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JAKE SIM
After Heeseung walked away, I assisted the team in sealing the entrance with the Shielded Rune. We entered the mansion and rested from the sun at last. When I went to the entrance hall, many memories returned to me; like a wildfire, they were uncontrollable, heated, and damaging.
"You can feel at home. The bedrooms are upstairs; you can choose any room you'd like," I looked at my teammates and glanced at Heeseung occasionally. He appeared upset, unsettled, and uncomfortable. Perhaps he was apprehensive of the new place, or does it have to do with his question regarding this mansion?
"Thanks, Jake! Let's go, Sunoo!" Sunghoon excitedly said before dragging Sunoo.
"Hey! Wait! Why are you so thrilled?" Sunoo questioned as they sprinted to the second floor.
I smiled while watching Sunghoon and Sunoo's dynamic, but soon, my eyes landed on Heeseung. Something inside told me to speak with him and express what it lingered in my brain.
"You know. I never explored this house entirely. I was here only for a while before I moved to the Blackburry Forest," I revealed before standing beside Heeseung.
He lifted his sight and listened to my words—. "Why did you move?"
"Conah decided it was best. And I trusted him. I always did," I sighed before reminiscing what happened when he was alive—. "He found me when I was a child. I can't remember what happened to me, but according to Conah, I was drenched in blood while crying."
"Conah was older than you," Heeseung realized, to which I nodded in response.
"He couldn't age."
"Immortality. The rune," Heeseung looked at me, stunned—. "He knew you were a Phoenix Angel!"
I nodded and hummed—. "That rune is the secret our species swore to protect. Perhaps that's what Ryong Ethan wants; he chased the Newborn only to obtain it. Don't you think?" I thoughtfully said before looking at Heeseung.
"Perhaps it was. But if your suspicions are true, you must stay protected at all costs," Heeseung sternly realized.
I frowned—. "What do you have in mind?"
Heeseung turned his head, a decisive stare facing me, making my body freeze. Nevertheless, that was our entire conversation; he took off after that. I blinked a few times, stunned by his sudden motion. Instantly, I followed him, perceiving his silent treatment lead somewhere. Heeseung knew what to do; he had a scheme on his mind but didn't dare to share it with me alone.
"Guys, let's gather up!" I heard Heeseung's command before he turned around and faced me—. "Where can we talk?"
"The library is over there. It has a digital map, similar to the one at the institute's hideout," I said before pointing at the door at the end of the hallway.
"Good. Come on," Heeseung eagerly said before following the trail I indicated. As baffled as I felt, I attended his commands and entered the library.
Almost immediately, Sunghoon and Sunoo walked inside and closed the door. We gathered at the table in the middle of the room and waited for our teammates to stop looking around. It was a magnificent book collection; thus, I understood their amazement. The library was Conah's favorite part of the mansion, and so was mine. The recollection of memories this building holds is wordless; it would take many books to explain all the tales this place keeps.
"Why the urgency?" Sunoo asked while Sunghoon continued looking at the high ceilings with top-to-bottom bookshelves.
"We must discuss the plan to prove Jake's accusation against Governor Daehyun and the alleged corruption within the institute," Heeseung earnestly spoke before turning on the table's map.
"Do you already have a solid plan?" Sunghoon asked, stunned.
"It's a suggestion. I still need a heads up from someone important for this scheme to work," Heeseung admitted.
"Who?" Sunoo questioned.
"The Supreme Leader."
Everyone looked at Heeseung in shock. Nobody knew he was talking with Governor Aera without our notice or assistance.
"Before we left the institute, the headmistress delivered a letter to me. It was from The Supreme Leader; she offered her service to us. Thus, I asked for her assistance with this situation," Heeseung explained.
"Why should we trust her? If we act against Governor Daehyun, she might protect him," I suggested, upset by Heeseung's secret. Why wouldn't he trust this team with such relevant information? Aren't we supposed to count on each other?
"I trust The Supreme Leader isn't corrupt, and I think everyone should do the same," Heeseung stated before showing the institute's structure on the hologram—. "The first thing in the plan is to keep The Hollow Wings team away from us. Sunghoon and Sunoo, you must get all the information unrestricted inside the institute. Anything sketchy or not verified—find it and document it."
"Got it," Sunoo nodded.
"Roger that, Cap!" Sunghoon saluted before Heeseung turned the hologram and pointed at the headmistress' office.
