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hanmi-xo · 6 months

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Chapter 5: "What Once Was"

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| M I N G H A O |

"Minghao?" Her voice was soft yet delicate. It was like a lullaby that calmed a troubled soul.

But who was she?

I couldn't see her face. The light shined too bright behind her and caused her to glow. I had to bring my hand up to protect my eyes. It was like I was talking to an angel or some supernatural being.

But I didn't feel scared. I didn't feel any tremor. I was more curious than anything, and I wished the damn light would get out of my eyes.

The distance that once separated us closed. Her hand reached out towards me. Her fingers were gentle on my face.

I wanted to speak, but I couldn't. Even with my mouth open, nothing came out.

The light soon dimmed down and the young lady's face was revealed. I couldn't move. Her brown eyes glistened as if she could read me. As if she wanted me to stay.

"Lihua?"

A rush of adrenaline came through me. I shot my eyes open.

The sunlight was slowly peeking through my blinds and I was met with my ceiling. I rubbed my eyes to see what was real and what wasn't real. What I experienced... was that a dream?

I raised my hand and softly slapped my cheek...

I felt it sting, and I winced from the hit... so then...

Did I just have a dream of Lihua? No fucking way...

Anger and frustration crept over me like a shadow. I didn't like it. I didn't like how I had a dream of her. What was I thinking? What could have made me dream of her?

I grabbed my phone off my night stand to see what time it could be.

7:43 am

I sighed, and I laid my head deep into my pillow. I covered my face with my free hand to calm my nerves. I can't believe that happened...

Why did I dream of her?

I usually dream of work or falling off a buildings. You know, one of those stupid dreams. It's been awhile since I've dreamt of a girl. So why in the world did have a dream of her?

I scoffed.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" I mutter.

I tried to calm my beating heart, but I heard my phone ring with a notification.

I felt my heart race and a sense of anxiety overwhelm me. She accepted my follow request...

"What the fuck."

—

| L I H U A |

I can hear the others singing their lungs out downstairs. Their vocal cords were faint, but the way the music vibrated my room made it hard for me to read my book. The bass rang and shook the space as if I was in the palm of its hand.

I laid in my bed while the others partied. I tried to ignore their loud noises, but even with headphones on my body can feel beats of the melody.

It was Saturday, and the guys were here partying with the girls. Fallon seemed to be thrilled of the idea of having a get-together since she was stressed with school- even telling her good friend and classmate Junhui to come along. She's been spending a lot of time with him, and I could only assume that he may be someone she's interested in.

Even if it was Soonyoung's party, Fallon still had control over it since it's technically her house. Besides, who would protest over her inviting a friend?

I remember her talking about Junhui earlier to week. Since Junhui was an international student, she wanted him to feel welcome, and she was hoping my brother and his friends would let him into their circle.

I did tell Dokyeom about Fallon's request, and he said that he'll be more than happy to have another friend.

I'm not sure if Junhui showed up though. I've been in my room before my brother and his friends arrived.

Earlier, Dokyeom would check on me every once in awhile, but it's been a few hours since he last knocked on my door. They're probably having a good time.

The party was supposed to end at 9pm... it's already 10:32pm.

I took off my headphones and grabbed my bag.

Maybe I should head to the library or something? I know I should stick around, but I was never good with social events like this. Even the reunion felt tiring before Joshua showed up, and all he did was make it worst.

Joshua...

Ever since I blocked him, he hasn't been bothering me. It was nice not having to deal with his messages, but I had a strange feeling he might come around again. I saw his post a few days back about me before I blocked him.

Wanting a 2nd chance or whatever, but I don't think I'd want that- I don't think I'd want to make it work. What happened before is long gone.

I got over him years before. I don't need to be reminded of him.

What he said when he broke up with me still lingers. It's something I try to ignore, and now that Joshua's back in town, it's like he's reopening my stitches. Just thinking about him gives me a headache.

I took a deep breath before sighing to release my frustration. I tossed everything I needed into my bag before putting it on. Would the library even be open at this time? Should I just go to that cafe nearby?

I heard Senko get off my bed to follow me. His paws softly smacked the floor with the pitter-patter sound of his short nails.

"I don't think you should come Senko," I say to my pup before putting on my leather backpack.

He smiled at me with his tongue out not understand anything I'm saying. He just wanted to be wherever I went like the affectionate animal he is. It was hard to say no to him. He's too loving to me.

"Alright," I said, kneeling down to his level. "I guess you can come."

He barked before twirling around in circles. I laughed at his silliness before getting his leash off the hook that hung on my wall.

I opened my door and watched my dog jump around before leading the way.

| M I N G H A O |

I watched the others have the time of their life with slight anxiety. I didn't want to have the responsibility of taking care of the drunk, and a part of me was hoping to leave before anyone could notice how sober I am.

I wanted to go, but a part of me was telling me to stay. It was amusing watching them drunk, but I don't want to be anyone's chaperone.

Almost everyone was singing. Soonyoung was taking lead with the song and Dokyeom would put adlibs whenever he had the chance. I sat on the couch and witnessed it all happen with empty bottles of alcohol scattered on the table along paper plates of eaten and almost eaten food.

The girls were drunk along with Soonyoung. Their voices were enthusiastic but their words were almost incoherent with the way they slurred them together.

Seungcheol was still holding himself together even after taking multiple shots. Dokyeom, on the other hand, was about to lose himself.

"PAAAAARTY!" Dokyeom yelled with Soonyoung and the girls cheering behind him.

"WOOOO!" They yelled in unison after Dokyeom.

Soonyoung tried handing the mic to me, but I quickly got up with a shake of my hand in refusal. I need some water. The living room felt too warm with all this body heat.

Before I left to grab a water bottle, I can heard Seungcheol take lead with the next song. I can only assume he took the mic after I left.

"SOSOSOSO RIGHT NOW!" I heard him sing while everyone hyped him up with encouraging words.

Their shouts were getting less loud the further I got away from the living room. It felt good to be alone. It let me catch my breath and recharge my social battery.

I grabbed a cold water bottle from the cooler before taking a sip. It was refreshing and cooled my soul. I sighed in bliss before taking another sip.

A certain brunette came to view and I almost spat out my drink.

Lihua's eyes looked at me for a moment before waving at me. I turned around to stop myself from having water come out of my nose.

She looked the same as she did in my dream...

Why the hell does she look like that.

I can hear her go around me to grab a water bottle from the cooler. I slowly turned around to see her figure ready to leave, but her dog seemed to be wanting something.

Senko barked and twirled around as if he was trying to speak, and Lihua smiled at her dog before grabbing what seemed like dog treats from the cabinet.

"Okay, okay," she says. "You can get a snack after your walk."

Walk?

She was going for a walk? In the middle of the night? Why would she do that?

"Why would you go for a walk at a time like this?" I couldn't help but express my dislike towards her decision. "It's dangerous to go alone." My tone was rather rude from my sudden concern over her.

If she got hurt, who knows what happens? I don't want anything happening... I mean, Dokyeom would lose his mind if anything were to happen to her.

Lihua was surprised by my words and looked at me with wide eyes.

"I was only going to go for a walk then come back," she said meekly. She seemed taken back from my words. "Maybe go to the cafe or library or something..."

"Well don't," I tell her. "I don't need you wandering around while everyone else is drunk."

If anything were to happen to her, I highly doubt our drunk friends could do anything. Seungcheol may seem alright for now, but I know he'll pass out in an hour- leaving me to be the only one to be fine.

Her brother is literally talking to a paper plate as we speak, and she wishes to go out right now?

Lihua's eyes drifted away from mine. She seemed rather disappointed. Did I hurt her feelings?

"...Alright," she said. Her voice was almost inaudible to hear. "Come on Senko..."

She turned away from me with a low spirit. It was difficult to see her walk away like this. I didn't mean to ruin her mood.. I haven't spoken to her in over a week, and our conversation was going to be cut short like that?

At least argue with me or something...

I hated how she didn't bother looking at me when all I could do was stare at her. I wish she didn't have to push me away so easily as if I was some stranger to her. Could she at least pretend we're friends so I wouldn't feel like this around her?

I scoffed to get her attention.

"Do you really want to leave that bad?" I ask her.

I need her to look at me. I want her to say something. I didn't go to the party just to deal with my drunk friends and some girls their friends with-

I came because of this stupid woman.

It's because of that stupid dream, I fucking swear. My heart won't shut up. Will my gut stop twisting and let me breathe?

"Yeah," Lihua said in defeat.

Her eyes drew across the floor before meeting mine. She played with the leash in her hand while Senko sat there with his tongue out, not understanding a word we were saying.

"Wait.. what?" I almost forgot what I asked her. The way my body reacted towards her was distracting.

If I could punch myself, I would- just so I can talk to her normally.

Lihua looked towards the living room while she rubbed her arm. I followed her gaze and saw our loud friends chanting some random words.

"KUNG CHI PAK CHI, KUNG CHI PAK CHI, YEAH!" They all yelled.

Their voices were like sirens with the way it bounced throughout the house. I can see why she would want to leave. Our friends are way too loud. It was like monkeys let loose.

I turned to look at her, and her eyes met mine. A tingle set out through me with a follow of nervousness, but I ignored it. I ignored the feelings that were bothering me like a buzzing bee.

"Do really want to get out of here?" I ask her.

She nodded her head with a slight confused look. I hate to admit how cute she looked doing that, and I cursed at myself for even thinking that.

"Yes... why?" She asks.

Fuck it.

"I'll go with you," I say ignoring all sense and nonsense within me.

It took a moment for her to react, but the moment she realized what I said- her face brightened.

It was like I saw a flower blossomed for the first time. I cover my lips to hide the curls that came up on its own.

What's wrong with me?

—-

| L I H U A |

The night sky looked so pretty. I leaned on the railing that separated me from the ocean. I had a view of the town and the view of the horizon in the distance. Minghao seemed to know this hidden area- saying that instead of going to the library of cafe, we can stay here for a bit before our friends get too crazy.

We were only 10-15 minutes from home, but it felt so nice like I was away from the world.

The lights twinkling from the buildings and boats. They gave this lovely glow to this chilly night. There was life even at the darkest hour and I smiled at the thought. It left this fuzzy feeling inside me, and I was enthralled by all of it.

I sighed in bliss.

I felt a pair of eyes staring at me and I turned to look at the man who brought me here.

Minghao stood next to me but his focus went to the scenery in front of us. For a moment I thought I he was looking my way. Maybe I was wrong?

The sound of the waves crashing onto the cement wall below us filled the air with the follow of a ship pulling its horn. In the distance I can see lighthouse guide its way to town.

My mom used to being me to that light house... She said it's like a beacon of light that lets people know where home is.

"You really like sightseeing," I heard Minghao suddenly say.

I stared at him. His eyes wavered from the stars before looking at me.

I smiled. He wasn't wrong. I always did have a fascination with how things looked around me.

"The world is pretty in person, and if I could paint the moment, I would," I tell him.

"Why don't you paint then?" He asks me.

I shook my head with a smile before looking back at the landscape ahead of us.

"I lost that touch years ago," I say. The memory of Joshua came to mind.

"Why's that?" Minghao asks me.

My eyes met his again. He seemed curious, and his face of focus was amusing to witness. But could I tell him about Joshua? I thought he would know from Dokyeom or Seungcheol. Then again, why would he care? I am a woman after all...

"Did my brother not tell you what happened?" I ask him.

Minghao seemed rather confused by my words. He narrowed his brows.

"No, what happened?" He asks me.

It was strange to see him so interested. Then again, he probably doesn't want us to be filled with silence.

I guess I should tell him...

---

| M I N G H A O |

She spoke with a clear voice but her eyes were heavy. Maybe I shouldn't have asked about her change of heart, but I couldn't help but seek an answer.

"Joshua was my muse," Lihua says, but her eyes weren't on me. She was staring off into the distance.

Joshua? The guys mentioned him before...He was at the reunion.

Wait- so that means they were together?

"Most of my art was inspired by him, and when we broke up..." her voice slowed down before she sighed.

This was a tough topic, and I was ready to change it. I didn't like how she seemed to appear so heavy hearted.

"We can change the topic," I tell her in hopes she would agree.

She looked at me with those dark orbs that had the moons reflection. I couldn't help but gaze at her. She tilted her head at me as if I said something she didn't understand.

She hummed with a smiled that seemed too good on her. "It's alright. I don't mind sharing. After all, you did ask. It wouldn't be right to ignore your question even when I'm already answering it."

The way she looked towards me and spoke made me feel funny. It was that strange feeling again, and I tried to ignore it. But I couldn't stop looking at her.

"Alright," I say.

She nodded her head before continuing where she left off. She was telling me what happened with Joshua and her. What happened in high school, but I can tell with the way she spoke about the topic, she left some parts out. Most likely for the sake of her personal well being.

"Joshua was my first love," she says. "He was there whenever I had no one to talk to, but even though he courted me and asked me out, I became the fool of it all."

I watched the way her brows knitted together while she reminisced of what once was. She was hurt, and she was hiding it. I wanted to say something to cheer her up.

But I didn't know how.

I couldn't help but feel angry. Not towards her, but towards that man that was hardly a man.

---

| L I H U A |

It was weird talking about this topic with him, but Minghao has been more talkative lately. It wouldn't be right to ignore his curiosity.

"A few months after graduation," I say before sighing.

The memory was still clear even after these years. I felt annoyed and upset by the thought, but even so, there's nothing that can change the past.

"Joshua broke up with me because of his modeling career." I remember the way Joshua spoke so highly about his dream job and how the moment he got the job opportunity, he was already ready to say his goodbyes.

It was bitter, not even sweet.

I stared at the lights that luminescence the town buildings in hopes to distract my disheartened spirit.

"I remember it all a little too well," I mutter. "Saying that models like him shouldn't be someone like me. Someone that isn't close to his league whatever you want to call it...I was considered to be below his level or whatever. It could be Jeonghan who told him to say that or it could really be coming from his heart. Whatever the case was, Joshua was ready to leave me. I saw it coming, but I didn't want to leave first because of this false hope I had in him... but I was the fool for even thinking he'd stay."

I couldn't even cry talking about him. I felt no sense of needing to. He's not worth my tears or my time, but a part of me wished I did. A part of me wished that I still had that Joshua I first met- not the Joshua who became like Jeonghan...

I glanced over at Minghao. He was quiet but his eyes were on me. He had an expression that I couldn't read. He seemed mad... but why would he be mad?

"Are you okay?" I asked him.

He scoffed and shook his head at me. It was like I said something dumb.

"I should be the one asking you that," he suddenly says. His tone was strange. He seemed mad but he also seemed annoyed.

I looked away from him. I was okay. At least I believe I'm okay.

The moonlight shined through the night with clouds slowly taking form. It'll rain soon...

"I'm okay," I tell him. "I'm more so annoyed than upset."

"Then that makes the two of us," I heard him say.

My attention drifted from the moonlight back to the man next to me. It was nice to know Minghao held an agreement over the matter. Even if he insist on hating women, he still had a heart.

He leaned on the railing with the rays of light hitting him. He seemed to glow in this dark night, and the memory of first meeting him came to mind. It was funny remembering it now.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" I asked him.

He looked at me with narrowed brows. He seemed a bit surprised by my question from the change of topic.

"Yeah?" He said. His eyes wondered away from me before looking back into my eyes as if he was hesitant on answering. "It was outside your house wasn't it?"

A bit of me died from his words. I guess nothing changed in high school.

I shook my head with low eyes. I didn't want to look at him. I forced a smile to hide my disappointment. The waves below me called for my attention and my eyes remained there.

"We met at the cafeteria," I tell him. "Dokyeom was introducing me to his friends and you were there. You didn't bother looking at me even though he said I was his sister."

I wanted to laugh for thinking he'd remember that. He hates women... why would he even remember meeting me?

Minghao didn't speak. The sound of waves crashing filled this gap between us. Maybe I shouldn't have asked him. Maybe I shouldn't have expected him to remember... the girls were always the ones to remember...

"It's alright," I say in hopes to lift the mood. "It's high school. Nobody remembers much of it anyways."

I turn to look at him, and I found him staring deeply into me. I froze.

His eyes stared at me with such a look that made it hard for me to ignore. His brows furrowed as if he had so much to say but he also didn't. What was going through his mind?

Should I ask?

No... I feel as though I already ruined the mood.

"The painting," I quickly say, I needed to change the topic. My eyes went away from him. I couldn't look at him. "My mother used to paint. She's one of the reasons I started painting."

It was weird how Minghao seemed to be so attentive towards me. Was it the alcohol that's making him like this? He doesn't reek of it though?

"Your mother painted?" He said with a change of tone. His voice was a bit soft, almost like he was talking to me with his heart.

I nodded my head. I leaned on my hand and stared up at the sky.

"She's gone, but I still think about her." I took a deep breath and sighed. "The memory of her was almost like a dream. Someone I didn't think would exist but appeared in my life before disappearing. She was loving and everything any child would dream for..."

I couldn't help but speak about her- how great my mother was. I didn't bother telling anyone about her since I knew it would make things awkward, and seeing how Minghao seemed so interested, it was difficult for me to not speak about her.

I watched the lighthouse beam with light while the boats docked onto the pier. They made it home... those people.

I smiled remembering how my mom would point at the boats. She always said being lost is scary, and finding a safe haven was one of the greatest feelings to have.

"She was my safe haven... you know?" I mutter. "My lighthouse."

I felt my eyes get watery. I missed her even after all these years of her being gone. She deserved to be remember. She deserved all the love I could give her.

"If that accident didn't happen..." my voice grew weak. I felt a tear escape and fall down my cheek. I quickly wiped it.

I didn't want Minghao to see me like this. He brought me here to get some air, not to make things low.

I felt a warm presence come towards me. His hand brushed my hair away from my face as if he wanted to see me. It was strange. Was he comforting me?

His eyes... why did he look at me like that? Why did he look at me as if I was someone worth his time?

"I'm sorry..." my voice cracked as I tried to hold in my sob that tried to escape my lips.

I never told Dokyeom about my mom like I did with Minghao... yet here I was a mess in front of him. In front of my brother's best friend.

Minghao shook his head towards me. "Don't..."

He was so empathetic towards me. I didn't know how to react, nor did I know what to say.

All I could do was stare at those eyes of his that seemed to reflect off of mine. Was he always this kind? I felt my gut begin to twist...

No. He's Minghao. He hates women... I shouldn't feel this towards him.

I pulled away from him, leaving his hand that once calmed my nerves. I couldn't look at him... not with the way my heart began to feel funny.

I knew this feeling. I knew this feeling too well.

What am I doing with him? Why did I go here? I was supposed to read a book... get some air... so why did it feel like we were having a moment?

As if we were something when we weren't?

"I'm sorry for dragging you here," I tell him. My eyes stared down at the waves below me.

He shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have decided to go out...

"We shouldn't be alone like this," I speak my thoughts aloud. "I don't want our friends talking about us... I don't want you to end up hating me."

There was silence just like before. The moonlight disappeared behind the grey clouds that began to cover the starry sky.

It's going to rain...

I felt his eyes on me, but I didn't look. I couldn't look. I felt distraught by everything that was running through my mind and everything that I felt going on.

Minghao. My brother's best friend. He's someone I once liked in high school, but upon meeting him, he wasn't like I expected. He was cold, but now.. it's like he had some sense of warmth.

I looked at him. His eyes were low before looking back at me. The way his bangs softly bounced and the scent of his cologne was hard to ignore now.

Before I could see him and not think anything... but now.

"Minghao," I call for his attention.

He stood upright with slight wonder. There's a reason I've been avoiding him. Not just because he's my brother's best friend or because he hated women.

It's because...

"I used to like you in high school," I admit.

There was a change in his eyes. It was like I said something so shocking it was hard for him to accept. Maybe it's because I'm Dokyeom's sister... that's all people remembered me as in high school.

Even now, I'm only known as Dokyeom's sister...

I turned away from Minghao before sighing.

"Let's stop being alone like this... I know my presence bothers you, but your presence bothers me too."

He had to know the truth. He had to know how I felt before Joshua... before graduation.

And before we ended up where we are now.

—

| M I N G H A O |

The ride to her house was stiffening. It was like I was dying but I also wasn't. Everything she said... I couldn't even respond to her. I couldn't even say anything. My chest felt bitter yet it raced next to her.

Lihua had so much on her mind and so much bothering her that I didn't even know. She was so careful around me, yet I was blind towards her.

The sound of the windshield wipers and rain filled this void. We didn't speak to each other. And even if we did, what would we even say?

I should be mad hearing her confession, but I wasn't.

I was more mad that I didn't know sooner... because now, I know she'll never let me close to her again.

We were going to be strangers again.

Something I didn't want.

---------------

SM Post: Seungcheol has posted...

Joshua has posted...

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#seventeen ff #seventeen fanfic #svt minghao #minghao x oc #svt x oc #seventeen x oc #seventeen minghao #xu minghao #seventeen smau #svt smau #minghao ff

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

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Chapter 4: "A Blooming Moment"

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| L I H U A |

I played with my fingers while I waited for Minghao. The front of the museum wasn't that busy when I showed up with a few couples and elderly people walking around. I waited outside next to the ticket booth.

"I'm sorry, but Minghao is currently tour guiding a group right now," the elderly man said. He stood behind the counter with an apologetic look with a radio in his hand. "His break will be in 15 minutes. Did you want to wait here or walk around? But if you decide to go inside, you'll need to pay a ticket for entrance."

I stared at the building which had carefully crafted architecture. The sun was hidden behind the clock tower that stood tall at the center of the building.

The exterior walls were similar to the renaissance era with the way the upper arches curved into an elegant form. It looked like I was staring into a painting- or history if you will.

Did I want to enter the place again?

The image of that painting came into mind. It was my conundrum.

"I'll buy a ticket."

The museum was the same as I first entered this place. Elegant yet modern. I walked passed the water fountain and made my way pass the crowds. The skyline roofing caused light to shine through inside the building. I remembered where the painting was from the art gallery after following the different yet recognizable paintings.

Upon reaching the area, it was hidden from the crowd. It stood upright with nobody around to admire its crafts.

I stared at the painting and anchored myself in front of it. I felt some sort of connection to this painting. I don't know why, but I did.

I feel like I've seen this before, but where exactly?

Was it one of my paintings? It looked similar to it the more I gazed at its strokes and colors. The tones were recognizable but the way it was painted- the more I looked at it- it wasn't really similar to my style of art.

I crossed my arms. There was something standing out within the painting. It was small, but I was able to see it.

I looked behind me to see if anyone was around. It seemed the room was almost empty. There was an elderly couple leaving the area, and I quickly went under the black stanchion that separated me from the painting.

I tilted my head to get a better look at the engraving. There was some paint cover it. The layer was thick than the rest of the painting. It was like someone painted over it.

