just saying, this isn't very proofread.

Jeongyeon grabbed the car key that Jaebum had left on his kitchen counter. Just as she was heading out, her phone rang and on the screen was “Boss”. Without thinking much, Jeongyeon answered the call.

“Where have you been?” She half shouted, forgetting the hierarchy between them. “All of us are worried-"

“Jeongyeon...”

Jeongyeon paused mid sentence. That was Jihyo’s voice and Jeongyeon didn't really like the shaking and sobs that were hiding in Jihyo’s words.

“Jihyo,” Jeongyeon’s voice softened. “What happened? Where's my boss?”

“He's in the operating theatre. I didn't know who to call so I dialled Jaebum’s speed call. I shouldn't have- I didn't know my father will do this, I should have believed all of you. I'm sorry i'm sorry..”

“Jihyo, which hospital are you at?” Jeongyeon's voice was still calm despite her panicking inside. Something really bad had happened to her boss, her friend, and she needed to know where was he. However, Jihyo made no response from the other side of the phone. 

“Answer me.” Jeongyeon was getting impatient waiting for Jihyo to answer her as she start the car engine. However, the other girl still did not respond which made Jeongyeon flared up. “Park Jihyo, I asked where is Jaebum? If you don't say anything, how can I help? Answer me, which hospital are you at!”

Jeongyeon ended the call when she received Jihyo’s shaky but clear answer. Her eyes were darkened as she sped off in Jaebum’s private car.

The situation was much worse than she had expected.

When Jeongyeon reached the hospital which Jihyo had provided the address, the latter had collapsed into her arms, breaking down into uncontrollable sobs. Despite her worries and the awkward feeling she’s feeling, Jeongyeon gently pat against Jihyo’s back. However, it was only for a short while before she opened .
“Where is he?” Jeongyeon wasted no time right after that. If words of Jaebum getting into an accident got out, who knows what that bastard Im Jongmin will do?

“Still inside.” Jihyo managed to utter out in between her sobs. “The ambulance brought us here.”

“We need to get him out of this hospital.” Jeongyeon whispered in a voice that even she’s surprised at how calm she actually sounded. 

“What-"

“We have to, once the operation ended. We can’t stay here.”

“Why are you so sure that the operation will be a smooth one?”

“Because it’s him, my boss doesn’t go down without a fight. Don’t you trust him?”

“I do.”

“Then believe in him.” Jeongyeon managed to crack a small smile. Despite her words, it would be a lie if she said that she’s not scared at all but thankfully, Jihyo did not catch that uncertain gaze Jeongyeon had as she stared at the lit up sign of the operating room.

It was her ringing phone that brought Jeongyeon out from her own thoughts.
Jinyoung.

That was the name her phone screen shown. She accepted the call almost immediately, he’s the only help that she could get for now. 

Jihyo stared at the lit up “Operation” sign on the wall, she had lost count on how long Jaebum had been in there. She then shifted her gaze to Jeongyeon who was still on the call in a hush tone. She didn’t realised that she was staring until Jeongyeon’s gaze met hers. Flustered, she wanted to look away but Jeongyeon’s smile was assuring enough for Jihyo to return a weak smile. 

Maybe, like what Jeongyeon said, Jaebum will be alright. For some reason, Jihyo knew that Jeongyeon and the rest of their so called team wouldn’t let anything bad happen to Jaebum.

On the other side, Taecyeon ended the call with Jinyoung and turned to look at the four pair of eyes staring at him. Each were filled with curiosity and worries after they saw Taceyeon’s face darkened while he was on the call.

“We need to split into two teams.” Taecyeon announced.

“What happened?” Sunmi, sensing the tension in his voice, asked.

“Jaebum got into an accident and is now under surgery.”

Nayeon gasped; Sunmi’s eyes widened; Mark and Bambam both stood up from their seats.

“Although, I doubt it’s an accident especially when it happened when all of these were happening. But right now, we need to hide him and maybe Jihyo too.”

