Stray Kids: Their Girl

Chapter 28: Acid Rain

Chija's POV:

The past week had been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. Our trip to Tokyo was a dream come true, filled with unforgettable moments and a deepening bond with the boys. Returning to Seoul, we were back to our routines, and today, we were all at the JYP building for a photoshoot and a series of interviews.

I found myself smiling as I watched the boys in their element, their laughter and camaraderie infectious. The photographers were setting up the next shot, and I took the opportunity to slip away to the bathroom, needing a moment of solitude.

The hallway was quiet, the distant hum of activity from the main studio a comforting background noise. As I approached the bathroom door, I felt a strange sensation, as if someone was watching me. Shaking off the unease, I pushed the door open and stepped inside.

The bathroom was empty, and I exhaled a sigh of relief. I turned on the faucet, splashing cool water on my face. The reflection in the mirror showed a woman who was finally happy, surrounded by people who loved her. But that sense of security shattered the moment I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Hello, Chija."

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. Turning slowly, I saw him—Jeonghan. His presence was like a dark cloud, and memories of the abuse and manipulation flooded back.

"What are you doing here?" I managed to say, my voice trembling with fear and anger.

Jeonghan's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Missed me, didn't you? I heard you've been having quite the time with your new friends. Stray Kids, right?"

"Leave me alone, Jeonghan," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "We have nothing to talk about."

"Oh, but we do," he replied, stepping closer. "You see, I've got some interesting information that the press would love to hear. Your little love affair with the boys—it could ruin their careers."

My blood ran cold. "What do you want?"

Jeonghan's smile widened. "That's more like it. You'll do exactly as I say, or I'll make sure everyone knows about your secret. Meet me at the Han River tonight, and I'll tell you what I want."

He turned and walked out, leaving me standing there, shaking with fear and anger. I knew I had to tell the boys, but how could I burden them with this?

Back in the studio, the boys noticed my distress immediately. Chan was the first to approach me, his eyes filled with concern.

"Chija, what's wrong?" he asked softly, taking my hand.

I looked around at their worried faces and knew I couldn't keep this from them. "We need to talk," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "All of us."

We found a quiet room, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Jeonghan is here," I began, my voice shaking. "He found me, and he's threatening to go to the press about our relationship."

The room fell silent, the boys exchanging worried glances. Felix was the first to speak, his voice filled with anger. "What does he want?"

"He wants to meet me at the Han River tonight," I replied, my hands trembling. "He said he'll tell me what he wants then."

"No way," Changbin said firmly. "You're not going alone. We'll go with you."

"But what if it makes things worse?" I asked, my voice breaking. "What if he exposes everything anyway?"

Hyunjin pulled me into a comforting embrace. "We'll handle this together, Chija. We're a family, and we won't let him hurt you."

Jisung nodded, his eyes determined. "We'll figure it out. You're not alone in this."

Hyunjin stepped forward, his expression softening as he took my hand. "We've faced challenges before, and we'll face this one, too. We love you, and nothing will change that."

Their words filled me with a renewed sense of strength. I knew they were right. We would face this together.

As evening approached, we made our way to the Han River. The air was cool, and the city lights reflected off the water, casting a serene glow. We found a secluded spot, waiting for Jeonghan to arrive.

Chan stood close to me, his presence reassuring. "Remember, we're right here with you," he whispered.

I nodded, my heart pounding as I saw Jeonghan approaching. He wore the same smug expression, but I felt stronger with the boys by my side.

"You're not alone, I see," Jeonghan said, his tone mocking.

"I won't let you threaten us," I replied, my voice steady. "What do you want, Jeonghan?"

He looked at the boys, a sneer on his face. "It's simple. I want money. A lot of it. Pay me, and I'll keep your little secret safe."

Changbin stepped forward, his fists clenched. "You're not getting a cent from us."

Jeonghan's smile faltered. "Oh, really? Then I guess I'll be making a call to the press."

Before he could react, Chan and Minho grabbed him, their eyes blazing with anger. "You listen to me," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "If you ever come near Chija or any of us again, you'll regret it. If you ever even try to lay so much as a finger on her, we will hunt you down like the rat that you are, and make sure you never even take in another breath, ever again... Am I clear?" Minho spat out, his eyes glaring as Chan tightened his grip on the man.

Jeonghan's eyes widened with fear, and he stammered, "Okay, okay. Just let me go."

Chan and Minho released him, and Jeonghan stumbled back, glaring at us. "This isn't over," he spat, turning and walking away.

I collapsed into Jeongins arms, the weight of the encounter crashing over me. "What are we going to do?" I whispered, tears streaming down my face.

"We'll be okay," Chan said softly, holding me close. "We'll figure this out together."  As the rain fell from the sky, I felt as though my whole world was crashing down around me. The air had left my lungs as I cried silently, praying that the rain could wash away my sorrows. The droplets hit my skin with haste, the singe on my skin burning... almost as if the world was crying tears, tears of acid rain...