Chapter Forty-eight (1/1)

A panicked Jeonghan opened Seungcheol's car door before the car was turned off.  He ran up to Vernon and looked at his swollen finger.  "Are you okay?  Have you treated it yet?"  He asked, holding the boy's cheek. "I'm fine, dad.. just tired."  Vernon said slowly.   Jeonghan kissed the boy all over until he heard the familiar bike noise.  He turned his head and glared at Wonwoo.  "Where were you?!"  He asked in anger as he let Minghao take Vernon back into the house. "I.. there was an urgent thing.."  Wonwoo looked down.  "I take full responsibility, I put Mingyu in charge.  I forgot how busy he was with his paper.."  He bowed his head. Jeonghan clenched his fist yet again today.  "Mingyu, what did you find on the cameras?"  Seungcheol asked as they all went into the house. "Someone came over and went into Jun's room while I was evacuating everyone.  The person held Jun's mouth and injected something into his arm to make him sleep."  Mingyu answered. "They escaped out the back while we were on the driveway, they're off of the property."  He continued. Seungcheol held his chin.  "Inject.. sounds like a hospital."  He thought aloud. Jeonghan widened his eyes.  "You don't think that could have been one of Tae's parents, right?"  Jeonghan asked in a shaky voice. The children look at each other in concern.  "Were they at the trial?"  Hoshi asked. "No, neither of them were."  Seungcheol answered.  "I think we need to contact someone who knows those parents well before we go over there asking questions."  He said. Jeonghan nodded.  "That would be Jaemin.."  He sighed.  "I'll ask Josh to invite him over tomorrow.  We need to cool down before making any more decisions."  He let Vernon jump on his lap and drift to sleep. "Wonwoo, was that urgent thing taken care of?"  Jeonghan asked in a sigh. The quiet male nodded.  "Good.."  Jeonghan put his head back on the couch.

Seungcheol watched them.  His heart was beating like crazy.  He went up to Jun's room to have a look around.  My Juni, give me a sign of who did this.  You're my smart, martial artist.  Please give me a clue.  He moved things around and spotted something on the floor. Part of the paper was sticking out from underneath Jun's bed.  The words written were, "2M4J."

***

"Obviously, who wrote this means ₩2M for Jun."  Jaemin said, looking at the paper.  "And who else would be wanting money that's coincidentally the same amount as the bail?  They didn't see anything wrong that Taeyong did."  He said, handing the evidence back to Jeonghan. Jeonghan nodded.  "That would make sense."  He replied before sucking on the beverage Jaemin prepared for him. "So you and I are going to get my baby back."  He said. Joshua looked at him in disbelief.  "Excuse me?  Why is he going?"  He asked, folding his arms.  "Jaemin knows Taeyong's house front to back.  We need to find Jun."  Jeonghan replied. Seungcheol sighed.  "Bring the money with you.  Don't steal Jun without giving the payment."  He instructed.

"But they stole Jun.  Why should we give them so much money?"  Jeonghan asked angrily. "I want my Jun.  I don't care if I have to work all day and night to get him back."  Seungcheol stood up in anger, causing other people at the cafe to glare at them.

Jaemin nodded and stood up.  "They most likely haven't done anything bad to Jun.  They don't want to get into that much trouble."  He guessed.  "I'll get my car ready.  Josh, stay here and work."  He put a hand on Joshua's shoulder. "But the machine-" "You can do it."  Jaemin said softly, leaning in to kiss Joshua's cheek.  Jeonghan looked away as the two whispered for another couple seconds.  He looked at Seungcheol and took the envelope that he had.  "It's a lot of money.." "I have so much more love for Juni."  He whispered, holding Jeonghan close in a hug.  "I don't know if I could last another day knowing he's not okay."  Jeonghan wiped a tear before pulling away.  "Okay, you're coming along too."  He decided last minute.  "I want you to be outside for us."  Seungcheol looked at the table and nodded.  "I'll tell Hoshi to manage things."  He took his phone out.  "You go get settled in the car."

