Author's POV

Despite Seohyun's and Yoona's thanksgiving party ending on the wee hours of morning, everyone was able to have a good rest and woke up just right after the sun has risen. The earliest riser for the day was Soojin. While everyone was starting to get ready for the day, she was already outside, jogging around the estate grounds. She left a note on Taeyeon's door which was the closest room to hers. Taeyeon was about to leave her room to check on Soojin when she saw her dongsaeng's note.

Jogging around the grounds. You're sleep talking again unnie. Weirdo. >:P - Soojin

Taeyeon chuckled to herself after reading the note. Aigoooo. This choding. She then went into her walk-in closet to change into her jogging attire. Before going off to catch up with Soojin, she left a note on Tiffany's door which was directly across hers. Afterwards, she dashed out of the mansion to find Soojin.

What a beautiful day! I wonder why I feel like there are butterflies in my stomache. I feel like something great will happen today. I'm so excited to go to the Chois. I know we just met them, but I can't help but feel very comfortable and safe with them. It's like I've known them for a long time, like my unnies and oppas.

Soojin was immersed in her thoughts as she jogged towards the lake near the HDC's training grounds. She did not notice Taeyeon who was near her already. Taeyeon saw that Soojin's mind has drifted off to somewhere.

"The estate may be the safest place on earth, but we shouldn't be complacent. Aigoo.. Soojinnie, you haven’t even noticed my presence. How many times do I have to remind you to not let your guard down especially when you're alone?" Taeyeon said to herself as she silently approached Soojin who was still unaware of her surroundings.

Taeyeon was about to tap Soojin's shoulder when Soojin turned around and caught her by the wrist. The younger girl looked surprised as she saw Taeyeon. She glanced at her hand that was holding on to Taeyeon's wrist and looked at her unnie in confusion.

"Good job. At least you were able to sense me before I touched you. However, you should be more careful next time Jin-ah. If the situation was different, this is just too close." Taeyeon said with a mix of smile and sigh.

Soojin released Taeyeon's wrist as confusion became even more evident on her face.
"Wae? Are you okay? Is there something wrong?"  Taeyeon asked with concern.

“I.. I’m sorry unnie. I should’ve been more careful. It’s weird though. I wasn’t able to sense you at all. I didn’t even know you were already behind me. It’s like my body just moved on its own.” Soojin said with a confused look.

Taeyeon looked at her dongsaeng and patted her shoulder.

“I guess your instincts are kicking in. That’s a good thing. Be careful next time though arasso?” Taeyeon replied.

“I guess. Perhaps, I didn’t feel any danger at all that’s why I didn’t sense you unnie. Anyway, I’ll be more careful next time.” Soojin remarked with an apologetic grin.

Taeyeon playfully punched Soojin’s arm as she made sure that her dongsaeng keeps her promise. She then pushed Soojin forward with grin as they continued with their jogging.

“You know unnie, I can’t figure out why I feel very comfortable with the Chois. It’s like I’ve known them for a long time. I’ve never felt this way with others before. Well, with you guys as an exception of course.” Soojin stated while Taeyeon jogged beside her.

“I sensed nothing from them. We’ve also checked and they seem to be good people. I like them too. However, like I said, we can’t be complacent, arasso? At least until we’re absolutely sure of who they are.” Taeyeon replied as she looked at Soojin who seemed to be deep in her thoughts again.

“I hope things turn out well. I liked having close friends whom we could just be normal with. No elemental stuff you know. Not that I hate being one. Of course, I am proud to be an elemental. Much more as the Hae Dal elemental. However, it wouldn’t hurt to have normal friends right? It’s refreshing to have a place where we could just be us. Just Soojin. Or you Taeyeon-unnie, and the other unnies and oppas too.” Soojin began to bare her thoughts to Taeyeon who was left speechless with her dongsaeng’s musings. She just nodded in response as they continued to jog back the mansion to meet up with the others for breakfast.

“Ppali! Go change already! And don’t forget your housewarming present, arasso?!” The super hyper and excited Soojin said. The HDCs chuckled at their dongsaeng’s excitement.

Minutes after, they were all gathered at the mansion’s entrance and ready to leave. They were all waiting for Heechul, Donghae, Taeyeon, and Tiffany who were receiving final instructions from Young Min. Soojin was starting to get impatient when, fortunately, the four finally arrived with Young Min.

“Jin-ah, listen well to your unnies and oppas, arasso? I’ve heard about the Chois. They’re good people, from what I’ve read and heard. However, we should not be complacent. Not until, we’re 100% cleared. That is why I’m sending all of your unnies and oppas with you. So that you’re 100% safe and for them to find out if the Chois are who they really claim to be. I know how much you want to have friends here and there. But, not everyone can be your friend. You’re not just anyone Soojinnie. That is why we have to be careful at all times.” Young Min said as he placed two hands on Soojin’s shoulders, making her look at him.

Soojin nodded in agreement and smiled. “I promise to follow them samchon. Don’t worry. I’ll be good.”

