Chapter Text
It was a dry and chilly day, the transitional period from late autumn to early winter.
The news was still reporting all sorts of gloomy and dark events happening somewhere in the world, but where he was staying was peaceful, and the empty living room where he was lying was warm.
It was only dusk, but the sun had long since set. As usual, when he had nothing to do, Jeong Taeui was lazily lying on the back of the sofa in the living room, flipping through a book he had borrowed from Kyle's study.
Nothing was different from any other day. No, in fact, it was even quieter than usual, because the man who usually disturbed his peace had left about ten days ago, saying he had business to attend to somewhere in Morocco or Algeria, so Jeong Taeui was enjoying the days even more leisurely and relaxed than usual.
According to the call he received last night, the person said they would finish their work today and return tomorrow, so today would be the last time he could relax and unwind alone without being disturbed.
And while he was enjoying such a typical evening,
Jeong Taeui, leisurely sipping beer and flipping through a book, suddenly sensed some commotion outside.
It must be Kyle's guest.
This house was usually bustling with visitors, so it wasn't unusual, but he didn't want to hide behind the living room sofa again, so he sat up—
just then, the front door opened, and someone entered.
Jeong Taeui looked up at the sound of the person entering, a strange feeling of unease rising in his heart as he saw a familiar face.
"Oh, Alain. Long time no see…"
It was an old colleague of Ilay's, someone he had met a few times before.
Jeong Taeui greeted him with a friendly attitude, but his smile suddenly faded.
Alain, who always smiled as if wearing a mask, had a strange expression this time, devoid of any smile. He looked at Jeong Taeui with a somewhat frowning or slightly confused expression, and Jeong Taeui could only stare back, wondering what was happening.
What is this?
A sudden chill surged through a corner of his heart, becoming even more pronounced when he saw Kyle's stern face as he entered right after Alain.
"Taei."
Kyle called out.
Kyle, who usually maintained a relaxed and calm smile, now wore a confused and unreadable expression. He spoke in a monotonous, stiff voice, without any inflection, like a machine.
"They say Ilay's dead."
Gulp.
The sip of beer he accidentally swallowed slipped and choked him, burning with pain.