Upside Down, Around, & Absolutely Absurd | TXT FF ✅

0.13: Meeting Hydra

Our five boys soon were woken up. A man dressed casually, & with a seemingly warm smile greeted them. "마침내. 난 걱정이 되기 시작했어요." (Finally. I was beginning to worry.) This of course was unsettling. How did they end up wherever they were ?

Soobin spoke first. "Are you the voice ? The one who insisted we all come to the lake ?" The mysterious man nodded as he gestured for the boys to sit down. "I hope I didn't frighten you boys too much. That wasn't my intention."

Yeonjun spoke next. No doubt each of them having some questions. "Where exactly are we ? Who are you ? What do you really want from us ?" The man knew they'd all be curious. However, he didn't have much time for pleasant conversation. "Welcome to House Hydra. I am Sim Jeongsan, nice to make your acquaintance."

Did Jeongsan really answer the questions ? No, he did not. He was totally deflecting. "House Hydra ? Is that even real ?", Kai asked as they all slowly began taking in their surroundings. The place was very well decorated & simply calming. It seemed to be a secret room of some sort. Could it be a dungeon or a tunnel connected to the institute ?

"앞으로 며칠 안에 몇 가지 변화를 겪게 될 것입니다. 받아들이세요," (You'll be experiencing some changes in the next few days. Accept them,) Jeongsan said as his eyes seemed to linger longer on Soobin, Beomgyu, & Taehyun. The attention to the three was no accident, but Beomgyu had a feeling it was more centered on Soobin.

Jeongsan motioned for Soobin to follow him, thus leaving the four to converse amongst themselves. "Why did he only want to speak with Soobin ?", Yeonjun asked frantically fixated on his wet hair. Each of them was oddly soaked from the Lake Of Mist.

Taehyun rolled his eyes. He seemed the least interested why Soobin was treated so graciously. Huening Kai offered a bright smile. A smile that looked as if it could heal all of your worries. "정말 중요한가요? 우린 연구소의 가장 신성한 규칙을 어겼고 여기 온 지 몇 시간밖에 안 됐어요!"(Does it really matter ? We broke the most sacred rule of the institute and we've only been here a few hours !)

He was not wrong. They had broken a rule. The most important rule of all ! Don't explore the Lake Of Mist...

Meanwhile Jeongsan walked with Soobin. "I am glad you trusted me, Soobin ah. It means a lot that you did." Soobin could tell that Jeongsan was being sincere with him. Like he chose his words carefully for some reason. "Why did you want to speak with me alone then ?"

Jeongsan decided it was time to stop beating around the bush. "저는 당신이 다른 사람들을 이끌고 새로운 삶을 개척해 나가기를 바랍니다. 하이드라 가문을 연구소로 데려오려고요." (I am hoping that you'll lead the others in turning a new leaf. In bringing back House Hydra to the institute.) Soobin was just given something he never got from his father. Respect. Trust. Jeongsan was prepared to let Soobin lead what essentially would be a rebellion on the very grounds of the school his father dedicated his life to making exceptional for others.

Soobin then asked many questions. "Why would you want me to lead ? Why the five us anyway ?" Jeongsan remained calm as he answered him. "I have no doubt in my mind that you'll be a fine leader, Soobin. As for the others, they'll be who you need to make my plan work."

"이 계획은 정확히 무엇입니까? 무슨 부탁인가요?" (What is this plan exactly ? What do you want us to do ?) Jeongsan wasn't very open about his plans. He wasn't very open about much in general. It was clear from how he was acting at the moment. Why should Jeongsan tell them anything ?

This is when Soobin was told something that would solidify a definite change on not only his life, but the lives of the other four who fell into the lake as well. "I am your uncle, Soobin ah. I'd never steer you wrong. I promise you that."