Map of the Soul 7 Saga Book 3 - Home

Home Chapter 12

"Where are you?" Won Sang demanded, her voice sharp.

I tried to stay calm. "Hi, Won Sang," I said, hinting at her rudeness.

She laughed, but it sounded hollow. "Sorry. I'm at your house. You're not here."

My palms were sweaty as I lied, "Holden and I are on a weekend trip."

"A trip?" Won Sang's voice was filled with suspicion. "Why didn't you tell me?"

I felt trapped. "We like surprise adventures," I said, forcing a smile at Holden.

Won Sang's sigh made me shiver. "I could have watched your house," she said, her tone oddly intense.

"No need," I said quickly, my heart pounding.

Won Sang kept pushing. "Where are you going?"

I invented a story about random map points, my voice shaking slightly.

"Which train station?" Won Sang pressed, her questions feeling more like an interrogation.

"Toward Daegu," I lied again, feeling sick.

There was a long pause. "Okay. Have fun," Won Sang said coldly before hanging up.

I stared at my phone, a chill running down my spine. Why did Won Sang seem so angry? What did she want?

Then Holden interrupted my thoughts: "Mommy, why are you lying so much? And why do you sound so serious when you talk to JK? What's the matter, mommy?" I look down at my smart boy and smile.

"Nothing, babe. We are being ninjas today, and JK is just playing along," I bite my lip. I hate lying to him.

"Oh", he smiles. I added that Mi Hi will let us have a sleepover with her and her son, Chul.

Holden's eyes light up. "Really? Oh yeah!" He looks out the window and starts to hum what I think might be "Seven." It's been a few years since that song came out, and I'm surprised he remembers it. Plus, it's not the best song for a 5-year-old. His singing brings me a small comfort amongst the fear I am feeling. Holden has always had that effect of being able to calm my anxiety. I was grateful for my son in this terrifying situation.

We finally arrived at Topcol Park. After getting off the bus, we walked to a less crowded area, and I looked for the street signs nearest to us. I called a taxi and told them where to pick us up. I kept looking around to see if anyone was following us, but no one was around, so I sighed in relief. The taxi arrived, and I cautiously looked inside. The driver seemed normal, so we got in. I gave him the address to Mi Hi place and kept looking around to see if we were being followed, but everything seemed normal.

As we arrived at Mi Hi's home, I approached the door and rapped my knuckles against it. Suddenly, Mi Hi forcefully tugged me and Holden in. After a brief pause, she glanced outside, closed the door, and turned the lock.

Then, she knelt to greet Holden with a warm "Hey buddy." She was much better at hiding her emotions than I was, and my hands shook as I stood there.

He smiles but looks at both of us and says, "Why are you all acting so weird?"

I looked down at him and said, "Remember, we are all playing ninjas today." putting on a fake smile.

Chul bursts out of his room, calling out excitedly for Holden. The two friends embrace in a warm hug before dashing off to Chul's room to play. Their laughter fills the air as they immerse themselves in their games and adventures.

Mi Hi guided me to a seat and spoke softly, "Okay, I've talked to the BigHit staff and security, and they need a few days to devise a plan. So, you stay here with me, my sweet girl." As she side-hugged me, she leaned her head gently on my shoulder, offering comfort amid uncertainty.