Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The flashing lights of the karaoke blinded your eyes. Songs from the queue blasting on the bar speakers. Sitting across from you was your friend, Seven.

You and the other RFA members planned this group meeting to have fun and celebrate the success of your recent party. V chose to opt out due to some personal reasons. Everyone else decided it’d be a fun get-together.

Once everyone arrived, it was clear they were all enjoying themselves, including yourself. Everyone singing their own personal favorite songs. All admittedly horribly so far, except Zen, but it was to be expected. It was also quite entertaining to catch Jaehee’s eyes sparkle while listening and watching Zen sing.

Amid the laughter and terrible renditions of pop songs, your mind began to drift. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, with your sudden involvement in a group you knew nothing about with complete and total strangers. You got along with Seven pretty fast and he was very fun to talk to. It was like he understood every little detail about you. The more you thought about it the more you felt your heart race.

“Hey, whatchu thinkin’ about?” Seven tilted his head, eyebrow raised and finger poking your head.

“Nothing! Sorry just zoned out,” You snapped back returning from your trance.

Zen finished his song and turned to Yoosung

“Yoosung, it's your turn!” Zen said enthusiastically handing him the microphone.

“What!? Already? Ugh… are you sure?”

“A hundred and ten percent. Go!”

Yoosung reluctantly took the mic and started to sing. You thought he was going to sing pretty badly but surprisingly his singing was actually okay. He had a few voice cracks and Zen chuckled at each of them. Yoosungs face would turn red every time.

After the song was over he put the mic down on the table and sat down quickly.

“Yoosung! It wasn’t bad at all. Stop feeling so embarrassed. Mine was way worse.” You said with a reassuring smile,  with meaning behind every word.

His eyes lit up “Really? I..I mean I don't think yours was bad at all! Mine was just-”

“Of course it was, plus it’s not like you’re an actor like Zen. It's part of his job and the rest of us aren’t exactly the best singers,” you said energetically.

“You’re right! Anyway.. whose turn is it next?”

Jaehee chimed in, “I believe it's…” Jaehee let out a sigh before saying, “Luciel’s turn…”

“Haha! It’s the master’s turn to sing next!”

Seven stood up and snatched the microphone with finesse and sang in such a way the other membered cringed and looked like they wanted to face palm.
Listening to Seven Sing was one of the oddest experiences. It was so horrible but at the same time entertaining to the point where you wished for an encore.

You exclaimed, “One more song Seven! Your fans beg of thee!”

“My…fans?!….Well! Who am I to deny them?”

Seven opened his mouth as to sing but Jumin suddenly got up and snatched the mic from Seven’s hands and said, “I think we’ve heard enough from you.”
“Assistant Kang, it's almost 11:00 correct?” said Jumin looking at his watch.

“Yes Mr. Han, it is time for us to leave.” Jaehee proclaimed as she started to gather up her and his things.

“Aw, can’t you guys stay? Just for like 15 more minutes?” You groaned.

“My apologies but I cannot leave Elizabeth the 3rd alone with the sitter any longer. I must go ensure she is getting her beauty rest.”

“I can feel myself wanting to sneeze. I don’t understand what the fuss is with that furball.” Zen said annoyed 

“Do not disrespect Elizabeth the 3rd her fur is as soft as silk and somebody like you wouldn’t ever understand,” Jumin said disapproving of Zen’s comment.

Seven shot up and gleamed, “I can understand so can I go?? I want to see Elly again!”

“No as I've said before, we have a restraining order against you and I will not hesitate to contact the police.”

“Aw, well I can make do with photos of her. She is so cute!” Seven pouted while pulling up photos of his “Elly”

“We should get going Assistant Kang I cannot stand being away from her a second longer,” Jumin said before getting up and walking toward the door.

“Very well sir,” Jaehee said joining him.

“We will see each other again. Until then.” They left the Karaoke room.

“I should probably get going too, I need to study my lines for an upcoming role I have soon.”

“So do I,” Yoosung said 

“Yoosung you’re not an actor. You don't have lines.” You chuckled

“No, I meant I have to get going too.” 

“Wait why?” Seven curiously asked

“I want to get home and play LOLOL there's a dungeon that's opening soon,” Yoosung said lost in a trance thinking about gaming.

“Everyone's leaving.” Seven said jokingly.

Everyone was leaving and you weren’t sure if you wanted to be alone with Seven. It wasn’t that he seemed odd... far from it. You kept glancing back to Seven and each time he smiled, your heart skipped. Not because of his usual jokes but because of something quieter. It caught you off guard and you turned away before he could lock eyes with you and see the blush creeping up your cheeks.

