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Chapter 73

७१

24H | SEVENTEEN

The sound of door opening had Youngjae peek his head up from the couch. "Rumi-ya, is that you?" A hum was heard as she walked into his view. Her open shirt hanging off her shoulder with one arm through while other against her torso resting in a sling which hung around a neck. "What the fuck happened to your hand?!" Youngjae was up and in front of her guiding her to chair. "I broke it." Rumi blandly replied. Youngjae poured her glass of water. "Thank you." She said taking it. "How the hell did you break it? I thought you went out for this award show. How did you come back early with this?" He fired her with questions after other.

Rumi sighed, "We had bit of a situation. I jumped in and kinda ended up with broken knuckles." Rumi explained. "Did you hit somebody?" Rumi stared at him. "What? Tell me." Rumi rolled her eyes. "I didn't. Oppa can we talk about this some other time I am quite tired right now." Rumi said standing up. "I'm not hungry so eat up. I'll sleep off." With that she retired to her room. Youngjae opened and closed his mouth. Something's not right. Why would she return early even though she got hurt? That's unlike her. She definitely got into a fight. Something really bad went down there. Youngjae thought himself as went to prepare a warm cup of milk for her. "Whatever it is she shouldn't sleep on empty stomach."

By that time Rumi was under her covers; Youngjae had to pull her out and forcefully make her empty the glass. He didn't question her or tried to pry, she looked tired and desperately in need of rest so he let her be. The next morning came but Rumi refused to get out of her bed. She wouldn't talk to him or listen to him. He didn't know what to do, he couldn't call Wonwoo since there were chances he didn't know anything; nor he could he call Hyun fearing that Rumi would get upset. Another day went by with her sulking but at least she was eating. It was good enough for now. Once she's okay she tell him. At least that's what he consoled himself with. "Ah it's cold..." Youngjae yawned dragging his feet to kitchen. He poured himself a glass of water when suddenly the doorbell rang. "Eo?" Youngjae snapped his head at the door. "Who the hell is it in four of the morning?" He asked heading towards the door when the sound of someone pressing in password was heard. The door opened with a ding sound. "Wonwoo?" Youngjae looked at him in surprise. "What happened? Why are you-"

"Hyung where is noona?" Wonwoo cut him off and removing his shoes. He put down his bag and was already making his way towards Rumi's room. Youngjae worriedly followed him. Did they fight or what? He wondered putting his thoughts into words. "Wonu-ya did something happened?" He asked but Wonwoo didn't reply, he opened her room's door walked straight to her bed and stood there silently before letting out a sign. "Ahh." Wonwoo collapsed beside her and ran his fingers through his hair. Youngjae placed his hand on his shoulder, "Wonu what happened?" Wonwoo glanced at him. "Why wouldn't you both pick up my calls?" He asked looking up at Youngjae.

"Mwo? You called me?" Youngjae furrowed his eyebrows. He didn't hear his phone ringing and he also- ah. He was so worried thinking about Rumi that he had forgotten to charge his phone. "Mian the battery must've died." He apologize. "Hyung seriously?" Wonwoo scolded letting out a sigh in exasperation. "I'm sorry but what happened? Why do you look so worried? Did you guys quarrel or something?" He questioned nodding towards Rumi who was totally knocked out. "Ani. I don't know what happened hyung!" Wonwoo exclaimed in frustration. When he last saw Rumi everything looked fine but then why? Wonwoo explained the whole situation to Youngjae. "I don't know what suddenly happened. I received her text that she was leaving early and we'll see each at company. I thought she went to hospital for treatment but then she didn't reply to my text nor my phone calls!" Wonwoo explained his eyebrows knitted in worry and fear.

So, something happened between the agents then. Youngjae thought patting Wonwoo shoulder in comfort. "It's okay-it's okay. She is fine." It's better to lie then worry him more. "She returned back day before yesterday in evening. I was too, surprise with her plastered hand but she wouldn't tell me what happened. Don't worry she's fine. Yesterday she went to hospital for treatment and she's been taking medicines so that's why she is out like that." Youngjae explained nodding towards asleep Rumi. Wonwoo glanced at her, taking her hand in his he sighed. "Thank god. I got worried when she didn't answer my calls."

