#eeunoiaverse

“Where are you going?” your head snaps at Ni-ki’s direction when he talked. His eyes darted at you, waiting for your answer and one of his hand holding you on your wrist with firmness.

“To the admin office. I have to get some files there.”

He nods and stood up from where he’s sitting. Your brows furrowed in confusion as to why he’s now standing up from his chair and standing beside you.

“Why?” he asks, like he seems confused too, hand reaching for your elbow.

“Where are you going?” your question made his brows narrow.

“You said we’ll go to the admin office?”

“I said I will go. Why are you coming with me?” his hand stops caressing your elbow and the crease to his forehead deepens.

“Why not?” his sarcasm oozes through his tone. His eyes grew colder as his stares lingers to you longer.

“Ni-ki,” you let out a strained sigh and tries hard to soften your tone to avoid giving him a wrong idea.

“I will be just quick, you can stay here.”

He raised one of his eyebrow, “Then let’s go together. If it will be just for a short time.”

“But your friends are here...” you glanced at them who seems totally unbothered that Ni-ki stoods up to leave with you. They continued talking about some stuff, most of them you cannot relate.

“So? They don’t mind...” he whispers, clearly losing his patience.

“Riki,” he rolled his eyes.

“It’s either you let me go with you or you stay here.”

You stared right to his eyes. He didn’t budge as well and just silently watch you stare at him. Ni-ki won’t back down no matter how long you look at him that way.

“Okay...” in the end, you’re the one to surrender. Eitherway, it won’t benefit you if you won over this argument. He will be in a foul mood and that only means he will give you a hard time the whole day.

He smiles and leans down to give you a peck on your lips. He slide his large, warm hand down from your elbow to intertwin your hands together.

“We’ll just go to the admin office, hyungs.” his friends whips their heads at your direction.

“What you’re going to do in the admin office?” Jungwon asks curiously.

Ni-ki shrugs his shoulder as he guides you to start walking, pressing his chest on your back. “Y/n needs to go there for some files.” he says.

“Then why are you coming with her?” Jake.

“Can’t I accompany my girlfriend?” Ni-ki’s sarcastic words made some of his friends grin widely. Jay shakes his head at the younger’s answer.

“You’re so clingy.” Sunghoon commented and continued on what he was doing before being interrupted by Ni-ki.

He scoffed, “Yeah, whatever.” and he leads you to the building where the admin office is.

“You know I can do this alone, right?” your hands swayed together while walking side by side. The height difference surely is very eye pleasing as Ni-ki gazes down at you.

“I don’t want you to do it alone.” and teared his eyes off of you to look in front. Student’s around follows him with amused eyes, never getting over at how attractive and tall Nishimura Riki is.

Only, they know their limits and place as he’s clearly taken by the girl he’s walking with. You.

Ever since that day he attempted to jump off from the building and threaten you to get back with him, you started noticing redflags that somehow overlooked by your so much love for him.

You have no idea if God just heard your prayer or this is Karma hunting you down. Before, you were complaining on how nonchalant he is towards you. That there’s no enough affection from him, but now, you just want to take it back.

Ni-ki became very clingy. At some point, its a good thing but sometimes its too much that it suffocates you. He wants to be involve at everything you’re doing, wants to be where you are all the time. And if you refuse? He will start to think of unbelievable things, making himself believe that you are cheating over him when all you want is to have some time for yourself.

“Y/n! Are you here for the files?” the school staff smiled widely once she saw you approaching. Her eyes darted at Ni-ki whose silently stalks behind, towering you.

Her smile faltered and sent a small wave to your boyfriend which he just responded with a short nod. He slid his hands inside his pocket and just stood there, waiting and watching you.

“U-Uh, yes.” you tried to give her a big smile to ease the sudden awkward atmosphere.

“O-Okay! Wait up.” and she moves to the back of the office to gather the files you came here for.

While she was doing that, your eyes caught a boy not wearing a uniform approaching the other window next to you. One of the staff attended to him right away, assisting him to whatever he needs.

“I’m new and my class schedules says this is my section. I need my workbooks for these subjects please.” he says in a very polite way.

He looks decent. Like a student who will do average in school, cut class from time to time and someone who knows how to properly carry himself.

It seems like he felt someone’s staring so his head whips at your direction and you got slightly surprise meeting his beautiful eyes. He smiled instantly and waves at you. It caught you off-guard and took a while for a response, only to be interrupted by your boyfriend.

He steps in between you guys then covers the slightest view of that guy.

“What are you waving at, newbie?” his rude and dark tone alarmed you.

Your hand stretches to grab him by his arm, stopping him from doing anything. He didn’t even glanced at you and just kept his intimidating gaze right at the new guy.

He smiled awkwardly at the sudden confrontation from Ni-ki. He raised both of his hand, like an act of surrender.

“Woah, dude. I was just being friendly.” he defended, but your boyfriend remains in a protective stance. He gave this intimidating aura over to that new guy and honestly, you feel bad. There’s no need for this.

“Who said you can be friendly around my girl?”

“Ni-ki, that’s enough. He was just being nice.” you stopped him from saying anything else then grabbed him by his arm.

The tall boy didn’t listen and just kept his stares at the other guy. He was about to take advance when you stepped in front him and placed both hands on his chest.

“Riki,” you called using the most gentle voice you can come up with.

His eyes drop at you and they look pissed, brows draws near each other, jaw clenching and he’s clicking his tongue to his cheeks.

“Please? Let’s just go.” your tone sounded desperate.

He kept his stares while not saying any word, but interrupted when the lady by the window calls your name. You glanced at her and she looked so confuse as to what’s happening at the moment. A small smile is what you gave her before holding onto Ni-ki’s arm again to tug him closer the window.

Not giving him any chances of going to that newbie.

“Is this it? Thank you so much!” you gently accepted the file from her and dragged your boyfriend out from that place. He’s even giving that guy a dirty look when you managed to pull him away.

Once far enough, you stopped then steps in front of him. Ni-ki stares down at you. His cold, piercing eyes bore into you. He slids his hands inside his pockets then slightly cocks one of his eye brows.

“Seriously? Do you really have to do that?” you sound frustrated and in distress.

He’s really not that friendly, you know that. But he doesn’t have to be rude. Specially if the other person is not even doing anything bad.

Ni-ki stares for a while before he rolls his eyes. “He’s flirting on you.”

You gasp, “He waved!” you hissed, trying to make a point to your boyfriend.

He seemed unbothered about it. Clearly, he doesn’t care if he just waved or looked. Ni-ki’s upset that another guy is giving you attention. Its actually bothering you. Alarming that he’s reacting this way for a mere interaction.

“Why are we even arguing about that guy?” he frowns and tilts his head to the side. The dead look on his eyes is even scarier when he’s pissed off.

You gulped and balled your fists while staring right to his eyes. He sighs then gently reaches for your arm to start pulling you towards somewhere.

“I don’t want to hear anything about him.” he firmly stated then dragged you at the direction of your class. You only have a few minutes until the next period starts so you gave no complain.

Your friends, more like his friends, are already inside the class when you arrived. Some of their heads whips once the two of you walks in. The evident frown on Ni-ki’s face didn’t slipped off from his friends. They already assumed something happened.

You settled down on your sit which is beside Ni-ki and behind Sunoo, one of his friends.

“What’s wrong with him?” he curiously asked and even pointed Ni-ki using his chin.

You sighed, “We saw a new guy at the admin office.”

Sunoo furrowed his brows at what he heard, finding it a bit odd. A small feeling ignites inside of you at the possible alliance.

“And?” he asks.

You glanced at Ni-ki and he’s now busy with his phone. His other free hand possessively lays at the backrest of your arm chair.

“He just got mad at him for waving at me. The guy is just being friendly.”

Sunoo stares at you for a while. You’re expecting him to agree with you and to at least lightly scold Ni-ki for reacting this way, but he just sighed.

“I mean if he sensed that the guy’s being unreasonable, then I don’t see anything wrong about it.” Sunoo stated and even shrugged his shoulders off.

“But—”

“Did I say or did not say not to talk about that guy again?” Ni-ki interrupts and even glanced at your direction.

Sunoo smirks while watching you pout your lips at your boyfriend. He knew how despite being scared with Ni-ki, you don’t back down easily. That’s what he likes about you. You make Ni-ki feel more challenged and that’s drives the younger one go insane.

“I was just explaining what happened.” you reasoned out.

He rolled his eyes, “Whatever. Enough of him.” and he slid his phone inside his pocket before grabbing your hand to hold it.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go with us?” that was the third time Ni-ki asks you while putting his things at the trunk of his car.

You gave him a small smile and caress his arm, “Yes. I’ll just try to finish some schoolworks while waiting for you.”

He glances at you before shutting the trunk close. He leans over it and gently tugs you towards him. His hand settles at your waist, making butterflies going crazy inside the stomach.

“All right. I’ll see you after practice.”

You almost cheered inwardly at him agreeing about it, but you made sure he isn’t aware.

“At the rooftop.” you remind him the only place where he lets you stay without him. Students rarely go there and so he’s cool with you hanging out at that place while he practice for basketball with his team.

He nods with a small smirk over his lips then leans in to place one swift kiss on yours. It made you close your eyes, tasting him.

You love your boyfriend, there's no doubt to that. Its just his odd behaviors and possessive demeanor that bothers you most of the time. The redflags are just hard to ignore already and ever since that day he threatened to harm himself if you don’t get back with him, you just can’t help but to feel anxious on deciding for the relationship.

After making sure he left for practice, you did head over to the rooftop.

“Oh...” you’re surprised to see somebody else there.

Leaning over the railings is a familiar person. It was the same guy from days ago. The new guy that Ni-ki rudely sent off. Based on how he reacted, he’s surprised as well to see you here.

“I'm so sorry, is this your place? I’m just chilling for a while.” he’s fast to explain why he was there which is not necessary.

You waved both of your hands with a shy smile, “No, its totally fine. I’ll just occupy this space.” you pointed at the small table by the corner. Far from him.

He watches you carefully and silently.

“Did I got you in trouble that day? I’m sorry.” he says in a small friendly voice.

You looked at him with surprised eyes.

“No, oh my gosh.” and even shyly smiled. “I should be the one asking for apologies for his behavior.”

He tilts his head to the side and can’t help but to notice how adorable you are. He smiles and nods his head, dismissing that matter in a cool way.

You gulped and just try to focus on your assignment instead. A few seconds later, the silence was a little suffocating for him. He’s not really used to it and so he glanced back at you.

“Hey, what’s up with your boyfriend? Does he always react that way? He’s so intense.” he says.

You looked at his direction then scoffed. “Intense? You already think of him that way, what more if I told you he threatened to jump off the rooftop when I broke up with him once?” you spat casually that made him exaggeratingly gasping.

“He did what?!”

You blinked a couple of times because of his reaction. It was a little funny for you, but still kept your composure.

Eventually, you just found yourself being comfortable around him. Maybe the fact that he also thinks that these things are odd makes you feel that you finally managed to find an alliance. Ni-ki’s friends doesn’t seem to find it odd like you so you can’t really talk about it with them.

“I think you should really talk to him about it.” he suggested like as if that’s the easiest way of solving the problem.

“Yes, like as if that would work. I already tried it a million times.” then you leaned at the railings, defeated. At least you talked it out with someone else and for once they actually agreed with you.

“Well...” he inhaled heavily while leaning over the railings, mirroring you. His eyes scanned the field beneath and the sun slowly setting.

“We can’t really judge people by how they show their love. Maybe that’s his way of making it up to you.” he says, that made you glance at his direction with a furrowed brows.

When he noticed how you look at him, he was quick to raise both hands in the air. “Not that I’m saying that everything he’s doing is alright, okay? I mean you did mentioned you wished he showed affection more.”

You rolled your eyes, “But not in this extreme level.”

“Do you still love him?”

You’ve grown silent. It’s been a while ever since that question occured inside your head. The whole situation was stressing you out that you haven’t had a time to ask yourself that same question.

It took time to sort out your feelings before you heaved a big sigh. You pursed your lips.

“Yes.” you answered sincerely. “But I fear him even more.”

“That’s sad.” he commented.

You nodded, because that’s the exact thing you felt with your relationship with Ni-ki right now. You know the feeling where you love the person, but you hate the things he’s doing right now. You hate the way he acts, not the Ni-ki himself. Funny, because you feel the same way before but just in a different reason.

Before you hated how he’s so nonchalant around you. Now, you hated how he’s so over protective. Its making you think that you’re also at fault in here.

“Anyway, I should probably leave before I put you in trouble once again.” he smiled and extended his hand in a friendly manner.

“I’m Taesan by the way.” he smiles that made you smile as well.

Its such a good feeling to know someone outside Ni-ki’s circle of friends. Like a breath of fresh air.

“Y/n... my name is y/n.” and you both shook hands before he left you there.

After he left, you are alone with your own thoughts once again. His words replayed inside your head. He’s right that you should talk to him about it. Communication is key in relationships anyway. You just have to find the right timing for it.

You decided to do the thing you planned on doing in the first place and that is to catch up on some schoolworks. Eventually, you get busy with it and didn’t even noticed that time passed by.

The door opening is what snapped you back to reality. Your head raised to check who it was and you saw your freshly showered boyfriend walking inside. The first thing he did is to shortly scan the whole place then eyes settled at your direction.

“Hi, how’s your practice?” you tried acting naturally. A part of you are a bit worried that he have an idea that you’ve met Taesan here a while ago.

All of that disappears when he smirks at you while greeting you with a warm embrace. He kissed your cheeks and hugs you tightly.

“Awful. Jungwon hyung’s a little pissed of something so he’s slightly making us suffer.” he chuckles in a low tone.

“Pissed about what?” you asked curiously.

He shrugs his shoulder before standing straightly again, one of his hand remains at the low of your back.

“About some boy that bothers his girlfriend.” he said meaningfully while eyeing you straight on the eyes.

You don’t know if he’s referring to your previous encounter with Taesan or he really have an idea that he was here. You gulped and tried shoving that thought off.

“I didn’t know he’s the jealous type.” you chuckled, a little nervous. “I mean I never seen any guys lurking around (name).”

“Well I will be jealous too if someone’s tries to bother my girl. Natural reaction from a boyfriend don’t you think?” he cocked a brows at you before carding his damp hair using his fingers.

“Nobody’s gonna bother me, Riki.” you rolled your eyes and playfully push him off to start fixing your things.

Once your back is facing him, you heaved a sigh and tries to calm yourself. Its hilarious how you’re acting like as if your boyfriend’s about to caught you cheating when in fact that’s not the case.

“They shouldn’t or they’ll suffer serious consequences.” he says, more like threatened.

You ignored his last statement and just diverted the topic about dinner. He casually joined you in fixing your things and thankfully got distracted about the menu you two will be eating tonight since you did planned on having dinner together.

When you made it down the building and over the parking lot, you noticed his group of friends gathered while Jungwon talks to someone. It was Leehan. He’s part of the student council and you almost choked seeing the man beside him.

You felt Ni-ki’s eyes darted at you for a second when he noticed Taesan from the distance while you two walk towards the group.

“Look whose here...” he whispered and you saw his jaw clenches then he renewed his hold to your hand, intertwining your fingers this time.

“Riki...” you warned him.

He raised his brows. “I’m not going to do anything as long as he don’t do anything.” he assures you and you felt relieved.

The group noticed your presence when you’re near enough. (name) turned and lets go from Jungwon’s hold to greet you. Jungwon only lets go of her when he realized it was you that his girl’s about to hug.

“We’re going to eat at Jake hyung’s house! You guys coming?” Sunoo invites you with a bright smile.

Your eyes met Taesan’s for a couple of seconds and you’re quick to glance away. Afraid that Ni-ki would caught you looking and get a wrong impression from it.

Ni-ki stood behind you, towering and setting clear message that you are his. His eyes are darted at Taesan’s direction.

“Ni-ki, this is Taesan. He’s Leehan’s friend. He just transferred.” Jungwon said.

Taesan nodded politely while Ni-ki kept his cold stance. “Yeah, y/n and I met him a while ago.” he said meaningfully with a smirk.

Leehand glanced at Taesan, a bit clueless. His friend just smiles and nodded.

“Yeah, we did.” and glanced at your direction.

Ni-ki threw his arms over your shoulder.

“This is my girlfriend, by the way.” he introduced you like as if he didn’t made a point of it on the first meeting.

Taesan nods, “You did mentioned a while ago.”

Ni-ki’s friends were not dumb enough not to realized that he probably the one he was pissed about when he walks to practice. Jungwon silently eyed his friend and the new guy. The tension was on and he must admit that he has a feeling that if Taesan doesn’t keep a distance, there will be a war.

Thankfully, he managed to tame down the flames and successfully part ways from the two guys peacefully.

Ni-ki decided to ditch Jake’s dinner as he said he needed private time with you. Jake’s a bit sulky, but didn’t push through it after he waves at the two of you.

Your boyfriend walked you towards their family car where his driver awaits. He opened the door for you after you greeted his driver.

“I hate his guts.” Ni-ki mumbles the moment you two are alone.

He didn’t say a name, but you perfectly knew who he was talking about. You let out a strained sigh.

“Drop it, Riki. He’s not worth it.” you dismissed, because it was true. Taesan’s not doing anything wrong and you don’t really want to argue with him.

“Surely.” he said then lift your hand to drop a kiss on top of it while staring right into your eyes.

“You’re going to behave and stay out of trouble, yeah?” he asks with strict eyes.

You pouted and tilt your head to fight back at his stares. He’s very intimidating. His aura and his eyes makes you feel conscious of yourself. They stare through your soul sending direct shivers through your spine. Very intimdating and yet you can’t deny that he looked so good. His slightly black long hair, thick brows, eyes black and dark, nose pointed, and lips so plump.

Your eyes settled at his lips before you leaned in to give him a gentle smooch. After a couple of seconds you pulled away and stared at his eyes. This time, they looked softer.

