"Fariz, what's wrong with you? Say something, please?"
I lay sprawled in front of the restroom when they finally found me.
"I-I…"
Pain seared through my leg, as if a knife were slicing into the muscle from the inside.
"My leg… it hurts…" I forced the words out through gritted teeth.
Reena frantically reached for my pant leg to check the injury, but Amir swiftly swatted her hand away.
"Don't just touch it recklessly. You might make it worse," Amir said firmly.
"Then what do we do?" Nara looked completely lost.
"Help me roll up my pants. I need to see my leg," I said, still enduring the sharp pain.
"You do it yourself. You know exactly where it hurts," Amir said, propping me up against the wall.
Taking a deep breath, I rolled up my pant leg.
"Huh? Where's the injury?" Nara blinked in confusion.
I froze, staring at my leg—completely clean. Not a single wound.
"Then why does it hurt so much?" I attempted to stand, but my leg felt incredibly weak.
"Maybe you twisted your ankle? Did you fall just now?" Reena asked.
I shook my head quickly.
"Ugh, whatever. Maybe your nerves got messed up or something," Reena muttered before pulling me up so I could lean on her for support.
I limped forward, biting back the pain that kept intensifying.
"Enough. Let's just go home," Amir suggested.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Hmm…"
Before leaving the restroom area, I glanced back, searching for the figure who had shot me earlier.
For just two seconds, I saw the faint silhouette of someone standing inside the open restroom door.
'You got away this time, but not forever.'
---
Sara yanked off her expensive Gucci watch and slammed it onto her vanity table.
"Arghh!"
She banged her fist against the table with all her strength.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong?"
Madam Sari rushed into the room after hearing her daughter's sharp scream.
"Mummy, I don't know why… but I feel…"
"What do you feel, darling?" Madam Sari stroked her daughter's head gently.
"I miss Fariz…"
Her mother's hand froze mid-stroke.
"What?! Have you lost your mind? Weren't you the one who got angry at him? You told your father to kick him out! And now that he's finally out of our lives, you're acting like this?" Madam Sari groaned, frustrated with her daughter's bizarre behavior.
"Aww, Mama, I was just mad at that time. I miss arguing with him, wrestling with him here like it's our own boxing ring," Sara sighed, resting her chin on her hand with a dreamy smile, looking completely unhinged.
"Sara… do you even realize what you're saying? That guy is a psycho! Have you forgotten how he attacked you that night? Or the day he burned your face?!" Madam Sari was losing patience.
"I remember all of it. But at the same time, I just realized… I actually like him," Sara whispered, gently touching the scar Fariz had left on her.
"Sara, please wake up! He's your stepbrother! You're his sister! You can find someone better than him!"
"Stepbrother means no blood relation, right? Besides, he's perfect in my eyes. Handsome, cool, a great fighter too!" Sara giggled, already lost in her fantasy.
"Are you insane?! What about your boyfriend? What are you going to do with him?"
"Oh, I was planning to break up with him anyway. He's getting boring," Sara said nonchalantly, heading for the door.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going? Don't tell me you're going to look for Fariz!" Madam Sari stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at her daughter.
"Why not? Oh, and by the way, I'm meeting Adi first—to break up with him."
Without hesitation, Sara walked out, disappearing beyond the doorway.
"My daughter has truly lost her mind…"
•••
"Auch, why does your massage hurt instead of making it feel better?"
I shot a sharp glare at Reena, who was massaging my supposedly shot leg.
"Feel better? Then why are you yelling 'auch' every time I press?"
She rubbed some medicated oil onto my leg and spread it around.
"You're making it worse, not better!"
I grabbed her hand, stopping her from pressing any further. She sighed and called for Amir.
"Hey, Amir, you do it instead!"
Nara and Amir walked over at the same time.
"Eh, no need!"
I immediately tried to refuse. Knowing him, my leg might not be the only thing that hurts—I might just get a headache too!
"Don't be stubborn. Amir, go ahead and massage Fariz's leg."
Amir nodded after hearing Nara's command.
"If you get too handsy, I'll break your arm," I whispered in Amir's ear as he started massaging my leg.
"In your condition? Like I'd care," Amir responded sarcastically.
"Nara and I are going to grab some drinks and snacks. You two stay here—don't go anywhere!"
Reena pulled Nara along with her toward the shop across the street.
And once again, I was left alone with this crazy guy.
"Errm, can you at least tell me how this happened?" Amir asked while still massaging my leg.
I lazily shook my head.
"Ugh, it's so hard dealing with someone who doesn't know how to use his mouth!"
Pap!
I smacked the back of his head hard.
"Watch your mouth before I rip it off!" I snapped.
"Oh, I'm so scared," Amir suddenly said, rubbing my leg gently.
"You have such soft skin… like a girl's."
His eyes were locked onto my foot.
"Hmm, and how would you know? You must look at women's feet often, huh? Such a pervert!"
I smacked his head again.
"Auch! You always jump to conclusions. I just know the difference between male and female feet."
