Honeyy

Yiseo’s gravestone was always clean. A speck of dust could never land there and make it a home. It was like her purity kept such things away. No matter how bad a person she was when she died, she was still your best friend. You knew her. Better than she knew herself. There were always tell-tale signs of when she lied. Darting eyes, red ears and sweaty palms. She was always like that. 

Yellow gladiolus were always her favourite. You tucked them neatly in between the other flowers. Yiseo was brave until the end. You crouched lower, eyes level with her name. She really lived up to her name. Not a day went by when you were younger that she didn’t prove her wisdom. 

All the memories you shared with her came one by one. When she taught you how to paint and sew. The day you laughed so hard that milk came out of your nose. When she got accepted into Sehwa.

She was so happy. You were happy too. Whatever she was feeling, you echoed it. You both went school supply shopping, buying only the best for her. Every week in the summer, you would make her wear the school uniform and she if she had ‘grown into it’ like her mum said she would. She would make it her mission, everyday after school, to come round to yours and gossip about school. From the snobby students, the suspicious hotteok and the odd form events, she told you everything.

That was what you liked the most about your friendship. It was raw. Unfiltered. The understanding between the two of you couldn’t be interfered with. That’s what you believed. You never expected a smart, wise girl like Yiseo to end up with the wrong crowd. To you, Yiseo was always smart. She always knew what was right or wrong. So why couldn’t she see her friends for who they truly were? It always baffled you. Always irritated you. When you weren’t decently cordial, you were yelling and pleading for her to wake up and see that place for what it was. All your words fell on deaf ears. 

The soft crunch of the early fallen leaves made you tense. Wind violently whipped your scarf, sensing a bad presence. Everything felt off. Cold. Disjointed. The footsteps sounded playful and sly, only belonging to a person filled with an overflowing ego. Sickening poison reeked with their every step, choking and silencing you before any words could leave you. 

“Good morning.”, his voice cut through the air, demanding your attention.

“What are you doing here?”, you responded quietly.

“I’ve got some flowers to place here. Is there a problem?”

There was a serious problem. 

No words left your mouth. 

A bouquet of sickly, white roses filled the air with an overwhelmed stench. Yiseo hated them. 

“She hates these.”, you blurted.

“Is that so?”, his tone was mocking.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“And you deserve to be?”

“She was my best friend!”, you yelled. Your voice carried, scaring the spectating birds. The wind blew wickedly in retaliation to your words.

“And she was my girlfriend.”, he said simply. 

“She died hating you, James. Can you live with that?”, you whispered angrily. 

“Don’t get it twisted. She died hating you. You weren’t there for her, ever. That’s not a best friend. Let alone a friend.”

“You treated her horribly. What is wrong with you?”

He tutted softly.

“You’ve got it all wrong. I’ve also come to give you a special warning. Just for you.”

“I don’t want to hear it.”, you stood up shakily.

“Don’t walk away.”

You were walking away quickly. The last place you wanted to get angry was in front of the grave of your best friend. 

“We are going to kill you.”, he said. His voice projected, loud and clear. 

Your footsteps slowed. 

“Nobody survives an attempt of treason here. Just the school rules.”

“You don’t know what is coming for you, James. Even I am scared for you.”

He chuckled lowly.

“We’ll see who will be visiting whose grave.”

Tightening your scarf, you walked on. 

You stopped looking back a while ago. 

___________________________________________________

[YESTERDAY]

“Juhoon.”, James called.

“Yes, hyung?”

“Come sit with me.”

Juhoon thought he was in for it now. This couldn’t be the end. Not so quickly. He was scrambling to find excuses for his past actions.

“You good? You look a bit pale.”, James said. His eyes were inspecting Juhoon, trying to find something.

“Just a little tired. Not sleeping well lately.”, Juhoon mumbled.

“You need me to get you something?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Ok, well-”

“James hyung, I know you are going to kill me and you are going to be very angry with me but I really did love Yiseo. I really did. We were so happy and I know it wasn’t right to go behind your back but we couldn’t tell you and I’m so sorry and I know I’ve disappointed you-”

“Helloooo. Earth to Juhoon. Did you hear anything I just said?”

“Hmm?”

“You must be really tired.”, James grinned fondly.

“As I was saying, Yiseo had a diary, but I can’t find it anywhere. I think I know who has it.”

“She does.”, Juhoon said quietly.

“That’s my guess as well. I need a favour from you.”

“How can I help?”

“I trust you the most to get things done. So I need you to get me that diary. We need to burn it.”

“I’ll try my best.” 

“I knew I could rely on you. Truly, Juhoon, I trust you the most. Did you know that?”

Juhoon smiled softly.

“I appreciate that. I trust you just as much. I’ll get it done.”

“Thanks.”

___________________________________________________

Today was the school’s anniversary day. Everyone had a free school day, leaving and coming in as they pleased. As long as they came in before the ceremony started, there would be no problems. 

You were back in the classics section of the library. Spending the whole day in the air conditioned library with comfy seats was all you needed to get through the day. Your finger brushed against the spines of the books, straightening them up one by one. You pulled out The Handmaid’s Tale. The story always intrigued you.

As you studied the cover, a warm hand made its way onto your waist. You slowly lowered the book before turning. 

“Did your mother never tell you to keep your hands to yourself, Juhoon?”

“She always encouraged me to chase after good things. I guess I can get a bit handsy.”

You didn’t move out of his grip. Your excuse was that you were waiting for him to make his move. Then you would react.

“What do you want?”

He moved closer. Your noses were brushing. His air becoming yours.

“I heard you have something I’m looking for. A certain diary.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”, you raised your chin defiantly.

He scoffed lightly. How could a person be so beautiful up close? 

“You are a smart girl. Don’t play dumb. Use your head for me. Where is it?”

“Not with me.”

“Is that so?”

Using his grip on your waist, he pushed you against the bookshelves forcefully. The wind was forcefully knocked out of you. Before you could catch your breath, he pressed his lips against yours. 

Why didn’t you pull away? Or push him away? 

Your left hand trailed to the back of his head, meddling with the hair. A content sigh left him as you did so. Your right hand found stability on his shoulder, as you pulled him in impossibly closer. He still held you against the bookshelves, his kisses not any gentler. 

“Tell me where it is, pretty.”

“I never will.”

The kissing continued. It was a tug of war for control, and you were slowly slipping. 

“I hate you. You love making things difficult for me.”, he mumbled against your lips. His eyes were heavy and drunk, filled with the sight of you, only you. 

“I hate you too.”

“Then why haven’t you pushed me away?”

“Do you want me to?”

“Fuck no.”

Both of your aims had been thrown out of the window. You were no longer in here for peace of mind, and he wasn’t in here to get the diary from you anymore. As you both slowed down to soft pecks, you realised your memory had been clouded. For some reason, you didn’t care. All you could focus on was him. 

You hated his guts. He hated you just as much. This wasn’t fuelled by love. It was hatred in its purest form.

“You’re not going to give me that diary, are you?”

“I’m not.”

“James sent me you know.”, his voice was soft. His hands were placed on your waist.

“Tell him I burnt it. In front of you.”

“That would be lying.”

“And you have never lied a day in your life?”

“Fair point.”

Your hands reached for his tie, tightening it to perfection. You then smoothed his shirt, giving him a lasting kiss on his cheek.

“I came in here to relax. You’ve disrupted my plans for today, trouble.”

“Was what we did not relaxing enough?”

“Get out of here and go do something worthwhile. Can you do what I asked you to do?”

“I can. At your service, ma’am.”, he playfully poked your side.

“Now go.”, you patted his back.

You both knew that this arrangement wasn’t something that would last long. One of you will turn on the other at some point. After all, people like you are not compatible with people like him. 

It just ends in tears and everlasting hate.

___________________________________________________

As your peaceful time in the library had been ruined, you settled for a bench outside. The weather was transitioning into autumn. Leaves were browning and falling, and the breeze was colder. Everyone was either inside in their form rooms, the café or out and about in town. Nobody was out here with you. Except one person.

His head was hung low, shoulders slumped slightly. He looked like something weighed heavy on him. As your presence became apparent to him, he warily looked up. He looked tired. Tired and heartbroken. It truly confused you. How could a person like him feel heartbroken? Out of every emotion, heartbreak was the most apparent. Had you made a mistake? Had you ruined a person who wasn’t as bad as you had painted him out to be? No. You shook that thought out of your head, continuing on to do your duty.

Executing.

“Hey,”, he rasped quietly. Seonghyeon was quiet most of the time. This wasn’t quiet, this was mourning. 

“Hi. What are you doing out here alone?”

“I needed some air.”

“…everything ok?”

“Truthfully, no. The group isn’t cooperating as it used to and you…”, he finished slowly. In his eyes, there was still something that showed his attachment to you. It was like he was sired to you. An unbreakable bond. 

“I’m…sorry for what I did to you. I wasn’t kind-”

“It’s ok. I needed it.”

He was still as mouldable and obedient as before. Perfect.

You shuffled closer to the bench.

“Can I sit with you?”, you asked gently.

“Of course.”

A beat of silence passed between you before you spoke. 

“I know I shouldn’t be asking for anything after what I did to you, but I need a favour.”

“Anything.”, he said confidently.

“Whatever I tell you today must not be told to anyone.”, you said seriously.

Seonghyeon’s eyebrows furrowed slightly but he nodded.

“Sure. What’s up.”

You heaved a heavy sigh before grabbing his hand.

“I don’t know how to tell you this but… Keonho has been keeping something from you.”

His eyes were searching for answers on your face yet you gave nothing away.

“He…kept the diary, and never gave it to Juhoon. What I’m trying to say, Seonghyeon, is that he lost it and someone has it.”

Seonghyeon looked like he was about to pass out. His hands shook lightly, eyes squeezing shut as he tried to convince himself that what he heard wasn’t true. 

“No. He said he will. He promised.”, he stuttered.

“I’m sorry, Seonghyeon.”

“I need to ask him where he left it last.”, he said as he began to stand. Your grip tightened on his hand, a silent plea for him not to leave you.

“Seonghyeon, I just told you that you can’t tell anyone. You don’t want to break your promise, do you?”

Your subdued tone softened him up. He sat back down, his hand still in yours.

“Sorry.”, he whispered. Seonghyeon would be a good asset to have, but he was quick to dive into things. You would have to work around that carefully. 

“It’s ok. I understand.”, you soothed. “I have to go now. I can’t leave Na-bi unattended.”, you chuckled lightly.

Seonghyeon smirked back, rubbing his thumb on the back of your hand. 

“I won’t hold you any longer.”, he said softly.

You whispered a small thanks before getting up. Brushing your skirt down, you sent him a small smile before walking away.

___________________________________________________

“James hyung.”

James was stood by the drinks cabinet. His eyes were scanning all the liquor on offer. A the sound of Juhoon’s voice his ears perked up slightly.

“Juhoon. Did you do what I asked?”

“I found her in the library. I tried to get it but she threw it in the fireplace. There were no witnesses.”, Juhoon recited.

“She burnt it.”, James’ question sounded more 

like a statement.

“In front of me.”

“Why?”

“She said that there was nothing useful in it for her. Like I said, I tried to stop her but she tossed it in. It caught fire so quickly, the pages went up in flames. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise. That’s one less thing to worry about.”

A beat of silence filled the air between them.

“I’m still confused as to why she burnt it though.”, James murmured absentmindedly.

Juhoon gulped. It’s not like he hasn’t lied before. That wasn’t the problem. The problem was that if James found out he was lying straight to his face, he would be in so much trouble. He didn’t want that.

Juhoon hummed a reply. 

“You and Martin have the drop tonight don’t you?”

“Yes. Before the assembly.”

“Hmm. Well I have some last minute things to do for some teachers so I will leave you to it.”, Juhoon turned to leave the room.

“Juhoon.”

His feet glued to floor.

“Thank you.”, James said quietly.

This wasn’t the first time Juhoon had betrayed someone. Not at all. His first act had taken place when he forged his mother’s signature for a school trip that he had been banned from going to. His parents were aghast to find out what he did, when he told them about his school day. The only thing that unsettled him this time around was that he was betraying someone who had taken him under their wing. James trusted him and uplifted him to his current position. As a child, Juhoon’s nanny always warned him to never bite the hand that fed him. 

He had just bitten the hand off.

___________________________________________________

Your phone buzzed in your pocket as you walked out of the school gates. Fetching it out of your pocket, you stole a quick glance at the number. Ji-ho the drug dealer. Without a second thought you picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Deal’s off.”, he said lazily through the phone.

“What?”, the weight of his words physically pushed down on your shoulders.

“You heard me. Unless you got something else to offer me.”

You pondered for a second but that was a second too long for a drug dealer.

“Got nothing? I’ll hang up now-”

“Wait! I will pay.”

“Huh?”

“I can pay more than they can. Honestly, I can.”

“How much we talking?”

“5 million.”

“Too little. Yufan could match that with his daily pocket money.”

“10 million.”

“You better not be playing around with me. That is not enough.”

Damn, how much were those boys paying?

“20 million.”

“30.”

“22.”, you hassled.

“27.”

“25.”

“Deal. I want that in clean cash by 3 o’clock.”

Before you could say anything else, the phone signalled that the call had been cut.

Now you were left with the task of getting 25 million Won in a couple of hours. 

Well done.

___________________________________________________

Martin’s house address wasn’t too hard to find. A quick scroll on the gossip blog and a double confirmation from Na-bi made your discovery simple. You took your time walking up to the front door. The plan you had in store for him had a couple loopholes but you wouldn’t mind tightening the noose. 

Your hand reached and pressed the doorbell. The house was simply a statement. Wealth was whispering to you. Bricks of stainless white reflected the sun’s harsh rays back onto the driveway leading up to the doorstep. Elizabethan-styled windows decorated the exterior, as black trimming highlighted their grandeur even further.

As you continued to admire the house, the front door opened. A curious look adorned Martin’s face, before it fell into one of irritation. 

“What are you doing here?”, he asked flatly.

“Before you get mad, I’m here out of concern for Hwa-young. She’s been having a hard time lately.”

“And what has that got to do with me.”

“She won’t stop talking about you. Truthfully, she wanted to see how you were holding up but she sent me instead.”

Martin sighed. He looked up to the sky, hoping it held the answers before he stepped behind the door, letting you in. You murmured a thanks, before making your way into the house. 

For such a maximalist, Martin’s house was coloured in blacks, whites and greys. You had always seen Martin as a person with a colourful personality, but maybe he wasn’t what you believed him to be. 

“Would you like something to drink?”

“Water is fine, thanks.”

He began walking to where you hoped was the kitchen, so you followed. As he opened the fridge to grab you a bottle, his phone rang. 

“Give me a sec.”, he called, before walking to another room to pick up the phone.

That was your moment. You started searching every drawer in the kitchen until you found a knife. Placing the blade in your palm, you inspected the edge, before holding it behind your back. Martin soon ended the call and made his way back into the kitchen.

“Tell Hwa-young tha-”, Martin began to say.

“I won’t be telling her anything. You on the other hand, you need to point me in the direction to your safe.”

“What safe?”, he lied.

“Your life is on the line here. I would greatly appreciate if you didn’t lie to me.”, you replied, wobbling the knife slightly.

“Fine. Fine. I’ll show you.”

“If you try to overpower, lie or pull any funny business I will not hesitate to stab you. I do not take lightly to manipulative individuals like you.”, you warned.

He gulped nervously before leading you through the house. The knife’s tip was dangerously close to the area between his scapula. You hoped for his sake he wouldn’t do anything crazy because you didn’t have it in you to kill someone with a knife. It was one thing cutting the brake wires of a car, but stabbing someone would change you as a person. 

“Here it is.”, he mumbled. 

A black safe with a large mechanical dial and a biometric scanner. 

“Open it.”, you ordered.

“You only told me to show you where it was-”, he began.

“Don’t play smart with me. It will end up with a knife lodge in you. I can still use your biometric if you are dead, the dial will be a different problem.”, you justified. You were doing everything in your power to avoid stabbing him. He was making it very hard for you.

“Ok, ok. I’ll open it.”

“How much is in there?”, you questioned.

“20 million Won.”, he said skeptically. “But we need it.”, he ended sheepishly.

“What for? Opening up a charity or something?”, you replied sarcastically.

“We need it for the drop in a couple hours.”

“Is that so?”, you titled your head, feigning sympathy.

“I’ll need all of it.”, you said sharply, as you straightened up.

“No, please.”, Martin whispered.

“Don’t beg me. I’m not entirely interested. Money please. Be a darling and put it in a nice bag for me, would you.”, you said lazily.

Martin paused for a second. It was either death now or death later. He wasn’t sure what he wanted more. Half-heartedly, he scooped the money out of the safe, stuffing it into a black duffel bag. He nudged it with his foot, bringing it closer to you. 

“Is it clean?”

“Fully.”

“Good. Nice doing business with you.”

He couldn’t say anything in response. You lifted the bag and hoisted it on your shoulder. In another world, you might’ve felt sorry for him. Here, unfortunately, sympathy and forgiveness wasn’t available for people like him. You spared him a glance before making your way out of the room. Before you reached the front door, you tossed the knife on the floor.

The money you had taken wasn’t the total you had promised to give to Ji-ho. You were 5 million Won short. If it meant taking some money out of your own pocket to make this work, you were more than ready. It may be your life savings, but it was worth it. 

A small smile adorned your face as you carried the heavy money bag. 

For once in your life, things were going your way. 

___________________________________________________

The walk into town was tedious but worth it. You needed to withdraw 5 million Won from the bank, but having a large duffel bag wasn’t going to make it easy for you. So you decided, to make a stop at the bar where Ji-ho was located. 

The bar was never empty. Not even during the day. You scanned the crowd, making sure no one you knew happened to be day drinking their stress away. Lifting the bag, you set it down heavily on the bartender’s counter. The sound alerted him, causing him to lift his head up in curiosity.

“I need a very, huge favour from you.”, you said breathlessly.

“How can I help you?”, he questioned softly. His hands were busy tossing and shaking a drink together. For a bartender in a place like this, he was incredibly young. 

“Would it be possible for you to take care of this bag for me? I need to head to the bank really quickly.”, you pleaded quietly.

It was almost as if he was expecting an absurd question. His lips tugged up at the corners as he nodded.

“I’ll look after it for you.”, he said kindly.

You fiddled with your fingers, eager to question why he was so ready to do what you asked.

“This isn’t my first time being asked to do something like that. You can imagine what I’ve been asked to do in a place like this.”, he said, almost like he could read your mind. He continued the process of making the drink, before he poured it into a glass, sliding it to a lady down the counter.

“Oh.”, you responded quietly.

“You said you needed to get to the bank, right? You might want to go before they close for lunch.”, he said calmly, wiping the counter down with a white cloth.

“Oh, yeah. I should. Thank you so much.”, you said quickly, before making your way out of the place.

As you walked to the bank, the thought of what the bartender had seen, plagued your mind. He was young. Arguably a couple years older than you, yet he seemed so mature. People like him, won your trust very quickly. Yiseo was like that. Young, but so wise. 

You crossed the road, walking into the bank. The cool air filtering out of the air conditioning caused you to straighten up. Your footsteps sounded against the marble tiles rhythmically. The walk from the entrance to the counter had never felt this long. 

As you finally approached the counter, you rested your palm’s on the cold surface. A lady was sat behind the glass typing away. In the hopes of not intruding, you glanced up at the ceilings, taking an odd interest in the decorations above. After a minute or two, she noticed your presence. 

“Oh! Sorry, I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s alright!”, you said brightly. Manipulation wasn’t your style but you couldn’t deny learning a couple things from the boys you had had the displeasure of hanging around.

“How can I help you today?”

“I would like to withdraw 5 million Won, please.”

Her eyes immediately tracked to your school logo on your blazer. Then they travelled to your tie. 

“You go to Sehwa?”, she replied causally. Her smile was quite strained.

“Yes, I go there.”, you hoped your chances of getting the money weren’t ruined.

“I used to know a girl who went there. Lovely girl. She passed away, when was it, this time last year. Sad, sad news. You never know what goes on in that school, right?”, she said sadly.

As if someone had reminded her of her duties her head shot up with a new smile adorning her features.

“Right, that 5 million. Do you have ID?”

“Yes, I do.”, you pinched your passport out of your blazer pocket, before sliding it into the small gap the glass window left. 

The teller held it up to the light, inspecting the photo in it and your face in front of her. 

“Thank you.”, she said before passing it back to you. 

“Can I have your account number and PIN, please.”

You recited them to her as she typed all the details into the computer.

“5 million Won.”, she said absentmindedly.

“That’s a lot for a schoolgirl to be withdrawing, no? What do you need all that money for?”, she questioned.

Truthfully, you had hoped that things would go well enough without you being questioned for the reason you wanted the money. So now you needed to lie. 

“It’s for a leaving teacher’s gift. We are all pitching in for the teacher’s retirement funds.”, you said, with a soft smile on your lips.

“Aww! What sweet kids you are!”, the woman responded.

“It’s nothing much!”, you said, chuckling slightly.

“I’ll get the money for you immediately.”, she said before getting up from her seat. 

You were fighting the internal urges to not get too excited yet, but things were going well for you. How could you not feel happy? On a day that you had lost a person you loved so much, you needed something to cheer you up.

After counting the bills for you, the lady slid an envelope full of them towards you. 

“I wish your teacher a happy retirement!”, she said happily.

“Thank you! I’ll pass on the message.”

“You know, it’s rare nowadays to find kids as kind as you. Your loved ones should know how lucky they are to have you.”, she said fondly.

“That’s really sweet of you. Thank you and have a nice day!”

“You too.”

Her words hit you harder than you had expected. Wherever Yiseo rested now, you hoped she still loved you as she did before.

___________________________________________________

Back at the bar, you met the same bartender. He seemed relieved that you had managed to come back.

“Thanks for looking after that bag for me.”, you said as he hoisted it over to your side of the counter.

“No problem. I was hoping you weren’t going to be a no show.”, he said softly.

“You get a lot of those?”

“More than you could believe.”

“Thanks again.”, you murmured.

“You really don’t have to thank me. Now go do whatever it is you need to do with a black duffel bag and some cash.”, he teased.

You laughed, thanking him once more before heading to Ji-ho’s area. The bouncers knew you from your last visit, as they opened the door for you as soon as they saw you.

Ji-ho was surrounded by a couple girls and his regular…companions in the room. Everyone cheered at your arrival, throwing you off slightly.

“You got the cash?”, he said.

“Yep.”, you swung the bag onto the table in front of him, unzipping it for him to see. 

“You really meant business.”, he grinned.

He split the bills among everyone, ordering them to count every single note. After acquiring the totals from everyone, he sniggered.

“That’s 20 million you’ve given me, kid. You ain’t got the rest?”

“Oh right! Here you go.”, you handed him the envelope. “That’s 5 million Won.”

He counted slowly, occasionally looking up at you as he did so.

“25 million Won.”, he announced. “By our rules, you’ve done what we’ve asked. We have your package ready.”

He handed you two shoe boxes. In them, there were hundreds of sachets filled with drugs. You knew exactly what to do with these.

“Thank you.”, you said.

“I don’t normally do things like this, but I liked the money you were offering.”

You nodded and began making your way out of the door when a thought hit you.

“Does that mean you will keep up your end of the deal?”, you questioned.

“Absolutely. Run along now.”, he dismissed.

A sulky huff left you. If anything, the cocky behaviour you had encountered since joining Sehwa was making you feel destructive. You wouldn’t mind dragging Ji-ho into the mess. 

The more the merrier.

___________________________________________________

A sleek, black car pulled up outside the bar. Its engine hummed menacingly, before the car slowed down to a stop. A man in a black suit stood on the pavement, waiting. James and Martin opened their doors respectively, as Martin grabbed a duffel bag from the backseat. The waiting man took the car keys to park the car in the underground garage.

Martin hadn’t told James about the money. He didn’t know how the exchange was going to go but he really hoped it wouldn’t end with them dead, or worse, in prison. 

It is quite ridiculous that the thing these boys fear the most is persecution. They fear paying for their sins in the realm of mortality, stupidly ignoring that punishment awaits for them after death.

The duffel bag weighed heavy in Martin’s hand. His body shook lightly, as sweat gathered nervously at his brow. It was a miracle that James didn’t point out his antsy behaviour, or maybe he knew but chose not to confront him. 

As they approached the door, James took a good look at Martin. No words left his mouth. The two bouncers opened the door, leading them into Ji-ho’s room. All the people in the room cheered at the sight of the pair.

“Yufan!”, Ji-ho said excitedly.

“Hyung.”, James said calmly.

“Whatchu got for me?”

“The money.”

“How much?”

James looked at Martin for an answer. Martin cleared his throat.

“15 million.”, Martin answered quietly.

Everyone cheered.

“Yufan you are too good to me!”, Ji-ho said.

Martin leant over to pass the bag to Ji-ho.  Ji-ho unzipped the bag slowly, his eyes trained on the zip. After he finally opened it, he pulled out a wad of cash and smelt it. He ran his finger over the top bill, before his face cracked into a giant grin. Martin let out a deep exhale, his shoulders relaxing.

“15 million Won, everybody.”, Ji-ho announced.

The room filled with cheers and yells of happiness.

“But, Yufan.”, Ji-ho said. The room fell back into a heavy silence. “We have a little bit of a problem.”

James” back straightened instinctively.

“First problem: Another customer came and bought what I want to sell for 25 million Won.”, Ji-ho stated calmly.

Martin’s eyes widened. It couldn’t have been you who had hijacked their deal, right? Martin didn’t have time to ponder about his theory as Ji-ho continued talking.

“Secondly, this money isn’t clean. Do you want to tank my business?”

Out of last minute desperation, Martin had taken out a loan with some underground loan sharks, not known that the money wasn’t clean. He was fucked. The rules were always simple with Ji-ho. Come with the right amount and come with clean cash.

James opened his mouth to retort, but he was swiftly cut off by Ji-ho.

“Yufan. You know what happens when you don’t play by my rules. There are consequences. Nobody is an exception when it comes to my money. It’s a shame you have finding out the hard way.”

With those words, all the other men in the room stood up. The space felt awkwardly tight. 

“Leave Martin out of this.”, James spoke up. “This was my fault. Not his. He doesn’t know any better. Let me be punished hyung.”

“Ok.”, Ji-ho said simply. To him, as long as his message was passed across, he didn’t care who took the brunt of it all. 

As soon as Ji-ho gave his affirmative, Martin bolted. No voice in his head had attempted to get him to stay and convince Ji-ho to free James. To Martin, freedom was freedom, no matter the cost of achieving it. 

James’ death was quite simple. A single shot to his chest sent him back into the wall, and there he sat bleeding out as the others went back to discussing the money at hand. The last couple of words he heard before he passed, were to do with you. You had given them the money. 

You had killed James.

___________________________________________________

Martin burst out of the door of the bar. The man who had taken his car to park it was nowhere to be seen. He had to get out of there. Immediately. As an answer to his desperation, multiple cars with flashing lights approached. Men in black uniforms, who were armed with guns and other weapons, yelled at him to get down on his knees. His escape wasn’t a success. The men rushed forward, cuffing his wrists and dragging him upright. All bystanders stopped to see what the commotion was about, some even recognised him. Humiliation washed over him, but never guilt. His eyes scanned the crowd, until they fell on yours. 

