/ Run Away /- Jeongin

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 21

A week has passed since I, apparently, fainted on the streets. I don't remember much, only till I had left the convenience store to head to the boy's house. The doctor told me I couldn't withstand the amount of chemicals in my body causing me to become unconscious. Other than that, nothing was wrong.

Although there was just one thing.

Innie has been acting different these days. Always making sure I was okay and following me everywhere I go. Not complaining thought, but sometimes it gets a bit too much. The nightmares have started to come back. Something was worrying him but I didn't want to overthink too much.

"Innie, I'm fine." I look into Jeongin's yellow eyes, mesmerising me for the hundredth time today. He relaxes his eyebrows and pulls me in for a hug. I wrap my arms around his tiny waist and burry my head onto his chest. He stroke my hair softly and mumbles into my ear, "I'm just worried. Too many things have happened. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Eh 'em."

I let go of Jeongin and see Seungmin standing by the kitchen door looking disgusted as ever. He shakes his head side by side and starts washing the plates in his hand. "Lovers."

"Leave us alone, puppy," I deadpan, heading over to help him out.

The boy hands me some of the plates to dry out. Innie had walked out of the kitchen to serve the customers. Now with the second branch open, the business here isn't as busy as it was. Mr Kim is taking a break after the opening, leaving Chan in charge again.

Ding

"What are you doing tomorrow?" I ask Seungmin.

"Oh, just gonna hand out with Ashley and Felix," he replies, still scrubbing off the dirt of the plate in his hand, "You really shouldn't hide it from him."

I was bewildered by his remark. I had wondered what I had done to make the boy think I was hiding something from 'him'.

"Why didn't you tell us anything, Seoyeon." Seungmin stopped washing up and looked straight at me in the most serious expression I've ever seen. I knew I was screwed, but as much as I know how much trouble I got myself into, I had no clue what Seungmin was referring to.

"Speak words, Seungmin," I tell him. I place the cup I was holding back down, facing him.

"Unregistered number."

My eyes grew wide. I felt myself tense up as the seconds passed by. I was not expecting anyone to know, I showed this to absolutely no one, not even my closest ones. I dare not to get anyone involved.

"H-How..." Words couldn't be formed. I tried to think of ways Seungmin could have gotten a clue, but nothing crossed my mind.

"I'm sorry, I should use my abilities on you. But I was concerned." Seungmin looks away with a guilty look. So many question marks were in my head, Seungmin noticed my confused face and started explaining everything.

"Memories," he says softly, "I can scan through everyone's memories. At least, the one you remember the most of." He turns to lean back on the countertop. "I've always wondered what had you worried for so long. Now I know," the boy jokes.

I hit his shoulder and lean back on the countertop with him. Seungmin's confession got me wondering if that was why dad saw those yellow eyes.

"So, puppy, what else can I hide from you," I laugh at his still guilty expression.

"Nothing really. But I can stop looking if you want," he boy says.

"I'd rather not. I don't like explaining," I deadpan.

"But seriously, you shouldn't hide it." Seungmin turns serious once again. I nod despite not knowing whether I want to let this out of my head yet.

"When I'm ready," I simply tell him before exiting the kitchen.

I have an early shift. I'm planning on going back home early to make up the time lost from my most recent project. I had an average of an hour of sleep, not so healthy right? Innie sees me walking over to the storage room. He trails behind me as I untie my apron, taking it off.

"You're leaving?" Innie asks as I opened my locker.

"Yeah, I need to sleep," I tell him. He holds the locker door in place while I put my jacket on and swung my bag over my shoulder.

"Shall I take you home?" He asks, still holding onto the door. I place my hand on top of his, slowly closing the locker. I rub his palm softly with my thumb.

"I'll be fine. It's half 4 in the afternoon, the sun is still up." I close the distance between us, keeping him in my embrace, wrapping my arms around his torso. "I will be okay," I reassure him before letting go. "Besides, the cafe still needs you."

The bustling noise of the cafe can be heard from here. I could hear Chan's voice taking customer's orders. It's peak hour in the cafe, everyone is dying for a drink. Innie softly strokes my head and looks into my eyes. As our eyes started to turn yellow, he kisses my forehead.

"Stay safe," he said before walking out of the room.

I leave the cafe feeling extremely drained from all the work that had to be done. I still had a year end project to prepare but I just couldn't be bothered to start yet. Maybe I can ask Ashley to start off first. I immediately text her and she gladly agreed.

I started to get anxious when I got closer to home. There was a path leading uphill that was darker than usual even in daylight. This was the only way to get back. So many things have happened in alleyways it actually made me feel worse. I take out my phone and opened the message from the unregistered number.

Unregistered number

Embrace yourself

These two simple words made me halt my steps. My heart beat raced, I couldn't contain it. I stared at the message one more time. Who is it this time? I was the only one who's left alone. I wanted to quicken my pace back home but as I got to the corner, my eyes were attacked by a mist. My eyes close automatically, tears were running down my face. It was pepper spray. Another sound of spraying can be heard. I covered my mouth and nose when I realised why it had a strong smell. Suddenly, a hand came from behind, holding both my hands from behind. I could feel them tie my hands up so I try to release myself from the grip. I struggled so hard and eventually failed as my consciousness started to fade. I could no longer have the strength to move my arms or keep my legs straight. I fall back, feeling myself fall into deep sleep once again.

♡