"Ela!"
"Coming Jinnie!"
My name is Ela.
I'm 21 years old.
I've been working in a florist shop for three years today. Jin or Seokjin from his real name is the owner and he is 28 years old. His broad shoulder, windshield laughter and tall figure make him the perfect person to sell anything.
Alongside his very handsome face for sure.
"Where are the daisies?" Jin asks looking lost
I smile.
This big man is a softie from the bottom of his heart. Or at least, that's what I believe. I've known him for only three years after all. I go to the backroom and get the several pots of daisies with a smile on my face.
My life changed so much in a short amount of time. I never believed that I would have make it before.
Now, I'm a florist in training and living together with the one who saved my life.
Let's explain things a little bit.
I'm from a research facility.
My ID was 00. I was the first subject inside the facility. My parents sold me to the facility when I was still in my mother's stomach. I don't have any idea of who they are. I don't care about it. They abandoned me since they made me anyway.
They were probably offered money to keep me and not abort me.
Anyway, this research facility was interested in a quite particular subject.
Making people special. Offering them superpowers of some sort.
A utopic goal.
However, it was reached.
About three thousand children were experimented on.
However, few of them were successful experiments. Including me. I acquired several abilities including healing and making people forget things.
It wasn't anything crazy if you compared me to the people with super strength, who were able to control elements and so on. But the problem wasn't that.
Once the children had acquired their abilities, they were asked to train them. How? With the other children who didn't managed to get an ability of course.
I refused.
Despite being raised without knowing what feelings were or what exactly I should be feeling: I knew there was something wrong.
But my situation was only made worse. I was forced to make the children with ability forget that they sometimes killed or hurt other children.
To stop affecting their mental state. I always experimented the memories I was erasing and it was more painful than anything.
The pain. The blood. The despair of the one who did the bad thing.
I felt everything.
"Flower? Are you alright?" Jin's voice startles me out of my thoughts
He doesn't know anything. I didn't tell him anything.
Five years ago, the police found out about the facility illegally abusing and experimenting on children. Thus they decided to separate themselves from some children with the less impressive abilities.
I had to make them forget everything. I knew each of them well. They forgot everything, including me and their powers. I remained in the facility, chained to a wall and the experiments continued.
Until, one child's power went out of control. He made the whole facility explode except the underground where I was kept was spared. The electronic door of my room had opened as a big shock was heard.
I didn't see anyone alive.
Everyone was laying on the floor, their heart had stopped beating. When I heard the siren, I ran away. I was scared that if I was caught, I would be experimented on again.
It was cold that night.
My first time seeing the outside world after 16 years. Euphoria filling me, I ran and ran. Until my legs gave up on me and I realized that I didn't know anything.
We had a strong education at the facility. We knew every subject taught in school, how to write and how to read. We were all taught harshly, beatings awaiting us if we didn't get good grades on exams.
However, I had no identity paper.
Everything had burnt in the facility explosion. Moreover, I wasn't used to the polluted air of the outside world. Thus, I fainted. In front of Jin's shop. That's when he found me.
Jin had been my life savior. I didn't talk to him at first, but he fed me. Homemade meals. He taught me the meaning of flowers. He made me a person and gave a name. A real name. He also told me feelings. We watched a lot of movies and I got used to living normally again.
However, I hadn't forgotten anything.
The explosion at the facility was considered as an accident and no bodies were apparently found.
On the other hand, I went to a park and buried a small hole, with a paper inside and all the numbers...
All the numbers of the children who had died not only in the explosion, but also through the year. I remembered each of them. It went up to 3089. The police had closed the case and I decided to not witness on anything.
Laying low would be better.
"You've been lost in your thoughts flower." Jin gently squeezes my shoulder "Anything wrong?"
I shook my head frantically and smiled.
"I'm fine Jinnie. I'm just really excited about our movie night." I said tucking my hair behind my ear
"I see, but first I need those daisies." He laughs
I nod and we take the flowers to the front of the shop. I frown as I see customers that look quite peculiar. They are both dressed in black and it's quite easy to tell that they aren't here to buy flowers.
I'm not making any link to the facility, because I'm aware that most scientists died that night. There were living quarters and most doctors and nurses lived there. All of that was burnt to crisps.
"Eli, can you go and get me the Irises?" Jin asks
I glanced at him and see his blank expression.