“But where?”

“Jinyoung got it all sorted out. It would be good for him to lay low too.”

It was then decided that Jinyoung, Jeongyeon and Taecyeon himself would be the ones to move Jaebum from the hospital to a small private resort which Jinyoung owned secretly. As for the rest, they would go back to their basement and figure out how to help Jisung.

“Jeongyeon!” Taecyeon jogged towards her who was now seated beside the quiet Jihyo whom Taecyeon took notice of too. He gave her a sympathetic smile when their eyes met which Jihyo managed to crack a small smile in return too. 

However, that warm moment disappeared one second later as Taecyeon and Jeongyeon went into another hush discussion which Jihyo did not bother to even watch them anymore as she stared at the floor. She only looked up when a pair of shoes appeared in her sight. 

Looking up, her eyes met Taecyeon who then sat beside her.

“I know this is sudden but, after Jaebum’s out, you have to come with us too. No, we are not going to do anything to you—“ Taecyeon added right after he saw panic in Jihyo’s eyes. “We just want to keep you safe.”

As if on cue, the light of the sign darkened and not too long, the doctor and his team came out.
“How is he?” Jeongyeon was the first to react. “I'm his personal assistant.” She added for the doctor’s benefit who nodded in response.

“The patient is out of danger for now but we have no idea when he will wake up. It will all depends on the patient’s will.”

The three of them watched as the nurses pushed Jaebum’s bed away from them. Taecyeon was the first to react as he started to strode behind the staff. Jeongyeon gave Jihyo a look that probably translated to ‘are you coming?’ before she dragged the latter along, trailing behind Taecyeon. Jihyo sneaked a glance at Jeongyeon who was still pulling her along (even though she don’t need to anymore) then shifted her gaze to the broad back of the older man in front of them. They were both thinking and she knew that she couldn’t mope anymore. 

Suddenly, she felt a surge of courage and hope within her.

It will all be okay.

The three of them stayed the whole night outside the secluded room where Jaebum’s unconscious body resides in. None of them said anything until Jihyo timidly broke the silence when dawn is slowly welcoming the new day.

“Are we not moving him…?”

Two pairs of eyes looked up and at Jihyo which made her feel slightly intimidated. But she pushed that feeling aside and stared back. “Well?”

Taecyeon chuckled which surprised Jihyo.

“I see, after a day of chaos, the princess has gotten stronger.”

“Princess?” Offended, Jihyo folded her arms and her stare turned into a glare.

“You trust us now, don’t you?” Taecyeon smiled this time and straightened his body which was leaning against the wall just a while ago. 

Jihyo nodded.

“Then wait with us. Everything’s not ready yet, or rather, it’s not safe enough yet.”

Back in the bunker where they’ve kept Jisung, the young boy was still unconscious. Since part of him were being programmed, Sunmi had him shut down. No matter how hard Mark had protested, it was the only way to keep him down there without any fuss. It would be a huge trouble is Jisung managed to leave.

“Now what?” Mark impatiently asked, his eyes were kept on Jisung. Sunmi, Nayeon, Bambam and himself had came back not longer ago and for a while, they were silent. The younger ones were waiting for Sunmi’s instructions but Mark couldn’t wait any longer. “Do we just give him that Anti Serum shot?”

“No…” Sunmi whispered; she too, was staring at Jisung. “It will cause him pain when I reprogram him.” She looked up at the other three who all had their eyes on her now. “So, wait and help with the search engine. Give the others back up if necessary.”

“I want to help.” Mark was determined but Sunmi gave him no room to argue.

“It’s complex, any mistakes we might kill him. I’m the only one who can do this.” Sunmi stepped up to him and took his hand into hers. “This was my fault, let me make it up to you. You trust me, don’t you?”

Mark stared at her and was moved by the sincerity in her teary eyes. He nodded and spoke in a soft voice. “I always do.”

How could he not trust the person who saved him? 

