"Why is it like this...?"
Dohwa stared at the gun for a few seconds before cautiously touching it. He wondered if it might be a toy gun he had played with when he was young. The weight was considerable, and the sense of intimidation was even greater. As a result, Dohwa's large eyes trembled violently. No way... But a college student had no reason to possess such a gun.
"Ah... It must be a model."
Dohwa denied reality and shook his head. However, this time his gaze fell on the ID he was holding. Even after looking again, the face in the ID was distinctly different from the familiar face of Chaminjun. What on earth is this... Dohwa wrinkled his nose, rolling his eyes like beads.
"Could it be... did he get plastic surgery?"
It was the best guess he could make at the moment. The face in the ID was very ordinary, but the Minjun he knew was truly handsome. No, he even surpassed human beauty and didn't feel artificial, despite wielding a knife. The pounding headache that had come intensified the unsettling feeling.
Thunk!
At that moment, a loud banging sound echoed from outside the door. It sounded like two hard objects colliding. Even in his already anxious state, the loud noise made Dohwa more frightened. He quickly put the gun and ID back into his jacket pocket and placed them on the sofa. Then, he approached the telephone next to the bed to connect to the front desk.
He planned to inform them that something seemed to be happening outside.
However, no sound came through. It seemed like the cord was not properly plugged in. Dohwa moved the small table on which the phone was placed to check the outlet. The phone line was completely cut.
"What... what is this...?"
Dohwa's body, already trembling with fear, became even more terrified. He became afraid of staying here any longer and what terrible thing might happen. So, he searched the room to find his own phone, but it was nowhere to be seen. Everything was restless and chaotic.
Then, bang!
Another sound of something colliding outside the door.
"Huk!"
Dohwa took a step back. His body temperature dropped rapidly, and his whole body stiffened like a rock. The thought that he had to get out of here flashed intensely. He decided to try escaping through the window and pulled back the curtains. A splendid night view unfolded, and people walking on the street looked like ants from such a high place. A sense of emptiness washed over him.
It seemed that he had to face the situation head-on. Although the collision noise was loud, it seemed to be coming from a distance. Dohwa cautiously opened the door, expecting to see a corridor right away.
However, contrary to his expectations, a spacious living room appeared. It seemed to be a suite. There was also a high ceiling and a chandelier, and the furniture such as tables, sofas, and cabinets spread below were luxurious. Another door seemed to lead to another room. It was the first time he had been in such a hotel since he was born, but there was no time to appreciate it now. He thought about looking for his phone, but it seemed like a waste of time, so he decided to be content with just finding the exit.
Among several doors, he opened the most noticeable one. A corridor with a white carpet was revealed. However, there were red stains on it. But the traces were not far, as if cut off not long ago. A chill ran down his spine.
"Maybe it's ketchup... No, it can't be."
He denied reality, thinking that it might be something spilled by a room service employee. However, his body clung to the wall as if drained of strength. And he began to move stealthily to the side. After about five steps...
"Help... Please spare me."
A trembling voice of a man echoed from somewhere. Despite trying to ignore the given situation, reality continued to find him. His body trembled. The thought of going out and reporting to the police became prominent. Dohwa approached the door to connect to the outside world, his bare feet softly patting the floor. But just as he was about to bend down to remove his sneakers to run at full speed...
"It's better to keep it quiet."
Someone was speaking in English. It wasn't a sound coming directly from in front of him, but it wasn't a distant sound either. However, the voice was familiar. Although he wanted to deny and believe it was a misconception, Dohwa raised his head again, denying reality.
"It's better to keep quiet about this, Alpha."
The foreigner who had blonde hair and had encountered him in the room approached Minjun.
"Why did you act on your own like that?"
It was Minjun. In his hands was a thick iron pipe.
Dohwa's speculative guess about who the main character was ultimately became a reality. Moreover, the blue eyes were cold, and the corners of the mouth were twisted in a smile. In that gap, Dohwa felt his nerves being worn down.
"You should behave quietly. What if the boss finds out?"
An English-speaking foreigner came closer, the one who had called Minjun 'Alpha'.
"Why did you use a gun like that?"
"Did someone who knows about it end up like this?"
"I left it in the room and couldn't help it. And it's more fun this way."
Minjun raised his eyebrows. He seemed like he was reveling in the madness of blood.
"Our work is not just about having fun. Weisep."
Dohwa's pupils trembled with doubt. Why did the foreigner call Minjun 'Weisep'? Or, before that, what kind of relationship did these people have? Dohwa licked his dry lips and observed the two a little more.
"I have no intention of dragging it out. I need to go back quickly."
"Because of that person you were with?"
"Yeah."
"He looked like a teenager, but be careful not to mess with young ones."
"Don't worry. That person is older than me."
"Really? Wow! Asians are fascinating."
The foreigner exclaimed.
"So, what are you going to do with that person?"
"Ask when you know."
Although the Asian in their conversation was undoubtedly him, Dohwa wanted to deny it, thinking it might be a misunderstanding. Minjun denied reality again, shaking his head.
"I don't plan on being in a fake marriage."
Finally, Minjun struck the heads of the fallen men several times with the iron pipe. The sounds of flesh being separated and groans dominated the ears. It was all Dohwa could do to sit there, legs trembling, and lose strength in that spot. The palm of his hand was flooded with sweat.
It was the first time he had faced such a sight since he was born. Although he enjoyed horror movies or thrillers as usual, the actual situation was different. He turned his head away, unable to take it anymore. Dohwa recalled what his brother had said when he came out to meet Kim Sooyeon, who was wandering near the university.
"That crazy guy mainly bashes people with a solid blunt object," he said. Dohwa shuddered as the feeling of Minjun in front of him overlapped with what he heard. Could that criminal be... His head seemed to be filled with darkness.
Already not feeling well, Dohwa felt like he might faint like this. Just as he was about to lie down and try to escape like a puppy, the dull sound stopped. It was an unnaturally abrupt silence.
Soon, a neatly polished loafer appeared in front of him.
"Saw that?"
Suddenly, Minjun was standing close by.
"Aaah!"
Dohwa screamed, jerking his body backward. His heart felt like it might pierce through his skin. Cold sweat also formed like a shower and streamed down his cheeks. More than anything, thinking that he might end up like those men, his eyes became redder, and tears poured out.
"Oh no..."
Minjun bent his knees and sat down. Then, he wiped away the tear-streaked tears on Dohwa's cheek with his hand. Despite the unfolding situation, his touch was gentle. It was an inexplicable feeling that softened his heart, even though there was fear entwined with it. However, the stains on Minjun's shirt and the heat lingering in his eyes were far from ordinary.
And Dohwa could realize it. The beta Chaminjun he knew until now was fake.
"Sunbae, you seem really surprised right now, but let's go back to the bed first."
Minjun took a sitting position to lift Dohwa. As he hugged him, Dohwa could sense a sweet fragrance emanating from him.
It was a scent more concentrated than regular perfume. Thanks to it, he couldn't smell the scent of the scattered blood from the men at all. He wondered what kind of perfume it was to be so intense.