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Chapter 7 - "Tenebrous Serenade"

Perplexed, the nurse inquires, "What's wrong, ma'am? Is there a mistake?" The doctor, a mix of concern and disbelief etched on her face, points towards the report and says, "See for yourself," unraveling a tale of unexpected twists that cast a shadow over the once-familiar world of medical certainty.

The nurse's eyes widened at the report card, and he exclaimed, "Oh my, oh my, oh my! Hah!! Poor kids," shock and compassion vividly painted across his face. In agreement, the doctor nodded, the shared moment carrying an undertone of concern and empathy.

She added, "And he didn't even remember this," her tone weaving a delicate blend of sympathy and disbelief, unraveling the layers of a situation that struck a chord with both medical professionals.

The doctor visits Juhyuk; a flicker of relief dances in her eyes as there's been some improvement, yet he remains unconscious. A delicate mix of relief and lingering worry colors the doctor's demeanor, navigating the delicate balance of progress and concern.

Unfortunately, in Sujeong's realm, there's no improvement, casting a shadow of deep concern over the medical update. The air becomes heavy with the weight of uncertainty, leaving the doctor grappling with the complexities of contrasting outcomes.

In the realm of unconsciousness, after a few days, Juhyuk experiences a dream shrouded in darkness. A sense of confusion envelops him as he feels like he's running in a dense, dark place, pursued by an unseen presence. Desperation fills his movements as he rubs his eyes with his hands, attempting to make sense of the surreal surroundings, a disorienting dance between reality and the dream.

Suddenly, he is startled, and a jolt of fear surges through him as he abruptly sits up, his heart racing. The air is thick with suspense upon hearing a mysterious voice, leaving Juhyuk teetering on the edge between the dreamworld and awakening, caught in the grips of an unsettling and enigmatic encounter.

Terrified, Juhyuk glances around, his wide eyes reflecting fear, taking deep breaths as his face glistens with sweat. The remnants of fear linger in the air as he regains consciousness, a palpable tension clinging to his every breath.

Facing a male doctor and two police officers, confusion and apprehension cloud Juhyuk's expression. The unexpected presence of law enforcement in his hospital room sparks a whirlwind of emotions, leaving him grappling with the unsettling combination of fear, confusion, and the unknown.

The doctor examined him, a hint of concern in his eyes, asking, "Do you remember your name?" Juhyuk, still recovering from the disorienting dream, responded with a touch of clarity, "Yes, I am Juhyuk." A subtle confusion lingered in his eyes, a reflection of the recent surreal experience.

Turning towards the police officers, Juhyuk questioned, "But why were you guys here?" A mix of curiosity and concern colored his tone, his emotions navigating the intricate web of uncertainty, seeking answers amidst the unexpected convergence of medical examination and the presence of law enforcement.

Then, realization struck, and panic seized Juhyuk as he remembered his brother was also here. In a state of urgency, he asked where his brother was, the room suddenly filled with a tense atmosphere, the air heavy with worry.

Soon, another doctor's voice echoed from the room, introducing an element of suspense and anticipation to the unfolding situation. The atmosphere became charged with uncertainty, each moment adding to the emotional turbulence as Juhyuk awaited crucial information about his brother's well-being.

She was the same doctor who had conducted their initial check-up. Reassuringly, she said, "Don't worry; he is perfectly fine." Despite the reassurance, a mix of concern and urgency filled Juhyuk as he insisted, "I want to see him," his emotions laying bare the strong bond with his brother, and the compelling need for personal confirmation of his well-being.

The air in the room held a delicate tension, Juhyuk's yearning to be reassured mingling with the reassurance offered by the doctor, creating a complex emotional landscape as the brothers' connection became a focal point in the unfolding narrative.

When he attempted to get up from the bed, the doctors told him, "No, take it easy for now." Frustration and restlessness clouded Juhyuk's expression, the desire for movement conflicting with the need for caution in his recovery.

Just then, the police arrived, introducing an unexpected element that added tension and apprehension to the unfolding scene. The room's atmosphere became charged with a mix of emotions, as the convergence of medical advice and the presence of law enforcement created a palpable sense of uncertainty and unease in Juhyuk's journey to comprehend the unfolding events.