“Thank you.” Sunmi smiled and gave the back of his hand two gentle pats.

With all that said, Mark half pushed Bambam and Nayeon to their working tables. They still had to make sure the downfall of the three main bosses will happen.

“Alright,” Taecyeon straightened his body which was leaning against the wall. “Jinyoung sent a text and we have everything settled. We need to move Jaebum now. Jeongyeon, I want you to talk to the doctor, you’re his assistant so it will be easier for you to lie your way.”

“Geez Taecyeon, you make it sound like I lie a lot.” Despite the weariness, Jeongyeon also stood up from her seat. She turned to look at Taecyeon but even before she could ask anything, Taecyeon continued.

“Udon will be assisting with the cameras. He managed to hijack an ambulance too.”

“Alright, see you later.” Jeongyeon nodded and walked away to find the doctor.

Taecyeon then turned to look at Jihyo who still had her jaw slightly dropped. He gave her a grin.

“Welcome to the club.” He walked up to her and patted her head. “Jaebum will be fine. Now, I want you to head to the carpark where the ambulances are. It’s safe, Udon had uploaded a fake video in all the CCTV. Go now, you only have 10 minutes.”

Jihyo nodded and left but not without taking one more glance at Jaebum.

Ten minutes. She took in a deep breath and started walking, her each step getting bigger and very soon she found herself running towards the carpark.

Everything will be fine. Everything will be fine.

Jeongyeon was already waiting for her when she reached where the ambulance was parked. Jihyo bit on her bottom lips when her eyes fall on Jaebum’s unconscious body lying on the bed at the back of the ambulance. She walked up to them and when Jeongyeon noticed her presence, she stood up. 

“Are you okay?” That was the latter’s first question.

“I’m fine…” Jihyo muttered. Sure, she’s sweaty and her clothes were still bloodstained but she was okay. 

“Get on then, Taecyeon is probably going to reach too.”

Just as Jeongyeon ended her sentence, Taecyeon was seen jogging towards them. He pushed the back of the two women the moment he stopped in front of them.

“Let’s go.” Taecyeon instructed and when they were on the ambulance, he directed a question at Jeongyeon. “Where’s Udon?”

“In the driver seat.”

Taecyeon nodded then closed the back door before getting on the seat beside the driver’s spot. That was when Jihyo realised they had another company. 

“That’s…?” She couldn’t help but asked.

“That’s Udon.” Jeongyeon answered her unfinished question. “He’s an android.”

“But he looks just like any boy.”

“So does most of your father’s bodyguards.” There was no sugarcoating from Jeongyeon this time. But Jihyo also knew that she’s right; after all that happened that day and recently, Jihyo finally understood and accepted the fact that her father was a dangerous man.

The ride was quiet and smooth but Jihyo couldn’t sit still like how Jeongyeon could. As she stare at Jaebum’s unconscious state, she couldn’t help but think that one of her father’s men will intercept them and take Jaebum away. Or they might even kill them all off. Just thinking about it made Jihyo a little breathless.

“Calm down.” Jeongyeon’s soft voice interrupted her thoughts. “I know you’re scared—“

“How?” Jihyo stared back at Jeongyeon, surprised at how Jeongyeon once again could read her mind.

“It’s written all over your face.” Jeongyeon smiled a little. “And I was trained to observe facial expressions because my boss sometimes just wouldn’t be honest. But really, don’t worry. Udon’s adding fake image into the traffic camera as we go. They won’t find us.”

“Thank you.” Jihyo mumbled and that’s when she noticed the haggard look on the other woman’s face. Jihyo didn’t know what had happened before Jeongyeon arrived in the hospital. But what she knew was that, Jeongyeon had little or maybe no rest at all. Her brain was always working and the discussions she had with Taecyeon.

“Jaebum is indeed lucky to have you as an assistant.” Jihyo added on.

Jeongyeon looked at her and blinked, obviously surprised at what Jihyo had just said. But before Jeongyeon could reply, Jihyo added on.

