Secret Agents Dictionary:

Familiar/ Be familiar with - to know something or someone well

- In a near future -

The man moved his hands behind his back with no avail since he knew that they were well tied. He was in so many dangerous situations during his life but he never thought his end would be like that.

He didn't regret what he did, not at all. Ever since he was a kid that was the only life he has known.

He raised his eyes to his captors, especially to the woman that looked at him with wet eyes. Even though she hated him she wouldn't be able to do it. He knew she wouldn't, however…

The one by her side settled his cold eyes on him and the man swallowed hard.

He was going to die.

It was his time to go and there was nothing he could do to save himself.

The man looked at the woman one last time bidding goodbye to her. On his own way he loved her even if she didn't believe it. He would have killed anyone that touched her. She was the only good thing he had ever in his whole life.

He closed his eyes and waited.

A single shot was heard scaring the birds in the trees closeby and disrupting the sound of the night bugs.

Not only the animals heard it and soon all the ones that slept closeby would come to see what happened.

They would only find his dead body tied to the tree.

- Present Day -

Jonghyun stepped into the hallway closing the door behind him even though he could feel the gaze of his wife and daughter on his back. He was only flesh and blood and yet he wanted to serve as a wall between them and their attacker.

He didn't move his eyes away from the man in front of him and it only took him a few second to recognize him. It was the same rich and obnoxious student that made fun of another student in the school cafeteria one day. The one Jonghyun ridiculed in front of everyone.

In all those years, Jonghyun never thought of him anymore, why would he? He was simply another awful person that used other's misery to feel better, someone he despised, so he had no idea what became of him after what happened, what he was doing now that he was an adult.

“Do you remember me now?”

“I recognize you yes.” Now that he could place that face into a moment of his past he could remember it.

“Do you know how much you ruined my life?”

“I have no idea.” It was true after all, he wasn't trying to upset him but it seemed to work that way since the man in front of him smiled bitterly, his fingers moving dangerously on the trigger of his gun.

“After your funny performance in the school cafeteria when your sweetheart took your side, everyone turned their backs on me.” He was speaking softly but with so much hatred.

Jonghyun pressed the wound of the bullet on his torso but didn't say anything.

“I became the school joke...I never truly recovered from it.”

“So?” What did he want from him “It's not like I can turn back time and change things I've done.” Well he could with Aeon but he didn’t want to or would ever change anything in his past at all.

The man's expression changed and he started to get red with hate “You can die.”

“Then do it. Kill me but let the others go.” Jonghyun was sure his daughter and wife were hearing the conversation but he hoped that Bora was too young to understand what was truly happening. There was nothing else he could do anyway.

“Do you think that it's that easy?” The man screamed “What about all the pain I suffered? All the kids making fun of me? My friends turning their backs on me because they were scared of the implications of being with me. Because the popular kids like you and Mi Jung were against me.”

“You were the one that commited a mistake first.” Jonghyun said “You could have used that opportunity to change your life around. I'm sorry that things became like that but…”

Before Jonghyun had time to answer, his old classmate punched him and he closed his eyes in pain still pressing his wound.

“You need to suffer first, as much as I suffered.” The man had tears in his eyes “I won't kill that and your girl. I won't...I'm not like that I…”

Jonghyun blinked his eyes, a flicker of hope burning in him. He could have done something big as that but that man he couldn't even remember the name, certainly didn't seem to have the courage to kill anyone, let alone a woman and a child. Maybe if he let him take his anger on him he would be able to save everyone and even himself.

“Punish me then.” Jonghyun said raising his eyes to his attacker “Make me suffer as much as you did.”

He didn't have to say more before he was punched again, the young man in front of him using all his strength and energy to punch and kick him to the point that Jonghyun fell on the floor protecting his head and face leaving his wound unprotected which might have been deadly for him. Even though his actions were aggressive he wasn’t hitting Jonghyun with too much strength. That man was still the same coward he was back in high school.

“You ruined my life!” The man screamed many times until he stopped. Jonghyun opened his eyes and Mi Jung was looking at him from the open door. Bora wasn't with her so she was probably instructed to hide by her mother.

“Can you please stop?” She asked her lower lip trembling “It was my fault too. It was because of my father's influence that you suffered.”

“Go back inside!” Jonghyun begged but Mi Jung didn't move, that familiar determination in her eyes.

“I also should be punished!”

“I’m here.” Minho sat beside Soo Man that grabbed his hand in his which was something unlikely of him. It was true that he accepted Minho in SM and cared for him, but he wasn't a member of his family. It was clear that the old man was relieved to see him. “Areum called me. I'm here to help!”

“They captured two of the men working with him. They released all the hostages but my family is still inside.” the old man said gravely his features pale. “I'm not sure about what to do. If I send a team in he might hurt them, but if I don't I…”

Minho didn't know what to do either. He was never the one behind the planning of the missions. Kibum, Jonghyun and Jinki were better at that. He and taemin were always better acting more than planning.

“I’m not sure…” His eyes fell on the map of the building that was over the table “Maybe I can go in. One person is easier to go without notice.”

“You are still hurt.” Ayeong said. Soo Man noticed her presence then for the first time.

“She came with me.” Minho said quickly “I trust her. She helped us before, I hope that there is no problem and…”

“If you trust her then it's fine by me.” Soo Man covered his tired eyes and Minho expression softened.

Jonghyun was inside that building, his best friend was in danger. “I’ll go.” he announced “he was always by my side when I needed so now it's my turn. Only I can do this.”

“You barely can walk without crutches.” Ayeong said “I'll go on your place.”

“What?” both men raised their eyes to Ayeong.

“I was a spy before. I can move silently. Besides I'm a woman. He won't see me a someone threatening. I can do it.”

“No way in hell are you going to do it.” Minho said stubbornly and Ayeong frowned at him.

“We talked about this before!”

“I know we did but no!”

She grabbed the map from over the table before Minho could do anything and looked at him determined “It will be a way fro Nana to redeem herself. For a long time she protected Ayeong by doing the wrong things. Let me do this now, let me do something good for a change.”

Minho didn't say anything and Ayeong studied the map in her hands. “I know I can do this. I only have to approach him without him noticing and if it doesn't work I can act like a delicate scared hostage. I know I can do this! It’s a piece of cake!”

Minho sighed. She was right, it would probably be better if a woman approached the attacker. He would suspect her less. Slowly, Minho nodded his head “Just be careful!”

Ayeong smiled at him “I will I promise!”

“I guess our family is growing.” Soo Man said from his seat and Ayeong smiled proudly eyeing the map.

“Do you have an idea of where they are?”

While Soo Man explained to her the present situation Minho observed the woman in front of him.

She was wrong. Nana did good things in the past way before that. She helped save Audrey, she killed the one behind The Union, she even saved him, not once but twice. After all Nana was only another name for Ayeong, someone that always had a good heart.

Silently his fingers grabbed her hand and he intertwined his with hers. She didn't even acknowledge it but he knew she was only acting professional. Slowly she held his hand back firmly.

“He will be alright.” The doctor said taking his gloves off “He has some broken ribs and also broke his nose but he heals very quick and I’m sure he will be ok in a few weeks.”

Jinki thanked the doctor and he left leaving him alone with Mina that was sitting beside Taemin's bed holding his hand as if it was the most precious thing ever which made Jinki smile.

That silly boy that always said that he didn't deserve to be loved was more loved than he ever imagined.

“He will be alright. The doctor didn't lie, Taemin truly recovers fast. In no time he will be healthy again.”

She nodded caressing his hand, her eyes still on him.

“You should rest too.”

“I’m fine. I'm used to this. My brother spent a lot of time in hospitals. I’m truly fine.”

Talking about her brother made Jinki remember “Ah don't worry about your brother. I sent some agents to pick him up, he will be here shortly.”

“Thank you. I know that I'm abusing of your hospitality by staying here and about my father and everything.”

“Your father is a prisoner, not a guest.” Jinki still didn't know what to do with him. It was a silly and dangerous idea to bring him with them. As soon as Taemin healed he was sure that he would go after his revenge and now that that criminal was under SM care they couldn't kill him without their consent. “And you helped us, therefore the deal was to help you in exchange.”

“Thank you once again.”

Jinki left the bedroom and joined Kibum, Audrey and Areum that were outside waiting. As soon as they arrived from saving Taemin, Areum told them about Jonghyun’s situation and how she asked Minho to join Lee Soo Man.

They didn't make any decision yet since first they rushed to give Taemin medical care.

“He will be ok.” Jinki informed them and Areum caressed his arm comforting him. “Now Jonghyun and my sister. I must go.” Areum grabbed his arm wanting to stop him but she didn't dare to. She knew he had to go, that another part of his family needed him now.

“No. I’ll go. You have to stay.” Kibum said “Someone has to stay and make all the tough decisions. Areum is not experienced, she can't be in charge and everyone respects you. After Jonghyun and Soo Man you are the one in charge.”

“I can't stay here when my sister and Jonghyun...I just can’t!”

