# ⁞ hidden meadow

@♔ Ning³ He raised a brow at her question and shook his head. He didn’t feel he’d really gotten to explore the city but he never made much of an attempt to. Soobin was always thankful though when his elite driver would drive him through various areas and tell him about lots of different things in the city. “I usually only come to the city for tea at this one cafe or I come here to the park so there might be a lot I haven’t done. I hear there are good bookstores around and plant nurseries, if those mean anything,” he smiled sheepishly, unsure of what would be a decent answer.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Hearing such honest words made Ning's heart a bit sad. Soobin had been a heir his whole life, and with his family's wealth and influence surrounding and swallowing his childhood, it was true that what was considered "normal" or "average" was not even feasible, let alone allowed. She wanted so bad to give some of that back to her brother... "Mmm, what haven't you done yet in the city?" she prompted, sitting up with her hands on her knees in cute anticipation of his answer.

@♔ Ning³ Ning's snort seemed to go along with the thoughts going through his mind. He sighed softly, knowing she was right. Even though his mother was very careful about letting him take over a lot, he still held a lot of responsibilities. Some of which he very much took on without anyone knowing except his elite guards and sometimes they wouldn't know either. "It would be nice to go to a class and just pretend I'm normal for once but I don't even think I know what that word means anymore," Soobin smiled back at her and nodded in agreement, "Sounds good to me. Got anything you've been wanting to do lately?"

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning snorted at her brothers comment upon attending university. “I can only imagine that to be the case. But you do so much for the company as its heir, don’t you think it’ll be a bit much?” She had all the faith in the world Soobin could succeed at anything he wanted to do, plus University had been a good distraction for her- almost kept her present with the sense of normalcy. “It could be really fun though, but I think part of that comes with attending in person.” She was purposeful in not getting to boasted with her accomplishments, but she nodded with a gleeful smile at the idea of celebrating. “We should celebrate your renewed freedom and my test scores.”

@♔ Ning³ "I'm not surprised," he chuckled, smiling in pure adoration at her with pride in his eyes. "You're very smart. Do you want to go celebrate? Do some decompressing?" Soobin couldn't help but silently coo over her. He was really proud of her and he always did his best to make sure she knew. "Maybe I should try going back to school. I think my parents would approve," he paused and furrowed his brows, shaking his head, "Actually, they might only approve if it's online."

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning sighed softly, shaking her head just slightly at the news of his mother locking him away from the world. It made sense, and heck sometimes Ning wanted to lock down Soobin herself because she wanted him out of danger- but it pushed a uncomfortable boundary in her mind. Feeling her forehead be pecked, she felt a gentle warmth puff into her chest. She rubbed the other's back tenderly and nodded. "Okay, on a more positive note, I passed all my midterms~" she smiled, doing a little victory dance of sorts (was sort of like a shimmy or shake of sorts, while hugging).

@♔ Ning³ "Yes, that's pretty much it," he answered, finding it kind of laughable now that he wasn't still in captivity thanks to his mother. He understood why she had done it but that didn't mean he was entirely okay with it either. Considering everything that had happened and just how much he had to heal, it had been for the best. Soobin turned to kiss the top of her head, chuckling lowly.

"I'll make a mental note so I don't forget next time. There was just a lot going on this time and it happened so quickly," he gave her a gentle squeeze before just going ahead and hugging her close. He was thankful to have her in his corner and to be in her corner. He was always thankful that, when it came down to the nitty-gritty, it didn't matter whose family you were a part of but just protecting one another. He was grateful that he could find that in Ning as it didn't seem that was necessarily a common thing among the families.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ His words were tapered off with caution tape, speaking few out of reassurance. But there was always more. Soobin couldn't expect Ning to just let things slip by, especially if it regarded his safety. "She's kept you in the house or a bunker? Is that why we couldn't meet till now?" scheduling conflicts happened, university happened for Ning too, so postponement while acceptable wasn't typical of them. But things had been so hectic that it had been a couple months since they've met up.

She searched his expression, still rubbing his forearm with her thumbs as she pressed her forehead into his shoulder with a soft exhale. "I missed you too. My months aren't the same without seeing you, making sure your okay," she closed her eyes, treasuring the closeness they had and the time carved out for him she was able to make today. "Please Soobin, call me when your in trouble. The Kwons are busy, but never enough for me to not be there for you." she knew he wasn't telling her everything that had happened, which just made her worry heavier in her stomach. Regardless if part of her didn't want to know, she needed to be informed so she could see what power she had to try and safeguard her brother. She may have to fish for it, but she was patient.

