Chapter 17: Echoes of Deception

 The next morning, YN woke up early, her mind still buzzing with the previous night's events.

She moved through her morning routine in a haze, the weight of the secrets and the looming danger pressing down on her. She had to maintain her composure, act normal, and avoid drawing any suspicion. As she headed downstairs, she found the others already gathered in the kitchen.

Jungkook was at the table, sipping his coffee, and the rest were engaged in light conversation.

YN took a deep breath, putting on her best smile as she joined them. "Morning, everyone," she greeted, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil.

"Morning," Jungkook replied, giving her a warm smile. "Sleep well?" "Yeah, pretty well," YN lied, taking a seat and pouring herself a cup of coffee.

She glanced at Taehyung, who gave her a subtle nod, a silent reassurance that they were in this together. The morning passed uneventfully, with everyone busy with their own tasks. YN and Taehyung exchanged occasional glances, each understanding the need for patience and caution. It wasn't until late afternoon that they found another opportunity to talk.

While the others were occupied in the living room, YN and Taehyung slipped away to the garden, where they could speak without fear of being overheard.

"Any progress?" YN asked, keeping her voice low. Taehyung nodded. "I managed to get some information.

Jungkook's phone is encrypted, but Phoenix might be able to help us get around that. It'll take some time, though." YN bit her lip, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety. "Do you think we'll find anything useful?" "We have to try," Taehyung said, his expression determined. "Whatever Jungkook is involved in, we need to know."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps. They quickly turned to see Jungkook approaching, a curious look on his face. "What are you two doing out here?" he asked, his tone light but with an undertone of suspicion.

"Just getting some fresh air," Taehyung replied smoothly. "It's a nice day." Jungkook nodded, but his eyes lingered on them for a moment longer. "Well, we're about to start dinner. You should come inside."

"Sure," YN said, forcing a smile. "We'll be right in." As they walked back to the house, YN's heart raced.

They had to be more careful. Jungkook was already suspicious, and any misstep could jeopardize everything.

Dinner was a tense affair, with YN and Taehyung doing their best to act normal while keeping an eye on Jungkook. YN sat on the right side of the dining table, with Jin in front of her, followed by Suga, J-Hope, Taehyung, and Alex.

"I want to meet my friends today," YN said, taking a sip of water, trying to keep her tone casual.

"No, you can't go," Suga spoke up firmly, his eyes fixed on her.

"I'm not asking you; I'm telling him," YN retorted, her gaze shifting to Jungkook, her voice steady and authoritative.

Suga's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, Jungkook interjected. "Let her go, Suga," he said calmly, though his eyes held a warning. "If YN needs some time with her friends, it's fine. But," he added, turning to YN, "take someone with you. For safety."

YN nodded, grateful for Jungkook's intervention despite the conditions. "Fine. Taehyung, will you come with me?" she asked, trying to keep the situation under control.

Taehyung glanced at Jungkook, who gave a small nod. "Sure, I'll come," Taehyung said, his tone light but his eyes serious.

As they continued their dinner, the atmosphere remained strained. YN and Taehyung exchanged occasional glances, both understanding the need for caution. They had to make the most of this opportunity to gather information.

After dinner, YN and Taehyung prepared to leave. They walked to the car in silence, the weight of their mission heavy on their shoulders.

Once they were in the car and out of earshot, YN was about to speak when Taehyung suddenly put his hand over her mouth, silencing her. He glanced around the car, his expression serious, and then removed his hand.

"Of course, we'll go to your friends first," Taehyung said aloud, but his eyes conveyed a different message to YN.

She understood immediately and nodded subtly in acknowledgment. Taehyung was warning her that there might be a bug in the car, and they needed to proceed with caution.

"So, tell me the address," Taehyung continued, playing his part well.

YN quickly relayed the address to him, keeping her voice steady despite the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. As Taehyung drove, they kept their conversation light, discussing trivial matters to avoid drawing suspicion.

.

Taehyung parked the car in a secluded spot, away from prying eyes.He turned to YN, his expression serious.they were standing in the parking alot

"We have to be careful," he said quietly. "If Jungkook is monitoring us, he could be watching our every move."

"I know," YN replied, her voice determined

Taehyung nodded in agreement. "Let's stick together and keep our eyes open. And remember, if anything feels off, we leave immediately."

YN took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. With Taehyung by her side, she felt a surge of confidence. They would navigate this carefully, gathering whatever information they could without putting themselves in danger..

As they approached the gathering with YN's friends, she put on her best smile, concealing the tension simmering beneath the surface. Taehyung remained in the car as YN approached the door. She knocked lightly, and someone asked, "Who is it?"

"It's meeee," YN replied with a grin.

"Who are you, miss? You're at the wrong address," came Lisa's voice from inside.

"Drop the act," YN said playfully as she hugged her friend.

"Hey, heeey, who are you?" Lisa asked in confusion as YN entered, leaving Taehyung in the car for the moment.

"Hey, girls," YN greeted warmly. Jenny and Jisoo were engrossed in a movie, and Rose was coming out from the gym.

"Oh, you're alive! I thought you were handed over to the soil," Rose joked.

"Stop it, you guys. I was busy with some stuff," YN said, laughing along with her friends.

"What stuff?" Lisa asked, curious about YN's mysterious activities.

"Stuff is stuff," YN replied with a secretive smile, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere with her friends.

YN stayed with her friends for about an hour, enjoying their company and the sense of normalcy it brought. As she prepared to leave, she announced, "Guys, I need to go. I'll be back soon. Don't miss me too much," she teased with a smile.

"You just came after a long time and now you're leaving?" Jisoo protested, pouting playfully.

"I'll be back soon, I promise. Take care," YN reassured them, giving each of her friends a hug.

"Come back alive," Lisa joked, adding a touch of humor to the farewell.

With a final wave, YN left her friends' gathering and made her way back to the car where Taehyung was waiting. As she approached, she felt a mixture of relief and determination. They were one step closer to uncovering the truth, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Girls talk too much," Taehyung remarked with a chuckle as YN approached the car.

"Let's go meet her," YN said, her tone resolute as she got into the car. With Taehyung by her side, they drove off, ready to continue their mission with renewed determination.

"Sorry for making you wait for us," YN apologized, her face obscured by a mask.

"It's okay, I just arrived," the girl responded.

"We need backup from you," Taehyung clarified.

"Yes, sure, we're a team. It was difficult for me to join you guys, but I'll do my best. So, what's the plan?" the girl asked, eager to contribute.

Taehyung briefed her on the plan they had formulated, and now they were ready to put it into action. With everyone committed to their roles, they prepared to execute the plan with precision and determination.

"We need to go now, V, it's 9:30 pm," YN slowly whispered in his ear, her breath warm against his skin.

Taehyung nodded, acknowledging the urgency in her voice. He turned to their new ally. "Thank you for meeting us. Stay alert and stick to the plan," he instructed, his voice steady but filled with underlying tension.

Their ally, a girl whose face was mostly hidden beneath a hood, nodded firmly. "Got it. I'll be ready."

YN and Taehyung exchanged a brief, determined glance before slipping out of the cafe. The night air was cool, adding a briskness to their steps as they made their way back to the car. Once inside, Taehyung started the engine, and they drove off, the city lights blurring into a stream of colors around them.

As they drove, YN couldn't shake off the unease gnawing at her. They were delving deeper into dangerous territory, and every move had to be calculated perfectly. Taehyung's focus was unwavering as he navigated through the streets, the weight of their mission pressing down on both of them.