FATAL TROUBLE (REVERSE HAREM)

Part 114

The morning had been beautiful, almost unnervingly so. The sun streamed through the grand windows of the mansion, casting golden light on the marble floors. A soft breeze drifted through the slightly open balcony doors, carrying the distant scent of fresh rain, though the sky was clear. It was the kind of morning that made you feel like nothing could go wrong. Maybe that's why you hadn't noticed it—the way time itself had seemed to hesitate, as if warning you that this moment would never come again.

You had been in a hurry, yet for some reason, everything had felt slower. Your fingers had fumbled slightly as you fastened your watch, your steps had lingered just a second longer at the threshold of your room. Something inside you had whispered that you should take your time. But you hadn't listened.

Your bag had been slung over your shoulder when you reached the main hall, adjusting the strap absentmindedly as you called out, "I'm leaving!"

Your pink dress and the white heels -- a perfect combo to take the breath away of your boyfriends. Afterall, you are their pretty girl in pink.

The response had been immediate, voices coming from different corners of the house, each one familiar, each one warm.

Heeseung had been seated in the living room, laptop open on his lap, though his attention had clearly been elsewhere. He had smirked without looking up, shaking his head. "Don't get into trouble, princess."

Jake, sprawled across the couch, had lazily raised two fingers in a casual salute. "Don't miss us too much," he had teased, flashing you a playful grin.

Sunghoon, who had been leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, had rolled his eyes. "You act like she won't be back in a few hours," he had muttered, but his voice had held something softer beneath the sarcasm. Still, he had waved, though it had been brief. "Be safe, love."

Jungwon had been on the stairs, one hand resting on the railing as he watched you with a look that had been difficult to read. His head had tilted slightly, the way it always did when he was thinking too much. "You should've let Ni-ki take you," he had said, voice calm, but firm. "At least then we'd know you're safe."

Safe. The word had lingered in the air, heavier than it should have been.

You had let out a small laugh, shaking your head. "I can take care of myself. You guys are busy today and Wonyoung is waiting for me at the signal, so don't worry about anything else. If I feel threatened, I have the rose knife with me."

Ni-ki had chosen that moment to walk in from the kitchen, a glass of water in hand. He had stopped just a few steps away from you, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. "Sure you can protect yourself," he had murmured, but his tone had been skeptical, laced with something almost like doubt. Or regret.

For a second, you had almost asked him what he meant. But then Sunoo and Jay had drawn your attention, standing by the large window. Unlike the others, they hadn't spoken immediately. They had just watched you, as if memorizing something.

Jay looked down at the paper-bag beside him and he was quiet -- too quiet. Sunghoon approached him as he picked up the bag and gave it to you.

"Wear this to the university today."

You scoffed, "I am going for studies, not parties."

"Please, Ella...wear this today." The pleading tone in Jay's voice made you took the bag in no time as you placed your bag from the shoulder on the couch and winked at them, "I'll be quick."

And, you were.