“See you guys.” Zen said snapping you out of your trance

“Yeah see you!” you and Seven said

And then it was just you and Seven in the room.
Seven sat up and said “So.. wanna have a drink with me real quick, I'll take you back to your place after. It's just us now and we might as well take advantage of the hour we have left of this reserved room”

“Sure! I could use a drink.” You could use a drink. Maybe it would loosen the tension you could feel between the two of you. Maybe it’d serve as a way of getting to know him better. You did only talk in the chatrooms and he never really talked about himself.
 
He grabbed a bottle of soju and two glasses. He poured you each a glass, and after taking a sip you looked up and said, “ Seven?"
 
"Yeah?"
 
"Would you tell me a bit about yourself? I feel like I know you but don't know you at the same time. I'm curious to know about the person I'm spending all this time with."
 
"I guess I'm just a man of mystery. I'd rather keep on being mysterious and leave you wondering haha."

"I don't like playing guessing games! Indulge me just this once? Pretty please!" You leaned forward batting your lashes jokingly.
 
"Uhh...Honestly, I'd think it's better if you didn't know, but if you must, you should know that I love honey Buddha chips and Dr. Pepper. Remember that for my birthday! It's June 11th so save the date!" he said winking.
 
"I mean something... deeper?"
 
"Oh my... deeper?" Seven teased, placing a hand dramatically over his chest, but his act faded quickly. He turned the bottle of soju slowly in his hands, eyes avoiding yours "Well... I guess I do have a few secrets.
 
"Seven," you said softer this time. "You know that you can tell me anything..."
His smile faltered for a second.
 
"You already know too much," he muttered, voice slightly lower now. "Knowing more won't help. It'll only make things worse for you. Just take my word for it."
 
You reached your hand across the table, fingers brushing his. "But I want to help because I care."

 "You should know that this is wrong and I'd only be putting you in danger."
 
"But then where's the room for your feelings? You care so much about not putting me in danger yet you ignore and hurt your feelings in the process..."
 
"My feelings don't matter here..." You could feel him start to lose his patience.
 
"Seven... I'm not demanding to know I'm only asking because I care abo-"
 
He pulled away, as if your touch burned him, "Then don't care!", his voice suddenly sharp. "it's better if you just stay out of my life! It's safer for you that way!" His words striking deep inside your heart.
 
"Why do you get to decide what's best for me?! You're not protecting me you're controlling me!" You snapped back.
 
"Just leave. It was a mistake getting to know you. I'll always regret it." He seemed hurt after saying that.
 
Your eyes widened, staring at him as seconds went by that felt like hours. Your jaw clenched, "Okay fine." You said quietly, voice trembling despite your best efforts to hide it, "If that's the way it is, I'm going home." You picked up your purse and coat and walked to the door grabbing the handle not looking back. The door clicked behind you with a loud slam.
 
Thank god the room was soundproof, you could only imagine the faces of the people around if they heard what was going on in it. Each step back home felt like hell. You didn't mean to yell at Seven, but he seemed so closed off. Your thoughts were in an intense battle with each other. 
 
At last, your apartment door came into view. and punched in the door lock code. It clicked and you opened the door. Kicking off your shoes you walked to your bed with each step feeling heavier than the last. Falling onto your bed you took out your phone from your purse, looking at the RFA app and thinking about Seven. You shut off your phone and put it next to your head.
 
You shut your eyes trying to sleep and yet all you could remember was the echo of his words inside your head. Somewhere between the angry words and regret, you hoped he felt the same way you did.

Chapter Text

SLAM!

He stared at the door as your silhouette vanished. He sighed deeply. He liked you, and it hurt him so much to push you away, but he was doing it for your safety. He was a dangerous man, and he knew that it was because of that fact that he couldn't get closer to you. As much as he wanted to, he just couldn't. 

He remembered the words that came out of his mouth when the both of you fought. "I'll always regret it." 

"Damn it," He mumbled to himself. His fingers ran through his hair, "What am I supposed to do now?"

He took a sip of his soju and put his glasses on the table. He stared at his phone contemplating calling you and apologizing for his words, but stopped himself before he could pick up his phone. 

He couldn't do it, as much as he wanted to. If he heard your voice again, he'd cave. He wouldn't be able to lie again. He turned away from his phone, taking another sip of his drink. He wondered if you were angry enough to not return. A part of him ached thinking of that possibility but another part told him it was for the best. 