He played with my toes.
"Ugh, whatever!"
I didn't want to argue any further. I was worried I might slip up and expose my secret.
"Fariz, do you feel anything for me?"
His question stabbed straight into my eyes.
"Feel what? Please, Amir, I've told you a thousand times—we're both guys. Aren't you embarrassed if your parents find out you're gay?"
I was losing my patience with this guy who just wouldn't get it.
"I don't know why, but you remind me of someone…"
His voice suddenly softened.
"My girlfriend, Laura… She was found dead with her neck nearly severed, her body half-decayed in the mud."
I froze for a moment before smirking.
"You don't know who killed her?" I asked, testing him.
"The police found no evidence—completely clean. Almost like it wasn't even a human who did it."
Amir ran a hand roughly down his face.
"It was a human," I muttered, my heart swelling with glee.
"Huh? How do you know?"
His eyes bore into mine, serious and sharp.
"Only an idiot like you would say it wasn't a human who did it."
I responded quickly.
"I don't know why, Fariz, but I think… I'm in love with you."
He rested his chin on his palm, gazing at me.
"And I've told you over and over—stop being gay. I already have a girlfriend, and you have Nara. Don't hurt the people who love us sincerely."
I swatted his hand away from my leg.
"So, if one day you meet someone you truly love, you still wouldn't leave Reena?"
He hit me with a killer question.
"The question you just asked will never happen, Amir. I will never fall in love with anyone… including you."
Amir crossed his arms and smirked.
"It's easy to say now… We'll see."
I turned my face away, sick of his irritating attitude.
"Hey, what's up with you two? Why so serious?"
Reena greeted us cheerfully as she and Nara arrived and stood in front of us.
"Nothing," Amir answered casually.
I shot him a disgusted look.
"Here, Fariz! I bought you some chocolate. Eat up!"
She held out a chocolate bar to my mouth.
"Hmm…"
I lazily opened my mouth, waiting for her to put the bar in, but…
One second…
Two seconds…
Three seconds…
I narrowed my eyes at Reena. Suddenly, something sticky smeared onto my nose.
"Hey!!"
I nearly exploded on the spot.
Nara and Reena burst into laughter, while Amir smirked in victory.
"Hahaha! Don't get mad at me and Nara—it was Amir's idea!"
Reena put on her most innocent face, making me even more annoyed.
Pap!!
Without thinking, I grabbed a paper bag filled with ice cream cones and smeared it all over Amir's face.
"Ow! Fariz, that hurts! My eyes sting!"
Amir flailed dramatically, pretending to be in pain.
"Don't lie. There's no such thing as ice cream that burns like acid," I scoffed, smirking at him.
"Fariz! Look at what you did to Amir!"
Nara teased playfully.
"Hahaha, let him be. It's not like I poured acid on his face!"
Reena kept laughing, her hands busy wiping the chocolate off my nose.
"Auch, I feel butterflies!"
Nara clutched her chest dramatically.
"Oh, come on, Nara. You've seen us like this plenty of times."
Reena pouted.
"You guys are ridiculous. Where's Amir?"
I glanced around, searching for that lunatic.
If he suddenly dashed across the road and got hit, I'd probably be blamed for it!
"Hmm, I think he went to the nearby restroom. He should be back soon."
Reena rested her chin on her hand, running her fingers through my now-thickening hair.
"Guys, I'm going to take a quick selfie over there."
Nara stood up, pointing in the direction she wanted to go.
Reena nodded with a wide grin.
"Hmm, why is your hair so thick? Tomorrow you need a haircut!" I glared at her sharply before shaking my head quickly.
"Why should I listen to you? It's my choice, even if I want to grow my hair long!" I crossed my arms before leaning against the tree.
Reena huffed in frustration.
"Come on, please, darling… I really want to see you with Jungkook BTS's hairstyle!" I scowled in annoyance. Did she think my hair was a toy?
"Do you know that you're the first person who managed to make me like K-pop?" I raised an eyebrow at her, puzzled.
"What does that have to do with me? Why am I being blamed when I don't even know anything?" I lifted my leg slightly and crossed my feet.
"Because your face looks like a Korean oppa, and it always melts my heart!" I felt the urge to spill the truth right there and then—this girl was clearly obsessed with me! Dangerous, very dangerous!
"Crazy!"
"Hey, guys!" Just in time, Nara rushed toward us, looking extremely anxious.
"What's wrong, Nara?" Reena asked, cutting off the romantic mood from earlier!
"Amir… he left this behind!" Nara showed us a long blue object.
"What is that? Do I look like a genius to you?" I asked, annoyed.
"It's an inhaler. He has asthma. If he doesn't use it, he'll have trouble breathing!" Nara hurriedly grabbed Reena's hand.
"Hey, where are you dragging me? Relax first!" Nara was panting, trying to catch her breath.
"We need to go to the restroom and find Amir before anything happens!" Reena glanced at me before speaking.
"You, go into the restroom and look for Amir!" I was startled.
