【Ｉ Ｍ  Ｍ Ｏ Ｌ Ａ Ｔ Ｅ】

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5th October 2019

Hannah

"How many times? How many times have I told you to be cautious? Yet, you left her in a mess"

"What would have happened if they hadn't arrived? Wanted her to be immolated?"

"Hyung, we are very sorry. We won't let it happen again"

"Immolate is a big word, V hyung"

"That's the exact word. They would burn her alive and I am not kidding. Their ways of punishing the opponents are ruthless. And above all, she is a girl. They could do anything to her. I swear they are fucking monsters."

I slowly opened my eyes and quickly closed them as the light flashed on my eyes. It's quite powerful to my eyes. After a few seconds, I opened my eyes slowly and my gaze traveled to my arms. I could feel something cool pressed on them but I can't see the person clearly. My head still feels a bit dizzy and the sight in front of me is partially fazed.

I blinked my eyes twice to see V standing in front of me with a look that I have never seen before. I noticed that it was JK who was applying the ice pack on my arms. I shuddered a bit and V placed his hand under my neck, positioning my neck in a comfortable position on the pillow. 

I looked at the five guys giving me a concerned look and their gloomy faces caught my attention. Why do they look like some Zombies stole their favorite candies? Did something happen while I was in sailing in an almost drowning boat between the coasts of Fucking Dead and Just Missed it by a Small Line?

I then realized that I actually fainted in front of someone. I assume him to be one of the opponent people whom these people in front of me were plotting against but I am not sure. My eyes traversed towards V's hand as he started tracing my face and stopped at my forehead. He is dressed in T-Shirt and sweatpants today, unlike his usual formal attire.

"You are safe, Miss Cooper", he muttered and I scoffed internally. I don't have anything to say in return. I just know I fucking risked my life for this ridiculous mission. 

"Who saved me?", I asked as I clearly remember the silhouette of the person who carried me. At that moment, I couldn't open my eyes further to get a clear view nor did any word left my mouth, out of nil energy. One thing I am sure of is he is none of the men I know.

"It was Yeonjun. I carried you later after you reached the guest house", JK mouthed and I shook my head in negation. He is lying. I don't forget the things I notice and I am pretty sure it is none of them. I turned to see V whose eyebrows twitched while he avoided my skeptical gaze, making me more suspicious. Are there more men?

"For a girl who is still not completely conscious and is still under the effect of sedatives, you talk too much, don't you?", he muttered and tapped my forehead. I don't know what he is intending but a part of it was right. I still feel a bit wobbly, presuming the feeling to be an effect of the sedatives.

"You always have your nose in other business. Why don't you give it a rest and sleep for today?", he tapped on my nose and I scrunched it lightly, feeling disgusted. He is not even feeling sorry for putting my life at the edge.

"Sleep, Hannah. You will feel better when you wake up", JK caressed my hair and I nodded. At least, this guy is a bit caring than that heartless monster. As giddiness started to consume, I closed my eyes, drifting off to sleep.

───※ ·❆· ※───

6th October 2019

"What are these?", I questioned, glancing at the bags placed in front of me vacantly. JK took a sigh and sat down beside me, displaying a soft smile. I'd be lying if I say my heart didn't flutter at his endearing smile. It's been a long time I have gone to a zoo. I love cute bunnies.

"Just put them on and get ready. I observed that you don't have many clothes for yourself so, bought a few while I was passing stores", he revealed and my eyes widened. Who the hell buys Gucci and Prada while walking across stores? Damn! These people have deep pockets.

"Can I just leave from here? I mean no harm to anyone of you and I will keep your organization a secret. Can you please let me go?", I requested, showing my pleading eyes with a small hope. They could at least be sorry for jeopardizing me the day before. 

"Come on, wear something nice. You look all glum in these dowdy outfits. I will take you outside for a walk. And leave your phone here itself", he tapped my head and walked out of the room, insinuating that they are in no thought of setting me at liberty. What a damn life I am living! I always thought it's the chicken which has the most piteous life but no, mine's down the grade with these men enervating my last hopes.