There you stood, staring. A lifeless, cold air surrounded you as if you were dead. Martin swayed slightly, as a cruel chill crept up his body. You were Death. The jury, the executioner and the coroner. It was Martin’s turn. He continued to be dragged away, his head forced down for him to enter one of the cars. Two birds had had their wings clipped. 

One now sitting in your cage and the other, dead, on the forest floor. 

News spread quickly about the situation. The son of a businessman had been arrested for drug possession and trafficking and another had been found dead after dealing. Their names had been kept hidden, for now. Parental effort only goes so far. Assembly was still set to run, as you had predicted. 

Your tongue darted across your dry lips as a habit. A force tugged the side of your lip upwards, perfecting it into a grin. 

Things were getting interesting now. 

___________________________________________________

You had thrown on a new uniform before heading back to school. Everyone was lined up, ready to enter. Your eyes tried to track Na-bi’s, but she was nowhere to be found. Tapping a random person’s shoulder, you asked:

“Excuse me? Have you seen Na-bi anywhere?”

The person pondered for a second, before answering, “No, sorry.”

Your question spread through the line, as someone close to the front yelled, “Who is looking for Na-bi?”

Everyone down the line either mumbled or pointed in your direction. You walked up to the where the person stood.

“Did you not hear? Na-bi threw up when sorting out the last-minute catering changes. Ms Kim took her to the medical office. You might want to hurry there now, assembly is going to start in 30 odd minutes.”, the person said.

You quickly thanked them before rushing into the building. The hallways were a blur as you rushed through, trying to find the medical office. If you managed to find Na-bi and Ms Kim, your mind would rest well. 

Taking two steps at a time, you darted up the stairs. Turning a sharp corner, you walked straight into a person’s chest.

“Sorry!”, you apologised furiously, before attempting to step around them. The familiar scent of the person stopped you in your tracks.

“Keonho.”, you whispered.

“Hi. What are you doing in here?”, he asked softly. 

The thing that wounded you the most was that Keonho had always looked at you with affection. His tone was soft with you, never like that with anyone else. The touches he left across your skin burnt lightly, branding themselves into you. Keonho was unforgettable. Yet you couldn’t love him. 

“I’m looking for the medical office.”, you replied with your head hung low.

He hummed lightly. “Don’t let me get in your way.”, he whispered with a soft smile. 

Your heart was being carved out each second you heard his voice. You wanted to give up everything for him. Your heart, your plans, your soul. It would be a lie to say that you hadn’t lay awake reminiscing his touch. He confused you. A person like him wasn’t supposed to be capable of tenderness, yet he handled you with care. You hadn’t meant to tame him. To tie him down by your side to the point where you were both in too deep. 

“Keonho. I’m sorry.”, you sighed. You stepped closer to him, feeling the warmth of his body heat your surroundings. Your breath hitched as he pulled you in closer to him by your hip. With closed eyes and a content sigh, he pressed his forehead against yours. 

“Don’t apologise.”, he painfully sighed back.

“Please. Let me.”, you pleaded softly.

Wrapping your arms around his neck, you pulled him down softly to meet your lips. How could a soulless person have such warm lips? His air became yours, as you both leaned in impossibly closer. You were going to allow yourself to indulge and feel. Just this once. The more you kissed him, the more effort it took to force yourself away and dispose of him. 

You were in love. 

The stark reality shook you to your core, rattling you out of your daze. Keonho hadn’t noticed, as he continued to sweetly enjoy your presence. Becoming aware of your surroundings, you noticed a figure further down the hallway. Juhoon. The thought made you laugh. The same person you had kissed and had a shared hatred for was watching you of all people be willingly embraced with love. 

In Juhoon’s mind, he finally understood. People like you were showered with so many things that they were allowed to pick and choose as they pleased. He didn’t have that luxury. Time and time again had he been sidelined and trodden over. You had solidified his insecurities, carving them into stone. A tiny flicker of him hoped you would take pity on him, but the flicker quickly died out as fast as it had appeared. A numbing sensation silenced the frustration within him. Life was no longer worth living. If love was too far and too stubborn to reach him, why would he drive himself to the edge to get it? 

Juhoon truly understood what it meant to be unloveable. 

He was the prime example.

___________________________________________________

Warm tears filed your vision. You still couldn’t move away from Keonho. After a few more breathless kisses, you forced yourself away.

“We can’t be together.”, you whispered against his lips.

“Who gets to decide that? Let’s run away, rebuild. We can be just…us.”, he whispered back.

“You know that would never work.”, you argued. “I am me and you are you. We aren’t made for each other.”

“But I want you. Only you.”, he begged, his voice cracking on the last word.

“I’m not something you can have, Keonho.”, you pushed against his chest lightly, attempting to create distance between the two of you. 

Keonho rejected this movement, as he gripped your hands, pulling you back in. 

“Keonho, let go, please.”, you pleaded.

“No. No. No. No. I can’t. Don’t leave me. You can’t. You can’t leave me.”, he repeated frantically.

You had broken him. The idea of you not being with him and sent him spiralling. He was scaring you now. Out of pure desperation, you pulled your hands out of his grip and hurried down the hallway. Keonho couldn’t follow. He slumped against the wall, muttering ‘no’ over and over again. 

You peeked through every single window, trying to find Na-bi and Ms Kim. As you got to the final door at the end of the hallway, you heard voices. Yanking the door open, you rushed in. Na-bi lay on the soft, blue bed, talking to Ms Kim animatedly. Their conversation halted at your entrance.

“Na-bi! Ms Kim!”

“Hi!”, Na-bi waved. Ms Kim sent you a smile and a nod of acknowledgment.

“I was looking for you everywhere.”, you sighed.

“Is everything ok?”, Ms Kim asked.

This was your chance to get them to safety. Telling them a fraction of the truth would be able to cease the questions.

“You two need to leave the school, as quick as you can. Before assembly starts. Please.”

“What’s going on?”, Na-bi was getting worried.

“I can’t tell you everything now, but just know that those boys are up to something and I need you guys out of here safely.”

A look was shared between Ms Kim and Na-bi. 

“We’ll go. You owe us a lengthy explanation after.”, Na-bi replied.

“Please keep safe.”, Ms Kim said.

As you tended to the two, Keonho had made his way back onto his feet. His steps were heavy as he dragged them through the school hallways. He kept on walking, his soul slipping out of him with each step.

He continued down the stairs, walking for another couple of minutes. The buzzing of his phone halted his pace.

___________________________________________________

By this time, the whole school had settled into their seats in the auditorium. Assembly was due to start in 10 minutes, so chatter and laughter echoed across the room. A travelling buzz carried throughout the room. Everybody had received a notification from the gossip blog. A crawling chill silenced the room. 

It was a photo. A photo of Mrs Ahn captioned, “Mr Katō and the headmistress.“

The photo was on another level of indecency. Many people turned their phones off in second-hand embarrassment, others turned to show their friends. Mrs Ahn was now being made a mockery, and Keonho had the unfortunate luck of becoming aware.

He felt faint after seeing the photo. Never in his life did he think his mother would sleep with a disgusting excuse for a human. Did she not have any class? It was no secret that his parents both had affairs of their own, but this was a new low for his mother. He needed help. Help to take this down. Help to force silence on the masses. 

He needed Seonghyeon.  

___________________________________________________

Whenever Seonghyeon needed space to think, he could always be found in an empty classroom near the school exit. His reasoning always followed the lines of it being ‘more peaceful’. No one really knew why he would sit there, not even himself. Stewing in his own misfortune, he planned to skip the assembly. James would give him an earful about discipline and tardiness, but he would’ve still got his alone time.

His calm was disrupted by frantic, unsteady footsteps. Opening his eyes, he raised his head slowly. 

“Seonghyeon.”, a hoarse voice called.

He chose not to respond until the voice made itself identifiable.

“Sean, it’s me. Keonho.”

Seonghyeon stood up from the desk he sat behind, making his way out into the hallway. The setting sun’s blood seeped in through the windows, painting the sides of the two boys’ faces.

“Did you see what happened?”, Keonho looked drained.

“No. I needed some quiet time.”, Seonghyeon replied simply. 

“This photo.”, Keonho held his phone up to Seonghyeon’s face. “Make it go away.”

Seonghyeon’s eyes took a second to focus on the photo, but he immediately tore his eyes away after realising what it was.

A syncopated beat of silence passed between them. Seonghyeon sighed gently, dragging his left hand over his face as a means to refresh his thoughts.

“Keonho. I don’t think I can help you.”, he said finally.

“You can. You always can.”, Keonho insisted.

“Not this time.”, Seonghyeon said forcefully.

“Yes you can-”

“You know what your problem is, Keonho? You are a little self-absorbed bastard who expects everyone to work around him and serve only him. When things don’t go your way, it becomes everyone’s business. I am done. So done with you.”, Seonghyeon snarled.

“You don’t mean that. Fix this.”, Keonho said mechanically.

“Did you not hear a word of what I just said!”, Seonghyeon shouted.

“Fix it.”

Seonghyeon was steadily becoming agitated with Keonho. He grabbed Keonho’s collar and shook him.

“I am not doing anything for you anymore!”, Seonghyeon yelled.

Their heavy breaths filled the hallway.

“Fix it.”, Keonho said softly.

Seonghyeon snapped. Pushing Keonho into the classroom, they began to tussle. Flailing hands and hard punches were all that could be seen between them.

“You don’t get to have everything, Keonho!”

Seonghyeon pushed Keonho down to the ground, going down with him, as he landed punch after punch on Keonho’s face. Seonghyeon’s sheer force was too much for Keonho to fight back against. A wrestle began between them, as they both fought for the upper hand. Out of desperation, Seonghyeon pushed Keonho’s head into the edge of a nearby desk. 

Everything was quiet. Keonho’s head was steadily bleeding, leaving a growing pool to form on the classroom floor. Seonghyeon shook slightly. He had to get rid of the body. His eyes darted around the room attempting to find something to put him in. Rushing to the cabinets at the back of the room, he searched within them to find something. Anything. A medium-sized grey box holding Latin textbooks was the largest container in the cabinet. Swallowing heavily, Seonghyeon walked out into the hallway, smashing the red cabinet’s window to grab the fire axe. 

Dragging it behind him, he began to get to work. Hacking away at Keonho’s limp body, he tried to cut the body into small pieces. Blood stained his shoes and clothes and the desks nearby. Without a care in the world, he grabbed the pieces and tossed them into the box.

It started to overflow with unevenly cut flesh and bone, that Seonghyeon started to worry about the remaining pieces. Scrambling for a solution, he grabbed the other pieces and dumped them into the cupboard. He was fully drenched in blood now. 

A deep unsettling feeling buried itself within him. He felt short of breath. The truth was, he feared being caught more than the fact that he had just killed his best friend. Cowering into a corner, he gripped the box tightly, hoping all of his problems would go away. 

A shrill siren rang out. The fire alarm. Seonghyeon shook violently before scrambling to his feet. Heaving the box up, he hastily tried to get out of the building.

Seonghyeon didn’t want to die.

___________________________________________________

Everyone who had gathered in the auditorium were all shaken by the sounding of the alarm. All thoughts of Ms Ahn’s past deeds were sidelined as everyone’s lives were now at stake. Forming orderly queues, everyone moved towards the fire exits. Those who led the queues came to a sudden realisation. The doors were locked.

Yells of protest echoed off of the walls as people begged for the doors to be opened. Nothing could be done. They had all been sealed into their coffins. Screams and tears heated up the room faster than the fire did. Unbeknownst to them, the fire was fast approaching. Engulfing classroom desks, school computers and more as it swept through like a starved soul. 

The smoky poison seeped through the vents, wrapping itself like a serpent around everyone’s necks. In that room, sat Juhoon. He had remained in his seat, not bothering to get up and find a way out. Why would he try to save himself when there was no one waiting for him on the other side of salvation? To him, it wasn’t worth it. He accepted his fate immediately. 

___________________________________________________

Fire trucks, police cars and ambulances wailed down the streets, hoping to rescue the victims. When they arrived, all they found was the withered skeleton of the school building and a teenager smeared in blood carrying a box full of flesh and bones. Seonghyeon was swiftly arrested. The box was confiscated. The school couldn’t be saved. Everyone had perished in the fire. The lone survivors were you, Na-bi, Ms Kim, Seonghyeon and Mrs Ahn. 

___________________________________________________

The next couple of weeks saw many events take place. 

That same evening, Mrs Ahn tried to leave the country after the gossip blog made its way into mainstream media. She had dashed to Incheon Airport, with nothing but a luggage stuffed full with cash. Paparazzi had quickly tracked her down. This was the same woman whose child had been hacked to death but was leaving before the funeral. Police arrested her for questioning.

Seonghyeon and Martin were investigated suspicion of murder and drug trafficking respectively. They had hoped to spend a single night in jail, until Yiseo’s diary was submitted as evidence and the hard drives containing CCTV footage were found. They were then facing countless charges. 

Ji-ho the drug dealer, had been ratted out by Martin, who refused to go down alone. 

The news of James’, Juhoon’s and Keonho’s death spread through the media. You assisted in the witness statements, Ms Kim and Na-bi too. All of you spent several days recounting events and cross checking the diary. It would be a lie if you said you weren’t feeling mixed. Keonho was dead but you were free. 

Yiseo was finally free. 

___________________________________________________

Standing in front of the mirror, you checked your appearance, hoping to look court-ready. Today was the hearing for the final verdict. Six months since the fire. Six months since Keonho’s death. Unusually, you had been called into court for a second question. The prosecution lawyer had assured you nothing was wrong, yet you felt nervous. 

Outside the courthouse, media swarmed the entrance, hoping to get something from the lawyers. Taking the back entrance, you escaped the chaos, calming your mind with a deep breath. Across the busy lobby, someone called your name. It was Ms Kim.

“Good morning, Ms Kim.”, you greeted warmly.

“Have you eaten?”, she asked.

“Not yet. I wanted to grab something after the hearing.”

“Perfect. Na-bi will be here soon, so I don’t mind treating you to something special.”, she responded kindly.

“You are too kind, Ms Kim.”, you said softly.

“It’s nothing huge.”, she said shyly. “A word of advice, if you don’t mind. You know what happened, let the judge and jury know too. Yiseo needs justice.”

“I understand. I will do my best.”, you assured.

A court clerk came to lead you into the witness stand, where you stood facing the jury and the prosecution lawyer. In the corner of your eye, you could spot Martin and Seonghyeon cuffed in their prison uniforms. 

“The judge asked for this witness to be recalled, as she had a question to ask.”, the lawyer announced to the court.

All eyes travelled to the judge, ready to hear her question. 

“Although three of them are no longer with us, do you choose to forgive all five of them, on Yiseo’s behalf? You knew her best, what would she have wanted?”

Courtrooms are usually silent. This silence was eerie. Taking a deep breath you began to speak:

“Whenever someone did something wrong to Yiseo, she would always forgive. She believed that everyone deserved a second chance.”

You could see Martin and Seonghyeon relax. Their relief wouldn’t last as long as they had hoped.

“However. Yiseo suffered. Till her last breath, she felt emotionally exhausted. She wouldn’t have had it in her to forgive.”, you said strongly. Your voice wavered with emotion, as you struggled to keep it together. Looking into the public gallery, Na-bi gave you a firm nod. You used her as your anchor. 

“That will be all, thank you.”, the judge said. “The jury will now make their decision.”

The court fell into hushed words and nods, as people nervously waited for the jury to return. You were now sat in the public gallery. Na-bi held your hand in the hopes of comforting you, but her grip was shaky. Everyone was nervous. Everyone was tired.

As you opened your mouth to complain, the court clerk said, “All rise.”

The jury filed in, taking their seats. Their expressions were incomprehensible, not a single thought or opinion was given away. Your hands shook slightly in anticipation.    Na-bi gripped your hand tighter, grounding you.

After a sharp nod from the judge, the foreperson stood up. The verdict was going to be delivered.

“Martin Edwards Park, please rise.”

Martin stood.

“You are facing charges of drug trafficking, drug possession, disposing of a body illegally and battery.”

“Under the charges of drug trafficking, the Court has found you… guilty.”

“Under the charges of battery, the Court find you…guilty. You will be facing 2 years of prison.”

A small breath left your lips. You tilted your head to the ceiling, hoping that your tears of joy wouldn’t arrive prematurely.

“Under the charges of drug possession, the Court finds you…guilty. You will be facing 5 years in prison.”

“Under the charges of disposing a body illegally, the Court finds you…guilty. You will be facing 7 years in prison.”

“Finally, under the charges of drug trafficking, the Court has found you… guilty. You will be facing life imprisonment.”

Tears were streaming down Martin’s face, but the decision of his fate was not over yet.

“Under the Narcotics Control Act, any sentence leniency has been stripped away. Under Article 38, the charges of drug possession, disposing of a body illegally and battery have all been absorbed by your charge of drug trafficking.”

“Therefore, Mr Martin Edwards Park, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 20 to 30 years in prison with hard labour.”

Hard sobs wracked Martin’s body. Seonghyeon’s eyes widened as he realised his punishment was coming. 

“Seonghyeon Eom, please rise.”

“You are facing two charges of first-degree murder, one count of drug trafficking, one count of drug possession, one count of disposing a body illegally, one count of breaking and entering, one count of destroying evidence and one count of covering up a murder.”

“Under one count of drug possession, the Court finds you…guilty. You will be facing 5 years in prison.”

“Under one count of disposing of a body illegally, the Court finds you…guilty. You will be facing 7 years in prison.”

“Under one count of breaking and entering, the Court finds you…guilty. You will be facing 3 years in prison.”

“Under one count of destroying evidence, the Court finds you…guilty. You will be facing 5 years in prison.”

“And finally, under one count of covering up a murder, the Court finds you…guilty. You will be facing 5 years in prison.”

“Under the two charges of first-degree murder, you will be facing life imprisonment.”

“Under one count of drug trafficking, the Court find you… guilty. You will be facing life imprisonment.”

Seonghyeon started to cry.

“Under the Narcotics Control Act, any sentence leniency has been stripped away. Under Article 38, the charges of drug trafficking, disposing of a body illegally, covering up a murder, destroying evidence and breaking and entering have all been absorbed by your charge of drug trafficking.”

“Therefore, Mr Seonghyeon Eom, you are hereby sentenced to life imprisonment.”

The judge banged her gavel three times sealing the verdict.

“A couple words if I will.”, the judge said.

“These defendants who stand before us have now thrown their lives away after committing heinous crimes. Miss Yiseo died an unfortunate death that you both assisted in despite calling her your friend. That is not friendship. That is betrayal. As you now stand before the Court today, we hope that the time you spend in prison will be a time of reflection. There is no rush. You have all the time in the world. This trial is concluded.”

You watched as both Martin and Seonghyeon were taken away, as they sobbed and begged for mercy. As you blinked, a stray tear fell from your eye. Hoping no one had seen, you wiped it away. It was all over now. 

Yiseo had been saved.

___________________________________________________

Outside the courtroom, you stood with Na-bi and Ms Kim.

“There is a lovely bakery that does nice breakfast pastries. You ladies need to eat, I will buy you some.”, Ms Kim said adamantly.

“Ms Kim it’s more than alright!”, Na-bi countered.

“I know you have money of your own, but I am proud of the both of you. Therefore you must be rewarded. Don’t argue, Na-bi.”, Ms Kim said. Na-bi had already opened her mouth to counter, but was silenced.

You laughed at their antics, feeling relief and joy all at once. A voice called your name from behind, prompting you to turn around. It was the judge.

“Good morning. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to come to court.”, she said softly.

“Thank you, for having me again and listening to what I had to say.”

“You are very brave. I do not know you well, but from what I can see you are a good person. We need more people like you.”, she said with a smile.

Her kind words reminded you of the lady at the bank who had said the same. 

You had hoped they were right.

___________________________________________________

Ms Kim had bought you and Na-bi some freshly baked pastries before she had to go home.

“I left my little one with my neighbour, so I need to go collect her before she gets fussy.”, she had explained.

You and Na-bi sat facing the window showing the bustling street. Eating away at your pastries, you engaged in people watching.

“I didn’t know Ms Kim had a kid.”, you mumbled thoughtfully.

“Me neither. Not many people know much about her.”

“Kinda odd, don’t you think?”

“A little…maybe a lot. At least she is on our side. I wouldn’t want to have her against me.”

“True.”, you said.

A disturbed hum left Na-bi.

“What happened to Mrs Ahn?”, she whispered.

___________________________________________________

When the doorbell rang, the woman peeked behind the blinds before unlocking the door. The person on the other side walked in.

“Has anyone seen you?”, the paranoid woman asked.

“No one.”, the person replied.

“Ok, good.”, the woman breathed.

“The trial went as I expected. They lost.”, the person explained.

The woman yelled in frustration.

“I needed justice for my son. My Keonho.”, Mrs Ahn yelled.

“The same Keonho you didn’t attend the funeral for?”, Ms Kim said.

Mrs Ahn couldn’t say anything in defence.

“I pulled strings and wires just for you to be an ungrateful little bitch.”

Mrs Ahn cowered in fear.

“Do you know why I helped you? The punishment the system would’ve given you wouldn’t have sufficed for the whore you are.”, Ms Kim said calmly.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”, Mrs Ahn begged. She fell to her knees, gripping Ms Kim’s ankles. Ms Kim took her scarf off slowly, before wrapping it around Mrs Ahn’s neck tightly. A choked sound left Mrs Ahn. She swatted and scratched at the serpent that tightened around her neck by the second. As her movements became slower, Ms Kim kicked her down to the ground, before walking out of the house. 

No one will ever find Mrs Ahn. 

___________________________________________________

You were sat in your hallway, thoughts swirling around your mind like a glass of red wine. Your phone was in your hand. There was one message you needed to respond to. Yiseo’s voicemail you never replied to. Pushing yourself off of the floor, you knew what you had to do.

___________________________________________________

The fresh grass softened your footsteps as you made your way to Yiseo’s gravestone. Kneeling down, you brushed the top of it lightly with your thumb. Tracing her name, you kissed it gently.

“Hi Yiseo. We did it!”, you said softly, tears brimming.

“I miss you. You know that? I sorted everything out like I promised. Rest easy now.”, you said. 

Your tears trailed down to the yellow gladiolus that you had placed. 

Yiseo was now at peace.

___________________________________________________

A/N: AHHHH it’s over!!! This chapter was something I worked so hard on. The yellow gladiolus symbolises good friendship so I wanted those to be placed down on Yiseo’s grave. Did you guys like the little Juhoon and Ms Kim twists? This series is now over, and I will be starting a new one soon. If you guys want to be added to the taglist, let me know! You can find the plot summary on my blog x thank you all so much for reading this series 😘💕

Everybody was happy but Yiseo. She was scared. Frightened. She had provoked James the previous night, and the gears inside her head were steaming from overworking. James wasn’t as lenient as she thought. She had witnessed it firsthand. Every time a small argument arose, it would end with James in a cruel temper with Yiseo left to bear the yoke. It was becoming increasingly evident that it wasn’t love keeping Yiseo in the relationship, it was fear. 

Yiseo had hidden in the library, hoping to avoid any prying individuals. Hoping to avoid one of the boys.

“I didn’t take you as the hiding type.”, a deep voice said next to her. The voice startled her. 

“Juhoon…”, she said softly.

“What are you hiding from? Today is a good day.”, his tone had no hint of joy or happiness. It was scaring her.

“I’m not hiding. I just needed to rest. Just a little tired.”, she said, avoiding eye contact.

“Come to the hangout room. I have something for fatigue.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“Why do you always do this to me, Yiseo?”, he hissed.

“Do what?”, her palms were sweating now.

“I am offering you help yet you still won’t take it from me. You act as if I’m the devil himself.”

“Fine, I’ll take whatever it is you want to give me.”

Juhoon’s face visibly relaxed. The two of them walked to the hangout room, a charged space between them. No one was in the hangout room except for them. 

“There is this drink I have when I feel sleepy. It’s in the fridge, top shelf. Unless you want something stronger?”

Something stronger meant drugs. The first and last time she ever took them was as a punishment for not replying to James’ text on time. She was ill for days. He wouldn’t let her go to a hospital. All of the boys knew. Juhoon knew. Yet he did nothing. 

“No.”, her tone was sharp, “I don’t want something stronger.”

“Ok, then.”

She opened the fridge, grabbing the drink from the top shelf. Turning on her heel, she made way for the door. 

“One last thing, Yiseo.”

His tone could not be described. 

“All of this…tension can go away if you apologise now. James is forgiving. He is understanding. Go make things right. If you can’t with me, then at least do it with him. Please.”

“Fuck you, Juhoon.”

And with that she left the room. 

________________________________________________

James was pacing. The wound of the previous day was still fresh. Still open and bleeding. It was bound to end this way. Yiseo avoiding him. Him feeling angry and afraid. Yiseo knew his deepest and darkest secrets. Everything he felt or thought, Yiseo knew. Now, she wasn’t by his side anymore. He could no longer keep a watchful eye on her like he used to. She was a liability. 

When liabilities became apparent to James, he always aimed to get rid of them. Weirdly, he felt no hesitation in getting rid of Yiseo. He had convinced himself it was for the best. For his benefit. Maybe she was right. He wasn’t capable of love. 

His main priority was to find Yiseo. The only problem was that when she didn’t want to be found, you could not find her. He pulled out his phone and dialled Juhoon. 

“Hyung?”

“Juhoon. Have you seen Yiseo anywhere?”

The line when silent for a second.

“Hello?”, James questioned.

“Huh? Oh, yeah I saw her in the library.”

“Is she still there?”

“I don’t think so.”

James sighed heavily.

“Thanks for the help.”, he murmured before cutting the call.

He needed someone with eyes around the school. The Twins. Yiseo had always liked them. To her, they were her younger siblings. A mischievous set but incredibly loyal. James couldn’t pass up a chance to not put them to good use. So he called Keonho. 

“Keonho.”

“What’s up, hyung?”

“I need a favour. Is Seonghyeon there?”

“Of course I’m here.”, Seonghyeon’s voice came through.

“Good. I need you to find Yiseo for me.”

“Is everything okay?”, Keonho asked.

“Do what I’m asking you to do first, then we can talk.”

“Ok. We’ll get right to it.”, Seonghyeon promised.

“Thanks.”

________________________________________________

“Yiseo!”

A small gasp left her lips. She began walking faster. James had already sent The Twins to come find her. He really was out to get her. She was nearing the school gate, hoping to get out of campus and go do what she planned to do.

“Yiseo! Wait.”, Seonghyeon yelled.

His voice felt like a ton of bricks being thrown at her face. Was it really right to leave them? To destroy and expose them? It felt like a game of tug of war. Either go back to James and face the punishment or leave and expose them for who they truly are. Freedom was guaranteed for the latter. That’s what Yiseo believed. She made it past the school gates, rushing round a corner and running through the park. All she could do was run. She couldn’t stop running. 

Her life was on the line.

________________________________________________

She was surprised that the club was open during the day. Then again, day drinking was incredibly rare around these parts of town. The two bouncers knew her already. She was a regular with James. He would take her here when he had business to do or if he wanted to spoil her with expensive drinks. This was the environment Yiseo hated the most. Whenever she would tell James he would always tell her that she was too shy for her own good. Whatever that meant. 

The two men opened the door. There he was. Ji-ho. If there was one person James looked up to, it was him. Ji-ho got him into the dealing business, gave him contracts and great deals. James owes Ji-ho his life. That’s what Yiseo wanted to pay with today. 

