NCTY

"I'll call you back, Mum.... Yes, yes I will. Okay!.... I will call you instantly when she wakes up, please mother... Bye." Taeyong ended the call with a loud sigh, exiting his office of 127's residence.

A knowing figure was standing until she saw him.

"...Babe?"

As soon as he called her, Yelena ran onto his arms, pulling him to her.

He rested his head on her nape, releasing a shaky sigh.

Taeyong immediately called his long-time girlfriend, a few days after Natalie was safely being put in Kun's aid.

And a day after the surgery to stitch her deep wounds, Kun had to call Taeyong, who decided to inform Mark to come – Mark too, because he deserved to know, right after his confession that day.

"..Everything is fine, Taeil hyung and I fixed her broken nose and we stitched her wounds," Kun informed and Taeyong nodded.

"..So now all we have to do is to wait for her to wake up." Kun added, looking towards the leaders. "Days of expectations?" Taeyong asked, eyes frowning towards the Wayv leader.

Mark could only stand behind Taeyong, he is broken, he just wants Natalie to wake up.

"Two days, again it depends on each individual's body." Kun nods slightly, and Taeyong's eyes fall towards the sleeping Natalie – who was at the other side of the clear glass window.

But Natalie wouldn't open her eyes two days after the surgery, which made Taeyong all bothered and crazy that everyone could see him go insane.

Both Mark and Kun had to calm him down saying that she was fine, her blood and heart rate was all normal.

Taeyong was beyond worried that he called his girlfriend.

"It's been nearly a week, Yelena." Taeyong frowns, "I don't know what to do if she―

"Don't say that! Please, don't say that." Yelena harshly cuts him off at first, "Natalie is a strong girl, Tae. She is your sister, one of the Lees'. I thought you said all Lees' are strong." She tried to calm him down, knowing he needed someone by now.

Taeyong nodded slowly, then hearing a soft sigh and Yelena rubbing his back to comfort him. "Everything is going to be okay,”

"Can you stay with me?" Taeyong pulled her arm slightly, "Sleep-over, until she wakes up"

Yelena smiled slightly, before squeezing his cheek. "As you wish, Mr Lee."

"Thank you," Soobin turned towards the two members of Wayv who let him enter Kun's aiding room.

Nearly a few days had passed, and Soobin was getting better, thanks to the leader of Wayv.

The technology and injections NCT had in-stored were so insane that Soobin himself didn't know most of the drugs had in his body, his body was surprisingly back to normal.

Although his left hand was completely fractured and one of his legs was limping, it wasn't that bad for him.

Speaking of normal, his memories, all of it was back.

Even the events that were years ago had come back, and he started to remember again.

That includes remembering the last words he said to Natalie back in the programme dorm room and the past conversation he made when he reunited with Natalie again.

"You're welcome! You are Natalie's friend! So you are considered our friend too!" Yangyang said with a wide smile.

Soobin can't help but smile sadly, he never had friends – real friends, Natalie was an exception.

"Thanks," Soobin awkwardly smiled and Hendery kind of noticed his awkward self that he nudged onto Yangyang.

"You're being too positive, you are pressuring him!" Hendery apologetically smiled at Soobin as he could only shake his head.

"I had no friends, except for Natalie. She used to be.. until Kingpin happened. Regardless, she is still my friend." Soobin said and there were positive smiles coming from the two Wayv members.

Their feet brought to Natalie's recovery room, and Yangyang was the first one to notice a member in the room.

He could recognize him from the back of his head.

"Mark is in there, hold on." Yangyang knocked on the door, entering the room.

Soobin was watching them from the inside, until he met Mark’s eyes.

The NCT Dream leader was frowning, it looks like Yanyang was convincing him since he finally nodded.

“Soobin, you can come in!” Yangyang called him in, Hendery encouraged the tall boy to enter since he got a green light.

Soobin awkwardly enters the room, but his eyes soon fall towards the platinum haired girl and that’s when his emotions start to get the best of him.

Soobin could already feel his lips trembling.

“I trust you,” Mark said, “...Well I have to, she really cared for you.” Mark gestured towards Natalie, before leaving the tall boy alone in the room.

After knowing he was alone, Soobin finally let out his tears, as he held onto her cold hands.

“...T-thank you, Natalie.” Soobin sobs, “I’m sorry for calling you a brat. I still remember my last words to you and remembering it now, I was a dick.” He confessed with a pout and trembling lips.

“I remember everything now,” Soobin held onto her hand tightly.

“Please wake-up, Nat. Please,” Soobin cried out, putting a strand of her hair behind her ears – his finger brushing through her skin. Even her face feels cold.

Soobin poked her cheek, it was an act of affection between the two of them back when they were so young, back in the programe school.

“Everyone misses you, I miss you”

A day has passed, and it has been exactly a week now.

“Ow! Watch it, Jeno!”

“Sorry, baby!”

“You nearly tripped my crutches!” Sylvia glared towards the boy, and Jeno instantly pouted. “I said I am sorry…”

Sylvia could only sigh, while pulling onto his hand.

Jaemin on the other hand was eyeing Irina who had bandages on both of her arms.

He was kind of worried, actually he looked like he froze as soon as he found his girlfriend’s friends state, the both of them.

He saw a lot of blood that day, compared to other days with the Dream boys for the missions.

Irina had blood spilled on her hands, both of them, both her blood and the blood of Soobin’s brothers.

Apparently, Irina had taken out two chips of the two boys, while Sylvia took out one.

Jaehyun took out another for the two girls.

It was a red, bloody mess. That’s all Jaemin and Jeno could describe.

The two girls finally saw Natalie and their eyes widened.

Sylvia was trying to hurry but she realised her condition that Jeno helped her.

Irina wasn't able to touch her due to her fingers being bandaged as well as her arms.

“..Come on, Nat.” Irina called out, “...It’s been a week.” She continued.

“You missed a lot of stuff, your new launch of skin care, Mark basically keeping himself shut in his room for a few days, Sylvia finding the crutches a pain in the ass knowing she can’t even walk if she didn’t use it, Jaemin cried by the way, what else…?” Irina basically listed out the things that had happened for the week.

“You kind of forget Taeyong hyung losing the bright colour on his face,” Jeno added and Irina nodded. “Oh yeah! As what he said, your brother… he isn’t doing well.” Irina sighed.

“....And you forgot to tell her about the kids,” Sylvia added this time and Irina gestured to her to explain this time.

“Okay, so, the kids that you had found that day. Taeyong, 127 consiglieres, Kun and Mark had a meeting about them,” Sylvia added with a smile, “Taeyong suggested making an orphanage for the kids that has been sold or abandoned.”

“You don’t have to worry about their well being though. Some of the Elinovas girls wanting to pitch in – Aurora, Katerina, Yelena and Adriana donated sets of clothes, like a lot. Yelena mainly pitches in money, more to their funds and needs, you know like food and all.” Sylvia added proudly, like those girls are business women and she is happy for what they contribute.

“So for now, Kun is in-charge of the orphanage, basically like a dean in our school.” Sylvia added, earning nods of confirmation from the other three.

“...I guess that’s it,” Sylvia frowns, while looking at the others who only shrug.

“Oh yeah, I heard Mark confessed to her.” Sylvia turns to Jeno, he turns towards Jaemin who gives him a frown. “..You should ask Mark himself, he was the one who―

A slight groan was heard from Natalie, and their head instantly snapped towards her – seeing her eyes fluttering slightly, as well as her fingers starting to move.

“Jeno! Jaemin! Call the others, now!”

Taeyong and Mark were the first one to run to Wayv’s residence – and for the first time, everyones sees the both of them running full speed, well during missions they ran fast but not the usual full speed.

By the time they came to Kun’s aiding room where Natalie is, the two boys were still there along with Sylvia and Irina.

This was the moment for the two girls to leave. “We’ll be waiting outside, we will probably hang out in Wayv’s living room.” Irina excused herself, holding onto Natalie’s which the girl weakly squeezed her hand.

“Thank you again,” Natalie weakly called out.

"..Anything for my bestfriend," She smiled followed by a wink, Jaemin following his girlfriend behind.

“Hey, you,” Sylvia slightly turned towards Natalie with her crutches, “..We will come by time to time, for now have a good rest.” She waved slightly, Natalie watched the four of them leaving.

Natalie’s eyes then moved towards Taeyong and Mark with a weak smile. “Hi.” She softly greeted, seeing Mark’s small smile, turning towards Taeyong.

Taeyong can’t help but look at her in amazement.

He quietly went towards her, and gave her a hug and he might put a bit of pressure on the hug that Natalie winced in pain.

“Sorry, sorry!” Taeyong mumbled and Natalie wanted to sit up but again, she was met with a throbbing pain on her side, causing the two men to go to her side – aiding her to sit up slowly.

Natalie’s eyes met with Mark, and somehow her cheeks turned warmth as soon as his voice echoed through mind.

‘.....I love you so much….’

‘....you’re the first girl I love…...’

The two didn’t realise that both of them were literally staring into each others’ eyes and Taeyong couldn't help but clear his throat, kind of sulky that they forgot that he was there.

Natalie instantly broke eye contact, thanking Mark slightly as he smiled awkwardly.

“You did it, Nat. You took out the chip from Soobin.” Taeyong congratulated and Natalie’s eyes instantly widened. “Soobin.. Soobin!?! What about him?! Is he―

“He is fine," Taeyong cuts her off. "...well his whole left arm was broken according to Kun.. But nonetheless, he is healthy, his memories are back, even the old ones and he is normal.” Taeyong recalled with a slight smile.

“A few days ago, he came here.” Mark added, and Natalie nodded – as long as he is back and he is normal, everything should be fine.

“How is he? But he is Kingpin's… Speaking of Kingpin, did Irina and Sylvia…?” Natalie recalled, frowning deeply as she tried to remember.

“... Irina, plus the help of Mark, erased the information of all the children he abducted. That includes Soobin and his four brothers.” Taeyong gestured to Mark, and Natalie turned towards Mark seeing him smiling slightly.

“....Aside from that, Irina and I kind of altered Soobin’s personal information, as well his other brothers,” Mark said, “..Irina told me about his family history… we just erased Kingpin’s name as his guardian since he is already legal enough to live independently.”

Natalie quickly sighed in relief as she leaned back, her tensed shoulders slumped down comfortably.

“...But that doesn’t mean we caught Kingpin.” Taeyong added, and there was a worried look on her face. “He is… too slippery to kill.”

Sensing Natalie worrying, Mark quickly holds onto her hands to support her – giving her a look that it will be okay.

Although Kingpin was still out there, her eyes started to fill with tears, knowing that everything was over – mainly for Soobin, he didn’t have to suffer again.

Taeyong watches her quietly, probably knowing this is what she wants in the first place.

His phone out of nowhere rang and Taeyong knew who it was, seeing his mother’s name on the screen.

'Mother'

“Well, our birth giver has finally called.” Taeyong showed his phone to Natalie as she could only chuckle while taking his phone, insisting she wants to answer.

“What did she say?”

Natalie passed the phone to him, “...She was crying, kind of nagging afterwards.” Natalie looks at Taeyong with a shrug, earning a ‘told you so’ look from Taeyong.

“...They are going to come tomorrow, wish me luck. Dad is definitely gonna nag at me.” Natalie sighed, rubbing her temple in frustration.

Taeyong surprisingly looks at her, “Dad nags at you too?”

“Yeah..? Why do you look so surprised?”

“All this while I thought Dad favoured you more than me.. That you can get away from anything.” Taeyong confessed and Natalie scoffed.

“I did get away with other things but this,” Natalie paused, “...I don’t know man.. But Tae, I get nagged too. Just like how they nag at you for ridiculous stuff and them having more expectations just because you are the first born…”

Taeyong’s eyes widened slightly towards the platinum haired girl.

He was surprised she knew.

“...They have expectations of me too.” Natalie muttered, really they do.

Their parents wanted their two children to live up the Lee name, which Natalie thinks it’s just.....

She doesn’t even know what to describe. Show off?

Taeyong warmly smiled at her, holding onto her hand. “..I’m glad we… could relate to each other then.”

Natalie returned him a smile, gripping onto his hand.

Taeyong’s eyes then turned towards Mark who was watching siblings interaction – deciding that maybe he should leave his sister and the boy to have some alone time.

“Now that you are awake, I’ll leave you to Mark then,” Taeyong out of nowhere stood up, “I’ll call Yelena since she wants to see you as soon as you are awake so…”

He walked out of the room, leaving the frowning Natalie and a surprised Mark.

“Well, that was all of a sudden, but okay.” Natalie commented, turning towards Mark with a small smile.

“So, how are you?”

“...Well, other than worrying sick for someone, I’m all good.” Mark jokingly answered and Natalie chuckled softly, knowing he meant herself.

Natalie stared at him for a while, seeing him caught the way she looked at him – instead of looking away, Mark decided to return her gaze.

“Mark, I..” Natalie started softly, “..I can’t believe I am saying this,” She muttered slightly, “..when I blacked out, I kind of heard your voice.” She recalled.

“..You said I was the first girl you love,” Natalie said, her eyes locking with his.

Mark watches her for a while, before leaning towards her - one of his arms supporting his body while the other cupping one of her cheeks as he kisses her.

Natalie’s eyes widened for a second, before leaning against him and she kissed him back. She saw how he looked when he kissed her, though his eyes were closed, he still looked beautiful.

Mark let go of her slowly, “I love you, Natalie.”

“I know,” Natalie winks at him, seeing him looking all shy. “...I love you too, Mark.” Natalie held onto his hand as he scooted neared towards her, sitting on her bed.

Mark quietly caressed her hair, “You know, you told me the day we first became friends and you said you hated your hair colour.”

Natalie sighed, “...Yeah, I still hate it. I wanted to dye it brown or black but my parents didn’t allow it.”

“But you look pretty with platinum blonde though, I have never seen you with dark colours but I’m sure you still look pretty too.” Mark complimented and Natalie slightly pouted.

“You always say that. ‘Pretty’ is your favourite word.”

Mark smirked, “That’s because it’s you. That’s my favourite word for you, pretty.”

Natalie scoffed at him slightly, he sounded like he was flirting.

“So,” Mark called, leaning against her, seeing her smile starting to get wide as he stopped inches away from her face.

Mark glances from her eyes then to her lips, before making it way back.

He was holding himself back from giving her more kisses, already feeling how plump her lips are.

“Natalie, will you be my girlfriend?”

Natalie frowns, and Mark’s expression falls slowly.

‘Don’t tell me she is going to reject me.’

“What kind of question is that?” Natalie pecked a quick kiss on his lips, completely caught Mark off guard.

“Of course I will be your girlfriend, Mark.”

Due to her huge stab wounds, Kun told Taeyong that Natalie needed more time to heal – hence she had to stay more in Kun’s aiding room.

Mark volunteered to take care of Natalie, and he never fails to show up everyday – although he has missions to handle, but thanks to the Dreamies who told Mark that they are confident to continue without the leader.

Mark supported her whenever she wanted to try to walk, he was being really patient whenever Natalie couldn’t get to stand up properly.

“...Why can’t my legs function!? It’s just my kidney area getting stabbed a few times, it doesn’t even directly link to my legs!” Natalie shouted in annoyance, particularly towards her pair of legs while Mark was holding her closely to prevent her from falling.

“..Nat, calm down.”

“I can’t calm down! I want to walk! I want to continue my normal routine and join you guys! I can’t go on a date with you sooner if I stayed in bed longer!”

Mark’s expression softens, definitely not able to hide his smile although his girlfriend is fuming in frustration.

“We still can go on a date, babe.” Mark said simply, and Natalie turned towards Mark with a deep frown.

“I actually consider this session as a date, actually me visiting you everyday is a date for me.” He said seriously, and Natalie looks at him with a slightly wide eye – then looking away from him as she sighs.

“I’m sorry. I just feel.. frustrated.” Natalie muttered before smiling at him. “..But.. since you said this is a date, do you want to cuddle with me after this walking session?” She winked and Mark let out a shocking scoff followed by a wide smile.

“Hey! I’m supposed to be the one to lead you in this relationship! I’m the guy here!”

Mark whines and Natalie suddenly grabs his arm, somehow pulling him rather roughly – his face stops right in front of hers, smirking at him.

“Who said guys have to be the one to lead, baby?”

Mark had a smile slowly forming on his lips, eyes moving to her lips before moving to her eyes, he really couldn’t resist himself from just kissing her roughly but he knew Natalie was still injured.

So he just softly kissed her on the lips, then tracing her lips with his fingers – he has a thing for how her lips feel like, it was soft and plump.

Clearly the two were having their own moment, like their faces are inches away from each other – Mark holding her close to him, and Natalie having the heart eyes for him that they clearly didn’t notice a few people basically creeping on them.

“Okay, I had enough of basically watching my little—

Lucas slightly pushed Taeyong who was blocking the way. “Ayyy, Mark! Get her!”

“Wooo! My new power couple now!” Hendery cheered, earning a chuckle from Yangyang.

Kun and Winwin gave Mark a knowing look – more like a look where they knew she would like him back, followed by the rest of Wayv members who could only openly smirked at the couple – specifically Ten.

And then came Haechan entering the room with a hamper, “Wow, finally loser. I’m sick of being the ‘yes’ man and in the end you are back to square one.” then came along with Jeno and Jaemin bringing more hampers.

Renjun came to the couple, giving them a soft side hug – the couple didn’t even move, it was as if they were still frozen to what had happened.

“Congrats, Mork.” Chenle pats the leader’s shoulder, followed by Jisung smirking towards the couple while pointing towards the both of them.

When Mark thought that was all of them, then came 127 members with more gifts such as Johnny entering with balloons that had Natalie’s initials, Taeil bringing a teddy bear and Jaehyun looked like he brought cupcakes.

Yuta came in, shooting finger hearts to the stunned couple then giving Mark a proud nod.

Finally Doyoung and Jungwoo entered, smiling towards the couple before Doyoung noticed Natalie and Mark’s expression.

The whole squad was in Kun’s aiding area.

“...Did.. we disturbed your moment?” Doyoung teased and Mark blinked slightly before turning towards Natalie who gave him a slight smile.

They turned towards him with a sarcastic smile.

“Yes.”

next chapter would be the end of this series sadly. :(

previous chapter (chapter 7) ⇋ last chapter (end of series)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-127 MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-127’S SOULMATES ]

[ N-WAYV MOODBOARDS ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

Natalie was being brought to an abandoned apartment by the two girls, standing in front of a broken fridge.

Sylvia had her hand touched the handle of the fridge, and surprisingly the fridge moved by itself to the side.

"Come on, ladies!" Sylvia led them to a secret passage, then feeling darkness at the back since the fridge had moved to its original place.

"Are you guys kindapping― Woah!"

Bright lights and gadgets were seen in Natalie's view, making her eyes pop out in amazement.

"What is this place?" Natalie turned towards Sylvia with an amazed look.

"...It's my work area for my arrows," Sylvia answered with a small smile.

"I thought you retired from the lifestyle?" Natalie is confused.

"Yes. I am a retired assassin but my best friend, who wants to save her best friend, needed me so..." Sylvia eyed Irina who was already zipping her bodysuit.

