Winter Surprise
Darkness grew over the fragile towers as the evening progressed. There was silence through the white covered roads of Seoul. It’s been months since the war with Europe. No one expected the attack, leaving many dead and everything partially destroyed. Europe overpowered South Korea in attempts to change its society. This once beautiful, bright city became a nightmare.
The wind blew frosty whips to Soonyoung’s exposed skin. He was one of the unfortunate people to have survived. He walked down the empty sidewalks with minimal clothing on him, memories flowing in his mind as he passed by shops and restaurants he once remembered. Walking around the lively graveyard was the only thing he could do if he wanted to “explore”. He was tracked wherever he went, so if he crossed any borders that were forbidden, he would be taking a “visit” to the guards immediately with no chance of defending himself.
Soonyoung grew weary of the complete silence and decided to head back to the dome. The dome was housing made for the South Koreans. They were given a schedule of when and what they can do in those hours. Soonyoung always walked outside of the dome because he felt as if the dome was too depressing to be in. Outside the dome was the only thing close to freedom.
As silent as the town was, Soonyoung was alone to only hear the trail of footprints he left behind. His memory walk was cut by a sharp sound, like a cry for help. He listened further as he continued to follow the noise. The cry slowly died as Soonyoung got closer. He was hesitant to look past the corner on the other side, but he was curious to know. Soonyoung sneaked to the edge of the wall, peering over the side with one eye. It was enough for him to see what he wished he didn’t. His eyes landed on the large dark red puddle spreading into the snow. It was blood, but from what? He heard rustling from his right. Afraid to look, he stood frozen. The rustling sound continued to come closer and closer to him, Was this Soonyoung’s last breath?
Accepting what could happen to him, he looked towards to sound to only find darkness. Something was hiding from him. He took a deep breath and saw the opportunity to run away. As he ran, his footsteps weren’t the only thing he heard, he was sure it was following him. Soonyoung was afraid to turn around, so he continued running. He had no idea where he was, but he needed to get away. He took a sharp turn into an abandoned shop and hid behind the broken shelves. He listened as the footsteps grew louder. He peeked through the broken shelves to see a dark figure slowly stopping in front of the shop. He held his breath as he studied the shape. Luckily, it wasn’t a beast, but a person. It was too dark to outline what they looked like, but he was sure they had a yellow wristband and a large backpack. The yellow wristband stood out to Soonyoung, as if he was suppose to remember something.
The figure stood in silence as Soonyoung watched. The person turned around and walked back. The sound of their footsteps disappeared. Soongyoung glanced outside the shop to check if it was clear. He stepped out slowly, only to be greeted by a sky attack. Soonyoung tried as hard as he can to regain his strength from being pushed down roughly. The attacker slowly got up. Soonyoung glanced up to see the yellow wristband. He couldn’t believe what he saw. His gaze slowly looked up further as he was still on the ground. Soonyoung’s eye shot wide as he had a clear sight of their face. Both of their eyes met. In front of Soonyoung was his older brother, Sungjoo. “Soonyoung, I’ve been looking for you, you need to come with me”, he said as he grabbed Soonyoung’s wrist. Soonyoung was in complete shock to respond or fight back. He thought he was the only one in his family who survived the war, but standing before him was Sungjoo, completely alive. Sungjoo dragged Soonyoung, not saying a single word. Questions ran through Soonyoung’s head. How did Sungjoo survive? Where was he all this time?
There was a feeling of strong tension between them, and Sungjoo sensed it. “I know you are thinking how am I here”, he stopped and turned to face Soonyoung ,”I was hidden underground during the war, no one was aware of the underground tunnels. I didn’t have enough time to get you and the rest of the family during the war and for that I am deeply sorry that you suffered through these long years of pain”. Soonyoung couldn’t believe what he was hearing, He suffered through the tragic attack to only see his family die before him and Sungjoo was nowhere to be seen. Soonyoung only replied with a hard strike to Sungjoo’s cheek, pushing him to the ground. He aggressively spoke, “HOW DARE YOU COME BACK WITH ONLY SAYING THAT TO ME!?” Sungjoo rubbed his bruised cheek and watched Soonyoung staring down at him. “I suffered in this graveyard of innocent souls only to have my freedom and family taken away from me, and you suddenly come back and need me?”, Soonyoung took small steps passed his brother. Sungjoo didn’t reply, but watched. “Not a chance in hell.” Alarms rang as bright lights flashed around them. Soonyoung triggered a borderline, knowing what’s coming. “If I suffered, you’ll suffer as well.”
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