Tess had remained in her exact same spot ever since bringing Jinwoo above ground and following him into the hospital, just waiting for him to get better. And time seemed to go extra slow as she waited and waited and waited, and waited some more. But her hope didn’t falter because the Mark on her lower arm was still somehow vibrating a certain warmth which was proof enough for her that Jinwoo was still alive. And so she continued waiting until eventually, after a really, indescribably long time, his familiar footstep dug into the earth again. Her attention turned to it instantly and she waited since Jinwoo’s footsteps didn’t continue, as if he was looking for something. But then he started to walk and mere moments later Merch’s paw prints dented the ground as well. Breezing towards them, Tess followed along right underneath the duo, checking the surroundings as much as she could but not knowing where the cameras would be above ground. Which was about when her phone beeped and despite the whole ordeal, she took it out and looked at the screen. Being given a few coordinates, she easily moved to said position, which was only a little bit further ahead on Jinwoo’s path. Waiting for him to reach it, she first gently made his foot sink a little deeper into the earth to warn him of what was coming, before pulling him under the surface again as well. Of course she brought Merch down with him too, closing the earth above them as if nothing had ever happened there and gently lowering them down to her level. Another text came as she did so showing her the path she would have to move Jinwoo home in to coincide with Devon’s plans of making sure no camera would show a strange thing. Swallowing harshly yet again because despite everything her brother was once again helping her out, Tess put the phone away again for the time being to be able to focus on her Target who entered the earth box with her in that moment. The one he had been in flanking the one she had so that their space became bigger.
And the moment they were on the same height, she moved forward, everything inside of her demanding of her to get closer to him and to hold his lower arm once again, to re-establish their connection. But it wasn’t the instinct driving her, it were still her emotions, the relief of him being alive after such a long time of waiting and of knowing he was completely fine because otherwise they wouldn’t have let him go home. And because that, she once again closed the distance between them to hug him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing herself close to him, chin resting on his shoulder as she was standing on the tips of her toes a little. “I’m so glad you’re okay,” she breathed out as if nothing more than a sigh, closing her eyes for a moment as she allowed the relief she still felt despite always having known he was alive to course through her. But as always her actions were way heavier than his and she could feel his hesitance in putting an arm back around her as he stated he was alright. Letting go again quickly at that, she sunk back down on the balls of her feet and took a step back. “I’m sorry,” she apologised quickly, taking a few more steps backwards until she was basically standing on the other side of the little earth enclosure they were in, to make sure she gave him the distance he required. Standing in her position for a moment, she blinked her unseeing eyes and then closed them, turning her face over to the side because she knew he was still able to see her even if it was pitch black. Shoulders slightly hunched as she felt the regret course through her for her emotional actions, she lifted the arm with her Mark on to be able to rub over it with her other hand, starting to frown lightly because it was pulsing with warmth again like it had done the night they had established their connection. Being asked if she was alright, her head almost automatically turned back to where she knew Jinwoo was standing, also knowing that Merch had taken a seat next to him.
“I’m okay,” she responded in a soft voice again, for some reason adding the “You’re okay” just moments later, as if to clarify that that was enough for her to be okay. Being told that that was thanks to the Healing Chamber, she nodded her head, somehow feeling like he was blaming her for something although she couldn’t figure out what. She couldn’t heal, she controlled the earth. Had he expected more from her? “Yes,” was all she managed to reply, swallowing as she lowered her head so her eyes were fixed on the floor, although she still could see nothing but black. “I’m sorry, I’ll let you go home,” she added after a moment, this time bringing her hands together so she could lace her fingers. Listening to how Jinwoo told her no and said her brother had nearly killed her, she felt a sting in her chest, but then relieved again because he inquired about his friends. “They’re fine, yes. No one else was affected.” Pressing her intertwined hands to her stomach, she kept her gaze to the floor, feeling like she was being scolded even though she didn’t know what she had done wrong. Except for taken that antidote, but she trusted her brother on knowing what he was doing and even though he had overlooked the fault with her, he had had an antidote ready for the problem. It was only because she hadn’t stayed around to wait for any possible side effects that she had nearly died. Being asked if she was sure and where they were at, Tess shrugged lightly. “Last I saw them they were still in the basement. I assume they’re still there. Do you want me to call them?” Receiving a positive reply, she let go of her own hands to reach for her phone and get it out, texting her brother she needed a call so Jinwoo could talk to his friends. She didn’t get a reply but not a second later her dial tone went off and she picked up, reaching the phone out to Jinwoo.
