Big Daniel's consciousness returned slowly and the first thing he felt was pressure.
His arms, tight and bound.
His eyes snapped open, he was sitting on a chair, wrists restrained behind his back, the room was dim, lit only by a faint, flickering glow.
Candles, a circle of them.
His breathing stiffened as his vision adjusted and then he saw it.
The walls covered every inch of them.. covered in pictures.
Of him, different angles, Some from school, some from the street, some he didn't even remember being taken, "What the-" His voice came out hoarse.
Then, he saw her, standing just beyond the circle of candles.
Watching him and smiling.
"Why?" Big Daniel's brows tightened, confusion quickly "Why are you doing this?"
She tilted her head slightly, like she didn't understand the question "Doing this?" she repeated softly "Daniel, what do you mean?"
She stepped closer, slow and deliberate, her eyes never leaving his "We're one."
Big Daniel's expression hardened "What?"
"This," she gestured around the room, her smile widening, "is our home now." Her voice strange, like she genuinely believed what she was saying "I decorated it just for you."
Daniel's gaze flickered back to the walls.
Photos, so many photos.
Then, something else caught his attention.
On a small table nearby, more pictures.
Different from the others, couple photos.
Him and her.
Except he didn't remember taking any of them.
A cold feeling crept up his spine "You're insane."
She laughed softly like it was a compliment "And I even prepared snacks," she added casually.
Daniel frowned "What."
"I already had some earlier," she continued, almost cheerfully "When you were outside your door."
His stomach twisted, something about the way she said it, like it wasn't horrifying.
Daniel clenched his jaw "You can't do this," he snapped, anger finally "You kidnapped me and my friend, do you even realize how illegal this is?!"
She turned away from him slightly, then slowly looked back over her shoulder.
Grinning "I know."
That grin didn't waver "But that doesn't matter, does it?"
Daniel's eyes narrowed "What are you talking about?"
Her gaze narrowed "I know your little secret."
Silence fell.
Daniel didn't respond, but his eyes gave him away for just a split second.
She noticed "You have two bodies," she said softly "And you switch by hitting yourself."
Daniel stayed quiet.
But inside, his thoughts were racing.
How does she know that?
His eyes shifted subtly, scanning the room.
Doors.
Windows.
Anything.
An exit.
"Where are we?" he asked, voice steadier now.
She smiled again "No."
"Tell me."
"No." Her tone was playful.
Daniel's jaw tightened "Then I'm not marrying you." The words came out cold.
For a moment, her expression froze.
"You're lying." Her voice dropped.
"You said we'd be together."
"I never said that."
Her eyes darkened instantly "You're lying to me."
She stepped forward quickly
Daniel tensed "I'm not-" A sudden jolt of electricity shot through his body, his muscles locked up instantly, pain ripping through him as his vision blurred.
"ghh!" The taser crackled against him again.
And again.
Until his body went slack against the chair.
Her breathing was uneven now.
But her creepy smile returned "You just need to understand," she whispered, crouching down in front of him.
Her fingers lightly brushed his cheek "We belong together."
----
(J-high)
"Students, we have a new transfer student." The teacher's voice cut through the classroom noise, drawing a mix of curiosity and indifference from the students.
"A transfer? This late at year, there's only a week left for the year's end?" someone muttered from the side.
At the back of the class, Zack Lee sat with his head resting on his desk, half-asleep or at least pretending to be, at the announcement, his head shifted slightly, one eye opening just enough to glance forward "Tch."
The teacher gestured toward the door "Come in."
The sliding door opened.
Hyunjin stepped in, calm and composed, his presence alone caused a subtle ripple through the room, a few students straightened unconsciously.
The teacher nodded toward him "Introduce yourself."
Hyunjin stood beside the desk, his posture relaxed "Hi," he said simply "I'm Hyunjin, Eighteen."
He started walking toward an empty seat "Wait," the teacher stopped him "Aren't you going to tell them your hobbies? Interests?"
Hyunjin paused then turned slightly, a faint smile forming "There's no point," he said "They're not interested."
Silence.
A few students exchanged looks.
The teacher studied him for a second, then gave a small nod "Alright.. Take your seat."
Hyunjin continued walking, as he moved through the classroom, his eyes scanned briefly.
No Daniel Park and Crystal Choi, so it already started.
Then his gaze shifted and landed on Zack.
Hyunjin stopped beside his desk "Hey," he said casually "Nice to see you again."
Zack looked up properly this time and frowned "Yeah, Nice to see you too." But his eyes didn't leave Hyunjin's face.
Or his body.
Two weeks ago.. Wasn't he smaller? Weaker? Zack's brows furrowed slightly.
"What happened to you?"
Hyunjin shrugged "Nothing much," he replied "Just applied what you told me at the café."
For a brief second Zack froze.
Then a small, almost satisfied smirk appeared "Heh, so you actually listened." He coughed lightly, sitting up straighter.
"That's rare." Then Zack leaned closer slightly, his tone dropping into a quiet whisper "You see that girl over there?" he muttered.
Hyunjin's eyes shifted subtly in the direction Zack indicated.
"She's my best friend," Zack continued "Don't hit on her or I'll forget who you are, got it?"
Hyunjin nodded "Got it."
That alone made Zack glance at him again, a bit more carefully this time.
He's different, something harder to read, Zack instincts were alerted the time when he stepped in the classroom.
Hyunjin took the seat beside him, then "Where's Daniel?"
Zack leaned back slightly "Dunno," he replied "He was here early morning."
"Said he forgot something at home or had something to do." Hyunjin's expression didn't change.
"I see."
Silence settled between them for a moment.
Around them, whispers had already started mostly from the girls, glancing over, curious, intrigued..
Hyunjin ignored all of it.
His gaze drifted forward, but his mind was elsewhere 'it's already moving, faster than I thought.'