FATAL TROUBLE (REVERSE HAREM)

Part 83

The soft hum of voices and the faint clatter of things pulled you from the haze of sleep. You stretched and rubbed your eyes as you padded down the grand staircase of the mansion, your footsteps light against the polished marbles. The living room came into view, bathed in warm sunlight spilling through the large windows.

The seven boys were scattered around, each lost in their own relaxed world. Sunoo was flipping through a magazine on the couch, Jungwon was scrolling through his phone, and Sunghoon leaned back with an air of nonchalance, tossing a ball in the air. Jay and Heeseung's voices echoed faintly from the kitchen, where you could hear the sizzle of something frying.

You made your way over and plopped down between Sunghoon and Jungwon. Sunghoon immediately turned his head to glance at you, his trademark smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he teased.

"Morning," you replied groggily, running a hand through your hair as you settled in.

You looked across the room and noticed Jake sitting in one of the armchairs, his elbows resting on his knees as he watched you with an intensity that made your heart skip. His expression softened when your eyes met, and you gave him a small, reassuring smile—a silent promise to let go of the weight of last night's conversation.

He smiled back, his lips curling into a warm, genuine expression that made you feel lighter.

Sunghoon grabbed you by your waist and then pulled you on his lap, making you sit sideways and you leaned into his embrace but he suddenly adjusted your necklace and when you looked down, he locked your locket with his.

"It's perfect."

You giggled and held the joined lockets in your palm when you pecked his lips, "you are perfect."

"And, you're my person."

Before you could say anything, Niki appeared from nowhere and plopped down in front of you, his long legs folded beneath him. Without a word, he leaned forward, resting his head on your lap with a content sigh.

"Comfy?" you asked with a soft laugh, looking down at the youngest one as he closed his eyes.

"Very," he mumbled, his voice muffled against the fabric of your clothes.

Your hand instinctively went to his hair, your fingers threading through the soft strands as you began to gently caress his head. Niki let out a soft hum of satisfaction, his posture relaxing completely.

"Wow, Niki," Jungwon said, a teasing edge to his voice. "You didn't even ask first?"

"Why would I? She's my noona," Niki retorted without opening his eyes, his lips curving into a faint smirk.

Sunghoon chuckled, kissing your cheek. "You've spoiled him too much, Ella."

"Maybe," you replied, laughing as you continued to run your fingers through Niki's hair. "But it's hard not to when he's like this."

The comfortable banter flowed around you as Sunoo chimed in with a playful comment, and Jungwon countered with his usual calm wit. You found yourself smiling, soaking in the warmth of the moment.

Even as the conversation swirled around you, your gaze occasionally drifted back to Jake. He remained quiet, his eyes fixed on you, but there was no sadness or tension in his expression now—only a quiet sense of ease.

You felt a sense of peace settle over you as you returned your attention to the boys, laughing at a joke Sunghoon made. Whatever storm had lingered after the night before, it felt far away now, replaced by the simple joy of being surrounded by them.

The idea hit you out of nowhere as you absentmindedly ran your fingers through Niki's hair. "You know what? Let's go out today," you announced, sitting up straighter.