We all sat in the lounge, waiting on Collins to show up. We had left him back at YG, and all we could do was wait while imagining what he would say or do when we got here.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqg4kyuRa9N
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The five of us didn't even try to look at our phones after seeing the news on Christine's phone. With what was buzzing on social media, we decided to avoid it. In times like these, we first have to get some advice on what to do next before we respond. Even for someone who was as impulsive as Zoey, she only looked at her phone to play Candy Crush, doing her best not to go on social media.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVabx2Q01IL
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With Zoey on her phone, my brothers decided to switch on the TV and watch something to pass the time. Christine and I happened to be looking at our phone at first but ended up watching whatever was on TV instead. A few minutes later, Lee walked in.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtZBdRwbJ6
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"Do you know all of you feel like a sorry bunch right now?" Lee asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uCiSqw5fm
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We all turned to look at her. No one answered her or asked what she meant. The look on our faces must have said all that to her when she sighed in frustration.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6aenG0uHsI
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"I mean to say, you all look gloomy about what's being said on social media when it's no big deal," said Lee.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBf68WyojdG
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"Well, when someone like Johnny happens to post such things on social media, then yes," said Zoey, "it is serious."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQxbtSvUMW
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"No one is going to take Johnny seriously." Lee came to join Christine and I on the couch. "So what if he said all that?"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6QCU5jf28
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"It would lead other people to criticise us," said Mike, turning his attention away from the TV. "All people need is for something to talk about to show off your bad side."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3Se1aWJRL
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The rest of us Toxins all gave a nod their heads, agreeing with Mike. What Johnny said about us on social media might lead haters out there to help spread the fire. As much as social media might be helpful, no one can ignore the dark side of it that Keady to devastate results. It's why, personally, I've never been a big fan of it.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpi1u49JOV
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"Well, we can't let what he says ruin your mood," said Lee. "You'll see. Collins might not even give this a second thought and will want all of you to focus on your album."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7iVMVUhEV9
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"Yeah, I guess you're right," I said. I stretched out my hands, trying to release the tension that I had been feeling after seeing the new. Doing so made me a little relieved. "If we keep on dwelling on this, we might fall back. And that won't be fair to BLACKPINK and WINNER, who also put in so much for the album."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5Jpfggc7U
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"Okay, so we agree to move on, right?" Zoey asked. "Then are we going to respond to this post he made? Fans would want to answer."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiksFmRDcwz
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"The best response at this point is nothing," I said. "If we do, we're only going to add fuel to the fire."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY9znXpPODE
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"But won't saying nothing have the same effect?" Christine asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7t7YHIjT1
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“That’s if people aren’t asking for it,” I said. “I say we ignore what Johnny has been saying about us and focus on the album.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tix7uKAn0
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“Won’t Collins want to talk about it first?” Daniel asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxitIY4v8u4
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“That’s why I think he won’t want to pay much attention, and so should we,” said Lee.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRndhczHYA
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“You make it sound so simple,” said Zoey. “The next thing we know, he comes in here fuming about it.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXnhMVPCX0
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“We can wait on him and see his reaction if you want. I know Collins, and he won’t say anything about it.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVesEMsv2Gf
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The others decided to see things unfold for themselves. It was close to suppertime when Collins came back, and we were all watching a Korean action series on TV when he stepped into the lounge. For a moment, we all stood still waiting for him to say anything, but he only greeted us and asked how we were doing. Our mouths dropped open, except for Lee, of course.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00ynF80IWF
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When such incidences happen, Collins usually tries to address the issue early and work on a quick solution. This time, he didn’t look worried or rushed. He looked like he would normally would, the same normal Collins.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX2ufdrv9H
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“What is it?” he asked when he noticed the looks on our faces.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMHjC670pE
