GUNS & ROSES | ꜱᴇᴠᴇɴᴛᴇᴇɴ

xxvii. ✓

𝒙𝒙𝒗𝒊𝒊.

A few days had passed, and the moment we had all been anxiously waiting for finally arrived—Jihoon woke up.

With the help of Joohyun and Bomin, I managed to sneak out of Soyeon Academy to visit him. I had insisted that I could handle it on my own, but Joohyun's determination to accompany me prevailed.

"There's something I need to see with my own eyes," Joohyun explained as we made our way to Seoul, with Bomin taking the wheel.

Upon our arrival at the Sakura High compound, we found Seungcheol and several members of the Kings already waiting by the main gate. As I hopped out of the car, Seungcheol approached me.

"Is he okay?" I inquired, concern lacing my voice.

"He's a bit dizzy and confused, but hopefully, he'll regain his composure soon. We need his statement," Seungcheol responded. I couldn't help but snort at his remark. "Take it easy, High King. You're not a police officer."

Seungcheol shot me a look, but I brushed it off. We proceeded into the building and made our way directly to the sick bay, drawing curious and shocked glances from passing students.

"She's back..."

"I thought she got expelled from the school?"

"What is she doing here?"

I did my best to ignore their whispers, refusing to stoop down to their level. There were far more important matters to attend to, and their shallow understanding would only hinder our progress.

"They won't understand," I murmured to myself, my determination unyielding.

"Kim Dani!" Joshua's voice greeted me as soon as I stepped into the room, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

"Hi," I replied, flashing a small smile at Joshua, whose hair had been dyed a light brown shade.

"Welcome back, I guess?" Jeonghan, standing next to Joshua, chimed in, his once-pink hair now transformed into a vibrant blonde.

I nodded in acknowledgment, my gaze sweeping across the room. I couldn't help but inquire about the well-being of everyone present.

"How's everyone holding up?" I asked, and the room was filled with distinct chuckles.

"Not so great, Kim Danielle. Things aren't getting any better," Soonyoung responded, his eyes resting gently on me. "And how are you managing? We heard you're the new High Queen."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, struggling to find the right words. Before I could respond, Jihoon's voice broke through the air, capturing everyone's attention.

"She'll make a great High Queen," Jihoon declared, causing all eyes to shift toward him in surprise. Leaning against the bedrest, he seemed lost in his own world.

I approached the bed and sat at its end, studying Jihoon's face intently. For the first time since I had known him, he appeared anything but intimidating. Instead, vulnerability and fragility radiated from him, making him seem small and defenseless.

"How are you feeling?" I mustered the courage to ask, my voice laced with concern. Jihoon's gaze locked onto mine, penetrating deep into my eyes, as if trying to unravel the depths of my soul.

"I am as you see," he responded, tearing his gaze away from me.

I turned to look at Seungcheol, who could only manage a small smile.

"Do you remember anything before you passed out?" Soonyoung seized the opportunity to ask, causing Jihoon to visibly tense at the question.

His eyes darted around in frustration, as if searching for something elusive. "Where is the clan book?" he demanded, his gaze fixated on Seungcheol.