Then I Wake

Chapter 5

Hongjoong

"Need some help?" Bang Chan steps in, followed by the other seven.

I always loved his dimples.

Stray Kids, another rebel group. Never as extreme as we were, always better at avoiding the government's attention.

"We came as soon as Chan told us. So sorry to hear about Taeyang, and Seonghwa too." Changbin offers Wooyoung a hug, which he gladly accepts. Those two were always close.

"Ok, everyone take a seat, somewhere." I guide them all to the table, and whoever is left sits on the sofa.

"While this is a lovely reunion, it's also a time for action. We've lost both Taeyang and Seonghwa. One forever, and one..." I take a deep breath before continuing, "for an indefinite amount of time. In short, we don't know where he is or how he is. We may have lost him too, so we should prepare for the worst. And judging by the state of his room... We might have to."

A look of dread comes over Lee Know's face. "Seonghwa's room? What did he do? I was concerned enough when he didn't pick up on our weekly Wednesday call. I took it as a one-off, but I'm not sure now."

Lee Know was one of Seonghwa's friends too. They were always quite close.

"Yeosang, if you'd take Lee Know to see? We'll show the rest of you later."

Yeosang nods silently and goes down the corridor with Lee Know.

"OH GOD, SEONGHWA, NO!" Lee Know's screams can be heard from the other side of the apartment, and Han stands up immediately.

"자기야!" Han runs down the corridor to Lee Know, comforting him with a loving embrace.

I look at Chan questioningly. "So when did they..."

Chan laughs lightly and explains, "It was always obvious, but they announced it a few months ago. They're perfect for each other."

Yeosang returns, followed by Lee Know and Han. Lee Know is still crying when he sits down with Han, but gestures for us to continue.

"...so he's been missing for a day now, have any of you heard anything from him? Seen him at all?"

There's silence round the table.

Great. Nothing.

"No? Ok, what about the government? Any activity?"

I.N stands up, "I saw BSS on the move yesterday, heading towards Namsan Mountain Park. Is that a concern?"

All of us in ATEEZ look at one another with concern.

"Namsan Mountain Park? Are you certain?" Yunho speaks up.

"Certain."

We all sigh. This really isn't the news we were hoping for.

"Is something wrong with the park?" Seungmin asks.

I take a deep breath and reply, "Taeyang's buried there. It was her and Seonghwa's favourite place."

"Then we should go! If the government are there, where Taeyang is..." Mingi suggests.

"Shouldn't we pla-"

"No. Let's go!"

We hesitate.

"Now!" Lee Know shouts.

We grab our guns (for emergencies) and run to the park.