"...What?" Natalie frowns, finally realising the two of them are helping her again. "Wait, no―

"I found another solution other than killing, Soobin." Irina cuts Natalie sharply. The assassin stood in front of her.

"So, we tell you the solution in exchange that you allow us to help." Irina made a deal, seeing Natalie frowning slightly before sighing in defeat.

"Fine."

"Great!" Sylvia clapped, before gesturing to Irina to do the honors of explaining.

"We went through a shit hole of security bugs and walls for this," Irina recalled before taking out a USB. "I teamed up with the head assassins just to hack into Kingpin's workers datas and we found a file containing all information of the kids he abducted."

"...And we found his hideout!..." Sylvia added at the back.

Natalie's mouth opened in shock, she couldn't believe Irina just hacked into one of the most wanted and slippery mafia.

"What's with the USB?" Natalie gestured towards what Irina was holding. Sylvia emerged beside Irina, passing Natalie a bodysuit.

"We are planning to sneak into his hideout, and insert the USB to his laptop." Sylvia explained and Natalie sighed.

"This is really dangerous guys." Natalie took the bodysuit from Sylvia.

"No shit." Irina muttered, giving Natalie an obvious look.

The three girls grabbed their own guns, and gadgets. While the two girls were handling their own weapons, Natalie was hesitating but she knew she could trust them.

"I found a way too," Natalie's voice was quiet but the girls heard her.

"What is it?" Irina turned towards her, watching her facing them. "..I know where the chip is planted..... on Soobin."

"Where?" Sylvia frowns watching Natalie showing them her wrist – she specifically pointed two towards her wrist, specifically three fingers away from where her wrist was located.

"Here." Natalie muttered, "...There's a code. His code is CS1K." She added, eyes searching onto Irina and Sylvia who was looking at her own wrist.

"I saw Beomgyu's one too." Sylvia confessed, now it was Natalie's turn to look at her.

"Beomgyu? You mean Soobin's brother?" Irina frowns and Sylvia nods.

"Same location as where Natalie pointed, but his code is 'CB3K'." She added.

The three of them went quiet for a while, before Irina broke the silence by crossing her arms to Sylvia. “Since when have you been close with him?” Irina gave her a weird look and Sylvia innocently smiled at her.

“What? I can’t be friends with boys now?”

“Whatever you say. Your boyfriend gets jealous easily,” Irina muttered, eyeing towards Sylvia who was pouting.

“Not to mention possessive.” Natalie added quietly, earning a look of disbelief from Sylvia. “Not you too!?!”

"Okay, back to the original topic, the chip should be right there." Natalie said, already taking out a few surgical knives onto her pockets.

"If it's right there," Irina paused, ".....you have to cut it, to remove the chip." She turned towards Natalie who looked kind of disgusted but soon replaced with a nod.

"That easy?" Sylvia commented and Irina scoffed, shaking her head with an amused smile. "No. I fought with Soobin before, like I told you that day," Irina turned towards Natalie, who avoided her eyes.

"All I can say is that he is strong, Nat." Irina warned her, “And he is different from the Soobin you know. You have to remember he is being controlled.”

“Even if you broke his nose, broke his wrist, kicked his dick, fractured his ribs, he will keep attacking. Only the controller knows his health status by the way.” Irina explained, at the same time reminded her.

Natalie knew at the end of the day, both of them would be damaged in terms of their physique.

Just as they were about to grab more weapons, a small beeping was heard and Sylvia quickly checked onto the monitor which is like a security camera.

"Shit. Someone is here." Sylvia turned towards the two girls.

"I'll go and check it out," Irina was about to walk ahead when Natalie grabbed her arm. "No! You can't just show yourself alone."

"No offence between the three of us, I'm more experienced so..." Irina trailed off and Natalie groaned, knowing she was right. She slowly let go of Irina's arm, seeing she already had a gun.

Sylvia already had her own arrow attached, as she went behind Irina for back-up.

Natalie was behind them, seeing Irina at the front who was about to reveal herself – but she stopped at her tracks, as well as lowering her gun down.

From behind, Sylvia was already on guard after seeing her friend's gun down. But once she saw who it was, Sylvia too had her bow and arrow down.

"What?" Natalie muttered, and Sylvia gestured to go to the front.

Her footsteps were slow yet tense and that's because of the atmosphere. As soon as she sees what or who made them stop, Natalie understands why.

"Taeyong."

There he was leaning against the walls with his usual mafia formal clothing, looking at her with a slight smile.

"How did you find us?" Natalie muttered while putting her gun away. Taeyong quietly showed his own phone. "I have a tracking device on you, remember?"

Natalie curses herself, while looking at her two friends who were just giving her an apologetic look.

"Taeyong. If you are going to stop me, I―

"Who said I was stopping you?" Taeyong was already walking towards her, and there was a shocking look coming from Natalie as she was watching him.

Taeyong has always been protective to the point she would tell him off to her own parents and in the end he would get a lecture from his own parents.

She felt bad sometimes but Taeyong could get pretty protective sometimes.

He was looking at her with a smile, and she didn't expect what he was about to do next. Taeyong had his hands raised towards her side, somehow inserted an earpiece.

"I'm aware of the mission the three of you are going on," Taeyong announced, this time without a smile as he turned towards Sylvia and Irina. "I got the information from your boyfriends,"

The three of them know they were Jeno and Jaemin.

"...And you." Taeyong turned his attention towards the platinum haired girl. He was clenching his jaw, frowning while eyeing her. Natalie thought he was going to yell at her but again, Taeyong is always a surprise.

He holds both of her sides, before pulling her into his arms.

Natalie was so surprised that she could only make eye contact with the two girls, they looked surprised at her.

"Tae..?" Natalie softly called, after hearing Taeyong sighing loudly at her back before letting her go.

"I can't believe my little sister is going on a suicide mission," Taeyong muttered.

"It isn't suicide. I'm more worried about them," Natalie pointed towards the two girls at the back.

"They are experienced, Nat. Sure they would be back with huge bruises and cuts but they will be back alive," Taeyong cupped her cheeks, reassuring her as she nodded.

Taeyong searched into her eyes for any signs of fear or second thoughts but all he could see was the eyes of confidence of a little girl who is trying to save her best friend.

Taeyong knew he couldn't keep her out of danger, more like her trying to meddle into danger to save someone.

"Nat, promise me," Taeyong whispered, "Promise me you'll be back, please." He begged and Natalie nodded a few times before removing her hands that were still cupping her cheeks.

"Okay, okay! I will! I promise!" Natalie smiled, before giving her a peck on the cheek and a side hug.

"I assume you brought back-up?" Natalie smirked slightly and Taeyong gestured out of the apartment. "Parking lot, the usual van you always see when I hunt people."

"You're the best!" Natalie shot him finger guns before running her way out of the apartment, causing Irina and Sylvia to chase after the girl knowing she ran fast compared to the others.

Taeyong sighed, shaking his head before taking his phone, sending out a few messages to the respective groups.

"I'm so dead if mother and father knows about this."

"His back up is Yuta, Jaehyun and Doyoung?" Sylvia whispered towards Natalie as soon as they got out of the van.

The three men were already ahead of the hallway with their backs on the wall.

"Don't underestimate them," Natalie whispered, "They are strong and fast."

"I get Yuta and Jaehyun, but Doyoung?... Seriously?" Sylvia reacted, squinting towards where Doyoung was.

"I think we are forgetting the fact that you guys are wearing an earpiece, so whatever you guys are talking about, we can hear you.... I heard what you said Sylvia." Doyoung's voice was heard on both of their earpieces, and Sylvia made a face towards Natalie.

"Sorry." Sylvia whispered and silence started to fill them again.

According to Sylvia's device as shown in the van previously, they will be brought to a warehouse where there would be underground levels below.

So Kingpin basically did his dirty work underground, and he might be there too.

Once they passed the hallway, there when they were met with two ways on both of their sides.

"I'll go to the left," Irina told the adults, followed by nudging Sylvia to come along.

The bow and arrow girl turned towards Natalie, giving her a knowing look and Natalie quickly waved her to go quickly – Sylvia was hesitant to leave her but after seeing Jaehyun following Irina, she knew she had to leave Natalie to do her job.

"C'mon." Doyoung called Natalie softly, as they carefully had their backs on the walls. Natalie took a quick peek and they found more doors.

"What the hell is this?" Yuta hissed, glancing towards the girl and Doyoung who was frowning. It was as if he was trying to hear anything that was coming from the rooms.

Natalie then heard a few giggles and voices from a few doors and that's when she realised.

'This is the children's base.'

"I heard voices of children." Natalie whispered, and Doyoung quickly glanced towards Yuta, gesturing Yuta to go first since he is first in command for the group of himself, Yuta and Natalie.

Yuta had two guns ready on both of his hands, twisting the doorknob quickly Yuta held out two of his guns and he was met with eyes, many pairs of eyes.

Most of them looked frightened that they just cornered themselves. Yuta's jaw clenched, turning towards Doyoung for help since he is much more calm looking than Yuta.

"We have to check them." Natalie informed the two guys and Doyoung stepped forward, introducing himself nicely – and one of the older kids somehow recognized Doyoung for some reason.

He stepped forward to show both of his arms, and slowly all the kids started to show their arms.

None of them had the codes.

"I'm sorry, honey. I have to.." Natalie trailed off by going to a random kid, checking her body from head, body to toe.

Natalie turned towards Yuta and Doyoung, shaking her head.

"No codes."

"...That's because we are his next. He is going to experiment on us." One of the kids answered and Natalie's body froze. Her face changed, smiling slightly while crouching to her level. She looks like a 10 years old.

"No. He won't." Natalie smiled, cupping onto her skinny cheeks. "He won't, we got you and we will return you back to your parents."

The girl's eyes sparkled hearing Natalie's words. "......But my father sold me to him."

Natalie's eyes quickly went downcast, letting out a shaky sigh. "We will figure it out. My family will help all of you." Natalie stood up, turning towards Doyoung and Yuta, who were actually smiling at her. "I know they will."

"But first we have to―

“Natalie― Since when has he been this strong?!?! He was a lanky kid back then!” Sylvia’s words and sounds of items breaking here and there kind of overlapped her, but Natalie could hear her words, well her comments.

“What did he do to these kids?” This time it was Jaehyun, hearing a few groans from himself and yells from the girls.

Doyoung and Yuta definitely heard them, that Doyoung was already on his device as well as Yuta who looked like he was texting someone.

“Natalie! You better be ready! He is coming your way!” Irina’s words already made her feet move out of the room, knowing Doyoung and Yuta had called back-up.

“You are saying he is following me right?”

“Y-yeah. I’m assuming you are meeting him in the warehouse?”

Natalie smiled slightly, “Yup. A bigger and better area.”

“There is something wrong with me, Natalie. I don’t know what it is. I just, I can’t remember anything from yesterday night! Then this morning, I saw this huge bruise on my arm.” Soobin ranted, pointing towards his own arm.

Natalie was inspecting his arm, “That really looks big, like a baby elephant's feet.” She kind of joked slightly to calm him down.

Soobin yanked his arm away from her, pouting slightly. “I’m serious, Nat! This is very serious, it isn’t just me. My brothers are experiencing the same thing. I’m afraid there is something wrong with us.”

Natalie smiled, “......I’ll help you,”

She could see his eyes sparkling, “Really..? How?”

“Even if I told you,” Natalie tapped onto his wrist which was weird to him, “You won’t even remember the next day, Binnie.”

Natalie could feel someone’s presence behind her, as she slowly turned around, the one she expected was there.

This time, his face was fully shown – his eyes were drawn with black liner, which makes him look intimidating to Natalie but she pushed the thought aside because what he was holding concerned her more.

Knives.

She just stood there, watching him and it was as if he was waiting for her to move.

Eye on an eye, Soobin did his first move by throwing one of the knives towards her but she perfectly dodged.

“Didn’t know the great Soobin knows how to throw knives. Years ago, back in the programme you kind of sliced yourself by acci―

She was cut off by him throwing another one at her, but this time, she almost caught it – almost that the blade somehow slashed her skin, feeling the sharp pain on her right arm.

But she hid it.

At the same time, Soobin was frowning, which was weird.

‘Did I talk about the past we had kind of triggered him?’

“So,” Natalie continued, cracking her head, “You used to say that I am always too hard on myself. But, you were being too hard on yourself too.”

Natalie watches him, and his frown was deeper than previous.

“...And you said you would protect me in the future when we met someday. Look where―

“Shut up!” He shouted in anger, at the same time running towards her.

‘Oh that definitely triggered him.’

It was time for her to stop being in defense mode and just get on with it, until she felt his grip on her arm – causing her to squeaked.

He is indeed strong, just like what Irina said.

Soobin yanked her down, he was about to step her but Natalie quickly rolled away, quickly getting back to her feet and more knives were being thrown at her.

“I’m sorry, Soobin.” Natalie muttered, before running towards him – instead, his hand perfectly grabbed her neck and he started to put pressure on her.

Starting to feel like she can’t fully breathe, Natalie felt in a rush that she got ahold of his wrist, roughly twisting his arm until she could hear loud cracks – grabbing the chance to pull his arm away and twisting his left arm.

A loud scream came from Soobin and Natalie took to looking him in the eye, there were flashes of red in his eye ring.

At the same time there were gunshots coming from the outside.

She felt like she was running out of time, Natalie grabbed his right wrist but Soobin had his hand balled into a fist, landing straight towards her face and sadly, it landed onto her nose that she heard a crack which made her cry out in pain.

There were already blood stains on the floor, blood started to drip, more and more.

“..Son of a bitch,” Natalie cursed in russian before starting to grab him by the collar, pushing him to the wooden walls and he kind fell back with a loud thud.

She didn’t let him stand up, punching the sides of his knee and a again a crack was heard.

Natalie yanked him down completely, sitting on top of him before giving him another punch on the face since he was wiggling out of her weight.

“You will never get through me, Mrs Lee.” Soobin spoke and Natalie scoffs, ripping out his sleeves.

“..Yeah, yeah, whatever. I’ll let Taeyong deal with you, fat-ass.” Natalie sarcastically said, before taking out her surgical knives.

“You're just wasting your time, men and weapons,” Soobin spoke again and Natalie quietly cut the area where his code is – she can finally smile after seeing the chip.

Unknown to her, Soobin quietly had a knife on his side and he stabbed her side, hearing a sharp gasp from Natalie – after feeling the knife digging deep into her skin.

It’s just like Irina said, even when his left hand was fractured and his wrist was definitely unmovable, he still could used them.

Natalie had no choice but to move knowing her insides are tearing apart, feeling tears welling in her eyes but she blinked quickly while reaching out for his open-cut hand.

She wasn’t minding for his health already so she used her knife to take out the chip.

At the same time, Soobin was stabbing her sides on and on.

Natalie was rushing and her hands started to get shaky due to the tremendous pain she felt on her right side.

Finally, she successfully took out the chip and by then, her vision was filled with red teary clouds.

That’s because both of fingers were filled with blood and she was already crying – she was letting him hurt her, and Natalie didn’t mind because she had finally taken out the chip.

Soobin’s grip of the knife started to loosen, and his arm immediately fell as if he had no energy left.

She immediately took out the knife with a loud hissed.

“Soobin?” Natalie called out, while getting off him despite feeling the numbness on her side and blood gushing out.

He slightly turned towards her, noticing his face started to get pale. “Soobin?! Soobin!?” Soobin’s eyes started to close, but he was smiling slightly.

"...Thanks..." Soobin whispered, his eyes were about to shut. "...Nat."

Natalie panicked, shaking him slightly.

“Soobin plea―

“Natalie!” A loud scream was heard from far and before she could see him, her body automatically fell to the ground due to her energy completely drained and her loss of blood.

“Natalie! Natalie!” Mark came towards her side, his eyes landing towards the bloody mess and towards the body next to her.

“Oh my god.” Mark whispered, after seeing red on one of her sides.

“Hyung! Hyung!” Mark was already calling out the older ones who were running towards him.

The Dream boys followed by some of the Wayv members who had other jobs had to look away, entering the hallway.

“Natalie, hey. Stay with me.” Mark had her in his arms, with Natalie looking like she was about to drift off.

“.....M-Mark?”

“Y-yeah, it’s me.” He was actually about to just burst out in tears. Mark couldn’t hold into it for too long, he could hear himself sobbing.

“Is she― Oh no.” Taeyong came next, his eyes widened in horror to see huge patches of red on the floor – knowing who it came from.

“Taeyong,” Natalie softly called while trying to point next to her, “.. Him first… Soobin,”

“You idiot,” Taeyong hissed before calling out for Kun and Taeil who were rushing to Soobin’s side.

Taeyong bit the inner of his cheeks roughly as soon as his eyes fell towards Natalie.

Mark by then had tears visibly rolling down his cheeks, “...A-are you crying?” Natalie had her eyes opened slightly, “...You never cry before, not in front of me.”

“That’s because I love you, Natalie.” Mark cried out, holding onto her tightly. “I love you so much, you’re the first girl I love, and seeing you get hurt like this…..”

Natalie smiled sleepily, nodding slightly. At the same time noticing Taeil on her side. “It’s going to be okay, guys.” Her focus became blurry. “I’m going to be okay, I….”

Her words trailed off as Taeil just injected her tranexamic acid and midazolam.

‘.....I love you so much….’

‘....you’re the first girl I love…...’

That was the last thing she remembered, words repeating in her head before falling into a slumber.

previous chapter (chapter 6) ⇋ next chapter (chapter 8)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-127 MOODBOARDS ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

The Dream boys turned towards the two girls who looked at Taeyong pleadingly for help – the two girls telling Taeyong everything, from A to Z.

Excluding Mark because he wasn't present since he had sleep-over in 127's residence – that's because Natalie is there.

The girl is too tired to return home despite Mark wanting to send her home, but she said she preferred to stay over at her brother's huge residence.

"How did you know he succeeded in making the chip?" Taeyong asked calmly.

Sylvia turned towards Irina, she knew the assassin knows better since she is still working in the field.

"....Because I have been tracking them ever since I graduated the programme." Irina confessed, and the Dream boys turned towards each other – kind of remembering that she managed to help them to fight these assassins that fought like robots.

"That's why you knew how to fight them!" Chenle pointed out before turning to Taeyong, "Irina noona helped us on fighting a few of them."

"I know, Chenle. Jaemin told me." Taeyong eyed Jaemin, seeing the younger one smiling sheepishly.

Jeno who has been quiet for a while until his mind suddenly struck him, "But why didn't you tell us anything about the chip? You knew it exist before us,"

Irina bit the bottom of her lips before turning towards the boys, "It was my task to bring Kingpin down at a point of time," She confessed and Sylvia's eyes widened, as did Taeyong.

"Who on earth gave you that task, Irina? That's suicide mission. You can't do it alone." Taeyong advised, his voice sounding frustrated yet worried.

Of course he is worried, Irina is one of Natalie's closest friends and she has been working for him for quite some time now.

"....You are right, I can't do it alone," Irina paused, ".... the head assassin who gave me the mission had a change of plans, they put on hold of the mission of me killing Kingpin,"

"...because we found out he stole many innocent kids away to experiment on them," Irina sighed loudly, not wanting to say the next thing. "And guess what my next mission till now is?"

The Dream boys kind of knew her answer, even Taeyong since he could only look at Irina with a slight frown and a pout.

