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39.

"You're telling me you didn't think of mentioning this note to anyone?"  

Jisung meekly nods in response to Taeyong's question.

"But were instead planning to go there yourself? All alone may I add." Taeyong's stern tone makes Jisung shrink into his chair. "I just..." 

Doyoung sighs and puts a hand on Taeyong's shoulder. "He's a kid, go easy on him."

Taeyong sighs and sweeps his hair back. The next few words come out in a softer tone than before. "I am sorry but try to understand Jisung. I may sound harsh but it's because I care." Jisung hangs his head lower.

"More than you think."

"I get it. Noona-"

"And I'm not talking about only Jieun." Jisung's eyes go wide, and he whips his head up to stare at Taeyong.

An almost smile breaks out on Taeyong's face as he takes the chair besides Jisung. "Both you and Jieun are important to me. I would do anything to keep you guys safe."

Jisung tears up. However, unwilling to cry in front of anyone but his sister, he turns his head away. "You don't have to." He forces out with a slight pout. 

Taeyong resists the urge to pat him as he would with Haechan. "You're welcome kiddo. Now let's get back to the note, shall we?"

~~~

Mark covers his face with one hand and inhales deeply as he looks at the table where everyone is seated. 

"Are you guys trying to get me kicked out from my job or something?" He asks, deliberately meeting eyes with Haechan.

Haechan smirks. "I didn't know you were that bad at your job, Markie."

Mark clenches his jaw, "Look here, you-"

"Mark! Could you get me some chocolate croissants? I'm suddenly craving something sweet." Jieun swiftly but sweetly interjects, sensing another clash between the two boys. 

Her strategy works because Mark turns to leave almost immediately. From the corner of her eyes, she watches him prepare her order while muttering under his breath. 

"Did something happen between you two? Why are you being like that to him?" Jieun frowns at Haechan.

Haechan dramatically gasps and turns to look at Renjun for support. With his signature blank expression, Renjun wordlessly stares and then goes back to sipping his coffee. This makes Chenle burst out laughing loudly.

"You've lost your Renjun to Jieun noona."

Renjun grabs cookies from a nearby plate and shoves them into Chenle's mouth. "We're here for serious talk. If you guys want to fool around. the door's right there."

Before anyone can respond, Mark arrives with the croissants. "Sit." Renjun instructs in his usual way but on feeling Jieun's gaze, he politely adds, "join us Mark."

Mark doesn't need to be told twice. "So, what's the plan?"

Renjun doesn't reply, instead he gestures at Jungwoo to speak. Jungwoo massages his forehead with his knuckles. "It's too obvious that it's a trap. Do they think we're fools not to notice that our father has disappeared?"

Jeno shakes his head. "No, I think they are actually counting on that fact. What if they want us to think that it's a trap?"

Jaemin hums in deep thought. "Surely there's more to the note if they went out of their way to send a direct message like that... We'll not find uncle Jongin, but who knows we might get a clue as to who these people are?"