“Yufan’s girl. Ain’t it school hours? What are you doing here?”

“It’s Yiseo. We have the day off.”, she sounded exhausted. 

“Sit. Help me count those stacks.”

Yiseo skirted around the table, dropping into the seat next to him. She grabbed the first stack and started to count.

“Seeing as Yufan isn’t here, you must’ve come here to see me without him knowing.”

Yiseo kept on counting.

“He shouldn’t be trusted.”

“I know who to trust.”

“Not to be rude, but I don’t think you do. Yufan is a cheat and he is just a schoolboy. He’s not made for business.”

“Did he break your heart or something?”

“Just don’t trust him.”

A moment of silence passed.

“Here,”, she handed the stack to him. “500,000 Won.”

She was quick to realise that her attempts were futile. Ji-ho wouldn’t do anything. She simply wasn’t convincing enough. It would be a waste to spend time arguing with someone who had already made his mind. 

Unfortunately, if Yiseo had spent a little more time arguing her case, it may have saved her life.

As soon as Yiseo walked out of the door, Ji-ho picked up his phone.

“Yufan.”

“Yes, hyung.”

“You wouldn’t believe what just happened.”

“What happened?”

“Your girl came running over here to report you.”

James exhaled. He was fighting to stay calm.

“I’m sorry about that. She can be a little dramatic sometimes. I’ll go sort it out.”

“Good.”

The call cut. James’ patience snapped. He had to get rid of her now. 

________________________________________________

Yiseo’s feet carried her home. The salty water coming from the beach swirled in the air, tickling her nose. Seagulls cried above as the waves crashed against the rocks. The air was breezy and warm. Today was beautiful. That’s what everyone believed. In Yiseo’s heart, death was creeping closer and closer. She could feel it. Truthfully, she wasn’t ready to go yet. She had lived a life full of regret. The voice mail she had sent yesterday hadn’t been replied to.

Her house keys were cold against her fingers. She fumbled with them a couple times, before unlocking the door. Death was coming. Death was coming. Death was comi-

Shaking the thoughts out of her head, she tossed her keys in the bowl, dragging her feet to her bedroom. On her desk, there was a diary. Her diary. She grabbed a pen from the pot next to you and began to write. Maybe it was fear or acceptance, but it spurred her on to write like her life depended on it. If death was coming, she needed someone to know what her life was like before she left. She may not have fully realised, but she was writing this all down for you. Hoping that you would forgive her one day after reading it all. You were always on her mind. Subconsciously and consciously. 

She scribbled furiously, tears forming tiny ponds on the pages. As she reached the last page of the diary, all that was written was:

IdontwanttodieIdontwanttodie IdontwanttodieIdontwanttodie

She slapped her head multiple times, tears steaming down her face as she sobbed. Grabbing the diary, she tossed it behind her wardrobe. Her body couldn’t take the sobbing anymore. She ended up in a crumpled heap on the floor, sobbing till her throat begged for it to end.

How had she turned out like this? Life was no longer worth living in her eyes. The person she thought she loved was terrible, she had pushed her own best friend away and she had caught herself in a sticky affair with a person who thought she could do no wrong. This wasn’t what she was like before. She didn’t want to die like this. Nothing was in the way that she wanted it to be. All she could ask for in this moment was to hear your voice again. Hear you comfort and reassure her. That wasn’t possible though.

Yiseo died thinking that you would never want to speak to her again.

________________________________________________

Yiseo wouldn’t have gone to the anniversary if it wasn’t for Hwa-young’s phone call.

“Yiseo!”

“Hmmm?”, Yiseo replied tiredly.

“Are you not coming back to school?”

“I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”

“Yiseo!!!! You promised!”

Hwa-young was fast approaching a tantrum.

“Fine. I’ll get ready.”

“I’ll tell my driver to stop by yours so we can go together. Love you!”

“Love you too.”

Using the edge of her desk, Yiseo pushed herself up. She took out her spare uniform from her wardrobe and a brush from her vanity. With the little life she had left, she attempted to put herself together in a presentable manner. There was no hope left in her eyes. She moved mechanically as she brushed through her hair. 

Death is coming. Death is coming. Death is coming.

________________________________________________

“Yiseo! Did you put on makeup? Here let me apply some.”

Yiseo had barely sat down by the time Hwa-young started fussing over her. On any other day, Yiseo would’ve pushed the brush away and begged her not to apply anything onto her face. Today, however, was her death day. It wouldn’t hurt to leave looking presentable. 

“Thanks, Hwa-young.”

“No problem! You are looking extra pretty already. Wanna take a selfie?”

Yiseo hadn’t even replied by the time she shoved the camera in her hands, urging her to take a photo of the moment. Yiseo smiled. She really didn’t want her student ID photo to be used in her funeral, so she better give them something stunning to faun over. The two girls both took several photos, individually and together.

“I’m already planning my next holiday. I want you to come with!”

Girls were only invited on holiday with Hwa-young when she really liked them. Yiseo’s heart swelled with pride. Tears began brimmung in her eyes.

“I would like that.”, she chocked out, nodding her head.

“Yiseo! Don’t cry! Awww!”

If Yiseo wanted to cry, she was going to do so. Today was the day to feel everything at least once.

________________________________________________

Campus was full of students. Everyone was so excited and happy. Orderly queues formed all the way through the school. The assembly wasn’t due to start for another thirty minutes but everyone was already there. Hwa-young bounced excitedly beside Yiseo, her happiness radiating off of her. 

“Martin said he was going to take me out tonight!”, she squealed excitedly.

“That’s sweet.”

“You and James got any plans?”

“Nothing that I know of.”

“Awww, I’m sure he has something planned for you.”

Oh, he did. 

“Oh, I see Martin!”

Panic ran through Yiseo’s body. She should’ve known that hanging around Hwa-young would attract one of the boys.

Martin’s tall frame could be seen from afar. He occasionally stopped to greet students, he was incredibly popular with everyone. If only they knew what he got up to in his spare time. He took his time making his way over to you. The pace of his walk was the same as that of a predator that had already caught its prey right where it wanted it.

“Hey baby,”, he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against Hwa-young’s lips. People nearby cheered and whooped. “And Yiseo. How are you doing?”

Martin was a smart kid. Everybody seemed to be on red alert. He knew what he was doing asking her that question. He had acknowledged your presence, that solidified how the day would end.

“I’m good.”, she replied curtly.

“I hope my lady has been taking care of you?”, he leaned down, placing a small peck on Hwa-young’s nose. She giggled at the contact.

“She always takes care of me. You look well taken care of.”

Yiseo had fired back. Hwa-young refused to believe rumours of Martin’s promiscuity so that comment flew right over her head. Martin, however, understood what she had meant. Perfectly. His eyes darkened ever so slightly. Yiseo felt content in that moment. 

“Hwa-young is the most caring girl I know. No offense.”

“None taken.”

“That reminds me. James was looking for you. Just head on in, he’ll be in the hangout room.”

“Thanks.”

Yiseo began making her way into the school, when Martin called behind her.

“Take care!”

Martin never said ‘take care’. Never when he was seeing Yiseo off. It was always ‘see you later’. As she walked on, an aching feeling of anguish filled her chest.

Death was here.

________________________________________________

Yiseo had always imagined her wedding day. The day where she would walk down the aisle, surrounded by the people she loved most. She would walk towards her soon-to-be-husband, ready to make vows that would bind them together. She would never get that.

As she walked down the hallway, her feet dragged. Her body was unwilling to take itself to a dangerous place but her mind had already made its decision. As long as she for there, her end will be less painful. That’s what she wanted to believe. The hallway had never felt so long before. Boards adorned the walls, portraying students with happy faces and beautiful smiles. Others had student’s names on them. Best effort of the week, student of the week, athlete of the week. Everyone was celebrated and happy. So, so happy. That’s all she ever wanted. Happiness. Contentment. Belonging.

The door was in her sights now. Her steps slowed, the imaginary weights around her legs burying themselves in the ground. She raised her hand, knocking three times.

“Come in.”

A shaky breath left her as she entered. There he sat in all his glory. Chao Yufan. James sat on the couch, nursing a glass. His sleeves rolled to his elbows, eyes locked on the wall before him. 

“You came.”, he said simply.

“…Martin said you were looking for me.”

“That’s right.”

He took a sip.

“Yiseo.”, he hung his head low. “I went through a lot of trouble to get you where you are standing right now.”

On any other day, Yiseo would’ve been begging and apologising. She would have rushed to James’ side, holding his hand and pleading for him to forgive her. Today, she didn’t move. Not an inch. James noted her defiance.

He scoffed humourlessly. 

“You aren’t even going to apologise? I was so willing to forgive-”

“Lies.”

The single word threw off whatever balanced control James had put up as a facade. His head whipped up forcefully, his grip on the glass tightening.

“What did you say?”, he whispered.

“I said ‘lies’. You stopped being benevolent the moment I hurt your pride. You stopped faking your affection for me the moment I saw through you. You are a liar and a schoolboy who is way in over his head-”

The sound of glass making harsh contact with the wall filled the air. Yiseo was finding it hard to breathe. 

“Look what you made me do. I’ve made a mess, Yiseo. I’ve scared you.”, his tone resembled that of a child who had done something worth scolding him for.

He stumbled towards the shards of glass, picking up a sharp piece. Turning it over in his hand, he inspected it with child-like curiosity.

Straightening himself, he walked slowly towards Yiseo. She instinctively moved back against the wall, hoping for it to swallow her up and shelter her away from him. The walls did no such thing.

“Apologise. Apologise and all of this will go away. We’ll go back to what we were. We were happy, weren’t we?”

He was getting closer. Tears were streaming from her eyes.

“No.”, she whispered quietly.

“We were made for each other. Don’t you get it? Me and you are meant to be together for eternity. You love me. You do.”, he held up the shard to Yiseo’s neck, pressing lightly.

Beads of blood trickled hesitantly.

“James, let go.”

Before he could formulate a response, a lazy knock on the door stole their attention. James pulled Yiseo towards himself, her back to his chest with the shard pressed closely to her neck. The door opened. Yiseo had hoped that this person would at least help her but when she say their face, all the hope she had left in an instant.

“James hyung, the assembly will be starting soon.”, Kim Juhoon said calmly. His eyes were trained on Yiseo’s neck but he made no move to counter James.

“Thank you, Juhoon.”

Juhoon had nothing else to say, so he turned and began making his way out of the door. 

“Juhoon, can I ask you for a quick favour?”, James questioned curiously.

“Sure.”

“What should I do with Yiseo? Let her go and deal with her after the assembly or get rid of her now?”

Juhoon’s face remained unchanged.

“Juhoon, please.”, Yiseo begged. 

In that moment, Juhoon could only think of the times he had begged for Yiseo’s affection, only to be turned down and rejected. He had helped her in many occasions but had been given nothing in return. All she did was take, but was never willing to give. Juhoon could do the same. 

“Get rid of her now. She’ll get in the way of the assembly if you don’t do it now.”

“I like the way you think, Juhoon.”

Yiseo was so close to death she could smell it. The choking smell of darkness filled her lungs. Clouds of grief produced more tears. 

“I want to make this fun for you, Yiseo. Look at me being ever so kind to you, even after all the things you have done to me. Tell me that isn’t love.”

He pushed her forward towards the door. 

“Go.”

“What?”, Yiseo questioned.

“Hide somewhere where I can’t find you. If I find you, you mustn’t run from me. Now let’s play.”

Yiseo bolted. She never had liked to run but her life was on the line. Through many turns and stairs, she hid behind a wall in the hallway. Nobody would pass through there. She must be safe. Pressing her hand to her mouth, she forced herself to be quiet.

The unmistakable sound of footsteps, echoed through the air. She had been caught.

“I’ve found you.”

Yiseo had been warned not to run if found. There were two options on the table for her. Run or surrender.

She ran. 

Her heart pounding in her ears. She needed to escape. 

Approaching the double doors, she burst through them. 

That’s when she heard him. 

“Don’t try to run away.”

His voice carried down the hallway, he was advancing. 

“If you stay with us, you’ll be safe, I promise.”

His taunting tone filled her stomach with unease. 

He was going to kill her. 

There’s no way he would let her escape. 

Escape and expose them. 

Expose them for who they truly are. 

Expose them for what they did to-

BANG.

A gunshot rang through the air. 

Pain shattered across her body as she struggled to breathe. 

No, she was so close. 

A second pair of footsteps advanced towards her.

The last thing she saw were their two faces. 

Two handsomely, evil faces.

Blood poured out from her chest as the boys continued to stand by her.

“Call The Twins and Martin. We need to clean up and dispose.”, James ordered.

In that moment, Juhoon had never felt such fear. The person looked up to the most had just killed the person he swore to love. He wasn’t sure what would be done to him if he slipped up. So he dialled the numbers and gave instructions.

________________________________________________

The Twins and Martin had settled into their seats near the front. Hwa-young was happily cuddled into Martin’s side as Keonho beamed up at his mum on stage. Seonghyeon felt a buzz in his blazer pocket. He contemplated not picking up, until he saw the caller ID. He got up immediately. Trying not to disturb, he left the room and picked up the phone call.

“Juhoon hyung, what’s up? Where are you?”

“Near the old food tech classrooms. We’ve got a mess here. I need you to come clean it up. Quickly.”

“But the assembly-”

“Fuck the assembly, Seonghyeon.”, Juhoon hissed lowly. ”Just get here now.”

Both Keonho and Martin received similar calls and they both came rushing. The sight they arrived to will forever be engraved in their minds.

“Juhoon, what’s going on?”, Martin choked out.

“I need you guys to clean this up. Go to her house too and find anything related to us.”, Juhoon replied, ignoring Martin’s question.

“But Juhoon hyung-”, Keonho started.

“Ask questions after!”, Juhoon said sharply.

Everybody sprung into action. James was nowhere to be found, Martin had to find a way to dispose of Yiseo’s body, Juhoon stared outside the corridor window and The Twins had gone to her house.

“How should we do this?”, Martin asked softly.

“The beach. Yiseo loved the water.”, Juhoon replied without looking.

“I’ll get it done.”

Martin rushed out of the nearest exit. In the boot of his car, there was a cleaning kit just for moments like this. He had never wished to use it for Yiseo, ever. Shakily, he grabbed the box and the black tarp before shutting the boot. 

When he got back inside, Juhoon was still where he stood. Martin’s eyebrows furrowed slightly. He had never seen Juhoon like this.

Crouching down, Martin lifted Yiseo onto the tarp he had laid down. His shirt was slightly smeared with blood, but it was the least of his concerns. He wrapped her up gently before turning his attention to the blood on the floor. Tears blurred his vision as he scrubbed and scrubbed to get the blood off of the floor. A light, red tinge stained the white tiles despite his efforts. He leaned back onto his knees, huffing.

“Juhoon. We’ll need to close this area off. The tiles need to be changed.”

No reply came from Juhoon.

“Juhoon? I said-”

“I heard you the first time.”, he shifted his weight slightly. “The body.”, he reminded.

Yiseo was no longer called Yiseo. She was now being referred to as the body. As soon as she had passed, they had stripped her of the one thing that made her unique. Her name. They reduced her to something common. Martin’s heart ached but he got up and continued his job.

“I’ll get going now.”, Martin muttered.

He lifted the tarp and held the kit in his hand. As he made his way to the car, he looked left and right, hoping no one would notice. He laid Yiseo’s body down in the boot, when he noticed a shovel. His heart betrayed his head, as he decided to bury her rather than let the water take her.

As he drove, the weather became upset. Rain crashed and poured as the wind howled angrily. They were being punished. No rain was forecasted for the day but it was now pushing the record for the rainiest day of the year. The car approached a small forest. Yiseo would always go for a walk in there to clear her head. Martin carried her body with reverence and a hung head. As he dug her grave, his tears dropped into the area he had dug. 

The tears he had shed would soon sprout the growth of red petunias. Deep, passionate love but intense anger.

________________________________________________

The Twins had arrived at Yiseo’s house. In their hearts, they didn’t think it was right to intrude on a dead person’s home. Yet they feared the consequences they may face if they didn’t do what they were asked to do.

After tampering with the lock, they pushed the door open. Their hearts weighed heavier after seeing all the gifts they had given her decorating her entryway. They crept up the stairs as if not to disturb her resting soul. Her room was the first door on the right. Keonho pushed it open softly, peaking in. He pushed it further, making room for Seonghyeon. The room was so…Yiseo. They didn’t want to touch anything. All they wanted to do was to preserve and freeze time. 

Her desk was neatly disorganised. Pens of different colours overflowing out of colourful pots looked like small flowers blooming uncontrollably. They scanned for something like a diary. As if not to pry, they gently and softly moved and lifted things. Seonghyeon’s hand explored behind the tall wardrobe. His hand made contact with something solid. 

“I think I got something.”, Seonghyeon whispered. It was the first thing any of them had spoken since entering the house. 

Seonghyeon’s fingers struggled to find grip on the object, but he managed to pinch it between his fingers. He dragged it out and used his flashlight to study the cover. It was her diary.

Keonho gasped softly as he stepped closer. They both exchanged a look.

“What should we do?”, Keonho said, eyes locked on the book.

“If the stuff in it isn’t too bad, then we pretend we never saw it.”

“Open it.”

After reading the first page they made the decision not to leave it in the house. 

“Who should we give it to?”, Seonghyeon asked.

“I don’t know. You keep it or I keep it?”

“You keep it.”

Seonghyeon placed the diary in Keonho’s hand. 

“Don’t do anything stupid with this, Keonho.”,

Seonghyeon warned. 

“I won’t.”, Keonho promised.

“Let’s get out of here.”

As soon as they left the house, a call came through. 

“Martin hyung.”

“Keonho, Seonghyeon, meet at the usual spot.”

“Seonghyeon’s house?”, Keonho confirmed.

“Yep. Have you done your part?”

“All done on our end. You?”

“Done.”

“Ok. See you in a few.”

________________________________________________

Everyone was gathered in the laundry room, except for James. No one knew where James was yet everyone knew not to try and find him. Martin had thrown his bloodstained shirt in the washing machine. Deep down he knew that one cycle wouldn’t get the blood out that easily. 

Seonghyeon and Keonho were both sat on washing machines that weren’t in use. Martin stood opposite to the washing machine washing his shirt, staring with such intensity you would think he was going to wash the shirt himself. Juhoon stood by the doorframe, an unknown expression on his face.

Martin’s heavy sigh broke the silence.

“Keonho, can you ask your mum to close school for tomorrow?”, Martin asked.

“Stubborn stains?”, Keonho said trivially.

Martin nodded once.

“I’ll give her a call.”

Silence filled the air once again.

“What did you guys find?”, Juhoon mumbled.

“Photos, notes and the likes. We got rid of them. All of them.”, Keonho said confidently.

Seonghyeon sent him a look that nobody but Keonho registered. Keonho was being stupid. 

“Good.”, Martin said. “I’m going to head home.”

“Stay over, there is no point going home.”, Seonghyeon said plainly. 

It wasn’t unusual for the boys to sleep over at Seonghyeon’s house. Today was a day when everyone needed each other’s presence. 

Seonghyeon’s words prompted everyone to get ready for bed. Martin walked out first, Seonghyeon not far behind. Juhoon looked like he had to physically lift himself upright to move. The sight was abnormal to Keonho. 

“Juhoon hyung.”, he blurted without a second thought.

Juhoon tiredly turned his head towards Keonho. Keonho thought to himself in that moment that if he told Juhoon what he found, life would immediately get complicated. 

“…Never mind. Get some rest.”, Keonho said as he walked past Juhoon, his hand lingering on his shoulder momentarily. Juhoon’s eyes followed but his soul was too tired to pry. 

So he decided to wait. He would tell everyone eventually, right?

________________________________________________

A/N: I hope you didn’t cry 😁 this series is unfortunately coming to an end which means NEW SERIES!!! If you want to be part of the new taglist just let me know! I don’t want to leave any people behind in this series, we all move together 🫡

She slid into the seat. This was a familiar place for her. James took her everywhere. Never let her walk. 

He reached over, clicking in the seatbelt. As he rounded the car back to his side, he instinctively dialled up the heating of the car. 

“Yufan, I’m fine.”

“You look cold.”

No conversation was held during the drive. Little shops and late night stragglers blurred as he sped down the roads. They approached Yiseo’s house, parking in the driveway. The lights by the front door, blinked tiredly at their arrival. 

Yiseo pulled out her keys, opening the door without checking if James was behind her. She knew he would be. He was never that far behind. She heard him, shut the two car doors, locking it with a flash from the headlights. 

Toeing her shoes off, she tossed her keys into the tiny ceramic bowl by the door. Keonho and  Seonghyeon had got it for her as a birthday gift. She pressed her hands against the orchid next to the bowl, checking the health of the plant. Juhoon had gifted her a potted plant, after she had fully become a part of the group.   The jacket she was wearing was selected by Martin, during one of their hangouts together. She was one of them.

“Yiseo. Can we talk?”

“What is there to talk about?”

“Me and you. Us. Our future.”

“I am tired of your empty promises, James.”

“Yufan. My name is Yufan.”

“I’ll call you whatever I want, James.”, she lazily said whilst rubbing her forehead.

She moved out of the hallway, into her living room. With a huff, she collapsed down onto the couch. James rounded the couch, kneeling in front of Yiseo.

“I don’t want you to call me anything else, my love.”

“Go home, James.”

“If you wanted me to go, why did you leave the door open? You know you’ll always come back to me.”

“THAT’S THE PROBLEM! For some fucking reason, I keep on going back to you. I don’t want that.”

“You do. You know you do. I’m the only one capable of loving you the way you need to be loved, Yiseo.”

“No. No. No. No.”

“Yes.”

“Why won’t you let me leave?”

“It’s dangerous with anyone else. You need to trust me and only me.”

“My friend says you are no good for me.”

“Which friend?”

Yiseo didn’t reply.

“Yiseo, that friend isn’t your friend. They are tying to keep you away from me. You won’t let them, will you?”

“Yufan,”, she whispered. Tears were streaming from her eyes. 

He stood up, sitting next to her. Taking her hands into his, he leaned his forehead against hers.

“Don’t cry. You shouldn’t be crying with me.”

A couple sniffles left her.

“Let me make it up to you, hmm?”, he said softly.

He pressed his lips against hers, taking her breath away. Their hands were still interlocked together, as he deepened the kiss.

“No, James.”, Yiseo pushed against his chest, distancing their lips.

“I’m done with you.”, she sniffled.

“You don’t want that. Don’t be ridiculous, Yiseo.”, he firmly grabbed her wrists. 

“Let go, James. If you truly loved me, you would let me go.”

“You don’t understand, Yiseo. I will die if I don’t have you.”

“I don’t want to be owned.”

“Yiseo, I’m begging you, please!”

“You want to keep me as a little token by your side without allowing me to speak my mind. I have lost myself after getting to know you. You-you aren’t a real man.”

“Yis-“

“Leave, please.”

To avoid bruising his ego further, he got up slowly and left the house. He was fuming. The last thing he wanted was for Yiseo to no longer be his. That couldn’t happen. He would die.

________________________________________________

“Keonho, you are really sweet, but I see you as a friend. A really close friend.”

Those words echoed in Keonho’s mind as he lay in bed. Had he not given her all she could ask for? Affection, attention…love? In Keonho’s eyes, he was perfect. He had been perfect. So there was only one reason for his rejection. Seonghyeon.

Seonghyeon had been like Keonho’s brother since the day they met. Legend says they hit off immediately, becoming the best of friends. Their parents grew closer and so did the rest of their families. To Keonho, Seonghyeon was close family. If that was the case, then why were they passively fighting for the same girl? Keonho didn’t want to give you up, but he was so sure that Seonghyeon would do the same. 

Keonho fiddled with his phone, struggling to decide whether he should talk to Seonghyeon. Had Juhoon been right about you? The thought left as fast as it came. Keonho was truly convinced that he loved you. Unfortunately for him, he was blinded by it.

________________________________________________

The next day at school, everyone was off timetable. Preparation for the school anniversary was fully underway. Keonho was itching to find you. Just being in your air was enough for him. He was sick. Sweetly poisoned by your beauty. Sadly, he was addicted. It was killing him, but he would much rather die a sickly-sweet death, than anything else.

He spotted sight of you. How could a person be so perfect? You were talking to Na-bi, a smile playing on your lips. It pleased him, seeing you happy. That was all he wanted for himself, seeing you smile.

Your conversation with Na-bi soon finished, giving you a couple moments of freedom before some engaged you in another conversation. Na-bi had been passionately discussing fruit flavouring and how some of them are not accurate. You had listened intently in the hopes of entertaining her, but she had actually entertained you. 

Your amazing job of the day was to help design the program of the assembly. It was mundane. Internally, you wished for something exciting to happen. 

“Hey.”

This doesn’t count as exciting. 

Putting on your best smile, you turned around. Keonho stood sheepishly behind you. 

Oh dear.

“Hi, Keonho.”

“I hope today hasn’t been so busy.”

“It’s been okay so far. And you?”

“My mum has kept me in her office. She’s been moderating my speech for me.”

“Nice.”, you moved to turn and continue with your work, when he lightly placed his hand on your shoulder. 

“About yesterday,”, he started.

“What about yesterday?”, you responded innocently.

He took a look around before moving closer towards you.

“All that time we spent together. All the kisses. That wasn’t real?”

“I’m sorry, Keonho, but I don’t want to date you.”, you side-stepped, trying to get around him. 

He stepped in front of you, blocking your path.

“Just tell me why.”

“Why what?”

He huffed. A sulky expression made itself apparent on his face. 

“Please, just tell me why I am not fit for you.”

“Keonho-”

“Don’t hold back. Please, tell me.”

He was asking for it now. That’s the thing with begging. You sometimes ask for the wrong things.

“You can’t love me, Keonho.”

“But-”

“Let me finish.”, you held a hand up to his face.

“You are not capable of loving someone. A heart isn’t something you possess. I suppose you have gotten too used to the attention. When I look into your eyes, I see nothing. I can’t spend my life loving someone incapable of reciprocating.”

A silence fell over you.

“I will change,”, he whispered quietly. “For you.”

“You’ll never be able to do it. I refuse to sit and wait for you to go through some kind of development. I don’t want you as you are now, and I don’t plan on wanting you then.”

Your words left him stunned. Taking the opportunity, you walked around him, on your way to find something else to cure your boredom. 

What you had left behind, was a heartbroken person. Although, to you, Keonho wasn’t a person who possessed a heart. It was simply a blow to his pride. Nothing more, nothing less. That’s what you wanted to believe.

________________________________________________

You were on your way to the reprographics room to start copying the programs. The hallway wasn’t crowded at all. A bit strange. You went down the spiralling stairs, taking your time. 

At a display board, you caught sight of Seonghyeon and Juhoon talking. You hoped that you wouldn’t be stopped for a chat. Quickening your pace, you zoomed past them. As you didn’t turn to look back, you didn’t notice the longing gaze of Seonghyeon. His eyes refused to leave you, herefused to leave you. 

“She’s not worth it, Seonghyeon.”, Juhoon piped up. He pinned a poster to the board.

“She was truly the first girl I actually liked.”, he mumbled. 

“Things with no labels aren’t worth stressing about. Trust me.”

Seonghyeon sighed and continued pinning things to the board. What was so addictive about you? Why couldn’t he detach himself from you? Those thoughts plagued his mind. You hoped it would plague him till the day he died. 