“I know!” Kibum felt extremely tired. When would they have a moment to rest? The last weeks were insane, with them jumping from one danger to another. Taemin was hurt, and him, Jinki and Minho were still recovering. “I won't be alone. Minho will be with me. You trust us don't you? Besides Taemin still needs you here. This house needs you. SM needs you! You know that!”

Jinki couldn't deny it and Areum kissed his arm sending him a sad look.

“I'm sorry that I can't be more helpful!”

“Oh no!” He still managed to smile at her, cupping her face on his hands “You did very well! You called Minho you did well!”

“It was Audrey’s idea actually! I was so scared!” Jinki wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him, caressing her back.

“You still did well due the circumstances. Everything will be alright!”

Kibum chuckled looking at the couple and then bid his farewells, telling Jinki that he would give him news as soon as he arrived to the scene, his eyes moving from them to Audrey that was watching him in silence moving her fingers nervously on the ribbon of her pink shirt.

Kibum pretended to ignore the nervous gesture and her anxious eyes on him and walked away.

Audrey followed after him, like he knew she would. He could hear her steps behind him and almost could hear her thoughts. She was scared, she didn't want him to go and yet she wasn't saying anything. He smiled to himself. Kibum loved that side of her, the one that respected his life as an agent.

He slowed down a little, just enough for her to catch up with him grabbing his arm. “Kibum…I…”

Before Audrey had time to say anything he kissed her passionately pushing her against the closest wall. Audrey sighed against his lips and raised her hands placing them on his shoulders, surprised with the intensity of the kiss.

Kibum pulled away letting her breathe, his gaze still on hers. “You can't come with me, you know that!”

Audrey frowned moving her fingers on his black t shirt. “How do you know?”

It was a silly idea but still she wanted to do it.

“You always know well a person you love.”

His comment made her blush and he smiled when she touched her glasses embarrassed.

“Did you just say that you love me?”

“Yes, I love you Audrey. That's why you have to stay here waiting for me. I don't care about that damn machine or anything...I just want you to be safe. I must be insane but I love you!”

She smiled at him and Kibum kissed her again and this time she was able to cup his face and move her fingers on the skin of his cheeks and down to his neck kissing him back with all she got.

He broke the kiss again “Stay, ok? Don't do anything crazy. Be with Jinki and Areum.”

“I will. I will wait for you.”

It wasn't as if she could actually do anything to help him even if she went with him. It was only a selfish desire to stay by his side.

“And you are not insane. “ She added “there is nothing insane about loving me!”

He chuckled and patted her head “There is, trust me! I could have fallen for all girls in the world but you!”

“What is that supposed to mean?” She asked furrowing her brows.

“You are dangerous. The most wanted woman in all South Korea, one with so many secrets…” Secrets that he was slowly finding out about.

“Still…” He kissed her again silencing her complains.

“See you soon!” Kibum mastered is most perfect cat like smile and released her.

Before Audrey had time to say goodbye to him he disappeared down the stairs at the end of the corridor. She stepped away from the wall, her legs still trembling, matching the storm in her heart. He confessed to her again, he said it with all words, he even said that he wanted to protect her.

It took Audrey a few minutes to realize it since she was absolutely happy with what just happened.

“Oh he tricked me…”

Kibum used her feelings against her. He seduced her so she would agree with anything he said. She wasn't even able to fight against him and promptly said she would stay. It upset her and yet she was sure he wasn't lying when he told her he loved her. He just wanted to win that argument.

Kibum desired for her to be safe not because of a mission but because he loved her. No matter what tricks he used, he still did it because he feared losing her.

“You always know well someone you love…” she repeated his words to herself giggling.

“Who made a deal with you? Who wanted you to capture me?” Jinki asked crossing his arms his deadly eyes on the man in front of him, tied to a chair.

With the help of another agent they tortured him for hours with electric shocks in hopes that he would speak. Every half an hour Jinki would enter the room and ask him the same question but it wasn't working at all and the King kept quiet.

He hated it. That kind of torturing for info wasn't the way things worked at SM and Jinki regretted now that he took that man as a hostage back with him.

“You aren't going to talk?” Jinki sighed.

He could be somewhere else. He could be with Minho and Kibum helping Jonghyun, he could be taking care of other matters of the agency that were left on hold when Soo Man left or he could even be with Areum that was slightly sick, outside the room watching the questioning with Audrey, wrapped in a blanket, stubbornly wanting to follow Jinki all over the mansion. He didn’t say it out loud, Audrey didn't either but both suspected that she was pregnant. It was better not to jinx it though. It could be just food poisoning.

Jinki rubbed his eyes tiredly and stepped away from the wall he was leaning against.

“Are you going to torture me again?” The King asked, his eyes from under his sweaty bangs, on Jinki.

“No. Don't think so. It doesn't change much if you talk. Either way whatever comes my way I will fight against it. You are still under SM’s protection but only until Mina decides what to do with you. I don't want to see your face anymore and since I'm the one giving orders now...I’ll let for her to decide if you go or…”

“...die.”

“No. I was thinking of offering your as a present to the police forces or maybe another agency. I’m sure you pissed of a lot of people. Either way, Mina decides.”

It was a decision between letting him rot in a prison for life or give him for another agency to be killed or tortured until death.

The King didn't say anything, so Jinki placed his hand on the doorknob to leave.

“I don't know his name.” The older man said, finally speaking. “I don't care about him so I have no reason to protect him. I was only playing hard to get but I don't give a anyway.”

Jinki turned around. “I’m listening.”

“He worked for Dokko but he has his own intentions now. He absolutely hates you.” the man grinned “he asked for the leader of SM and he mentioned another guy from your team called Key. He intended to give those away to Dokko...but he also wanted you and for himself.”

“He knows me then?”

“He says he is an old friend of yours.”

Jinki pursed his lips. There were so many that hated him, it could be anyone.

“He said his parents and yours were acquaintances.”

That made Jinki eyes widen.

“My parents?”

The King smiled taking pleasure from Onew’s conflicted expression.

“Yes. He mentioned an accident…” Jinki clenched his hands into fists and stepped back slightly, the memories of the car accident that he played in his dreams, night after night, assaulting him.

“Fire, people screaming...blood…” The King chuckled. “You lost your parents in a car accident, right? Did the car explode? Can you still smell the burned flesh of your parents?”

Jinki started to sweat, his head was burning again and he closed his eyes stumbling back against the wall. He heard the door open and a feminine voice call his name - Areum...then cold fingers touched his arm, maybe Audrey or Areum, he wasn't sure, he couldn't see anything. It was all darkness and the King’s laughter was filling all the voids.

Soon he was back to that day, the pebbles hurting his knees, his tears burning his cheeks, his hand stretched trying to grab her hand. Soon the car would explode, soon the smoke would be too much for him to see anything, soon his parents would die.

“No, open your eyes.” he cried to her moving his fingers trying to stretch them as further as he could like the characters of the cartoons he watched but to no avail. “No please no…”

He couldn't leave her. She was awake but scared to come out from the darkness, to open her eyes. He couldn't blame her...all the blood...the destruction...that weird feeling inside his stomach, a sign that his life would never be the same again. How could it be?

“Grab my hand…open your eyes.” he repeated trying to grab her hand but his mother didn't move.

Jinki opened his wet eyes and he saw her, a beautiful warm expression on her face, that smile that always told him that everything would be alright.

“Jinki, mommy is here. It’s not real.” She said caressing his cheek lovingly and he blinked his eyes again the image of his mother disappearing, instead Areum was the one caressing him looking extremely worried and Audrey was the one in front of him speaking.

“It's ok, it’s not real.” Audrey repeated and he exhaled exhausted his gaze shifting to Areum.

“I'm ok.” She smiled relieved before wrapping her arms around him, the blanket falling down her shoulders.

Jinki wasn't inside the room with the King anymore, instead he was laying over the couch in the room outside, several agents looking at him, two women worried by his side. Jinki smiled softly and straightened his body sitting on the couch.

Areum caressed his back “Do you want to drink some water? Do you have a fever? You are sweating so much!” She sent a furious look at the door that lead to the questioning room “I want to kill that man!” She would probably need to stand in line with everyone that hated him.

“I’m ok!” He repeated drinking the glass of water Audrey offered him. “I saw my mom. I saw her...I remembered how she looked like. She had the prettiest eyes… and her features…” He seemed so happy that Audrey sat back on the chair in front of him drinking his words directed at Areum. “She was so beautiful and her smile was so familiar to me. I haven’t truly forgotten her.”

Areum kissed his forehead hugging him against her while he kept talking about his mother and Audrey watched them, sadness washing over her.

She wanted to remember too. She wanted to see her father’s and mother’s face. She wanted to remember how they smelled, how it felt to hold their hands, how to feel safe and protected.

Areum noticed her sad eyes and Audrey quickly cleaned any sign of tears in them.

“It’s ok. Even if you don't remember everything…” She said looking at Jinki but her words directed at Audrey too “...it happened. Your heart remembers it and that is the most important.”

“I also should be punished!” Mi Jung’s brave words made Jonghyun groan in fear.