Listening to the conversation unfold one-sidedly, Tess ducked together a little more with every angry word coming from the male. Eventually taking the phone back from him, she simply hung up and tucked the device back into her pocket, fingers trembling slightly. “I’m sorry I caused that,” she spoke softly, almost afraid to say the wrong thing and anger him even more, eyes turned to the floor still. Listening to the angry words being spoken as Jinwoo blamed her brother, stating he relied too much on science and that he then even made mistakes too, Tess could feel herself hurt more inside. How could she not side with the man in front of her, part of her wondered, but how could she side against her brother, who had kept her alive all this time. And so she remained quiet. “I’m sorry,” she repeated herself then, swallowing as she tried to find solace in the touch of the earth against her back. Which was about when Jinwoo’s voice softened a little as he stated he was glad she was alright. “I’m glad you’re alright too,” she replied to those words, glad she sounded somewhat stable although her emotions were a jumbled mess. “You should go home and rest. I’m sorry I didn’t leave you your peace.” Being told once again how it wasn’t her fault but her brother’s, Tess found herself torn apart once more when he questioned she was going back to them, but assumed she was going to anyway. Not knowing what to reply to that, because if he didn’t want her to go back she knew she would stay with him but she was more than sure he didn’t want her to stay nor was that possible so what else of a choice did she have? So the silence lasted for a while as she thought about her lack of options and how it was possible that her brother and Jinwoo hated each other so much that it stood in the way of their cooperation so solidly. But then she nodded. “I’ll leave you be from now on,” she spoke softly then. He could return to the life he had before and he would no longer be bothered by all of the mess he hated so much. No longer be bothered by her brother and their crazy conspiracy theory.
But it was not the right thing to say yet again and she felt her insides constrict as Jinwoo questioned her why everyone was siding with Devon. “I..” she started, choking on her words for a moment as the couldn’t handle the pain his tone of voice brought up in her. “I am on your side, but you wanted no part in it.” Those words caused another outburst and she now literally stepped back until she was solidly pressed against the earth wall, pulling her hands against her stomach again and entangling her fingers once more. “I.. I was in a Healing Chamber,” she stated, because that was all she knew of it too, really. Being questioned about the fact that she could go into a Healing Chamber, she wanted to respond but he started to make points then about how Devon had a proper basement and she could live there so why was she living in a cage. “Because I like the earth, Jinwoo,” she responded, softly at first but then she cleared her throat. “And because my Trackers still broadcast just not as far anymore. And every time I go into the basement he has to make sure no beacon picks up on their sign or the world will know I’m alive. Every time I move he has to make sure of that or the world will know I’m alive.” Swallowing, she shook her head lightly. “I don’t mind the cave, it’s my home now.” Being told that he didn’t like Devon being in charge and everyone just going along like he was some kind of saint, she swallowed again. “Then what do you want?” Another ramble started which clearly showed the deep dislike Jinwoo had for her brother. “I’m not mad at you,” she spoke, softly again because of his anger. But then she swallowed as she remembered something. “I have to move you back up. It will get suspicious if you stand here too long.” Being told to just bring him home, Tess swallowed again but simply nodded her head, starting to move the cage. At a slow, regular walking pace, the exact road Devon had told her to take. Until they were in a spot a little aside from his house where no cameras could see him either. Which was where she came to a halt again.