________________________________________________

The printer spat out the rest of the copies. You grabbed them and slotted them into a cardboard box, ready to be taken to Mrs Ahn’s office. You had never had to go to her office. Not once. Considering you had just emotionally harmed her only son, you were quite skeptical to go. 

Your hands were gripped tightly on the box. Mrs Ahn’s office was tucked in the darkest part of the school. How ominous. A clear, glass plaque adorned a set of double doors. You pushed them open, only to be met with a long hallway with a forest green carpet highlighting the way. Framed photos of the school’s forefathers and past headteachers adorned the walls.

As you approached the door, voices filtered out of the cracks. 

“Your indecent photos are in the hands of someone who we do not know! You can kiss your career goodbye.”. You guessed that was Mrs Ahn. 

“It’s not my fault you couldn’t dispose of them properly.”, the other voice hissed.

“Don’t be ridiculous. He was a paedophile. That is hard to contain.”

“A paedophile? Yet you still paid his salary. One would think you slept with him too.”

“Enough! Out of my office.”

“Gladly.”

The door swung open. Ms Park walked out of the office. 

Looks like the slut had been caught.

“Were you eavesdropping?”, she whispered angrily.

“No. I just got here. I’m not that type of child, Ms Park.”

She stared angrily as she strode past you. Your eyes followed her until she was no longer in your vision. 

Your knuckles rapped on the door. 

“Come in.”, a stern voice called.

“Sorry to disturb you, Mrs Ahn. I have the programs for tomorrow. Freshly printed.”

Her eyes scanned you.

“Thank you, dear.”

You placed the box down on her desk, turning to leave the office, when she called your name.

“My son has told me a lot about you. He likes you. My Keonho is a good child.”, she smiled softly. It didn’t quite reach her eyes. Like mother, like son.

“Keonho’s very kind. He’s helped me settle in well. Thank you, Mrs Ahn.”

“You are welcome. Enjoy tomorrow to the fullest.”, she said finally.

“I will, Mrs Ahn. Once again, thank you.”, you closed the office door, making your way out into the main school hallway. 

As you walked, you remembered what tomorrow was. Yiseo’s death day. You missed her so much. This time last year, she had sent you a voice message you never responded to:

“Hey, best friend!”, she said cheerily. 

She cleared her throat, cringing slightly.

“It’s me, Yiseo. You probably already know that.”, she chuckled awkwardly.

“I want to meet up with you. I need to tell you things about school and…life in general. I hope you are studying well! Please give me a call when you are free.”

A pause.

“Love you”, she whispered.

You loved her too. More than she must have thought in her last moments. 

________________________________________________

You walked past the auditorium, when you heard a lot of voices in there. You figured that people were organising stuff in there, but this was less of an orderly noise. 

Sliding through the gap of the door, you entered a circle. In the middle of the circle, stood Martin and a boy you had never seen before. The boy was in a bloodied state. Nose clearly broken, shirt soaked with blood. 

“You think it’s ok to harass my girl, huh?”

“I didn’t do it.”, the boy croaked out.

“Would you look at that, guys.”, Martin said, addressing the spectating crowd. “We’ve got a little, lying scholarship kid!”

The crowd laughed along with him. The good side of you was telling you to step in. However, the last thing you wanted was to be pummelled in front of a live audience. You were fine where you stood. 

Although you weren’t willing to yell and make a fool out of yourself, you could spread a little rumour. You moved into a corner in the room, and pulled out your phone. The anonymous forum where rumours circulated like a roundabout was going to be your handy tool. With a smile, you typed out:

“Martin was cheating on Hwa-young, with an unknown girl. He threatened to leak her nudes if HY left him. Cheater!”

Posted.

In a domino effect, everyone’s phones pinged. Chatter and bright screens filled the room. Laughter subsided.

People immediately rushed forward to Martin. 

“Is this true?”

“That’s crazy, Martin!”

“Did you actually do this?”

To say that Martin was confused is an understatement. News soon reached his ears and from afar you could make out his protests. He was in a frenzy. Rushing to clear his name. Through the crowd, his eyes met yours. You smirked. 

It really was easy to ruin someone.

________________________________________________

You hummed on your way out of the auditorium. A smile adorned your face, brightening your features. 

“Excuse me.”, a timid boy said.

“Yes? What’s up?”, you responded cheerfully. 

“James wants to see you.”, his voice was barely audible.

“Sorry? I didn’t quite catch that.”

“James is looking for you.”, he said a little bit louder. Like he had summoned a curse, he turned around and dashed. 

You hadn’t been given a location but you could guess where he was.

________________________________________________

“Come in.”

“What do you need to see me for?”

He took a puff of his cigarette, the smoke clouding his face. Leaning forward, he stubbed the cigarette onto a metal plate.

“I first got a report from Juhoon.”, he sighed.

“I didn’t think it was something…serious. He’s quite the emotional man.”

His eyes fully locked on your standing frame.

“Then I noticed. Keonho and Seonghyeon had been rubbed the wrong way after an encounter with you.”

“Oh, really?”, you responded.

“Yes, really. I don’t know what game you are trying to play here, but I won’t sit on the sidelines and entertain it.”

“Oh, I know. When have you ever sat by the sidelines?”

He tilted his head.

“What do you know?”, he questioned lowly.

“What don’t I know?”

He leaned forward from his seat.

“Enlighten me.”, he said mockingly. 

“Since you asked so nicely.”, you said, equally mocking.

“You and a girl named Yiseo, right? What happened to her?”

“I think I should be the one asking questions here.”

“If you say so. You’ve done some pretty horrible things, Yufan.”

His eyes widened at the name. 

“Do people know that you killed a pregnant girl? An innocent person killed at your request. Does it eat you up from the inside?”

“Does knowing you caused the death of Katō eat you up from the inside?”

“No. He deserved a fate worse than death, but it was out of my control. Are you implying that that girl had to die?”

“It was out of my control.”

“Don’t lie. You shouldn’t be lying to me, Yufan. Do the boys call you that?”

“…No.”

“I guess Yiseo only did, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Well, Yufan, I’m going to warn you once and you are going to listen. You are an intelligent guy so I’m sure this concept shouldn’t be too hard for you to grasp.”

You slowly walked closer, bending down to reach his ear.

“If you try to interfere with what I have in mind, you will suffer more than I planned for you to. Don’t push your luck.”

Without waiting for a reply, you left the room. Let him stew in his own misfortune.

________________________________________________

The boys met up at Seonghyeon’s place. Familiar, comfortable. An odd contrast to what they were planning.

“You were right about her, Juhoon hyung.”, Keonho said. His pride didn’t allow him to properly apologise, so that would have to do.

“It’s too late, but thanks, I guess.”, Juhoon lazily replied.

“What are we going to do with her?”, Martin asked. He had been pacing back and forth, mind fast at work.

“Whatever we have to do.”, James said quietly. 

All heads turned to him. 

“Don’t tell me…”, Seonghyeon started. He didn’t have to finish his sentence to be understood. 

“She knows about Yiseo.”, James said calmly. 

Keonho looked faint. Martin stopped walking. Seonghyeon paused mid-blink. Juhoon’s heart began pumping hard.

“What.”, Juhoon whispered. 

“I don’t know how. Did any of you mention her name to her?”

“No.”

“Absolutely not.”

“Never.”

“Not once.”

“I don’t know what to make of that girl. I don’t know how she knows or what she knows. She’s dangerous.”

“We figured.”, Seonghyeon muttered.

“So what do you want to do?”, Juhoon piped up nervously.

James’ eyes were sharper than usual. Juhoon shifted nervously. You couldn’t have told him? Or did you even know? Everyone was fidgety and uncomfortable.

“We get rid of her. Permanently. If she has told anyone, we get rid of that person too. Don’t think it is too harsh, she needs to be dealt with. Agreed?”

Sounds of agreement sounded from everyone. 

“By the way, Martin,”, James started.

Martin’s head shot up.

“Yes, hyung?”

“Don’t forget the deal tomorrow. It will be before the assembly, so don’t be late.”

“I won’t be.”

Silence fell once again. 

“It’s crazy how one person single-handedly took us down.”, Seonghyeon said to no one in particular.

“We aren’t down.”, Keonho said.

“You’re right. We’ll sort this out. We always do.”, Juhoon added.

It’s almost comical how safe the boys were feeling. They are already being lowered into their grave.

________________________________________________

The bass crawled out of the speakers, hitting the walls with incredible force. Lasers of purple, red and blue scanned the room with government level surveillance. Bartenders created signature drinks whilst entertaining guests like jesters. You scanned the room hoping to find the person you were looking for. 

The dance floor was incredibly packed. It was a pure miracle with how many people were able to move on a floor with lit-up squares. You couldn’t exactly go around asking for people, dropping the name carelessly. If you wanted this to work, the boys couldn’t know. 

A door was tucked behind a wall. In front of the door stood two bouncers. Black suits, black sunglasses, buff build. 

“No access back here, Miss.”

“I called ahead.”

The two men shared a look. 

“We should’ve been alerted.”

“I just need to talk to Ji-ho.”

Fear dashed across their faces. No one referred to their boss by their first name. Not even them. 

“Can one of you go get him?”, you huffed impatiently whilst shifting your weight.

The two men look at each other once again. A small conversation between them took place with their eyes.

“You go.”

“No, you go.”

“Boss likes you more.”

“Lies. You are the fave.”

“Just go.”

With a deep sigh, the man on the left knocked twice before pushing the door open. A conversation took place and he was back out again immediately. 

“He’s asking who sent you.”

“Chao Yufan.”

With a simple nod, he opened the door and gave another message. He sent you one glance before guiding you into the room.

The door shut loudly. You were now in a room with the most powerful drug lord in the country. Surrounded by his henchmen. James and the others were way in over their heads. 

“What do you want?”, Ji-ho asked you lazily. 

“I need your help.”, you said confidently.

The other men in the room chuckled. Puffs of smoke swirled in the closed air. 

“What help do you need, princess?”

“It’s Yufan.”

“He in trouble?”

“No.”

“Then what can I do for you?”

“You mean, ‘what can you do for Yiseo’.”

Ji-ho seemed to get the hint. 

“Clear out.”

They all stood and left.

“Yiseo?”

“Yes. You do know her, right?”

“I know her. Pretty. Very smart. Yufan kept her in his pocket. How is she doing nowadays? Yufan told me she moved.”

“She’s dead.”

Ji-ho’s eyebrows lifted slightly. 

“How did it happen?”

“James ordered her to be killed.”

“Yufan is many things, but he doesn’t kill the people he loves.”

“Then he never loved her.”, you said. You stood a little taller, trying to prove your point. 

“So what do you want me to do?”

“That upcoming deal. Raise your price.”

“Raise my price?”

“At the drop, ask for more. If they have it, great. If they don’t, do whatever you like with them.”

“What’s this going to do?”

“I doubt they will have the money to pay for your increased price. You know the worth of what you are selling. Not to nag here, but they are kids. Dealing isn’t child’s play.”

He simply tilted his head, weighing the options. 

“Yiseo was a sweet girl. I liked her. It’s sad that I didn’t get to know her as well as I know Yufan. She your best friend?”

“Best friend since forever. I want justice and revenge. I want them to burn. I want them to suffer the way that I did.”

He reached for a magazine and tore a piece of the sheet. 

“You got a pen?”

“Umm…maybe.”, you said as you furiously dug in your purse. You finally retrieved a pen, a pink one with a fluffy ball on the end. Yiseo’s go-to pick.  

“Write down your number, I’ll be in contact.”

“Thank you.”, your eyes gave away your excitement.

“This doesn’t mean the deal is on. I’m getting your number to consider your proposal. Now go home. Kids your age shouldn’t be out this late, let alone in an area like this.”

“Thank you.”

“No problem.”

In your head, you were confused as to how smooth the transaction went. You half expected to be gunned down for speaking when not spoken to. James must’ve done something else to irritate him.

What is was, remained a mystery to you.

________________________________________________

You guessed it was getting late. Or that was what you guessed. There were no clocks in the hallway and your phone was in your room. The less distractions the better. You clicked your pen a couple more times. The doorbell rang twice. You ignored it. No distractions. No distractions. A voice on the other side of the door called your name. What was Na-bi doing here?

“Please, open the door!”

No distractions. No distractions.

So you sat it out.

You waited for her to leave.

The same thing happened over two days. She would call, ring the doorbell, knock on the front door but you sat there in the hallway, clicking. 

“I brought you some kimchi-jjigae. Homemade.”, she called.

Click. Click.

“You wanna know something?”

Click. Click.

“Ara used to love it when I made it for her. She would always eat loads.”

Click.

“I know you miss her. I miss her too. Whatever you are planning, do it well. I’ll leave the food on your doorstep…Good luck.”

Silence.

You heard her footsteps recede. Pulling yourself up, you slowly approached the door. Sliding the chain, turning the door knob, a little pot of kimchi-jjigae sat timidly. A yellow post-it note adorned the top. Inhaling the fresh air, you grabbed the pot, kicking the door shut. 

It smelt heavenly. You placed it down on the heat rack in your kitchen, grabbing the post-it. It read:

You can do all the planning you want, but you need to eat well. Enjoy! :)

~N

You decided. 

Decided everything.

You were going school tomorrow.

________________________________________________

People turned their heads as you walked through the hallway. You looked…well. They had speculated many things. Death. Hospitalised. Pressured. Pregnant. Their thoughts were the least of your problems. You had a goal. Whoever got in your way will suffer and perish. 

You were getting close to your form room, when you bumped into Ms Kim. 

“Good morning. I haven’t seen you in school since our last maths lesson. Are you feeling well?”, she asked. Her tone was full of concern.

“I’m better now, thank you. I was just a little bit…under the weather.”, your eyes were soulless as you spoke.

“I am a mother myself. If you need anything, please find me immediately. I would be more than willing to help you.”, she assured.

“Thank you, Ms Kim.”

“Keep healthy.”, she urged as she continued down the hallway to her form room. 

“Hey.”

You continued walking.

“I’m talking to you.”

You sharply turned. Juhoon. Fuck him. He wasn’t worth your time.

“Leave me alone.”

“Don’t walk away.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

He lunged for your wrist and dragged you. 

“Let go.”

He pulled you into an empty classroom and drew the blinds. 

“Whatever bullshit you are getting up to, you need to stop.”, he hissed.

“I don’t know what you are talking about.”, you made a move towards the door but he stopped you. 

“No. You will not run away.”

“I’m not running away. I’m giving you time. Time before things get a little bit worse for you.”

He froze.

“You are deeply mistaken,”, he whispered harshly. “This is my territory. You are in my corner!”

You had never heard him yell. There js a first time for everything.

“Corner, huh?”

You stepped closer, not breaking eye contact.

“Just like how you cornered Ara?”

He looked incredibly uncomfortable. He turned his head to the right in shame.

“Now you feel shame?”, you chuckled dryly.

He couldn’t look at you. Of course he couldn’t.

“Look at me. LOOK AT ME!”

His dark eyes darted to yours immediately.

“When you threatened Ara for getting too close to me and you sent her away with a load of cash, you didn’t feel shame then? You continue to harass me and I can tell you I have not seen an inkling of shame or regret!”

Your words shocked him to the core. 

“She loved you,”, you said, voice cracking slightly. “And that’s how you treat her? You don’t deserve happiness or love. You will die cold and alone and nobody, and I mean nobody will ever come to save you. You aren’t worth saving.”

Your shoulder slammed into his as you left the room. Let him stew. Let him suffer. It was time. 

________________________________________________

Juhoon was pissed. So, so pissed. 

He stormed into the hangout room. Keonho and Seonghyeon were both lying sprawled out on the couch, Martin had his headphones on, bopping to a new beat and James was in the corner of the room scrolling on his phone. 

No one looked up as he entered. He grabbed a glass, pouring himself a drink. In one gulp, he slammed the glass down on the drink cabinet. 

“Careful, bro. That’s glass.”, Keonho mumbled.

Juhoon said nothing. He walked up to Seonghyeon, dragging him upright by his collar. 

“Woah, hyung, what are you-”, Seonghyeon confusingly asked.

He was slammed into the nearest wall. The framed picture on the same wall dropped and shattered. Everyone was alert now. James had his head down still, but he had stopped scrolling. Martin had moved one side of his headphone off of his ear to hear better. Keonho sat up abruptly. 

“I warned you. I warned!”

Juhoon never yelled. 

Martin took off his headphones completely. Keonho stood up slowly. James was still as he was before. 

“I told you to stay away from that girl! When you begged and grovelled at my feet to save her from Katō, I told you, I told you that she wasn’t worth it!”

James and Martin never found out about Katō or how he was dealt with. Juhoon’s mouth was a bit leaky today it seemed. 

“What?”, Martin whispered.

“She is the devil. I don’t know how you guys can be so blind! She is wicked and cruel and-and just a fucking problem!”

Seonghyeon shoved Juhoon off of him. 

“Don’t talk about her like that.”

“What? You don’t want to hear the truth about her? She doesn’t even want you!”

“Neither did Ara.”, Keonho said from behind. 

“Paying your problems away doesn’t always work, Juhoon hyung. You should know that by now.”

James had now raised his head. 

“Don’t act so high and mighty when she would never bat an eyelid at you, even if it killed her.”, he hissed mercilessly.

“Stop.”

Silence fell immediately. All eyes went to James. 

“You seem to have outdone yourself here, Juhoon. We get it, you don’t like the girl. But coming in her and disrespecting her like that when you know that she is now a friend of ours is rude. I’m disappointed. Truly. Get out.”

“Nobody is listening to me!”. Juhoon felt like he might go mad. 

“I don’t like to repeat myself, Juhoon.”

Juhoon stormed out of the room, leaving a tornado behind him. 

Keonho immediately turned towards Martin and James.

“James hyu-”

“Save it. I’m not interested.”

The conversation was over. 

________________________________________________

He sat in the conservatory. Sun filtered in through the glass, birds chirping. He dragged his hands across his face, his brain flooded with one, certain memory.

“Yiseo.”

“Juhoon not now.”

“Yiseo.”

“No, Juhoon. No. Don’t talk to me.”

“Stop being dramatic.”

Slap.

“When I tell you to leave me alone, you listen. I am done with you, I am not interested.”

He scoffed lightly.

“You are jealous, aren’t you?”

“What is there to be jealous of? We were never a thing.”

That stung.

“Don’t lie. All those nights you came running to me, showing you the love and affection that you need, we weren’t a thing?”

“We were nothing. We are nothing.”

A thick silence filled the air. 

“Since we are nothing, how would James like to know that the love of his life is currently fooling around with his best friend? How slutty.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”, her voice was shaking.

“What’s the problem?”, he mockingly said. He stepped closer to her, nose brushing hers.

Pressing his lips to hers, he deepened the kiss, pulling her in by her waist. 

“We keep this up and it stays between us. No James. Just us. You know you want it.”, he mumbled against her lips.

“Juhoon, I can’t.”

“You can. You know you want me. I know that you want to be with me. Admit it.”

“This isn’t right.”

“Don’t disappoint me, Yiseo.”

“I’m not trying to-”

“Then choose me. What does he have that I don’t possess? Is it money? Popularity? What? I will give you anything, ANYTHING, you wish for. Just love me.”

He gazed into her eyes, searching for an answer that suited him. All he got back was regret.

“I’m sorry, Juhoon. What we had was convenience, not love.”, she whispered.

“You are so cruel, Yiseo.”, he said softly.

“It was never going to work out, you know that.”

“I would’ve tried for you.”

“You aren’t capable of love. Your eyes speak more than your actions.”

She turned on her heel, walking off. To her, that was the end of her and Juhoon’s arrangement. To him, this was just the beginning.

________________________________________________

“Hey!”

“Hi, Seonghyeon.”

“You okay?”

“Fine.”

“I called you…you didn’t pick up.”

“I wasn’t well.”

“You feeling better now?”

“Yes.”

“We’ve both got free periods. Do you want to grab something from the café?”

“Sure.”

In Seonghyeon’s mind, you were acting unusual. You weren’t as responsive.

As you entered the school café, he interlocked your hands together. He wanted to show you off. Funny. 

As if it would be that easy.

“What would you like?”

“You pick.”, you pulled out your phone, busying yourself with it. 

For now, you would give him his liberties. Allow him a little bit of…leeway. 

He ordered you a drink and a slice of cake. You couldn’t lie, it did look good. But you weren’t here to eat the forbidden fruit, you could play around with your food a little. 

He led you to a table in the corner of the café. His hand was still in yours. You were still looking at your phone. 

“Do you like it here?”

“It’s ok.”, you decided to spare him momentarily by putting down your phone. 

“That’s good.”

“But….”

He was actually hanging onto every word you said.

“But?”

“I don’t know. My personal life is a little…boring.”

“Oh, is there anything you’re into?”

“Nothing interesting. Can you find me a hobby?”

Your eyes were fixed on his. A faint flush brushed his cheeks. 

“Ummm, you take Music, right?”

“Yep.”

“I can teach you how to play something.”

“That would be nice. Any other suggestions?”

“I know some pretty good areas in town.”

“Are you asking me out?”

He was speechless. 

“Umm- yeah? Yes, yes- I am?”

“You sound a little unsure there. If you don’t want to, then-”

“No! I do. I want to go out. With you.”, his loud voice drew some attention.

Eom Seonghyeon was begging? You see all sorts of things nowadays. 

“Ok.”

“So when would you like to go?”

“Whenever.”, you were now interested in your nails.

“Ok, I’ll organise something for us.”

“Cool.”

“Wanna head back inside.”

“Sure.”

He spent the next 10 minutes entertaining you like a jester does for his queen. As you walked down the hallway, you spotted a familiar face. Na Hajoon. The blonde guy who gave you shit on your first day? Yeah, that’s him. Do you remember the time he offered to be the one for you rather than Seonghyeon? Now was the time to use it to your advantage.

“Na Hajoon!”, you yelled down the corridor. 

He looked up at you, sending you a smirk.

Seonghyeon paused mid sentence. He couldn’t get his attention, but Na Hajoon could? To describe him as hurt would be an understatement.

“What’s up?”, Hajoon asked.

“Have you chosen a presentation partner yet?”

“Nah.”

“Can we partner up?”

Hajoon looked surprised but more than happy to accept your offer.

“Stay after school to get it done?”

“Sure. Down by the lake? There are some nice benches there.”

“I’ll be there. Is your boyfriend going to tag along too or does he trust you?”

“Boyfriend? Which boyfriend?”

He nodded his head at Seonghyeon. 

“Seonghyeon.”

You turned to look at him. He looked aghast at the fact that you actually wanted to meet up with Hajoon after school. 

“He’s not my boyfriend. He won’t be tagging along. We cool?”

“I’ll see you tonight.”, he grinned as he walked past.

“What was that?”, Seonghyeon said to no one in particular.

“What was what?”, you asked. Your tone was sharp, clearly a warning for him to not tread any further.

“Nothing.”, he whispered.

How obedient.

________________________________________________

School eventually ended. Instead of heading down to the lake, you went home. 

Seonghyeon would definitely take care of Hajoon. It was so fun winding him up. If you pushed his buttons far enough, he would do anything to prove himself to you. Like now.

Winter time was fast approaching. Days were drawing closed faster. The night coming earlier each day.

The navy clouds blocked out the view of the sleepy sky. Hajoon was stood by the lake, phone in hand. You sure were taking your time. 

Behind him, Seonghyeon was fast approaching. In his hand was a bat. Metal. Solid. Deadly.

His footsteps were light and undetected. Even in Hajoon's last moments.

A solid crack from the bat connecting to Hajoon’s head was enough to kill him. One strike.

Without so much of a pause, Seonghyeon carried Hajoon’s slumped figure. All the way to his car, he laid him over the tarp covering the backseats. Then he drove. Drove and drove until he reached the cliff edge. Wrapping Hajoon in the tarp, he dragged him to the edge. Waves crashed against the rocks down below. Hajoon would never be found in such waters. With a kick, Hajoon’s body fell onto the rocks, the waves swallowing him immediately. As he disappeared, the guilt washed over Seonghyeon. He had just killed someone. Out of jealousy. He knew he liked you. A lot. But he had just committed murder because of one interaction that you weren’t focusing on him in. 

Without a second thought, he jumped into his car, driving to your house.

________________________________________________

Your doorbell rang. You were in the middle of warming up some kimchi-jjigae after boiling some rice. Walking up to the front door, you opened it. 

At your doorstep, there was a distraught Seonghyeon. Eyes wide. Shaking. 

Yep, he had just killed someone.

“I’m so sorry.”, he cried.

He fell onto his knees, hands finding your hips as he hid his face on your stomach. He sobbed. Hard. 

Your left hand sceptically reached down to caress his soft hair. He sobbed harder.

“I’m a monster.”, he choked.

“Yes, you are.”

You pulled his hair backwards, forcing him to look you in the eye.

“You are a monster. Did you think I would openly comfort a person like you?”

His eyes shone with fresh tears.

“Look at yourself, Seonghyeon. You are grovelling on your knees before me. How pathetic have you become?”

He tried to form words, but nothing sounded.

“You think so highly of yourself, yet you are here begging. Ridiculous. Did you think I would choose you?”

“I…love you.”, he whispered.

“You aren’t capable of love. Leave.”

You yanked his hands off of you, slamming the door in his face.

Two down, three to go.

________________________________________________

“Eom Seonghyeon!”

“What’s up, Yiseo?”

“Not much. You busy?”

“No, not right now.”

“You know what day it is today?”

“Keonho’s birthday…?”

“Valentine’s Day, silly!”

“…right.”

“Stop moping! It doesn’t suit you!”

“I’m not moping.”

“Where’s Keonho?”

“Getting chocolates, signing things, being the star of the day, per usual.”, he mumbled.

“Cheer up, Seonghyeon. I’ve got a surprise for you!”

“You didn’t need to get me anything, Yiseo.”

“Don’t tell Keonho, but you are my favourite.”, she winked, nudging him playfully.

He blushed softly. Yiseo was his favourite, he was so glad that she hung around them a lot of the time.

“Come with me!”

She dragged him into the locker room and pulled out a bouquet with a box of luxury chocolates.

“I travelled near and far to find these chocolates. I got the last ones. Here.”

She slotted them into Seonghyeon’s hands.

“Thank you, Yiseo. Really.”

“No problem. Just because it’s Valentine’s or Keonho’s birthday, doesn’t mean you don’t get any love today. I’ve got to look after you, you know. You’re James’ first child!”

They both laughed. 

All Seonghyeon really wanted was love and affection. 

________________________________________________

It rained the next day. When you woke up in the morning your mood was already dampened. Seonghyeon’s sobbing had left you irritable and the thought of seeing any of the others, itched you the wrong way. 

As soon as you walked in, people whispered and giggled. What did they know that you didn’t? You were lost in thought until a person jumped on your back. 

“I’ve missed you!”

“Hey, Na-bi!”, you laughed.

“How are you feeling?”, she fell in step with you. 

“Much better! That kimchi-jjigae was chef’s kiss.”

“You’re welcome. I made it just for you. Did you do what you needed to do?”

“The plan is in motion.”

“I’ve got your back. Whatever you need, just give me a shout, okay?”

“I’m glad to have you by my side.”, you gave her hand a squeeze.

“We only have each other now.”

“That’s true.”

“Word is going around about two key things.”

