In the Healer Hospital, Soojin stood in front of the same transparent glass wall separating the observation room from the patients. His eyes scanned the motionless figures on the other side, lying on the pristine white beds. The faint glow of the monitoring devices illuminated their pale faces, creating an eerie contrast to the sterile environment.

Soojin’s right hand rested on his chin, his expression a mixture of worry and deep contemplation. His brows furrowed further as he muttered, "Dr. J..." He sighed, his voice barely audible in the quiet room. Closing his eyes, he tried to piece together the events that had unfolded in the last few hours.

'Cale didn’t even look at them properly before rushing out earlier,' Soojin thought, his mind replaying Cale’s hurried departure. His gaze returned to the patients behind the glass. 'If he didn’t act quickly, he’d lose the Poison King... But what I really want to know is... can Cale cure this poison with his abilities alone?'

The thought left a bitter taste in Soojin’s mouth. A bead of sweat formed on his temple, tracing a line down his face before falling to the floor. He shook his head, his anxiety rising. 'After Cale kills the Poison King... I’m afraid that even with Cale's powers, he won’t be able to save them. This poison isn’t like anything we’ve dealt with before.'

Unable to stand still, Soojin began pacing in circles across the room. His polished boots clicked against the grey tiles, the sound echoing faintly. With each step, his mind raced, replaying the potential scenarios.

"AHH! Shit, what should I do...!" Soojin groaned, running a hand through his hair before collapsing into one of the chairs. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, and grabbed his head in frustration. His thoughts spiraled further. 'What would Cale do if he finds his little brother in this state?!'

A shiver ran down Soojin’s spine as he recalled the last time he had seen Cale lose control. 'When his mother got that strange disease... he went crazy. He killed every creature he came across without hesitation, even if it meant losing an arm or two. He was a true MONSTER back then.' Soojin clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

The faint sound of the automatic door sliding open pulled Soojin from his thoughts. His head snapped up as Cale stepped into the room. His usual calm and unbothered demeanor was intact, yet Soojin couldn’t shake the tension that followed him.

“You’re already back, Cale?” Soojin asked, taking two hesitant steps forward. His voice carried a mix of surprise and worry.

Cale’s piercing gaze met Soojin’s, and he asked with a measured tone, “Where is Dr. J?” The simplicity of his question sent a fresh wave of panic through Soojin. He straightened his posture, forcing a nervous smile as he searched for an answer.

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“Uh... About that, Cale,” Soojin stammered, swallowing hard. “We couldn’t completely remove the poison from them. I AM SORRY!” he shouted, bowing deeply. His voice echoed in the room, but no response came. The silence was deafening.

Slowly, Soojin glanced up at Cale, expecting anger or frustration. Instead, he was met with an unexpectedly calm expression. Soojin blinked in confusion, unsure of what to make of it.

“Dumbass,” Cale said, his voice sharp yet composed. “Why else did you think I went for the Poison King?” He raised his left brow, his tone carrying a hint of impatience. “I knew you couldn’t completely cure it. Holding it back for Dr. J would be possible, but not enough to cure it.”

Soojin straightened up, his nervous smile growing wider as he scratched the back of his head. “I-I see...” he said, his voice faltering. Then, as if trying to diffuse the tension, he added, “So you knew he couldn’t, HAHA.” His laughter was forced, almost comical in its awkwardness.

“Of course I did,” Cale replied bluntly, his unimpressed expression unwavering. He turned slightly and gestured behind him. “That’s why I brought this guy here.”

Soojin’s gaze shifted to the figure behind Cale, and his heart sank. His instincts kicked in immediately, and he assumed a defensive stance. “Why is he here?” Soojin asked, his voice low and filled with suspicion.

“Why else? It’s to cure the poison. Stop being aggressive,” Cale said dismissively as he walked past Soojin toward the transparent glass. His tone left no room for argument.

Soojin hesitated, his gaze darting between Cale and the man. “Y-You’re right,” Soojin said eventually, forcing himself to relax. He returned to his usual upright pose, his expression masking the turmoil inside him. 'Why did Cale bring the Poison King here?' Soojin screamed internally, his mind racing for answers.

The Poison King, unfazed by Soojin’s hostility, smirked slightly and asked, “You don’t mind me being here, right?”

Soojin forced a neutral expression and replied, “Of course not.” He quickly fell silent, his focus shifting back to Cale. 'This has to be part of his plan... right?' Soojin thought, struggling to suppress his doubts.

Before Soojin could say more, the door to the patient room opened, and Dr. J emerged. The weariness etched into his face was apparent as he glanced at Soojin and then at Cale. “I could only cure one and—” Dr. J froze mid-sentence as his eyes locked onto the Poison King.

The shock was evident on Dr. J’s face, his lips parting as if to say something, but no words came. Meanwhile, Cale glanced at the Poison King. The Poison King nodded and ignored the doctor entirely, walking past him with a nonchalant air. He entered the patient room without hesitation, leaving Dr. J standing in stunned silence.

“What...” Dr. J finally managed, his gaze darting to Soojin for an explanation.

Soojin, who had regained his composure, merely shrugged. His calm facade betrayed none of his inner turmoil. “Just trust Cale,” his thought semmed to saw said simply, though the words felt hollow even to him.

Cale said nothing, his focus unwavering as he watched the Poison King through the glass.

...

Nearly an hour passed in tense silence. The hum of the medical equipment and the faint sound of footsteps from the hallway outside were the only noises that filled the room. Soojin and Dr. J remained seated, their expressions a mixture of worry and hope.

Finally, the Poison King emerged, his breaths labored and his face pale. He leaned heavily against the doorframe, his once intimidating presence now diminished. “They are safe now,” he said, his voice hoarse.

Cale moved toward him, his steps deliberate. Placing a hand on the Poison King’s shoulder, Cale said, “Good job. You are forgiven now.” His tone was steady, carrying a weight of finality. Without waiting for a response, Cale walked past him into the patient room.

The Poison King let out a long breath and slumped into a chair. Soojin and Dr. J exchanged a glance before both sighed in unison, the tension in the room finally easing. Dr. J’s shoulders sagged in relief, while Soojin leaned back, wiping the sweat from his brow.

As silence settled over the room once more, the Poison King closed his eyes, a faint smirk playing on his lips. For the first time in a long while, he felt... free.