his true self

15- seeking comfort

Fortunately, you found yourself positioned just beyond the doorway, cloaked in a perfect shadow that shielded you from Hyunjin's prying gaze as he stormed past, oblivious to your presence. While part of you yearned to linger and eavesdrop on the conversation unfolding within, you knew the risk was too great; the consequences of being caught were unfathomable- and you, after all, weren't weary of your life.

As Hyunjin stormed off in the direction you and Seungmin had arrived from, you spied a staircase leading downward. It was a fleeting recollection that Seungmin had instructed you to remain in place and await his return, but in that moment, such directives were of little concern. Ignoring Seungmin's advice, you descended the stairs and, to your surprise, emerged in a grand hallway where you had met Jaemin and Mikyeong.

Puzzled by the sheer scale of the mansion's architecture (and stairs), you brushed aside such musings in favor of seeking comfort in the cool night air. Stepping through the same door you had exited with Hyunjin hours ago, you found yourself enveloped in the tranquility of the nocturnal atmosphere. The vast garden that stretched before you, enclosed by towering walls, seemed like something plucked from the pages of a fantastical tale, complete with meticulously manicured foliage and ornate fountains that sparkled in the moonlight- laying in a heavy contrast to all the dark and murderous things going on in the building you just left.

Yet, amidst this surreal setting, your attention was drawn to a narrow path winding through the trees. Without hesitation, you followed its meandering course, eventually arriving at the water's edge. To your astonishment, you beheld a sprawling lake nestled beside the mansion, a hidden oasis that defied all expectation.

Perplexed by the mansion's enigmatic allure, you allowed your thoughts to wander, contemplating the myriad mysteries that lay concealed within its walls. But before you could delve deeper into speculation, your reverie was abruptly interrupted by the sight of a lone figure standing by the water's edge, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

And not just "a" lone figure, no, it was one specific person. 

 He just stood there, looking somewhere in the distance, with his back facing you. 

Despite the apprehension that tinged your thoughts, an inexplicable compulsion urged you forward. Approaching the figure - none other than Jaemin - you greeted him softly, mindful of the weight of recent events that hung heavy in the air.

"Do you feel any better?" Jaemin inquired, his voice gentle and comforting.

You shook your head, a rueful smile playing at your lips. "Not really. It seems karma is not on my side as of late."

Jaemin's own smile mirrored yours, his understanding evident. "You mean encountering your supposedly deceased best friend after being ensnared in a web of gang-related intrigue by your own boyfriend? I dare say I've faced worse."

"Tsk," you scoffed, meeting his gaze. "You couldn't possibly comprehend the depths of my recent trials."

"Basically, since Hyunjin and I got together, he started disappearing for days and nights, sometimes showing up with injuries. I didn't ask him where he'd been or what happened, just trusted him, even though it bugged me that he kept secrets. Then a few days ago, I got really worried because he was gone longer than usual. I went to Felix for answers, but he dodged my question and told me to wait. Next thing I know, Seungmin and Changbin showed up at 3 am and took me to Hyunjin, who messed up some mission. He was gonna decide what to do with me, but ended up taking me with him after they injected me with something. Then I woke up to Chan torturing him, and Chan wanted to kill me until Felix spilled the beans about Hyunjin and I being married. Then you showed up, followed by Mikyeong, and it was just a whole mess of fights and drama. Oh, and I overheard some weird stuff at a meeting where Hyunjin was acting all aggressive."

Jaemin listened, then spoke up after a moment of silence. "Okay, you definitely win the 'craziest few days' award."

You both smiled, but Jaemin's expression turned concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Not really," you admitted, "but I'll manage. I've stopped trying to make sense of it all and just accepted my fate."

Jaemin nodded. "Just tell me if you need anyone to... I don't know... talk? I know I'm probably one of the last persons you want to talk to but I'm here"

And as much as you were still mad at him, you couldn't help but to surprise him with a hug. Which he returned.

Minutes of comforting silence passed, when Jaemin suddenly spoke up again.

"Y/n... why did you and Mikyeong had a fight and what did you find out by listening to the meeting?"

"Um... After you said I should keep my eyes open I eavesdropped on her door when I passed by but I got caught and then... Seungmin kind of saved me and took me to the meeting, where -a second- ah, I remember, Hyunjin said something like 'it doesn't make sense' and that 'there are no evidences'while Chan said something like he had to kill 'her' and he should listen to him", you replied, confused by his sudden question.

Jaemin slowly nodded and then looked at you again.

"Let's go inside, before someone finds us here", he said and turned you both to the mansion's direction, "and Y/n... I think we both agree that we should tell no one about our conversation, don't we?"

"We do", you agreed and walked off with him.

Little did you know, that behind one of the trees you passed, a third person was standing.

A person, that listened to the whole conversation.

A person, that was proven right.

A person, that now knew everything.

And what had to be done.