[PRESENT TIME]
April 3, 2023, 3:11 am Minhyuk's Settlement, Daegu, South Korea.
"And... that's how you found me."
Jihyo and Zeke sat quietly side by side on a curb in front of their makeshift apartment. It's been at least 5 minutes since Jihyo finished telling her story, and Zeke was still at loss for words. He couldn't imagine how Jihyo survived that ordeal--- losing a close friend and forced to survive in a wasteland that bears no hopes or promises.
Jihyo began to cry silently as Zeke looks down. These thoughts have been tormenting her so much that for days, she couldn't sleep. Not that it was a strange occurrence, anyway---she had nights like these when she was a trainee, and even more when she became an idol. But then, this was different. This wasn't just because of fatigue or tiredness, but because of loss, and the fear of the unknown ahead of her.
But then, opening up all those bottled emotions to Zeke gave her relief, somehow. He didn't ask questions nor react to what she said; he was just there, listening attentively to her every word until it was over. Sure, it wouldn't probably stop her from feeling the bad things again in the future, but at least, she had already let go of most of them.
After minutes of sobbing, Jihyo took a deep breath and wiped her tears.
"Look, I'm sorry I made you all worry." Jihyo continued. "I just... my miss my friends and family, that's all. And I also wish I could've done better to save Mina. I wish I could've done a lot more.."
"Oh, no. You don't have to say sorry, alright?" Zeke replied. "It's what you feel. You don't have to force yourself to be okay if you feel you aren't. Try to take it easy on yourself."
"I... guess you're right," Jihyo replied. "I've been hard on myself lately because of what happened... and Vesper's words made it much worse."
"Just feel what you have to feel, alright? I'll just be here with you. I'll assist you in your journey. Because I'm your friend, after all, and that's how friends do it!" Zeke said.
Jihyo looks at him. She remembers a time where Zeke was still shy around her. And now... he was there, smiling at her, confident in his words.
Zeke suddenly yawns.
Jihyo giggles. "Tee-hee, you're sleepy now, aren't you? I'm sorry, I'm not going to keep you here any longer. You need some rest now." Jihyo said.
"I think so.." Zeke chuckled as he stretched his arms. "You going to sleep as well?"
"In a bit. I just need more time to think about things." Jihyo replied as she looked at Zeke.
"Alright. If you don't need anything else, I'm off to bed." Zeke said as he slowly stood up.
"Uh, Zeke?" Jihyo said.
"Yeah?" Zeke replied, looking at Jihyo with sleepy eyes.
"Thank you for being here with me," Jihyo said as she smiled.
Zeke smiles back. "Yeah, you're welcome. See you tomorrow--- I mean, later." He then slowly heads back to his sleeping bag and drifts off to sleep almost immediately.
Jihyo on the other hand was still sitting on the curb, trying to contemplate things even further. Somehow, she felt that everything was alright once more, as she closed her eyes and just tried to feel the cold breeze in peace. She just opened to someone after two months, and for some reason, she felt it was the right thing to do.
Zeke wakes up a few hours later. He checked the time: 10:08 am.
He looks around their apartment. Jihyo and Seojun weren't in their sleeping bags anymore. They must be in the training area already.
Zeke goes out and walks to the place where they do their training, only to find out they weren't there as well.
"Strange.." Zeke thought. "Where are they...?"
He then sees Hangyeol, patrolling the area with a few guards.
"Hey, Hangyeol!" Zeke waved.
"Oh, Zeke! Hello! What's going on?"
"Nothing much. Have you seen Jihyo and Mr. Seojun?" Zeke asks.
"I honestly don't know.." Hangyeol replied. "They should've been here hours ago for the training session, but they have yet to arrive. They didn't go out either, so I assume they're just around here somewhere."
"I see. Thanks, Hangyeol." Zeke said as he went around, trying to find Seojun and Jihyo.
His search eventually leads him to a tailoring stall as he sees Seojun and Jihyo casually talking and laughing while waiting for something.
He sees that Jihyo was seemingly telling Seojun a funny story.
"...and then, I told the fan.. "You sure? Can you handle me though?" and then she touched my hand and said, "I'm handling you now, Jihyo-ssi!" and I just... lost it." Jihyo said as she continued to laugh.
"Hoho... I guess she got you good, hmm?" Seojun replied.