Young Min ruffled the girl’s hair and bade them farewell. “Boys, girls, I’m leaving Soojin in your care then. Have fun. But be careful too. Arasso?”

The HDCs nodded in response. After Young Min left, they began to load their gifts into the boys’ cars. This time, they’re using the HDC boys’ cars.

• Donghae, Sunny, Sungmin, and Seohyun
• Heechul, Taeyeon, Soojin, and Tiffany
• Ryeowook, Yesung, Yoona
• Eunhyuk, Hyoyeon

It did not take long for them to navigate their way around the luxurious subdivision where the Chois lived.

“Daebak! Look at that!” Yoona said as they gaze in amazement at the Chois’ mansion.

Donghae rolled down his window and pressed on the gate’s buzzer. The small screen lighted up and he heard Minho’s voice welcoming them as the gate slowly opened. “Donghae-hyung! Welcome to the Chois.”

They all drove in and parked right in front of the mansion’s main entrance. The Chois, sans Sooyoung, welcomed them. Soojin was itching to get out of the car but she waited patiently for Heechul’s go signal.

“Tae? Hae?” He asked the two HDCs who were the strongest when it comes to sensing elemental energy.

“We’re good.” Taeyeon said which made Soojin gleam in delight.

“I sense nothing. Everything’s clear.” They heard Donghae say through the phone.

“Alright. We’re good to go. Jin-ah, you’d still get off last alright?” Heechul remarked.

Soojin nodded as she sighed. So many protocols. Aigoooo. She thought to herself.

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“Welcome to the Chois! We’re so glad you all made it!” Siwon announced as he exchanged greetings with everyone.

“You have an awesome house oppa! Thanks for inviting us.” Soojin said as she greeted and hugged Siwon.

“Everyone, I’d like to introduce my little brother, Minho. Tiffany, Taeyeon, Soojin, and Hae already met him last time.” Seunghyun remarked as Minho greeted everyone.

“Oh by the way, Minho’s girlfriend is Kwon Yuri. Seo, Yoong, you’re working in the same company as her right?” Donghae added.

“Jinjja?! Cool! What a small world. We haven’t met her yet though.” Yoona excitedly said while Seohyun nodded in agreement.

Minho smiled in response. “Perfect timing then. She’s actually here. She’s with Soo preparing the food.”

“Alright! Let’s go inside.” Siwon said as he guided everyone inside the mansion.

They marveled at the modern elegance of the mansion’s interior. Siwon toured the group around the mansion. They didn’t go upstairs though. It’s where the bedrooms were. According to Seunghyun, their cousins are still busy preparing in their bedrooms. So, they didn’t want to bother them.

After touring the mansion, Siwon led the group to the pool where they found Sooyoung and Yuri arranging the table and chairs.

“Sooyoungie! They’re here!” Seunghyun exclaimed which caught the attention of Sooyoung and Yuri.

“Hey guys! Welcome to the Chois!” Sooyoung shouted as the group walked towards them.

“Unnie!!” Soojin was the first to greet Sooyoung. Minho then introduced Yuri to everyone.

“Nice meeting you guys.” Yuri said.

“I’m so glad we know someone from the office already.” Yoona said in relief.

“When are you starting?” Yuri asked.

“We’ll be reporting on Monday.” Seohyun replied with a smile.

“Well, then don't hesitate to approach me if you need anything alright? We should have lunch together!” Yuri said which made the two smile in delight.

While they were exchanging greetings, Soojin couldn’t help but look up towards the 2^nd floor of the mansion. She couldn’t help but gaze towards the window of the room which was facing them.

“Are you alright Jin-ah?” Donghae surprised the girl who was lost in thought.

“Huh? Yeah. I’m alright oppa. I just.. I felt something familiar.” She replied which made Donghae curious.

“What do you mean?” He asked. Heechul and Taeyeon approached the two while the others were busy with their conversations and helping the Chois prepare the food.

“Everything okay?” Heechul worriedly asked while Taeyeon looked around to sense if there were unknown forces around.

“Yeah. Yeah. Everything’s okay. I just. I’m just imagining things. Hahahaha.” Soojin stated, trying to ease their worry.

“I really sense nothing.” Taeyeon said in defeat.

“Same here.” Donghae said with concern.

“Jin-ah, if you sense anything, tell us okay? It could be your Hae Dal instincts kicking in. We can’t ignore that.” Heechul said.

“Please don’t worry. It’s nothing. I just felt something familiar. Nothing bad. Just.. a really familiar elemental energy. But it disappeared right away.” Soojin admitted surprising the three.

“It couldn’t have been the Chois. They’re all here and I’m not sensing anything from them.” Taeyeon stated.

“Let’s just forget about it. Please. Besides, whoever or whatever that was, I actually felt safer when I felt it.” Soojin stated which surprised the three even more.

“Alright. Just to be safe though, stay by Taeyeon’s or Donghae’s side at all times okay?” Heechul said with finality. Soojin just nodded in agreement.

