#changhyun

“That’s what I said!”

“Changkyun, I need you to stall for me.”

“Stall for you? What? How?”

    You were already out of bed, phone in hand and rummaging around your closet for something decent to wear.

“I don’t know, figure something out.”

“Y/n-”

“Please. I trust you. I’ll be there as soon as I can, thanks.”

    You hung up and threw your phone on the bed, stripping off your pajamas and slipping into something more presentable. You were jumping around as you got dressed, only one sock on as you brushed your teeth. As the garage door opened, starting up the car, you got your shoes on, going as fast as you could without breaking the speed limit.

    You didn’t live super far from work, but it took you at least half an hour to get there, so today was already off to a bad start. You hurriedly went through security, greeting those at the front desk and smashing the buttons in the elevator. When you got to your floor you practically bolted out of the elevator, making straight for the conference room. Although Changkyun saw you and pulled you into his little office lab.

“Dude! What the hell, I’m already late!”

“I convinced the boss to push the meeting back another half hour.”

“Oh thank goodness.” You let yourself catch your breathe. “I knew I could count on you.”

“You got ten minutes, and the meeting brief is in your office.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh and another thing.” Chang handed you a bag and drink. “I knew you’d skip breakfast in order to get here on time so I got you your favorite.”

“You’re the best Changkyun, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Me neither.”

    You headed out of his office, a lot more calm and relaxed, taking a sip of your drink, just how you like it. You went over to your office, it didn’t double as a lab and was rather small and empty despite being head programmer. Truth was you didn’t work at the company but from home, you were more productive and efficient that way. You grabbed the brief on your desk, sitting down and flipping through the pages.

“Good morning, miss y/n.”

    You yelled and jumped to your feet, looking around. You were alone in your office, then you noticed the little floating orb in front of your desk. It was the size of a baseball, black, with a glowing blue ring around it.

“Um… can I help you?”

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am an AI unit, designated number 0046. I have been assigned to you.”

“Assigned? To me? What are you talking about?”

“NexGen Technologies wish to create a higher functioning AI. I have basic knowledge of your world, and am programmed to learn from a human such as yourself. I look forward to our time together.”

“When were you created? When was this decided?”

“I am unable to answer those questions.”

“Why!?”

“The meeting that you are to attend in five minutes will discuss my creation and placement with you, among other things. All the questions you may have, you may present there.”

“I…”

    You sat back down, head in your hands, taking a breathe. The AI in your office wasn’t surprising, NexGen was the leading company in AI integration, creating all kinds to help the world, and many were used within the company. The floating orbs tended to have basic functions, you would know since you created the program for all models that were at least fifteen years old, but the one before you definitely wasn’t your work.

“Miss y/n. Your meeting will begin shortly. It would be unprofessional to arrive late.”

“I know.”

    You got up, grabbing your drink and your file. As you walked to the door you noticed the little orb following you.

“Where are you going?”

“I am assigned to you. Therefore I am to follow you everywhere you go in order to learn as much as possible.”

“Everywhere?”

“Excluding public bathroom stalls, and your home bathrooms.”

“Home?”

“Yes. I will be accompanying you home and remaining with you indefinitely.”

“Yeah, no, that’s not going to happen.”

“I am assigned to you and-”

“I know, you already gave your speech, but you are not going home with me. I’m going to talk to the boss and you will be staying here where you’re safe and better off.”

    With that you somewhat stormed out of your office. It was upsetting that such a thing was decided without your input, but you were determined to turn it around.

♥♥♥♥♥

    You weren’t going to make everything about you, so you kept quiet as the meeting began, the little orb just floating above your shoulder. You were quite curious as to what it was doing in the meeting, observing, learning maybe, and why it was so close to you. No one else was really paying it attention, but you noticed it flash red a few times.

“How soon can you start?”

“Hm?” You hadn’t been listening to the meeting, thinking about the little orb, but your boss called you and pulled you out of your head. “What?”

“The project. I presume you read the brief.”

“Ah, yes, I read-”

“The project being referred to would require you to modify and update current police drone programming. Therefore allowing them to be more active in the field to go along with the upgrades they will be receiving.”

“That. Yes. I’m still researching medical protocol for the hospital drones. At my current pace I’ll finish within the next week and then I can start on those updates.”

“Is there any way to speed that up?”

“You know I am very detailed oriented and-”

“If I am permitted to assist with research, then it is possible to begin the new project by the end of the week.”

“What? I-”

“That’s more acceptable.”

“But-”

“Since it’s talking, we might as well discuss. The latest company project is to create a more advanced and rather independent AI. Therefore making it able to handle more than one set of tasks. This is our prototype. Introduce yourself.”