The police's stern words reverberated, injecting a sense of gravity into the atmosphere. As they spoke, an undercurrent of urgency and concern subtly tinged their words, leaving Juhyuk with a growing unease. The weight of their expectations bore down on him, and a mix of anxiety and anticipation gripped his emotions. The room itself seemed to echo with tension, as the unfolding situation took on a palpable air of suspense.

Amidst this charged atmosphere, the police stated, "We need to ask you some questions. We believe you will provide accurate answers to all our inquiries." Their declaration added another layer of seriousness and inquiry, hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. The weight of their words intensified the tension, casting a shadow over Juhyuk and amplifying the gravity of the unfolding situation.

The police questioned with a firm determination, "Where were you at 11 PM on the night of November 23rd?" The inquiry carried a sense of urgency, probing for a concrete response. Juhyuk, appearing slightly clueless and struggling with memory, responded with a touch of hesitation, "Maybe at home." His words hinted at a mix of anxiety, vagueness, and a tinge of forgetfulness, adding an emotional layer to the unfolding interrogation.

The police pressed with a hint of skepticism, "So you guys didn't go anywhere that day?" The question hung in the air, carrying a weight of suspicion. Juhyuk, grappling with uncertainty, responded hesitantly, "Maybe. I don't remember anything." His words carried a mix of frustration and confusion, adding an emotional layer to the unfolding interrogation.

The police's insistence cut through the air, their tone sharpening with impatience. "I don't want to hear 'maybe.' Give me a straightforward yes or no answer," they demanded, escalating the tension in the room. The weight of their words bore down on Juhyuk, intensifying the pressure and stirring a sense of discomfort and unease in the unfolding interrogation.

A sense of certainty resonated in Juhyuk's response, "No." The police officer, with a revealing intensity, presented a picture, stating, "This is your car." Juhyuk's affirmation carried a hint of surprise and recognition, "Yes, it's my car." Emotions stirred as the revelation unfolded, injecting a subtle tension into the exchange.

The officer inquired, "Whose name is the car registered under?" A subtle tension laced the question, probing for information. Juhyuk replied with a touch of apprehension, "The car is registered under my brother's name." The admission hinted at a complex situation, introducing an emotional layer.

Tension escalated as the police officer delved deeper, asking about their ages. Juhyuk, navigating the inquiry, stated with a mix of uncertainty and perhaps a trace of nervousness, "I'm 17 years old, and my brother is 20." The revelation added a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation, amplifying the emotional undercurrent.

The police officer asked, "Was your brother about to complete his graduation?" Confusion tinged the question, leaving Juhyuk puzzled. He responded with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, "Was? What do you mean?" Before Juhyuk could delve further, the police officer abruptly cut him off, asking with a pointed accusation, "If you were at home, then why did your car drive itself to the Hotel Blue Area?" The atmosphere heightened with charged energy as the officer raised a perplexing question, adding an air of mystery and tension to the unfolding interrogation.

Juhyuk said, "What do you mean by that? What are you trying to say?" His words echoed with a mix of frustration and confusion, a plea for clarity evident in his tone. "Please speak clearly; I don't understand. Why would our car be in that place?" A sense of bewilderment and concern underscored his questions. "Moreover, I don't know anything about Hotel Blue Area." The weight of uncertainty and frustration colored his words, as he grappled with the unfolding mystery, seeking answers amid the confusion.

The police officer said, "Alright, so you don't know anything. Are you really unaware, or are you embarrassed about the incident and don't want to remember it?" A mix of suspicion and a hint of accusation infused the officer's words, casting a shadow of doubt over Juhyuk. "Initially, we considered both you and your brother as victims. But then we received this news, so take a look for yourself." Tension escalated with the revelation, the officer's words carrying a weight of concern and a growing sense of urgency, intensifying the emotional strain in the conversation.

He turned on the video for Juhyuk to watch. As Juhyuk saw the video, a surge of shock and distress filled his voice, exclaiming, "Why are you showing me these horrifying things?" His words carried a mix of disbelief and anguish, confronted with unexpected and unsettling images. The emotional intensity heightened as the reality of the situation unfolded before him.

