NeoHeart: the dark theory

She found herself entangled in a web of espionage, working as a detective for a renowned intelligence agency that served the Republic of Korea. Despite her polished skills and sharp instincts, her heart wasn't in it. The truth was, she'd landed the job thanks to her brother's influential connections, his persistent recommendations eventually wearing her down.

As she navigated the complex world of espionage, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was living someone else's dream. Her lack of passion for the job was visible, but she went through the motions, driven by a sense of obligation to her family.

With each passing day, she wondered what it would be like to pursue a path that truly spoke with her. But for now, she remained in the shadows, a reluctant detective in a high-stakes game of espionage.

She was there the night when he got kidnapped. She saw him getting kidnapped, by her naked eyes, it was hard to believe at what she saw. Thinking alot about that night, whether it was true about what she saw, she decided to go and talk to her boss about it.

She took a deep breath as she entered the room, her mind still reeling from the memories of that night. With her brother's help, she had managed to gain access to the office, despite losing her pass key.

As she approached her boss's desk, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions - anxiety, fear, and determination. She had to discuss about what happened that night.

"Good morning, sir," she said, trying to compose herself. "I need to talk to you about something important."

Her boss looked up from his papers, slightly unfazed by her sudden visit.

Johnny the second in command after boss.

Johnny like has a significant amount influence and responsibility, with his casual demeanor and humour behaviour sometimes gets on her nerves said, "what this time Miss Kim? "

"Did a boy loose his pencil or did a old lady loose her teeth? " He said in a scarcastic tone showing he doesn't like her presence.

Hee-joo eyes narrowed slightly, as she hears Johnny words, she bit back a witty response, her annoyance was noticeable. She recalled her previous interaction with Johnny, where she'd let her emotions get come over her, and decided to take a different approach this time.

With a conscious effort, she composed herself and focusing on matter rather then engaging in a verbal match with him. She he took deep breath before speaking. "It's about previous night I saw someone got kidnapped. I was there, and I saw it happen. It was a weird thing that happened to me,

Her boss's expression changed, and he leaned back in his chair.

Hee-joo described the scene from last night, it still so vivid, the sounds she heard the muffled helpless voices from the boy, the boy's action were weird. Her voice trumbled slightly, telling all the details, reliving fear and helplessness she felt.

As she finished her account, she waited for response, hoping that Johnny would understand and take her talk seriously but only to felt disappointment on his remarks

" Then you woke up from your dream, seriously Miss Kim go tell your brothers, about your childish stories. I don't have enough time to listen to them," listening to this

Hee-joo eyes welled up in tears as she felt dismissed and disbelieved. Johnny words hurt her, she felt frustration and disappointment questioning herself.

As she stormed out of the building, the bright sunlight contrasted sharply with her emotions that she was feeling at that time.

Her brother noticed her running out of the building.

"Kim Jungwoo and Kim Doyoung, the Kim brothers, were protective and caring towards their little sister."

When he called to ask her where she has been headed to but she rudely replied, "none of your business."

Before he remind her to come home before it got dark, she hung up the call.

Both exchanged worried glances, sensing something was not right. "What's going on with Hee-joo?" Jungwoo asked, concern clearly shown in his face.

Doyoung shook his head, "No idea, but she sounded upset." Jungwoo nodded, "Let's call her later; maybe she'll have calmed down by then."

The masks the kidnappers wore still haunted her, and the memory of the boy terrified eyes lingered. Hee-joo felt frustrated, wondering about it whole afternoon, she decided to back to the same sport where she saw the kidnapping took place.

After some time, she there now, as she started to investigate and searching around the bushes.

"A tap on her shoulder made her spin around, her eyes widening as she saw the boy from that night."

It's Lee Heachan!

With an icy expression, he questioned, "Who are you? what are you doing here? what do you want?"

"H-hay, you're the one who got kidnapped that night, aren't you?" she shuttered, her voice was barely a whisper but enough he can hear.

His cold gaze didn't shift from her state

Hee-joo hands covering her mouth, as if she is holding back her words. She slowly calmed herself and lowered them, her eyes fixed on haechan's intense stare.

Before she could speak to him, Haechan quickly pulled her into his arms.

Hee-joo couldn't recall anything what just happened

She was just left there,

Stuck,

Once reality hit her, she attempted to free and push him off.

