|55| poisoned

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You're 55 chapters in..... I MUST'VE got you hook enough to vote by now. And if you HAVE been voting, thank you sooo much! I appreciate it! πŸ’œ

For the first time, I saw Taehyung cry last night... And I cried with him.

It's like the whole thing was some kind of mirage. The reality of every graphic detail he told me hasn't yet sunk in.

But even if last night didn't feel real, his embrace sure did. I still remember it vividly, the way he hugged me like he hugged that pillow. He felt so scared... It made me want to be there for him.

...Or am I just turning crazy?

I mean... It's not like he's dangerous, right? Nothings really changed. He's still Taehyung.

"What would you like today, Ms?"

"Huh? Oh um, just a plain latte please."

I scan my surroundings of the cabin-themed coffee store, letting the scent of caffeine and morning earth from the plant vases consume my senses. The only people around are a few early bird men doing work on their laptops, but overall the place is quite empty, making for a relaxing atmosphere.

"Here you go Ms."

"Oh, that was fast. Thank you." With the fresh coffee hot now in my grip, I turn my back on the counter before noticing a familiar figure sitting across the room, staring out of the window and sipping his hot beverage. Tye.

He must be on his break. I feel bad that I haven't spoken to him much in the past few days, what with everything that's been going on. I also feel bad because... I have feelings for Taehyung.

But Tye is my first love. He was the first boy to ever kiss me, and stand up for me against Trisha when nobody else would. Not to mention he'd always cheer me up after Taehyung would piss me off. Wouldn't that look bad if I dumped him for my boss?

But he's not just your boss anymore... Is he Lilo? Not after everything he told you. There's more to it.

Ugh, this is so hard.

Dragging this on is only buildingΒ  more pressure... Maybe I should talk to Tye. About taking a break.

I nervously walk onwards to the table north from me. The closer I get to him, the more apparent his gloomy features become. "Tye." I announce softly. He breaks away from the window and gives me a faint smile. "Oh, hey."

No "babe"?

"What's wrong...?" I sit in the seat opposite him, absorbing the thermal heat of my drink with my palms. He inhales through his nose and exhales from his mouth, tapping his finger again his cup. "My grandmother passed away last night from cancer."

"Oh..." My eyes slump into my lap. "That's horrible, I had no idea you had a sick relative. I should have checked up on you to see if things were okay. I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I didn't want to worry you, but I probably should've informed you about it. It was really hard news to hear because we were so close, and I have an exam tomorrow before the Christmas holidays are over... But I'll get through it with you by my side. As long as I have you I'll be fine." He delivers to me a charming smile, resting his hand on mine. He has no idea how culpable he's making me feel right now. I can't break it to him when he's like this... That would be cruel. So instead I return a nervous and guilty smile.

"Yep... As long as you have me..."

"Sorry, this is rather depressing huh? Let's change the subject. How has my beautiful girlfriend been? You're eyes look a little puffy."

"I'm fine... Just hay fever."

"In Winter?" He chuckles.

His laughter used to make my heart flutter, melt even, but instead I find myself nervously laughing along. Every time he looks at me with those dreamy brown eyes is a needle to my heart.

*:ο½₯゚✧*:ο½₯゚✧ ❄️

A tired sigh emits from my mouth as I approach my front door, shuffling through my bag in search for my keys. Honestly, All I want right now is to go to bed and sleep away my stress. Not for an hour, not for a day, but forever.

"Hey friend."

My head darts towards the feminine voice. That's when I'm faced by none other than Mulan, who stands there with linked hands and a friendly smile.

"W-what do you want? Stay away from me." I back away towards the door.

"I thought we were besties? Why are you acting like this?"

"Uh, I don't knowβ€” because you tried to kill me? And you can quit the act while you're at it. I know what you did to your mother, I know about everything. You lied to me."

"He actually told you? Wow. You must mean more to him than I thought." She raises both hands and steps forward, "Whatever.Β  Look, I apologise for the other night. See? No knife. I just want to talk."

"We're done talking. Leave before I call the cops."

Just as I'm about to unlock my front door it opens from inside. My mom stands there with a hand on her hip.

