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𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝟎𝟏:
the one that got away
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The night seemed to went well when they were having dinner—exchanging interesting conversations among themselves, filled with laughter and delight. Not until a loud bang blew up the front door and rough voices calling Ji-Ho's name could be heard, causing the three of them to look at each other in bewilderment.
"What is that?" Baekhyun asked. His hand quickly reached his fiance's and held it tightly.
Ara's brother groaned. His eyes roamed around the table as if he was searching for a weapon, "Both of you go hide. Don't come out unless I say so."
"What about you?" Ara questioned worriedly. There's no way on earth she would ever leave her brother alone.
Especially when she knows exactly what's going on.
"I am right behind you, Ara," Ji-Ho said, trying to assure his sister, "Baekhyun, I put my trust in you."
With a slight nod, Baekhyun quickly pulled Ara with him. A lot of questions were running through his mind. From the explosive sound to the little secret he knew Ara kept from him.
It has been three years since their relationship began, but she had never exposed anything about her family to him, only Ji-Ho.
Not sure if he should feel anxious about it
Baekhyun quickly washed away the thoughts. 'It is not the right time,' he reminded himself.
As they stepped into the kitchen section, he carefully opened the storage room's door to avoid making any noise.
Ara plodded into the room with a heavy heart, looking back for one last time to see if Ji-Ho was there. She crouched down and leaned back against the wall, heaving the most profound sigh.
"Do you have anything to tell me?" Baekhyun asked.
Ara remained silent and looked down. She has a lot to tell—her family's real identity, the people who disturbed their dinner, and the hidden red diamond. But she couldn't bring herself to open up. Baekhyun used to see her as his pure and angelic woman; she didn't want to erase that image.
"1912," Ara murmured.
Right, he's the only person she could trust at the moment.
"Please remember this," Ara said, grasping Baekhyun's hand. She could see confusion across his face, but he still answered, "Of course, it's our anniversary date."
Ara forced a smile. She was certain that she could rely on him. They exchanged gazes for a few seconds before the sound of a gunshot could be heard, startling both figures.
Ara's lips started trembling. She knew this day would eventually come.
She couldn't control her shaking hands. Baekhyun quickly pulled her in his embrace, "Shh... Don't be afraid."
"No, Baekhyun. I am afraid."
Even if he pours thousands of comforting words, none of it can assure her. She knew the harsh world she was living in.
Baekhyun placed his chin on top of her head, thinking of any solution to safely bring her out of that house. He then pulled out, "Stay here."
"Where are you going?"
"Staying here will bring us nothing but anxiety. I need to grab anything to be used as a weapon."
"No!" Ara firmly held his arm. Worries flashed across her teary-eyed, "Are you crazy? There might be bulky guys out there."
"Are you looking down on me? I'm an officer for a reason." Baekhyun said, trying to bring at least a slight smile on her face.
"It's not funny." The tears in her eyes were no longer controllable as they dropped along with her small sobs.
"Hey." Baekhyun instantly cupped her face and wiped the tears away, "I will be fine. I promise. I'll be back just before you know it."
Ara sighed. She knew how persistent Baekhyun could be even though she begged him, "Please be careful."
Baekhyun nodded, kissing her cold forehead, and tried to comfort her by every means in his power. He slowly turned the doorknob, making sure not to cause any audible sound.
As he stepped out, he could see a phone on the tabletop, probably left by Ji-Ho. His eyes quickly scanned the atmosphere around that seemed to be quiet before he reached the phone and dialed 112.
Within seconds, a beep sounded, and the call was answered, "Seoul Yongsan Police Station, how can we help you?"
"Emergency. Intruders. Address— Yongsan-gu, Deoksodang-ro 04-4-10. Please come faste-"
Before Baekhyun could finish reporting the situation, a familiar high-pitched voice was screaming behind him. He immediately grasped the situation and put down the phone, turning his body with both of his hands in the air.
"Too brave, don't you think?" A guy with his left arm around Ara's neck and his right hand aimed the gun towards her head said.
"Let her go," Baekhyun uttered, clenching his jaw. If only Ara weren't there, he would've taken that jerk down.
"Pass me the Red Diamond, and I will let your beloved go."
"What diamond?" Baekhyun questioned. It was his first time hearing such a thing. As his eyes switched to Ara, he could see sudden panic seizing her.
"He doesn't know anything! Don't ask him!" Ara shouted when the gun was suddenly pointed at Baekhyun.
"Oh yeah?" The guy said, changing his target back to Ara, "So you know something, huh?"
Fears forced Ara to shut her eyes. No matter what happens, she should never expose the diamond's whereabouts. That was her promise to Ji-Ho.
"What diamond are you talking about?!" Baekhyun yelled angrily, frustrated over the fact that he knew nothing about what they were talking about.
Upon Ara wanting to explain, sounds of multiple sirens could be heard from the distance, making the guy snicker in exasperation.
"Heroes are here," He tightened the grip, "Since there's no answer--"
The trigger was pulled before Baekhyun could do anything. Blood splattered as Ara lost her strength and fell on the cold tiles.
His heart stopped as he was rooted to his place. Slowly, within a few moments that had elapsed, Baekhyun felt the world slowly crumbling apart. His hand slowly reached Ara, no longer minding the escaping guys.
"Ara..."
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- To be continued. -