"No problem." I say
In fact, Jin just said a code. Sometimes when someone comes to the shop, he tells me to go and get irises. This is my signal to not come back to the front of the shop until he comes to get me. It happened once before, when some weird man tried to take me somewhere. Jin later explained me what the meaning of assault was and thinking back, I'm really embarrassed about it.
The facility taught us to really not be private about our body. The showers and changing room were all common between boys and girls. When I first got naked in front of Jin, I had never seen someone get this red. I was now fully comprehensive of the private side of things, like you could only show your body to your loved ones. I really liked Jin though, but apparently that wasn't enough. I walk to the backroom and sigh as I walk to the small kitchen.
Like Jin doesn't ask about my past, I never asked about his.
The only thing I'm perfectly confident in was that Jin had responsibilities before and that he could have been the CEO of a company. His ability to talk in front of people with ease and to never be intimidated by anyone plays a huge part in it. I make myself some tea and smile as I take a macaron that we made together with Jin and carefully bite into it.
I've taught myself to enjoy simple moments like this.
Before I hated being alone, I followed Jin everywhere.
I couldn't do anything on my own and was even sometimes flinching when a car horned. But, I slowly got better. I still couldn't sleep by myself though. I would have endless nightmares about memories or about facility.
My ability had this major drawback: I lived with the other's memories forever. I had to be careful not to become insane from it.
Moreover, my healing ability was also reversible. I could hurt someone and make them experiment a painful memory for example, worsen their wounds...
I wasn't glad that I was aware I was able to do that. But as I said, we were forced to do anything.
"It's fine now..." Jin's voice sounds colder than usual
I frown and walk up to him. He's looking outside at the people walking out. I hug him. I know that a warm hug always helps and soon I feel his arms close around me. He rocks me for a minute, until the bell of shop's door rings. He kisses my forehead sweetly and walks away.
"Thank you my flower."
"Always Jinnie"
He's here for me, so I'll keep being by his side.
"Jinnie, I'm going to clean the front of the store!" I scream
"Go ahead flower!" he says back
The days have been busy.
Several weddings have requested their bouquet to be made by Jin and he can never say no. I smile remembered how hard we worked last night to finish the last bouquet.
The woman wanted so many different colors that the bouquet was hard to do.
I mean who wants to put bright pink and pale blue as well as silver flowers and other yellow ones in one bouquet?
I chuckle as I use the broom to clean in front of the shop. The shop is nicely around the corner of a passing street. I stop for a second and look on the other side of the sidewalk.
Thinking about nothing.
Until I see him.
Jungkook is standing on the other side of the side walk.
My mind gets empty as I meet number 7.
He was sold when he already had a name. I refused to make him forget it. I got severally beaten because of him. Jungkook and I shared a room for a few years and he was two years older than me. His abilities were super strength.
Some side effects of this ability was bloodlust.
He had killed several people at the center and never felt bad about it. So he didn't have to forget them. I remember him asking me several time at night if what he was doing was wrong. The people he had killed were mainly guards who had threatened me or him.
Or beaten me up. I could never answer him.
Because each time he killed one of those people, I felt a weird feeling of relief and a wash of guilt flow over me. My heart clenches as I see his eyes fall on me. Unknowing.
Of course.
"Number 7, let's send him back to the world."
"He's too dangerous. He's also got a bad influence on number 0. A precious existence like her can't be swayed."
I had sneaked out with Jungkook and both of our eyes widened. I shook my head as I held onto the 18 years old Jungkook who was now surrounded by guards pointing their Taser and weapons towards him.
"Let 0 go, 7." The stern voice of Doctor Smith resonated in the corridor
"Never." Jungkook spat
"0.You know what will happen if this goes on. Right?"
His taunting voice tormented me to the very bottom of my soul as my grip tightened on Jungkook's shirt. I knew what I had to do and Jungkook knew to. I denied it as much as he did. I didn't want to be alone again.
I wanted to have Jungkook by my side.
However, outside, a new life awaited him. I took in a sharp breath.
"Kookie..."
"No, listen to me...We're not getting separated." Jungkook's voice was panicked
"0. Time is ticking..." Doctor Smith's shoes tapped repeatedly on the floor
"Five minutes. Alone with him." I begged to Doctor Smith
The man chuckled at first and then his loud laugh resonated in the corridor. The sound of his hands clapping still a real heart break as he nodded.
"Fine, think well about your last goodbyes seven. You will never see her again. Step away. 4 minutes and 30 seconds left."
Jungkook's grip tightened on me. He was always careful not to hurt me, but this time I knew it would bruise. I tapped his shoulder and slowly we pushed away from each other. His eyes were shining with tears while my tears were already streaming down my face.
