25 | Unknown Heroes

***

"Is there anything wrong, Hyun?" Jessica noticed the younger girl had been quiet since the latter returned from a date with Yoona. 

Seohyun smiled and shook her head. "Nothing."

"Oh, come on, I know there's something in there. Did you fight with him again?"

"We're already good. There's nothing to worry." 

Jessica raised her eyebrows. "Your tone tells me there's really something going on. If I were you, you settle it before leaving the city." She advised as she grabbed her iPad and scrolled over the movies on her watch list.

Seohyun let out a heavy sigh. "To be honest, I'm feeling... confused." She shared as she recalled what happened earlier.

Flashback...

"Yah, Why must you blindfold me?" she exclaimed as soon as Yoona secured the blindfold around her head.

"It's because it's a surprise." He said as he gently held her right hand. "Just follow my guide, okay?"

"Aish." Having no other option, she complies and accompanies him, but she can't help herself and playfully taps his arm, saying, "This had better be worth it." 

"I don't mean any harm, Ms. Seo." 

"Oh, really?"

Yoona softly chuckled as he guided his girlfriend to the lift. 

*ding*

"Are we indoors?" She quickly deduced from the noise.

"Indeed, and we're heading into the elevator," he confirmed as they entered the lift, and he pressed the button for the building's highest floor.

"Aigoo, what comes to your mind and you think of this?"

"This is honestly one of the reasons I got busy the other day." He confessed. 

Seohyun turned her head to her right. "Chincha? You've been planning this?"

"Certainly, my dear," Yoona replied with sweetness and planted a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"It's not our 100th day today, right?"

He giggles. "Yes. It's another thing." 

"Then why go through with it if there's no purpose?" Seohyun considers it arbitrary and needless.

"It's just that... I believe it's something I want to pursue after all I've experienced. I want to bring the utmost joy to your life," he sincerely responded, gazing at his girlfriend with affection.

Seohyun smiled a little. She's flatter to hear them and it makes her cheek blush. "You don't have to do this."

"You're worthy of this," Yoona whispered. "You deserve it all."

"Aren't we there yet?"

"You're getting impatient?" He teasingly asked.

She playfully tapped his arm once more. "I just want to put an end to this little charade you've got going."

Yoona kissed her hand and let out a giggle. "We're nearly there."

She sighed and fell silent, but it wasn't long before the elevator's familiar ding signaled their arrival at their destination. She maintained her grip on Yoona's hand as he led her further. The sound of a door opening reached her ears. "Are we in your apartment?" she inquired, sensing they had entered it.

After a couple of steps, they stopped. 

"Are you ready?" asked Yoona near her ear.

Goosebumps prickled her skin as she nodded in slow agreement. He released her hand, and with care, he began to undo the blindfold. As the bright lights suddenly flooded her vision, she instinctively shielded her eyes with the back of her hand. Slowly, she uncovered her eyes and blinked, allowing her vision to adjust. Before her, a beautifully decorated apartment adorned in blue and white came into focus. Confusion enveloped her, and she turned to Yoona, seeking an explanation.

Yoona beamed with charm. "This is your place," he said, spreading his arms briefly. "I purchased it for you."

"You're joking, right?" She was convinced he must be. She was convinced it was too good to be true.

"Do I appear to be kidding?" He reached for the small box on the coffee table, opening it in front of her to reveal the physical key to the penthouse. "Please accept this home as a symbol of my love, Seohyun." He seriously asked. 

"No. I mean, I don't think this-"

"I'm not proposing marriage to you just yet. This house symbolizes our future. I want you to be by my side as we continue to learn about each other, love each other, and build our lives together. I envision this as a place where our love can truly take root and grow."

Seohyun was left speechless. She didn't know how to respond to this overwhelming gesture. It was one of the most heartwarming things she had ever heard, but at that moment, she was too bewildered to react. She just turned and wanted to leave but Yoona got something to say that she hesitated.

"I'll give you some time to process this." Yoona gently guided the box to her hand and kissed her forehead affectionately. "But don't take too long and give me your answer." he added before stepping aside.

She didn't say anything as she left the house, leaving the doe-eyed alone.

End of Flashback...

"Hell no?" Jessica dropped her ipad when she heard everything. "How are you going to end everything now?"

"I know right, Unnie?" Seohyun lamented, her gaze fixed on the key inside the box. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness when picturing how Yoona would be after they departed from the city."I never signed up for this... why does he have to complicate things for me?" 

Just then, Jessica heard Seohyun's phone buzz twice and she reached for the smartphone on the table and read the message from Tiffany followed by Yihyun's. Her eyes couldn't believe it. "Sooyoung..."

"Wae?" Seohyun snatched her phone from the older and read the messages.

Tiffany: Seohyun-ah, Sooyoung, she's I think NYPD's detective. 

Yihyun: Seohyun Unnie, Tiffany Unnie told me we have to get the weapons before leaving the city. We're on the way to discuss about this. 

"All along... she was keeping tabs on us. I can't fathom that I put my trust in her," Jessica declared with frustration, venting her anger by kicking the ground.

"I had a feeling there was something off about her. Damn it!" Seohyun muttered in frustration, expressing her exasperation. 

"We must secure the weapons before our departure this week," Jessica declared, resolved to ensure her group's safe exit from the city. The younger nodded in agreement. "Don't worry, Seohyun-ah, I promise everything will be okay," she assured as she moved closer to the younger girl and softly comforted her by rubbing her back. 