Youngjae hummed. "Hmm she's alright. She just needs rest." Wonwoo nodded. "And you too. You came directly right here didn't you?" Wonwoo once again nodded his head. Youngjae smiled, this lovesick boy. "Okay did you eat?" Youngjae asked earning a meek yes from him. "Okay then I'll bring you change of clothes. Change and rest up okay?" Youngjae said. When he returned back Wonwoo was still sitting there with her hand in his. Youngjae pressed his lips together, poor boy he is so worried about her. Rumi look at him you are worrying him; hurry up and tell him the truth before it's too late. "Wonwoo." Wonwoo turned around and stood up. "Here." Youngjae smiled handing him t-shirt and pyjama pants. "Then I'll leave you be. Rest up eo?" He said and quietly left the room.

Wonwoo quickly changed his clothes and joined Rumi to bed. He laid beside her, staring. "Noona. Are you really okay like hyung said?" He asked looking at her peacefully sleeping face. "I am worried. Why do you have to keep it all inside huh? You are not alone, you have hyung, you have me." Wonwoo whispered carefully removing the strand of hair tickling her forehead. He sighed to himself. "Stop suffering like this." He muttered shifting closer her. Wonwoo slowly pushed his arm under her neck while wrapping other around her waist. "Good night." He whispered placing a light kiss on her forehead before falling asleep.

"Hmmm." Wonwoo hummed in content feeling someone stroking his head. He slowly peeked open his eyes, "Noona..." His groggy voice made her smile as she hummed in response. Wonwoo blinked his eyes adjusting to bright light coming from her window. "Noona why didn't you pick up my calls?" He asked staring at her. Rumi apologetically smile at him, "I'm sorry." Wonwoo pressed his lips together. Rumi shifter closer and buried her face under his neck. Wonwoo sighed hugging her close, "I was worried sick. You suddenly left like that only with a single message." Rumi once again muttered a sorry to his complains. Wonwoo let out a sigh, why is she apologizing again? "Noona are you really okay?" Rumi pulled back and looked up at him. "Hmm." She smiled nodding her head; when Wonwoo didn't look convinced she let out a chuckle. "Wonwoo-ya, na jinja gwaenchana." She said cupping his face. "What about your hand?" Rumi smiled, "Hurts but it's bearable." Wonwoo narrowed his eyes making her chuckle. "Really, I am fine. I feel much better with you here." She said pecking his chin. "You don't have to say that to make me feel better noona." Wonwoo replied.

"Ani, I'm not saying it so you'll feel better. I'm saying it because I mean it." Rumi said staring into his eyes. "Wonwoo-ya, you've become my peace, my home. I want you to know that, I really-really l-" Rumi stopped herself. She cannot, not when she's lying to him. Rumi squeezed her eyes closed and pressed her forehead against his. "Noo-" "I'm sorry." She whispered. Wonwoo stared at her tightly squeezed eyes, her quivering lips. This was the first time he had ever seen her with such expression. Holding back, she was never the one to do that. Wonwoo thought closing his own eyes. If she cannot step forward then I will take that step for her. "Arayo." Wonwoo whispered. I won't ask anything, I will stay here; be your peace, your home noona. For you too have become mine.

"We should get up. He'll be here crashing at our door soon." Rumi whispered. Wonwoo chuckled nodding his head. "I can hear him in kitchen banging those pots." Wonwoo replied as two pulled back to look at each other. "Let's go then." Wonwoo sat up, took off the covers and got down. He helped Rumi up and carefully guided her to door. "Thank you." Rumi smiled as he opened the door for her.

