It was already near the end of the following week when Joong returned to the city to pick up a few last essential items. The large car parked in front of the company building after quite some time away. He left Oat sitting in the car while he went upstairs to grab his things and give a few important instructions to some of the "employees."

"Boss."

"Hm?"

"Just now, there was someone lingering around in front of the company. I asked the security guard, and he said that person's been looking for the boss for almost a week now."

"And where is that person now?"

"Gone. The guard said they'd probably be back around noon."

"Mm, then you and I will go pick up a few things and come back—perfect timing."

After that, he drove Oat to the supermarket to get some groceries for the base before heading back to the company. And sure enough, as soon as the car arrived, that person was there again, lingering outside...

"Hey, you there are you looking for me?"

The moment he saw Joong, the man suddenly took off running—fortunately, Oat managed to catch him just in time. Turns out, it was the doctor from the lab.

"Talk. Why were you looking for me?"

"I... I... I came to deliver a message."

"A message?"

"I love you."

"What?"

"N-no, I mean... the message is 'I love you.'"

Joong placed both hands on his hips, clearly unimpressed.

"Who said that? This isn't the place for love confessions."

"..."

"Speak."

"Dunk Naatchai. Patient number 45."

Joong's eyes went blank. His hands dropped from his waist as he stepped closer, grabbing the doctor by the collar.

"How do you know Dunk? How is he now? How is he doing?"

"P-please calm down. I... I can't stay here long."

"I just need to know how Dunk is right now. Talk."

"Dunk is currently being drawn for serum... three times a week."

Joong frowned. His chest tightened.

"For what?"

"They're extracting serum until it's all gone, then heating it until it evaporates... what's left is platinum, which they'll use to make jewelry."

"Until it's all gone?"

This time, it wasn't Joong who spoke.... it was Oat.

"That's right. Based on the stats, the serum only qualifies for crafting once it's fully drained... If you want to see him, you'd better hurry. Tomorrow will be his sixth extraction... Only six more times left. I hope... he'll make it back to you."

With that, the doctor yanked his arm free and ran off without saying another word. Joong clenched his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his skin, drawing blood.

"Boss, we have to hurry. There's no time left."

"Mm."

Joong and Oat returned to the base. Oat went downstairs to grab some gear and call a few of the soldiers to come along, while Joong made a call... to Ally.

[You calling me? What's up? Is Oat okay?]

[I need a favor from you.]

[A favor? You, asking me for something? Alright—but Oat's gotta be mine.]

[I'll try to work something out about Oat... but this time, I really need your help. No matter the cost.]

[Okay, shoot.]

Joong fell silent for a moment.

[I'm heading to that address you gave me the other day. I need you to wait outside. If you see Dunk being brought out, please take him away from there. As far as possible.]

[You're not afraid I'll sell him off?]

[No. I trust you wouldn't do that... not to someone who's almost dead.]

There was a pause on the other end, then a soft chuckle.

[Haah... Alright, guess I'll play the hero this time.]
[Mm. I'm going now. Thanks.]

Joong hung up. His eyes stared into the distance, toward the patch of grass by the roadside, his breathing heavy. The only thing in his mind right now was that smile he once compared to a sunflower...
Those eyes he once likened to stars in the sky...
Just those alone... were enough to make his heart ache.

"Boss..."

"What is it?"

"We're ready."

"Mm."

"After this is over... I'm going with Oat."

"..."

Oat looked at Joong with steady eyes, filled with strength but behind them was a storm of emotion. He wasn't willing to let go...

"We'll talk about that later."

"But..."

"I don't like repeating myself."

"...Okay."

Joong and Oat took one vehicle. The others followed in a second one, heading toward that damned address. The car ..and Joong himself ..was packed with all sorts of gear. They were fully prepared.

No matter what, he was going to bring Dunk back.
Even if Dunk were to die... then he would die in Joong's arms, not in some cold, heartless place.

The road ahead grew more and more twisted until finally they stopped in front of a large wooden sign that read:

[MEDICAL CENTER – Director: JASS]

_______
#sapo🇻🇳 ( 07:07 /  020625)