Forbidden Longings | Seulrene AU

Chapter XVII (✓)

Joohyun moved through the bustling event, her eyes scanning the various setups and ensuring that everything was in order. The Founder's Day celebration was in full swing, and her role in organizing it made her presence essential. She greeted townspeople with a warm smile, exchanging pleasantries as she navigated through the crowd.

Her thoughts were on the next task— checking up on the electrical system for the stage. Just as she made her way towards the backstage area, a strong hand suddenly grabbed her arm and another covered her mouth, pulling her out of sight. Her eyes widened in horror, her heart pounding in her chest.

She struggled briefly until she turned to see Bogum's face. Relief was quickly replaced by confusion and anger. She wrenched herself free from his grasp.

"Bogum? What are you doing?", Joohyun questioned in alarm, but Bogum glanced around, ensuring no one had seen them. His expression was stern and urgent.

"Joohyun, you shouldn't be out and about today. You need to go home.", Bogum said without explanation and the older eyed him suspiciously.

"What are you talking about? I have responsibilities here. I'm leading the event cues and my father is being announced as mayor today.", Joohyun pointed out in confusion, causing Bogum to sigh in frustration, rubbing his temples.

"Joohyun, listen to me. After your father finishes his speech, go indoors with your family. Do not stay out here.", Bogum stated and Joohyun just looked at him, trying to decipher what he was hinting at.

"What are you talking about Bogum? You're not making sense right now.", Joohyun demanded, a note of fear creeping into her voice.

"If only you hadn't been compelled, you would understand Joohyun. Either way, your father has been notified by mine, so I know you'll be safe.", Bogum said and Joohyun instinctively gulped.

He bought the act, Joohyun thought to herself and mentally sighed in relief before furrowing her eyebrows in visible confusion.

"Safe from what?", Joohyun asked for the hundredth time.

But Bogum didn't answer. He turned on his heel and walked away quickly, disappearing into the crowd before Joohyun could press him further. She stood there, bewildered and worried, her mind racing.

Joohyun's thoughts immediately turned to Seulgi. She needed to warn her, to figure out what was going on that even the younger wouldn't tell her. Pushing her way through the crowd, she scanned the sea of faces, looking for any sign of Seulgi or her friends. The festive atmosphere felt suddenly menacing, shadows lurking behind every smiling face.

"Where the hell could you be Seulgi? And how is my father suddenly involved in all this?", Joohyun questioned under her breath as she picked up her dress from dragging through the ground as she hastily looked around the countless amount of people walking around, laughing and talking.

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The townspeople began to gather around the stage, anticipation buzzing in the air as Mr. Bae prepared to make his way over for the welcoming ceremony. The crowd thickened, voices mingling in excited conversation.

Seulgi, Seungwan, Moonbyul, and Krystal were strategically spread throughout the crowd, their eyes scanning for any sign of Bogum and his friends. The tension among them was palpable, each of them ready for any sudden movements or suspicious activities.