Nodding her head when Jinwoo thanked her for that, she wrapped her arms around herself this time. “Take care,” was all she could manage to say, turning her head to the side again and starting to part the little earth cavern again in her head so she could move just his side of it back up to bring him above ground. But he stopped her by telling her to wait and so she turned her head back into his direction. Hearing him move a bit, she wasn’t sure what he was doing and therefore just remained in the exact same position. When he stated then that they should establish the connection once more, she frowned lightly. “Are you sure?” she questioned, a little surprised that he wanted to have that again. Only when he spoke a yes in a bit of a sigh - which once again sounded as if he was tired of her - did she unwrap her arms from herself and took a step or two forward again. “Alright.” Reaching out her hand - she was wearing something short sleeved, as the rest of her clothes had disappeared in the earlier chaos, she presumed - she let it hang in the air and allowed Jinwoo to do the rest of the movement. Feeling his hand come in contact with her arm near her elbow first, their Marks then pressed against each other again. Although they had done this before, the effect of it wasn’t any less than it had been the first time. An incredible jolt went through her body, followed by several more of them, coursing through both her and Jinwoo once more. Only eventually did the feelings of warmth and safety settle inside of her once more, along with one of intense relief at having this connection back because it was the only truly solid proof she had of this man’s survival, of their broken bond not meaning either of their deaths. The skittish, fearful self that seemed to have returned in the hours he’d been gone from her now solidified once more and the certainty that he was there with her, for her, in her mind, landed over everything she was like a blanket, covering up all the bad and softening it up for her to experience it way more easily. Feeling the warmth course from her Mark through her system and even through his, it seemed, Tess allowed the feeling to take her over, to relax her and to reassure her everything would be alright.
I love you. It was not really words, although they were there too in a fleeting thought. But there were more feelings. And not just feelings of love, but reassurance, too. And warmth. A certainty that she would go to the ends of the earth for him if necessary. A promise that her loyalty lay with him as her fingers curled around his arm too only then, gently touching upon his skin. There was steadiness in the communication too, way different from the insecure, almost scared girl she had been in the past few minutes they had been conversing. Along with it was also the vastness of her being, how it spread again now into the miles of earth surrounding them, as she was once more aware of everything moving in or on the earth and sand, the dust and mud. In return she could feel his same sort of promise that he would be there for her too, which only strengthened the feeling of having a home again. Smiling this time around because she welcomed the feelings back inside of herself and was glad to retrieve them, rather than completely overwhelmed by them as she had been the first time, Tess gently stroked her thumb over Jinwoo’s arm before she let go of it again. But instead of dropping her arm to her side, she closed the distance between them, resting her hand on his chest and once again going up on the tips of her toes, this time to give him a kiss on his cheek. Thank you was what she communicated next. Gratitude for him wanting to re-establish their connection, but also for the fact that he was the one that grounded her, that turned her weary, shapeless sand into a strong, solid rock. Staying near him like that for a moment, because it felt right and warm and like home, she gently rested her chin on his shoulder once more, closing her eyes for a little moment to be able to keep this memory strong. And the way he put one arm around her now also felt like acceptance, which she gladly basked in. But then she moved back, away from him again as she quietly settled in the second part of their little cavern and then slowly started to move him back upwards. Because he had to go inside of his house for real and they couldn’t raise any more suspicion. I’m here if you need anything. Don’t hesitate to ask. Anything. Now following his upward movement with her eyes, because she was even more acutely aware of where he was standing, she moved him up until he was standing on the ground again as if he had never gone down into it. But Tess still remained where she was, waiting for him to actually enter his house before she would even think of leaving.
Minho watched how Lyn moved along on the Transport, but once she was dropped off, the images of her stopped. She spoke to him still, though, so Minho merely focused on her awareness in his mind. I can’t wait for you to be back, he communicated back to her. I’m sure Devon will come up with a reason soon enough. And indeed, not much later the man was already typing up a text it seemed to both of the others, it appearing on his screen as Devon toggled away on his keyboard. Minho read it as it appeared, before he could even send it, and sent the message through to Lyn before she would even check her phone. You guys, I saw the horrible battle. I would feel so much better if the two of you could come over and stay at my place tonight. Like, get a shower and a change of clothes and everything, but seriously. I was fearing for your lives, I’d like to just have you guys over and be sure you’re alright. Is that okay? Communicating the text message through to Lyn moments before it would reach her via the mobile frequency, Minho tilted his head slightly to the side. Glad that the response that appeared on the screen was that it was a good idea and that she was coming over, he smiled softly, only to frown lightly again when Devon started to type back, stressing the fact that she should first go home to get a shower and a change of clothes and all that. Feeling sad because that would mean she would spend more time away from him, Minho watched Lyn’s reply appear on the computer screen again before reaching out to her. Too bad I can’t have that shower with you, he sent through their connection. Slightly playful because of the shower they had before, but also slightly serious because he wished he could spend time with her right then. Any time. All the time. Receiving the reply that he could be doing that in a way, he started to grin lightly. Can’t wait, was what he communicated back to her, amused now more than sad. And glad, still, that she was alright.