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“Um…, Collins,” said Christine. “You seem pretty chilled.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cFzWlwvd6
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“What? I can’t be chilled?” Collins asked as he raised an eyebrow. “When I’m too strict, you always tell me chill. What do you want from me?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9yglUCBGU
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“For you to be serious about what Johnny is telling everyone all over social media,” Zoey answered bluntly and straight to the point.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtTxZ8jbHm
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Collins looked at us and shook his head. “I’m not worried about Johnny, and you shouldn’t be either. He’s being a crybaby over what happened at Hongdae. I mean, how many artists wear masks and hoodies just to hide from the crowd? Plenty! If he doesn’t like it, he can leave Korea and go back home. I can tell you that no one is taking this seriously.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4MUuTaOw2
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“But he did say some pretty mean stuff,” said Daniel.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNevbIbEfJx
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“And he isn’t the first, now, is he?” Collins chuckled. “Just don’t respond to whatever he throws at you.” He turned to look at Zoey. Zoey raised up her hands as though saying she didn’t do anything wrong.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpnwBMiz5l
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“I haven’t said a word about it on social media,” said Zoey.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoYutyaAfx
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“Good. The only thing we could do is avoid him. I’ve never taken whatever he is seriously, and he does that just to attract attention.” Collins down at the hall he came from. “I’m so hungry. When is supper arriving?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkHWhXcAZqb
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“Soon,” said Lee. “It’s good you told these guys not to worry about Johnny. They wouldn’t listen to what I said at first about ignoring him.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gn5QdWzQu
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“We dis listen,” I said. “It’s just that we needed Collins' final words of assurance.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFX1FGuLPI
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“Well, you five all know better than to take Johnny seriously,” said Collins. “I’ll go freshen up. Tell me when supper gets here.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygSTCkX62Q
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After Collins left, Lee stood up from her seat. “Didn’t I tell you?” she asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3iKhV8YD2
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“Yeah, yeah, we get it,” said Mike, turning to look back at the TV. “It’s not like we didn’t believe you. Johnny can be full of surprises. Let’s not forget that he also admitted to turning off the lights at YG. Only God knows what the heck he was thinking.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV9DHuJXX8
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“Yeah, and we can’t openly accuse him of doing that with no proof,” I said. “Let’s just forget about it. You heard what Collins said. We shouldn’t take him seriously. I bet he did all that just to see which of us will react and respond to his message.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7W5LdTag4
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“He doesn’t change, does he?” Daniel asked, shaking his head. “People really need to get a life.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBylDaC9NWH
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“Apparently that is his life,” said Lee. We heard the elevator bell ring, and the doors fly open on our floor. “Supper is here. I want you all to eat, and I want you in bed early. You’ve a big day tomorrow.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSUlvhfA7v
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After we had our supper, we stayed for an hour or so watching some interesting Korean series on TV. We went to bed early as instructed. There was still so much to be done, and we had to prepare our minds and bodies for it.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrNC4XtVU7
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The next day, we arrived at the YG Studios well rested and ready for whatever was to come our way. We were early as usual, and we got ourselves ready to go to the dance studio for practice. While we were there, we did a few warm-up dances. WINNER arrived a good thirty minutes later.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGPMtrk35s
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“Morning, everyone!” Seungyoon greeted us as he walked into the rom first.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo2Tgh8Reu5
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“Morning, Seungyoon,” Zoey, Christine, and I answered him at the same time.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkFg3vyR6R
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The rest of the WINNER members also walked in, and we all greeted one another. I saw Christine and Jinwoo briefly share a look with each other and quickly turn away. It was then that I remembered that they were supposed to have gone to see a movie last night. I completely forgot about that. Could they have cancelled? I never got back to Christine to ask her about it.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy625AclI0
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While everyone was still greeting each other and looking for something to talk about, I quickly approached Christine from behind and pushed her forward while holding onto her shoulders.. For a moment, she was confused at what was going on. But she relaxed upon seeing me. I took her to the corner of the room, away from the others.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F7MK7yePu
