Bittersweet ≈ Seonghwa [NEW!]

Bittersweet Mission

"Guys, it's 7pm, let's go."

The SKZ members filed out the door with their loaded weapons and bulletproof vests.

I checked in on San who was lying in the infirmary.

"I wish I can come with you," he sighed.

His eyes were beady with tears of frustration as he folded his fingers into a tight fist.

I pulled the blanket up to his shoulders, "Your mission is to recover. We'll be back really soon and with the other members. I promise."

"Be strong, Yeona." San advised as I exited the door. An alarm beeped, indicating a security lockdown on the headquarters.

Be strong... it's not like I have a choice.

8.30pm

Minho pulled the van up into a dark shadow under a tree where we can't be seen.

I loaded my gun, holding it downwards as we pushed into the building. Changbin counted to 3 with his fingers before slamming the front door open.

The others flowed in after him, shots followed afterwards and I hear my cue to enter.

I ran to the trap door, pulling it open. Jeongin and Hyunjin following me closely from behind.

"They're in here!" I shot at the lock and kicked the door open, revealing a very bloodied, dried up Mingi.

Jeongin and Hyunjin shot at every lock, releasing the members of Ateez.

"One...two..three..four..five..six..." I counted.

"Where's Seonghwa?" I exclaimed. Kicking through every door I see in panic.

I ran back up, where Bangchan was about to shoot one more member from NCT but I stopped him.

"WAIT-"

Bangchan lowered his gun, cocked his head one side in confusion.

I marched up to the man, "Where's Seonghwa?"

The man's gaze turned away from me, keeping silent.

"Hey I'm talking to you, where is he?!" I shouted, my voice was intimidating and scary but I didn't care.

Deep down, I was so scared. What if he died?

My mouth went dry as I aimed my gun at his thigh, "Please don't make me shoot you. Where is Seonghwa?"

Just as I was about to intimidate him more, Felix clapped in, "Guys, we've got company."

Seungmin quickly pulled me away into a light embrace as Bangchan finished the job.A loud shot rang by my ears.

Oh my god, is he-?...I wanted to look back at the man whom I was just talking to but Seungmin kept my head forward.

"Captain focus, you can't look. Let's move."

We all ran out to front yard, ready to escape when we notice the shadow of a man, holding another man at gun point.

"I knew it, Yeona. I knew you would be here!"

That man was my real dad, the damn SME boss, and he was holding a very weak Seonghwa by the neck with his arm.

Just like all the other members, Seonghwa was shocked to see me.

"Great job, Yeona. You blew your cover! You were supposed to be dead to him!"

I marched forward, "Hey! Let him go!"

"Come any closer and I'll shoot!" Dad threatened.

Enough is enough, I've had it!

I cocked my gun, aiming it at dad, "Please just let him go! He's had enough, don't you think?"

Out of nowhere, mom emerged from out of a nearby car.

"Yeona! What are you doing?!" she yelled, covering her mouth.

"Whose side are you on, mom?" I shouted back.

I shook my head, "I'm not putting down this gun until you let him go!"

Dad snickered, "Say that you'll take over SME and I'll set him free."

I looked back at the other members who were looking back at me with pity in their eyes. They all look so distraught and destroyed, I wouldn't be surprised if they told me they just survived a zombie apocalypse.

"But-"

"ONE...." Dad counted.

I have to make a choice.

"TWO..."

If I really love Seonghwa, I have to think of him before myself.

"THR-"

I dropped my gun, "OKAY LET HIM GO PLEASE!"

Dad's raised an eyebrow and pushed Seonghwa forward, causing him to fall to his knees.

But his gun remained aimed at him.

"Anyone tries anything funny, I'll shoot. Come Yeona."

My heart is aching, my arms were dying to hug Seonghwa who was on the floor coughing.

"Can I please hold him for one last time before I go?" I begged.

Mom who had reached by dad's side, nodded, "Just let her hold him for a bit. At least she won't hate us so much if we do."

Not true. I'll hate you so much no matter what you do.

Dad who still hasn't rested his gun arm, rolled his eyes, "I give 30 seconds."

Without a thought, I ran to Seonghwa's arms.

He was cold and bloodied, dirty and messy but all I could think of was holding him tightly, crying.

"You're alive...you didn't die-" He croaked.

Amidst all the tears and heavy sobbing, the only thing I could cough out was, "I love you" and "I'm sorry."

Seonghwa, though weak, kissed my cheek and buried his face into the crook of my neck. I felt his hot cheeks and cold tears against my skin, making me cry harder.

"Time's up. Let's move it, tramp."

Dad pulled me up by my hair, earning a stern look from mom.

I gripped on dad's wrist, "Promise me if I come with you, you will not hurt them?"

"WELL-"

"PROMISE ME," I looked him dead in the eye."

"I promise."

With that and a heavy heart, I dragged my feet to dad's car, mom tagging along by my side.

I urged to turn around and look at the members one last time. But I knew, if I did, I would never follow my dad.

It was a bittersweet moment that I had carried with me through the years that followed.