"Kookie, listen...you will have a new life." I whisper "It will be fine-"
"A NEW LIFE? Leaving you here? Alone?" he chuckles humorlessly
At that time, Jungkook had no idea about my second ability. He was only aware that I could heal or hurt people as I wished. I took another breath in and cupped his cheeks as I let my ability flow through me. His whole body stilled as he tried to understand the situation.
"Listen to me Jungkook. You will forget the facility. You will forget me. The next time you open your eyes, the only thing you will remember will be that your name is Jungkook, that you have a special ability that you can perfectly control that is super strength."
"I don't want to lose you."
His voice had reached my heartstrings. Triggering an emotion I didn't know the meaning of.
"Listen, you will forget me, but if we meet again and our skin touches you will remember everything. The facility me and this moment. You need to be happy Jungkook. Now forget."
His body sagged as he held me against him. His last sentence was "I will never forget you." and I remember crying. Crying for hours, until I was beaten up to be quiet. To shut down my feelings once again.
Now, Jungkook had no idea who I was.
I watch him cross the side walk and my heart clenches. Our skin brushing against each other and he would remember me. However, I had made a promise as a double edge sword.
I turn my gaze to the ground well aware that I've been looking at him for too long.
He changed.
He got tattoos now, he also got piercings on his ears.
His tattooed number is still visible behind his ear as is mine. I know that my hair are down today and I'm glad. He got also more buff than before.
But it has been five years after all. I clenched and unclench my grip around the broom as two pair of shoes stop in front of me and I know that one of them is Jungkook.
I take a sharp breath in and raise my head with a smile I know is fake, but I don't have a choice. If I don't put a facade on, I'm going to cry.
"Do you know where Kim Seokjin is?" the man on his side asks
His built is different from Jungkook. He's a little smaller, but his gaze is sharp. His dark brown hair and sharp jawline don't make his leaner body any less intimidating. His tone is also demanding and I can't help but take a scared step back.
The lean man widens his eyes a little and eases his stance.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you..." he trails off "Ela right?" he reads my name tag
"Ela..." Jungkook's voice is definitely lower than I remember
I physically flinch as I heard his voice. This seems to startle both men. A bit taken aback, the lean man reaches out for me, but I swiftly turn around.
"Jinnie is inside. I'm going to get him for you." I say in a hurry
I take three steps towards the shop.
"Wait!" Jungkook's voice resonates
I freeze.
"Do we know each other?" he asks "I got the feeling-"
"We don't." I cut him off
The door of the shop opens and I'm fully aware that I'm crying. I walk past Jin as his eyes widen. He stands in front of me, blocking my strides inside the shop. I just know that I want to cry my heart out for now, I need time to think. Time away.
"I need to get some irises." I mumble
Jin's back straightens and he takes a step aside.
I walk towards the stairs towards the place where we live together and I put the apron inside as I head towards the bathroom. I step inside the cold shower, the need to sob stronger and I let my tears flow.
I don't know how long I'm standing there under the shower, but when I step out, the sun is already gone. I watch clean clothes in the bathroom basket ready for me.
Jin.
I smile and wipe my eyes carefully as I finally take a warm shower and clean up nicely. I step out of the bathroom and I hear people screaming at each other as I step inside the living room.
"I didn't do anything!" the lean man screams
"Don't look at me Hyung." Jungkook's there
I freeze but it is too late. Jin is standing looking sternly at the two men. The lean man looks frustrated, but Jungkook looks thoughtful. My arrival gets all of their attention. I have to be careful to not cry again.
"Your friends Jinnie?" I ask casually
"No, you don't get to do that after we get yelled at for hours." The lean man shakes his head at me
I smile and laugh. But it is forced and I know that Jin hears it.
"Ela?" he frowns
"They didn't do anything Jinnie. I got something in my eye that was all." I say tucking another piece of hair behind my ear "It's really fine."
Jin raises an eyebrow.
"You're lying." Jungkook frowns
I slightly freeze as I look at him.
"You tuck a piece of your hair behind your ear when you're lying." He repeats
"Jungkook?" his name leaves my mouth before I can stop it
His eyes widen.
"You know me?" he asks
I widen my eyes and take a step back. He shouldn't remember. I don't have any right to make him remember a hellish past like his. I run towards the entrance of the apartment and step outside.