"Don't move," he whispered in her ear, his breath send shiver to her body. Her heart racing as she felt his warm breath on her skin. She tried to struggle again, but his grip seemed to tighten, holding her in place.

"Don't move," he said again adding, "if they see your face they will get your details your will be in trouble don't blame me later."

When the sound of rustling bushes came from behind; Haechan probably heard it as well.

Haechan took it as right chance so he grabbed her wrist, pulling her inside as the sound gets closer. As they enter, hee-joo got dis-balance and fall on haechan.

YEAHHH!! Lee Heachan!!

Jaemin yelled at him at the top of his lung.

Upon hearing his voice, they both stood up.

"Haechan, didn't I tell you not to leave the house?" Jaemin asked, his tone was stern.

Haechan let out a deep sigh, he rolled his eyes in exhaustion. "Im fine, Jaemin. Nothing happened," his voice laced with frustration.

Jaemin's expression remained stern, his brow furrowed with concern. "You can't just ignore my warnings, Haechan. There are people out there who...who wouldn't hesitate to hurt you," he said, his voice lowering.

Mark, still standing beside them, commented in again, "Jaemin's right, Haechan. We just want to keep you safe."

Jisung's laughter echoed through the room, and Jeno chuckled along with him. "Jaemin hyung worried about haechan hyung? That's a joke," Jisung said, wiping tears from his eyes.

Jaemin's face turned red with annoyance, while Haechan just shook his head. "You're not helping, Jisung," Haechan muttered.

Chenle's question, however, caught everyone's attention. "Who is she?" he repeated, his curiosity sparked.

Renjun added with, "and you both are holding hands!"

Renjun statement make everyone attention towards the girl, "Hee-joo"

Haechan's eyes widened in surprise as he felt everyone's gaze on him. Shocked back to reality, he swiftly pulled his hand away from Hee-joo's, his face growing warm with embarrassment.

The sudden movement seemed to break the spell, and the group's attention shifted. Hee-joo cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her composure, her expression remained calm.

"Then I'll be going back," she said softly

As she bowed and turned to walk away, Haechan suddenly grabbed her bag strap and pulled her back.

"Where are you trying to escape to?" Haechan asked, his voice low and husky as he held onto hee-joo's bag.

"Sorry, but can you let go?" Hee-joo replied, her voice firm but polite.

Haechan stepped away from her, releasing his grip. He seemed to believe she wouldn't run away, but Hee-joo knew better. She took a deep breath and made a swift turn, dashing away quickly.

However, she didn't get far. Haechan's long strides easily kept pace with hers, and he caught up to her in no time, his hand wrapping around her wrist once more.

"You're not getting away that easily," he said, seriousness in his voice.

Mark bowed deeply, looking down in respect.

"Haechan, where is your manner?" Mark scolded gently. "Is this the way you treat a stranger, especially a woman?"

Everyone around them had indeed bowed to Hee-joo, acknowledging her presence with courtesy.

Hee-joo, however, felt a sense of equality rather than superiority. She bowed back to Mark and others, her movements graceful.

"Great, another lecture from you, Mark," Haechan said, with hint of irritation.

"This is Hee-joo," she began to, but haechan cut her off.

"What were you doing that night?" Haechan asked, his tone direct.

"Yeah, I was just coming there," Hee-joo replied,

Haechan eyes narrowed slightly. "Just coming there?" He repeated, his tone was doubtful as he questioned her.

"Actually, I'm a..." Hee-joo started to explain, but Haechan cut her off again, asking more questions.

"Are you spying on us?" Haechan questioned her again adding. "Do you work under those mask guys?"

"What?" Hee-joo's expression remained unreadable.

"Does that mean yes or no?" He countered, his tone was firm.

Hee-joo's unsure how to you respond, "what are you talking about?" She asked,

Haechan's gaze intensified. "Don't play dum. I want a straight answer."

"Haechan, give her a chance to speak." Renjun say's.

"Yea, exactly! Can you stop cutting me off?" Hee-joo said, her voice rising.

"And by the way, for your kind information, I don't work under any child kidnapping crooks," she added firmly.

Haechan's eyes widened in surprise. "Seriously, did she just imply...?" he trailed off, his expression darkening.