"Goodness, I should come up with a new comeback one of these days... ONCEs are clever and sometimes it scares me..."
Jihyo soon notices Zeke coming towards them.
"Oh, look. He's here. Good morning, Zeke!" Jihyo waved at him. She looked okay, without any trace of sadness from last night.
"Goodmorning." Seojun smiled.
"Good.. morning?" Zeke was confused as he scratched his head. "I don't get it. Aren't you supposed to be training right now..?"
"We didn't train today. Jihyo asked for a day off." Seojun chuckled. "You slept a lot. I assume you didn't get enough sleep last night?"
Zeke and Jihyo eyed each other as they both smiled. "Yeah, I guess so." He said as he looked at the tailoring shop. A man---who seems to be the tailor---comes out, bringing a short stack of clothes.
"Jihyo-ssi, they're all fixed now. Here you go!" The man said.
"Ah, yes, yes, kamsahamnida!" Jihyo said as she took the stack of clothes from the tailor. She looks at each one of them and pulls out her "IT'S LIT" hoodie from the stack.
"So this is where you took our torn clothes," Zeke said.
"Yep!" Jihyo replied as she wore her hoodie and turns to the tailor. "Ah, good as new! You're a remarkable tailor! I owe you a lot for this."
Zeke checked his clothes and was amazed at how it looked brand new.
"It's amazing how you managed to fix this. Thank you so much!" Zeke said as he takes his clothes from the stack.
"You are too kind, Jihyo-ssi, Zeke-nim. It's been a pleasure serving you two. Come again!" The tailor said as he smiled.
"So, Jihyo, since you're having a day off... Do you have any plans?" Zeke asked.
"Hmm... I plan to maybe... stroll around the settlement?" Jihyo replied. "I have to relax, for realsies... I've been so engrossed in training with my Manifest these past two weeks that I forgot to just.. unwind and feel the moment, you know?"
Seojun nodded. "A good rest is vital for any wielder. We could always resume training when you've rested."
"Yep! So, Zeke, wanna have a mini-adventure around the settlement?" Jihyo said.
"If that's what you want, then I'll go with it." Zeke smiled.
"Nice." Jihyo then looks at Seojun. "How about you, Seojun-nim? Do you want to join us?"
"I'll stay here, Ms. Jihyo. I'm quite interested in this tailor's handicraft and I would like to talk to him about it. Why don't you youngsters take off and enjoy the day?" Seojun said as he smiles.
"Alright, see you later, Seojun-nim!" The two of them waved goodbye and begun leisurely walking around.
Jihyo soon spots a stall in the distance--- a liquor stall.
"Hey, hey, Zeke. Let's buy some drinks first!" Jihyo said as she pointed at the liquor stall.
"Wha... Are we going get an alcoholic drink?" Zeke replied. "And in this hour, even?"
"Dummy. We are just going to order sodas right now. I promised myself I'm NOT going to drink again for a good while. Remember the last time I did that? Instant regret, Zeke. Instant regret." Jihyo said as she held her temples.
Zeke tried to remember.
He remembers that there were alcoholic beverages at her surprise birthday party. And while Jihyo was known to have a high tolerance to alcohol, somehow, she still got drunk---probably due to how strong the alcohol was. He witnessed her get so drunk until 5 am that day. And what's worse, the drunk TWICE member almost slashed her birthday cake in half, full-force, using the Seraphim, which could've significantly damaged the whole apartment they were in on.
Minhyuk and Seojun were already asleep, and Minji was too drunk to stop her, but fortunately, Hyungwon and Zeke were sober enough to calm her down.
"Yup. Nope." Zeke shook his head as he chuckled. "Alright, Alcohol-Free morning it is."
Jihyo groans as they walked towards the liquor stall.
Its shelves were filled with all sorts of liquors, but there are some non-alcoholic beverages as well.
"Hello? Anybody around?" Jihyo said, looking around the stall.
"Oh, hello! Jihyo, Zeke!" the man who owns the store waves.
"Hi! I believe we owe you a visit. I'm sorry I declined yesterday." Jihyo smiled. "Two sodas, please!"
"Definitely!" The liquor stall owner replied as he took two sodas from the cooler behind him and gives them to Zeke and Jihyo. "It's in the house. Enjoy!"
Zeke and Jihyo thanked the liquor stall owner and went on their way.