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“Hey, I forgot to ask,” I said to when she turned to look at me. “What happened yesterday? Weren’t you supposed to go out for a movie with Jinwoo?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmLon4xl67
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“I was,” Christine answered. “But we decided to cancel since we both felt tired. This issue with Johnny’s post made me step back a bit, thinking it was going to be a big issue if anyone were to ever see Jinwoo and me.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJOwPgWD9a
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“Oh, I see.” I folded my arms. “Let’s slowly walk back. I don’t want the others getting suspicious of us or anything. So what are you going to do about it?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KOyuORaAl
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“We will see,” said Christine as we started to walk back. “Maybe we can go out on a later date.”’287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dojMGmX2h
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“You know, if going for a movie is too much for you, you can think of something simple and less complicated.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5d4UVq4Wa
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“Like what?” Christine looked at me curiously.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewjsvUbtkH
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“If you two weren’t trying to hide that you like each other, I would’ve suggested going out on a picnic. But that one is already out of the question. The place should be somewhere private.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrYszoXRdS
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“Well, we can always go out privately, out in the country.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1dKM4nWA7
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I stopped as I looked at her. “That doesn’t sound like a bad idea,” I said. “But we’ve one problem with that? Will Collins agree to get out into the countryside so far away from the city? And even if he did agree, where would you go? Let’s not forget that no one is supposed to know about the picnic in the first place.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBIJQiO1tz
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Christine scratched the back of her head. “This is a tough one,” she said.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCn5AxvKoni
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“Something will come up,” I said, as we neared the others. “Let’s just let things set on its own. You’ll be surprised as how things turn out.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3vmcwOKMa
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“Hey, we just thought of having a simple warm-up while we wait for the others,” said Seunghoon as he looked at me. “Is that ok?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YarSPnPRg
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“Yeah, we were doing just that before you came,” I said. “Who should take the lead?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzOu2WhnPH
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“Ooh, me, I’ll lead,” said Seungyoon, raising his hand. He looked like a young child trying to answer something in class and hoping for the teacher to pick him.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvajG16JWW
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“Okay, but not any funny moves,” said Mino, pointing his finger at him.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9O4ynOGQ3
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Seungyoon agreed, and we all went back to doing warm-ups until Taeyang arrived. It wasn’t long until BLACKPINK members also showed up, and we started to perfect our dance moves for the music video. We rehearsed the choreography a number of times that we got exhausted. It was only when it was close to lunchtime that we finally got to take a break.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn56ZhSHhOH
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Lee came by to escort us down for lunch. She was surprised to see most of us all on the floor resting. Before going down to the cafeteria, Lee instructed us to first take a shower, then head to the cafeteria. Afterwards, we would’ve to meet the songwriters and producer for the album. It seems we were supposed to start working on the songs287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBpxiAqfWq
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After lunch, we went up to the studio to wait on the songwriters and Bang Yong-guk. We already found the producer waiting for us. I recently just heard that he had come here to YG to help polish out on the lyrics. I simply couldn’t wait to read them myself. While we waited, some of us couldn’t help but talk about the post Johnny sent online yesterday.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4ic4CoADr
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“If I knew Johnny could be such a prick, I wouldn’t have hung out with him that night,” said Mino.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuzDwvzUf7
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“You’ll never know that Johnny is like that until he gets to bite you,” said Mike. “Or like he has done, bites others.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUtK4mJhzW
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“I hear you guys and hi have had bad blood over the years,” said Lisa, who sat cross-legged on the floor. “What could’ve happened for things to be the way they are now?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrBTC3MTVy
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I look at Zoey, who happened to sit across from me. Just like Lisa, she also sat on the floor. She also happened to be looking at me. Christine, who sat on the other end of the couch I was on, silently tried to clear her throat. Mike and Daniel happened to be looking at their phones when the question was asked, and they didn’t look like they would be looking back up at anyone any time soon.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf7aCgrT0r
