𝔻𝕀𝕊𝕋ℝ𝕀ℂ𝕋 ℕ𝕀ℕ𝔼 «재현»

15

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ꜰɪꜰᴛᴇᴇɴ

As they cautiously entered the seemingly deserted area, an eerie stillness hung in the air. The only sound was the soft crunch of their footsteps in the sand. However, that peace was shattered by the sudden eruption of gunshots, sending a hail of bullets whizzing through the atmosphere. One round impacted the ground just inches in front of Jaehyun, creating a cloud of dust and debris as a stark warning.

"Stay on your knees!" a commanding voice boomed through the chaos as a large group of armed individuals swiftly advanced toward the startled teenagers. "Head to the ground!"

Obediently, they all sprawled flat on the ground, their trembling hands raised above their heads. Amid the tense confrontation, Jaehyun attempted to reason with one of the armed strangers, "Hey, we're not armed." His plea, however, was met with a stern command to be silent.

Suddenly, a new voice intervened, drawing closer to the teenager with auburn hair. "Jeong Jaehyun?"

Confusion etched across Jae's face as he locked eyes with this stranger who seemed to know his name. It was only when their features came into focus that Jaehyun's furrowed brows registered recognition. "Mark?"

Acknowledging Jaehyun's identity, Mark Lee swiftly issued orders to his comrades, prompting them to lower their weapons and stand down. In a surprising turn of events, he pulled Jaehyun into an embrace that conveyed both relief and apology. "I'm sorry, dude. I didn't know it was you."

Jaehyun reciprocated the sentiment with understanding. "It's okay. Wait, I thought you were with Mingyu."

Mark smiled, "I was, and we managed to make it through the fields, all thanks to you."

The other teenagers, having risen from the ground, now stood alongside Jaehyun with arms crossed and their posture defensive.

"Wait... is this..."

Mark grinned and nodded in confirmation. "You found it."

A sense of disbelief washed over Jaehyun as he processed the revelation. "No way..."

Jaehyun couldn't contain his laughter as he placed his hands on top of his head in sheer disbelief that they had actually discovered it. Filled with a whirlwind of emotions, Trinity embraced him with a teary cry, and he responded in kind, drawing her closer. Yuta soon joined the hug, and for a moment, the three of them held each other tightly.

In the end, East River turned out to be nothing more than a camping ground, a large one at that. Considering the anticipation built up by Mark and the others, one might have believed they were approaching the gates of Heaven, rather than a camping site formerly known as the Green Valley Retreat.

Once they reached the clearing, which they assumed had once been used for campers to set up tents, dozens of kids flooded their vision immediately. Laughter reverberated through the air as each child was immersed in their own activities. Some energetically engaged in a spirited game of volleyball, while others engaged in friendly races.

"Everyone looks so happy," Trinity observed, her grip on the hands holding hers growing stronger. The moment had an almost dreamlike quality to it. It was hard to believe that they had, at last, reached safety, and she received from the boys beside her.

"We don't segregate by colors here." Jaehyun's dark-haired friend began, waving and smiling at the kids they passed. "We respect our differences, but we're all the same."

"Now, let's go. It's time to meet the Slip Kid."

Mark took the lead, guiding the trio into a solidly constructed building. Upon entering, they were led into what appeared to be a makeshift office space. As Lee slid the door open, it emitted a creaking sound, drawing the attention of the person within the room. Heads turned towards them, and a hushed excitement filled the air as the group of friends couldn't help but gawk at the presence of none other than the President's son and psionic wonderboy, Im Sehun.

"You've gotta be kidding me!" Jaehyun exclaimed with a smirk, and Yuta couldn't help but comment, "I knew you weren't reformed."

Sehun's head fell back in laughter at the blonde's words, and he reached a hand out between them with a grin. "Ah yes, the hero trio who broke a hundred kids out of Veridale."

The boys warmly shook hands with laughter and smiles. It was as if they had known each other in a previous life. Yet, Im Sehun couldn't help but direct his attention toward the only female presence in the room. His expression was a mix of disbelief, as if he were meeting his childhood idol.

"You must be Trinity," he gushed excitedly, his admiration for her powers evident in his words. He quickly regained his composure and gestured towards the trio of friends.

"I'm honestly honored to meet all of you," Sehun continued with fervor. "You're kind of legendary. We have a lot of work ahead, and we'll need your assistance, but first, you all deserve some rest. I'm sure the journey has left you tired." Sehun folded his hands in contemplation before turning to Mark. "I'm thinking cabin 27."

In response to Sehun's decision, Mark nodded obediently, showing his willingness to follow the Slip Kid's lead. "Let's get settled," he said, addressing his friends. "We're going to have a great time tonight."

As Mark guided the trio out of the building, the words of the President's son lingered in the air. "Welcome home, guys," he called after them.

However, what went unnoticed by the others was how Sehun's gaze lingered on Trinity, his attention fixated on her even after she had disappeared from his line of sight.