CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LEE TAEMIN

I got into my bed and pulled the blanket over my head. I took a deep breath and opened the book.

" Let's see what else is in here"

" It's June 2004 today. I was at the hospital with my wife earlier. We just had our first baby but I couldn't stay with her because I got a call from work. There was a client for us"

" I don't think I can do this anymore. I can't put my family in danger anymore. I think everyone is thinking the same thing too"

" A few of us have decided to live this hell hole for good. We have to survive. Byungchan, Mirae,Yoonmin,Jihyun and I have come up with a plan to escape these people. We've been gathering dirt and evidence against the company. They need to be exposed."

" I think we are being watched again. We'll have to lay low for a while. Tiger Corp is deeper than I thought. The company is backed up by some government officials, police and a lot of influential people."

" Byungchan has been acting very strange these past months. He probably just has a lot on his mind. The day of our escape keeps getting closer and closer "

" There are people watching us. I think they're getting suspicious. I really hope we make it out alive."

" We are all meeting at my house to finalize our plans. I can't bring myself to tell my wife about all the horrible things I have done. I can't even stand myself. Byungchan seems like a different person lately and I'm scared he might lose his way "

I tried to turn over but there were no more pages. It looked like the book was ripped. I checked the other book, but there was nothing. I looked through my bag and drawer, but still nothing.

I need to know what happened. What is Uncle Byung hiding?. I lay motionless for a while and soon fell into a troubled sleep.

KYUNG EUNSOO

My hands got shaky as I thought about meeting Taemin's uncle. I just can't wait to meet my father. I pulled the blanket over my head and closed my eyes but Taemin's face flashed in my mind. I pulled down the blanket and groaned as I ran my hand through my hair.

" What was I thinking? Why did I do that? When I standing so close to him, I couldn't control myself and I.....aaaargh "

I groaned and pulled the pillow over my face. Talking about Taemin. He seems a little too interested in this and I might be wrong, but I feel like there's something more. He's a little weird but he's a nice person. I'm probably just overthinking.

.....

I walked Minah to her school gate while trying to ignore her complaints about me picking and dropping her off at school.

" Oppa I still don't get why you are walking me to school. I'm not a little kid. It's embarrassing "

" I know"

" Since you know, can you stop? Everyone keeps calling me a baby"

" Whatever. See ya"

I said and left. While I was walking back to the shop, I kept getting a weird feeling. I felt like I was being followed. I peeked behind me and saw a man, a few feet away from me. I turned up into an alley and picked up a stick that was lying on the ground.

I held my breath and waited for him. I could see the shadow come closer and closer, so I tightened my grip and let out a deep breath. I could hear his footsteps now and soon enough, I saw him. I moved a little feet away and raised my hands in the air and got ready to attack. I breathed a sigh of relief when he kept walking forward. My heart was racing as I slumped to the ground. I guess I'm getting paranoid and crazy now.

I walked into the shop and saw Taemin behind the counter. I walked over to him trying to hide my nervousness. He was still wearing the necklace.

" Hey"

I said as I walked to the counter and leaned on it.

" Hi. How was your night?"

" It was fine. How about yours?"

" It was okay"

I gave him a small smile and went into the back room to see mum. I looked around the store but I couldn't find mum, so I went over to Taemin.

" Taemin do you know where my mum is?"

" Uhmmm...yeah. She went to get some groceries "

" Oh.....how long has she been gone? Did she tell you what store she was going to?"

" About thirty minutes. No she didn't tell me anything "

He said and walked over to me. He placed his hand over mine and looked at me.

" Relax Eunsoo. She'll be fine "

" I hope so"

" About YDG"

" Yeah?"

" I asked your mum if I could close early today and she agreed. Why don't we go there before meeting my uncle"

" Yeah totally. Let's do it "

" Okay "

I took a long look at him and asked the question on my mind.

" Why do you seem so interested in this? Some people would think you ate directly involved in it"

He moved his hand away from mine and slowly backed away from me.

" I have something to tell you but I need some time to come to terms with a few things first"

" Okay. Take your time. My father and the man he was framed for murdering used to be coworkers. Do you think we could get something if we asked the other men there?"

" I heard that the witnesses in his case, are his coworkers. If your dad is really innocent, it means Tiger Corp bought them over "

" Right. Asking them would be useless "

I walked over to Taemin and held him by his shoulders.

