The Island
The air on the island was heavy and humid as usual. The wind, mixed with the sound of the waves, seemed to play the notes of loss and acceptance.
GoGo sat silently in front of the fire. He was exhausted, but the restlessness within him prevented him from resting.
A little way off, Yuri sat watching the sea, her knees pulled up to her chest. They no longer hated each other, but it couldn't be said that they fully got along either.
They were just... used to each other.
Yuri broke the silence.
Yuri: "It's strange, isn't it? Who would have thought that one day I'd be on a deserted island with a famous K-pop idol... I wouldn't have thought of it in a thousand years."
GoGo (shrugs): "Who would have thought that I'd be stuck on this cursed place for days with someone like you."
Yuri: "Hmph... as if I'm thrilled about this situation."
GoGo (smiles): "You should be pleased. Thousands of my fans would want to be in your place, trust me."
Yuri grumbled internally: (Arrogant jerk... His fans would want to be in my place, puh!)
Then she suddenly stood up.
Yuri: "I'm going for a walk. Do you want to come?"
GoGo: "So, are you asking me out?"
Yuri: "No! Just... who will catch fish if we lose you?"
GoGo: "See, there's your true face."
Both smiled involuntarily. The ice between them hadn't completely melted, but light was now seeping through the cracks.
They started walking into the forest together. As they proceeded through the trees, the air changed; the silence grew heavy, and even the sounds of birds ceased.
Yuri suddenly stopped.
Yuri: "Did you hear that?"
GoGo: "Yeah... That sound—"
Suddenly, a wild animal burst from the bushes. It was a wild boar, large, with dark fur and sharp tusks.
Yuri staggered at the sight of the massive creature; just as she was about to fall, GoGo grabbed her by the waist.
Yuri's eyes were wide with fear.
GoGo: "Run, Yuri! Now!"
Yuri: "No, I won't leave you here!"
GoGo (shouts): "I told you to go! Run and hide!"
Yuri took a few steps back but didn't leave. At that moment, the animal charged. GoGo reflexively pushed Yuri aside.
Yuri (falling): "GoGo!"
Yuri started running, but after a few steps, her foot caught on a root and she fell hard to the ground. Blood began to ooze from her knee.
GoGo gritted his teeth.
GoGo (to himself, internally): (Clumsy girl... I'm right, she's nothing but trouble!)
As the animal lunged again, GoGo swung a sharp branch he had grabbed. The struggle lasted only a few seconds.
Finally, the wild boar collapsed lifelessly to the ground. GoGo had a few cuts on his arm, but they were minor compared to Yuri's.
GoGo took a deep breath and walked over to Yuri. He held out his hand.
GoGo: "I'm so curious, why do you never listen?"
Yuri, ignoring her bleeding knee, raised her head, took GoGo's hand, and stood up.
Yuri (embarrassed): "I... I was thinking about you..."
After saying this, she covered her mouth with her hands, her eyes wide.
GoGo stared blankly, then the corner of his lips slightly curved. He picked up Yuri and carried her in his arms.
GoGo: "What did you just say?"
Yuri: "Nothing! I mean, well... it's just... if something happened to you, I would be here alone. That's all..."
GoGo nodded, smiling faintly.
GoGo: "Sure, that's why, right? Meaning you aren't in love with me or anything."
Yuri (in a muffled voice): "What love, stop talking nonsense! You're so conceited!"
GoGo (smiling): "Is that what you say?"
Yuri crossed her arms and turned her head away.
Yuri: "Yes, that's exactly what I say!"
GoGo suddenly turned serious, his voice low.
GoGo: "But what if... I've fallen in love?"
Yuri froze for a moment. Then she panicked and scrambled out of GoGo's arms. She stumbled a few steps, not knowing which way to go, her face bright red.
GoGo leaned against a tree, his arms crossed over his chest. He laughed involuntarily at Yuri's frantic, funny demeanor.
GoGo (to himself): "I guess the most dangerous thing on this island isn't the wild boar... it's you, trouble."
Search and Rescue Center (Waiting Room)
The waiting room of the search and rescue center was silent. Even the ticking of the wall clock frayed everyone's nerves. The air was hot, tense, and smelled of chlorine.
Kiko rocked back and forth in his chair, and Vex constantly got up and sat down again. Manager Hana looked at her phone, her hands clasped together. Ray leaned his head against the wall; his face was pale, but he didn't make a sound.
Vex (impatiently): "What are we waiting for after so long? Ms. Park was supposed to be here, what are they still discussing?"
Hana: "Yes, she's coming. Just a few more minutes... Be patient. I know you're all very tired and worn out."
Silence fell over the room again. Suddenly, Ray's phone rang—the screen flashed for a moment. Jeno involuntarily looked. The headline on the screen seemed to pierce his eyes:
'IS FØXEN LEADER RAY SUFFERING FROM A FATAL ILLNESS?'
Jeno's face instantly went pale. Ray noticed immediately. He silently brought his finger to his lips, signaling 'shush'. Jeno stared at Ray, shocked.
Jeno (low voice): "Is this... true?"
Ray (whispering): "Not now. Please don't show anything. I'll explain later."
Jeno silently nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. He went back and sat down next to Vex as if nothing had happened.
But Hana had noticed their silent exchange. She fixed her eyes on Ray, pursed her lips, and quietly approached him.
Hana (whispering): "Is something wrong? Why did you signal Jeno to be quiet just now?"
Ray took a deep breath and handed his phone to Hana. The news was still on the screen.
Hana's eyes widened, but she quickly composed herself. She slowly looked up at Ray.
Hana: "So, they finally found out... No matter how much we hide it, someone heard."
Ray bowed his head.
Ray (tired voice): "I know. But I think there's no point in hiding it anymore."
Hana glanced at the others. Kiko pretended to be busy with his phone, but his ears were clearly focused on them. Vex got up impatiently.
Vex: "This waiting is getting on my nerves! What was the result anyway?"
Just then, the outer door opened quickly. Ms. Park entered; she looked stern and resolute.
Ms. Park: "You're all here, good. Our work here is done. We're returning to the company. I'll drop you off at the dorm, and we will wait for two days."
No one spoke. Hana silently looked at Ray; Ray merely gave a short nod of approval. They stood up, preparing to leave, when Hana whispered:
Hana: "I can tell them if you want. If you... can't do it."
Ray closed his eyes and took a short breath.
Ray: "No. I will tell them. The time has come."
FØXEN Dormitory – That Night
The same news was still running on the television:
"While the fate of the missing idol GoGo remains uncertain, claims of leader Ray's illness have dropped like a bomb onto the agenda."
Kiko, Vex, and Jeno were silent in the corner of the room. When Ray entered, all eyes turned to him. The light from the television struck his face; his eyes were tired but determined.
Ray cleared his throat, which no one missed.
Ray: "Yes... It's all true."
A stir rose in the room at that moment. Kiko buried his head in his hands. Vex froze in place.
But Jeno was silent. Because he already knew.
Ray started speaking—his voice heavy but sincere.
After a few moments, surprise, fear, and acceptance mingled on the members' faces.
Just then, the sound of the television broke through:
"Breaking News! A new tip has been received that GoGo is alive..."
Ray raised his head, his eyes shining for a moment.
Ray (to himself): "GoGo is our priority, guys."
Jeno (with hope): "I feel it... FØXEN will be reborn."
And the four friends embraced each other.