“Tell me about everything that the both of you had went through.”

Even though she’s still surprised, Jeongyeon nodded. Because she understood Jihyo’s need for a distraction which worked. Throughout the whole ride, Jihyo learnt that Jaebum and Jeongyeon weren’t a employer and employee relationship. They were more like best friends, family even. Not just the both of them, when Jeongyeon mentioned the others and Jaebum’s relationship with them, Jihyo realised that Jaebum had a hidden self that he wouldn’t show openly.
She even laughed a little when Jeongyeon mentioned the weird rivalry between Jaebum and Jinyoung. 

“One’s a heir and the other is an idol, it’s just weird. But again, maybe it’s also because of their position, it could be a little lonely at times. So in a sense, they’re alike which resulted into this rivalry.”

Jihyo smiled again.

Jaebum, I’m glad that you found simplicity in this tiresome life as a heir.

“How is he?” Jinyoung who had been pacing up and down at the drop off of the resort, rushed up to them. He immediately went to help Jeongyeon moved the small hospital bed out from the ambulance which Udon drove off right after. As planned, they will have to return it to not cause even more suspicions.

“It’s exactly what you see.” Jeongyeon answered. “Is everything ready?”

Jinyoung nodded before he gently pushed Jeongyeon aside.

“I will push, you follow behind. You look like you’re going to collapse anytime.”

“I am fine.” Jeongyeon insisted but Jinyoung had already pushed the bed away.

“He’s right, you look really tired.” Jihyo walked beside Jeongyeon as they followed Jinyoung. “Rest later.”

Jeongyeon hesitated but still uttered out a quiet response.

“I will, after we settle Jaebum down.”

Jihyo couldn’t help but looked around as they walked. The resort wasn’t big but it was empty. Unlike her family’s, there was no cleaner, no helpers, no one except them. Even when they entered the room where Jaebum will be settled at, there was still no one.

Except for that one doctor. 

Jihyo watched as Jeongyeon stared, more like glared at the doctor. Eyeing him from head to toe, Jeongyeon spat out.

“If you betray us, we will kill you.”

A look of panic flashed across the doctor’s face but Jinyoung stepped forward and rested his hands on Jeongyeon’s shoulders, looking right into her eyes.

“Don’t worry, he’s my personal doctor.” His voice was soft but filled with assurance. “So calm down and take a break.”

Calm down?

All these while, Jihyo had thought that Jeongyeon was calm. Now that she thought back, Jeongyeon was way too calm. She watched as Jeongyeon’s knees finally gave way but fortunately, Jinyoung was there to hold her.

Watching her, Jihyo finally realised that Jeongyeon had been holding in all her panic and stress…. to not frighten her even more.

“I'd prepared a room and fresh clothes for you and Jihyo each.” Jinyoung finally gave Jihyo a glance and a small smile. “So go and take a break. I’m taking over.”

“No buts” Jinyoung added on, not giving any chance for Jeongyeon to object to it. “Miss Jihyo, will you help me? It’s just the next two rooms.”
 

Jihyo nodded silently and went to support Jeongyeon out from the room. But not without looking back at the unconscious Jaebum.

After they’re gone, Jinyoung turned and looked at Jaebum, a sigh escaping from his mouth.

“You better be alright, Jaebum.”

` it's been more than a year and i hope everyone's doing well in the midst of this pandemic. i really couldn't continue writing this chapter so i left it be hahaha. but now i managed to get pass the part i didn't know how to convey, it SHOULD BE easier now.

this chapter is mostly on Jihyo's thoughts and her accepting the whole situation. from my notes, chapter 27 should be longer because there's a second part to it. but i decided to split them up. slight jinjeong and more markyeon in the next chapter. rather, important markyeon scene?

it's been a while since i've written any kpop related fanfics so returning to this is slightly awkward to me but i have to finish it no matter what soooooo, i will have to accept it!

once again, thank you for reading guys!!

and here are the very late new character aesthetics!