"Lilo, do you want to catch another cold?? Why are you standinβ€” Oh. Hello." She waves, "Is this a friend of yours? She's very pretty. Come inside Lilo's friend don't be shyβ€”"

I quickly try to shut the door despite my mom resisting with her foot, I bulge my eyes and speak through clenched teeth. "N-no mother there's no need for thatβ€”"

"Oh nonsense, she's welcome inside! Please, come inβ€”"

"Mom. Seriously. She's busy." I push on the door, "Lilo where are you manners?? Now let goβ€”!" She successfully forces it open and signals Mulan to come inside. She does just that with a fake smile on her face.

"What is your name dear?"

"Mulan."

"Well, make yourself at home. You are welcome to stay for lunch once I'm done preparing it."

"Thank you, that would be nice."

As soon as my mother is gone, Mulan roams the walkway and hums, ignoring my piercing scowl.

"Cute house. Relax, I won't stay long."

"Yeah, like it's easy to relax when there's a crazy murderer in my home."

"Who was that boy you were with earlier? Is that your boyfriend? He's cute, I see why you must like him."

"You were watching us?"

"I happened to spot you. He seems so in love with you, yet you don't look back at him the same way. Something on your mind?"

"That's none of your business. I'll never trust you after what you did to Taehyung... You're a monster."

She slowly steps closer until her face is inches away from mine. Her eyes peirce into my eyes intensely before she whispers,

"If I'm the one you still think is a monster then your not going to survive very long honey. Try opening your eyes."

"β€”Lilo, come help me in the kitchen!"

Wha... Is she serious...

"But mom Iβ€”!"

"I need to cook this food before your father gets home! And It wasn't a question!"

I roll my eyes back at my mother's ridiculous timing before shooting my finger. "Leave. And don't touch anything."

Mulan nods obediently before I enter the kitchen.

β€”MULAN'S POVβ€”

The only thing more amusing than a stupid girl is her stupid mother.

I scan the decor of the living room, searching for anything of importance, but there's nothing too interesting here besides baby photos. After peaking into the kitchen to make sure the dummies are distracted, I creep upstairs and enter the first room I see. It's vibrant and pink, no doubt Lilo's.

The sparkles of a stunning diamond necklace catches my eye from across the bedroom, roping me in before I hold it to my neck and admire its dainty style.

I put it back down and hover over a photo strip that lies beside the backs e box, a photo of Lilo and Taehyung at some kind of winter fair. It's looks fairly recent... that means they were on a date? Why the hell were they on a date?!

The sight of the picture boils my blood and tenses my fist. Air travels through my nose like a bull.

Without hesitation, I pick up the photo strip and rip it to shreds. How dare he... I'm the one he needs, Not her!

Out of the blue, a blonde Labrador retriever runs into the room and starts barking. What the heck?! She has a dog?!

*WOOF WOOF!"*

"Shhh! Be quiet you stupid dog!"

I whip my head back in a panic, my eyes landing on a tray of untouched chocolates that sit on her bed side. I quickly tear off the note saying 'Tye x' and unwrap the box to pour its contents onto the floor. The dog stops to sniff them, then eats them in a hurry.

"Good dog..." I crouch to pet his head.

Just as I'm about to stand up I notice something peaking from underneath the bed in front me, a handle sticking out from underneath the sheets. So I reel it out and...

It's a duffel bag.

It's a duffel bag full of money.

A duffle bag full of A LOT of money.

My hands ruffle through the bag at rapid speeds, pulling out the bricks of cash and eyeing them to confirm that their real. Where did she get all this cash from? Unless.....

Instead of stealing the jackpot, I return it back to its original spot under the bed and exit the bedroom. Without another word I leave the house and dial a number before holding my phone to my ear eagerly.

"I know where it is."

β€”LILO'S POVβ€”
β€”NEXT MORNINGβ€”

"There there Margo..." I rub his tummy while he lies weakily on the floor. Since I came home yesterday he's been so sick, and it's only getting worse.

"Is he still not feeling well?" My mom enters the living room, to which I shake my head. "That's odd, he's usually so energetic. Maybe you should call the vet."

"Yeah probably. I'll just text my boss." I slide my phone from my pocket and scroll through my recents. There's no way I can go to work later with Margo in this state.

Me: can't come in today, margo got sick. sorry..

Tae: it's cool

That's it? It's cool? I guess he's never taken the cafe too seriously... But I'm a little concerned. We haven't properly spoken since he took me to his... house. I hope he's okay.

