39

The arrival gates are bustling with noise—flight announcements overhead, wheels of suitcases clicking along tiles, travelers weaving through crowds.

Heyoung steps through the exit with a modest suitcase and a small backpack slung over her shoulder. She's dressed plainly, trying not to draw attention. A hat shades her face, but it can't hide the heaviness in her eyes.

Just beyond the crowd, a woman waves her arms with a wide smile—Mijoo, an old friend from work, energetic and warm.

"Heyoung!! Over here!"

Heyoung's face softens with relief as she walks toward her. They hug tightly.

"You look exhausted... Come on, let's get out of this madness." Mijoo said.

The city passes by through the window — overcast skies, red buses, quiet streets. Heyoung sits in the passenger seat, quiet for a while, watching raindrops bead against the glass. Mijoo finally glances over, her tone shifting.

Mijoo gently asked, "You didn't say much on the phone. You okay?"

Heyoung exhales, then slowly pulls up the sleeve of her sweater. The faint yellowing bruise on her wrist is still there. Mijoo's smile fades instantly.

"Heyoung..."

"It wasn't supposed to go this far. We were careful. No one was supposed to know. But someone reported us, and then... Aerum showed up at my apartment." Heyoung quietly said.

Mijoo listens silently, her hands gripping the steering wheel tighter.

"She brought obsessed fans. I didn't even get the chance to react. They left bruises, but worse than that... they left fear and shame." Heyoung added

"Did you go to the police?" Mijoo asked

"I didn't want to drag anyone else into it. Especially him. He would've fought for me, no matter the cost." Heyoung replied.

She pauses. Her voice breaks slightly.

"So I left before he could."

Mijoo softly asked, "Does he know?"

Heyoung replied, "He probably does by now but I didn't tell him. I couldn't bear to say goodbye if he looked me in the eye."

Mijoo glances at her, then reaches over and gently squeezes Heyoung's hand.

"Well... you're safe now. And you're not alone, okay? Whatever happens next... you've got me."

Heyoung nods, wiping a tear quickly before it falls.

Heyoung softly said, "Thank you, Mijoo-eonni"

They continue driving, the London skyline growing in the distance — a new beginning, even if it came wrapped in pain.

=====

The dorm is quiet, lights dimmed. Rain patters gently against the windows. Inside the living room, a soft lamp glows in the corner.

Scoups sits slouched on the couch, still wearing the same clothes he wore to the airport. His hands are clasped together tightly in front of him, head lowered. He hasn't spoken in hours.

Around him, a few of the SEVENTEEN members sit nearby — Jeonghan, Joshua, and Wonwoo. The usual energy is gone, replaced by a heavy, quiet concern.

Jeonghan softly looked at Scoups, "You should eat something, Coups-ya "

Scoups replied without looking up, "I'm not hungry."

Wonwoo sits on the armrest, watching him carefully. Joshua kneels in front of Scoups, voice gentle.

"We heard from Jaehyuk... what really happened to her. You shouldn't blame yourself."

Scoups finally looks up at them with tiredness written on his face, "I wasn't there. She went through that alone, and I— I didn't even know."

He lets out a bitter breath, voice thick.

"She was hurt. She was scared. And she still worried more about me than herself."

Wonwoo quietly said, "That's love, hyung. She didn't leave because she gave up. She left because she thought it was the only way to protect you."

Jeonghan reaches over and places a steady hand on Scoups' shoulder.

"You always carry the weight of everyone else. But this... this isn't your fault. You loved her. You still do. And we all saw how much she loved you back."

"She didn't even say goodbye." Scoups bitterly added

Joshua softly replied, "She probably couldn't. Sometimes goodbye hurts more than silence."

There's a long pause. Scoups leans back, eyes glassy, staring at the ceiling like he's willing himself not to break.

"I was ready to go through anything with her. The backlash, the rumors... everything." Scoups murmured

"Then keep holding onto that love. Even if she's far... it's not over." Wonwoo said

The room falls into quiet again. Not empty silence, but a shared grief — and a shared hope. The members stay with him, not needing to say much more.

At this moment, Scoups doesn't need answers. He just needs his brothers — and they're here, every one of them.