Evanesce

(Chapter 16) Love Shot

Jongin's POV:

 I teleported every 30 feet, just in case she was still running through the woods, until I got to the riverbank. I suddenly caught the scent of fresh blood, adrenaline pumping through my veins. I blinked to the gravesite and found footprints in the mud. Someone had been here. I followed the scent, which brought me to the old burnt cottage, I ran to the rubble to find some sort of sign of Minji. I found nothing but more traces of blood, my heart pounded out of my chest. I pulled out my phone, the rain smudging my screen. Baekhyun picked up after two rings. 

"Did you find her?" He immediately questioned. 

 "No, But I picked up some blood, someone was definitely here. If it was Minji, what if she was attacked?" My voice broke in my throat as I held back panicked tears. 

 "Just calm down, believe me, we're all freaking out right now but playing the 'What If' game is pointless and will only slow us down." I nodded despite being alone. He was right, I needed a clear head to find her. 

 "Can you come out here, I could use some light and an extra pair of eyes. " Baekhyun quickly agreed and hung up, leaving me to continue searching on my own. I attempted to silence my brain but my heart was still anxious. I kicked some of the wood out of my way and walked the perimeter, checking out the treeline for any trace of Minji. That's when I noticed the large wooden table wedged between the trees, a small shadow underneath. I slowly stepped closer,  suddenly terrified of the possibilities. A million images flashed through my mind, Minji bloody and beaten, barely clinging to life, or even dead, her cold broken body curled up under the large Oak. Or the worst possibility, absolutely nothing, and Minji is gone. Best case scenario so far is she's okay but she hates me.

 Suddenly the property lit up as if dawn broke, I glanced back to see Baek at the opposite edge of the treeline, waving like a child. I turned my attention back to the table, creeping closer and lowering myself to the ground, I slowly pulled back some of the black fabric laying there to reveal some strands of blonde hair. I inadvertently gulped in anticipation as my shaking hands swept away the hair covering her beautiful unconscious face. I gently caressed her smooth warm skin, sensing a heartbeat, as overwhelming relief washed over me. I carefully reached out and picked her up, wrapping her body up in the windbreaker. I handed Baek her backpack and we made our way back home. When we got back, Baekhyun called the other two and ordered them back as well. As we entered, only Suho and father were still awake waiting, the same ease I felt, washed over Suho's face at the sight of Minji. 

 "Great, she's back. Now comes the hard part, convincing her to stay." Father mused lightly. He always had the more sinical humor, must be where Jongdae and Minseok get it. He yawned loudly, earning a light shove from Suho. 

 "Go to bed then old man, your services are no longer needed." Suho responded, dishing it back to him. Father snickered, before jumping up from the couch.

"So who's room am I taking this time?" He smirked at Sehun who immediately began shaking his head silently in protest.

 "Just take mine. I'm too tired to argue and I'm just going to stay up anyway." I stated coldly, tightening my grip on Minji. Father nodded, finally able to read the room, and trudged up the stairs. The others followed to change from their wet clothes then it was just Suho and me.

 "Dad's right though, it is going to be hell trying to convince her that we're not actually the bad guys. It's not impossible but with all the trauma and fear instilled in her, it's going to be hard to accomplish before she inevitably tries to escape again." Suho pondered sullenly, I just nodded still disgusted with myself, but I guess the guilt was apparent on my face. "You know, you have nothing to feel guilty about. Technically I'm the one who told you not to say anything until the right time. That was on me." Suho said plainly, looking at me with empathy. I shook my head once, looking down at Minji once again for reassurance. 

 "Honestly we probably should've told her, but I was scared, I didn't want her to shut me out or fear me. Pretty gullible of me since now it seems it was inevitable." I grumbled, the tears clawing their way back up my throat. "She is my responsibility. I know we all care for her and see her as someone to protect but, I love her. I am the most responsible. Yes, her fear hurts me, and the fact that she doesn't trust me, hurts like hell, but she could've died because of me. Because I couldn't tell her the truth. " The tears finally began to fall slowly.

 "Jongin-"

"No, it's the truth. Whether it was because I withheld information from her or just because I left her alone for too long. I could've done something to prevent it, I'm not letting this kind of thing happen again. "The tears ran their course and dried up as quickly as they came. Suho ignored the embarrassing vulnerability on my behalf and just rubbed my back soothingly. 

 "It'll be alright now. We'll all do our part to make her feel comfortable and safe again. She'll forgive you. And if you're concerned for her safety, we could help awaken her powers so she can defend herself. It can all work out, you just have to trust the process and try not to drown yourself in your own sorrow and guilt. It won't help anyone, especially if she does forgive us. "I nodded once, thanking Suho for his wisdom, his Level head is one of his best attributes. Suddenly Minji twitched in her sleep, mumbling something I couldn't make out, and clinging to my shirt. I shushed her gently before excusing myself from the foyer. 

 I decided against placing Minji in her bed, as she was still sopping wet from the rain and mud. Instead I sat in the armchair in the corner of the room cradling her cold body to mine. I sighed deeply, trying to build the confidence to wake her, but I also wanted to savor the peace on her face for a bit Longer. 

"I'm never going to let anything happen to you, not by mine or anyone else's hands. I'll be here even if you hate me and want nothing to do with me." I whispered to Minji, rubbing her smooth cheek softly. 

A/N:

Yay, after the longest two weeks of my life (sickness, familial emergencies, and even technical difficulties) I FINALLY am able to edit and upload. Hopefully within the next few days I'll have another chapter for you as well, as it's already typed up and just needs some editing and revising. Thanks for your patience <3 

Also, any requests/ideas for themed special chapters, like for holidays, special events, etc; leave them in the comments please.