THE GIFTED | STRAY KIDS ✔

24

Seungmin's nerves were on edge as he observed the infamous villain stepping into their van to converse with Felix. The leader had granted Felix permission to engage with one of them. One Felix specially requested.

Everyone was highly anxious about the possibility of Felix getting harmed, but none felt as scared as Hyunjin. He had been restless ever since they woke up that day.

As the van door closed behind the villain, all eyes remained fixed on it. For the next few minutes, they would be left in suspense, unaware of what was transpiring inside.

"I've disabled my Bluetooth device," Felix informed as they both took their seats.

"Why did you ask for me?" the masked and robotic-voiced villain inquired.

"I believe you already know," Felix replied, and the villain let out what sounded like a sigh.

"I made a mistake," the villain began. "I shouldn't... shouldn't have helped you."

"But you did," Felix responded. "Why...?"

"Felix," the villain uttered.

"You... you know my name?" Felix questioned, his eyes widening.

"Of course, I do," the villain gazed at him, his eyes barely visible yet filled with sincerity. "God. If only you knew how much I know."

"Then tell me," Felix pleaded. "Provide me with more closure, please. Maybe... just maybe, it will help us understand where you're coming from. We can put an end to all this chaos. Please, if you could just tell me."

"That," the villain began, "I can not do. At least, not yet. Oh, Felix, you have no idea how much we... how much I want to tell you, but I simply can't. Not right now."

"Then at least answer me this," Felix said, his gaze unwavering. "Do you... do you know me? Or any of us? You knew about Hyunjin's abilities before he even demonstrated them, and you knew my name as well. I can't help but wonder how you know us when we don't know a thing about you."

"Fine, I will tell you this," the villain spoke. "We... we are acquainted with all of you. We are aware of your strengths and weaknesses like the back of our hands. I can't explain why or how, but yes, we know all eight of you."

"I..." Felix was rendered speechless. "Do we... know you, then?"

The villain let out another sigh before standing up. "I believe our conversation is over for today. I should return."

Felix wanted to object and stop him, but he knew he couldn't overstep his boundaries. Who knows if they would ever be allowed to speak again.

"Oh, and Felix," the villain said, briefly turning back. "Don't trust everyone. Not everything is as it appears. Sometimes, distinguishing right from wrong will be difficult. Remember that. We will speak again. Soon."

"Okay," Felix muttered as he watched the villain exit the van, closing the door behind him.

A few minutes later, Hyunjin rushed in frantically. He broke into a wide smile upon seeing Felix unharmed and hurried over to embrace him.