“Only if you stay out of trouble.” and you smiled that made him smirk.

“Here, baby.” Ni-ki mumbled softly before putting your things down on the vacant chair beside you.

“Thank you. I’ll see you later?” you pulled a small smile at him and his eyes settles at yours. They look a bit intense, like as if its trying to search something in you. It made you slightly shivering.

“W-What’s wrong?” you asked, sounding a bit worried.

He sighed and shrugged his shoulders off. He clicked his tongue after tilting his head over to the side.

“Nothing. I was just thinking that you’ve been skipping to watch our practice these days.” he commented that made your heart thumped.

You chuckled, it was fake and silently you wished Ni-ki didn’t sensed it at all.

“Its not that I don’t want to watch, Riki. There’s really just a lot of activities the past weeks.” your hand reached for his arms to caress it gently.

“You understand, right?” you added. Cold sweat spreads across your back while waiting for his response.

His eyes darted at it for a bit before he nodded his head, “Yeah.”

“Thank you. You don’t have to worry, I promise to watch your every game.” and his eyes moved back to stare right at you. They were intimidating as always, but you can see the familiar warm look on them that he only shows to you.

“All right. I’ll leave you be for a bit. I’ll pick you up here later, okay?” he says and reaches for your hand to make you stand up.

You obliged and watch how he leans down to your eye level. He looked down at your lips once before he lifted his gaze back at your eyes. Your heart did the familiar reaction for him.

He started walking towards the door to leave you alone here at the rooftop, your usual spot. The only place he’s comfortable enough to leave you alone. Your shoulder slumped lower once he’s out of your sight.

He’s calm these past few days. No extreme or intolerable behavior. But maybe because you’re also trying your best not to piss him off just to keep him off of your ass all the time.

The wind blew over your, taking your thoughts away. The situation with Ni-ki is good lately, stable. But it doesn’t mean you aren’t bothered anymore about it.

Your eyes flew over to the door when it opened and Taesan’s familiar face made you sigh in relief. You rolled your eyes at him that made him chuckle.

“Startled?” he taunt that made you scoff.

“Whatever.”

He walked closer and sat at the other side of the table. The past weeks that you’ve skipped Ni-ki’s practices were the times you and Taesan spent your free time here. It’s not that you’re cheating over your boyfriend. You made a friend. The first one outside his circle and honestly, it feels good to have someone to talk to that won’t side with Ni-ki.

“Saw your boyfriend at the back building a while ago.” Taesan started and you glanced at him with curious eyes.

“Really? What’s he doing there?”

He shrugged his shoulder, “Have no idea. He’s with his other three friends. Sunghoon, Jake and Jay.”

That made your brows furrowed hardly. The seven of them are pretty close, tight friendship. A bond built throughout the years they’ve been together so its not a surprise to hear about that. What bothers you is that he is with Jay. He’s a troublemaker. You won’t hold yourself back and also mention the weird aura you always feel from the other two boys.

They’re nice, you’ll give them that. Sunghoon’s pretty quiet all the time and even though he acts friendly around you sometimes, it doesn’t change the fact that you just can’t guess what’s inside his mind.

Jay is loud and proud about him being a troublemaker. That one just doesn’t care about what other people would think about him. Multiple times that something horrible happened and he was at the scene. If it weren’t for his parents’ money, you’re pretty sure he had a lot of records already.

Jake is the most decent one out of the three. He’s always smiling and very nice around you. He’s the type who insist a conversation just to ease the atmosphere. Him and Ni-ki are pretty close since they have a lot of things they like both. Some other call them the Sun and moon.

But sometimes, a very few times you feel this eerie feeling about him. Like he’s hiding something dark behind those pretty smiles of him.

“Y/n... earth to y/n, hello?”

You snapped back to reality after hearing Taesan calling out your name. “What? Are you saying something?”

He chuckled and shake his head lightly, “What’s inside that head of yours? You looked so worried.”

“Nothing. Just wondering what Ni-ki and his friends were doing at the back building.”

“Don’t think too much about it. A lot of students hangs out at that part of the school.” he assured you.

“Yeah, and most of the times they’re doing something bad.”

He pursed his lips. “Your boyfriend is shameless when it comes on acting around on public. He doesn’t need to be at the back building to do something bad, you know?”

You glared at him and he only responded with a laugh.

“They actually looked serious about what they’re talking about.”

Your eyes settles over at Taesan and for some reasons your stomach churns. Even though you two are not doing anything wrong, you can’t help but to feel worried about him.

“Did you make sure nobody saw you coming up here?”

His brows furrowed, smile fading because of your question.

“Everybody is mostly at their classes and the stairs are at the secluded part of the building. Don’t worry.”

You nodded, but that didn’t made you feel at ease. “I just don’t want to get you in trouble.”

Taesan stared at you for a while before sighing. “Stop overthinking it, y/n. I’m glad to find a friend in the new university.”

That made you smile because you actually feel the same. You decided to shove off that thought away and just chat with Taesan about random things. You two talked about your family and friends. You opened up about your relationship with Ni-ki and Taesan’s actually a very good listener. He tries to view both of the perspective and doesn’t judge easily.

“Like I said, nothing can’t be fixed by a good communication. You just have to gather all your courage to talk it out with your boyfriend.”

“Maybe you’re right. I should really talk with Riki about it.”

He nods proudly, “That’s the spirit!”

After a while, he decided to leave since his last class was about to start and Ni-ki will come to pick you up too in a bit.

“Taesan!” you called him when he’s almost by the door. He turn over his back with a confused look.

“Your tie!” you reminded him his tie with his nameplate pinned over it.

He smiled and jogged his way back to your position to retrieve it. “Thanks! Almost forgot it.”

He waved and then left. You stood up and rest over the railing to look over the wide field beneath you. The wind is refreshing and it helps to calm you down. The sky is also pretty, it made you think that its such a lovely day.

Almost half an hour passed and your brows furrowed when you realized that Ni-ki’s late already. It was odd because you’re pretty sure he should be here twenty minutes ago. He’s never been this late. If ever the coach hold them up for more practice, he made sure you’re aware of it.

Your confusion vanished when he finally arrived the rooftop with a small smile over his face. It made you relieved to see that he seems to be in a good mood.

“You’re late. I was about to go and see you there myself.” you greeted him with a warm hug that he returns affectionately. He placed a kiss on your cheeks before pulling away to look at your face.

Both of his big hands rests at your hips and your arms encircled his nape.

“What happened?” you asked when he didn’t explained why he was late.

Riki stared into your eyes, into your soul. The smile long gone from his lips and he remained that way for a while. Quiet and just staring. It made you feel uneasy.

“R-Riki?” you called him out, but still he remained unresponsive.

“Is there a p-problem?”

The corner of his lips lifted and hands buried over your hips, making you unable to move away from him.

“You tell me, y/n...” his low, cold voice alarmed you right away.

“What part on ‘Stay away from that boy’ is hard to understand?” he asked that made your heart fell.

He knew.

“R-Riki..” you started to panic and attempting to move away from him out of fear, but he got you pinned on your position.

“I told you...” his eyes grew darker. “I already told you I don’t like him around my girl and what did you do?” he tilt his head.

“Meeting him here secretly?” his tone sounded too accusing that you are too sure that he got the wrong impression already.

“Its not what you think it is. Please, can you let me go so we can talk—”

“Let you go so you can run away from me? So you can go to him? What y/n, tell me.”

The way he say those words hurts and scare you. Ni-ki isn’t the type to hurt you physically, but you’re still afraid of him. You’re scared of the things he’s capable of doing.

“No, please just—”

He grabbed your wrist when you try to move away from you. He was too fast about it and even how hard you try to free yourself, it was no use.

“You two really have guts to do that behind my back.”

“We aren’t doing anything bad. I swear!”

He scoffs, his eyes completely lifeless.

“You can’t hurt me, Riki. I know you can’t. You’re not like that.” you tried to calm him down.

He smirked, “You’re right. I can never do that to you. I love you too much.”

His words made you stop moving and shattered your heart. He sounded so hurt and betrayed by you and now you start feeling guilty about it even if you two aren’t doing anything bad.

“I can never put myself to hurt you.”

Your lips trembled and was about to start apologising when he lets out a heavy sigh before smirking a bit. His eyes so cold that sent direct shivers to your spine, and your feet freezed like your soul just left your body.

“But guess who I can?” and he slid his hand inside his pocket. Your eyes dropped to watch it and your world started to feel slow.

He pulled something out of it and threw it over the ground. Your eyes started to get teary when you realized what it was.

“W-What did you do...” you whispered, chest hurting so much.

Tears fell from your eyes as you stare at that thing. It was Taesan’s tie and its full of blood.

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After the little chitchat in the garden, both you and Sunghoon heads inside for an early dinner. He asked the cook to prepare it beforehand and since you're too engrossed with the work, you didn't even heard that you'll be joining him tonight.

"Did you drown more flowers today, baby?" he asks playfully after he pulled a chair for you.

You quickly shoot him glares and he chuckles lowly, obviously more amused rather than threatened. The servers around you are pretty busy trying to arrange and carefully prepare everything. He was about to head on the other side of the table where he usually sit, but you stopped him.

"Sit beside me," your voice low, a bit hesitant and the light red tint on your cheeks indicates that you're shy.

Sunghoon was taken aback, his lips opens in awe and even Icarus—who's on the phone, glances at your direction and stopped mid sentence. The servers tries so hard not to show how your request left them in slight shock, afraid that they'd be scolded.

"You sure?" Sunghoon tilts his head, trying to catch your eyes just to make sure you're really comfortable with this.

With blushing cheeks, you nod your head without hesitation and Sunghoon almost lose his mind because of it. He bit his lower lip, trying to suppress a smile but failed miserably. He directs his attention to the servers before gently reaching for your hand, his thumb caressing it softly while still standing beside the chair.

"I'll be sitting here." he informs them with delighted tone.

He moves the chair so he can sit and placed a quick kiss on your hand before sitting down. Your lips pursed into a pout and the two of you enjoys the comforting silence after that bold move you just did. Your hand remains on the table, on his reach and Sunghoon's holding it.

"How was the meeting?" you suddenly asks.

You're not really sure if you'll even relate to whatever the meeting was about, but you just want to hear what happened to his day. He's always been asking you about how your day went from the previous week and now you finally gathered the courage of returning the favor. You figured that if you want to grow closer and slowly get to know Park Sunghoon even more, you should also make an effort… maybe meet him in the middle.

The private conference room inside Jungwon’s company building are packed as of the moment— all seven of them are present along with a few people that's part of their operations team. They have gathered once again just so they can make sure every transactions will be smooth.

This is more like a routine, especially if they have an upcoming big deals they need to pull perfectly.

Sunghoon quietly sat at the left side, back straight, expression unreadable. His suit was perfectly tailored, the dark fabric emphasizing his pale snow-like skin. Beside him, Jake leaned back in his chair, lazily playing the edges of the paper in the folder he's holding, while Jay has his eyes shut close yawning and Sunoo's flipping the pages like the contents has offended him.

Heeseung was on the phone, voice low and signifies patience, handling some client who clearly didn’t know who they were talking to. Jungwon was focused on the report flashing on the screen, eyes darting sharply between screens. And Ni-ki, barely looking up from his laptop—busy playing.

"Is it done?" Jungwon asks, eyes still focused on the screen before it pans towards the employee standing beside it. They looked too nervous to even open their mouth, like he fear so much for his life just for stating the statistics of the transactions.

"U-Uhm…" their eyes darted at the direction of Ni-ki because he was the one assigned for it.

Jungwon and the other boys follows his line of sight and saw Ni-ki's serious expression. Jay opens his eyes when he didn't hear anyone else speaking and noticed that they're eyeing the maknae beside him. He furrowed his brows and leans towards him to see what he's so busy about and he scoffed, before smacking him lightly on the back of his head.

"You fucker," he hissed and the younger one cursed in surprise, "I thought you're so busy checking the portal and here you are playing a dumb game." he exposed him making some of them let out a strained sigh.

Jake laughs lightly and asked for some coffee, Sunoo rolls his eyes and say some side comment about him not focusing at all. Jungwon tilt his head and kept his stare darted at the youngest.

"Riki…" he starts and he instantly glance at his direction. When he noticed the cold, serious expression to his hyung's face, he flash him a small smile before raising a thumbs up towards him.

“The transaction’s in, hyung. We’re clean.”

Jungwon nods, then glanced back at the employee in front. "Keep tracking these transactions until they're fully delivered. We don't want any other incidents happening like last time." he strictly instructed and the employee nodded their head multiple times.

"Also check with the customs thoroughly. Last time, we gone through a checkpoint problem. Make sure that goes smoothly this time." Sunghoon added and eyed them with intimidating cold eyes.

The color's on the employee's face drains out and his lips tremble as he answer him.

"Y-Yes, Sir!"

“Good,” Sunghoon said, his voice low and even. “That means we can now discuss the shipments for next week. We won’t be accepting any more delays.”

“Someone tried to interfere with it last week,” Jay added, tapping his pen. “Choi's people, probably.”

The mentioned name was nothing new for all of them actually, Sunghoon’s jaw tightened. Jungwon seems unfazed about it. The Choi's has been his tightest competition in these kind of transactions.

“Handle it quietly,” he said, tone final.

“Already on it,” Jay replied with a smirk and taps with his laptop.

The atmosphere was calm— calm in a way that felt dangerous for people outside their circle. The tension is heavy, the kind that presses your chest hardly, making it very hard for the employees to breath. The seven of them looked very at ease, calm and obviously the only ones that can manage with this kind of work atmosphere.

But in the midst of this heavy tension, it was the complete opposite inside the small extra door by the corner of the conference room. Muffled laughter echoes from the inside— it was light, melodic, and contradict with the gravity of their meeting that even Jungwon can't help but to crack a small smile from time to time. He glances at the direction of the room.

He got it constructed for his girlfriend, Thalia. Since he often takes her to his office and he doesn't want her all sulky out of boredom, he decided to make her an entertainment room that connects to his conference room. In that way he can still feel close to her.

“Guess the girls are having fun,” Jake muttered, smiling.

Inside the adjoining lounge, Bri twirled in front of the mirror, a shimmery champagne gown hugging her curves perfectly. She stares at the mirror, strictly scanning her reflection. A few dresses scattered on the floor, a lot hanged on a clothes rack at the back while a couple of staff silently assist them.

“Okay, but this one is definitely too princess,” Thalia says, arms crossed as she tilted her head. “You look like you’re about to get married at Heeseung’s mom’s ball.” she laughs at that and she didn't mean it as a bad thing.

Bri laughed, pure sunshine. They did jokingly talked about trying hard not to overshine his Mother at the party. “But it’s pretty! I feel like a fairy.”

“You are a fairy,” Thalia commented with a grin. “It suits you pretty well.”

Bri smiles warmly at her then stare at her sexy dress, “I love what you're wearing right now,” Bri shot back teasingly. “You look like a villain in a movie…. a hot villain.”

“Obviously,” Thalia replies confidently, flipping her hair. “A very fashionable, chaotic villain. Look.” and even did some sexy poses beside her— a tight, black velvet dress with a dangerously high slit, full back is shown as well. Bri laughs at how different their vibes as of the moment, but she couldn't deny that Thalia does look heavenly in this dress.

“This screams ‘I could ruin your life and you’d thank me for it.’” she stated.

"Yeah, but I bet Yang Jungwon will ruin lots of men's life if ever they lay their eyes on you for too long." she jokes that made Thalia laugh so hard.

"No, he won't. Who would even dare to stare too long?" she smirks at the reflection that made Bri smile.

Thalia lets out a heavy sigh before glancing at her way, "You should just go for that one if you really like it. You look really beautiful." she sincerely says that warms up her heart.

"I'll consider this as my top 1 option, then that one for top 2. I'll ask for Heeseung's opinion and maybe his Mom?" she concluded that made Thalia nods her head.

Thalia clapped dramatically. “Perfect! Oh, I just know Heeseung’s mom is going to love you in that dress.”

“I think so too,” Bri said, smirking. “She always say I remind her of herself when she was my age. I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or a warning.”

They both burst out laughing.

Their playful giggles carried on, the kind of easiness that only revolves around best friends. Between teasing, dress swapping, and random dancing in heels, it was impossible not to smile around them. They've been really close to each other ever since introduced, that this can be branded as normal thing for them already.

“Do you think the boys are almost done?” Bri asked, glancing toward the conference room door.

Thalia sighed dramatically before rolling her eyes. “Knowing them? No. They’re probably still torturing those employees, until they end up pissing their pants.”

Bri giggled. “Yang Jungwon probably, but Heeseung? I think he's pretty chill about these meetings.”

Thalis snorted, "Yeah, okay. Keep convincing yourself with that unnie. We both know he can be the scariest among them if he wants to."

Bri chuckles, "Well, he's still the oldest so its given." she stated that made Thalia nods her head in agreement.

"Sunghoon oppa's changing tho, you noticed?" Thalia opens up and brushes her hair while staring at the mirror.

She chuckles excitedly, "Oh, I've heard! Also Heeseung said Aelia's doing a lot better these days?" the look of excitement flashes completely in her eyes.

Thalia nods her head, "She's not teary eyed anymore or handcuffed. She graduated from that." she joked that made them burst out laughing.

"I'm so happy for Sunghoon…" Bri says and even asks help from the assistant to take off the dress.

"Yeah, I honestly think they fit perfectly with each other. Sunghoon oppa is a whole chaos, but with Aelia around it seems like he has found his peace."

Bri nods her head, "I mean, he can really use someone that can tame him down."

They both snorted with laughter— unaware of how that peace was about to shatter from the other side of the conference room.

While the girls are busy enjoying their time inside the entertainment room, the door to the conference room slammed open.

Everyone froze, head span towards the direction.

