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"You're going back?! After all the effort we put in," Mark exclaimed, his voice, frustrated.
Jinae met his gaze, her eyes full of apologies. "I know, Mark. I understand how much you've helped me settle here, but there's some unfinished business back home that I need to face. I promise I'll be back in a couple of weeks, and I'll call you every day, even though the time zone difference is massive."
Mark let out a sigh, clearly torn between his worry for her and his understanding of her need to confront her past. "Just... promise me you'll be careful."
Jinae nodded, her expression earnest. "I will, Mark. And I trust you to look after Yeoni. She's in good hands with you."
He ran his hand over his face, a mixture of resignation and concern in his eyes. "Fine, but you better keep your word and stay safe."
"I promise," Jinae said softly, gratitude shining in her eyes.
—
The day of their departure came quickly, and soon they found themselves at the airport, bags packed and emotions running high. Jinae, Jaehyun, and Taeyong stood before Mark and Yeoni, a bittersweet air hanging around them.
"I'm going to miss you guys!" Yeoni's voice was tinged with sadness as she hugged Taeyong tightly.
Taeyong smiled down at her, his expression warm. "We won't be gone for that long, Yeoni. We'll be back before you know it."
Jinae turned to Mark, a mixture of emotions in her eyes. "Take good care of her, Mark. I trust you."
He pulled her into a tight hug, his voice a bit choked. "You better come back in one piece, okay?"
"I promise," she whispered, her voice wavering with emotion.
As they made their way to the boarding gate, a sense of anxiety settled in the pit of Jinae's stomach. She looked back one last time to see Mark and Yeoni standing there, waving goodbye. The announcement for their flight came over the intercom, and she turned her attention forward, focusing on the journey ahead.
The hours on the flight seemed to pass in a blur of anticipation and contemplation. As the plane touched down on familiar soil, Jinae felt a surge of nostalgia. The memories she had tried to bury resurfaced, and the weight of unfinished business hung heavy in the air.
Back in South Korea, they gathered their belongings and made their way through the bustling airport. Jinae's heart raced as they stepped outside, greeted by the sights and sounds of a place she had once called home.
"We're really back," Jaehyun said.
Taeyong nodded, his expression determined. "It's time to face SEVENTEEN properly."
Days turned into nights as they navigated through familiar places and old acquaintances. They sought plans, answers, closure, and a chance to finally put the ghosts of their past to rest.
One evening, as they were heading back to their temporary house, Jaehyun's phone rang. His face paled as he saw the caller ID. It was a name that sent shivers down his spine – Mingyu.
He answered the call, his voice tense. "What do you want?"
A cold chuckle greeted him from the other end. "Oh, Jaehyun, don't be so hostile. I'm just checking in to see if you're having a pleasant trip down memory lane."
"What do you want, Mingyu?" Jaehyun repeated, this time not so confidently.
Mingyu's tone turned sinister. "Oh, nothing much. Just thought you might be interested to know that I have something of yours."
Jaehyun's heart raced as a sense of dread washed over him. "What are you talking about?"
"Your gang members... Jungwoo and Taeil I believe," Mingyu replied cryptically. "You might want to hurry if you want to see them again."
Fear gripped Jaehyun's chest as the realisation hit him. "What have you done?"
Mingyu's laughter echoed through the phone. "Come and find out, Jaehyun. I'll be waiting."
The call ended, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Jaehyun turned to Jinae and Taeyong, his eyes filled with dread.
"Mingyu has Jungwoo and Taeil. Shit, our plan backfired. He was supposed to be interested in Jinae, not them. FUCK." he raged.
"We should call Johnny," Taeyong said, "He can track their location."
"Wait- Johnny as in bartender Johnny?" the girl asked in surprise.
"Yeah? You didn't know he was part of us?"
"No... damn I really don't know much about you guys."
