Forrest, for his part, was also steady and thoughtful. He didn't let the boy get in the house either and chose to take him to a hotel.

After the call ended, Forrest turned around and walked back.

He opened the door of the hotel room and stepped inside.

Heading to the sofa, he sat down and waited.

He was going to dig out more information about the boy later, but for now, it was enough that the boy didn't seem to pose a threat.

After a while, still, no one came out of the bathroom.

Forrest raised his hand and looked at his watch.

More than an hour had passed.

By now, the boy should have finished his shower.

Why hadn't he come out yet?

Forrest walked over and knocked on the door.

There was no answer.

Then, he pushed the door open.

There was still mist inside, but there was no trace of the boy.

Where had he gone?

Forrest almost blurted out, "Did he run away?"

As he pulled out his phone to make a call, he noticed the boy.

The boy had changed into the clothes Forrest had prepared for him.

His dark yellow hair, now clean and shiny, fell just long enough to cover his ears.

Underneath locks that shielded his eyebrows, his eyes shone a deep blue.