Author's POV

After the introductions, everyone gathered around the long table to start their feast.

"Okay, now that we're all here. I would like to thank our newfound friends for joining us today. I know we've only known each other recently but it feels as though we've known you for so long. It gives us great comfort that we have found friends just as we are about to start our new life here in Korea." Siwon began his speech.

The HDCs gave the Chois a warm look since they also felt the same way for some unexplainable reason. As HDCs and protector of Soojin, they should be more alert and wary of people around them especially new ones. However, when the met the Chois, they just couldn’t help but feel comfortable and at peace with them. It was as if they were long lost friends who finally decided to return home.

"We're so glad to have met you guys. Thank you for being our friends." Sooyoung added dramatically which made everyone laugh.

"Sooyoungie may be a jokester, but she means it. We mean it. Thanks for letting us hang with you guys. I was worried for my cousins here. They at mingling with people. Now, I'm at ease since they already have friends." Seunghyun said with a grin making everyone chuckle in amusement.

"Yah! You should be more worried about yourself!" Sooyoung rebutted.

"We apologize for dumb and dumber over here." Krystal inserted.

The HDCs couldn't help but laugh at the scene before them.

"Anyway, thanks again guys. Really glad you're here." Siwon said as he looked at everyone ending with a long gaze at Tiffany which didn't go unnoticed by everyone but they let the two have their moment.

Tiffany couldn't help but blush at Siwon's intense gaze. Thankfully, Taeyeon spoke thus breaking the awkwardness.

"Thank you for inviting us. We don't normally hangout with people whom we've known for a short time only. But we, well I, for sure, feel as though we've known you for a long time already."

"You're like long lost childhood friends." Seohyun added.

"And of course, our dear maknae just couldn't stop gushing about you guys. Since she's mainly our boss, we also have no choice but to follow her." Heechul jokingly added.

"Soojinie gets what Soojinie wants. Our spoiled maknae." Hyoyeon teased.

"Well, you all love me anyway." Soojin grinned in response.

It warmed Jessica's heart to see how much her dongsaeng was being adored by her childhood friends. It pained her to remember how they had to leave their baby sister behind. They have always been worried about Soojin but they couldn't return for her back then because they were still weak and powerless against their unidentified enemies.

"So, have you guys fully settled in?" Taeyeon asked the Chois.

"We're all good with the house. We've also began settling in our company. Sica though has yet to meet the entire company. They haven't met our boss yet. Hahaha." Sooyoung replied.

"Oh right, Siwon has mentioned that you all work in Blanc and Eclare. Family business right?" Tiffany remarked.

"Yeah. It gets annoying working with them sometimes." Seunghyun jokingly replied.

"Watch your words hyung. You might get fired by our boss over here." Minho noted.

Jessica at their antics. She was having fun listening to her childhood friends and cousins. It made her heart swell even more everytime she heard her baby sister's laugh.

"Fortunately, we work in different departments so we don't always have to see each other." Krystal remarked which got her a resounding "YAH!" from her oppas and unnies.

The HDCs laughed at the Chois banter as they are also in a similar situation as HDCs and as employees of Red Moon Incorporated.

Their conversations continued throughout the night until they split up with their activities. Some were busy singing their hearts out at the Chois entertainment room with Sooyoung and Seunghyun as their hosts. Minho and Yuri were busy playing table tennis with the other HDCs by the pool. Since they were 100% sure that they are safe, and upon Soojin's request, they only left 1 HDC member sticking to her.

"They are good people. We are safe. I know it. Besides you're all with me. Nothing bad will happen. Please please. Have fun and don't linger around me. Hehehe." Soojin said earlier before they left the mansion.

Donghae, Taeyeon and Tiffany were still with Soojin who decided to look around the garden. Siwon, Jessica and Krystal showed them around.
"You weren't kidding when you said you've got a magic garden oppa!" Soojin said with glee. Her eyes shimmering in amazement at the beautiful flowers all over the garden.

"Who chose the flowers? They're really gorgeous!" She added making the HDCs smile in amusement.

"Our Soojinnie loves flowers. Plants. Trees. Nature in general." Tiffany said endearingly which made the Chois smile.

"OPPAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Their conversation was interrupted by Sooyoung who was calling them to join their singing.

"You better go to your sister oppa, she won't stop until you're there." Jessica said.

"Oooh! Unnies! You love singing! Go! Go! You too Hae-oppa!" Soojin excitedly said as she pushed them towards the others.

"I'll just be here. I want to take pictures of these beautiful roses first." Soojin then added.

The HDCs were hesitant to leave the young elemental.

"Go girls. I'll stay here with Soojin." Donghae said making Soojin groan in annoyance.

They left to join the others leaving Soojin with Jessica and Donghae. Soojin bounced towards the roses and happily took pictures with a mischievous grin.

"It's been so long oppa. I only felt that kind of elemental surge from you whenever you speak so strongly of Sooyeon unnie. You told me not sulk around. You should do the same too... Unnie, HaeYeon will always be my number 1. Hana.. you've gone before us and, I know that you want Hae-oppa to be happy too. You won't mind if I become a HaeSica fan right? She reminds me so much of you. Jessica and Krystal. Those unnies remind me of you and Soojung unnie. Bogo shipeo. I miss you guys so much, you, Soojung-unnie, omma and appa." Soojin thought as she focused her attention on the roses which reminded her of the Jungs' garden years ago.