"What the hell are you doing?"

I jumped from the sudden voice. I turned around and saw the man who I've been waiting for. He was giving me a confused look.

I quickly went back to the other side of the stanchion and he watched me do so with a raised brow. He glanced at the painting before looking back at me.

"Listen, you can look, but you can't touch," he says with crossed arms. "What were you doing anyways? There's a rope barrier for a reason."

"Uhm..." I felt embarrassed for being caught. "I was just looking at something within the painting..."

I twiddled with my thumbs, avoiding his judging eyes.

He moved next to me, and I saw him stare at the painting too. He seemed to be admiring the artwork just like before. There was a sparkle in his eyes with the way he looked at it.

It makes me wonder...

"Do you also like the painting?" I decide to ask him.

Minghao turned his head towards me with wide eyes. He was bit taken back from my question, but he didn't seem against my curiosity. He crossed his arms with a thoughtful look and gazed back at the painting.

"It's a good painting, I guess," he says. His brown orbs shifted back towards me. "Why?"

I put my hands behind my back and stared at the artwork again. It hung there and presented itself as if it wanted me to speak about my connection towards it. It was bizarre and hard to explain. It felt like it was trying to tell me something...

I tilted my head and my eyes went back to the small carving that seemed to be painted over at the corner of the art piece. I could recognize the sketch, but I also couldn't.

"Have you ever felt so connected with an art piece that... you can't stop coming back to it...?" I say my thoughts aloud. "Like you want to know more about it?"

There was a moment of silence between us but I felt his dark orbs hit me. I turned to look at him and his eyes met mine. He stared at me with an expression I couldn't understand.

Did he agree with me or was he judging me for saying such a thing?

I looked away from him- breaking our eye contact.

"Never mind..." I mutter.

I guess I shouldn't have asked him.

My eyes wandered the floor before staring back at the man who seemed to be doing the same. He was quiet, but the way his brows knitted together told me he was thinking.

I wanted to ask what was on his mind, but I didn't.

I came here to get my journal. So I shouldn't bother him longer than I already have.

"Minghao," I call for him.

His eyes shifted towards me. "Yeah?"

"Do you have my journal?" I ask him.

He changed his composure and slowly nodded his head. "Yeah..."

His voice seemed hesitant. It was like he wasn't sure if he should confirm its whereabouts.

I felt a little suspicious of him so I stared him down. He avoided eye contact with me and quickly maneuvered away from me. He made an invisible barrier between us as if he was trying to get away from me.

"So.." I start. "Where is it?"

I watched him slowly turn his head further away from me. I narrowed my brows.

"Minghao?" I called for him again.

Why was he acting so cold all of the sudden? Or rather, why did he seemed so frigid?

"Hey," he says suddenly. His voice was low and slow. "I'll give it to you later, okay?"

I narrowed my brows. This isn't what I agreed on.

I walked in front of him in hopes of speaking to him without him avoiding me. He had an awkward expression and shifted his eyes to avoid mind. He looked guilty over something.

But what exactly?

"Minghao," I call for his attention.

He continued look away as if he couldn't hear me. I was getting upset with his behavior.

"Where's my journal?" I ask once more, but this time my voice was stern compared to before. "Can you please tell me where it is?"

I watched his eyes slowly look back at me. He seemed to show some cooperation, but he still seemed guilty over something.

"About your journal," he starts.

He closed his eyes and put his hands up as if he was trying to calm me down over something I don't know about.

"You have every right to be mad, but..." he spoke slowly.

I squinted my eyes at him. "Mad?"

Why should I be mad?

"Let's say... I might have... " He spoke almost in a whisper and it was hard for me to hear the end of his sentence.

I raised a brow in confusion. "Wait, what did you say?"

I watched him closed his eyes once more before taking to courage to speak aloud. He gave me an expression as if he didn't want to repeat himself but he knew he had to.

"I said, I might have ripped it," he says much louder than before.

I felt my stomach twist from his words.

—-

| M I N G H A O |

She was upset. And she had every right to be. I didn't intend for this to happen, but it did, and I don't know how to make things better.

I gave her the journal before getting off my shift, and she stared at it with horror. She was quiet and didn't know what to say to me.

I felt guilty beyond measure.

What was I supposed to say at a time like this?

"About your journal, I-"

"Don't," she cut me off quickly.

Her voice was gentle yet cold. It was a tone I didn't think I would be able to hear from her. Her eyes were low and avoided looking at me.

How was I able to make this up for her? I hated feeling guilty, and I hated knowing that I couldn't fix what I've done.

"I can drive you home," I tell her.

I needed to find some way to find common ground. She may be a woman, but I still have my sense of morality.

I watched her sit down on the outside bench, ignoring me. She was more concerned over the journal and how it was mishandled.

I found myself watching her as she checked each page to see if anything was missing along with counting photos. She was thorough with her organization with the way she knew where each page and photo goes. She must have spent a lot of time writing in it. There was a lot, and I mean, a lot of things thrown into that. It amazes me how she's able to keep it all in there without it falling out.

Unlike me who broke it the moment I turned it around...

She picked up the worn-out letter that was written in Chinese, and my eyes lit up.

Her eyes turned to me as if she knew I was looking. I immediately tried to look away, but I felt her staring at me.

"Did you see what's inside?" Her voice was soft yet curious.

I turned to look at her. She had her usually calm expression. I don't know if I should be concerned. Was she mad? Upset? Or was she okay now?

"No..." I answered.

It wasn't the entire truth since I did get a glimpse of that letter. I tried to avoid looking at everything else though.

She smiled softly before turning away from me. She seemed to be amused by something. I watched her lift the letter in her hands with low eyes. She held it as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

Her eyes went up and I followed her gaze. She was staring at the park across from us. The lake was lively with a few people walking around it and other getting their daily run. Then there were those that walked their dogs and those that fished or did yoga.

The weather was nice today.

The trees softly danced with the spring flowers blooming under them. The scenery was beautiful. It was almost like a scene in a book.

I looked back at Lihua.

She was smiling softly while she gazed at the scenery in front of us. It was that same look she had on the balcony back at the reunion. Though she was stressed earlier, she looked almost in bliss.

She seemed happy.

Strange enough, I couldn't help but gaze at her. Why did she look like that?

She seemed so fond of the world around her...

"I'm sorry for ripping your journal." The words came out of my mouth without realizing it. It must be from the guilt I had, and I was too fearful to speak about the matter.

It's too embarrassing to admit my faults, but for some reason, Lihua just seemed to have the patience for me- or maybe for almost anything.

Maybe it's because of this tranquil nature of hers, or maybe it's just I how felt in the moment from seeing the beauty around me, but I felt the need to tell her how guilty I felt.

She slowly turned to look at me. Her head titled to get a view of my face that I tried to hide from her. I covered my mouth with my hand to hide my embarrassment before looking away.

I felt the breeze hit me with a few petals flying from the cherry blossom tree near us.

"It's alright."

Her voice danced with the wind. I turned around to look at her. She was smiling at me, and I couldn't avoid her eyes.

A few petals floated pass us with a butterflies fluttering around.

For a moment, I felt my gut twirl. It crawled all around and gave me goosebumps along my skin. My heart raced with a follow of nervousness. But why should I be nervous? And what would making me nervous?

I didn't understand this feeling.

I watched Lihua get off the bench after fixing what she can with her journal. She was ready to leave.

I didn't want her to go yet.

It might be the warmth of the sun, or maybe the way the place felt too lively to just walk away, but I didn't want her to leave like this.

"Don't you want to walk around and look at the scenery?" I ask her.

She looked at me with surprise. I watched her twirl back around to look at the park we were looking at earlier. She thought for a moment before looking over at me.

Her orbs met mine, and I felt warm and a tingle in my gut.

"Are you asking me to go on a walk with you?"

Her question threw me off from the way she worded it. There's no way I asked her that. I asked her if she wanted to walk around to look at the scenery. I don't recall bringing myself up.

And even if I did, I highly doubt she'll say yes. That's practically a date.

She's Dokyeom's sister.

Why would I do that?

"Why would I ask you to go on a walk with me?" My voice came out a bit rude than intended.

Her eyes widened. "Oh."

I watched her turn away again, and I felt myself get guilty. She didn't get upset because of that did she?

"I'll walk around then," she says.

Her eyes looked towards the park before looking back at me. Her eyes sparkled from the sunlight.

"Thanks again for my journal, Minghao." Her voice was soft and smooth.

Why did she have to say my name like that? And why did she act like I wasn't going to see her for awhile?

I'm friends with her brother. So I'll see her around... right?

The thought of her not being around suddenly hit me. It's not like we're friends. I'm Dokyeom's friend. Not hers.

But my legs moved on their own.

And I found myself following her.

Her eyes met mine again once she realized I was behind her. I too was surprised by my own actions.

"Uh..." Was all I could say like the moron I am.

She tilted her head at me with curled lips. She seemed amused by my behavior.

Trust me. I'm not always like this.

"If you wanted to go for a walk together, we can," she tells me.

I was ready to protest against her.

"I won't consider it a date," she quickly tells me. It was like she read my mind. "So don't worry."

I don't know why, but I disliked her words. I didn't hate it nor did I like it. I don't know.

I didn't know what to say, so I stayed quiet. I followed behind her as she led the way.

The park was beautiful and charming. It was much prettier up close seeing the ducks swim in the lake and the squirrels that ran across the grass to climb up the trees. The scent of flowers were faint and being under the trees' leaves felt like a breath of fresh air. The path around the lake wasn't too long, but it was shorter than I expected.

She didn't speak during the walk.

Maybe it's because she didn't know what to say to me, or maybe it's because she didn't want me to feel irritated by her presence.

But I wish she spoke.

It was quiet with her, but it didn't feel terrible. Was walks always this peaceful?

When I walk alone, it's nothing like this.

I wish the walk was longer...

But she had to go.

"I can drive you home," I insisted.

She was ready to go our separate ways far quicker than I thought she would. We stood near a water fountain square area where there were different paths.

There weren't much people around other than an elder man with his grandchild feeding the birds.

"It's okay. You've done enough, already. I can ride the bus," she says politely. The sound of the fountain was faint behind her voice.

"Would Dokyeom be okay with that?" I ask her. I couldn't help but bring up her brother.

I didn't like how she suddenly thought of me as a stranger. We aren't close enough to be friends but I'm sure we couldn't be strangers.

We're acquaintances at this point.

"Dokyeom?" She said with a hum.

I watched her brows knitted before softening. She was thinking of her dear brother who I know wouldn't like it if she road the bus when someone he knows could just drive her.

"Even if he would be upset," she starts.

Her eyes met with mine.

"I thought you don't like being around women?"

Her question was abrupt and caught my attention. It was like a switch flickered within me. I do dislike being around women, but it's mostly certain ones.

But with Lihua-

She makes me forget about them. My views of all the girls I met in my life that used me and messed with me were bitter.

But with Lihua, she seemed different.

I didn't know what to say to her. It always felt like she knew how to tip me off balance even when my guard is up. I never had to think this much for a woman, other than my mother.

"I rather deal with my brother than make you uncomfortable," she tells me.

Her voice carried through the breeze. Some of her bangs waved from the wind. My chest felt funny with the way she spoke towards me.

She smiled. "I can handle my brother. I more concerned how you'll feel towards me being around you."

Her eyes changed tones with a look that seemed apologetic. I didn't like it.

"You don't have to be nice to me just because Dokyeom's my brother," she says.

She was smiling, but I knew inside she wasn't. There was something about her I didn't understand. She seemed to care deeply about her brother, but she also seemed to belittle herself at times. I didn't understand it. But I wanted to...

Was it because of me? Or was it something else?

"I'll see you around. Okay, Minghao?" she says before I can find the words to speak.

I watched her turn around and make her way far from me. Her retreating figure didn't feel right. Or rather, I didn't feel right.

Her words bothered me. And the look she had bothered me more.

I am Dokyeom's friend, and she is his sister. Yet, why do I feel annoyed hearing her say that to me?

Am I really treating her like this because of Dokyeom? Because she's related to him?

The drive home was quiet. I couldn't find myself to play music and when I got home, my empty space didn't make me feel any better.

I'm used to being alone, but right now, my thoughts made me feel different.

Why does it feel empty when I'm alone but not so bad when Lihua is there? She doesn't even talk yet I feel okay to have her company.

The image of her filled my mind.

I wish she let me drove her home. I wished she didn't have that look when she spoke.

I stared at my phone as I laid in my bed. I had emails about upcoming clients that want to examine the museum and other emails about upcoming art pieces that would be coming in next month that I would have to analyze.

Art pieces...

The painting came into mind.

Lihua was invested in it- even having to go pass the stanchions. I wander what makes her so intrigued by the painting?

I remember getting it from a seller and the quality was in good shape. He didn't say much about the art piece other than the painting was sold to him long ago. It's around 10 years old he said, but the whereabouts of it is unknown. Should I tell her about the painting?

But wasn't Lihua losing interest in art?

They way she reacted towards the painting said otherwise. It wasn't a look of disgust or indifference though. She clearly was admiring it.

I wonder... is she's curious about it as much as I am?

My phone rung with a notification. It was the guys. They wanted to celebrate Soonyoung's upcoming race.

I refuse to let that rodent party in my abode. I just moved in here. I don't need him stinking up the place with his hamster vomit.

He can set the party elsewhere.

I narrowed my brows at the thought of using another person's home. It's worst knowing it's women I hardly know.

Should I even go if it's going to be held there?

---

| L I H U A |

I heard my phone ring with notifications while I tried to stitch the journal back together. Senko slept on his back on my bed. His paws were up in the air while he snoozed off in a comfortable position. He acted as if he was human with the way he was sleeping. I tried not to wake him up.

I grabbed my phone off my desk and stared at the messages the girls sent.

I didn't mind the guys coming over, but the thought of seeing Minghao again felt strange.

I'm sure I wouldn't be talking to him anyways. The guys can have their fun. I'll just be in my room.

A notification popped onto my screen.

Xu Minghao...

Do I dare click on it? My eyes wondered away. I don't think I should.

I turned off my phone and left it on my desk.

I have to fix my journal.

---

| M I N G H A O |

My phone rang again with notifications. Soonyoung seemed to get an answer.

Lihua hates parties?

I'm not too surprised by that. No wonder she was at the balcony...

If she's housemates with Seungcheol's girlfriend, then that means Lihua will be there.

It'll be at that house...

I stared at his question with contemplation.

Should I go?

Of course Soonyoung was going to make it weird. I rolled my eyes from his messages.

So in the morning we'll see what happens...

I was ready to put my phone away, but my phone gave me a notification. My eyes lit up upon reading the name.

Do I dare look at her profile?

No. Why should I?

Why should I look at some chick's profile? I mean- she is Dokyeom's sister though...

Should I?

—————- SM Post: Soonyoung has posted...

Minghao has posted...

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#seventeen ff #seventeen fanfic #svt minghao #minghao x oc #svt x oc #seventeen x oc #seventeen minghao #xu minghao #seventeen smau #svt smau #minghao ff

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

Text

Chapter 3: “Curiosity of Ambiguity”

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | Next ------------------

| L I H U A |

It’s been a few days since the I went to the museum with the others, but that painting was hard for me to forget. I didn’t take any photos of my old artworks before selling them off, and I wish I did.

I laid in my bed and stared at my ceiling. My dog slept peacefully next to me. His soft snores were ambience.

My thoughts were interrupted by a notification. It was someone who I didn’t think would reach out to me.

I didn’t bother messaging him back.

I saw him at the reunion, but I didn’t speak to him. He made multiple attempts trying to speak about the matter, and when he did, his best friend Jeonghan was right behind him.

Jeonghan was Astrid’s ex who pretended to be something he wasn’t. Behind that pretty face and sweet words, he was a massive manipulator and was two faced. He was the devil that caused chaos wherever he went. He always seemed to find joy in putting others down.

He was the cause of Joshua breaking up with me.

And he antagonized Seungcheol about Astrid at the reunion.

I guess seeing his ex-best friend with his ex-girlfriend triggered him. Maybe it was jealousy? Or possessiveness? Maybe both?

I’m not sure.

I just remember Astrid crying and Seungcheol being held back by her. He was fuming, ready to fight. And before things could escalate, Astrid and I told them that it would be best to just go.

It was clear Jeonghan wouldn’t stop, and Joshua was there to witness it all, and he hardly did anything about it.

Joshua always let his friend cause problems. It was like he was blinded by their friendship to know what was right and wrong.

The reunion was just horrible.

I even went to the balcony to avoid it all. I had to take a breather. Seeing those two was like seeing a ghost.

Now he’s here again.

Reaching out to me to fix what happened years before. But I didn’t want to deal with him right now.

I didn’t need him ruining my mood. Today’s an important occasion.

I won’t let him ruin it.

---

| M I N G H A O |

I rubbed my eyes and glared at Dokyeom’s message. What the hell is he on?

It’s my day off and now I have to pick up Lihua from the cemetery?

What kind of request is this?

I rolled over to my back and I began to look for the chat Dokyeom put me in with his sister. That was the only way I’d be able to contact her.

I was still drowsy and it took awhile for me to find her name.

The last time I personally messaged a woman that wasn’t my mother was like 3 years ago. Was I supposed to be polite to Lihua? Greeting her or whatever?

Nah.

She’s Dokyeom’s sister.

Knowing Dokyeom, he’ll be upset if I leave her. I don’t need him nagging me later if he finds out she went home by herself.

I sighed.

She texts just like Dokyeom… why do they always use that dumb face?

I dragged myself off my bed. I have to go get my keys and pick up that girl.

Cemetery…

Now that I think about it, why would she be at the cemetery?

I pulled down my sunglasses and looked out of my passenger window. There she stood patiently in front of the cemetery entrance with a dog by her side.

The sun was shining brightly during this nice weather, and it was easy to spot her in the sunlight.

Lihua looked at me with confusion once I pulled up towards her. She had a picnic basket in her hands and she seemed to be dressed decently.

She wore a white lettuce trim dress along with her usual white sneakers. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail with some of her bangs falling out to frame her face. A camera was hung around her neck from its sling. She had a small leather backpack on, and next to her was a black Shiba Inu that she held with a red leash. It wagged its tail at me with excitement.

She looked like she went on private trip. But why at the cemetery? She seemed too well dressed for the occasion.

She looked at me with a perplexed look until I pointed at the door to come inside. There’s no way I’m going to open the front door for her. She has hands. She can do it herself.

I watched her pick up the dog with one of her hands while she struggled opening the door. Her hands were full, and her dog was getting excited. He wouldn’t sit still in her arms.

I sighed. I don’t have all day.

I got out of my car and came to her side. Lihua stared at me while I opened the door for her. Her dog moved around in her arms and looked at me too. It barked and I ignored it.

I motioned her to enter my vehicle.

“Get in,” I tell her, slightly annoyed.

She bowed her head a bit at me and situated herself within my car.

“Thank you,” she whispered to me.

“Yeah, sure. Whatever.” I shut the door.

I got back in my driver seat and left the premises. She was quiet while her dog moved around in her lap. It was trying to stick its head out of the window.

“Senko,” she whispers to her dog. “No. This isn’t Dokyeom’s car.”

She tried to calm her pet who seemed very energetic. It was hard to ignore the dog’s panting with the follow of soft barks. I can hear Lihua hushing the dog and in return it would whimper and bark louder.

I reached a stop light and stared at the two. The dog wasn’t going to calm down.

I began to pull the window down further down so the dog would shut up.

I watched Lihua look at me with wide eyes before looking back at her dog who quickly stuck out its head.

It looked at me with its tongue sticking out as if it was thanking me.

Lihua looked at me as well before saying, “Thank you.”

She was overly polite and it felt weird. I appreciate her manners and all that, but I’m not used to it. I felt myself stiffen.

“What’s the dog’s name.” I decide to ask since it kept looking at me like I was some fascinating thing.

She tilted her head at me as if she was surprised by my question. She began to pet her dog.

“Senko,” she says. “His name is Senko.”

I saw a subtle smile plaster on her apathetic face. She had a soft spot for her dog. It was easy to see.

Senko looked at her with his tongue out before looking back outside the window. His paws would go up and down with excitement. He was super energetic.

He reminded me of a certain someone…

“I’m sorry,” Lihua suddenly says towards me. She continued to pet her dog while she spoke.

I raised a brow at her. Why was she apologizing?

“I usually ride the bus or get driven around by others. I didn’t think my brother would bother you,” she explained.

The light turned green and I pressed the gas. My eyes remained on the road but some of my attention was on her. I didn’t like how she sounded like she was telling me some sob story.

“It’s whatever,” I tell her. “Besides, your brother didn’t know who to bother anyways. I’m assuming he was going to pick you up or something but he had an urgent meeting with his agent.”

I heard her hum beside me.

“Yeah,” she said. Her voice was almost low as a whisper. “He wanted to take me out and eat since he’ll be leaving town next month.”

I heard her sigh beside me.

“He’s always been kind to me,” her voice was light with affection but a hint of guilt.

I’m not sure what was going on with her, and I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to ask. But I was curious about something…

“Why didn’t Dokyeom go to the cemetery with you?” I say aloud. “That doesn’t seem like him to just leave a girl, much less family, alone.”

There was a moment of silence between us, and I took the chance to glance at her before looking back at the road. She seemed to be thinking of something- almost the state of daydreaming.

“Yeah,” she says. “He doesn’t normally do that. But today was a special occasion.

Special occasion?

“And that is?” I dare ask.

“My mother’s birthday.”

I hit the breaks on my car upon reaching another red light. I felt my car jerk upon my sudden action.

Did I hear that right?

I turned to look at her. My brows were narrowed. She seemed taken back from my anger that was about to come out.

“Why didn’t Dokyeom go?” I ask her. “Does he not care about his mom!?”

My voice came out rather loud and rude, but it bothered me that Dokyeom wasn’t around to celebrate his mother’s birthday. When did she even die? It’s only been over a week since the high school reunion when he mentioned his mom.

Senko stared at me for yelling, and began to bark at me.

Lihua quickly hushed her protective pup and calmed him down before looking at me.

“That’s because that’s not his mom,” Lihua tells me. Her voice was careful yet light.

My eyes widened from her words.

What was that supposed to mean? Are they not siblings?

“Wait.” I said. I was trying to put this all together. “Are Dokyeom and you even siblings?”

There’s no way I just drove some random chick around with her overly excited dog. I refuse to believe that.

Is that why they don’t look alike? Dokyeom and her?

I should have known from the start. They act nothing alike nor do they carry any similar features.

Lihua seemed startled from my question about her and Dokyeom, but then her eyes twinkled and her lips curled up. It was like I said something she was waiting to hear.

“His mom adopted me in middle school,” she says while petting Senko. “My mom’s best friend is his mom, and when you put two and two together…”

Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t speak more about the topic. She didn’t sob or even shed a tear.

