Chapter Text
Even with his eyes closed the light was nearly blinding. He blinked them open slowly, glancing at the space around him through squinted eyes.
He raised a brow at the sight around him. The train station was completely empty - a rare sight this deep in the city. He’d been in and out of this place since he was a kid, it was the closest one to his-
Wait… the city? When did I get here?
His brows furrowed in confusion. Wasn’t he just… what was he doing? He moved to stand from where he was laying on-
…The floor? Did I fall asleep?
He can’t even remember how he got here, maybe he missed the train? It wouldn’t be the first time he’s passed out at the station but where was he going? He looked around again now that he was upright. Jeez how did he not even notice he was on the ground?
“Mister Seong?” He whipped around at the sudden voice behind him.
Stood before him was a man dressed in an immaculately tailored suit. His hair was gelled to perfection, he looked dressed for something important - especially with the suitcase in his hand. He swears he’s seen him before, and given the man knows his name he’s probably right, but for the life of him he can’t remember where.
“…Yes? Do I know you?” He took a small step back, scanning the man up and down. He seems important, too professional for a place like this, surely he would’ve remembered if they’d met?
The man only smiled at him, “We’ve met once or twice, nothing you’d remember.” He tilted his head at Gi-Hun in question, quirking a brow at him. “Are you planning on getting on?”
Gi-Hun only blinked at him. Get on... what? The track was empty?
He shook off the thought, “Are you sure we’ve-”
He hadn’t even finished his sentence before the sharp whine of metal on metal cut him off.
…Well there was a train now.
The man was already stepping up to the doors before the train had even stopped. He didn’t say a word, just adjusted his suitcase in front of him and waited. The moment it came to a halt and the doors slid open he turned back to glance at him.
“Well, Mr. Seong? Are you coming?” The man didn’t wait for an answer before he stepped inside.
Gi-Hun only stood there, confused and wary. He looked around again like the signs along the walls might explain what was going on - they didn’t. While the thought of following whoever this strange man was mildly unnerving, he didn’t want to miss another train. Besides, he didn’t seem too threatening - they were completely alone here, if he was going to try something he would’ve done it already.
The man raised a brow at him from where he’d taken a seat inside the train. He moved to pat his hand at the seat beside him, beckoning.
Gi-Hun let out a quiet sigh before stepping inside, ignoring the man's questioning stare as he took a seat on the bench across from him - the smile he saw once he finally glanced up made his teeth clench. For some reason the sight of him made him twitch, it was a near palpable annoyance that he just couldn’t place.
He hoped the next stop came quickly, it was only the two of them here and it was becoming increasingly clear that the man in front of him had a staring problem.
“Something on my face?” He eventually bit out when those eyes still hadn’t left him.
The man in front of him only blinked for a moment, “My apologies, I was just… thinking.”
Gi-Hun only sighed, already wishing he would’ve stayed at the station. “If you say so.”
They sat in silence after that, awkward - though maybe that was just him. He let out a sharp exhale, he didn’t know how long it’d be until their next stop - might as well play nice.
“So… where are you heading?” He took a quick glance at the man’s suitcase. “Fancy office job?”
The man chuckled, “Actually, I’m meeting a friend of mine.” He set the suitcase on his lap before turning it to face Gi-Hun, thumbing open the latch with a wry smile.
It was full of… tackle? Bright plastic fishes with hooks were lined up inside, organized in neat rows.
“We’re going fishing.” The smile on his face seemed almost genuine now, well, as close to genuine as a man like him could get.
Gi-Hun only stared at him, the absurdity of it all nearly felt like a joke. Here was this ridiculously polished man, sat dressed in a suit and tie, just to go… fishing.
“Ah.” Gi-Hun nodded slowly, like he was being forced to. “Sounds like… fun.”
The man closed his suitcase, smile still plastered wide on his face. He hummed in agreement before setting it back down on the seat at his side. “And you? Do you know where you’re going?”
Gi-Hun opened his mouth to respond - only to let if fall closed when he realized he didn’t have an answer. He hardly remembered even getting to the station, let alone where he was planning to go.
“I’m… not sure.” His brows furrowed at his own words.
The man only nodded, like he'd expected that answer. “That’s alright, I’m sure it won’t be too long now anyway.”
“What-”
'Now arriving at Incheon Port'
The sudden announcement from the speakers above nearly made him jump. A moment later the man was standing above him, hand outstretched in front of him holding-
A gun?! He threw his hands up on either side of his head, surrendering, eyes wide in terrified shock. “Whoa! Wait-wait I-”
Click.
He flinches on instinct, eyes squeezing shut while he waits for the pain to hit.
…
He opens them slowly when nothing happens. He doesn’t feel anything, he didn’t hear a shot ring out either. In front of him the man is smiling wide, far too amused, hand still wrapped around the gun.
No, not a gun. A lighter. The flame dances at the tip of it like it’s taunting him.
“What the hell is wrong with you?!” He drops his hands down instantly, glaring up at that teasing smirk.
He watches him release the trigger, the flame extinguishing in an instant. The man tosses it onto his lap before speaking, “Sorry, had to make it even. It’s yours by the way, try not to lose it again.”
Gi-Hun gapes at him, “Even? Mine? Just who the hell are you?”
The - decidedly insane - man looks up at the ceiling, feigning thought. “What was it you called me back then? A salesman?” He nods to himself, “I suppose that works.”
“Do you ever make sense?” Gi-Hun huffs, picking up the lighter like it might bite him. He thinks it might have been his, but he can’t remember the last time he saw it. His mind is… foggy.
The ‘salesman’ only chuckles, straightening up as he smooths non-existent wrinkles on his suit. “You haven’t changed a bit Mr. Seong. I’m glad I came to see you.”
Gi-Hun set the lighter at his side before turning back to him, a dozen emotions flickering across his face.
“Came to see me?” He asked, more annoyance than question.
“I wanted to know if I could see in you what he had.” The mans eyes met his own with an intensity he didn’t understand. “I think I just might understand it now.”
Gi-Hun frowned at him, brows furrowed in confusion. “What the fuck are you-”
Gi-Hun jerked to the side when the train came to sudden halt. The salesman, completely unaffected, walked right up to the door. He took a step outside before turning back to him, waving him goodbye as the doors slide closed in front of him. “Goodbye, Mr. Seong.”
The click of the doors echoed with a quiet kind of finality. He was left there stunned, alarmingly confused, and beyond irritated.
What was with that guy? He shook off the thought as the train begun moving, he didn’t want to dwell on whatever that was.
He sat in quiet silence for a while, letting the rumble of the train lull him into near sleep. He closed his eyes as he leaned further in to his seat. He didn’t know where he was going anyway, it wouldn’t really matter if he missed a few-
“Gi-Hun? Is that you?”
His eyes snapped open at the sound of his name. Standing near the door to the next train car was-
“…Jung-Bae?”