FATAL TROUBLE (REVERSE HAREM)

Part 42

The train station was alive with the buzz of hurried footsteps and distant announcements, a chaotic symphony that made you eager to get to your seat and finally relax. Your aunt guided you through the crowd, her steady hand on your arm leading you to the platform. When you finally boarded, a wave of relief washed over you as you found your seats—two tucked comfortably near the window. She settled in right away, pulling out her phone to look at some of her upcoming schedule, while you let out a breath and leaned back in your seat, clutching your book.

The events of encountering Sunghoon and then Heeseung coming into you both together, playing again in front of your eyes. You didn't talk to anyone since the time you left the resort. And, your aunt just explained them that how you were sad to leave the place. Yeah...sad for sure but...also the mess this place has created. Everything is messed up for these seven boys in your life and you groaned mentally.

The seven boys you'd been stuck traveling with this week—were seated far from you in another part of the compartment. It was the first real reprieve you'd had in these days. They weren't bad company, but their energy was too much. As if you're too good, huh! Whether it was Sunghoon's sharp, probing gaze, Heeseung's teasing smirks, or the way Jake and Jay always seemed to linger too close, you could never quite relax around them. Even Jungwon, Sunoo and Ni-ki, playful as they were, seemed to know how to keep you on edge.

You exhaled again, staring out the window as the train began to move, its steady rhythm soothing your nerves. For once, you felt a sliver of peace, the kind you hadn't known since they'd entered your life.

But the peace didn't last long.

It started with a low murmur, the kind that instantly prickled at the back of your neck. You glanced up just as the boys appeared in the aisle, moving slowly towards your section. Your heart sank as you watched them pause near your row, talking quietly to the passengers around you. It didn't take long to piece it together—they were switching seats.

Your stomach tightened as one by one, they closed in around you. Jay sat beside your aunt and Jake slipped into the row just ahead, Sunghoon and Sunoo dropped into the seat directly beside yours on the other side of the aisle and Heeseung casually slid into the seat beside yours, his elbow brushing yours as he got comfortable. Across the aisle, Ni-ki and Jungwon settled in, their grins far too smug for your liking.

"That's better," Sunoo said, throwing you a grin over his shoulder as he leaned back in his seat. "Now it feels like we're all together again."

You tightened your grip on your book, trying to disappear into its pages, but it was impossible to ignore them. Sunghoon's piercing gaze made your skin prickle, and Heeseung was far too close, his presence radiating heat. Jungwon caught your eye from across the aisle and smiled, as if he could see right through you.

"Oh, you boys are such sweethearts," your aunt said warmly, finally looking up from her phone. "You've been so helpful with my niece this week. It's nice that you all exchanged the seats. She can be a little shy when she's sad, you know."

Jake chuckled under his breath...shy.

You wanted to crawl under the seat. Jake glanced back at you, his smirk widening. "Don't worry," he said smoothly. "I've got her figured out."

"She just needs a little encouragement," Niki added, his voice soft but pointed, his eyes never leaving yours.

You felt the heat rise in your cheeks as your aunt chuckled. "Well, I'm glad she's in good hands. You boys really are so polite." She began gathering her things, looking pleased.

Before you could stop her, she smiled and said, "I think I'll give you all some space. There's an empty seat up front—I'll go sit there for a bit. Jake, you can come to my seat, no need to sit alone."