The police officer said, "Wow, have you also forgotten yourself and your brother?" An annoyed smile accompanied his words, revealing a sense of frustration. "What are you talking about?" Juhyuk exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "What are you talking about? This is me and my brother! And you just said my brother. And you damn well know what brother means!" He uttered this line with intense anger and a raised voice, his frustration and outrage palpable in the heated exchange. The emotional intensity surged as Juhyuk confronted the officer's insinuations with a strong and impassioned response.

The other police officer said, "Oh, oh, calm down, kid. Don't you know who you're talking to?" A condescending tone colored the officer's words, attempting to assert authority. Juhyuk responded, "Yes, I'm talking to these two so-called police officers who are blind and dumb." His words dripped with hyper anger, the rage in his mind surfacing. Frustration and disdain marked his response, creating a tense confrontation where emotions flared in the face of perceived injustice.

The police officer declared, "We are arresting you for drug possession." An overwhelming shock gripped Juhyuk, his voice echoing with disbelief as he exclaimed, "Drug?" His words resonated with a mix of surprise and incredulity, emotions heightened in response to the sudden and unexpected accusation. The weight of the situation unfolded, intensifying the sense of disbelief and uncertainty in the tense encounter.

Before Juhyuk could respond, the police officer sternly continued, "And at your young age, you'll also be charged for drinking alcohol." Apprehension clouded the room, casting a heavy weight on Juhyuk's shoulders as the severity of the charges sank in. The gravity of the situation deepened, and a sense of unease enveloped Juhyuk, his emotions weighed down by the unfolding legal implications.

Just as Juhyuk was about to voice his thoughts, the police officer abruptly interrupted, saying, "We were going to arrest both of you in a drug case, but he hasn't regained consciousness yet." A mix of relief and lingering tension swept through the room, leaving an air of uncertainty in its wake. Emotions swung between a momentary reprieve and the persistent unease, creating a complex atmosphere as the situation took an unexpected turn.

Juhyuk suddenly lifts his head, "And my brother hasn't regained consciousness? Doctor, you said he was fine." His words held a mixture of surprise and concern, emotions rushing to the surface. The unexpected revelation added a layer of anxiety to the already tense situation.

The female doctor responds, "He is fine, but it will take some time for him to regain consciousness." Her reassurance carried a soothing tone, yet an undercurrent of uncertainty lingered. The room held a palpable blend of relief and lingering worry as the reality of his brother's condition unfolded.

Juhyuk says, "If he's fine, why isn't he conscious?" His question holds a mix of disbelief and growing concern, emotions escalating as he grapples with the unexpected revelation. The atmosphere in the room becomes charged with uncertainty.

Hearing Juhyuk's question, the doctor gets flustered and tells him, "Your brother is in a coma." The doctor's response carries a weight of solemnity, and a sense of unease permeates the air. Juhyuk can't believe it. He says, "What? And why are you telling me this just now?" His words resonate with a surge of shock and frustration, emotions intensifying in the face of this distressing news.

The police officer said, "You act as if you know nothing. All of this is your and your brother's wrongdoing." His words carry a tone of accusation, injecting a sense of culpability into the atmosphere. Frustration threads through the officer's assertion, intensifying the charged exchange.

"First, you both went to that awful place where many years ago, a lot of bad things happened." The officer's disdain is palpable, adding a layer of condemnation to the unfolding narrative. The weight of the past casts a shadow over the present, heightening the emotional tension in the room.

"You both go there, and not only that, you both indulge in the intoxication of alcohol and drugs." The officer's words resonate with disapproval, painting a picture of perceived recklessness and moral judgment. The atmosphere thickens with a mix of censure and accusation.

"You even forget about your relationship with each other." The officer's statement holds a touch of disdain, suggesting a breakdown in the familial bond. The emotional strain intensifies as the officer points to a perceived betrayal, further complicating the already charged situation.

"But when you regained consciousness, you found yourself in a state that nobody could have imagined." A somber tone lingers in these words, carrying a weight of unexpected distress. The use of "nobody could have imagined" adds an element of shock and disbelief, heightening the emotional impact of the revelation. The atmosphere thickens with an air of unforeseen adversity, adding complexity to the unfolding narrative.

