DYSTOPIA: STRICTLAND | ATEEZ (DISCONTINUED)
8

Jun stared fixedly at Wooyoung. He did not take his eyes off Wooyoung for a second. Wooyoung stared back at Jun with a strange look. Wooyoung was analyzing what gaze Jun gave her. To be honest Wooyoung did not understand the meaning of that gaze. It's just that Wooyoung doesn't feel threatened. Wooyoung feels safe together with Jun.

"So, your name is Wooyoung? My friend has the same name as you. Even your faces look alike. I thought you were my friend" Jun said. Wooyoung opened his mouth to hear Jun's words. Actually Jun's gaze was a little annoying to Wooyoung. That look implied deep sadness and longing. Wooyoung was able to catch him after some time.

With a reflex Wooyoung hugged Jun. No swipes or pats. Just a warm hug could make Jun a little calmer. Wooyoung took off her embrace and said, "It's fine to cry. Crying is a way to release emotions. If by crying you will feel better, then cry out loud. Once your heart is relieved, look up at the sky and give her a smile".

Jun was stunned for a moment. Wooyoung said, the more he remembered his friend. A friend who is always by his side. Friends who always support him. A smile rose up on Jun's face. Seeing Jun smile Wooyoung also smiled widely. He showed his white and neat teeth.

Wooyoung then noticed the canoe he was riding on. He wiggled the fish basket that was nearby. Water in a corrugated basket. The fish seemed to be trying to escape. Wooyoung chuckled softly looking at him. Somehow the fish reminded him of a group of small children gathered in a dark room. And all those little kids were trying to break down the door to get out. They push each other out of there.

Wooyoung let out a long sigh remembering that. One thing Wooyoung is always grateful for is that the boys made it out. Although there were some of them who did not survive while fleeing. The shadow of that dark time made Wooyoung shake her head. Wooyoung did not want to dig it any deeper. The more the memories emerged, the fear Wooyoung felt also began to arise. This could cause something of Wooyoung's self to wake up from her sleep. And Wooyoung doesn't want that to happen. Wooyoung is still with Jun. The fisherman saved her from death.

"So this is your first time here?" Jun roused Wooyoung from his reverie. Wooyoung looked back at Jun who was still paddling. Wooyoung nodded her head. During the few minutes spent with Jun, Wooyoung felt much calmer than before. Wooyoung has no worries for now. Wooyoung was sure, her other friends would be fine. And Wooyoung also believes that they are trying to find him.

The vast ocean reflected the beautiful sunlight. It turns out that being in the ocean with a canoe is much more calming. Wooyoung thought, will the pirates attack those who use the sampan? Or do pirates just attack those who board large ships? Wooyoung chuckled to himself thinking about that rhetorical question.

"Jun, will you tell me about this place? I mean your opinion of STRICTLAND", Wooyoung could see Jun being startled for a moment. Wooyoung did not immediately hear Jun's reply. The man was silent, but the look in his eyes hinted that he wanted to say many things. Wooyoung realized, definitely telling about STRICTLAND is not that easy. Especially if the government in STRICTLAND is tight. It does not rule out the possibility that there are agents or spies who monitor the people so as not to talk about the government.

Not so long ago, the canoe Jun and Wooyoung were riding reached the mainland. Since asking Jun a question, Wooyoung had not said anything more. Even Wooyoung avoided eye contact with Jun. Wooyoung felt bad after asking what she felt she shouldn't have done.

The full fish basket was carried by Jun. With a head gesture, he asked Wooyoung to follow him. Wooyoung followed Jun who went first. The two go to the market to sell fish, before leaving for Jun's house.

"I didn't think you'd catch a lot of fish today, Jun", said a middle-aged woman. He receives a fish basket given by Jun. Then give him money in exchange for the fish he receives.

"I don't expect it, either. Maybe it's my lucky day", Jun replied. After exchanging words, Jun pulled Wooyoung away. Their feet stepped lightly, splitting the crowd of people in the market. Jun nimbly slipped between those people. Although it is almost dark, but the market there is still crowded with visitors.

Without hesitation, Jun immediately opened the door and led Wooyoung inside. Jun asks Wooyoung to clean himself up first. After Wooyoung disappears behind the bathroom, Jun is pensive. A thought bothered him from earlier. Jun was eager to talk about STRICTLAND and all the bad things that were there. But, Jun did not want to put Wooyoung in a dangerous situation.

A few minutes later, Wooyoung had changed clothes. His body feels much fresher. Wooyoung approached Jun who was still late with his thoughts. Even Jun was unaware of Wooyoung's presence beside him.

"Wooyoung, do you really not know about STRICTLAND?" jun asked as he looked at Wooyoung. With spirit Wooyoung nodded her head. Since Mingi said that art was forbidden in STRICTLAND, Wooyoung immediately had many questions. Mingi knew that from the book that was on the ship. That led Wooyoung to believe that the information in the book was just a little.

"alright. I'll tell you", Jun took a deep breath before telling a story. A row of sentences came out of Jun's lips. He told me everything related to STRICTLAND. Wooyoung heard Jun's story carefully. Sometimes asking and grumbling. Making Jun fat isn't a bitch. Wanting Jun to stuff Wooyoung's mouth that didn't stop asking. Jun hasn't finished telling the story.

***

On the other hand, Hongjoong and the others found an inn that was quite affordable. The seven young men decided to take a short break before going to look for information on various matters.

Hongjoong one room with Seonghwa. Both are sitting next to each other. Seonghwa's face was still glum. Hongjoong showed a confused face.

Along the way looking for lodging, Hongjoong saw many posters containing a ban on performing arts. Hongjoong did not stop thinking, why is that place so forbidding art? If anyone breaks his sentence don't mess around. It is the destruction of one family.

"Hongjoong, do you know? They pressured the people to obey the government. Many people love art. The world is so cruel. Many people's rights were taken away. The stigma that art can make the people rebel and fight the government is very strong in the minds of those bastards. I cannot bear to see the suffering of the people. Can we remove that stigma, Hongjoong?" seonghwa.

I think you know this place well, Seonghwa. Who the hell are you?

***