I looked at myself and chuckled at my outfit's condition. They are reflecting my state of awfulness to a fare-thee-well. Letting out a deep sigh, I picked a simple solid frock which I very well know would cost more than 3000 bucks. 

I don't know why in the world JK got a thought of taking me out on a walk. I certainly know he would make sure to guard in such a way that I won't even find a rathole to do a runner. I am just too tired to peel out anyway.

I completed getting ready and just walked outside the room. I didn't wish to put any kind of makeup on. I don't even have the accessories in the first case. Well! I am not complaining since I don't wish to be decked out for commemorating my stay in this clandestine residence.

"Noona", Yeonjun's hoarse yet chirpy voice greeted me as I entered the living room. Soobin wasn't present, much better to my mental peace. Beomgyu glanced at me for once and then returned to scrolling down his phone. Kai was just too stuck up in watching Penguins flapping and making cute noises on the screen. Taehyun just threw a smile and I returned it without much thought.

"I heard JK hyung will be taking you out today", he spoke while patting the empty place on the couch, gesturing me to sit. I smiled at him and sat down between Taehyun and Yeonjun. 

"We are sorry for leaving you in danger yesterday? We didn't know that there is a connection of rooms from that room", Yeonjun started and my attention diverted to his words. Connection of rooms?

"I know you are confused. We were in the same state yesterday. The room you have entered was personally designed for him that we failed to find out before operating the mission. It's stupid that we dealt with a dangerous drug dealer without the right amount of caution", Taehyun mouthed and I could just nod, my mind unable to believe if it was Taehyun who was speaking. He is not much of a speaker.

"We did. But then, we were manipulated. The person-in-charge of gathering the information forged the particulars and we got mislead. I know putting up excuses would direct to nothing but we owe you an explanation", Yeonjun disclosed and my heart skipped a bit. Their own men falsified the information. Who can be trustworthy here?

"What happened after I passed out?", I asked, curiosity kicking my gut. I noticed Taehyun smile a bit and wondered if something nice had happened.

"We managed to break into the connection between the rooms and had a small fight with their men. Don't worry, everything is fine now", Yeonjun assured and I nodded. Everything is fine implies something big had happened.

"The Drug Dealer is shot dead", Taehyun blew the lid off, giving me a ghastly turn.

"By V hyung", Kai spoke, turning to me. Did V come to the location as well?

"And the one who manipulated us is also shot", he continued and I gulped down my throat. Why are they using guns as if they are toys? 

"By JK hyung", Yeonjun revealed and I faked out a very tiny smile, trying to hide my jitteriness. So, I will be going on a walk with a person who killed a man the previous day. How ludicrous can this get going? 

"Well then, do you know the person who saved me? Please don't tell me it was you. I can discern the difference between your personalities well", I eyed at Yeonjun whose lips were sealed tight. Beomgyu raised his head and parted his lips to speak something.

"Shall we go then? We will have to be back before V hyung arrives", JK mouthed, more like alerted and I nodded. This, V hyung. That, V hyung. Inhale, V hyung. Exhale, V hyung. It wouldn't even be amusing if they ask their V hyung the permission to breathe.

"We are not going far, are we?", I asked as I started to pace my steps behind him. Why the hell does he have such long legs? My snail-paced ass is unable to match his thick sexy ass. 

"I never mentioned about the place. I am just trying to make your mood better. I know you are tired of being confined in the closed places", he spoke and got into the car. I doubt is he is trying to make me feel better. On one side, they won't release me and on the other side, they are concerned. Is this some kind of fiction?

"Thank you", I muttered half-heartedly as I got into his shiny black Maserati Ghibli and buckled up the seatbelt. Dad wanted to buy this edition when they first launched it and I smiled, remembering his sparkling eyes when he expressed his wish to us. His dream was burnt in ashes just like himself.