"Then an idea sprouted in your mind. Your brother was initially unconscious, and you thought if you kill him and spread the rumor that you don't remember anything, nothing wrong would be associated with you." The words carry a chilling undertone, revealing a dark and unsettling turn of thought. The mention of contemplating harm to one's own brother adds a layer of shock and discomfort, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere tainted with the gravity of the idea.

Juhyuk's eyes welled up with tears of anger, realizing that these people wouldn't believe him. His emotions surged with frustration and hurt as he grappled with their lack of trust. He said, "I don't want to hear anything from you. I want to go meet my brother." His words echoed with a mix of defiance and a desperate yearning, emotions pouring into his resolve to be with his brother amid the unfolding turmoil.

When he started to leave, the police officer forcefully grabbed him and said, "Where do you think you're going?" The officer's grip carried a harsh edge, igniting a sense of restraint and urgency. "Besides, your brother is in a coma; he can neither hear nor see you." The officer's words delivered a heavy blow, and a wave of helplessness washed over Juhyuk. The emotional weight of his brother's condition deepened.

"I've already spoken to you kindly; don't pressure me to resort to force and bring you back from here." The officer's warning echoed with a mix of authority and impatience, heightening the tension in the confrontation. Juhyuk, caught between frustration and vulnerability, faced the harsh reality of the situation, emotions swirling in the charged atmosphere.

Hearing that, Juhyuk said, "Whatever needs to be shouted, shout. I won't go anywhere without meeting my brother." His words carried a defiant resolve, fueled by a mix of determination and desperation. The emotional weight of his commitment to be with his brother added intensity to the charged atmosphere.

The police officers tried to forcefully take him back, but he didn't come under control. A struggle ensued, and the scene became fraught with tension. Juhyuk's refusal to yield reflected a potent blend of frustration, anguish, and unwavering determination, intensifying the emotional turmoil in the unfolding confrontation.

Fighting against the firm grasp of the police officers, Juhyuk struggled desperately for freedom, frustration and anger boiling within him as he yearned to break free.

In a pivotal moment, the doctor intervened, her touch on Juhyuk's shoulder conveying both authority and compassion, a silent plea for understanding amidst the chaos of emotions.

Her words pierced through the tense air, laden with empathy, "You should let him meet his brother," carrying a subtle mix of urgency, heartfelt concern, and a recognition of Juhyuk's frustration and anger.

The police officer heeds the doctor's words, a momentary easing of tension palpable in the air as Juhyuk exits the hospital room, a mix of relief and uncertainty washing over him.

Sensing that almost everyone's eyes are fixed on him, Juhyuk feels a spotlight of scrutiny, amplifying the weight on his shoulders, and his and his brother's names are murmured on hushed tongues, a chorus of curiosity and speculation echoing through the corridor.

Filled with fear and anger, Juhyuk grappled with a tumultuous storm of emotions, unable to comprehend what had happened between him and his brother. A sense of unease washed over him when he heard people talking about them, their glances at him laced with disgust.

His mind echoed with the haunting repetition of the word "why?" as he thought over and over, desperate for answers. Juhyuk awaited clarity amidst the unsettling emotional whirlwind, a mix of anticipation and trepidation coursing through him.

As he entered the room to meet his brother, Juhyuk overheard a woman saying, "I feel sorry for their parents; if my child did such a thing, I would be ashamed." A pang of sorrow struck him, the weight of judgment and shame from an outsider's perspective adding to the emotional turmoil he was already grappling with.

The woman's words lingered in the air, creating a sense of isolation and vulnerability for Juhyuk as he navigated the complex emotions surrounding his family's situation.

Forcefully opening the door with his clenched fist, Juhyuk entered. Upon seeing Sujeong, tears welled up in his eyes, a mixture of relief and sorrow cascading down his cheeks as he held Sujeong's hand.

His voice trembled with desperation and hope, "Hyung, please wake up. Please, maybe you remember everything." A moment of uncertainty seized him, "No, no, perhaps you won't remember everything, right?" The emotional plea hung in the air, echoing the depth of Juhyuk's feelings and the fragility of the moment.