Bittersweet ≈ Seonghwa [NEW!]

Haven

With my small luggage tied to the back of his motorbike, I rode with Seonghwa towards the back of town.

We rode on a concrete pathway through a really empty and secluded area that I've never been to. We turned a corner and went past an abandoned house. I expected there to be a dead end but instead, right behind it hiding, was a black luxurious house with tall glass windows, and a small fountain that greeted us behind the gates.

Seonghwa pressed a button by the gate, talking into the intercom.

The gates opened shortly after and we rode in.

"Hey, where are we?"

I asked as I slipped the helmet off my head. Seonghwa who had already kept his helmet, chuckled.

His hand reached up to my hair, fixing it.

"I live here."

My jaw dropped. I scanned the exterior of the luxurious house. It looks so lush, I bet it costs more than my entire savings, plus the apartment in Singapore and the house here, combined!

Seonghwa untied my luggage and took my hand, leading me into the building.

The doors opened up to an open concept living room.

Everything was black and gold, the sofa was black, the carpet was furry black with a glass coffee table infront of it. Gold chandelier hung from the ceilings.

(Here's a sample you can refer to...but you imagine it however you'd like)

Compared to this place, my place was a literal dump. I nervously glanced at Seonghwa who led me up the stairs and through a long hallway of rooms.

He reached the last door at the very end of the hall and pushed it open.

I gasped at the sight of the room in front of me.

"Feel free to make yourself at home," Seonghwa says as he carried my luggage into the walk-in closet beside his bed.

I cocked my head aside in confusion, "Is this my room?"

A soft chuckle escaped his lips at my question, "This is uhm-my room actually."

I can feel my ears grow red with embarrassment.

Seonghwa tucked his hands in his pockets as he slowly walked towards the door.

"I know you haven't slept or showered, so I'll leave you to do so. Ok? I'll be right downstairs if you need anything."

The door shut and all I could do was stand in the middle of the room in awe.

Why is he suddenly so nice to me? I'm so confused right now but at the same time, this house is so luxurious, I feel like I shouldn't be asking him so many questions and just be thankful at the moment.

Time check: 8.00AM

I have an hour til my job at the barbeque restaurant. I'll skip sleep for today and quickly get ready.

After a quick 10 minutes shower, I dried my hair and put on a simple red tee and jeans. As usual, I pinned my hair up into a messy bun and ran out the door, down the stairs.

I expected to see just Seonghwa probably sitting on the sofa but instead, the others, Hongjoong, Yunho, Mingi, Yeosang, San, Wooyoung and Jongho were there too.

They seemed as if they were discussing something. And they don't look too happy to see me either, except for Seonghwa.

Seonghwa's eyes lit up seeing me all dressed to go out, "Where are you going?"

"I've got work at KBBQ," I replied as I descended the stairs.

He nodded, "Need a ride?"

"It's ok! I've got another job at the cinema afterwards too so I'll be back here..well, tomorrow actually."

San scoffed, "Don't you ever take a day off and get a life, loser?"

For a split second, I saw Seonghwa glare in his direction. But I quickly gave a quick, smart reply.

"This IS my life no matter how tiring it can be. What'd you do with yours? Waste it on being a jerk?"

I walked up to Seonghwa and bent forward, giving him a friendly hug.

"Thanks for everything," I whispered before leaving the house for work.

+ Seonghwa's POV

I watched her figure disappear behind the door as she leaves.

But as soon as I turned back to the members, they were giving me an annoyed look.

"What?" I questioned.

Hongjoong sighs as he slumped into the armchair, "What were you thinking? I don't trust her and trust me when I say, she's going to find out if she stays here long enough."

Mingi rose his hand as he spoke, "I agree. She's suspicious. What if she works for RV? Or worse, NCT?"

Wooyoung butts in, "What if she's from NCT AND wants you dead because, you're the best fighter in KQ?"

"You let her slip right into our hideout!" San scolded.

I shook my head, "Stop it, she genuinely needs help ok? Trust me, I can see that she's struggling in life with her dad and she needed a place to stay and-her problems are just..."

A wave of silence washed over us as I couldn't seem to continue until...

"...she reminds you of your old self huh?" Hongjoong carefully asks, concern written all over his face.

Past memories of my struggles without my parents was like I was dying but I was still alive.

Life was so hard back then..

Until I started working for KQ. All I had to do was stand by during deals, shoot whoever's the target, protect our boss' identity, and I earn thousands within a week.

I even met the best group of friends I could ever ask for, through this job.

To avoid getting the pity eyes from my teammates, I quickly brushed off my feelings.

"Look I have a mission to get to. Boss wants me to eavesdrop on a couple NCT members about a business deal. I'll be back tonight."

I picked up my jacket and tucked a gun in my back pocket before heading out.

+ Hongjoong's POV

The minute Seonghwa left, I got up.

"I still don't trust her. Let's follow her," I nudged Yunho to move and we all filed out the door, weapons hidden under our clothing and a cap to keep our faces hidden from surveillance cameras.

As we all got into the van, I started the engine while letting out a deep sigh.

"I just hope I'm wrong about her."