It's raining and I know that my body isn't strong enough to withstand a weather like this without getting sick. However, my head is swarming with fear. A feeling I don't know why I can't get rid of as I run through the street bare feet.
I feel the shards of broken glass penetrate my feet, but I don't care.
I need to get away.
"Stop!"
A hand grabs me.
And even if it changed.
Even if it has been five years.
I know who this hands belongs too.
I know that this is Jungkook's hand.
His eyes widen and I can see him stumble. However, his grip on me tightens.
"Zero." He whispers "It's you."
He pulls my body to his and he holds me tightly. I can feel the cold shower and the current weather getting back to me. The only thing I can utter is:
"Kookie..."
Waking up to a new ceiling is quite disturbing, but the fact that I feel arms around me are reassuring in another way.
Opening my eyes open, I realize that I'm in a bed with warm covers and furthermore Jungkook was holding me tight against his chest. I internally gasped as I was turned around swiftly and brought even tighter against the male's chest.
"Kookie..." I whispered
He was quiet as he just was holding me and his body was slightly shaking.
"Never leave me again." He whispers
His voice is chilling.
He's completely serious. I hold my hand to his chest, but his heart is beating at a normal pace. He is pretty calm. His breathing is regular. However, the seriousness of his words is clear. I nod and feel my eyes tear up again as I slide my arms around his neck.
He sighs in my neck. He slowly raises up and me with him. His hands slid under my thigh as he holds me up. I realize that I'm wearing an oversized T-shirt.
"Its mine." He whispers
"Oh." I hum
We walk out of what I suppose was Jungkook's bedroom. I can see that the penthouse, because yeah this place is enormous, is at the top of the city and that the huge windows offer an amazing view of the city landscape.
I keep my hold on Jungkook and clearly he doesn't mind as he goes from the first floor of the penthouse to the ground floor by a series of white and transparent steps.
The scent of hot chocolate and coffee reaches my nostrils and I lean a little bit more against Jungkook. I know that Jin is here.
That he is waiting.
Jungkook is calm. When we arrive inside the kitchen, Jin is making pancakes and the male that was with Jungkook before is tranquilly drinking a coffee, his eyes on them. The sight startles him as his eyes narrow, but he says nothing.
"That's Hoseok Hyung. He's a good person." Jungkook whispers
I widen my eyes, noticing that my body had tensed up and that I was on guard. I didn't relax at all, the stranger and his eyes making me uncomfortable. Jungkook sighed and put me on the kitchen counter beside Jin.
Setting his hand on each side of my legs, his body hovering above mine. He was overwhelming me by his closeness, forcing me to tear my eyes away from the male.
"Hey." Jungkook said
I locked eyes with his and ashamed I answered.
"Hey."
"Can you explain?" Hoseok hummed
His tone isn't aggressive, but I can't help but flinch. Jungkook getting back his memory, also meant that I had to go through them again.
The antsy feeling I always felt there had reappeared again. I knew it was a short side effect, but Jungkook's body stiffened and he turned around hiding me from view.
There's a silence.
"Flower?" Jin's voice is gentle
I look at him and I can see that his expression is soft, worried and I can help but feel guilty as I try to reach out for him.
Jungkook moves aside right away and I can feel Jin's warm embrace. He takes a sharp breathe in and his body sags a little bit.
"You've both been asleep for a long time." Jin explains "About four days. Jungkook woke up earlier this morning and told us that it was normal." Jin rambled
"I'm fine." I whisper as I cup his cheeks "I'm sorry for running Jinnie. I'm also sorry Kookie." I say
"No worries." Jungkook smiles
His body is stiff and Jin is quick to move away realizing it. Jungkook's body brackets mine once again and I smile. He's gotten antsy too.
"I'm here. We're together." He repeats and I nod
Jin observes us. He takes notes. He has never seen Jungkook so much at ease with someone else. He remembers the unconscious body of the 18 year old he found five years ago. He had brought him here, in this very penthouse.
Then, once he woke up, the personal doctor had diagnosed him with amnesia. However, Ela had obviously triggered something within him.
Jungkook had always been very impulsive and a real fire head. His unexplained strength had been astonishing, but Jungkook refused whatever analysis or going to a hospital from close or far.
"You know each other?" Hoseok tried once again
A small nod from Jungkook.
"Let's sit down at the table for now. It's 8 am and breakfast time." Jin sighs
I widen my eyes looking at the time.
"Jinnie, the shop?" I said worry gawking at me
"I got someone to take care of it." Jin brushes off "Don't worry."
