Warning: This chapter contains scenes that may be distressing for some readers, including depictions of panic attacks, intense drama, and threats. Reader discretion is advised. If you find such content triggering or uncomfortable, please proceed with caution or consider skipping this chapter. Take care of yourself while reading, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if needed.
As always, I'm eager to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Don't hesitate to share your opinion, and if you enjoyed it, please consider hitting the like button. Thank you for reading! greets, Charlie.
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The chilly night air brushed against Na-Rae's skin as she jogged through the streets, her breath coming out in wispy puffs of mist. Despite the brisk pace, she still felt the lingering effects of the previous evening's escapade with her friends. It had been a night of laughter and indulgence, a welcome break from the usual routine.
Conscious of her image, Na-Rae had embraced the "YOLO" mantra for the night, diving headfirst into the festivities. And when she felt the alcohol start to weigh her down, she made a somewhat responsible choice. She had dialed the one person she knew wouldn't give her a hard time— Yoongi. Even though he had just returned home from his studio and wasn't planning on going out, he couldn't ignore the sound of her giggles and nonsense on the other end of the line. With a mix of concern and amusement, he came to her rescue, making sure she got home safely and even stayed the night to keep an eye on her and he wasn't planning to go back to his apartment that early in the morning.
As Na-Rae ran farther, a soft smile tugged at the corners of her lips when the familiar melody of TXT's newest song filled her ears. It was the perfect track to accompany her journey, each beat syncing perfectly with her strides. Closing her eyes for a moment, she let the comforting voice of Yeonjun wash over her. Even in his rap verses, his voice had a soothing quality that could ease her worries no matter where she was or what she was doing.
Oh, how she missed him. She had heard his voice earlier that morning, but what she truly longed for was his comforting presence by her side. Just the thought of him being home, wrapping her in a warm hug and assuring her that everything would be okay, brought a pang of longing to her heart. But with Yeonjun currently away on tour, the apartment they shared with Jungkook felt strangely empty, even as she approached it.
Their living situation was quite something else, with the three of them occupying a two-level apartment that had been carefully crafted for privacy and comfort. It was Jungkook who initially suggested they all live together, and Yeonjun readily agreed. He couldn't bear the thought of Na-Rae being alone for too long, not because she couldn't handle it, but simply because he didn't want her to feel lonely.
Together, they scoured the city for the perfect building, settling on one that needed a bit of TLC. But with two spacious lofts stacked on top of each other and an elevator conveniently located in their kitchens, they transformed it into a cozy two-loft apartment that could be used as one in need. And when they craved some solitude, all it took was a simple flick of a switch to escape the hustle and bustle of the world and revel in their private sanctuary. It was truly remarkable how technology could streamline their lives and make everything just a little bit easier.
As Na-Rae approached her apartment building, a mix of emotions washed over her. It was supposed to be a place of comfort, but recent events had tainted that sentiment. The knowledge that some people had discovered where the three idols lived filled her with a sense of unease. There were always a few individuals who developed an unhealthy obsession with celebrities, and Na-Rae couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
Deciding to take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator, Na-Rae's heart raced with each step she climbed. She knew it was a small act of defiance, but it helped to ease her mind. The thought of sharing the elevator with strangers made her skin crawl. What if one of them was one of the sasaengs who had been following her for the past few months? Even though she was disguised with layers of clothing, the fear of being recognized lingered in the back of her mind, and she couldn't bring herself to take that risk.
As she stepped, into her apartment, she kicked off her running shoes and headed straight for the kitchen. Her movements were almost robotic as she reached for a bottle of water from the fridge, craving its refreshing embrace after her run. With a satisfied sigh, she took a long gulp, feeling the cool liquid soothe her parched throat.
Leaning against the kitchen counter, she let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of the day's events settles on her shoulders. Her mind raced with thoughts, unsure of what to do next. "What now?" she mumbled to herself, her voice barely audible in the apartment.
With a sigh, she made her way to the living room and sank onto the couch, the plush cushions enveloping her like a comforting embrace. She spread her legs and arms like a starfish, closing her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on her mind, each worry and fear gnawing at her insides.
It all began with a simple letter at the start of the week. Jungkook had just left for a week-long trip to Busan, relishing in time with friends and family. He had invited her, mentioning his parents wanted her to join, but she declined. With a few meetings lined up with friends and her new album in the work. She opted to stay close to her studio, but now, she couldn't shake the feeling of regret.