Jeonghan obeyed and went out of the building.  He looked around and spotted the car.  He sat inside and looked at Jaemin in the next seat.  "Cheol's coming along.."  He muttered. The younger nodded and put his hands together in his lap.  "I'm sorry that you have to deal with Tae's family still.."  He said. "It's not your fault,"  Jeonghan reached to hold the younger's hand, "you don't have to apologize for things you didn't do."  He said, feeling like he's talking to Seungcheol. The two made eye contact.  "You'll be good to my son, right?  You'll.. treat him like glass..?"  Jeonghan whispered. "The finest piece of glass, Sir."  Jaemin smiled back. "You two have.. had sex, right?"  Jeonghan asked.  "Was he in pain?  Did he enjoy it?"  He knew he was asking personal questions; however, they're questions that have been on his mind since he heard about them. Jaemin looked down.  "I was the most careful as I could be,"  He said, "he was smiling the whole time."  He continued, feeling the older thumb his wrist.  "Please make it always like that.. oh, and wear protection."  Jeonghan requested.  "I'm not old enough to be a grandpa just yet."  He chuckled. "But.. we're guys, we can't get pregnant."  Jaemin said in confusion. Jeonghan laughed and took his hand back to flick the boy's thigh.  "Hey Lawyer Na,"  He started, "Cheol and I made love and looked at how many kids we have."  He teased. Jaemin blushed.  "Oh.. that makes sense."  He laughed nervously.  "I'll have to, uhm.. buy some stuff then."  He said. The car became silent as Seungcheol walked toward it.  He got in the back seat and looked at the two.  "Sorry that it took a little while.  So what's the plan?"  He asked, clicking the seatbelt on. "We drive to Tae's house,"  Jaemin started as he backed out of the parking space, "Mr. Yoon and I will go into the house while you move to my seat just in case we need to hurry out."  He continued as he looked through his rearview mirror.  "Of course I'll give you the keys before we get out." Seungcheol nodded.  "We'll find Jun first, and then we'll come out with him.  That's when you'll get out of the car and give the money to one of the parents."  Jaemin continued.

"Sounds good,"  Seungcheol sat back, "what are you expecting when you two go into the house?" Jaemin hummed as he watched the traffic.  "Most likely Mrs. Yeom will laugh and say she doesn't know who Jun is.  But then we'll say that we have the money and she'll get serious."  He guessed.  "Whether that's the case or not, we'll find Jun."  Jeonghan looked at the serious expression of the younger.  Strong and determined.  He nonchalantly looked back at Seungcheol and smiled.  Hardworking and soft.  He nodded and turned to look outside.  Time passes by and they make it to a big house with a humble garden in the front.  Seat belts were taken off and the changing of seats took place.  Jaemin looked down at Seungcheol.  "If we don't come out within fifteen minutes, there's probably something up."  He said.  "Right."

The two walk side-by-side up to the front door.  Even before he has a chance to ring the doorbell, they notice that the door is already cracked open.  Jaemin pushed the door open and kept his shoes on.  "Hello?"  Jeonghan called out. Jaemin looked around and saw no one was downstairs.  "There's no car in the driveway, so I'm guessing they're both still out."  He said, walking to the basement door.  "Tae and I play on the Switch in his basement.  It's sound proof, so he usually uses this room for when his parents have company.  Which is pretty often."  Jeonghan nodded and followed Jaemin down the steps.  They look around the basement.  Jeonghan instantly spots the giant flat screen along with the console plugged into it.  He ran his finger over the sleak Nintendo.  "Does Josh like to play often?"  He asked. "He loves playing.. but I think it's mostly because we were playing."  Jaemin answered, looking through some things to find any clues. "Sounds like Joshua,"  Jeonghan chuckled, "what about you?  Do you have fun?"  He asked. Jaemin shrugged.  "I'm horrible at it.. but I like watching Joshua have fun with it.  He's so cute when he's laughing."  The boy stopped moving to imagine. Jeonghan chuckled as he saw the boy's in-love eyes.  "I'm not too good either, maybe one day we can play and see who wins."  He suggested.

The younger looked at the other in shock.  "Hey.."  He noticed something behind Jeonghan.  "There's a door over here."  He pointed. Jeonghan turned to the wall and saw that there was, in fact, a door.  "Oh.. it blended in so well."  He straightened his posture. Trying to open it, he's left with failure.  "I guess we can wait until Mrs. Yeom gets here.."  Jaemin said, holding his hips.  "Or I could try breaking it down." Jeonghan chuckled.  "No offense, but you don't really look that muscular.  You and me are wimps together."  He poked the boy. Jaemin smirked and took his jacket off.  As he's stretching, his shirt goes higher, revealing the bottom of his abs and his arm muscles.  Jeonghan looked at him with wide eyes.  His tickling fingers lifted the shirt higher.  "Seriously, you're going on about how you're busy all the time.  How did you..?"  He looked back at the boy and put the shirt down. "Lots of work means lots of moving around."  Jaemin shrugged.  "Okay, stand back, Mr. Yoon."  He requested.