The doorbell rings as we settle around the table and Hoseok springs up. Jin's face turns cold and Jungkook doesn't react more than necessary, except that he pulls me closer to his frame. I'm now seating down on his laps as I see several men enter the room.
I'm very well aware that I'm underdressed right now seeing them in their fancy clothes. I remain quiet as eyes zone not on me but on Jin.
"Explain." The voice is stern
"Introduction first perhaps." Hoseok grimly smiles "This is Kim Namjoon. Min Yoongi. Kim Taehyung. Park Jimin." He points to each male
I recognize none of them.
But after all I haven't stepped out of the flower shop so much. I frown as the first man's name made my mind on the other hand twitch. I had heard this name before. Jungkook doesn't react more than necessary and Jin's face only sullen. He doesn't stand and takes another sip of coffee.
"Hoseok. Report." Namjoon speaks
He's clearly the leader of this little band. Jungkook's hand tighten on my hips and he pulls me closer to his chest.
The movement although small gets all the male's attention. Hoseok explain the situation shortly and I realized that we both fainted at the same time. I probably healed Jungkook in my sleep because I can't feel that he is hurt anywhere.
Hoseok is short in his explanation. Jin is quiet all the way through.
"And who are you?" Yoongi's gruff voice asks
"Ela." I answer "I work at the flower shop." I say
"At the flower shop uh..." Yoongi sneers
I raise an eyebrow at that, but I keep quiet. These people look dangerous and I can tell that Jin knows them well and so does Jungkook.
"Jin Hyung." Namjoon speaks
"Namjoon." Jin greets curtly
I can tell that there is a problem underlying there and that the air is tense. Jungkook lifts me up and walks away from the table back to the kitchen. He puts me on the kitchen counter again and he looks at me.
"I want to know what happened when I left." He says
I widen my eyes as he sat in front of me on a stool. It was easy for me to share a memory that wasn't the problem but the conditions after Jungkook left were worse than he ever experienced. At least for me.
The one with abilities were told to kill each other basically and I could only have contact with the winner each time.
I apologized.
But they were never mean towards me, some broke my shackles and smiled sadly at me. Each time the guards came inside my room, pinned me to the ground with worse and shackled me again. At the end the metallic shackles were replaced by something electronic that gave them an electrical shock.
Nevertheless, they all tried to break them. Despite me pleading them to not do it.
"They were right to do it."
I notice Jungkook's hand on the side of my head and I gasp as I push him away. He stumbles surprised, but his eyes are stern.
"I noticed your arms. You weren't as bruised when I was there." He frowns
I'm about to answer, but I detect movement behind Jungkook so I keep quiet. The male obviously noticed, steps out of the corner of the room.
It's Yoongi. He remains quiet as he grabs a glass of water and keeps his eyes on us. Jungkook doesn't pay him any attention.
"I don't want to talk about it." I say under his insisting stare
"So you'll just keep it bottled it up." Jungkook grits "That's not going to help you at all." He takes a step closer
"But sharing it with you and polluting your mind would be a good thing?" I retort "I did what I did for a reason Jungkook. Not for you to dive right back in, in case I got out alive. It's been three years now." I brush off
Jungkook doesn't want to leave the matter, but he understands that he will get nothing out of me if someone else that I don't trust and that I don't know is there.
"A few of them are here you know." Jungkook's tone changed
I widen my eyes as I look at him.
"You're kidding?" I say my mood changing
"But if any of you could explain what happened instead of keeping quiet about it?" Yoongi's irritated
Jungkook doesn't react but stands in front of me. I'm a weak point of his here. Yoongi observes the situation and sighs. He doesn't want Jungkook to suffer. He helped raise the young man. Yoongi looks at Jungkook and he can see that for now he is wary. That the girl is important for him.
"THAT IS THE REASON YOU LEFT? BECAUSE OF A GIRL?" Namjoon's voice is booming
I flinch due to the strength of it and Jungkook grabs me and cradles me closer to him. He covers my ears. I only hear the muffled sounds and can guess what is said from Jungkook's expression who becomes slowly angry.
He moves suddenly towards the stairs. We step back inside his room and I can see that we were followed now.
"Take a shower Ela." Jungkook calls my name for the first time
I hum seeing two of the males from before enter the room. Jimin and Taehyung I believe. I step inside the shower and enjoy the warm stream.
I don't question Jungkook's action. He steps inside the bathroom and I know that it is for checking me. His eyes roam around my body and I can feel a certain ease to it unlike the uneasiness I'm supposed to feel.