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“Sam is better off telling the story,” said Zoey.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHg5ylGAAia
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“Me? Why?” I asked, looking at her with an eyebrow raised.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORJkaKfOY9
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“Well, you’re better at telling it that some of us. Before the songwriters get here, I suggest you start talking.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarA06NDV7n
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I shook my head at Zoey. When it turned to look at everyone else, they all had their eyes on me and their ears open. Including the producer.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9CIThZdbE
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“Fine,” I said as I rolled my eyes. “We knew Johnny way back from middle school, and he was always the one getting into trouble.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJi1IACUtPl
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Johnny was in the same class with Zoey and me even in high school. Everyone knew him for his notorious pranks. Once, in middle school, he was almost expelled from school for painting bombing the school gym, including the basketball team and staff who happened to be there. It was supposed to be fun, but the basketball team didn’t take it lightly. Some of them almost dragged Johnny out of the gym, all covered in different colors of paint to beat him up. It took the coach and some of the coaching staff to intervene and take Johnny straight to the principal’s office. He got a month of suspension, and he had to clean up the mess in the gym as punishment. The place was a mess, that it wasn’t used for almost two weeks. When he came back to school, no one wanted to associate with him, except for his friends who were just as mischievous as he was.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vHbOzp1fV
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Zoey wasn’t kind enough to mention that Johnny happened to have a huge crush on me. He would do anything to impress me back when we were in high school. No one knows if he still does, though. I doubt it. If he did, he would’ve stopped acting like the mischievous jerk he is and started to act mature for his age. That seemed to be far from happening.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRBSLTnG2A
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The real reason why he hated us with all his might was because of one incident. The talent show was coming up, and I came up with a crazy idea with Zoey and Christine creating a dance-pop group. At first, it was supposed to be the three of us. Johnny so happened to get a whiff of the information and decided he wanted to join the group, too. Well, we couldn’t refuse. He seemed insistent. The last thing many of us wanted was to open the locker one day and get paint balled in the face. So we agreed.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdr4hJEC2GI
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One afternoon, we decided to meet at my place for practice. To be honest, Johnny sucked at dancing, and we kind of struggled to get things together. It wasn’t until Mike came along from football practice and helped us choreographed the dance moves. Even after Mike helped us out, Johnny was still in the way of things, just was a bummer. At the end of it all, after practice we decided that Johnny shouldn’t dance with us. Paint ball in the face or whatever, we couldn’t have him in our group.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBu2O3iznT9
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He was mad, but he didn’t care at first. He called us all sorts of names, though. Our parents had to intervene and sent him home. We asked Mike if he wanted to join the dance group. He didn’t mind. Daniel also thought of joining in, too. Though he was still in middle school at the time, we thought it wasn’t possible for him to join, but there was no problem since it was a joint talent school for all grades. That’s how our story of being The Toxins started. And when we discovered by Collins, it didn’t sit well with Johnny, for he thinks he should’ve been part of the group. He’s hated us for that ever since.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuuhTclcTI
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“Wow, that was some story,” said Jinwoo.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FFl1H0c8T
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“I’m guessing if he were ever to join your group, he would be the bad egg,” said Jisoo.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUl35i9pY9e
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“Lee would’ve been done with him a long time ago,” said Christin as she laughed.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7qUbThYcd
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“Collins wouldn’t even think of having him around,” said Daniel. “It was  best to chuck hom ojt before he got the full wrath of Collins.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfVIBXkIHP
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“Does Collins get that angry?” Jennie asked, looking surprised.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMt5gIfi9U
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“You don’t want to be involved,” said Zoey as she shook her head. “Just standing in the crosshairs of his missiles can leave you scarred.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsNjSL9I6u
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“Who would’ve thought that Johnny really wanted to be a Toxin?” Mino asked as he chuckled.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WOPpwt7Bv
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“Well, it’s a good thing he isn’t,” said Mike. “He was just going to paint a bad image of us from the very start.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEupINNCQ9b
