Pierced by fate

CHAPTER 8

~~~~

                             " could things have turned out differently? Would the silence, now a testament of sorrow, instead sing a song of endless love?"

~~~~

As we sat in the café, I couldn't help but feel the lingering tension in the air, though I tried to focus on the warmth of the place—the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the chatter of people, the golden leaves swirling outside. I took a sip of my drink, glancing over at Hoseok, who seemed deep in thought, his usual playful smirk still in place but something in his eyes distant.

"So," I began, flashing a smile, "where are we heading after this? What's next on the agenda? Do I get another mafia-style surprise?"

Hoseok chuckled softly, his eyes brightening just a little as he leaned back in his chair. "Actually," he said, drawing out the word in that familiar teasing way, "we're going to meet someone you haven't seen in a while."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? Who?"

"Uncle Jinyoung," Hoseok said with a grin.

My heart lifted instantly, a genuine smile spreading across my face. "Uncle Jinyoung?" I repeated, a rush of excitement hitting me. "I haven't seen him in forever! Oh my God, I didn't even think he was still around. Why didn't you say something sooner?"

Hoseok laughed, the tension easing between us as he watched my reaction. "Thought I'd surprise you. He's been asking about you for a while, and today seemed like the perfect time for a reunion."

I practically bounced in my seat, my earlier unease melting away. "I'm actually excited now! I used to love hanging out with him. He always had the best stories and snacks whenever we visited. Remember how he'd let us sneak into his office and pretend we were running the mafia?" I laughed, the memories flooding back.

Hoseok's grin widened, the lightness returning to his expression. "Yeah, you were always better at the mafia boss act than I was. He's been looking forward to seeing you again."

Before I could say more, Hoseok's phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at the screen and smirked. "Well, speak of the devil," he muttered, picking up the phone. "Hey, Uncle."

I watched as Hoseok spoke to Uncle Jinyoung, feeling a wave of warmth. It was like we were about to step back into a part of our childhood that I hadn't thought about in years. The excitement of reuniting with him overshadowed any lingering worry I had from earlier.

"Yeah, we're on our way," Hoseok said, his tone light. "She's excited, can't wait to see you."

I beamed at that, nodding eagerly as Hoseok hung up and pocketed his phone. "He's ready for us," Hoseok confirmed, standing up and gesturing for me to follow. "Let's not keep him waiting."

We made our way to the car, and Hoseok, always the gentleman, opened the door for me. "Thanks," I said, sliding into the seat with a smile. I hadn't realized how much I'd missed Uncle Jinyoung until now.

As Hoseok walked around the car, I glanced out the window, my thoughts already running wild with the idea of catching up with Uncle Jinyoung. But something made me pause. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Hoseok stop in his tracks, his entire body tensing as his gaze locked on something across the street.

For a split second, his face changed. The playful expression faded, replaced by something sharper—focused, almost predatory. His jaw clenched, eyes narrowing as if he recognized someone... or something.