run ── 𝗹𝗲𝗲 𝗷𝗲𝗻𝗼 ❎

Chapter 13

The next day.

--------------------

SOOJIN'S POV:

My eyes flutter open slowly and I sit up, my arms stretched out in front of me. I glance around my room, then remembering yesterday's events. I smile when I remember Jeno's smiles.

Wait a minute...

'How did I get here?' I ask aloud.

Someone walks into my bedroom and I start.

Jeno smiles sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. 'Sorry if I alarmed you.'

I giggle softly. 'It's okay.'

'But to answer your question, your mother actually gave me the keys to this house. And you kinda fell asleep yesterday so...I just carried you back here.'

'Oh.'

'Anyways, I just came in to tell you to wash up.' Jeno points outside. 'I'd prepared breakfast outside, so just come out when you're done. After breakfast, we're gonna do some school work you missed out on.'

'Oh, okay.' Before Jeno leaves the room, I add hastily, 'And thank you - you're amazing.'

He smiles gently, and steps out the room.

--------------------

I walk out my room hesitantly, not sure if my legs are steady. Immediately, Jeno notices me and walks over quickly to support me.

I say softly, 'I think I'm okay.'

Jeno doesn't answer, just guides me to the table. I sit down gently.

'Here.'

Picking up my metal fork and knife, I cut out a piece of the pancake on the plate in front of me. I bite into it.

Bursting sweetness blossoms in my mouth, but not too sweet or bland. When I'm done with eating that piece, I look at Jeno with bright eyes.

'Whoa. I didn't know you cook so well.'

He smiles. 'It's nothing compared to one of my gang members. He's basically the unofficial chef of our gang.'

I nod and continue eating the pancake.

--------------------

I stand up hesitantly, wanting to bring my plate over to the sink to wash. Before I know it, Jeno takes my plate away.

'Wait, but I can wash it, you know?'

Jeno tucks my hair behind my ear. 'Just sit down. I'll do the rest.'

'At least let me dry them?' I pout, not wanting to feel useless.

'Fine.'

I smile.

--------------------

I glare at the pile of homework in dismay. They are stacked up like castle towers, looming over me, demanding me to respect them.

Jeno walks back into the room and smiles in amusement.

'Don't look at the work like that. They didn't do anything wrong.'

I stare at Jeno incredulously. 'They did everything that could be wrong.'

He shrugs and sits down across me. 'Suit yourself. You're just gonna get more work.'

Prodding at the work with my hand, I sigh. 'Fine.'

'That's more like it.' Jeno smiles.

My gaze lingers on his face for a moment too long and I look away when I realize I'm staring.

He notices, and tilts his head, his beautiful eyes flickering with curiosity. 'Why are you staring at me?'

Snap out of it, Soojin.

Blushing slightly in embarrassment, I bite my bottom lip. 'You know why.'

'I do?'

'Yes, you do.'

'No I don't.'

'I told you last time.'

'Last time? When?'

'In school.'

'Well, I don't remember sorry.'

I sigh. 'Your smile, you idiot.'

'Wait, you were staring at my smile?'

I keep silent, my cheeks softly painted pink.

Jeno chuckles softly. 'I see. Don't worry. I know I'm handsome.'

My face colours even further and I roll my eyes. 'Oh, please don't.'

He opens his mouth to say something when his phone on the table starts vibrating. Jeno frowns and picks up the call.

'Yes?'

I watch as his eyes darkens with every word he hears. A few moments later, he hangs up.

'What's wrong?'

Jeno shakes his head. 'I'm sorry Soojin. I need to rush off. Right now.'

Standing up abruptly, he swings his bag onto his shoulder and walks quickly to the door. He looks back at me. 'Don't do anything stupid okay? You got to do your work.' Jeno forces a smile, and I immediately know something is really wrong.

Before I know it, he has closed the door behind him and left me alone.

--------------------

JENO'S POV:

I quickly call for a cab, rushing out the moment I arrive, and run the rest of the way. When I reach to one of the gang's hideout, guilt fills me. Many members are injured, limping and bleeding. Bright red blood can be seen on everyone. Some can't even walk on their own, and others have to carry them.

Taeyong's gang attacked us. And I wasn't around.

'Where the hell were you?'

Wincing, I turn around to face Mark's glare. 'I...wasn't around.'

With hands slashed with wounds, Mark snorts. 'Oh? But didn't you see the red code?'

'No I didn't. I didn't even touch my phone the whole time.'

'Screw it. You weren't around when we needed you. And we don't even know who leaked the hideout.' Mark clenches his fists as he looks at all the gang members who are getting their injuries treated.

'I'll go help with the medics.' I leave Mark and walk quickly towards the space that the medics are using to treat the wounded.

Silently, I start assisting the medics. One of them, Jeongin, looks up at me in slight confusion. 'Jeno...?'

'What?' I keep my eyes trained on the wound I am treating.

'I thought I didn't see you just now?' He looks away quickly, most probably afraid that I will reprimand him for asking unnecessary questions.

'I wasn't here,' I say flatly, with a tone to tell him to stop asking. The boy falls silent.

--------------------

UNKNOWN'S POV:

I watch as chaos folds before me in the hideout. So far, the plan has been working. The first quarter of the plan has been executed excellently. Now Kun knows there are spies planted in his gang.

I watch Mark confront Jeno.

I will do anything. Anything for my gang. For Taeyong. It's my only way to repay him, for his mercy to me back then.

Anything for the gang.

Even if it means sacrificing my life.

____________________

Hmm...new character?

Don't forget to vote and comment!