Insomnia ◑ A K-Pop Mafia Story

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Parking the car behind Doyoung's, Daechul turned off the engine and climbed out. What stood before her was the Residence Hall of NCT and next to it was Seventeen's. She had never stepped foot on the property before but the families had arranged nearly a military base. Soldiers patrolled about the place like hawks, eyeing her unfamiliarity.

"We're here," Doyoung announced, giving Daechul a wide grin.

"I can see that," she replied.

The three of them entered NCT's Residence Hall. The building split into three different hallways, creating a T-like shape. There were dorm rooms lined up on either side and then straight across were the living spaces. It reminded Daechul of a college dorm building or a set of barracks. Maybe a healthy combination between the two.

"The rooms are all occupied but we can move you in with someone," Doyoung said, pausing in the entry room. "Joshua, you don't have a roommate in your building, do you? I suddenly remembered."

Joshua shook his head, "I don't. I used to share it with Seungkwan but we recently switched rooms."

"Perfect," Doyoung turned to Daechul, "Do you want to move in with him? You know him anyway."

Shrugging, she responded, "That's fine with me. I called for some of the soldiers to pack my things and move them here."

"I can give her a tour of our place so you can get back to work," Joshua offered. Doyoung accepted and gave her a quick hug before disappearing. "It's nice to see you again," he said, smiling at Daechul.

She nodded, "It is. I wondered what had happened to you after you left."

"I'm sorry that I had to," he apologized, strolling through the rest of NCT's building. "I didn't have much of a choice back then. If it changes anything...I was still there looking out for you."

"I never saw you."

Joshua gave her a sad smile, "I know, and I saw everything. But at least you were happy once everything was over."

Daechul chewed the inside of her lip, "Did it upset you? Were you hurt?"

"It hurt more that I couldn't be beside you to protect you," he answered, "If you were truly happy then it could have been bearable."

Once they had fully walked through NCT's dorm house, they stopped outside on the steps. The next place would be Seventeen's building but Daechul wanted to get an honest answer for something she had been wondering for a long time.

"Joshua."

He stopped, looking back at her, "What is it?"

"What exactly were we back then?"

He thought for a moment.

Warm rays showered through the ceiling window in the training room. A few of the windows had been opened to allow a fresh late spring breeze to flow through. Daechul lay, collapsed, on the floor mat.

She let out an exhausted sigh, "I don't get why Namjoon wants me to train if I'm only going to be cooped up in this place."

Joshua exited the towel closet and sat down next to her, sweat dripping from his temples. "I think you just need to trust him for now. He wants you to be able to take care of yourself."

"I'm not complaining," she muttered, "I just don't understand it, but I don't think I actually want to. I like things how they are right now."

He chuckled softly, leaning over her and gently bringing the clean towel to her face, "I like how things are now too."

"Promise you'll never leave?" she raised her pinky finger.

"I promise," he linked his pinky finger with hers and they sealed the promise with their thumbs.

"You can call it what you like, but I was in love."