Poignant

Chapter Twenty Six

Shuhua's POV

"Where the hell were you guys?!" Soyeon's stern voice boomed throughout the car, startling Miyeon, who was just about to fall asleep.

What kind of idiot would be trying to fall asleep before such an important mission?

"We needed to have a quick talk, that's all," Soojin stated, getting in the car with Yuqi quickly following.

Both of their eyes were slightly puffed up and red. Had they been crying? Why?

"Minnie," Yuqi called, grabbing the Thai's attention, who was previously talking to Miyeon. "Give this to your girlfriend."

A black case was passed over, and Miyeon stored it by her feet before talking with Minnie again. Looking at the two, their eyes also looked slightly red and puffy.

Has everyone been crying?

Well, no matter how puffed it is, nothing can rival the vein that is popping out of Soyeon's head as she yells at Soojin and Yuqi for being late while the sisters couldn't do anything but apologize.

Eventually, we had all settled down, Soojin in the front with me as she drove, everyone else listening to Soyeon planning in the back.

"Jinjinnie," I whispered, to which she looked at me with confusion.

"Do I really need a new nickname, Shu?" she asked, returning her gaze to the road.

"Uh, yes," I answered immediately. "Anyways, are you alright? You can tell me anything. It looks like you were crying previously."

She nodded, her smile slightly sad, but overall, very resolved. "I was crying, but I'm alright now. Those things will be addressed when we're done with all of this nonsense."

"Okay," I said, letting her know that I had completely acknowledged her words before letting her focus on the road.

***

Soyeon's frantic voice was almost nauseating as we drove through the city. Flames engulfed the buildings as people ran toward and away. Beside me, Soojin was complaining about the traffic under her breath as a police car had raced past us. I suddenly had an idea.

"Soojin, follow that police car," I directed, and she quickly did as I told.

"We're going the wrong way!" Soyeon screeched, her face slightly red.

"I know, I have an idea. Trust me," I said over my shoulder.

Soon enough, we were driving side-by-side with the car. I directed Miyeon to place a small explosive on the cop car, and she did. Now, with the shattered window, I had Yuqi reach over and pull the officer out of the car, effectively stopping it.

"Soojin! Slow this car down and then go back to the police car!" I ordered, and she was quick to follow. Her gaze was focused as she easily maneuvered the car back around. "Guys, we need to split up. Some of us need to do damage control and help those who are dying, while the others should head over to fight the rebels. We need to take them down now, or we may never be able to again. This is our only chance."

"Okay, Shuhua, but who goes where?" Yuqi asked from the back.

"I say that on team damage control. We have Miyeon, Yuqi, and I. And on team... Attack, we have Soyeon, Soojin, and Minnie. That way, we have a healer on hand where lots are dying, and Yuqi and I can help to hold whatever mutant hell is being unleashed. Then, Soyeon can plan while Soojin does up close damage, Minnie hitting from afar while they fight the big scary boss."

Everyone took a moment to think it over, even though we didn't really have time to spare.

"Okay, that'll work," Soyeon concluded, and with her confirmation, everyone else agreed.