LAVENDER || PARK SUNGHOON ff

CHAPTER 14

A loud bang echoed through the headquarters, making everyone in the room flinch. Lee Soman, the boss, was red with anger as he slammed his fist on the table. It had been three days since his daughter had gone missing, and his frustration was boiling over.

"What are you all doing? Why haven't we found any leads on my daughter?" Lee Soman's voice was thunderous, each word filled with rage.

His subordinates avoided eye contact, nervous under his intense gaze. Lee Taeyong, standing across from him, tried to remain calm. "We're still working on it, Dad. Mark is trying to install the CCTV footage from the area, but there's a virus from a professional hacker complicating things."

Lee Soman's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "I want you, Karina, to assist him immediately. Get those cameras up and running and find out where she was last seen. I need results, now!"

Karina, with a look of determination, nodded vigorously. "Yes, Boss! I'll get on it right away."

Haechan, feeling the weight of the situation heavily, stood up and bowed deeply. "I'm so sorry, Boss. If I hadn't left her alone that day, this might not have happened."

The room fell silent. Haechan's face was pale, his guilt palpable. He had not slept since Winter's disappearance, consumed by worry.

Lee Soman's voice cut through the silence, icy and resolute. "I don't want to hear any more excuses. Focus solely on finding her. If there's any news, inform me immediately."

Jaehyun, standing next to Haechan, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder and guided him back into his chair. "Don't worry, Haechan. We'll find her."

Taeyong interjected, his tone serious. "Dad, I suspect the Hybe Clan might be involved. Their relationship with us is notoriously bad, and it's possible they knew about Winter's connection to us. That could be why they kidnapped her."

Lee Soman's eyes widened with panic. "No, that can't be true! I refuse to let them take Winter away. She doesn't belong in this cruel world!"

"We're not certain yet, but it's prudent to investigate them as well, just in case. Now, continue with your work," Lee Soman ordered sternly.

Everyone moved swiftly to their tasks, the tension in the room almost tangible. Lee Soman rarely lost his composure, but this situation had pushed him to his limits. His daughter was everything to him and his family, and the chaos of her disappearance was almost too much to bear.

Haechan clenched his fists, his eyes welling with unshed tears. He cursed whoever had taken Winter, feeling a profound sense of responsibility and anger. He remembered why he had to leave Winter that day: NCT 127 had been called away on a secret mission. He had been ordered to keep the details from Winter, a directive from her father. Yet, Winter had somehow already known part of the truth.

---

In a quieter part of the headquarters, Sunoo finished tending to Winter's wounds. He applied the final bandages with a cheerful demeanor. "Okay, I see your wounds are healing nicely. Just need to clean them once a day now. You're recovering well."

Winter gave a soft hum of acknowledgment. As Sunoo packed up his supplies, she stared blankly at her legs, lost in thought.

"So, what should we do now?" Sunoo asked, looking at her with a hopeful expression.

Winter shrugged, not sure what to suggest. "I'm not sure. What do you think?"

Sunoo's face brightened. "How about we watch some movies? It'll be fun!"

Winter's face lit up with a smile. "I'd like that!"

Sunoo grabbed his blanket and a soft peach pillow from the sofa, and they headed to the living room. As they walked, Sunoo looked curious. "I forgot to ask, where did you get those clothes?"

Winter explained, "After I finished washing my plate, I was heading back when I bumped into your boss. He gave me permission to shower and said I could use the clothes from that room. He also said I could stay there."

Sunoo's face lit up with realization. "Oh, right! I totally forgot Sunghoon hyung told me about that. Sorry for not remembering sooner!"

Winter chuckled. "It's okay."

They settled onto the leather couch. "Why did you ask?" Winter inquired.

Sunoo laughed. "I just wondered if you'd bought the clothes yourself. But then I remembered, you were kidnapped, so it makes sense you didn't get a chance to shop."

He continued with a reassuring grin, "Don't worry about the clothes. The room is for guest use, and I decorated it and stocked it with girls' clothes. If you need anything else, just let me know. I'll make sure you're comfortable."

Winter smiled warmly at Sunoo's kindness. "Thank you, Sunoo. I really appreciate it."

At that moment, Jake walked in from the entrance. "Hey, guys. I just went to visit Layla at the vet."

Sunoo perked up. "How's she doing?"

Jake sat down beside them. "She loves playing with other dogs, so I decided to let her stay a few more days."

Sunoo chuckled. "She must be having a great time then. Let her enjoy herself."

Jake turned to Winter and Sunoo. "So, what are we doing now?"

Sunoo's eyes sparkled with excitement. "We're about to watch some movies. Do you want to join us?"

Jake grinned. "Sure, I'd love to!"

As they prepared for their movie night, Winter felt a sense of comfort in the camaraderie of her new friends, even amidst the uncertainty surrounding her. The warmth of their kindness and the distraction of the films offered a small respite from the chaos and worry that loomed over her.

***********

Hi my darlings! ❤️

I'm back with a new chapter for you today! I've been at home recovering from a bad fever that hit my whole family, but I'm feeling much better now. I hope you're all staying healthy and safe too.

Sending all my love and best wishes to you! ❤️

Your author, 
[Ichaa]
🌸