If something happened to her, if he wasn't able to stop it, he didn't know what he would do.

“Oh she is brave now. Back then she would hide behind her father's power.” The man said “However I don’t want to talk with you. My business is with with him.”

“Why? Are you scared of women that actually talk back?” Mi Jung asked placing her hands on her waist acting like the brat she used to be and Jonghyun raised his eyes to her.

“Are you insane Mi Jung?” why was she provoking that man.

“He is a coward. That's what he is and that was why everyone bullied him in school after that happened. The truth is that he is scared of women that talk back!”

The man grabbed her by an arm upset and pulled Mi Jung to him, his red furious face inches from her.

“!” Jonghyun kneeled on the floor crying in pain trying to stand up to do something. Why was she doing that?! Why didn't she hide?!

“Ah!” A small scream made everyone look to the end of the corridor. A woman was there looking extremely scared.

Jonghyun widened his eyes recognizing her and even Mi Jung did. It was Minho’s girlfriend Nana. What was she doing there.

She walked trembling to them, clearly terrified, and the man released Mi Jung pushing her against the wall and raised his gun to her instead.

Nana screamed covering her head “Please don't hurt me!”

“What the ! Why are you here? You should be down with the others!”

Tears fell down Nana’s eyes but still she walked closer “I ran away scared. Please don’t kill me.”

“I won’t...just move, don't come closer.”

Nana stopped a few steps away from Jonghyun crying noisily and the man moved his gun at her making her shriek and crouch on the floor.

“What are you doing? Leave!”

Nana was a good actress or a crazy one and even Jonghyun was stunned and confused looking at her. What was she trying to do, get herself killed?

“I can't walk…my body is paralyzed in fear!”

The man exhaled furiously and then walked to her pulling Mi jung with him and grabbed Nana’s arm pulling her up which was hard since it truly seemed as if she was right and couldn't stand properly.

The man complained cursing a few times until he was able to pull her up which revealed to be a big mistake because Nana wrapped her arm around his neck, supposedly for support and instead strangled him with all strength.

“Duck!” Nana said with a cold professional voice and Mi Jung sunk to the floor covering her head.

The man tried to release himself from Nana’s hold shooting his gun at the walls while they fought but Nana wrapped her legs around his body and even when they both fell to the ground she didn't release his neck, holding him as if she was a koala.

He let the gun fall, choking, painful breathless cries coming from him, and that was when Jonghyun crawled to them, pick up the gun and used its grip to hit him.

“Wow...good job!” He said smiling tiredly at Nana and she pushed the unconscious man from over her with disgust before sitting up on the floor cleaning the fake tears of her wet cheeks.

“Men are idiots when it comes to pretty women crying.”

Mi Jung laughed relieved standing from the floor “True!”

“Bora…” Jonghyun breathed out and Mi Jung run inside to fetch the little girl that was hiding inside a closet so he let himself fall back on the floor with his tummy up breathing fast. His wound hurt like hell and he was bleeding way more after he was kicked.

Nana checked his wound and took off her coat using it to cover it. “You will be ok. Minho is outside and there is a whole medical team ready to take care of you.”

“I’m lucky!”

“We are lucky!”

Mi Jung came out holding Bora on her arms and Jonghyun stared at her upset.

“What the was that? Were you trying to kill yourself?”

“Stop cursing in front of your daughter!” She scolded him back and Nana watched them bicker smiling. “Do you want me to stay still while they hurt my man? My precious puppy Jonghyun? I don’t want to be a widow!”

Nana cleared before they started being too cringy and stood up from the floor.

“I'm going to call Minho to tell them that everything is fine now.”

“...he has a shot wound on his abdomen and some small bruises but besides that he seems fine. Mission accomplished.”

“You did well.” Minho answered back to her.

“This is the first mission I actually took pleasure finishing it well.”

Minho smiled and leaned against the wall watching the medical team and the police enter the building. It was all over and they were all safe even if hurt. He just heard from Kibum that arrived a few minutes ago and was now with Soo Man that Taemin was rescued. SHINee would be ok and soon he would be back on the team and everything will be what it used to be. Well better. Now their family grew, they felt happier and free.

“I'm just glad that you are not hurt.”

“You should have seen how I held on to that bastard with all my strength. I thought about all the awful coward men I met in my life that feed for other’s weaknesses and just didn't let go. It felt familiar, like something I did all my life and yet...it felt right this time.”

“There are no more missions for you now.” Minho warned her raising his tone afraid that she would take a liking to them and become a SM agent which made her chuckle “The only mission you have now is come back to me so we can have that romantic dinner we were supposed to.”

“I'm coming.”

“I’ll be waiting.” He giggled turning off the call and Kibum came to hug him.

“We are together again!” It was funny how both were thinking the same thing. More than physically they were again complete as a team. “Like it should be.” Kibum added.

Minho nodded and pulled Kibum for a hug again patting his back. He was so happy that soon he could get back to the team.

“I know, I know!” Kibum pushed him away softly. “Lets pick up the crying Jamong, his wife and daughter and your girlfriend and go back home.”

Minh chuckled “He is probably crying.”

“His pain tolerance is so weak.”

They both left laughing and Minho wrapped an arm around Kibum’s shoulder like he often did.

Going home sounded so good to their ears. FInally they would be able to rest.

- Five days Later -

He opened his eyes, his vision still fuzzy as if he was slowly relearning how to see. There was only white around him, a peaceful sea of white, and Taemin closed and opened his eyes again inhaling the familiar scent of the infirmary. He spent many hours there before not because he was hurt but because Jinki or any of the others were and he was watching over them while they slept and recovered from their wounds.

The sudden realization of what happened to him before he fell unconscious rushed to him and he moved his neck searching for someone that could answer his questions.

Where was Jinki? Was Mina safe? How did they manage to escape? What was wrong with his body? He knew he had some broken ribs and his nose hurt. Hopefully it was only that. For how long did he even sleep?

A hand pressed his shoulder down telling him to calm down and Taemin saw Mina.

She didn't seem hurt and the relief in her eyes to see him wake up matched his to see her well.

“We are all ok.” She informed him knowing that that was what he wanted to hear. “You broke some ribs and your nose so you have to rest for a while.”

“How long am I here?” His throat hurt when he spoke and he knew he didn't for a few days.

“You were unconscious for five days. You are recovering really fast. The doctor says that two more weeks and maybe you will be able to start walking. You had a fever and that was why you slept more.”

He tried to sit up and Mina helped him and then sat on a bench beside him, as soon as he was resting against the fluffy pillows behind his back.

“What happened? How did we escape?”

“I betrayed my father. I acted as if I was betraying you like we talked about and then when my father tried to hurt you and Jinki I betrayed him.” Mina smiled weakly “He is here. I convinced your brother to take him with us.”

Taemin pursed his pale lips and stared at the wall in front of him in a pensive way which made Mina nervous. She knew what he was thinking. He needed to kill him.

“My brother is here also. Jinki sent some agents to pick him up.” She smiled at Taemin trying to make him think about something else but he didn't smile back.

“That's good to hear. Is he healthy?”

“The same.” She her lips “I need to buy his medication soon.”

“I can help you with that. You can ask Jinki in my name.”

“I’m not asking for your money but I have nothing of my own I…”

“It’s ok Mina, I have more than I will ever use or need.”

His emotionless tone and tired eyes troubled her and she grasped the covers of his bed wondering if bringing her father there was a good idea after all.

“I believed in you until the end.” he said his voice warming up which gave her hope “Even when Jinki thought that you betrayed us I still believed in you.”

Mina’s hand slide over the covers and she placed it over his hand that was cold. At least his fever was gone. Her eyes met his and her pulse quickened. Did he want to kiss her as much as she wanted to kiss him?

“I vowed to kill your father and there isn't anyone in this world that I hate as much as him but he is your father...”

She stared at him wondering what he meant until it dawned on her. He was giving up on it, he was giving her a choice to choose because he cared for her, because she was more important than his revenge.

Mina grasped his hand and leaned her head forward hiding her crying face on his lap. Taemin widened his eyes slightly wondering what to do and raised his free hand hesitantly. Should he caress her head?

“Taemin you are an idiot.” She mumbled against the covers and he placed his hand on her head caressing her hair. The roots were now black but the tips were still purple. She sniffed raising her head and he didn't say anything taking his hand away.

She didn't have to answer right away. There was time for that. He wasn't going anywhere hurt like that and her father wasn't either.

She stood up again and fixed one of the pillows behind him which he recognized as Areum’s old cat pillow that he gave to Mina at the hospital. The fact it was with him now made his lips move slightly.

“You need to rest.” She said firmly before she kissed his lips quickly. He blinked his eyes surprised and Mina smiled sniffing.

“I also feel the same way.” She wasn't talking about their feelings and he knew. She was talking about her father and Taemin's wishes to kill him. “But we have time.”

Minho was nervous and he moved on the bed a few times trying to find the best position to sit. Should he get fully or being in his underwear was enough? He groaned sitting crossed legged over the bed waiting patiently. Ayeong came out from the bathroom wrapped in a towel since she had just showered, her hair loose falling on her back.