"Do you like the car?", he asked as he started the engine and I nodded. Who wouldn't like it? It's the hottest thing in the world unless another cool model is launched. I am not much interested in cars but they are sexier than most of the guys and that's a universal truth. 

"I am glad you did. I bought it recently", he chirped, unlike his usual firm tone and I smiled. I know JK is a bit soft at heart and seeing this version of him makes me want to cherish these small yet rare moments. 

"So, am I the first girl to enter?", I asked playfully and he shook his head immediately. My face frowned at that. I don't want to admit but I do have some feelings for him. The feelings aren't the ones that portray the emotional connection we have. It is more of an infatuation than of a proper liking. Adding to that, he was more kind to me than the others.

"You are the second though", he tapped my head and turned his attention to the road. I hope today will be at least nice. I just don't want any random person to attack us while we are walking. I will definitely be traumatized this time.

"I will take you somewhere safe and no one knows our identity, so don't think too much. Feel free today", he replied to the wandering thoughts in my head and I nodded. These guys study body language well. From the beginning, they know how to react to my next move, if I am tensed or not, if I am lying or not and I am not dumb to not notice that. They are trained and deciphering body language should as easy as an old tackle.

"Open the drawer", he instructed and I did the same.

"There will be a bracelet in that. Just wear it from today", he spoke and I pulled out the black cabled bracelet with a small simple clasp. I wore it without asking him anything and started to examine it. It isn't something fancy to be given as a gift. There must be some purpose. I turned to see JK's hand having the same kind with a different color.

"You have a small button on the side", he spoke and I traced my fingers over the surface to find the button. I finally found it and looked at him. I didn't press it because God knows what trouble will arise. 

"If you press it for five seconds, it will get activated. After the activation, if you click it once, it would send your location coordinates to the team. If you click it twice, the microphone will be activated and you can send a voice message", he explained and I did as he said. There is no light blinking which implies it will not bring risk in the dark.

"Why are you giving me this?", I asked, not convinced with their concerning behavior. Yeonjun and Taehyun explained the things that happened yesterday which they don't usually do. V showed me a look that isn't cold and cocky. And now, JK is handing me a handy gadget.

"You've risked your life enough already. Do you want to get into another pretty kettle of fish?", he asked and I shook my head in negation. I smiled with a warm feeling inside myself. Despite knowing that I don't belong here, these positive lines from them relax me a bit. After all, their other side blows me up rigorously.

"We're here", his voice broke my thoughts and I nodded. The car is smooth and I know for sure, I can't feel the intended brake. I looked outside the window and realized that we are in front of some park.

"I am not really a fan of parks", I told him as I unbuckled my seatbelt and he nodded. I got out of the care and my lips curved up, inhaling the fresh air. It feels different to be outside the confinement. JK stood to my side and held my hand.

"I know you are not a fan of parks but then, you do like street food. You have plenty of food stalls in this area", he mouthed and my eyes widened, both in surprise and delight. How does he know? I didn't speak of my personal interests to anyone. I only shared my sorrow for being their hostage and listed the reasons why they need to release me.

"The fire ramyeon tastes best here. Come with me", I followed his footsteps like a puppy while he held my hand tightly. The slight skin contact got me tickled pink. His hands were rough and yet, warm.

He ordered the food for us and smiled, looking at me. Do they get to live a normal life like this once in a while? Or do they have to dedicate their whole time to implement those plans and kill some infamous people? 

"Here you go", he drawled his words like a song and my inner self adored the cutesy well-built man. He quickly slurped down his noodles without even waiting and I diverted my attention to my plate. The first go went well. I didn't find the noodles too spicy. But as I started to slurp them down with time, my throat started to feel hot.

It started to flare inside and I exhaled the hot fumes from my mouth. I turned to JK and looked around to see everyone in the same condition. I wanted to laugh but then, I know I will fuck up bad. 