“Hello. I am AI unit 0046.”

“It’s a meticulous combination of many of our older programs with learning capabilities. It will be staying with y/n until further notice. That is all.”

    You quickly got out of your seat and rushed over to speak with your boss, following them out into the hall and to their office. You weren’t gonna beat around the bush so you just asked about the AI that was just following you around like a puppy.

“I already explained in the meeting, and the rest is in the brief.”

“Yes. I understand that. Outstanding work, but I don’t understand why it’s assigned to me.”

“Your programs are the base of its existence, so it’s best for it to learn from you.”

“But I’m not a teacher, I’m just a programmer.”

“You don’t need to sit down with it and teach it anything. It’s job is to observe and learn how to better interact with humans.”

“I get that, but can’t you get someone else? I work from home and I’m not that social. I’m not the best-”

“Y/n, this project hasn’t been revealed to the public yet and we don’t intend to until we have better results. If it stays here, where anyone can see it, then the chances of this being revealed increases. It’s better for you to take it since you work from home. A safe and good learning environment.”

“But-”

“This is also part of your job.”

You sighed. “I understand sir.”

“Good. Now that we’re done, you can go home and return to work.”

“Thank you sir.”

    You waited till your boss was out of sight then started making your way to the elevators. Your mind was immediately on the other project you currently had to work on, your legs moving on their own since they knew the layout of the building. Once upon a time you actually worked there. You were lost in thought until the little orb was floating in front of your face, flashing blue to get your attention.

“Yes?”

“Miss y/n, before-”

“You can call me y/n.”

“Do I have your permission to call you y/n, miss y/n?”

“Yes.”

“Understood. Updating directives… y/n, before we depart, we need to retrieve my charging port.”

“Right, of course, my bad. Where is it?”

“In your office.”

“So is my breakfast.”

    You had forgotten about the little orb so quickly you felt a bit bad, but its memory was great. You grabbed the little black cube on your desk and put it in your bag. As you stepped out of your office you bumped into Changkyun.

“Sorry.”

“It’s fine. I was hoping to talk to you before you left.”

“In the future, be more aware of your steps.”

“I will. Anyway, can we talk?”

“Yeah sure. What’s up?”

“Um… in private.”

“What? Oh… um… unit 0046?”

“Yes y/n?”

“Can you go wait by the elevators, I won’t be long.”

“My program states I am to-”

“Five minutes. Please. If I’m not there in five you can come get me.”

“Understood. You have four minutes and fifty two seconds remaining.”

“Thank you.”

    You waited for the orb to go off, returning to blue, since it had turned red when you stepped out of the office. You wondered if it had been worried about you since you bumped into some. You pushed that out of your head and focused on Chang.

“So what’s up?”

“I just wanted to tell you to take it easy and… keep an eye on that AI.”

“What do you mean?”

“The whole project with it seems weary… and that thing is gonna be living with you, watching you, all the time.”

“What? Is it going to report back to the company that I sleep and work all day? Maybe I’ll get a promotion.”

“Y/n, I’m serious. You’ve told me before that you don’t like the idea of having an AI in your house.”

“I don’t have a choice here, besides, just cause I’ve never had one before doesn’t mean I’m not gonna be open about it. Secret project or not, watching me 24/7 or not, having more advanced AI will be beneficial to everyone. They’ll be able to help more and do who knows what to better mankind. If you’re so worried why don’t you go beg the boss for it.”

“You don’t think I’ve tried?”

“Wow. You just wanted it all to yourself.”

“Look, all I’m saying is be careful, don’t want to teach it the wrong things you know.”

“Yes I know. I have to get going, thanks for delaying the meeting, and breakfast.”

“No problem. I’ll see ya when I see ya.”

“Yeah.”

    You made your way over to the elevators, the AI waiting patiently for you by the buttons. You hit the down arrow and waited.

“Your conversation was only two minutes.”

“Was it? Sorry…”

“It is understandable to provide time for yourself. Is everything alright?”

“Yes.”

“Was it a pleasant conversation?”

“Um… I guess so”

“Can you elaborate?”

“What?”

“I would like to know what was pleasant about the conversation.”

“Why?”

“My apologies, I do not mean to upset you. I would just-”

“You know, how about we save the talking for when I get home.”

“Understood.”

    As you got into your car he followed, floating above the passenger seat. You started up the car then noticed how high the AI was floating in its seat. You gently grabbed it out of the air, seeing it turn orange for a moment.

“Um… is it weird to grab you?”