"...They asked you to kill those kids?" Sylvia answered and Irina nodded.

Silence somehow filled the air, the Dream boys were eyeing Taeyong who looked like he was thinking.

".... So the only way to solve this is to kill them?" His eyes never leaved the two girls, seeing Sylvia turning towards Irina slightly.

She looked hesitated while Irina looked like she was still thinking.

Jisung raised his hand awkwardly, ".....Hyung, is there any way other than killing them?"

"..Jisung's right, maybe there is another way." Renjun added, eyes still fearing what would be Taeyong's reaction.

The leader turned towards them, "...That's why there isn't any other way. For now we have to kill them, until you found a solution how to solve this."

"....because the chip is inserted in their bodies, they are in total control by Kingpin. Until no further solutions, killing them is the only way." Taeyong explained then turning towards the two girls who had their eyes downcast.

Irina turned towards Taeyong, “I found out Kingpin controls them only when night time arrives," She sighed, "I don’t know why Kingpin set them like that, but I figured he thinks it would be easier to attacked at night,”

She added, “He resets their memory every night, so that they won’t remember anything the next day.” Irina turned towards Sylvia.

“That’s why Natalie told us Soobin didn’t remember anything about the shot and how he got the wound – and that is the reason why he couldn’t remember Natalie in his memory. The chip reset his memory,” Irina continued.

Sylvia sighed, not knowing what to say after realising what they had to do eventually.

“We have to kill Soobin and his brothers at night.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Natalie was looking at the two girls – with tears already rolling on her cheeks.

Sylvia could only hold onto the crying girl’s hand, going to her side.

They knew Natalie was smart – she has always been smart, even in the programme she was known for being the A graded kid who mastered breaking someone’s wrist at a young age.

“I.. I even just found out they made Soobin as Kingpin's special assassin,” Irina added quietly, “He was the first boy who made it,“

Natalie’s head completely faced down, while trying to not cry out loud.

She was blaming herself.

She should have ran to him.

She should have stopped him years ago.

“I should have come for him!” Natalie out of nowhere hits the table, causing Sylvia to jump slightly.

Irina watches her with sad eyes.

“I should have... I should have fought for him! It’s all my fault!” Natalie got on her feet as she started yelling – at the same time she tried not to sob.

Natalie turned towards them. “You can’t kill him, Irina, Sylvia. I just reconnected with him and he doesn’t know anything, he is innocent....”

She started to sob again after remembering Soobin’s smile, “He doesn’t remember me but it’s okay… I can’t lose him again,”

Sylvia’s face softens, at the same time trying not shed her own tears too.

She clearly sees Natalie breaking slowly.

“Nat, it’s Taeyong’s orders. He―

Natalie storms her way out of 127’s residence – her feet going towards Dream’s residence, entering the main level as she settled herself to continue her breakdown on the sofa.

Usually she would straight away confront her brother for his cruel and direct decision – in this case, she needs to take a breath before facing Taeyong.

‘Why can’t they figure out how to disable the chip rather than killing them completely?’

Natalie was deep in her thought that she didn’t realise another figure was watching her for a while, before going towards her.

“Nat?”

She looked towards his voice and somehow her tears just spilled as soon as she made eye contact with Mark.

“H-hey, hey, hey.” Mark quickly sat next to her, not minding how close they were since he was cupping her cheeks.

His eyes searched onto her face, already noticing her cheeks and nose were red due to her state.

“Taeyong just told me,” Mark muttered and Natalie’s eyes filled with more tears, followed by little sobs.

“He was my friend,” She squeaked, “A friend from the programme I told you about when we just met,”

Mark was honestly heartbroken for her.

Taeyong told him the whole thing.

“Irina told me Soobin had confessed to her, a week before Kingpin finally took him in,” Taeyong rubbed his temples.

Mark could see the leader was getting a headache with the involvement of his sister in this case.

“…Were they?” Mark trailed off and Taeyong raised his brow. “Fortunately for you, no. They weren’t together because Natalie rejected him.”

Mark blankly looked towards Taeyong, seeing the slight grin on his face before changing into his straight expression.

“But their friendship was something that Natalie dear so much, she was always there for him and he was always there for her.” Taeyong sighed, shaking his head.

“And then when finally Kingpin took him in, Natalie actually confronted him but,” Taeyong clenched his jaw. “Soobin told her to back off and leave him alone.”

“Maybe because Natalie was too stunned, she didn’t know what to say so she just watched him go.” Taeyong paused.

“The two girls said Soobin was her sorrowful past, because she regretted not to chase after him.”

Natalie stared into his eyes, “..Then you should have known,” She muttered and Mark nodded.

“We can’t kill him, Mark!” Natalie cried and Mark couldn’t bear to see her cry that she pulled her into his arms – her head leaning against his chest.

He just allowed her to cry out loud, that Mark noticed the other Dream members had to check on what’s going on – mouthing them to just hang out in the 2nd level for the meantime.

It’s been an hour since they were cuddling on the sofa – Mark didn’t even utter a single word, that’s because he was waiting for her to start the conversation knowing she wasn’t ready.

Her sobs were already gone, feeling her chest movement going back to normal.

Just when he was staring at the walls, unaware that Natalie had her head turned towards his face.

She noticed how sharp his jaw is, as well as his cheek bones. She just noticed how attractive he is – that’s because he had found his personality charming first.

She didn’t get the chance to observe his looks.

Maybe because she started to feel much better that her conciseness had returned, Natalie realises Mark was always there for her.

Just like how Soobin was there for her back then – but she knows he was in the past.

And both of them are different people.

Soobin was her past love.

And Mark is her present love.

‘I can’t lose him too,’

Natalie supported herself, which got Mark’s attention – but what made him flustered is her hand suddenly cupping onto one of his cheeks.

In his eyes, she looked like she was in a daze but at the same time, she looked broken.

Mark quietly gazed onto her when her thumb started to stroke below his eyes.

But she suddenly stopped, eyes went downcast.

“Thank you, Mark. For everything.” Natalie suddenly apologised as she stood up which made Mark follow her actions.

“I’m sorry for troubling you,” Natalie smiled sadly, placing a kiss on his cheek before looking him in the eye.

“….. But I can’t let them kill him.” Natalie turned away and Mark frowned, trailing behind her.

“He’s going to kill others to get through Taeyong, Nat!” Mark reasoned out, his voice sounded frustrated.

“…Then there must be another way other than killing him!” Natalie yelled, for the first time towards Mark. He didn’t budge at all.

Infact, for the first time, Natalie saw the change in Mark’s eyes that turned icy cold.

“I’m afraid there isn’t any way.” Mark muttered, “This is the life in the mafia and you can’t choose whether to kill or not to kill,”

Mark continued, “The only way to settle most of the tasks is to kill.” His voice even sounded cold.

But Natalie stood her ground – glaring towards him.

“No, it doesn’t.” Natalie argued, “You have to be rational, asked them what is going on and stuff,” She was about to leave when Mark grabbed her arm roughly, bringing her back in front of him.

Mark chuckled in sarcasm, “By then you’re gonna be dead,”

“I can talk to Soobin, Mark. I know I can.”

It was a switch in Mark, Natalie noticing his face grew darker – and seeing his hand turn into fists, knowing he is pissed or mad.

“He isn’t the same Soobin you knew years ago, Natalie! Please wake up!” Mark yelled this time, “We have to kill because if we don’t, he is going to kill you! You are one of Taeyong’s weakness – aside from Yelena noona,”

“I don’t care.” Natalie muttered while looking him in the eye, a small smile on her face.

“Well I care!” Mark pointed to himself.

“I didn’t ask you to care for me, Mark.”

“That’s because I love you!” Mark yelled at her face, seeing his face turned red due to the frustration and anger on how selfish she is.

Natalie’s eyes widen in shocked, “....You’re just saying that to stop me,”

Mark closed his eyes, turning elsewhere before sighing out loud, “No. I have liked you from the start. Remember the time you asked me who my ideal type is?” Mark recalled, “..It’s you.”

Natalie searches onto his eyes, searching for any signs if he is lying but she knows him too well.

He was telling the truth.

“I…” Natalie whispered, “I like you too, I think I’m in love with you,” Natalie confessed, seeing Mark’s eyes widened slowly.

She grabbed a hold of both of his hands, holding both of them tightly. “But I have to do this. I want to face him.” Natalie gave a quick kiss on his lips, before stroking his cheeks.

“.....Even if I’m gonna get killed in the process of trying to find a way to get the chip out of him and possibly the other innocent kids that have been abducted.”

For the first time walking away from the love of her life, even when Mark was shouting out her name to come back.

“Nat,” Soobin suddenly asked her, noticing her swollen eyes. She turned towards him with a smile and a humm.

“Are you okay? Is everything okay?” Soobin questioned, his voice sounded worried that Natalie would shake her head quickly.

“Y-yeah, all good and fine.”

“I don’t know why but I feel like I have known you for quite some time that I can tell you are lying,” Soobin awkwardly pointed at his own eyes, somehow indirecting about Natalie’s eyes.

She touched her own eyes, feeling her under bags sunken slightly.

She is a CEO of a make-up brand and she has the tools to cover up but she didn’t even bother to conceal her under eye bags.

“You don’t have to worry,” Natalie smiled slightly.

“Is it because of your boyfriend?” Soobin asked shyly and her eyes turned into a frown. “B-boyfriend?”

Soobin nodded, looking down at her with a slight pout. “Mark Lee. Isn’t he your boyfriend?”

He could see her eyes froze as well as her movement when she was putting away her books in her locker.

Soobin could tell that Mark Lee might be the cause of her eye bags. “...Not officially. I don’t know, but no it’s not because of him. Like I told you, it’s nothing.” Natalie said calmly before shutting her locker, turning towards the tall boy.

“Do you need someone to talk to? I am here for you, if… you need someone,” Soobin offered. He noticed how sad her smile is whenever she is with him.

Like sometimes, Soobin wonders if he made her feel sad but there was no way, she laughs when he does clumsy things and she helps him too.

They walked towards a quieter area, far from the other students who were having their free time.

“Actually,” Natalie started as soon as they sat down, “...It’s more of a family problem.. Well, sibling problem.”

“You have a sibling?” Soobin’s eyes went wide and Natalie chuckled, “Well yeah..”

“I bet he is as good looking as you,” Soobin commented and Natalie looked at him weirdly.

“I’m just saying my opinion,” Soobin shrugs.

Natalie sighed, “...He.. I don’t know, he sticks to only one thing and no matter what, he in the end would get it! He doesn’t think rationally…” Natalie said in frustration.

“No wonder he has many consiglieres,” She whispered to herself in the end, thankfully Soobin didn’t catch what she said.

Soobin stared at her for a while, not noticing his pout was shown visibly. “Sounds like an older brother to me,”

Natalie shrugs before letting out a smile, “...At least he isn’t too protective that he didn’t allow me to make new friends,” She eyed him, and Soobin let out a smile.

“..Yeah..” He trailed off this time, eyes went downcast – Natalie completely saw his expression changed in a second.

“I have problems with my family too,” Soobin confessed quietly.

Natalie could feel her back straighten in tense – she knows about his family history.

His parents is fucked up, had met them and fought them in verbal – them being too strict, too abusive that she saw a few unknown bruises on his arms and face.

Natalie quietly watches him.

“...I actually don’t know where my real parents are. I have a guardian,” Soobin’s face turned into a slight frown. “But for some reason, I have never met him.” He turned towards Natalie, looking confused.

“..Then who took care of you and your brothers?” Natalie muttered.

“..An old lady.. She is our helper of our house, she came every morning then when we came back… she would nowhere be found... but she comes every morning so don't worry,” Soobin answered simply followed by a small smile, and Natalie eyed him for a while before nodding.

“..Okay..”

Soobin turned towards her, he looked at her for a while – eyes somehow searching onto her face who was looking at him with a slight frown.

“Soobin?”

‘She can help me, I can’t stand not remembering anything anymore,’

“Natalie,” Soobin softly called, him scooting nearer towards her. Natalie was taken-aback by how close he was sitting next to her, but she didn’t mind.

“Yeah?”

“Please,” Soobin whispered, “Please help me,”

Natalie’s face immediately turned into a deep frown, “What? What is it?”

Soobin rolled up his long sleeve, showing his right arm and her eyes widened slightly – there was a big bruise on his arm, but something else caught her eyes.

It looked like a small tattoo but Natalie knew better.

‘CS1K’

‘I think I know where they inserted the chip,’

They say, others couldn’t possibly avoid the leaders of NCT – they will eventually find you at the end of the day.

But not for Natalie.

For a week, she had tried to avoid seeing Taeyong and Mark, afraid that she would just burst out with emotions about their actions.

Taeyong is easy to avoid, she has always done this whenever they had a big argument but Mark, that boy is very persistent on seeing her.

Each day he would text her to talk, but of course Natalie didn’t bother to reply.

She even skipped the weekly dinner with the 127’s, even missing out on Dream’s group and their partners shopping sessions.

Sadly, she stayed away from her two assassin friends too – Natalie knew they would confront her about Soobin and the last thing she wants to talk about is him, because she would always see him in school being his sweet and smiley self.

How could she and the others kill him when he looks so innocent in broad daylight?

She was about to go to her next class when the person she avoided stood in front of her – blocking her way.

“I have to go to my next class, Sylvia.” Natalie muttered, she was about to walk past her when another individual stood in front of her. Of course she recognized her iconic black jacket and black boots.

Natalie dumbfoundedly looked towards Sylvia and Irina.

“I know you guys want to talk to me about him. But please,” Natalie sighed, “I need to get to class.”

Irina raised her brows. “Your class has been cancelled.”

“What?!” Natalie quickly checked on her schedule, and she was right – it had been last minute cancelled.

Sylvia was trying best to let out a snort due to how funny Natalie looks.

“So yeah,” Irina smiled, holding onto Natalie’s wrist.

“You are coming with us,” Irina innocently looked towards Sylvia, “Syl, grabbed her other hand.”

Natalie looks at the both of them, with a deep frown on her face while whining at them – at the same time as they dragged her along.

previous chapter (chapter 5) ⇋ next chapter (chapter 7)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

The area was already blasting with music, and the bass was twice earning a groan from Natalie – the moment she stepped into the club.

She was lucky she was wearing just a simple outfit yet she looked like she dressed up kind of look.

Natalie wore the leather jacket that he had given her during her 22nd birthday – she only wore it during clubs, and that’s because his name was stitched on the side of the inner collar.

She figured no one would notice, but it was actually the opposite.

Natalie looked at the 2nd floor and she could already see a few familiar faces and couples – leaning against the railings as they had their own conversations.

Just as Natalie was about to head towards the staircase, she bumped into a random man and unfortunately, the drink kind of spilled onto him.

“Oh— I’m sorry!” Natalie gasps while bowing multiple times.

“Sorry?! You think sorry is gonna make it up for my $2K shirt?!?“ The older man was enraged, glaring towards her while eyeing her up and down.

“I-I’m really sorry, sir!”

“Nah, you’re going to come with me,” He smirked while holding onto her wrist tightly, “Since you work here—

Just as Natalie was about to scream for Taeyong’s name, she was being pulled by the arm roughly and her eyes met with the saviour.

Mark could only glance at her before snapping towards the older man.

“Natalie!” Her name was being called sharply by none other than Taeyong himself – he came along with Johnny and Jaehyun.

“..Mr L-Lee?! Thank goodness, Mr Lee!! You have to fire your worker here!” The older slightly drunken man pointed harshly towards Natalie who could only look down – while pressing herself more onto Mark’s arms.

“Oh…. Did she?” Taeyong amusingly turned towards Natalie and she definitely knew Taeyong was playing around.

“So you want me just to fire her?” Taeyong raised his brows, turning towards Johnny and Jaehyun who kind of looked entertained.

Mark on the other hand had his focus on Natalie.

“Well, maybe kill her. She just destroyed my $2K shirt, Mr Lee.” The older man eyed Natalie with an evil grin and Mark returned with glare.

“I have to kill my little sister just to repay your stupid shirt?” Taeyong spat, and that’s when they see the man’s face slowly turning pale.

Looking from Natalie towards Taeyong multiple times.

He realised he just made a death wish to Lee Taeyong’s own blood.

“M-Mr Lee! Mrs L-Lee! Please! Forgive—

He was about to latch on Natalie’s legs but Mark was fast to move two steps back.

“Don’t touch her!” Mark snapped, at the same time his gun was already out – pointing towards him on the forehead.

“Calm down, Mark.” Taeyong called, but Mark was still guarded.

“We’ll handle it,” Taeyong continued – his eyes turning to the man who was still begging him, “Oh, you can bring Natalie upstairs,” He added and Natalie frowned while Mark was dragging her out of the scene.

“W-Wait— Taeyong. Please, guys don’t kill him.” Natalie got out Mark’s grasp, seeing Taeyong’s expression soften slightly before masking it with a straight look.

His eyes cold turned towards the begging man, before gesturing Johnny and Jaehyun to take him.

“I didn’t say anything about killing him. But that does not mean I would let him go easily – not after mentioning killing my own little sister.”

Mark led her upstairs, more to a private area where no one was on the table – just the two of them.

Once they got into a quieter table, Mark stood in front of Natalie – his eyes were searching for any signs of hurt.

“Nat, are you—

She jumped onto his arms.

Her arms wrapped around his neck – Mark swore he could feel Natalie’s heart beat, and that could be the cause of fear.

“Oh my god, Mark. I was so scared. Like, really scared. If you and the others didn’t come, h-he...”

Mark quickly let go of her, cupping onto her cheeks while peering onto her face. “Hey, I know. It’s going to be okay. You’re safe. Taeyong is dealing with him right now, okay? You’re safe.”

Natalie nodded a few times – muttering a few ‘it’s okay’s to herself.

He saw how panicked she still looks – Mark always does this when he gets protective of her.

He pecked her forehead with a kiss, before pulling her into another hug.

And Natalie would never fail to hug him back while thanking him.

The two of them didn’t say anything but they decided to just be in each other's arms in the corner while waiting for Taeyong.

He noticed that she was wearing the leather jacket he gave to her, during her 22nd birthday. That’s how he recognized her from the start, seeing there was a butterfly symbol at the back of her jacket – that was an obvious trademark.

But the not so obvious part, he knew Natalie would probably know since his name is somewhere sewed on the jacket.

“Mark?” Natalie called and he turned to her with a soft hum.

“Thanks again. Like back there – you always save me.” Natalie paused, before resting her head on his chest.

“…It’s like, you are my saviour.” Natalie whispered, and Mark did hear her - his chin leaned on top of her head.

“Just for you, Nat. Just for you.”

“So… you and Mark eh?”

Jaemin along with Jeno out of nowhere showed up beside her – then noticing the Dream boys had arrived at the party, seeing some of them crowning Mark for some sort of reason.

“Urgh… What are you talking about?” Natalie turned towards Jaemin who grinned slightly.

“We saw everything. We just arrived when the two of you were at that quiet table – having your own moment.” Jaemin wiggled his eyebrows and Natalie could feel her cheeks turned warm.

“..It isn’t wrong to just admit that you have feelings for our leader,” Jeno calmly said, at the same time looking at where Mark is.

“…He probably likes you too,” Jeno turned towards Natalie – seeing her eyes go downcast.