"Why me? Ask Nara! He's Nara's boyfriend!" I protested.
"You—ugh! If I call you dumb, you'll get mad! It's a restroom—how can a girl enter the men's restroom?" I smacked my forehead. She still had time to think about that?
Nara nodded in agreement, looking at me with pleading eyes.
"Please, Fariz… for Reena?" I saw Nara was on the verge of tears.
"Sigh, fine!" Like it or not, I had no choice but to find Amir, who was supposedly in danger.
"Okay, we'll search outside the restroom while you check inside." I nodded in agreement before quickly rushing into the public restroom.
"Oi, Amir, where are you?" I called out loudly, checking every stall.
I searched all the stalls, but there was no sign of Amir.
"Sigh, don't tell me he went into the ladies' restroom!" I muttered while standing with my hands on my hips, scanning the slightly dark area under the sink.
Suddenly, my eyes caught sight of something underneath.
"Amir, what are you doing down there? Come out!" I struggled to pull his weak body from under the sink.
"F-Fariz… help me… my chest hurts." He coughed harshly a few times, his lips parting as he gasped for air.
"Yeah, I'm helping, but do you know how heavy you are?!" Finally, using all my strength, I propped him against the restroom wall.
"Huh… huh… huh!" His face turned red, and his lips trembled as if he wanted to say something.
"M-my… inhaler…" He spoke with rapid breaths. I started to panic.
I quickly took out my phone and dialed Reena's number.
"Reena, I found Amir! We're outside the restroom—bring his inhaler, he's struggling to breathe!" I immediately shoved my phone back into my pocket.
I supported his trembling body and helped him sit outside the restroom while waiting for Reena and Nara.
For some reason, guilt crept into my heart as I saw him struggling like he was on the verge of death.
"Fariz… I can't…" I looked at Amir's pale face in worry. I rubbed his chest gently to calm him down.
"Relax, Amir, Reena and Nara will bring your inhaler soon!" Amir rested his head on my shoulder.
"Ugh, where are they? It's not even that far!" Frustrated, I took out my phone again.
"Reena, why are you taking so long? Amir is barely hanging on!" I stuffed my left hand into my pocket, trying to ease my anxiety.
"Nara ran too fast and tripped—she sprained her ankle in the middle of the road!" I almost dropped my phone in shock.
"So what now?" I was pacing back and forth.
"Nara can't walk properly—she's limping. So we can't come to you guys. I'm really sorry…" Reena's voice was filled with regret.
"Then what about Amir? What if he dies here?" I asked, frustrated.
"You have to come here and get the inhaler from us. I can't leave Nara alone—it's not safe here." Reena explained urgently. My mind was in chaos.
"Okay, stay there. I'm coming now!" I quickly stood up and turned to Amir, who was growing weaker.
"Amir, wait here. I'll get your inhaler. Don't close your eyes, no matter what happens." After seeing his weak nod, I immediately sprinted toward Reena and Nara. After running for almost five minutes, drenched in sweat, I finally reached them.
"Here, take this inhaler! Make sure he uses it!" Nara, still wincing in pain, handed me the inhaler.
"Where should we meet?" I asked.
"Meet us here—I'll take Nara to the car." Reena replied.
I nodded before sprinting back toward the restroom.
Finally, I arrived back at the spot. I approached Amir, whose eyes seemed to be shut. I shook his body vigorously.
"Amir, wake up! Hurry and use the inhaler!" I shook him again, but there was no response.
"Amir!!" I checked his pulse and could feel that his heartbeat was slowing down. Panic started to set in.
"Amir, wake up… are you trying to die?!" I had no other choice—I was at a complete loss.
I quickly dialed Reena's number again.
"Reena, Amir is unconscious! His breathing is slowing down—what should I do?"
"Okay, I need you to do something. You want to wake him up, right?" Reena's voice sounded deadly serious.
"Yes! Hurry up… I don't care if he dies, but Nara—"
"Okay, unbutton the top of his shirt down to his chest." I followed Reena's instructions, unbuttoning his shirt until his chest, which was rising and falling faintly, was exposed.
"Alright, now… I know this is extreme, but you have to do CPR on him." I froze in shock. Was she serious?
"Are you out of your mind? You're giving me the wrong instructions, aren't you?" I asked, my anger flaring up.
"Do you think I'm joking at a time like this? Just do it! You'll regret it if he dies!"
"CPR?" I asked, still in disbelief.
"Yes, transfer oxygen from your mouth to his." Reena's voice suddenly became more urgent.
"I can't do it."
"Fariz, he's our friend! If you don't see him as a friend, at least… do it for me and Nara!" Reena's voice was firm and pleading.
"Fariz, please… I'm begging you! Save Amir—I love him so much!" I could hear Nara sobbing on the other end of the line.
"Is there no other way?" I hesitated, unwilling to do it.
"No, there's no other way! Please, Fariz! I promise I'll repay you!" Nara's voice was hoarse and filled with desperation.
"Hmm… a favor. I'll make sure to collect on that, Nara. Remember that!"