"Lost"
• Hyungwon's pov •
Where?
The only question which has been replaying constantly in my brain. At one point, it might actually exploded
I've searched everywhere, but her name wasn't registered anywhere. Her apartment was empty and she abandoned her car, which left us with no hints
"Shouldn't we call the police?" the palpable panic resembled Hyeri's voice as she voiced out her opinion
"We can't", Wonho cut her off shortly as she scrunched her nose
"Why can't we? She has been missing for almost a week! Isn't that long enough?" she cried out as Lisa patted her back
"It's because she's not a missing person, she 'disappeared' by her own free will", he explained clearly and it made me slammed my fists to the table
"Hyung..", I.M looked at me with a worried look as I shook my head
"This is my fault. Why am I so stupid?"
"No it's not. Look Hyungwon, we're all frustrated here so stop blaming yourself and let's keep on searching. Okay?" Minhyuk firmly assured as I sighed deeply
"My source tell me that there's no Baek Aira registered in any flights, both domestic nor international", Shownu informed
"None in land transportation either", Jooheon added my frustration as Lisa raised her hand up
"What is it Lisa? Another disappointing report?" I said with a pessimistic tone
"No, it's just that, Aira's a smart girl, she wouldn't use her own name if she wants to disappear and as badass as she can be, she won't dare to travel too far. Coming from experience, she's bound to go somewhere within her knowledge"
"That is actually some logical explanation right there", Minhyuk rubbed his chin as Lisa hit his arm lightly
I don't really know what happened to both of them, but Minhyuk has been teasing her nonstop and to my surprise, Lisa let him, almost like she's being nice to him
"Now that you mention it, Aira's also a family person. She wouldn't let his family down, moreover make them worry. Her parents, especially mother, is quite the dramatic one, yet she's not all over the place looking for her. They must have known something"
We all went to a full on silence to take in what Hyeri just told us, in unison, we all stared directly at both of Aira's bestfriends
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US EARLIER?!" They flinched at seven guys hollering at them but remained calm
"Don't blame us! You guys were too busy searching for unnecessary info- Sorry?" They both sheepishly smiled as I stood up and throw out all the information we gathered
"Well back to square one it is", I tapped my pen on the wooden table until I realized something,
"Is it just me or Mingyu hasn't contacted us lately?"
They all looked at each other before shaking their heads, "I don't think so, moreover since the Hyeri drama emerged", Kihyun half-heartedly cooed as Hyeri threw her hands up in the air
"Yah don't drag me in this. He's immature in handling the fact that I like someone else and he's going to debut with Seventeen soon, I don't want to be torn apart by his fans"
"But still, you can at least explain to him-"
"Enough! Hyungwon, what's your reason for asking Mingyu out of the blue?" Lisa stopped Kihyun and Hyeri's arguement as she looked at me with a questioning face
I stood up and smiled, "Just like Hyeri said, her family would be all over the place if Aira went missing without their consent and I believe they, including Mingyu, know where she is. That's why he's avoiding us, well aside from the whole heartbreak thingy"
Wonho and Minhyuk grabbed their car keys as the others looked at them weirdly, "What?"
"Where are you guys going?" I.M bluntly asked as both of them looked at me
"Like Hyungwon said, let's go pay Aira's family a visit"
• Mingyu's pov •
"Ah! Why him? Why am I competing with such successful person?" I slammed on the keyboard hard before throwing my body to the untidy bed
I've been doing research about Hyeri's new boyfriend, Min Yoongi. I should've known because she has been a fan of this guy since high school. I admitted that he's a genius in composing and his music is worth the hype, but still, I was with Hyeri longer, didn't our memories worth anything?
Ding...dong...ding..
My ears perked at the sound of the doorbell. It echoed around the house and since I didn't close the door, I could hear it clearly.
Curious, I stepped out of my bedroom and went halfway downstairs to see mom standing a few inches away from the door
"Mom", she stayed still while watching the door, as if she didn't hear me
"Mom!" I yelled louder this time and she jumped in surprise
"Son, no need to yell. They might hear you", she deadpanned as I shrugged
"You didn't answer me the first time. Anyways, who's at the door?" I casually walked towards the door but she stopped me
"Don't open it", she commanded as I eyed her weirdly, "It's Hyungwon"
My eyes went wide at the mention of his name, "Really? What is he doing here?"