"Why'd I say that?" he muttered.

"She’ll forget me one day. That’s the best thing for her."

"But would she want that?"

He bit the inside of his cheek. It didn't matter. It was for your safety. Selfishness was something he couldn't afford to have.

Thoughts of you coming back to hug him and tell him everything was going to be okay flooded his mind. He teared up and stared blankly at the ceiling.

He heard a quiet knock on the door,

Knock. Knock. 

He stayed still.

Knock, knock. Slightly louder this time.

"Sir? Our apologies but the rental period for this room has ended please vacate the room so that our staff may clean it."

He blinked, startled, checking the time he noticed that the rental period had ended half an hour ago.

"That's fine, I'll head out."

"Take your time, just please finish up soon, we close this floor by two, " the staff member added politely.

He heard the employee's footsteps grow fainter as they walked away, followed by the creak of a door closing shut.

With a tired exhale he leaned back and stared at the ceiling for a moment then grabbed his jacket and glasses, putting them on. 

Standing up he glanced back at the table staring at the unfinished glasses of alcohol.

The door clicked behind him leaving only the bright lights of other private rooms flashing and following him to the exit.

The cold night air hit his skin as he stepped outside.

He searched for a staircase and found one just a few feet from the building and sat down on one of the steps. Suddenly, he felt a buzz in his back pocket. He shot up and pulled out his phone, part of him hoping that it was you. 

Of course.

Vanderwood's name glared back at him from the screen.

He sighed before picking up the incoming call.
"Seven you have a new mission. Be back at your house by 4:00 AM for a briefing." 

He swallowed hard, he hated working at the agency. It paid well but had him doing work he didn't particularly enjoy. 

"Another mission? Thought that you were gonna give me a break." 

"Was the night out not long enough?" said Vanderwood sarcastically."This was the break dumbass, now move."

"Alright, I'll be there." With that, he hung up

It reminded him of the cold hard truth. 

Feelings could wait. On the other hand, his job couldn't.

Chapter Text

The clock reads 3:43 AM.

You woke up.

You walked to the kitchen and poured yourself a cup of ice chilled water to clear your head. Your hands gripped the glass tightly as you gulped it down, the cold stung your throat. It wasn't a good distraction. 

Coming back to your bed, you looked around for your phone to find it next to your pillow. You picked it up and switched it on. 

One missed call from Zen.

You opened the messenger app and called Zen back. The dial tone dragged on for a couple of seconds before you could hear him pick up.

"Woah, I didn't think you'd call back this late. I just wanted to see how your night with Seven went. I hope everything went well?"

"I asked him about himself and... it kind of blew up in my face. He shut down, and I pushed. We both said things we didn't mean, things I wish I could take back. I ended up leaving..."

"Really? What happened? Everything seemed fine when we left."

"I just...I thought that maybe if he opened up, it would help him, but I guess I asked too much. I didn't mean to hurt him..."

"That doesn't sound like him..." He exhales sharply,

"I regret asking him the way I did. I just- I mean, he never talks about himself and thought that maybe he just needed someone to listen."

You paused before continuing, "Maybe he's right to keep things to himself. I mean, I hardly know him, so who am I to ask him about himself?"

"Yeah, when you put it that way, we don't know much about Seven, at least beyond what you know about him, but it doesn't mean that he doesn't want someone to be there for him."

Your voice dropped, quieter now, "I thought that... maybe if he told me more about himself that maybe he wouldn't feel so on edge. Like, this isn't something he should have to carry himself."

"Yeah, I get what you mean."

"Anyway, I called back because I couldn't fall back asleep. I should probably try to now."

"Yeah, thats fine you go get your sleep. I'm gonna stay up a little longer."

"Don't stay up too late, you wouldn't want to ruin your beautiful actor face with dark circles or eyebags."

Zen laughed lightly, "Yeah, of course. haha. Sweet dreams!"

Beep!

You groaned, curling into your blanket and going through your old messages with Seven.

"I wish I wasn't so harsh. I shouldn't have left," thinking aloud to yourself.

You missed Seven. More than you wanted to admit.

___________________________________________________

"Seven, the agency called you in for a clean-up." Vanderwood said, "One of the missions was compromised, and the agency needs you to clean up any trace of its involvement."

"Alright. Give me the location and I'll get to work."

"Here," Vanderwood handed him a slip of paper with the address.