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“Let’s not talk about him,” I said. “It’s already too much of a nightmare that he’s here in South Korea.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi93PY7vebe
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Everyone agreed to change the subject, and we shared stories over what goes in our daily lives as artists. It was close to an hour when I looked down at my watch to check the time. Yong-guk and the other songwriters were supposed to be here by now. I wonder what’s keeping them up.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZvhhnETM6
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I stood from my seat and decided to take a stretch, and I walked to the door. I opened it and looked down the hall, hoping to see Yong-guk and the songwriters making their over to the room. But the hall was quiet and empty. I got back inside the room after standing for a while. Closing the door behind me, I turned around to see everyone still engaged in conversation and laughing. Even the producer was having a good laugh with all of us.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcF3ED5nMY
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As I stood there, I couldn’t help but fold my arms. It’s not like these people to be this late. After interacting with Ken, Maya, and most especially Chan, they wouldn’t strike to be people who come by late. If something came up, they were sure to call. I already had my phone and decided to call Lee.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdVHUra9zJ
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She picked up immediately. “Hey, Sam. What’s up?” she asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4oGvy3PT0
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“Have any of the songwriters or Yong-guk contacted you if they will be late?” I asked. “It’s almost close to an hour, and they aren’t here.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cbzWsZzgt
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“Yeah, I’ve been worrying about them too. Maya said she would delay a little along with Ken and Chan. I'm not so sure about Yong-guk. I’ll try to call him right now.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjNYgFqLFP
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“Ok. Let me know what he says afterwards.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3U6CX3ZvlQ
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“Will do.” Lee cut the line, and I stared at the phone, deep in thought. I only hope nothing bad has happened.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIoSudbFUZ
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I join the others, listening to their stories. Thirty minutes later, Maya, Ken, and Chan entered the room along with Collins and Yang Hyun-suk. There was still no sign of Yong-guk, and that worried me a little.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32UJqBG3MD
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After passing on greetings to each other, we went straight to work. Our two managers left us to it, and later on, Lee texted me, saying she hadn’t received any response from Yong-guk. This was troubling. I noticed Mike throw me a look, shrugging his shoulders. He was obviously wondering where Yong-guk could be. Before we got to work with the songwriters and the producer, I pulled Mike aside to talk to one corner of the room.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmRyaigjhn
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“Have you heard from Yong-guk yet?” Mike asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlu6d6qOPH
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“No, and that worries me,” I told him. “If he wasn’t going to show, he would’ve called, right?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweojLMeos3
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“You try calling him,” he insisted. “He might answer to you.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAYceCSszP
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I turned to my phone, but before I could do anything else, Chan was calling out to the two of us to join everyone else. Mike and I already knew it wasn’t wise to go against him at this point. Not when creating the album is crucial. We joined the others, as it seems calling Yong-guk will have to be done another time.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHyT5VqNjI
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Since there were four more songs left for the album, we divided into two groups for the time being. One was an all-girl group, and the other was an all-boy group. The all-girl group was to remain in the studio while the all-boy group was to go to the next studio. Maya and Chan were to remain with the producer to monitor the all-girl group. Though Chan said he would be alternating from time to time to see how things go with the all-boy group.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsBhqx4ymE
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We went straight to work, with the male folk going to the next studio. Before we got work, I tried texting Yong-guk, but there was no answer from him. Maybe he was busy and I shouldn’t worry. Still, he would’ve told the other songwriters that he wasn’t going to show. I surely hope he’s okay.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cr2SeKjxI
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Working on the song with the girls turned out to be more fun than we expected. After going through the lyrics with Maya, the producer played the beat he had already made, and it was nice and sort of jumpy. It totally felt like a song meant to empower all females out there. After a few test runs, we were able to record the song perfectly. Chan had come in to check on us and was impressed with how well we had progressed.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQF1FQ3haIt
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We were done recording our song before four in the afternoon. The others had also finished recording their song almost at the same time, and we met again in the studio we girls were recording in. So far, so good, was the comment from the songwriters and the two producers. We had done three songs for the album, and now there were only two more to go. One was a duet, and so it was decided that Zoey and Mino were going to sing it. Then, the other one, the songwriters, said they were going to decide who would sing it. Most of the members of BTW were convinced that I was going to be chosen to sing. I had no doubt there myself.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDY4ihBoo6