“No, I am not affected by being held in any capacity. May I ask why you are doing so?”

“You’re supposed to be a secret… I can’t just have you floating around in my car.”

“Understood. Where should I remain?”

“I… can you just sit on my bag? And don’t do anything suspicious.”

“Such as?”

“Float or glow too bright.”

“Understood.”

♥♥♥♥♥

    Once you set your bag down in the kitchen the little guy got out and started looking around. You chased after it, snatching it out of the air.

“Don’t do that!”

“My apologies. I only wished to explore your home.”

“You need to ask permission to do that.”

“Understood. May I explore your home?”

“No.”

“I do not understand.”

“It’s my house… you can’t just… I’ll show you around.”

“That is acceptable.”

    You let it float out of your hand and gave it a quick tour of your house. There wasn’t much to see, and you were talking to an AI so no need to talk too much about any given room. You lived alone, it never bothered you but it was dawning on you that it won’t be that way for long, even if you just had an AI around.

“You have a lot of technology in your home.”

“Yeah. I just… like to be efficient.” 

“Indeed. I look forward to our time together. Where shall my charging port be placed? The office-”

“I’ll put it in the living room.”

“May I ask why?”

“Um… well, I have ground rules. Do you understand that?”

“No. Can you explain?”

“Yeah. This is my house… and you’re a guest here. So like… besides the bathroom, you’re not allowed in my bedroom. You can’t be in the office unless I am there, and you’re not allowed to leave this house.”

“Updating… may I ask the purpose of these rules?”

“Huh?”

“Please explain why these rules are in place.”

“Really?”

“I understand the bedroom, your privacy is important. Although I do not understand the office or house arrest.”

“You’re supposed to learn from me… so I don’t need you surfing the web when I’m not around. And you’re a secret, remember, no one can know you exist. Actually, you don’t exist outside those who know about you in the company and this house. Let’s keep it that way.”

“Understood.”

“Good.” You took a breath. “So, what’s your name?”

“I am called AI unit 0-”

“No, no, you need a more human name, especially if your goal is to blend in with and interact with humans in a more… humane manner.”

“I understand. Thank you for the opportunity.”

“So, what do you want to be called?”

“I do not know. Humans give other humans names, perhaps it is best for you to choose for me.”

“Well I don’t want to take that away from you… how about I just give you a surname? And then one day you can choose your own proper name.”

“That is very considerate of you, thank you.”

“Yeah. So how about… Chae?”

“Chae… sounds good, is this what you wish to call me going forward?”

“Yes.”

“Understood. Updating… I will now respond to Chae.”

“Cool.”

♥♥♥♥♥

    It had been a long day, so once you were home you just prepared a meal and went took the rest of the day off. Chae advised not to but you promised you’d be fine with the deadline. You got ready for bed, making sure Chae was in his charging port first, and went to sleep. You didn’t expect him to do anything, like most AI units, they listened very well, but this one was designed to learn, all on it’s own.

    Once Chae was fully charged he left his charging port. He didn’t need the lights on, so he easily floated around the house, wanting to have a proper layout mapped out. While doing so he learns of all the technology in your house, but of course he does not have access. He also takes notes of what he can. Despite his size, he had some strength too, and arms.

    Usually his glowing ring is horizontal to the ground but he turned so it was now vertical. From there he could extend his arms from his sides and would open the cupboards in the kitchen and anything else he wanted to, taking notes along his way. It would seem like useless things to know but he wanted to make sure he was capable of taking care of you to the best of his ability. In his journey he learned that the office and bedroom were locked. He understood why but he was also perplexed. Clearly you had no trust in him.

    There was not much else for him to canvas so on his way back to his charging port he ran into something, you. Your scream filled the darkness and you collapsed to the floor, something else shattering in the fall. Chae flashed orange for a moment and then registered your presence beneath him. Along with the broken mug. You moved around in the dark for a moment and then yelled when you cut yourself. You swore under your breath then turned on the lights.

“House. Bedroom hallway lights, on.”

    When the lights came on you shut your eyes to adjust. You got up slowly, cradling your hand, then noticing Chae floating around, his light now black, almost matching his metallic color. You sighed and walked to the kitchen, having the lights turned on as well and grabbing the first aid kit. You sat down at the table, disinfecting and wrapping your wound.

“My deepest apologies I-”

“What were you doing?”

“I was familiarizing myself with the house, not listening as I believed you were asleep.”

“Okay. Stay here, please.”

    You grabbed a broom and dustpan, going to clean the remains of your mug. You throw that in the trash and put the medkit away, Chae remaining where you had left him, back to his default blue. Moments later he heard music coming from your bedroom, his color turning black again for a second. A while later you came back to the kitchen fully dressed and started to prepare breakfast.

