Sieun was told to rest at home for a few days. I could probably manage school if I pushed myself, but honestly, I needed a day off. Explaining that to Sooho, though, was going to be a nightmare.
"I'm heading to school. Call me if you need anything," I said, standing by the door of Sieun's house.
He gave me a lazy nod from the couch, barely awake.
There was no way I could walk all the way, so booking a cab was my only option. More importantly, I had to avoid Sooho as much as possible.
Unfortunately, luck wasn't on my side.
"Yoo, where did you both disappear to yesterday?" Sooho asked, dropping into the seat in front of me.
Crap.
"Oh, we just... went to grab something," I said quickly, waving a hand dismissively. "It wasn't a big deal."
His eyes narrowed. "And Sieun?"
"Something came up with his family. He had to leave."
Sooho nodded, but I could tell he wasn't convinced.
His gaze flicked to my hand. "What happened to you?"
I pulled my sleeve down slightly. "Oh, this? I tripped and scratched myself a bit. No biggie."
Sooho's eyes stayed on me, unconvinced, but before he could ask anything else, I shot up from my seat.
"Oh! I just remembered—I have to meet Jisoo. She's waiting for me!" I blurted out, grabbing my bag.
Without waiting for a response, I turned and rushed off, leaving him behind.
I had successfully avoided Sooho all day, but of course, he managed to catch me by the vending machines.
"You're wearing a jacket you don't usually wear," he noted, eyeing me suspiciously.
"I was just feeling cold today, that's all," I said, keeping my focus on the machine.
Suddenly, he grabbed my shoulder, turning me to face him. A sharp hiss escaped my lips before I could stop it. Sooho's brows furrowed as he immediately loosened his grip, his eyes scanning my face.
"Are you okay? Did a ghost possess you or something?" he asked, his usual sarcasm laced in concern.
Rolling my eyes, I shrugged him off. "Stop bothering me," I muttered, grabbing my drink and turning to leave.
"So your busted lip just magically appeared, huh?" he called after me.
I pretended not to hear him and kept walking.
Later that evening, my phone rang, and I picked up to hear Youngyi on the other end.
"Hey, have you seen Sooho by any chance? He hasn't shown up for work all day."
A strange feeling settled in my stomach. Ending the call I felt really scared for some reason. Him skipping work? Impossible.
Without wasting another second, I dialed his grandma's number. The line rang twice before she picked up.
"Eunji?" her gentle voice came through. "Is something wrong?"
I swallowed, trying to keep my voice steady. "Halmeoni... has Sooho come home?"
A pause. "No, dear. I thought he was working late. He didn't call either."
My stomach twisted. Sooho always checked in, at least with her.
"Are you sure? He hasn't even sent a message?" I pressed, pacing the room now.
"No, nothing." There was a slight tremor in her voice now, as if she was realizing something was off too. "Eunji, is everything alright?"
I inhaled sharply, not wanting to worry her. "Yeah, I'm sure it's nothing. Maybe his phone died. I'll find him and let you know, okay?"
She sighed. "Alright, dear. Please tell him to come home soon."
Hanging up, I immediately called Sieun again. He picked up on the first ring.
"Sooho's grandma hasn't heard from him either," I rushed out. "She thought he was still at work."
Sieun cursed under his breath. "shit."