Seven stuffed the slip of paper into his jacket pocket without another word. He grabbed his keys, ignoring the feeling of dread in his heart. The mission would numb it. It always did.

"By the way, I'll also be there in a bit. I just have to finish up some work."

"That's fine, I'll be on my way now."

Entering his car, he set his laptop and duffel on the passenger seat, started the engine, and pulled out of the driveway.

Streets were empty at this hour.

The red lights flashed over his windshield like a heart beating, and hands gripping the wheel tighter with each second that passed. He needed to focus, there was no time for emotions.

He killed the engine and basked in the silence for a brief moment.

Before he entered the building, he got out his laptop and started to disable the surrounding cameras and delete any footage of what happened. He didn't want to know what happened. It terrified him.

The quiet felt heavy, everything sat too still. He looked at the warehouse, which was set in the middle of nowhere. 

He slammed the door shut behind him. The air inside the building felt humid, stale, and coppery. He looked around and noticed two corpses lying on the ground, both with gunshot wounds. 

He thought to himself, "They didn't deserve this..."

He laid his duffel bag on the floor, unzipping it: bleach, gloves, duct tape, rags, and other materials that are used for cleaning up crime scenes sat inside it.

Checking the corpses for their vitals, he put his index and middle fingers on their wrists.

Nothing.

He put his gloves on and covered the corpses with a tarp, avoiding looking at their faces. He dismantled the technology, filled with information that could put the agency at risk.

He took a deep sigh and got to work wiping fingerprints and mopping up blood.

As he was bagging the bodies up, he saw smears of bloody handprints on the floor. It looked like they tried to crawl away. Of course, if that had been the case, then he wouldn't be here right now.

He gritted his teeth in disgust at his actions, "It never gets any easier..." 

Making it to the bathroom, he turned on the fluorescent light and took off his gloves.

Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he was utterly disgusted with himself.

He looked down at his hands and frantically started scrubbing them, harder and harder, until it burned. He didn't understand why he saw blood, he was wearing gloves.

He blinked once, and it was gone. Slamming the faucet off, he leaned over the sink, hyperventilating.

His hands swiftly covered his mouth as he desperately ran across the bathroom to the trash can and vomited inside it.

Ding!

His phone lit up with a notification from the messenger.

Still breathing heavily and wiping his mouth as he read it and noticed it was from Yoosung checking in on him.

"Hey Seven! Are you up? I was thinking bout getting on LOLOL later if you're up for it. It's been a while since we teamed up! Hope all is well!"

He switched off his phone when Vanderwood walks in, "Hey, I just got here." he looks at him slightly stunned," You look like hell."

"Thanks. You're not wrong,"  he said, looking back, passive aggressively.

"We should be leaving soon, it's beginning to show light outside."

Seven checks the time.

6:24 AM

He didn't realize how much time had passed. Light started to shine through the window, shining on the concrete where there was once blood.

"Okay, let me change first, and we can leave."

He walked away.

As Seven was changing into his fresh, clean clothes, he thought of you. Questioning what you would think of what he just did. He wondered if you'd stay knowing that this was the kind of thing that he had to do.

Walking out of the warehouse, he hesitantly looked back, and even though the bodies weren't there, he still felt their presence.

Seven entered his car and began his drive home. He remembered Yoosung's message and considered replying, but he couldn't bring himself to be the fun, outgoing 707 right now. 

He parked in a parking lot, looking at his phone, chime again. This time, not bothering to read the message, he shut off his phone and dug his head into the steering wheel.

The screen flashed your contact photo.

Chapter Text

It had been days since anyone had heard from Seven. The group chat sat frozen, messages piling up with no replies.

The chat slowly emptied, one member at a time.

Leaving the chat room, you thought to yourself, "I wonder what he's doing right now."

Opening your messages with Seven, you started typing, "Seven, please come back, let us know where you are." 

Sent.

No response.

_________________________________

Your phone chimed with a notification coming from the chatroom.

You left the chatroom.

You stared at your phone screen for a moment longer, heart pounding, and fingers cold. It felt like you swallowed a stone and it sat heavy in your chest. Everyone else was trying to stay hopeful… but you couldn’t just sit around anymore. Not when you knew this wasn’t like him.

In your mind, you pondered.

”Is his past really that bad that he can’t be bothered to let us know he’s okay”

You were glad he was still taking care of everything. It was nice to know that he hadn’t given up on the RFA.

That also meant, you couldn’t give up on him.

Without any hesitation you stood up and walked to get your coat and keys.

That’s when you heard.

knock, knock.