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After working for such a long time, I hadn’t checked my phone until now. I was hoping to find a message from Yong-guk by now. But when I checked my phone, nothing. I pulled Mike aside and asked him if he had tried to contact Yong-guk before we started to work on recording the songs. There was nothing on his end, either. This was worrying. What could Yong-guk be up to for him not just to show up but to also not answer his calls?287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqtRSDgw50
287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy1tfmiYCD
It was time to call it a day, and the songwriters left the building first. The WINNER members had somewhere to be and had left the place. We had to remain behind and wait on Lee. Since we were to start filming the music video, Lee had to help organize. We waited for her downstairs in the lobby. The BLACKPINK member had to stay behind and meet their manager. So we waited in the lobby, eating snacks and chatting.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRdUKZsVWN
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“Hey, isn’t it weird that we haven’t heard from Yong-guk the whole day?” Zoey asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmJfRjK1mF
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Mike and I sat close to each other. We gave each other a look.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy46k0e90xJ
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“We’ve been trying to reach him the whole afternoon,” said Mike. “But he hasn’t called back or replied to any of our texts.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpe8HQ3KXo
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“Should we maybe visit him?” Christine asked as she ate her cheesy corn puffs.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u9WcMIJAN
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“Yeah, if we knew where he lived,” said Zoey, rolling his eyes.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrThCywW1c
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“We can ask any of the B.A.P members,” said Mike. “We did get their phone numbers, didn’t we?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6AQfUhacb
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“Let me call Daehyun,” I said as I scrolled through my phone to check.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjWMclG0x7
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When I found his number, I quickly called him. I didn’t expect him to answer right away, and he sounded very delighted to hear from me.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfcWSS5Eoi
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“Hi, Sam,” he greeted so cheerfully. “I never expected to see you calling me.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3l2k04dVo
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“Well, yeah, it’s a little out of the blue,” I said. “I hope you’re doing okay.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJrdNoCXaW
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“I’m great. Hope you and The Toxins are alright.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInNTMKAmBE
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“Yeah, we’re. Daehyun, I have a quick question. Have you seen Yong-guk today? He was supposed to be here at YG, but he didn’t show. Could something be wrong?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4llokYtGsk
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“Huh. Funny, I talked to him this morning, and he sounded okay to me. And he was supposed to be there at YG. He told me he was going to YG in the afternoon. Are you sure he hasn’t been there?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQDRc74k74
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“No, he hasn’t.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcG6MOXSb2
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“I wonder where he could be. Now I’m starting to get worried.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35RqZ4qtQn
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He wasn’t the only one. The other Toxins heard the conversation even when I hadn’t put my phone on loud speaker. They also had worried looks on their faces. Where could Yong-guk be?287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡerEUDclgcz
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“There should be a reasonable explanation not to have showed up, right?” I asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPAiWEwzSl
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“Yeah, if something came up, he would’ve said something. Let me ask around first. Maybe he stopped somewhere and lost track of time or something. But he isn’t the kind to hold anyone up, so I’m surprised he didn’t say anything if he wasn’t going to show up.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslm9aDAI8x
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“Thanks, Daehyun. We’ll wait for your call.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdoPyE2IWV
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I cut the line and turned to look at the other four Toxins. No one said anything for a while. We were all probably wondering if something had happened to him. Maybe just like Daehyun had said, he was somewhere with other things to attend to. Right now, all we could do was wait.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfFkdTyIc7
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Lee joined us half an hour later. “Why are you all looking like someone has just died?” she asked when she looked at our faces.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiwjDP1IjO
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"We still haven't heard anything from Yong-guk," Zoey answered.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2B57i54QB