While Zeke and Jihyo continued walking, they notice Minji seated alone, on a high chair at the far end of the district wearing headphones. She had her eyes closed and was tapping her hands on her lap as she sings and hums.
"...Tryin' to live without your love
Is one long sleepless night...
Let me show you, girl...
That I know wrong from right.."
Zeke and Jihyo's eyes widen as they never heard Minji's singing voice before. It seemed like it was a mix of both Nayeon and Sana's vocals: cute, yet powerful.
They inch closer to her, and Minji continues to sing, not noticing the two coming closer.
"....Every street you walk on...
I leave tear stains on the ground...
Following the girl...
I didn't even want around...
Let me tell yo-"
Minji opens her eyes and sees Zeke and Jihyo's wide grin. She blushes and nearly falls off her seat.
"WAH! Zeke-nim... Jihyo-ssi! I... I'm..." Minji stuttered.
"Let me tell you now..?" Jihyo sings.
Minji's eyes widen.
"...Go on, continue!" Jihyo said as she began snapping her fingers. Zeke follows by beatboxing to the rhythm of the song she was singing: "I Want You Back".
Jihyo then looks at Minji and encourages her to continue.
Still shy, Minji continues the song, with Jihyo acting as the second vocal.
MJ: ...Oh baby all I need is one more chance...
JH: Show you that I love you!
MJ: Won't you please let me...
JH: Back to your heart!
MJ: Oh darlin' I was blind to let you go...
JH: Let you go, baby!
MJ: But now since I see you in his arms...
JH and MJ: I WANT YOU BACK~
Minji finishes, and she giggles. Jihyo and Zeke smile at her.
"I didn't know you could sing so well!" Jihyo said as they clapped for Minji. "I never heard you sing ever since we came here. You didnt even sing on my birthday!"
"Eh... That's because... I... I'm not confident enough with singing, honestly." Minji replied. "I just think it's bad, and I might hit the wrong notes, so I just sing whenever I'm alone."
"I don't think it's bad at all." Jihyo smiled. "It's amazing! I think, given a chance, you'd probably be a K-Pop idol, you know?"
"I agree with Jihyo, Minji," Zeke said. "Your voice is amazing. K-Pop level amazing.
"I... eh?!" Minji blushed hard. "That's... too much, but, thank you..." Minji shyly smiles. "I was planning to audition this year, but... y'know..."
Minji's stomach suddenly growls. She holds her stomach in embarrassment.
"Oh, our little singing angel is hungry! Do you wanna grab a bite at one of the food stalls?" Jihyo said.
"Sure... If it's okay." Minji replied.
"Of course it is! Come on. My treat." Jihyo said as they walked towards the food stalls in the settlement and ordered some sandwiches.
While they were eating, Jihyo pops a question all of the sudden.
"Minji, who's your bias? I'm just curious to know." Jihyo asked.
"For me? It's Tzuyu!" Minji replied. "She's just so.. talented and elegant, you know? Like every time she performs, she can do it so well, and consistently, too! And, and.. every time she sings, it's heaven and its soooo dreamy and, and.."
"You're fangirling," Zeke said as they all laugh.
"Well, you can't blame me! I love Tzuyu. Everybody loves Tzuyu!" Minji declared.
Zeke and Jihyo nods and makes sounds of agreement.
"How about you, Zeke? Who's your bias?" Jihyo asked.
"Ah... Uhm.." Zeke suddenly blushed as he turned away.
Jihyo chuckled. "Well? Every ONCE has their own bias, you know. So.. who's the lucky TWICE member?" She said as she teased Zeke even further.
"Can I just... whisper it to you?" Zeke shyly said.
"Hey, no fair!" Minji exclaimed. "I should know too, I've already told you mine!"
"Life is unfair." Zeke laughs as Minji pouts. Zeke whispers to Jihyo's ear, and she gasps in shock.
"REALLY? Hehe. Can't blame you." Jihyo smiled. "She's fun to be with, and she's caring, too."
"Y-yeah." Zeke smiled.
"Yie." Jihyo teased him.
"Come on, don't do this to me." Zeke blushed even further.
"Okay, okay, I'll stop," Jihyo said, giggling. "Well, how about Hyungwon? Does he have a bias, Minji?"
"Well, my brother is more of an ITZY stan, specifically, he talks alot about Ryujin the most. But I think, in TWICE, his bias is you?" Minji giggled.