Staying a constant presence in her mind as she walked home - which he knew because of what Frog’n showed him - he simply followed along as the dog more so than himself, listening to the conversation between Yifan and his cousin. But he was pulled from that sentiment not that much later when Devon all of a sudden stated that Jinwoo wanted to talk to them. Focusing on the screen once more, Minho only then noticed how Jinwoo’s Trackers had left the hospital - although not that far. Lifting his head up slightly, he nodded at the male and glanced shortly at Seunghoon before focusing on the computers and waiting for the line to open. His stomach a little tense because Jinwoo had still endangered all of them earlier by throwing the antidote away and had left all of them with the knowledge that he didn’t want to be part of the team. So when he heard the “you guys alright?” coming from his former friend - he wasn’t even sure what to call this guy anymore - there was a great sense of resentment inside of him and he had to bite his tongue not to lash out. “Could be better,” was therefore what he replied, but he couldn’t hold himself back and so he spoke again regardless. “You could’ve thought twice before unleashing hell upon the Border.” Feeling anger rise after that because of the way Jinwoo was talking down on him, he stopped himself from talking back to Jinwoo because he knew nothing good was going to come from it. Shaking his head lightly at Jinwoo stating it was clear he hadn’t experienced the connection breaking, he looked over at Seunghoon, trying to communicate wordlessly that he wasn’t going to continue the conversation. What Jinwoo had done - for whatever reason - had put Lyn in grave danger and it was only because Devon had amazing hardware and hacking skills that a joined effort had been able to keep her safe. And still she’d been shot in the leg. If they hadn’t been there to warn her, if Devon hadn’t calmed down the fighting with his strategies, hell if that helicopter thing had remained up in the air only a little bit longer, who knows what might have befallen her.
Listening to Jinwoo state he didn’t know what Minho would’ve done, he huffed softly, the resentment growing. “Not waged a war,” was what he replied. Thinking he would not have endangered so many innocents. Thinking he would have taken all the dogs and figured out who had done it and killed them off horribly. But not the whole city. Not Seunghoon’s Target, not Jinwoo’s, because he knew how much it meant. He had lost before. Terrible losses. Maybe not his Target, but still. Being told then by Jinwoo how he’d lost Tess all of a sudden after she’d reached out to him in panick, he huffed again, louder this time. “They could have levelled the whole fucking West with that helicopter, our Targets included.” Shaking his head, Minho clenched his teeth again as for some reason tears started to clog up his throat. And then Jinwoo got angry and he knew why; because he had officially, truly lost yet another friend. Feeling the hurt mix in with anger, as he didn’t seem to be sure which one of the two he should let take the upper hand, he turned his focus back inward as the phone call ended anyway, bringing his gaze down to the floor. Reaching out to Lyn again then, he couldn’t bear to form words for it and therefore just gave her the memories of the conversation as well as the emotions he’d been feeling. Being given all kinds of rationally true points by his beloved - like how she was safe, and how Jinwoo couldn’t have destroyed the West because the government wouldn’t have allowed it, and how he hadn’t lost the man as a friend because he had still called to inquire about their wellbeing - Minho could see the rational side of things but still somehow could not get past the fact that he could no longer see Jinwoo as a friend after what he had done.
