The Chosen

Settling Standpoints

A week after Daniel, Jisung and Kuanlin visited him and offered advices, he gathered all his courage and set up a meeting for him, Taehyun and Taemin later in the afternoon. Anxious, he did not open his shop for the whole day and prepared himself on how he should carry the conversation.

When it was already four in the afternoon, he left his apartment and went to Taehyun's bookstore. He waited for Taehyun outside the bookstore, sitting by one of the tables that can be used for reading. Minutes felt like years for Sungwoon. He wasn't sure how the two will react. He was really hoping for this best at this point.

Finally, after minutes of what seemed like decades to Sungwoon, Taehyun went out of his bookstore and sat facing Sungwoon. He was still seething at Sungwoon since that night. It was sort of awkward. Sungwoon and Taehyun just sat there, saying nothing. Only insect sounds and incoherent chatter of people in the background could be heard.

"Thank you for meeting me, Taehyun-hyung." Sungwoon broke the silence and politely started the conversation.

"What do you want to talk about?" Taehyun responded. Anger evident in his tone.

"Firstly, I want to apologize for simply allowing Taemin-hyung to insult our troop and province. I was really happy when I get to be friends with such high-profile people that I just went with whatever they do. I was afraid they'll be angry if I stop or reprimand them." Sungwoon explained his part.

I understand that, Sungwoon. Being friends with such famous people must have really felt special. It just that I was always at the other end of their bad behavior and you don't even seem to care." Taehyun explained.

"Well, like I said, it is because I am afraid that they will kick me out of our friendship group if I disagree with them. It was wrong. I get that now. Both of you are my friends. I should not have favorites among you." Sungwoon honestly said.

"I still don't understand why you are not angry with them." Taehyun asked for an explanation, "I mean, they are the ones who colonized us. They are the reason we lost our duties."

"Allow me to enlighten you as to why I am not angry with them and so should you. First, Jimin. Jimin is a member of Bulletproof Scouts, a Hitbig troop. He has nothing to do with our colonization. Second, Kai and Taemin. They did not do anything towards us. They did not inflict harm or cruelty to us or even to the citizens of our province. Remember our province voluntarily surrendered to Essim. Think about it, Kai's and Taemin's troop did not invade us nor the reason why we were colonized." Sungwoon elaborated.

"If you think about it that way, it does make sense. I was too blinded by my misconceptions that I did not bother looking at the facts. You are correct, Sungwoon. They haven't done anything wrong to us except Kai and Taemin teasing me." Taehyun realized.

"Yeah. I should really talk to Taemin-hyung about that." Sungwoon assured, "I hope it goes well."

"Seriously Sungwoon, you can actually read his mind to see if he is getting angry or not." Taehyun reminded Sungwoon of his capability.

"You're right. I forgot that I am a telepath. I haven't used my power lately that I forgot I had it." Sungwoon laughed, "Great thinking, hyung!"

"What are you going to do without me?" Taehyun face-palmed, "But are you sure about this? Remember Taemin has an offensive power. Both of our powers are supportive. We are defenseless in case he snaps."

"It's fine. I have a feeling he won't." Sungwoon reassured.

As if on cue, Taemin arrived and was standing on the opposite side of the road.