Jeonghan looked the male up and down.  One wrong thing and will Jaemin use those muscles to hurt my Joshua?  He thought with a concerned glare. The door was easily knocked down.  Inside, Jun lay on a blanket.  "Jun!"  Jeonghan rushed inside to pick him up.  "Are you okay?  Speak to me."  He held the younger. "Hun..gry.."  Jun said in a weak voice. "When we get home, you'll get a big plate of chicken.  No, you'll get the whole bag."  He promised.  "Come on."  He guided the younger out of the closet. Jaemin smiled and picked his jacket up.  He walked up the steps and tried opening the door.  He frowned when it was locked.  He went back down the steps and looked at the two slowly making their way.  "Hey, the door's locked." Jeonghan widened his eyes.  "We weren't alone in the house."  He realized.  "Break it down."  He instructed. Suddenly, their vision starts to get blurry.  Jun looked around and saw the gas filling the room.  "I know that smell.. it made me sleepy last night.."  He said, pointing at the clouds of gas. Jaemin held his head and stumbled down the rest of the stairs.  Jeonghan fell with the child and looked around, breathing heavily.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol looks at his watch to see it's been well past fifteen minutes.  About to get out of the car, he sees a car pull up to the driveway.  The male gets out of the car.  The male is big and strong.  Seungcheol swallows audibly, knowing he most likely shouldn't get into a fight with this man. The big male then bent down to examine one of the flowers.  He then looked back at Seungcheol.  The eye contact alone was scary.  The man then walked up to the car. "Yo,"  The man said with a smile, "what's going on, Dude?"  He asked. "I uhm.. my son, Jun.."  His sentences were broken up. "I'm Taeyang, Taeyong's father."  He introduced himself.  "What can I do with you, Bro?"  He asked nicely. Seungcheol took out the note from his jacket.  "I-I think you have my son, Sir."  He said.  "I'm Choi Seungcheol."  He bowed. Taeyang nodded and gave the note back to Seungcheol.  "It's the wife,"  He whispered, "she's always so protective over that kid, even though he does these stupid things."  He shook his head. "So Jun's in there?"  He whispered too. "Probably.. I'm sorry for all of this trouble, Bro.  With the trial and this.. shoot."  He cracked his neck.  "I'm assuming that you have a search party in there?"  He asked, looking back at the house. Seungcheol nodded.  "That's right, Sir."  He confirmed.  "They haven't come out and it's been awhile."  "You wait here, Bro. I'll go get them out."  He patted Seungcheol's shoulder. "Thanks.. Bro.."  Seungcheol watched the big man go into the house. Taeyang looked around and shook his head when looking at the woman.  "Taehee,"  He started, "get those kids out of the basement." "Why?!  Why should I?  My Taeyong did nothing wrong!"  She pouted.  He moved past the woman and looked at the gas gauge of the basement.  "You put them to sleep?"  He shook his head once more.  He turned off the gas and waited for the room to clear out. He went down as his wife was complaining to him.  He picked Jeonghan and Jun up first, bringing them out to the car.  Seungcheol got out automatically and helped the older male put the others in the back. "I'll be back with Jaemin in just a minute."  Taeyang said, going back inside. Coming back with Jaemin, Taeyang sighed.  "Sometimes it's difficult having a spouse who is so controlling."  Taeyang started, looking back at Seungcheol. "I know,"  He nonchalantly glared at Jeonghan, "but I kinda like it.."  He smiled. "No matter how many times they complain at us or slap us,"  Taeyang said. "We'll love them to the end."  Seungcheol finished.

Taeyang chuckled and patted Seungcheol's arm.  "You're doing well, Bro.  Don't stress too much."  He said. "Oh, the money."  Seungcheol remembered. "Ayy, I don't need any money."  He said.  "Taeyong can wait a little longer."  Seungcheol nodded and bowed.  "Thanks.. Bro."  He said.

Taeyang smiled and watched the male get into the car and leave.  He turned back to the front door to see the woman giving him a mad glare.  He chuckled and walked up to her. "Love you, Honey."  He leaned in to kiss her, but she pushed him away. "You'll be guarding the couch for a week."  She turned around and went inside. Taeyang knew better though.

*** Seungcheol parked in the driveway and looked at Jaemin who woke up not too long ago.  "Thank you for helping us out with getting Jun back."  Seungcheol said. The younger looked back at the two sleeping.  "I learned a lot from this mission,"  He started, "thank you."  He bowed. "You know, why don't you stay the night?"  Seungcheol offered.  "It's getting late, I don't like driving at night."  He said with a big smile. Jaemin was almost speechless.  "Are you sure?  I wouldn't be overstaying my welcome?"  He asked. "Ask your parents first, but I'd like you to stay."  Seungcheol patted Jaemin's shoulder.  "Help me get those sleeping babies inside."  He pointed.  Jaemin obeyed while Seungcheol went to open the front door.  Hoshi looked at the sleeping people before the boy with blonde hair.  He looked around and closed the front door after everyone was in. "Wonwoo's still out, but Josh is in the kitchen making dinner."  Hoshi informed. Seungcheol looked with a puzzled expression.  "What is Wonwoo up to?"  He asked. "He's out with his study partner,"  Hoshi answered, "they have another exam coming up in another class." Once the kitchen door was open, Seungcheol was surprised to see Joshua looking back at them.  He ran up to the younger boy and hugged him.  "Jae, you're okay.."  He got closer to the male.

Seungcheol gave them some space and sighed.  I'm beat..  He sat down at the table and put his head down, slowly falling asleep.   

I used Yeom Taehee, a character from Dear Fair Lady Gong Shim.

Actress, Kyeon Mi-ri

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