• cards | nct 2018 •

nine || reminisce

WELCOME!
A/N: from this chapter onwards, there will be a few introductions of certain terms that you may or may not know. this book would be slightly revamped, but the plot still stays the same, not to worry. the first non-third person view is also in this chapter.

mark p.o.v

"a new member?" i look at taeil in surprise. "why? i thought ace wasn't supposed to have anymore new members."

i was told to report immediately to taeil's office as soon as i arrived after taking the trio to school, so that's where i am now.

"that's correct, but...i'm sure she would be a valuable asset to your team." taeil simply says as he meet my gaze, and i thought i saw determination in his eyes.

was it?

"i don't understand. who would she be that you made this decision?"

his eyes then cast away from mine. "i didn't call you here to answer your questions." he suddenly seemed so distant.

he seemed serious. he is serious now. it was at times like this that i could really tell why he was our leader.

i gulped, nodding.

i had wanted to ask more.

i was utterly curious of this she that made taeil recruit her like this. and of all suits she could get into...why ace?

who is she, and why is she so special?

"i believe you'll get along...you might have even met." he hints something, and i blink in more confusion.

he looks at me with a smile as if he knew what he said was true.

"you're curious," he chuckles lightly, pushing himself off his chair behind the desk.

he then paces towards where i sat.

"you can ask now." he abruptly says, and I hesitate as i recall his words from earlier.

but his gaze probes me.

"is she...a half blood, like us?" i timidly ask. i couldn't find myself looking up.

he laughs. "like us? i would say she's unlike you."

i gasp involuntarily. "then, a full blooded? but hyung–"

"no buts, it was my choice," taeil cuts me off.

i decide to wait as he continued.

"i know the organisation's policy is no full bloods, however...her interest aligns with ours. of course, she has conditions of her own."

"conditions?"

"yes, you should ask her yourself. if she's comfortable with it, that is. it is about her past..." he looks off into the distance, as if reminiscing.

"anyhow, she'll report in tomorrow. you should...guide her." he quickly adds, snapping out of his trance.

i nod and lift myself up from the sofa, striding  towards the exit.

as i close the door shut behind me, i didn't manage to hear what he said last.

"though, she's not the only full blooded in blackjack...." taeil murmurs with a wry smile.

_____________________

johnny p.o.v

"taeyong." i knock onto his door. the hallways were dimmed and only candles lit up the passageway. it was probably one of his illusions, again.

and his illusions are often affected by his mood.

"taeyong?" i call again when i hear no answer. i purse my lips and decide to enter.

i glance around in the large room that was no different from the outside, and surprised myself by noticing that taeyong sat right by his bedside table.

he seemed to be in deep thoughts, his brows furrowed.

"taeyong." i say for the third time. finally, he responses.

"johnny?" his frown deepens. "why are you here?"

"you're messing up the hallways again." i quickly reply.

"oh," taeyong says with a sigh and closes his eyes. "i'll try doing something."

i nod, knowing that he couldn't see it, and prepare to leave, but i halt in my steps.

"...what's on your mind?" i ask a stupid question.

his eyes flick open and meets mine. "you know it."

"hyeji?"

"yes." he rests his head on his palm.

"did master hear of her?"

"not yet."

"i see."

silence. none of us speak, and taeyong seemed to ponder.

"i want to protect her from the master." he says in a whisper. i hear him.

"i understand."

"she disappeared all of a sudden that day...i haven't seen her in years. if master finds out she's still alive..." taeyong exhales.

"master is not going to sit by. he will get rid of her." i see sadness flash across his features.

"i apologise...taeyong. i was going to take her here to you, but she refused and accepted ace's help instead."

"it is not your fault. although i do dislike blackjack a lot...perhaps it would be safer for her to be with them than us," he says softly, then glances in my way.

"you should go now, i recall you have lessons tomorrow. she is studying in that school, right? you must watch over her, johnny." with that air of charisma and confidence, he seemingly commands.

i nod. "of course, taeyong."

_______________________

A/N: what could be lee hyeji's connection to joker?

Hint:
Haha, not telling. What about you try guessing? I would like to see your guesses.