ATEEZ HEIST [18+ Yunho/Mingi Fanfic]

Chapter 37 - Apples

Fortunately, the streets had completely emptied before we made our way back to the apartment. There wasn't a police officer, or other person for that matter, anywhere near us the entire way. Still, we were careful. Mingi led the way, checking around every corner before we turned onto a new street. I followed closely behind him, gripping his hand so hard it was likely cutting off his circulation, but he didn't say anything if it was. It wasn't a long walk until we were standing outside of our apartment door.

Mingi punched in the five-digit code, and the door beeped open. To my surprise, the entire group were all gathered by the entryway. As we walked in, they all turned immediately, and in a brief second, I was almost tackled to the floor by San.

"Oh, thank god you're okay!" He squeezed me tightly. "I looked everywhere but I couldn't find you. There were so many cops swarming the streets, we thought that you had been arrested for sure."

Before I could respond, two more pairs of arms wrapped around me. One pair belonged to Yunho. I knew it was him solely based on the distinctive citrusy scent of the cologne that he always wore. He didn't say anything, but I could tell he had been worried from the strength of his hug. The other pair belong to Dahyun, whose face was red and eyes puffy from crying.

"Okay okay, I'm really fine," I squirmed out from their arms, feeling a little overwhelmed by their concern. I looked back at Mingi, "We're both fine."

"You've had a long day; you should get some rest." Mingi told me, as we made our way into the apartment.

"No," I shook my head. "First, I want to figure out how they found us here. We're hours away from where the heist took place. There's no way that they could have known where we were unless someone tipped them off. We just have to figure out who..."

Seonghwa interrupted me, "I think your search is going to be a whole lot shorter than you expected."

"What do you mean?"

He pointed over to the kitchen table where Hongjoong was sitting quietly. He was staring off at nothing in particular, refusing to acknowledge the conversation.

"Hongjoong, do you know who tipped off the police?" I asked, still unaware of what Seonghwa had meant.

He just continued ignoring me. "Hongjoong?" I asked him again, getting slightly frustrated in my confusion.

"Oh, he knows who tipped off the police," San finally informed me, his voice tinged with anger, "Because he's the one who did it."

"What?" I shook my head in disbelief. He wouldn't do that to us. There's no way.

"It's true Y/N," Seonghwa stepped back in, "San overheard him making the call earlier this afternoon. That's why he went out to try and find you guys."

"What the fuck Hongjoong?" Mingi raised his voice from behind me. "Why would you do that?"

Hongjoong rolled his eyes, finally choosing to address me, "You were going to get us caught. They already know what you look like and to be completely honest, you've been causing problems since we met you. I knew it was just a matter of time before you did something stupid enough to get us all caught. I was just looking out for the rest of us.

Mingi stepped forward towards the smaller man, outraged by his ridiculous rational. "I swear to god, I've beaten the shit out of two men already today and I would love to make it three..."

I grabbed his arm, holding him back. Hongjoong grinned as he callously disregarded the threat. Drunk on his usual power, he always felt as though no one could hurt him and he could get away with anything. And so far, his beliefs had held true.

As much as I wanted to let him go, I knew that Mingi had already been through enough today. I lightly pulled Mingi back, "Come on, he's not worth it."

Mingi scowled, but only for a moment. Instead, his frown turned to surprise as he saw another fist collide with Hongjoong's cheekbone, fully knocking the leader off of his chair and onto the tiled kitchen floor with a loud thump.

I glanced over, and to my astonishment, I saw Jongho shaking out his fist while staring down at Hongjoong with distain. Hongjoong groaned on the floor, holding the side of his face with both hands. His giant ego had immediately dissolved. I had never seen him look so pitiful before.

"Asshole," Jongho grunted before turning his focus over to me, "Don't think this means I like you, okay? I still hate you. I just hate him more."

"Okay..." I mumbled, still a bit shocked that he had stood up for me. Maybe Dahyun was right about him...

"Nice shot Jongho," San congratulated the younger man with a nod, before glaring back down at Hongjoong. "What do we do with him now?"

"We could turn him in to the police," Yunho suggested. "I mean, that's what he was going to do to Mingi and Y/N, so it makes sense."

"You can't do that," Hongjoong croaked from the kitchen floor, "I'll tell them about all of you. What you look like, your names, your families. I won't go to jail."

I sighed. As much as I hated to admit it, he had some form of blackmail on every person here. Even for this scenario, he had a plan.

"We have to let him go," I muttered, shaking my head in disbelief.

"What? We can't do that; he deserves to be in jail." Mingi snapped.

"I know, but it's the only way. He knows too much about everyone. If we let him go, at least we know that we can turn him in if he ever tells the police anything about us." I explained carefully, "We need the leverage."

The room went quiet as everyone considered the options. I knew that no matter what, mine was the only one that had the possibility of keeping us safe.

"I don't like it but I can't think of anything better..." San exhaled; eyes still narrowed down at Hongjoong.

"Fine it's decided then." Seonghwa announced. "Hongjoong leaves and can't even come back. We don't tell the police about him and he doesn't tell them about us."

"Fine, whatever. I'll do better without all of you anyways." Hongjoong finally spoke up, sitting himself up. Jongho grabbed Hongjoong's shoulder and pulled him up off of the floor, shoving him towards the front door.

Hongjoong laced up his sneakers slowly, then grabbed his jacket and wallet from the table. He went to reach for the front door, but before he could, Jongho pulled him back one more time.

"You've seen me break apples in half before, right?" He growled. Hongjoong nodded.

"Well if I ever see you again, you'll get to see me break both of your legs in half."

Y am I cryin in the club right now lmaooo