Between The Borders | Lee Heeseung

XXXXII

The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the entire school campus. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue, dotted with a few fluffy white clouds that drifted lazily. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees, carrying with it the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Birds chirped cheerfully, their melodies creating a harmonious backdrop to the sounds of students chatting and laughing as they made their way to their next destinations. The grass was a vibrant green, soft underfoot, and the air was filled with the promise of a perfect spring day.

A couple of days later, the group found themselves at a cozy restaurant downtown, a rare moment of normalcy amid the chaos. The occasion was to celebrate Sunghoon and Jay being discharged from the hospital. They needed this—a break from the tension and worry, a chance to feel like themselves again.

As the evening wound down, they couldn't help but revisit the recent events that had brought them even closer.

"How are you, Ni-ki? You seemed scared when the nurse put morphine on you," Taelyn teased, pinching the cheek of the maknae. She saw him as a baby. After all, she met him when she was 18 and he was 14.

Ni-ki, trying to maintain his cool boy aura, shrugged nonchalantly. "What? 'Tis but a mere pointy thing," he gloated, puffing out his chest slightly.

Sunoo chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, Ni-ki, we all saw you flinch when that nurse came at you with the needle."

"I DIDN'T," he exclaimed. Everyone bursts into laughter.

Taelyn sat between Ni-ki and Sunoo, the atmosphere around them light and filled with laughter. The restaurant buzzed with life, the clinking of cutlery and soft chatter providing a comforting backdrop to their evening.

Sunghoon, his arm still in a sling, raised a glass of soda. "To us," he declared, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And to getting out of that damn hospital."

Jay, looking much better and full of his usual energy, clinked his glass against Sunghoon's. "I'll drink to that. It's good to be free."

Ni-ki grinned, cutting into his steak. "I missed this," he admitted. "Being together like this, just hanging out."

Sunoo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we needed this. It's been too long since we could just relax and enjoy each other's company without any huge threat."

Jungwon, always the thoughtful one, looked around the table with a soft smile. "We've been through a lot, but it's moments like these that remind me why we keep fighting. For each other."

The group shared stories and jokes, the bonds between them strengthening with each passing moment. Taelyn found herself laughing more than she had in days, the warmth of her friends' presence chasing away the shadows that had been looming over her.

As the night went on, they grew closer, the shared experience of their recent struggles knitting them together in a way that nothing else could. They leaned on each other, finding comfort and strength in their camaraderie.

Sunghoon turned to Taelyn, a teasing glint in his eye. "You know, you're part of this family now, right?"

"Yeah," Jungwon smiled at her. "Just because you're free from the wrath of the mafia world doesn't mean you're free from us."

Taelyn smiled, feeling the genuine acceptance and love from the group. "Yeah, I know. And I'm grateful for all of you."

"It's funny how our first reencounter as eight happened five years later when we were assigned to put a bullet to your head," Sunoo smirked.

Taelyn awkwardly laughed, slightly uncomfortable at the thought, but genuinely smiled nevertheless. "You know, I'm willing to completely overlook that." Everyone laughed.

As the evening wound down and laughter filled the As the evening wound down and laughter filled the restaurant, Taelyn's thoughts drifted. She found herself reflecting on the concept of being between the borders. In the quiet moments between conversations, she remembered how her life had once been confined to the "good side," where everything was meticulously controlled and wrapped in a facade of toxic positivity.

She used to believe the "bad side" was a terrible influence, a place of darkness and danger she should avoid at all costs. But her experiences had taught her otherwise. Life wasn't as simple as good and bad. It was an unpredictable mix of both, and each side had its own lessons to teach.

Back then, she thought she had everything figured out. Her life was predictable, safe, and tediously perfect. But it lacked the depth, the raw authenticity, and the profound connections she now cherished. Being part of the HYBE mafia had thrust her into a world of danger and uncertainty, but it had also brought her real friendships and a sense of belonging she had never known.

As she looked around the table, at Sunoo's infectious laugh, Ni-ki's playful smirk, Jungwon's thoughtful eyes, Sunghoon's supportive presence, and Jay's firm loyalty, she realized how much she had grown. These were her people, her chosen family, and despite the chaos and loss, she wouldn't trade them for anything.

Taelyn's thoughts inevitably turned to Heeseung. Even in his absence, his influence was there. She missed him deeply. But here, with her new friends, she found strength and hope. They had all crossed the borders from their past lives into this tumultuous, unpredictable present. And together, they would navigate whatever came next.

For a moment, the heaviness lifted. She was grateful for this strange, dangerous life that had brought her true happiness and fulfillment. In this world between the borders, she had found her place, and she knew she would fight to protect it and the people she loved.

=

A few days later, Taelyn stood silently in front of the grave, the weight of the past weeks pressing heavily on her.

She felt a profound sadness, one that had settled deep within her since that fateful day. The events had replayed in her mind countless times, each repetition bringing a new wave of sorrow and regret. She thought about the promises made and broken, the moments of joy and anguish they had shared. Her heart ached with the weight of it all.

She knelt down, placing a small bouquet of flowers at the base of the grave. The scent of fresh blooms mixed with the earthy smell of the soil, a stark contrast to the sterile environment of the hospital she had become so familiar with. Her fingers brushed lightly against the cold stone, tracing the engraved letters as if seeking comfort from the solid presence beneath her touch.

Taelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She remembered the smiles, the laughter, the unspoken words that now lingered in the silence. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she fought them back, determined to stay strong.

Finally, she allowed herself to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry for everything," she spoke, her voice trembling. "I know you wouldn't want me to blame myself, but it's hard not to. I keep thinking about what I could have done differently, how I could have saved you."

The sky was overcast, casting a somber light over the cemetery. She didn't notice the chill in the air or the gentle rustle of leaves around her. Her thoughts were far away, consumed by memories and what-ifs.

She took another deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts. "But I promise you this: I won't let your sacrifice be in vain. I'll make sure it meant something. I'll keep fighting, just like you would have wanted. Goodbye," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Jake."

As she turned to leave, the name on the grave stood as a silent reminder of the bond they had shared. Jake's grave was a testament to his bravery, and to the love that had connected them all. As she was about to get to her car, her phone vibrated in her pocket. She paused, pulling it out and glancing at the screen. It was Sunghoon.

"Hello?" she said.

"Taelyn," Sunghoon's voice came through. "Heeseung hyung is conscious."