“..He just sees me as a friend,” Natalie muttered and there was a loud scoff from Jaemin.

“..A friend? I’m sorry but friends don’t look at each other the way Mark looks at you,” Jaemin said close to her – him seeing her frowning slightly.

“Hey Jeno,” Jaemin called while gesturing towards Mark then towards Natalie. There was a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Jeno could only shake his head, knowing what he was about to do.

Jaemin smirked slightly after Jeno was calling for Mark – this was his chance as he leaned nearer towards Natalie’s side.

“..And… Mark literally rejected all of the girls that wanted to be in his pants..,” He whispered and Natalie frowned deeply.

“…Okay… But what am I going to do with this information, Mr Na Jaemin?” Natalie turned towards him, with raised brows and Jaemin winked at her.

At the same time, Mark heard Jeno calling out for him – his attention was about to fall for him, when his eyes couldn't help but to look over at the two of them who were sitting next to Jeno.

Jaemin was being unbelievably close to Natalie, he was whispering words to her – and their faces were inchesly close.

‘What the hell, Jaemin?’

Mark quickly excused himself from the other Dream boys, quickly going towards where the three of them are – Mark was trying his best not to get his emotions out of him, he wasn’t the type to act out of anger if he is jealous.

But seeing how his friend got so close to the girl he likes, there was no way Mark couldn’t get jealous.

“Oh Mark!” Jaemin called innocently as soon as the leader stood in front of them, Natalie turned towards him with a wide smile as soon as she met his eyes. But her smile slightly fell after noticing his cold gaze.

“Good thing you came, Jeno and I were about to leave,” Jaemin coolly stood up, leaving the quiet Mark who was giving him the side eye.

Jaemin quickly calls Jeno, as the other boy waves goodbye to Natalie – leaving the confused Natalie yet worried when her focus turned towards Mark who sat beside her.

Natalie slightly peered onto his face, “Mark, are you okay?”

Mark just nodded, avoiding her eyes. Natalie frowns slightly, kind of asking herself if she did anything wrong or if he has been scolded by Taeyong again.

“Did Taeyong shout at you again? I can go to him right now and—

Mark quickly pulled her down, “N-No! No, he didn’t do anything— Woah!”

He kind of pulled her a little too roughly that she landed on his side a little too close.

“Then? What made you mad?” Natalie brushes off the close contact, eyes frowning towards him. Mark sighed, he really couldn’t hide his emotions from her. In fact she is the only one who could read people just by looking at their eyes.

“..You were sitting next to Jaemin so closely,” Mark whispered, more like he was talking to himself – but Natalie heard him clearly.

‘Is he jealous?’

She glanced at where Jaemin is, seeing him talking to Jeno in a serious way since he is frowning – too focused on the conversation.

Then turning back towards Mark, “...Well yeah he is sitting so closely that he is invading my personal space,” Natalie joked, and Mark’s eyes met hers – there was a slight grin coming from her.

“But not whatever you think it was. Well, I don’t know what you were thinking but Jaemin and I are just friends. Besides,” Natalie paused, “Irina has a thing for him so… and he isn’t my type,”

Mark smirked a little, his chin rested on his hand while turning towards her. “Then what’s your type, Nat?”

Natalie was flustered, but she covered it up by jokingly making a thinking face. “..Urm.. I don’t know!”

She couldn’t tell him that she likes him.

“How about you then, Mark? What’s your ideal type?” Natalie mirrored his action, basically her turning towards Mark while resting her chin on her hand.

Mark chuckled slightly, “Me? Do you want me to be honest?”

Natalie nodded enthusiastically, seeing Mark grinning – what she heard next was what she wasn’t expecting.

“I can’t tell you who it is.”

She could feel the vibration of her phone, and Irina stopped in the hallways of her apartment level.

‘You have received $3,673,870 from YourCutieNaJaemin to your bank account.’

Irina frowns while trying to recall what she had done for him, but soon she remembered that she helped one of the missions of the Dream boys a month ago.

But, this is too much than what others have given her, Jaemin has always given her too much in everything.

'Don’t ask me anything. I love you ;)' - Jaemin

Irina sighed, seeing the message from Jaemin. He is always doing this even though their relationship was complicated.

Irina loves him, but they weren’t even officially together and sometimes, Irina feels like she is bothering him – ever since he found out about her complicated family situation.

'This is too much, Jaemin. I'm returning half of it.’ - Irina

Pushing her phone to her back pocket, Irina finally reached in front of her apartment door when she realised something.

There was a little space on her door, it was as if she didn’t close her door properly this morning.

‘Huh? That’s weird. I locked the door this morning.’

Irina looks around before pushing the door open widely – just from entering the hallway, she could feel the cold air and that’s not definitely how her apartment was supposed to feel.

As soon as she reached her living room, she started to look around but Irina is a skilled assassin that she sensed that someone was behind her, and she was right.

Irina turned around and she quickly threw a glass at the intruder, but he destroyed it with his own bare hands.

“What the fu—

The full-black clothed intruder lunges towards her – although she dodges it, he pulls her hair down roughly causing Irina to yell out in pain followed by punching her ribs.

Due to the pain, Irina was already feeling annoyed and she managed to elbow his arm from the back and with just one shot, she pulled the attacker’s arm on his back – her getting ready her gun and instead of killing him on the spot, Irina decided to pull his mask off and her eyes turned cold.

“Soobin. You know I can kill you today but for Natalie’s sake, I’m not gonna make my best friend suffer for the loss of her friend.” She reasoned out, throwing the mask away with her gun pointed towards the back of his back.

“So tell me, what do you want? Why did you come back?”

“To get revenge.” He answered simply and Irina frowned slightly.

“What the hell did Natalie do to you for you to seek revenge? The girl cared for you, protect you in that programme and you wanna seek revenge? After 5 years?” Irina knew she couldn't let her guard down for some reason, his words made her wonder what Natalie had done.

And because she slightly let her guard down, Soobin managed to kick Irina’s arms away and her gun thankfully landed on her side.

She quickly saw where her gun was and she scrambled her way at the same pushing Soobin roughly since the tall dude was aiming to get her gun.

But Irina was faster, once the gun was in her hands, she disabled the safety lock and Irina was about to risk it when Soobin was already escaping through the window.

“By the way, Irina.” He stopped, turning towards her and Irina’s eyes widened, after seeing Soobin’s eyes flashing red.

“I’m here for Mr Lee Taeyong, not for Soobin’s little girlfriend.”

‘...girlfriend..???’

Instead of pulling the trigger, Irina threw a knife towards him.

Unfortunately he already jumped out of the window.

“You too—

Sylvia hissed through the pain of her cheek after being punched several times.

Irina looks at the girl having a bow on her back with bruises and cuts on her face.

“You had it worse, I just have a throbbing arm.” Irina said simply, while patiently waiting.

They could already hear their voices, and once the door finally opened, the two girls quickly stood up – meeting faces of the very confused 127 members, especially Johnny.

“Irina? Sylvia? Is that blood on your face?” Johnny pointed to his nose, towards Sylvia as she quickly wiped her nose flusteredly.

“You guys were beaten!” Taeil somehow pushed the others to see the two girls’ condition. The 127 members were looking at each other, while waiting for Taeyong to arrive.

Jaehyun looked at the two girls who looked like they were waiting for too long, that he couldn’t wait any longer to call the main help. “Taeyong hyung!” He yelled slightly and there came the leader of NCT.

“What’s the— Irina? Sylvia?” Taeyong’s eyes turned into a deep frown after seeing their state.

“It’s Kingpin,” Sylvia answered hurriedly, meeting the taken-aback Taeyong. “He attacked you?”

“N-no, well yeah, but he used his assassins.” Sylvia stood next to Irina who looked hesitant. The bow and arrow girl nudges onto Irina’s arm, giving her a look.

The 127 members could only watch the two girls, reading their expressions.

Jungwoo has a close relationship with Irina – due to the fact that he is dating her older sister, so he kind of knows Irina's habits.

“Irina. What did he do to you? What did he say to you?” Jungwoo asked firmly this time to see her slight frown.

“He said he is coming for Taeyong.” Irina paused looking towards the mentioned name, “He finally made the chip to control others and he is using bodies to get what he wants,” Irina continued hurriedly.

The atmosphere was tense, as everyone turned towards Taeyong who had his gaze onto Irina.

The leader nodded, as he was about to walk away from the group.

“Taeyong,” Irina called again, and he stopped, turning slightly towards her.

“He is using Natalie’s old friend to get to you, and he is enrolled in our school.” Irina added, this time her voice sounded worried and the 127 members slowly dispatched – some going out and some going up to the 2nd floor.

Natalie’s name rang in Taeyong’s head, and he could feel his head feeling warmth in anger.

“Find Taeil to patch the two of you up and help me call all the Dream members this time,”

“How about Natalie?” Sylvia questions at the back, and Taeyong could only shake his head before entering his office room.

previous chapter (chapter 4) ⇋ next chapter (chapter 6)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-127 MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-127’S SOULMATES ]

She was looking at her phone, seeing different texts from different groups and individuals – groups were usually from the Elinova Girls where they would invite other girls who were available to go to events.

Events such as fashion shows or after-parties that are always either in Taeyong or Ten's club.

'Nat, could you come to an after-party for one of my shows later on? It's the usual club, you don't have to worry about Taeyong. I already told him about it and your boyfriend would be there too!' - Taeyong's future wife

"Natalie!" A knowing voice called, which made her reply to Yelena with a quick 'okay'.

As soon as she looked up, Soobin stood in front of her with a smile.

They made plans to do their work together during their free time.

"..To the lecture hall?" Soobin offered, holding onto his books and Natalie quickly nodded.

It was weird for her, it has been 2 weeks and Natalie found out that he completely doesn't know her.

It actually hurts her slightly, at the same time she was confused.

The person she shot the other night at Taeyong's party was definitely Soobin.

And she can justify them because Soobin openly acknowledges his wounds to her when they get to know each other.

But what is weird, it's that Soobin does not remember who gave it to them nor does he remember what happened.

"Huh?... You mean don't remember who gave you that?"

"No... I don't know... I don't know how I got them and I don't know how that happened.. I really don't know.. It's weird, isn't it? I am weird."

They sat at the area where Natalie had always hung out and they began to do their own task – with Natalie on her laptop, and Soobin with his own papers.

He was already focusing on her own papers that he didn't realise Natalie glancing at him for a couple of times.

She really couldn't handle her own thoughts anymore. Natalie slightly pushed her laptop to the side, while slightly tapping onto the paper of his view.

Soobin turned towards her with a slight hum.

"..Hey, I'm sorry.. But," Natalie paused slightly, seeing Soobin waiting for him to continue. "Y-you really don't remember me?"

There was a deep frown on Soobin's face, his eyes filled with utter confusion – and Natalie saw that.

'He really doesn't know me,'

Natalie's eyes welled up in tears just for a second before she sucked it, her face looking elsewhere while gulping down her throat.

"I... No.. I'm sorry.." Soobin answered apologetically, yet he sounded confused.

Which was weird to him – actually, whenever he saw Natalie or when he hung out with her, he felt like he was safe, it was as if they had met somewhere but Soobin couldn't remember anything.

Whenever he tries to remember anything, he will always lead to nothing in his brain and memory.

It has always been from the start and it scares him sometimes that he doesn't remember anything from every previous night.

There's once he wanted to seek help from Natalie but he was scared that Natalie would see him weirdly – just like the other kids.

Other kids from different schools he went to are weirded out of him hence he always changes school from time to time with his other brothers.

This is the last school he is enrolled in – his guardian said this would be the last and that's it, which he didn’t know what he meant by ‘that’s it’.

"Nevermind, it’s my fault," Natalie shakes her head before turning towards him with a small smile, "I tend to mistake people for someone," She muttered before turning towards her own laptop.

Soobin glanced towards her, "..Oh.. Who..? If you are comfortable to tell.."

There was a smile on her face, "A friend.. A close friend of mine, well used-to.." Natalie whispered at the end, biting her inner cheeks in habit when she reminisced about something.

"Did he... passed...?" Soobin trailed off and Natalie quickly turned towards him – he saw how her eyes twinkle slightly, but it quickly disappeared when she shook her head.

"No.. H-he.. He left.. And I didn't do anything," Natalie muttered and Soobin felt a pang on his heart for some sort of reason.

It was as if he could relate to her strangely.

'This is weird.' He thought.

"Maybe he has his own reason?" Soobin reasoned out softly and Natalie shook her head, with a slight smile.

"I know his reason because he told me that day. Well, it is what it is." Natalie clears her throat before fully turning towards Soobin, seeing him nodding slightly.

"..I hope he will find you one day," Soobin said sincerely and Natalie can't help but chuckle at his words.

"You are funny, Soobin." Natalie joked, before smiling at him while shaking her head.

Soobin looks at her in confusion before becoming flustered with how beautiful her smile is – he just realised this by now , "I-I'm s-serious, Nat."

'...Nat,'

Natalie could only raise her brows before turning her focus towards her own laptop.

'He did found me but... he couldn't remember me,'

At the same time, a group of boys entered the hall and a certain boy was looking around – finding the one he was looking for.

There was a smile on Mark's face but his smile dropped as soon as he saw Soobin sitting next to her.

"Mork, can you move qui―

Renjun was about to push Mark aside when he followed where Mark was gazing at – to see Natalie sitting with the new boy.

"Oh.. Someone is jealous!" Haechan whistled at the front, and Mark quickly shot him a quick glare before making his way to the front seat.

Usually he would sit next to Natalie, but if there are other students she hangs-out with, Mark usually would give her space but either one would acknowledge each other in the room.

Mark grumpily sat on his seat, sitting in the middle of Renjun and Haechan.

He quickly shot a glance at the back, seeing Natalie looking towards Soobin with a smile before answering what the new boy was saying or asking.

Mark can't help but groan in annoyance for some reason – maybe because the new boy was looking at her with interested eyes.

"I told you," Haechan commented out of nowhere, and Mark couldn't help but clenched his jaw.

At the same he had to believe Haechan's words that day.

He had to step up his game.

Irina was looking at Sylvia weirdly, then towards the other line of the phone.

"..He isn't lying, guys. He doesn't remember anything."

There was a loud sigh from Irina, but Sylvia looked like she was thinking.

"...I did a background check on his health records," Sylvia admitted and Irina looked at her in surprise.

"..Other than the shot that you shot twice, he is healthy. No accidents for the past 5 years." Sylvia paused, "....Other than being punched here and there during the programme for 3 years," Sylvia added, turning towards Irina with a sheepish smile.

"..This is really weird. I was weirded out when I talked with him,"

"Nat, is he still the same?" Irina frowns.

"You mean what? In terms of looks―

Irina scoff loudly, "I don't care about his looks. I meant his personality."

"Oh! I was about to say that.. He.. is still the same.. Which is why I say this is weird. How could he forget me?"

Irina clenched her jaw before looking at Sylvia who was already putting on her bow behind her back.

"Okay." Irina paused before turning towards Sylvia giving her a nod.

"Okay, Nat! Irina and I have to go! We have a move date! See you tomorrow!" Sylvia exclaimed and she was about to end the call.

"Huh!?! Wait! I haven't talk to you about Mark that―

Irina quickly pressed the red button, then glanced towards Sylvia with a straight look.

They got out of the car which was parked in front of a random house – Sylvia was skilled at climbing onto house roofs, and she pulled Irina up as they lay down while eyeing onto the opposite house of where they were.

"Are you sure this is the house?" Irina whispered and Sylvia nodded before giving her a binoculars. Irina quickly took a look in the house using the binoculars and indeed Sylvia had gotten the correct address of Choi Soobin.

The two girls had planned this after seeing how he had interacted with Natalie.

"..There is something wrong with him." Sylvia whispered towards Irina, while watching the two from far.

"It's like... he has been zapped or something..." She added, turning towards Irina who was staring into the both of them deeply – seeing her frowning.

Sylvia turned towards Irina who was frowning towards the two of them.

“..He might be a threat.” Irina whispered, “.. And we might have forgotten the important part here.”

Irina fully turned towards Sylvia who looked troubled.

“Didn’t he and his brothers are adopted by Kingpin?”

Both of them could see his other brothers, they are basically doing their own thing — Irina keeps watch on Soobin.

Coincidentally, Irina’s watch buzzed slightly indicating that it turned midnight and her eyes frowned at what she was seeing right now.

What Irina sees was Soobin who previously was reading a book, suddenly dropped everything he was doing and stood up to go towards the living room.

When Irina moves her focus towards his face, his eyes turn slightly red before going back to its original color.

“What the…. This is like a horror-movie...” Sylvia whispered through the binoculars. “....Have they been possessed or what?”

Just then, when everything seems to be peaceful, Sylvia sees one of the brothers snapping towards where they were.

Out of nowhere, they had guns with them.

In defence, Sylvia quickly had her bow and arrow ready to shoot them anytime — but they weren’t shooting their guns.

Irina clearly sees what was going on, “C’mon! We have to go.” Irina tapped onto Sylvia who was frowning deeply towards those down there — the five of them had their eyes flashing red as the two girls got out of the roof.

Not knowing they got their personal information of the two girls, just by scanning their faces from far.

The two girls safely made it back — but this time they decided to sneak into Dream’s residence.

It was the safest place for them right now.

They were the only two who could manage to sneak into without getting the permission of the security guards and lastly, Chenle and Jisung’s security codes.

They sat at the back, where a mini ledge table was located.

“….He had done it.” Irina looks at Sylvia with a clenched jaw.

“He really had successfully done the project,” Irina whispered while rubbing her face with her hands in annoyance.

“What project?” Sylvia questions and Irina looks at her in disbelief.

“You don’t remember?!” Irina whines slightly and there was a sudden memory hit her head – causing her eyes to widen twice.

“Impossible.” Sylvia muttered to herself, eyes went downcast.

Irina stood up, “A few years ago we overheard a conversation of the head assassins,” Irina paused, “They received news from an insider that Kingpin was making a project, he wants to overtake all the head mafia family – where he could control anyone with a chip insert in their bodies.”

Irina’s face fell slightly. “And he did start early, he… he had used kids from a young age for his project and… most of them didn’t make it.”

Sylvia’s eyes widened upon hearing this.

“… They didn’t make it because those chips were faulty.” Irina continued softly.

“I keep tabs on him, on this project and ever since a year ago – kids tend to ‘disappear’ which means he didn’t succeed.” Irina’s eyes went downcast.

“…But now seeing those 5 boys, he had successfully made the chip.” Irina added with a sigh.

Sylvia was trying to put the pieces together.

“..That’s the reason why the programme was built, because they needed growing kids to defeat Kingpin’s assassins or armies so called.” She continued.

“Growing kids and teenagers because that’s how Kingpin started all of this, and the head assassins of the programme thought it would be a great idea since the kids would be on the same level.” Irina added with a ridiculous scoff.

“Of course our parents figured it out eventually and they went ballistic since they didn’t know their true intentions,” Irina added, seeing Sylvia’s eyes frowning slightly.

“That’s why Mum and Dad pulled me out of there,” Sylvia whispered to herself.

“I on the other hand continued because, well, I wanted to. I wanted to help avenge whatever Kingpin was doing,” Irina clenched her jaw, remembering the horrible stuff the man had done to her and her sisters.