"Let's go for ice cream now. It's too spicy", JK piped in and I nodded my head vigorously. We quickly got our ice-creams in the nearby store and ate them in haste. My mind froze as I took a large bite of my ice cream and I closed my eyes, enduring the twinge in my teeth. Gosh! The dessert is also a villain like the spice.

We then started to walk around the place and he showed me some famous things like a cherry blossom tree being a top spot for the romantic couples, the cotton candy stall being the most crowded one in the whole place, the bushes where some couples usually make out and that we need to avoid without a second thought and many more small yet cute things, the bushes being an exception. 

"The Pond here is the main reason why this park has many visitors. It gives the peaceful vibes", he mouthed, gazing at the flowing waters meaningfully. 

"Water and peace? Water can destroy peace, you know? Everything has two sides just like a coin. I am not trying to give you a lecture or something but not everyone has the same feeling. Not everyone would come here to admire the beauty of it. Some can look at the pond with a feeling to drown themselves", I spoke, looking at the pond with a connection. 

"What happened in your life that you wanted to take such a step? What makes you think so negatively?", he questioned and I chuckled at his words. There is nothing called negative and positive, certified to a certain object or place. It's the perception of a person, related to his life and state of mind.

"That's toxic positivity, JK. If your opinion on the pond defines peace, it need not be the same with everyone. In fact, it should not. I almost drowned myself and missed death on a close call. The water would never remind me of peace, it reminds me of my trivial distance to death", I stated, as a wave of memories started to hit my mind. His reaction was quite an expected one. He was speechless and stood frozen.

"I am sorry", he apologized and I smiled, bobbing my head sideways.

"If you are sorry for confining me in your house, I can take it but if you are sorry for a dreadful incident from my past, I can't accept it. It happened and I am alive, all in shape", I flexed my arms and he smiled.

"My mom and dad saved me right on time. It was for the first time that we went rowing and I was enjoying the cool breeze with all my heart. Lost in the cozy feeling, I took a wrong step and slipped into the water. I didn't know how to swim and I waved my hands to stay on the surface but I felt myself going down. The water was forceful, it hit me roughly as if it was slapping me hard. My mom, dad, and sis were yelling but it wasn't being helpful. My body started to freeze and water started filling my nose and ears. I closed my eyes unable to bear the suffocation and I thought I was breathing my last second. But then, I was pulled out before I could slip into hell", I narrated one of the most awful events of my life and exhaled a deep breath in the end. I feel lighter now.

"Is that why you don't swim?", he asked and I nodded. He let out a soft smile and patted my shoulder, nodding his head understandingly.

"You miss your parents right?", he asked and despair started to knock on the door of my emotions. I miss them so much. I wish I was with them. I wish I walked in their paths in the end. I regret the decision of leaving Eomma and Dad in the death hole. I should have died instead of them. At least, I should have died with them.

"I do", I managed to utter and he tapped my shoulder. Nobody can console me on this subject, neither Max nor Kevin.

"What happened to your sister? I didn't know you had one", he asked and I pressed my lips into a thin line. It's not something confidential but I don't like to talk much about the sitch I am in. I am trying to fight the tides of impeccable anguish and miserably failing yet, I don't want people to regard me as a failure.

"She is gone missing", I stated and turned my attention to the children swinging in the park with their parents. I wish I can go back to my childhood.

"Can we go out like this once in a while? I feel better this way", I asked him and he smiled, nodding lightly.

"We can do this but not frequently. You will be busier from tomorrow. I guess we can hang out again when we both find the time", he mouthed and I wondered what he meant by 'busier'. Are they experimenting on my survival rate? Damn! I should have told them in advance that it's just a few centimeters close to zero

"What will I be doing?", I inquired and he smiled cheekily.

"A serious Bootcamp by V, starting from tomorrow"

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Immolate

kill or offer as a sacrifice, especially by burning

A/N: Character Development is the point here. Thoughts about Hannah Cooper?