“Good or bad news?”

“Both?”

You sighed.

“Good news first.”, you said.

”Hwa-young and Martin aren’t together anymore. You know anything about that?”

“Maybe.”

“Well, I’m sure I don’t need to go into detail about the gossip.”

“Oh, please do. I need something to brighten up my mood before a killjoy arrives.”

“Hwa-young has been sleeping around. Not that anyone didn’t know, but there was hard evidence. Martin didn’t want that by his side so he jumped ship.”

“Crazy.”

“I know right. The bad news is…well depends on how you view it.”

She looked around, before leaning in to whisper.

“Hajoon is dead.”

“Dead from what?”

“We don’t know. He just never came home, didn’t answer his phone, people think he’s dead.

“Two deaths and the year has barely started.”, you sighed.

“What a crazy year so far. I hope it gets better.”

“Me too.”

“Well, I’ll see you at lunch? I’ve got a stupid presentation to rehearse for the school’s anniversary assembly.”

“Good luck with that, I’ve got double Art.”

“I would put myself in solitary confinement if I ever had to draw for two hours.”

”It’s fun! When you have a free you should come along sometime.”

“Yeah, no thanks. I’ll get going now, bye!”, she waved enthusiastically.

You grinned back at her before going up the stairs to the Art classrooms. ________________________________________________

When you got up the classroom, everyone had their headphones in, working away. There was never any chatter in here. People had their own things to be getting on with. Today you had to get your sketchbook done. You pulled it out of the drawer of your workstation, and began sketching the areas for your transcriptions.

“Hey.”

Your soul sighed.

“Hi, Keonho.”, you didn’t even have to look up to know who it is.

“Can we talk?”, he whispered softly.

“Here? Do you even get any work done in these lessons?”, you questioned, fiddling with your pencil.

“I do do my work. I just need to talk to you.”

“…ok.”

“Come with me.”

He took you to the hangout room. It looked messier than usual. Who has fought here?

“Sorry about the mess.”

”It’s ok. What happened here?”

“That’s actually what I wanted to talk you about.”

“Ok?”

“Yesterday, Juhoon came in here and he was really angry.”

“What does that have to do with me?”

“I’m getting there. He…called you all sorts of things. He got really worked up about you. Did something happen between you two?”

“No, nothing.”, you answered innocently.

“You don’t believe him, do you?”, you questioned.

“Of course not. Nobody did. We all stood up for you.”

“That’s sweet of you.”

“I’m just looking out for you, you know.”

“And I appreciate it, Keonho.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets, playing around with something in his right one. Nervousness decorated his face. You were curious to see where this would end.

“Are you staying after school today for the anniversary prep?”

“Yep. Are you?”

“Yeah, I kind of have to. We can do some work together if you would like.”

“I would like that.”

“Cool,”, he whispered.

You leaned back on the couch, eyes still trained on him. He was nervous to meet your eye. By the time you will be done with him, he will never want to look in them ever again.

“Are you nervous, Keonho?”, you giggled.

“Nervous? No, no, I’m…fine?”, he smiled nervously.

“Cute.”

He blushed deeply.

“Well, unlike someone that I know, I’ve actually got to get my artwork done, so I’m going to head back now.”

“Let’s walk together.”

As you walked, you laid your hand on his arm. You could play him for a little longer. Keonho would be the one to react the worst to his own destruction. ________________________________________________

You really wondered why it was your duty to engage in unpaid labour for the school, out of hours. The day after the next would be the anniversary of the school’s opening. A day of celebration and remembering the gift of the Ahn’s opening the school to scholarship students. Scholarship students owed them their gratitude. Or at least that’s what they want to believe.

“Hey! I bought you a cinnamon swirl from the café. Eat up before the work begins.”, Na-bi said. She was always trying to feed you one way or the other.

At lunch today, she made you eat two lunches because you were ‘still recovering from your illness’. She had even tried to feed you! You were her top priority now, it felt nice to be loved by her.

“Do you need me to feed it to you?”, she questioned.

“No! I can eat by myself Na-bi.”, you giggled.

“Good, good. I have to look after you, because you don’t eat well!”, she scolded whilst waving the cinnamon swirl in your face.

You had to give it to her. It was really good.

In fact, it was so good that you didn’t even notice the hushed chatter and whispers giggled behind you. A light tap on your shoulder spurred you to turn around. Keonho. You couldn’t even enjoy your damn meal.

“Hi.”, he said softly.

“Hi?”

“Can I have a minute of your time?”

“You have been asking for a lot lately, Keonho. Getting greedy, are we?”

He laughed lightly.

“I promise it won’t take long.”

“Ok.”

“I’m not sure if you knew this, but I really like you. I really do. So I wanted to ask you: will you be my girlfriend?”, he pulled out a small jewellery box.

Everyone was looking. You had to play this right.

“Keonho, you are really sweet, but I see you as a friend. A really close friend.”

His signature smile faltered.

Three down over the span of two days.

World star.

________________________________________________

________________________________________________ The crowd was entertained that’s for sure. James wasn’t just a person from your Latin class. Oh, no. This man ran a whole business as easily as the Earth turned on its axis.

“You own all of this?”

A few men behind him chuckled lightly. Keonho’s grin widened and James lightly bit the temple tips of his glasses, eyebrow raised.

“Poor thing. You’ve never met a guy who has owned even a small amount of this, have ya?”

His accent followed a rhythm of its own. It didn’t align with everyone else’s. It was enchanting. Woefully hypnotising.

“This is a lot for a person still in school.”, you tried to reason.

“Why should education stop you from living your best life?”, the people around him cheered at his words. What a loyal entourage.

“Take it easy, James hyung. She’s new to all this.”, behind you, Seonghyeon, Juhoon and Martin appeared.

“She’s been adjusting well.”, Seonghyeon continued.

James merely blinked at their words. His attention was on something new now. Something a bit more…pressing.

“Is it done?”, his tone was weighted and serious. The rest of the boys looked like playground gangsters when next to James. They were little service boys.

“To perfection.”, Martin said.

“Glad to know you didn’t fuck it all up.”, James muttered before turning back to you.

“It’s getting late. Now’s not the time for you to be out and about. Keonho, make sure she gets home safe.”, James said, his tone final.

“Will do. Let’s go.”, Keonho grabbed your hand gently and began leading you away from the crowd. Seonghyeon’s eyes followed you as the distance grew between you. Before fully turning away, you mouthed a goodbye, hoping it reached him.

The air was cool and light as you resurfaced. Apartment lights were off, street lights flickered like they were trying to keep from dozing off and the occasional chatter sounded from alleyways. A car was waiting for you, as Keonho opened the door, letting you in. He reached over you, buckling your seatbelt. He began closing the door, when you stopped him.

“Keonho.”, his eyes immediately locked with yours.

“Are you not coming with?”

Your words seemed to give him courage as he rounded the car before getting in next to you.

It was silent in the car. Occasional glances and accidental knee brushes stirred the pot of tension. You tried to dismiss the feelings by busying yourself with the fast-moving landscape. Feeling something that wasn't hate or disgust to these guys was wrong. Just wrong.

The car arrived at your house, slowing to a stop. The driver began getting out of the car to open the door, when Keonho stopped him.

"Don't worry. I'll do it."

He unbuckled your seat belt and his, before opening your car door for you. Shyly, he walked behind you right up to your doorstep. His eyes burned into the back of your head as you fumbled with your keys. Whatever decision you made at this point could change everything. You had to choose careful-

"Do you want to come in?", the words escaped you before you could think it over. Your bluntness seemed to shock Keonho too.

"Only if you want me to.", he replied softly.

Your hand in his, you led him into the entrance of your house. All lights were off, the only brightness coming from the glass windows of the front door. This was intimate. You had just let a boy into your house. Not to sit down and have a nice cuppa. If not that, then what?

"You did so well today. I know how overwhelming it can be to...step into our world."

Did he know you were weak for praise?

"Thank you for inviting me."

"We want you. To be a part of all this."

"But why? Why me?"

"Why not?"

That wasn't an answer.

His signature smile lay easy on his face. Your inner voice was yelling. Pleading. Begging. Don't do it. Don't do it.

Pulling him in by the collar, you gently placed your lips against his. His eyes fluttered shut at the connection, as he deepened the kiss. He walked forward, pushing you against the wall you stood in front of. His hands rested on your hips, as he continued to kiss you. The horrible thing was, you didn't want it to stop. His poison had settled into your veins. You were now his. Sired to him.

His hand slid under your shirt, the coldness of his touch shocking you back into reality. No matter how much you kissed him, he was still cold to the touch. The truth of it all woke you up from your childish daydream. How could you really think that he, of all people, is capable of changed. You pushed him back gently, lips an inch apart from each other. Both panting, you whispered:

"You should go."

If you didn't sever the growing bond, it would take a part of you down into the abyss along with him. He wasn't good for you. Not in this lifetime.

He hesitantly stepped back, lips plumped from the kisses.

"Goodnight.", he murmured.

You couldn't bring yourself to reply. He stepped out of the house, closing the door behind him. You stared at the door until the sound of the car faded down the street. It was all too much. Sliding down the wall. you crumpled into a sorry heap on the floor. You had a lot of self-reflection to do.

________________________________________________

Sleep didn't come easy to you. Guilt readily taunted and poked you as you tossed and turned. With a huff, you sat up. The diary of this morning lay on the desk in front of your bed. No. You had made enough bad decisions in a day. No more. The longer you stared at it, the weaker your argument became. Eventually, you turned on the lamp next to you and grabbed the diary. ________________________________________________

"You are a monster, James."

He didn't respond. He never did. Not when the two of them fought. He simply didn't trust himself to speak.

"JAMES!"

No sign of response.

"I feel like I am talking to a wall! You are never there when I need you. I am talking to you, goddammit, LOOK AT ME."

He raised his head slowly, eyes trained on the wall next her.

"Do you even love me?", her voice cracking.

His eyes instantly locked with hers. She had crossed the line.

"If you loved me-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence, Yiseo."

That was the first time he had spoken that evening. A command, still not a response.

"I will do whatever the fuck I want to. You do not own me!"

In three quick strides, he was now face-to-face with her. Yiseo instinctively backed up, her back colliding softly with the wall behind her.

"I dare you to repeat what you just said."

She was shaking now. From fear or adrenaline, it was hard to tell.

"I said, you do not ow-"

A sickening slap sent her head to the left. A broken sob leaving her like a consequence. Her hand rose to cradle the area. Instead, he grabbed her hand, moving it out of the way, before grabbing her chin.

"You are by my side. Not the other way round."

Tears were falling from her eyes. The shock of it all blurred her vision.

"Look at me when I am talking to you, Yiseo."

Her hair stuck to her lipgloss, her mascara smudging as she tried her best to look at him.

"Let this be the last act of disobedience I ever see from you. You are a woman of class, not a whore. Stop acting like one."

If you think this was the first time he had acted like this towards her, you are wrong. Any slightest upset would result in violence. Yiseo struggled to leave his. She tried, she did. Anytime she would run to Juhoon, he would convince her to stay with him. That he would be better. A changed man. At the end of it all, she would still go back to him. She couldn't bring herself to leave him. It was evident.

In fact, you remembered a time when you had confronted her about the way that she was being treated.

It was a lazy summer evening, the streets decently empty for a Sunday. All throughout your hangout, Yiseo had been...off. It wasn't often that the two of you got to hangout, especially with her workload from school (at least that was her excuse). You missed your best friend, but now she was closed-off and moody, especially after she started dating that guy, James.

You were trying to start a conversation with her, but it felt dead and one-sided. Where did your bubbly friend go? After managing to convince her to stay at yours for a couple of hours before she went home, you made it your mission to at least find something out. When she first joined Sehwa, she would tell you all about the students there. You would gossip and giggle over the kinds of people she met everyday, until she started to befriend those same people. Despite never meeting her new friends, they sounded shit. Yiseo was slowly moulding into one of them.

"Yiseo."

"Hmm?', she was engrossed with her phone.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hmmm.", she replied.

You sighed angrily. She hadn't even bothered to look up at you.

"Seriously, what is your problem, Yiseo!"

Her eyes widened at your outburst.

"You are so interested with your stupid phone that you won't even look at me!"

"Sorry, its just that Yuan gets worried when I am out late."

"I DON'T CARE! I really don't! He is so controlling, Yiseo. Stop being so blind!"

"But he loves me.", she said, more like a question than a fact.

"That's not love. I really hope it isn't too late until you realise it."

________________________________________________

You were shocked to feel warm tears streaming down your face. The second entry made you relieve the moment. You missed Yiseo, you really did. The last days you spent together weren't happy. Regret was constantly eating at you from the inside. Choosing to forget it all, you closed the diary, tossing it on the desk. You had a couple hours before you had to get ready for school. Snuggling under the covers, sleep sealed your eyelids close.

________________________________________________

Your first lesson of the day was Maths. Ara used to be your seat partner, but it was looking like you would have to spend the rest of the school year alone. People trickled into the classroom in a steady stream. The weather was getting colder, day by day, and leaves had already started falling. As you continued to daydream, a person slid into the seat next to you. Juhoon.

”Just a reminder. Everything you saw last night stays between us.”

Of course he came here to do damage control.

“No ‘good morning’?”

“I didn’t come here to joke around with you.”

“I wasn’t joking.”

His eyebrow quirked at your statement.

“I’ll be your new seat mate from today.”

He really was obsessive.

“Ok.”

Ms Kim walked in, her presence commanding focus. The class settled as she set up the starter on the board. Her eyes had noted down Juhoon’s seat change but she hadn’t spoken up about it. A flicker of concern had crossed her face, but it was left as fast as it came.

Throughout the lesson. Juhoon made you suffer. It was little things, but irritating nonetheless. He would purposefully hog the textbook, jolt your hand as you wrote and cause a magnitude 7.4 earthquake whenever he rubbed something out in his book. He was testing you. Out of pure stubbornness, you refused to give him a reaction. That little shit.

By the time class had ended, frustration and confusion clouded your thoughts. You shoved your stuff into your bag, hoping to get out of the classroom quickly, when Ms Kim called your name.

“I noticed the seat change today. If it gives you peace of mind, I didn’t approve for him to sit there.”

“Thank you, Ms Kim. It’s fine. I’ll adjust to make sure my learning isn’t interrupted.”

She nodded once.

“I hope you are settling well, you are a bright student with a bright future. I hope you see your potential as well as I do.”

“I’ll continue to aim high. Thank you for the support.”, you smiled.

A timid smile made its way onto her face. People like Ms Kim made you believe that there was hope in the world. You truly hoped she never changed. 

________________________________________________

You had a free period, so you wanted to catch up on your homework. All of your late night escapades had created a backlog of work for you to do. The library was relatively empty at this time. Truthfully, you had never fully explored the room. You had occasionally come in here, when Ara was still around. You missed her. So so much. You had become attached but all for the right reasons.

Deep in the library, there was a section dedicated to classics. With your bag still on your shoulder, you walked in between the aisles scanning the different books. To your surprise, Jekyll and Hyde had been slid out of the bunch of books. It called you. As if in a trance, you walked up to the book, holding it in your hand. You wondered, had Yiseo held the same book you were holding now? This whole area felt like her, like her presence filled the area. 

“What are you doing here?”

The whispered voice snapped you out of your thoughts. Keonho stood a couple metres away from you. You had unfortunately put yourself in a closed area with the one person you had been avoiding. Well. One of many.

“Just…browsing. I’m going to go now.”

“Wait. Can we at least talk about last night?”

“Now is not the place or the time. What would we even talk about, Keonho.”

For the first time, you saw a flicker of something in his eyes. Hurt. That was what you wanted right? For him and the others to pay. So why did it hurt you to see him like that?

“Don’t say that.”, he whispered.

“But Keonho-”

“Is it Seonghyeon?”, his voice strained, irritation evident.

“What? No, no, it doesn’t concern him-”

“You wound me, Princess. Did I really mean that little to you?”, Seonghyeon chuckled coldly. 

Shit. When did he get here?

“What about all the kisses. Those meant nothing too?”

“Guys just stop!”, you whisper yelled. “Leave me alone.”

Peace was impossible with these guys. 

________________________________________________

You wanted to go home. Fuck school. Rushing out of the school gates, you decided to take the car park shortcut home. As you walked down the pavement, a sleek green sports car, pulled up next to you. So now you were going to get kidnapped. Great. The windows rolled down but you kept your eyes forward. You weren’t going to give your kidnapper satisfaction.

“Hey, newbie.”, the guy’s voice projected, not shouting. 

You turned your head at the nickname you seemed to adopt from this place. It was James.

“What are you doing out of school?”

“What are you doing out of school?”

“Important things. Where are you headed?”

“Home.”

“Damn, who crawled up your ass? What’s with the attitude?”

“Warn your little friends to stop bothering me.”

“Let me guess, The Twins?”

“And Juhoon.” , you huffed.

“Hmm. Hop in.”

“What?”

“You heard me. You look like a toddler throwing their fifth tantrum of the day, get in.”

I beg your finest pardon?

You pulled the car door open, slamming it shut out of protest. James simply grinned at your actions and sped away. 

________________________________________________

He pulled up to a building. It had no signs yet teenage boys dressed in gym clothing walked in and out of it. You guessed that it must be a gym. As you both got out, greetings flew from everyone in the vicinity. 

“Good morning, Mr Chao.”

What cult had you walked into?

James simply nodded at the greetings. He rounded the car, opening the boot and grabbing a duffel bag. 

“Let’s go, Miss Attitude.”

You followed him into the building, and the first thing you saw were people sparring like their lives depended on it. They probably did. You said a quick prayer, hoping to not be roped into such activities.

“Don’t worry, you won’t be doing any of that stuff.”, he said. It was like he read your mind. Thank God.

He led you to a more private area, as he opened the duffel bag pulling out boxing gloves. He tossed them behind him and threw the duffle bag to the ground. 

“You box?”, he questioned.

“…No.”

“Well, today you will learn.”

Sigh.

“Put the gloves on.”

You grabbed them off of the floor and put them on carefully. At this rate, the boxing gloves would beat you into a pulp themselves if you moved any slower. Once you had them on, he gestured for you to get closer to the punching bag. 

“Stand shoulder width apart.”

You did that.

“Angle your front foot at a 45° angle. Slightly bend your knees and distribute your weight evenly.”

You adjusted yourself.

“Now punch.”

Weakly, you threw a punch. James stood with his arms crossed, chin raised slightly and eyes narrowed. 

“Was that your punch?”, he asked, tone raising at the end of his sentence.

“Umm…”, you shifted awkwardly.

“You seemed pretty pissed off earlier. Punch it out.”

You threw a punch, harder than the last.

“Again.”

You kept on punching, and he kept on repeating ‘again’, until your anger surfaced and you hit the punching bag the hardest you had ever punched. 

“How do you feel?”

All of your irritation had drained away. You were empty. 

“Exhausted but…less angry.”

“Good. I’ve got one more spot to take you to. Come on.”

He took the gloves off of your hands, stuffing them into the bag. You followed him out the car, settling into the seat. Why was he helping you? 

________________________________________________

You arrived at a small area that overlooked the beach. The air was breezy and salty. Taking a deep breath, the flavour tickled your lungs. The waves sloshed from side to side, swaying you to sleep. 

“You ever smoked before?”

“Nope.”

“So I’m guessing you’ve never rolled a blunt either.”

“Never have.”

He whipped out a bag, and rolled the blunt in 2 seconds flat. What a talent to have. 

He handed it to you, along with a lighter. 

“Try it.”

You stared at it like it would give you answers to your problems. It gave you none. As you lit it, you took a deep inhale, holding it in, before puffing out the smoke. 

“You sure you never smoked before?”

“Very sure.”

You had caught Yiseo doing it many times. She said it helped her with stress. It seemed to help James too. 

“You feeling much better now?”

“Yes, thanks.”

“It’s no big deal.”

“Why did you help me though?”

“The Twins like you. A lot. Martin even respects you. Juhoon is a lost cause, but he is like that with everyone. I feel like I should treat you with some decency. If the boys like someone, they become my priority by extension. See it as a peace offering.”

“That’s kind of you.”

He smirked, continuing to smoke and look into the distance. The cigarette was making you feel floaty and relaxed. That was what you needed. 

“Ready to go home?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go.”

________________________________________________

You thanked James as you got out the car. He slid you the bag he had used before. 

“How am I supposed to use it?”

“Google.”

What a helpful, young lad. 

You stumbled into the house, kicking off your shoes with a promise to organise them later. After a long, warm shower, you settled into your bed. Your phone pinged softly; a message had come through. 

It was Hwa-young. A wicked grin spread across your face. So she was panicking. 

How much do you want?

You couldn’t place a money value on a picture like that. This was something you were going to torment her with for the rest of her life. 

________________________________________________

Whilst you lay in bed, Hwa-young was under the watchful eye of Martin. A lot of things had unfolded in the last couple of minutes. 

“You have a lot of nerve showing up here.”

“Baby-”

“No! Don’t ‘baby’ me, Martin! I needed you and you weren’t there.”

“You know how busy I can get. You know that.”

“Go be busy somewhere else.”

She turned away from him, hoping he would follow. He did.

“Come on, Youngie. Don’t be mad at me.”

He followed her all the way up the spiralled staircase, down the hallway, up another flight of stairs just to get to her bedroom. Unfortunately for her, she had left her phone open on the messages she had been sent. The photo was clear to see too. 

“Choi Hwa-young. What is this?”

Martin had never said her name like that. 

“Huh?”, she said shakily, before turning to face him. 

“This is fake, right? This photo.”

She didn’t answer.

“HWA-YOUNG, ANSWER ME!”, his voice shook her to the core. She was so fucked. 

“So this is what you do in your spare time? Whoring around, huh!”, he yelled.

“Martin…”

“What? What? Are you sorry? Do you want me to forgive you, Youngie?”, he mocked. “I’m sure you would like that. Me forgiving your sins like a fucking saint, as you continue sleeping around like you get paid.”

She was sobbing now. She hadn’t meant for him to find out. Not at all. 

“Text them back.”, he said quietly.

“What?”, she whispered.

“You heard me, Hwa-young. Text them back. Now.”

She shakily picked up the phone, tapping the message box furiously. 

“What should I say?”

“Ask them how much they want. You are already selling yourself, we might as well see how much you are worth.”

Tears dripped onto the screen, making it harder to type out the message. 

“I’ve sent it.”

He didn’t respond. He stood leaning against the wall, eyes closed and eyebrows furrowed. 

“Martin.”

“Don’t call or text me again. I refuse to be seen with a person like you. You know the rules. You fucked up and now you’ve got a lengthly sentence to serve.”

And with that, he left the Choi estate without looking back. 

________________________________________________

You decided to leave Hwa-young’s message for now. You had plenty of time to torment her later. Weirdly, you felt tired but fully awake. You grabbed the diary, and flicked to a random page. It was like a roulette, which entry would wreck you the most?

Yiseo was crying. She was sat on a little bench in a park, the sun already setting. Her phone was in her hands, untouched. She had thought of calling you, but she had decided against it. You were always busy on Thursdays, cram school always left you sleepy and hungry, a bad combination. 

The sound of gravel crunching halted her tears. The tall figure slid into the seat next to her. 

“Yiseo. What are you doing alone out here, it’s late. James is worried sick.”

“James doesn’t love me.”, she chocked out.

“Don’t be silly, Yiseo. He’s always loved you. Before he himself even realised it was love.”

“He was so mad earlier. So, so mad. I got angry and so did he and-”

“Shhhh. Calm down. Whatever disagreement you guys had, is in the past now. He is worried that you haven’t texted or called. You can’t tell me he doesn’t love you.”

Yiseo sniffled in contemplation. Yufan did love her, right? He was doing all of this to protect her. 

“We are so complicated, though.”

“All couples are.”

He wrapped his long arm around her, his voice dropping into a soft timber. 

“Just go talk to him. He misses you and I’m sure you miss him just as much.”

“I do.”

“So call him. Let him know you are ok, alright?”

“Thank you, Martin. You truly are my best friend.”

That line felt like a slow, painful death. Yiseo died not knowing how much you missed her, how much you cared for her. You were her best friend first. You were supposed to be friends forever. Angry tears blurred your vision as you threw the diary across the room. Screw the diary. 

You stood up to get a glass of water, when an envelope slipped out of the letterbox. Picking it up, you scanned the outside. It was a navy envelope with no seal on it. Tearing it open, a small card with a number and a small message appeared to you:

Call me

~L

You couldn’t give one. Dialling the number, it rang three times before it connected. 

“Hello?”, you said.

“Hi. It’s me Ara.”

“Ara? How did you-”

“Not now. I don’t have much time to call you, so I will make it brief. I don’t care how you do it, those five boys need to be taken down. Anyone who stands in your way will have to go down with them. Do not have mercy on them, make them suffer and make them burn. Do you understand?”

“Yes… but Ara-”

“I missed you too. I wish I had more time to spend with you and got to know you better but this is all we can have. Take care of yourself, okay?”

“You take care of yourself. Thanks for calling.”

“No problem. Bye now.”

“Bye,”, you whispered.

As soon as the call disconnected, you slumped onto the floor, cradling yourself. Life was unfair. So unfair. Now it was going to go your way. You are going to be the judge and the executioner. 

It is your court now.

________________________________________________

A/N: I’m so sorry for the delays guys! I’ve had the busiest couple of weeks ever. This chapter, I actually put in a line that Hwa-young said in chapter 2 and used it against her when Martin told her she had messed up. Ara’s call is now the catalyst for the destruction and chaos that is to come. So sit tight!

________________________________________________

You had woken up in a cold sweat, yesterday's events still fresh in your mind.

“Hey. I’m talking to you.”, his voice sharpened at your ignorance.

Turning on your heel slowly, you looked up to see a guy around your age, with some of the best clothes you had ever seen.

God, was he tall. He had a sense of grandeur, royalty, someone of high status. In this moment, you were convinced he could harm you. You needed to worm out of this situation. Fast.

"Sorry, I'm looking for Juhoon."

His eyebrow raised in a disproving way.

"All girls say that. Tell me, what are you actually here for?"

His voice dropped an octave, the shadows sharpening his features. Beautifully murderous.

"I'm not lying to you,", your voice unwavering. "I was just downstairs with Keonho. I hang out with them at lunch. Juhoon literally invited me here."

His eyes were still locked on your smaller frame. His chest puffing out with a deep exhale.

"This is the last time I'm asking ya. What are you doing here?"

A feeling close to fear roused in your stomach. Goosebumps spread across your arms, your palms sweaty and your hearing muffled. You opened your mouth in the hopes of retaliation, when a voice carried out from the hallway:

"Martin. What are you doing out there?", it was Juhoon.

You exhaled a sigh of relief. For the second time since joining Sehwa, Juhoon had saved you.

"This girl is saying she asked to see you.", Martin said, eyes zeroed in on you.

"Oh, you haven't met her yet. This is the new girl."

Martin's eyes widened a fraction, before he shifted his weight onto his heel. His face transformed into a decently friendly one.

"Apologies for starting off on the wrong footing. I'm Martin. Martin Edwards Park.", he extended his large hand for you to shake. You stared down at it before grabbing it firmly.

"Nice to meet you too."

Juhoon walked down the hallway to where you were standing. He gently grabbed your wrist and turned you towards him.

"What do you need me for?", he whispered gently.

