GUNS & ROSES | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

xi. ✓

𝒙𝒊.

SURPRISE!

***

As I opened the door, my eyes widened in shock. Mingyu stood before me, his body battered and bruised, a stark contrast to the lively boy I had seen just moments ago in the library. His clothes were torn, and his face was etched with pain and desperation.

"D-Dani..." His voice was barely a whisper as he collapsed to his knees, clutching the doorframe for support. "Save us..." he pleaded, his eyes meeting mine, filled with tears.

My heart ached at the sight of Mingyu's anguish. Without hesitation, I knelt down, meeting his gaze and placing a comforting hand on his head. It was a silent vow—I would no longer turn a blind eye to the mysteries of Sakura. I would uncover the truth and protect those in need.

Just as I was about to speak, the door swung open, revealing a disheveled Mrs. Joo, her hair wet and clothes slightly torn. She looked distressed and rushed into the room, her eyes filled with concern.

"Miss Kim! You shouldn't have opened the door until I arrived," she scolded, her words mixed with genuine worry. Turning her attention to me, she asked, "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

Startled by her sudden appearance, I stammered, "I'm... I'm perfectly fine. But Mingyu was here. He was injured."

Mrs. Joo's brow furrowed, and she scanned the room, searching for any sign of Mingyu. However, he had vanished without a trace. Confusion swirled within me as I struggled to comprehend what had just occurred.

"Are you sure, Miss Kim?" Mrs. Joo questioned, her tone filled with skepticism. "Was Sir Mingyu really here?"

"He was," I insisted, pointing towards the spot on the couch where Mingyu had been moments ago. But now, it was empty, leaving me even more bewildered.

Without providing any further explanation, Mrs. Joo gestured for me to follow her. "Come, we need to go. The students are gathering at the assembly hall. Sir Seungcheol has requested that I escort you there for your safety."

Feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity, I followed Mrs. Joo, my mind racing with questions. What was happening in Sakura? Why was Mingyu injured and then disappeared? And why did it seem like everyone was keeping secrets from me?

As we arrived at the assembly hall, a hushed silence fell over the gathered students. Their eyes fixed on me, murmurs and whispers rippling through the air. It was as if I had become the center of attention, bearing the weight of their scrutiny.

"Dani!" I heard a familiar voice, and my gaze shifted to Chaeyeon and the rest of the girls. Relief washed over me as they enveloped me in a tight embrace, their apologies spoken in hushed tones. They had not intended to avoid me; there were reasons beyond their control.

"What happened to you guys?" I asked, my frustration evident in my voice.

Nayoung met my gaze apologetically. "We're sorry, Dani. We didn't mean to keep you in the dark. It's complicated."

Seeking answers, I turned to Chaeyeon, gripping her hands tightly. "Mingyu came to my room injured, but then he disappeared when Mrs Joo came."

Chaeyeon's eyes widened, her hands trembling. "Really? Did he say anything to you?"

"He said to save them... all thirteen of them," I replied, the weight of his words sinking in.

Chaeyeon stood frozen, her mouth agape, her trembling hands betraying her shock. The other girls seated beside me mirrored her disbelief, their voices overlapping in a chorus of "What?!" and "Oh gosh!" The weight of their reactions pressed upon me, a suffocating realization that whatever awaited us was far from auspicious.