Although her parents were the current cause of what Kingpin had done.

Sylvia looks at Irina, slightly horrified – after figuring out what the both of them are going to fight in the future.

“We have to warn Natalie about this,” Sylvia paused, seeing Irina nodding.

“..And we can’t do this alone, Natalie can’t do this alone too! We have to tell Taeyong.... or Mark.” Sylvia said softly while watching Irina pacing back and forth.

“…Yeah…, after figuring out how the hell are we going to explain this to them!” Irina sarcastically said to the girl who was wearing a dark grey one-suit and a bow and arrow.

“I’m afraid we have to tell them everything, Rina.” Sylvia turned towards her with a desperate look.

“We are dealing with controlled minds and—

“Dealing with what?”

The two girls snapped their heads towards the voice.

Sylvia could only stand up. “Jeno.”

He smirks towards his girlfriend while innocently waving towards Irina.

Another figure showed up behind Jeno, and it was Irina’s turn to get tense,

“Hi!” Jaemin popped his head out, “..I’m sorry, but we kind of heard everything.” And there stood Jaemin, grinning towards two girls.

“…Do we have to explain everything from the start?” Sylvia pouted towards Jeno, seeing his face changing towards a stern one.

“I’m sorry babe, but yes.”

Irina could only groan, knowing she would have a long night ahead.

previous chapter (chapter 3) ⇋ next chapter (chapter 5)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

[ 127’S SOULMATES ]

A plate of shepherd's pie was brought to her eye-level, revealing Johnny who was the one who brought it for her – at the same time, the weight of the sofa sinken slightly revealing someone had taken a seat.

"Thanks," Natalie smiled towards the tall giant, seeing him shrugging while saying 'welcome,' – before leaving towards the kitchen, probably wanting to take his own plate.

"Well, well, what's with the cute pouty face?" Ten appeared, winking slightly towards Natalie as soon as she turned towards him.

There was a slight silence from her – she was flustered although she had tolerated Ten's flirting schemes.

"I wasn't pouting,"

"Yes you were. About 30 minutes ago... Until, Johnny showed up with shepherd's pie." Ten moved his fingers, pointing where the kitchen is then to where she is.

Natalie could only look at him in confusion.

"No. But really, I wasn't pouting." Natalie chuckled awkwardly and Ten shrugs, leaning back comfortably.

"If you say so," Ten muttered, before turning towards her again – watching her already take a spoon full bite. "...Did you fight with Mark again?"

It was definitely the wrong timing to ask a question, Natalie kind of choked on her pie that tears were already welling on her eyes.

This is the worst experience she had.

Thank god Ten left, and someone handed her a water-bottle and she didn't even see who it was since she was facing the opposite side.

Once she takes a gulp then sighs loudly in relief, Natalie shakes her head. "Thanks Ten, but really I didn't have a fight with M―

Natalie swore she could feel herself choke again, after seeing who was the one who passed the bottle to her.

"What? What did Ten say? Did he say anything sexual again? That hyung doesn't have a filter on, sometimes it makes me crazy," Mark muttered to himself at the end, at the same time he looked concerned for Natalie.

"Oh― No, it's nothing. His usual flirting self... So, yeah― where did you go?? I was waiting for you, but the others say you have something on," Natalie watches him taking a seat beside her.

"Had a meeting with Dream, you know our usual meeting and stuff," Mark's eyes landed onto her plate – and Natalie could see his eyes sparkling.

"Damn, that looks good. Is there some left for me?" Mark's eyes fell towards the kitchen, and she couldn't help but giggle slightly.

He looks like a kid.

Natalie didn't say anything but she placed the plate on the table, before making her way to the kitchen – seeing plates full of shepherds pie on the table ready.

She returned with a new plate of the pie and Mark's eyes widened. "..Yo... You are too nice, thank you Natalie." He said with a smile, and Natalie could feel her stomach having slightly butterflies.

She could only playfully wink at him – earning a chuckle from Mark.

"So, how's the tour with the new boy?" Mark's eyes glanced towards her, wanting to see how she would react and he could see her expression changed slightly.

"...Well, it's okay. He asked a lot of questions, which is normal. And, he is.... nice... yeah, nice." Natalie frowned slightly, followed with a small smile – Mark could only nod while indulging himself with the pie.

"..I can see he likes you.. I mean he looks like he is interested in you," Mark paused, "I saw you— not just me by the way, the other Dream boys too since at that time you were touring him in the cafeteria. Instead of looking at the shops, he was looking at you."

She bit the inner part of her cheeks, Mark wasn't lying because he is right.

She could feel Soobin's stares whenever they talk around – it makes her slightly uncomfortable, because at the point, she doesn't know if he was acting or he really doesn't know her.

Natalie scoffs, shaking her head slightly before turning towards Mark. "....We just met, Mark. You can't just like someone at the first introduction."

"There is a thing called 'love at first sight', Nat."

"I don't believe in that..." Natalie smiled, "Do you believe there is such a thing?"

Turning towards him, Natalie didn't know he was already looking at her.

But this time, what made Natalie frown slightly yet she was smiling confusingly, is the way Mark looks at her.

She couldn’t exactly read him because there were a lot of expressions in his eyes – pain, happiness and longing.

Yet he was smiling.

"I do, actually."

"Will you look at that," Taeil gazed onto Mark who was smiling while looking at Natalie. He could see the young one eyes' filled with adoration. "Oh, young love,"

"Hyung, they aren't together." Taeyong turned towards Taeil who looked flustered, "What? Still?"

"Mark is a pussy." Johnny commented, sitting next to Taeil. "I don't get what makes him so hesitant to just confess to Natalie." The tall one added while frowning towards Mark.

"Maybe he is scared of rejection?" Jaehyun uttered, joining the small group – seeing they were looking at Mark's direction.

"..No, I know Mark." Taeyong watches the two young ones – his eyes moving towards Mark then towards his sister, who looks like she is bothered by something.

But she knows how to cover it, as expected she learns it from their parents.

"Then why?" Ten appeared out of nowhere, leaning against the counter-top while glancing towards where Mark and Natalie are – then to already see them turning towards where the group is.

Natalie gave them a little wave, before fully turning towards Mark – he on the other hand looks flustered.

"..He has his own reasons." Taeyong simply said, before taking a bite of his own pie – watching how Natalie was laughing at Mark while nudging onto his arm with a small smile on his face.

Haechan was looking at his leader with frustration, seeing him punching the same bean-bag for like an hour.

"Dude, you are wasting her and your time. She is going to be with someone anytime or more like someone is going to confessed to her and she would just accept it because she wanna give it a try,"

Mark stopped, before turning towards the younger one. "....She would never do that," Mark whispered, and for the first time, Haechan could see the hesitant eyes from the leader.

He never saw Mark looking desperate or hesitant before – not in the meetings.

Mark was the opposite of that.

"Then why? You can shoot someone on the head, and blood literally splattered on your beautiful face and―

"Okay, okay! Stop with these key details!" Mark yelled slightly before trying to catch his breath.

Haechan watches him as he waits for the leader's answer.

"Well.." Mark glanced towards Haechan, he looked impatient seeing he was already crossing his arms. "...I just feel like I am not enough for her,"

"WHAT?" Haechan screamed, eyes widened twice as his normal eye shape. "That's your fucking reason?!"

Mark could only look at the over-stressed Haechan, he looks like a maniac who finds out about a ridiculous truth.

Haechan sighed, calming himself. "Why.. why do you think that way?"

Mark sat down, already throwing the punching gloves to the sides. "Dude, she is our leader's sister. Not that I am saying I am friends with her just because she is Taeyong's sister.. We go way back," Mark reasoned out.

"..I liked her from the start I saw her, she is brave, empathetic, funny, courageous and she fights with Taeyong!" Mark exclaimed slightly, then seeing Haechan's slightly surprised face.

"Oh, like fight as in arm to arm something like that?"

"Yeah," Mark nodded and Haechan looked impressed, but he quickly shook his head. "But that doesn't explain why you feel like you aren't enough for her." Haechan retorted before looking at the leader, continuing his words.

"Look, Natalie is the nicest, humblest and amazing person I have ever met. Actually, I am biased towards her more than our leader." Haechan met with Mark's gaze.

"You are already enough for her, and believe me when I just said that because, Natalie likes you too.. whether you believe me or not, it's up to you. But the girl likes you too."

Few days have passed and it’s the weekend.

It was Natalie’s routine to have a sleep-over in 127’s residence on the weekends – it was a way for her to spend more time with Taeyong.

Sleep-overs in the 127’s residence is fun, hearing the frequent bickers of the older members.

They didn’t even filter their words in front of Natalie since they knew the girl has already seen and heard everything ever since she was young.

Her hang-out place would either be the main living room or the kitchen isle where sometimes the helper of the house would be in the house to cook for them or clean – and due to Natalie’s extrovert nature, she would be seen by the other members of her either talking or helping the maid.

It was always the members who would stop her while Taeyong didn’t even say a single word – instead he asked her to do the laundry if she was free, and hence the siblings would regularly throw words of curses for being lazy.

Night time finally came and she excused herself since the 127 men wanted to use the living room – sometimes she felt like an extra, but the members would stop them and ask her to join them.

This time she wanted to use the fresh air, and her feet led her to the middle where the huge swimming pool was located.

Sitting on the concrete floor while dipping her feet, Natalie started to play with the water.

"Do you believe there is such a thing?"

"I do, actually."

Mark’s words were replaying on her mind, at the same time the way he looked at her replayed too.

‘His eyes, why do they look so sad yet he was smiling?’

‘...Does he like someone else and she rejected him?..’

Natalie has always liked Mark.

He is hardworking, thoughtful, kind of funny in her own opinion – although his own members say he is not funny.

Mark was always there for her in school, although there were days he had to watch over her due to Taeyong and his protective nature – the days where Mark watched over her, he wasn’t as aggressive as Taeyong.

His tone was soft, yet he was strict.

He is always nice to Natalie, he always has been even to his own leader that sometimes she wanted to fight Taeyong more for making the poor boy over-work.

‘I think I love him..’

While Natalie was busy thinking of herself, he didn’t realize a group of boys were looking at her direction from the opposite.

“What is she doing? Is she washing her feet?” Jisung was trying to see what the girl was doing before someone pushed him aside, “She is.. playing with the water, Ji. She isn’t as gross as you,”

Chenle commented, earning a glare from Jisung himself.

“What are you guys looking at?” Renjun came towards the two youngest, then saw a familiar figure sitting near the swimming pool.

“Oh― Mark’s girlfriend is sleeping over? Mark!” Renjun called the leader, and there he appeared looking rushed.

“What?” Mark looked towards the three of them, and they gestured towards the living room.

He followed where they were looking, seeing Natalie all alone.

‘What is she doing out in the cold?’

“Don’t you guys have other things to do than creeping on someone?” Mark raised his brows, and Jisung shrugged. “We weren’t creeping, we noticed her coming towards our direction.”

“― and we thought she was coming here, but… no... I wanted her to come here and play the playstation with us...” Chenle added with a pout, and Mark turned towards where she was.

‘She looks sad.’

Through time, Mark finds out that Natalie was somehow like Taeyong – of course, they are siblings, except that Taeyong is an introvert and she is an extrovert.

Natalie wasn’t the type to talk about her feelings – whether it be happiness or sadness.

But Mark could read her easily, she always had her guard down when she was always with him.

That’s what he realises.

“Nat?”

His voice made her quickly turn towards him, seeing him staring down at her with a frown.

“What are you doing here all alone? And it’s cold!” Mark puts the jacket on her shoulders, at the same time looking around – to see wherever everyone is.

He could see the 127 members basically hanging out in the living room from where they were.

“Why didn’t you join the other hyungs?” Mark quickly sat down beside her, crossed legged while facing her.

“Nah… I didn’t want to disturb them.” Natalie muttered, “.....sometimes, I feel like I am bothering them. For some of them, it’s their home.”

Mark’s face softened, before shaking his head. “Hey.. Don’t say that! It’s your home too― although you don't live here. But you are Taeyong’s little sister, if he welcomes you, they are supposed to be too!” Mark reasoned out.

“And besides, you are fun and a sweetheart. There isn’t a reason why the other hyungs don't want you to join them.” Mark paused, looking at her with a small smile.

“―even Chenle who doesn’t like many people in the residence wants you to be in Dream’s rather than 127’s,”

Natale scoffed in amusement, “....There is a difference?”

Mark by then had already dipped his leg onto the water, “Yeah, we have a play station on the second level – while 127’s residence has more work rooms.” Mark smiled proudly and Natalie was amused.

“I didn’t know that.. I have been hanging out here for like a year and I didn’t even go to the second floor of Dream’s residence.”

It was Mark’s turn to scoff, “...That’s because it’s restricted. Chenle and Jisung has eyes everywhere,”

What he meant was security cameras.

Everywhere in the residence has cameras installed and the main security room is in Dream’s residence – where Chenle and Jisung are the ones in-charged of security, since they are in the residence every night.

Natalie didn’t realise that her small smile had turned into a slight frown – Mark reached out to pinch her cheeks, and that made her taken-aback.

“You’re doing that frown again, Nat.” Mark tilted his head slightly, while gazing at her.

In his view, she is pretty.

Mark likes how she smiles – she always smiles at people, even when she is smiling slightly, she looks attractive.

“What? I wasn’t frowning,” She blinked a few times.

“You should smile. You look pretty when you smile,” Mark complemented, but soon he realised how his words sounded when Natalie’s face slightly turned into a frown.

“I mean, I wasn’t implying that you don’t look pretty, when you don’t smile. You are pretty, you have always been pretty to me. I mean―

She had her hands moved quickly towards him. “Mark! Okay, I get it. Relax. I get what you mean, I got you.” Natalie reassured after his non-stop explanation, seeing his shy smile appearing – him scratching the back of his neck flusteredly.

“I didn’t know you love my smile,” Natalie smirked towards him, at the same tickling him which caused him to be in defense.

“Hey! N-Nat! No..” Mark was already grinning at the same time acting like he was scary but Natalie didn’t mind him.

She tried to tickle his stomach but Mark caught her arms, pushing her down a little too harsh – but Mark has a fast reflex, and he had his arms perfectly caught her head.

Natalie was shocked, her eyes widened twice – not because the back of her head was about to hit the floor but Mark was being too close to her.

Both of them didn’t realise what position they were in, with Mark leaning down while inches away from her face and Natalie had her body on the floor but her head was being supported by Mark’s hand.

They were in that position for about less than a minute that Natalie saw how Mark’s eyes move from her own eyes, then to her lips before making their way back to her eyes.

She could feel her own heart beating loud, at the same time she was too nervous to speak.

“I....” Mark muttered, but he couldn't get his words out – he was lost in her eyes.

‘Get yourself together, Mark.’

He quickly pulls her head back up and her body follows through.

“Sorry,” Mark muttered, eyes went downcast as he avoided her gaze. “You should go in, Nat. It’s cold out here.”

Natalie could only nod, watching Mark standing up then extending his hand.

He pulled her up, and there she stood in front of her.

“See you in school,” Natalie gave him a side-hug and Mark let one of his arms wrap around her side – her giving him a tight smile while wearing his jacket tightly.

Mark watches her, and slowly a small smile forms on his lips.

previous chapter (chapter 2) ⇋ next chapter (chapter 4)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

It's been nearly two weeks, and even when she is editing 40% of her project, her mind would always go back to the scene where she shot her shot twice.

She remembered those brown eyes.

‘He didn’t even look hesitant to even shoot me,’

‘Was he there to kill me?’

‘After all the times we spent together….’

Even after 5 years – even though it was just 5 years, she still remembers.

That's because deep down she still cares.

The students entering the lecture hall made her wake up from her own trance – and the last group to enter the hall are of course, the well-known Dream boys.

Different greetings were being said to Natalie as the boys took their seats, some sat behind and some sat at the front.

Her eyes naturally fell towards Mark, as soon as he sat beside her.

He always sat beside her whenever they had a last minute class in the lecture hall.

"Hey, the boys and I stopped by the cafeteria and I bought sandwiches." Mark stated at the same time taking out two sandwiches. "For you," He smiled slightly and Natalie sighed in relief.

"You always save me, Mark. I was starving...." Natalie muttered at the end, not minding how funny she looked as soon as she had the sandwich on her hands. She didn't even wait for Mark's reply of thanks, proceeding to unwrap the sandwich.

"Your welcome," Mark coolly said, he knows whenever she is with him, he can't hide the smile on his face. Not when she is happily devouring onto the sandwich he bought for her.

"How's your parents?" Mark asked while deciding to have his sandwich, at the same time his eyes didn't leave Natalie's.

"They are fine, you know them. Dad is as sharp as Taeyong," Natalie shrugs slightly, "Oh and they are still checking on who disrupted Taeyong's party. He is furious. I'm sure you know," Natalie gave Mark a knowing look, seeing the boy nodding in agreement.

Natalie was lucky that she isn't living in 127's residence.

The day when the incident happened, Natalie was instructed to stay in Dream's residence together with Sylvia. Once Mark was summoned in 127's meeting room along with the other 127 members, Taeyong was filled with red and anger.

He literally told all of the members to find out who invaded his party – Mark had a different job though.

"Mark, wait." He was about to leave as soon as Taeyong dismissed them.

Mark turned towards his leader, smiling slightly. "Yeah?“

Taeyong stares at Mark for a while, sighing as he tells him to sit beside him. “What is it hyung? Other than the invaders, everything okay? Did you inform Yelena?”

Taeyong chuckled slightly, “Of course, she was the first one to know. You know how protective she is with Natalie. She keeps on asking me if my sister is safe… Sometimes she forgets to ask about me,” Taeyong whispered at the end, seeing the little pout on his lips — Mark of course heard and saw him clearly, causing the younger one to laugh.

“Anyways, speaking of Natalie, I need you to do something for me. Regarding Natalie — Actually not just you, you will probably need the whole Dream members.” Taeyong’s voice turned serious in a second, and that made Mark switch to his serious mode too.

The young one just nodded.

“I kind of figured who invaded my party but I asked the others to look more through it,” Taeyong paused before turning towards Mark looking him in the eye.

“I need you to keep an eye on Natalie’s every move. I don’t know if she already figured out who is the enemy — but if she knew, she would try to step in.” Taeyong sighed, knowing his sister very well that sometimes she drives him mad sometimes.

But at the end of the day, she is smart and he knows her — and Taeyong knows her really well.

“Okay, Mark? She will definitely try to involve herself in — she will find him, and you have to stop her. If this man is the man I assumed, we can’t let her deal with him alone. This is your task.” Taeyong instructed, strict yet he is calm.

Mark looks calm but he is fighting by himself.

This wasn’t the first for Mark, he would always keep an eye on Natalie without Taeyong’s instructions.

There were days when he was Natalie’s companion in school. Like most of the time they were always together – except for the free classes where Mark would leave Natalie alone in the open lecture theatre since she wasn’t alone.

It’s just Mark caring for his leader’s little sister.

Other students thought they were together, Mark knew they were talking about them sometimes and Natalie definitely heard them – but she didn’t say anything.

Mark is scared that he will lose his trust of Natalie, at the same time he doesn’t want to get lectured by his leader.