" You told me that I could trust you and now I do. I want you to trust me too. I won't pressure you to tell me and I'll wait until you're ready to talk to me"

" Thanks"

I sat on a stool facing the window, waiting for mum. I was so relieved when she finally walked in.

Taemin and I went to pick Minah from school after he closed. Before going, I told mum that I had something to work on with Taemin and that I would come home late, so she shouldn't wait for me. Taemin and I got on the bus and sat quietly. The bus ride to gangnam took only a couple of minutes and soon we were walking towards YDG. The closer we got to the station, the more nervous I became.

I glanced over at Taemin and he seemed even more nervous than I was. He looked really distressed and worried. I couldn't help but wonder what it was that he was keeping to himself. I didn't want to scare him away so I decided not to say anything. I was still staring at him when he suddenly turned towards my direction. I turned around almost immediately and I think I heard him giggle.

We stopped in front of a huge building and took a look around before going in. We walked straight to the receptionist in the lobby.

" Good evening "

I said while trying to sound as serious and urgent as possible.

" Good evening. How may I help you?"

" An aunt of mine used to work here,but she got fired two years ago. We haven't heard from her in a while and we are worried. Do you happen to have the staff profile for that year?"

" I'm sorry but I just started working here and besides staff information is private property "

" Just this one time. It's really urgent. Please "

" I'm sorry but I can't help you "

" Okay. Her name is Moon Hyejin. Can you check it yourself? We just need an address or cellphone number "

" I'm sorry but I can't "

" Please "

I said, while ignoring Taemin who kept nudging me. I felt really desperate in that moment.

" If you don't leave right now? I will have to call security "

" What's going on here?"

Taemin and I turned around to see who the newcomer was. She was a middle aged woman, dressed formally and neatly. The high ponytail accentuated her high cheek bones.

" Nothing ma'am. They were just leaving ". She said and glared at us.

" You're looking for Hyejin?"

....

I was uneasy as I sat across the woman we met earlier. Taemin looked uneasy too. The woman had invited Taemin and I to the cafe opposite,so we could talk.

" Why are you looking for Hyejin?"

" She's my aunt. We haven't heard anything from her for years now and we don't have her address or cellphone number either "

" If you are her family, why don't you know anything about her?"

" I don't know why but it seems she just didn't want anyone to find her or contact her "

" Right. Who is he?"

" He's my friend "

I replied as she pointed to Taemin.

" Well, Hyejin was my junior at work. She was very bright,cheerful and smart. Young,vigilant and fast but all of a sudden she became obsessed with that company, uhmmm.....Tiger Corp. She became paranoid and was always rambling about how the company was evil and exploiting it's workers. Even if her claims were true, there was no way she would have been able to take that company down. That company is owned by a very influential man. It may be low profile but it's backed up by very powerful people. I tried to talk to her but she was bent on exposing them. Our company didn't want any damage, so they let her go after she published that story. She published it secretly so the company used it as an excuse to fire her. There have been rumors of her that and I can only hope that they remain rumors"

" Do you have her address?"

" Yes....but she isn't there"

" Oh. I'll just have a look around and see if I can find anything helpful "

" Okay. I don't know why but before she left, she sent her keys to me. I still haven't been able to go there. I think her sister or someone left a small house in her name. This is the address and key"

" Thank you so much "

" I'm just doing what I should. No one wants to lose their family"

Taemin and I were bowed lightly before leaving the cafe. We boarded the bus and I looked at Taemin who seemed tired.

" At least we have a lead now"

He said with a smile. I smiled back while staring into his sparkling eyes

" We do. I can't believe it"

....

We got off the bus and headed for his house. Along the way, his phone started ringing.

" Hi mum. I'm on my way.....he's here too.....oh.....okay "

He said and placed it back into his pocket.

" Anything wrong?"

" No...she was just asking if we are close to the house "

" Oh okay"

....

His mum opened the door and ushered us in. She looked a little younger than my mum.

" Good evening mum "

" Good evening ma'am "

" Welcome dear. You're so handsome....what's your name?"

" My name is Eunsoo "

" What a nice name. My Taemin has great taste just like me"

She said, with a hearty laugh. My face felt hot and my ears were probably red. I looked at Taemin and smiled at the shy face he was making. He walked over to his mum and pulled her arm a little.