"Jin Hyung took good care of you." He whispers as he covers his hand with soap
"He did. Jinnie is amazing with me. He taught me how to describe emotions and everything." I hum "That men and women weren't supposed to see each other like this." I giggle
Jungkook shrugs. His hands are knowing and I lean into the touch, knowing full well it is innocent and without a meaning. He makes me turn around and washes my hair slowly. His hands are gentle as I remember them and as always he doesn't let me touch him.
His shower is quicker as he had wrapped me around a thick white towel. I wait for him and his body embrace mind. I cover his as much as I can with the towel. He cups my cheeks and kisses the tip of my nose.
This moment is special.
It may seem horribly inappropriate for most people.
However, this is bonding between us.
This is what we were used to do together.
The only moment of softness and gentleness we experienced together.
Jungkook is that precious for me and he returns the emotion ten folds.
"What now?" I ask as he keeps hugging me
"I got Taehyung to get you some clothes." He whispers "After that, I want you to meet the others. Some of them you didn't meet before they were liberated."
I widen my eyes at this information.
"They remember everything. They escaped from death. But most of them are grateful to Zero for making their life easier." He explains "I didn't remember anything, but my head hurts a lot when they spoke about the facility. Now I remember them well." He explains
I nod and I can feel emotions swirl in me. They aren't all dead. The 3089 numbers I scribed on a hard rock and kept hidden weren't all true. Some of them survived. But something was making me question everything.
"How are they all at the same place?" I ask
"Namjoon Hyung searched for them. When he found me, then he found Changbin. He noticed the numbers and Changbin explained that at the time there were 3000 of us, including several hundreds who were liberated." He sighs
"Who is Namjoon?" I asked
"Namjoon is someone powerful." Jungkook eluded "I'm in charge of the one with abilities." He adds "Since I'm the most powerful one and resistant to all other types of abilities except yours."
I've known about that. However, the thing about Jungkook being charge and the Namjoon guy being the top boss is making me frown.
"Are you doing a bad job?" I whisper as he dries my hair
I know he heard me, but he doesn't answer me. I browse through my memory knowing that Jungkook will remain quiet for now. Then I remember where I saw that name. Namjoon was supposed to be a recruited candidate as a child for the experience.
However, I never saw him.
Meaning he wasn't casted inside. Jungkook must be aware of this, so I keep quiet. Jungkook walks out of the bathroom after brushing my hair to perfection.
"Here." He hands me black jeans and a flowy white top. Underwear included.
I change and so does he.
"I'm taking Ela to the company." Jungkook announces as we step back down
From Namjoon and Jin's expression that's not an option.
"She's Zero." Jungkook shrugs as he hands me a pair of shoes.
Namjoon's eyes widen and Yoongi curses. Jin opens his mouth and closes it. He had an inkling about it, but remained quiet. He looks at Jungkook charging his gun and hiding a few blades around his outfit. I don't see him because I'm waiting for Jin's approval.
Jin knows that and so does Jungkook.
"Zero." Namjoon's voice is chilling as I can see his eyes
A feeling of fear rushes through me, but Jungkook is quick to act. He pulls me behind him. I can see the blond male, Jimin narrow his eyes at Namjoon and sigh.
"Hyung, I'll take them there." He says "Remember what's our purpose." He says softly "Shall we go?" he asks
I don't trust him and I hold Jungkook's hand and he tightens his grip.
"Jimin." Jungkook nods "Hyung?" his question is for Jin who simply nods
"Jinnie...Can't we go together?" I ask
Jin looks at me. I'm afraid that he will abandon me. I don't want that. I treasure Jin. Those three years were part of the happiest of my life. Jin hums and looks at Namjoon who sighs.
"Let's just all go then."
Minutes later we are in front of a huge skyscraper. I watch in awe as Jungkook helps me out of the car. I feel a warm jacket being put on my shoulder and I turn around to see Hoseok. He smiles as he gives me a scarf.
"She's easily sick." Jin had said
"Thank you Hoseok." I say
Jungkook gives Hoseok a bunny smile showing his gratefulness. We step inside the building and everyone bows to Namjoon and the other without a question. I don't know the scale of this, but I'm impressed. We step inside an elevator and Jungkook holts me up. Nobody questions him, but I can see Taehyung's eyes furrow.