“Okay. I’ll stop her,”

“Yeah, he is scary when angry,” Mark whispered and Natalie scoffed, “Not me. I’m not scared of him. He looks like an angry bubble tea,”

Natalie’s comment made Mark choke on his sandwich and she immediately tapped his back. “Mark, you good? Don’t tell me you are angry too for making fun of your leader,”

Mark began to cough and he was lucky Natalie had her own water bottle. She quickly gave him, and he chugged the water quickly.

“..No… I was about to laugh but I choked,” Mark commented, “But it’s true— Oh he sometimes looks like the spicy ramen sauce. Like he was so angry one point of time and his face legit turned red,”

This was Natalie’s turn to laugh – the fact that they are making fun of NCT's leader, the ruthless leader that everyone feared.

But not for Natalie, he is just angry at failed tasks or failed missions. It’s normal but sometimes, he can be blinded with anger – and they have frequent arguments too, and sometimes, it can turn physical.

Regardless, she still loves Taeyong – he is her brother.

The both of them continued their everyday conversation until Kun, who is the dean of the school they were attending – entered along with some of the professors and some students, which Natalie didn’t pay attention to.

She could see their shadows, through where she is and the way her laptop is placed.

Everyone began to quieten down, while some were still on their laptops – Kun knew some of them were either playing games or just doing their own assignments, so he didn’t bother to stop all of them.

“Everyone, I would like you to introduce some new students that would be joining the school.” One of the professors greeted.

“We welcomed five students to Neo Mafia School – Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun and Hueningkai!”

Claps, whistles and giggles were heard at the same time and Natalie was sure she heard his name.

Or maybe she was daydreaming again – which was ridiculous.

The moment when she looked away from her laptop and her eyes turned to the front, Natalie made eye contact with him.

She made eye contact with the familiar brown eyes – and that’s when her surroundings slowed down.

‘This is certainly not a coincidence,’

She just made eye contact with Choi Soobin, her used-to be best friend.

At the same time, when Natalie broke eye contact — Mark’s eyes landed to where Natalie was looking at, and he saw her looking at the newest student who was now talking to a professor.

Mark’s focus then changed towards Natalie.

Her focus was on her own laptop, except she looks way too serious.

Just like what Natalie said to him the first day of school, Mark knows about her past.

He knows, Mark just knows.

“This is definitely planned, it was very obvious.”

“We get it, Nat. Can you please just sit down before you are giving me a migraine right now. I’m trying to answer this questionnaire,” Sylvia groaned to Natalie who was walking back and forth.

Irina, who is Jaemin’s friend – for now, they have their own story to tell but Irina is considered part of the Dream team, but not an official member.

She is the only official assassin out of the ‘Dream Protectors’ who is still working at night for Taeyong – only for light tasks though, she has her own role to play.

Natalie turned towards Irina and Sylvia, seeing they were chilling on the sofa of Dream’s residence living room.

“Okay.. But the question is, why are they here? Why did they enroll in Kun’s mafia school? There are other schools out there somewhere,” Irina reasoned out and Natalie stopped at her tracks.

She was thinking of many possibilities – some made sense, and some she was trying not to think that it could be a possibility.

“..There’s no way they are here to kill Kun right?” Natalie nervously chuckled, “Like c’mon, this is Kun we are talking about. The ‘No. 1 Top Mafia Leader of China’.”

Sylvia shakes her head before turning towards Natalie, “Nah, actually he was known for being an angel. ‘The Angel Mafia Leader’,”

The two girls turned towards Sylvia with a very confused look – Sylvia puts down her papers, looking at the both of them innocently.

“I’m serious. You should look it up, Wayv was known for that thanks to Kun…..” Sylvia trailed off, “Okay fine, continue your theories,”

Irina chuckled slightly before turning towards Natalie.

“Maybe, he was trying to reconnect with you…?” Irina offers a thought and Natalie shakes her head.

Natalie couldn’t help but scoff out loud, “..He could have called. I know he has ways to get someones’ number.”

Irina could see Natalie’s expression softened, yet she looked tense – seeing Natalie’s jaw clenched a few times.

Irina sighed loudly – gaining Sylvia’s attention, she turned towards the assassin and Sylvia read Irina’s face.

Although Sylvia isn’t involved in the mafia businesses that much compared to how Irina is, she still has that assassin skill – the one where Sylvia was taught in the programme along with Irina.

“Hell no..” Sylvia muttered, the voice in her sounded like she didn’t want to believe it hence that gained Natalie’s attention.

“What?”

Irina sat up, straightly then turning towards Sylvia then towards Natalie who was still standing, looking at her two friends.

“I think,” Irina said aloud, eyes making contact with Natalie’s.

“...Choi Soobin came, to kill you.”

Sylvia was watching her, and she couldn’t stand seeing her friend making a frowning face – even when she was putting her stuffs’ into her own locker.

“You know, even with make-up,” Sylvia closes her own locker, then turning towards Natalie, “You are going to have a hard time to conceal those wrinkles and frowns— Oh, you might need to put extra foundation and—

Natalie smacked Sylvia’s arm with a thick book, earning a dramatic gasp from Sylvia herself. “W-what is that for?!”

“..That sounded like it hurts,”

The two girls turned towards the knowing voice and Sylvia who was joking around, had her expression changed a second. She eyed him, before eyeing towards Natalie – giving him a slight smile.

“Yeah, it's supposed to hurt, Mark. She was being mean,” Natalie pointed out, and Sylvia just shrugs. “I was just joking— Oh c'mon! You know me!” Sylvia pouted towards Natalie who can only give her a cheeky glare, before chuckling while muttering a ‘sorry’ to the girl.

“Well since, your prince-charming is here… I’ll go find Irina or the boys.. See you guys later,” Sylvia waved – not daring to turn towards Natalie as she ran away from them.

‘Prince-charming….’

“So, ready to go?” Mark leaned against the locker, as he watched her basically storing books. “..Give me a sec, I’m actually trying— Here! Catch!” Natalie out of nowhere threw a packet drink to him, and as always, he caught it with one hand.

Natalie finally closes the locker door, “I’m ready, let’s go!”

“You kind of forget your packet drink, Nat.”

Natalie turned towards him then to the packet, then to him. “Oh, that was actually for you. I have my own,” Natalie showed her own packet drink and Mark flusteredly mutter an ‘oh’.

“Thanks,” Mark shyly said, and both of them were about to walk away when Mark slightly slowed down his pace,

“By the way, Aurora noona will come over to make us her special pie… Do you wanna... come over..?” Mark asked, he sounded normal but he was definitely nervous.

Natalie’s face instantly lit up and she was about to answer him.

“Natalie!”

Both Mark and Natalie turned towards the voice – seeing a professor and someone she knows approaching her.

‘Oh no…’

She was a professor who taught Natalie about self-defenses theoretically. “Natalie!... I’m sorry Mark, but can I steal Natalie away from you just for a minute please?” She sweetly asked Mark and he immediately nodded.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” Mark smiled tightly towards Natalie, and before she could say anything, he already walked away.

‘Tomorrow? But he asked me to come over,’

Natalie frowned at his back who was already turning a corner – but her attention quickly turned towards the professor and a student standing a step away from them.

“I know I am disrupting your lunch but I hope you could do me a favour.” The professor sheepishly asked and Natalie forced a smile.

“It’s okay, I missed a few times just to complete my work. So… what’s wrong, professor?” Natalie hesitantly questioned, trying not to look at the professors’ back.

“Oh, nothing is wrong, Natalie. But could you show Soobin around the campus? Well, we didn’t show him around – maybe a little but it wasn’t as proper, since they quickly started their first lessons yesterday.” The professor explained,

“So could you please show him around? Maybe you could do a quick one, I mean it isn’t a huge campus after-all,” he professor continued, her eyes’ pleading towards Natalie.

Natalie again, forcing a smile. “Okay.”

“Thank you, Natalie! I know you would help me!” The professor beamed, before turning towards the student at the back – asking him to come towards where they were.

He stood beside her.

“Okay.. Soobin, this is Natalie Hansen. One of our A+ students, among ten of them.” The professor introduced – instead of looking him in the eye, she looked in the middle of his brows area.

“I'll leave the two of you then!! I have to go, I have a meeting with the dean!” The professor pats both the students’ on the back before leaving the two alone.

‘...Choi Soobin came to kill you,’

Irina’s words echoed in her mind, and Natalie swore she could feel her face muscles tensed – but she managed to conceal it with an awkward smile.

In return, Soobin smiled – the tall boy smiled sincerely, putting out his hand for a handshake.

This definitely caught her off guard, because Natalie could see he was being nice and he wasn’t being fake.

She could see him directly in his eyes.

“Hi Natalie. Nice to meet you, My name is Soobin.”

This brings back to the time when Soobin introduced himself to her, 9 years ago – when Natalie was a stuck-up 'princess' and Soobin was a nice, polite and innocent boy.

"Hi," Natalie said with a small smile, before accepting his handshake.

Not knowing that someone was watching the both of them secretly.

previous chapter (chapter 1) ⇋ next chapter (chapter 3)

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie’s Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

[ 127’S SOULMATES ]

As soon as she entered his dorm room, Natalie didn’t hesitate to close the door shut before stomping towards him.

She did not hesitate to grab him by the collar, basically thrashing him onto the wall - despite the height differences, Natalie is strong and he knows that.

Soobin knows that, hence he didn’t struggle on her grip.

Natalie looked him by the eye, glaring towards him. “Why did you agree?!”

“I had no choice, Nat.” He muttered, still making eye contact.

The grip on his collar tightens, at the same she can’t help but shake him slightly.

Soobin knows she is furious, hence this is the result.

“You have a choice, Soobin! You’re basically joining a suicide mission– In this case it’s for life suicide mission!” Natalie whispered aggressively, at the same time trying not to be loud due to her anger.

Her anger somehow made Soobin frustrated - and shockingly, he shook himself off from Natalie’s grip.

Causing her hands to fly to the sides.

She could see him getting angry.

“I don’t have a choice, Natalie! I’m not as rich and spoiled as you and your family!” He spat, his eyes snapped towards her.

“Besides, my parents sold my brothers and I to him. There’s nothing I can do and you could do.” He aggressively said and that’s what made Natalie’s mind stop.

Not the fact he called her a spoiled brat, but the fact his parents sold him and his brothers to the enemy.

“So yeah… Just stay away from me, if you don’t want to be involved in an ugly mess. Us training to be assassins is already a mess but with him, it’s ugly.”

That was the last thing he said to her.

She just stood there, watching him exit his own dorm room.

Not knowing the tears were already rolling down her cheeks and her, not knowing Soobin was crying as soon as step out of his own dorm room.

“Hey, Nat! Are you listening?” Sylvia snapped her fingers in-front of the day-dreaming girl - seeing her eyes blinking a few times, before facing the brunette hair girl with a confused smile.

“..Yeah.. What were you saying again?” Natalie frowned, literally she wasn’t listening.

She was in a deep thought from the dream, well more like a memory.

A memory where she had kept hidden at the back of her mind.

Natalie wondered why all of a sudden it came back last night.

All these years, it didn’t even appear once in her sleep.

“Forget what I said. Let’s talk about you. You look bothered by something,” Sylvia knows Natalie, of course they know each other way back.

Sylvia exists in the memory that appeared last night.

That’s how close they are, it’s been 5 years.

Natalie trusts her, so she grabbed her to a safer corner for her to confess to - since there were students walking around here and there.

“Do you remember Soobin?” Natalie whispered, and Sylvia nodded slowly. “Yeah, of course. Well, I have never seen him ever since he left the programme… Why do you ask?”

Natalie gulped down the lump on her throat, thanks to her own anxiety building up slightly. “..Well I was thinking—

“Wow, the two of you look really suspicious.”

Sylvia and Natalie quickly turned towards the voice, with Sylvia giving him an annoyed look. “Of course, unlike you who basically speaks like you’re the only one here,”

Sylvia slightly gestured around, seeing students basically minding their own business – walking up and down the stairs just go to their every day classes.

Haechan slightly glared towards her before turning towards Mark with a pout, who kind of looked like he was in a daze. “Mark! She is bullying me!”

“I have to agree with her though,” Mark awkwardly said and Haechan dramatically gasped - before turning towards Sylvia who looked unbothered. “I’m telling my girlfriend on you, Sylvy!”

And so the two of them begin to bicker, and both Mark and Natalie don't mind at all. Both of them were always like this.

“Hey, you okay?“ Mark casually asked her. Although Natalie was laughing, Mark noticed something different just by her expression.

Natalie was caught off guard with his question. Maybe because she was indeed not okay. “..Y-yeah.. I’m good.”

Mark scoff, “C’mon, Natalie. I know you. What’s up?” His eyes watched her slightly, seeing her frowning slightly before smiling slightly.

Mark admits that he gets protective of her, not that much like Taeyong - he loves her, well he hides it by saying he has a tiny crush on her towards Haechan.

But Haechan knows better.

“I’m okay, really Mark. You know me, if there’s anything. I’ll tell you,” Natalie nudged onto his arm, earning a smile from Mark.

“Besides,” She paused, facing him and this made Mark slightly nervous.

“You will always find out in the end, just like the other days,” Natalie winked at him before patting him on the shoulder - then catching up with Sylvia who was already up ahead to go to their next class.

Leaving Mark standing there, cheeks tinted in red slightly.

“We are gonna be late if you keep standing there, loverboy.” Haechan teased, trying not to giggle and Mark is fast enough to listen to his words.

He wordlessly walked past Haechan, and it was Haechan’s turn to run to catch up with the flustered leader.

Natalie was peeking through the curtains, seeing expensive cars lining up one by one in-front of the hotel.

She recognizes a few familiar faces, more like old businessmen and women.

“I’m not surprised. Taeyong having a party just after our first day at school, after like what a few months of break.”

“Exactly. It could be replaced with me having my sleep.” Natalie turns back to look at Sylvia who was adjusting her own dress.

“Sleep or no sleep, you will still attend for your big bro. C’mon.” Sylvia shrugs before dragging Natalie out of their shared hotel room.

Sylvia coolly greeted the bodyguards as they nodded their heads. There were bodyguards stationed out of the rooms of the VIP which included Natalie and Sylvia’s.

They were the only ones who got into the elevator. “I heard Taeyong is inviting everyone.” Sylvia stated.

Natalie could only hum in response while pressing the elevator number.

“….And that includes Kingpin,”

It seems time froze for Natalie - it was more like she froze to Sylvia’s words.

It’s been 5 years since she heard his name, that name caused so much pain to Natalie that it hurts her because she couldn’t do anything - even Taeyong and her parents aren’t that powerful enough to fight him.

Well, that was 5 years ago, but this time, the Lee’s are much different.

Natalie’s eyes turned towards Sylvia in a snap, and Natalie knew she just revealed herself to Sylvia - Natalie’s shook in horror.

Before Natalie wanted to probe Sylvia, the elevator door made a sound and the door opened revealing not only a few boys, but their voices were heard quite loud.

“Oh— Babe!” He greeted Sylvia as soon as he stepped into the elevator followed by the others.

Haechan stood right in the middle perfectly.

“Nice dress!” Renjun complimented Natalie, “Thanks! You gentlemen look fine too!” She replied with a small smile, at the same time watching her steps since she was wearing heels.

“Thank you,” Jaemin shyly answered while standing right at the opposite.

“Thanks!” Chenle and Jisung thanked in unison, and they proceeded to have their own conversation.

The elevator was quite small and Natalie naturally stepped back towards the corner. She slightly bumped herself at the back, and a hand naturally blocked her head.

She caught Mark’s gaze, his face was literally in front of her. “Hey, watch yourself.” Mark muttered, and Natalie’s eyes went downcast.

“Thanks. The dress and my heels aren't going well today.” Natalie's smile formed thinly.

It’s true. Sylvia had to help her by holding onto Natalie’s hand every time she walked - if not she would either trip or lose balance.

“You look pretty though.. I mean it doesn't matter with heels or without heels… or formal or casual..” He muttered softly, not making eye contact.

Natalie can’t help but smile shyly.

Mark is cute whenever he speaks softly.

Just then the elevator door opens, and that’s when they could hear the party - which was whispers and buzzing along with soft music.

Natalie straightens herself, along with grabbing the hem of her dress before exiting out of the elevator.

“You guy came just in time,” A knowing voice called and the Dream boys greeted the boss before returning back to their goofy sides.

“Although it’s a green light party, everyone has their own roles to play.” Taeyong instructed and the boys nodded - that includes Sylvia and Natalie too.

What he meant by roles to play is, to keep watch of the grounds and of themselves.

Taeyong’s eyes then landed towards his sister, “Nat, mother and father would like to see you after this…”

Natalie gave him a nod, usually she would ask him more but seeing men in suits and women in provocative dresses passing by them here and there, maybe she should keep all the questions to herself.

“Oh and they want Mark to come along too,” Taeyong added at the last minute that the Dream boys didn’t hesitate to turn towards their leader with a slight smirk.

Just like that, Taeyong excused himself.

“..Okay, so this is the part where I’ll leave you with Mark because… you know….” Sylvia glanced towards Jeno as he smiled towards Natalie innocently.

Natalie nodded. “Of course, text me if there is anything, Sylvy.”

“Alright! Have fun, Nat!” Sylvia gave her a hug but she leaned towards Natalie’s side. “We’ll talk about KFC later,” Sylvia whispered, before giving a pat on Natalie’s butt.

That was Kingpin’s nickname, KFC – yes, the fried chicken brand.

They used to talk about him during the times when they were in the programme, a mafia training programme.

It was kind of like a school but it was specifically practical.

That’s when Natalie met Sylvia - just a few days of talking to each other, they got close.

Sylvia was the one who came up with the nickname – since both of them were in a rush from being questioned by the assassins that taught them, at that point of time.

Both of them were kind of similar back then, but Natalie was a different person.

In a bad way, unfortunately.

It wasn’t just Sylvia she got close to, there was another boy.

He actually changed Natalie slowly, she was more empathetic and he taught her how to use her privileges in a better way.

But in the end, she couldn’t use her own rich and powerful privileges to save her best friend.

Natalie just watches her best friend being dragged away by her boyfriend - leaving her standing dumbfounded.

“Did she say anything weird?” Mark stood beside Natalie, and the girl shook her head.

“No.. It’s just Sylvia being her own self– Right, Mum and Dad want to talk to us. We should find them,” Natalie didn’t let Mark finish as she just grabbed him by the arm.

Till this day, Mark doesn’t understand how Mr and Mrs Lee gave birth to a son who is known to be ruthless in the mafia world, yet he is kind-hearted only to his family and trusted friends.

Like, the duality.

Mark doesn’t understand that and he absolutely does not understand how they gave birth to a daughter who is very similar to her older brother yet courageous and empathetic individual.

Not to mention she is sometimes funny too, in Mark’s eyes.

Maybe because Taeyong was taught differently in life since he is the first born and he is by right the next heir of Lee Organization, although he is now the CEO.

Mark is peacefully walking next to Natalie, right behind her own parents - after them basically interrogating Natalie about her love life right in front of Mark.

Her answers actually amused Mark - well maybe the way she answers and the way her face expression shows when Mrs Lee asked about her sex life.

