FATAL TROUBLE (REVERSE HAREM)

Part 106

The warm glow of the chandelier cast soft golden hues across the expansive living room of the mansion. You sat on the plush sofa, nestled between Heeseung and Sunghoon, your hands intertwined with theirs as the other boys lounged around you in their usual commanding yet relaxed postures. They were always close, always surrounding you as if their presence alone could shield you from the world.

Taking a deep breath, you squeezed their hands slightly, drawing their attention.

"I need to tell you something," you began, your voice hesitant. That alone was enough to make the atmosphere shift. Seven pairs of eyes—sharp, intense, and unwavering—fixed on you with silent command.

"What is it, angel?" Jay asked, his voice calm.

You inhaled deeply, feeling the weight of their collective presence. "It's been over a year since I last visited home... My dad booked tickets for me to visit during the session break."

The room stilled.

Not a breath, not a flicker of movement.

Just silence.

Sunoo's fingers, which had been playing with the hem of your sleeve, froze. His lips parted slightly, his usual playfulness dissolving into seriousness.

Jungwon, who had been leaning back with his arms crossed, sat up straight, his jaw tightening.

Jake's expression faltered, the corners of his lips twitching downward before he quickly masked it with a soft smile—one that didn't reach his eyes.

Ni-ki, sprawled comfortably on the armrest, suddenly sat up, his sharp gaze darkening as he stared at you.

Heeseung's grip on your hand instinctively tightened, just enough for you to feel his reluctance, though he said nothing yet.

Sunghoon leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his fingers interlocked as his intense gaze bore into yours.

And Jay? He didn't move. Didn't blink. Just stared, his dark eyes heavy with emotions you couldn't quite decipher.

It was Jungwon who spoke first.

"...For how long?"

His voice was composed—too composed.

"A few weeks," you answered softly, glancing around to gauge their reactions.

"A few weeks?" Sunoo echoed, his voice rising slightly. "You mean... you're going to be away for weeks?"

The disbelief in his tone made your heart ache.

Ni-ki let out a sharp exhale, running a hand through his hair. "I don't like this."

"You deserve to see your family," Heeseung said, his voice gentle yet strained. "But... I don't want to let you go."

Sunghoon scoffed lightly, shaking his head. "More than a year? And yet, somehow, we still feel like it's too soon to let you leave."

Jay's voice was deeper than usual when he finally spoke. "What if we come with you?"

You chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. "I don't think my dad was expecting seven men to show up with me."

"We can make it work," Jungwon said seriously.

You sighed. "That's not the point. I love you all, but I need to see my parents, too."

Silence.

Jake licked his lips, exhaling sharply through his nose. "We know. We just... hate the thought of you being away from us."

Sunoo groaned, throwing his head back against the couch. "What if we just kidnap you and keep you here?"

You playfully smacked his arm. "That's not how it works, Sunoo."