" Mum stop it...We're just friends"

"Whatever "

I sat on the sofa while Taemin and his mother set the table. I felt awkward just sitting there, but Taemin's mother wouldn't let me help.

Taemin came over and handed me a glass of juice before leaving. There was a knock on the door and Taemin ran over to get it.

LEE TAEMIN

I rushed over to the door and peeked out. Uncle Byungchan and his family were standing outside. I unlocked the door and greeted Uncle Byung and his wife, Aunt Jisoo. I patted my cousin's head and then pulled Uncle Byung aside.

" What is it?"

" Uncle Byung there is someone in there that wants to talk to you. No matter who you see in there promise me you won't react"

" What's going on?"

" Just promise me "

" Okay fine. I promise "

We walked into the living room and saw Eunsoo carrying Taeri. She is seven years old but still likes being carried. I turned around and looked at Uncle Byung.

" Uncle Byung.....Trust me"

"Are you crazy? You brought him to your home?"

" I'm not crazy. I have everything under control "

" Really? How could you be stupid enough to trust him?"

" And I can trust you?"

" What does that mean?"

" Nothing. Please just play along "

I said and walked away. I walked towards Eunsoo who seemed to be getting along my aunt and Taeri. Everyone was seated at the table and dinner was going great. Uncle Byung still looked uncomfortable and kept stealing glances at Eunsoo. I was sure Eunsoo noticed Uncle Byung's uneasiness as well. After dinner, Eunsoo and I went up to my room with Uncle Byung.

" Taemin what is all this about?"

" This is my friend Eunsoo. His father is the man in your current case"

" Good evening sir. I was wondering if it would be possible to help me see my father. I went there last time but they wouldn't let me see him. It's really urgent. Please. "

" He's awaiting trial so we were ordered not to let any visitors in. I'm sorry"

" Sir please my father is innocent. Just let me see him once. Please sir"

" I'm sorry "

" Uncle Byung....please.....just once"

" Taemin you should know better than this. I can't break the rules "

Uncle Byung walked out of the room, leaving Eunsoo and I there. I looked at Eunsoo and his eyes glistened with the tears he held back. His hands were in a fist as he stared into thin air.

" Taemin....what do I do?

I walked over to him and held his hands in mine.

" I just want to do something to help him ". He said.

I moved closer and hugged him tightly.

" You're doing everything you can. It's my fault. I should have spoken to my uncle before letting you meet him "

I felt him wrap his hands around me as I patted his back.

" I should go "

He said and gently pushed me away from him. He gave me a small smile and left. I was going downstairs when I heard a sound coming from mum's room. I could hear mum talking downstairs so I walked over to the door slowly. I opened the door and was taken aback.

" Uncle Byung "

" Oh...Taemin "

" What are you doing here uncle?"

" I was looking for a phone charger "

" They are downstairs. Uncle Byung is there absolutely nothing you can do to help him?"

" I don't want to talk about this "

" Uncle.....

" Stop. Have you packed up your dad's things?"

" Yes.....we did it a while ago "

He looked nervous and kept looking around the room.

" Did you keep them somewhere or did you burn them?"

" We kept them somewhere. Why would we burn them?"

" Oh....uhmmm...where did you keep them? I want to have a look"

" Okay. But first can we talk about my friend? He came all this way....can't you just try to help him? Please "

" Do you have any clue what you're saying? Why do you care about the man who killed your father? Don't you think about your family.Do you think your father would be pleased?"

" That man is innocent. My father would not be pleased if he knew the real murderers are still out there"

" You're being delusional. You are hanging around the son of the man who murdered your father. If you really trust that boy, why didn't you tell him who you really are?"

" I do trust him. I'm just waiting for the right time to tell him"

" Listen....I'm just trying to protect you"

" By keeping things from us?"

" What are you talking about?"

" It's nothing "

" Let's not talk about this again "

" We think Tiger Corp has something to do with this case "

" Tiger Corp?"

" Yes Uncle Byung. Have you heard about that company before?"

" I've come across that name before but not for anything serious "

" Oh.....Okay"

He was definitely hiding something very big. Uncle Byung and I walked out of the room and I almost bumped into someone. I looked up and just stared at the questioning eyes of the person before me. It wasn't supposed to happen like this.

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