3rd Person’s POV

[Sae Young Dormitories…December 18, 20XX]

“No, I can’t. I don’t want to do this.”

“Come on, Ked. It’s your only way to get Lei.”

Erika grunted and rolled her eyes before reading the script again that Chaeyoung prepared. The script that could persuade Lei’s parents, she said, because it was polite and powerful but it wasn’t Erika’s style so it’s been really hard for her not to just turn away.

But this is for Lei. She kept repeating in her mind as she stood up and started reading the script over and over again. This is for L. President Panda, Son Lei Min. With a deep breath, Erika put down the script and went to the door to grab her coat.

“Hey, where are you going?”

“To Lei.”

Without another word, she ran out of the dorm building and into her car. She knows the address of the Son Mansion because Lei had mentioned it to her before.

After starting the engine, she droved off. She had arrived at the mansion after 20 minutes and got down from her car. There was someone guarding the gate so Erika approached him.

“Hi, my name’s Erika. I’m a friend of Lei, may I come inside?”

“I’m sorry, miss. I’m not allowed to let anyone inside unless Mr. or Mrs. Son says so.”

Erika took a deep breath and gathered all her courage to muster up her leader voice. “Don’t you know who I am? I’m Ked, and you should let me in before I ruin this gate.” it seems to work because the guard immediately opened the gate for her.

“I’m sorry, Ked sshi. I didn’t know it was you with the name and sunglasses.”

“Yeah, whatever. Thanks, anyway.” Erika waved her hand dismissively as she entered the place and ran towards the door, knocking on it hardly. “Lei, I’m here.” she shouted, hoping Lei could hear her somewherze inside the huge house. “Let me in, please.”

A window opened above, causing Erika to step back and look up. It was Lei. The girl was looking at her confused and shocked, and she couldn’t help but smile. She missed that face.

“W-What are you doing here?”

“I’m taking you back, can you let me in?”

Before Lei could answer, the front door opened and it revealed Mr. and Mrs. Son. Erika sent a smile at Lei before walking towards Lei’s parents, who were looking at her unimpressed.

“What brought the South Korea’s Ultimate Bias to our mansion?” Mrs. Son asked.

“I’m here for Lei.” Mr. Son squinted his eyes so Erika continued. “I’m here to take her back to Sae Young Dormitories, whether you like it or not.” Opps. Shouldn’t have said that.

“And who are you to my daughter?”

“I’m her bestfriend.”

Mr. Son opened the door wider and motioned for Erika to come in. She bowed her head a little as thanks before entering the mansion. Lei’s parents walked to the living room and Erika followed them, sitting on the couch when Mr. Son pointed to it.

Lei’s parents just stared at her so she was about to say something, but the sound of footsteps running interrupted her. She looked to the side, where the stairs are, and saw Lei running towards the living room. She went straight to Erika and hugged the idol tightly.

“I missed you.” Erika’s inside shirt was being dampen by Lei’s tears. Always the crybaby. Erika thought but it also made her feel more protective. She’ll make sure Lei comes home to them.

“I missed you too, L. Don’t worry, I’m not leaving this place without you. I promise.” Erika felt Lei smile before pulling away and wiping her tears. She smiled and plopped down beside Erika before facing Mr. and Mrs. Son. “Uhh, where were we?”

“What are your intentions for visiting, Ms. Kim?”

“Right. Well, like I said, I’m here to take Lei back. In longer terms, I’m here to take away her grounded period and have her return to Sae Young Dormitories.”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot do that--”

“Mr. Son, I know what’s the problem here. Before coming, I had prepared myself with my negotiation. So, your problem is about Lei’s grades and participation, right? Well, I’m an idol and the heir of Kim Group of Companies, so I can be smart if I want to.”

“Wait, you’re Kim Erika Dane?” the shock look in Lei’s father made Erika chuckle.

“Yes, sir. And I can help with Lei’s grades by studying with her and our group could make her participation grades rise up too. If you let her leave this place and come home with me, I’ll make sure that she’ll graduate as the valedictorian of Sae Young Academy of Arts.”

Mr. and Mrs. Son stared at Erika impressed, and Erika stared back with conviction in her eyes. Their staring was cut off when a clap sounded in the side, causing them to face who it was.

“Damn, you made that speech better than what I made.” Chaeyoung complimented, clapping her hands as she stands together with Dahyun, Jeril and Anika near the front door.

“Well, years of training to be the next CEO, I guess.” Erika said with a shrug of shoulder.

“So you’re in with this plan, Chaeyoung?”

“Sorry, auntie. She’s very determined to make Lei come home and since TWICE is close with her, I had to help. She does have a point, you know.”

“I always do.” Chaeyoung faced Erika and chuckled before looking back to Lei’s parents.

“With that in mind, can we take Lei back home now?” Mrs. Son faced Mr. Son for an approval but the man was looking at Erika intently.

“Are you true to your words, Ms. Kim?”

“Ofcourse, you have my word.”

Mr. Son stood up and put a hand on Erika’s shoulder. “Alright, then. Take care of my daughter, I trust you with her.” he said and walked upstairs after taking a glance to Lei. Mrs. Son followed her husband after smiling at them. And with that, everything was done.

Anika didn’t waste any seconds. She pulled Jeril towards Erika and Lei to a very, very tight hug. It’s been a long time since the four of them gotten together and Anika is not wasting it.

“We should head back now.” Dahyun stated with a smile, linking her arms with Chaeyoung.

“Right.” Erika agreed, patting Anika’s hand to signal her to finally let go.

“5 more minutes.”

“We can hug more in the dorm.”

“You’re going back home?” Erika turned to face Lei, who was looking at her with her cute wide eyes that can match a puppy when she pouts, and Erika nodded with a second thought.

“We’re coming home.”

======================================================================