𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 & 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐡𝐞𝐦 || 𝐉𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐥 (𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐈𝐈)

10.3 - Seungcheol

"We could drop them outside of town. We could put them in the woods up north a little. Deep in the forest," Joshua suggests quietly, and I watch as everyone's eyes whip toward his.

"Really?" Jeonghan asks breathlessly, his eyes glowing. "You'd do that?"

Everyone is silent as we contemplate what to do. I know there's no way out of this. There's no going back, so the real question is, how do we move forward?

"We'll take care of it. But that's not why we're here. Take a look at the news." Soonyoung steps forward, bending at the waist as he turns on the TV. It's pure static, but once again, the news anchor, Bridget Bofield from Fox 7 News is on the TV, this time in front of Braylin's house.

I can barely make her face out, and she splits in half and bobs back and forth with the static, though her voice is clear. "This is Bridget with Fox 7 News reporting from Hellcrest Heights here in Maine. The masked killer, who we now know as Choi Seungcheol of Hellcrest Heights, has struck again. A triple murder of the Carter family has risen the death toll and we suspect there will be more. It appears Mr. Choi has added an accomplice who we now have identified as Yoon Jeonghan. The brutal and heinous slayings of the Carter family have the town in fear of who may be next. The police are asking the public if they have any—" She frowns, pressing her finger to her ear. "Oh, one moment please." She nods her head a few times until her eyes widen and she looks directly at the camera.

"It seems there are two more deaths which have just been discovered. It appears the father of Choi Seungcheol, Spencer Choi, has been murdered by his own son. There is an unidentified female on the property who has also been reported as deceased. More information to come soon. George, back to you." She nods, and even through the static I can see the unease in her eyes. The desperation to be done reporting on this case.

She should be nervous. Those who get involved end up dead.

Soonyoung switches the TV off and turns toward me. "Your time is limited, Seungcheol. It's time you guys get out of here. If you waste any more time, you'll be surrounded, and you might be able to take down two, but you won't be able to take down an entire police force once you're both surrounded."

I know. It's time to go.

"Lay low. We'll take care of the bodies, and we'll be back tomorrow. We can get you outside of town and you guys can go wherever you need to." His eyes flit to Jeonghan's. "Just get him out of here. Get him safe."

I nod, my jaw clenching. "I plan to."

"Vernon's funeral is tomorrow. Obviously you guys can't go, but I thought you might like to know," Jihoon says.

Jeonghan sighs, and I turn to him, seeing his eyes darken with sadness. "Oh," he whispers.

Joshua steps up to Jeonghan, and I watch as Jeonghan's body curls over slightly in pain. "Jeonghan, we'll get you out of here. Just stay strong, okay? Don't get caught."

Jeonghan nods, his eyes growing watery. "I'm so sorry. For everything."

Joshua shrugs, giving his arm a squeeze before he steps back. "Don't be sorry, Jeonghan. Just stay safe."

Soonyoung steps up to Jeonghan, and my body grows tense as I watch them. The connection they have which I know doesn't slip into anything more than friendship, yet there's still a discomfort in watching their connection.

"You're so beautiful covered in blood, Hannie," he mumbles, his fingers grazing his chin.

He tilts his chin up, narrowing his eyes. "It's just me, Soonyoung."

He steps back, his hand dropping to his side. "I know it is." He turns his gaze to mine. "Both of you. You belong together."

"Let's go, Soonyoung. I need to make sure Seungkwan is okay before Vernon's funeral tomorrow," Jihoon interrupts, and Soonyoung takes a step back.

"We'll grab the bodies. Stay inside until we get back tomorrow," Soonyoung says, and I nod at him, thinking that's the smartest thing we could do.

If only things could ever go as planned.

To be continued...