The letter she received felt ominous, with only a few words scrawled across the page: "Be careful, Don't go out, people are watching." It wasn't the first time she had received such cryptic messages, but the unsettling poem she received yesterday pushed her over the edge. Who was playing mind games with her, and why? The sense of unease gnawed at her, leaving her on edge and questioning everything.
Poem:
"In shadows deep, they silently tread,
Eyes watching, whispers spread.
Be cautious, don't wander alone,
In the darkness, you're not on your own.
Fear not, for we're by your side,
In the silence, our love won't hide.
With every step, we'll stand guard,
Protecting you, our hearts unmarred.
So heed the warning, stay close, stay near,
Know that our love will always be here.
Be careful, don't go out alone,
For your care, we'll find your home."
The card lay before her, a vibrant shade of orange adorned with a delicate white daisy in the center—just the way she liked it. Despite its pretty appearance, a chill ran down her spine. It was a tangible reminder that she wasn't imagining things, that these unsettling events were indeed happening again but now she was alone.
Next to the daisy-adorned card sat a sealed envelope, its thickness hinting at something substantial inside. Despite the temptation, Na-Rae hesitated to tear it open. Maybe this time it would be different... As she debated whether to unveil its contents, her mind wandered back to her earlier conversation with Yeonjun. He had sensed her unease, but she brushed it off, attributing it to the lingering effects of last night's drinks. She didn't want to dampen his spirits, especially when he was thousands of miles away. He deserved to revel in the joy of touring, basking in the adoration of thousands of fans who cherished his hard work.
With a sigh, Na-Rae found herself clutching her phone, contemplating whether to call him again. It was early morning over there, but perhaps he was awake. Without overthinking, she tapped the call button, hoping he wouldn't pick up, but it was too late.
"Jagiya?" a groggy voice greeted her from the other end, signaling he was still half-asleep.
"Hey," she whispered back, clearing her throat and taking a sip of water.
"Hmm," came the response, making her smile at the image of him lying in bed, phone pressed to his ear, eyes closed.
"Did I wake you?" Already knowing the answer.
"It's okay, what's wrong?" he replied, concern laced in his voice.
"Do I only call you when something's wrong?" she quipped, playfully teasing him.
A muffled groan escaped him. "I never said that..."
"I know, I just got back from a run and heard one of your songs. It made me miss you," she confessed, a smile in her voice.
"Now you only miss me when you hear my voice?" he joked back, his laughter echoing through the phone.
"Of course not! I miss you everywhere—when I see noodles, when I listen to your songs, even when I'm sitting alone on our couch," she admitted sweetly, imagining Jungkook's reaction to her sappiness.
"I wish you were here too. Touring would be perfect if you were with me. I don't know if I can handle being away from you for another three months," he sighed, his longing evident.
Na-Rae couldn't help but sigh too. "Hmm... I forgot about that."
"Sorry, jagiya, I didn't mean to bring you down,"
"No worries. And it's less than three months, remember? I'm coming for the last two weeks of your tour," she reminded him gently.
"Yes, I'm already counting down. I wish it would come sooner," he confessed wistfully.
"For now, go back to sleep. You need your rest and your voice," she insisted,
"I can talk for hours. Why don't we video call?" he suggested, eager to see her face.
Na-Rae chuckled shaking her head, forgetting he couldn't see her. "Nana?"
"Hmm?" she hummed, sounding a bit distracted. "Never mind. I'll let you sleep. I'll call you later when you're fully awake. I'm not in the mood for your drooling face right now," she teased, making him laugh.
"Hey, you don't mind waking up next to that drooling face," he countered, his tone playful.
"Baby, go back to sleep. I promise to call you later. I'm just glad I got to hear your voice,"
"Always! I'd even hop on the first plane back home if you asked," he declared, his affection evident.
Na-Rae rolled her eyes affectionately. "Ah, no, no. This is your job too! We promised Bang PD-nim we could still be professionals, remember?"
He groaned in response, muttering something she couldn't quite catch. "Whatever,"
"It's okay. I need to go. I have plans for tonight, so I'm leaving you. Love you!" she said, already anticipating his whine.
"You're ditching me now?" he whined, making her laugh. "But okay, love you. Thanks for the morning call. My day will start perfectly now."