“Okay, hold on.” Natalie skillfully stood in front of the older ones, “Firstly, you can’t just ask me about my sex life in front of the leader of NCT Dream.” Natalie ‘whispered’ – or she seemingly tried to, at the same making an eye glance towards the gentleman right behind the Lees’.

“Secondly, no – I never had sex with anyone and thirdly, I have never been in a relationship. I’m not an expert, unlike Christy, Mom.”

Natalie’s brows raised up, earning amusement faces from Mr and Mrs Lee and a very surprised Mark.

Christy is Renjun’s girlfriend, she is known for being a femme fatale in school – way before she started dating Renjun. She is a loyal femme fatale now.

“Christy is a sweetheart. Of course boys will love her. Maybe you should learn how.... To get be with a boy - just like how Christy and Renjun are now, ” Mrs Lee commented, smiling towards Mr Lee who was just glancing towards Natalie with a somewhat confused expression, yet a small smile.

Natalie frowned towards her mother, looking at her quite suspiciously. What is that supposed to mean?

“..O—kay.. For a record, they were best friends at first and they fell in love– Well more like Christy who is preoccupied with other stuff that she didn’t realize Renjun had fallen for her since at their best friend stage’.. Right, Mark?” Natalie called him out of nowhere, which caused Mark to nod at what she was saying.

Mr and Mrs Lee turned towards Mark – he looked pretty nervous although he had plenty of meetings with them along with Taeyong and the consilegres of NCT.

He wasn’t nervous in those meetings though, in fact he was confident and his usual serious self.

The reason why he is nervous now, is because he is standing alone with his crush and her parents’.

Unlike Mr Lee who just gave Mark an acknowledgement smile, there was a look of realization from Mrs Lee as she stared at Mark more – Mrs Lee was known to read people by their facial expression and eye contact.

She clearly sees everything from Mark’s eyes and it causes her to openly nudge Mr Lee’s arm, while openly whispering to him.

Natalie shakes her head, “Wow, how mature of the both of you whispering in front of us.” She proceeded to stand beside Mark, who just gave her a little smile.

“I’m sorry, well, it’s a secret,” Mr Lee winked towards Natalie and she rolled her eyes in annoyance with their secretive self. “We will leave the two of you….” Mrs Lee’s words trailed off when both Mark and Mr Lee’s phone rang at the same time.

Both of them answered, but Mark took a look at his phone screen and Johnny’s name appeared.

‘This better be a good news,’

The moment when Mark answered the phone, then hearing Johnny basically yelling on the phone for him to get Natalie and her parents out of there, gunshots were right outside the hallroom.

Loud gunshots.

The first thing Natalie did was pulling her parents down, getting them close to her.

“You don’t have to worry about us, honey! We can deal with this!” Mr Lee already started shooting from different directions. He is fast, Natalie didn’t even see him reaching out for his gun somewhere in his suit.

Both him and Mark were basically aiming for the unwelcome guest – it was easy to know because those intruders were wearing full black, only their eyes were being shown, while trying their best not to shoot the innocents.

Everything is already in chaos that Mark didn’t have the time to inform Taeyong and the consiglieres.

The two women were hiding down one of the tables.

“Mom–

With slightly shaking hands, Mrs Lee pushed a gun towards Natalie – the women placed them on Natalie’s thigh holster.

Natalie didn’t have time to be embarrassed about how her own mother knew she was wearing that.

“You stay close to Mark, Natalie. Don’t be stubborn and the two of you better get to safety— I’ll call you!” Mrs Lee was being pulled by Mr Lee – his bodyguards were already pulling them out of the ballroom, heading to the safety exit.

“C’mon, Nat! We have to go!” Mark yelled, at the same time holding his hand out to support her up. Natalie quickly took his hand at the same abandoning her heels since she can’t even walk properly let alone to run with them.

They exited through the safety exit but they met an obstacle causing both of them to stop abruptly, with Mark pulling Natalie onto his arms.

Natalie can’t help but gasp slightly while gripping onto Mark’s hand – seeing the intruder basically pointing his gun towards the both of them

Her eyes made eye contact with him, and Natalie frowned slightly.

She recognized those brown eyes.

The longer she stared at him, the longer she could see the frustration in his eyes.

He wasted no time to shoot out bullets towards both Mark and her – Mark quickly shoved Natalie to the side where walls were covering her.

It felt like forever that Mark tried to shoot his enemy – he was a good shooter, Mark admits that.

Natalie couldn’t hold onto her own frustrations that she sighed loudly before getting ready to shoot out a bullet.

Mark was too busy with his own battle and it was a good thing he was distracting the opposite – Natalie took a slight peek and she already memorized his location.

She did what she had to do, she shot a bullet.

Silence fell the hallway, and that's when Mark realized Natalie perfectly shot the enemy by the leg – right by his thigh twice.

The silence was supposed to be a relief one, but Natalie can’t help but feel tension – only for her though.

That's because she definitely knows the shooter.

It was her best friend.

Natalie can't help but look twice through his eyes, and she was confident that it was him.

There was no way this is a coincidence.

She just watch him try to run away, just by jumping out of the window – as she stood there at the same time reinforcement had come to get her and Mark.

next chapter [chapter 2]

[ Hero for Heart : Natalie's Series, Base On Her Sorrowed Past ]

[ N-DREAM MOODBOARDS ] - [ N-DREAM’S SOULMATES ]

The moment he had to take a last minute leave.

They were sitting in the office awkwardly - listening to their leader basically talking in a raised voice that they thought everyone in the level could hear him.

“He is at it again.”

“..Thanks for stating the obvious, Johnny.” Taeil muttered, tilting his head slightly while looking at the documents that Johnny gave him - hearing the heartful chuckle from Johnny himself.

Taeil in Johnny’s eyes right now, he didn’t seem to look well. He looked slightly pale and there were a lot of heat balms on his own desk.

Taeil didn’t realise this but Johnny did. “Taeil, you okay?” Johnny called, making Taeil look at him with raised brows. “I’m good, why?”

“You kind of look pale,” Johnny said honestly and Taeil could only sigh while signing the papers before bringing it to Johnny. “Just a slight headache, it will get better... I hope.”

Johnny could only look at it for a good two seconds before grabbing the papers from him. “If you say so~ Thanks by the way,” Johnny gestured to the papers before exiting the room.

Right after Johnny exited his room, more and more curses coming from the next room could be heard loud and clear.

“Get the fuck out! Now!” Followed by multiple curses and yells could be heard next door, then seeing a man somehow speed walking past his office.

Sitting on his office chair, Taeil could only rub his temple in frustration.

He had just witnessed Taeyong basically kicking out another one of his workers. Taeil, and the rest of the members knew Taeyong had been planning on another business but it seems the plans that were suggested by his own men didn’t satisfy him.

This has been going on for a few days now and Taeil can’t seem to concentrate on his work - Taeyong’s mood kind of contributes to it and another one would be the massive throbbing on his head.

Taeil sighs loudly, his head resting back as he closed eyes. Right as he was having a slight break, there was a loud knock which made Taeil groan loudly. “Come in!”

“Oh dear.. You do look pale,”

A familiar voice made him frown, before opening his eyes in one shot.

There stood his wife, who was closing the door of his office.

“Aurora? What are you doing here?” Taeil tried his best to look okay, but the pain on his head was getting much more severe and when he tried to stand up, his leg was shaky.

His wife was fast enough to run to his side, somehow holding his side to support him. Taeil can’t help but turn towards her, looking at her with so much awe and mostly love.

He knows that Johnny somehow might have called her to come, and honestly, Taeil felt bad she had to get him since Aurora is working too - she owns a jewellery shop where she makes custom accessories.

“C’mon, let’s go home.”

“Wait what?” Taeil muttered, looking at her with a slight frown while Aurora had an innocent smile.

“Thanks to Yelena who is next door right now, I got a green card for you ending work slightly early.” Aurora showed that ‘little space’ movement kind of fingers, earning a slight chuckle from Taeil.

Taeil didn’t say anything afterwards but just followed his wife, dragging him along, holding his hand tightly as she led him out of the door.

Taeil was being taken care of by his loving wife and for the first time, he could have a good and comfortable rest at home with his wife by his side.

The moment when he needs a breath for everything.

People thought that Taeil had everything.

Money. Luxury. A Family.

Yes, he has everything that has been stated but, with all that, he feels other emotions other than happiness - which is pressure.

He doesn’t feel sadness, he actually never felt sadness ever since he married his wife - and he never felt lonely at all.

He has never once thought of that. He has Aurora with him.

Why does he need to feel that?

Anger. Well, out of the three, he only felt anger at work - when other syndicates kind of cheated or set up on his business or Taeyong’s businesses.

Or when a syndicate threatens his family or the members’ partners.

Sitting on the chair of the kitchen aisle with a glass of beer in his hands, Taeil could only look ahead.

That day was the day where all of NCT members had a meeting where they felt like it was emotionally draining.

Taeyong is trying something that no one had done before and somehow, Taeil feels pressured for whatever is coming.

“Taeil?.. Honey?”

Her voice somehow made him wake up from his own thoughts, causing him to turn to where she is, seeing her carrying her sling bag. “Hey, babe.. I didn’t hear your usual greeting,”

Aurora hugs him from the back, noticing the glass and the bottle of beer on the table. “...And that’s because you were having your own moment, love.” Aurora stated softly, smiling.

Taeil chuckles slightly, as he looks down. He couldn’t hide from her.

She knows him too well. “Wanna talk about it?” She asked, at the same time grabbing another glass, taking a seat beside him.

“..You had a bad day too?” Taeil turns towards her, seeing her pouring the beer onto her own glass, sighing slightly. “Yup. Picky clients as usual, how about you?” Aurora showed her glass before pouring down the glass.

“..No, nothing.. I don’t want to stress you out with hearing my rants. It would stress you out more,” Taeil shakes his head, then turns towards her, seeing her face turning into a slight frown.

Aurora rested her arm on the counter-top, her chin rested on her own hand. “No, no. I have all the time, Taeil. Please tell me what is bothering you.” She said softly yet she was firm.

Her eyes never left his, and that made Taeil bite the bottom of his lip before ranting what he went through for the day.

The moment when he felt jealous.

Taeil swore that he could feel his jaw breaking the more he clenched it.

He was watching them from far away, and the more he watches them, the more he wants to just go there and pull Aurora away from that man.

The man he has been waiting to kill from the very first day he is in a relationship with Aurora.

Taeil still wonders why on earth Taeyong is still in business with this man - Taeyong knows Taeil isn’t in a friendly terms with the man, well whatever it is, Taeyong is smart on whatever he is doing.

She was smiling - listening to the dude talking his heart out, the corners of her mouth was too stretched upwards for Taeil’s liking. She is supposed to smile that way only for me.

Still watching them, well carefully while attending to the businessmen that Taeyong invented for his annual party, Taeil saw the man somehow went towards his wife’s side - it looks like he was whispering sweet words, and Taeil was about to walk to them, he was about to when Aurora’s face fell drastically.

From where Taeil is, it looks like she excused herself quickly before going towards his way - a small smile on her face.

As soon as she was near him, Aurora slightly jumped towards him. Taeil was surprised, alright. “What’s with you?” Taeil chuckled awkwardly, kind of pushing away his annoyance previously - or his jealousy.

“Nothing.. Just.. I missed you,” Taeil could feel her arms wrapped around his waist. His eyes fell towards the man. Oh. Is Aurora doing this purposely?

Because the moment when Taeil looked towards where she had a conversation previously, Taeil could see the obvious anger in his eyes as he was watching his wife on Taeil’s arms.

“What did he say, love?” Taeil whispered, leaning against her side as soon as she let go of him. Aurora was hesitant for a moment, but it was her turn to lean towards him. “He told me to leave you, he said you don’t deserve me.. Made me pissed for a second, a turn-off.. Jealousy is ugly on him.” Aurora nodded towards Taeil, earning a hearty chuckle from him.

His wife is cute, she has always been cute.

“I know he has always been eyeing on me, well us. I know you know but come on, I will never, ever leave you. I love you too much,” Aurora shrugs, her hands crossed in annoyance and it shows on her face.

Taeil could only soften his expression, he felt stupid for being jealous in the first place - he felt even more stupid when Aurora said it’s a turn off when guys feel jealous.

Taeil gave a peck on her cheek, “Oh Aurora,”

The moment when she comes and saves the holidays

“This is boring,” Yuta hissed, throwing the cards.

“I know right. Like, it’s boring without the girls during the holidays.” Haechan added, still looking at his own card.

“Our girls.” Taeyong turned towards Haechan.

“I miss my wife.” Johnny whispered to himself.

Indeed, all of them are right. Even Taeil agrees.

He was busy looking through his phone, he was actually looking through his wife’s Instagram and oh, if he could only just get her to come.

And he didn’t even think twice.

“Can you come over? I miss you” - Taeil

Shit, I shouldn’t have sent that. He was too late, he can’t delete it now, she might have seen it and yes, she has seen it, like within a second.

Seen.

About 30 minutes later, with some of the guys already in their own rooms and some were just hanging in the living room, the doorbell rang and Jungwoo was the nearest so he decided to open the main door.

“Oh! Taeil....” Jungwoo’s smile turned towards Taeil, as he too looked confused but it was his turn to have a wide smile as soon as he saw who showed up.

Aurora with a bunch of plastic bags.

“Aurora! What brings you… here?” Johnny trailed off while turning towards Taeil for help, in case the couple had an argument or big fight but everyone knew the two of them are a calm and chill couple.

“I brought some homemade food for all of you.. Please help me..” And there goes the men of NCT running towards the poor woman.

“I’m sorry for dragging you here. I shouldn’t have–

Aurora stops him with a peck on his lips, “Don’t. I know their girlfriends aren’t here to be with them and cook for them, and keep an eye on their health. So, I decided to do the favor for my girls. Now, would you care to give me a hand..?”

Taeil’s smile widened, before taking all the stuff in his wife’s arms.

Indeed he is lucky to have a wife like her.

The moment when he realises that he has her all to himself at the end of the day

He knew where she was.

Everyday was the same routine for his wife - there were days when Aurora had to stay over in her own office to finish up her work, and during those days, Taeil decided to just stay over in the 127 residence.

“Love…?”

“In here!”

And there she was. Taeil opens the door to his shared bedroom and Aurora is reading a book, while laying on the bed. She looks very comfortable.

“How was work?” Aurora asked as soon as Taeil was in her arms, hugging her.

“The usuals.” Taeil replied, but soon his face turned into a slight frown and an unsure frown, “..Well, other than the guys are jealous of men flirting with their girlfriends then everything is normal,” Taeil shrugs and the look on Aurora's face was hilarious.

She looks shocked but at the same time, it was as if she had heard this normally. “Well, most of the girls are supermodels so… it’s quite normal if there are others who have eyes on them..” Aurora slightly wiggled her brows before turning back to her book.

Taeil scoffed slightly before taking off his clothes to a comfortable one, “Yeah…. Babe.. Urm, a little help..?” Taeil called because his hands were slightly stuck and of course Aurora came.

“Thanks,” Taeil muttered, earning a smile from Aurora as she went back to bed - continuing on with her book.

This was the routine of the married couple, it sounded boring but Taeil is content.

This is the exact peace he wanted - like the comfort and knowing his love one is beside him doing her own thing.

Taeil quickly inserted himself in the covers of the bed, then turned towards Aurora who was busy indulging herself on the book that she didn’t realise Taeil was staring at her focused face.

The silence actually brought Aurora back to reality, and her eyes caught Taeil’s eyes. “What?” She whispered and Taeil scooted closer beside her, his head laying on the side of her arm while humming.

“Nothing. I’m just thinking.. Like how lucky I am to have you.”

‘i’m on my way, gonna drop by Starbucks first though, do you want anything? do the Wayv guys want anything?’ - Lingling

Winwin looks up from his phone. From the kitchen aisle, he could see Lucas and Hendery in the living room - watching a movie.

‘I want the usual, and the others’ said no thanks. come here safely!’- Winwin

“When is Liling coming again?” asked Lucas as soon as he saw Winwin walking towards them, taking a seat in the middle of them. Winwin could only groan, this is the 4th time the tall guy had asked him.

“Soon, Xuxi, soon,” Winwin muttered, leaning against the couch.

“Oh, is this a date then?” Lucas turned towards him, wiggling his eyebrows. Winwin could only look away, turning towards Hendery and he knew the latter was going to take Lucas’s side, following Lucas’s action.

“You guys are so annoying,” Winwin stood up, earning giggles and laughter from the both of them. “But we know you love us!” Hendery yelled at the back.

“But he loves Liling more!” Lucas yelled back and Winwin could only ignore them, going towards the 2nd floor where the common area is located.

It is much more peaceful here.

‘But he loves Liling more!’ Lucas’s words rang into Winwin’s mind, somehow her face showed up on his mind, making him slightly blush the more he thinks of her.

Lucas isn’t wrong, Winwin indeed loves her, but he doesn't want to make it obvious - but his own members make it more obvious that he gets annoyed by them whenever Liling comes over.

Usually, Liling comes over to spend time with Winwin but it ends with the WAYV members surrounding her - asking her to play FIFA with them.

Winwin swore that today, he wouldn’t let the other members take her away from him.

Just as he was having his own moment, checking his phone, his phone rang somehow Chenle’s name showed up on his phone screen - Winwin didn’t hesitate to answer him.

“Hey, Lele. What’s wrong?”

“Gege, could you come to the headquarters? I know Liling is here to see you but somehow Liling is at the headquarters. I think she kind of went the wrong way, i mean since she went the headquarters’ way i just let her in.. Sorry gege!” Chenle let out a nervous chuckle at the end, and Winwin immediately stood up - already going down the stairs.

“It’s okay, Chenle. Thank you for informing me, I’m heading there now!!” He ended the call with Chenle humming. Quickly putting on his slippers, Winwin went to the front, walking towards the side, going to the back way.

It’s kind of complicated with NCTs’ residence.

The main NCT headquarters is located in the middle, while the respective 3 groups reside right behind the headquarters - with 127 residences in the middle, while Dream and Wayv’s residence are the sides.

A huge swimming pool is located in the middle where everyone would gather to just chill or have a swim - where parties would also be made mostly by Taeyong and Ten.

“Liling.. You have been here often and yet you are still confuse,” Winwin whispered to himself, as he entered the back way towards the headquarters.

She feels kind of out of place.

She just arrive in Korea after a day. For a year, she has been working in France, along with some of the Elinovas Angels girls.

Liling wanted to visit Winwin after like a year of not seeing each other although he had personally went to France along with some of the Wayv members to watch the fashion show.

But that was just him attending, he didn't even say 'hi' to her afterwards - he did send a bouquet of flowers saying he enjoyed the show, but that was it.

He didn't personally see her, and she was honestly sad - but Liling knows he had somewhere to go which involves with NCT's businesses, since had contacted her immediately.

Now entering the building, men in suits were looking at her weirdly, somehow looking at her up and down and it definitely makes Liling feel extremely uncomfortable - though her profession had that kind of reaction but the way they stare at her is different from how her audience stares or looks at her.

And somehow, the place is big as hell.

She didn’t know Winwin lives in an office building.

She was awkwardly walking aimlessly, looking towards the main reception area. There were men literally standing behind the reception area and she didn’t even dare to go there.

They look scary in her eyes.