"You up?" His loud voice was greeting her as soon as she stepped out. "How are you feeling?" Youngjae asked glancing at her from the kitchen. "Better." Rumi replied scratching her head while walking towards bathroom. "Obviously you are feeling better now." He mocked looking at Wonwoo following behind her. "Good morning hyung." Wonwoo greeted with a nod of his head. "Eo, morning-morning." He replied. "Breakfast is ready so hurry up while it's warm." He said making Wonwoo nod and follow Rumi to bathroom. "She wouldn't budge from that bed yesterday and now look at her." Youngjae muttered while setting the table. The lovers returned, "What lovers? More like dog and it's tail." Youngjae scoffed watching Rumi settle down in front of him with Wonwoo following behind.

"What are you muttering under your breathe?" Rumi asked moving to pick the spoon but Wonwoo's hand beat her to it. "Nothing, this sickly love is making me nauseous that's all." Youngjae replied tasting a spoonful of soup. "Then feel free to move to couch." Rumi said giving him tight lipped smile. "This brat-" Youngjae lifting his hand to hit but stopped short, "Aarso, I don't hit the injured anyways." Rumi mocked repeating his words. "What are you four?" Youngjae asked annoyed. "And you, what do you think you are doing?" Youngjae asked narrowing his eyes at Wonwoo who paused in midway of feeding Rumi. "Eo? Helping noona eat?" He replied as if stating the obvious. Youngjae glared at him, look-look now he has learn to speak her tone too. "Yah she has two hands, one of its works quite fine." He said turning his glare to Rumi who snorted at his comment. "Jealous bitch."

"Yah! Who are you calling b-"

"Okay! Okay!" Wonwoo quickly intervened. These two quarrelling over dinner table always ended up in big mess. "Stop fighting. I am handing the spoon to her okay?" Wonwoo said cautiously glancing at Youngjae who scoffed looking away and pushed a spoonful of rice in his mouth aggressively. "Noona?" Wonwoo turned towards Rumi worriedly, how can she eat properly now? Rumi smiled taking the spoon. "Don't worry I can manage." She said easily scooping rice using her left hand and shoving it in her mouth. She grinned at the amused look on Wonwoo's face. "Look at her. Such a manner less woman." Youngjae commented from across earning a glare from her. "Mwo? Mwo? What are you lo-" He was cut off with doorbell ringing. "Eo? Nugu?" He stood up and went to receive the door.

"You can use your left hand quite fine." Wonwoo commented making Rumi glanced at him. She hummed, "I tend to get injuries so I am accustomed using left hand in case other is injured." Rumi smiled cutting through the fried egg. "Then that day you let me feed you..." Wonwoo trailed off noticing the sly smile on her face. "Waeyo? I wanted you to." She said with a pout. Wonwoo chuckled shaking his head. "Do you want me to now?" He asked glancing behind for Youngjae. "Ani, he'll start nagging again." Both of them laughed at that.

"Tsk. What are you two giggling about?" Youngjae tsked making them look at him. "Eo Rumi, Hyun is here." Hyun who had followed him inside, bow his head in greeting much to his surprise Wonwoo was here too. Rumi looked at him in question. "Uh well I received your text, you're going to the company, right? I thought I'll pick you up. I tried calling you but you didn't answer so..." Hyun pressed his lips together waiting for her response. Rumi shrugged her shoulders, "Well and good, saves my taxi fare." She replied and went back to her breakfast. "That ungrateful brat. Aish, ignore her. Join us to breakfast eo?" Youngjae said patting Hyun's back who was ready to deny but Youngjae had already pulled him along.

Hyun awkwardly joined the trio to breakfast table. Youngjae happily served while the two couple completely ignored them and continued with their breakfast. Maybe I shouldn't have come. Hyun thought regretting his decision but then again he was worried about Rumi. "Umm how are you feeling today?" He hesitated asked. Rumi glanced at him from her bowl of soup, "Good." She replied and continued eating. Hyun lips formed a line, that answer was too curt. He thought staring at her when he felt a pair burning holes in his face. He shifted his gaze to Wonwoo beside her, that guy was practically glaring at him. Ah, what a mess. Hyun awkwardly smiled with a nod of his head and decided to focus on the bowl of rice for rest of the breakfast.