β€”LATERβ€”

Margo can't walk very well, so instead of going outside we called the vet over to examine him from home. As she dabs the metal tools against his fur my heart beats fast. Watching Margo lie all spread out like that is extremely worrying.

"He seems to have an upset stomach. Has he vomited today?" The vet gently touches his body.

"No he's just been lying there." My mom answers beside me.

"Hmm... I think this dog has been food poisoned. Margo seems to be experiencing an irregular heartbeat, and leaving him this way could lead to muscle tremors or worse, a potential seizure or heart attack."

"Oh my God..." I cover my mouth with one hand. My mom rubs my back as my eyes begin to water.

"That's impossible," She replies, "We're always very careful with Margo's diet. It has to be something else."

"I understand, although I'm almost certain this is due to food poisoning. Perhaps Margo helped himself to chocolate or some other kind of dairy-based product while no one was looking." The vet takes out a small sealed bottle from her kit. "This is a sample of hydrogen peroxide, it's all I have at the moment. Mix this into his water and take him outside to see how he responds. Any further questions please give me a call."

I take the bottle and thank her before she bows and exits the house. When she's gone I kneel down beside Margo and stroke his head. He looks at me with soft puppy-dog eyes, the only place he can move, and whimpers. A tear slips out from each of my eyes.

"You're going to be okay Margo, I promise..."

The doorbell rings behind us. My mom hurries to answer it before I hear her greet and peck my dad. The two converse about his day until he finally enters the living room and sees me on the floor.

"What's wrong pumpkin?" He asks.

"It's Margo, he's sick," I sniff, "I don't know how... I feel so guilty..."

"Don't panic, he's tough. He's going to be just fine."

The doorbell rings again.

I groan loudly before jumping on my two feet and marching over to answer it.

When I open the door Tye raises his eyebrows at me, silently questioning my irritated expression and tear stained face.

"Lilo? You're face... Are you okay?"

"Yes I just... what are you doing here? You should be going to your exam."

"You weren't answering your phone so I thought I'd check up on you."

"I'm fine, but Margo's not feeling good. I have to stay home and take care him."

"Oh no, can I see him?"

I inhale a deep breath and stand aside to let him enter, since he might as well. As soon as Tye enters the living room he jumps at the sight of my parents before bowing politely.

"Mr and Mrs Hanson! I-it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Who is this?" My Dad points.

Wait a minuteβ€” "Tye don'tβ€”!"

"I'm Lilo's boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?"

"Lilo I thought the other handsome boy was your boyfriend?" My mom asks.

"What? What are they talking about?" Tye turns to me.

I stand there with a dumbfounded expression, my eyes bouncing between the three figures in front of me.

"D-don't listen to them, they're old with poor eyesight. Come, I'll make you a coffee in the kitchen." And just like that I pull him out of the room. Anything to get him away from my parents.

Shutting the door behind us, I grab a a mug from the cabinet and prepare his drink. "So... What exam do you have today?" I ask in hopes to erase all memory of twenty seconds ago.

"Government and politics." He sighs, "I'm going to need this coffee."

"Here." I tap the spoon against the hot cup before passing it to him.

"Thanks. So what's wrong with Margo? Is there anything I can do to help?"

I sigh also, "He's having stomach and heartbeat problems, I'm not sure why."

"Hmm..." Tye lowers the steamy mug from his lips. "What does he need? Did you speak to a vet?"

"Yeah, she said we need to get him hydrogen peroxide, but I don't even know where to find that. Plus I refuse to leave him here on his own. He needs me to stay by him when he's in this much pain."

Tye sets his unfinished coffee on the counter before heading out of the room, "Wait here."

"Huh? Wait where are you going?"

He ignores my question and leaves the house.

45 minutes later, I hear a series of knocks on the door. When I go to answer it Tye stands in front of me with a blue plastic bag in his hand.

"Tye? W-where did you go? And what is that?"

"Hydrogen peroxide. You said Margo needed this." He steps inside, ignoring my jaw-slacked expression. "It was hard to find the right one, but I managed to get my hands on the biggest one they make. I also got him a pillow and hot water bottle. This should be enough, right?"

"T-Tye..." I frown, "You're exam..."

