Han's eyes scanned the phone's screen, his heart sinking saw 35 missed call from Taejoon. He quickly dialed Taejoon's number, his mind racing with explanations.
Taejoon's worried voice answered on the first ring. "Han, where were you? I've been calling."
Han sighed, launching into a hastily constructed explanation. "I was with the others, practicing.
Taejoon's skepticism was palpable. "I called Jake, Adriel, and Kai. They said you weren't with them."
Han's mind worked overtime. "Must've been after I left, then." I went to visit my aunt."
Taejoon's voice was laced with concern. "Why weren't you answering your phone?"
Han tried to brush it off. "I forgot it,sorry."
Taejoon's worry lingered. "Are you okay?"
Han forced a lightness into his voice. "Yeah, I'm fine. You?"
Taejoon sighed. "I'm okay. Just worried about you."
Han steered the conversation away from himself. "Hey, do you remember anything... weird happening yesterday?"
Taejoon's confusion was genuine. "Weird? Like what?"
Han's shoulders relaxed slightly. Taejoon wouldn't remember, not with Mako's influence. "Nothing, forget it."
Taejoon's voice shifted, becoming more businesslike. "The elders said it's time for our coronation."
Han's surprise was genuine, followed by a rush of relief because he wasn't sure how to tell about it with taejoon, but seems like luck is with him. "Okay, I'll come by tomorrow and we can discuss it."
Taejoon agreed, and they hung up.
Han let out a slow breath, his eyes narrowing as he processed the conversation. He stood up and walked to the bathroom, his mind already racing with the next steps.
Hours later at the cafe
The cafe's quiet atmosphere was a welcome respite from the chaos brewing in Han's mind. He surveyed the room, ensuring they were truly alone, before focusing on the group.
Adriel's piercing gaze was fixed on him, his voice low. "So, what's the meeting about?"
Han took a deep breath, laying it out: Taejoon's attack, Mako's spirit, the poison, the Land of the Dead. The group's reactions ranged from shock to concern, their faces etched with worry.
Ace's voice cut through the stunned silence. "You're saying Mako's in Taejoon's body?"
Han nodded, his eyes serious. "I don't know what to do. I'm worried about Taejoon. I lost him once...I can't bear it again."
Jake's hand closed around his, a reassuring squeeze. "You won't, Han. We're going to do everything we can to help Taejoon."
The others murmured their agreement, their faces set with determination.
Caleb's brow furrowed. "So, when are we going to get that apple?"
Han chuckled, a hint of relief in his voice. "I'm going alone. But I need you guys to give Taejoon an excuse, keep him busy until I'm back."
The group exchanged looks, then nodded in unison. "We'll do it," Ace said, his voice firm. "Just tell us when you're ready to go."
Han's gratitude was palpable. He knew he could count on them.
After the meeting
After the meeting, Adriel from Idols and Adriel from Alpha Boys slipped away, seeking a bit of normalcy amidst the chaos. They strolled through the bustling streets, eventually landing in a crowded arcade filled with games and laughter.
Adriel from Idols' eyes landed on a teddy bear prize booth, and his face lit up. "Ooh, I want that teddy!"
Adriel from Alpha Boys chuckled, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I'll play and win it for you, but there's a condition."
Adriel from Idols looked up at him, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What condition?"
Adriel from Alpha Boys' eyes locked onto his, a sly grin spreading across his face. "You have to give me a kiss if I win."
Adriel from Idols' face turned bright red, and he playfully pushed Adriel from Alpha Boys away. "Win first, then maybe."
Adriel from Alpha Boys laughed, taking on the challenge. He started playing the game, his focus solely on winning the teddy bear.
Adriel from Idols watched, bouncing on his feet in excitement, his eyes fixed on the game. "You can do it, Adriel!"
Just as Adriel from Alpha Boys was about to win, a fan recognized them, even though they're wearing cap and facemask,the fan started shouting loudly and drawing a crowd. "It's Adriel from Idols and Adriel from Alpha Boys!"
Chaos erupted as fans rushed to take photos and get autographs. Adriel from Alpha Boys quickly grabbed Adriel from Idols' hand, pulling him into a protective stance.
"Time to distract them," he whispered, pointing towards a spot. "Hudson, you're here! We've been waiting for you!"
The fans turned en masse, eager to catch a glimpse of Hudson, and Adriel from Alpha Boys took the teddy, holding it behind his back, and advantage of the diversion, pulling Adriel from Idols away from the chaos.
As they made their escape, the fans realized they'd been pranked and took off after them, laughing and shouting.
Adriel from Idols laughed, his eyes shining with excitement. "You're crazy!"
Adriel from Alpha Boys grinned, his arm still wrapped around Adriel from Idols' waist. " It not a surprise"
They finally stopped running, breathless and laughing, and Adriel from Alpha Boys pulled Adriel from Idols into a quick kiss.
Adriel from Alpha Boys sped away from the arcade, Adriel from Idols laughing and giggling in the passenger seat. They drove through the winding streets, finally pulling up to a sleek, modern apartment building.
Adriel from Alpha Boys hopped out, grinning at Adriel from Idols. "Welcome to my place."
Adriel from Idols' eyes widened as he stepped inside, taking in the stylish decor and vast living room. "Wow, this is amazing!"
Adriel from Alpha Boys chuckled, shutting the door behind them. "Make yourself at home."
Adriel from Idols wandered over to the windows, gazing out at the city view. "This is incredible."
Adriel from Alpha Boys snatched the teddy bear from the car and presented it to Adriel from Idols with a flourish. "For you, with condition attached."
Adriel from Idols' face turned pink as he took the teddy, his eyes sparkling. "Guess I'll have to pay up."
Adriel from Alpha Boys' grin grew, his eyes locked onto Adriel from Idols'. "You don't have to, but I'd love for you to."