But she just smiled while she sat there with a pitiful look.

I hate seeing girls cry. It always makes me feel like I’m obligated to do something. And if I do something, I can be considered a creep and they take it as flirting, but if I don’t do anything then I’m an asshole.

I rather be considered an asshole than for a girl to think I’d like her.

I heard Lihua sigh.

She turned her head to look at me, and her calm nature remained. Not even teary eyes was shown. Although she seemed down, she gave me a soft smile. It looked endearing but not too affectionate. It was like she was telling me that she’s okay even if she wasn’t.

“But yeah,” she suddenly says. She was trying to lift the mood. “Dokyeom and I are adoptive siblings… He didn’t come with me because he believed the occasion should be between actually family members. He’s always been courteous over my mom. It’s nice to have a brother like him. Sometimes I wish he was my real brother…”

Her brown orbs wondered away from me. Her attention went to her dog that yawned before laying down in her lap. She petted him while he tried to sleep.

It was odd knowing that I held a conversation with this girl. She seemed calm and level headed yet endearing.

I didn’t like how nice she seemed. I’m not used to it.

“The light’s green,” she tells me.

I looked back at the road in front of me and saw the go signal. I quickly pressed the gas again. Hopefully she didn’t think I was staring at her.

I was just analyzing her. That’s all.

“Minghao,” I heard her call for me.

I didn’t like how she said my name. It sounded too kind.

“What,” I respond with my eyes on the road.

“You’re not so bad,” she says.

I scoffed.

I knew where this was going to go. She’s going to compliment me then try to hit on me and then play that innocent girl act. I’ve experience before, too many times.

“Listen-“

“Thank you for dealing with my brother and his antics.”

She cut me off before I could express my dislike towards her. The compliment took me off guard. She seemed more glad to know her brother had a friend like me, then complimenting me over all.

It was odd.

I mean, he is her brother. So it would make sense for her to care about Dokyeom…

“It’s whatever…” my voice trailed off. I didn’t know how to respond to her.

After that, she remained quiet for the rest of the ride. There was silence between us, but it wasn’t awkward nor stiffening.

It was surprisingly peaceful.

When I reached her house, I noticed how her eyes were stuck on her phone. There were notifications alerting her and she ended up muting her device.

I could even hear her sigh. She seemed bothered by something.

I didn’t want to ask her about her personal business since I’m not that interested in her life, but she was getting spammed like crazy and it was hard to ignore the alerts.

Was she alright?

Lihua looked up towards her house before meeting my eyes. The sunlight reflected off her leaving a glow that seemed a bit unreal.

“Thank you,” she tells me. Her voice was soft yet clear.

Her smile was gentle yet careful. It bothered me how she looked like that. Much more on how she seemed almost like an angel.

I quickly looked away from her.

I must be seeing things.

I heard her shuffle around with her basket and bag before I decided to turn back around to look at her. I watched as she began to get out of the car while she carried her sleeping pup and picnic basket. She struggled at first, and I was ready to get out and help her, but she stopped me.

“I got it,” she tells me. Her voice remained light as before.

I hesitantly stayed in my seat and watched as she got out of the vehicle swiftly before shutting the door. She looked at me through the passenger window and bowed politely.

Her hair bounced gently as she walked. The breeze made some of her strands fly up and down and she had to move some out of her face so she can find her keys.

I watched her wave at me before entering her home.

She was gone.

I stared at the seat next to me, where Lihua once was. Her faint scent lingered in the air. It smelled like sweet whisky with its sense of earthy and sweet essence.

I narrowed my brows and pulled down the window to let her trace leave my car. I don’t need her scent filling my lungs.

After I pulled the window down to air out her trace, I got a notification. It was from Lihua.

I didn’t respond. Or rather, I didn’t know what to say.

I left her messages on read.

And somehow I couldn’t help but be bothered by her text. I don’t know why, but I did.

I guess a part of me doesn’t believe she’s that terrible to be around, but I also didn’t want to think about having a request like this happen again.

She’s Dokyeom’s sister. I should have an ill views of her, but I also shouldn’t be seeing her like this…

She was gently and ambiguous. Calm yet careful.

She was… odd.

Maybe it’s because she isn’t overly talkative, nor obnoxious, but it also bothers me how she seems too nice of a girl to exist.

The memory of what happened earlier this week came to mind. Dokyeom said something about her losing her touch in art. I don’t fully remember what he said, but I do recall the way she looked at that one flower painting that came in a day before their visit.

She had a good eye with noticing the only nameless painting within the gallery.

Not to mention, the only one I actually really liked.

She’s strange, but more so reserved. I can’t help but be engrossed by her. Maybe it’s because she’s Dokyeom’s sister.

Her existence is still new to me, and knowing my friend had someone in his life without my notice was strange. Maybe I should pay attention more when Dokyeom talks about a girl…

I scoffed.

“What the hell am I doing?” I mutter to myself, waking to reality.

I started up my car and left the premises like I was supposed to do moments ago. I can still smell her faint scent in my car. I was ready to press the buttons to open the window, but I couldn’t find myself to push the buttons.

Her scent filled me like her ambiguity. She was a mystery that I found myself stuck upon.

She’s Dokyeom’s sister. That’s all she’ll ever be to me.

---

| L I H U A |

Senko slept next to me on my bed. I hugged him while I tried to ignored Joshua’s messages.

He acted as if we could be close again, but it’s been over 4 years. If anything, it made me feel uncomfortable.

I told the girls about his sudden contact, and they too had mixed feeling about him.

I put my phone on my shelving that was connected to my bed frame. I didn’t want to think about him anymore.

I’ll deal with him later when the girls come back.

I sat up and began to look through my bag for my journal. I often wrote in it as a way to remember the events that happen in my life. I usually brought it with me so I can tell my mom how my life was going.

But it wasn’t where I left it.

I quickly dumped everything out onto my bed. But it still hasn’t appeared.

I widened my eye as fear came across me. Did drop it at the cemetery? No, because I remember putting it in my bag. Then I got into Minghao’s car…

“Oh no,” I say aloud before grabbing my phone.

I ran down out of my room and down the stairs to see if he would still be in the driveway, but he wasn’t there.

I felt anxiety crawl up my spine, and my gut twisted in fear of its whereabouts. I had to contact Minghao.

Even if he may not like the idea of me bothering him, I still need my journal.

I bit my lip in fear of what he might say to me. He’s Dokyeom’s friend though. If he’s nice enough to pick me up and drop me off, then maybe he’s nice enough to check if my journal’s in his car?

I quickly opened my phone and messaged him.

I hope he’ll read the message and respond to me. I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose it. I wrote all my thoughts and feelings in there.

I can’t let anyone read it.

---

| M I N G H A O |

I stared at her message with her journal in my hand. To think someone who seemed so careful can be so clumsy?

I kept rereading our messages while I took a sip of water. I made my way out of my kitchen before dropping my body onto my couch. I slouched into the seat while I continued to text her.

“I don’t want you to waste gas.”

Pft.

I know she’s being sincere, but can she be any nicer?

She is probably one of the few people to even consider my own time and money. It's hard for me to believe this girl is even real. Way too nice.

The next time I work? Is she serious?

I looked at my calendar that hung on the kitchen pillar before messaging her.

She's far more expressive through text than in person. I found that to be amusing.

I tossed my phone onto the coffee table before lifting up the journal she so cared about. It looked beat up with its torn edges and stitched cover.

I felt it fall out of my fingers upon tearing from its strings and it fell to the floor with a thud.

"Shit," I say aloud.

I felt my gut twist. I didn't intend to rip it. I was only moving it around with my hand. Lihua is going to be upset.

I grabbed everything off the ground and tried to fix the damage that I've done. There were some photos that fell out along with a few pages, and while I tried to organize everything, I noticed a paper that was different from the others.

It was stained, and its material seemed old.

What surprised me more was what was written. Those were Chinese character strokes.

Why did Lihua have that?

SM Post:

Joshua has posted…

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

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Chapter 2: "The Painting"

| Between Us | Chapter List |

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| L I H U A |

I sat outside on my balcony.

The birds chirped along the entangled branches and hummed a melody that was very calming. The sun shined between the clouds that roamed the sky.

I was reading one of the articles my good friend and colleague Wonwoo sent me.

I met him a while back during my time looking for a stable job. He was seeking editor help online and I was putting my freelance work up so someone can hire me.

Our paths crossed, and now I'm his assistant writer and editor.

Working remote has made it easier for me to be away from everyone. I know I should leave my room more often, but I believe I'm also more productive away from people.

Besides, I could only work so much for today.

Dokyeom wanted to bring me out, but he never told me what for. Maybe it's his way of making up for what happened at the high school reunion- probably hoping that I can see how life outside the house can be great. But even so, I'm a homebody at heart.

I heard my phone ring with notifications. It was the girls. None of them were home at the moment, but it appeared they were part of Dokyeom's plan. I stared at their messages that filled my phone.

Art Museum.

They know I don't like art anymore because of Joshua.

My phone rang with more notifications, but this time it was my brother.

I sighed. That was my signal to go.

---------

| M I N G H A O |

"I could have just waited in the car, Dokyeom," I tell my friend. He dragged me out to the front of the house.

"Oh, come on," Dokyeom says, "You never met my sister. She's great! Also, thanks again for agreeing to this!"

His voice rung with joy, and in return I glared at him.

"You said you wanted to hang out." My voice rose with annoyance. "This is not what I consider as hanging out. Why are we bringing your sister?"

I watched as my friend pursed his lips with guilt.

"Ah..." he awkwardly laughed. "You see... my sister used to like art, and now that you're a curator for the nearby art museum, I thought it'd be a great idea to bring her there!"

He gave me a bright grin of innocence. I rolled my eyes and judged his ridiculousness.

"First you say Seungcheol wants to tag along, and then his girlfriend, and now you're dragging your sister along," I spat.

Dokyeom raised his hands up in surrender. "It'll be fun!"

"Yeah for you guys," I rebuttal.

Before he could speak, the door slowly opened. The warmth of the home seeped through the gap that widened. I felt the heat reach out to me. A figure stuck her head out.

My eyes widened.

There stood that same girl from the balcony.

Her brown orbs reflected off of mine for a moment. She seemed surprised to see me, but also unbothered.

So, she's Lihua?

She doesn't seem to carry any similar facial features compared to Dokyeom though?

Her eyes went to him.

She didn't seem all too happy. I'm not sure if it's because of me or because of her brother.

"Lihua!" Dokyeom said with joy. "Ready to go?"

He beamed at her, but she didn't mirror his energy. Rather, she remained stoic and nodded her head.

She seemed like a phlegmatic person.

"Yeah," she said. Her voice was soft yet humble.

As she was stepping out, Dokyeom began to speak. He was rather in a good mood. Too good of a mood in fact.

"Do you remember Minghao?" he asks her.

She turned around towards me once she finished locking the door. My eyes met with hers again before her orbs scanned me up and down.

"The one that hates women right?"

She said it as though it was a normal thing, but Dokyeom responded with laughter. He pointed at me and nodded his head.

"I told you!" He snickered.

I rolled my eyes. I remember Dokyeom laughing in the car about the matter, and knowing that she knows me doesn't seem all too surprising.

What bothers me is the fact that she knows about my existence but I didn't know about hers.

Dokyeom hardly ever mentions her when I'm around. Then again, I don't pay attention to conversations that include a girl's name...

"What the hell did you say about me?" I ask Dokyeom.

I felt her eyes bounce between her brother and I.

"Oh nothing." He waved his hand off with mischief. "Let's go!~"

He walked ahead of us and ignored my glare. I felt his sister's presence next to me.

I turned to look at her, but she didn't bother looking my way. Her eyes were on her brother. She sighed.

"Don't worry. I won't bother you," she says. Her voice was monotone yet apologetic.

She seemed quite truthful.

She walked away from me and followed after her brother. I stared in judgement at the two who stood next to my vehicle. I saw Seungcheol's car pull up towards them with the front seat window pulled down. His girlfriend waved at us with Seungcheol sending out a piece sign.

I scoffed. This was supposed to be a guy hangout...

"Whatever. At least I get to look at art." I dragged my feet to them.

----------

| L I H U A |

I walked along the open hall that led to the art gallery. The place was bigger than I expected and had intricate architecture along with different sculptures and paintings.

They all caught my attention, and I couldn't help but awe at everything.

They were all beautiful, but I couldn't admit that aloud. A part of me felt depressed seeing all these artworks.

It reminded me of him.

It reminded me of Joshua.

Somehow I found myself away from everyone else. All I remember was Seungcheol and Astrid pointing at things and Dokyeom having to explain each one.

Dokyeom only knew certain facts about paintings because of me.

I was once an art major in college but since my departure with that, I became buried with books.

I needed something to get away from Joshua.

I needed something to get me away from the reality I lived in.

I stared at the painting that seemed carefully crafted with layers of oil paint. It was a white flower painting. It bloomed in darkness where everything else was tarnished or dead.

There wasn't a title nor a name of the artist. The painting was nameless leaving it feeling empty and hollow.

It was like it was forgotten or wasn't supposed to be found.

Whatever the case, I couldn't seem to get away from it. I felt too connected.

It reminded me of an old painting I once did, but I sold that off long ago. I sold almost everything that I made and crafted. I had too much artworks to keep track of. I didn't like looking at things that reminded me of Joshua. He was the reason for my art after all.

But I remember the day I made the painting. One of the few times he wasn't my muse or model.

I made it without a thought. I let the paintbrush do most of the work and let the ideas run through.

I wonder what happened to that painting...

"That painting came in yesterday."

I turned to look at the man who seemed to be behind me. I didn't know he would have the willingness to talk to me.

Minghao had his hands in his pocket while he stared at the painting in front of us. His black hair was brushed back with a bit of his strands hitting the frame of his clear glasses.

He suddenly had this sophisticated demeanor. It was strange seeing this cold man become soft towards the subject of art.

He looked lost in thought with way his eyes wavered around the painting.

I turned back around and stared at the artwork as well. I crossed my arms in front of me while I gazed at the brush strokes that were visible towards the naked eye.

"So there's no name?" I ask him. My orbs remained dancing on the surface of layers the painting displayed.

"No," I heard him say. "Nobody knows where it came from."

His voice was low as a whisper as if he too was in wonder about the painting's form of existence.

We stood there for a moment before I heard my name be called in the distance. I turned towards the voice that came from Minghao's side. He too looked.

There came the three we came with. My brother moved his arms up and down for our attention, and I couldn't help but sigh.

I walked passed Minghao and came towards the trio. They seemed happy but also confused.

"So? Did any paintings catch your attention?" Dokyeom asked me.

I shook my head.

"No," I lied.

I heard Minghao come from behind me. I turned to look at him and he didn't meet my eyes. Rather he avoided eye contact with me.

I saw Astrid's eyes look at him before looking at me. She seemed concerned. Probably because Minghao was there when they found us.

I shrugged my shoulders at her.

She seemed perplexed and mimicked my actions in return.

Minghao's appearance was out of the blue, but then again, he is a curator. He's an art lover under that cold appearance of his.

"Let's go and eat after this," Seungcheol says. "I'm hungry."

He rubbed his stomach and Astrid copied him as well.

"We're hungry," she says with a sad expression which Seungcheol mirrored.

The couple matched each other through action and mind. When this happens, they usually end up doing their own thing.

Dokyeom frowned. "But we haven't seen everything yet! There's so much to look at!"

He sounded like an excited child that didn't want to leave.

"Listen," Seungcheol says, trying to find even ground. "Astrid and I will go get some food, and we can all meet up later."

Astrid nodded her head with a bright smile. "Yeah!~ We can hang out at our house. Watch a movie or something."

Dokyeom moved his head side to side as he thought about the plan.

"Hmmm... okay. Sounds good," he says.

The couple smiled brightly before waving their farewell.

"We'll see y'all soon!" Seungcheol said as him and Astrid hurried off.

I squeezed my mouth to my left in judgement. I knew what they were going to do, and I knew it would be more than just eating.

"Well, since they're gone," Dokyeom says, gathering my attention. "Let's make a group chat. Only the real art lovers will be in it."

He seemed a bit petty from our friend's departure. I watched him take out his phone.

"I'll add you guys... annnnndd THERE!" He says after making the group chat.

I heard my phone get notified and Minghao took out his phone as well from the noise.

I looked at my brother who seemed to be waiting for something. He stared at us with a disappointed look.

"Why are you both so quiet!" He cried. "I made a chat! You both better use it! You know what!"

I watched my brother throw a small fit before turning around.

"I'll do my own thing. Just message me when you're both done!" He walked off.

Minghao and I looked at each other after witnessing my brother's behavior. Minghao scrunched his face with judgement.

I shrugged my shoulders at him with my hands up.

We then went out separate ways around the museum until it was time to go. Though the place was large and beautiful in every way possible-

I couldn't forget about the flower painting.

I wanted to know more about it, but I knew I shouldn't bother Minghao.

It wouldn't be right for me to do that.

He clearly doesn't like me.

——

SM Post: Astrid has posted...

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

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Chapter 1: "Who is Lihua?"

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| L I H U A |

The sound of rain bounced through the air. Each droplet left a patter of soft noise upon impact. The rugged pattern was a sweet melody.

I continued to read in my bed. I laid bundled up in my blanket while I heard chaos occurring outside my bedroom. The girls were getting ready for the high school reunion. It's been a little over 4 years since we graduated, but even so, they had plenty of friends they wanted to catch up with.

I wasn't planning on going, but when Ellis told me about Soonyoung's return to town, she insisted we should all go for her sake. Soonyoung had been a good friend of my brother, and having me there could rise against the odds by being messenger.

Ellis has always liked Soonyoung, but she put her career first before anything.

She's experienced what relationships can do during her time in school, and now that she has her degree and dream job, it was like destiny was on her side. Even if she disliked going out during the rainy weather, she couldn't ignore the opportunity of seeing him.

Fallon, being the oldest of all of us, agreed on the plan. As a psych and biology student, she has always been wary about all of our healths- mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Earlier today she said to me, "Your brother is going. Everyone is going. You can't stay in your room forever and read. It'd be good for all of us to be together again. You can get a fresh start."

She wasn't wrong, but she also knew why I wouldn't want to go.

Fallon has always been a good friend to all of us. You can say she acts like an older sister and maybe even a mother at times. Though her nagging can be tiring, she has always been loving towards us.

As a young adult, I know I need to socialize with people. I have been stuck in my room for too long, and part of it is because of my remote job, but it's also because I love my solitude.

I've met too many people who seem more interested in sex and having a good time than actually getting to know me.

Making friends is difficult. Making connections is difficult.

Even if I do try, I always end up being brushed off.

Being alone has always been easier. I didn't have to worry about anyone's judgment towards me and I don't have to entertain anyone.

Life seems more peaceful this way even if at times it may get lonely.

Reading books was my getaway from reality. The world seemed scary up-close, and having a book felt like I wasn't entirely alone when the girls are busy.

Seeing the struggles a character has made me realize how blessed I was to not have many terrible connections.

To me, I was okay with the people I have. The girls whom I grew up with- they welcomed me with open arms when I first moved into this town, and even if I may not be blood related to my brother, he has been a great support towards me.

I guess a part of me didn't want to leave my cage. Even if I'm over the events of what happened after high school, I've learned to enjoy my solitude more than I do with people.

It sounds selfish, I know, but it makes me feel at peace within myself.

The sound of my alarm rang. My attention went to my phone, interrupting my train of thought.

I had to leave soon.

Upon reaching the end of the chapter, I closed my book with a bookmark to where I left off. I heard a notification from my phone and I checked it once more.

It was my brother.

He responded to my last message with a salute.

| M I N G H A O |

I was running late.

I reached the red light before getting to the venue. If it wasn't raining, I would have been there already. Traffic was held back for 30 minutes and I hate being late to places.

I took out my phone to message the guys of my arrival.

After finding a place to park, I entered the building to meet with the guys. They all were dressed well for the occasion. I saw some girls staring at us and I was able to recognize many of their familiar faces.

They were the same girls that liked us back then, and I could hear them giggling amongst each other.

I winced from their annoying voices.

I'm definitely not going to stay long. I already hate the atmosphere of this place. It definitely felt like high school all over again.

"You made it!" Dokyeom exclaimed before waving at me.

His bright aura was easy to spot even a mile away. He was seated at a booth next to the wide window panels. I felt almost everyone stare at me since I was the late comer, not to mention, Dokyeom's loud voice boomed the restaurant space.

Across from him was Seungcheol who had a bottle of tequila. He seemed to be drinking earlier than attended. I'm not that surprised. Soonyoung sat next to him and was scarfing down his food like a rodent he is.

The two turned to see me before waving.

"Yo!" Seungcheol greeted me.

Soonyoung tried to greet me as well but his mouth was full. His cheeks were puffed while he chewed.

"MMMM!" was all I could hear from him.

Whatever the hell that noise was, it probably was a hello or something.

Dokyeom motioned me to sit next to him. I stared at the hamster who I would be sitting across before wincing at the sound him chewing.

Seungcheol and Dokyeom laughed upon seeing my expression but I rolled my eyes. I was trying to look at the menu Dokyeom passed to me, but it was hard to focus with Soonyoung's face across from me. The two's laughter caught his attention.

"What's so funny?" He asked after gulping his water cup. He had food stains on his face. "I wanna laugh too!"

He hasn't changed since high school. It was amusing to see this professional racer look like a child.

I shook my head with a smirk. "Don't worry about it."

Soonyoung then glared at me before going back to his food. I watched him silently mimic me with a move of his lips before taking another bite of his noodles. He was annoyed. I couldn't help but snicker at his behavior.

"Hao," I heard Seungcheol call for me.

I raised a brow. "Yes?"

He nodded his head towards my left. I knew that expression and signal all too well. Dokyeom glanced at Seungcheol before looking at me. I watched him peak his head out to see the girls that were coming our way.

Girls that I didn't want to deal with.

"Hi Dokyeom~" her voice was high like a mouse.

I rolled my eyes and quickly got up. I knew where this was going and I refuse to sit down and listen to these squeakers.

"Aw, Minghao," one of them called for my attention.

She stood in front of me as if she could stop me from leaving. She tried to grab my arm and I quickly pulled away.

"Don't touch me," I snap.

Her cold fingers felt uncomfortable. The way her warmth left a trace on me made me want to vomit.

I watched her eyes grow big before she faked a smile.

"Don't be like that", she tells me before tilting her head.

If she was trying to act cute, she looked really stupid. I grimaced at her.

"You got wrinkles on your face," I say aloud.

I watched as her face twisted into shock along with the gasps of her entourage. I can hear the Soonyoung hold in his snickers from my comment while Seungcheol openly laughed. Dokyeom on the other hand closed his lips tightly and tried to hide his amusement.