"Ah, cheesy as ever," she joked, earning a playful retort from him.
"Just as cheesy as you missing me whenever you see noodles," he teased back.
"Hey! You're the one who always serves me noodles! Now I have to make my own," she defended herself.
"Don't worry. Once I'm back, I'll make you my secret noodle recipe every day,"
"Deal! But for now, I really need to hang up. Love you, see you later. Bye!" she said, ready to end the call.
"Love you, always. Bye!" he echoed, and with that, they said their goodbyes, leaving Na-Rae feeling a little less alone. Hanging up, she realized she could spend hours on the phone with him, finding solace in his words but once the call ended she sighed again. The envelope, it was time to see what was inside.
As Na-Rae opened the envelope, she was met with a flurry of photographs. Each image captured moments from her daily life: laughing with friends, exiting her apartment building, browsing through clothes in a store, and even mundane activities like grocery shopping and leaving the building in her car. It sent a chill down her spine as she realized the implications - she had been followed for an entire day, her every move meticulously documented by unseen eyes.
The realization hit her hard. While she was accustomed to the constant presence of paparazzi, receiving such a detailed collection of photos in her post felt like a violation of her privacy. What unnerved her even more was the note accompanying the pictures: "We know where you are, you're safe in our hands." The cryptic message sent shivers down her spine, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable.
As she tried to process the unsettling discovery, the doorbell suddenly rang, jolting her out of her thoughts. Na-Rae hurried to the security camera, her heart pounding with apprehension. Seeing the postman standing at the door, she hesitated for a moment before mustering up the courage to answer.
"I'm coming" she pressed in the bottom of the microphone making the man nod his head.
With trembling hands, she accepted the package and retreated to the kitchen, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty, she hadn't ordered anything, and each letter, card, or present she got this week was something out of her mind. Carefully wielding a knife, she opened the box, unsure of what she would find inside. As the lid came off, she recoiled in horror at the sight before her - a doll that bore a striking resemblance to her, its head cruelly ripped from its body.
A wave of nausea washed over her, and Na-Rae staggered backward, her breathing shallow and rapid. She felt her stomach churn, bile rising in her throat as fear and revulsion consumed her. Racing to the sink, she doubled over, retching uncontrollably as she struggled to come to terms with the sinister message delivered to her doorstep.
The situation escalated from protection to outright stalking, and Na-Rae couldn't comprehend why someone would do this to her. Tears welled up in her eyes as she grappled with fear and confusion. She felt trapped in her apartment, frantically checking every window and door, even though she was on the 8th floor. The panic was overwhelming, making her head spin.
As she dashed from window to window, door to door, her mind raced with thoughts of paranoia and dread. "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?" she wondered, her heart pounding with each step. With trembling hands, she secured each lock, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps.
Desperate for help, she wracked her brain, trying to think of someone she could reach out to. Yeonjun was miles away, Jungkook wouldn't return for days, and Yoongi had already been there for her the previous evening. The other boys? No, she couldn't burden them during their free time. But then it hit her—So-Yeon, her own sister. How could she forget her closest confidante in such a moment of distress?
Fighting back tears, she collapsed onto the couch, her mind spinning with fear and uncertainty. She needed to reach out to So-Yeon, to share her burden and seek solace in her sister's comforting presence. But as she dialed So-Yeon's number, a sense of dread washed over her. What if she couldn't help? What if this nightmare never ended?
With trembling hands, she dialed So-Yeon's number, her heart racing with fear and uncertainty. As the phone rang, she prayed that her sister would pick up and provide the comfort and support she so desperately needed but on the other side, she was also wishing that she didn't. She didn't want to burden her too... she was so debating with herself.
"Hello?" So-Yeon's voice crackled through the line, a hint of hesitation in her voice.
"I-" Na-Rae's voice faltered, the weight of her words heavy on her chest.
"Na-Rae, are you there?" So-Yeon's voice held a note of impatience as she strained to listen, her other hand pressed against her ear in an attempt to catch any sound. Why had her sister called if she wasn't going to speak?
"Yes," Na-Rae replied, her voice barely audible.
