INTO MY WORLD (ENG.VER) - [FF EXO]

Chapter 16

Sun Hyang

The night's softness and sensuality is long gone as the sun stirs us awake. The day's menace is already looming over us, and neither of us speaks. We get dressed and take breakfast in silence, both of us trapped inside our own thoughts and fears, without the faintest idea as to how to word them.

I'd like to say something to rid us from this distance that is settling between us against our will, but I feel lost among my own feelings, and can't shake my social clumsiness away. It's like some form of detachment, a survival instinct I have before each mission, and from which I cannot break free from alone.

It's always the same thing: don't talk, ignore each other, remain focused on the task at hand because we know we won't all make it out alive. Don't get attached.

But here, the situation is different, and I have to say something, right now, to bring down our masks and speak up. But I can't.

Baekhyun turns towards me, and opens his arms, as if he understood. I look at him for a moment, before rushing to him, burying myself against him. I want to make the most of this protection he's offering me, of this gentleness I find against his body before having to be strong and steady again. We stay like this for a long minute, before I make away from him, a wan smile playing on my lips.

"Thank you."

He doesn't answer, preferring to kiss me slowly before stepping aside for good.

With a tone I can tell he's faking, he cheekily exclaims himself:

"So, what about this plan!"

"You're not going to like it."

"My, my."

"I'll go there – alone. You'll follow my progress with the camera linked to the GPS, which I'll have on me when I'll be there. We'll use the earpieces. I'll attend the meeting, and I'll act according to the circumstances."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

"Out of the question."

I laugh dryly. I was sure he'd react like this, but we have no other options.

"I'm afraid there's no other way, Baekhyun."

"You are not going alone, and you are not going without a plan! It's out of the question for me to watch you go to your death without saying or doing anything!"

"Do you have a better idea? The meeting is in less than two hours, Baekhyun, whatever you wish to do, it's too late. We have no choice."

"Let me accompany you, at least."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because you don't speak North-Korean." (Editor's note: for those of you who might be asking themselves: yes, there are two different languages – when the North and the South separated, they continued to evolve in their own way independently, and now there are two distinct dialects.)

"So? Stop it with the fake excuses, Sun Hyang, and let me come with you."

"No."

"Fuck it, Sun Hyang!"

"I'm the one who decides here, Baekhyun! You're a civilian, I can't let you get yourself exposed to danger like that!"

"But who cares, it's been a while since we've ditched these considerations!"

"It still matters, Baekhyun, and let me inform you that you're asking in vain if you really think I'm going to let you come with me! I would be capable of tying you to the car to prevent you from leaving, do you understand?"