"Her legs hurt." Jungkook explains
I blush. It's true. Healing others is great but I can't heal myself. The shards of glass which had pierced my skin are out, but the wounds still very much present. I avoid looking at others embarrassed as Jungkook steps inside a wide space underground.
I can hear the grunts of people training. I widen my eyes seeing the huge training space, with free snacks and drinks. On the ceiling of the room there is an opening to the sky. It seems unattainable.
"This architecture was asked by them to Namjoon." Jungkook whispers "I understand why now."
It was similar to the training center of the facility.
It made sense. A reminder of the past. Jungkook stepped inside the training room and there was a silence. I was put on the ground and my eyes met familiar ones. I put a hand on my mouth and I was soon flying into the air. The familiar power making me laugh.
"Zero!" echoed into the air "Han! Put her down for god's sake!"
"Moonbyul you are no fun." 80 answered
I looked around and there were a lot of familiar faces. Jungkook smiles as I was introduced to the numbers as people this time. It was quite interesting to see all of them.
"My name is now Ela." I said at one point
Everyone nodded and began talking about what they have been up to. The six other boys watched the scene with curiosity. Yoongi at one point drew a gun out and pointed it towards the girl. To see what the reaction would be.
He fired.
However, nothing moved. Nothing changed. He smirked as he saw a few eyes on him. Watchful. Wary.
"I'm sorry." He said raising his hands up in a sign of giving up
I turned my head towards Yoongi confused, but no one commented on his apology. I looked at Jungkook who I was seating against and he shrugged.
I looked at the gun in Yoongi's hand and my mind throbbed. However, Jungkook's arm pinning me against me, grounded me once again.
"It's fine. No one will hurt you here." Moonbyul commented "You have suffered more than enough." She pinpointed
I hummed only and leaned against Jungkook and listened to the chit chat of the people. I was amazing to see that most of them had transformed their griefs and sadness into an ever as strong fighting spirit. Listening to their laughs was freeing.
"Now." Namjoon's voice boomed "I have to talk with Ela." He said
Everyone stopped talking and Jungkook's body stiffened as I turned my eyes to Namjoon. He was standing there confidently. I stood up and nodded.
Jin was quiet, but the air between them looked clear. Like they got rid of any misunderstandings.
"What are your abilities?" Namjoon asked casually walking back and forth
"Why?" I asked
Namjoon didn't answer that and no one else did. There was a silence that lasted a minute, then two...
"Because if you want to see them all again-"
"No one will prevent me from it." I smiled at Yoongi "No one."
Yoongi looked at the girl and she was confident. In fact, he could feel the other numbers look at them daring to contradict her. Daring to take a step closer or too hurt her. Namjoon had to play wisely.
He didn't expect Zero to have such an influence on the other numbers. However, she was their only source of soothing when they were all children. She was the weakest physically and yet mentally she was the strongest one.
Able to withstand all of their pain without turning insane.
"You are right." Namjoon said wisely "However, I saved all of them. For that, you ought to give me answers I deserve." He speaks
"I'm able to make people forget things and I'm able to heal them." I shrugged
"Should I believe you just like that?" he wonders "That those are your only abilities, when I'm sure that you are hiding something else."
He had a good mind. That went without saying. I looked towards Jungkook and he gave me a small nod. I hummed. I didn't trust Namjoon.
Although what he said was the truth. I looked at Wheein or number 45 and she shrugged at me. It was my choice.
A movement in the corner of her eyes made her pay back attention to what was in front of her.
"Jimin." Namjoon warned
I looked at the blond male. His expressions were stone cold. He grabbed a knife and put his sleeve up. I raised an eyebrow, completely confused until he put the blade down.
Without thinking I caught it with my both hands, slicing my palms deeply, grabbing the blade and throwing it away.
"ARE YOU CRAZY?" I screamed looking at the blond male
He had no particular emotions on his face and I didn't care about the pain. However, soon enough Jimin was pushed away from me and I was guided to a bathroom.
The pain finally reached me and I hissed. The speed and the adrenalin I had gotten in a short amount of time disappearing into thin air.
"Stupid." Wheein hissed
Her cat tail was worriedly swishing from left to right as Jungkook was looking at my palms anxiously.
"It's not deep." Felix informed
"I don't care if it's deep or not. That was reckless ...Ela." Han bugged but I didn't say anything to focused on the pain
"You like pain" he smirked
"NO!"
"Alright." He grabbed 45 by her tail and began dragging her
"STOP!" I screamed out my lungs
"Then do you like pain?" he wonders with that same cruel smile dropping the girl on the ground
The tears don't stop flowing. I raise my head.
