FATAL TROUBLE (REVERSE HAREM)

Part 104

The mansion felt unusually quiet—not because it was empty, but because you were barely around.

With your exams looming over you like an unstoppable storm, you had locked yourself in full study mode, spending hours buried in textbooks and notes. Every time you stepped out of your room, it was for the bare necessities—grabbing food, stretching your legs, or taking a brief break before diving back into the chaos.

But every time you came across one of the boys, you barely lingered.

Heeseung was lounging in the living room when you walked past, his eyes flicking up from his phone. "Ella, come sit for a while," he suggested, patting the space beside him.

You gave him an apologetic smile. "I can't, Hee. I'll do that later." And with that, you disappeared into your room again.

Jay caught you in the kitchen while he was making coffee. He raised an eyebrow as you quickly grabbed a snack. "Are you even eating properly?" he asked, concern in his voice.

You waved him off. "I am, I am. I'll eat later, Jay." Before he could protest, you were already retreating.

Jake and Sunghoon were playing video games in the lounge when you passed by, a book in hand. "Ella! One round?" Jake called, grinning.

"Next time, I swear," you said over your shoulder, hurrying away.

Jungwon and Ni-ki were sparring in the gym, pausing when they noticed you watching for a second. "Done studying?" Jungwon asked, hopeful.

You shook your head. "Not yet. I'll talk later, okay?"

Finally, Sunoo was waiting for you outside your room, arms crossed. "You keep saying 'later,'" he huffed.

You sighed. "I promise, just a little more, Sunoo." You gave him a quick hug before slipping inside your room again, leaving him sighing in defeat.

Little did you know, the seven of them were already plotting ways to steal you away from your books—whether you liked it or not.

....*....

The roar of Ni-ki's motorbike echoed through the driveway as you fastened your helmet securely, adjusting your position behind him. He revved the engine with a smirk, glancing back at you.

"You ready?" he asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be," you sighed, wrapping your arms around his waist as he took off, the cool morning wind hitting your face.

The streets blurred as he maneuvered through the traffic, taking familiar shortcuts that only someone like him—skilled and reckless—would dare to use. The ride was mostly silent, except for the occasional honk or the distant chatter of pedestrians. That was, until Ni-ki suddenly chuckled.

"You know," he said over the hum of the engine, "Jungwon really gave you that rose weapon because you should actually attack someone if you feel threatened."

You blinked at his words, gripping him slightly tighter. "Is that... supposed to be a saying that I know how to protect myself?" you asked, amused.

Ni-ki snorted. "You wish."

You rolled your eyes but let him continue.

"It's because that weapon isn't just any weapon, Ella. It's similar to Jungwon's." His tone was casual, but there was a certain weight behind his words.

You frowned. "And that means...?"

"That means, if anyone sees it, they'll know they've messed with someone worse than they thought." His voice had a sharp edge to it now, a tone that only surfaced when they were serious about something.