"I'm fine, Unnie," Seohyun said with reassurance, even though it was overwhelming for her. "Let's focus on our plan for now." 

***

2 days later...

While enjoying a refreshing shower, Yoona suddenly caught the sound of his phone ringing on his bed. Quickly turning off the water, he hastily wrapped a towel around himself before exiting the shower. As he made his way to the bed, he noticed his secretary's caller ID flashing on the screen. He had been anticipating a call from Seohyun, but for the second consecutive day, she had not reached out.

"Hello," he casually responded to his secretary's call, his tone relaxed.

[Mr. Chairman, I have both positive and negative updates to discuss with you.]

"Let's start with the unfavorable news," he directed while walking to the window and drawing the curtains apart. The brilliant sunlight brought an immediate smile to his face.

[The unfortunate update is that we won't be able to launch the new campaign this week. The development team has informed us that they have not completed it yet. It's looking more likely for a release by next month.]

He sighed, showing no surprise whatsoever. "So, what's the good news?"

[We received new investors from the Japanese team and they're booking an appointment this Thursday. All of them are excited to work with us.] The secretary shared enthusiastically. 

"Now that's actually the best news. How about my schedule today?" He asked as he casually returned to the bed and checked the digital clock on his nightstand. It's ten in the morning and he hasn't gone to the office.   

[You're free today, Mr. Chairman. See you tomorrow.]

"Chincha? As in I don't have a meeting?"

[You've done it yesterday. The next meeting will be tomorrow. Have a great day, Mr. Chairman.] His secretary ended it on a bright note.

A wide grin lit up Yoona's face, as it appeared that his visit to his girlfriend was becoming a reality, even though he hadn't received any communication from her. Although Taeyeon had assured him that she was doing fine, the prospect of seeing her and having a conversation with her held a distinct appeal. He hung up and carelessly dropped his towel as he made his way back to his shower to continue where he had left.

*** 

During his regular office routine, Taeyeon heard a knock on the door, and shortly after, his secretary's voice. He granted her entry, and she strolled into his office with a casual demeanor.

"Miss Tiffany Young handed over the lunch box bag at the reception desk, Mr. Chairman." She said as she set it down on the coffee table. 

"What? She was here?!" He exclaimed, jumping up from his seat, snatching his phone, and making his way to the couch. "Why didn't you invite her to stay?"

"I believe she's with her friends, and it seemed like they were in a rush," the secretary conveyed to him.

"I understand. Thank you, Ms. Kim," he smiled at his secretary and then picked up the note from on top of the bag. As he read it, he muttered, "Why didn't she even give me a call?"

I realize you're currently occupied, so I'm leaving this lunch for you.

Don't let stress overwhelm you, and try to enjoy the remainder of your day. I'll give you a call later

- Tiffany Young ♥

He dialed her number, and after a few rings, it redirected to a voicemail. "What could she be up to at this moment?" He couldn't help but be curious, especially during working hours when she was with her friends. It didn't seem typical. 

He placed his phone aside and ped the bag to inspect the contents of the lunch box. Inside, a beautifully presented bibimbap greeted him, instantly bringing a smile to his face. "She has been incredibly thoughtful lately," he murmured appreciatively as he took a bite. Just then, his phone rings which averted his attention to it. 

He casually picked it up and answered Yoona's call. "What's up, bro?"

[Have you heard from Seohyun today?]

"Nope. But she's with her friends."

[How'd you know?]

"My girlfriend sent me a lunch box and my secretary saw her with her friends."

[Chincha? No wonder no one's answering the doorbell.]

"Are you in their apartment?"

[Yes, I can't pass up this chance. I mean, it's been 2 days since our last meeting. Aish, this is really killing me.]

"You told her to take her time, right? That's exactly what she's doing. Let her be but I believe it won't take that long. Hmm, Maybe this Friday?" He guessed as he took another bite of his food.

[How sure are you?]

"I'm seeing my girlfriend this Friday." He shared excitedly.

[Whoa, Chincha? Then I'm coming with you.] 

He chuckled. "You definitely will. By the way, have you heard from the hospital?"

[Yes, Yuri Hyung is going to do it later tonight. You're coming too, right?]

"Of course. He's our friend and we will be always there when he needs us. Call me when you get a call from the doctor, okay?"

[Certainly. See you tonight then.]

Once the call concluded, Taeyeon promptly shifted his focus back to his lunch. With only two hours remaining until the lunch break, he relished the special treat his girlfriend had sent him, filling his heart with happiness.

***

As they had anticipated, Seohyun took the wheel and guided them to the private storage unit she had acquired upon their arrival in Seoul. It was a secret known only to Seohyun that Tiffany and Jessica were not familiar with the location. Nevertheless, they both offered their support as they followed Seohyun to the storage room.

"I get the sense that you had a glimpse of the future, Unnie," Yihyun remarked as Seohyun punched in the passcode to unlock the room.

Tiffany beamed with pride as she remarked, "She cherishes them just as passionately as we treasure our equipment."

Indeed, our youngest has always lived up to our expectations," Jessica whispered.

Upon opening the door, they were welcomed by a lengthy table adorned with boxes and rifle cases.

Tiffany exclaimed, "Oh, I've missed these," as she popped open one of the cases, revealing her cherished firearm. "My little darling," she whispered as she recognized her beloved rifle, the Tikka T3. "Seohyun-ah, I had no idea you brought this one as well."

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