“I’m nervous.” She confessed with a weak smile and he smiled back offering her his hand that she grabbed so he pulled her softly to the bed. She sat beside him and he caressed her neck gently.

“It’s going to be alright.”

They weren't together intimately in such a long time and the last time she had was for a mission.

“We will be alright.” He repeated leaning his forehead against hers, his fingers moving down her shoulders and down her back to the towel wrapped around her. Ayeong raised her arms and he pulled the towel away from her body, his lips finding hers.

She closed her eyes kissing him back and he gently pushed her down with him over the bed.

His touch was gentle but the effects on her body were not. She was burning in love and soon they were passionately kissing, caressing each other bodies as if there was no time to waste.

He found his way down to her s while he caressed her between her legs and even though at first she seemed scared to show the pleasure he was giving her, biting her lips not to moan, Minho’s gaze on her told her that it was ok.

If she felt it, if she truly felt how amazing it was to be with him then she needed to show it to him. The intensity of his caresses increased and he grabbed her hand guiding it to his body, wanting her to touch him too. Slowly she let her inhibitions vanish and they were kissing and touching each other desperately. Letting years of frustration end at last.

Ayeong let the woman in love inside her take control and soon Minho was inside her, both moving as one, their passionate gazes in each other.

She was so happy she couldn't put down in words.

There was a familiarity to their love making even if they didn't spend much time together, even if years passed since their last time. However she knew him and he knew her. It made her realize that all this time, Minho was the only one who truly knew her, the only one she ever loved.

His hand moved down her body and between her legs touching her again, increasing the pleasure he was already eliciting on her and she couldn't stop , breathing heavily, raising her body to meet his.

“Show me how much you want me, how much you love me.” He groaned against her ear, his deep voice, his demanding fingers making her scream of pleasure.

It wasn’t only her body that he was pleasuring, it was all of her. She felt accomplished as a woman as a human being. For once she wasn't only an object that men used. She was special and important.

Ayeong moaned his name, fingers touching desperately his body, her lips uttering words of love that only aroused him more.

She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling Minho’s lips to hers and kissed him just when he came, his body trembling in ecstasy over her.

The best thing of being together was that she didn't have to go away anymore. She wasn't a prisoner anymore and she could stay with him for as long as she wanted. Many things could happen to them and yet she now had the possibility to choose and stay.

There was no doubt for either of them. They belonged together.

“And the little baby bunny closed his eyes and rubbed his nose against his mother…”

“Where was the little bunny’s daddy?” Bora asked peeking from under the covers and Jonghyun caressed her hair with the hand that was not holding Bora’s favorite book.

“The daddy was…” He felt the bandage over the wound of his gun shoot push his skin. Luckily it didn't hit any vital organ and he was going to be fine. But for Bora the whole experience was too much and she stick to him way more than she did before. That was the reason why she made that question for the first time even though he read her that story too many times to count. “The daddy was beside them in bed. He wrapped an arm around the little bunny.” He made that up but that seemed to please his daughter.

“So the daddy is not sick?”

“No, the daddy is very healthy.”

“And the bunny daddy and bunny mommy and bunny baby slept together?”

“Yes they did.” He poked her nose making Bora giggle and hid below the covers. As soon as she came out from it Jonghyun kissed her forehead, wished her a good night and turned off the lamp. The small butterfly on the wall, Bora’s night light, was the only thing still on.

“Can I call you if I have a bad dream?” She asked when Jonghyun reached the door.

“Call me and I'll come running to scare the bad dream away.”

She released a content sigh and he left the room leaving the door unlocked.

Mi Jung was outside waiting for him and immediately hugged Jonghyun carefully to not hurt his side. He caressed her back knowing that she listened to the whole conversation.

“If you get hurt again I'm going to kick you in your nuts.” She whispered to her husband that chuckled.

“Then you will seriously get me hurt! That makes no sense!”

She didn't answer and kissed his cheek instead.

“I mean it. You must be more careful. It’s not only me and your daughter that needs more protection.” They had a team of bodyguards around them all the time they left the mansion now. “You also do!”

“I know, I know.” She caressed his chest.

“This is so unfair.”

“What is?” He pulled her softly with him to their bedroom that was next to their daughters.

“I’m so in love with you, so scared of losing you…”

He chuckled sitting at the bottom of the bed and she sat beside him.

“I also feel the same about you and Bora.” His expression darkened “I’ve always believed that I was able to protect you if something like this happened but now I’m just so scared.”

Mi Jung rubbed his tight and leaned her head against his shoulder “You are only human.”

“I am...and a flawed one. It’s my fault she became like that, my fault this happened.” She raised her head immediately and glared at him. “If I haven't tried to act like a hero back then I wouldn't have ruined his life I wouldn't…”

“Ah shut up!” Mi Jung didn't let him continue “What you did back then was brave, you weren't acting like an hero, you were doing something that all of us wanted to do and never had the guts to do. And you keep doing it everyday. I'm so proud of you, so proud to call you the father of my daughter. What that man became was not because of what happened that day, was because of who he was. Because he was a bad person.”

Jonghyun sighed overwhelmed with Mi Jung’s words and she wrapped a arm around his neck rubbing her head on his shoulder.

“I’ve been thinking these last days.” He looked at her wondering why she was speaking in such a loving way now “And maybe it's the right time to give Bora a little brother. I mean can you imagine me and Areum pregnant at the same time. My dad would go crazy!”

Jonghyun pursed his lips realizing what that meant “You want to have another kid?”

“You don't?” She raised her head pouting and he shook his head nervously.

“No. I do, I do very much.”

“A little…” She poked his chest cutely “Brave boy like his father!”

“Seems good to me.” He rubbed his nose against hers before pushing her down on the bed with him.

- A few weeks later -

Audrey played with her pencil and then sharpened it again until the tip was perfect like she liked and then looked at the notebook in front of her. She was supposedly working inside her “lab” and yet she didn't do anything productive yet.

She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly trying to relax her body while she thought about her first days after she left the hospital and before she was sent to the orphanage.

She remembered looking at the clock in the waiting room where a nice lady told her about her parents dying and what would happen to her. Before that…before there was only fog, literally fog, well more correctly it was smoke.

She frowned, closing her eyes more tightly trying to recover some of her memories. Jinki was able to remember his parents so maybe if she tried really hard she could too.

Ok, there was smoke and it was dark and she was scared. She had her eyes closed and didn't want to move from the place she was hiding. Maybe she was under her bed or a table. Who saved her? The firefighters? Did she leave her hiding place or… A brief memory as if it was a small sparkle made her freeze. Someone gently held her close, someone that spoke to her that she was alright and would be alright. He was older, he was someone familiar, she knew that voice.

Audrey opened her eyes and groaned rubbing her temple. She was almost sure that person was the same one that visited her at the orphanage so therefore that didn't help at all since she had no idea who he was.

Audrey looked at the notebook in front of her determinedly and started writing a list of everything she knew about her parents.

She lived with both her parents. Her mother was probably french or at least lived there or liked the country. They died in a fire. They had a friend that “saved” her from the fire.

That was almost nothing and Audrey’s eyes filled with tears of frustration. She raised her fists and then hit the table before ripping the sheet of paper to crumple it.

“It’s useless!” She would never remember. She was doomed to never know them, not even their names.

“It is never useless.” Kibum said from behind her. She didn't even hear him enter, and she cleaned her eyes quickly, but not quickly enough since he sat over her desk, his gaze on hers.

“I-I didn't see you come in.”

“I did knock.”

“I was distracted working.”

“Right.” He picked up the crumpled paper and opened it straightening the wrinkles carefully as if it was something important before he read it.

“I'm pitiful, right?” She looked away embarrassed “I saw Jinki, someone that went through something similar to me, remember his mother and I felt so jealous. I really thought I could remember something but I only remember that old man that visited me at the orphanage.” She covered her face and Kibum placed the sheet of paper over her desk and then pulled her hands away making her look at him.

“You were younger than him. It's normal if you can't remember. Maybe with time…”

“I know, still I wish I knew more or there was a way to know more about them. Maybe if I had a picture of them I could remember.”

Kibum eyed her with pain and released her biting his lower lip.

“I'm an .” he said grabbing a chair and pulling it beside a surprised Audrey.

“What are you saying?”

Kibum leaned forward using his fingers to clean the tears of her cheeks and then he bowed to her. “There is something I need to tell you. Jonghyun will kill me but I just can't held this in.” Kibum raised his eyes to her again “I might get punished but I really don't care. Seeing you like this is way worse than punishment.”

“I don't understand.”

“I hope you forgive me but when I went to the orphanage I found out more about you than what I told you.”

Audrey moved nervously on her chair “You found out the name of my parents?”

That would be enough for her to search more about them.

“No, but I know who paid your education, who took you to the orphanage.”

And saved her from the fire.

“That man, the one that used to visit me and knew my parents?!” That was the closest she ever was to their identity. She only hoped that man was still alive.