I looked back at the girl who didn't move an inch before getting away from her. I didn't bother looking back.

I needed some air. For a large space, it felt stuffy the moment I saw those girls. I saw an open door that lead to the balcony and I quickly made my way there.

The cool air hit my face, and the way the breeze felt against my warmth left a tingling sensation.

I leaned on the railing and took a deep breath. I closed my eyes and let out a sighed.

The moon glistened in the night and the rain clouds were swam across the dark blue sky. The scent of dew filled my lungs and left a chill down my spine.

It felt nice to be alone and enjoy the scenery.

I stayed there for a moment and awed at the beauty of the fountain below me along with the trees that danced with the wind. The venue was a bit far from town and I was able to get a glimpse of the faraway buildings in between the gaps of the trees.

I heard a sigh.

I slowly turned around upon hearing the voice.

There stood a girl who seemed to be in awe of the scenery. She leaned against the railing with a palm of her hand holding up her chin.

I didn't even notice she was here.

I shuffled my feet in attempt to leave, but she turned around to look at me.

I stared at her.

She seemed to be dressed different from everyone else in the venue.

She had a simple plaid green dress along with white sneakers. Her brown hair was tied up into a bun with a few bangs framing her face. Although she appeared in a simple yet elegant attire, her expression showed distance.

She seemed to be lost in thought.

I watched her walk towards me and I was ready for her to say something. For all I know, she could be putting on an act.

But she walked passed me.

She didn't even seem to notice me.

It was strange.

I watched her leave the balcony before making her way back into the event hall. She disappeared down the corner without looking back.

My eyes went back to the night sky. I was alone again.

It took awhile, but I came back to the event hall. I got hungry staring at the stars and I was hoping that Seungcheol or Dokyeom would order something.

But when I came back, they were gone.

Soonyoung came rushing over to me with a worried expression mixed with annoyance. Something bothered him.

"What the hell happened?" I ask the frustrated man.

He looked at me with narrow brows before shaking his head. "I'll explain things later. Let's get out of here."

His voice was almost a whisper. He was trying to hide his anger, but it was clear he was ready to strangle someone. The once enthusiastic man has lowered his tone.

I narrowed my brows and followed after him.

It's one thing for Seungcheol to be mad, but it's another if Dokyeom is angry. I had a feeling I knew who showed up, but I knew it'd be best to keep my mouth shut.

Upon reaching the parking lot, I saw Seungcheol talking to his girlfriend.

Astrid was her name, I think?

They seemed to be needing a moment. I can only assume what happened with the way she rubbed her tears while he tried to comfort her in silence.

Jeonghan must have shown his face.

Who knows what that guy said to cause all of them to leave. I never did like him.

"Dokyeom already left," I heard Soonyoung say. He seemed to have just finished a call.

He put his phone in his pocket and left his hand in there. He stared at the ground before turning to look at me.

"So what now?" He asks me. "Seungcheol probably won't be free later either with the way things are looking."

I put my hands in my pockets with narrow brows. "Wait, why did Dokyeom leave? I thought this was only between Jeonghan and those two."

I tilted my head to the couple that were still having a moment in one of the vehicles.

Hoshi narrowed his brows with a confused expression.

Did I say something wrong?

I mirrored his expression not understanding what he was hinting at.

"Do you not know what happened with Dokyeom and Joshua?" He said, crossing his arms together.

My eyes wandered as I tried to remember the events that happened months after graduation. I shook my head.

"All I recall was Dokyeom punching Joshua," I say. "Nobody really told me what happened since I was heading back to China."

Soonyoung couldn't believe my words. He scoffed and looked at the sky as if I could find the answer to his riddle.

"What a dummy," I heard him mutter noticing my stares.

I scowled at him, but before I can say anything, he spoke up.

"Let's call it a night," he says. "I have to meet up with my agent tomorrow."

"Alright," I say.

We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I made my way to my car and I heard a notification go off. I situated myself in the driver seat before responding to the messages Dokyeom suddenly messaged me.

"Lihua?" I read the name aloud.

His sister was here?

I never saw her though. Weird.

------------- SM POST: Lee Lihua has posted

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

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Comfort

Original Story: Between Us by hanmi-xo

Pairing: C.SC x Astrid Roscent (OC)

Scenario: Seungcheol’s girlfriend encounters her ex-boyfriend Jeonghan during their date.

warnings: slight angst, comfort, mentions of abuse in past relationship (emotional, neglect, physical (only 2x)), anxiety, mention of infidelity in past relationship, mentions of love bombing s/o

a/n: this is one of the scenarios i had in mind with this couple. feedback is very much appreciated! <3

Pls separate this from irl Jeonghan. We all know how respectful he is, so pls NO HATE towards any SVT members!

Seungcheol is pissed. Towards their short encounter with his ex-best friend, who was also his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend. "Don't delight yourself. That's never going to happen," Seungcheol grits his teeth, holding Astrid's hand tighter in his grasp as they walk past a smirking Jeonghan.

Seungcheol knew what Jeonghan was implying. He knew the games he played. What he’s capable of- and Jeonghan wanted to ruin them both, keeping them on edge- to anger them.

Joshua, Jeonghan's model best friend, showed him on social media how the both of you officially became a couple- four years after Jeonghan dumped Astrid on the street, literally. Jeonghan knew it was bound to happen sooner or later, considering how he knew how Seungcheol felt all those years together as friends. As soon as he told his 'trustworthy best friend' about the girl he had feelings for, Jeonghan stole Astrid from Seugcheol. He kept a facade to entertain Astrid during their relationship, only wanting to keep Astrid for 'appearance purposes', treating her as a trophy to show off. Jeonghan never truly loved her as a person. Until Jeonghan received an offer abroad for his modeling career- ending the relationship quickly.

“Don’t worry, love,” Seungcheol glanced down at Astrid, slowing down his pace once they were at a good distance away from Jeonghan. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t do anything at all. He won’t go anywhere near you.” He rubs her hand with his thumb still holding onto her, soothing her from the anxiety building up inside.

Tears began to form in her eyes, threatening to fall as she gave her boyfriend a small smile. “I know..” She knew deep down, Jeonghan still had an effect on her.

***

Back then, Astrid thought she was the happiest and luckiest girl alive to be with Jeonghan. But that happiness didn’t last long behind closed doors.

Everything went well into the relationship for the first couple months- or so she thought, realizing that Jeonghan wasn’t exactly the person she knew.

From an outside person’s point of view, they looked like the perfect it couple but from Astrid’s viewpoint it was far from that.

In any way possible, Jeonghan would gaslight her self-esteem, manipulate her from social interactions especially from her finances. There was never a day when he’d compliment her. Even if he did, that only occurred as an act to the public within their peers. Often times by the end of the day, Jeonghan would surprise Astrid with expensive gifts and shower her with affection, such as cuddling and kissing. And Astrid thought that was normal in the relationship despite all the emotional abuse he gave her. She didn’t know any better than be a supportive and loving girlfriend. She thought ‘If I obey his wishes, then he will treat me better. I’ll be a good girlfriend.’ She was too kindhearted. There were countless nights where she’d barely get any sleep at all and if she was lucky enough- she would cry herself to sleep.

She gave everything to Jeonghan, her first love.

The last few months into their relationship, witnesses from their peers had spoken up about Jeonghan’s infidelity. There were times where Astrid witnessed Jeonghan flirting openly with other ladies from their school. She’d confront him about it, question him about his actions and Jeonghan would reply with “Why are you concerned about what I’m doing? I’m just talking to them. We’re just friends.” With every confrontation, Jeonghan would deflect the argument by degrading her.

“God, you’re acting just like my crazy ex- Can we not talk about it?”

“Why haven’t you been working out? Don’t you know you’re getting bigger? You should be more like her-“

“What will you do without me? No one will look your way if you’re like that.”

Within the last month into their relationship, it grew worse. He would constantly be out with girls at night while she cried herself to sleep, fully aware of his actions. Jeonghan continued to discourage her and began to physically abuse her. Astrid was tired; mentally, physically and emotionally drained. She lost hope into their relationship, questioning if she should leave but she hesitated. More than anything she was scared, alone and believed every lie Jeonghan spouted. His abuse stopped after two occurrences, which lead to their separation and Seungcheol saved her by the dead end of the night.

***

The trauma was still there but she was slowly healing with the help of Seungcheol by her side. He was patient with Astrid. He gave her every reassurance when she was at her lowest. Respected her space when she needed it. He would pamper her with affection, shower her with words of encouragement to get through the day. Seungcheol gave her love and security. She felt safe in his arms. The epitome of ‘if comfort was a person.’

Seungcheol's heart sank witnessing his partner break into tears. He faced her, cupping her face into his hands, and lightly squished her cheeks, "Trust me. I'm right here- always, Ash." He lowered his head to kiss her on the forehead. He would do anything for his partner to smile, preventing her from harm and never wanting to see Astrid cry.

Astrid smiles at his kiss. She rests her head on his chest and wraps her arms around his waist, pulling him close to a hug. In return Seungcheol wraps his arms around her petite frame, his chin resting on top of her head, gently playing with the ends of her hair. They stayed in that position until Astrid calmed down from her anxiety.

With a deep breath, Astrid blinked away her tears and looks up at Seungcheol, “I’m good now, Cheol.”

He looks down with his brows knitted together, concern in his eyes, “Are you sure? Do you still want to continue on with our date? We can go back to my place and I can order us take out instead.”

As much as Seungcheol loved going on dates with Astrid during their free availability, her well-being mattered more than anything.

“Are you sure? You already made reservations at the restaurant though. It’d be a waste to not go,” Astrid pouted, unlocking herself from the hug.

“I want you to feel comfortable despite anything. We can always reschedule it,” he nods, pulling out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans with one hand and the other interlocking with hers as he plants a kiss onto her knuckles, “So, what do you say? It’s your call, Princess.”

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

Text

Between Us | Characters

Pairing: Seventeen Minghao x OC -------------------------------

Start Reading | Chapter List | Master List

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Main Characters

----------------------------------------------------

"In a world filled with black and white, you painted it with color."

----------------------------------------------------

Secondary Characters

Antagonist Characters

Note: NO HATE towards the Seventeen members!~

Start Reading | Chapter List | Master List

#seventeen ff #seventeen fanfic #svt minghao #minghao x oc #svt x oc #seventeen x oc #seventeen minghao #xu minghao #seventeen smau #svt smau #character sheet #minghao ff

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

Text

Prologue: "Where She Stands"

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | Next ------------------

Lee Lihua was considered a nobody compared to the people who surrounded her in her life. Maybe her life was meant to be that way. Often compared to her popular brother and social butterfly best friends, she is considered the odd one out.

To strangers, she was lucky to even be with them.

She's used to it though. Even her ex-boyfriend thought the same.

Breaking up with her out of the blue and explaining his reasons for being a model and the importance of his model image. Someone like him can't be with someone like her.

Even after 2 years together, it seemed like her loyalty and love was nothing.

Isolation felt like her only way to cope. Hiding in her room and deleting her social media to get away from the world felt like a pause she needed in life.

A pause to restart and turn a new page.

Though she has changed a bit from her old self, her past comes to visit her, but there's also a new face she recognizes.

Her brother's best friend who she once admired, but gave up on after knowing he's the man her brother talked often about.

That man hated women, and all he cared about was his career.

But when a sudden connection brings the two together, she can't seem to get away from him and he can't seem to ignore her. Maybe destiny was pushing them together or maybe it was their way of growing for the better.

It was between them.

Between us.

• • •

Previous | Next

#seventeen ff #seventeen fanfic #svt minghao #minghao x oc #svt x oc #seventeen x oc #seventeen minghao #xu minghao #seventeen smau #svt smau #minghao ff

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

Text

Between Us | (SVT Minghao x OC)

M A I N | O N E S H O T S | S M U T | S C E N A R I O S

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Status: Ongoing Start: Oct. 21, 2023 End: N/A Pairing: Xu Minghao x OC (Lee Lihua) | Svt members x OC's Genre: Romance, Angst, Fluff, Slice of Life, Short Story Word Count (Per Chap): 200 - 5k Chapters (current): Prologue + Chapter 1-5 Themes: SMAU, moving on, adult romance, personal growth, trauma, self-worth, brother's best friend

Note: NO HATE towards the Seventeen members!~

Synopsis: Lee Lihua is always second best or forgotten. After taking a pause in life from her terrible breakup, she tries to help her friends by going to a high school reunion.

But when her past comes back to visit, there is also another face she recognizes.

Her brother's best friend whom she knows she can't like.

Xu Minghao, the man who hates women and does not know of her identity has come to find out of her existence. When coincidences lead to curiosity, there's more going on between them than they let on.

• • •

Character Sheet | Start Reading

Chapters List Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

More Chapters to come!

#seventeen ff #seventeen fanfic #svt minghao #minghao x oc #svt x oc #seventeen x oc #seventeen minghao #xu minghao #seventeen smau #svt smau #minghao ff

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

Text

Craving You | (SVT Minghao x OC)

M A I N | O N E S H O T S | S M U T | S C E N A R I O S

-------------------------------

OG Story: Endless Moment by marriiemeii Characters: Xu Minghao x Jie/Ella Cao (OC) Status: Complete Word Count: 6k Genre: vampires, fantasy, romance, angst, smut, one shot Themes: vampire/Minghao, vampire turned/fem, feral/ fem, switch, frustrated sex, cumming, orgasms, overstimulation, biting, blood dripping/sucking, frenemies to lovers, dry humping, tease, mates for life, oral sex, foreplay

Summary:

Xu Minghao and Jie Cao have been at each others throat's since the moment they first met each other. When the two finally accept the fact they like each other but refuse to admit, Jie begins to express her thirst for blood. Unable to control her emotions due to her strong affection towards the man, Minghao tries to calm her as a noble vampire who has better control of his powers.

Sometimes even the strongest of men can't stop the love of a woman.

---------

Note: My interesting take on the couple and how they came to be.

I felt Minghao's grip on my arms as he tried to hold me back. His pheromones put me on edge once I got a whiff of his scent. He smelled sweet yet bitter. He smelled alluring...

He smelled delectable.

I opened my mouth as I felt my fangs sharpen. I wanted to bite him. I wanted to feel his skin against my lips and his blood pour into my mouth.

I wanted to suck him dry until he begins to moan out my name.

"Jie, stop!" He yelled.

He called me by my real name...

I used to hate it when he called me that, but I've grown used to it. He's the only one who calls me by my birth name, and it was his way of pissing me off.

Atleast, that was his intention before... now it just rolls off his lips like it was natural- like he wanted to talk to the real me before I got my international name.

I liked it when he said my name. The more he said it, the more my body ached for him.

"Say my name again," I tell him.

I felt drool come down my lips. I wanted his blood. I wanted it so bad.

Minghao stared at me with wide eyes from my words. He gritted his teeth with narrowed brows as I pushed him back. He wasn't strong against me since my kind were strong against nobles vampires- the original ones.

He fell backwards onto the bed while I continued attempt to bite his neck. He pushed me back with all his might, but I was persistent.

This is what he gets for visiting me. He should have just stayed away when I told him to. My absence was a warning for my hunger towards him because of this damned curse put on me.

Turning into a vampire made it difficult to be near anyone I had strong feelings for, and now for him to show up when I told him to leave me alone- this is all his fault.

He shouldn't have came here, because now... I don't think I can hold back.

I felt warm against his cold body. Our bodies were pressed against each other and I felt goosebumps run over me. He was so close to me.

"Minghao!" I growled his name with my mouth still trying to bite into his skin.

He struggled under me. "Jie! You need to calm down!"

I stared deeply into his eyes as if his dark orbs were jewels. I couldn't stop gazing at him. He looked so handsome when he struggled under me. His look of distress tantalized me.

I lost my sense of control the moment he came close to me, and right now, I don't know if it's wrong or right for me to puncture my fangs into his neck.

I wanted to see him in pain when I bite him. I wanted him to hold me tightly while I felt his warm blood inside my mouth. The texture must be great- the flavor must be amazing.

"Fuck, you look so delectable," I said.

My eyes wouldn't get away from him and he stared at me with fear.

"What the hell's wrong with you!? Get a hold of yourself Jie!" He yelled at me. "Fuck! Stop trying to bite me! Have you lost your fucking mind!?"

I shook my head with a smile I can't seem to hide. My heart raced with the way he gripped my arms. The way he was so close to me was making me lose my mind. I want him.

I want him right now.

"Let me bite you," I say with a growl. "I want you Minghao. I want you so bad. Just let me fucking bite you!"

His eyes widened. His grip never loosened.

"Stop with the bullshit!" He yelled at me. He sounded annoyed but also embarrassed.

"You're so annoying when you talk!" I yelled at him. "But fuck, your voice makes me want you more!"

His pale complexion slowly became red from my words. He gritted his teeth and tried to avoid my eyes. He seemed even more embarrassed.

"What wrong with you?" His voice became less rough but instead agitated. He sounded confused and annoyed, but also bashful.

His neck became more visible with the way he rotated his head. His muscular section with his collar bone put me on edge. It was like he was invited me.

A sudden feeling came to me once I tried to bite him.

I twitched as I tried to control myself. My subconscious was finally taking over my intrusive thought. What I was doing-

I pulled away from him and tried to calm my thirst. I couldn't stop drooling and I closed my eyes to get his image out of my head.

"Stop...stop... please just fucking stop," I whispered to myself.

I closed my ears and tried to get into a clear state of mind. But then I smelled him. I smelled him getting close to me.

I opened my eyes and saw Minghao with an unreadable expression. He was reaching out to me with his arms, but I pulled away.

I have to get out of here.

I need to get away from him.

I need to run.

But his hand gripped my wrist. He held onto me tightly, and I quickly attempted to pull away.

Although I'm stronger than him because I'm a turned vampire, his words is what made me stop struggling against him.

"You tried to bite me..." his once rough voice became soft. "Do you have any idea what that means?"

I stared at him. I knew what he was implying, but I was too stubborn to accept it.

"Nothing Minghao, it means nothing!" My voice came out rather loud in fear of what was going on between us.

I refused to accept the fact I like him. I refused to acknowledge it even if I lose control just from his pheromones. Even if it just happened- it's too embarrassing to admit.

I'm supposed to hate him.

But I ended up like this.

He pulled me towards him once he noticed my guard was down. I collided with his chest and he wrapped my waist with his other arm. Once I noticed I was trapped in his embrace, I tried to pull back.

I felt my wrist get pulled towards his face from his hand that remained on me. I stared in horror of what I know he'll do next.

"Don't you dare bite me," I snap at him. "You damn vampire."

If this was his way of showing dominance over me for my lack of control, it was pissing me off.

He opened his mouth showing a bit of his fangs. But instead of biting me, he began to speak with his lips close to my bare skin.

"I could bite you," he says aloud.

His eyes looked down at my wrist that was vulnerable before turning to look at me.

"But I won't," he says.

I narrowed my brows at him. "So why pretend you are?"

The way his breath tickled my skin made my heart race, but I tried to hide it. If I ignored it, he might not notice.

He put his thumb on my wrist and leaned his face towards me.

"I can feel your heart racing," his voice was low just like his eyes.

The way he looked at me was taunting yet seductive. I hated how he suddenly became so bold towards me. He usually just insults me or teases me, but I usually always win.

Yet somehow I felt weak against him.

How can I deny it? He knows. He fucking knows.

He tilted his head down to whisper in my ear. "Jie."

His warm breath tickled me. My breath hitched, and I felt my mouth water for him once more.

"What," I tried to control myself, but he wasn't making this easy. "What do you want? I told you to go away."

I felt his lips curl from the way he spoke.

"You want my blood right?" He suddenly says.

Blood...

My eyes grew big and my mouth watered from the thought. His warm red liquid...

I felt my mouth open as I tried to bite his neck that was so close to me. But I kept trying to fight it. Seungcheol taught me better than this.

But Minghao's neck looks so vulnerable...

It's right in front of me.

"Bite me," Minghao says.

His voice was demanding yet alluring. I narrowed my brows as I tried to stop his temptations. I can't do this.

I shouldn't do this.

I closed my mouth with all the control I had in me and rested my face in his neck. His scent may put me on edge, but my self-control was one of the best for my kind.

I tried to calm my adrenaline while I breathed him in.

Minghao was silent for a moment. His grip on me softened and he slowly pulled away. I fluttered my eyes to look up at him.

His lips were close to mine.

His eyes looked down at me with half lids. He suddenly looked tempted by me.

He let go of my wrist and moved my strands of hair that covered my face. He seemed different from the Minghao I always argued with. He looked at me as if there was some sense of fondness.

But why?

Why did he look at me as if I was some painting.

As if I was something valuable in his eyes?

Like I was the only thing in his world...

"Why do you look at me like that," I speak my thoughts aloud.

I watched his eyes widened as though he realized what he's done. This time, it was his turn to try to pull away from me. But I held onto him. My hands held onto his arms so he couldn't get away.

I didn't want him to go.

I wanted an answer.

He looked deep into my eyes while I tried to read his. This man has been on my mind though anger and joy and it bothered me. His existence bothered me.

Everything he did bothered me.

"I told you to leave me alone yet you came here." My voice somehow came out tender with wonder. I couldn't help but feel angry yet confused.

My hands made their way to his face. I held onto him so he couldn't turn away from me. He stiffened from my touch, but he remained still.

He brought his hands up towards my forearm, but he didn't touch me.

He didn't know how to respond or react. He was dazed.

"Minghao," I call out to him.

His face seemed more handsome than I remember. He looked at me with so much confusion and hesitation, but I saw a hint of affection.

I felt my gut twist and turn. My heart raced from this sudden feeling I had.

"Do you love me?"

My question surprised him as much as it did me. But I wanted to know. I wanted to know why he would come to me when I pushed him away. Why he always bothered me when I ran from him?

Why?

Why did he always want a reaction from me?

Why did he always appear during my time of need?

Why Minghao? Why?

His dark orbs remained focused on me and his brows narrowed as though he tried to find an answer to my many questions that ran through my head.

He looked down and avoided my gaze before moving his hands to hold onto my forearms.

"I..." he said. His voice wavered as he struggled speaking.

"You what...?" I ask him.

My face came close to his. His scent filled me like a drug. I was getting high just being this close to him. His eyes met mine and there was a look I didn't expect him to make.

Did he yearn for me?

His grip on me tightened. He stared at me intensely with parted lips.

"What if I do?" He says. "What if I do feel this way towards you?"

My heart raced and my breathing hitched. Somehow our faces shorted the distance we once had between us.

He moved his hands off my arms before carefully holding my face like I did with his. Our eyes couldn't get off each other. And my lips parted from the way his breath was so close to mine.

"Minghao..." I whispered.

Our foreheads touched and our lips were so close together. I stared at his mouth that was so tempting to take in.

"What is it...?" He whispered towards me with wanting eyes.

