Forbidden Longings | Seulrene AU

Chapter XXVI (✓)

Seungwan and Moonbyul sank into the armchairs in Yongsun's living room, exhaustion etched into their faces. Their parents had left with Grandmother Park, Sooyoung, and Yeri, and now the reality of everything that had happened weighed heavily on them.

Seulgi remained standing, her eyes scanning the room. She cleared her throat.

"I think it's best if we get out of Yongsun's hair for now. We've caused enough disruption. I apologize again for nearly getting you killed, Yongsun.", Seulgi began and bowed her head, but Yongsun waved off the apology with a kind smile.

"It's okay, really.", Yongsun assured and they all nodded, but still felt guilty for the situation they put her in.

"I suggest you stay the night here and get some much-needed rest, Hyun.", Seulgi suggested after turning to look at the latter who shook her head, her brows furrowed.

"I want to go with you. I need to be with you, Seulgi.", Joohyun opposed, but Yongsun stepped in, placing a gentle hand on Joohyun's arm.

"Seulgi's right. You need rest, and I'll take good care of you.", Yongsun agreed.

The older hesitated but finally nodded, knowing they were right. Seulgi stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Joohyun and kissing the top of her head.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine. We'll see each other tomorrow regardless, okay?", Seulgi promised and caressed the older's back softly as she nodded.

"Thank you, Yongsun. You girls have a good night and call us if anything happens.", Moonbyul said softly before turning to leave.

"Good night you two.", Seungwan added, her voice filled with sincerity and they nodded before watching the trio walk out.

Once outside, the trio walked silently back to their own home, each lost in their thoughts. The moment they stepped inside, they collectively sighed, feeling the weight of the past days crash down on them. They slumped into the living room furniture, the familiar surroundings offering a small sense of comfort.

"Now what?", Moonbyul was the first to break the silence and Seulgi shrugged, her mind too exhausted to think of a plan. Seungwan, however, sat up a little straighter.

"We need to be patient with Krystal's situation and while we wait, we should go back to our usual schedule. We need to attend school and classes, especially since we finished our mission.", Seungwan answered.

Seulgi and Moonbyul exchanged glances, both nodding in agreement. It made sense to regain some normalcy, even if just for a little while.

"Alright, back to school it is.", Seulgi said, a small, tired smile forming on her lips and Moonbyul chuckled softly.

"Back to pretending we're just normal students with normal lives.", Moonbyul commented in amusement.

"At least until they reveal the truth about vampires and werewolves.", Seungwan added.

The three of them sat in silence for a while longer, each processing their own thoughts and fears, before finally getting up to prepare for the next day.

===

A week had passed, and life at school had returned to its semblance of normalcy for Seulgi, Seungwan, and Moonbyul. They attended their classes, did their assignments, and hung out in the hallways like any other students. But beneath the surface, worry gnawed at them constantly.