“He took you there to protect you. I have no idea from what but he did so don't forget that. I’m absolutely sure he knew your parents and the fact that he did and what he does for a living makes me think that maybe you and me aren't after all a world apart.”

“What do you mean?” He grabbed her hands in his relieved that she didn't pull them away. It seemed that she wasn't upset with him at all. “My parents were in trouble or related with SM?” She widened her eyes “I know this person right?”

That made Kibum chuckle “This is one of the reasons why I love you. You are not only beautiful and hot but also so damn smart.”

She blushed a little but smiled back at him “Please Kibum...I’m dying of curiosity here.”

She waited for news like that for years. She was so close now, so close to know from where she came from.

“I’m not saying any lie here.”

“Well if Jonghyun didn't want you to tell me and if it's someone I know, someone that had the means to pay my expensive education, someone older…someone…”She covered astonished with the sudden realization she had and Kibum nodded his head slowly knowing exactly what she was thinking. “It makes sense…” She mumbled.

“It does.”

“The way he accepted me inside this house and protected me, treating me as if I'm more than a stupid scientist that helped build a deadly machine.”

Kibum rubbed his neck “Well…”

“Lee Soo Man knows my parents.” She smiled sadly “He knows who I am and that means that maybe my parents were killed because of something they were doing.”

“He probably knows everything. The question is: will he tell us?”

“He has to!” Audrey said confidently “I'm going to ask him.”

Kibum knew that that needed to be done but at the same time he was worried. What if her parents weren't on their side, what if Soo Man knew her parents not because he was their friend - he could have lied to her to protect her from her past - and in reality they were his enemy. She would suffer if her parents weren't exactly who she dreamed them to be.

Before he had time to say anything, Kibum’s phone rang and he checked it.

“Something wrong?”

“It's my editor. I have a new book to write.”

“Really?”

He wasn't traveling lately so she has no idea what he was writing about.

“Yes. Just a second.” he stood up to take the call and Audrey pulled her laptop to her and did a quick search while he was busy, a search that he saw from the corner of his eyes and made him smile.

She was checking the books he wrote and one caught her attention. The one he wrote about France. Of course.

That made him remember that he once promised to take her there. He didn't forget, he still wanted to fulfill that promise.

“Maybe I should order it.” she mumbled opening the official page for the book. A music started playing so she lowered the volume so it wouldn't bother him. She didn't have the courage to turn the sound completely off. It was a french song...wait. She wanted to find a connection to her parents and she completely forgot that her mother could be french. Maybe she could use that.

Audrey scrolled down the page glancing at Kibum once in awhile wondering why the call was taking so long and then opened youtube. She did a quick research on french lullabies and scrolled through it.

It was far fetched but if her mother was french she probably sang her songs like that. She remembered those words her mother told to her when she lost consciousness during her fake death mission and it was clearly french. She also knew what she was saying which meant that she knew some french.

Audrey opened a few listening to the first seconds but nothing seemed familiar to her and she had no idea what was being sung either. Audrey was going to give up on that silly idea when she started humming to one of the songs.

She straighten herself on her chair and listened attentively to it humming along. She knew that song!

Kibum placed his hand on her desk which made her look at him. His phone call was over and he could sense that she found out something.

“What are you doing?”

“This song! This! I know it!” She closed her eyes trying to sing alone and she had a brief memory of someone singing to her, a voice she knew, the same one she heard that day. “My mom...she sang me this. What does it mean?”

He frowned listening. “Doucement, doucement, Doucement s'en va le jour, Doucement, doucement, À pas de velours.”

Audrey’s lips turned into a smile while Kibum spoke in french and he looked away embarrassed. “It means “Gently, gently, gently the day drifts off. Gently, gently, it leaves oh so soft.” he his lips “It’s basically a lullaby. She probably sang it for you before bed.”

“It’s beautiful.” Audrey mumbled lost in thought feeling a lot more warmer now with only a small thing. She remembered a little bit of her childhood and maybe if she knew more about her parents she would be able to remember them. Only by knowing that her mother had a connection with France she found out about that song. She sniffed and looked at Kibum again “This is why I love you. You are handsome, smart, you speak french and you are so hot!”

Kibum laughed patting her head gently “If the old man doesn't cooperate and tell you about your parents I will talk with him. There is nothing else I want the most in this world than see you smile.”

She had no idea what to say. Audrey knew that what he wanted the most was to find Gi’s baby and raise it but she was also sure he wasn't lying right now. She was looking deep into his eyes and she knew he was being honest, which meant that he truly cared for her.

Audrey stood up swallowing hard and pressed her lips against his. Kibum kissed her back, placing his hand on her back while she moved her lips against his. It was a passionate kiss and soon she was gasping for air. She got none, her heart pounding hard while Kibum’s tongue entered .

He placed his hands on her waist and swiftly pulled her closer to him and sat her over the desk. Only then did he part his lips from her. If her heart was beating faster because of his kiss, now it was his intense gaze on her that was to blame.

“I love you.” He said it again making her wonder why he was spoiling her so hard lately. She couldn't even breathe afraid to jinx it, afraid that all that happiness she felt was an omen of something bad that would happen to them soon.

Kibum kissed her lips again and again, his hands moving down her body to her sides, caressing her over her clothes.

“I love you too.” She answered back when he finally moved from her lips to her neck.

He pulled away and grabbed her glasses taking them off from her face and placing it safely over the desk beside them. Audrey watched his actions, anticipation building inside her. Kibum grabbed her sweater and in one quick move pulled it up her body and head taking it from her.

Audrey blinked her eyes shivering now that her skin was exposed to the air but mostly because she knew what he was doing and that was new for her. Areum often told her about her more steamy lovemaking with Jinki. She never went into detail but it always made Audrey wonder how it felt like to have outside a bed. She never had that experience before. She never had in the shower or over a table or even on the floor like Areum did with Jinki. It was going to happen now and even though she was nervous she was extremely excited.

Excitement was probably what Kibum saw in her eyes because he giggled after he took a good look at her.

“What?” Audrey covered her bra wondering if he was making fun of her, furrowing her brows trying to see him better since he took her glasses from her.

“Nothing, you are just so adorable it makes me go crazy.”

Still a little suspicious Audrey uncovered herself and Kibum cupped her face kissing her, gentleness in his gesture and yet an overwhelming explosive passion. Audrey closed her eyes and let herself relax in his arms while he took off her bra. He kissed his way down her body to her s and Audrey tangled her fingers in his hair and down his back to pull his sweater up his head. Kibum helped her, noisily kissing her lips as soon as he was free of it. His fingers worked on her pants and he pulled them down her legs.

Audrey was panting heavily already, her body aching for Kibum, blood pulsating like crazy inside her veins. So that was the kind of ual adrenaline Areum always talked about?! The one that came from passion and love and not from fear. She was so aroused, rubbing her thighs together and not even hiding it from Kibum that was now ping his pants. He stepped closer to her, pants falling on his hips and swiftly pulled her down her legs, where they dangled from one of her ankles.

He gave her a wet kiss, placing his hands firmly on her lower back pulling her possessively against his crotch making Audrey whimper.

His burning gaze matched hers and the intense fire inside her.

“Are you enjoying this?” He asked with a lower voice rubbing his lips against hers making her sigh in pleasure, his hands claiming her body, moving over her skin to her thighs with such a familiarity that made her heart ache in a good way.

“Yes.” She answered caressing his cheek and down his neck and chest, claiming his skin also and Kibum watched her without a word his lips. He didn't say anything even when her hand moved over his lower stomach and under his underwear, reaching his . Kibum blinked his eyes when she wrapped her fingers around his length caressing him and his breathing accelerated.

“Are you enjoying it too?” Audrey asked boldly making him smile.

He grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand away before he entered her with a grunt making Audrey forget to breathe. He moved in and out of her slowly, holding her in place against him, kissing her all over her chest and Audrey bit her lower lip in pleasure trying not to moan. She eyed the door of the office realizing for the first time that someone could actually come in. Kibum didn't seem worried with that or anything so she focused only on him kissing him back, hugging him against her, wrapping her legs around his waist.

Their love making didn’t last long, both extremely . Audrey came first hiding her face in the crock of his neck, releasing small cries of pleasure and grasping Kibum’s arms while her ripped through her body. He came soon after pulling her by her neck to him, kissing her hungrily and moving his hips desperately against hers until he found his release.

He pulled away from her and both looked at each other out of breath, lips red and skin sweaty. Audrey placed her hands on his chest that was cold even though their bodies were burning and he stole a small kiss from her lips which made her lock eyes with him. Both smiled satisfied and he caressed her hair, his eyes speaking for him, confessing his feelings without him even having to say a word.

“I don't care where you came from.” He said in a husky voice that made her shiver in pleasure. “You just have to stay with me.” He blushed slightly seeming embarrassed. “What I mean is…”

Audrey knew what he meant, what he was trying to say. “I will stay with you, no matter what happens.” No matter what she found out about her past.

She hugged him, pressing her cheeks against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her, caressing her back.

“Promise me.” He demanded, his insecurity surprising Audrey that tried to move and look at his face. However he pushed her head against him and didn't let her. “Promise me that no matter who your parents are you will still be by my side.”