"Really? You seem so unsure." Jihyo chuckles.
"I have yet to confirm, honestly. The first time he saw you in person, he was awestruck. He just doesn't show it, because he's usually the quiet type between the two of us. But goodness, he talks about you almost every day as soon as it's just me and him. Like how gorgeous you are and how talented you wield your Manifest..." Minji laughs. "I asked him if you're his bias but he just blatantly denies. It's obvious... that pabo..."
"Well, I didn't know that," Jihyo said. "I haven't talked to him much in my stay here because he's always on the expedition, or researching about Koul'in tech. Don't worry, when we all have free time, I'll talk to him more often!"
"YAY!" Minji cheered. "Just.. don't tell him I told you. Hehe." She said as she winked.
As they continued to chow down on their delectable meals, Jihyo notices Minhyuk walking towards them.
"Oh, hi Minhyuk-nim!" Jihyo said while chewing her sandwich.
Zeke and Minji waved at him.
"Hello, you three." Minhyuk smiled. "How are you all?"
"Haven't had sleep but I'm good," Zeke said.
"All good as well. I just needed the rest right now so I canceled training." Jihyo said.
"I have nothing to do, so I just hung out with Zeke and Jihyo-ssi," Minji said.
"That's good. I am here because I would like to have a word with you all." Minhyuk replied. "It's regarding the Koul'in activity in Daegu, and we all need to discuss this."
"Oh, that's good. Yes, yes, let's discuss it now." Jihyo replied as she finished off her sandwich.
Minhyuk sits next to them and brings out his tablet.
"Hyungwon and his men have been scouting the nearby areas for high anomalous activity ever since your run-in with a Koul'in general two weeks ago. And Hyungwon had some shocking discoveries."
He then shows a map of Daegu, with a few pinned areas marked near and far from the settlement's location--- five in total.
"These are...?" Zeke asked.
"These are places where Hyungwon's team suspected high concentrations of recent Koul'in activity. There are a lot of them, as you can see, and we still don't know if these contain threats that need to be neutralized or not."
"Hold on..." Zeke said. "You said high concentrations of Koul'in activity, right, Mr. Minhyuk? Does that mean that those places could contain valuable information that we can use against the Koul'in itself?"
"They could be anything, actually. Resources, settlements, Koul'in hideouts containing the enemies and their captured survivors... possibly even unrecovered Manifests." Minhyuk replied.
"Enemies, huh... So the Koul'in themselves are definitely around now." Jihyo muttered.
"...If that's true then... that means..." Zeke looks at Jihyo.
"...there could also be a possibility that Mina is in one of these areas." Jihyo continued.
"Correct," Minhyuk replied.
Jihyo felt hopeful and a bit more confident. She now had intel on her fingertips, and nothing was going to stop her from finding Mina this time.
It will be a tedious task, however, considering that each marker on the Daegu map may contain threats that they'll have to deal with, and Mina might not be in any of these areas, as well.
But she wasn't taking any chances.
Jihyo takes a deep breath.
"We should handle it for you, Minhyuk-nim," Jihyo said. "Let Zeke and I explore these areas and see if they're safe, and if they aren't, we'll take care of them."
"Are you sure, Jihyo? Even with your Manifest, it's dangerous out there. It's a matter of life and death, we can't let you deal with this alone." Minhyuk replied.
"Zeke and I have done this before, Minhyuk-nim. And besides... we can't risk a lot of people in missions like these. It's too... risky risky, if I may." Jihyo replied, smiling at her own pun.
"Oh my god.." Zeke groaned.
"Tee-hee. Anyway, Minhyuk-nim... you've been doing a lot for this settlement, and your men are already doing the scouting. Let us handle the bigger things. We'll ask for backup if we need to." Jihyo added.
"Yeah, same sentiments here. I know being the leader of this settlement is a really hard job. Trust me, Mr. Minhyuk, I've seen worse. And by worse, I mean my workplace back in the Philippines. Leave it to us!" Zeke said.
"Wow... you seem confident this time, Zeke. I'm proud of you!" Jihyo smiled at Zeke.
"It just seems like it," Zeke replied. "I'm still scared, you know."
"Me too, honestly," Jihyo replied.
Zeke and Jihyo chuckled as they set their eyes upon the pinned areas on the Daegu map.
"So, Zeke..." Jihyo spoke once more. "Where do you wanna go first?"