The air seemed to charge with tension as Haechan's gaze locked onto hee-joo, he was trying to control his strong feelings, but they were still visible beneath the surface.

Jaemin chimed in, "Yea, she's 100 percent correct. All my children are still kids."

Haechan's frustration boiled over. "Who gave you these lines, Jaemin? You have nothing to say in this context. Get back to the kitchen, dude!"

Jaemin's response was unexpected: "By the way, do you want to have some waffle? I made it myself."

Haechan's expression changed, annoyance etched on his face. "Seriously? Can't you see I'm busy?" he muttered.

"I'm the only one facing all these weird creatures," Haechan complained, feeling overwhelmed. "Why can't anyone else help me out?"

Everyone ignored haechan.

Jisung joined in saying "Jaemin hyung waffles are the best!"

"Do you want some" jisung added.

Hee-joo's eyes sparkled with interest as she heard about the waffles, her stomach growling from skipping breakfast, as it passed over lunch time now. The mention of food seemed to distract her from the tension, and her attention shifted to Jaemin's culinary skills.

Haechan's frustration grew. "Great," he said, raising his voice slightly.

"Guys, focus!" Haechan emphasized.

Renjun responded with a hint of tease, "Yeah, sure, as you say, Haechan. But after eating waffles, we can't keep our guest hungry."

Haechan corrected him, "She's not our guest."

Jeno added a nonchalant "Still..."

As time goes, after eating they all sit together.

Mark nodded, "So, Hee-joo..."

"Right, Hee-joo," he said, recalling.

"You're a detective, right?" Mark asked.

Hee-joo nodded, "Yea."

Haechan jumped in, "What were you doing there that night?"

Mark intervened, "I'm getting to the point, Haechan. Slow down, let her take her time."

Haechan frowned, "Take time for what? Take time to create a story?"

"I was angry with my boss and brother, so I ran away," she said, her voice steady.

"But when I came here, I saw this mean guy getting kidnapped by those masked guys," she added, her eyes locked on Haechan.

Haechan's eyes narrowed. "Did you just call me a mean guy?" he asked, his tone low.

The other boys chuckled, amused by the situation.

Hee-joo's eyes widened as she realized her blunder. "I...I was afraid, so I hid behind the bushes," she explained.

Haechan's gaze intensified. "So it was you? Behind the bushes?" he pressed, his curiosity arouses.

Hee-joo asked, "Did you see me that day?"

Haechan nodded, "I did. I screamed for my life. It was helpless."

Hee-joo tone was casual, as she said:

"What do you mean it was helpless? I did hear you."

Haechan's gaze locked onto hers, "You heard what? What did you do?"

Hee-joo's response was hesitant, "Hmm... I told my boss."

Haechan turned to the others, "See guys, now did you understand what I meant by meeting weird creatures?"

He then turned back to Hee-joo, "What did your boss do?"

Hee-joo shrugged, "What else? Why would I be here now?"

Haechan filled in the gaps, "He kicked you out of the company."

Mark's eyes widened, "So that's why you came here?"

Hee-joo explained, "Actually, that day I lost my chain somehow in the bushes. I came searching for it, but this mean guy got me."

Haechan chimed in, "Hey, there you go again!" with a hint of annoyance.

Jeno's eyes widened in surprise, "Chain? You mean the snowflake one?"

Hee-joo's voice was filled with emotion, "Yes. How do you know that? It belongs to my mom."

Jeno's expression softened, and he said, "I'll go get it for you. We thought it belongs to those masked boy's."

Hee-joo's face lit up, "Thank you so much guys for finding it. It's very important to me."

Renjun smiled, "Nah, it's okay. Not to mention."

Haechan's tone was doubtful, as he say's. "Seriously guy's, you all will believe her Blindly."

He shooked his head, "She tells you guys whatsoever and you will be okay with it."

Haechan was getting irritated,

"We have a chain, we didn't even send it for DNA test, and she asked for it, and you're just giving [it to her]?!"

His voice rose in unbelief, "Just think practical, she was there that night, and she could have helped me, right?"

The tension escalated as Hee-joo snapped, "Excuse me, enough! You think I'm an alien or a warrior to fight?" She justified her actions, "I was afraid, so I was hiding, and you're telling me I should've helped you?" Hee-joo explained, "Detectives don't carry phones or anything; it's common sense. You can check."

