𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥

𝗑𝗑𝗑𝗂𝗂𝗂.

The atmosphere was tense as Jiwon and the boys huddled in the van, the weight of the recent events heavy in the air. They couldn't even make it back to Jiwon's apartment; the reception area was swarming with fans desperate to catch a glimpse of her. It was not a protest, but rather a chaotic surge of admiration, and despite tight security, many were attempting to break through the barriers.

"Let's just go to our place," Jeonghan instructed the driver, his voice grave and resolute. The driver nodded solemnly, steering the van away from Seoul Heights and heading towards Seventeen's villa on the outskirts of the city. Jiwon sat sandwiched between Seungcheol and Joshua, her face buried in Seungcheol's chest as he draped a protective coat over her frail frame. Her fingers intertwined with Joshua's, seeking comfort in his warmth.

Her eyes were puffy and red from the tears she had shed, a testament to the emotional turmoil she had endured. The boys—Wonwoo, Seungcheol, Joshua, and Jihoon—had bandaged their hands after confronting the man who had threatened her. This man was no stranger; he was a notorious stalker with a history of similar incidents. Although he had presented a valid worker's ID, MCB had failed to trace his address, leaving them all on edge. After Jiwon's manager, Hyunwoo, had threatened to press charges, the group had rushed to escort her out, the man's camera destroyed by Mingyu, who had smashed it in a fit of rage.

As they drove, the silence was palpable, interrupted only by occasional directions from Jeonghan or Soonyoung. Joshua closed his eyes, exhaling heavily as he rubbed Jiwon's cold hands, feeling the weight of their recent ordeal. His knuckles throbbed where he had struck the man, the pain a constant reminder of the violence he had resorted to in defence of Jiwon. Had the others not intervened, they might have beaten the man to a pulp.

Joshua's mind replayed the horrific moment they had found Jiwon, like a cassette tape stuck in an endless loop. The image of her pressed against the wall, tears streaming down her cheeks, haunted him. She had been clad only in grey sweatpants and a black bra, the sheer vulnerability of the situation striking him to his core. The sight of that towering man, a cruel expression etched on his face, made Joshua's stomach churn. The fear in Jiwon's eyes had been palpable, mingled with a chilling acceptance of her fate, as if she had resigned herself to the idea that nobody would come to save her. It shattered something inside Joshua to think that she had felt so utterly alone. "What if we were just a few minutes late?" he wondered, his heart heavy with guilt and despair. The thought of what might have happened if they had arrived just moments later was unbearable.

Jiwon had been too traumatised to articulate her feelings, her cries echoing in Joshua's mind long after. He had poured all his anger and frustration into every punch he threw at that man, but nothing could quell the fear that had gripped him. The sound of Jiwon's sobs had been gut-wrenching, and he had held her hand tightly, wishing he could erase the terror she had experienced.

"Here we are," Chan's voice broke through the tension, announcing their arrival in a grave tone. Seungcheol turned to Jiwon, gently nudging her. "Won? Darling, we're here. You can come out now," he said softly, trying to coax her from the safety of the van. Joshua felt her hand tremble as she shifted in her seat. Jeonghan made a quick motion for everyone to exit the vehicle, the boys stepping out with expressions of concern etched on their faces.

Jiwon emerged, her hair a tangled mess, her eyes red and swollen. Joshua forced a small smile of encouragement, though inside, he felt a tempest of emotions. She sniffled as Seungcheol and Joshua helped her out of the van, her frail form swaying slightly as if she might collapse at any moment. The villa was nestled amidst lush greenery, a sanctuary away from the chaos of the city, but it felt like a prison in that moment.

Once inside, Joshua took it upon himself to ensure she washed up and changed. The rest of the boys quickly showered and gathered for a hasty dinner, but Jiwon remained unresponsive, refusing to eat despite Joshua's persistent coaxing. Minghao brewed chamomile tea, the soothing aroma filling the air as Joshua led Jiwon to the living room. The boys had settled onto the couches, leaving one empty, while others crowded on the floor. Jiwon sat beside them, appearing better but still unable to form coherent sentences.

They attempted to lighten the mood, but their efforts fell flat. Jiwon could only manage a faint smile, and Jeonghan eventually suggested they head upstairs again. Seungcheol, Jihoon, and Wonwoo lingered behind for a moment. "Let's just go upstairs," Jiwon said as Wonwoo reached for her hand, his bandaged one gentle against her skin. "Do you feel better?" he asked softly. Jiwon nodded, and the others rallied around her, helping her to her feet as they made their way up the stairs.

As they ascended, Jiwon's gaze flickered to the bandages on their hands. "What happened to you?" she asked, her tone fierce yet laced with concern. She scrutinised Seungcheol, Joshua, Jihoon, and Wonwoo, her eyes searching for answers. No one responded, the silence stretching uncomfortably.

"What if something happens again?" Jiwon asked once more, her voice strained and weary. Jihoon opened his mouth to reassure her, but Joshua shook his head, opening the door to her bedroom. "It's nothing, sweetheart," Seungcheol said gently as Jiwon sank onto the bed. She opened her mouth to voice her concerns, but he cut her off. "Now, shh, don't tire yourself. Save your scolding for the morning," he added, tucking the blankets around her.

"Josh, stay with her tonight," Wonwoo suggested. "Sleep now," Jihoon urged, ushering the others out of the room. Joshua dimmed the lights after bidding the others farewell, then climbed beneath the covers beside Jiwon. He wrapped a comforting arm around her, pulling her closer against him. "Are you okay? Don't think about it anymore. That man will face heavy charges for this," he reassured her, his voice steady.

Jiwon gripped a handful of Joshua's shirt, burying her face in his chest. "I was so scared," she confessed, her voice trembling. Joshua tightened his hold, feeling her shivers against him. "You don't need to be scared anymore, Jade," he murmured in English, his voice soft and soothing. "I'm here with you."