@♔ Ning³ He managed a chuckle at her words, nodding in agreement as she counted the guards. "There's nothing you can do. She's gone into alpha wolf protecting their pup mode. This feels like the most fresh air I've gotten in a while so that's a big plus," Soobin smiled, "Other than that, I guess she's well. She's better." Scary things happened in their world but even just with his family alone, it felt like there had been so much more going on than the other families knew, let alone realized. He'd heard there were rumors going around about things happening in his family, well, what people assumed was going on, but it didn't seem like any of the ones he'd heard were even close.

Soobin was tempted to tell his sister what was going on but she clearly had enough on her plate and he doubted telling her he'd gone so far under the radar for a while that people thought he was dead wouldn't help anything. Even more so since he had almost died. "I'm really glad to see you though. It's one of those things where I knew I missed you but I guess maybe it's just been or at least felt longer than it actually has been."

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Watching the other stiffen up so suddenly worked like a visible switch on Ning's face, her lips parting as her brows furrowed with worry. Normally bringing up the other's mother was a sweet small talk - something non chalet about her cooking typically or a hobby she had been getting into in her free time, so to feel the others entire body tighten almost made the younger feel regret in her question. She knew times were getting a bit tougher as tensions between families was growing with the more assasination attempts, but not enough to make cool-Soobin stressed.

"What can I do to help?" she asked, rubbing her brother's arm softly. She knew he hated to be the center of attention, and her rubs weren't out of pity, it was more to reassure she was there for him, with whatever he needed. She would always be there. "It's no wonder there's six of them," she commented, looking over to the security dispatched around the park for Soobin's sake. Typically there were four, two if they were in a more quiet less public setting, but six were stationed.

@♔ Ning³ "You don't need to apologize for anything," he reassured her, "I know that you can handle yourself. It's just a scare to find out that someone's actually being a nuisance to you ad really putting you in harm's way somehow." Soobin was the protective type. Just as his family was known for was he always more of the silent but deadly type. He didn't like to draw attention to himself or what he was doing, even with more private topics did he kind of veer it elsewhere if he felt he was becoming the actual topic.

At the mention of his mother, he stiffened up a bit. "She's... She's fine. She's better if I'm within arm's reach lately but... she'll be fine, especially if she knows I'm with you," he sighed softly and gave a slight shrug. His family had been going through a lot lately and it just seemed like it kept piling up. It made Soobin his mother's entire focus really, worried much more than usual for her son's safety.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning's eyes moved from the grassy field before them over and up to her brother's face, smiling in a slightly sheepish way as she realized her slouching hunched position was semi childish. Not that she couldn't be herself around him, but she knew with him and for him, she would be around. She wouldn't go back into work in China and the trauma just needed to stay behind her. She rested her cheek against the edge of his broad shoulder, wrapping her hands over his forearm as she rested with him. "I know. I'm sorry." she didn't mean to make him stress or just talk about sour news, rubbing his arm in reassurance. "How is your mother doing?" the younger flipped the subject to something hopefully more lighthearted, her voice also becoming more relaxed and gentle. Soobin was close with his mom, Mrs. Lee, and though in this life they would never met, Ning enjoyed hearing stories and making sure her health was well, as she meant so very much to her son.

@♔ Ning³ He took a deep breath but nodded, lightly rubbing over her back until he was dropping his hand in his lap. "I'm holding you to that promise. If I find out you've gotten hurt again because of him somehow," his smile was gentle, warm really, but it was clear he was serious thanks to the look in his eyes. "Again, you can call on me whenever you want. Not just when you need me. you know that," Soobin's smile was more relaxed this time. There was still a hint of worry but not so much. He knew very well that Ning could take care of herself and he wasn't the type cross that boundary. If she really needed him to take action, he would but he was comfortable with taking her word for now.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ "Same spaces, but my patterns change relatively so I can't in general be easily followed." she reassured the other she was doing what she could, even admis a daily schedule. The younger appreciated Soobin's advice, and she knew he would have her back and do what he could. "If he doesn't leave me alone soon, I'll kill him myself. Promise." she spoke truthfully as if her voice was a solid chopping block. "Because I'm never going back there." she crossed her arms over her chest, almost in a pout as she slouched against the bench.

