Paradigm | ATEEZ x Reader

CHAPTER THIRTEEN | INVITATION

Questions run rampant through your mind as your eyes meet Haeji's. What the heck was she doing with Soobin? "What are you doing here?" Yunho says, trying not to let his anger take over.

"I came to see you. It's your 'birthday,' isn't it?" She laughs sarcastically. "I can't believe that worked. What'd you do, tell them you were turning twenty-one so you'd get your beer? I always told Mom you were destined for rehab."

"I'll be sure to blame it all on my sister, who left me, when I get there."

"You won't. Not after what Mom's done. Now that's a good alcoholic origin story."

"Is that why you left?" Yunho says, taking a seat across from her.

"Partially. The other part is because she got mad at me."

"What did you do this time?"

"Told her the truth, like I always do. I told her that her best friend was part of a crime ring."

"Who? Jiyoung?"

"Ryujin's mom? No. Her name's Miyoung Choi. You've never met her. She's one of Mom's old friends. I thought Mom dropped her, but apparently, all is suddenly forgiven."

"We think she's trying to steal a necklace from her." You say.

"Ah, so that's what she's after. They're not going to be happy about that. Here they are trying to court her, and all she wants is their finery. Sad part is, if she agreed to join them, they'd probably just give it to her."

"What's stopping her?" Yunho asks, still trying to keep his composure.

"They haven't asked her formally yet, and they won't until Mrs. Choi's husband gets back in town."

"So, are they like part of the mob or something?" Hongjoong asks, taking a seat next to Yunho.

"Aww, I've missed your brain. Always so smart. Which philosopher are you in love with now?"

"Cute. Answer the question." He replies coldly.

"When did you become so bitter? I really must've done a number on you." She sighs, setting a card down, continuing with her game. "I'll be honest, I don't know much. But no, they aren't part of the mob. They're just a bunch of rich people who are used to getting what they want, so they've agreed to help one another keep it that way."

"And they want Mom to help them then?" Yunho says, not moving his eyes from his sister.

"She's really good at what she does, Yunho."

"Doesn't make it right." He replies, shifting in his seat.

"Didn't say it was. But she is better than anyone in that family."

"I'm sorry, what exactly does she do?" You interject.

"She steals things she can't have. All the money in the world, and there's still things you can't buy." Haeji replies.

"She kidnapped someone, Haeji." Yunho says. She freezes, looking up from her cards.

"She what?"

"A kid from our school. That's why we came here." Yunho explains, getting up from the table to make his way to the fridge.

"I had no idea..." Haeji breathes. Yunho walks back with two bottles of beer, handing one to his sister as a peace offering.

"You never answered his question." Hongjoong notes, taking a swig from Yunho's bottle. "Why are you here?"

"I came to warn her."

"Then we're on the same side." Yunho poses, looking expectantly back at her.

"Not quite. I won't stop her from stealing the necklace. I just want to stop her from becoming a part of something that's as doomed as the Chois are." Haeji replies.