That's when it hit you. You had been in a state of impulse that you realised your hard work will be unravelled if you even so questioned Juhoon on Ara. Now was not the time to screw up. Not when you were so close.

"I'm looking for Seonghyeon. I thought you might know where he is."

"He is up here too. Let's go."

Juhoon led you to the room at the end of the hallway, Martin not that far behind. In the room, drinks lay across the table, orderly scattered. Seonghyeon peered up and locked eyes with you. His eyes reminded you of Keonho's. Keonho. You had just kissed him.

"Hey, newbie. Watchu doing wandering around?"

"I was looking for you actually."

"And how can I be of your assistance?"

You became aware of the other two beside you. This didn't involve Juhoon and you were quite sure Martin was unaware of the situation at hand.

"Can we talk outside?"

"Of course."

He walked you down to the other end of the hallway and opened up a double door. A shimmering, silver view of the coast illuminated your face, the teasing scent of salt tickling your nose. Seonghyeon shifted to stand beside you. He leaned against the concrete railing of the balcony, his dark eyes trained on you.

"So how can I help you?"

"Those photos. What did you do with them?", you got straight to the point. You remembered giving them the envelope in a fit of rage and your curiosity was now getting the better of you.

"Burnt them."

"You did?"

"Yup. We don't have anything to do with them so we burnt them."

You sighed deeply. Turning your head, the late night tide lazily waved in greeting.

"A penny for them?"

"Hmm?"

"Your thoughts,", he chuckled. "What's on your mind?"

"Just thinking about all those poor girls. It hurts me and I haven't even been here long."

He shuffled closer to you, eyes softening slightly. “It’s all over now, hmm? You don’t have to stress over it.”, his hand met your arm, stroking it comfortingly. You looked up at him. There was still no sign of love or affection in them. Constantly, you reminded yourself that these people weren’t capable of love. Seonghyeon wasn’t an exception.

“But still-”, you started.

He suddenly pressed a fleeting kiss on your lips.

“No buts, forget about it.”

The contact had startled you. You hated yourself. You had actually enjoyed it. The disgust you felt mixed with the craving of him. You weren’t any better than you prided yourself to be. He leaned in closer, his nose brushing against yours. His hand crept to your waist, not gripping but placed. The air between was charged as his lips pressed gently against yours. Gasping at the contact, you parted your lips, allowing him to kiss you deeper. The kiss deepened as he became the only thing you were inhaling. Seonghyeon. Seonghyeon. Seonghyeon.

“Seonghyeon.”, the two of you jumped apart. Juhoon was standing at the door, his expression unreadable. Seonghyeon looked unfazed at the interruption whilst you hung your head low in embarrassment.

“You guys done talking?”

You were both doing something more than talking. “Yep.”, Seonghyeon answered plainly. Both boys turned to look at you, awaiting an answer.

“I…would like some air…please.”, you phrased awkwardly.

They both nodded, leaving you on the balcony. The breeze felt mockingly cold and the waves crashed teasingly loud. What was happening to you?

________________________________________________

It was safe to say that the events of last night will be forever engrained in your mind. You peeled off your covers and stretched, you had school to get ready for.

Fixing your tie in the mirror, the doorbell rang. Who would be here at this time? You shuffled to the door, eyes still heavy. Without bothering to check the peephole, you opened the door. There was no one there. Shrugging it off, you began to close the door. When you caught sight of a small, navy package sitting on your doorstep. Grabbing it, you closed the door with your foot as you examined the package. No return address, no labelling, nothing. You continued examining the package as you absentmindedly grabbed a box cutter to dissect it.

Placing it onto the table, you made a small incision on the left side of the package. You slowly peeled away the outside packaging to reveal a book. A book that you knew very well. The cover was forest green either gold trimmings around the edges. This was Yiseo’s diary. You stepped back slowly, tears blurring your vision. This was cruel. Very cruel. You hadn’t seen this book in a while. Truthfully, you didn’t want to see it ever again. Like it burnt, you speedily turned it over. A sticky note was attached to it. It read:

I thought you might need this. Take care of it and use it wisely. No information in this diary came for free. Souls and hearts have been sold to even get an inkling of what this book holds. Tread carefully.

~L

Whoever had given you this diary knew the gravity of it. Good. You were going to heed their warnings. Seconds passed as curiosity began prodding at you impatiently, like a toddler. An internal war between whether you should open it or burn it all together waged within you. Open it. Burn it. Open it. Burn it. Open it. You were going to hate yourself for the decision you made.

Picking up the boom with the tips of your fingers, you inspected the outside. You flicked open to the first page. This was going to be a long ride.

________________________________________________

“Hello?”, who was calling Yiseo at this ungodly hour?

“Yiseo!”, Hwa-young cried, her voice cracking at the edges.

The wrecked sound of Hwa-young’s voice sat Yiseo straight.

“Hwa-young? What happened? Talk to me.”

“It’s Martin?”, she sobbed.

Yiseo sighed. It was always Martin. Martin this. Martin that.

“What did he do now?”, fatigue wriggled back into Yiseo’s voice. “He’s been cheating!”

Everyone knew this.

“But he said he is sorry! He’s apologising to me, Yiseo!”

“He’s not apologising to you, he is manipulating you.”, venom seeping in at the word ‘manipulating’. Yiseo was getting annoyed.

“Choi Hwa-young. We all know that the both of you have been unfaithful to each other. It’s no secret. We’ll talk more at school. Get some sleep, okay?”

“Okay, Yiseo. Thank you. What would I do without you?”

“You would stress over Martin constantly. Do yourself a favour and sleep. I don’t wanna hear you complain about the eyebags you get.”

“Okay, okay! Goodnight, love you.”

“Night. Love you too.”

Yiseo sat for a couple minutes after hanging up the phone. What would Hwa-young do if she found out that the girl Martin had been cheating on her with was her?

________________________________________________

Your first lesson of the day was Music. You hadn’t had a Music lesson so far, so you were quite excited to see what it would be like. The Music block was stunning. Instruments of every kind could be found there and facilities for the extremely passionate were at every corner.

Stepping into your classroom, you realised that everyone was already working on some kind of music. You clutched your violin case closer to you as you scanned the faces. Shuffling in further to the centre of the classroom, you tried to locate your class teacher. Stood by the fire exit, was Martin and your teacher, Mr Reed. What an ironic name. They were engaged in a passionate conversation as you watched other students work on their compositions on their laptops. “Hey newbie!”, Martin called.

Your head moved before your better judgement. Both Mr Reed and Martin walked towards you. Mr Reed was a jolly guy, passionate for what he does and always willing to help. In this lighting, Martin looked…harmless. Nothing similar to what you met last night. Nothing of the such. “Welcome to Music! Let me guess, violinist?”, Mr Reed beamed.

“Oh, yes, I play the violin.”, you responded shyly.

“It seems like you have become familiarised with our musical genius, Martin. I hope you don’t mind him showing you the ropes. If you really want to, you can work on this terms composition assignment together! Everyone who works with Martin is transformed. It’s truly wonderful to see.”, Mr Reed rambled.

Transformed was definitely the right word to use.

“I don’t mind at all.”

“Well let me show you around then.”

________________________________________________

”Our first stop is storage. We keep a load of instruments here just in case people want to use them for something short and quick.”

“So can you just go and grab one as you please?”

“Exactly!”

“That’s nice.”

“You play the violin. Anything else you play?”

“Piano. Cello. Bass. Oh, and the Triangle.”

A cackle escaped Martin. “The Triangle?!”, he was wheezing now. Honestly, when he smiled, he looked like the happiest person known to man. His personality never stayed the same it seemed. “Yeah,”, you replied weakly. “I learnt it when I was little.”

“We’ll definitely need you in the future.”, he joked.

“Glad to know I’m wanted.”

He showed you other rooms. Recording studios, manuscript paper storage, extra strings and personal studios that some people had. Leading you to a door with frosted glass, he pushed it open.

“This is my personal studio.”

The colour contrasted that of the rest of the building. The burgundy curtains at the back stole the show. Vinyls and guitars all stood tall, proud to be owned and stored in a studio like this.

“You compose?”

“I do a little bit of it all. Producing, songwriting, composing and all that. It’s not easy but it’s fun, for me at least.”

“You must be so talented.”

His ears burned red at your words. The Martin Edwards was shy? His daytime personality just wasn’t adding up. What a chameleon.

“I just do it for fun, to be honest. We have one last place to go. Shall we?”

“Yep. Let’s go.”

Martin led you outside the building and into a neighbouring one. This building was much larger. Pulling open the door, he led you to a large room. An auditorium.

“This is where we practise for performances. It’s quite small, no?”, he looked at you at the end of his words.

This room was not small. A light panic filled your chest. This seemed evident to Martin as he giggled childishly.

“I’m only kidding. This room is really big. You should see it when we have a Symphony Orchestra concert. It’s crazy full.”

“I can imagine. This school is very passionate about music.”

”Yeah. My parents donate a lot to the department. We are quite the musical family.”

“That’s sweet of them. At least we get to experience all of these things from a young age.”

“Hmm.”, he hummed in reply.

“So what is this about a termly assignment?”

“Ah, every term we get an assignment and it can scale from an individual performance to an orchestral one. You can choose. Many people tend to keep it low-level though.”

“That makes more sense. I saw that people had already started on them. Did you guys get told last year?”

“Everyone makes music when they feel like it. They then choose what they want to submit for the assignment. I’ve composed about 120 songs in a term and only submitted one.”

120? This guy is a beast.

“That’s crazy.”

“I know right. I’m sure you’ll slot right in with the rest of us. You don’t seem so bad, would you like to work on the assignment together? You know as a pair.”

This was scaring you. No one had offered to get closed to you so blatantly in this place. “Uhh-”

“Great! Let’s go get started! I wanna hear you play the violin. Maybe we should add that into the piece.”, he said excitedly. Right now he looked like a little kid who loved music. Not a person capable of Class A manipulation.

You followed him out of the auditorium. Thoughts of confusion still plagued you. Figuring him out was going to be harder than you expected. ________________________________________________

“Yo, newbie!”, it was Na Hajoon. Remember that disruptive blonde who’s in your form? Yeah, it’s him.

You raised your eyebrows in acknowledgment. It was the beginning of your free period and you hoped to catch up on your artwork.

“Park is looking for you. What’ve you done now?”, he sniggered. At the mention of Mrs Park’s name, your eyebrows furrowed.

“Where is she?”

“In her office.”

Turning your back to him, you began walking away. “Wait,”, he grabbed your wrist. “You still fooling around with Seonghyeon?”

“What’s it to you? Mind your business.”

“He’s not worth it. I don’t think he sees what you are truly worth.”

“You are wasting my time.”

“Come on, newbie. You know you don’t mind me.”

“I mind you very much.”

“What a nasty sense of humour you got. I like that.”

He was annoying you now. Leaning in, you twisted your arm out of his grip, now holding his wrist. You began rotating it painfully slow.

“You won’t like it when you are buried alive. Last warning. Leave me alone.”

With that you sped down the hallway, irritation brewing strongly. Now you had that bitch to deal with. ________________________________________________

“Come in!”

You pushed open the door to Ms Park’s office. She sat at her desk, glasses perched on the bridge of her nose.

“Take a seat.”

Slowly, you placed yourself in the chair in front of her. The room was cold. From the colour to the temperature.

“I called you in here to give you a warning.”

“I haven’t done anything.”

“I haven’t even begun and you are getting defensive.”

You leaned back in your seat, eyes darkening.

“I see you have been hanging around with an exceptional crowd.”

“Are there rules about who I can and can’t hang out with?”, you questioned sharply.

“Hush while I am speaking.”

The audacity of the bitch.

”Please remember your place in this school. Scholarship kids like you should not be around other children who actually have a bright future. A chance at making a name out of themselves. You are privileged to be here. You owe them everything. Don’t, not even for a second, think that you are more than who they say you are. You can leave my office now.”

This woman as ridiculous. Pushing on the armrests, you got up out of the seat and left the room. You were going to deal with this woman one way or another. It was only a matter of time before she slipped up. ________________________________________________

You needed some air. The campus was quiet except for the occasion toot of a trumpet coming from the music block. Today hadn’t gone the way you wanted. You really needed to blow off some steam. Your eyes shut, eyelids heavy.

“You okay?”, you lazily opened your eyes. Na-bi was peering over curiously.

“I’m so fucking done with this place.”, you mumbled.

She laughed dryly. “Welcome to my world.”

She slumped down next to you, a comfortable silence filling the air.

“Hwa-Young’s being a bitch again.”, she groaned.

“What did she do now?”

“Ranting about Martin. When I told her I don’t wanna hear it she got pressed. It’s the same old story with them. They’re so toxic.”, Na-bi explained whilst rubbing the back of her neck.

Your mind cast you back to this morning’s diary read. Now was the time to ask questions.

“What’s with them? I met Martin today, he doesn’t seem that bad.”, you prodded innocently.

Na-bi’s eyes widened.

“Oh no. He is bad. He is awfully good at masking his behaviour. It’s crazy.”

“What does he do to Hwa-young?”

“They are both cheaters. The aim is to make the other jealous. They are horrible to the people the cheat with. Martin deals with anyone who even looks at Hwa-young, whilst Hwa-young destroys the girl’s life.”

“They are a crazy couple.”

“Hmmm.”

“I don’t understand the appeal of these guys.”

“You are one to talk. You are the same girl who ate Seonghyeon’s face out on your first day and might I add, I caught you passionately making out with Keonho yesterday. So tell me, what’s the appeal?”

“It was a spur of the moment thing.”, you weakly defended.

“Spur of the moment, my ass.”

You both giggled lightly. ”I miss her.”

“Who?”, you questioned lightly. “Ara. I hate what happened to her. Hwa-young made her life a living hell when she used to hang out with her. Sometimes I wish someone dealt with Hwa-young.”

You were up to the task.

“These people need to be dealt with.”

“They do.”

The cheery bell rang, signaling lunchtime. “Shall we go eat?”

“Yep, let’s go.”

At least you had someone by your side here. ________________________________________________

Lunch was lazy. Martin had joined, occasionally lightening up the mood, but morning classes had drained everyone. Many people sat outside as the sun was welcoming and warm. You sat in between Na-bi and Hwa-young with Keonho and Seonghyeon opposite. Every now and then, you would catch the boys staring at you. You had made a little bit of a mess. Oops.

Unnoticed to you, Ms Park had entered the cafeteria. She strode towards your table, people moving around her as she went through the crowd. “Get up.”, her voice startled you.

You turned your head towards her but your body stayed sat. She was not going to win this one. “I gave you a warning. I expect you to listen.”, she grabbed your arm and yanked you upright.

Angrily, you pulled your arm, bringing her closer to you.

“Well let me give you a warning of my own. I know what you and Katō did. That lovely picture I have explains it all. Do you really want to go there?”, you mumbled menacingly.

That made her freeze. She jerked away from you, clearly jostled. She looked you up and down in disgust. “Next time I won’t be as so kind to be quiet about your acts. Don’t push me any further, Ms Park.”

Her eyes were filled with fear. Good. Let her fear you.

After she left, you sat back down. “What was that about?”, Keonho asked.

“Nothing incredibly important. She was picking on me so I dealt with her.”

Everyone seemed satisfied by your cryptic response. They knew better than to push. Martin, though, looked incredibly pleased. Looks like you were winning his favour.

________________________________________________

You were leaving school after a day that dragged on for ages. Fatigue wracked your bones. Your brain felt overloaded and your back took this as a chance to start aching. Suddenly, your phone buzzed dramatically. What now? Without taking a glance at the screen, you answered the call.

“Hello?”

Sniffling sounded through your phone speaker. You took this as a chance to look at the caller ID. It was Na-bi.

“Na-bi? What happened? Talk to me?”

“It’s Hwa-young!”, frustration lacing her voice.

You sighed. It was always Hwa-young. Hwa-young this. Hwa-young that.

“What did she do now?”, fatigue wriggling back into your voice.

“She’s been spreading rumours about me. She’s being an evil bitch again!”

Everyone knew this.

“But she said she is sorry! She's apologising to me.”

“She’s not apologising to you, she is manipulating you.”, venom seeping in at the word ‘manipulating’. You were getting annoyed.

“Na-bi. We all know that the both of you have done horrible things to each other. It’s no secret. We’ll talk more at school. Get some rest , okay?”

“Okay. Thank you. What would I do without you?”

“You would stress over Hwa-young and go bald. Do yourself a favour and rest. I don’t wanna hear you complain about how you look dead.”

“Okay, okay! Bye, love you.”

Her words swelled you with pride.

“Bye, love you too.”

You stood in the same spot for a couple minutes after hanging up the phone. Na-bi is upset. What kind of friend would you be if you didn’t comfort her?

________________________________________________

A sleek, black car pulled up near the fountain. Servants and assistants lined up in two neat rows, each looking pristine. Choi Hwa-young was home. The lady at the front of the line pulled open the car door for her. Hwa-young couldn’t remember the last time she had touched the handle of a car. She stepped out of the car without acknowledging anyone. Phone in hand, she typed furiously. The two lines collapsed inwards as she passed them.

“Good afternoon, Miss Choi. I hope today was a fine day of learning?”. The lady speaking was her personal assistant. Mrs Voss. A pretty, Norwegian lady who only knew order.

“Hmm.”, Hwa-young replied absentmindedly. Her phone was more interesting at the moment. No one ever told off or correct Hwa-young. The last person to do so is currently in Haiti trying to scrape together their first meal of the day during a nationwide famine.

“Your parents will be home for dinner. 8pm. Italian cuisine. I hope it is to your liking?”

“Hmmm.”

And with that, she went off to her room. It wasn’t really fitting to call her room a ‘room’. It was the size of a studio apartment, with a second floor and everything. She slumped down on a bean bag that was lazily perched in the corner of her room. The business she had been so busy with was revolved around Na-bi. During Hwa-Young’s free period, she had the brilliant idea to stir up a pretty rumour about Na-bi. After Na-bi’s little act of defiance this morning (she refused to listen to her ranting about Martin), she had to be beaten into submission. Hwa-young would never give a donkey carrots. Brute force was always necessary. The only problem was, the rumour wasn’t doing so well. She was scrolling through the trenches of social media in the hopes of the rumour gaining momentum. As she continued to do so, a call came in. Martin 🙄 (DNI!!!)

She picked up the call, pressing the phone to her ear. “What do you want, Martin?”

“Baby, I just wanted to apologise-”

“Go apologise to someone else. I’m hanging up.”

“No, baby, wait!”

Tears were now clouding her vision.

“No! You are just trying to manipulate me!”

The call was silent for a bit.

“No. No, Hwa-young. Who’s been telling you all these things? Tell me, baby.”

“No one, Martin! I have a mind of my own, you know!”

“I know you do, sweetheart.”

She was now lightly sobbing. Martin was whispering sweet nothings over the phone when a notification came in. The number was unknown. Curiously, she clicked it. She was greeted with the sight of her picture. Not just any picture. It was the one that Katō had definitely taken of her. Panic shot through her veins. She started sobbing even harder, coughing and shaking. “Martin!”

“Yes, my love?”

“Can you come over tonight? I need your company.”

“I’ll be there. Just for you okay?”

“Okay.”

“Wipe your tears, baby. I hate when you cry, especially when I’m the reason. I’ll see you soon, alright? Love you.”

“I love you too.”

As soon as the call ended, another message popped through. It doesn’t feel nice when you are on the receiving end, does it? xx

________________________________________________

You were currently laying face down on your bed. This was nice. Being lazy and not moving an inch. Your phone buzzed next to you. Groaning, you picked it up to see who was calling. It was Seonghyeon.

“Hey.”, he said.

“Hi. What’s up?”

“Just checking on you. Didn’t see you much today.”

“You saw me at lunch, Seonghyeon.”, a small smile making its way onto your face.

“Wasn’t long enough. Do you want to come over to mine?”

“Your house?”

“Yeah, my house.”

You convinced yourself that you were doing this in the hopes of getting more information.

“I would love to, but I don’t have your address.”

“Oh, right. I’ll send that right away. See you in a few.”

“See you.”

Pushing yourself up with a groan, you shuffled to your closet, hoping to find something presentable.

Sigh, the things we do. ________________________________________________

A kind man has led you to the door. You wondered how many girls he had smiled at whilst leading them in and out of the estate. Inside the house, you heard many voices. Inspecting the walls, you were greeted with different art pieces. They were so beautiful. You took your time, lingering in the hallway as you expected them. “They are quite nice, no?”. a voice snapped you out of your daze. Keonho. Wait, Keonho?

“What are you doing here, Keonho?”

“I basically live here.”

“And I am this close to evicting you. You need to stop eating my açai, bro.”

Seonghyeon appeared in the hallway. A small side smile adorning his stupidly handsome face. “Glad you could make it.”

“I’m grateful for the invite. Nice artwork by the way.”

“The artwork? That’s all done by Keonho. Aren’t you guys in the same art class?”

“Yeah, we are. That’s impressive.”

“I am quite good if I say so myself.”, Keonho grinned. When did he ever stop smiling?

“Enough about Keonho and his bragging, come on in.”

You were led further into the house. People actually lived in these? It must be nice to be wealthy. “This is the hangout room. Everyone always came over to mine, so I had this room created for us. Don’t be shy, go in.”

You opened the door, and there sat Martin. He had his phone pressed to his ear, one leg crossed over the other. How much swag did this guy possess? “He’s on the phone with a client. Just give him a sec.”, Keonho whispered. His hand ghosted your waist making you shiver. You really hoped that Seonghyeon didn’t notice.

Once Martin put down the phone, he sent you a friendly wave. “Welcome. Glad to see you.”

“Glad to see you too.”, you replied shyly. He sniggered at your meekness. “I didn’t know you were so shy.”

“I’m not shy.”

“If you say so.”

Keonho and Seonghyeon were holding in their laughs, the prior finding the ceiling suddenly interesting whilst the latter rubbed his nose.

“Yo, Keonho, Sean, we’ve got a delivery at James’. We can’t be late.”

“Sean?”, the question escaped you faster than you expected.

“Yeah, that’s my English name.”, Seonghyeon replied simply.

“We’ve got the goods, we can roll out in the next couple of minutes.”, Keonho replied to Martin. You felt horribly out of the loop. Looking around, no one’s face gave away any answers. Martin seemed to sense your confusion and pointed it out.

“You don’t know anything about what we do, do you?”

You shook your head as you sat down on the sofa opposite Martin. The Twins sat on the opposite sides of you.

“We deal all sorts of things. Just know that. You promise to keep your mouth shut, right?”

”She’s clean.”, Keonho said for you, lightly rubbing your cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Aren’t you?”

He leaned in closer before pressing his lips against yours. Seonghyeon did not look bothered. In fact, he had a genuine smile on his face. “Yeah…I am.”, you sluggishly replied. Keonho’s kisses must be laced with something.

”Good, let’s get ready to leave.”

Seonghyeon clasped your hand as he led you out of the room. “Where are we going?”

“It is going to be a bit cold, where we are going. I’m getting you something to keep you warm.”

Through the maze of hallways and stairs, you reached Seonghyeon’s room. It represented him perfectly. Taekwondo medals strewn across the room, several academic achievements hung up on the wall and musical equipment filled in all the empty space. He walked through another door, before reappearing with a large zip-up jacket.

“Here, take it.”

“Thank you.”

It was big on you, but warm. It smelt just like him, intoxicatingly sweet. Stepping towards you, he grabbed the two sides of the zip-up and leaned in. The kiss was deep and soft. Your hands travelled up his chest before settling comfortably on his shoulders. He kissed you like you were his air.

But how many girls had he made feel like this?

The piercing thought spurred you to pull away from him.

“We should get going. Don’t wanna be late before Martin gets all pouty.”

He chuckled lightly, before giving you a quick peck on your lips.

“Let’s go.”

________________________________________________

Cool air and illuminated signs lay on your face as you leaned out of the car window. Seonghyeon was right, it was cold here. The driver announced that you had reached your destination. He walked round to both doors and opened them.

Keonho grabbed your hand and began walking you towards a shop.

"I'm gonna take her inside. We'll see you in a bit."

There was no protest you were taken into a shop. An old lady stood at the counter of what seemed like a hole-in-the-wall pork belly restaurant.

"안녕하세요, 아주머니. 모두 안에 계신가요?", Keonho asked.

(Good evening auntie. Is everyone inside already?)

"응.", her answer was short and clipped.

(Yes.)

"고마워요!", Keonho beamed.

(Thank you!)

You followed him into a room that had a beaded door curtain for a door. In the room, there was a spiral staircase leading underground. Without missing a beat, Keonho walked down, expecting you to follow.

As you reached the next floor down, you realised you were in a bar. The bass thumped deep into the walls, as people clinked drinks and smoked. Keonho tightened his grip on your hand as he walked down a long hallway. Turning a corner, he approached a simple, silver door, guarded by two buff men. The man on the left opened the door for him. Keonho must be a regular.

You followed him into the room and you found yourself in an arena. Not just any good old arena, it was a boxing underground arena. You were on a balcony and down below, you could see a bloody match going on in the centre ring. People filled every crevice of the room.

"Welcome. I'm sure you might know a thing or two about illegal underground boxing. James hyung runs the whole thing. Cool, right?"

Your eyes scanned the room, exploring the details. Near the ring, sat a guy in a suit. Black sunglasses framed his face whilst blonde spiky hair sprouted from his head. A toothpick was in his mouth, as people whispered into his ear from time to time. His eyes stayed trained on the match in front of him until a certain whisper moved his gaze to where you were standing on the balcony. Keonho gave him a wave and nudged you to follow him down the stairs.

It was like a mosh pit on the ground floor. You had to hold onto Keonho's sleeve in the hopes of not getting swept away by the human tide. You arrived in front of the man and he took off his sunglasses in acknowledgment.

"James hyung,", Keonho said. So this was James. "Meet the new girl."

"I know her. She's in my Latin class. Smart little thing.", his eyes scanned you from your shoes upwards.

"Nice to meet you. I'm sure you remember me but I'll introduce myself anyways. Chao James. Owner of this place."

His eyes were piercingly sharp. What a stare. ________________________________________________

A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I just had to include blond James in this story!!! I added a parallel between Yiseo and the reader which might hint at the reader’s future behaviour 😶‍🌫️ the next chapter is going to focus on James!! I am so excited to write his character and I hope you guys have been picking up on some clues x thanks for reading 😘

________________________________________________ You were so excited to go to school. You never thought you would be thinking of such a thing, but today was Professor Katō’s funeral. You were curious to see how this was covered up. Not that it was any of your concern. You would happily bulldoze over all of these people without a care. They destroyed lives without as much of a glance. Why couldn’t you enjoy yourself a little?

Everyone had been sent an email to collect an oriental lily. Katō’s favourite. Each year group would place their flowers down by the funeral wreath. The funeral service was first thing in the morning so you made sure to get your own flower. You reached for a particularly pink-looking one, when another hand grabbed the flower before you. Looking up, you saw Kim Juhoon. Oh, right. His message from last night sat unread on your phone. You didn’t have time to be lectured about how or why you got rid of Katō. “Good morning.”, he said.

“Morning to you too.”, you replied monotonously.

“It’s a real shame, isn’t it?”

“What is?”

“The way he died.”

His comment didn’t shock you. You would happily repeat your actions over and over again. You didn’t have the heart to have a guilty conscience.

“What do you want to talk about?”

“We will talk after the service.”

“Where should I meet you?”