Standing there, chest heaving and eyes flaring with fury, was Luna. She's wearing a pink terno outfit, her heels clicked hard against the floor as she stormed in, ignoring the startled guards behind her. They looked terrified for not being able to stop her from disrupting the meeting.

Her eyes roamed around and settled down at one guy—Park Sunghoon.

“Sunghoon!” she yelled, her voice echoing through out the whole conference room.

Sunghoon didn’t move. He didn’t even flinch. His gaze was sharp, the look of a man who’d already run out of patience long before she arrived. He's not amused at all having her interrupt such an important meeting.

Jay muttered under his breath with a grin, “Oh, hell.”

Jungwon lets out a sigh and glanced at the security team, Injang's already walking inside to fill him in with what happened. Jake leaned back, clearly entertained. Ni-ki didn’t even look up from his laptop, he just spared her a quick glance and returned on what he's doing. He has no intention of getting involve with this drama. Sunoo tilts his head and raised a brow at her, resting his chin on the back of his hand.

Heeseung rubbed his temple. “Security?”

“They tried,” Jungwon uttered after Injang leans away from informing him about it. “She caused a scene at the lobby.”

“You’ve been avoiding me,” Luna hissed angrily, stepping closer to the table near Sunghoon. Her eyes were wild, voice breaking between anger and desperation. “For weeks, Sunghoon. Weeks! And now I am hearing rumors that you’ve been playing house with some girl? Is that true?”

Jay coughed when he couldn't even stop himself from laughing after what he heard. How she just address the situation.

The girls heard the moment Luna has screamed Sunghoon's name. Bri peeked out from the door, confused. Thalia stood beside her, arms crossed, one brow already arched.

Luna is not a stranger to them, they have seen her around before. She's very persistent on chasing Park Sunghoon around and always throws him this empty threats about things she can do if he continues treating her poorly.

Sunghoon finally spoke, voice cold as ice. “Leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you explain yourself!” she snapped right at him, eyes slowly pooling of tears. “I think I deserve an explanation—”

“You don’t deserve anything from me,” he cuts her off brutaly, tone so quiet and uninterested. He's obviously done with all this unannounced visit she often pulls off. It's getting to his nerves really bad.

The air went still. Even the hum of the AC felt too loud.

“I don't think this is the right time, Luna. We're having an important meeting.” Jay steps in this time, earning a glare from her.

“Don’t you dare—”

But before she could continue, Thalia has stepped out from the entertainment room. Bri was unable to hold her off, and some of the boys pans their head at her direction. Jungwon lets out a sigh and realized that this may not end good. He can try to stop her from meddling, but Jungwon knows his girl so well.

Jungwon glances at Injang’s direction and shakes his head once, informing his assistant that there’s no need to stop her for the mean time.

Jay's grin grew wider at the sight of Thalia, excited for what's about to unfold. Jake whistles and Ni-ki has now paused his game. Sunoo smirks as well at this point and listens attentively. Heeseung craned his neck to look over his girl, checking on her.

“Oh, please,” Thalia started, her voice dripping with sass. “You barge into a private meeting, screaming like you’re auditioning for an opera, and then start demanding something you clearly don't deserve. How classy.” she pouts her lips mockingly.

Luna clenched her jaw and tries her best to still hold her ground firmly, acting all brave. “Shut up, Thalia. This is not about you.”

Thalia smiled sweetly, unfazed. “Between the two of us, I think you're the one who needs to shut up.”

Bri slowly shakes her head, biting her lips to suppress a smile spreading across her face. She walks towards Heeseung and he slides away from the table slightly to give her enough space to sit on his lap. He pressed a kiss on her shoulder before smiling at her. Jake actually choked back a laugh after hearing what Thalia just said.

Sunghoon leaned back in his chair, eyes flicking briefly to Thalia— calm, unreadable, he looked a bit annoyed that they have to stop the meeting for a nonsense visitor. And now this will cause him more delay of going home to you. Jungwon kept his eyes darted at his girlfriend, a small grin on his face.

Luna’s face flushed red with anger. “You have no idea what’s going on between me and him—”

“Oh, I think everyone here does,” Thalia interrupted, folding her arms. “It’s called a one-sided obsession.”

Jungwon licks his lips and tries to fight his inner self from smiling too brightly.

Luna looked so surprise and hurt by what she just said, but Thalia is way far from done. She slowly strut closer towards her. Jungwon tries to stop her, by gently reaching for her arm when she walks pass by him but she freed herself from his hold too easily.

“I mean, honestly,” she continued. “If a man doesn’t want to talk to you, maybe take the hint instead of humiliating yourself in front of an entire room full of people who clearly don’t care.”

"I don't care what you say, Thalia! You know nothing," Luna hissed back, "My concern here is that bitch he's trying to keep inside his—"

A loud sound echoes across the whole room after Thalia slapped Luna across her face. She looked dumbfounded, the other employees were wide-eyes after just seeing something unexpected. Thalia has this smile, not genuine but the one that shows how unhappy she is on what she heard.

"Be careful of the words you use for my friends." she stated full of anger that sent direct shivers to Luna's spine. She raised her chin, mask out the clear fear flashing through her eyes.

Luna looked ready to explode. “You little—” and raises her hand but even before she can slap her back, a hand hold her wrist firmly.

"I don't think so." Jungwon's scary eyes bore holes in Luna and she instantly felt like her soul left her body when she met his eyes.

Thalia smirks while Jungwon pulls her behind him, distancing her from Luna.

“Enough,” Sunghoon’s voice cut through the chaos. His tone was calm but final—the kind of quiet authority that made the room still. “Get her out.”

Security finally moved, guiding Luna towards the door. She was still shaken off after Jungwon held her off, but eventually she resumed on shouting curses and empty threats that no one really take seriously.

When the door slammed shut again, silence returned. Jungwon turns to face Thalia and cupped her face. She pouts and tip-toed to kiss him on the lips. He lets out a sigh and snakes his arms over her waist.

For a few seconds, no one spoke. Then Jay snorted. “Well, that was entertaining.”

Heeseung sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I think I have to warn my Mother about the possible scene that can unfold in her party.”

Bri giggled softly. “I know, right?”

Thalia furrowed her brows, "You invited Luna at the party?" she sounded so upset.

"It’s probably Mom. I don't really have a say on the guest list because its her party." Heeseung shrugs his shoulders off before diverting his attention to Bri who craned her neck to her shoulder to look at him. His eyes soften and talked to her softly.

Thalia groaned, unpleased by the new piece of information she just heard. "You'll bring Aelia, right oppa?" She glanced with piercing eyes at Sunghoon.

They all look with anticipation, waiting for his response. Sunghoon looked stressed, while he massage his temple having his eye shut.

"I am planning to." he utters in a low voice.

Jay chuckles, "Ooh, that sounds interesting. Luna and Aelia finally meeting? I wouldn't miss it for the world!" he cheers with big smiles on his face.

Sunghoon glared at him, "Fuck you, I will ask them to block you on the guest list." he hissed that only made them chuckle. It actually made the atmosphere lighter.

"But seriously tho?" Sunoo starts, "If Luna happens to see Aelia, she will lose her mind. That girl will go crazy."

Jake looked concerned, "And knowing Aelia? She's too soft for that kind of scene."

Sunghoon clenched his jaw, he knew that they're right but even before he can say anything Thalia beats him to it.

"Don't worry about her, oppa. I got her. If she ever thinks of getting close to her, she will be facing me instead." she looked too fired up in the idea making Jay laugh, receiving a glare from Jungwon for hyping up Thalia more.

"Hey," Jungwon grabs her arm and made her face him, talking softly at her which she just listened carefully while rolling her eyes from time to time.

"You can bring her, hyung. It's time for her to slowly get used with these kind of gathering and she'll meet Luna sooner or later anyway. It's inevitable." Ni-ki shrugs his shoulder off.

Jay steps in and join, "He's right dude. You can't really keep Aelia caged inside your mansion. Eventually, she will need to interact with these people."

Sunghoon lets out a strained sigh and just rest his back completely on his chair, before throwing his head back in distressed.

Sunghoon was contemplating on how he will ask you about the grand ball. It happened middle of the week, Wednesday night—the two of you found a new habit of spending time with each other, Sunghoon doing his work inside his office while you sit at his office couch, cozy and looking as pretty as always. He cleared his throat and that made you lift your gaze at his direction.

You were sitting comfortably in your pajamas, legs tucked beneath a blanket as you read through your book. Across the room, Sunghoon's leaning over his desk. He's been silent for a while, just watching you, rehearsing the question a thousand times inside his head. He does not want to overwhelm you in any way.

"Do you need something?" you asked a bit concerned. Sunghoon heaved a sigh, there's no turning back now. He have to ask you.

“Do you want to come with me?” okay, he have much better lines he rehearsed inside his head but that just came out of his mouth.

You looked puzzled. “Where?”

He hesitated, fingers nervously drumming lightly against the desk. He can't believe himself right now. A gun pointed straight to his head wouldn't make him nervous at all, and yet here he is, palm sweating just because he wants to ask you to a ball.

“To the gathering Heeseung’s mother is hosting next week.”

You blinked, caught off guard. “The… one you told me about? With big politicians, business partners and all those rich people who pretend to like each other?”

A small, sexy smile tugged at his lips. “That’s the one.”

You tilted your head, very curious. “You want me there?”

“I do.” His answer came quick and with no hesitation, his eyes softened. “But only if you want to. I’m not going to push you into it.”

That was one of the things you noticed about him lately—Park Sunghoon, the mafia boss everyone labelled as cold, ruthless, unreadable. Yet with you, he always found a way to be gentle, even when his presence alone could make others tremble.

You bit your lip, thinking. So far, you're starting to get absorbed by his kind of living, the bodyguards, the quiet calls at midnight, the very private meetings, business trips that usually ends with bruised knuckles, a wound, a shot. You were quite overwhelmed, it is far from how you live your life, but you also weren’t running anymore. Not that you have that option to start with.

“I…” you began softly, “I’m a little worried. That’s not exactly my kind of place, Sunghoon.”

“I know,” he said, standing up from his chair to walk closer to your position. His voice lowered, careful, warm and no hint of disappointment. “If you don’t want to, I’ll go alone.”

You pulled your legs closer to you so he can have a space for himself to sit. He eyed it once, before deciding to take a sit next your body, eyes going towards you without saying anything. His eyes silently asking if it was okay and you just let him stay close to you.

He smirks then reaches for your legs to rest it on his lap for a more comfortable position. Your cheeks burned, feeling his warm, big hands rest gently on your skin.

You met his eyes, “But I think maybe it’s also the time I try to see it— your world, I mean.”

The look that crossed his face at that moment was pure, unguarded joy.

He exhaled slowly, a chuckle escaping his throat. “For real, baby?”

You chuckled at how adorable his reaction was. "Yes." and you gave a short nod. He smiles even bigger and softer, you couldn't believe your eyes. He reached for your hand and pressed a kiss on top of it.

The day after, you just found yourself in one of the private high-end boutiques in town. The kind of place that looked like it belonged in a movie. You've heard from Sunghoon that this place was highly suggested by Thalia and she specifically asked him to take you here. She even threatened Sunghoon to let you pick a dress that you're comfortable with.

She was more than delighted after hearing the news of you agreeing to go the ball, but she's out of the country so she couldn't come with you to pick a dress which made her totally upset.

“You didn’t have to rent the entire place,” you whispered as you stepped inside, you're still baffled after being informed that you got the whole place for yourselves.

He pursed his lips. “I want you to be comfortable as you pick the dress you want.”

You laughed softly. “You're unbelievable.”

A small team of stylists greeted you with warm smiles and polite bows, which you returned with big smiles and wave. Sunghoon kept his stoic face, looking uninterested while having his arms possessively resting on your waist. You glanced at him and furrow your brows right away. You nudge him softly and he glanced down at you right away.

"Be nice." you whispered, which he returned with a small smile—towards you and not the workers.

You heaved a sigh and even before you can say anything else, a staff is already guiding you and showing the rack of beautiful dresses they had prepared for you. They have all kinds, silks, satins, lace, and velvet in every shade and style you could imagine. Thalia herself already sent a few notes to the designer about a style you might prefer, just so they can have idea on which dresses they should show you.

Then the fitting begun, two of them guided you inside the changing room where you can walk out after to look at the big mirrors. Sunghoon's sat on a cream sofa, and he's waiting for you to try on the first dress. His black polo unbuttoned just enough to look effortlessly sexy and commanding. He wasn't pretending to be patient, he just waits there for you to come out and show him the dress.

You disappeared for a while and once the doors from the changing room opens, his eyes are fixed at you. Full of anticipation and very excited. You slowly walk outside, cheeks burning red out of shyness while you're wearing the first gown— a deep red, the fabric flowing like beautifully over your body.

“What do you think?” you ask, giving him a small twirl.

His jaw tightened, expression unreadable but his ears obviously bright red. “It’s beautiful.”

“You don’t sound convinced.”

He looked away briefly, clearing his throat. “It’s… showing too much of your skin.”

You laughed lightly. “It’s just my shoulders, Sunghoon.”

“Exactly,” he said flatly.

The stylist giggles and you could practically feel his glare slice through the air. Even before he can say something rude to scare the staffs, you glanced at them and ask for the second one.

The next dress was emerald green, high-necked, but with very controversial low back. You barely stepped out when you heard him mutter, “No.”

You placed your hands on your hips before tilting your head to the side. “You didn’t even look properly! I didn't even step outside the changing room.”

“I looked enough, darling. I can see your whole back from that mirror.” His eyes met yours, and you swore you saw a flicker of something dark, possessive, before he clicked his tongue to his cheek and dismissed the dress right away. “Next.”

“You’re impossible.”

He smirked faintly. “I prefer the term protective.”

The stylists found his overprotectiveness endearing. You, on the other hand, found it unbelievable and yet, somehow, impossibly adorable too.

By the fifth gown, a soft champagne piece with delicate lace and a neckline that stopped before it can show some of your chest, you stepped out and twirled again. The light caught the fabric, the tiny crystals shines like stars.

This time, Sunghoon didn’t say a word.

He just stared and for a moment, his mask slipped off completely. His eyes traced every curve, every soft fold of the dress, every bare inch of your collarbone he was already regretting letting the world see.

“Well?” you teased gently, waiting for his response.

He swallowed, leaning back slightly as if to gather himself back together. “It’s… perfect.”

“You just hesitated.”

“I didn’t.”

“You did.” you argued back.

He stood up then walked toward you slowly, each step careful. When he reached your side, his hand brushed the edge of the fabric at the small of your back, fingers gentle to touch.

“Any lower than this,” he mumbled, voice low enough to make your breath hitch and mind dizzy, “and I’d have to ask to try another one.”

You laughed softly despite the light tint of red to your cheeks, looking up at him. “You’re ridiculous.”

“And you’re stunning,” he said, eyes locking onto yours. “Which is in my opinion, a dangerous combination.”

His hand lingered a little longer than necessary before he stepped back, clearing his throat again. “We’ll take this one,” he told the stylist, his voice back to that commanding, cold and strict tone. The flirty smile on his lips now long gone. “And the matching accessories.”

The stylist nodded enthusiastically. “Right away, Mr. Park.”

You watched him as the staff moved around, arranging packages, whispering about fabrics and jewelry. He looked completely at ease, the quiet authority in his posture, the wealth in his every word, but when his eyes returned to you, the edges softened again.

“You didn’t have to do all this, you know?” you utter even before you can stop yourself. “It’s too much.”

He shook his head in complete disapproval before furrowing his brows. “It’s not.”

“Sunghoon—”

He looked down at you, his voice low, honest. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to show you off.” before gently reaching for your hand.

Your breath caught, heart strings being pulled and warmth expanding inside your chest.

He smiled, barely, just a trace of warmth behind that usual cold facade. “Let them finally see,” he says before licking his lips once without breaking the eye-contact. “Let them see the only thing I’ll never share.”

You didn’t know whether to laugh, blush, or melt. So you did all three in one shaky exhale.

And as he helped you out of the dress later, careful fingers brushing against your skin as if you were made of something too precious to touch, you realized that maybe stepping into his world wasn’t so terrifying after all. Maybe letting Park Sunghoon inside your life is not so bad after all. He isn't the worst person you first thought he is.

Because as dangerous as it looked from the outside, standing beside Sunghoon made it feel like you belonged there, alongside dangerous lifestyle and his quiet kind of devotion.

The night of the ball came faster than expected and you can feel your heart beating so fast inside your chest.

When Sunghoon’s car pulled up to the entrance, a few of his men are already around to assist assure security. The whole place is safe, it’s the Lee’s residence afterall, but Sunghoon just wants to be sure. Not everyone that invited are his allies.

Sunghoon’s the first one to get out of the car, uttering a few reminders towards Icarus before walking towards your side.

Sunghoon extended his hand toward you, gloved and steady. His usual composure was still there, but tonight he looked extra elegant with his tuxedo that he matches with your dress. His eyes softens as they stare straight to your eyes, quietly searching for any discomfort.

“You ready?” he asks quietly, he leans closer towards you.

You took his hand, fingers slipping naturally into his. “You’ll stay with me, right?” the words almost came out as a stutter as the realization of this really happening finally hitting you.

His lips curved slightly, a faint gentle smile that only you ever got to see. “I wouldn’t take my eyes off of you, I don’t even think I can.”

When you stepped out, the crowd near the entrance of the grand hall obviously stunned at the new arrivals. You could feel their eyes on you, curious, shocked, whispering already.

You, in your shimmering champagne gown that hugged you just right and Sunghoon, impossibly handsome in his black suit and tie. His hand found the small of your back, protective and firm as he gently guided you inside.

Every step you took with him drew more attention towards the two of you. Sunghoon seems unbothered about it, probably used to all of it. You, on the other hand, can feel all your nerves trembling because of the number of people inside.

