Unkind Fate: Jaebum

Chapter 28: Escape

Jinyoung together with Mark, Youngjae and Yugyeom decided to past through the main entrance of the building to lure the media, who's been waiting outside of our dorm building for two days, hoping to see JB and atleast get a brief statement from him.

We knew it will happen. And since then, the boys had been very careful going back and forth from the building. JB, however, just stayed at their dorm. Not until today.

When the malicious articles circulated the internet, I thought GOT7 will start to judge JB, get mad at him. But even without hearing JB's explanation, they remain on JB's side, not giving any hint of single doubt. They believed in him. I guess, they are really more than just leader and members. They are brothers. Family.

Bambam and I walked out first, in case someone was also wandering around the exit door at the back of the building. JB followed us when I cued it's safe. Jiwon and Jackson were at his back, making sure someone's not following us. Looking at our set up, we're like a bunch of bodyguards gathered around JB.

Across the street, I saw an unfamiliar van parked near the playground. But the way my brother described it through his text message, I knew it was the vehicle he said his employer had lend him. When the window rolls down, revealing the one behind the driver's seat, I rush towards it and tells others to get inside before anyone sees us.

Before hopping in, JB reached out to my brother and give  bowed and faintly smile to my brother, although it is something you can't see with his mask on. My brother nodded and give him an assuring smile.

The four of them freely choose their own seats and when Jinyoung and the rest arrives, they filled in the vacant ones.

"I guess, everybody's here", my brother murmured while observing the late boys occupied their seats. "So, are you guys ready?" my brother asked in excitement.

With the exception of me, JB and Jinyoung, all of them answered in chorus, with the same energy as my brother's.

JYP-pdnim, the CEO, was still out of the country for a business trip but as soon as he heard the news, he said he'll wrap up the supposed two-week trip in five days and leave the matters to got7's manager for the mean time. We didn't know if he's mad but he reminded the boys not to read articles online and that him and JB will have to talk as soon as he comes back.

On the other hand, Mr. Nam and Mr. Jung already joined force to look for Nayoung's whereabouts, whom we knew was the anonymous informant behind the posted articles online.

I looked at JB through the front mirror. He removed his mask and slid it into his pocket. He didn't took off his beanie, the beanie I knitted last Christmas for him. He used it for the first time and I never thought that he will actually use it as one of his disguise. I'm not complaining, though. I was actually relieved that it serves more than just a fashion statement.

JB caught me starting at him. He forced out a smile, but not his usual eye smile. His eyes this time looked tired and gloomy. But still, I smiled back. Not giving him any more worries for being not okay.

"I can't wait to taste the seafoods from your restaurant, Hara", Jackson drools as he imagine it.

"You will definitely love it. My parents are good cook", I answered, looking at him through the mirror.

"It runs in the family but Hara's the only exception."

Everybody laughed. I punched my brother's arm for embarassing me. He sure knows how to make fun of me.

"Why? Isn't it true?" brother asked, flashing his annoying grin.

I rolled my eyes and focus instead on the road. I accepted my defeat. I know cooking is not my thing.

After a butt numbing three-hour ride, we arrived at our house. I waited JB and walk beside him. I held his hand which makes him look on me.

"Thank you," he said.

My forehead wrinkled in confusion.

"I know we're here because of me."

"It was Jinyoung's idea", I confessed. "The boys wanted a vacation too, so don't think it was all of because of you." I laughed, trying to lighten the conversation. He smiled. I held his hand tighter.

"Hey, I thought we're going to eat at your restaurant." I heard Jackson complained as we walk inside our quiet and empty house.

My brother didn't answer him and instead, he ran off the kitchen and brought some clothes and gloves as he came back.

"But before that, you have to work."

All of us glared at him.

"I'll go make some kimchi with the maknaes. Hara, you go to the mudflat with the old boys."

"What?"

He throw off the clothes to us as if we don't have any choice but to follow. And so we do.