Audrey closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling safe in his arms. She wanted to know who she was more than anything and she wasn't going to give up. Whatever she found out she was sure that it wouldn't change the fact that she had found her family already, her home. Right there, beside Areum, embraced by Kibum, where she felt safe, that’s where she belonged.

“I promise!”

“You should be in bed, resting.” Taemin turned around using his crutches and saw Jinki come out from his house where he now lived with Areum, barefooted and only wearing his pajamas pants.

“I needed to catch some fresh air.” He moved his eyes to the lake in front of Jinki’s house. Both knew that that was a lie. He wanted to see Jinki and that was why he came there “I like this lake.”

Jinki didn't say anything and stood beside his brother in silence.

“Areum is inside.” Taemin said after awhile “You should go back to her.”

“Well, you also should be sleeping and you are here to see me.”

Taemin’s lips moved slightly and Jinki chuckled, his eye smile making Taemin smile too. He missed Jinki so much, he missed home and his family.

“Don't you have someone also waiting for you back in your room?” Jinki asked mischievously and Taemin cleared his throat embarrassed. “I heard Mina is sleeping in your bedroom.”

“She isn't anymore. Only when I was unconscious.”

Jinki laughed “As if you need to justify anything. She is your girlfriend, right?”

Taemin didn't answer and Jinki’s smile faded. He knew that it was complicated now. She was the same person he started to date but she wasn't at the same time. Mina was the daughter of the man he hated the most, the man he wanted to kill.

Jinki rubbed his neck now realizing why Taemin was there. He needed to talk with someone and he didn't know how, he needed help to open up his heart and talk about his feelings.

Like always he choose Jinki. He wasn't the best person to talk with about matters of the heart, Jonghyun was better, but Jinki was more familiar. Jinki was his brother, he was for many years Taemin’s home.

Home is not a building, home is that familiar place you go to when you want to feel safe, when you want to rest and your wounds, take a deep breath before going out to fight again.

For Taemin home was his grandmother and his real brother until he lost them. Then home became Jinki. It were the long nights laughing at his silly jokes, sneaking to his bed everytime he had a nightmare - Jinki always pretended to be sleeping but moved to give him more space - it was eating at the same table with him. Home became Mi Jung, Soo Man, Jonghyun, Minho and Kibum and all the others he learned to love.

Home could be Mina….

Jinki placed a hand on Taemin’s head and ruffled his hair before he took it away. “She truly cares for you. We all do. This place without you, our lives without you are not the same…” Jinki tripped on his own words and Taemin stole a glance at him, was his brother crying?! Jinki wasn't crying but he clearly was emotional “Don't do this ever again. Don't go where I can't follow you, where I can’t look over you.”

“I should say the same. I'm always saving your .” Taemin joked but Jinki wasn't smiling.

“I mean it. Even if I now have Areum to hug me when I have nightmares, back then I…”

Taemin knew what he meant, how many times he woke up Jinki during his nightmares pretending that he had bad sleeping habits and kicked him during it. How many times he woke him up from a nightmare saying that he wanted to watch a movie with him during the night, how he always pretended to not see his tears or how he trembled in fear.

“We were always together.” Jinki said “I’m worried with you too. We all do. Please trust us more and confide in us more.”

“Mi Jung nonna scolded me early for the same reason.” Taemin said raising his eyes to the stars so that Jinki wouldnt see the emotion in his eyes “She hugged me so tightly I thought she would break my bones. Then Jonghyun cried. Minho came to play games with me and even Kibum came with him. And Soo Man he…” Taemin choked remembering how the old man patted his back like a father. “It feels weird to have people care so much about me. I mean all these years I knew that you liked me but witnessing it, feeling it, is so different.”

“You deserve it. You are a good boy, a good friend and brother and you will be a good boyfriend.”

Taemin nodded, grasping the crutches firmly. “The man that killed my brother is inside the same house I'm sleeping at for all these days. It's hard to relax there. Hard to think objectively.”

Jinki frowned trying to understand what Taemin felt. The closest he was to that hatred was when Smoke hurt Areum. He would have punched him until death if she didn't stop him. He barely remembered what he was doing, his body moving on it's own, anger consuming all inside him. He didn't like that feeling, he didn't at all and he was sure that that wasn't the right way to live.

“Want to sleep here? We have a free room.”

“It’s the same.” Still too close. Still the same property, the same country, the same planet. That would never end until one of them died.

“About revenge,” Jinki interrupted Taemin’s thoughts “...when I entered SM it was all because of it. I wanted to find out who killed my parents, I wanted to kill them but they already died so instead I told myself that my revenge would be killing every Dokko agents I found. I vowed my life to it because I thought that I owed that to my parents but then Areum came along and she made me realize that my parents didn't gave their life for me for this. For me to spend my days alone with my hands dirty of blood. They wanted me to be happy and love and be loved like they were.” Taemin’s gaze fell on Jinki “Do you understand what I mean? Revenge isn't the right way to honor them. Instead I should just be happy, marry Areum, have kids of my own and live by the values they lived by.” Jinki took a deep breath “Do you really need to kill that bastard, watch him bleed to death?”

Taemin wasn't sure anymore. Did he? He certainly wanted to end with his life, but did he really have to go through with the revenge he always dreamed of? Did he want to kill Mina’s father in such a brutal way? Be like the King when he killed his brother and hurt Mina?

“Should I do it?” Taemin asked with a blank face and for a few second Jinki thought he meant the vengeance “Should I graduate, love Mina and build a life with her?”

Jinki’s lips moved upwards in a big smile “What do you think? I can't live your life for you! What does your heart tell you to do?”

What did his heart tell him to do?! He never listened to it before.

“I think…” What did he think. On one side he had the memory of that day years ago, his brother’s lifeless eyes on him, but on the other side he had the memory of the first day he saw Mina in that dark alley when he had no idea that that weird woman would be so familiar to him, so important, his home; the first kiss they shared and the way his heart beat faster as if he was riding a rollercoaster, or his bike; the way she looked at him when they made love as if he was special, important; how she smiled every time she caught him looking at her inside the library; the way she rolled her pencil in her fingers while she sang that stupid Van Halen song. It wasn't only Mina, It was also music and the possibility of having an ordinary job he liked; it was all the moments he could spend with his weird family that did not share the same blood as him and yet loved him. “I think…” Taemin smiled shyly and Jinki chuckled knowing what he was going to say “I think you are right.”

“I am aren't I?” Jinki was so happy he couldn't stop giggling and that always made Taemin smile too.

“But before am I allowed to…” Taemin his lips blushing a little and Jinki chuckled because he was so cute.

“Date Mina?”

“Yeah!” Jinki hugged Taemin as if he was little kid.

“Aigo you are so cute.”

Taemin pushed him away embarrassed but laughing heartedly. He felt already lighter with only that decision.

“Before that I can't let a criminal like him be here alive.”

Jinki widened his eyes and grasped Taemin’s shoulders “You can't kill him! He belongs to SM now. We are the ones who decide to do with him. You know that!”

“Mina should decide no?”

“She should but...Taemin please don't do this. You just said...”

“It's not my revenge. We have to do it. This man is a monster!”

“Yes but you can't touch him. We don't do executions and you know that. Tomorrow morning I'll talk with Mina, she has to make her decision until tomorrow.”

“I'm going to sleep. You should go back to your wife too.” Taemin raised his crutches and started to walk away, the way he accepted it so easily making Jinki suspicious.

“Don’t do anything stupid!” Jinki screamed at him and Taemin raised one of his crutches and kept walking.

“Aish!” Jinki rubbed his hair frustrated knowing that Taemin would do something stupid and then entered the house.

Areum was waiting for him sitting on the last step of the stairs, her hair falling around her head that was over her bare knees, that the sweater she used to sleep wasn't covering. The christmas lights around the rail where the only light and she raised her head and looked at him.

“I thought you were sleeping.” She shook her head negatively “Did you hear us?”

“I'm sorry.” she sniffed and he realized that she cried before and that the spark in her eyes wasn't only from the lights “I didn't mean to. I found the bed empty and came down and then I heard you two and I just sat here and…”

He smiled softly and walked to her grabbing her by her hand to make her stand. Areum wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, closing her eyes shut.

“I had no idea how hard it was for both of you. I'm so glad I met you. I'm glad I helped you.”

He patted her back feeling the wetness of her tears on his chest. “Don't cry. Why are you crying?”

“I'm so happy Taemin met you and Mina and everyone else.” She moved away enough to look at him “Your parents would be so proud of you. No.” She shook her head “They are very proud of you. Wherever they are I'm sure they are very proud of you.” She sniffed cleaning her eyes and grabbed his hand intertwining her fingers in the middle of his like he liked “Let's go back to bed.”

The gesture wasn't missed by him and Jinki raised their hands together and looked at them. It was just a small gesture and yet it meant so much to him.

“I told you that I would never let go of your hand.” She said climbing one step and pulling him with her. Jinki didn't move eyeing her with an unreadable expression.