‘I really need to call Sicheng,’

“Liling!!” Just as she was trying to call him, Liling looked up to see Winwin emerging from the sides. There was an immediate smile coming from her as soon as he came towards her.

“I told you to come to Wayvs’ house, not the headquarters!” Winwin kind of scolded her, at the same time looking around. He was shielding her face with his body, not wanting men to know or notice her.

Liling could only smile sheepishly. “I’m sorry, Sicheng. It’s kind of confusing.. I’m still confused with your new living conditions.” Liling pouted slightly towards Winwin.

He could only sigh while helping her carry three paper bags that had the Starbucks logo on it.

“Thanks for— wait, why are there like 12 drinks here!? Don’t tell me..” Winwin trailed off, looking towards Liling who was smiling awkwardly. “I know you said the members didn’t want anything but I just bought it for them, who knows they would want it later,”

Winwin swore his heart skipped a beat with how kind she is. She is always kind towards him and his own members, even when he and his friends are seen as someone bad.

“Let’s go,” Winwin muttered under his breath, at the same grabbing Liling’s hand with his free hand, somehow pulling her to the way where he entered the lobby - with Liling shrieking slightly with his sudden action.

“Lingling jiejie!”

“Hi Lingling noona!”

As soon as they exited out of the headquarters, going towards the backway, somehow Chenle and Jisung were hanging out near the pool area - shouting Liling’s name while waving at her.

Liling could only wave back, with the paper bags on her hands while the other arm was being held by Winwin. He didn’t glance towards Chenle and Jisung’s way at all - and that’s because he is trying to hide his reddened face.

The fact that he is out here, holding hands with her while guiding her in - he didn’t even think that his other members would tease him.

“Those boys are getting cuter as the days pass!” Liling cooed, and once they kind of reach Wayv’s residence, Winwin let go of Liling’s hands as took out her slip ons.

“Here, wear the slipper.” Winwin got his own slippers that he usually used in the house, putting them right in front of her. Liling quietly wears them, following Winwin at the back as he leads her to the open kitchen.

Not knowing there were other presence there.

“Oh— Lingling! My favorite girl! Come— Woah!”

Lucas was the first one who saw her since he was the only one in the kitchen, he was going to engulf her with a hug when Winwin decided to slightly push Liling out of the way - smoothly grabbing Lucas’s arm, pulling him out of their way.

“Oww! You don’t have to be so physical and jealous about it! I was just going to hug her!” Lucas whines, at the same time glaring slightly towards Winwin who looks kind of unbothered.

“...Exactly,” Winwin folded his arms, his brows lifting up.

“Liling!” Hendery appeared into the kitchen, and somehow she went towards him, hugging the other man tightly - which caught both Winwin and Lucas’s eyes.

“See! He hugs her too! Why didn’t you stop Guanheng!?”

“That’s because he was being careful with her.”

“That’s not fair! I was being careful with her too!” Lucas whines, still pouting towards Hendery and Liling who were exchanging conversation at the side. “No, you don’t. You look like you were about to crash here.”

“Wha— I didn’t even hug her!” Lucas fought and Winwin just shrugged while walking past the giant guy. “Okay, okay boys. Stop fighting! I brought Starbucks for all of you.” Liling yelled to get their attention and that’s when the three boys went towards her side.

Liling began to distribute the drinks towards the others. Winwin was smart.

He somehow pushed all of the hands of the two boys, he was the only one who made skin contact with her - passing the drink to the two guys.

The two men could only give a side eye towards him.

“Thank you Lingling!” Hendery thanked the girl as he walked out of the kitchen, not wanting to disturb Winwin and his crush. “Yeah! Thank you for the drink! If you need anything we are in the— Okay, okay! I’ll leave! Geez!” Lucas somehow was being pushed out of the kitchen by Winwin.

He went towards her side, leaning against the counter-top - watching her walking back and forth towards the fridge and the top cabinet. “You know, you don’t have to be so mean to them you know,” Liling commented as she took out a plastic bag of bread, before glancing towards Winwin with a slight smile.

She quickly looks away, and that’s because she didn’t want to look at him for too long - the way he is leaning the counter, the way he is only staring at her makes her all shy.

Not to mention that his hair is slightly curly and fluffy and he was wearing a white shirt and black jeans plus the way he was leaning and staring at her, he looked attractive.

“..They were about to steal you away from me, especially that Lucas, when I want to spend more time with you,” Winwin whispered, his eyes still looking at what she was making - which were sandwiches.

Liling heard him clearly, as she slowly looked at him. He didn’t even look flustered nor embarrassed. Liling couldn’t help but smile shyly, still making the sandwiches.

About 5 minutes later, she made about 10 of them - knowing the others are with them.

“That looks good.” Winwin’s eyes fixed onto the plate and Liling wiggled her eyebrows. “C’mon! Let’s watch some movies!” She mindlessly grabbed Winwin’s arm as they went towards the living room.

And as expected, Winwin knew his friends would steal her away from him - but sticking to his words, Winwin would always be there, basically being the fourth person - which Liling didn’t mind at all.

An hour later, Liling was wrapped in a blanket while being in the middle of Winwin and Hendery - with Lucas being on the other side of Hendary, while focusing on the movie they had on.

Liling had no problem watching the movie but Winwin, he seems can’t be in focus on the movie for some sort of reason. He had stolen glances towards Liling and Hendery - he was troubled by how close they were sitting next to each other.

Of course Winwin knew that Henderya and Liling are just friends, not more than that - besides, Hendery has a girlfriend. According to Lucas, Hendery and his girl have finally made things official.

Winwin’s worried glances had caught Liling’s attention, turning towards him. “Sicheng, you good?” Liling whispered towards his side, not wanting to disturb the other two, who seem to be in no problem watching the horror movie while cuddling with each other.

Winwin just nodded, before turning towards the big projector. Blinking towards him, Liling thought that he might be cold so she decided to share the blanket with him. Winwin could only look at her with confusion, as she threw the cloth on top of his legs.

As the movie continues as the time passes by, the two somehow become comfortable - Winwin not minding how Liling is leaning against his shoulder.

Moments later she fully had her side overlapping with his, her head fully leaning against his chest - she was hiding from the jumpscares.

Winwin noticed that beside her was awfully quiet, to see Lucas and Hendery basically sleeping while cuddling each other.

‘They aren’t even watching, instead the movie is watching them,’

An hour passed by and Winwin by now wasn’t aware of Liling, until he noticed the weight on his chest - seeing the girl basically sleeping on his chest, her hands wrapped around his waist.

He knows she was unaware of this, if she is, she should be flustered by now or she would have jumped a few seats away.

Smiling slightly, Winwin could only put his chin on top of her head, at the same time he snaked his arm around her back, pushing her slightly towards him.

He just wishes he could be open with his feelings.

“What did Aurelia say?”

“..She will be here soon, but she told us to go in first since she is currently with Eunwoo.” Alyona answered the older one while texting their youngest about their whereabouts.

“..What party is this exactly? There’s a lot of people entering,” Yelena muttered while taking a few looks out of their car.

“...According to Aurelia, this is a party of celebration regarding the success of NCT,” Alyona looked up towards her sister who was leaning against the car before continuing, “Ready to go?... or you wanna stay here, because I’m down with anything.”

“Leo, are you sure you wanna go in? You might see—

“Yeah, yeah, I might see Ten. To be really honest, I don’t care. Besides, the other guys are there and we are no stranger to them,” Alyona shrugs cooly. Yelena stares at her sister, searching for any sign of sadness or any emotional expression but it seems she looks normal.

Alyona and Ten’s relationship, well, they aren't together - but they had a history together and they were beyond friends or best friends. Somehow along the line, Ten somehow fucked up.

It’s really a long story.

“If you say so,” Yelena muttered to herself before exiting the car, followed by Alyona as they held their hands together.

They had not stepped into the club yet, but people who were going the same way as them were already looking at their way, somehow snapping pictures of them - yet the two girls didn’t care, as they held their hands tightly.

They were well-known for their own reputation, Yelena being a director of their parents’ business called Elinovas Co, and at the same time a creator of the famous group called Elinovas Angels - where most of NCT members girlfriends’ are in.

Alyona on the other hand is the face of Elinovas Co, she would always show up in every magazine cover. She would often collaborate with big brands, as well other businesses that some of the members of Elinovas Angels had.

Both of them pass through the security, they do not need to pull out their identity card since they were regular people that went to Ten’s club. As soon as they went through the big red curtain, their eyes slowly widened upon what they were seeing right in front of them.

“Holy sh—

Alyona was about to curse, but Yelena was fast to cover the other girls’ mouth - pulling them to a corner.

“I knew there would be a lot of people here…. How are we supposed to find them?” Yelena went closer to speak to her sister, noticing that their appearance had caught most of the people there.

Yelena is good at figuring out her surroundings - as she looks around, they are on the first floor. They weren’t even on the top floor but they got most eyes looking down their way.

“Found them!” Alyona pointed at a direction - pulling her sister who was caught off-guard. Two of them just walked across the floor - again not minding the attention they were receiving, until two big, unknown guys approached them.

Alyona and Yelena had to abruptly stop their heels.

“Hello, sexy. Where are you two going?”

Alyona raised one of her eyebrows towards the unwelcome guest before turning towards Yelena who was staring at the guy with a deep frown, at the same time holding onto Alyona’s hand tightly.

“Another drink, sir?”

“Ye—

“No thanks! I think he is done for now!” Doyoung took the shot glass from Taeyong quickly, drinking it in one go - smiling at the waiter as he went off to serve other tables. Taeyong turns towards Doyoung with a deep glare.

“That was my glass! Why did you take it!?” Taeyong slightly hissed, making Doyoung roll his eyes. “Taeyong, you had like 10 shots. You’re gonna be drunk in like 3 more shots.”

“..So?.. Who cares?.. My angel isn’t here anyway..” Taeyong muttered to himself, grabbing another random shot glass as he looked at it with sentimentality.

Drinking somehow reminds him of her, she was always there when he had a party to attend - she was always there to look out for him, telling him softly that he has limits on drinking, and he listens, which surprises his friends.

It’s been a year that they didn’t have this kind of hang out, that’s because Yelena is currently in France, she is the director of a fashion show.

Taeyong was against it at first but knowing that her sisters and most of the girls’ of Elinovas Angels would be going too, he wasn’t worried.

He also had told Yelena that he would be visiting her every month, which he did.

But he still misses her, everyday, every night and every time - and she was supposed to return home two days ago but things had gone slightly wrong in her work, so she would be back in two days.

“Doyoung, has your girl come home?” Taeyong muttered, and Doyoung could only humm in response, kind of not wanting the leader to feel more emotional.

So far, all NCTs’ partners have returned back home from their overseas work - now it’s only the Elinovas Sisters who are still out there.

A few more guys showed up, sitting on the leather couch - them noticing the mood somehow gone down. “..What’s wrong with Taeyong?” Ten points.

Yuta nudged Ten’s arm, frowning slightly towards the other. “What?”

“I think he misses Yelena,” Johnny appeared, along with Jaehyun and Jungwoo. “You don’t miss Alyona?” Johnny asked Ten, who looked kind of unbothered.

“..Nah..” Ten shakes his head, before taking a beer bottle - gulping it one go. He really didn’t want to talk about his relationship with her. He still feels guilty about what had happened.

“Speaking of Yelena and Alyona, is Aurelia coming, Jaehyun?” Jungwoo asked, turning towards him - he somehow looked a little troubled at first, but he managed to let out a smile.

“Yeah.. She is coming with Eunwoo,” Jaehyun stated and everyone somehow nodded. Just as Taeyong was about to pour another drink on his glass, there came Taeil who looked like he was in a rush.

Yuta noticed him from afar, “Taeil! You looked like—

“Taeyong! Ten! You might need to come down, like right now!” Taeil pointed down, while slightly yelling at the group. Doyoung and Jaehyun saw where he was specifically pointing at.

Jaehyun, who was close to the railings where they could see the first floor, decided to check what was going on.

He could hear commotions but he didn’t know where it would come from. His eyes search for where the noise is, frowning to see two familiar girls.

His eyes widened slowly.

“Isn’t that…?” Jaehyun trailed off and right as he was about to inform Taeyong, Doyoung was already fast enough to see what was going on, running towards the table.

“We have to go down! Yelena and Alyona are downstairs!” Doyoung informed in a hurry. The first ones to leave the area were Taeyong, Ten and Jaehyun followed by the others with guns placed on their backs.

They kept on blocking their way which made Alyona's heart boil in frustration, Yelena on the other hand was trying to avoid the two men’s eye contact, looking down all the way while linking her arm with her sister.

“C’mon, ladies. Don’t play hard to get.” One of them spoke, still following them.

“Why so serious, sweetie? C’mon, look at me,” One of them somehow spoke directly towards Yelena, as she could only continue following Alyona’s way.

“Could you two please piss off already? We are here for a few guys,” Alyona glared towards them, and somehow they didn’t believe Alyona’s words.

“..And which certain guys would want the two of you?”

“What is that supposed to mean? You know what, if you’re not gonna go, we are going to.” Alyona was about to pull Yelena too, when one of them had their grip on Yelena’s arm, while the other guy had his hand gripped tightly towards Alyona’s wrist.

“The two of you are going to have fun with us!” One of them smirked, pulling Yelena roughly as she tried to let go of his grip.

“Let go!” Yelena yelled while glaring towards the man. It was obvious they were new to this club, specifically a club that belongs to Taeyong and Ten.

Alyona really couldn’t take it that she used her bag, swinging it towards the faces of the two men, which they had a shocking look on their faces as it turned into irritation.

Alyona had seen this coming, pushing Yelena behind her, to protect her sister.

“You sluts—

Both of the men looked like they were about to put their hands on the two girls, but somehow they felt something or specifically a gun barrel on the back of their head.

But their eyes somehow travelled towards the back of the girls, causing Yelena to turn around - seeing Johnny and Yuta somehow pointing their guns towards where the two men were.

Alyona had her head peeking out slightly to see who was behind them, seeing Ten and Taeyong with a few of the 127 guys at their back.

Jaehyun and Doyoung escort the two girls out of the way, somehow guiding them to the side - at the same time shielding them for whatever is gonna come. They knew this wouldn’t end nicely, since they messed with Taeyong’s girlfriend and his family.

Taeyong considered Yelena’s sisters as his own siblings.

“W-w-what..” The two men had their hands up, feeling the gun barrel being pushed deeply on the back of their heads.

“Well, well, well, you must be new for someone who kind of messed with the girls of Elinovas.” Ten sounded like he was joking, but his words were threatening. He even hits the back of the man’s head.

Taeyong on the other hand didn’t even bother. Maybe because it was alcohol, he started to slowly get furious. One of his arms was still on the back of the other man’s head while his free hand gripped onto the man's hair, yanking backwards.

“Heard that you called my girl a slut,” Taeyong grip tightens while yanking the man’s head towards his direction, and once he gets a look on Taeyong’s face, the man’s face goes completely pale.

He messed with the wrong girls and the wrong group of guys.

Taeyong stared at the two men before looking towards where Johnny and Yuta were. “Johnny, Yuta, go settle these two. Do whatever you want with them, kill them, dispose them, I don’t care.” Taeyong throws the man right towards where Johnny is, while Ten wordlessly throws the other towards Yuta.

“Roger that!” Johnny shrugs, somehow dragging one of them, while Yuta just wordlessly dragged the other one who was begging for mercy.

They specifically know what Johnny and Yuta does.

“That was a nice show! Sad that my girlfriend isn’t here to watch too!” Doyoung commented in sarcasm, before turning towards the two ladies who looked already too tired, causing Jaehyun to laugh.

After that whole fiasco, the group of men guided the two girls upstairs, where the 127’s table is always located.

As usual, the girl exchanged their greetings with the boys with a warm hug - before dispersing, going to the first floor to meet their other friends.

Jaehyun specifically is going to see the youngest sister of the two girls, Aurelia who is with Eunwoo somewhere on the first floor by now, Eunwoo is Jaehyun’s long time best friend.

Alyona somehow left with Ten - Yelena caught a glimpse of Alyona, seeing that she looked kind of pissed with Ten following her behind. She could only sigh while looking towards the other men.

Johnny came back without Yuta.

“Congratulation Johnny, you’re a Dad now,”

“I know right! I’m so excited! Wait, how did you know!?”

“..That’s a secret,” Yelena winked towards Johnny who was giving the girl a side eye. Taeyong on the other hand was sitting closely, beside her - watching how she was exchanging words with the others.

Whenever she is talking, Taeyong has his eyes on her - he adores how her face moves, showing every exact expression she feels.

Jungwoo's eyes somehow travel towards Taeyong who was beside her, seeing that he became quiet and he looks like he is about to burst his anger out. “O..kay, we can catch up other times,” Jungwoo somehow nudged onto Doyoung who was still talking to Yelena about a run-way that she had done with Doyoung’s girlfriend.

“Okay then. Tell me more later, Yelena. See you later,” Doyoung pats Yelena’s back, a sign that he would be leaving.

Now it was just her and Taeyong.

‘Nice, they are all gone,’

“..I don’t get a hug..?” Taeyong pouted, causing Yelena to turn fully towards him. “Aww, come here,” Yelena opens her arms wide, and Taeyong didn’t hesitate to give her a big, tight hug - at the same time inhaling her scent.

She is Taeyong’s home.

Once he let go of her, Taeyong sat incredibly close beside her, their arms and shoulders were squishing with each other, Taeyong didn’t mind that.

He had his other arm snaking on Yelena’s shoulders while his other hand landed on her thigh, gripping slightly. “You’re finally back here right? Please tell me you won’t leave abroad again,” Taeyong asked, his brows went downwards with his eyes showing that puppy look.

“No, my love. I’m staying for good…. for now,”

“Baby!” Taeyong whines, causing Yelena to laugh her heart out.

She didn’t hesitate to give a peck on his lips. Taeyong was still frowning and pouting.

“It depends on mother and father, I don’t make the decisions, remember?” Yelena leaned towards him, her nose rubbing with his in adoration.

And this is exactly why she would make his day more lively and better. They have known each other since they were babies.

Taeyong couldn’t describe her with just words, she was more than his girlfriend - she is his pillar, his soulmate, his pride and joy, his everything.

He noticed that his life was meaningless without her by his side, even when he has lots of money, gold, silver, diamonds, the luxuries - those are meaningless without her.

Taeyong hummed, at the same time he scooped her up easily on his lap, earning a slight shriek from Yelena.

She had her arms around her neck, ruffling his hair slightly, taking off the shades that were on his head.

Taeyong wrapped both of his arms around her tiny waist, leaning against her chest - hearing her heartbeat.

He started to feel slightly sleepy - maybe because he started to become sober.

“..I forgot to say this, but welcome back, Yelena. I love you,” Taeyong whispered, with his head fully leaning against her chest. Feeling the weight, Yelena peeked onto Taeyong’s face, seeing him looking peaceful as his eyes closed shut.

Smiling to what she sees, Yelena kissed the top of his head, before rubbing his back gently. “I love you too, Yongie. Thank you for waiting for me,”

With her words, Taeyong smiled and he finally could sleep in peace after almost a year - the genuine sleep he needs where he knows that the love of his life is physically there with him for the rest of the days and night.