"I'm going to find a quieter spot, wait, I don't hear you" So-Yeon announced, the background noise shifting as she presumably moved away. "Okay, Na-Rae? Can you hear me?" Na-Rae responded with a faint nod, her breath catching in her throat as she struggled to articulate her thoughts. "If this is one of your jokes, Na-Rae, I'm not in the mood," So-Yeon's voice held a hint of irritation now. "Just tell me what's going on."
"I- I'm sorry," Na-Rae stammered, her voice trembling. "I'll talk to you later-"
"No, don't hang up, wait," So-Yeon interjected firmly, her patience wearing thin by despite her frustration, she could sense that something was amiss with Na-Rae. "If something's wrong, you need to tell me now. Sorry if I was being rude..."
But then the floodgates opened, and Na-Rae's words spilled out in a jumbled mess of tears and panic. So-Yeon listened, her heart sinking with each broken sob that echoed through the phone. "Na-Rae, calm down," So-Yeon urged, her voice strained with concern. "Take a deep breath and tell me what's happening calmly, I cannot understand you like this."
But Na-Rae's distress only seemed to escalate, her words growing more frantic with each passing moment. So-Yeon glanced at her date, shaking her head apologetically as she mouthed that she needed to leave.
"I'm coming over right now, Nana" So-Yeon declared, determination in her voice. "Just hold on, okay? I'm coming."
"I'll drive," Jin interjected, his voice firm and reassuring as he gently held onto So-Yeon's arm. So-Yeon hesitated, unsure if bringing Jin along was the right decision. She hadn't mentioned her plans with him to Na-Rae, and having him there might complicate things. With a sigh, she glanced up at Jin, silently conveying her uncertainty.
"O-oppa?" Na-Rae's voice wavered on the verge of a breakdown.
"Yes, Jin-oppa is here too," So-Yeon said, sighing a little and looking up straight into his eyes "We're both coming to you. Do you want me to stay on the line?"
Na-Rae remained silent, clutching the phone tightly as she huddled on the floor, the weight of her panic pressing down on her.
"Okay, do you want to hear what I did today?" So-Yeon began, her words flowing without pause as if she could fill the silence with her chatter. She didn't even wait for Na-Rae's response, knowing her sister needed distraction. "You would never believe it. Remember that pair of jeans I bought last week? Well, I found the perfect matching jacket for it. It's this gorgeous yellowish color, and I swear, you would absolutely adore it."
Listening to So-Yeon's rambling about fashion, Na-Rae found a strange comfort in her sister's words, a brief respite from the chaos swirling inside her mind.
Jin's foot pressed down on the accelerator, propelling the car through the streets with urgency. So-Yeon didn't protest the speed; she was eager to reach her sister's side as quickly as possible. True to her word, she sprinted into the building, punching in the code to Na-Rae's apartment.
"I'm almost there, Nana," So-Yeon reassured, her voice reverberating through the empty corridor. "Just hold on, okay? I'm entering your apartment now."
Pushing the door open, So-Yeon was met by an unusual darkness that filled the room. It was unlike Na-Rae, who typically bathed every corner in light. A pang of worry tugged at So-Yeon's heart as she stepped inside, the phone still pressed to her ear.
"Is she here?" Jin panted, his breaths ragged from the sprint, holding So-Yeon's bag in his hands because she left it in the car.
"Stop it!" So-Yeon chided him, swatting his arm lightly, her nerves frayed from the unexpected turn of events.
"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," Jin apologized, touching her hand and offering a gentle reassurance.
"I'm sorry too," So-Yeon replied with a faint smile, her nerves still on edge. Turning to venture deeper into the room, she called out softly, "Na-Rae?"
As she moved farther into the living room, a faint sound caught her attention—a quiet sob that echoed through the silence. So-Yeon followed the sound, her eyes scanning the dimly lit space until they landed on Na-Rae, curled up on the floor, tears silently streaming down her face.
Without hesitation, So-Yeon rushed to her sister's side, pulling her into a tight embrace. Na-Rae didn't resist; she clung to her sister desperately, finding comfort in her familiar presence. It had been years since Na-Rae had experienced such a debilitating panic attack. Despite finding solace in her love for Yeonjun, this sudden onslaught of fear, compounded by the boys' absence and her overwhelming sense of loneliness, left her feeling utterly lost and unsure of how to navigate her turbulent emotions.
