down. The kitten immediately darted into the greenery, embracing its newfound playground. Yoon Bum then strolled over to a nearby table, where a breakfast spread was laid out.
"Are you hungry?" Yoon Bum suggested casually, as if they were just two old friends catching up. "I thought we could eat together, since it's a special occasion."
"I'd prefer to soak in some more sunlight alone, thank you," Sangwoo responded, his tone polite yet distant, declining the invitation to engage further. His eyes remained fixed on the blurred outlines of the world beyond the windows, even as he absorbed the warmth of the sun on his skin.
Yoon Bum nodded, seemingly undisturbed by the refusal, and turned his attention back to the breakfast setup.
He watched Pebble with a mixture of amusement and irony. The kitten, oblivious to the weight of the chain it played with, presented a stark contrast to Sangwoo's own reality. Here was this small creature, finding joy in the very object that symbolized Sangwoo's imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Yoon Bum prepared himself a plate from the breakfast spread and moved to sit on the same lounge sofa as Sangwoo, just an arm's length away, a testament to the security he felt with Reid's vigilant presence just a short distance away.
Sangwoo noted this with a cold detachment; Yoon Bum's comfort was built on layers of control and surveillance, much like the fogged windows that offered a view yet no visibility.
As time passed in the sunroom, the sunlight crept across the floor, its warmth marking the passage of hours. Eventually, Yoon Bum brought over a plate of food which Sangwoo ate casually, engaging in light conversation while they both played with Pebble, who was frolicking between them.
In the corner, Reid's presence was unmistakable—his jealousy barely concealed as he watched the growing closeness between Sangwoo and Yoon Bum. Sangwoo found a perverse satisfaction in provoking Reid; it was one of the few emotions he could elicit from the typically stoic man.
Seizing an opportunity to further irritate Reid, Sangwoo nonchalantly laid his head on Yoon Bum's lap. Yoon Bum responded with a touch that was gentle and nurturing, reminiscent of a mother's affection. This simple act seemed to deepen Reid's scowl, a silent testament to his brewing discontent.
"It's almost like a mother's touch," Sangwoo commented lightly, half to himself. Yoon Bum paused, then resumed stroking Sangwoo's hair without a word.
Yoon Bum began recounting a story, one from what he claimed was their first life when they visit an amusement park. "You took me there because I had never been to one before," Yoon Bum's voice was soft, infused with a warmth as he continued, "You wanted to make me happy."
Sangwoo frowned slightly, the story painting a version of him that felt alien. 'Why would I do something like that?' he thought.
Seeing his skepticism, Yoon Bum quickly added, "You had your sweet moments, Sangwoo. Not everything was dark between us."
"I doubt that." Sangwoo chuckled.
The story struck Sangwoo as odd; this alternate version of himself indulging Yoon Bum's romantic feelings felt unrealistic, yet the earnestness in Yoon Bum's eyes made him momentarily wonder about the memories Yoon Bum cherished.
"It was there you gave me my first present," Yoon Bum's eyes lit up as he shared, "a small keychain, a frog. It was nothing much, but to me, it meant the world."
Sangwoo watched Yoon Bum's face, the joy there unguarded and pure, as if he had momentarily transcended the grim confines of their reality. This moment, however sweet for Yoon Bum, stirred a bitter feeling in Sangwoo. He sat up abruptly, distancing himself physically and emotionally. The fantasy Yoon Bum relived was alien to Sangwoo, highlighting the chasm between the fantasy Yoon Bum remembered and the reality they lived in.
Yoon Bum seemed lost in his reverie, and Sangwoo felt an acute sense of displacement.
'He doesn't love me,' Sangwoo thought, 'he loves a version of me that doesn't exist. A kinder, gentler Sangwoo conjured up from his fantasies.'
This realization irked him more than he expected, solidifying his resolve to maintain an emotional barrier.
As the sunlight waned in the sunroom, casting long shadows across the lush greenery, Sangwoo observed the changing light. "Looks like the day's ending," he remarked, his voice low.