Inside the grand hall, it was like stepping into a different world. The chandeliers above are so big and shiny, elegant decorations, the scent of champagne filled the air.

And then, the whispers began. Curious eyes lingers, some looked surprised and intrigued. You don’t know if it's a good thing that Sunghoon informed you that this will be the very first time he has taken someone to the ball or that just adds to the pressure.

“That’s Park Sunghoon…”

“He’s finally here. And he’s with someone.”

“Is that—?”

“Could it be her?”

Because for months, rumors circulated the whole underworld like wildfire. The young mafia boss who used to cause too much chaos just to search for one girl now looks a bit at peace. Different versions of stories, theories and speculations spreads like virus.

Some said she’d betrayed him, others says that she’d been taken by an enemy, and some whispered that she never existed at all and that he’s totally losing his mind.

But tonight, the truth walked in holding tightly on his arm, looking as beautiful as ever. The most precious person for him in the whole ball, his beloved.

And from the way he held you close, one hand moving towards your waist from time to time, the other occasionally brushing your shoulder as if to remind himself you were really here with him, everyone understood.

He has finally found you. And you were his as much as he is yours.

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You flinched a little in your sleep after hearing a muffled sound. With furrowed brows you tried hard to sit up from lying down as you roam your eyes around the whole room.

You were greeted by darkness since its late already and as far as you remember, everyone in your family went to bed early because you have a morning flight tp catch tomorrow.

You kept still and tried to catch the sound that pulled you out from sleep. Seconds passed and you started to think it was all just a dream. Convinced that it was nothing, you're about to lay back down when you heard yet another faint thumping sound coming from downstairs.

You didn't wait another second and threw your blanket off from your body. You felt your skin shivers at the lost contact of the warm cloth. With hesitant steps, you struts closer to your door room and slowly cracking it open.

The whole house was dead silent adding to the chills you're already feeling. For some reason this slightly felt like a bad idea, but you're in your house. Nothing bad will happen, right?

As you slowly walk down the stairs, you can notice the small light emitting from somewhere. Probably the living room.

"Mom?" you called out in a faint voice, hoping that your mother will manage to hear it from the deafening silence. Your feet are starting to feel cold as you forget to put on a house slippers.

When nobody responded, you inhaled heavily to pull every courage you have to continue walking over the living room. You kept on convincing yourself that nothing's bad is gonna happen to you and this bad feeling are all just you overthinking.

With light and careful steps, you revealed yourself from hiding at the wall separating you from the living room.

Your mouth hanged open and words failed to escape from your lips as you stare at the gruesome scene in front of you. It was like stripped straight out from a thriller book. The whole place was a mess. Broken things all over the floor and blood... there's a lot of blood.

"M-Mom?" your voice cracked and panic lingers through your tone.

Its probably a bad idea to talk since you aren't sure if whoever did this is still in the house, but you can't even think straight anymore. Your heart's racing so bad like it will burst out from your ribs any moment now, your breathing is rigid and hands trembling terribly.

"Dad!" you called, and once again nobody answers adding to the frustration.

Your eyes started to pool with tears as you finally pushed yourself to walk, knees slightly losing its strength. It was a nightmare, but you're not even ready to see your own Mother lying face down on the center of the living room... showering over her own blood.

If only you didn't know that she slept on her white nightdress tonight, you would've mistaken her clothes as red because of the amount of blood on her body right now. You almost collapsed on the cold floor but you hurried on her way.

"Mom!" you cried and reached out on her.

She felt so cold that made you so scared. "W-What happened? Mom! T-Talk to me..." you whispered and roamed your eyes to look for the house telephone to call for help in order to save your mother.

"W-Wait, I will call for help Mom!"

You quickly grabbed the telephone and frantically tapping on the emergency number, but froze after realizing that there's no dial tone. Tears rolled down your eyes nonstop as you pulled the telephone cord that was cut off.

Without wasting another second, you went back to where your Mom is and leaned down.

"Wait for me, Mom! I will find Dad! I will be back, I promise!" you were hesitant to leave her at that state but you know she will be in more danger if you don't do anything.

Your eyes dropped at your hands and it's now filled with blood. When you're almost at the staircase, your steps halted as your heart drops. On the corner of your eyes, you noticed that the hallway towards your Dad's office is open.

If it's a normal day, you would probably not think oddly of it. Since your Dad usually work at home, he spends a lot of time in his house office. But you're very certain that he didn't stayed late last night to work because your parents went to sleep early.

Tomorrow is suppose to be your flight to New York. It has been your dream to get in one of the famous universities there and after receiving a letter from them last month, you didn't hesitate on moving across the globe to chase your dreams.

"D-Dad?" you called out with trembling voice.

You take slow and hesitant steps, each of it feels heavier and heavier as you approach his office door closer. A small faint lights emits from the gap below his door and you can see that it's slightly open.

"D-Dad, Mom needs help!" you said, sounding so frustrated. You grabbed whatever you can just in case you needed something to protect yourself.

You can feel your hands and feet feeling so cold, stomach hurting so much and tears still streaming down your face nonstop.

Once in front of his door, you slowly pushed it open and the first thing that greets you is your father's body lying down on the carpeted floor of his office. And just

like your Mother, his whole body is full of blood and unresponsive.

Your hand lets go of the thing you're holding and the sound of it crashing onto the floor echoed around the whole room.

"D-Dad?" your voice so faint that you're sure he won't even hear it from this distance.

Your mind felt like it's short circuiting and it can't process everything that is happening at the moment. It's too much to even take it at the same time. Your Dad is unresponsive, not even making a slightest move and the thought of having both of your parents dead crushes every bits of you.

Your eyes then slowly lifted up to his swivel chair when it moved and your heart drops at the sight of a very familiar face. Even if the room is a bit dark, you can easily tell who it was. From his wavy slicked back hair, beautiful face structure and nose so pointed.

"Sorry, sweetheart. Did I wake you up?" his sweet voice ringed over your head and he opened the lamp on your father's office table that revealed his face completely.

Your stomach churns seeing Jake's face with a bit splashes of blood all over it. His eyes looked dead cold, almost making it look foreign for you. You've never seen him like this. You know him very well, in fact, you've known him your whole life.

He's your childhood friend and your ex-boyfriend.

"J-Jake..." his name managed to make it out from your lips.

Your eyes traveled from his face down to his body and your tears bursted after seeing how he's showering with so much blood as well. Only, unlike your parents you're very much sure those aren't his blood. None of this makes sense and your mind is a whole mess, but one thing's for sure. Jake is the danger.

Jake grinned slightly and clicked his tongue, "You aren't suppose to wake up, baby. You shouldn't have seen any of these." he stated and his eyes darted at the body of your father still lying down on the floor. His eyes are emotionless, like as if your Father isn't someone he's very close with.

"Well," he lets out a heavy sigh before standing up, revealing the rest of his body which is filled with blood as well.

He's on his usual clothes. Sweatpants paired with his comfy hoodie.

"Sometimes things can go against your plan." and your eyes dropped at one of his hands.

Your whole body froze at the sight of a knife. Bloody knife. He plays with it and even rest the pointy tip of it at your Father's table, stabbing it to the expensive wood.

"W-What did you do to my parents, Jake?" it was honestly a dumb question because the answer is already in front of you.

He shrugged his shoulder off before lifting the knife and checking it out. He pursed his lips and like a psycho, the corner of his lips lifted up.

"They were trying to separate the two of us. I have to do something, right?" he says and stared right into your eyes.

You can't stop yourself from crying even more, chest hurting from the sudden outburst of emotions. He took a step and your feet took one as well, backing away from him.

Jake's eyes darted down at your feet as he remained silent for a while. He pursed his lips then clicked his tongue before gazing back at your eyes.

You're so confused, hurting and scared. All these emotions are trying to fit into your system all at once and it's not a good feeling. You feel like throwing up and at the same time you wanted to just cry even more.

It was odd. The Jake Sim in front of you seems like a stranger. Not your childhood friend nor the ex boyfriend you've loved, and still loving.

Ever since you two were young, Jake has been nothing but the sweetest. He's the most gentle around you. Always flashing you that charming smile. The kindest person you've ever known. You haven't even seen him get mad at you. That's why seeing him right now, standing in front of you while showering over your parents blood is a complete nightmare. You refused to believe this is true.

"You look scared, baby." he stated nonchalantly.

You slowly shake your head and without a word you tried to run for your life. It was a bit hard as your vision starts to be blurry from all the tears and feet felt a bit heavier due to the lack of oxygen from difficulty of breathing. It was too much, everything doesn't feel real.

Even before you can reach for the door a pair of strong arms grabbed you by you by the waist and lifted you up. You screamed at the top of your lungs, throat hurting.

"Let me go!" you screamed and tried hitting Jake wherever your fist can hit.

He remained unbothered and kept you restrained. While busy trying to get free from him, you failed to notice how he secretly pulls out a handkerchief from one of his pocket and covered your mouth and nose with it.

You fight back, wiggling harder and even tried bumping your head to his, but it was no use.

"Shhh, it's okay sweetheart." he whispered beside your face, lips grazing over your ears.

"J-Jake..." you're slowly losing consciousness and arms losing all its strength. Your eyes loses its focus and started to feel heavy.

He wrapped his arms more securely around you to prevent your body crashing down the floor. He kissed the side of your head as he continues cooing you with comforting words.

"I'm here, baby. I'm right here." he says under his breath.

Your eyes looked at his and you can still see that his eyes are stone cold. Dead and left with no emotions.

Even before you can say something else, your own body gave up on you and everything went pitch black.

You wished this was just a dream. A very bad dream.

The familiar creaking sound of the door pulled you out of trance. Without taking a glance, you're pretty sure another hospital staff entered to hand your medicines.

Just by thinking of it makes you feel sick to the stomach. It was horrible. The medicines and the staff. They were all sick to their heads for doing this to you.

"Miss, it's time to drink your medicine." she announced using her sweet voice.

You've always hated whenever they do that. They're treating you like as if you're some kind of glass. Very fragile and can be broken any minute.

Slowly, you looked over your shoulder to look at her. Wearing their usual hospital uniform and holding a tray of drugs that you're pretty sure will mess more in your head, she stood by the door with that stupid looking smile.

"Drink it yourself." you rudely spat at her.

Instead of looking offended, she lets out a heavy sigh and pursed her lips while staring at your eyes. The way it reflects pity makes you want to shove that tray straight to her face. How dare her show that kind of emotion when in fact, they're one of the reasons why you are stuck in this awful place.

"Mr. Sim will pay you a visit later. He asked me to take good care of you."

The moment she said that name, your heart sank. Fear quickly takes over, fist balling and panics rushed through your veins.

"P-Please, no..." the sudden change in your behavior were evident.

"I am doing all right. You said I was being good!" you raised your voice and she looked surprised.

"Yes, mainly why he wants to come. It's his time of the week to visit." she announces that almost made you yell again at her.

You've never left this room or this facility ever since he admitted you here. It's been a year since he killed your parents and falsely diagnosed you of anxiety and craziness. You're already aware that he's sick in the head the moment you saw him that night in your house, but you never thought he's this crazy to actually put you in an asylum. Locking you in and making everyone else believe that you had lost your mind after that night.

You're not sure how he managed to pull whatever he did that day. He manipulated everything and everyone. Making them unaware that the main reason of that terrible crime was the one they're labeling as your savior.

"Miss Y/n?" you snapped back to reality after hearing the nurse calling your name.

This happens more often these days. You space out a lot. Maybe one of the side effects of the medicines they kept shoving down your throat. You tried to resist it. Every way you can think of, you've already gave it a chance but none of it works. Jake Sim had planned everything very meticulously that none of them suspected anything. Or maybe they're really that powerful and influential.

"I don't want to take that." you kept the stern look over your face.

She stared at you for a while then flashed yet another pitiful smile. "All right. I will just inform your doctor about it."

It made your jaw clench after she said that. Whenever they report something like this to your doctor, things just get more worst. You're already tired. Nothing left for you already. Your family is dead already. You are all alone.

Your head lifted up towards the door when it opened again after a few minutes that the nurse left. When you saw the familiar uniformed guys, you already know what's waiting for you.

"Mr. Sim is here to visit you, Miss Y/n." one informed a bit cheerfully.

You gave no reaction to it and just kept your placid expression. They walked near your bed and gently reached for your arms to secure it. It's so painful to be treated like this. Like you're losing your mind. Maybe you are really losing your mind already.

Once satisfied with how they restrained you, they guided you out of your room. Others may think you live much more normally compared to the other patients here. Your room was perfectly designed just like your old one.

Yes. Like how your old room looked like. Except the picture frames of your parents and some other stuff that reminds you of them. The only picture inside that room was the one with you and Jake in it. It's just a photo paper since objects that can be harmful are strictly prohibited inside your room.

You found yourself again entering this special room that looks nothing like an asylum would have. They said Jake personally requested this place so he can have a private room where he can spend time with me comfortably. It was sickening in the stomach. You honestly can't even look him in the eyes without being scared and disgusted.

Jake was already there when you arrived. He turned around facing you with that warm smile. He's wearing his uniform neatly and as he walk closer, you stopped walking. He ignored that and quickly eyed your tied hands.

His face formed a frown, "Why did you tied her hands like this? I told you not to do that." he said firmly, talking to the nurses who walk you here.

"We're just following the protocols, Sir." one answered.

He licked his lips once before tilting his head on the side, "If I said don't tie her like this, you follow my rules." he said and you saw how fear reflects over the nurse' eyes before he nodded his head.

The other one hurry himself to untie your hands while Jake placed both of his hands over to your face to cup it gently, making you face him.

"Does it hurt, baby? I'm sorry. It won't happen again." he assured you.

He sounded so assuring and his tone was so soft like how he's usually is towards you before. But that doesn't bring warmth or comfort to you anymore. For you, he isn't the same Jake Sim that you loved. He's a monster. He's a psycho who killed your parents and ruined your life.

He guided you on one of the chairs and he sat across of you. The two nurses left you for privacy and you can feel your heart races after that door closes.

"Do you have something you want to eat? Are you craving for anything?" Jake asked excitedly as he reaches for your hand that was resting on the table.

Your eyes dropped over it and you wanted so bad to shove his hold away, but you know that ain't a good thing to do right now. Multiple times you've reacted that way around him and he just snaps back at you. Yes, he hasn't hurt you physically but mentally, he will end up torturing you again.

When you didn't respond to his question, Jake kept his smile and caress your palm using his thumb. His hand felt so warm.

"I heard you've been doing so well lately. I'm so proud of you, baby. I'm sure if you kept this behavior, we can ask your doctor's permission to finally—"

"Can you cut it out, Jake?" you interrupted him when you couldn't take how normally he act around you. This is what you hate the most whenever he visits.

He doesn't even show any remorse over his eyes. Not even once did he even ask for apology about what he did to your parents. It's like he's living with his made up lie that somebody else killed them and he saved you that night from danger.

"What do you mean y/n?" he asks, still using that annoying soft voice of his.

You clenched your jaw and bravely looked at his eyes.

"Stop acting like as if you aren't the reason why I'm here in this hell."

He let out a sigh, "Yes, I put you here. But this is for your own good. You're hurting yourself and I don't want that for you. I just want you to get better and get over about what happened."

Your blood boils at what you heard. How dare him say those words like as if it was a very easy thing to do? You just lost your family, your dream, your freedom and yourself. After that night you don't feel the same anymore. You don't feel like you anymore and you know you will never go back to your old self.

A tear left your eyes as you angrily pulled your hand away from his touch and you saw how his eyes dropped at it, looking at his hand that was left resting at the table.

"Fuck you!" you screamed right at his face.

"You're the reason why I'm here! Why do you keep on acting like as if you didn't do anything bad?! Is your conscience haunting you right now that you can't even swallow the fact that you're the one who killed my parents?!" you exploded.

He kept silent and it made you even angrier. That eyes of him that shows no regret. Like it doesn't have any emotions left in them, like it is not a human's eyes.

"Murderer!" you said with all the rage you've been keeping inside you.

Jake stared at you blankly for a few more seconds before you saw how his shoulders fell and slowly eyes turned dead. It made you shiver on your seat. Those same eyes... the same eyes he has the night he mercilessly killed the people you love.

"Yes, I killed your parents." he said in a low voice but was enough for you to hear.

Your face grimaced while tears still streaming down from your eyes. That's what you want. That's what you've wanting to hear from him. You've waited for this moment. For him to acknowledge what he actually did instead of acting dumb about it.

But why does it make you feel more uneasy? He said those words too casually. While his eyes stared at you with coldly.

"So what? They're taking you away from me."

You looked at him unbelievably.

"I decided to go, Jake! I wanted to go. I was the one who applied for that university! You knew how much I wanted that ever since I was a kid!" your body leans forward, both palms resting on the table as you say those words while looking him straightly in his eyes. Hoping that you can knock some sense into him.

"They're manipulating you into it. You're okay here. We're okay, we are happy. Why would you want to go far away from me—"

"Because you're suffocating!"

You rest your back and hands covers your face as you cried heavily. You loved Jake before, there's no doubt in that. People around you witnessed the beautiful love that bloomed between the two of you. It was wonderful. They always thought that you two are meant for each other.

Not until Jake started to be more controlling over you.

He's the perfect boyfriend. He loves you so much, maybe a little too much that leads him to be very possessive of you. He wanted to be involve in anything you do or everything about you. It's not wrong. He's just being a caring boyfriend who just wants to look after his girl and plan your future together.

Only not. He starts to meddle with your life decisions and you can feel that it upsets him every time that you try to dismiss his opinion on anything. And you hate upsetting Jake. Maybe it was the guilt because you kept on telling yourself that all he did is be good towards you and that he's the good boyfriend everybody dreams of having and you'll just gonna hurt him?

You refrain on telling that these things on his face because you don't have the guts to. He's the sweetest person you know, but it turns out he's hiding something deep down in him.