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"Have you tried calling any member from B.A.P?"287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ejkovRkz0
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"Sam called Daesung," Daniel answered. "Even he doesn't know where he is. He'll call us back if he has any news."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBRmMRvMK3
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"Well, while we wait, we better get a move on," said Lee. "All of you have to rest. We still have a lot of work to do tomorrow."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqThuoSWV2
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We all followed Lee out of the YG building and went to the car that was waiting for us in the car park. As we made our way back home, Daehyun called me back. I announce to everyone in the car about the call, and everyone's ears perked up, ready to hear what Daehyun had to say.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGthsqN4glX
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I answered the call and put the phone on loud speaker.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IdM8XQg8S
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"Hey, any news?" I asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjLrwC1vxC
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"I'm afraid not," said Daehyun. "No one knows where he is. I tried asking his brother too. He hasn't heard anything from him either."287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi4wqP9xkh
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There was silence from me, including everyone else who heard the conversation.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJNqECV8HX
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“Oh, okay,” I said. “Thanks for letting me know. If anything come about his whereabouts, let me know.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gmMqS9vN3
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“Sure, I’ll let you know.” Daehyun cut the call.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBu0JMkaW2
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No one said anything as the car drove to the hotel. We continued to sit in silence, waiting for the other speak. I could tell that after hearing the news, they were now super worried, including Lee. I hoped nothing had happened to Yong-guk. If there were any such news, we would have heard something by now.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCBv2HCEyY
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“Isn’t anyone going to say anything?” Zoey asked as she folded her arms.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVReTO4Mov
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Daniel who sat at the back shrugged his shoulders. “What’s there to say?” he asked. “Thinking we have a solution to what’s going on, isn’t going to help. That’s if reasonable.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwPcjlYBy8
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Lee, who sat in the front passenger seat, nodded her head. “Daniel is right,’ she said. “Right now, there’s nothing we can do but hope that he does turn up. If anything, we can file a missing person’s report. And we can’t do that ourselves, it will be up to the family to do so.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxnsFlxBfx
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“Oh, I do hope he’s okay,” said Christine. She turned to look out of the window, deep in thought.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoE035pOX8
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“I hope so too,” I said. I looked down at my phone, hoping for it to ring, to find it’s Yonguk calling. But the screen remained black and the phone remained silent. I couldn’t help but feel the worst has actually happened. It was wrong to think that way, the thought kept coming up in my mind.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZTwrNe8GF
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When we arrived back at the hotel, we were still gloomy and didn’t talk as much. We all went to our rooms to freshen up and sat in our rooms waiting for any news to pop up. Nothing came up, and I ended up falling asleep with my phone right beside me, in case Daehyun called. Zoey woke me up for supper and we all went to the lobby to have supper. Collins hadn’t come back yet from YG, so the five of us had dinner with Lee. We never said a word as we ate, and that worried Lee.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXCdsWFUk1
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“I know we’re all upset right now,” she said, breaking the silence. “But it feels so weird when none of you are talking.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgekD5bmr2n
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“I thought we were simply observing table manners,” said Zoey as she looked at Lee.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrezSveG4W
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“Well, it’s not common for all of you to be silent is what I’m trying to say.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd7f4HEyzm
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“I think we’re all still pretty worried about Yong-guk,” I said. “Daehyun still hasn’t called me.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMW90oKrSb
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“We can’t do anything for now,” said Lee as she stood up from her seat. “Now, I want you all to join me for a board game. You all need a distraction.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EV1EyzbG2
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“I don’t feel like playing a card game,” said Christine, giving Lee a sulking look.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkdNyaantv
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“If you keep thinking of Yong-guk like you are right now, you’ll die of depression. I’m going to get the board. We’re playing snakes and ladders.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUwzpUj99Z