As So-Yeon enveloped Na-Rae in a comforting embrace, Jin quietly made his way to the couch, a sense of familiarity washing over him as he settled into the cushions. He had visited Na-Rae's apartment countless times before, each visit bringing with it a sense of ease and familiarity. However, this time felt different—there was a tension in the air, a palpable unease that hung over the room like a heavy fog.
His eyes drifted to the coffee table, where a collection of photos lay scattered randomly. Curiosity piqued, Jin leaned forward, his gaze lingering on the images before him. There were snapshots of Na-Rae—laughing with friends, leaving her apartment, browsing through clothes at a store—moments captured in time, frozen in fleeting fragments of memory.
Beside the photos lay a small card, its surface adorned with delicate script. Jin picked it up, his brow furrowing in confusion as he read the words inscribed upon it. The poem spoke of caution, of watching eyes and unseen dangers lurking in the shadows. It was cryptic, and ominous—a stark contrast to the cheerful images scattered across the table.
Turning his attention back to the photos, Jin studied them intently, his mind racing with questions. What did it all mean? Why were these images here, and who had left them? His gaze flicked to Na-Rae, who still clung to her sister, her expression wrought with distress.
"Na-Rae," Jin called softly, his voice breaking through the silence. "What's all this?" He gestured to the photos and the card, his eyes searching hers for answers. "Do you know who left these here? And what does this poem mean?" Jin's voice was gentle, laced with concern.
Na-Rae shook her head, her thoughts scattered and her words coming out in random fragments. It felt as though her world was spinning out of control, and she struggled to find the right way to express herself.
"It all... all started when Jungkook... he left," she managed to say, her voice quivering with emotion.
Jin furrowed his brow, looking perplexed. "Did Jungkook do this? Is this some kind of prank?"
"No, no!" Na-Rae exclaimed, her voice trembling as she intensely denied the possibility. "Jungkook wouldn't... wouldn't do this. It's not... not a joke."
Gathering her composure, Na-Rae straightened up, wiping away her tears as she reached under a magazine to retrieve a stack of letters. With a shaky hand, she took a deep breath, attempting to steady herself before continuing. "It... it all began on Monday with these letters. I... I thought they were just fan mail, but then yesterday, I got this creepy poem in the mail." Her voice faltered, the memory still fresh and unsettling in her mind. "I... I couldn't shake the feeling, so I... I went out for a drink with friends," she admitted, her guilt palpable, thinking about why she even drank that much...
"And then today, when I... I came back from my run, I opened these photos," she stammered, her voice trembling with fear. "But that's not even... even the worst part." Suddenly, she stood up abruptly, her words catching in her throat.
"Na-Rae, it's okay," So-Yeon interjected softly, rising from her seat and offering a comforting touch on her arm.
Taking a deep, shaky breath, Na-Rae pointed towards the kitchen island. "It... it might make more sense if you... if you see what's in that box over there," she said, her voice barely audible as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Jin cautiously made his way over to the kitchen, his heart pounding with trepidation as he approached the mysterious box. With trembling hands, he lifted the lid and peered inside, only to be met with a sight that left him utterly perplexed.
"There's... there's a doll in here," Jin muttered, his voice trembling as he struggled to comprehend what he was seeing.
So-Yeon's eyes widened with concern as she held Na-Rae close, her heart sinking at Jin's reaction. "What kind of doll?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jin hesitated, his gaze fixed on the doll lying inside the box. "It looks like... like Na-Rae," he replied, his voice barely audible. "But... its head is... it's separated from its body."
So-Yeon's grip tightened around Na-Rae, her eyes filled with horror and disbelief. Her voice trembling with anger as she struggled to comprehend the cruelty of such an act. "Who would dare to do something so sickening?"
With a swift, determined motion, So-Yeon reached for her phone, her fingers flying over the screen as she dialed Bang PD-nim's number. Her voice was laced with urgency as she spoke, her words clipped and forceful. "Oppa, it's So-Yeon. We have a situation here, and we need your help. Someone has crossed a line, and they need to be held accountable. We need your help, I think we need to call the police even."
Na-Rae stood in stunned silence, her mind reeling from the shock of the situation unfolding before her. She opened her mouth to speak, but So-Yeon's firm gesture silenced her, prompting her to take a seat.
Meanwhile, So-Yeon wasted no time in taking charge. With a determined expression, she remained on the phone, swiftly dialing other numbers and speaking with colleagues about legal matters.