"Then you deserve to be here."

Your sniffs halted and you lift your head slowly to meet his dead eyes. With furrowing brows you gave him a shameful look, but he was unbothered.

He heaved a strained sigh before he stood up and head towards the door. You can't believe he will just leave you here again after rubbing salt into your open wounds.

"You can't keep controlling everybody, Jake." you mumbled, doesn't have any more strength to argue with him.

"I don't need to control everybody, y/n." he started while his back is still facing you.

Your eyes stared at his wide back then he turned to face you with that warm eyes once again.

"I just need you." he stared right into your eyes before he pursed his lips.

With that, he left the room without another single word. You're left crying hardly and wondering where did the man you've loved before. You felt illumoria, thinking of what more is hidden behind Jake Sim's angelic face.

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It was a special day for the family of Yang. The night came alive like a painting— chandeliers dripping with light, violins humming softly in the air, and a thousand candles reflected in marble floors so polished they mirrored the stars. The scent of old wine blended with the faint perfume of roses climbing the balconies. Guards in black suits circulates the perimeter— invisible to those who mattered, but always watching.

The grand hall was set for a feast to celebrate the mafia boss and his wife's wedding anniversary. It was first planned to be just an intimate dinner with family members, along with some very close family friends, but Yang Jungwon refused to let that happen. Despite the many years passed in their marriage, the day he has said his vows was the same day he promised to give Thalia everything. His love never grew less, but instead grew more—along with their kids. He just couldn't help falling in love with his wife as days passed by.

Despite the grand preparation for the event, Jungwon still made sure that the people invited for tonight are his closest friends—that more like a family by now, business men that earned his trust, and a few influential personality that are part of the inner ring of the elite families in the underworld.

The guests were divided into two crowds as they wait patiently for the family to make their entrance. The door opens and they clapped to welcome the couple, Ni-ki has a big grin over his face as he stare at his hyung trying so hard to look friendly around his business partners. Oh, the things he could do for his wife. He can't even blame him, he too, will do it in a heartbeat if his wife asks him to flash smiles to the guest.

"He looks like he's constipated or something," Jay whispers teasingly and groaned when his wife elbowed him, before sending glares at his direction. He pursed his lips and stood back up, making some of his friends chuckle.

He furrowed his brows hardly before roaming his eyes at them, flipping them. Sunghoon—who's standing a few feet away from him, Aelia standing in front of him, flipped him back. Aelia slowly shook her heads at the way they're acting right now.

"All of you still act like kids." she commented that agreed by the wives around them in an instant.

Once Thalia and Jungwon made it at the small stage by the front of the grand hall, they stood proudly with small smiles on their faces.

"And now we would like to acknowledge the wonderful kids of Mr. and Mrs. Yang," the hired emcee for the event smiles brightly before motioning her hands over to the left side of the hall.

A beautiful young girl that plays the violin got her spotlight, you'll notice the familiar features of Thalia on her pretty face and can easily tell that she's the youngest child, Miyeo. She didn't mind the crowd that watches in awe with her performance for her parents. The couple stood by the stage, watching lovingly at their little sweet girl.

"Where's the twins?" Sera whispered curiously as Jay rests his hand over her waist, trying to scan the entrance to check if the two boys—older sons of the couple are there.

"I heard from Noah that they're running late because Jakah has to pick up Joss." Ni-ki grins that made the other chuckle.

"And of course, let us also welcome the sons of the couple." the emcee finally says that made all the visitors look at the entrance, a spotlight darts at the door, waiting for the two boys.

Claps erupted the whole hall when one guy was the first one to appear, he stood there with so much confidence. He's not really flashing a smile, but his face looked relaxed and everyone that are close to the family knew well that this is his normal face expression. The eighteen year old guy stood tall and proud.

"That's Jakah, right?" Sunoo asks his wife and glanced at her. She tries squinting her eyes to get a proper look, see which one from the two is standing by the entrance.

"That's definitely Jakah. If it was Joss, he will definitely start making a scene." Jake chuckles, that the other men agreed silently.

The never ending game of guessing which one is Jakah or Josiah went on. Not because the family aren't close enough to get used by the two or to get to know them better, but it's just that hard. The two are identical from head to toe, and there are times that they play prank by switching themselves—just to mess with other people's mind. Jay smirks while watching Jakah stand there, he reminds him so much of young Jungwon. Not only because they're the carbon copy of their Dad, but also the way he's so calm and reserve.

"Jakah Yang and," the emcee announces and then the crowd went wild after the other twin showed himself.

"Oh my gosh," Ivelle, Jake's wife, raised her hand to cover her mouth, stifling a laugh.

The ladies' mouth went open in shock after the view of the younger twin. Their heads snap over the other side where their kids are standing and the boys are cheering so loudly. When they try to check the reaction from their parents, Yang Jungwon can be seen biting the inside of his cheeks, trying so hard to stop himself from smiling or laughing while eyes fixed at his sons. Thalia on the other hand looked stressed, her hand rests on her forehead while staring at her son.

"J-Josiah Yang.." the emcee finally recovers at what she has seen.

The twins stood side by side, Jakah now have this small grin on his face after glancing at his twin brother that are currently grinning wider.

"Ahh, Joss Yang, pain in the ass." Jay whispers as he smirked at his nephew.

Now, the crowd won't have a hard time to tell which one is Jakah and which one is Josiah, because the younger one just dyed his hair blonde. He looked great, very handsome, his features got highlighted even more and the color suites him.

When the two walks their way towards the stage, Jakah walked in a calm phase, his hands inside both of his pockets. While Josiah waves around the crowd with a playful grin on his face and even shake hands with some of his friends, goofing around. He looked so proud of what he just did, no regrets or shame can be seen through his face. Not a surprise anymore, because Josiah Yang was born confident. One of the genes Yang Jungwon pretty much passed down to his children.

"Josiah..." Thalia has her hands over her lips as she stare at her son.

He smiled sweetly on his mother before caging her into a hug. "Surprise! Happy Anniversary." he greets and pulls away after dropping a quick kiss on his Mom's forehead.

Her eyes darted at his hair, "What have you done to your hair?" she whispers under her breath, touching it gently.

He chuckles and steps aside when his brother leaned closer to give their parents a hug this time. Their Father, Yang Jungwon, stared at Josiah and the younger kept his grin while staring back at his Dad, not fazed at all.

"You're such a troublemaker. Your Mom almost cried." he says, the corner of his lips shifted upwards.

Josiah chuckles, "That's tears of joy, Dad. Trust me." and he groaned when one person hit him at his back.

When he turns around, he saw his little sister frowning while staring at his dyed hair. He flashed a big smile, its his little sister—the only person that can't do anything bad in his eyes.

"Miyeo!" he pulls her into a hug, she lets him cage her to an embrace but pulls away pretty fast.

"Oppa, what did you do to your hair?" her eyes are full of judgment and even if her other older brother—Jakah leans in to give her a kiss on the head, she didn't tear her gaze away from Joss.

"Cool, right?" he asks with a smirk.

She frowns even more, "No, you look like a grandpa." she rudely stated before facing the crowd.

Jungwon coughs out a laugh and the grin on Josiah's face faded in an instant. Jakah grins while watching the scene unfold. Thalia is busy thanking everyone for coming tonight to celebrate one of the special days of their life.

"What did you say?" Joss grunted and even try to reach for her, but she hurry herself on her Mother's side, grinning. She showed her tongue at him and Jakah have to hold him off, preventing him for coming after his sister.

"Boys, behave." Thalia gave them a short warning look after her speech.

The crowd claps and they can even hear some of Jungwon's friend teasing him that he only responded with a scoff. The emcee asked the beautiful family to stand by the middle for a brief picture capturing. Everyone stare at them with eyes full of adoration and respect. No one can deny the success and power that surrounds them. After all, their clan is pretty popular in the mafia world, they are part of the higher class.

Growing up, the Yang twins just became more identical. It was fascinating how one face belongs to two different souls. Their parents--Jungwon Yang and Thalia Yang has been very hands on with them, trying so hard to be part of their children lives. Thalia's very big on gentle parenting and very dedicated on giving her children a normal childhood as much as possible. With the kind of life they're living in, it was almost impossible. Kids born in mafia families learning to hold guns and training for self defenses are pretty normalized. But Thalia doesn't want them to lose the innocence of their childhood and enjoy it while it last.

"Josiah..." she tries to use her strict tone, crouching a little bit so she's eye level with her son.

The boy frowns and stomped his feet while keeping his hand holding his Mom's hand, "But I don't want to attend that soccer game! I hate soccer." he complains.

"But I thought it was working out?" she clearly remembers how his son went home last week--very excited and all smiles, telling how he thinks soccer is for him. They're twelve years old.

"I often receive yellow card for bumping into the other kids. I didn't do it on purpose, its not my fault that they're weak and a bunch of losers." his young voice sounds so upset and Thalia lets out a strained sigh.

On the corner of the room, she heard this muffled chuckle--like someone laughed but eventually stops it. She craned her neck and glanced at her husband, he's wearing this white shirt and a sweatpants. A grin is present on his pretty lips then she gave him a warning look. Jungwon seems unfazed, just stare at her lovingly. It's Sunday morning and it means this will be the only day of the week where the high family will be doing normal family things that doesn't involve any guns or mafia stuff. That rule was made by Thalia and none of them can go against.

After shooting sharp looks towards her husband, she glances back at her son. He seems unbothered, head tilted to the side, waiting for what his Mom is going to say.

"Josiah, that's not so nice to talk about your friends." she raises her hand and brush his pitch black hair.

"They're not my friends." he stated.

She sighs, totally losing it for her son. She straighten her back and glances back at her husband to ask for some help. His eyes are already darted at her, he's holding a news paper on his hand but his attention is focused on her. She crossed her arms and motioned his child towards him.

Jungwon smirks and sets down the news paper that he's holding, "Well I think Josiah really doesn't like playing soccer, my love." he says softly.

"But this is his second sport. I don't know what else I could do with him." her lips pursed and softens while looking at him. Jungwon cannot help but to find Thalia adorable.

To say that Jungwon loves Thalia is an underestimated. It was way more. He's whipped, head over heels, obsessed--name it. And that didn't even stopped when they got married, since he felt like he just earned a permanent part in her life and he couldn't be any happier. When the two of them started to build their own family, Jungwon love just gets more intense. He loves seeing her being a Mom to their child that they made out of their pure love for each other.

"He tried basketball and he's doing amazing at first, but weeks later he's injuring his own team mates." her shoulders lowers in disbelief.

"Mom I already told you, it's not my fault the game's too sensitive." he shrugged his shoulders off like it was just nothing.

Thalia shakes her head at how her son just say those words. Maybe it was really the mafia's genes that makes them very brave and confident. There's no doubt that the two of them are indeed Yang Jungwon's sons.

"Maybe you can just let him play ice hockey. Sin said he will train him." Jungwon suggested that brought light to Josiah's face. He nods his head continuously. Thalia's eyes darted at her son, and then back to her husband.

"But ice hockey is a rough game—"

"That's why it's perfect for me, Mom!" he hops and Thalia crossed her arms in front of him.

"I promise I won't get in trouble if you let me play for the team!" he even clasped his hand together, pleading his mother.

Thalia watches how he flashes her that puppy eyes—she always get reminded of his young husband whenever she stare at those eyes. They do really inherited their Father's genes. Despite Josiah reflecting most of her attitude, there is no doubt that his face features were all from their Dad.

"I doubt you'll do that," she commented, but eventually sighed heavily. "but okay. I guess we can try ice hockey this time." Thalia mumbled that made Josiah smile so wild and jumping around in happiness.

He then embraced his Mom so tightly that made her roll her eyes, a small smile creeping on her lips. She cannot lie that between her and Jungwon, she's the softer one. She gives in to her children's request pretty fast.

The two of them are well known. Maybe having your Father as Yang Jungwon—it really cannot be helped. The Yang Twins, that's what they are most known.

Both sons of the infamous Jungwon Yang, the mafia boss that made impression after handling the clan at such a young age,

When they were seven, they were already learning how to self defense, handle guns— not to primarily to shoot, but to understand control. Their father believed that true power wasn't about pulling the trigger. It was about knowing when not to. He set a good example to the two of them, making them adore and idolize their Father.

Thalia's happy about it. After all, who will they look up to besides their Father, right? She only has one concern, and that is they inherit the phase of Jungwon where he's all chaos and menace. Hopefully, they skip that part.

One thing to take note about the twins is that they deal with things very differently. Jakah usually stays calm and view it in a more mature way, Josiah on the other side act upon his fist more than anything else. He's tough and hard to predict.

Since Jakah seems to be the quiet one, sometimes he also gives the other kids an impression that he's weak. Making him an easier target for other mafia kids.

One afternoon, a group of some mafia kids cornered Jakah behind the training hall.

"You think being the Yang Jungwon's son makes you untouchable?" one of them sneered, shoving him by his shoulder.

Jakah didn't even flinch. His dark eyes lifted lazily to meet theirs — unreadable, calm.

"I think," he starts quietly, brushing the dust off his sleeve and staring at them at their eyes, "you are dumb to even think someone can be untouchable in the world we live in."

They looked a bit caught off-guard by how he talked back with no fear. It pissed them off, how highly he thinks of himself. Jakah turned and walked away.

That was Jakah — unshaken, deliberate. He knew his silence had power. But Josiah, who had seen the scene unfold from a distance, had no patience for restraint.

By the time anyone realized what was happening, Josiah had already thrown the first punch. His knuckles met someone's jaw with a satisfying crack, causing the poor kid thrown down the ground.

"You mess with my brother, you mess with me!" he barked, grinning as chaos unfolded.

Guards rushed in to break up the fight, dragging him off with blood on his lip and laughter in his throat. Jakah just lets out a sigh, shaking his head—but later, after all the commotion calmed down, when no one was watching, he slipped Josiah a clean handkerchief.

"You're lucky they won't inform Father about it." Josiah grinned wider. "He'd be proud I hit straight."

Jakah just smirks and smack his twin brother by his head that he responded with a scowl.

Despite their differences, the twins had their own world. They can understand each other with just look in the eyes, they are bonded altogether. Two souls, but connected in every way. When it was just the two of them, the distance between calm and chaos vanished.

One day, an 18 year old Josiah dials Jakah's number while his arm flexed, maneuvering his car. It took two rings before his brother answers.

"Tell me why Mom just called me two minutes ago, angry and yelling at me for breaking a very expensive vase of her last night?" he stated straightly, a grin plastered on his face.

"I wasn't home last night." he added.

He heard a low chuckle from the other line, "I'll give you one of my big bikes if you keep your mouth shut."

Josiah smirks. He knew it. Jakah may be mature to everybody else, but around his twin brother he can be pretty mischievous.

"Deal." he answered before dropping the call.

That night, he embraced his Mom's anger while his twin brother tries hard not to laughing by the corner.

Whenever they're alone by themselves, they weren't the Yang twins, heirs to a clan of blood and power. They were just Jakah and Josiah — brothers, mirrors, balance.

As they grew older, people often said the twins were inseparable, yet very opposite. But even then, no one could ever deny that together, they were unstoppable.

"Jakah!" the handsome guy remained unbothered in his position, eyes completely locked on his book. The elegant, beautiful girl in front of him pursed her lips as she stood in front.

She crossed her arms and waits for him to acknowledge her.

Eventually, he lets out a heavy sigh before flipping the page of his book. "What do you want?" he asks in a monotone.

She pouts, "You haven't responded on my texts or even answer my calls! Aunt Thalia said you don't have lessons last night." she ranted.

Jakah lifts his eyes and chills instantly ran through her spine. There's really something about the way Jakah stares at people, like he's sucking their soul—leaving you dumbfounded over his beauty.

"I'm busy."

"You're always busy."

"Then you should know by now not to bother me." he spat bluntly, keeping that cold stare darted at her.

She remained unbothered—or at least that's what she's trying to show, but inside she's panicking big time. The way her heart hammered inside her chest, mind going spiral is almost unbearable. But she tried her best to keep her knees intact.

"Are you going to the gala next week?" she asks, disregarding his previous statement of her staying away from him.

He didn't answer, but instead resumed on reading his book. She pursed her lips and lets out a heavy sigh. She tried calming her heart, clearing her throat then ask him the question she's been meaning to ask him.

"Can you be my date on that gala?"

There was pure silence after that. She doesn't even know what his reaction was, and her nerves are wrecking, heart almost jumped out from her ribcage.

She's always been very vocal about what he feels about the eldest son of the Yang clan. Following him around like a dog, chasing after him. But you've never did this before, asking him to be your date. You're always afraid of rejection.

He strained a sigh then closes his book before lifting his gaze back at you, "Will that make you stop bugging me if I agree?"

You bite the inside of your cheeks to prevent a big smile from cracking, "Maybe."

He rolls his eyes, "Then no."

"Fine! I won't be so annoying anymore if you agree on being my date and if you treat me nice in that night." you quickly tries to bargain with him.

His eyes scanned you carefully, "Okay."

That made you smile so wide, "Nice! I'll text you later what color I will wear so we can match." and she started walking away happily.

Jakah stared at her figure that walking away. He rolled his eyes and shut it for a while. She's been like that ever since they were kids. It was okay at first, but as they grew up she gets more fearless of showering him attention.

"There you are!" his eyes cracks open after hearing that playful voice.

Joss—his twin brother is now beneath the bleachers and smirking at him. His hair damp, probably just finished taking a shower after their hockey practice. His big grin as he waves at some acquaintance and wink at the girls around are the clear indication of which one he is from the Yang twins. Well, besides from his blonde hair now.

"Mom texted me to inform you that we will have dinner at Uncle Jay's place tonight." he says before settling down beside him.

"We need to wait for Miyeo." Jakah calmly stated.

His brother nodded without another word.