Who could it be at this hour.

You immediately thought of Seven.

You went to answer the door but instead you saw the building owner.

Opening the door you hesitantly asked.

”Um, whats going on? Its pretty late.”

“Oh! I didn’t expect anyone to actually answer. I’ve never seen the tenant of this apartment so I thought it was just being rented out,” he paused

“Anyways um,… theres a guy in the front asking for you. He didn’t mention your name, only the house number. You should come quick, he doesn’t look well…”

You walked towards the front and there he was.

Lying on the ground near the front steps, a small crowd of neighbors and passersby hovering around him in concern. His eyes were shut and his body sat still.

Without another second you bolted towards him.

”Seven?! Oh my god, where have you been We were all-“

He opened his eyed and looked deep into yours. He cupped your face with his shaky hands and said

”Im sorry.” his words slurred “Im so sorry.”

The stench if alcohol hit you like a wave.

“Let me help you up.”

He leaned heavily on your body as you pulled his arm over your shoulder. He was barely standing up straight. His steps were unstable, and your wobbling legs barely held the both of you upright. Somehow, though. You both made it to your door.

You shot one last glare at everyone before you shut the door.

He lightly nudged you against the wall until his body was pressing against yours. His eyes looked into yours full of longing

“I screwed everything up,” he mumbled, resting his forehead against yours. “I wanted to call you. A thousand times. I just… couldn’t.”

he held your face in his hands.

”It’s fine Seven me too. Just let me get you to my bed.”

You continued to hold him as unsteadily as you walked to your bed.

”Im sorry I yelled at you.I won’t do it again I swear. Please believe me…”

You softened, “I believe you but. Seven, have you been drinking?” 

He laughed, it sounded sharp and broken.

“What gave it away?” he joked weakly. “The smell or the shame?”

You frowned at him. He pressed closer to you

“I yelled at you,” he said, voice thick with regret. “I hurt you. And I hate myself for that.”

“I didn’t mean any of it. I just-”

He choked. “I was scared you’d leave if you knew who I really was.”

You cupped his face this time, gently. “I’m not going anywhere. But you need to lie down.”

He nodded slowly, but then leaned in and pressed a kiss to your cheek.

“Seven-”

Another kiss.

“Please… I just want to feel close to you. Just this once.”

You gently pulled away. “No. Not like this.”

“But I-” he tried again, tugging you toward him.

You stayed firm. “You’re not thinking clearly. I know you’re hurting, but this isn’t the way.”

He froze.

“…I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I don’t… I don’t want to mess this up more than I already have.”

“I know,” you said softly. “It’s okay. Just rest now.”

You guided him to your bed. He tugged your hand before you could step away.

“Can you at least get in bed with me. So i can hold you?”

”Sure.”

You got in bed with him laying beside him, brushing the hair from his forehead.

”Do you hate me?”

“I don’t Seven. I never did.”

He gave a nod and finally let his eyes close.

You looked at him as he slept.

He looked at peace and it was a look that suit him well. You wished peace for him as long as he lived. 

“He didn’t deserve such a hard life.” You thought to yourself

Your eyes shut slowly as you watched him.

Chapter Text

He opened his eyes.

He gazed at you while you slept soundly beside him. As a smile crept onto his face, he continued to watch you sleep. A lump formed in his throat. He meant every word he said to you last night—every bit of it. 

The lump grew bigger and bigger, except that this was no regular lump. 

It was vomit. 

Slapping a hand over his mouth, he frantically got out of bed to run to the bathroom. He stumbled over your leg and fell off the bed. It was coming fast.

He crawled as fast as his body allowed him to and barely made it to the toilet.

You stirred at the noise and called out his name, “Seven?”

You rubbed your eyes and looked at the empty spot where Seven slept.

Your ears heard him gag and vomit into the toilet.

You hopped out of bed to check on him.

“Seven! Oh my god, what happened?!” you said as you put your hand on his back.

“I guess the alcohol I drank didn't agree with my stomach,” he let out a sigh. “I don’t usually drink often, it was the first time I’ve ever gotten drunk like that…It won't happen again, sorry.”

”Don't worry about it. I'll get you a toothbrush.”

You turned to the sink that was right next to the toilet and sifted through the cleaning and hygiene supplies, and found a fresh, unused toothbrush for him to use.

"I'm going to leave it on the sink while I cook you up some juk. It'll settle your stomach." You said, setting it down before walking toward the kitchen.