“By the lake. On your own. I assume you have a free period?”

Everyone knew your timetable better than you did.

“I will see you there.”

And with that you turned and walked towards your form room. Unusually, it was quiet. Whispers filled the air and gossip leaked out of everyone’s mouths like leaky pipes. You caught a couple words of the whispers:

“I heard he took photos of us when we went to meet him.”

“My life is over.”

“Where are the photos now?”

“Are we going to get in trouble?”

“My dad is going to kill me.”

“I can say goodbye to my inheritance. I’m so getting written out of the will.”

Katō had terrorised more people than you thought. You wondered why these people worried more about their reputation when they should be celebrating their liberty. You weren’t sure where the photos were except for three of them. For all you cared, they could be shared on a blog or traded for other photos. You couldn’t share in their shame and you weren’t particularly interested in doing so either.

Ms Park strode in, her hair a mess and her face flushed. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy. Damn, she looked rough. Her mask hadn’t just slipped. It had fallen and shattered into jagged edges that were impossible to put back together. Thinking back to the photo you had of her, you decided you would put it to use today. The less people there were, the easier it was to get your work done. “Ok, everyone. We are going to head down to the auditorium now. Does everybody have a flower?”

The class murmured back a half-hearted ‘yes’, enough to satisfy Ms Park today. “Alright. Let’s go.”

________________________________________________ The auditorium was silent. Not a whisper, a breath or a shift. Just pure silence. Mrs Ahn stood at the lectern, her face dark. The funeral wreath stood off to the side of the stage, a portrait of him accompanying it. At the sight of his picture, you grinned. The air was liberating when you didn’t have a disgusting person breathing down your neck. You sat down in the first row. What a view. Once everyone was settled, Mrs Ahn began to speak.

“We gather here to mourn the loss of a member of our esteemed community. Professor Katō.”

Bullshit.

“Today we will have readings from both students and staff as we come together to remember him.”

In a neat row, sat Juhoon, Mei and Ms Park. What a lineup. Juhoon rose, smoothing down his blazer. He stepped onto the stage, his dark eyes commanding attention.

“Today is a day of mourning. But also of celebration. Many of us knew Professor Katō. Some more than others. He led us in our English studies, always encouraging us to delve deeper into literature. He will be missed.”

At Juhoon’s last words, his eyes drifted to you. He knew what he was doing. Oh, he knew very well.

There was no applause. Nothing. Just acknowledging silence. When Mei took the stage, she already looked like a wreck. Although, that was becoming a trend for her now. Through her words, sobs wracked her chest, her face becoming a blotchy red. What was she even crying for? That was the least of your current concerns. It was simply food for thought. Something for your brain to chew on when you had daydreaming time.

Ms Park was even worse. She didn’t even bother to hide that she had some kind of relations with Katō. It just kept on getting worse and worse. What a shithouse.

After the morning theatrics, you began heading to the lake. As you passed through crowds you stopped at the sound of the national morning news.

“Good morning. We are reporting the death of an English teacher at Sehwa Academy. He unfortunately passed after feeling fatigued at the wheel. His car burnt down near the beach. Sehwa are currently in mourning and the rest of the country send their condolences to the family of the victim.”

You hoped those condolences went out the window and into the fire that perished him whilst finally arriving in the pits of hell where he lays. You squared your shoulders and continued on your way. To hear what nonsense Juhoon was going to spew. ________________________________________________

A beautifully poised mother duck graced over the lake water. Her five little babies followed in an orderly queue. By the side of the lake, Juhoon stood, his eyes on the ducks. His posture was relaxed. As always.

“Glad to see you.”

“I’m going to make this clear for you, Juhoon. Stay out of my way. Don’t think that you have leverage over me because you helped me once. You are not a good person. So I will repeat myself. Stay out of my way.”

“Wait.”

“Wait for what? You to blackmail me? I don’t have time for you or your bullshit. Goodbye.”

________________________________________________

You stormed away, Mary Jane Heeled Shoes clicking rhythmically on the outdoor tiles. You outstretched your hand to open the door back into the mins building, when a hand grabbed your wrist. It was Seonghyeon.

“Who you running from?”

“I don’t run from anything or anyone.”

“We need to talk. Keonho too.”

“I don’t feel like talking to anyone right now.”

“Wait-”

“And also, tell Juhoon to stay the fuck away from me.”

________________________________________________

Seonghyeon stormed into the hangout room, Keonho not far behind with a confused look on his face. Juhoon sat on the couch, nursing a now-lukewarm cup of tea. Seonghyeon grabbed him by the collar and shook him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

Juhoon lazily turned his head to meet Seonghyeon’s eyes. He scoffed lightly.

“Did I not tell you? I told you not to get involved now look at yourself, Seonghyeon. You are obsessed. What could that girl possibly do for us that would benefit us?”

“She’s what we need!”

“Last time we said that, look where it got us. She is dangerous. Open your goddamn eyes.”

“She killed Katō, purposefully. She wanted him gone and she did it.”

“So what?”

“She can be tamed. She’s just another person we can have on our side and use. Nothing more.”

“And when she turns on us?”

“She won’t,”, Keonho finally said. “She seems loyal enough. If anything goes wrong, we get rid of her. Simple.”

A pause of silence passed. Juhoon huffed.

“If anything goes wrong. You’ll have James and Martin to answer to. And I will not, I repeat, I will not back you up if and when shit goes down because I have warned you enough.”

Seonghyeon lowered his hands. His eyes still narrowed.

“What did you even say to her this morning?”

“I didn’t get to say anything. She told me to stay away from her.”

“That was all?”

“Yes.”

“I think you need to apologise to her.”

“Like hell I will.”

“Juhoon hyung,”, Keonho said sharply. “I don’t think you want her as your enemy. Apologise and move on from it.”

"Fine."

________________________________________________

You were in the art department's fabric store, currently battling between a choice of silk or velvet. The door opened behind you but you didn't bother to turn. You didn't feel like entertaining any conversation with the person.

"I hope I am not disturbing you."

Ugh, Juhoon.

"I'm in the middle of something important."

"Can I borrow just a couple minutes of your time?"

"Are you going to give them back?", sarcasm dripping off of your words. "Just a couple minutes. Your time starts now."

"I feel like we got off to the wrong footing. I am wary about people getting close to my circle of people. Especially people I struggle to read. I came to apologise for...harassing you. I should've approached you with more respect."

"How kind of you."

He didn't say anything else. You clearly weren't ready to forgive him yet, so he would just have to win your favour. The last thing he wanted was The Twins hassling for not following through. Unknowing to him, you had just made him grovel at your feet. Soon he would be begging for mercy.

"Are you settling in alright?"

"Perfectly fine."

"Found any people worthy of being your friend?"

"Ara. Lee Ara."

His demeanour changed. His shoulders tensing in discomfort.

"What? Do you know her?", you questioned, tilting your head in mock innocence.

"Same maths class since we enrolled into this place. I know her quite well."

"Good to know."

A beat of silence passed before you spoke again.

"I feel like I misjudged you. Especially after you helped me yesterday. I apologise too."

"I'm at fault here."

Yes, you are.

"We both share a part in the blame. Quick question: velvet or silk?"

"Silk."

"I see you have good taste. Thank you."

"The pleasure's all mine. Will you be joining us for lunch?"

"I hope to, if that's ok."

"We will be glad to see you there."

"Ok, see you soon."

________________________________________________

You were moving to your next lesson, when someone called your name. Behind you, Ara was walking quickly. She grabbed your arm with a tight grip, dragging you behind a large oak tree.

"Ara!"

"Shh!", she whispered. "What were you doing with Juhoon at the lake?"

"He asked to talk to me."

"What did he ask you? Did he mention me at all?", she rambled.

"He didn't mention you at all. Why? You got a crush on him or something?"

"No!", her face morphing into a look of disgust. "Answer my question.", she hissed.

"I didn't let him talk. I just told him to stay away from me. You warned me about those guys."

"Good. Continue to stay away from him. For your own sake."

"Why are you so frantic?"

Her stance became defensive. Her shoulders closed in, her eyes narrowing.

"It's none of your business. Just... be careful who you talk to.", her head turned left and right before she walked off.

You considered running after her to poke more answers out of her but you decided against it. All throughout your next lesson, you pondered on what Ara's problem was. She had lit a fire under you. You were going to get to the bottom of the situation. She was a potential asset to you but you needed her to be loyal and honest to you. You hated to admit it but she was a tough shell to crack.

You hadn't absorbed anything your teacher had said in the lesson. Packing up your bag, you merged into the busy hallway. On your way to the cafeteria, you bumped into Na-bi.

"Na-bi!", you shouted.

Her head whirled her head around, eyes scanning furiously to locate who had yelled. Her eyes landed on yours so you waved. She didn't wave but she didn't walk on either. You jogged lightly towards her and she continued on her way to the cafeteria. Falling in step with her, you made light conversation, although you mainly talked. You remembered Ara's weird behaviour from earlier, hoping that Na-bi might have some answers.

"Na-bi.", you said quietly.

Your change in tone prompted her to look at you.

"Yeah?"

"Did Juhoon and Ara have a thing?"

Na-bi's eyes widened. She led you to an empty hallway. What was it with students in this school leading others into deserted areas? She looked left and right before looking into your soul.

"I'm only telling you this because I feel like we have a common enemy here. Before we went on summer break, Juhoon took an odd interest in Ara. Especially right before the scholarship girl passed away. They talked through the holidays but I think Juhoon dumped her. We never got a proper explanation. Some people speculate they actually liked each other but Juhoon was the problem."

"Wow."

"Why do you ask?"

"Ara was acting a bit odd when she found out Juhoon asked to see me at the lake this morning."

"Maybe she is jealous. She used to be where you were. In the midst of Mei and Hwa-young. Now they act like she doesn't exist."

"And you?"

"What about me?"

"What do you think of her?"

Na-bi's face flushed a dusty pink. What an odd reaction.

"Well...she was nice...when I was close... decently close, I mean, with her.", she stammered.

"Nice to know you had a friendly relationship.", you said, a teasing look on your eyes.

"Hey! Don't tease me.", Na-bi sulked.

"Okay, okay, sorry! Let's go to lunch. The others must be waiting."

"Yeah, let's go. Just one more thing. I know I wasn't the kindest person to you when we first met but you aren't as bad as I thought. If you need information on anyone, I might know something. Just saying.", she mumbled shyly.

It made you feel good for a second that you had one less person to kill. Too many people made themselves a target here. In the end, you might have to get rid of them all.

You smiled lightly at Na-bi's words.

"Thanks. Now let's go eat! I'm actually starving."

________________________________________________

(WHILST YOU WERE TALKING TO NA-BI)

"Lee Ara.", he called. He didn't have to yell, his voice projected itself.

Ara kept on walking. His footsteps got quicker, finally matching her pace as he walked side-by-side with her. He moved to stand in front of her, blocking her path.

"Move, Juhoon."

"We need to talk."

With that, he dragged her to the hangout room. It was empty, none of the boys were there.

"It's been a while since you came here."

"What do you want from me, Juhoon?"

"That's not how you talk to someone you once loved, Ara."

"I was blind. I never loved you."

"You wound me."

"Good."

He stepped closer, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Why were you talking to the new girl?", he whispered gently, stroking her cheek with the pad of his thumb. Ara knew. She knew that he was getting angry, and if she answered wrong, he would snap at her.

"She needed directions to her new class.", Ara whispered. Her eyes were trained on the floor.

"Directions?", Ara nodded. "Look at me when I'm talking to you, baby. Haven't I told you that I hate when you lie?"

Her eyes were wide, screaming for help.

"I'm not lying! I swear!", she rambled.

"Shhhh. You keep on lying. You are hurting me, Ara. I love you and yet you continue to lie to me. I made you who you are. Built you up from nothing. You are existing because I commanded it to be so. And you have the audacity to lie? The guys were right about you."

"Jju!", she cried, warm tears streaming down her face.

"You can't be here anymore, Ara."

"What?"

Juhoon stepped back, walking over to a drawer. He pulled out a black envelope with a silver seal. His family envelopes.

"This is 2 billion Won. Move somewhere far. Far away. Thailand, China, Japan. Anywhere but Korea. I've sent a man of mine to tell your parents. Today is your last day here. Tell your parents I said 'hi'."

He stepped out of the room, letting the door shut softly. Ara sobbed. Her whole body ached from the pain of his deception. He had told her that he loved her. This wasn't love. This was entertainment. He had had his fill and was ready to move onto something far more interesting. Something that didn't concern her. She would have to change her name, number and whole identity. She wasn't Lee Ara anymore. She never could be.

________________________________________________

(FLASHBACK)

His hand was resting on her thigh as he kissed her deeply. Her hands lay on his broad shoulders. He was the only thing on her mind. Yiseo felt guilty making out with her current boyfriend's best friend but he was irresistible. Maybe. Slightly. Oh, who was she kidding? He seemed to like her more than James ever did, and he even hated her at first.

"Jju,", she said breathlessly, as she forced herself to pull away from his lips. "This isn't right."

"You aren't telling me to stop."

He was right. She was enjoying this more than she would've liked to admit.

"I'm with James."

"If you were with him, would he allow you to go around kissing other guys?"

That shut her up. This wasn't the first time. It wasn't going to be the last.

"He can be so frustrating sometimes. He's always closed off and is never there when I need him.", she sulked.

Juhoon pressed a lingering kiss on her lips.

"No one is forcing you to stay with him. It doesn't have to be like that."

"I know but I can't get myself to leave him."

This irritated Juhoon. He was opening himself up to her, splitting his chest for her to see that his heart belonged to her. It was in her possession but she only seemed to love toying with it. He wasn't sure who to get rid of here. James or Yiseo.

"I'm here for as long as you need."

"I know, Jju. Thanks.", she murmured before kissing him again.

Yiseo wasn't an angel, contrary to popular belief. Although she suffered a great injustice and a terrible end, she wasn't loyal. Maybe that was what led her to her end.

In fact, deep down in her heart, she didn't feel sorrow for the pregnant girl's death. She was too close to what was hers. She hated how she had lost herself after becoming a part of the inner circle. Whenever you would confront her about it, she would block you for 3 days, before apologising and promising to change for the better.

You lost Yiseo way before she died.

Now you may be thinking, who was this pregnant girl and what was her story?

She wasn't anyone special. A careless mistake made her a target.

"James, what am I going to do?", she cried.

James stood and watched the girl in front of her break down.

"You should've been more careful."

"I'm sorry!"

James pinched his nose bridge.

"You were trying to ruin my life, right? Are you actually pregnant?"

"I would never try and ruin you James! I am truly pregnant."

James stood up from his couch and walked over to the safe in his room. He grabbed a pouch and stuffed it with as much money it allowed itself to hold.

"Take this. Do whatever you want with the baby. It isn't mine. I will never see you again once you work out of this door, do you understand?"

"James, please!"

"No tears. No begging. Just take the money and leave."

The girl got up from where she sat, her hands shaking as she grabbed the bag. She sobbed as she left the Chao estate, regretting even looking in his direction. Once she had left, The Twins smugly walked into the room.

"Who knew that you, Chao James,-", Seonghyeon started.

"-were so cold-hearted?", Keonho finished mockingly. He held his hand to his heart in a way to tease.

"If you guys aren't going to be of any use you can get out."

"Calm down, hyung,", Keonho said, his signature smile adorning his face.

"You paid her to keep quiet. That should be enough , no?", Seonghyeon said.

James paced around the room, when a sickening thought hit him.

"She's going to tell Yiseo."

That caused The Twins to stop smiling.

"Fuck."

"She’s going to kill me.", James groaned.

"Leave it to us,", Keonho piped up. "We will sort it out. Right, Seonghyeon?”

“Right.”

Later that evening, the girl walked down the pavement leading up to a cliff edge residential area. She wasn’t going anywhere in particular, in fact she coincidentally took the route to Yiseo’s house. That’s when she remembered. Yiseo. She couldn’t keep it from her friend. The guilt was already gnawing at her insides. So she carried on, ready to tell Yiseo the truth. As she walked up the pavement, her phone rang. It was Keonho.

“Hello?”, her voice carried out weakly.

“Hey. Where are you?”

“Walking up to Yiseo’s house.”

“How far away are you?”

“25 minutes give or take.”

“I have a driver in the area. Let him take you up there.”

“There’s no need, Keonho.”

“It’s late at night. Plus, I sent him to get some hot choco for me. I know you love hot chocolate. Have it.”

“Keonho this is too much.”

“We are friends after all, let me take care of you.“

“I’ll pay you back.”

“Don’t worry about that for now. All you need to do is just get home safely, ok?”

“Ok.”

And so she waited. Her feet were feeling sore from all the walking, and the early pregnancy fatigue was weighing down on her. A black car pulled up beside her. It was the driver. He opened the door for her and handed her a steaming cup of hot chocolate. She thanked him, taking a long sip. She leaned back against the headrest and dozed off.

(The next part includes mentions of her death, skip if uncomfy) ________________________________________________

That same car she sat in ended up at the bottom of the cliff edge. The driver had left her in it and laid a brick on the accelerator. She slept and didn’t wake. Her phone perished in the wreckage and Keonho deleted his call history.

________________________________________________

(PART ENDED)

The whole town mourned her death. To the boys it was another job well done. James may have stirred up anger within Yiseo after the accident but The Twins had fulfilled their promise and Juhoon enjoyed Yiseo’s presence when she came running to him. Wickedness coursed through their veins. Murder was an instinct. And money fueled them.

________________________________________________

The lunch table buzzed with excitement. Juhoon, or rather The Twins, were throwing a party at Juhoon’s family estate. According to everyone on the table, Juhoon’s parties were the best and highly anticipated.

“You have to come.”, Keonho persuaded.

“I have a life outside school, Keonho.”, you chuckled.

“This can lighten it up then!”

“We don’t even have your number.”, Na-bi mentioned.

“That’s true.”, Hwa-young piped up.

Everyone whipped out their phones and pushed them towards you. You stared blankly at them before they urged you to put your number in. “We will see you at the party, deal?”, Seonghyeon asked.

The whole table anticipated your answer.

“Fine. I’ll be there.”

Keonho cheered loudly. Na-bin and Hwa-young shared a look of excitement.

“Come get dressed at mine. I’ll do your makeup and everything.”, Hwa-young said. It wasn’t an offer, it was a command from her.

“That’s so sweet of you. I’ll be there. Should I bring anything?”

Everyone snorted.

“Juhoon has everything we need, don’t stress.”

“I’ve got it sorted.”, Juhoon said. A smile faint on his lips.

________________________________________________

Dressing up at Hwa-Young’s was wild. You were brought to the world of pre-gaming with pure vodka. Were they trying to kill you before the party? After the girls helped you with your makeup and outfit, you couldn’t recognise yourself. You looked stunning. You were sure something had to go down tonight. It’s who with that remained a mystery to even you.

Arriving at the Kim residence, you were met with the sight of cars. Loads of them. Lasers scanned the clear, night sky as people screamed and yelled to the thumping bass. You headed inside. It was even crazier here. All sorts of drinks were lined up on every surface. People were vaping all sorts of different flavours whilst others made out on countertops and couches. This was wild. Hwa-young quickly detached from you, something about ‘finding her boyfriend’. Na-bin was eyeing up a girl in to corner and made the weak excuse of ‘getting a drink’. So you were left to your own devices.

You walked into the kitchen, hoping to find something you could actually drink without packing up your liver. Fingers grazing the bottlenecks, you read the labels to yourself. This liquor was expensive. How rich was this guy?

“You look lost. You want me to help?”. Ahn Keonho stood leaning against the door frame. Arms crossed, his eyes trained on your outfit. Oh, he liked it.

“I’m looking for something that won’t kill me after a sip. Any recommendations?”

“There are some other nice bottles in another room. Can I show you?”

“Sure.”

He gently took your hand and led you through the mini mosh pit. The room he took you to was pure oak and mahogany. Aged wine sat behind frosted glass. “This is where the extra good stuff is at.”

He picked a bottle of wine and poured it for you. You sat down on the couch and watched his fluid movements. After he finished pouring it to you, he sat down and handed you the wine glass. ”This wine fits your taste.”

“And you know this because?”

“It’s sharp, warm and different from other bottles. Fits your description quite well, no?”

Keeping your eyes locked on his, you tipped back the glass. The wine warmed your stomach, filling you with a deadly poison. Courage.

You set the glass down on the centre table.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”, you whispered.

“Has anyone told you that you are beautiful?”, the words seemed to escape him.

“A couple times here and there.”

He leaned in closer. The scent of whiskey and his cologne mixing to wind around your throat. Your noses were grazing, you filled each others space, invading it all. His lips softly met yours, testing the waters. You really wanted to let loose this evening. Even if you were going to get rid off him later, there was no issue in toying with him now. You deepened the kiss, tugging at his hair. His hands lay possessively on your hips, stroking them. You must admit, he was a good kisser. You were getting lost in the feeling, sinking further and further, when you were interrupted by a cough.

You separated yourself from him immediately. He struggled to do the same, as his eyes were still scanning your face. He was intoxicated by your touch and he was so ready to die of your sweet poison. Na-bi awkwardly stood at the door frame. “Should I come back later?”

“No. It’s fine. What’s up?”

“We need to talk, like, right now.”

You stood up, smoothing your outfit down. Moving to leave the room, Keonho gently grabbed your hand.

“Don’t just leave. Before you go home, find me.”, he whispered.

You nodded at his words before focussing your attention on Na-bi. She led the way out of the room and into a small conservatory.

“I found out something that I couldn’t keep from you.”

“What is it?”

“Ara is gone. Juhoon paid her to leave the school and never come back. I think it’s because he you were getting close to her. He’s dealt with her now.”

The world stilled for a minute. You knew Juhoon could stoop low. But this was disgusting. An ugly beast reared its head, fully awakened. You felt warm. Everything made you feel uncomfortable. Na-bi’s voice sounded muffled to you. You needed to talk to him.

Pulling out your phone, you dialled his number. You called five times. He didn’t pick up. Not once. Not even a text. “I need some air.”, your voice came out hoarse and angry.

“Ok. Call me if you need anything.”, Na-bi said. Her voice suddenly small. You stormed back into the main house, now on a hunt for Juhoon. You asked several people if they had seen him, but they were too drunk, too high for simply too clueless to answer your question. You realised that everyone was on one huge floor. Nobody had gone up a level.

Maybe that’s were he was. You spent the next couple of minutes trying to locate the stairs to the next floor in the maze of a house. You had walked around in circles twice. Seen the same painting several times and ended up back in a coat closet more than you liked.

You sighed and huffed in anger. It was dissolving into something along the lines of irritation. Slumped against a wall, everything felt warm. You forced yourself to keep your chin up, when you saw a flight of stairs. And coming up from it was the sound of voices. You were the only person in this area. Was this it?

You slowly crept towards the flight of stairs. There was no one on there. Tiptoeing up, you were met with a long hallway. You looked left hoping to find some form of life there. A door was cracked open, the light leaking out temptingly. Hypnotised, you move towards it.

“You looking for something?”

You froze. If you stayed still enough, the person would go away eventually, right? “Hey. I’m talking to you.”, his voice sharpened at your ignorance.

Turning on your heel slowly, you looked up to see a guy around your age, with some of the best clothes you had ever seen.

God, was he tall.

________________________________________________

a/n: that was a crazy one! We are finally introducing my king Martin!!!! I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. The next one will be out on Friday!

taglist: @wouldntyuliketoknowweatherboy, @faayzeswords, @nanamyberry, @mitsubal0ver, @eunjjx, @kienhawon, @inadazeee, @inlirium, @meeoowchi, @hyeonverse, @ireaiiyiikecats, @lunaryoongie, @udontknowmee2, @kyeonhoelii, @loserloveremployee, @berryred, @stxrripure, @f4l13n4ng3l1, @whmzyvic, @kurosagislvr, @belleameslust, @kiememories, @amethyystlvr, @scalsstereo

“Yiseo! Are you really reading that book again?”

“You know it’s interesting, right? Give it a read and tell me if you like it.”

“Fine. But what is so good about it anyways?”

“Give it a read and then you can tell me about it.”

You huffed slightly, seeing as Yiseo had a small grin on her face. You never felt envious towards her, never. You admired her. Looked up to her. The day she left you made you angry. Angry at those who took her away. As the book mentioned, “All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil.”

You had been good enough. You had every right to be evil now.

________________________________________________

You slowly pulled from the kiss, blinking to clear the haze in your eyes. Seonghyeon’s hand still laid on your waist, his eyes locked on yours. You turned and saw looks of shock but admiration. People liked a little mess. Mei looked distraught. Her face pale, eyes wide, you really had done a number on her. Hwa-young looked proud. You seemed to have won Hwa-Young’s favour with your move. You got up from Seonghyeon’s lap and went back to your seat. As soon as your back relaxed into the couch, Mei stood up. People gathered round to see what was going on. Mei strode over to you as she drew her hand back, ready to slap you. Before her hand could make contact, you gripped her wrist. She yelped in pain and tried to tug her arm out of your iron grip.

“Let go, you slut!”

You gripped harder and began to twist.

“I’m the slut? Nobody’s going to forget how you seem to be the community pussy. Don’t be shameless. Feel a little humiliated because you are now a disgrace.”

You pushed her backwards, releasing your grip on her wrist. She turned to Hwa-young, her eyes pleading.

“Don’t even start. I can’t be seen with a person like you, Mei. You know the rules. You fucked up and now you’ve got a lengthly sentence to serve.”

At Hwa-young’s cold words, Mei stormed off. One down, many more to destroy. Opposite you, The Twins looked at you with hungry curiosity. You couldn’t bear to be under their gaze for any longer so you stood up and announced you were getting a drink. As you walked away, you heard the voices of everyone behind you as the game stared back up again.

At the outdoor bar, you sat in one of the chairs, taking in the party scene. You tensed up at the sound of footsteps behind you.

“Hey, new girl.”

A voice carrying a rich baritone laced with icy heat called for your attention. You spun in your chair, only to be met with the sight of Eom Seonghyeon.

“Hi.”, you greeted casually.

In the moments that you spent in his lap, you thought about what his type could be. He seemed to dislike rowdiness but accepted challengers. Clingy behaviour wasn’t for him but he revelled in attention. He wanted a side piece, not a star. You could play that role very well.

“I’m not sure if you realised but you did me a huge favour getting her off my back.”

Your analysis was correct. As expected.

“It’s no big deal.”

“I appreciate it though. Since you’ve been a great help, how about I do something for you in return. Anything you want.”

This was a deal with the devil. He was asking you to sell your soul to him so you could be trapped in an endless cycle of devotion and worship. This was a calling.

“Really, it’s ok! You don’t need to do anything for me.”

“Please. Just accept my offer.”

You already knew you were going to use him for something but you were debating whether to use him now or later. You were truly spoilt for choice.

“If I need anything I’ll know who to ask.”

That answer seemed to satisfy him. His shoulders relaxed slightly and his face looked victorious. Let him savour it for now. This is the beginning of his end.

“Alright. Get home safe.”

And with that he turned and walked away. For a person who seemed unreadable, he had opened himself up to you too much. He wanted you to follow him. Follow the trail of hints he has left. He might just want you.

________________________________________________

(EARLIER THAT DAY)

The blinds were closed. The warm, artificial bulbs strained to fill the verdant room with light. Sat around a marble table, were five boys. Vintage china mugs sat with their backs straightened on the table.

