[Address XX – Laboratory – East – Survival rate: 20%]

That was all the information written on the note Ally had given Joong—but it was enough. Just that much was all he needed to know. The real problem now was Oat. Joong still had no idea how to bring it up. One thing was certain: he definitely didn't want Oat to end up in Ally's hands.

"Leader... is something wrong?"

Joong was absentmindedly fidgeting with the piece of paper when Oat walked over. He didn't answer just handed the note to him.

"What's this address?"

"Where Dunk is."

"Really?"

Joong gave a slight nod.

"Then let's go. What are we waiting for? And... who gave this to you?"

"Ally."

"..."

He set the paper down, no longer eager to go anywhere.

"I think it's a trap."

"No. It's definitely not because he made a deal with me."

Joong's deep eyes locked onto Oat's.

"What kind of deal? Save Dunk and then take him away?"

"No. He doesn't want Dunk anymore."

"Then what does he want?"

"You."

"What? ...Hahaha, come on, leader, don't joke like that. Me and Ally? We're like oil and water. What would he want with me?"

Oat leaned back and laughed, thinking Joong was joking.

"He said he wants you after Dunk is saved. I told him I wasn't sure I could convince you, and that I wouldn't try to. I'm just telling you what he said. I'm still going to save Dunk, and I don't want to give you up. So the choice is yours. If Ally makes this into something bigger, I won't abandon you as long as you don't want to go to him."

"Leader... are you serious?"

He still couldn't believe it.

"I'm not joking. On one side is a brother, a comrade... and on the other is the person I love, the one I want to take care of for the rest of my life. I can't give up either of you. But Dunk is in danger, he needs to be rescued. You, on the other hand, have the right to choose. No matter what you decide, I'll stand by you. Now... it's time to bring Dunk home. Think it over and let me know."

"...Okay."

Leaving Oat sitting there, Joong went inside to pack his things, ready to head out to that cold, lifeless place and bring Dunk back.

Two more days passed. It was Wednesday, serum extraction day again. The blue-lit room was slightly brighter today. Each passing day seemed to shrink Dunk's body a little more. His skin clung tighter to his bones, and the fat beneath the surface seemed to have vanished completely.

/Joong... I miss you so much/ -x

"How are you feeling today?"

The same doctor from before asked, but Dunk only smiled in silence. He already knew his fate—no matter what he did, the outcome would be the same.

"How about I request some extra fluids for you? Honestly, I don't think you're going to last much longer."

He smiled again... and that smile made the doctor's chest tighten. Unable to bear it any longer, he pressed the emergency assistance button. The alarm began to ring, echoing through the entire facility, creating a commotion that lasted nearly ten minutes—until finally, a voice came through the loudspeaker...

"What's going on?"

"The subject's health is declining. I request permission to provide solid food instead of just nutrient fluids."

"Denied. Solid food will affect the quality of the serum."

"With thirty years of experience in this field, I can guarantee that a small amount of real food will not compromise the serum quality."

"Fine. But if the quality drops... a life for a life."

The doctor hesitated... but then replied:

"Understood. I take full responsibility."

"State your food request."

"Soft chicken pasta, mixed vegetables, and fresh milk—not cold."

"Approved. It will be delivered within an hour."

Once the room had quieted down, the doctor gently reached out and brushed Dunk's hair back, a silent gesture of comfort. Exactly one hour later, the food arrived. But Dunk remained lying there—his wrists, ankles, waist, and neck still locked in place. He couldn't move.

Each spoonful of pasta was carefully cooled by the doctor before being brought to his lips. For the first time in what felt like forever, the food tasted so good it almost brought tears to his eyes.

"No serum extraction today, so you might feel a bit less tired. Hang in there, okay?"

"Tha...nk you..."

It had been over two weeks since the doctor last heard that clear, gentle voice.

"Sigh... this is all I can do. I wish I could do more. Do you have anyone you'd like to contact? A friend, a loved one...?"

"Joo...ng... Ar...chenn..."

"...the hunter?"

Joong was well-known—everyone in the field knew his name.

"Tell...him... I...love him."

"..."

"EAT UP, TIME'S ALMOST UP!"

The doctor didn't even get a chance to reply before someone shouted at him to hurry. He quickly turned back to Dunk, feeding him the rest of the meal—whatever he wanted to say would have to wait.
__________

#sapo🇻🇳 ( 14:50 /  010625)