Their conversation was interrupted by Hyoyeon who called them to rejoin the group.

“Food is almost ready you guys!” They heard her say.

Thus, they rejoined the group and helped out in the preparations.

“By the way, did you know that the CEO of Blanc's is a cousin of the Chois?” Yuri asked Yoona and Seohyun. This caught everyone’s attention except the Chois who were curiously observing their reactions.

“What?! Seriously?!” Yoona exclaimed in shock while Seohyun just shook her head in amazement.

“Jessie’s been at their main office in Paris. She’s their marketing head over there. They recently promoted her as CEO of their office here in Korea. She’s that good. Jessica Choi is Blanc’s hidden treasure you know. ” Yuri added with a proud smile.

“You’ll meet her later. And Krystal too! Those two will be down here in a while.” Yuri added.

“Oh, so they’re the cousins who were still sleeping earlier, right?” Sunny asked which earned her a nod from the Chois.

“Speaking of Jess and Krys.. Hey you two! Glad you could finally join us!” Sooyoung exclaimed which made everyone snap their heads towards the mansion’s direction.

They saw two gorgeous ladies approaching them with such elegance. They couldn’t help but stare in awe and curiosity. The most curious of them all were Soojin and Donghae who were standing next to each other.

Jessica and Krystal… why do you two look so familiar? Donghae thought to himself. His musings was interrupted when he felt Soojin’s tight grasp on his arm.

The look on Soojin’s face could not be painted. A flood of emotions washed over her. Tiffany and Taeyeon looked at their dongsaeng with great worry. Donghae held Soojin closer. Heechul sensed Soojin’s anxiety. Everyone (HDCs) except Taeyeon, Donghae, Tiffany, and Heechul were oblivious to Soojin’s situation.

“Jin-ah..” Donghae began but was cut short when Soojin telepathically conversed with him, Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Heechul.

“I’m okay. Just felt a surge of the HD energy. I just need a minute.” She lied to them. Fortunately for her, they bought it since she used her Hae Dal power to cover up her energy, including her emotions.

The Chois were excitedly and anxiously observing everyone’s reaction. They began to worry when they saw Soojin’s confused look.

After what seemed to be an eternity for Soojin, the two ladies finally arrived and were standing in front of them wearing their gorgeous smiles. Seunghyun moved towards the two and introduced them to the group.

“Guys, I would like to introduce you to our ever-so-gorgeous cousins, Jessica and Krystal.”

Everyone was stunned for a while. No one was moving until Heechul decided to break the ice and introduced himself and everyone else. Tiffany decided to help out and thankfully broke the awkward atmosphere.

The last to introduce themselves were Donghae and Soojin, who were standing at the back of the group. Jessica and Krystal moved towards them while the rest of the group stood behind them. Fortunately, by then, Soojin was able to compose herself and put on a calm and happy face despite the turbulent feeling she’s experiencing. 

“Hi. Nice to meet you Jessica-ssi. I’m Donghae.” Donghae said as he felt butterflies in his stomached when he shook hands with Jessica.

Why do you look familiar? Why do I feel like I’ve seen you before? Donghae thought to himself and then introduced himself to Krystal. Unbeknownst to him and everyone else, Jessica was on the verge of tears when her hands touched Donghae’s.

“Last but not the least, our princess, this is Jung Soojin.” Donghae introduced Soojin, who was standing behind him, mind still not completely back on earth.

“Jin-ah..” Donghae said as he put an arm around Soojin. This brought her back to her senses and she instinctively bowed to the two ladies.

“Annyeonghaseyo! Jung Soojin-imnida!” She blurted which surprised everyone. They couldn’t help but laugh at their dongsaeng.

“What’s with the sudden formality Soojinnie? Hahahahaha. Don’t worry Jessie and Krys don’t bite.” Seunghyun said with a laugh.

“Yah! You two. You’re scaring the kid. Restrain the ice princess aura!” Sooyoung teased the sisters.

Taeyeon, Tiffany, Heechul and Donghae looked at Soojin curiously. She snapped out of her confused state and began to laugh, to cover up her confusion.
“Hahahahahhaa. Mian. I guess I was too star struck. You guys were too! Anyway, hi unnies! I’m so glad to meet you. I hope we can all be great friends. Damn you’re both gorgeous.” Soojin remarked with a grin.

This made the two chuckle in amusement. Their hearts smiling with glee.  

“Nice to meet you too Soojin-ah. We’re really glad to finally meet you.”  Jessica replied with a very bright smile as she reached out a hand to Soojin.

“I don’t do handshakes with friends.” Soojin said seriously, surprising Jessica and Krystal. The HDCs and the Chois curiously watched them. Suddenly, Jessica and Krystal were caught off guard and had stunned looks on their faces which immediately turned into bright smiles up to their ears. They were crushed in a hug by their little sister.

“I do hugs instead.” Soojin brightly said.