ATEEZ social experiment

Part 23

                            I'm still Awake

      Screams eco across the room, but not of pain. The sounds were of joy. I slowly stand up from my hiding place.

      I see Seonghwa open his arms and embrace two males. Tears and sobs coming from them all. To my right a group engulfs San. His eyes smiling just as hard as his mouth as he's lifted into the air.

      My body frozen in the background I watch the scenes unfold. Looking back and forth in confusion.

      Pain fills my core as I realize I'm alone. A handful of eyes keeping landing on me. Strange stares is all they give. They look to me like homeless person, like I don't belong, that I'm filthy.

      Does my family even know that I was taken? I know I told them to leave me alone but wouldn't they still care if I were alive. My mother, my father, my brother. They know why I left they know I love them and understood why I left. Love is just a lie.

      It seems as the two, just after a minute have forgotten about me. Is this how life will be now? That I will be even more broken and alone? All the promises that were just an illusion?

     I cross my arms holding tightly to myself to calm my ecstatic nerves. I want to run scream and cry but I can't. Under my hands my body begins to shake.

      "Hana!"

      I lift my heavy head towards the booming voice. My eyes are drawn to the far door.

     "Hana!" A tall awkward boy shoves past the officers and sprints my way.

     Without a second thought my feet shove me forward and I take off towards him. The only person I knew would notice me being gone, the only one who cares.

     "Mingi," I jump into his arms. Tightly he holds onto me.

     "Oh my god Hana you're alive," he cries into my head as I sob into his chest.

     Unable to speak I nod my head into him. I pull him tighter never wanting to let go, making up for the year without him. Without the person I cared most about.

     After a reasonable amount of time he gently pulls away and cups my soggy face. I rest my arms on his shoulders as I stare at his genuine welcoming smile. More tears come as I smile wider to him, I never thought id ever see it again.

    "I'm never letting you out of my sight again," his soft child like face looking over me as he wipes my tears with his thumbs.

    "I missed you so much Mingi," I wipe my nose with my sleeve still in disbelief that he's here.

    "I missed you too," he pulls me back into a bear hug and I relax into his tall frame. I find the warmth and comfort I've missed for the past year.

     He caresses my head making me melt forgetting all my troubles. Mingi. The only thing that is the same, something familiar.

     "Mingi," we both lift our heads to the voice behind me. He lets go of me but I stay firmly under one o his arms as we face Seonghwa.

     Swiftly Mingi bear hugs him roughly patting Hwa on the back. I shyly stand back and watch the two.

     The two most important people in my life. Who I love more than anything.

     Once they let go Mingi returns to my side.

     "Mingi-ah!" San jumps in with the largest smile on his face. I lean my head onto the tallest and for the first time since we left Paris I feel safe and alive.

     It's like morning finally came on a spring day. The snow finally melting away.

     A smile engulfs my face as I watch the three act like they have never been apart. Like the party was just last night.

     Maybe this won't be too hard.

    "Oh Hana, this is my brother," Seonghwa motions to the tall brunette next to him. I will admit he is stunning.

     "I'm Sebin, the cute one," he winks at me and I cannot control the blush on my face. The two share the same smile and his features are much smoother than Seonghwa's strong prominate ones. His large pure eyes welcome me.

     "Uh hi, I'm Hana," I shake his hand unable to break free from his trance.

     "Looks like you got competition," San nudges Seonghwa only making him roll his eyes.

     "I like competition," Sebin smirks at his brother then to me. I can feel the air tense all around.

     Mingi tenses up next to me. He leans over and puts his moth by my ear.

     "Do not trust him," he softly whispers making a chill go down my spine. I manage to keep the smile on my face so it's not obvious what I heard.

    "You're a little late to the race," I snarkily say to him throwing off his groove. The others add on to the energy.

    "Well I hope to see you again soon," he smiles to me as he turns to walk away.

    "And that's why I don't talk about him," Seonghwa shakes his head into his hand.

    "Seems like a douche," San blurts out and we all burst out laughing at his randomness.

    "So what happens now?" I say and we all turn towards the investigator.

    "Its nearly 2200 so we all go home," we stare blankly at him not understanding his words.

    "Home? Like home home?" San questions.

    "Yes home home," the investigator repeats.

    I turn and face Mingi. He slightly leans his head down to me so I can speak to only him.

    "Do I have a home?" the pain flows back over me as I remember our situation.

    "All of your things are at my apartment, it can be your temporary home," he pulls me close to him smiling. I try to relax again into him.

     "Thank you," softly I say to him. I look up and catch Seonghwas cold stare at Mingi and our closeness. His eyes shift to me and I pull myself from Mingis arm and embrace Seonghwa surprising him.

     "I don't want to leave you," I whisper into his ear. He wraps his arms around my waist bringing me closer.

     "I don't want to ever let go," I can feel the pain in his voice hitting me straight in the heart. Tears threaten my eyes.

     "They are taking you with them aren't they," I pull my head back and look at his red eyes. He gently nods his head making my heart fall.

     "It's ok, even if we separate everything returns to the past in seconds. I found a reason for living in the present meeting you," how does he always know what to say.

     "No saying goodbye, its just a see you soon," I hold myself back from kissing him.

     "See you soon," he pulls me in tight for one last hug before letting me go back to Mingi.

     "See you soon."

A/N
Wow posting back to back? It's a miracle i'm super motivated to write right now and ugh i cried writing this listening to sad songs oof. If you caught any of my references i love you the most and i put a couple hints for the next chapters but i don't know if anyone will catch it they are very subtle. I hope you all enjoy this chapter thank you all for reading this far! Next chapters will be a TRIP oof my heart will hurt. Have a great day don't forget to comment and vote!💕💕💕