Yoon Bum followed Sangwoo's gaze to the darkening outside, a hint of disappointment shadowing his features as he acknowledged the advancing hour. "Yeah, it's getting late, isn't it?" he responded, his reluctance palpable. "We should head back, so I can get started on dinner," he added, the words heavy with a reluctance to leave the peace of the sunroom behind.
Directing Reid to take Sangwoo back to his room, Yoon Bum passed Pebble back to Sangwoo with a soft smile. "I had a nice time today," he admitted. "I hope we can continue coming out here." Sangwoo caught the underlying message clear as day—a reminder of the conditions tied to such 'rewards.'
With the blindfold firmly in place, they left the warmth of the sunroom. He could hear the soft steps of Yoon Bum turning in the opposite direction as them as they headed down the stairs and back to the confined, artificial lighting of his room.
Back in his prison, Sangwoo didn't bother to wait as he took the blindfold off himself to the vision of his mundane room.
Alone with Reid, Sangwoo couldn't resist the urge to taunt him. The other man's discomfort provided a perverse form of entertainment. "You seem tense, Reid. Jealous of the time I'm spending with Yoon Bum?" Sangwoo's voice, laced with mock concern, a smirk playing on his lips as he watched Reid's reaction closely.
Reid's jaw clenched, his silence only encouraging Sangwoo further. "At this rate, you'll be watching me bend him over that desk over there. Or maybe you'd enjoy that?"
Reid's reaction was instantaneous and fierce. His hand shot out, grabbing Sangwoo by the throat and slamming him against the wall. Pain flashed across Sangwoo's vision as his head thudded against the solid surface, but he managed a smirk, his hand gripping Reid's wrist. "Easy now," he rasped, his voice a strained whisper.
"You're scum," Reid hissed, his face inches from Sangwoo's, his grip tightening.
Sangwoo chuckled, the sound muffled by the pressure on his throat. "Maybe so, but Yoon Bum seems to think I'm some kind of cursed frog waiting to turn into a prince with true love's kiss," he taunted, the smirk returning as he watched Reid's anger deepen.
Reid's glare was venomous. "You think this is a joke? I should kill you right now," he growled, his hold intensifying until Sangwoo tapped at his arm, a silent admission of surrender.
Coughing as Reid released his grip slightly, Sangwoo didn't let the pain show. "Killing me might backfire if Yoon Bum finds out. But if I just disappeared..." he wheezed, catching his breath, "wouldn't that give you two more time together while he looks for me? Maybe enough for him to see you the way you want."
The implication was like acid on Sangwoo's tongue—it was bad enough that Yoon Bum loved a fantasy version of Sangwoo in his head, but the idea of him developing genuine affection for this over-enlarged oaf seemed more intolerable.
Reid's eyes flickered with conflict, torn between his immediate desire to end Sangwoo and the long-term benefits of his proposal. "If I help you disappear, then you keep your hands off Yoon Bum when you escape," he muttered, the threat lingering in the air.
"If you help me, I won't touch a single hair on Yoon Bum's head," Sangwoo promised, his tone imbued with a sincere resolve. "You have my word. I'll vanish, and you'll have him all to yourself."
As Reid stepped back to consider the offer, Sangwoo straightened himself, smoothing down his shirt, the smirk now replaced with a strategic, contemplative look. This was a game of chess, and he had just played a significant piece. Now it was up to Reid to make the next move.
As Reid secured the chain to his collar, the heavy clink echoed through the room, underscoring the gravity of their conversation. It was a risky deal, filled with hidden threats and possibilities. Sangwoo leaned against the icy wall, his mind racing with plans of his escape.
"I'll let you know my decision once I've made it," Reid said, his tone firm.
"I'll be waiting," Sangwoo replied coolly, watching Reid's figure disappear behind the closing door.
Now alone, the room felt more like a launchpad for escape than a prison. Sangwoo's smirk lingered; he was plotting, always plotting. Yet, as he contemplated his next moves, his thoughts drifted to Yoon Bum. Leaving him unharmed was the promise — but could he keep it? The idea of Yoon Bum out of his reach stirred a complex mix of emotions within Sangwoo.