"Prim was here moments ago, isn't she?" Joss opens up that made his brother frown a little, before he resumes on his signature blank expression.

Joss barked out a laughter, "Come on! Why are you such a snob with her? She's head over heels for you." he says, with that playful grin.

"She's annoying."

"Everyone is annoying for you."

"Except from Mom and Miyeo." Jakah stated quietly before resuming to his book.

Joss laughs, agreeing. "By the way, I heard there's gala next week. Is that why Mom asked our designer to make a visit on wednesday?"

Jakah nods as a silent response.

"Also you agreed with Mom that you will appear on this bidding." he reminds Josiah that made him frown instantly.

"Fuck, I have to go somewhere that time."

He cocks a brow at his brother and looked at his direction, "Where are you heading?"

Joss smirks, "You know where."

"I can't cover for you anymore." Jakah then grins, almost mirroring Josiah's expression. If it wasn't for the hair, people may find it hard to tell which one is which.

"Because of your hair." Jakah added that made Joss look up at his hair, cursing after realizing his brother was right.

"Oh damn." he curses even harder.

Jakah chuckles, a rare sight from the young gentlemen. He's only like this around his family, his smiles are hard to see.

"Do you think Mom will let me skip that bidding? She knew pretty well I will just get bored." he asks his brother.

Jakah shrugs his shoulder off. Their Mom is very strict about these kind of things, also their Dad. They aren't the type of parents who force their children to participate on these events unless they're willing to.

And Josiah happens to promise their Mom that he will attend on the bidding to represent his parents. He doesn't actually like going, but he only did it to get away from some trouble he caused. And now he regrets it big time.

Josiah rolls his eyes and stared at nowhere before he tilts his head, then slowly trailed his eyes back to his brother. A small smile cracks over his lips.

"My dearest brother, can you please—"

"No." Jakah cuts through his sentence coldly.

His shoulder slumped lower as Jakah resumed on reading his book.

"Come on, dude. You stand more chance than me." he plead.

Jakah lets out a sigh, "Or you just skip the damn race."

"The bet is big this time."

"You choose then, attend that race—you'll probably win but in return Mom will probably strangle you to death." his words were brutal, obviously isn't giving him any choice.

It's not like their Mom will do that. She would never—he would even vouch that there's a bigger possibility for his Dad to do it rather than her, but he's just gonna keep his mouth shut, the bigger problem is she won't let him live easy after breaking his promise.

He lets out a strained sigh, "Fine. Maybe I'll ask Noah to take over instead."

They fell silent for a while before he glances up at his brother. He noticed how he's now distracted, eyes not on his book. He slowly follows his line of sight and grins.

"You know she's the daughter of Dad's enemy, right?" Josiah's voice almost made Jakah jolt. The latter didn't even gave him a glance, but instead he cleared his throat before resuming on reading his book.

Josiah smirks before returning his gaze back on the wide school field. The cheerleading squad of their university are currently practicing and he figure out that he will find his twin brother here.

Being twins gave Joss a privilege of getting inside Jakah's mind—not literally, but more like he knew him so well that he doesn't even need to ask.

"Trying to get her is almost equivalent on going through a hole of a needle." he commented.

"Shut up." Jakah insists and eyed him sharply.

Josiah chuckles and raises both of his hands mid-air in surrender. Maybe that's enough teasing for today.

The night of the gala, Prim was all smiles as he enters the hall, arms clinging over Jakah Yang. The young gentlemen have his signature blank face as people stares at them in awe.

Prim's Dad is pretty close with Jakah's father, mainly how she met him in their childhood years. She had always find him fascinating, cool and intriguing. His reserved demeanor draws her in, makes her crave more to know about him.

"Prim, dear. You look lovely tonight." Thalia greets her with a bright smile and hugs her gently.

"Thanks, Auntie!" she giggles and eyes darted at the pair of playful eyes already fixed at her.

She raised her eyebrows at her, but his grin grew wider. His blonde hair is eye catchy and he looks dashing in his suit.

Josiah Yang... the trouble maker twin. People often describes him as a very transparent person. Not in the nicest way where you could read him all the time. Josiah is labelled that way mainly because he isn't afraid to say whatever's inside his mind. He's not as mysterious as his brother, but there's something in him that leaves impression over people. Strong and unforgettable one.

He's always been the playful one back when they were just kids. He used to play pranks on Prim more often than not.

For Primrose, he's the most annoying person on earth.

"You kids enjoy the night, all right?" Thalia says with a smile, her husband's hand rests possessively on her waist.

Before she leaves, her eyes moves over to Jakah who aren't giving Prim his full attention. He seems bothered about something.

She held her son's arm, catching his eyes. "Be nice to Prim, okay?" she says gently.

Jakah only nods his head and off his parents go.

As the night fell deeper, the two only stayed distant. Prim felt disappointed. She roams her eyes and she can see girls at her age enjoying the night. Dancing in the middle with their dates.

She slowly trailed her eyes back to Jakah, and she saw him on his phone. His brows hardly furrowed. She stopped, a bit surprise to see that kind of emotion from him.

"Jakah, do you want to da—"

"I have to go." he utters quickly and didn't even let her finish her sentence.

He walks towards the exit and in Prim's frustration she follows behind him.

"Jakah!" she shouted when she figured she wouldn't be able to catch up on him.

He didn't stop. Primrose grunted when your ankle bended a bit, causing for her to fall down the cold marble floor. It's a good thing everyone's inside at the gala, nobody has seen it happened. But she didn't even care if someone happens to see her fall down. She didn't mind her aching ankle, for her seeing Jakah walk away from her is more painful.

She lowers her head and cries, she lets her tears stream down her cheeks. The music from inside the grand hall is muffled, all she can hear is her heart breaking.

A warm cloth then rest on her, making Prim lift her head. She saw Josiah's blonde hair and he crouched down. He's not smirking or grinning playfully, but instead his brows are furrowed hardly. It was an odd view, she almost didn't recognize him.

"The floor is cold, get up." he said seriously before gently reaching for her arm.

She refused obliging him, instead she just stared at Josiah. For the first time after many years, she didn't shoot him glares and showed her vulnerable side to him again.

"Josiah..." her voice cracks and Josiah clenched his jaw, roaming his eyes on her face.

"He left me. Jakah left me." she mumbles and cries again, she leans and Josiah cages her inside his arms.

He stays silent, letting her cry on his shoulder. Her choked sobs are like stabs over his own heart.

"My night is ruined... this is suppose to be the best night of my life." she mumbles.

Josiah pursed his lips then pulls away from the hug to look at her pretty face. He cups it, very gently and stared right at her tear stained eyes.

"What do you mean, baby? Your night is just starting."

Jakah exhaled slowly, the smoke from his cigarette curling into the air like a sigh. His eyes stares at the gift Prim just handed him moments before they arrived at the gala, thoughts empty.

The faint sound from rustling of the bed snapped him out of his trance, then he take another hit from his cigarette.

"Does your brother even know?" Killia spokes from beside him, she tugs the blanket to cover her naked body. Eyes carefully watching the quiet Jakah beside her.

"What do you mean?" he asks.

"That you're in love with Primrose." she stated, words tasting a little bit bitter on her tongue.

Jakah's jaw clenched. "He doesn't need to know."

She scoffed before rolling her eyes. "You're playing with a dangerous fire, Jakah."

He sighs, trying to get rid of the heavy emotions filling up his chest. Primrose' cries when he left the gala echoes inside his mind like a broken radio, torturing him.

"Mind your own business." he utter under his breath and stood up to fetch his clothes scattered on the floor.

She cocks her brows at him, "Are you meeting me again tomorrow?" and watch him carefully.

Jakah shakes his head, "I'll be flying to Italy with my Dad tomorrow."

She pouts, "That's why my Dad is going there tomorrow as well."

He nods his head, "Are you sure you don't want me to drive you home?" he craned his neck and glance at her.

She smiles a little, trying to hide the ache inside her own heart. This is wrong. They agreed on being nothing but two people mending each other's needs. Maybe the mafia bloods in their veins truly is strong as they crave for some thrill in their lives.

Killia shakes her head, "My Father will be mad if he knew I'm meeting up with his enemy's son."

Jakah stares at her for a while and nodded his head. He heads outside, not even throwing another glance at her. As the room grew quieter, it also left her lonely. The small smile on her face fades too quickly, loneliness swallowing her whole.

She wanted to convince herself it's her pride Jakah's stepping on, but she can't lie on herself. She's starting to have feelings with young mafia boss. Jakah Yang... the son of his Father's biggest enemy.

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The cold wind blew with no mercy that made Jeena hug herself. It's the month of October and the season when the famous frats of their university throws parties left and right. Tonight happens to be one of that Friday Freaky Night and one of her friend invited her in.

She was thrilled after hearing of the invitation. She's been dreaming of attending this party ever since the new semester began. For some, it may be just a stupid party filled with drunk, horny college students but for Jeena, it's so much more than that.

It's a chance to interact with the elite kids in the university. A chance to change where you stand in the whole campus. It may sound funny, but the university is like a wild life. The predators, who's on top of the food chains— in short the elite kids, gets to play with the ones below them. Prey, they're mostly the kids that are helpless around the predators.

And right now, Jeena is part of that group. She hates how some of the kids make fun of her. She's not ugly. They are not as wealthy as them, but her family is not that bad.

While waiting for the streetlight to turn green, Jeena pulls out her phone to try and contact her friend. She has texted her multiple times before she left her dorm, but still no reply from her.

"What the hell is wrong with this girl?" she hissed under her breath and strained a sigh when her friend didn't pick up once again.

She lifts her head and saw that the streetlight is finally green so she crossed the street. A few more blocks and she will arrive at the community where most of the infamous frats are.

Two houses away from the frat house and she can already hear the blaring music. Her heart races out of anticipation and pure excitement. She's been looking forward to this day the whole week. Her eyes scanned her whole outfit then slightly fixed her almost non-existent top and short skirt.

If her Mom sees her in this outfit, she'll probably faint and drag her ass to the church. Well, she can't really miss the opportunity to dress up a little more bolder than usual. After-all, its halloween season. The occasion where girls use as an excuse to dress like a freaking slut.

"Woohoo!!!" Jeena snapped her neck and saw some rowdy guys just in front of the lawn, chugging down a few beers. It was obvious that they're planning to drown themselves with liqour tonight.

Jeena laughs at them and quietly makes her entrance at the house. As expected, it was filled with people. The music is so loud that Jeena feels like her eardrums are about to explode. She roams her eyes and saw how everyone is having their best time.

One boy walks past by her way and handed her a red cup. She thanked him and he just winked before casually brushing his hand on her waist. He continued delivering drinks around and she has an idea that he's one of the host of the party.

Jeena bit her lip as she follows him with her gaze. He's pretty attractive and probably one of the kids that gets to hang-out with the upper-class group of the campus.

As Jeena tries to get more comfortable in the place, roaming her eyes around, observing... her eyes unknowingly darted by the friend group at the middle of the room.

They aren't doing anything special—just goofing around, having the similar red cups Jeena was currently holding. From a far, they seem like a normal friend group. But still, people stared.

Because they aren't just a normal set of friends. They're probably the richest kids in campus. Jeena knows it's not the only reason why people around are always watching them, but also because they looked unbreakable. Like they belonged to something rare. Like being part of that group meant you were seen, and seen fully.

It was the kind of closeness that made strangers glance twice, then look away—smiling, aching, wondering what it must feel like to be one of them.

"You're so stupid, Jay!" Adela laughs, showing off  her perfect set of white teeth. She's pretty, Jeena will be honest. The type of face that always joins beauty pageants and wins it with no sweat. Her grades are average as well. Jeena can attest that she has nothing special except for the fact that her Dad is extremely rich.

Jeena watches how the group laughs as well and the boys cursing at their friend. Adela shakes her head side to side like as if she's done with his silliness before leaning her back towards her boyfriend.

Lee Heeseung. Jeena's eyes are darted at his direction this time. The ace player of the University Basketball team. She can't help but to admire him. With a face that looked carved from marble and a smirk that never quite meant what you thought it did, he moved through life like it was all a game—and he was always winning. He was the golden boy with ink-black hair falling perfectly over sharp eyes that didn’t match his playful nature.

Reason for being part of the elite kids? Heeseung's family owns the biggest mall in the town. He's that loaded.

Jeena's eyes then darted over the playful guy that cause the big smiles over his friend's faces.

Park Jongseong, or people calls him Jay. He was loud when he wanted attention, quiet when you needed answers, and cruel only when he was bored. Which, unfortunately, was most of the time. Jay wasn’t just a bully. He was way worse. He turned mockery into art, insult into poetry, and humiliation into sport. Yet, somehow, people still wanted to be near him—like moths too stupid to notice the fire.

He's also part of the band. Very attractive and jaw line so sharp it slices into girl's hearts. Jay's family owns this Travel Agency company that has branches all around the country. Wealthy boy.

"Get your arms off of me, Jay hyung!" Sunoo rolls his eyes before shoving his friend's arm away.

Jeena pursed her lips looking at young man. Kim Sunoo is someone who never chased approval, and never wasted time pretending to care about things—or people that didn’t matter. He may have this angelic face, but he's nowhere near being an angel and behind those soft, glassy eyes, was a mind sharper than broken glass. She can't really explain why, but there's really something about his snobbish aura.

His family owns three famous airline in the country that automatically secured him a spot for the elite kids. To his friends? He's kind, caring. To everyone else? He was the kind of beautiful that cut like a blade. Untouchable. Unapologetic.

Her eyes then darted at the quiet person beside Sunoo. Jeena can't help her heart to race at the sight of his serious face. He's listening to his friends, but doesn't talk that much. He just grins from time to time. For her, it adds to how charming Yang Jungwon is.

Yang Jungwon, the student body president of the whole University carries himself with an air of responsibility, calm and precise. He is very good-looking. Jeena used to think he's not real when he once approach her as she struggles carrying all of her books. He was quick to help and is very subtle about it. Maybe that was the reason why out of all them, she adores him the most. He treats everyone pretty fairly, making him totally fit for the position.

But maybe leading people really just run in their blood, because Yang Jungwon's Dad is the mayor of your town. Just like him, everyone adores his Dad. People around never forgets to mention how everything seems to be better.

Jeena forced herself to look away from him and moves on to the next person.

Evie Lee. She tries hard not to frown hard while staring at her. She's Lee Heeseung's cousin and that's one of the few reasons why she only made it to the friend group. That's not something that came just from her, but a huge part of the campus says so. She's not going to lie, Evie is undeniably beautiful. Some even stated that her face sometimes doesn't match her mouth. A lot of girls from her class testified to this rumor.

Jeena's eyes then pans on the girl beside her, Cielle Choi. Her friends calls her Cici which is very adorable. She's genuine to her core, with a warmth that drew people in without effort. Her smile was soft, unguarded, the kind that made strangers feel seen. She carried an innocence about her, not the naive kind, but a purity of intent, a kindness that made her beloved by everyone who crossed her path.

Her beauty was undeniable, almost disarming, her graceful features framed by an aura of lightness, the kind of face that lingered in someone's memory.

Cici is Evie's best friend. It's something surprising for some people how the two even get along well when they're a complete opposite. While Evie is the biggest bitch on her batch, Cici is the sweetheart. Everyone just adores her.

"Cici, try this drink!" Evie's grin is wide and wicked as she held a red cup near Cici.

Her friend's eyes diverted from Jay towards the cup her best friend is handing her. She chuckles and reject her in the nicest way. Evie pouts her lips tinted with a bright red matte lipstick.

"Please? It's really good! Just one sip." she pushes even more, convincing her to accept the drink.

Cici stares at her with soft gaze, obviously feeling pressured by her. Even before she can reach for the cup, a hand shoved the drink away making it slightly spill on Evie's dress.

"She's not drinking that." his cold, strict voice sends instant chills to whoever hears it.

Jeena's standing a few feet away from them, but she can still feel the uneasiness just by looking at him.

Park Sunghoon's arm went back on resting protectively on his girlfriend's shoulder. He looks unbothered by how Evie shoot him glare after he just ruined her dress. Cici felt bad and asked for some tissues.

Sunghoon's placid expression remains as he kept staring blankly at Evie. Eventually, she was left with no choice, but to try and clean her dress. Of course, she will have no other choice but to back off because she knew better than to mess with him.

Park Sunghoon, the ice hockey captain. Belonging to a prestigious family of lawyers, he moved through the world with the kind of dominance that made people step aside without thinking twice. His words were sharp, often cruel, and his disdain for anyone outside his circle was impossible to miss. He carried himself like someone who had already won every battle before it began.

But everyone has their weakness and in Sunghoon's case, his greatest weak point is the girl he's holding so closely to himself. Cielle Choi, his girlfriend.

To everyone else, he was cold, untouchable, and mercilessly rude. But around her, the one person who seemed to matter—he was different. Protective to the point of obsession, his arrogance melted into something even more dangerous in its own right: devotion. He watched her like a shadow, like a guard dog that would bare its teeth at anyone who dared to get too close.

Students whispered about him, both in fear and pure resentment, but none dare to ever challenged him. Because with a single look, with that unshakable confidence and quiet menace, he made it very clear that no one crossed him and walked away unscathed.

She snapped out of her delusions when her phone rang. Her brows furrowing when her friend's name flashes as the caller.

"Lizie!" she covers her other ear using her finger, a poor attempt to block the blaring music.

The other line was strangely quiet, her friend's not responding. Thinking that maybe the house has terrible signal, she storms out there. She even bumped into a bunch of drunk students on her way, but she gave nothing but a small sorries.

When she's almost outside the frat house, one person bumped into her on their way outside as well. When Jeena lift her gaze, his tall figure is the first thing she noticed. Then his intimidating gaze follows after, making all her words shoved deep down her throat that she can't even utter a single word.

