Chapter Text
Yoon Jong-Woo was released from Hospital. The police decided to go with Jong-Woos testimony because he was the only eyewitness on site. His girlfriend was unconscious for most of the time and seemingly couldn't really recall the remainder of that night.
Identifying the burned remnants of the residents was in some cases nearly impossible, the masses of victims found in the building rose per hour they spend clearing the debris of the burned down studio.
Jong-Woo was given a small bag with cloths and some money, his belongings burned in the studio but it doesn't seem to bother him all that much. With the bag in hand Jong-Woo strolls through the streets. He did get the contact information for someone who will provide him with a place to stay for as long as he hasn't found a new place.
He looks at the note while walking along the street. It is dark and not many people are out at this hour. He was originally released in the late afternoon, but due to some last confirmations with the hospital and the police, was everything delayed far past evening.
A crumbled note bounces of the path walk abandoned by his owner, while being approached by a stranger. Two feet stopping in front of it, a hand reaching for it and a smile that could freeze the surrounding air.
>>...soon darling. You will soon be perfect, wait for me a bit longer.<<
In an alleyway on the edge of the city stands a lone figure, leaning against the brick wall of one of the small houses, that secures the little property the tenant has.
Jong-Woo doesn't really know why he came here. Maybe to escape those many questions he was asked, when people know he was one of the residents in Studio Eden or maybe because this area feels more like home.
He has problems thinking clearly since the events in the Studio. Most of the time his thoughts circle around just one word, when he accomplishes to clear his mind, his mind is just blank. It was hard to convince the doctors that he is ready to leave, but he was feeling that more time in the hospital wouldn't be needed.
He will start looking for a new place to stay in the morning. He wants a peaceful place, somewhere people wouldn't look at him with pity and curiosity for what exactly happened at Eden Studio. It makes him...angry. Who are those people to look at him like that?
While thinking about what to do his thoughts slipped away, and he was pulled into a light sleep. What he didn't know was, that he was being followed. A tall silhouette stands in the entrance of the alleyway. Slowly approaching the sleeping Jong-Woo, till no more than three steps were between them.
Looking down while observing every detail of the sleeping person in front of him. A smile formed on his lips, that could be borderline interpreted as something like fondness. He slowly crouches down and reaches towards Jong-Woos face. Close but not yet touching, drawing with his hand along the outline of Jong-Woos face.
>> I can't wait to see you in your purest form, darling. I will always be by your side...<<
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Jong-woo wakes up startled as he was roughly shaken by an elderly man.
>>You can't sleep here, wake up!<<
As Jong-woo looks hastily around he sees the old man getting up and looking at him in disgust before walking away. Jong-Woo feels his muscles protest, his position while sleeping was not the best. He stretches before tapping the dirt from his cloths.
He grabs his bag and wanted to go, to start searching for a place to stay, when he noticed a flyer stuck to his shoe. He picks it up and straightens it out before reading it. “ I don't have to search for as long as I toughed...”
It was an advertisement for a few rooms in a Studio not far away from where he was. The price was slightly more expensive than for his old Room but it seems to be in a better condition and is all in all pretty cheap. On the top is a phone number.
After searching for the next phone booth, Jong-Woo rummaged in his bag for the money he was given and calls the owner to set up an appointment. The owner seems friendly, and confirms that he can come over right away.
On his way to the studio noticed Jong-Woo that there are fewer and fewer houses and that most of them are abandoned or in a bad condition. After walking for a few more minutes he can see the studio, while looking up he spots the sign saying “ Studio Sinai”.
Reluctantly walking towards the Entrance of the studio, while grabbing the bag is the only thing he could do. The insides are looking much better than his old studio but could also be considered a little run-down.
>>Ah! Are you the young man who asked about the room? << An old lady comes from one of the Rooms. Smiling friendly while approaching him. Jong-Woo grabs his bag a bit tighter. His hands started sweating.
>>...Yes. Is the price correct? Could I see the Room?<< asked Jong-Woo nervously. It has an eerie resemblance towards his old studio. But this is a fresh start, isn't it? What happened there lays behind him.
>>It is. Come here I'm sure you will like it. It was even renovated recently!<< The old Lady gestured to follow him.
He noticed an old elevator while following the old woman towards the staircase. >>Ah. That thing? It runs but I wouldn't use it if it isn't absolute necessary. Someone should have come by and taken a look at it a long time ago. Some tenants use it but I get every time the feeling that that thing will come down...<<
They stand before the door to the rooms of floor three, when Jong-Woo takes a look at the Flyer. >>There are multiple rooms free but just one of them was renovated so the other ones will be held back till after the renovations. Ah there, here it is. Room 303. Come take a look inside<<
The woman opens the door and inside is a small Room, slightly bigger than his old room and at the end is door leading to the bathroom. There was no window in the main room, on the left side was a bed and next to it a small wardrobe, on the right side was a desk. The only window was in the bathroom, but it was really high and is just enough to let the steam out.
These rooms were a lot better than his old room, no paint coming off the walls and everything seemed a lot cleaner. The only downside was that it is stationed far away from the city but that isn't a problem for Jong-Woo.
After looking a while through the room he decided to take it. With the little money he had he couldn't afford a lot more than this. And the atmosphere isn't as sketchy as in his old studio. He really doesn't want to think about it anymore. He is far away and this is a new start.