My breathing became heavy as my fangs began to take shape. I tried to calm my breathing but we're so close together. I can't help but want him.

"Kiss me," I whisper.

I felt his lips collide with mine and I narrowed my brows from how his cold body suddenly felt so alive. I moaned from how deep he kissed me while I tried to keep my balance from his stature.

He wrapped one arm around me and he pushed me back by his kiss. I held onto him as I tasted his lips against mine. I walked backwards from the way his body pushed against me and I felt myself hit a wall.

He pushed me against it as we fought for dominance with our tongues. He moved his hands towards my thighs and lifted me up so I could straddle my legs around him.

I felt a dent forming within his pants and it rubbed against my woman's hood. I wrapped my arms around his neck before letting out a sigh of bliss from the way he made me felt.

He took the opportunity to attack my neck. I felt him lick my bare skin with his warm breath before sucking on it. My hands came to his hair, and I softly pulled his black locks.

"Minghao..." I whispered from the sensation.

I felt him leave a mark on me while he continued to makeout with my neck. I couldn't stop myself from releasing soft whimpers and moans. My body felt like it was melting from his touch.

"Fuck, you feel so good against me," he whispered before sucking his lips against my skin.

The sudden sensation cause me to arch my back. I leaned my neck out and my grip on him tightened.

"Oh fuck... Minghao," I say aloud.

I began to rub my body against him. My crotch rubbed against his and he let out a soft groan. He began to move his hips against me and his dent put me on edge.

"I need you," I tell him while he kissed my collar bone.

I felt his breathing grow heavy. He carried me off the wall and pulled his face away from my neck. I took the chance and slammed my lips against him. He groaned from my action and I felt his thumb caress my thighs. I felt a chill run down my spine and my womanhood desire him.

He brought me down to the bed and placed himself over. He pulled away and I watched as he stood upright. He took off his black sweater to reveal his upper torso.

His pale yet toned body cause my adrenaline to kick in. My mouth watered to puncture his body.

Minghao looked at me with low eyes. His black bangs covered a bit of his orbs causing his demeanor to become very dominant.

He kneeled down to crawl over me. His face came close to mine and my thirst for him felt immense.

He looked deeply into my eyes and I couldn't help but push him down to the bed. I straddled him. His bulge pressed against my weight and I winced from the sudden feeling.

I parted my lips with a bit of my fangs ready to attack him. But I kept fighting against it.

I closed my eyes and brought my head low.

I shouldn't do this to him.

I felt his fingers rub my cheek. My eyes shot open to see his face that stared at me. He wasn't scared nor was he worried.

He lifted a bit of my upper lip to see my fangs. I began to drool from his touch.

"You can bite me, Jie," he tells me.

His voice was deep and low. It was like he wanted me to. He seemed to have no regrets from his words.

I narrowed my brows.

"Why?" I ask him. My voice came out confused and low.

He sat up with hand still caressing my face. His eyes remained on my lips for a moment before looking back up at me. He had a tender look.

"Because I want to be the only one to feel it."

His words made my heart race. Did I hear that right?

Minghao wanted to be the only one to feel my fangs?

No...

"Stop kidding yourself," I whisper to him.

His brows narrowed. He didn't seem happy to hear my words.

"Do you think I'm joking?" His voice came out rather upset with slight irritation.

The way he looked at me. I know he wasn't.

And it scared me more. He was serious. He wanted me.

He wanted to be mine.

"If I bite you.." I whisper to him. I looked deeply into his loving eyes.

He listened to me carefully while he rubbed his thumbs against my lips causing butterflies to scatter all around my body.

"...I won't be able to stop," I say.

I watched his lips curl up upon hearing my words. He seemed amused. Maybe even more turned on. His dent rubbed against me and I felt my eyes lower towards him.

His eyes stared at my lips. He craved me.

"Then don't stop."

My eyes widened. My adrenaline kicked in and my heart raced uncontrollably. Did he really say that? Did he mean it?

He laid back down onto the bed as if he was presenting himself towards me. I stared at him with hunger. He had to be serious.

I felt drool come out of my lips again while my eyes remained focus on him. His bare neck looked so delectable...

"Bite me," he tells me.

He tilted his head to show more of his neck. His skin stretched in front of me. My throat suddenly felt dry. I wanted him. I wanted to taste his blood.

I opened my mouth. His veins drew on his pale skin like tempting lines.

"Minghao," I whispered to him, my voice getting low to a growl. "Don't tempt me."

He smiled seductively from my threat. He looked alluring yet taunting.

"Bite... me..." he said slowly with a low sexy voice.

I felt my impulse take over me. My body moved on its own and I found my lips on his neck. My fangs punctured his skin causing drips of his red liquids to enter my mouth.

I felt him stiffen from my bite and a soft groan escaped his lips.

His pheromones- his scent.

He smelled like the forest. He smelled sweet like berries with a hint of pine.

His blood. It was thick in texture but sweet in flavor. I held onto him as I drank his warm liquids.

"Jie," I heard him say.

One of his hands pushed my head deeper into his neck while the other wrapped around my waist.

I couldn't stop. He was like candy and I had a sweet tooth. I felt drunk. I felt high.

I felt light.

I pulled away from his neck with drops of blood coming out of my mouth. I began to lick his liquids that pours onto his neck. I heard his sigh in bliss from my tongue that danced on his surface.

"Fuck..." he whispered. He groaned once he felt my hot breath tickle his neck.

I sat up once I cleaned up all I could before rubbing the drops of blood off my face. I looked down and saw stains of blood on my clothes along with Minghao's pale skin become pink and red.

He was healing from my bite.

He sat up again and pulled me in for a kiss. His tongue rubbed against my mouth causing him to taste his own blood. But he didn't wince from the stains he cleaned off me.

He kept going.

He kept ravaging me while he unbuttoned my black sleeveless blouse. Under me, his dent remained up and the way his touched me made me rock my hips.

He groaned while he kissed my neck. He helped me toss off my blouse before staring at my breasts that was held up by my black bra.

He stared intently at them before wrapping his arms around me. He placed his face into my cleavage and I felt his lips against my skin. The feeling left a chill run through me.

I felt him unclip my bra. I took it off and he quickly made work on my chest. He sucked and fondled each of my breast with so much love and attention.

I softly moaned from the sensation while I played with his hair.

"Mhm..." I bit my lips.

He then pulled away and traced my curves with his hands before resting on my hips. He helped me move them to match the rocking of his.

His shaft felt so hard against me. I tried to hold back my moans, but I can feel the shape. I was trying to remember everything about it.

It felt so good against me.

But what about it inside my lower lips? What about inside my body?

Minghao rolled me over to the bed and I watched as he brought his body over mine. He crawled off me and helped me take off my blue denim jeans.

The cold air hit my skin and he tossed the clothing elsewhere. He brought his hands to my thighs. His finger tips felt electrifying.

He caressed my legs and left kiss marks. His breath felt so warm against my skin while he made his way to my woman hood.

I felt myself getting more moist from his touch. If I was wet before, then I was pouring now.

He placed his tongue against my womanhood that was covered by my underwear. I could feel the sudden sensation take control of me.

My back arched and I let out a moan.

"Minghao," I call out his name with closed eyes.

I was focusing on everything he was doing to me. The way his tongue danced against the cloth and his nose pushed against my clitoris.

I let out a loud moan once I felt his two large, long fingers slide inside my hole. My walls clamped onto him while he slowly moved in and out of me.

I held onto Minghao's hair as he continued to go down on me.

"Ugh... Minghao!" I yell from the way his fingers felt.

I looked down in excitement. I wanted to see him. My eyes met with his, and that's when I realized he's been watching me this whole time.

I bit my lips and watched him pull away before removing my underwear. He began to unbuckle his belt and take off his black tactical pants. I can see his shaft peak over his black boxers and I grew more aroused.

His muscular, lean body was captivating. He began to take off his boxers and I saw his large head stand upright.

I sat up and reached out to touch him. He winced from my touch. His dark orbs watched my hands carefully hold his shaft that required two hands. He let out a heavy breath upon feeling his penis in my grasp.

I brought my head down and began to lick the precum from his tip. He groaned from my tongue and brought his hands towards my face.

He moved my hair and held it up so I wouldn't have any distractions. He was being courteous towards me, and I couldn't help but smile.

I brought his head into my mouth and stared up at Minghao. He looked so aroused I wanted him to see his reaction from the amount of pleasure I was going to give him.

I began to bob my head and stroked his shaft. I kept a steady pace and his eyes slowly closed with his lips parting.

"Oh fuck!" He groaned.

His hands adjusted so they would hold my head. He began to control my movement and he thrusted against my mouth. Once I was able to get his full length in me, I held his hips and gagged as I deep throated him.

He let out moans that slowly got louder. He sounded so hot, I was losing my mind. It was like music in my ears.

"Jie. Jie! JIE!" He called out my name.

I could feel his length twitch. He was going to cum. I was ready for him to pour it all into me.

He continued to moan and his pace quickened. My head shook vigorously from the way he thrusted into my mouth and his hands pulling me in and out.

"OH FUCK!" Minghao yelled.

I felt it. The liquids squirted into my mouth and I drank every last drop of it. Minghao watched me pop his shaft out of my lips before licking every side of his shape.

He caressed my cheeks with half closed eyes. His face was red from the amount of energy he used.

He looked a little tired, but he still had some energy in him.

I let go of his shaft that become soft. He came down to my level and kissed me. I felt his body press against mine and his weight pushed me back onto the bed.

He held me tightly while he rubbed his face into my neck. He continued to fondle me. I held onto him.

"I want to feel your walls," he whispered. "I want to feel all of you, Jie."

I held him tighter. He made my heart race. The thought of him penetrating me ran through my mind.

His pheromones were getting stronger.

I bit his neck from the amount of desire I had for him. He winced from my bite and I continued to drink blood from his neck. He felt so good on my lips. His blood was as sweet as ever.

I sucked his neck while he groaned. I felt his shaft slowly get back up. Minghao's breathing was getting heavy again.

I pulled away from his skin and he kissed me. His blood was still in my mouth but he still danced his tongue against mine. He drank his own from my lips. I felt a bit drip from my mouth but he licked it off just like before.

I moaned once I felt his shaft get back up. He was rubbing it against me. We were both growing impatient.

He pulled away from me and lifted my legs towards my sides. He had a full view of my wet folds and I saw his penis get up.

I held onto his forearms and he began to rub his dick on my entrance. His tip left shocks throughout my body and my heart pounded with every stroke.

"You look so fucking beautiful," he says.

His voice was low while he eye fucked me. I stared into his dark orbs with wanting.

"Fuck me, Minghao," I tell him. "Fuck me until we both forget our names."

His breathing hitched and I felt him slowly enter me. My grip on his arms tightened. I tried to watch our body connect but his shape felt immaculate inside me.

I threw my head back and let out a groan. I couldn't contain the sensation I was feeling. He felt so good.

And he hasn't even started thrusting.

"Oh fuck!" I yelled.

I felt Minghao pushed his weight onto me with his length filling me to the rim. He penetrated me so deep I was drooling.

"Minghao, baby..." I call out to him.

He was making my mind get foggy. He brought my legs to his shoulders and moved my hands above my head. He was dominating me and the look he had was so fucking hot.

"I'm going to give you more than you can imagine," he growls.

He began to move his hips and let out a moan from the way my walls held so tightly against his large rod. It was like I was desperately holding onto to it so I can feel all of him.

He slid in and out of me with a shake of the bed. My hands formed into a fist and I couldn't keep my eyes on him. I threw my head back as he began to pick up speed. He continuously rammed into me and I let out moans that followed his beat. He reach so deep into me that I knew my insides would never be the same.

"Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!" I couldn't help but yell with each thrust he impaled.

He sucked my neck while he ruined me.

The sound of our skins slapping was loud as everything else going on. Bed framing hitting the wall, the moans we both yelled like a duet, and the creaking that shook the room.

We were making a symphony.

My heart raced from the tune that matched the amount of pleasures I felt.

Minghao pulled away from my neck and kneeled up right. He lifted my hips and he thrust faster than before. My body arched so he can hit more angles.

His eyes looked down at our connection before looking back at me.

"Damn it!" He yelled. "You feel so good!"

His mouth was parted with his face red. He was watching me lose my mind. I shook as each thrust left me wanting more.

He lifted me up and we switched spots. I straddled him while he held my hips. His rod dug deep into me while he helped me move my hips.

I matched his pace and my hands laid on his muscular chest. He watched me ride him and I bit my lips.

"Minghao!" I moaned as his length kept hitting me.

Our hips moved with such speed the room felt like it was going to break apart. Minghao opened his mouth and he moaned the more I shook my hips.

"Just like that baby," he tells me. "Just like that!"

My eyes met his and he looked so handsome and captivating, my heart raced more. His black bangs kept moving from my thrusts and the way he focused on me made me melt.

I whimpered. I felt my climax coming. I fell onto Minghao and he wrapped his arms around me. He continued to thrust while I moaned into his ear.

"Oh fuck! OH FUCK!" He moaned.

"Baby! BABY! PLEASE!" I yelled.

He rocked my body and I shook while I held onto him for dear life. I wanted him to release into me. I wanted to feel his warm liquids.

I lifted myself above him with my face close to his. I tried to use every ounce of my energy to see his face. I wanted to know what he'd look like knowing he'll be breeding me.

"Give it to me! GIVE IT TO ME!" I yelled while I held his face.

He opened his mouth and continued to moan as he disorganized my organs.

"FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!" He held my hips tightly and slammed his dick aggressively into me.

I closed my eyes and the feeling began to kick in. I was cumming.

"BABY! PLEASE!" I begged him as he caused chaos throughout my body.

He rammed his lips into mine and I moaned against him. I couldn't stop moaning and screaming for him. He held me so tightly that our bodies felt crushed together. The way he held me-

"BABY!" I yelled

I was cumming.

Minghao continued to pump me with all his strength and I shook from all the pounding. The ecstasy made my eyes roll back and I wrapped my arms around his neck. I held onto him so tightly that I may have left claw marks on his back and shoulders.

"FUUUCK!" I screamed.

My voice was unsteady from the impact he left on me.

But he didn't stop thrusting. He didn't stop railing me.

He sat up and continued rock his hips against me. I couldn't speak anymore. I just kept moaning. My head flung back while I shook from his strength.

He pushed me down to the bed and pressed my thighs to my sides while he rammed into me unendlessly.

I left incoherent sounds as I orgasmed. I don't know how many times my body shook from his dick. I don't even know how he could last this long.

I was going to pass out.

"B-Baby..." I say with little strength.

He tugged my legs to wrap his waist and I heard him groan. His length twitched and I knew he was cumming.

"OH FUCK!" He yelled.

I felt his warm liquids entered me and my eyes shot open from the way it felt. I shook once more while he held onto me.

He collapsed on top of me and I held onto him. My eyes shut and I felt drained. His lips touched my cheek and I fell asleep.

The next thing I knew it was morning...

My blinds left the place dark, but I saw a bit of light sneak its way in. When I opened my eyes I found myself in my bed covered in a blanket.

My head felt blurry but I was able to recognize my room. I felt someone's arm wrap around me. I turned my body and saw the man whom I slept with.

Minghao laid next to me fast asleep. His bare body was close to mine. I felt myself get flustered remembering the events that happened.

I covered my face as I tried to regain my composure.

I attempted to leave his grasps, but he didn't budge. Instead, he pulled me in closer to him.

"Why run?"

My heart raced from the sound of his voice. It was deep and drowsy. His morning voice was too alluring. It was so charming and seductive. Even if I tried to forget it, I wouldn't be able to.

"You're awake." I stared at him.

He slowly opened his eyes to look at me.

"And you're trying to run away," he whispered.

He was too hot. I just woke up. I can't feel like this.

It's too early for this.

"I wasn't running away," I mutter. My eyes avoided his stares. "I was going to use the bathroom to clean myself up."

It wasn't an entire lie...

Minghao smirked and rest his head on his hand. "Really?"

He moved his other hand off me and motioned me to go. I stared at him with hesitation. He seemed too calm.

It bothered me how I didn't bother him. I was still embarrassed from last night. Yet here he was acting as if it was completely normal that we had sex even though we hated each other before that.

Or... somewhat hated.

I narrowed my brows at him. He stared at me with confusion.

I leaned my head on my hand and mimicked him.

"Since you seem so comfortable on this bed... I assume you don't want to shower with me?" I dare tease him.

I watched his eyes grow wide from my words. He face grew a bit red and he scowled at me.

"Jie, don't tempt me," his voice was dangerous low.

I smirked. "That was a yes or no question, so I'm taking that as a no."

I quickly got off the bed. I heard him get up as I almost got away. He pulled me back into the sheets and I fell into his arms.

He held me tightly.

"That's a yes, Jie," he tells me with an annoyed look. "That's a fucking yes!"

I smiled from his response and expression. I'm happy to know last night wasn't a fluke.

"Alright, Minghao," I gazed at him. "Or do you prefer Baby?"

His eyes widened upon hearing the endearing name that I used towards him from last night. He didn't answer me right away since he seemed to shock.

His face grew red and before he could response I rolled out of his grasp and got out of the bed. I got ready to run from him.

"You're too slow!" I tell him. "I'm just going to call you Minghao!"

I began to ran to the bathroom. I can hear him stumble as he tried to get off the bed. He was chasing after me.

"NO!" He yelled. "CALL ME BABY, DAMN IT!"

I laughed. It was strange to know I once hated this man. But now, when I see him or even hear his presence.

I can't help but crave him.

• • •

End | Thank you for reading :)

M A I N | O N E S H O T S | S M U T | S C E N A R I O S

#minghao smut #minghao x oc #xu minghao #svt minghao #seventeen minghao #minghao oneshot #the8 oneshot #the8 smut #seventeen the8 #svt the8

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

Text

CHAPTER 6: "Those Who Come From the Shadows & Those Who Remain Hidden"

| We Who Remain | Chapter List |

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Joshua leaned against the wall. His eyes never leaving me. I felt annoyed with the way things turned out.

We were behind one of the buildings, far from everyone. It was isolated and near the wall that separated us from the outer world. I expected us to head to the cafeteria where the investigation is happening, but we took another path that led us away.

I couldn't help but feel on edge with this man.

"Why did you drag me, here?" I dare question him. "Why didn't you bring me to the investigation site?"

My hand was on my knife, ready for a fight or any sudden movement. I don't know what Joshua is planning, and I can't trust him if he doesn't anything out of the ordinary.

I can't cause a commotion in front of everyone, but for me to be alone with this stranger of a man, I at least won't have any witnesses.

"It's true that Staffe Sergeant Lee didn't send me to interrupt your training, but-" he tells me with his arms crossed. He didn't feel threatened by me. "Since you are someone that dealt with the mutant at the cafeteria, there's some things I need to know."

I raised a brow at him as I tried to understand what he's trying to get from me. "And that is?"

His eyes wandered as though he was checking to see if anybody would hear us.

His attention then went back to me. "As someone who seems to be capable of their own skills and strength, tell me, did that mutant seem like your normal mutant?"

I felt my ears perk up from such a question. I stared at him while I slowly moved my hand away from my knife. His doe eyes pierced me as if he tried to read me like a book.

"Why do you ask?" I question him. "Did the research team find something odd?"

I wasn't sure if giving this man information was a good idea. Especially because of the random note from last night, and how Joshua suddenly appears during my training without warning.

Joshua smirked upon hearing my question. "I'm asking for information and you're looking for answers. I think we both know that's not how this works unless one of us answers first."

It was clear he knew my intentions, but I on the other hand, I couldn't read his. I narrowed my brows before looking at his camera.

"That camera of yours," I say, "you're part of the investigation team aren't you?"

He looked down at the camera that hung around his neck. He titled his head at me with a bit of his bangs covering his eyes. He didn't bother answer me, but his eyes told me everything.

That look he had was unreadable and I how he stared at me was unbearable. He was disgustingly charming. Those doe eyes and soft lips of his could get him whatever he wanted if he so tried.

I never liked men like him.

And I never gave in to any man.

He had a pretty face, but the way he carried himself was like the mystery that comes at night. He was someone that I couldn't help but want to know. He was strange.

Even more so why I shouldn't trust him.

"What the hell are your intentions if I answer your question," I suddenly say.

My voice came out rather annoyed seeing how I literally took a moment to analyze this man. His eyes remain stuck on me and he wasn't fazed from my attitude.

"Let's just say you'll save a whole lot of trouble," he says. His voice was smooth but low almost as a whisper.

I tilted my head at him as I mimicked the way he looked at me.

"And what trouble would that be?" I ask.

He smiled at me with a glint of mischief in his eyes. He seemed to be amused by my question, but he didn't seem entirely happy.

He leaned in towards me before getting off the wall. I pulled back away from him from his sudden action, but he quickly pulled me in by the waist.

I tried to push him off me from the way he suddenly touched me. I felt a chill of disgust run through me. I wanted to get out of his grasp.

"Hold still," he whispers in my ear.

I ignored his words and put my hands on his chest ready to push him off me.

"Why the fuck-"

"They're watching," he says before my voice could get loud. His lips were close to my ear causing me to squirm from his warm breath.

I tried to calm my nerves as I processed his words.

"Who's watching?" I whispered to him. I felt uncomfortable being this close to him

I slowly turned my head to see who he's talking about.

"Don't look," he tells me. "They'll know."

I remained still while Joshua continued to whisper in my ear. He didn't bring me any closer to him, but he didn't push me away either.

"The danger that you should be aware of is the people here," he tells me.

I felt a chill run down my spine.

So I was right.

He continued to speak into my ear, and the more he spoke, the more anxious I felt.

"I know you had your guard up the moment I saved you. And when you stepped foot into this place, you were suspicious of how this whole place was run." His grip on me suddenly tightened.

I stiffened from his touch.

"I suggest cooperating with me because even Staff Sergeant Lee doesn't know everything." His voice was soft but his words were sharp. "He told me to follow through his plan to help you save your sister, but he doesn't know what's going on in the shadows, and he doesn't know about the rat that sits with us."

I pulled away from him. I wanted to look him in the eye to see if there was any form of hesitation within those doe eyes of his.

Everything he was saying was coming out of nowhere. I didn't know if I should believe him or not.

I heard footsteps come towards us. Joshua whispered one last thing to me before pulling away.

"Why else would I bother you? Even leaving that note."

My eyes widened. I wanted to ask what he could have possibly mean by that, but a voice interrupted us.

"Jaewon?"

Joshua stared at the individual behind me, and I slowly turned around.

It was Hansol.

He stood there with wide eyes and awkwardly stood there while he stared back and forth between Joshua and I.

In the distance, I can see Hyeonju and Koushi watching us behind a tree. I couldn't hear what they're saying, but the way they glared at each other while they gestured to hush each other- I could somewhat understand what was going on.