Nishimura Riki also known as Ni-ki. The japanese boy that's part of the soccer team. His reputation as the cold, intimidating soccer player was well-earned. With sharp, unreadable eyes that seemed to strip people down to their core, he made most avoid his gaze altogether. He spoke little, but when he did, his words carried a weight that silenced rooms.

A lot of girls digs his nonchalant persona, but not so much for Jeena.  She always got the chills whenever she meet eyes with him. She can't really tell what it is, but he's just that intimidating.

He kept his distance, building walls around himself that no one dared to climb. His circle was small by choice. He's not part of the circle she just introduced a while ago, but he sure is one of the elite kids. His Dad is a famous Architect and most of the beautiful establishment around the town is designed by him.

"I-I'm sorry." she finally managed to say.

The person ignored it and continued walking outside. She was about to start walking when another person came running after the first guy.

"Riki, hey!" he jogs and stops him from walking further from the house.

"Where are you going?" Jake Sim.

The angelic face, smart boy and team captain of the soccer team. On the field, he was a force of nature—every movement precise, controlled, like a predator calculating its next strike. His charm was effortless, warm smiles that lit up the campus, a presence that felt both inspiring and approachable. His kindness, though genuine, was measured, never lingered long enough to reveal the full depth of his thoughts. He gave just enough of himself to keep people close—but never close enough to truly know him.

He and Ni-ki are friends. He is part of the elite kids as well. Having his parents as the owners of the most medical facility around town surely earned him a position.

The two of them are very close. This is what Jeena was talking about. It was clear as the water that rich only hangs out with the rich.

But for her, compared to the previous group of elite kids she mentioned, these two are more tolerable. They are nicer and get along with other kids better. They don't give off that mean 'don't sit on our table' type of vibe. They're just born rich and nobody can blame them about it.

"I'm going home." the taller one answered.

"What? But the party's just getting started." Jake encourages his friend to go back, but it's not working out.

"I already told you I don't want to go." Ni-ki, as expected from the introverted giant.

In the end, Jake lets out a heavy sigh of surrender. He shrugs his shoulder off and then nods his head.

"Fine, fine. Let's go."

Ni-ki furrowed his brows, "You can stay if you want. I'm not forcing you to leave with me."

Jake declines, "No way! Besides, I didn't bring my car with me." and he giggles.

"At this point you should just throw it away."

"We're stopping at the diner first, yeah?" and he threw his arm around his friend then started guiding him away from the place.

Jeena was snapped out from trance when a few students inside screams. She thought something happened, but it turns out some boys are just carrying a girl towards the center to make her chug.

She rolls her eyes and resumed to the main reason why she's heading outside the first place.

Once she finally made it outside, she tries to call Lizie back as she noticed that the call was ended.

"Hey, Lizie? Are you there? Sorry, I think the house doesn't have a signal." she licks her lips and hugs herself as the cold wind blew onto her.

She roams her eyes around and noticed that there's almost nobody outside. Ni-ki and Jake are nowhere to be seen. She's all alone. She glanced at the house and from her position, she can tell everyone's having a great time inside. She cursed inside her mind, wanting so bad to go back.

"Lizie!" she calls her out again.

"This isn't Lizie."

Jeena instantly got confused after hearing a different voice from the other line. It was obvious that they're using that cheap thing to change their voice. She pulls away her phone to double check the contact and rolled her eyes heavenly after making sure it was her friend.

"Yeah, nice try scaring me Lizie." she snorted before brushing her hair slightly.

"I told you, this is not Lizie." the other person repeated on the other line.

Jeena lets out a strained sigh, starting to get enough of her friend. She's really testing her patience now.

"What's your favorite horror movie?"

"Lizie I swear stop with this bullshit and meet me—"

"Do you feel cold in that short skirt of yours?"

Jeena was stoned at her position. Her hands that was rubbing on her arm stopped as she felt instant chills down her spine. Her heart started drumming inside her chest, so loud that she's so sure someone can hear it from a short distance.

"W-What..." she gasps, trying to fill her lungs with air because she's getting out of breath.

"Lizie... this is not funny." her voice cracks, starting to freak out.

She kept on convincing herself that it's her friend on the other line. That she's just pulling a prank on her because it's that season for scaring the shit out of people. Yeah, that totally makes sense.

"How many times should I say that I am not her? Are you that dumb?" the person's tone raises a bit, seems like they are slowly getting irritated.

"Then where is she?! Where's Lizie?" Jeena panicked as well then glanced over the house, hoping that one person will walk outside.

She wanted to storm back at the house, but her feet just won't move. It felt like its stuck or something. The way her heart's racing is just crazy. She has never felt this immense anxiousness before. She feels like throwing her heart up.

"She's dead." the caller's cold voice made Jeena feel sick in the stomach.

The way he just utter those words are filled with nothing but evil. It doesn't sound like they are joking at all. She was silent, but her breathing became more ragged and heavy. She really needs to leave.

"And you're next."

Her breath hitched and with shaky hands, she ended the call. She pursed her lips tightly, because she felt like she's really about to throw her heart up. It was an unexplainable feeling. Something nobody wants to experience ever again.

She was about to head back at the house when the bushes a few feet away from her rustled. She jolted and her tear stained eyes got totally fixed on it like it caught her on trance.

She waited and just stared right at that side of the bushes like an idiot. She has no clue what exactly she's waiting for. Tears are streaming down her face, ruining her make up and she pursed her lips because it's shaking too much.

"H-Hello...?" she wanted to slap herself for that.

It was one of the list of things you shouldn't do in situations like this. Jeena really felt like she's one of those stupid actors that rage baits viewers by their stupidity.

She flinched when the bush on the other side rustled this time as the wind blew the other way. Her phone fell down on the lawn, but she didn't care that much as she focuses on the other direction. Just like before, she waits. She can feel the chills through her veins.

She lets out a heavy sigh once realizing it was just the wind. She tried hard to convince herself that she's just scaring herself

"Stupid..." she wiped off her tears before bending down to pick up her phone. The fear didn't faded quickly. It sticks and lingers, but Jeena tries hard to shove it at the far back of her mind.

This night should be a great time for her. She should be enjoying it with a guy or with Lizie and not worrying of being slashed to death in the middle of the night. That doesn't make sense. Their town is a pretty safe place.

While she's trying to remove some grass and dirt on her phone, she saw a reflection of someone behind her. She reacted quickly and face them.

Her brows creased closer to each after when she noticed a person wearing a ghost face costume. It is not totally strange because it's almost halloween and besides the fraternities are throwing parties with these kind of themes. Maybe this is one of the students trying to scare her.

"Hello? Who are you?" she asks, but stays a safe distance from them.

They remain standing like a statue that instantly made Jeena feel weirded out. She gulps and licks her lips, the grip on her phone tightening.

She trailed down her eyes and at the end of one of their sleeves, peaks something pink. The costume's sleeves almost covers the whole  arm of that person.

Her head tilts as she tries to see it more clearly. Once successful, she scoffed loudly then clicks the side of her tongue.

"Seriously, Lizie? I cannot believe you!" she shouted after making sure that the pink item she saw peaking through the sleeves are her friend's phone.

"Lizie's dead." and the person threw the phone to her direction and her stomachs turns in an uncomfortable way after seeing it covered with red, thick liquid. Blood.

When she lifts her head up once again, she saw the other hand and this time a knife peaks through. She reacted quickly and ran towards the entrance of the house.

Jeena made it to the second step, before she felt an utmost pain at the lower part of her back. Her hand gently reaches for it and realized the knife is now pierced deeply at her back.

She fell down her knees as blood gushes out from Jeenas mouth. Her eyes slowly darted at the house and she can see some people still partying through the window, totally unaware of what's currently happening.

Heavy steps approaches and Jeena felt a hand rest on top of her head. She grunted in terrible pain when she felt that they pulled the knife out of her. She whimpers as tears stream down her face.

Jeena shakes as the terrifying familiar mask came into her view. She whimpers and looked at the house.

"H-help!" she screams and she can feel pain all over her body just from trying to shout very loud. Jeena is desperate. She's scared and as she prays silently hoping someone will walk outside that house, the man in front of her slowly removed their mask.

Her eyes grew in surprise then it flashes a hint of betrayal. Her eyes locked onto the person in front of her, disbelief cutting sharper than any blade. The world seemed to still, the noise around them collapsing into a suffocating silence. She cannot take her gaze off at the person despite having her thoughts completely blank.

Her lips tremble while staring at their eyes, searching their face for an explanation, a crack, anything that might tell her this wasn’t real. Their face flashes no emotion, eyes cold and blank. They don't seem sorry for what they just did.

The person slowly smirks and raised one of their hand, pointer finger rests in front of their lips.

"Shh..." they whispered and even before Jeena can process that, she felt a horrifying pain on her lower abdomen.

Her hand reaches for it and a knife is now buried deep in her stomach. She gasps for air as she slowly felt her lungs being pressed together. Blood rushes out of her mouth once again, vision turning blurry.

"W-Why—" she coughs out more blood as she rests her hand at the person's shoulder, attempting to push them away.

It was no use. They don't budge but instead pushes the knife even deeper, her blood splashing over their face and Jeena starts to lose her consciousness. She pursed her lips together and leaned forward, her head resting at the person's shoulder, life slowly draining out of her.

fic tag-list:

@mora134340 @drunkinjake @jakesgfff

permanent tag-list:

Being courted by the heir of Lee clan is pretty crazy. Having him all smitten by you is even crazier. It still doesn’t seem real. You’ve always think he was way out of your league, but he never made you feel like that.

Although, there are times where he flaunt his wealth sometimes that makes you realize how different you two are. It was unintentional, you can see that he’s just really want to make you feel how much he adores you.

“Wait, Heeseung.” you halt your steps and since the tall gorgeous boy is holding your hand, he stops as well.

He glances over his shoulder with eyebrows raised, confusion and slight worry flashes through his face.

“The mall seems close. We should just go.”

When driving over the parking lot a while ago, you already noticed how the famous mall seems so empty. The lights from inside is open, it’s well lit as usual but oddly, the parking space is empty. It was really weird as it was never like this. Since its located pretty much at the center of the city, its a hot place for mall goers.

He stares at you for a while before he then glances at the mall. Realization occurs him afterwards as he smiled, tightening his hold to your hand.

“Oh, yeah. I rented the whole place.” he casually said that made your jaw drop slightly.

He started pulling you again to guide you towards the entrance, but after regaining your senses you halted.

“What?” the astonishment lingers hardly on your tone. He furrowed his brows, wondering what is it this time.

“What do you mean ‘what’? I rented the whole place to ourselves.” he shrugs his shoulders then you can feel his thumb caressing your hand softly.

“Why?”

Being the youngest and used to getting things instantly, Heeseung’s feeling a little impatient with the way you’ve been delaying your agenda for tonight. He’s been wanting to do this for days and now, he couldn’t wait.

“You said you hate it when there’s a lot of people whenever you shop.” he smiles softly, “So I rented this.” he glances at the mall behind him.

Your lips pursed while staring at him, gaze softens. Nobody ever put so much effort for you, and now that you’re experiencing it from someone you least expect to do it leaves you speechless.

He’s been doing these things for you ever since the day he told you he likes you. He never fails to amaze you and take you by surprise. Lee Heeseung surely has a lot of tricks under his sleeves.

But apart from wealth and good looks, you discovered a lot of new things with Heeseung. The fact that behind his very intimidating aura, is a child wanting to be taken care of. He loves cuddle so much, always wants to feel you through his skin. He’s very clingy.

“Hey,” he gulps and leans downwards to slightly match your height. “too much?” he worriedly utters under his breath.

Heeseung wants to try his best to make you feel his sincere love and affection towards you, but he also doesn’t want it to be overwhelming.

“N-No,” you finally aswered and smiles despite the tears brimming your eyes.

“I’m just really thankful.”

He smiles and kisses you on your forehead before guiding you inside again. The stores on the whole first floor seems to be vacant. Lights were open, but there’s nobody there. The two of you headed straight to the second floor. Lines of branded clothes greeted you.

You rarely shops here since its super expensive, but Heeseung wants nothing but the best for his girl.

“Welcome, Mr. Lee.” the staffs bows their head as he walks inside this popular brand. He has his hand on your waist.

“Help her find clothes.” he stated.

“How many pairs, Sir?”

Heeseung eyes the girl with cold look. “As many as she wants.”

He teared his gaze off of her then glances back at you. The familiar soft look is back and he smiles, taking your hand over his lips.

“Just pick whatever you like, okay? I’ll take care of everything.” he smiled assuredly.

“B-But,”

“No buts.” and the way he looks at you indicates that he will surely not accept no from you.

Since you’ve been all alone your entire life, there’s nobody for you to lean on or share life problems. You’ve been independent your whole life and so you’re still not used having him taking care of you like this.

He walks towards this white elegant couch, “I’ll be waiting here patiently so take all your time, baby.”

Even before you can say anything else, a girl wearing a uniform escorted you towards the pile of expensive clothes.

That’s where it all started. The luxury kind of living you’ve only daydream about. Heeseung became very consistent of it that it triggers something inside you. Sometimes, you overthink and get scared of him suddenly stopping. He just constantly assures you that it will never happen.

“Y/n, let the boys take care of that! Why are you carrying heavy things?!” your manager suddenly steps in and stops you from what you’re doing.

You gave her a confused look as she calls some of the staffs to do it instead. You’ve been doing that before Lee Heeseung even happen and now she’s all worried that you’re carrying those boxes?

Lee Heeseung sure made your life way easier.

“It's fine, I can totally do this. Its my job.” you tried stopping her, but she glances and continuously shakes her head in disapproval.

“What?! No!” you can almost see the fear forming her eyes when you said those words. Not fear of tiring or overworking you, but fear of making you feel upset and getting on heeseung’s bad side.

“Can you believe her? She use to scold you so much for not moving those boxes right away.” your friend stood beside you, watching as the scene unfolds.

You let out a sigh, “Yeah.”

She glanced at you and scoffed, “Well I can’t really blame her. Who wants to mess with Lee Heeseung?” and she shrugs her shoulder before walking away.

You stood still and let yourself be drowned in your own thoughts. She’s definitely right. But you can’t really relate to their fear as you know damn well that the mafia they’re scared with? Is whipped for you.

Later that night you went home and showered to go straight to bed. Surprisingly, despite the same hours of shift, you aren’t that tired. You barely did the heavy works.

The bed that Lee Heeseung provided sure is pretty comfortable, it pulls you into dreamland right away. But in the middle of the night, you’re awoken by the continuous doorbell from your door.

Your eyes pries open, a little annoyed to be disturbed in a very inconvenient hour. The clock beside your bed flashes the numbers 5:03 am. It made you curse lightly as you push yourself up to go get the freaking door.

With your hair still a little disheveled and only wearing a tank top and sweatpants, you stride your dark hallway.

You didn’t even bother to check who it was and just burst the door open, ready to smack out of whoever it is that interrupted your sleep.

“Baby.” his husky low voice completely pulls you out of trance.

The annoyed look on your face vanishes into thin air and got replaced with confused expression. Lee Heeseung is standing in front of you, wearing a white longsleeves and slacks. Seems like he just got out from a meeting or something.

“Hee?” you managed to utter using your hoarse voice. He kept his icy stares on you.

“What are you doing here?”

“Why did you open the door without checking who it was? Are you always this reckless?” he hissed. You couldn’t take it seriously at the moment as you’re still astonished that he’s right here in front of you when he’s suppose to be still in another country.

“What are you doing here?” you repeated yourself.

He steps forward and kisses you on your forehead, a bit hard since he’s a little pissed by the fact that you’re being careless. He’s already thinking of sending 24 hours security guards right in front of your unit.

He sighs then reached over you, resting his hand on both of your hips.

“Let’s go.” he said that only added to your confusion.

He hold your hand, tugging it to guide you outside. Some of his men were already there, waiting. One of them secures the door as Heeseung continued pulling you somewhere.

“Heeseung!” you hissed and tries to stop him, but it was no use. Your built are no match on his.

“Aren’t you suppose to be in a business meeting outside the country?”

“Yes.” he answered, still not stopping and sparing you a glance.

Your brows furrowed, “Did you went straight here from your flight?” as you rack your eyes down to his outfit.

“Uh-huh.” he shortly replied, tightening his grip on your hand. It does not hurt so much, felt so warm tho.

“Where are you even taking me?” and tries not to stumble on your own feet. Your eyes dropped at your house slippers, pouting that it caught all the outside dirt thanks to him.

“We’re going to have some breakfast.” he smiles and opens the door to his car.

“I’m on my pajamas.” you informed him like he couldn’t see it himself.

He trailed his eyes from your head to toe.

“You still look beautiful.” he sincerely stated that awed you slightly.

How come he can still say that when you have no make up on and looking like a rug? He’s definitely something.

He gently pushes you to go inside and his last comment just poisoned your whole system that you didn’t even fight back. He successfully put your seatbelt before closing the door to walk around the vehicle.

“You can sleep more, baby. I’ll wake you up once we’re there.” he says while starting the car, the roaring sound its engine is too familiar for you already.

You rolled your eyes and made yourself comfortable, “You ruined my sleep.” you jokingly said.

He chuckles then effortlessly reaches for a blanket somewhere from the back to warm you up.

Since you’re still a little sleepy, you did drifted to sleep pretty easily. Which you regret sooner since the moment you open your eyes, you’re in a different seat.

“Why are we in a plane?” was your first question, slightly panicking.

Heeseung’s sat beside you.

“We’re having breakfast.”

You shoot him with a bashful look, “On a plane?” a private one, to be specific.

He chuckles, finding you adorable.

“No, silly. We’re going to Paris.”

To say that your eyes bulged out is an understatement.

“Paris?! Why?!” you exclaimed.

Heeseung has the audacity to look surprised by your reaction when he’s the one who took you from your unit then take you to a flight to Paris. And he said you’re having breakfast? In Paris?!

