The hand touching Uijaeâs cheek carried a strange, bitter scent, as if it physically manifested the stench of death. Thatâs odd. Didn't Sa-youngâs hands usually smell sweet? But the thought quickly faded as Uijaeâs body began trembling violently. His breathing became labored, and a heavy pressure weighed down on him.
Uijaeâs eyes darted around anxiously. As his breathing grew more rapid, Sa-young immediately withdrew his hand and took two steps back.
ââ¦Hyung.â
Even hearing his voice didnât calm Uijae; instead, his body flinched and jerked in response. Once startled, it was difficult to settle down.
âDamn it, why is this happening?â
Uijae gritted his teeth and clenched his eyes shut, burying his head halfway into the stiff pillow. His breathing quickened even further, and no matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't slow down. His head tipped back as cold sweat trickled down his neck. He felt anxious. Scared. Tears welled up for reasons he couldnât grasp.
Was it Sa-young?
His fingernails dug painfully into his palms. His limbs trembled and curled up. It was his own body, yet it didnât feel like his. Everything felt strangeâthe gazes that touched his skin, even the air. Tears that had gathered in his eyes slid down his cheeks and temple.
He was afraid.
It felt as if he were facing a predator, and his body instinctively froze. For the first time in his life, Uijae felt weak. As his lips trembled, he struggled to speak.
âSaââ¦â
But then,
âDonât⦠do this.â
A shaking voice cut him off. Uijae forced his eyes open. Through his blurry vision, he saw that Sa-young had already moved far away. Sa-young was clutching his gas mask with both hands, and Uijae could see that his hands were trembling slightly.
âPlease donâtâ¦.â