"This area must have something hidden. It's your task to find what it is," Heeseung disclosed and changed the structure to a map of Auris City—. "Second. I'll try to gain the headmistress' trust and eventually approach Governor Daehyun. Perhaps get inside his residence and get evidence."
Heeseung explained and showed his ideas in further detail; however, he only looked at Sunghoon and Sunoo, making me feel left out. Yet, I didn't take it to heart; instead, I intervened in his explanation.
"Does The Phoenix have a role?" I questioned.
"The Phoenix. Yes, of course," Heeseung looked at me, quite surprised. Then, he sighed and scratched his head. He didn't have any plan for me—. "You must stay close to The Supreme Leader and learn more about The Council."
"Somewhere safe without anyone to hurt me. Got it," I murmured, somewhat upset—. "Thanks, leader."
I shook my head and removed myself from the team, soon leaving the library. My blood boiled while my heartbeat raced; I couldn't believe Heeseung wanted to take me out of the picture. Governor Daehyun's situation is mine to handle and my only way to get justice for Conah. I can't let Heeseung take that from me. Why would he? My safety? Bullshit.
LEE HEESEUNG
After seeing Jake walking out, I was ready to chase him. However, Sunghoon beat me at it and fled from the room without hesitation. His reaction stunned me; truthfully disturbing seeing him going after Jake.
"Are you taking Jake seriously?" I heard Sunoo ask, causing me to look at him, confused.
"What do you mean?"
He scoffed—. "We saw what happened. Jake was upset because you didn't give him a mission."
"I told him to stay with The Supreme Leader and gather information. Isn't that a mission?" I questioned.
"Leader. Deep inside, you know that wasn't a planned mission; it came to you at the moment," Sunoo stated, annoyed.
"Alright, sure! But Jake's part has an importance in this scheme."
"Yes, but anyone could do what you asked," Sunoo pointed out before sighing—. "Leader. Jake isn't Bianca. He won't have the same ending."
"And how do you know that?" I answered immediately and looked at Sunoo bitterly—. "I care too much about that angel just to let go. I won't make the same mistake twice, Sunoo. I can't risk my luck and allow Jake to involve himself in this mess."
"But Jake has the right to be with us every step of the way. Without his insight, we wouldn't acknowledge the state of the Angelic Realm," Sunoo earnestly stated and continued—. "Besides, it was Jake's best friend who died due to the corruption within The Council."
"Do you suggest Jake must risk his life only to avenge his best friend?" I questioned.
"I believe Jake has the right to choose what he wants to do. You are our leader but can't decide for Jake; he isn't yours."
Sunoo's words felt like a deep cut on my torso, and the sudden lack of breath caused me to hold onto the table. His statement was something I faced before; Bianca said a similar phrase before she vanished before my eyes.
"I need air," I stuttered before leaving the library. In a hurry, I walked past the hallways and saw Jake and Sunghoon talking, but I didn't stop. I couldn't stay and listen; I needed fresh air, space, and silence.
Eventually, I made it out after pushing the door open. Immediately, I rested my hand against the wall and took deep breaths. Unconsciously, I pictured Bianca's face on that day scarred in my brain, and unexpectedly, it made me throw up.
"Heeseung!" Jake shouted in disbelief before standing next to me. He held my back and patted it—. "Let it all out. It's best; I promise."
I threw up more before getting away from Jake, soon collapsing on the ground. I kneeled and remained with my head low. I pressed my hands into fists as I sensed Jake beside me.
"Don't read my thoughts. Please," I sorrowfully told Jake.
"I won't. Rest assured," Jake said before placing his hand on mine—. "I'm upset and frustrated for what you did earlier; nevertheless, I will accept anything you say if what made you decide on my behalf caused you this reaction."
I merely nodded and sobbed after hearing Jake's words. It's been a while since I felt this vulnerable—since someone saw me in this state.
"Heeseung, don't suffer alone; I'm here," Jake softly spoke, took my arms, and placed them around his waist. He pulled my head to his shoulder and comforted me without a second thought.
As soon as I felt Jake's warmth, I surrendered and hid my face against his shoulder. I tightened our embrace and continued whipping.
I don't want you to go.
I won't go; I'm under your care. Remember? That was how I avoided a death sentence.
I shut my eyes when I realized Jake was sincere. I held him tighter and stroked his hair, listless of my actions. I only wanted to feel him and keep him secure with me.