Her frustration boiled over, "It's your trust issue, your problem. Why blame them? Your members have the trust issue."

Mark intervened, "Okay, okay guys, calm down," attempting to diffuse the situation.

As the suitation unfolds.

Jaemin's soothing words calmed Hee-joo: "Hee-joo, it's okay, just don't mind him."

With a gentle gesture, Jeno returned Hee-joo's chain, and she departed with a nod, the tension fading.

A week later, they still recalled her vividly, their long interaction leaving a lasting impression.

Amidst their daily routines and research on the masked group, Hee-joo's presence remained on their minds. As time passed, another week slipped by.

As on other side, Hee-joo get distracted at work, the memories of boy's, dreamies lingering. Living with her stepbrothers wasn't easy, but they cared for her.

Hee-joo felt isolated, lacking friends and family besides them. The Dreamies' friendship warmed her heart, especially Jaemin's waffle moments.

Though she desired friendships like theirs, Haechan remained a sore spot.

Hee-joo's curiosity got the better of her. She spent the week researching the boys, her mind consumed by questions and a desire to help. What drove her? A genuine interest in uncovering the truth and supporting them in any way she could.

A bitter fight with her brothers left Hee-joo emotionally drained and feeling isolated. She skipped work and wandered aimlessly. Her brothers' oversight of their mother's birthday hurt her deeply; she visited her grave alone, tears streaming down her face.

When her brothers realized their mistake, guilt consumed them. They waited anxiously for Hee-joo's return, but she stayed away, first at the grave, then roaming the streets.

After a long, contemplative walk, Hee-joo made a difficult decision: she'd leave home.

Hee-joo returned home to find her brothers waiting anxiously in the living room. As she entered, they enveloped her in a warm hug, their apologies pouring out. Hee-joo's heart softened, and she forgave them – they were all she had left.

Over dinner, Hee-joo revealed her decision to leave home, leaving her brothers confused and concerned.

The heartfelt conversation unfolded:

Doyoung apologized, promising to be more careful and supportive. Hee-joo's response surprised them: "No, you're the best brothers anyone could ask for." Jungwoo chimed in, promising to understand her better. Hee-joo clarified, "You guys were never the problem. I'm grown now, capable of getting my own job and place. I'm just unsure what I want or what I'm searching for."

Hee-joo shared her newfound interest, hoping it might lead to clarity in her future. Jungwoo questioned her reasoning, but Hee-joo explained others doubted her abilities, thinking her brothers' influence secured her job.

Doyoung defended her, but Hee-joo insisted people believed her success was due to her brothers. She wanted to prove herself.

Jungwoo and Doyoung understood, with Doyoung adding, "We can't say no to you, but don't go overboard." Hee-joo smiled, knowing her brothers' support.

She then quit her job, taking a leap toward independence.

The unexpected meeting:

Hee-joo visited the boys, but they were busy. Mark somehow obtained her number and messaged her to meet at a cafe.

Their casual encounter: at cafe

Hee-joo mentioned, "It's just been a week, but it feels like a long time." As she misses and thought about you guy's.

When Mark asked, about "Yeah, how's it going?"

Hee-joo shares, "Pretty well, I'd say. I resigned from my job."

Leaving Mark momentarily speechless. Mark apologies for not knowing how to react.

Hee-joo chuckled, amused by his response.

Hee-joo smiled, "It was a good thing I did." Mark raised an eyebrow, "It is?" Hee-joo nodded, "Yeah, I'm following what I like, not what others want." Mark applauded softly, encouraging her.

Hee-joo's thoughts turned to the boys: "How are they? I miss them." She mentioned specific members, including Jisung, Jeno, Jaemin and the Chinese kids.

Her mind lingered on Haechan: "I want to apologize for being harsh that day. I wasn't able to say sorry properly." Mark listened attentively.

As The conversation deepened:

Mark reassured Hee-joo, "Don't blame yourself; Haechan felt guilty later. He's caring, humorous, and loves our group. He is just worried about us ever since that incident took place." Hee-joo found this convincing.

Mark asked about her plans, and Hee-joo shared her ongoing search for a home and job. Mark's concern grew as he learned about her feelings of loneliness and depression.

Hee-joo opened up, expressing her struggles and desire for independence. Mark's worry intensified, and he wished she could live with them, showing his compassionate side.