My attention went back to the man who seemed to be sent my way.

"I hate to interrupt you guys, but Jaewon still has the training vest..." Hansol says and points at the object that still hugged my body.

I looked down realizing I still had the thing on.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't even know I still had this on," I tell him.

I felt Joshua walk pass me and my eyes automatically went to him. Hansol too looked at him with wide eyes.

"You don't have to leave," Hansol tried to stop the man. "I just need to get the vest and bring it back that's all."

Joshua stared at him before looking back at me. He suddenly gave me a smile that was very similar to the one he gave to Soonyoung. He looked back at Hansol with that smile still plastered on his face.

"Don't worry. I got the time I needed from her," his tone of voice was different from how he spoke to me earlier.

It was like he was putting on an act and Hansol was surprisingly buying it. The way he nodded at Joshua as if this was how he normally acted was odd.

Did Joshua act like this to everyone?

I watched his retreating figure before it disappeared behind the building where Hyeonju and Koushi watched him also go.

"He must certainly like you," Hansol says with a playful look.

I wanted to scrunch my face from his words, but I also felt like I shouldn't. A part of me wanted to trust Joshua, but another part of me didn't.

He was still a stranger. Someone that could still be up to no good.

"I'm sure he's like this to everyone," I say with a fake smile.

I can't let Hansol know what happened between Joshua and I. If anything, the person I should see if Jihoon. He might know something since he's probably still researching that mutant.

As I took off my vest, I felt a pair of eyes watching me. I looked up into the building behind Hansol, and for a moment I saw someone through the window.

What Joshua said-

Was that the figure he was referring to? The one watching us?

I knocked on the door in hopes of him being inside. I can hear the investigation team down the hallway. Their voices were low, but the sound of their footsteps and their equipment can be heard followed by the stepping on broken glass.

Very few civilians walked along the hallway while I awaited for a response.

The door soon opened and I saw the young man peak his head out. He looked at me with his glasses resting on his head.

"Jaewon?" He said in surprised. His eyes grew big. "Did you get my letter?"

"Letter?" I say in confusion.

Was he talking about the one I found in my room?

He looked around me before opening the door and gesturing me to get in. It seemed he didn't want people to know what he was going to tell me.

I entered his office that he appeared to live in. His desk was a mess, and his bed looked neatly fixed with different sheets.

"The letter I put in your room," he tells me after shutting the door. "Did you get it?"

He looked at me nervously with a hint of excitement. He seemed eager for my answer.

"I got it," I said with a raised brow. "I didn't think it was from you since I didn't get the time to open it."

Jihoon's eyes narrowed. "Nobody saw it though right?"

I shook my head. "No. I hid it. Why?"

Jihoon quickly went to his desk and lifted his journal to me before showing me a piece of what seemed to be dried blood within a small glass contained.

"That mutant from yesterday-" his voice grew somewhat enthusiastic as though he discovered something. "It can heal, Jaewon. It can still function without its brain!"

His voice wasn't loud for a yell, but it was certainly more than a whisper.

I sat at the end of his bed while I watched him pace back and forth. He gleefully rambled about his research with his somewhat whispering tone.

He seems too ecstatic to sit still.

It seemed I didn't have to ask about the mutant since he already brought up the topic.

"This mutant's blood is different from the others I studied," he spoke as he pointed at his notes while holding the glass object. "Whatever that thing was, it has two different DNA within its body. As in- there's two different forms of blood within it, Jaewon!"

I felt a rush hit me from his words.

"What?" I said in surprised.

Did I hear that right?

"Did you just say two different forms of blood?" I stared at Jihoon who seemed to be thrilled from my reaction.

He nodded his head vigorously.

"How is that possible?" I say with confusion and curiosity running through me.

"I have some theories since I have never seen this before." He analyzed the glass in his hands before placing his journal back on his desk.

He walked towards me to show the dried blood that he awed.

"Whatever was going on with that mutant," he whispers to me with his eyes glued onto the organism. "It's not natural."

He brought the object towards me, gesturing me to have it.

"I don't know what's going on, but I think you should hold onto this," he tells me.

I held the glass container in my hands while Jihoon watched me. He crossed his arms with a worried expression.

"Ever since Taemi died. Her research disappeared with her," he tells me.

I narrowed my brows upon hearing his words.

"It's like someone confiscated it, or rather, took it without any of our knowledge. I don't know if you met Jeonghan yet, but he's one of the researchers I work closely with," Jihoon says perplexed. "Even he's on edge."

My eyes met his and I saw fear in those dark orbs.

I recognized that look. That look any normal person would have when they know their life is at risk.

"You said you have a theory of what could have happened within the mutant," I say. I couldn't help but wonder what he thought of. "What do you think most likely happened?"

Jihoon lowered his eyes and avoided my eyes contact. He seemed hesitant to answer me. He turned his back towards me while he stared down at his desk that was filled with his notebooks and journals along with posters of the human body.

"I fear the worst, but I don't know if I'm imagining things," he says with his voice low.

I didn't like his tone of voice. I felt a chill run down my spine as anxiety ran through my body.

What did he know? What was it that he's trying to tell me?

Is this what Joshua also feared and wanted to know?

"I need more time," Jihoon suddenly says before looking over at me. "I need to know if I'm right before I give you false information."

I think I understood what he meant. And I knew how he felt.

"Okay," I tell him before getting off his bed.

"I won't be leaving my room for the time being," he tells me. "I'll leave you letters whenever I find some answers."

He seemed very dedicated to this task I gave him.

"Whatever happens, don't let anyone read them, okay?" He was serious with how low his voice got. "Don't let anyone see that glass container either."

I slowly nodded my head with narrow brows.

"I'll do what I can," I tell him.

We both nodded our heads towards one another.

"As will I," he says.

I walked along the path towards the dorms while the sky grew dark. I had so many questions in my head, but I knew I wouldn't get answers to all of them. With every stride I took, it felt like I was getting further away from my main purpose of being here.

This chaos that hid in the shadows- the people in the safe haven don't truly know the dangers awaiting for them.

They're left in the dark until a monster reveals themselves.

And what I fear most is that the monster isn't really a monster.

But a human.

This thought has been running through my head. What Joshua said-

Did he really give me that note?

And Jihoon, why would someone be out to get him or any of the researchers?

I didn't get it.

I didn't fully understand it.

And I hated it.

I am only here so I can see Dowon. I shouldn't even stay here this long. I should find her before it's too late.

Will Dokyeom's plan really work?

But what Joshua said about being watched-

I couldn't help but feel frustrated.

I let out a groan to release my anger. "Fuck, why does everything have to be so complicated?"

I smelled a cigarette. The scent was strong in the air and I heard a voice call out towards me.

The man had distinct blond hair and leaned over the railing of the higher platform. He seemed to be interested in what made me angry.

It was hard to see his face because the lack of lighting. He puffed out smoke from his lips before speaking to me.

"Seems you're struggling." He had a slight Chinese accent but I was still able to understand him.

I crossed my arms. Another person whose presence I didn't quickly notice. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I guess you can say that," I glared at the man. "And who might you be?"

He leaned his head out so the moonlight can show his face. I stared at his features that I somewhat recognized.

"Minghao," he introduced himself. "Xu Minghao."

Minghao?

He hopped over the railing before landing light on his feet. He brought the cigarette out of his mouth before releasing another puff.

I analyzed him.

He wore a baggy black sweater with tactical black pants. He was dressed comfortably, but also ready for combat.

He put his free hand in his pocket as he stared at me.

This was the guy that worked closely with Joshua. I remember his name being mentioned and how he was there guiding the civilians the night they saved us.

"You don't recognize me?" He said with amusement.

"Oh, I recognize you," I say. "I just didn't think I'd speak with you in a time like this."

The night air left a chill around us as the moonlight overcast our figures. For a man to appear in front of a young lady in the middle of the night was certainly suspicious, and I certainly didn't want to stick around.

"I go wherever nobody is at," he says. "It just so happens you decide to head where I'm at."

There was a bit of sass within his voice. He seemed to be different from Joshua with the way he carried himself.

He seemed more rugged and nonchalant.

"I'm sorry to interrupt your alone time," I tell him.

"Don't," he says before walking ahead of me. "I need to talk to you anyways."

I stared at his retreating figure in confusion. He turned around once he noticed I wasn't behind him.

"Come on." He gestured me to follow him by tilting his head towards the direction the path led.

I stood there refusing to move. What did he have to talk to me about? Did Joshua have anything to do with this?

"Why should I follow you?"

He narrowed his brows at me before sighing. "Do you want me to carry you or do you preferred being dragged?"

I scrunched my face at him. "Excuse me? What the fuck."

Did he literally just threaten me by saying he'll move me against my will?

He sighed again before putting the cigarette in his mouth. He put his hands on his hips while he stared at me with annoyance.

"Come one woman. Move your legs. Before security sees us." His voice was a bit muffled because of the cigarette stuck between his teeth. He then moved one hand and gestured me to hurry up.

I rolled my eyes.

I can't get into anymore trouble so following him can't be that bad compared to Dokyeom lecturing me. Besides, I can't waste anymore time here if security sees us up pass curfew. Who knows what punishment they'll give me.

I have to train tomorrow with the others. I can't have anymore interruptions.

I reluctantly walked towards Minghao with a sigh.

"Fine. But you better make this quick," I tell him.

He smiled upon my willingness to cooperate. "Relax, I'll walk you to your dorm. It won't be that long."

He then led the way, and I walked beside him. The path was dark but the little outside lamps that stuck to the ground lit the area. I could see my surroundings even if there wasn't any bright lights.

Minghao burned off the tip of his cigarette on the tray above one of the trash cans we passed by. He stuck his hands in his pockets while he stared up at the tree branches that hung over us.

The trees laid organized to the sides of the path and the sound of the breeze hitting them can be heard. The branches moved with the swaying of the wind. I stared at this man in wonder of what he could possible want.

"So... what did you want to talk about?" I ask him.

He looked at me with a bored expression before staring back at the stars.

"I'm sure Joshua spoke to you, right?" He says with the starlight glistening in his eyes.

"What about him?" I dare say with a raised brow. "What are you two planning?"

Minghao smiled with amusement. "Staff Sergeant Lee did say you were always careful with people."

I narrowed my brows at him. "Why mention him? What did he say about me?"

What did Dokyeom say?

"Nothing in particular-" he says before looking over at me. "Nothing bad, that is..."

He hums with mischief and I frowned upon his joyful tune.

"Spunky, paranoid, cautious, stubborn," Minghao begins to list adjectives. "He also said you're the type to point a gun at anyone you suspect is dangerous."

He had a glint that resembled chaos. He wanted to rile me up. I narrowed my brows at him as I tried to control my expression.

"Is that so?" I say with slight annoyance.

Minghao shrugged his shoulders and moved his hands up gesturing a sarcastic unsureness.

"You did point your gun at Jihoon and Soonyoung," he says with a tilt of his head. He was taunting me. "You really know how to make a first impression."

I scowled at his gleeful behavior. He then snickered at me before clapping his hands as if he just watched a good show.

He pointed at my face. "That! That's the face I wanted to see!"

I scrunched my face at him before deciding to walk faster. I didn't want to deal with this asshole anymore.

I heard him catch up to me as he snickered.

I glared at him once I got a view of his face in my peripheral.

"All jokes aside, Jaewon," he suddenly says with his voice slowly changing tones. "I just wanted to meet the woman that'll I be working with."

"What do you mean by that?" I say annoyed. "What did Joshua tell you?"

Minghao bobbed his head left and right as though he was listening to music that clearly wasn't playing. He had a lot of energy for someone I just met.

"Alliance," he says.

I stared at him.

So Joshua did tell Minghao to come talk to me. How absurd.

He then tilted his head to look at me.

"I know you have questions and we have answers," he tells me. "We can trade information. It's not that hard to say yes to cooperating with us."

"Just because you two showed up that night to save me doesn't mean I have to cooperate with you," I remark.

He frowned at me. "It's not about us saving you, it's about the fact people are going to die if you don't decide to help."

I stopped in my track. What he said-

"What do you mean people are going to die?" I ask him with anxiety forming within me.

Joshua said the same thing to me- how there's danger lurking around. Even Jihoon and the researchers are on edge.

Minghao stopped walking and stood there with his eyes suddenly becoming serious.

"You want to see your sister right?" He says with a slight annoyed look. "Helping with this investigation could make things go faster if you so decide to help. Otherwise, who knows when you'll be able to leave this place. There might be chaos here before you can even step foot outside. There's a rat in this safe haven, didn't Joshua tell you?"

My eyes widened.

Is this what Joshua was trying to tell me?

There's a traitor here, and they want to know if I could help find him? Does Dokyeom even know about this?

I could be saving lives by helping them. But why didn't Dokyeom tell me about this? Why didn't he say anything about the matter?

Did he truly not know? A rat hiding from authorities?

I should know people like that exist. After all, I was like that...

If I help, Jihoon and the other researchers could be safe, and I wouldn't have to worry about their well being.

Helping them could help me see my sister. I don't know how, but I wanted to believe Joshua and Minghao.

The thought that Dowon is probably going to die before I even reach her ran through me. I felt a rush of fear and adrenaline take over.

Was this the right thing to do?

"So what then?" I say to Minghao. "What is it that you want me to do?"

I don't know what they expect from me. It's clear it was going to be more than just information. I had a feeling I might have to get my hands dirty even if it may not be like that at first...

"It's a simple deal really," Minghao says with reassurance in his voice. "We trade information, and we'll help you get out of here far faster than whatever they plan for the Scavengers and Escorts."

I eyed him in hopes to see if he had any form of deceit.

"Is that really it?" I ask him. "Will you two truly be honest with me."

Minghao paused in thought from my question. He seems ready to answer but something seemed to stop him.

"I can't guarantee our full honesty," he says with narrow brows. "This a topic Joshua has to be a part of."

I felt myself get annoyed from his response.

"So Joshua is the brains in this?" My voice came out slightly irritated.

Minghao closed his eyes before sighing.

"How about this? We'll discuss this tomorrow during breakfast," he tells me. He was trying to win me over by finding some sort of even ground between us, but I wasn't entirely convinced.

I frowned at him with doubtfulness.

I eyed the man who seemed in distress. "Okay, but this doesn't mean I'll say yes."

"Alright... alright," he says, gesturing some sort of surrender. "I'll tell Joshua."

He then walked me towards the dorms that were only a few yards away. He watched me enter the building. It was quiet inside, and there were a few people around but most of them seemed to head to their rooms.

The guards stood in their designated spots before getting ready for their nightly patrol.

I quickly made my way up the stairs to my room level and made sure no one was following me or watching me. I didn't want anyone to be suspicious of me, and I hoped I didn't have to be suspicious of anyone within the building I'm stationed in.

Upon unlocking the door to my dark room, I shut the door and let the lights off.

I didn't want Minghao to know I reached my room if I turned on my light- that's if he was still waiting outside the building.

I peaked my eyes out through one of the gaps of the blinds of my window to see if that man was still around. The path looked clear and all I saw was security wondering the area.

Minghao was gone.

I went away from the window and made my way to the desk. The laundry basket and drawstring bag laid there. It was good to know nothing was moved around nor did it seem anyone entered my room during my absence.

I reached inside my shirt to grab the object I hid within my bra.

The glass container was warm from my body heat and I held it in front of me. The dry blood remained still while I moved the container around in my grasp.

I turned around to make sure nobody was near my door before finding a spot to hide this small object.

Once I found a good place for it, I began to look into the laundry basket for the letter Jihoon sent me. I turned on the desk lamp that was built within the desk.

I tore open the sleeve with my pocket knife with a slight tear heard. It wasn't loud since I was careful not to rip the paper inside.

I laid the envelope on the desk while I analyzed the letter Jihoon wrote to me. To my surprise, he wrote a lot. It took two pages for him to tell me of his findings. He also left small notes of drawings that indicated the difference between the DNA's.

-----

Jaewon, If you're reading this then that must mean Soyeon finished checking your diagnostics. I suggest reading this where nobody else can see what I am going to tell you. I discovered something from my research. After convincing the investigation team for me to have some sort of part of the research over the corpse, I was able to get a piece of its fingers. Once I studied each one, it took awhile, but I was able come to the conclusion that the mutant didn't have one set of DNA but rather two! One of my colleagues, is part of the research team and is helping analyze who the mutant once was. If he can see that there's any form of illness or transplant, then this could just be nothing.

-----

I picked up the other part of the letter seeing how he tried to cram as many words he could on this one.

-----

What astonishes me is how the blood can still regenerate without its brain. This isn't natural nor is this a phenomenon I ever encountered. It makes me worry about whether or not it could be revived if we do decide to stitch up the brain. It's odd really. The blood reacts to heat and will come to life if put into warm water. I don't fully understand why or how this came to be. I plan on figuring this out even if it may take a few days. I won't let the higher ups know about this. I fear that this could be dangerous seeing how some research information would go missing once the scientist dies. I don't want my work to disappear if I ever do. So please, do what you can to keep this information low. I have no plan on dying. Not yet that is. So please meet with me whenever you can Jaewon. - J.

-----

Jihoon didn't write his whole name.

He was trying to hide his identity from anyone that would stumble upon this letter intended for my eyes only.

I heard movement come outside my door and I quickly turned around.

My door moved for a moment as if someone was trying to open my door without making too much noise.

There was a shadow that casted on the other side. I narrowed my brows and watched it slowly walk away under the gap of the door.

I felt paranoia crawl over me before I decided to get up.

I carefully snuck to the door and listened for any hint of someone's presence.

Silence.

I laid my hand on my knife before deciding to open the door. I was careful to not make any sudden noises before peaking outside.

Nobody was around.

I felt chills and anxiety take over me.

I silently shut the door and took the chair from the desk. I placed it in front of my door before backing away.

Whoever was trying to get inside here didn't know I was awake.

Having this chair blocking my door way will give me some peace in mind that it'll alert even if the person is quiet. I have to be more careful from now on.

Joshua was right.

Someone has been watching me. So he didn't lie about that note...

But who would be watching me exactly? And why?

• • •

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#seventeen fanfic #svt fanfic #seventeen ff #svt ff #seventeen horror #svt horror #original character #seventeen x original characters #joshua x oc #minghao x oc

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hanmi-xo · 6 months

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CHAPTER 5: "Sudden Plans & Sudden Changes"

| We Who Remain | Chapter List |

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I stared through the window as everyone went on by their afternoon. It appeared only few people wanted to come out compared to yesterday.

What happened yesterday- I don't even know.

Too much happened. I don't even want to think about it, but the more I pushed it away, the more it came crawling back.

I heard Seoyeon behind me talking to her bodyguard. He was standing outside the door pushing what appeared to be a cart of medicine and medical utensils.

"Just leave it there, Mingyu," she tells the man. "We'll see the other patients when I'm done with Jaewon."

He was dressed in uniform with a bulletproof vest just like the many other security guards. He had a handgun on his holster along with a baton and knife.

He nodded his head before looking at me.

He had a blank expression but his eyes told me otherwise. He seemed cautious of me as though I could be up to something. He then looked back at Soyeon.

"Alright," he said. "Holler if you need anything."

His voice was ever suspicious of me. He then shut the door behind him after meeting my eyes. I saw a glimpse of Soyeon roll her eyes before she continued to write on her clipboard. She looked over at me.

"Just ignore him. He can be over protective at times." She tells me with a shake of her head.

"Yeah, I can tell," I say.

I don't recall her having a bodyguard, but then again, it could be because of the sudden mutant attack. Important people such as herself shouldn't be walking around alone. After all, if we run out of doctors, we're doomed.

I wonder if Jihoon would have a body guard then?

He is a researcher. Does that mean he also gets special treatment?

Soyeon leaned against the table while she faced me.

"From the looks of the diagnostics, you don't seem to carry any form of mutations or change within your blood." Her eyes looked at her paper before up at me with a smile. "In short, you're healthy. I'm sorry for locking you in here for a day because of regulations, but you're free to go."

"So, there's nothing wrong with me?" I ask her.

"No, none at all," she replied. "You're quite healthy."

I watched as she turned around with a surprised expression as though she forgot something.

"Oh, also, Jihoon said you'll be needing these." I watched Soyeon grab the basket of clothes she brought in earlier off the table.

She handed it to me with a drawstring bag laying on top of it. I stared at the objects in surprised before hesitantly grabbed it from her.

"New clean clothes and a bag of necessities. There should be bath essentials and a canteen in there," she tells me. "I just got it from his office before I came here. He informed me of the matter last night, but I didn't think he'd actually do that for you. He said that I should personally hand this to you and not leave it outside your dorm. I'm not sure why though?"

She hummed in thought.

"I guess this is his way of thanking you for saving his life," she smiled.

"I guess," I say.

He was the one that insisted that I should have the same items and treatment as everyone else. If anything, he did this because he wanted to, not because of obligation. Maybe it's because he disliked how I didn't trust this place.

Who knows?

"Jaewon," I heard her call for my attention before my eyes went to her.

She seemed to be curious about something, but I'm not sure what it could be.

"I know this is your second day here but..."she starts. "For someone that just came here the other night, you seem to be pretty capable of handling yourself," she tells me. "Jihoon said you can be a troublemaker, but he thinks you're nicer than you let on. He told me what happened. How you told him to stay back and actually protecting him- I must say, you are certainly brave."

Brave? If anything, I'm just reckless.

I lowered my eyes. "I don't know I'd consider myself to be brave."

There was a moment of silence between us. It felt a bit awkward realizing I said my thoughts out loud so I tried to think of a different topic to talk about.

"Is Jihoon okay?" I asked her.

I never got to ask about his well-being until now- now that I think about it.

Soyeon looked at me with a surprised expression before nodding her head. She smiled at me.

"Jihoon is fine," she tells me. "But after he came to check on you yesterday, he locked himself inside his office saying he has something important to do. I don't know how he had the time to set these stuff for you,but then again he was always good at figuring things out. I know he loves his job studying the plague and all, but I wish he didn't always stay in that room of his."

She frowned as she thought of her colleague. It was interesting how well she knew Jihoon. It makes me wonder how long these two have known each other and if she was here in the beginning of it all as well.

"Ah, I see," I mutter.

Hearing how Soyeon views Jihoon, I want to believe Jihoon didn't tell her about the research I asked him to do. Hopefully it won't be too much of a hassle for him. I already put that guy through enough.

She crossed her arms with wonder before changing the topic. "If you mind me asking, what was your occupation before the plague? If you're experienced in combat you can join one of our security groups. Jihoon said you're interested in being an escort. Have you met Seungcheol yet?"

There it was- that name again. The man I was supposed to meet yesterday, but couldn't. Not with what happened in the cafeteria...

"No, I haven't met him," I tell her. "And I don't really have an occupation. I just take whatever job that suits me really."