@♔ Ning³ Soobin's expression shifted to one less of worry and more of just a gentle calmness. "Well, do you know how he keeps finding you? Is there someone that might be telling him things about you or do you just happen to be floating around the same spaces," he questioned, brows furrowing a little. He wanted to help however he could but he also didn't fully understand the situation. Soobin wasn't the type to really pry, always feeling that someone would tell him things if they wanted to. Well, that or it would be aired out one way or another if someone was keeping something from him.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning peaked through her fingers, seeing as the other was worried enough. She knew she didn't need to put on a face, but she also understood as much as anyone that reality was, well, reality, and there was little use to get hung up on what you couldn't understand. She huffed out a big breathe, running her hands over her hair and behind her neck as the other reassured he could try and get information on her supposed relative.

"I would. I want him gone," she explained, scratching her eyebrow as she looked off toward the sidewalk in thought of what she could do. "No...I don't need legitimacy, though I know you can do it. Just a strategy to get him off." she gestured around the park. "I shot him and he still tries to initiate contact. Dudes relentless." she looked up toward her brother and smiled softly. "If you have any ideas I'd be all ears, but there's no pressure."

@♔ Ning³ Soobin couldn't help but trace near the stitches on her side with his thumb, concern riddling his features as his brows pulled together again. In moments like this, that helpless feeling he would get would agitate him a little more than whoever the party was causing stress or pain to his loved ones. It worked out in his favor though that he wasn't the reckless type though, even when he was incredibly angry about something.

He could see the mix of frustration and anger on her face, only leaving him to wish that there was something he could do for her. He d her hair before resting a hand on her back, "If there's anything I can do, you'll let me know, right? Would you like me to have someone do some research on him? Get some people on him to find out who he is?" That wouldn't take anything and it was something his family was skilled in.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning started breathing faster, though she felt her brother's hand on her face, pulling her watery eyes up to see his as he asked her to calm down. "Uhngh," the female grit her teeth, closing her eyes tightly as the invisible scars of her past wished to show themselves like a movie, replaying in her head over and over. Her lips went white from the pressure she kept closed, trying to count her breathes in and out and get the flashbacks to stop.

She wiped her tears again with her palm. No one was gonna hurt her. She wasn't going to go back. There was no need to blow things out of proportion... "A man has been following me for weeks on end," Ning explained with some sorry, inhale shaking as she collected herself slowly, but surely. "I caught him and shot his shin, as a warning. H-He said he came in the name of my biological mother... but I don't know what he wants from me." she shook her head in the rejection of such interaction. "It's fine, b-but...I can't figure out his intentions..." she sniffled and lifted up the right of her blouse, showing a freshly stitched bullet wound on one of her ribs. "And s-someone is getting aggressive with the Know's inhalation. The bullet was meant for the up and coming heir." she dropped her shirt and placed her face in her hands. "I can't have my past coming for me again...it's just a little too much right now..."

@♔ Ning³ "I'll have a good time with you regardless. I'll be more worried if you don't actually tell me," his words came to a halt as he caught her shift in expression. Soobin set aside his drink, making sure it was upright and wouldn't spill over. She had his full, undivided attention now, not that she didn't before but it was more of his big brother aura on now. He was quiet as he listened to her. It was incredibly rare to see Ning even on the brink of tears. He reached over to gently cup her cheek then used the back of his index finger to trace and wipe under her eyes.

"Ning, calm down for me, okay," he guided her to breathe, eyes completely honed in on her face. "I need you to go back for me. Can you explain it to me one more time," Soobin's brows pulled together just slightly, something she most likely would have noticed. "Are you saying you were ambushed by someone from your mother's past? That you were caught off guard? Or... were you hurt? Ning, did you actually get hit?" Soobin was doing his best not to get riled up and angry, especially when he didn't even know who the opponent was.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning’s eyes averted away from the food to the taller as he told her to spill what she was withholding. “I know, I just wanted you to have a good time with me…” she muttered off her words, rubbing her lips together as she didn’t know how to tell the other her news without breaking down. Tears started welling in her eyes and she chuckled. “Hold on…” she tilted her head back, wiping what she could with her finger tips. She didn’t like crying, rarely did it. But had really hit the fan…though she wouldn’t use that language around Soobin.