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Lee left the lounge. She was right in a way. Yong-guk has got us so worked up that we weren’t ourselves. Well, that is to be expected. Lee was just trying to cheer us up and get our mind off things.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNGqh6xOIs
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My phone in my pocket beeped. It looks like I have just received a message. Before I could pick up the phone, I noticed the other entire Toxins’ eyes on me. I paused, looking at them.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6BcE3N7fq
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“What is it?” I asked.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuMneyf2I7
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“Nothing,” said Mike who sat beside me. “We’re all hoping to receive a message about Yong-guk’s whereabouts.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzbPDg3BEZ
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“And what if it isn’t?” I asked as I raise my eyebrow.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AR1Tn7yCK
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“Then nothing.” Mike scratched the back of his head.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LyEUzMZEq
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I took my phone out and quickly unlocked it. The message wasn’t from Daehyun or anyone I knew. It was from a private number. I got scared. Did it have anything to do with Yong-guk?287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡza55BkYJIl
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I heard a door close down the hall and footsteps. Lee was coming back. I had better check on this message quick before she shows up.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnWrnHiUVA
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I open my inbox and read the message. My eyes grow wide with shock. The message is from Yong-guk. Apparently, he had gone to visit a sick friend out of town. His car broke down and his phone battery was low. He had to wait to receive help and when he did, he had to wait for a toll truck to toll his car to the garage. Even with his phone charged, he couldn’t call or text anyone as he was out of phone credit so he used someone’s phone from the garage. I couldn’t help but sigh out loud in relief.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLtn3cLRL5
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“What is it?” Zoey asked impatiently. “Is it about Yong-guk?”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHYGksovZS
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“Yong-guk is fine,” I said. “He travelled out of town and his car broke down. He’s okay.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOBLe9Mfrd
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“Told you not to worry,” said Lee as she came in with a board game in hand.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVlAJCS4H0
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“I’m so relieved,” said Christine. “Anything could’ve happened with the way he disappeared like he did.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZzIzx0Vmh
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“True,” said Zoey. “For a moment there, I thought Johnny must have kidnapped him or something.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCUpHYiHTT
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We all fell silent and looked at Zoey. Zoey noticed our eyes on her.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpL4umQczUN
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“Okay, okay, maybe I’m just exaggerating here,” she said. “But if Johnny did kidnap Yong-guk, it wouldn’t be the first time he has ever done something that sinister.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5JiATaWBr
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“True,” said Lee. “There’s also what he did with the power recently, and him chasing me down the stairs.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGd8f8UaKw
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“And let’s not forget one time in high school when the drama club were supposed to be performing a play, yet he stole all their costumes the night before,” said Mike. “I seriously wonder why the principal never expelled him when he had the chance.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhAUooxR1l
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I noticed the look on Daniel’s face. He was contemplating. “Yeah, you’re right,” he said. “But if he were to pull something big, it will have to take a lot of work.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFanXPiLND
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“Anyway, let’s not think about Johnny doing his worst,” I said. “Now that Yong-guk is okay, I’m now in the mood for a game.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dz5kD0B0z
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“Look at you, glowing like you are,” said Zoey as she giggled. “I bet out of everyone here, you’re the happiest to know that Yong-guk is alright.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoG2Ctpes12
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“Well, I know where you’re getting at Zoey.” I turn to look at her. “If it happened to be Mino, you’ll be jumping around the place with joy.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrhh86u4kU
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“No, I wouldn’t.” Zoey shook her head, yet there was no denying that she was blushing.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBbySBgoZi
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“Let’s get the game going, shall we?” Lee asked as she went to the coffee table in the lounge. “We can worry about Zoey and Mino later.”287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9MoIf69By
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Zoey threw me a side-eye, and I chuckled. I stood up from my seat and started to make my towards Lee in the lounge. Slowly, everyone else followed suit. And with the way we were lively and chatty through the game, our minds were at ease.287Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Eqq6OHsAb
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