FRIENDS!? ATEEZ FF

Part 27

The only word that was ringing inside your head was...RUN!

Seonghwa was across the street and you were facing towards Mingi who was slowly walking towards you, aware of your scared form and then there Jongho to your other side, still standing in front of the glass door of the shop.

One step...two... three...

You took the steps backward and in flight mode, you turned around and started running. You need to find a safe place and quickly call Taeyong for help. Or maybe Beomgyu, they would definitely come for your rescue.

"Y/n!" Mingi's shout made few people to their heads turn towards the voice. You were cursing at yourself for being out at evening instead of morning. This wouldn't have happened.

It was clear that you couldn't outrun them but still a sudden burst of energy made it possible for you to run fast.

As you glanced over your shoulder, you see them calling your name, their voices mixed with concern and desperation. The adrenaline kicks in, and you push your legs to run faster, weaving through the crowd. You can hear their footsteps gaining on you, but you don't want to hear their apologies just yet.

Heck! You don't want to hear anything.

You duck into a side street, hoping to lose them. Your heart races, not just from the physical exertion, but from the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside. Part of you wants to stop and listen, but another part craves the freedom of distance.

You pause for a moment, catching your breath behind a corner, and try to collect your thoughts. It was garage sort of area and there was a hiding spot where you quickly ducked in and dialed the number for help.

"Hello! Y/n...what happened?" Taeyong's voice, full of worry and confusion.

You pressed your palm over mouth to silent the sob and speak slowly, "Taeyong, they are here. They are after me. I'm scared. I don't want to go back to them, please. Help me."

You could hear him cursing at someone or something and he spoke up again, "stay wherever you are. I'm coming and if possible, try to run towards the house. Okay?"

"Yes...they are near me. I can hear them. Just come fast."

"I'm coming."

You take a deep breath and lean against the cool wall, listening to the sounds of the city blending with their distant calls. You know they're not far behind, their footsteps echoing through the street.

Pushing off the wall, you start running again, darting around corners and dodging pedestrians. Each turn feels like a small victory, a momentary escape. You can't shake the guilt creeping in, but the need for space overrides it.

"Why am I afraid of them? I didn't do any wrong. It's them who should be afraid of facing me but still I'm the weakling they know who is running away from them." You mumbled to yourself.

As you sprint, you find a park up ahead and head for the tree line, hoping the thick foliage will help you lose them. You duck behind a large tree, your heart pounding as you catch your breath, feeling both exhilarated and conflicted. What's next? Do you keep running, or is it time to confront what's really happening?

No you don't want to. You don't even want to face them so confronting is not an option here.

You watched in silence from your place, Seonghwa was not there in your sight but Jongho and Mingi were looking around for you frantically, trying to get a glimpse of you. You could see the desperation and frustration in the behavior and body language.

They went to a direction when Jongho got a call, opposite from yours. As soon as both of them were out of your sight, you breathed heavily and waited for few more minutes until the street was all clear.