“…My mom…” the same woman who sold Ning into human trafficking, the same woman who said her own daughter wasn’t worth her career, the same damn woman who even from the grace could not leave Ning alone without wanting more than she already took… “someone from her past has been looking for me…” Ning sighed shakily as she lifted up the right side of her shirt, showing off a still healing bullet wound. “I-I don’t know if this is from them, I-I’m normally so good even on ambushes… but the man from her past won’t stop pursing me. I can’t confirm, but…I think he shot me after I shot him…I don’t know, but I can’t go back…I-” her words were getting scrambled and she knew it, so she took another deep breathe, quickly wiping more fear-tears, shoulders slightly shaking as she tried to keep calm, but it was very forced.

@♔ Ning³ Soobin was on the verge of asking her what was going on. He wouldn't consider himself a master per se at being able to read others but those closer to him, such as Ning, he could get a much better read on since he was more in tune with them. He didn't want to cross a line or upset her but it was getting harder to pretend that he didn't see something was weighing on her. "Are you going to tell me what's bothering you, Ning? You don't need to bite your tongue with me, you know that," he finally spoke up on it, tone gentle as always of course.

After bowing his head in thanks, he took a sip from the glass, smiling at her, "No worries. I'll be good." He chuckled quietly before taking another sip, relishing in how light and bubbly the drink felt over his tongue. The taste of the champagne was brightening him up, helping him to relax for sure. "You have to make sure that you make some time for yourself. Don't go wearing yourself too thin, okay? Or I'll have to come and lock you away and force you to relax," his lips hinted at another soft smile before pressing to the lip of his glass to take a sip.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ “That’s true,” Ning nodded with a soft smile at the others comment on being able to study outside. She watched as the corner of her brother’s lips lifted even bright, causing her smile to brighten more as she got excited and happy whenever Soobin was excited or happy. She knew how much pressure he was under, and like a shadow she always wished to support and make Soobin feel relaxed and joyful, even if that could only be done with her positive attitude. Which was making it a little harder to talk about serious things at the moment, since Ning would never dare to bring the other down with her…

Ning gladly opened the campange bottle, being as careful as possible with the cork, a loud pop coming through as bubbles fizzed up. She quickly let the rosé hang over the grass, just a little spilling out onto the green, before safely returning it over the blanket, holding the taller’s glass down as she poured before doing the same to her glass. “Just be carful,” she noted like a mother, not wanting the other to go overboard on the alcohol (even though it was a single drink). Ning chuckled as she steadied the open bottle into the basket she brought, so it could stay without her needing to constantly make sure it wouldn’t spill. The red head listened carefully as the other spoke, nodding as her brows softened from the other’s expression of some fatigue. “Mmm, some sleep. I’m used to little though, I just need to stipend my energy to make it through various parts of the day.”

@♔ Ning³ The young heir eyed the food with a gentle smile pulling at the corners of his lips, both proud and appreciative. He leaned back, on one hand, crossing his legs at his ankles and looking up at the sky. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in the breeze and the sun's warmth peeking through the treetops.

"That's a little better than being cooped inside and studying though, don't you think," he asked, his voice as quiet as usual as he sat up, hands resting in his lap. Looking over, his gentle smile widened until it was a bit more visible, "I can have a drink, thank you. I feel like it would be a waste not to have at least one while we're out." His gaze locked on her and his eyes narrowed slightly. Gauging her expression, he decided not to press the matter, for now, hoping she remembered she could tell him anything. "I'm getting through, I can say that much... I'm not drained so I must have been doing something right this past week. How about you? Getting any sleep in between your studies and partying and working?"

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning set out the plates, making things looks nice around them. She had made an orange curry with grilled and seasoned chicken, vegetables, and pineapple, along with a bowl of chocolate covered strawberries and Soobin’s favorite mini muffins for desert. Once everything was placed accordingly, she brought out a glass bottle of water and glass bottle of Rosé.