You opened the fridge and removed a pot containing leftover rice, and also pulled out beef broth. You turned on the stove and poured some of the beef broth into the pot, on the burner, and allowed it to slowly heat up while you stirred the rice. 

The kitchen began to slowly fill with the soft, savory aroma of your cooking.

You turned your head slightly and heard the sound of running water coming from the bathroom.

You sighed quietly and continued to stir the pot.

When he finally appeared, his hair was slightly disheveled. He looked tired and embarrassed.

"Hey..." he muttered

"Sit. It's almost ready," you said, turning back at him.

You grabbed a ladle from the drawer, you poured him a bowl of juk, and set it on the table as he sat down.

You stared at him softly, blowing on the spoon. His eyes were locked on the bowl like a distraction from the elephant in the room. 

"I was really worried Seven," you finally said, your voice quiet but firm.

He paused mid-bite.

You leaned forward a bit, "You just vanished. The others were scared too. We thought something bad had happened to you. No response to any of our messages or calls. Jumin even considered hiring someone to find you."

He tensed up, and the spoon clinked against the bowl as he set it down.

"I know."

You looked at him. "Why, then?"

Seven didn't answer at first. He sat back in his chair with his eyes distant. His expression remained neutral, but his fatigue gave him away.

"I didn't mean to make everyone worry," he paused. "I just couldn't... face you or any of the other members. Not after everything..."

"I'm sorry for what I said to you at karaoke night. I shouldn't have-"

He shook his head, "No. My disappearance had nothing to do with what you asked me. It's just a difficult topic to talk about... Myself," he hesitated. 

"I felt as if I had been dragging you into something that shouldn't be your burden to handle." His voice began to crack a little. " I can't remember if I said this already, but I'm sorry for what I said. I was cruel to you, and I didn't mean any of it."

You stood up and hugged him, "Seven, I would rather hear the truth, even if it hurts."

"I thought I could carry everything alone..." he whispered. "I'm so tired and I think..I think I don't want to be alone anymore." He said as he dug his head further into the hug.

"Two people can handle it better than one. You know I'm always here to help." You said, caressing his back. "You're not alone anymore."

You both stayed silent. You heard the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. His breath on your neck as you pulled away from the hug.

"Did you get any rest while you were gone?"

He didn't respond at first.

"I tried, but I didn't get much."

"You don't have to tell me everything, nothing, if you prefer it that way, but I want you to know that I'm always here to listen."

"It was one of my jobs. I don't want to get into what I had to do, but it made me feel...wrong and reminded me of why I have to keep people at a distance. That was when I left. I left my car somewhere so Vanderwood couldn't trace me."

"Are you worried about Vanderwood finding you?"

"If he finds me, I'm a dead man, literally. I haven't done any work for the agency. The client I had worked for is very strict with deadlines, and let's just say the client wasn't too happy when the last agency didn't meet the deadline."

"I don't think they'll be able to track you. The apartment's location is classified as you said. You're safe here!"

"Yeah.

"Speaking of which, are you sure you still want me here?"

You held his hand before saying, "Always."

He felt relieved upon hearing you say that.

"C'mon, lie down. You look like you could use a year's worth of sleep."

He chuckled. "Only a year?"

Smiling, you responded, "Maybe two."

Once he was settled under the covers, you heard your phone ring. 

"You get some sleep. I need to take this call."

"That's fine." He said, closing his eyes.

The phone continued to ring as you walked over to the kitchen counter where it lay faced down. You turned the screen and saw it read Jaehee.

"Hey Jaehee."

"Hey. I was calling to check in on you. You left very abruptly."

"Yes, I'm sorry about that. I was just feeling a little down because of the whole situation. Speaking of which, Seven, is it the apartment right now."

"Really? He's with you? Right now?"

"Yes. He's sleeping on my bed at the moment."

"I can't tell you how relieved I am to hear that. I'm glad he's okay. Did he tell you where he disappeared to while he was gone?"

"Sort of, but I shouldn't say anything. I think it's better if you hear it from him."

"I won't ask for any more details than that. I'm very glad he's shown up. If anything changes, update us. Thank you for telling me."

"No problem!"

"I'll be off now. Goodbye."

"Bye."

Beep!

You set your phone back down on the counter and felt a small smile form on your lips.

Seven's face relaxed against the pillow. One of his hands loosely held the edge of the blanket. His chest rose softly as you heard him breathe. You carefully slid next to him and you reached out to hold his hand. He gently squeezed it.

Everything was okay and it was more than enough for you.