Ashes | JENO

Chapter 28

As Jeno sat there with his arm around Soojung, who was sitting beside him, he couldn't believe the words that were coming out of Taeyong's mouth.

I mean, that's how Taeil and Jiayi joined.

"So you mean," Soojung had to take a deep breath to calm herself down. "I can join the Phoenixes because I saved Jeno's life."

Taeyong nodded. "Yes, without going through the initiation tests. You saved one of our own so we owe you now. The best thing we can offer is our protection, giving you a new family."

"So drug dealing..."

"You don't have to participate in that if you don't want to." Taeyong told her. "We're a lot more than a bunch of drug dealers. Renjun and Ayeon are our artists and Jaemin and Taeil are our medics, which is probably where you'll find yourself. Jaemin is very active so we don't need another active medic so if you do chose to join us, I wouldn't mind if you chose a path closer to Taeil's."

Jeno could tell it was all overwhelming the girl so he gave Soojung a rub on the arm. "Hyung, I think she needs to think."

"I understand that." Taeyong said, standing up.

Before he left though, he turned back around, gaining the attention of the couple again.

"Jeno, don't forget, we have our rules placed for a reason." Taeyong said before closing the door behind him.

Oh trust me, I won't.

...

Soojung was in Jeno's arms again but she knew she had a big decision to make. Well, it was basically already made for her, she just didn't know if she was ready yet.

"Jeno, I have to." Soojung said, staring at the male across from her.

Jeno had told her that he didn't want to talk about it for a few days so she could think about it properly, but the days honestly didn't help.

The two were now sitting inside a booth at Doyoung's restaurant, sharing a basket of fries. Jeno's wound wasn't fully healed yet, but it was good enough for the male to be moving around again.

"You don't have to, no one's forcing you." Jeno reminded her. "You're still free to do whatever you want."

"But if I want to be with you, I have to join." Soojung said. Jeno shrugged.

"I broke my no staying over rule for you, I can break another one."

Soojung narrowed her eyes as Jeno which made him give her an eye smile. The male soon remembered that they were in public so the smile didn't last too long, but was enough to make Soojung feel at ease again.

"I can't do that you Jeno, it's not fair." Soojung told him.

"Soojung, if you're not comfortable then don't do it. I told you to think about it because I shouldn't matter in this decision." Jeno said, popping a few fries in his mouth.

Soojung reached out for a few fries herself, catching sight of the watch on her wrist, a gift from Jeno.

No, Jeno's made enough sacrifices for me.

"Jeno, I'm going to talk to Taeyong later." Soojung told him.

"You are?" Jeno said, eyes wide. Soojung nodded.

"Yeah." Soojung said, giving him a smile. "Oh and on more thing."

"Hm?" Jeno said, meeting her eyes.

"I love you too."

...

"Hello gorgeous." Ayeon said, giving Soojung a smile as she came out of Ayeon's room, wearing the new leather jacket.