"I know." He frowns with me, "It's starting now. But I want to start being there for you more. Plus it's not like I want to become a lawyer anyway. I'll stay here with you today and help you take care of Margo, okay? And don't worry about me. I'll figure something out."

He rests a hand on my head before holding the back of it and pushing me towards his lips, where he leaves a peck on my forehead. I look up into his eyes and smile weakily in return.

β€”NEXT DAYβ€”

Being the first one into work, I take the initiative of laying out the menus. The cafe is dead silent, leaving me to get lost in my own thoughts and place the menus in a disorganised pattern.

"Oh shoot..." I murmur and kiss my teeth.

A pair of footsteps enter the room from the kitchen, and I know just who it is. My body freezes up before my brain can even register the noise, a ball of saliva sinking down my throat. I don't turn around or utter a word, not knowing what to say or if I should even say anything at all.

"How's Margo?" Taehyung appears next to me and takes some of the menus from my arm, fixing the ones I've poorly arranged on the table. A sharp gasp slips from my mouth at the sound of his voice.

"H-he's still sick. But better than yesterday I suppose."

"That's good."

I clear my throat and turn my back to get the untensils. When my body hiccups from suddenly getting pulled back. His arms snake around my waist tightly and nose buries into my neck. His fingers crinkle the edges of my shirt and lips whisper in my ear.

"Don't leave me... Please."

His abrupt actions throw my body off guard, but my expression gradually softens from the pain in his voice, as well as the familiarity of his embrace.

"You're the first person to ever cry for me. To cry with me. You cried even though you've never met my parents..." His arms tighten softly, scrunching the skin of my waist. "So don't leave me... I can't lose you too."

I look at the floor and frown, swallowing some more loose saliva that coats my throat. He thinks I'm going to run away again....

"Tae..." I unconsciously raise my hand to hold his arm, "Maybe you should speak to someone about this, like a therapist... They could help you."

He doesn't say a word back, but instead lifts his chin from my shoulder and loosens his grip a little.

"You think I'm unstable, don't you?"

"What? N-no I just, I don't want you suffering any longerβ€”"

"I'm not unstable. And I'm not seeing a therapist. It's a waste of time. Besides, nobody can know I did it. So don't tell anyone... Especially not the group."

I exhale through my nose and slack my shoulders. "Fine. If that's what you want then I respect your wishes. But..." After letting him hold me for a while I distance myself, "You can't keep hugging me like this at work. The girls will be here any minute."

He steps closer to me, pinching my chin between this thumb and index. His hand then lifts my face to meet his dark and seductive orbs.

"So I can't kiss you either?"

My sight narrows onto his perfectly plump and rosy lips, forcing me to lick my own. I stand in paralysis while mentally questioning how he went from deep to seductive in mere seconds.

He leans in... But I slide my hand between our lips to block the kiss.

"No... You can't. Not at work."

He holds my hand softly and strokes the back of it with his thumb before placing a slow kiss on it. "It's going to take more than that to stop me next time Li."

*Dingaling!*

"The princess has arrived." Chrys struts in confidentially, making me instantly push away Taehyung's chest. She wastes no time in removing her coat and sitting at her tea table as the other girls enter behind her. "Gretchen, tea please."

"Coming." She bows shyly. Teddy heads straight for the candy jar we thought we hid from her beneath the counter and starts munching loudly.

"Stay back after work today." Taehyung whispers before leaving the room. My cheeks flush deeply at mysterious, but seductive tone. W-why does he want to see me after work...?

"What the... Gretchen this tea sucks. What happened? You usually make it perfect."

"S-sorry. I'll try again."

I observe Gretchen's posture as she collects Chrys' tea cup. Not only just she look gloomy, but rather nervous and agitated.

While walking past me, I stop her by the shoulder. "Gretchen, you feeling okay?"

"Y-yes, why wouldn't I be?"

"You seem down. Is it because of exams?"

"Nothing is wrong, I am perfectly fine." She shakes her head politely.

"Come on, tell me..." I take the tea cup from her hands. "We're all friends here, if something is bothering you I want to help."

She looks down and tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"T-there has been something I've been meaning to tell you all for a while now. I would like to tell you in the changing rooms at break."

"Okay, at break then."

*:ο½₯゚✧*:ο½₯゚✧ ❄️

The five of us meet in the changing rooms at lunch. Winter came up with the idea to

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