End To Start || Haechan

13

AN- I think this is the longest chapter I have ever written ㅠㅠ

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I was staring out of the car window in silence as we drove past a row of old shabby buildings. A rush of uncertainty filled me after noticing we were headed further and further away from the city.

"Where exactly are we going?" I squinted my eyes when we turned down a bumpy dirt road.

"It's a secret," Haechan pursed his lips, seemingly nervous.

"You're not planning on murdering me and burying my body in the city outskirts are you?"

He chuckled, relaxing a bit from his stiff position.

"No not exactly," He teased, "I'm taking you somewhere that's very special to me."

"Somewhere special?" I began to interrogate him, "and this place...it requires me wearing sweat pants and a t-shirt?"

I turned to look at Haechan who wasn't wearing anything much different. Black cargo pants, plain black t-shirt with a white logo, and a pair of red sneakers.

"I wouldn't say required, but you'll be a lot more comfortable than in some frilly outfit."

"And you swear you aren't going to kill me?" I peered at him with squinted eyes.

He chuckled, placing one hand on my thigh as the other continued to grip the steering wheel.

For a short second I felt the oxygen leave my body. But it was only that, only a second. It didn't mean anything. Right?

"I swear," He answered in a soft reassuring tone.

And just as quickly as it was placed, it was gone, a lingering warmth remaining where his hand had been.

"We're here," He stated as we pulled into a dirt driveway leading to a shabby rundown looking building.

"What is this place?" I asked as he put his car in park, shutting off the engine.

"You'll see," he replied, stepping out of the car.

He made his way around the car, opening the door for me. I hesitantly took his hand, letting him lead me up the dirt path.

We arrived at a large rusty gate bordering the outside of the building. Haechan pressed a brown buzzer, looking into a small security camera placed slightly above where we were standing. After a few seconds of waiting, the gate was unlocked.

I furrowed my eyebrows, watching my surroundings carefully as I followed Haechan closely. We passed through a small garden  filled with many vegetables, the path changing from dirt to laid cobblestone as we approached the front door.

Without knocking, Haechan opened the door and led me in. I assumed whoever we were meeting with was expecting us after seeing us arrive at the outside gate.

As we entered, my eyes were immediately drawn to a wall filled with multiple photo frames of children. Before I could ask anything, a middle aged woman came to greet us.

"Good morning Mr. Lee, we weren't expecting you back so soon. And I see you've brought along a friend," She smiled and took my hand,"It's very nice to meet you."

I returned the smile and nodded,"You as well."

"I'll go ahead and let the children know you are here," She told Haechan.