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13.

Jieun had re-read the letter 10 times already. 

Fear, anxiety, confusion was overwhelming her as questions swirled around in her head like a storm.

She had absolutely no idea who the sender was or what he/she was talking about. All she could gather was that the sender hated her and that the person meant danger for everyone that she cherished.

The very thought that everyone could get hurt because of her, terrified her. What stressed her even more was that this person somehow knew her father and that her father is aware of whatever incident this person is referring to.

Jieun just couldn't understand it. If such a severe incident had taken place then she should have definitely remembered it but truthfully she had no clue as to what the person was talking about in the letter.

She was pacing around in her room, contemplating whether she should tell about this to anyone or ask her father indirectly or directly confront him. Just then loud knocking on her door, brought her out of her thoughts.

"Noona! Noona! Are you there? Are you alright? Answer me noona! Open this door!" Jisung's frantic and worried voice rang out through the loud knocking.

Jieun took a deep breath and slowly opened her door. The moment she opened the door, Jisung engulfed her in a tight hug.

"Noona, are you alright? I was so worried, you were not answering... we've been calling you since the past 10 minutes. Why didn't you answer noona?" Jisung's voice was a mixture of relief and worry. He pulled out of the hug and scanned Jieun for any injuries. "You are not hurt are you?"

Jieun gave him a small smile and patted his head. "I'm fine Jisung-ah. Sorry, for making you worry. I- I fell asleep... I was too tired. I'm sorry I didn't reply earlier."

"Do you know how much scared we all were? Jisung was almost about to cry!! You scared all of us Eun-ah!!" Jisoo's voice scolded her. 

Jieun looked past Jisung and saw that everyone had gathered in front of her room. Concern was evident on all of their faces.

"Eun-ah we all were so worried that something happened to you especially after that chrysanthemum..." Jeno said softly, with a comforting smile.

Despite her internal tension, Jieun mustered up her brightest smile. She walked towards Jisoo and hugged her. "Jisoo-ah I worried you all a lot right? Forgive me. I won't do it again...." She let go of the hug and turned to look at others. "Forgive me...."

Jaemin put an arm around Jieun's shoulders and smiled brightly at her. "Don't apologize Eun-ah. You were tired, it's understandable. You are safe and that's all that matters."

Everybody hummed in agreement. Silence surrounded all of them as no one knew what to say next. Then Haechan put an arm around Jeno and Jisung and raised his voice. "Ya, ya, why are all of you looking like there's a mourning going on? Be more energetic man!!" 

"Hyung, I'm hungry~ How about ice-cream?" Chenle piped up.

"Race to the kitchen!! Last person to reach, buys ice-cream for everybody!!" Haechan winked and took off running, with the others scurrying after him.

But two people stayed behind. The girl looked everywhere else, trying to avoid looking at him while the boy stared at her directly.

"Do you need something Renjun?"

"Yes. Truth."

Jieun looked at him confused. And then it stuck her that he was referring to the letter and the flower. She gulped nervously and averted her eyes. She started fidgeting with her fingers. Renjun's eyes traveled down to her hands and then to her face. 

"I already told you everything. What else-"

"I know you are hiding something."

Jieun faced Renjun again and their eyes met each other. Jieun felt as if Renjun's eyes were searching her soul for answers. She showed him her best confident smile.

"It's nothing like that Renjun. You are thinking too much."

"Am I ? Then tell me that you are not at all scared. Tell me that you are not concerned about our safety. Tell me that you are not thinking about putting yourself in danger to protect us. Tell me that right now, right at this moment, you are not pretending to be strong for everyone's sake... Go on, tell me."

 "Renjun..." Jieun was surprised that someone had managed to see through her mask. She was taken aback because that person was Renjun, the one who himself didn't show any emotions. She was even more stunned because Renjun seemed to easily read through her everytime and that instead of feeling vulnerable it made her feel protected.

"Jieun, you don't have to shoulder everything alone. Don't hide away your problems. You can tell me.... I'll help you. I know something is not right.. I can feel it. Jieun, tell me what's wrong?" Renjun demanded softly.

There was a moment of silence as Jieun hesitated to speak up, pondering whether she should tell Renjun about everything. Afterall she was extremely scared and wanted to talk to someone about it.

She and Renjun continued to look at each other without blinking. Jieun didn't know why but in that moment, her heart told her to trust in Renjun and so she did. She brought out the folded envelope, containing the letter, from the pocket and handed it over to Renjun.

Renjun wordlessly took the envelope and examined it. No address of the sender. He then took out the letter and silently read it.

Park Jieun.

Found you. Finally. 

Thought you could hide from me, forever? Oh dear no matter where you run off to, I'll always drag you back here. Your family was meant to suffer.... they deserved the torture I gave them.

My plan was perfect... it had always been but alas, YOU.... You and that brother of yours had to ruin everything!! 

But not anymore. You just got lucky back then. This time, you will not be able to escape.

You were not supposed to live. I will ensure that you regret, being alive.

Prepare yourself Park Jieun. Prepare yourself for everything that I've prepared for you.

Now I'll finally put an end to what I started and this time, I'll see to it that I properly end it once and for all.

You are great at playing Hide and Seek right? How about a game between you and me?

For years you made me the seeker and hid yourself away.... This time, I'll hide. 

But what is a game without penalty and reward? The more you get closer to me, you get to pay with tears of blood. But if you back off or make one wrong move.... your family, friends and everyone else around you, pay in your stead.

Try to seek me out if you can. I never take my eyes off my prey.... so let's see who wins this time.

Oh, one more thing. On my behalf, tell Kim Jongin that he did a good job but that it was of no match for me.

Keep the white chrysanthemum carefully. It would come in handy in the near future.

J.D.