Being told then by Lyn - which made him realise he had communicated those feelings too - that that was his own doing and that he was the one now shutting off Jinwoo, Minho swallowed as he turned away from the computer screens and walked over to the couches. Taking a seat in the utmost left of them, he breathed out a sigh as he put his elbow on his knees and rested his head in his hands. Meanwhile Lyn was also telling him that he should try and forgive the other and that if he couldn’t that was alright too, but that he should let some time pass because he himself was filled with emotions as well. But that Jinwoo couldn’t help the fact that Minho had been rejecting him during that conversation, blaming him for something Jinwoo also only had done to try and protect his own Target. He listened then to how she told him that it truly wasn’t nice that he felt the way he felt right now and that she didn’t want to make him feel worse but that she was just trying to help him feel better by helping him look at things a different way. Heaving a deep sigh as everything came crashing back into his mind, all the hurt and the pain and the losses and the conspiracies that he just couldn’t deal with, Minho could feel the first tremble go through his body. I can’t do this, Lyn, he communicated next, a certain defeat lying in his thoughts now. I can’t battle with my friends too while there is such a humongous threat that we can’t even really do anything about. I can’t fight a war, I wasn’t made for it. I don’t want to try and fight the government, I just want to leave this all behind. This is not my fight. I never wanted part of this. Please tell me this doesn’t have to be our fight. But although he was telling her that he wanted out, it was really just a hurt soul trying to find the easiest way out of the pain. Because he also wanted to stop it somehow, and the vague feeling of that thought went through to his beloved as well, but right now he really just didn’t feel up for the task, like he couldn’t take any more of it before it would be too much. It already was too much.
Being told by Lyn then that he didn’t need to battle with his friends, he felt the second tremble go through him, as the tears made it past his eyes ever so slowly. Gorn was there, pressing a nose against his arm, against the back of his hand, giving his chin and hands a small lick as a soft whine came out of him too, but Minho could only focus on Lyn’s voice in his mind, her presence, her warmth, her comfort and support. Listening to how she told him that he wasn’t alone and that although she didn’t know how or when, she did know they were going to make it through, he felt how those simple, perhaps even meaningless words, already made the shift happen inside of him again, already tore him away from the desperation and the pain to a safer path where he could feel her love and the purpose in continuing and figuring this all out. Being told then that she would be ‘right here’ was what soothed him for real and he simply reached out in their connection to wrap himself around her, as if giving her a hug in their minds. Just burrowing himself against her, keeping her as close as he could and just focusing on the fact that he loved her and that she loved him and that that was all he would ever need in life, so the world be damned if everything else went to hell. Although of course he would prefer it not to go to hell, but if he didn’t get to choose then he would still survive if it did go to hell, as long as he would have her with him. Feeling her respond to that hug, he also captured the ‘I love you’ she sent his way, responding to it with one of his own, as his emotions started to settle again. And with them, Gorn also settled in front of him, giving a small wag of his tail before once again just standing on the lookout. Starting to smile then when Lyn stated that she was going to take a shower now and she thought he was going to come with, he responded with a simple I’m right here. Not letting go. Still somewhat amazed by how easily she broke through the downward spiral but at the same time so incredibly grateful for it.
Yifan sat quietly on the hoverboard next to his cousin as it transported them back in the direction of their home. Eventually the transport stopped not that far away from their home but still a little end walking. Thanking the people for the help, he nodded at them before starting in the direction of Lyn and his’ apartment, with Frog’n still flanking his cousin. Looking over at Lyn when she told him the text message had been Devon asking them to spend the night because he’d heard about the battle, Yifan nodded his head quietly. “Sure,” he stated at first, before hesitating. “If you want to go, but I think you do?” Being reassured that she wanted to, he nodded. After which she stated they were going to get a shower first. Grinning lightly at that, he shrugged his shoulders a little. “Well, we better, or he’s going to be even more traumatised with all that blood on your clothes and hands and face.” Smiling warmly at his cousin, Yifan was glad that she was alright and that they could peacefully head home to their apartment. His conversation with Seunghoon a little earlier also replayed in his mind like an echo, because he knew he had admitted to what was supposed to be his worst enemy that he would die for the other simply because Seunghoon would want him to. Swallowing once, he walked home with Lyn, not disturbing the thoughts she seemed caught up in. And soon Seunghoon spoke to him again, communicating the conversation they’d had with Jinwoo as well as how Minho was annoyed at their old friend. But most importantly he got told how Devon had lost his composure after communicating with Jinwoo both times, and how Seunghoon even thought that Devon had been ready to detonate Jinwoo’s Trackers, although he wasn’t sure of it. Being told all the things that Seunghoon seemed to have noticed and seemed to be taking into account, he was glad to hear that Seunghoon was keeping an eye on Devon