"Let's go." Rumi said nodding towards Hyun was was made to wait on couch while she got ready. "Oppa I'm leaving!" She shouted since he was in his room. She picked up the arm-sling and tried to tie it around her neck but it wasn't helpful. "Let me-" Hyun was about to help when Wonwoo passed by him helping her put it around. "Gamawo." Rumi smiled letting him aid her. "Always have to do it by yourself, don't you?" Wonwoo scolded sticking the Velcro. "Hehe." She giggled making him pinch her cheeks. "Do you have to go? Shouldn't you rest a little more?" Wonwoo asked caressing her cheeks. Rumi shook her head. "I rested well enough yesterday. Don't worry. It doesn't hurt that much and you know I can't stay still for long." Wonwoo sighed and nodded his head. "I'll call you as soon as I reach the company." Rumi said. "I'll miss you." She leaned up for a kiss but Wonwoo quickly covered her lips. "Noona..." He scolded glancing towards Hyun who was standing behind them the whole time. "Ah. I-I'll go bring the car to front." Hyun hurriedly said and left two to themselves. Wonwoo stared as the door shut behind him, "Now he's gone." Rumi commented trying to kiss him but Wonwoo avoided it again. "But hyung is here." Wonwoo teased nodding towards Youngjae who had just walked out.

"Mwo? You are still here?" Youngjae asked looking at her. Rumi let out a groan and stomped towards the front door. "Bye noona." Wonwoo teasingly wave earning a glare from her as she angrily opened the door and left with a snappy goodbye. "What's with that brat?" Wonwoo laughed shaking his head.

- - - - - - - - - - -

Agh! I should've stayed home just like Wonwoo-ssi had asked. Rumi complained sipping on the coffee Misoo had bought for her. "Unnie, again why I am needed here?" Rumi asked as Misoo dragged her to the conference room. "Why you mean by why? We have interviews schedule for new candidates since your dear friend has decided she's done playing the 9-5 employee." Rumi rolled her eyes, that didn't answer her question. "Exactly, you need someone to fill that place but what I am suppose do there? Isn't this HR's job? Why am I getting dragged?"

"It is but I have to be there since I am looking for candidate. And you are getting dragged along because we have foreign candidates, I need you to translate for me if necessary. Your English is good." Rumi sighed letting herself dragged, arguing won't be getting her out of this situation anyway. The hallway was filled with interviewees, warming up their voices, practicing their lines. "So many of them?" Misoo hummed, "Other departments are also conducting interviews today." She replied.

Rumi nodded and glanced at their nervous faces, cvs tightly clutched in their hands. Eo? Rumi stopped and took few steps back. She leaned down to get a better look at his face. The man feeling a piercing stare looked up, "Eo?" Both of them said in surprise. Their surprise turned into question and wary. The man quickly looked away as if he had not noticed her at all. "Eo? Eo! EO!" Rumi stepped into his view. "Yah, what are you doing here?" Rumi questioned quite loudly to be precise. She was unaware of the attention but not the man wanted the ground to swallow him whole. "Eo? Are you ignoring me? Yah!" Rumi moved to grabbed his shoulder but her one hand was tied while other was carrying the coffee cup.

"Rumi!" Rumi cursed glancing at the hurricane heading towards her. "Yah! What are you doing there?! Hurry up!" Misoo screamed and then bowed apologizing to the interviewees she had disturbed. "You! Let's go!" She gritted through her teeth. "But-but-" She grabbed Rumi's uninjured hand started dragging her not before apologizing towards the man. The man bowed back watching her being dragged away. "Thank god." He sighed plopping down in his seat.

"The interview went better than I thought." He happily sighed to himself as he stepped into the elevator. "I was worrying too much. Hehe I should call hyung." He muttered pulling out his phone when the keys fall off his pocket. He leaned down to pick them up but a hand beat it to him. "Oh, thank you so mu-eh!" He exclaimed jumping few steps back. "What the hell?!" He cursed. Rumi smiled dangling the keys in her hand. Where did she come from? "Hello we meet again." Rumi grinned stepping near him. The man squeezed his eyes close and pushed himself into the wall. "Let's have a talk shall we?" He vigorously nodded not wanting to disobey her.