"I don't know", my mom sighed deeply, "But, I think he's looking for Aira"
"Why? So he can hurt her again?" I crossed my arms in anger, "He's married now, why bother-"
"Didn't you hear the news? The marriage was cancelled after the police arrested Han Yejun"
"Mom, you're not joking right?" I asked as she chuckled
"Not at all my son", her face remained calm but I know she's jumping around in happiness inside, "Hyungwon's mother informed me right away about this news days ago"
Ding...dong...ding...dong...
Ignoring the doorbell ringing, I turned to see my mother, "Mom, does Aira noona know this?"
"She does, I called her right away", she sounded sad while telling me this
"So? Why isn't she back yet?"
Ding...dong...ding...dong...
"She needs time, Mingyu", she smiled weakly, "I need time too"
"Mom..."
"Seeing my daughter cried and hurt because of what Hyungwon said to her, broke my heart to pieces. She never cried that much in her entire life", I gave my mother a loving hug as she gladly returned it
"That boy needs to prove your father and I that he won't hurt her again. Let him find her on his own, we've done enough"
She gave me a pat on the head and left to her bedroom. Great, leaving me to do the dirty work. Mom and Aira sure have a lot in common.
Ding...dong...ding...dong..
"Aish so noisy... I'm coming", I lazily opened the door and feel immediately attacked since the whole Monsta X, Lisa and Hyeri was there
"Thank god, we thought nobody's home", Hyeri voiced out but I only rolled my eyes and it landed on Hyungwon
"What are you doing here?" I ignored the rest and faced Hyungwon. He caught on my attitude but only smiled
"It's been a long time, Mingyu", he tried to be modest and it made me feel guilty all of the sudden
"Yah Mingyu, isn't it rude not to invite your guests inside?" Lisa crossed her arms but I only shrugged. She wanted to open the door but I firmly held on it
"You can't come in. My parents won't allow it", As said that, Hyungwon's face fell instantly and the others looked at him with worry
"I understand", Hyungwon looked up and forced a smile, "I believe you know the reason we- I'm here"
"If you're looking for Aira noona, she's not here. She hasn't come home", I coldly stated as Wonho stepped in and scolded me
"Mingyu, you need to calm down with the attitude. I know Hyungwon fucked up, but-"
"But what hyung? Give him another chance? We both know how many chances he had"
I had to be tough on him, because I know my mother was secretly listening from the way she intentionally left the bedroom door open
"Yah Baek Mingyu!" Hyeri yelled out but it only rose anger inside of me
"Whatever, I don't know where Aira noona is so it's useless to ask me. Good day to you-", Hyungwon held the door as I was about to close it
"Please, I'm truly sorry for what happened. I- I still love her", I heard faint squealing and it's no surprise if it was from my mother's mouth, "Give me one last chance. Help me find her"
I sighed deeply, "Hyung, I really want to help you but the only person who know where she is, is my mother. She didn't even tell me"
"Please Mingyu", Hyungwon begged to the point he almost kneeled down, but luckily Minhyuk stop him
"You must've heard or knew something, please", Minhyuk said with such desperation and I sighed in defeat
"I overheard their conversation yesterday", I said in a low whisper voice, "My mom kept on talking about this guest house we used to visit for vacation"
"Where it is?" Hyungwon beamed with hope as I scratched my head
"I don't know if I can tell you...", Minhyuk and Kihyun stepped forward
"Free limited edition wii games", Minhyuk offered, "And a lifetime voucher to my restaurant", Kihyun added and that's the dealbreaker
"CALL! I mean, okay fine whatever. It's in Deokjeokdo"
"Thankyou so much", Hyungwon suddenly hugged me tightly and my face softened
"Good luck hyung", I patted him on his back as he nodded and broke from the hug
I waved goodbye and about to close the door, but Hyeri stopped me, "Wait, we need to know the name she used"
"Find that yourself, or ask your boyfriend about it", Hyeri pouted at my cold answer as Lisa clicked her tongue
"No need to be so salty, Mingyu"
"I really don't know, geez", I wrinkled my forehead as Jooheon approached me
"Bro, if we need any help, can we count on you?" I smiled at Jooheon's friendly gesture
"I'll stay by the phone", with that I closed the door and leaned against it
Not long after, my phone buzzed indicating a text
From : Hyeri noona
I'm sorry
guys, i decided to add one extra chapter before the epilogue hehe. i hope u don't mind it and vote, comment and share if u like it! ^^ thankyou guys for ur endless support, ily~