Well, he did tell us that we got on his nerves and that he needed some time alone, but the whole ordeal didn’t really give him that, perhaps it is that too? If we leave him be a bit now - and perhaps also only when Tess returns - he will maybe be better again, more able to control himself. Humming shortly when Seunghoon stated a perhaps in return, he started to smile softly when Seunghoon said he hated dealing with maybes. I’m sorry there are so many. But I’m sure your friend will calm down again. Both of them, actually. And that it’ll turn out alright between them. Reaching his house as he was having that conversation, Yifan went upstairs with Lyn, telling her to go take a shower first and that he would feed Frog’n and give him some water. Listening to Seunghoon state then that if Devon killed Jinwoo he did, Yifan responded with a bit of surprise that that would probably get him in trouble with Jinwoo’s earth-controlling Target then. Continuing that line of thought along with Seunghoon, Yifan started to realise how much of a danger Tess’ ability really was and how they should find a way to lock her away if she was going to be dangerous for real. Being told by Seunghoon that when that happened they would just kill them, Yifan frowned lightly. Perhaps we should ask Devon if there is a way to limit her ability he eventually stated to Seunghoon, who inquired as to why they would do that. Explaining that it would be useful to have a way just in case, he also added that if they explained it to Devon he would probably understand too. Not in that very instant, perhaps, but once he was more rational again. Tilting his head slightly to the side as he went to the kitchen to get Frog’n some food and water, Yifan continued to ponder over the possibilities of Tess turning rogue to aid Jinwoo should the Eastern male stay angry. But also the possibility of Devon losing control and detonating their Trackers. It wouldn’t harm most of them now, but what if he had already lost it a little and had put something entirely different in their pills than he had injected into himself? Shaking his head lightly as he put Frog’n’s bowls down, Yifan discarded the thoughts. It wouldn’t do to start mistrusting everyone around them all of a sudden. But still, he felt closer to their little group of four now where he had felt just as close to all the others before. More of Seunghoon’s personality, he presumed, which was what he sent through to his Target then, along with a single, somewhat amused nonetheless, line: You’re growing on me.
Devon’s attention had been on his computer screens the whole time, following each one of his allies who were in the middle of the battle until they were all out safe. And after that he had focused on sending the necessary messages to pacify his superiors as well as sending a text to his friends to invite them back over to his place and give them a reason to be there again. But there came a point, eventually, where he focused on his sister’s Target once more, waiting for him to start moving. And once he did, he followed the movements up close to make sure that the Easterner would not do anything to endanger all of them. Realising that the male being out of the hospital would probably also mean his sister was going to talk to him. That’s why she hadn’t come back after all, to make sure the male was alright. Sighing as he one again put extra focus on the East, he hacked into their camera system once again after all to start checking the easiest way for Tess to take him home, as well as the best point in Jinwoo’s course to make that happen. Setting up a little mobile phone-like station on his computer again, he texted his sister the coordinates then as well as a detailed image of the road she should take underground so he could let Jinwoo’s Trackers keep broadcasting and no one would ask any questions even if he didn’t show up on a single camera. Luckily most cameras were focused in the direction of the West for now to make sure most probably that no one was getting into the wrong side anymore. Not getting any reply from his sister, Devon did notice how Jinwoo’s Trackers eventually came to a halt on the spot where Devon had told his sister to take him down. Instantly checking all the nearby cameras he was glad to see how none of them were focused on that spot. But they stayed down there too long for his liking. Although it didn’t take long for a text to be returned to him then after all, telling him that Jinwoo wanted to talk to his friends. Heaving a sigh, he wasn’t about to say no to that as he could understand the male’s need to wish to speak to them and make sure they were alright. Putting up the connection, he turned his head lightly to his two companions. “Your friend wants to know if you’re alright, I’m calling him.”