"I like pain." The voice is void of emotion
"Ah! That's what I wanted to hear!"
"Come back to me."
Jungkook's voice makes me snap out of my memory and I look at Wheein's tear strained face. I pull my hands away from her and sigh. Jungkook grits his teeth as he sighs. He knows that the power of memories is far from being an easy one to control.
Wheein reaches out for me and hugs me tight. Everyone understands. Except...
"What happened just now?" Hoseok's voice is full of curiosity "it was like you were both frozen in time."
I look at Hoseok and I remain quiet.
"It was a flashback." Wheein just says quietly
"A flashback?" Hoseok pushes
"Yeah, of the facility." Moonbyul swipes him off "Ela was triggered." She added
"So you're not fully in control of your abilities?" Hoseok innocently says
I look at Hoseok and for some reason I can't refute him totally. I'm in control most of the times, but emotions are things that are very complicated to control once you know of them. None of them speak and spread out. I need time.
Or I will be swept up in another memory.
I look at Jimin who is still standing there with the bloodied blade. His expression is unreadable. Hoseok notices that everyone steps away.
"It's to not trigger memories. To give the ability time to settle down. Nobody wants to feel what happened in the facility again." I softly say
"But you do though." Hoseok shrugs
"Because I don't have a choice. My ability doesn't work on myself." I say
"You act like a victim. That's pitiful."
Taehyung's words don't illicit any reaction from me. Because that's exactly what he wants. To trigger me. To show him what it was like in the facility. I could traumatize him if I wanted. I could make him feel pain like never before if I wanted. However, that wasn't me.
"If that's you want to think." I smile as I finish bandaging my hands on my own
Taehyung clicks his tongue. Hoseok is observant, but it's clear that these people aren't normal either. That their life wasn't easy either.
I would be able to see their past if I wanted, but I had no intention doing that. I looked at Jungkook. He had grown so much. He was someone else now.
"Jinnie." I walked to the male "Let's go back." I smiled
However, Jin's expression is grim. He wants to go back too. To the flower shop, waiting for the roses to bloom and laugh quietly in front of a movie with the girl.
Enjoying a normal life. However, he knows that the information that he is about to reveal is probably going to change things up.
"Three years ago. The facility was almost empty except the children." He says "Doctor Ming-"
"What are you saying?" I cut him off
My mind is swirling with a hundred things.
"All the guards and doctors are currently still in function." He drops "Namjoon's father was the head of the Ability project."
My head turns to Namjoon. His lips are pursued. The lack of reaction of anyone else makes it clear that I'm the last informed. Then the door opens and Doctor Smith is dragged inside.
The head doctor of the facility. His hair are a mess. He looks frantically around, before recognizing some faces and his eyes land on me.
"Zero." His voice is the same as always
I tilt my head at him. I can see that everyone is tense. That all of them wants to kill him. He can obviously feel the bloodlust. Jungkook is on the side, but his need to kill is clear. I turn my head to Jin and to the rest. The six men are quiet. No one is moving.
"Zero. Come here."
The words are so clearly printed inside my mind that my body moves on its own. I walk towards the doctor and only Jungkook standing in my way is stopping me. I can see that he is angry and I realize that I'm trembling.
That I'm scared.
Even though I know that this isn't the doctor's playground. That my life isn't in danger right now, because all the numbers here are safe.
"Ela." Jungkook softly calls
"No, he will hurt you." I whisper past catching up to me
Jungkook's eyes harden as he looks at the doctor who flinches. However, the smile on his face is the same as always. He knows he holds power on me. That I can be triggered easily as I always could be. But this time, there is someone else that is standing in the way.
Kim Namjoon is different from his father. Never again, he will let thousands of children suffer. Never again.
He shots the doctor straight in the head.
Just like that.
"Now you are free."
End
Author's note:
Hello People.
First of all, I'm really sorry for not updating as regularly as before. I have lack of inspirations and this story came to my mind like this; Furthermore, I'm currently doing an internship for three months and have been quite busy. Nonetheless, I hope not to disappoint you because the next story will be an hyrid story.
It was requested to me to write another hybrid story and I'm very grateful to the subscriber that got me the idea about it. It's not exactly what she described, but I'm sure that you will all like it. I will upload the first chapter just after this one.
But, but, but
Tell me what you think about this story and if you have request. If I like the mindset of the story you are proposing, then I might publish it.
Don't forget to stay safe and that I purple you folks!