In his dream he always tried to hold his mother’s hand and he was never able to. He would never be able to since it was a dream, so why did he keep trying? He should just focus in the present, in the hands of the ones he could still hold like that.

“I'm so tired.” He said with a causal voice as if her words didn't pull at his heartstrings. “Let’s sleep.” Jinki wrapped an arm around her and both climbed the stairs together.

“Are you still feeling sick?” He asked.

“No. I feel much better now. It was probably indigestion.”

“Maybe you just missed me so much you got physically sick?”

She giggled and leaned her head against him searching for that familiar warmth only he could give her.

Minho opened the door and stepped outside just to freeze perplexed. Taemin and Jinki came out after him and stood by his side. Everyone was waiting outside for them, anxious faces and questioning eyes on Minho. Kibum and Audrey, Areum, Jonghyun and Mi Jung and of course Ayeong, all waiting for the results of the meeting, all wanting to know if Taemin’s testimony was enough to save him and the team, because without Minho they were no longer SHINee, they couldn't be.

Ayeong was biting her lower lip nervously watching Minho and waiting but he looked at her with a blank expression.

“How did it go?” Areum asked not able to wait any longer.

Jinki shrugged his shoulders which made Taemin smile and Minho wasn't able to held it in anymore, his hearty laughter filling the hallway. “I'm in the team again!” Ayeong jumped to hug him immediately and they spun around like a couple filming a drama, arms tangled on each other while the others celebrated that small victory.

Minho untangled himself from his girlfriend and then pulled Taemin for a hug making him blink his eyes surprised. “Thank you! Thank you! You are a boy of gold.” Taemin couldn't stop laughing too and while he hugged Minho awkwardly back since he only had one free hand the other holding his crutch, he noticed Mina watching the scene a few steps away. She realized that she was spotted and turned away. Minho moved to hug Jinki next and Taemin took that chance to leave the “celebration” and follow Mina.

Lately she was avoiding him, probably troubled with her father’s situation but still she couldn’t help but spy on them to see if Minho did get free of that accusation.

Taemin couldn't walk fast with his crutches and he couldn't find her outside in the winter garden, she wasn't by the entrance of the house either and he was going to give up when he saw a dash of purple in the middle of the trees outside.

He took his time climbing down the steps and then followed his instinct hoping that it would lead him to her. Taemin wasn't wrong because she was there waiting for him, nervously moving her hands against each other.

“You could have simply waited for me.” He complained making her raise an eyebrow since she wasn't used to see him complain about anything. He was always so cool with her.

Mina looked at the ground in front of her and then bowed to him. “Thank you for taking care of my brother.” Was she embarrassed to see him?! “Your brother told me that you are paying his medical expenses also.”

“I told you I would.” He didn't feel well seeing her bow to him like that “There is no need to thank me.”

She slowly raised her head and rubbed her neck awkwardly. That side of Mina was new to him also and Taemin frowned. They still had so much to learn about each other.

“He told me that you visited him this morning.”

“I did. He is in a room in the same hallway as mine so it's not like it's far away.”

She sighed deeply. “I wonder why you didn't go to see me since my bedroom is next to yours.”

She wasn't the only one avoiding him, he was also avoiding her.

Taemin looked at her intensely trying to read her thoughts and this time she didn't look away.

“Are you upset with me?”

Upset with her? Why?! Taemin chuckled and leaned his body against a nearby tree. He was getting tired of standing for long after walking that much. “You are always so direct.”

“Of course I have to be. You hide everything you are feeling. I have to be the one ripping things from you.”

The conversation he had with Jinki the previous night came to his mind and Taemin felt guilty. Maybe he should make an effort and open up his heart more often. “I don’t. I told you at the hospital when we said goodbye what I…” He started stuttering and Mina placed a hand on her hips watching him in disbelief.

“How can you be so manly out in the field and so deadly and when it comes to love you are completely clueless.”

He opened his mouth to argue back but she was right “I never dated before.”

“W-what?!” She couldn't believe it. “You probably seduce a lot of girls for your missions. I also heard that you and Minho have a competition going on.” She glared at him and Taemin cleared his throat. He needed to find out who told her about that stupid game. That person need punishment.

“That wasn't me, that was Ace. It was for a mission.”

Mina stepped closer to him and Taemin’s eyes fell on her lips that he desperately wanted to kiss again. She didn't seem to notice it.

“Well then, channel your inner Ace and start wooing me too.”

“Mina…” He felt nervous. She was the only person able to make him feel like that. “I thought I was doing that already.”

She hit his chest and then leaned her head against it “I love you Lee Taemin. You need to take responsibility for it.”

He grinned, his chest bursting with happiness. “What should I do then?”

She raised her eyes to him and he quickly hide his grin. “For starters you should kiss me and ask me to be your girlfriend.”

He pretended to be pondering about what to do before speaking “Very well.”

He didn't move though, so she frowned wondering if he was making fun of her.

“What did you decide?” He asked instead and Mina’s expressions darkened. She knew he was asking her about her father.

“He should die.” he didn't even flinch with the hatred in her voice “He killed so many people. He should die too.”

Taemin knew she didn’t mean giving him to another agency. She wanted to kill him herself.

Before he did tell her that he didn't mind giving up on his revenge for her but he never hid how much he hated her father.

“Should I do it?” her eyes flickered with his offer. “I’ve always dreamed with the day I would stab him like he stabbed my brother, that I would see him bleed slowly to death until life left his eyes.”

Mina grasped his shirt and shook her head looking at his eyes in fear “No you will get in trouble if you do that, right?”

He swallowed hard before caressing her cheek. It was warm and soft and he wanted to touch her so badly for such a long time. Mina leaned against his touch closing her eyes and he knew why she said that. Even though she hated that monster that killed her mother she could never see him suffer like that. It would be two painful memories of her parents dying, it didn't matter if she hated her father or not.

“How do you know?”

“I heard Minho talk about it with Key. That's when they mentioned that game also. Minho said it was game over for him since he now has a girlfriend.”

Taemin sighed “You truly should stop eavesdropping on people.” And he should slap Minho’s head next time he saw him.

“I’m just used to move in the shadows like you. I was invisible all my life. I know a lot of things already. Onew’s wife might be pregnant. I heard her ask for a pregnancy test. Jonghyun and your sister were making out in the music room earlier today, Audrey and Key were in the library researching something about french lullabies or something…

Taemin chuckled moving his fingers down to her neck making her pull his hand away because she was ticklish. She didn't release it though, caressing it between both her hands.

“I'm not that different from you.”

“Guess you aren't.”

However she never killed anyone, she had no idea how taking someone else’s life could affect you.

“You shouldn't trust that woman either.” Mina added making Taemin frown “Director Oh? She is weird.”

“Weird?”

“She spies on everyone and I’m sure she hates Areum. The way she looks at her full of hatred. She also doesn’t seem to like Kibum’s girlfriend. And she looks at you in a weird way also. She doesn't like you either!”

Taemin sighed. “I know. No one really trusts her. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

“If you don’t trust her why is she here then? You should be more careful!” Taemin didn't let Mina speak longer and kissed her. He kissed her for a long time, satiating his thirst, leaving her breathless. He only broke the kiss when she grasped his hand, feeling too overwhelmed and with lack of oxygen.

He needed more though, much more and by the way she was looking passionately back at him, Mina also needed more.

“I’m being responsible!” He said. “For your feelings.”

He couldn't be more sweet and cute than that and Mina’s heart was racing out of control. He knew exactly the effect he was having on her but he wasn't doing it on purpose. He was being genuine and honest to his feelings and she smiled knowing that his heart was also beating for her.

“Be my girlfriend!” He wasn't asking her, he was demanding and Mina pursed her lips trying to control her giddiness.

“Very well!”

If he noticed that she was repeating his words, he didn't say anything. Instead he nodded and kissed her lips again quickly.

“Good.” He cleared his throat embarrassed and started to walk again holding his crutches “I'm tired. I should lay down a little.”

Mina quickly followed him wrapping her arm around his back to help him walk.

None said anything but the silence was comfortable and familiar and both were too focused on the fireworks exploding inside them.

“You may enter.”

Audrey opened the door carefully and peeked inside before entering Soo Man’s private study.

He was like always, behind his desk but he wasn't working and instead he had a photo album open and a glass filled with alcohol was in front of him. The only light came from the lamp over his desk that barely illuminated his desk and his face.

“Oh Audrey.” He smiled warmly at her “I was looking at old pictures of my family, our family.”

She had no idea if he meant it literally now but she was dying to ask. She had a weird feeling about everything and even though it took her several hours to gather her courage to do that, she was finally there to ask the old man about her parents.

Audrey was scared, not because of the way he would react, but mostly because her parents might not be the kind of people she always dreamed about.

“Sit, please.” Sooman asked and she moved hesitantly to the chair in front of his desk, her eyes on the album even after she sat.

It was old pictures of a little girl riding a horse - Mi Jung. A young boy wearing his school uniform was watching her. Even though he was wearing glasses and his hair was big; Audrey recognized Jinki in him. She wondered if Areum saw those pictures before. She would love to.