"Here." Rumi said pushing the coffee mug towards him. He politely thanked her and took a sip. "Ble-!" He almost spit it out. Why the fuck this is bitter? He thought glanced at the cup when two sugar packets were pushed towards him. "I thought you were okay with it when you said you'll take same as me." Rumi commented sipping on her own coffee. Then should've ordered a latte when I was being held hostage here!?! He mentally screamed. I was already shit scared when you dragged me out here in this café! "Umm, thank you." He bowed taking the sugar packets. He tore the packets and pour them in his bitter coffee. "So, how did the interview go?" He froze slowly glancing up, she raised an eyebrow at him. "How did a criminal ended up giving in-"

"I'm not a criminal!" The kid exclaimed making Rumi stare at him in question, suddenly he was all loud. "I-I am not. That time, it was first for me to do something like that. I used to run a fansite, but suddenly I was approached by someone on email to work for them. I only took up that job because I really needed money!" He explained. "I swear I've never done or thought of doing anything like that before. It was first time and I got caught, I was so scared that I ended up passing out! After that I confessed to everything I even told your people how and when and where I got everything from. I am not a criminal and I won't do anything like that again please. I am just normal guy looking for a normal job." Rumi stared at him making him grow uncomfortable and impatient to prove his innocence.

"Okay." Rumi nodded. "Then how did you end up here? Giving interview?" Rumi questioned.

"Because hyung help me." The kid replied. Hyung? Rumi furrowed her eyebrow. "After your people released me, hyung help me out." Is he talking about Hyun? "He scolded me for choosing the wrong path, told me I shouldn't go down the wrong alley even if I am desperate. There's always a solution to every problem. He helped me with my money issue, and even looked after me for all these months. I picked up part time jobs for the time being and then hyung said he heard from his friend that there's opening in Hybe Labels and asked me to apply for it." Rumi chuckled, that guy is too good hearted. "I was about to go see him but you caught me." Rumi raised an eyebrow at that. "I promise you I have no bad intentions. I am-" Rumi hummed nodding her head. The kid shut up at that. "What's your name again?"

"Han Minhee." The kid replied. Rumi hummed again. "Do you work in production department?" The question made her look at him. He politely pointed towards the id card around her neck. "Eo." Rumi nodded much to his confusion. "Don't stress your little head and finish up your coffee." She said. Minhee obeyed picking up his mug and putting it to his lips. "Umm excuse me but can I go see hyung after this?" Rumi stared at him, why was he asking her permission for that? "Uh-uh I just want to thank hyung and talk to him about that software."

"Software?" Rumi's peaked at that. "What about it?" Minhee nervously looked at her. Her questioning stare was too much for him.

"Ani, I was just wondering if he was able to open it. Hyung was stressed about it so I thought I should do something to help. So, I tried to login and I got in easily. I think-"

"Mwo?!" Rumi slammed her hand on the table startling poor Minhee. "You got in? How? Did you lie about it last time?" Rumi accused standing up and leaning over the table. Minhee scared for his life vigorously shook his head. "No-no-no. I swear on my life I didn't! It really shut down when I had logged in to it show to hyung!" He explained. "Then how did you managed to do it now?" Rumi questioned.

"I think the system is built like that. The software must trace the location and facial recognition during login process. So that is why it shut down when hyung's face showed up. It might be also the reason why your people are not able to break in. Software must only allow the particular coordinates of location, if you open it in different location it will shut down." Minhee concluded, he had tried to login again outside his house but he couldn't confirming his theory.

"Minhee-ya, Let's go." Minhee looked up at her in surprise. Where? Now where does she want to take me? "Kiddo you know you are a genius." She said with a crazy grin on her face. Uh-uh this is far more scarier than her blank stare. "Let's go!" She cheered pulling him up and putting her arm around his shoulder. "I'll treat you to meat today! Hahaha!"

A/N :

Thoughts?

Love,

Alba💜

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