She stared at me with a surprised before humming in thought. "I see... Well, if you ever plan on helping around the community. You should definitely talk to Seungcheol or Soonyoung. I'm sure Staff Sergeant Lee must have told you about them."

I wanted to roll my eyes by the mention of Dokyeom. It seems like everyone I've met so far associated me with him. I get it he technically saved me, but I'm also tired of hearing his name.

The name Soonyoung though...

"Who's Soonyoung?" I asked her.

Soyeon crossed her arms as she tried to collect her thoughts- most likely looking for the right words to explain who that person is.

"Soonyoung... he's- how do I explain this?" She says as she fumbles her words. "He's a respectable man who works close with Seungcheol. He's the leader of the Scavengers and often reports about their findings. He can be kind of a handful at times though..."

Her eyes wondered as she thought about the man.

I nodded my head. "I see."

She suddenly smiled. It was like she found something amusing. "I believe you might have seen him around, and if you haven't, don't be too taken back by him. He can be pretty eccentric at times and has an interesting outlook with the way he manages the Scavengers."

"Okay," I tell her as I try to understand her words.

Soonyoung seemed like an interesting person. I wonder what he'll be like working with him?

She smiled brightly before nodding her head. She seemed quite happy with my response.

"Well, take care of yourself now Jaewon," Soyeon says before heading to the door. "If you need anything- medical wise, that is- feel free to come by my office. I'm usually there in the morning or at night. I'm busy during the afternoon and evening."

I nodded my head and I watched as she shut the door. I can hear her talking to Mingyu but their voices were a bit muffled.

"What?" I heard her say.

I couldn't hear Mingyu. I think he might be whispering.

"Yah, if she was dangerous, I would know!" I heard her yell at him.

I then heard a hushing sound.

"Don't hush me!" She yelled. "If she wanted me dead, she would have done it already. Now come on."

"Aish," I heard him say aloud. "I'm telling you, she could be dangerous..."

I heard their footsteps get away from my door with the follow of the cart rattling down the hallway. Their voices were slowly fading, but I was able to hear one last thing from Soyeon before they left my range of hearing.

"Oh, please. If anything she could help us! Just let her talk to Seungcheol..."

Help?

I don't plan on sticking around though. I'm happy to know I'm gaining some sort of good reputation, but I don't like the idea that they think I'll be here for a long time.

My sister is still out there.

They have plenty of other people in this community that can help in my stead when I'm gone.

The memory of yesterday replayed in my head. The look everyone had after I killed that mutant- was it good that I was part of that commotion?

If I wasn't there- would Jihoon have been safe?

What about the people in the building? What about them?

I hate worrying about people knowing that they'll become my responsibility, but I couldn't help but think of the different outcomes that could have happened if I wasn't there.

Now that I think about it, there were many witnesses.

Question was, who was there?

I never bothered looking at the crowd, but now it makes me wonder who could have seen what happened.

That note.

Was that person there too?

"Will they think I'm a threat or will they think like you, Soyeon?" I whisper to myself before looking outside the window.

Who knows?

These people expect to be protected from the worst, but what if this whole thing was a lie?

I watched the few people who walked along the path with security that roamed the area. In the distance, I saw the cafeteria building and the broken glass window. There stood a small group of individuals that seemed to be investigating the crime seen the mutant left behind.

My eyes hung low.

I have a feeling this might just be the start...

I made my way to the dorms. There were a few people lingering around while I heard some entering and exiting their rooms. The more people I saw wandering the place, I've noticed not many of them are civilians.

Was this building I'm stationed in mostly consist of soldiers and guards?

Did Dokyeom station me in this building away from the civilians for the sake of Dowon?

I'm not too surprised but this.

I walked pass a few familiar faces and I recognized, but many ignored me but few stared at me with judgement and caution.

I ignored their stares and made my way up to my room.

Upon reaching my door, I opened it with my keycard while I held the laundry basket with my other arm against my hip.

The place seemed normal as if nothing changed. Before I could step foot in my room, my eyes met with a folded paper on the floor.

I froze.

It laid in front of me as though it was slid underneath the doorway. My name was written on it.

I looked around me to see if there was a trace of anyone around. There were a few people leaving the area, but none of them seemed suspicious. Once the coast was clear, I grabbed the envelope and shut the door.

I walked towards the desk and placed everything on it, except for the paper in my hand.

I began to open the sleeve.

Who would give me a letter in an envelope?

I suddenly heard a static noise. My eyes went to the radio I left behind before answering the device.

"Noe Jaewon," I heard Dokyeom call out to me. "Do you copy?"

I stared at the device in my hand with hesitation before lifting it up towards me.

"Loud and clear," I respond.

After a pause of silence for the coms to reach each other, Dokyeom began to speak.

"It's good to hear your voice. It seems you weren't contaminated after all," Dokyeom says.

His voice was light, but it was still stern. Before I could respond to him, he continued to speak.

"I don't have much time to explain, but there are two men who will be outside your room." His voice sounded a bit in a hurry.

I can hear voices in the background. He seemed to be with a lot of people- probably trying to contact me quickly before he has to go. I wasn't sure what was going on, but I wanted to believe something urgent was happening.

A part of me felt anxious, but another part of me felt like it's best not to think about what's going on with Dokyeom. I still have things to deal with in my end before I get myself into anymore problems.

"They'll be there soon. Their names are Hansol and Wonwoo. I was able to put in a good word about you to Seungcheol and Soonyoung and you'll be going to meet them today. Hansol and Wonwoo will walk you to them." His voice was almost cutting out towards the end.

Wait, I was going to meet Seungcheol now? Why didn't Dokyeom tell me sooner? Was it because I missed the chance yesterday?

Then I remembered how I didn't have my radio on me...

"Shit," I muttered without pressing the voice button. I didn't want Dokyeom to hear my distress.

I don't even know if I'm mentally ready to meet the superior of this place. He was the key for me to seeing Dowon and leaving this place.

But there was this other name that caught my attention.

Who's Wonwoo?

Before I could ask Dokyeom, I heard footsteps come towards my door. Their voices were muffled as they talk to each other before one of them decided to knock on my door.

It must be them- Hansol and Wonwoo.

"Noe Jaewon?" I heard a voice say. His voice was deep. Someone that I didn't recognize.

I heard Dokyeom's voice again from the radio. My eyes went to the device in my hand.

"Please be on your best behavior, Jaewon," Dokyeom says with his voice becoming a bit desperate towards the end.

I brought the device up to my lips to speak.

"Roger that." My voice was dry as though I had little energy to respond to such a task.

He must worry because of what happened before. If cause anymore problems, who knows if I could leave this place soon enough to see Dowon.

I felt anxious from such a thought. I spent already too long here.

"Over and out," Dokyeom said before a click ended our communication.

I turned off the radio and placed it on my holster. I have to be more careful and have this around. I need any update I can get from Dokyeom. I can't run around with communications anymore.

"Noe Jaewon? Are you there?" The man's called for me again on the other side of the door.

I looked at the door before staring down at the almost opened envelope I still had in my hand. I had a feeling I would need to read this letter once I have the time to.

I had this sense to hide it. After getting that note from last night, it seemed safer to hide whatever information I ever get my hands on. I took the note out of my back pocket placed it inside the little gap inside the sleeve.

"Yes?" I called out to the man while I tried to sound as natural as possible. "I'm changing. One moment!"

There was a pause from him once he heard my voice.

I heard the two men's voices whisper to each other but they were muffled from the door. I needed time to hide these papers while they waited for me. Lying about changing was probably the best thing I could do.

Upon putting the papers away inside the laundry basket, there was an object sticking out from the side between the clothes. It was hidden a bit, but I saw a handle.

I slowly grabbed it and pulled it out.

It was the knife Dokyeom got me earlier. I almost forgot about this thing...

But wasn't it stuck on the mutant? No way Jihoon got it back for me.

I didn't have time to think about the matter. The man called to me again on the other side of the door.

"Are you done Miss Noe? I'm sorry, but we're a bit on a tight schedule," he says in politely.

I turned around before quickly placing the weapon on my holster. "Coming!"

I made sure nothing looked out of the ordinary before opening the door of my room. I peaked my head out through the crack. My eyes met with a rather tall man dressed in a security uniform. He wore glasses and carried a handgun, baton, and knife- very similar to what Mingyu carried.

I looked to the man next to him and saw a familiar face that I never got a good look at. He looked foreign. He was wearing a grey hoodie matched with grey sweats with a beanie.

"Good afternoon," the tall man said with his deep voice. "You must be Noe Jaewon. My name is Jeon Wonwoo. I'm one of the guards in this facility."

I stared at him. He had a soft smile and seemed quite friendly. He then gestured to the man next to him.

"This is Chwe Hansol. He is one our messagers that you will be working with quite often." I stared at the man who seemed rather surprised to see me.

Hansol stood there with wide eyes before slowly waving. He seemed quite awkward since he didn't know how to greet me. He might still be scared because of what I did to his friend- whatever his name is...

"H-Hello," his voice was deep as I remembered but he sounded hesitant to speak.

I greeted him with a slight nod of my head before looking back at Wonwoo who was watching us.

"If you can please follow us, we'll bring you to the quad to meet Seungcheol and Soonyoung. They're waiting for you," Wonwoo says. "You'll need your canteen since you'll be starting training."

I nodded my head. "Okay. Give me one moment."

I closed the door before grabbing the item out of the drawstring bag. It was light- most likely empty.

I'll need to fill this later.

I went back to the doorway and slipped out of my door so the two men couldn't see the inside of my room. I was careful to not let others see my personal items. Call it paranoia-

Or call it trauma.

Wonwoo and Hansol stared at me for a moment before the larger man lead the way. Hansol walked along side of me but he didn't speak.

I could see him steal glances at me, but whenever I turned to look at him, he would quickly look away.

I didn't bother questioning him. I was more worried about meeting Seungcheol and Soonyoung than anything else.

I watched the group of individuals that seemed to be running laps around the quad. I recognize the few people from yesterday that matched tracksuit uniforms with everyone else.

Some people wore a different uniform. They wore all black with a bulletproof vest. They seemed to carry more muscle mass compared to the runners in tracksuits.

Were these people escorts?

But amongst them, there were two people that seemed to stick out.

The man Dokyeom spoke to yesterday in a police uniform and the man who's wore grey sweats and a grey hoodie with a black beanie snug on his head. The man in the police uniform carried similar items and a handgun that Mingyu and Wonwoo had whereas the other man only had a radio.

We came towards them and the two turned around once noticing our presence.

"Wonwoo! Hansol!" The man with sharp eyes called the two with a wave.

I peaked my head behind Wonwoo and got a closer look at the man's face. He seemed familiar?

His eyes met mine and he froze in spot. I stared at him for awhile before realizing hit me.

Oh shit.

Was this the same guy I knocked out in front of Jihoon?

In front of everyone?

I felt a rush of embarrassment take over me. Is he supposed to be Soonyoung? If he is, I am so screwed.

"You must be Noe Jaewon," the police officer greeted me with a smile.

He stuck his hand out towards me and I hesitantly shook it. He had a tight grip and I could tell by the way this man carried himself that he shouldn't be messed with. His badge stuck onto his uniform along with awards, and I knew right off the bat that this guy means business.

"I am Police Corporal Choi Seungcheol, but please just call me Seungcheol," he introduces himself. "I am in charge of this facility. Staff Sergeant Lee has told me about you. Also, I am very sorry for what happened yesterday. I will make sure that security tightens as we investigate the incident."

I slightly nodded my head. He was very upfront. I shouldn't be surprised, but he seemed like a respectable man... so far at least.

"This is Kwon Soonyoung," Seungcheol introduced the man next to him who seemed to keep his eyes on me.

"Hello..." he said with hesitation. His tone was very similar to Hansol from earlier.

"Hello," I greeted him.

I stuck my hand out to him, and I watched him stare at it. He seem wary of my action before slowly shaking my hand.

His grip was weak as if he was careful not to hurt me. I stared at him before looking over at Seungcheol.

"So, you're interested in being an escort?" He says with a smile. "Soonyoung is the leader of the Scavengers and temporarily the leader for the escorts. He will help train you for the next scouting mission."

I nodded my head and listened to every word he said. Seungcheol then looked down at his watch. He narrowed his brows upon reading the time before speaking up about his leave.

"It was nice meeting you, Miss Noe," he tells me. "But I must go to a meeting. Please do train well with the others."

I watched him wave at his fellow comrades and me. He then went off towards the direction of the cafeteria. I could only assume he's heading to the investigation area of where the mutant attacked.

I wonder what they'll find?

"Noe Jaewon," I heard Wonwoo call for my attention.

I turned to look at the man.

"I must go meet with one our researchers. Soonyoung and Hansol will take care of you," he informs me suddenly.

"Okay." Was all I could say before he nodded his head towards us.

He then headed off towards the building used as their clinical and hospital. I watched as his figure disappeared just like how Seungcheol's did.

I slowly turned around and stared at the two men that were staring at me.

There was an awkward silence between us and I felt dread take over.

I didn't like it.

"About yesterday," I start.

I need to apologize for what I did to him before it becomes more awkward.

"I'm am sorry for my behavior," I bowed my head low in hopes he would forgive me. "I didn't mean to cause you so much trouble."

There was another moment of silence.

I felt anxiety take over me.

I closed my eyes.

Please forgive me. I have to work with you Soonyoung. Please, for Dowon's sake.

"It's okay."

I lifted my head up upon hearing his voice. His voice was soft but a bit hesitant. He seemed surprised by my sudden words and actions.

"Let's start training, okay? Miss Noe?" He tells me.

I fixed my posture. "You can just call me Jaewon- Jaewon is fine."

I felt Hansol's eyes on me while Soonyoung slowly nodded his head towards me.

"Okay. Jaewon."

I ran beside everyone while they panted. They seemed out of breath and some stared at me while I ran passed them. The bulletproof vest they put on me felt uncomfortable at first, but once I started running, I got used to the weight.

I had to run 5 miles around the quad.

Best time is 40 minutes for escorts. And for scavengers they had to beat 30 minutes.

Since escorts have to carry weapons, we'd be much slower than scavengers. Soonyoung explained to me earlier how my main task as an escort is to protect the scavengers from any threats.

We should be able to keep up with scavengers, but we aren't expected to be as fast as them since they'll be carrying food and essentials in their duffle bags.

In summary, scavengers are high priority since I'm technically just a body a guard.

All I had to do was be able to not pass 50 minutes then I'll pass my first test. More than that then I'll be considered out of shape, or in short, I need to run by myself so my stamina can keep up with everyone else.

Although I started later compared to the other runners, I was already almost half way done.

"You- run- too- fast..." Hansol said beside me while he pants.

I kept a steady pace while he tried to stay beside me. Soonyoung ran along side us but would slow down to encourage the other runners to keep up.

There were two figures I recognized that I was catching up to. The man wore a bulletproof vest over his black hoodie while the young lady had a tracksuit on.

Koushi and Hyeonju.

They looked at me and I met their eyes before jogging pass them. I heard one of their footsteps gain speed and I turned around and saw Koushi try to keep up with me while the tired Hansol dragged his feet close behind me.

"You can't outrun me, girl," Koushi says with a sharp tone.

I couldn't tell if he was taunting me or he was trying to have a friendly competition. I stared at him with a smirk.

I always liked competition.

"Don't be sad once you get second," I remarked.

I picked up speed and began to run faster. He too kept the same pace as me as we raced.

"SLOW DOWN!" I heard Hansol yell with desperation for air.

I brought my canteen to the water tank they left out for us to use. Upon filling it, I drank the cold water. Its texture ran down my dry throat.

I sighed in relief from the cool sensation.

"I have you know... I beat you," Koushi says as he pants a few feet from me.

He took a sip of his canteen while Hyeonju and Hansol laid on the grass beside him. They looked exhausted and needed air.

"It was a tie, actually," I correct Koushi.

Koushi scoffed by my words.

"Almost a tie," I heard Soonyoung say behind me with his canteen in his hand and a stopwatch in his other hand.

He seemed quite happy and ecstatic for a man that just ran 5 miles. The other runners panted for air as they made small circles with one another besides us.

"It was a good run. You did good, Jaewon," Soonyoung informs me. He showed me the time.

"31:23," he tells me.

I smiled upon hearing my time. I may not have proper training in a while, but I must say I did a pretty damn good job.

"What about me?" Koushi asks.

Soonyoung looked at the stopwatch, again. He closed his lips tightly with wide eyes.

"Oh... Your time? I only kept track of Jaewon's..." His voice came out surprised with a bit of guilt.

I watched Koushi glare at him. "What do you mean?"

"She's the only one getting timed, dumbass," I heard Hyeonju say as she sat up with her hair in a messy ponytail under her black cap.

I watched as she took her hat off before she undid her ponytail to let her hair fall down.

"What did you say little girl," Koushi dare says with annoyance from his friend's words.

"You heard me," she says with a glare. She began to fix her hair while Koushi began to complain.

"So what you're saying is that I beat her because I didn't get timed?" He said with pride.

Hansol sat up upon hearing Koushi's words. "I don't think that's how it works, man. If anything she finished before you. I saw it with my own eyes."

His voice was a bit tired but he had some energy. Koushi scowled at him.

"Whose side are you on?" He barked.

I couldn't help but smile at the trio. What an interesting group of friends.

"Jaewon," Soonyoung called me. I looked at the man who came to my side. "Staff Sergeant Lee said you were in the military before the plague occurred. I want to believe based on what happened yesterday's incident at the cafeteria..."

His voice trailed off before he gave me a rather judging eye.

"And from personal experience..."

I awkwardly smiled remembering how I knocked him out.

"I don't think you'll need weapon training or target practice. But I think you should definitely know who you should point the gun at," Soonyoung tells me.

He crossed his arms.

"You may be good at your field, but you need to know your allies," he tells me.

I knew where this was heading... I sighed.

"Let me guess. I need team building exercises?" I ask him.

He smiled upon hearing my words. He closed his eyes with a nod of his head. He seemed to be proud to know what I was to expect.

"Yes," he tells me. "Our next scouting mission is the day after tomorrow."

The day after tomorrow...

"Where if I may ask?" I stared into his eyes in hopes it would be at the old safe haven.

Dowon is still waiting for me.

Soonyoung hummed in thought. "From what Staff Sergaent Lee discussed with Seungcheol and I- I believe it'll be near the closest safe haven 7 miles from here. Maybe... northward?"

Northward? That's nowhere close to Dowon. If I remember, she's eastward from here.

What the hell Dokyeom. You were supposed to tell them to go where Dowon's at.

I tried to hid my disappointment.

"Oh, okay," I say with a smile.

In my peripheral, I saw someone coming towards us. Soonyoung turned around upon their footsteps coming closer towards us.

"Oh, what are you doing here Joshua?" Soonyoung greeted the man.

Joshua?

I stared at the man I never got a good look at. He carried a camera that hung around his neck, and he wore an all black tactical outfit.

I froze.

It was the man that saved me from the mutant in the creak.

There's no way a handsome man like him saved me that night. Then again, it was dark and I never got a clear look of him. It was strange to for him to suddenly appear.

His eyes met mine for a moment before looking at Soonyoung. The sunset hit him. His doe eyes sprinkled with kindness, but I could see how lifeless they were under all that shine.

If he didn't have such a pretty face, he probably would have been an intimidating man.

"I need to speak to Noe Jaewon," he tells Soonyoung. "She's needed for the investigation."

My ears perked up from the mention of my name. Was I already going to leave in the middle of my training?

"But she just started," Soonyoung says with confusion. "Do you really need her right now?"

Soonyoung seemed thrown off from Joshua's request.

"Seungcheol didn't say anything about her being needed for the investigation. If anything, I'm supposed to train her." Soonyoung looked at the man who seemed unfazed by his words.

"I'm sorry, Soonyoung," Joshua said with an apologetic look.

I saw Soonyoung soften from Joshua's sweet tone.

But I wasn't buying it.

I need to leave this place. I need this training. Dokyeom never informed me of Joshua coming to meet me.

I've heard his name once with the mention of Minghao from the trio. The two are highly respected from what I remember so... why was he here?

"Her training can continue tomorrow," Joshua says. "It's direct orders from Staff Sergaent Lee."

I narrowed my brows.

"Really?" I dare question Joshua in front of the others with crossed arms.

For him to use Dokyeom's name so easily- it makes me mad. Was he trying to gaslight us?

"Yes," Joshua said. He seemed rather unfazed by my rude tone.

He looked directly at me as if he was trying to read me. The way his darks orbs deeply stared me down was like he was trying to show some sort of message.

But I'm no telepath.

So I had no idea what he was possibly trying to tell me.

Soonyoung looked over at me with a look that seemed very similar to what a parent would do towards their children.

He wanted me to go with him.

"You should go, Jaewon," Soonyoung said. "I think this could be important."

His voice was a little low so the others couldn't hear him. His eyes went back to Joshua who stood there with a soft smile.

I scrunched my face at him.

"Alright," I whisper to Soonyoung.

I came towards Joshua who was ready to lead the way. I could hear the trio speak about his appearance amongst each other.

"Why's that clown here?" I heard Koushi say. He sounded irritated.

Clown? Was he referring to Joshua?

"Would you shut up?" I heard Hyeonju whisper. She hushed him.

"Shut up? Oh I'll make you shut-"

"You guys are being loud," Hansol tells the two, interrupting Koushi.

I turned to look at them. They were watching me with confusions and curiosity of what was going on.

They seemed like lively people to be around.

I know I shouldn't be too used to these people's presence, but I do hope these three continue to stick together.

"Jaewon?" I heard Joshua call for my name.

I turned back around and quickly went to him. He was patiently waiting for me down the path.

With each step I took, I couldn't help but feel anxious.

Did Joshua really need me for the investigation?

I can't tell.

With those doe eyes of his- I can't tell if he's an honest man that's doing what he's told.

Upon reaching him, he whispered something.

"Let's get along for both our sakes, okay?"

• • •

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#seventeen fanfic #svt fanfic #seventeen ff #svt ff #seventeen horror #svt horror #original character #seventeen x original characters #joshua x oc #minghao x oc

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hanmi-xo · 7 months

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CHAPTER 4: "Chaos & Confusion"

| We Who Remain | Chapter List |

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I walked along the corridor to find the cafeteria. The sun rose with its rays hitting the trees causing the pathway to glow in between the cracks of the branches. The path there was peaceful. The green leaves danced while the tree held onto them. The sound of birds chirping filled the air. They were perched on the trees as they sang with one another. It was serene.

I soon heard the voices of people.

There were a good amount of civilians coming out of the dorm building. The campus slowly became lively with single individuals, small families, and elderly couples. It felt like a small town.

The bustling noise brought my attention to the building that appeared to be the cafeteria.

I followed the crowd and entered the building.