The ringtone sounded up from his boxes only once before someone picked up and the next moment Jinwoo’s voice sounded up through the system. Not getting in between the male’s conversation with his friends because it was none of his business, Devon did clench his teeth when Jinwoo started to go against Minho and stated that the other male knew nothing of how it felt. Instantly his annoyance for the male sparked, but this time it also sparked towards the other male, because once again they were bickering when there was no use whatsoever in fighting each other. There was already enough fighting going on outside of the basement, why did everyone inside of it have to fight among each other too on top of that? Why did that stupid motherfucking Eastern asshole have to not take the pill and endanger them all? If he’d just taken it, Tess would have still been in the basement when he’d figured out what was wrong and he could have just put her in the Healing Chamber and have the antidote taken out of her again so he could have brewed her a new one. No one would have been hurt. Not Tess, not Lyn, not Yifan and for fucking sure not that stupid fucking Easterner either. Keystrokes turning stronger again as he listened to the conversation and how it ended with Jinwoo making an annoyed comment, Devon had at least managed to keep his anger inside of himself and keep his rationality. But when his sister then ended the phone call without even trying to talk to him, his anger spiked again. She wasn’t even going to talk to him now? All because of what? Because he had told her to be safe and not bring the Easterner to him - which was for the guy’s own fucking safety, even? Or because he had failed her by giving her that antidote that had almost killed her - of course only because of the stupid Easterner’s actions, but still. Was she going to be angry with him again now? Was he going to lose his sister to that stupid, underdeveloped Eastern crap?
Feeling the anger rise in his throat, Devon momentarily halted his movements again, lifting his hands lightly from the keyboard so he could clench his fists. Lowering his head a little bit, he closed his eyes as well and just sat there in quiet for a moment. But he lifted his head not long after because his computer beeped, indicating that Jinwoo was on the move again. Following the path he was taking, he realised it was the road he had shown his sister. Quickly calculating ahead once again to see if she was still going in the right direction, Devon was relieved to find that she had remembered correctly and that all the cameras were still facing the right direction. Once again stopping with typing on his keyboard as he watched how the Trackers once more came to a halt near Jinwoo’s house, Devon hoped that the male would just be put above ground then and his sister was going to return home. But instead of that, what he got for his short wait was the tell-tale spike of Jinwoo’s vitals. Looking at his screen as his fingers hung lifelessly above the keyboard, Devon took in the full meaning of this spike and its consequences. Which was about the point in time when he was done with it. Taking down the sign with Jinwoo’s vitals as well as everything else open on his screens, Devon quietly rolled his desk chair back and got up to close his wardrobe doors. With quiet and calm movements, he hid every bit of evidence of all his hacking away into the wardrobe once more, before picking up his desk chair and moving it through the rubble back to his desk. Placing it on the ground again there, it was only then that he turned around to face his two guests once more. Minho was seated in the shower, head in his hands, face hidden, but because his dog didn’t appear worried at all he was probably alright. Facing Seunghoon then, Devon let his eyes go over the male, his expression blank as he just took the other in. Why am I doing this, dad? Why am I doing all of this when they just won’t listen? Why don’t they ever care about the dangers, like they’re not real? Like the government is not on our backs? Why am I doing this? Staring at the Eastern male as those thoughts went through his head, Devon shook his head lightly.
“I’m done,” he spoke up then, voice even. “If your friend wants to sign his own death certificate, I’m done trying to keep him from it. They re-established this strange connection you all have without thinking twice about the consequences on his Trackers.” Shaking his head once again, he thought of the consequences there would be if the government noticed the spike and if they were going to hunt on it. Thought of how Jinwoo’s father and all of those beloved to him would turn against him and would work to destroy him as well as his Target, Tess. Thought of how Jinwoo should have taken the antidote if he was going to pull stunts like that and how he was going to die now once they detonated his Trackers because he hadn’t. And it brought a sad smile to his face as he focused his gaze on Seunghoon again rather than on his inside. “Good luck trying to manufacture up a good plan with that idiot going against you every single step of the way. I am done with it.” Putting himself in motion, he calmly walked through the rubble of his broken wall over to the stairs. “I’ll let my friends in tonight and I will reset your Trackers back to regular broadcasting once you’re home tomorrow and that’s the end of it,” he spoke still as he started to move up the stairs. “Oh and if my sister does somehow still decide to show up here again, please tell her to clean up her mess. I’d like my wall back. Goodnight.” Going through the basement door after having said that, Devon closed it again behind him, thereby locking the two Easterners into his basement with no way out but the way they’d come in - via the earth outside of it. Moving over to his living room in the dark, he took a seat in his couch, folding his hands as he rested his elbows on his knees and just stared ahead of him into the darkness. All the while thinking over the same, suddenly very important questions: Why am I doing this? And who am I doing this for?