Mark expressed concerns about Hee-joo living alone, but she prioritized reducing her brothers' burden. Mark inquired about work, but Hee-joo minimize its importance:

"Work's not an issue."

The conversation shifted to the main topic:

"Let's discuss the incident." She says,

Mark warned Hee-joo about safety, but she remained determined:

"It's doesn't matter."

Mark shifted focus to the incident, and Hee-joo revealed her curiosity-driven research.

Their discussion lasted long, and before parting, Mark surprisingly offered Hee-joo a place among the Dreamies, suggesting they could be her new family.

"Can you join us as a member of Dreamies?" -MARK

Hee-joo needed time to think. After reflection, she decided to accept Mark's offer, considering the boys as her potential new family.

Both left cafe.

At Home; the group discussed,

Mark shared his conversation with Hee-joo. Hee-joo considered Mark's words and decided to join the group. However, Haechan opposed the idea, feeling guilty about past interactions.

"Seriously, Mark hyung, why?" Haechan asked, his guilt was visible. He whispered, "I dug my own hole," but quickly denied it when Mark asked what he said.

Less than a day with Hee-joo, and the group's dynamic shifted with haechan and Hee-joo frequent bickering. Hee-joo accused Haechan of gender discrimination.

Haechan jokingly asked if she'd leave if he admitted it. Mark questioned Haechan's opposition, given the others' acceptance.

Haechan listed his complains: Hee-joo's annoying behavior, his distrust, and her not being part of the group from the start. Jaemin joined in, teasing Haechan about being annoying himself.

Mark pointed out that no one, including Haechan, was part of the group from the beginning. Chenle's inclusion was due to Jisung's preference.

Haechan asked everyone to stop nagging, but the others replied back, telling him to stop complaining.

Renjun then took Hee-joo on a tour, showing her around everyone's rooms and introducing her to the group's dynamics.

Hee-joo inquired about the group's background and learned they were all orphans sharing a dream of having a family, hence the name "Dreamies."

Mark's wisdom and maturity made him the leader. Jisung and Chenle were the youngest, while the others were part of the 2000's generation (00' liners).

She felt a sense of belonging, thinking maybe they were her destiny. She began unpacked her things, and settled in her new home.

As they gathered at the dinner table, Renjun's question about Han-na arrival caught Hee-joo off guard. She leaned towards Chenle and whispered, "Who is Han-na?" Chenle's loud response surprised her: "Oh, Han-na! She's Haechan hyung's sister and my math teacher!" Hee-joo's eyes widened, hooked by this new information. Haechan's nonchalant response, "Don't know, not my concern," his focus was on food.

The conversation continues:

Hee-joo asked when Han-na would arrive, and Jeno teased her about being curious. Hee-joo denied it, but Jisung's comment about girls being jealous sparked a death glare.

Haechan interrupted, sharing a message from Han-na wanting to talk to Mark. This shifted the focus, leaving Hee-joo possible jealousy was left unresolved.

Hee-joo's thoughts:

Hee-joo was uneasy, having never befriended girls before. She was worried that Han-na might be pretty or confident, like the typical female characters in books. Assuming Han-na to be mean like her Haechan.

Hee-joo whispered to Renjun, asking why Han-na didn't live with them. Renjun said Haechan gets annoyed because Mark is close to Han-na.

After dinner, they planned a meeting, to discuss about the incident.

The conversation:

Hee-joo asked if anyone believed in Neozens, and Haechan reacted skeptically. Hee-joo wondered what was wrong, but Haechan teased her about believing in "kids' stories." Mark intervened, telling Haechan to stay quiet.

Renjun believed in Neozens, and Hee-joo shared his belief. Mark questioned the connection to their group. Hee-joo proposed that Neozens might be from the future, suggesting they could be replicas or copies of people, given the uncanny similarities, even in appearance including unique features like mole.

Hee-joo presented two points:

1. Neozens might be from the future due to their advanced tech.

2. Their identical appearances to the group members match the legend's descriptions.

The group found her argument convincing. Mark shifted the conversation to plans for the next day, and they decided to divide tasks to investigate further.

The conversation ended as:

Haechan reacted negatively, feeling annoyed, and left the room.

Mark wrapped up the evening, wishing everyone a good night.