Awkward–no. It's actually the highest tension the mansion has experienced in two years.
All members of 127, Dream, and Zen are settled quietly yet highly equipped with personal energies inside Taeyong's office.
And if you'll wonder where the leader is, he's actually on the couch in front of them, in a mood as fiery as his hair.
"Mark"
"I'm sorry"
Taeyong snapped at the younger man, who's obviously on the hot seat. His defeated tone and slouched figure hinted at a lot of his exhaustion and worry.
"I mean–"
"I didn't tell her, okay? It's my fault."
"We didn't tell too." Doyoung's voice faded. "I thought Taeyong did."
Now the eyes were back on the said man, Taeyong dropping his face to his propped palm.
"This is exactly what will happen if I do." he mumbled, almost muffled.
"It happened anyway.." Jaehyun said, momentarily flashing a warm smile in the dream's direction. "It was really nice seeing you guys.. complete."
Shuffling in his seat, Renjun settled uncomfortably. Eyes rattling in every direction, avoiding everyone's eyes.
Jaemin, the only one beside him, placed a hand on his. The warm gesture did lessen a percent of his discomfort, but he still can't find enough comfort.
"Renjun..." Taeyong softly called, his eyes finding his for a second, and the younger person immediately shifted.
He sighed, caging his lip with his front teeth, and decided to drop the intention of conversing with the younger
"CiX.. is obviously back." the leader started. "Doyoung's been tracking them since Yoon Hyunsuk's dirty attack, and he managed to print the members' files too. They've been building a new community for awhile now."
"How about Hana?" Aeri spoke up. "Yong, you knew how she was."
The boys shared a quizzical look, their eyes finding the leader and his sister, then the other girls and Mark.
"Long story short, Hana's parents were the first founders of CiX, and we rescued her." Taeyong briefly said.
"Rescued?" Donghyuck echoed
"Abused." Mark answered with gritted teeth. "That's all you have to know."
The others nodded in understanding, then went back to being silent once again.
In the cold ambiance, the doors opened, revealing Sion with his white robe hanging on his arm, shooting the bunch with a bright smile.
"How–"
"Sleeping" the doctor cut the boy's worries off. "Now why don't you go there? I'm sure she'll look for you once she wakes up."
With the cue, Mark dismissed himself, throwing a last look at Renjun, who's also surprisingly looking back at him.
"Yeah, so..." Sion sighed and pulled something out of his pocket, handing it to Taeyong. "It's fancy seeing branded bullets."
Curious, Chenle and Jisung, who's formerly known as Dream's sniping duo, raced to the leader.
"Woah, I missed seeing that." Jisung mumbled.
"Theirs are so goldy.. and more pointy." Chenle shrugged.
Taeyong only nodded and passed the bullet to them. "You think that's the best they have?"
"I doubt it. If they're building a new community, it means their weapons upgraded too." Jisung doubtfully answered. "But I'm sure NCT's upgraded as well."
"Tsk, you knew how our weapons were already advanced back then. Mark hyung-" Chenle gasped and covered his own mouth.
The room was filled with widened eyes and hitched breaths—except for the girls.
"Mark.. what?" Yeoreum pushed more, and her soulmate just chuckled.
"Mark hyung was such an expert back then. Without the advancement, he wouldn't be known to have the most kills." Donghyuck professionally dodged the blow and glared at the young Chinese.
"Umm, why don't we call it a long day? It's almost 10." Yuta stood up and stretched his arms.
"Yeah, anyone of you wants food?" Jaemin followed.
"Me! Me!" Jungwoo was quick to respond and dragged the younger out.
One by one, the boys and the curious girls walked out, except for Taeyong, Aeri, and Renjun.
The leader's hopes suddenly rose, seeing the Chinese's eyes filling with something heavy.
"Aeri, make sure Hana won't be alone if she wakes up."
"I don't think Mark would ever step out." Aeri remarked. "Umm, I'll leave you two."
Taeyong just dismissively smiled, and Renjun curtly nodded.
As the door closed, Renjun's figure automatically collapsed on the cold tiled floor as if he's only holding up with his last strength—his face brimming with tears and his shoulders shaking.
"Oh Renjun," the older man quickly dropped in front of him and pulled him into his arms, the younger man sobbing on his shoulder.
"I..i–i–i'm..s–sor–"
"Renjun, we already told you it's none of your fault."
"Sorry," Renjun only completed, hands clutching his shirt, making Taeyong heavily sigh.
"Okay, Renjun, you're forgiven." he whispered, and let the boy cry his heart out until his weight completely draped over, signaling that he had passed asleep.
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if anyone could remember mark's past and how it is connecting with renjun now, you'll understand ^o^