Yoon Bum was no mere obsession; he had become integral to Sangwoo's very identity. Cutting him off wasn't just a logistical move—it was like severing a part of himself. Sangwoo frowned, the weight of this realization dampening his initial thrill.
As Pebble rubbed again his leg, Sangwoo stroked its soft fur. "Decisions, decisions," he muttered to himself. The simplicity of the moment with Pebble sharpened his focus. Every choice from now on would dictate his path through this twisted game.
Alone now, Sangwoo picked up Pebble, who squirmed uncomfortably in his grip. Unaware of the kitten's distress, Sangwoo gripped it, his gaze fixed on its small form as he whispered softly, yet with a chilling impassivity, "Freedom is within reach, Pebble. I'm ready to play any game, make any promise, to reclaim what's mine." His eyes narrowed slightly as he continued, the words for him alone, "Then I'll put Yoon Bum back where he belongs—under my control, as my prey."
Despite Pebble's continued attempts to wriggle and escape the confining hold, Sangwoo paid little attention, lost in his thoughts. "And Reid," he murmured, a dark promise lacing his tone, "he'll be of no use to us once I'm free. But I'll enjoy bringing him down... slowly, excruciatingly slowly. Perhaps with Yoon Bum watching, to add the perfect reminder of who's really in control."
Sangwoo's gaze remained impassive as he contemplated this future, the corners of his mouth twitching into a semblance of a smile at the thought of such a meticulously crafted vengeance. He finally set Pebble down, the kitten quickly scampering away to a corner of the room, relieved to be released.
"Sangwoo dinner!" Yoon Bum said.
The door opened to reveal Yoon Bum's wide, unsuspecting smile as he approached Sangwoo, kneeling to set down the tray of food.
As Yoon Bum bent forward, the nape of his neck exposed, pale and vulnerable. Sangwoo's gaze fixed on it, adrenaline surging as he envisioned how easily he could overpower him right then. He could pin Yoon Bum down within seconds, his hand clamped over Yoon Bum's mouth before he could scream for Reid. But Sangwoo restrained himself; his freedom was the priority, and patience would make his eventual victory all the sweeter.
Catching himself, Sangwoo shifted his focus as Yoon Bum looked up at him with a smile. In a moment of dark amusement, Sangwoo leaned forward and pressed his forehead against Yoon Bum's, who let out a small gasp of surprise.
"What are you doing?" Yoon Bum asked, his voice tinged with confusion and a flicker of something else—hope, perhaps. His small hands trembled over Sangwoo's as if unsure if he should pull away or not.
Sangwoo pulled back slightly, tracing his nose against Yoon Bum's soft cheek, his smile serene yet laden with unspoken intentions. "I can see our future clearly now," he stated softly, the words heavy with dual meaning.
Yoon Bum's cheeks flushed a soft pink, his eyes reflecting a mixture of affection and relief. "Really? I mean… I knew you would eventually.," he murmured, believing in a moment of connection that Sangwoo was far from feeling.
Sangwoo leaned in, closing the distance between them with a brief peck on the lips — a fleeting touch to serve as a silent promise of what he had in stored for him.
Yoon Bum's eyes grew heavy in response. Mouth open as if asking for more. Sangwoo studied his hopeful face, flushed a dark pink — would that expression look as serenely framed by the bruise of a noose?
A shiver ran down his spine, and his jeans tightened in response.
"Let's enjoy dinner," Sangwoo suggested, his voice smooth, masking the darkening thoughts spinning through his mind. Yoon Bum nodded, still slightly bewildered but reassured by what he perceived as a breakthrough.
As Yoon Bum turned to retrieve something from the tray, Sangwoo's smile faded into a heated gaze. Every interaction, every feigned moment of tenderness, was a step closer to his goal. His heart raced with the thrill of the upcoming game—a game that would end with Yoon Bum and Reid exactly where he wanted them.