Bloodline

Chapter 29 - Afar

Haein

She was standing on the front gate where we agreed to meet, waiting for me. It only took a few steps after I parked my card on the sidewalk, I grabbed and enveloped her in my arms.

It almost drove me insane. Thoughts running through my mind on what could have happened to her. But I was so restrained with a lot of things.

The fact I cannot tell her I know she is an immortal. And that I am an immortal too.

About the Elder's mission. And about the Park's real intention. And why I approached her in the first place. The prophecies. The power of her blood.

I couldn't do anything but watch for now, hoping the red moon would never rise. I cannot warn her. It felt so helpless and frustrating.

And just contemplating on telling her everything brings me to another level of fear. Her acceptance.

Because losing her in any way is something I could never want to happen.

Jisoo

Haein wrapped me in his arms like I've been gone for centuries. He's acting like I've been harmed even though he saw me alive, kicking and unharmed.

"I can't breathe Haein." I muttered. He loosened up a bit, but never let go. My vision saw Mingue and Nini riding in a separate car, watching us. "I'm okay. Sorry if I keep you waiting."

He just inhaled sharply and I could feel him pursing his lips on my right temple.

There is something going on. And everyone around me seems to be hiding it from me.

"Can I drive you home? Let's move our weekend plans some other time." Both his voice and his body were tense. I could feel his heavy breathing against my body.

"Are you okay Haein?" I can't help but wonder. "Yeah." he murmured. I don't buy it, but I don't want to argue.

Uncle Seop won't be home until 5 and mom will be on double shift today in the hospital. I allowed him to bring me home. I glanced at the rearview mirror of the car and could still see Mingue and Nini following us.

Nini

"Do you think they'll be okay? Maybe we should go home and let them." We've been following Haein after his rampage on the Park's residence. Luckily, Jisoo is okay, but we all knew something had transpired in that one hour she had gone missing. And Jinyoung's quick healing attested to that. The warlocks had her blood.

"Are you okay?" It was Mingue's words that cut my reverie. Only that time I realized he was giving me a discerning look. Me okay?

"I'm a vampire Bat, I am okay." I've rolled my eyes on him. He had his own little rampage earlier when Jackson shoved me to the floor. I wanted to ignore that, and the endless signals he's been sending me after that abduction he did, but I am not dumb. I knew exactly what he was doing.

"Nini." It was an audible whisper, an intro of the things he'd been meaning to tell me but every single chance he had, I always cut it immediately.

"Let's go home, Mingue." Every word had emphasis and he knew right then he should stop. For the nth time, I disregarded any single chance he would talk about us. Or rather I am trying my best to avoid it.

When Haein parked the car in front of Jisoo's house, Mingue gave them a honk, a signal we are passing through. Haein nodded at us, and gave an "oh thank you look."

Mingue concentrated his eyes on the car and never spoke again and I focused my eyes on the window. Our real deal is still in question.

Ours. Us.