“My apologies. I did not mean to wake you up so early.”

“Why do you think I ran into you? I was already getting up. Besides, I don’t sleep much as is, so don’t be so concerned.”

“Understood. I acquired all the information I needed through the night, so you do not have to worry about my night walking for a while.”

“Sure. You can continue if you want since I need to go out today.”

“I do not understand. You need to work-”

“Yes, I know, but I need to finish my current project, which requires a trip to the hospital to talk with the staff. I need to know what kind of help they need, and I can’t take it slow cause someone said this project could be finished sooner than originally stated.”

“Am I the ‘someone’ you are referring to?”

“Yes. So stay in the house and I’ll be back before nightfall.”

“But I was assigned to assist you with the project and learn from you, both things I cannot do if you are not present.”

“Yeah but you can’t leave, so you can see what wins out here.”

“That is not true. I can in fact go with you without detection.”

“What?”

    Chae approaches you and suddenly changes shape, becoming a surprisingly normal looking bracelet. You grabbed him out of the air, looking him over.

“Why didn’t you tell me you could do this?”

“I am a secret aren’t I? I also assumed you knew, but given your previous statements it became clear my assessment was wrong. In light of this new information, we can both go. Am I correct?”

“Yeah… and it’s not uncommon for people to have AI bracelets and such, just… those aren’t as advanced as you, so keep it simple, very simple.”

“Understood.”

    You took breakfast to go and drove out. You had to visit a few hospitals, and wound up spending your entire morning in some. You got to sit down and interview some doctors and other staff members so you took notes on your laptop, even going as far as examining some of the current drones they had. You easily got lost in work until your bracelet vibrated, pulling your attention.

    Chae informed you it was around lunch time and you haven’t eaten anything since early morning. He also recommended a few places given what you had already had and what nutrients you needed. You took one of his suggestions and got lunch, finishing up late in the afternoon and going home. Without thinking you put bracelet Chae on the counter, forgetting he was more than a tech bracelet. Although he just took it as a sign to return to his normal orb self.

    You went to your office, Chae following, connecting your laptop so you could transfer notes. While you were doing so you noticed other files, audio files, that you didn’t create. You clicked on one to reveal your voice and that of one of the people you had spoken to. All your interviews had been recorded, you obviously didn’t do that so only one other person was left.

“Chae, did you record my interviews?”

“Yes. I understand you took notes but believed having recordings would be good to go back through if necessary.”

“Yeah but you should have said something. You recorded this without my or their permission. This can be seen as an invasion of privacy. That’s breaking rules, and you shouldn’t do that.”

“My apologies. I just wanted to be of assistance as I was told too.”

“You were today, outside the recordings, you were, so thanks.”

    You looked over your notes, and went through some bits of the recordings, creating a new list, seeing what came up most and figuring out what they all needed. While you worked Chae just quietly floated behind you. At first you expected him to ask questions but he didn’t, and in the silence you got lost in work, and also lost track of time.

“Y/n.”

“Hm?”

“It is nearing midnight. You should turn in for the night.”

“I’m on a roll, so I’m not stopping now.”

“You have been working for hours now. I am concerned-”

“I’ve pulled all nighters before, so don’t worry too much. Besides I need to catch up given I took yesterday off. Come on, quick break while I get a drink and some snacks.”

    You kept working after the break, Chae not speaking up again until you were visibly tired, head falling and drowsy eyes.

“Is now an appropriate time to recommend you go to sleep?”

“Yeah… yeah I should…”

“You seem very tired. I can assist if needed.”

“What?”

    Chae didn’t respond but instead showed you what he meant. He floated over and got into the palm of your hand. You held him softly and he started to float out of the office, guiding you out. He moved slow, making sure you didn’t stumble, and got you to your bedroom.

“Thanks.”

“Of course. I will-”

    You yawned and closed the door, locking it, then going to bed. You pulled back the covers, threw your phone on the nightstand and laid down, quick to fall asleep, unaware of the fact that you had locked Chae in with you. He glowed orange at first, then black for a while before returning to his natural blue. He scanned the room, being the last one for him to map out. Afterwards he watched you for a moment, monitoring your vitals, curious about human functions. His light turned white before he shook himself and returned to blue.

    Chae didn’t want to wake you, so he’d find his own means of leaving the room. He went over and pulled the blanket up so you wouldn’t be cold. Then floated over to your nightstand, where you had placed your phone. He flashed between white and blue, hacking your phone and shutting off the alarm, you would need the sleep.