Her eyes moved on the pictures and one caught her attention. There was something familiar in it she couldn't really define, maybe it was the pose of the kids in it or the objects they were holding but before she had time to find out, Soo Man turned the page of the album.

“They grow up so fast.” Soo Man said emotionally. She also grew up fast. He also saw her grow up. The thought made her upset. Why didn't he tell her? Why wasn't he a part of her life anymore and decided to leave her in oblivion “But what brings you here at this time of the night?”

“I know it's late but there is something I need to ask you or I won't be able to sleep.”

“Then ask me.” He closed the album and his full attention was on her which left her even more nervous.

“Kibum visited the orphanage where I was raised.” Soo Man didn't even flinch and she wondered if that information about him being her benefactor was even right “Someone paid for my studies and needs, the same person that left me at the orphanage and knew my parents.” he kept looking at her with a blank expression and Audrey frowned frustrated “You, Mister Lee. They told Kibum that you were the one that visited me when I was little and aided me financially. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you.”

If she didn't went to college and followed her dream she wouldn't have helped build that machine. She would never be in SM now or met Kibum…

Even if she regretted some of her past choices she would never want to change anything. That machine was useless.

For a few moments Audrey thought that he would deny it or scold her for being too straightforward but instead he smiled gently at her.

“Audrey, it’s good to see you after so many years. You also grew up so fast and into a beautiful, smart young lady.”

It was him! It really was him and she was experiencing a mix of anger with happiness.

That man was the only bridge between her present and past and he was so close to her all that time and yet so far away.

“We have so much to talk about.” He cleared his throat and his eyes fell on the glass of alcohol “I should grab some tea instead. I think we need tea.”

“Do you know who my parents are?” She asked not wanting any tea or to wait. She needed to know now.

“I do. I knew them.”

“Knew?” A part of her still wanted to believe that her parents were alive, maybe hidden somewhere. “They died?”

“Yes. They truly died.” his eyes were filled with sadness. He probably went through that so many times to count. So many orphans he saved. Jinki, Taemin, Director Oh and many more, including her.

“A part of me hoped that maybe…” She bit her lower lip “Kibum said that someone from my family was still alive. Perhaps you are connected with…”

“No.” He took a deep breath seeming a little uncomfortable with the question “I love you as if you are my family but I don't share your blood.”

“Oh.” It disappointed her and she couldn't hide. She was alone in the world after all.

“But I do know someone who shares your blood.”

Audrey raised her eyes to Soo Man, hope filling her heart.

However before he could tell her more a gunshot was heard outside.

- Earlier that night -

Taemin watched her every move. She was doing everything like he predicted that she would and she was so distressed and lost in her own feelings that she didn't even acknowledged his presence in the shadows.

Mina pulled the chain locked around her father’s wrists and took him to the middle of the woods. She found the right tree and wrapped the chain around it. The man watched her with a smirk which seemed to make her even more upset to the point that her hands wouldn't stop trembling. She finished chaining him to the tree and then stepped back admiring her work. The man barely could move, only his head turned to follow her movements. Mina grabbed the backpack from the ground and took a gun from inside it. Even after that sight the King didn't stop smiling.

Taemin moved his fingers over his crutches, a sadness taking hold of his heart. He knew her, you truly know the ones you love and he loved Mina and he didn't want her to do that. She didn't want it either even if she said she did.

Her hands were trembling so much she had to grab the gun with both her hands.

“You are my daughter.” the King said softly as if they were having a casual conversation and she wasn’t pointing a gun at him “you can't do it. You know you can't hurt anyone. You inherited your mother's heart. Even if you hate me with all your guts you can't kill me.”

“Don't talk about my mother.” Mina screamed her eyes getting wet which angered her. She couldn't cry, not in front of him, she needed to be strong. “You bullied my brother for years and you tried to kill my boyfriend. I have to do this!”

Mina sniffed trying to focus her vision n the man in front of her. She should aim for his head and just do it. One single shoot would be enough.

She tried to keep her hands steady and pointed at his head but his eyes were on her and she couldn't concentrate. His eyes were the same color as hers and until the end his genes were an obstacle for what she had to do.

A firm warm hand touched hers and Mina looked up just when his crutches fell and Taemin back hugged her grabbing the gun in her hand. “No you can't stop me!” She said trying to pull away from his hold “If I do this they won't blame me. It's my decision! They said I could decide.”

They did not mean that kind of decision though.

“I have nothing to lose. I will do it...” She repeated her eyes filling with tears to a point that she barely could see her father anymore let alone shot him.

Taemin easily took the gun out from her hands and she didn't even fight anymore covering her eyes with her hands. Why was she so weak?

“You came to save me?” The King laughed noticing how Taemin was in pain now not using his crutches. “What a joke!”

“No.” Taemin wrapped an arm around Mina’s waist, so he could support himself on her and at the same time comfort her, and then pulled her against his chest which made her hiccup. “I came to save her.”

Taemin eyes were cold but there was no hatred in them anymore only disdain. He was so tired of all that and he didn’t want to see her suffer anymore. He wanted everything to end.

Ignoring the King, Taemin made Mina face him. Her cheeks and nose were red, tears falling from her eyes and she looked like an ugly mess. He would have made fun of her if the moment wasn't serious. “You can't do this.” He said gently cleaning her wet cheeks with the back of his free hand “You never killed anyone and he is still your father.”

“But I have to do it.”

“I’ll do it for you. I’ll do it for me too and everyone he hurt.”

“But you said…”

“I know.” they were now whispering to each other, their foreheads joined as if they were alone, two lovers sharing love messages between each other. “It will be like an execution. Fast.”

It won't be the revenge he wanted and both knew that no matter what decision she took, no matter to whom they decided to give the King, police or another agency, his end would probably be the same or even more gruesome.

“My brother is not here anymore. There is no use killing him for that but you are. I’ll do it for you.” He pulled her against his chest and Mina wrapped her arms around him grasping his shirt. “Close your eyes.”

She did as she said shutting her eyes tight and hugging him carefully not to hurt his ribs.

“Is this what you want?” Taemin asked one more time just to be sure, his eyes already on the King.

Mina nodded her head “It's the only way to stop him.”

Taemin raised the gun pointing precisely at his head. He wouldnt miss, he wasn't even trembling a little bit and he would not hesitate. He killed so many like the King and even though in his eyes he wasn't like the others he would treat him as if he was. It was way more than that man ever deserved.

“A gunshot? So this is how I die.” Mina moved against Taemin and he took a deep breath ready to shot.

He now had someone else to protect, someone he didn't want to hurt, someone alive. He wanted to try and love and be loved.

“I will say hi to your brother in hell!” The King provoked him but Taemin didn't even flinch like he would in the past.

“You won't. My brother isn't there.“ The corner of Taemin’s lips moved slightly.

“Goodbye.” He squeezed Mina against him stronger and she moved her head looking at her father one last time.

He wasn't smiling anymore and he was looking at her, only at her. She hated him so much and all those years she dreamed with him dying in so many different ways. But Taemin was right. She would never be able to do it.

She looked away and silently gave Taemin the last approval.

He pulled her head against his chest again and she closed her eyes, gritting her teeth waiting for the gunshot.

It was quick and clean. A painless death, a blessing that man never gave to the ones he killed.

The body fell forwards, only the chains holding it against the tree and Taemin let his arm fall by his side still holding the gun. Mina hiccuped against him, the only sound in the night now since all the birds close by flew away scared with the shoot. Taemin caressed her back with his free hand trying to calm her down and he started to lose the strength on his legs. She wrapped her arms around him this time and he felt her hand grab the gun from his hand.

They would support each other from now on.

Soon the others would gather there and they couldn't know that it was him. They would though. The team would know. That was a very precise shoot, Mina would never be able to shoot in that state.

He didn't say anything though and let her grab the gun, leaning on her like Jinki told him to do.

Taemin felt different somehow, as if he just took a heavy weight out of his chest.

He heard the footsteps, Mina was still crying in his arms holding the gun, when Jinki, Areum - the ones that lived closeby - arrived in their pajamas. Soo Man arrived later with some other agents, Jonghyun, Minho and Kibum...all of them.

Taemin looked at them tired and Jinki grabbed his crutches to give back to him. Their gazes locked and Jinki frowned. He knew it was him and yet he didn't say anything. No one did, even if they knew, instead they helped him and Mina. Jinki caressed his back, Minho took the gun away from her hand, grabbing it in a way that his fingerprints would also be in it, Kibum wrapped his arm around Taemin to support him and Jonghyun squeezed his shoulder.

“You are free.” Minho said to both patting Taemin's head as if he was a kid and this time Taemin didn't complain.

He was right. That was exactly how he felt. Taemin felt free. There was no more revenge to fulfill. He could do whatever he wanted now.

And he wanted to start living.

I'm cry....my 5HINee....sorry...

Anyway Taemin main story is over and done.

And now we reached the sprint to the end...

Are you ready?

Comments, subscribe and upvote if you still reading lol

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