The place was well organized and had different levels of seatings. Although there were only a few stalls to get food, it appeared we could only get portions like every other safe haven canteen.

Upon standing in the line and grabbing my food, I began to wander the place in hopes of getting a good seat. There were stairs to go to the upper seating and I made my way up. There was still a good amount of people and it bothered me.

I know Dokyeom wants me to fit in, but where and who do I sit with?

I heard footsteps behind me and I quickly turned around. The man's eyes met mine. He froze for a moment and his eyes widened with fear. He brought his free hand up and pointed at me as if I was some kind of monster.

"You again!?" He yelled in shock.

I sighed. It was that guy with the lab coat. Jihoon was it?

"Oh, it's you," I say with a tilt of my head. I was not interested in causing another commotion.

Dokyeom says I have to be nice. I rolled my eyes at the thought of him. I heard Jihoon shuffle as he tried to go back down the stairs. It was like he was avoiding me.

I'm not too surprised to be honest. But I need to make a friend, and I don't have a lot of option.

"Hey," I call out to him. "Jihoon."

He froze in his spot once again. He was trying to sneak away but failed terribly. He slowly turned his head to look at me.

"That's your name right?" I ask him.

He slowly nodded his head with closed eyes. I can see fear run through him. As much as I felt bad for bothering him, he'll understand once I explain my situation.

"Yes... that's my name," he slowly says. "Why?"

I smiled upon hearing his response. "I'm sorry for what happened before. Can I sit with you?"

I tried to put my most innocent smile. I have to be friendly. At least until I can go find Dowon.

He squinted his eyes at. It was like he was trying to read my mind whether or not I was being sincere with my words.

Of course I was. I'm not that terrible of a person. Or so I believe.

I know I threatened him earlier, and he could have died- but I didn't pull the trigger...

Actually, that still doesn't make anything better-

"What if I say no?" He asks me.

I smiled to hide my disappointment.

What the hell am I supposed to say?

Oh yeah I'll find someone else to sit with?

We all know that won't happen. I embarrassed myself already earlier today. The least I could do is apologize to someone that I met earlier.

"Then I'll cry." I pouted at him. Men are weak to girls who cry. Well... that's what Dowon told me.

I watched as his face scrunched up in disgust at me. He was judging me as though there was something wrong with me.

I internally screamed seeing how he reacted the opposite of what I hoped for.

I slowly stopped pouting and realized how ridiculous I looked. I sighed before straightening myself out.

"Listen, okay?" I tell him. "Just this once, then I won't bother you ever again."

His expression slowly changed into a look of deep thought. He was deciding whether or not he should let me eat with him.

Yes. Please say yes.

He sighed before looking away from me. "Fine."

I grinned brightly with happiness. "I knew you were kind."

He frowned at me before rolling his eyes. "Don't make it weird."

"Whatever you say!" I pranced down the stairs and followed after him.

He sighed once more before leading the way. I followed him like a child. He knew this place fairly well. If it was me, I'd get lost.

"We're not eating at the cafeteria?" I asked him seeing how far we were getting away from everyone.

"No," he replied. "There's hardly any seating. That usually happens to late comers."

He gave me a look as if I was to blame. I closed my lips with an awkward smile.

That's probably because I caused a commotion earlier and slowed down his and everyone else's schedule...

"I apologize," I softly said.

In response he sighed. "It's whatever."

As we walked further away from the bustling section of the building, I realized some of the hallways looked the same with their bare walls and nameless doors but other ones had more color with bulletins and pamphlets.

It was strange.

"Hey Jihoon," I called for the man's attention.

"Yes?" He responded before looking over at me.

"Why are some hallways barren but others aren't?" I ask him.

He stopped for a moment before looking at the hallway we were in. He hummed in thought.

"Some of them are locked for private uses. If more people join the community, then they would be used as bedrooms," he replied. "Empty halls just mean nobody resides in the area. So wherever room people are stationed in are where the bulletins are usually at."

I raised a brow. "I thought there would be a more complicated answer."

He chuckled from my words. "Many people ask about that. I was here since the beginning of the plague. I know the place pretty well."

He smiled with pride. It was like he was showing off, but he quickly changed expressions and started glaring at me.

"I swear, if you try anything funny-"

Ah there's the suspicion of me.

"Relax," I interject. "I'll be long gone. So don't worry about me."

I don't plan on sticking around. Besides, I doubt anyone would want me here other than Dokyeom.

I don't really have anyone to go home to anyways...

The thought of my parents ran through my head along the possible situations my sister could be in right now while I stroll in this safe building. Who knows what trouble she could be in.

I realized how quiet it got and saw Jihoon staring at me. It was like he wanted to ask me something, but he hesitated to do so.

I didn't bother asking what's on his mind- or rather, I didn't think I should. I don't plan on getting attached to him or getting to know him. Just like everyone else in the world, I know this will all be temporary until I find somewhere else to go.

Jihoon opened the door to what seemed to be a small office with a large window that took over one side of the wall. There was a white bed and a few other things that seemed like it belonged to a laboratory.

"Is this your office?" I ask him.

"Yeah," he replied before sitting down in his office chair. The chair moved as he slid in causing the wheels to rumble.

He pulled out a stool from his side and motioned me to sit with him.

The place was rather well organized, even his desk was clean. I sat in the stool and placed my food next to him.

There was an awkward silence between us as I gazed at everything in his office. He had books neatly stacked on his desk next to the wall along with notebooks and journals.

He seemed to be working on something. I heard him pick up his metal chopsticks with a clank effect upon them hitting each other.

"Are you going to eat or just stare?" He asked me before putting his hands in prayer.

He was getting ready to say his thanks for the food. I quickly copied him upon realizing my rude table manners. We soon started eating after. There was a moment of silence while we ate before he decided to speak.

"There's a rumor going around that you're Staff Sergeant Lee's lover."

I almost spat out my food.

What. The. Fuck.

"HUH?" I said as I tried to stop myself from choking. "Hell no!"

He stared at me with wide eyes. He began to laugh seeing my reaction.

"Ah," he said with an amused smile. "I guess that's wrong then."

I raised a brow at him as I wiped my face with a napkin. I sighed before debating whether or not I should tell him that he's in love with my sister, but I held my tongue.

"Let's just say, he's like an older brother to me," I explain to him. "I've known him for awhile so he takes care of me like family."

Jihoon nodded his head before taking a sip from his canteen.

"Family, huh?" He repeated after me.

I nodded my head slowly as I finished my food. He stared at me for a moment before looking at the object in his hand.

"Where's your canteen?" He asks me.

"My canteen?" I raised a brow before staring at the one in his hand. "Oh, that."

I hummed in thought as I remembered how I left it outside my room.

"I left it outside my bedroom," I tell him before swinging my feet above the ground. "Why?"

He gave me a questionable look. "I got those for you, you know?"

I stared at him with wide eyes before judging him. "Oh, so you're the one sneaking around the building. I have you know, I don't accept things from strangers."

He scoffed at me.

"Listen, everyone gets those necessities." It was like he was scolding me. "I have you know, I woke up earlier than I usually do because of orders."

Orders? I tilted my head at him.

"Orders from who?" I dare ask. "Staff Sergeant Lee?"

He frowned at me. "Who else would it be?"

I scrunched my face. It would make sense that it was Dokyeom, but even so, I don't particularly care.

"I'll be fine without it," I mutter. "I'll find something else to use."

I began to put my trash together while Jihoon stared at me perplexed.

"You're really on edge, aren't you?" He suddenly says.

His voice came out rather confused instead of annoyed. It was like he was trying to read me, but he couldn't.

"Why wouldn't I be? The world is screwed over and I don't have anyone to really rely on." I say with low eyes. I picked at the stains on my bowl with my chopstick.

I didn't bother looking at him. I didn't like talking about my feelings, especially not towards a person I just met and almost shot.

I heard him move in his chair and I turned to look at him. He seemed to be thinking of something while he looked at me.

"I'll get you a new set tomorrow if that makes you feel better," his voice came out rather sympathetic. "I'll sanitize it and everything so you don't have to be so anxious."

I squinted my eyes at him. Was he feeling pity towards me?

I sighed. If this was his way of trying to form some kind of acquaintance between us then so be it. I wasn't entirely against the idea of knowing someone will go through the hassle of getting me something thoroughly cleaned.

I began to feel bad.

I leaned my head on my hand before staring at this man that could have died earlier today.

"I'd appreciate that Jihoon," I tell him.

He rolled his eyes at me. "Don't make it weird."

I laughed at his comment. "I'm not. Just being grateful that's all."

He shook his head at me with amusement, but before he could speak, I heard a scream.

It was faint but I could hear it.

My ears perked up and I got off the stool. I reached for my gun, but what I felt was a different object. I looked down and remember how Dokyeom took my handgun and gave me a knife as replacement.

I narrowed my brows.

"Shit," I muttered.

Jihoon soon stood up. "What's up with you?"

I hushed him with a hand towards him to stay quiet. He tried to speak again, but I hushed him once more, signaling something was going on. There was a moment of silence.

It was almost inaudible, but I heard it.

There it was.

A snarl with a follow of a bang.

It sounded like it was hitting a door.

I turned to look at Jihoon and he stood there with his eyes wide. He must have heard it too.

"Stay here," I tell him.

"You're going to check it out?" He said with surprise. "Are you crazy? We should tell the guards!"

He went to grab his radio off his coat pocket.

"You can do that," I tell him while I heard him switch stations on the device. "Just stay here, I'm checking it out."

Before he could protest, I left the room with a shut of the door. I was careful not to make too much noise as I followed the sound.

It was coming from the hallway we were just at. The barren hallway where no one is supposed to reside.

I squinted my eyes as I tread lightly. I had to be careful. Who knows what's going on in that room.

I looked down at the floor and saw no blood, but the closer I got to the room, the louder I heard muffling with the follow of clamping of teeth.

Jihoon said the door was supposed to be locked... Nobody should be inside there.

I slowly turned to the knob to see if it was true, and it wouldn't budge. I frowned. I heard another bang and I backed away from the door.

"Are you crazy?"

I turned to see the man who followed after me. He was light on his feet. He made little noise and was carefully whispering to me in fear of what could happen.

"I told you to stay at your office," I whisper back.

He glared at me. "I may be a researcher, but I can't leave a woman to defend herself."

I narrowed my brows at him. "Stop playing hero and go back."

The snarls soon got louder with a follow of a bang. He backed up while I took out my knife.

"Go back, Jihoon," I tell him once more.

He stared at me with detest. He was certainly against my words.

"Atleast tell me your name before you get yourself killed," he quickly says.

I looked over at him. Was he being serious?

"How the hell do you not know my name?" I say with a hint of confusion.

He looked at me with full offense. "Nobody told me your name." He tried to keep his voice low. "They just referred you as the young lady stationed in room 4-7 they saved last night."

Is he fucking for real?

I sighed. I don't have time for this.

"Noe Jaewon," I quickly say. "My name is Noe Jaewon. Now just go, Jihoon."

He stood there for a moment before looking at me with shock. He didn't say anything before nodding his head. I didn't question his reaction since I had more important matters to deal with.

I turned to look back at the door that suddenly seemed quiet.

The silence was eerie. I didn't like it.

I didn't like it one bit.

The door began to bang repeatedly. It was trying to break the door down.

Bang.

Jihoon stood next to me as if he felt frozen in place. I couldn't speak nor could he. It was like we were waiting for the inevitable. If we ran now, our backs would be vulnerable to that thing.

Silence.

It stopped. Or so I hoped.

The door flew open and I quickly pushed Jihoon out of the way before jumping the opposite direction. He fell to the ground while I landed on my feet. I was crouched to the floor when my eyes met the beast.

It looked human, but it also didn't.

It huffed and puffed as if it just turned. Behind the monster laid a woman in a lab coat whose body was mauled into pieces. The scent of blood reeked the air with the splatter of blood everywhere.

Glass was shattered through the window with the follow of blood stains. I could only imagine what happened to the poor woman. How she got dragged into the room before getting killed inside.

The monster twisted its head as it looked at me before turning to Jihoon who was struggling to get back on his feet.

It was analyzing us. It was like it had some sense of consciousness or control over him. I watched its every move as I raised my knife to it. Whatever it was planning, I had to be ready for it.

It snapped its head up as if it was in a trance before letting out a hellish screech. It was ready to lunge at Jihoon.

"JIHOON RUN!" I yell.

I watched as the man shuffled to his feet before running as fast as he can. His steps were light, and the beast ran after him.

I dashed as fast as I can as I chased the mutant. It wasn't an evolved so it was much slower than the others, but its speed was still fast.

"SHIT," I cursed under my breath.

I followed them down the twist and turns of the hallway, and I could hear Jihoon telling the civilians to run the moment a person shows up in view.

Their retreating figures weren't fast and some stumbled to the floor. I felt fear running through me of what could happen to them.

Once the beast reached them with their shaking bodies, I expected the worst.

But nothing happened.

It continued to chase Jihoon as if nobody else mattered. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Mutants attack any human they see, but this one- what's wrong with it? Why was it acting different?

I ran past the scared civilians as I got closer to the beast.

I don't know what the fuck was going on, but I knew one thing.

Whatever this mutant was up to- was not normal.

I took out my knife and jumped on its back. I pierced the metal into its neck in hopes to slow it down, but atlas, it kept going. I held on to it in hopes of not letting go.

"Why the fuck aren't you slowing down!?" I curse at the beast who ignored me.

It stumbled for only a moment when I jumped on it before it continued to target Jihoon.

I deepened my knife in hopes of wounding the thing, but it was acting as if it was numb to the pain. I don't understand why it didn't hurt. The neck and brain are its weak points, so why the fuck was it acting as if it was immune?

Soon, Jihoon ended up at the cafeteria were everyone was at. I could only assume he was avoiding dead ends which lead him back to where we once were.

I gritted my teeth in fear of what was to come.

The doors flew open by the beast's strength before it threw me to the ground. My knife flew out of its neck and blood splattered everywhere.

I watched the civilians freeze upon seeing us. There was a moment of realization as they witnessed what was happening. Jihoon stared at the beast as he tried to catch his breath. He stood in front of the seated civilians who began to panic.

Their screams filled the air as they began to run for their life.

I picked up my knife and lunged at the beast again. I was aiming for its head. Suddenly it snapped its head at me. Its head went backwards before turning its body to me. I felt a chill run down my spine upon feeling its hand on my forearm.

It stopped me from stabbing it, and I couldn't move from its grip.

It opened its jaws before closing it. The sound of clamping began as it repeated the action. It was threatening me.

I quickly dropped my knife and used my free hand to catch it before trying to stab it with my left hand. I had to stop it from biting me.

It was a direct hit to the neck once again, but it didn't wince in pain. Rather, it looked at me as if nothing happened. As if the blood he lost was nothing to it.

Then it hit me.

It was regenerated itself.

The wound on the neck I once punctured was healed like it was never there. I felt a chill run down my spine and a rush of fear take over me.

I needed my gun to kill this thing, but I didn't have it.

I didn't have anything to that was fast enough and durable enough to kill it.

It grabbed my free arm with its other hand before trying to bite me. It was aiming for my arms. My adrenaline rush kicked in. I kicked the thing away from me as I pulled my arms from its grasps.

It stumbled backwards with my knife still in its neck. My heart raced as the mutant snarled at me. I grabbed a knife from one of the tables before getting ready for it its attack.

"Come at me you stupid fuck," I mutter under my breath.

It ran straight at me and was ready to kill the thing. The moment it tried to reach me, I swiftly moved to the side and got behind it.

In one quick movement, I kicked it behind its knee causing the monster to fall. I swung my knife and it pierced its head which caused it to screech.

I crouched down on top of its back to hold it down just in case it tried to escape. I let the knife sink deep within its skull with a crack heard forming once puncturing its bone.

Then I hit it- the brain.

It's screeching turned into dreadful incoherent sounds as though it was in pain.

Then it stopped moving.

It got quiet.

I felt my hand shake as I yanked the metal out of its skull. Blood gushed out and my knife dripped with blood.

The scent of its tainted spilled organs began to sit in my nose before me realizing how much blood I got on me not from just stabbing its head, but from the overall chaos that just happened.

I panted as I tried to calm my nerves. I got off the thing, and I felt my legs get weak from the after effects of my adrenaline.

I stumbled towards one of the nearest tables before settling in a chair. My hands and legs shook vigorously as the beast's blood dried on my clothes, face, and hands.

My eyes remained on the corpse with my knife still ready for it to get up. I heard soldiers and guards arrive to the scene, but I didn't bother looking at them.

I felt everyone's eyes on me. Those who witnesses the event and those who just arrived.

But I didn't care.

What bothered me the most was how this thing entered this place. How this supposedly tight security safe haven was supposed to be one of the best.

I was mad, but I was also perplexed.

How did nobody see this thing enter this place?

And why did it only target Jihoon?

I heard someone call my name, but I remained still. I had too much on my mind and my heart was racing too fast for me to respond to him.

I felt their presence come next to me, but I couldn't look at them.

"How the hell did it get in here?" I mutter.

I sat on the white bed. Through the window, I could see Dokyeom outside talking to a man who wore a bulletproof vest. The man seemed to be in high in position with the way the guards stayed close to his side even when he entered the cafeteria after I killed the thing.

I heard Jihoon on the other side of the door and I could hear his discussion with one of the female doctors.

"I can't believe that happened," I heard her say. "Taemi is really gone..."

There was a moment of silence before Jihoon spoke.

"I can't believe it either, Soyeon," he mutters. "Staff Sergeant Lee and Seungcheol are discussing what we should do next... Everyone is on edge... I don't understand how that thing could even come in here."

I heard their footsteps come closer to the door and I watched as the woman peeked her head inside to look at me.

"Hey," she greets me. "We'll have that blood sample of yours tested to make sure you aren't carrying the plague, okay?"

I nodded my head. "Okay."

She took a blood sample off my finger for safety precautions. Tainted blood on me could have entered my system and they have to make sure I won't turn into those mutants.

She slowly nodded her head at me before pointing. "For the time being, we'll have to leave you here with the door locked because of regulations. If you need to shower there's a bathroom over there, okay?"

She was quarantining me from everyone else just as expected. Jihoon then took her place so he can talk to me.

"Are you doing okay, Jaewon?" He asks me.

I slowly nodded my head. I was still in the process of getting over what happened. The after effects were hitting me while I tried to get over it.

I couldn't get it out of my mind how this incident was very similar to what happened to the other safe haven my parents resided in.

"Hey, Jihoon," I call for his attention.

"Yes? What's up?" He asked with wonder.

Was it too much to ask him for a favor? I bit my lip in hopes he would agree to do so.

"You're a researcher, right?" I asked in remembrance of how he introduced himself.

He nodded his head with confusion on where I was going with this.

"If it's too much to ask- can you do me a favor?" I say with low eyes.

"If it involves getting you out of this room, I can't do that," He tells me.

It was like he knew me pretty well after a few hours of being with me, but he didn't know me well enough.

I shook my head. "No, it's not that."

He raised a brow in anticipation of what I may say.

"If it's possible- can you get a sample of that mutant from earlier?" I ask him.

He seemed a bit surprised from my request, but he also didn't seem to be against the idea.

"Do you want me to do some research on the subject?" He asked me. "I can. I just need permission from Staff Sergeant Lee and Seungcheol."

I looked outside to see the two men who were talking were gone from the perimeter. They seemed to have gone elsewhere while security roamed the area.

Everyone had to be scared of what happened.

"If you can, Jihoon- that'd be great," I tell him.

"Okay," I heard him say. "Go rest, and I'll tell you what I know by tomorrow."

The door then shut and I was left alone in the room. I could hear the door lock with the follow of Jihoon and Soyeon's footsteps getting further from me.

Then there was silence. All I could hear was the sound of my breathing and the ticking of the clock that hung on the wall.

It was noon and so much happened already.

I should shower, then I'll rest. So much for fitting in. I made a commotion twice today. I could only imagine what everyone is thinking.

Escort.

Would I even become escort with these conditions?

"Dowon, don't die yet. No, not yet. I'll find you," I mutter to myself.

My sister is still out there. I have to leave this place once the opportunity comes.

I grabbed the towel and spare clothes left for me on the table before making my way to the bathroom.

I need to clear my mind and clean this gunk off me. Maybe I'll feel better by then.

I woke up to the sound of what appeared to be coming from the doorway. I stared at the ceiling above me that wasn't as bright as it was before. From the looks of it, the sun was setting. I looked at the clock that kept ticking to see the time.

6:32 pm

I slept that long? Was I that tired?

I got off the bed and my body began to feel groggy. That nap didn't make me feel any better. My mind felt clouded and my legs felt tired.

I dragged my feet to the doorway and tried to open it.

It was locked.

I sighed. Of course it's locked. I'm quarantined.

I was trying to remember what happened before I fell asleep since I still felt tired. The knocking began again and I could clearly hear its coming from the other side of the door.

"Yes? What do you want?" My voice came out rather tired and annoyed.

No response.

I sighed. "Listen, I'm not trying to get into any more trouble. I already did enough today."

I felt something come from underneath the door and it hit my feet. I looked down as I analyzed the object. I crouched down while rubbing my eyes to see what it was.

Paper? A written note?

--------- This wasn't an accident. Don't tell them what you know. - X ---------

I narrowed my brows upon reading the paper.

What the hell?

Was this person telling the truth or were they messing with me?

"Hey," I softly whispered. "Who the hell are you?"

Silence.

I shook the doorknob but it remained in place. Whoever was on the other side was making sure I wouldn't know their identity. I didn't hear footsteps, though. Was this person still here?

I then heard footsteps, but they weren't going away. They were getting closer to the door.

The doorknob then clicked.

I stepped back.

Were they unlocking the door for me?

My eyes met another pair of orbs, but it wasn't who I expected.

"Oh, you're awake?" Seoyeon said with surprise. "You missed lunch."

"Uh... yeah? Sorry about that." I said confused by her words. "Were you the one knocking on my door?"

She had a puzzled expression before turning around to see if there was anyone else nearby. She seemed taken back from my question.

"No? Did someone try to talk to you?" she asked me.

I widened my eyes from her response before hiding the note in my pocket.

"Oh, maybe I was hearing things then?" I scratched the back of my head.

I couldn't tell her what happened, and if I did who knows how she'd react. I have to pretend nothing occurred. My gut was telling me to listen to the note- it felt like if I didn't, things wouldn't go well for me.

Soyeon raised a brow. "You're probably getting paranoid. You'll be safe in here, okay? Let me go get you your dinner."

I watched as she shut the door before scurrying off to who knows where.

I looked back down at my pocket before pulling out the note.

"Who the hell gave this to me then?"

• • •

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#seventeen fanfic #svt fanfic #seventeen ff #svt ff #seventeen horror #svt horror #original character #seventeen x original characters #joshua x oc #minghao x oc

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