POISONED YOUTH: TWISTED

CHAPTER 22

The faint sound of knocking slowly pulled Haechan from his sleep. He shifted beneath the covers, only to feel something soft wrapped around his hand.

His brows furrowed. He slowly opened his eyes and looked down.

A smaller hand was clasped around his. The warmth spreading through his body was immediate, strangely comforting in a way he couldn't explain.

Haechan fully woke up. He turned his head toward the other side of the bed and found Yeoreum curled beneath the sheets, her body tucked into the blanket with only her head and eyes peeking out.

She looked completely at ease. For some reason, Haechan found it ridiculously cute.

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips before he could stop it.

Another knock came from the door.

Haechan groaned. Carefully, he slipped his hand from Yeoreum's grasp and climbed out of bed, making sure not to wake her.

His hair was a complete mess, his eyes still heavy with sleep, and he couldn't have cared less about how he looked.

He opened the door, seeing Jaemin's hand was already raised, clearly preparing to knock again.

"Oh morning. Cousin Jae's asking for you."

Haechan blinked. "He's up already?"

Jaemin gave him a look. "It's six in the morning, Hyuck. He said Yeoreum still has school."

Haechan's mouth formed a small O.

Right. School.

He nodded and followed Jaemin downstairs.

By the time they reached the dining area, the house was already awake.

Most of the boys were gathered around the table, eating breakfast and talking among themselves.

The only ones missing were Chenle and Jisung, who had apparently decided that waking up before noon was beneath them.

Yoonoh looked up the moment Haechan entered. A teasing smile immediately spread across his face.

He took a slow sip of his coffee.

"So, how was the night, future family?"

Haechan's expression darkened. "Shut up."

Yoonoh simply laughed into his cup. "How's your wound?"

"What wound—" Haechan stopped.

He looked down at his arm. The bandage was still wrapped around it.

Renjun glanced up from his breakfast. "I bet all my computers already know it's healed." He stuffed another spoonful of rice and sausage into his mouth.

Mark pointed toward Haechan's arm. "Take off the bandage, Hyuck."

Haechan sighed before carefully peeling it away.

Everyone waited.

The moment the bandage came off, Haechan's eyes widened slightly.

He ran his fingers over the spot where the bullet had entered.