“Mmm, I’ve studied outside, but I don’t think that counts because I’m not relaxed or focused on the weather itself,” Ning chuckled at the thought of downtown, sighing warmly as she felt satisfied with her set up. “Are you allowed to have a drink or is there something important today to do?” She knew her brother could handle the alcohol, but you never know. “Mmm…” she hummed, feeling a little melancholy due to the reminder on her side that there was not fantastic news she needed to share. Her facial expression dimmed slightly as she tucked her hair behind her ears, trying to put on a smile and wait a little bit before admitting her issues. “Are you sleeping well these days?” Sleep was very important and Ning felt protective of the taller. He may be an heir with a ton on his shoulders, but he needed proper rest…and many times he didn’t get that due to the duties aligned for him.

@♔ Ning³ Soobin had grown used to and quite fond of the nickname. He wasn't used to anyone calling him that aside from Ning and his mother. Sometimes his father would use it as well. It gave him a sense of warmth and always made him feel safe, even if the person that called him such was completely unaware of that fact. He quickly moved to her side to help her lay out the blanket, sitting on it soon after. He watched her take things from the basket, picking his gaze up to look at her face as he answered her question.

"I've managed a day or two but that's about all that I've gotten, and only for a few hours," he admitted with a slight shrug but smiling all the same. "Have you gotten to enjoy it? It seems you sometimes have even more on your plate than I do," he added, and that was saying a lot.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning beamed ear to ear as Soobin told her of a spot, then holding out his arm for her to lace with. She did so, leaning her head onto the end of his broad shoulder as they walked to their destination. Gosh, Ning felt amazing being with her family. She never had one before Soobin.

Standing straight again as the taller stopped, Ning unlaced her arm from his and nodded, giving a thumbs up of approval with her free hand. “Looks great Binnie” she reassured him, already getting to work with laying out the blanket, putting the basket down as she unfolded the cloth. She then took some steps back to make sure they had room before placing it down on the grass, removing her Sandles from her ankles as to let her toes be free. “Hmm~” she hummed gently under her breathe as she adjusted her pink skirt while she sat, pulling the basket over between her and the other and started getting out siliverwear and food. “Have you been able to enjoy the good weather this week?” She started off the questions. The spring weather was magnificent this time of year, and even though work was busy, they had to take what they could before the stupidly cold winters hit.

@♔ Ning³ Soobin knew the hold and smiled, resting his hands on her arms before getting up as she came around. "There's a path under some trees that I remember seeing walking through here one day. Seemed like the perfect place for a picnic to me," he held out his arm so that she could hold onto it before walking with her and leading the way to just where he was talking about. He knew that his guards weren't too far away but that they would be good and give them more than enough space to just relax, chat and eat.

Once they reached the area, he gestured to where a few others were out having picnics as well. "Is here good," he asked, looking at her with hope for true approval of his suggestion.

@⚡ Soobinᵸ Ning entered the park, spotting the guys that watched over Soobin and giving a formal half bow of respect for their work. Few knew of her, and the ones that did were kind enough to keep her on the low...she appriciated them more then they knew. She went over to them first, quickly slipping each of them a plastic snack bag of mini muffins she made, before pointing into the park. "On the right, or...?" one of the guards directed her to the bench from where they stood, to which she grinned and nodded. "Thank you sir," she waved goodbye and then went over to the bench, coming up from behind. She placed her basket down and wrapped her arms around Soobin's shoulders as he sat. "Hi!" she greeted joyfully, squeezing his body once tightly before releasing him and coming around with her basket and blanket. "Where do you wanna sit?" she gestured to the park, squinting a bit from the sunlight that shined brightly on them both.

@♔ Ning³ His driver had just left and now he was on his own. Well, as on his own as an heir was allowed to be. He text Ning to let her know that he had arrived, having the feeling that he'd gotten to the park first. He wandered around a bit, making sure not to wander too far from the entrance he came through in case she came the same way. Soobin was excited, as usual, to see his sister. Even if others couldn't tell, Ning sure would be able to. He found a nearby bench to sit on and wait for her.

/hums in content as he walks through the pretty park. As it was quite late, a cold yet gentle breeze dance upon his cheeks, making them flush a soft hue in colour. he stops when he hears a light rustling sound accompanied by a faint cry coming from the bushes. paing stops and bends down as he takes a look. there, laying amongst the leaves is a fluffy black cat. it's skinny and it's long fur matted. it's obviously been abandoned. unable to leave it, paing takes of his and ever so carefully picks it up, cooing and whispering sweet words before cradling it in his arms. it was in that moment, as paing slowly gets up, that his ears catch sound of someone behind him.