"We need to get a lawyer involved, I'm calling a few of my friends. I cannot take this case, it's too personal." So-Yeon declared, her voice cutting through the tension in the room as she relayed instructions to the person on the other end of the line.
Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, Na-Rae glanced over at Jin, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and gratitude.
"Your sister knows what she's doing, don't worry. Let her handle this," Jin reassured Na-Rae, his voice calm and reassuring amidst the chaos. Before Na-Rae could respond, the doorbell of her apartment chimed, interrupting their conversation. "I'll go open the door, stay here, and drink some water," Jin suggested, offering a comforting smile before heading towards the door.
As Jin disappeared to answer the door, Na-Rae heard the familiar voice of Bang Pd-nim, echoing through the apartment. "Where is she? Is she okay? I have some officers coming, and Sejin was with me when you called, so he came along."
"Oh, Hyung, long time no see," Jin greeted Sejin, the former manager who now headed the HYBE Management team. The two exchanged nods and hugs, reminiscing about old times.
"There you are," Bang Pd-nim exclaimed as he entered the room, his gaze immediately focusing on Na-Rae. He approached her swiftly, checking her over to ensure she hadn't been harmed. Na-Rae remained silent, slightly taken aback by the sudden influx of people in her apartment. It was then she remembered—So-Yeon had called everyone she knew to help out.
The alarm bell went off again "Well that would be the police" Bang Pd-nim explained, his tone grave as Jin and Sejin stood by the door, ready to greet the arriving officers.
As the door was being opened, two uniformed police officers stepped inside, their expressions serious as they surveyed the scene. So-Yeon, ever the advocate, took the lead, stepping forward to address them with confidence. PD-nim standing concerned but still proud next to her.
"Officers, thank you for coming," So-Yeon greeted them, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. "I'm So-Yeon, Na-Rae's sister. We've had some... unsettling incidents recently, and we could use your assistance. Whoever's behind this thinks it's all just a game, but it's gone too far. I want to pursue legal action against them, and you need to help us find out who they are."
The officers nodded, their attention fully focused on So-Yeon as she began to explain the events leading up to their arrival. Meanwhile, Sejin approached Na-Rae with a warm smile, his presence bringing a sense of familiarity and comfort amidst the chaos.
"Hey there, kiddo," Sejin greeted her, his tone gentle as he reached out to offer her a reassuring hug. Na-Rae returned the gesture, grateful for his presence. "I heard what happened. Why didn't you call me? You know things like this can spiral out of control."
Na-Rae shrugged. "I was trying to be careful... It just all happened so fast. That doll really freaked me out." She sighed and sank back into her seat.
"It's okay. I get it. Just promise me you'll be more cautious. Seeing those pictures of you out and about without security isn't exactly my idea of being careful, okay?" Sejin's tone was firm, but there was warmth in his eyes as he spoke.
"Oppa, please..." Na-Rae whined slightly, already battling a pounding headache. The last thing she needed was to be called out.
"It's okay. I know what needs to be done," Sejin reassured her with a smile, a flicker of nostalgia crossing his features as he observed the girl he'd known for years.
"She hasn't changed a bit, has she?" Jin remarked, earning a chuckle from Sejin.
"Very funny, you two," Na-Rae retorted, crossing her arms. "Just know that I've got some crazy people chasing after me, claiming they want to save my life, and then pulling stunts like this."
"Nara-ssi, calm down. We'll find out who did this, and they'll all end up at the police station learning their lesson. So-Yeon is determined to make that happen, believe me," Sejin assured her, his tone firm yet comforting.
Na-Rae nodded, her attention drifting towards her sister, who was deep in conversation with the police officers, presenting the evidence they had gathered. But then, a thought struck her. Why were Jin and So-Yeon together, and why had So-Yeon been hesitant to talk on the phone earlier?
"Are you two dating?" Na-Rae blurted out without hesitation, her curiosity getting the best of her. Jin's mouth dropped open in surprise, but he quickly recovered, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
"I, uh... I think she's coming down with something, Hyung, I'm going to take ice packs, can you help with laying her down..." Jin stammered, avoiding Na-Rae's gaze as he hurried toward the kitchen to fetch some ice packs. As he left, Na-Rae and Sejin exchanged a knowing glance. There was definitely something fishy going on here...
°°°
The end... or perhaps just the beginning of another chapter...