“It’s only the first day and I feel like bunking.”, Keonho moaned.

“At least show up to one of your classes.”, Juhoon murmured. A teacup pressed to his lips.

“I’ve got my composition to work on today, so I’m headed to class.”, Martin announced.

“I’ve got my first Latin class of the year.”, James said. That seemed to explain everything.

“Seonghyeon at least bunk with me.”, Keonho begged.

“Keonho, come on, just go to one lesson and if you don’t wanna stay for the rest of the day, then you can bunk.”, Seonghyeon pleaded.

“Just say you hate me and want me dead.”. Keonho was so dramatic. The others didn’t pay him any heed and continue drinking their tea and taking keen interest in the foliage around them. Seonghyeon sighed loudly.

“Fine. I’ll come with.”

Keonho’s iconic smile instantly found its way onto his face.

“YEAHHHHH you guys should be more like Sean.”

The others shook their head at his antics. Could you tell he is the youngest?

“Oh, yeah. Word around the school was that there is a scholarship student joining us.”

At that, everyone froze. Last time they got involved with a scholarship student-

“That’s none of our concern.”, Juhoon said. His tone final. “I wonder if the person’s a boy or girl.”, Martin wondered out loud.

“It doesn’t matter. We won’t be going near them or getting involved with them.”, James finished.

They finished their drinks, preparing to go to the auditorium. The boys may be fearless now, but a devil is now on the hunt for their souls, or what is left of them.

________________________________________________

(THE NEXT DAY)

People thought you were bold to show your face at school the next day. As you walked down the hallway, people’s eyes followed your every move. You were their latest piece of entertainment and you were so ready to be the star of the show.

Before you could enter your form room, a voice called out to you. Hwa-young. “Morning. Get home safe?”

“Good morning to you too. Yes, I did, thanks!”

“There’s a free spot at our lunch table today. Wanna join?”

Again, a command not an option. These people loved to dictate how things worked around them. How performative.

“Also, Seonghyeon will be there.”, Hwa-young whispered, grinning slightly. Were people that willing to see you and him together?

“Since you invited me, I can’t turn down your offer, can I? I’ll be there.”

“Cool, see ya.”, she said, before turning and walking in the opposite direction. If Seonghyeon was going to be there, then Keonho was most likely going to be present. Those two are never really seen separately. You could really kill two birds with one stone today. Walking through the form room door, you made a beeline for the back of the classroom. You dropped your bag, ready to daydream in piece, when someone tapped your shoulder. It was the blond boy from yesterday. If he became a problem, you were more than happy to get rid of him.

“Is it true you kissed Seonghyeon at the party last night?”

“Yes, I did. Got a problem with it?”

“A slight one. If you ever get bored I’m more than willing to fill in his spot.”

“I don’t think he will like the idea of that. I don’t even know your name.”

“Na Hajoon. Remember that.”

You most definitely will. It will make it easier to find his funeral wreath.

Before he could open his mouth to spout any more nonsense that would bring forward his death day, Ms Park walked in.

“Everyone, settle down!”

Her eyes scanned over the class, settling on yours for an unnecessary amount of time. You seemed to have grabbed everyone’s attention. Perfect.

After she had taken the register, everyone turned to talk to their seat partners. Ms Park walked towards you, her heels clacking obnoxiously on the floor.

“May I have a word with you outside?”, she whispered.

Plastering your practiced smile, you responded:

“Of course!”

Outside of the classroom, her eyes seemed more piercing than further away. Her eyes kept ok travelling to your tie.

“I have heard from your English teacher, Professor Katō, that you haven’t been settling in particular well.”

That was it. You were going to kill him.

“I feel like I’ve been settling in just fine.”

“He thinks otherwise. He would like to meet you in his office after lunch. You have a free period for the rest of the afternoon, correct?”

“Yes, I do.”

“See to it that you go see him. It’s only your second day here. Don’t stir up more trouble.”

“Yes, Ms Park.”

That offer that Seonghyeon had given you was looking very tempting.

________________________________________________

Your first lesson of the day was Art. It was the perfect subject to get lost in. It was thankfully a double period, so you were ready to spend time focusing on your pieces.

As you dropped everything at your workstation, you turned around to grab some more fabrics. Behind you, with a now infamous smile, was Keonho.

“Fancy seeing you in this class.”

“Good morning to you too, Keonho.”

You moved around him to continue with what you were doing, but he took that as a sign to follow you around.

“Seonghyeon doesn’t usually do stuff like that.”

“Oh, really?”

Keonho seemed to like a little bit of push and pull. Not a girl who is compliant and meek, but not too headstrong. “I heard you are joining our table for lunch.”

“Yep. I got invited.”

“I think you’ll become a regular at ours. There’s something about you, you know?”

“What’s that something?”

“I don’t know,”, he mumbled, stepping closer. “I don’t mind doing a little studying to find out.”

Looks like somebody’s interested.

“Seonghyeon doesn’t seem like the sharing type.”

“You’re right. He isn’t. But that hasn’t stopped me before.”

Oh, he wants you.

You chuckled lightly, “Go and get started on your work. You can’t be behind on the first week.”

A larger smile made its way onto his face. He groaned playfully, before childishly walking back to his workstation. For people who had done horrible things, it felt uncanny to see them feel any emotions like happiness. They had killed, been ruthless and done whatever they had liked. Did people like that really deserve to be happy? They’ve taken things away from people. Things that can never be returned and yet they are allowed to feel joy? It will be soon be time for them to experience suffering.

________________________________________________

The lesson you were dreading the most was English. You hadn’t seen Ara the whole day. You would rather you didn’t. Not that you felt guilty for not helping her , yesterday. Far from that. She could prove herself to be a liability. You didn’t have time for such people. Especially when you were inching ever so close to getting into the closed-off circle of students. You didn’t have time for people like her. People who can’t keep up. People who don’t do things without a second thought. The morally good.

Walking into your English classroom, everyone was already near their seats. Seonghyeon too. Almost like a sixth sense, he looked up at you. What a piercing gaze. Fox-like. Sly. Rebellious. You slid into your seat next to him, taking out your resources.

“Good to see you again.”

“Hi, Seonghyeon.”

His smile wavered at your off-handed response. Right. He loved attention. Turning your body towards him, you flashed him a kind smile. “Had a good day so far?”

His mood brightened instantly. You really needed to keep up this act. Seonghyeon could possibly be the best pawn to use in this game. You couldn’t afford to make a mistake with him.

“It’s been okay. I’m glad to have you as my English partner, though.”

“I’m glad to be yours too. You like English.”

“Yeah, I do. I love to read. Literature is one of my favourite things.”

“I love people who read classics. Their understanding of things are more in depth, don’t you think?”

“That is a stellar point you’ve made.”, the voice of the speaker made you tense up. Professor Katō. Seonghyeon didn’t particularly like him either. He wanted to open his mouth to say something, when your eyes met him in a silent warning. Not here.

“Good morning, Professor.”, you muttered.

“Good morning to you too. I hope you remember you have to come to my office today.”

“Yes, I’ve been told.”

Seonghyeon watched the scene unfold before him. His eyes trained on every minute movement of your face and body. Katō was spending too much time on something that didn’t belong to him. This irritated him. More than he was willing to display to others. He was steadily becoming obsessed with you. He was so ready to let the obsession take over him. It was a high. It kept him sane. He craved for it. Starving and yearning.

“I hope to see you then.”

“Yes, Professor.”

Katō walked up to the front of the class, setting his stuff down. “Already getting in trouble, newbie?”

“No, it’s nothing important.”

“If you say so.”

As the class settled down and the register was taken, Katō’s eyes kept on drifting to your legs. Disgusting. You shifted uncomfortably in your seat, alerting Seonghyeon. He followed your line of sight. Katō.

“Hey. Swap seats with me.”

“What?”

“This doesn’t count as the favour I’m going to do for you, by the way. Come on, swap.”

He grabbed your things off of you desk, sliding it to replace his own. You sat down in your new seat, your legs now covered by the person in front of you. Letting out a small exhale of relief, you turned and thanked Seonghyeon.

“Thank you.”, you whispered.

“It’s nothing.”, he replied calmly.

“Seonghyeon, I see you have moved seats. Why’s that?”, Katō announced. Everyone turned to see what was going on at your desk.

“She couldn’t see the board well from where she was sitting and neither could I. So we swapped. Everything is fine here.”

Katō seemed to be angered by the switch. But he couldn’t expose himself to the whole class, despite everyone knowing. Class continued as per usual. Seonghyeon and you worked well together, surprisingly. He also had a decent sense of humour. But you weren’t here to befriend him. You came to destroy him. Although, it wouldn’t hurt you to have a little fun whilst doing so.

Class soon ended, students dismissed. You and Seonghyeon walked side by side. You suddenly remembered that you needed to offload Ara somehow. “Oh, Seonghyeon. I quickly need to go get something done. I’ll come find you later.”

“You don’t need to me to come with?”

“No it’s ok! I’ll see you later.”

You made your way to the library, Ara had to be there. As you opened the double doors, you climbed the stairs up to the second floor, where you saw Ara at a round table by herself. She was hunched over, her forehead close to the pages of the book she was reading. Occasionally, she would run her hand over her arm. Ghosting it, not touching. “Ara!”, you whispered.

Her head shot up. Eyes widening like she had been caught doing something she shouldn’t have. You slid into the seat next to her. You needed to keep her far away from you. How you were going to do that, you were unsure. You might just have to fake it till you make it.

“Are you okay? I didn’t see you after school yesterday.”

“I’m fine,”, she mumbled. “I heard you went to the party yesterday.”

So she knows. You had to play this carefully.

Before you could formulate a response, she carried on:

“You have to be careful. They are going to drag you into their mess and you won’t be able to get out of it.”

“I’ll be careful, I promise. They invited me to sit with them at lunch, though.”

“It’s better you go.”

“Really?”

“You don’t need to stay and babysit me. You can go.”

Perfect. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. Now go.”

“I’ll see you whenever, Ara.”

“Hmm.”

You had successfully got Ara off of you for now. You had bigger plans to get through, more important things. And you were currently heading to the next stage of it.

________________________________________________

Hwa-young’s lunch table is in the corner of the cafeteria. You have to be invited to sit there. Whether you pay fees or don’t, nobody in their right mind would place themselves at that table without permission. Mei didn’t seem to understand that the rules had changed for her.

You grabbed your food on your way to the table. As not to disturb, you walked up to the table silently. There, was Keonho and Seonghyeon sat next to each other, Hwa-young and Na-bi together and the loud guy from yesterday’s party. “Hey! Look who it is!”, the party guy yelled.

Everyone stopped their conversations, their eyes on you. “Hi guys!”, you greeted.

Everyone’s replies filtered in. Keonho and Seonghyeon moved away from each other, leaving a seat in the middle of the pair. They wanted you to sit there. So you took their offer. You needed to warm up to them this lunchtime anyways.

Light conversation ensued. You got to know the party guys name: Ninomae Masaki. Keonho and Seonghyeon surrounded you with playful banter, finishing each other’s sentences. They really were like twins. Everything seemed to be going your way, when Mei walked up to the table.

Meekly, she approached. Her shoulders, slumped. Eyes, bloodshot. Her head, cast down. You hadn't been here long (not at all) but Mei didn't look like her usual outspoken self. This was your first experiment for your future demolitions. The results didn't look too shabby. It put a little smirk on your face.

"Hwa-young. Can we talk?", she mumbled.

Hwa-young didn't look bothered. Nor did she look interested. Nobody did. Hwa-young did not reply. She continued her conversation with Na-bi, prompting everyone around your table to do the same. Hwa-young didn't associate with outcasts. Mei surely wasn't an exception.

"Hwa-young.", Mei pleaded. Her ego cracking deeper around the edges. She was being ruined. You couldn't wait to put the final nail in the coffin.

Na-bi huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Mei, can you shut the fuck up. Some of us are trying to eat our lunch here. You standing in front of us, isn't going to help to keep our food down."

Mei's apologetic masked slipped rapidly. A person so proud could never be so remorseful. It simply wasn't in their nature.

"Na-bi, you know for a fact that you can't spend an hour sitting still without snorting ecstasy. You are the number one druggie here, so don't gas yourself."

"And Hwa-young. We all know that you have been fucking Na Hajoon since the beginning of summer WHILST being in a relationship. Who's the whore now."

"You are.", you piped up.

"Saying all of this doesn't change the fact that you got around with pretty much the whole school. You are the disgusting one. Be a little less proud of your actions. Nobody will ever want to be seen around you."

Hwa-young raised an eyebrow at your defence. Na-bi exhaling in agreement. The boys remained silent, simply watching. They knew better than to get involved in girl drama.

By now, people had turned around to get a better look of your table. Mei was the laughing stock of the week and she couldn't help but embarrass herself again.

"You bitch!", Mei yelled. Tears blurred her vision, her tone getting angrier and angrier.

"You can go now. Enjoy your lunch!", you greeted kindly.

Not only had Mei destroyed herself, she had given you more material to work with. Having something to hang over Na-bi and Hwa-young's heads is truly a blessing. You really did choose the right person to ridicule. Well done, you.

After Mei stormed away, whispers following in her stead, the table fell silent again. Everyone shared knowing glances, excluding you out of some kind of shared knowledge. That was when Keonho muttered:

"Everything that you heard Mei accuse the girls of, stays on this table, okay?"

"Of course. I don't know anyone else that well anyways."

Everyone nodded and resumed their past conversations. You looked up at the black clock on the wall. Right. You still had 10 to 15 minutes before you had to see Professor Katō. You sighed at the thought of being alone in a room with the pervert. You were so lost in thought that you couldn't hear Seonghyeon calling your name.

"Hey, you good?"

"Hmm? Oh, I'm fine. Just keeping an eye on the time."

"Got somewhere else you would rather be?", Keonho grinned.

Quite the opposite, you thought.

"I have a meeting with Katō.", you sulked. Holding your forehead with the tips of your fingers.

"Katō?", Keonho frownsd.

"Yep. He went and told Mrs Park that I wasn't settling in well."

The Twins exchanged a look. Then Seonghyeon said:

"Let's go for a walk."

Before you could protest, Keonho pulled you up from your seat by the hand, whilst Seonghyeon placed your tray onto his, putting it in a pile of other used ones. They led you through the school, taking you to a place you were yet to explore. The area was far away from the main part of the school, tucked away in the shadows' shadows.

Rounding a corner, the hallway led and ended at a forest green door. Seonghyeon pressed in a code on the lock, the door making no noise as it opened. The whole area seemed soundproofed. Sounds were absorbed and silenced, not to be heard from again.

The room was even darker inside. Keonho moved towards a glass cabinet. Drinks of different colours and sizes stood proudly, each bouncing in the excitement of being chosen.

"You want a drink?", Keonho called out to you, without turning to you. His fingers grazed the necks of the bottles.

"No, I'm good. Why did you bring me here, though?"

Seonghyeon intertwined your fingers together, leading you to a couch. He sat down, eyes never leaving yours. His filled with knowledge, whilst yours laced with curiosity and confusion.

"You need to be careful around that man."

"Yeah, I figured. But you guys aren't telling me much."

"He has slept with a lot of students in this school. He is forceful and manipulative. He takes advantage of others and threatens to reveal what he has done to them."

"Disgusting."

"A friend of ours suspects that he has photos of his victims. They'll be in his office."

"I can get them."

"No.", they said in unison.

"It's not worth the risk.", Seonghyeon said.

"I know I can do it."

"That's not the point here.", Keonho said, frustration making itself evident in his tone.

"Seonghyeon."

His eyes met yours, softening at your pleading gaze.

"You know how you said you would do anything for me?"

"Not this."

"You promised me anything. Do this for me, please."

He began to turn his head towards Keonho when you placed your palm on his jaw, turning his head so his eyes could meet yours.

"For me. I promise I'll be safe."

A thickness filled the air. Keonho sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in irritation.

"If anything feels off, get out of there. Immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes. Yes, I do."

Seonghyeon gazed into your eyes for longer. You leaned in, pressing a soft kiss on his cheek. Standing up, you smoothened your skirt.

"I won't be long, ok?"

Before you could turn the door knob, Keonho grabbed your wrist. You turned your body towards him:

"Keep safe. For me. For us."

"Promise."

You made your way out of the room, the door softly shutting behind you. In the room, Keonho let out a pained sigh. Seonghyeon was glued to his seat. They both knew what the other was thinking: You were going to be the death of them.

________________________________________________

The door was marked with a gold plated sign. Even the door was obnoxious. You scoffed at the sight of his name before rapping your knuckles against the oak.

"Come in!", he answered.

You pushed the door open, greeted with the sight of Professor Katō at his desk. He seemed to have been waiting for you. No work was in front of him. No papers to grade, essays to read or lessons to plan. He had simply waited.

"Ah, I'm glad you found your way here."

"It wasn't too hard to find."

His eye twitched at your bluntness. He was used to getting what he wanted. Now you would give him what he deserved.

He stood up from his desk, his fingers grazing the edge of the desk hungrily. He scanned you from head to toe shamelessly. His eyes lingering on certain places. You wanted to grab a pen off of his desk and stab him. Stab him multiple times for the things he had done. He didn't deserve to live. That was your judgement.

"You seem to be struggling to adjust to this new environment."

"I feel fine."

"Don't talk back to me."

"I was correcting your misconception. Is that a crime here?"

His smile was becoming strained. He stepped closer and closer. Closing the gap between you and him. Your feet carried you back towards the wall next to the door.

"Stop.", you said, voice quivering but strong.

He didn't listen. He advanced towards you with the laziness of a predator cornering its prey. It was disrespectful.

He was entering a space where you could smell his cologne. It was like a poison to you. It filled your lungs in small particles, puncturing the walls, suffocating you. Hot tears scalded your eyes, fear was settling in. You opened your mouth to yell, when a sharp knock sounded against the door. At the urgency of a snake retreating after a snapping bite, he moved back reaching to open the door. You stumbled to the door, hoping for your saviour to catch a glimpse of you and rescue you.

Katō opened the door and on the other side was Kim Juhoon.

“Kim Juhoon.”, Professor Katō’s tone was full of surprise.

“Good afternoon, Professor. I just bumped into Mei, she asked to see you. Urgently.”

Juhoon’s tone was calm and levelled. Full of unlimited patience until someone rubbed him the wrong way.

Katō’s eyes widened at Mei’s name. You scoffed internally. He had slept with her too?! That wasn’t a total shock to you. Mei really did get around. He turned to you and mumbled:

“We will continue our conversation later.”

You prayed otherwise. Katō stepped out of the office, his footsteps resonating obnoxiously in the hallway. Juhoon’s eyes followed Katō till he turned a corner. That’s when he turned his attention to you. His eyes were black. Very black. His pupils filled majority of his eyes, bringing a docile air to him. His voice contrasted that. His frame too. “Try the first drawer. Hurry.”

His deep timber of a voice shocked you. The words took their time registering in your ears. You straightened up and made your way to the desk. In it was a red envelope. Not exactly slick from Katō. You grabbed it, before you realised that you had just listened to a person’s command. He had ordered and you had obeyed. What was wrong with you?

Looking up at Juhoon, you opened your mouth to prod some answers out of him. Instead, he simply raised a hand, silencing you before you spoke.

“Just take it. Don’t tell anyone you saw me here, okay? You can go now.”

And by his words, you walked out of the door, slipping the envelope into the inside pocket of your blazer. You had made it halfway down the hallway, when you turned to thank him. But he was already gone. What an odd person.

As you walked, your thoughts drifted you back to the previous moment. Anger rose deep inside of you, settling into something and gruesome. He hadn’t touched you, but you felt the shadow of his hands on you. You felt sick. Painfully so.

Bursting into the nearest bathroom, you threw up. The overwhelming poison leaving you. Tears sloshed onto your eye line, as you blinked furiously to get rid of them. Now was not the time to be weak. You had a person to kill tonight.

________________________________________________

(AS YOU WERE IN THE OFFICE)

“Why did we let her go?”, Seonghyeon sighed, rubbing his palms harshly across his face. “We don’t know what he will do to her.”

“I was stupid.” The both of them mumbled at the same time. The door slowly opened, forcefully dragging them out of their sorrow. They hoped you had turned back and decided to come back to them. It was Juhoon. Their faces fell. “Not happy to see me?”

“Sorry, we thought you were someone else.”, Keonho muttered, nursing a cup of whisky in his hands. Juhoon stepped towards him and took the cup out of his hands.

“It’s too early to be drinking. What is up with you guys?”

Keonho and Seonghyeon looked at each other. Seonghyeon barely shook his head at him. Juhoon looked back and forth between them.

“Now’s not the time for your twin shit. Tell me what’s up.”

“Hyung don’t get mad but we basically befriended the new girl and now she has gone to Professor Katō’s office to get the photos and we are so so worried.”, Keonho rambled. “You never know when to keep your mouth shut.”, Seonghyeon hissed angrily.

“Did I not tell you to not get involved with the new kid. You guys never listen to me.”

“Can you at least do us a favour.”, Keonho pleaded.

“I told you not to get involved. This is your own problem now.”

“Hyung, please.”

Juhoon shifted from his left foot to his right.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Just make sure she’s ok. If she’s in any danger just-,”, Keonho huffed. “Just make sure nothing happens to her.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes,”, Keonho mumbled.

“I’ll think about it.”

“But-”

“I don’t have to do anything for you. Remember that.”

He angled his body towards the door, before saying:

“Also, James is going to lecture the fuck out of you. Just a heads up.”

And with that he left the room.

Seonghyeon titled his head back in frustration. “Seonghyeon, I’m sorr-”

“Now you are sorry?! You know what Juhoon is like. He’s going to hold it against us for God knows how long. Just like he did with-“

“Don’t. Don’t go there, please.”

The room filled with silence. All they could think about was you.

________________________________________________

You dragged your feet towards the green door, knocking lightly. The door opened presenting two worried faces. Keonho dragged you in, his eyes scanning your arms and face for any signs of harms. Seonghyeon stood behind you, not touching, just present. “Did he do anything to you?”, Seonghyeon said quietly.

“I’m going to kill him.” , you whispered, too quiet for them to hear. Your eyes were wild and hungry for bloodshed.

“Hmm?”, Keonho hummed. He looked at Seonghyeon in confusion, the latter mirroring the same expression. “I said I’m going to kill him.”

Keonho stilled. Seonghyeon’s breath hitched.

“I don’t care if you help me or not. I’m going to get rid of him tonight. Do what you will with that information.”

You dug into your blazer pocket, whipping out the envelope. You pushed it into Keonho’s chest before turning towards the door. “Was anyone there with you?”, Seonghyeon said softly. You remebered Juhoon’s words. The Twins were his friends but he clearly wanted to keep it a secret. Could this benefit you? You were unsure. But you had a feeling you should keep your mouth shut for now.

“No one.”

You turned and headed out the door. Today was going to be Katō’s death day.

________________________________________________

You had thought of many ways to kill Katō. Some more messy than others, but nonetheless successful. They will get the job done. You made sure of that when you made your little ranking table. You decided to go for something a little flashy. Katō’s number was so easy to find. He sleeps with anything that breathes at this point. He has left his disgusting trail in plain sight. How easy. The weather tonight wasn’t its best. Thunder rumbled hungrily whilst lighting flashed in warnings. Wind whipped the leaves in powerful lashes and rain gushed down from the droopy clouds. You pulled out your burner phone. Ready to send the message. All the other teachers had left around the time the students had. Katō was always the last one. You sent a warning:

“Before you leave, come to the sports hall. Unless you want the whole world to know about this dirty, little secret.”

Attached below, was a specific photo that gave you power. The world would come down to its knees if it was to be leaked. That’s why people like you are needed in this world. You only use things like this to punish the bad. You are a fair judge. The sports hall had photos of different girls scattered across the floor. All evidence of Katō’s unseen deeds. It was clear to anyone. You paced slowly, humming a tune when you heard footsteps coming through the double doors. So he did show. That made you happy. Happier than anyone else could imagine. A grin of some sort pasted itself crookedly on your face.

“Good evening, Professor Katō.”

Katō was pale by nature. But in this moment, he looked like a person who was no longer involved with the land of the living.

“How did you-”

“My methods don’t concern you, Professor. These photos would look awfully good on the newspaper, right? National news is best.”, you were having so much fun.

“I’m sorry. I am so so sorry. I beg of you-”

A shrill cackle left you. How ridiculous.

“You are begging?! YOU! When I begged you stop, you didn’t listen. When other girls begged and pleaded, you didn’t listen! You don’t deserve mercy. Not at all.”

Katō was trembling now.

“Please, is there anything I can do?”

“Drive down to the beach. A person will be waiting for you. Listen to their instructions. Don’t ask questions.”

“Thank you! Thank you!”

“Do NOT thank me. Go. Now.”

He scrambled out of the sports hall. Panting heavily, battling the suffocating rain, he ran to his car. He didn’t even bother to put on his seatbelt. He started his car, the tyres screeching in protest at the sudden reverse. He drove and drove and drove. Driving down the cliff route, he sped through the hammering rain and harsh winds. Approaching a bend, he stepped down on the break paddle, hoping to decrease his speed. Nothing happened. His foot stomped and stomped against the paddle but it was too late. The car flew off of the cliff, crashing into the rocks before settling in a burning wreck. You had damaged the wheel cylinder in the hydraulic reservoir for the brakes. He really went out with a bang.

________________________________________________

With the photos in his hands, Keonho stepped towards the burning wreck and poured all of them in. Seonghyeon stood behind him, keeping watch.

“I’m glad she followed through”, Seonghyeon said.

“She doesn’t seem to lie,”, Keonho responded. “It was high time that someone got rid of him.”

“Hmm,”, Seonghyeon agreed. “I wanted to get rid of him somehow but I couldn’t settle on a way to take him out gloriously. This one takes the cake though.”

“Oh absolutely.”

As the last photo burnt to a crisp, Keonho stared into the fire.

“Martin and Juhoon will take care of this.”

“And your mum?”

“I’ll fill her in later.”

“Ok. Let’s go. I’m starving.”

“Let’s go.”

________________________________________________

At your desk, you spread out three photos. You had slid them out of the envelope when you were in the bathroom. You held the keys, the leverage, all of it. The photo on the left was of Mei. That didn’t shock you. The photo on the right, however, did cause you to raise your eyebrow. You didn’t think Ms Park was one to sleep around with her coworker. But she was a bitch so it made sense.

The photo in the centre, however, was your favourite one. The one you had used to lure Katō to you. There were no digital traces of it. You had destroyed the burner phone and Katō’s phone was definitely destroyed from the crash. This one made you smile. You were definitely going to keep it for later. You kicked your feet in glee, your face not just gleaming from the face mask you just had on. A ping sounded from your phone. It was from an unknown number.

This is Juhoon

I know what you did

Let’s meet up tomorrow

Damage control meeting

Sleep well

Well, well, well. You had earned the attention of the man of the day, Kim Juhoon. You were excited for tomorrow. But tonight, you celebrated. Katō was dead and the girls had been freed. Although, you preferred to keep three of them on chains. Damage control, am I right?

________________________________________________

We are seeing more of the reader’s crazy side! And the Twins showed a little bit of their true colours towards the end. This chapter really highlights how anger consumes and drives people to do certain things. Next chapter will focus more on their evil acts along with Juhoon’s. Thanks for reading! Next chapter will be out on Monday x

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