LAVENDER || PARK SUNGHOON ff

CHAPTER 22

"Winter" a voice called out, shaking Winter from her slumber. Her eyes snapped open, and she found Sunghoon and Taeyong kneeling in front of her.

"Yes?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

"Are you okay?" Sunghoon's tone was gentle but filled with concern. Winter nodded as she pushed herself up from the sofa, offering them a faint smile.

"Yeah, I'm fine." She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her gaze flitting between the two men who were now standing.

"What's your answer?" Winter's voice held a mix of hope and anxiety as she looked at both of them. She pressed her palms together, silently praying for the best outcome.

"1...2...3...Yes! No!" they said in unison.

Winter's heart soared for a split second before crashing back down. The joy that had briefly lit up her face vanished as she realized Taeyong had said 'no.'

"What? Why?!" Winter's voice cracked with frustration as she glared at her brother, her fists clenching.

Taeyong immediately held up his hands, a playful grin on his face as he grabbed her fist. "Wait, wait! I'm kidding! Just kidding!" he chuckled, dodging her almost-swung fist.

Winter exhaled deeply, her tension melting into a reluctant smile.

"It's a deal then. We'll believe in you guys and uncover the truth together. I don't want to see my sister unhappy anymore." Taeyong's serious tone softened as he smiled down at Winter.

"And yeah, same with us," Sunghoon added, his expression turning more intense. "Let's cooperate and keep things honest. But remember, whoever betrays first will have a heavy debt to pay." His words were delivered with a chilling grin.

"Yay!" Winter's smile returned in full force, her relief spilling over as she jumped up and down. Taeyong watched her fondly, his heart swelling with affection. It had been so long since he'd seen her this happy.

"But there's one condition," Sunghoon interjected, his voice serious once more. "We have to keep this from our parents as much as possible. If they find out, it won't be easy to fix things."

"Yeah, you're right," Taeyong agreed. "But don't worry, I'll handle the investigation carefully once we're back. I've got my team on it." He turned to his own members with a proud smile.

"Don't worry, hyung! We've got your back, even if it means putting our lives on the line," Jaehyun vowed, standing resolutely by Taeyong's side. The others nodded in unison, their loyalty palpable.

"We're here for you too, Sunghoon hyung," Niki chimed in with confidence, drawing chuckles from the group with his youthful enthusiasm. Sunghoon's lips curled into a small smile.

Winter watched the scene unfold, her heart swelling with warmth. This might be just the beginning, but seeing the people she loved coming together gave her a deep sense of comfort and hope.

"How about you two shake hands to seal the deal?" Winter suggested, her excitement bubbling over.

Sunghoon and Taeyong hesitated, glancing at each other warily. But under Winter's persistent gaze, they eventually relented, sharing an awkward but meaningful handshake.

"What about her then?" Jake suddenly asked, breaking the light mood. "Is she still staying with us?"

All eyes turned to Winter. Her expression faltered, and she cast her gaze downward, her fingers fidgeting.

"Do you want to go back home, Winnie?" Taeyong's voice was soft, coaxing her to open up.

Winter stayed silent for a long moment, her thoughts a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. "I...I'm not ready to face Dad yet," she admitted quietly, her voice trembling.