“Yeah,” he shrugs his shoulders. “you said you want to eat croissant.”

Your mouth gaps, couldn’t believe the man beside you. The fact that he looked so innocent while saying that as well is even more staggering for you.

“From the shop a few blocks away from my workplace!”

His eyes then softens then he blinks multiple times, finally realizing it.

“Oh...” he says.

You’re out of words and you two are occupied by silence for a while. This is totally unexpected. But what do you even expect? This is Lee Heeseung for god’s sake! He’s a man full of surprises, sometimes even unplanned.

You let out a sigh then looks out of the window, appreciating the beautiful blue skies decorated by white soft clouds.

“I can’t believe I’ll be in Paris for the first time wearing sweatpants.” you mumbled softly, like it was the biggest problem you have at the moment.

Heeseung reaches for your hand and kissed it, “We’ll just shop for a dress once we get there. Sounds better?”

You craned your neck to face him and stares deeply to his beautiful eyes. A small smile finally spreads across your face before you reached over his cheeks to caress it.

“Thank you so much.” and then you leans in to kiss him on his lips that caught him in utter shock.

“I can’t believe you agreed on coming in the first place! Those people were so mean to you!” she exclaimed as she watches how you’re scurrying to prepare for this dinner.

You looked at her through the mirror. She looks so stressed out while watching you put some make up on. Her eyes then trailed at your expensive dress— bought by Heeseung of course.

She inwardly smiles, you looked beautiful. Well, you always are. She sighs and got worried once again. She knew how bad those people treated you back in high-school so she can’t be at ease knowing you’ll be dining with them tonight.

“It will be alright, (friend name).” and gave her an assuring smile.

But at the back of your mind, you’re actually very worried as well. Scared of what may happen tonight. You convinced yourself that nothing will change unless you face those people who bullied you before. They will keep on torturing and hurting a part of you, thinking that they still have the upperhand on you.

For the first time, you wanted to stand up for yourself.

“And I can’t believe you’re going to that reunion without Heeseung. They’re probably bringing their partners to brag. You should too!”

“He’s probably busy.”

She snorted, “I bet my whole life savings, he will ditch whatever he’s doing just to go with you! That man is down bad for you.”

You chuckled with a blush on your cheeks, totally flustered about it. “You don’t even have savings, (friend name).”

She rolled her eyes, “You don’t have to slap me with reality!”

“Just take Heeseung with you please? That way, I'll be more at ease.” she says in a very worried tone.

“(friend name), I can’t.” you sighs. She’s probably insisting this even more after knowing how you felt for the man.

“I genuinely love him and I don’t want him to get the impression that I’m using him.” you explained. Her eyes softens as her shoulder lowered in surrender.

“Fine, that sounds disgusting by the way!” she jokingly hissed at you then asked you to hurry up.

“Make sure to call me if something happens, okay?” she reminds you again when she drops you off at the said restaurant.

You chuckled at her, “Yes, Mom.” you answered sarcastically.

She shoot you glares. “I mean it, y/n.” she said.

You nodded, smiling warmly at her. She nods then waves after wishing you a great night. Your eyes follows her driving car and as it slowly disappear on your sight, your smile fell. Now that she’s not there to comfort you, uneasiness occupies you.

“You can do this, Y/n!” you cheered to yourself before deciding to walk inside.

It is a fine dining and you’re very thankful that Heeseung had bought you these kind of dresses. It fits the vibe so well.

“Reservation, miss?” the girl by the front desk greets you with a smile.

You nodded then returned the smile, lips shaking a little. After she checked which private room your ‘friends’ are, one of the staffs guided you to the room.

It was pretty loud when you arrived. Some greeted you, some can’t recognize you at all. Its been a while after-all.

“Y/n?” one of the girls who used to torment you before stood up from her seat and walks towards you.

Heads whipped to look on your direction, instantly making you uncomfortable. One of her brows raised as she scanned you with so much judgment.

“Nice dress,” a grin forms her red lips. “where did you rent it?” she added with so much sarcasm that made a lot of the people inside laugh.

Your heart cracks while watching them make fun of you. Just like old times. You nibble on your lower lip, smile long gone from your face. Fist balls beside you, air felt like it got stuck on your throat.

“Just joking!” she exclaims, still with that evil grin. Your eyes stares at hers and you know exactly she didn’t say that as a joke.

Her hand grabbed your arm then dragged you towards a table. You tried to halt her, already foreseeing what’s about to happen. But just like before, your mouth kept shut. You felt pathetic. You went here with a mindset that you will show them that you won’t let them make fun of you anymore and yet, here you are... still helpless.

“Guys, its y/n!” she says and forced you to sit down. You didn’t have any chance to resist as everyone on that table gave you their full attention.

Their faces aren’t friendly, same old gazes that pierced right through your soul. You feel sick on the stomach.

“How’s life y/n? Still working on that restaurant?” (name) asks taunting. She’s the most popular girl on your batch and also the meanest one.

She looked pretty and elegant with her branded dress. Her family is kind of well off, mainly why she got away from bullying you throughout high-school. It was always easy for her. Life is always on her favor.

“Gosh! That’s so embarrassing.” the other commented, she’s the one who forced you to sit at this table.

All of them laughed and agrees. You unconsciously roamed your eyes around everyone seated and it caught on Sander. (name) is sat beside him, probably chasing after him like old times. She’s always been head over heels for him.

He’s the most popular guy on your batch and often paired with (name). He has this small smirk on his lips while everyone laughs at you. It was horrible. You didn’t actually had a serious feelings for him, but it was given that almost every girl slightly had a crush on him. He was that hit back then.

You felt small while fidgeting your fingers under the table. Just by looking at them, you realized how it was before. How they used to bully you back in high-school, belittling you for being poor. You hated it. You hated them. You still do.

The mean things they’re saying is too much so you stood up, making all of them look at your way. (Name), cocks her brows and smirks.

“I-I’ll just go to the bathroom.” and you turned around, ready to leave when you suddenly bumped into something—more like someone.

“Going somewhere, baby?” a familiar husky voice asks.

You’re too immersed to how (name) humiliates you that you failed to notice how the other tables grew quiet at the arrival of someone that doesn’t belong there.

The table you’re in slowly grow silent as well, noticing the tall man right in front of you. His toned arms now snaking over your waist to tug you closer to him.

“Hey...” he softly calls when he noticed how stiffed you got. At a slow pace, you lifted your head to see Heeseung’s soft eyes watching you carefully.

He is really here. You felt your heart swells and finally you felt safe. Your hand rests at his chest, lips shakes because of too much emotion.

“L-Lee Heeseung?” one girl exclaims, totally astounded by his presence.

Some of the men on that table look thrilled as well. They knew him, everyone in this room does. They know his power and influence.

He didn’t spare that girl any glance and just focused on you. His jaw clenches after noticing how you’re shaken up. It didn’t took him long to put piece and piece together. He understands what’s happening right away.

He roamed his icy glares over to the people occupying your table. One by one, like as if trying to remember each and everyone of them. The look on their face instantly changes, some even looked pale.

“U-Uhm,” (name) looked really scared. You’ve never seen her this way. And you’re not gonna lie, its a pleasure to your eyes.

“Lee Heeseung, wow!” Kent, one of your batchmates. He’s not particularly mean to you before, but he does laugh from time to time.

And there’s this one time where he offers for you to date him and got mad when you refused. Saying that you’re just a nobody and how dumb you are for actually saying no to him.

“Nice to meet you, man! Come on, sit down first.” he offers enthusiastically and even pulled the chair beside yours.

Heeseung stood still and quiet. People easily got intimidated. He heaved a sigh and you know he’s about to start saying something, but you beat him to it.

“We’ll be g-going.” you announced lowly. You aren’t even sure if they heard. Some whipped their heads at you with a look of disbelief on their faces.

(name) stares at you with a confused and a bit annoyed look on her pretty face. And with all the courage left on you, you said, “My boyfriend and I will leave now.”

Heeseung got stoned on his position when he heard that. Thankfully, you grabbed him by his arm then dragged him out of there. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to do it. But since you definitely caught him off-guard, you managed to drag Lee Heeseung out of there.

You can feel everyone’s eyes darted at the two of you and the whole room remains quiet as you take your leave. That doesn’t matter. You just want to get out of that place.

“Wait,” he halts and instantly, you stopped too. He held your arm then yanked you back near his body.

“Hold on, baby.” he licks his lips then blinks multiple times. “Let’s talk.”

Thankfully, you’re already by the parking lot. A few people are around, but its better them than those people inside.

You noticed a few familiar vehicles of Heeseung’s men along with his expensive sports car that he often used whenever picking you up.

“I j-just want to get out of here, please.” your pleading and tear stained eyes broke Heeseung. He wanted so bad to ruin those people inside. Everyone who made fun and even the bystanders. He doesn’t care. He will make sure they will pay for making you cry. For making his baby upset.

His large hands cupped your cheeks, “We will.” he huffs, calming himself. “I just need to confirm something.”

You kept your stare right at him, waiting for what he’s going to ask. You already knew what it was and initially, you planned on telling it to him in a different situation.

But it was already clear as a daylight. You love Lee Heeseung and ever since he was around, he always made you feel so special. Like you aren’t just someone. That you actually have value and that you don’t just exist in this world... you have a place here.

“Baby, I’m your what again?” he asks, very eager to hear those words from you again.

His brain already short circuited the first time you said it and he highly doubts it wouldn’t happen on the second time. Specially now that you are alone with him.

“My boyfriend.” you answered confidently.

Heeseung heart races and he felt like fireworks bursted inside his chest. He’s undescribably happy about it. He blinked mutliple times.

“You didn’t say that to only escape that place, right?” he asks, a little nervous. It amused you. You never knew this mafia boy is even capable of having that kind of emotion.

You let out a sigh and held his arm, caressing it softly. Then you gave him this assuring smile.

“No. That’s why I didn’t even ask you to come here. I don’t want you to think that I’m just using you.”

His eyes softens even more, if that’s even possible. Heeseung just loves you so deeply that the thought of being used by you doesn’t even bothered him. It's fine, as long as you’ll want him beside you. He’ll take anything just to be close to you.

Then your loving gaze turns into a glare.

“What are you even doing here?” you ask like a cop interrogating a suspect.

He smirks, “I missed you so I asked somebody to check on you... it happens that you’re heading to this event.” he chuckles. “I thought I could pay you a visit just to check if some guys would try to hit on you.” and he even raised an eyebrow.

You scoffed then rolled your eyes, “As if! You’re the one who walked there looking like a snack! You probably caught the attention of the pretty girls at that table!”

His eyes sparkles, “Really?”

Your face turned sour then you gave him a bashful look.

“Did I really caught your attention?” he asks, sounding a bit excited.

You got confused then let out a big sigh when you realized he got it wrongly.

“Heeseung,” you uttered in a very serious tone that made him stand up straight, giving you his full attention.

You felt your heart thumped louder, feeling nervous now that he’s so focused on you.

“Unlike you, I have nothing special to offer you. I only got a high-school diploma and 20 dollars in my bank account.” you tried to make it sound a joke to ease the tension because he’s staring so intensely.

He kept silent for a while.

“Do you love me?” he suddenly asks that made you all flustered, cheeks and ears turning red.

You blinked then cleared your throat.

“I don’t see how is that relevant in this conversation—”

“Do you love me, Y/n?” he repeated himself, this time even more serious.

You gulpes nervously, getting drawn by his piercing beautiful eyes.

“Yes.” you answered confidently.

He sighs in contentment and smiles gently. His eyes glisten with so much happiness that it made you wonder why.

“Then that’s good enough for me.” he stated that melts your heart instantly.

He took a step closer, making your bodies touch. Cupping your face once again then rest his forehead on yours.

“I love you, Hee.” you suddenly said that made his heart leap in joy.

Heeseung is in trance. He never knew that he’s capable of feeling all these things towards one person. He has no regrets pursuing you. If anything, he’s very much willing to do it again and again.

“I love you even more, y/n.” he whispers then kisses your forehead, then your nose and then pulls away slightly to look you in the eyes.

“You just made me the happiest man alive.” and he leans in for the much awaited kiss.

permanent tag-list:

"She's here again?" Adela says after her eyes caught a lady not far away from the main entrance of their school.

Heeseung reaches out for her while eyeing the same lady. He dropped a kiss on her forehead before gently grabbing her things.

It's Monday again and they're currently trying to kill some time while waiting for the first bell to ring for their first class, when she noticed the same lady that has been coming almost everyday at their school. Like usual, she stood there restlessly while holding a pile of flyers. She looks tired from the lack of sleep and not eating meals properly.

"What's the latest news about the missing girl?" Adela turns her head towards one of her friends.

Jungwon's already looking at the direction of the lady and eyes flashes hints of sympathy. He lets out a low sigh, releasing that heavy feeling he's currently holding in his chest.

"Still no update." he answers shortly.

"Wait, really? I thought they got a lead already." Jay then pinches in their conversation after setting his things down by the ground.

Jungwon glances at him for a while before shrugging his shoulders off, "I heard from my Dad that it's a false alarm and that person is just trying to gain from the reward money."

Some of them frowned at what they heard.

"That's fucked up." Heeseung commented.

Sunoo rolls his eyes, "I can’t believe there are people who would go to such lengths just for money, even trying to take advantage of a situation like that."

Silence stretched around them after that comment, mutually feeling the same disbelief of one people taking advantage of such things.

"Jeena's Mom is here again?"

Their eyes darted at the newly arrived person and slightly their mood lightens up. Your soft, gentle eyes are already darted at her direction.

"Cici!" Evie rushes your way and cages you in a hug which you returned willingly.

You flashed them a small smile before waving cutely at your friends. A man stood behind you closely, one hand resting protectively at your waist.

"Good morning, dude!" Jay greets their friend Sunghoon which he just answered with a quick nod.

"How long has she been there?" you worriedly asks and everyone just shrugs their shoulders off.

"Since four a.m." Jungwon answers that made your heart crack.

"Oh my. I feel so bad for her." you mumbled and Sunghoon's eyes dropped at you.

He sighs and pulls you closer to him. Your eyes remained darted at her direction and honestly, it was a heartbreaking scene.

It's been a week ever since her daughter was announced missing, while her best friend found stabbed to death back at her apartment. The news sets fire to the town people's fear as the mysterious killer seems to be still out in the open. Jeena's body is not found anywhere that left the police to indicate her case as a missing person.

"Where are you going?" Sunghoon asks after you gently free yourself from his hold. His hand sets on your waist and you turn to him with a small smile, eyes not even reaching your ears like it usually does.

"I'll just approach her."

Sunghoon's totally against that idea and it reflects to his face pretty clearly. You already expect that from him since he's always been the protective type of boyfriend. You gave his arm a small squeeze to convince him more.

"I'll be quick." and Sunghoon surrendered as he knew you quite well. It's not like you'll approach her to put on a show or something. You're just genuinely concern, and he knew there's no stopping you when it comes to things like this.

He slowly lets his hand slip off, letting you go. You lean and tip-toed to plant a kiss on his cheeks before heading towards Jeena's mother.

"What is she doing?" Sunoo asks as his eyes follows your figure carefully.

The whole friend group watches from a distance with silence. They saw how you hold her hand and talked to her. Almost everyone in your friend group grew up together and you've known each other all your life. They can vouch that you've been like this ever since you were kids.

Always the kind one that never lets anyone be left out. You're the type of kid that if you see an elderly— or even anyone that's having a hard time, you will try to help. Making them feel worried that people may take advantage of it. Thankfully, Park Sunghoon is there to set clear boundaries for those type of people.

"Why didn't you stop her, Hoon?" Jay stood beside him, eyes fixed at you.

"You know that I can't." he answers, eyes not even blinking from staring at your direction. His stance protective, ready to take action any time he felt like he needed to step in.

Jay silently agrees and just furrowed his brows. "You heard the rumors circulating around that there's a chance that the missing girl could be the one who killed her best friend, right?" he stated that made some of their friends to look over his way.

"Where did you even get that?" Adela asks, starting to feel shivers on her spine.

The missing person news is bothersome already and to twist it that way makes it even worse. Jeena is one of the students in their campus, they even have classes together. And to think that she might have been the one behind the gruesome crime is alarming.

"Just around the campus." he shrugged his shoulders off. "If you think about it, that actually made sense. They said the two were suppose to meet that night, her best friend found dead on her apartment and then she went missing."

"No way. Have you seen Jeena? She doesn't have the guts to do that." Evie commented.

Jay glances at her way, "That's where you're wrong. Never judge the book by its cover, Evie. Sometimes the killer is always the least you expect it to be."

Evie grimaced, "You don't make sense."

Jay groans, "It's because you don't know anything, Evie Lee. If only you watch stab movies you won't be as ignorant as you currently are." he stated with so much sarcasm that made the girl frown.

"Whatever, Jay! That's a fucking movie. None of it is true." she argues, not letting him win easily.

Heeseung smirks while hugging his girlfriend from behind. Adela also chuckles just watching the two bicker. Sunghoon remained quiet, along with Jungwon and Sunoo. He's just keeping an eye on you, waiting for any signal for him to get you back.

"But it doesn't mean they can't take inspiration from it."

"Who would be sick enough to go around killing innocent people?"

"We don't know. That's why we have curfew now, right?" Jay hissed and rolls his eyes after being reminded of that. "Fucking curfew. What are we ten?" he added.

Since the killer is still on the loose, the police officials declared that people should not stay outside the comfort of their homes just until they manage to catch the person.

"But if Jeena really killed Lizie, what's her motive?" Adela tries to bring the topic back.

"I don't know. Maybe she likes someone but Lizie stole him from her?" Evie commented unconsciously.

"That's so shallow." Adela couldn't help but to grimace at that thought. Killing out of a boy? She can't even imagine that.

"Don't let Cici hear you talking about those things." Sunghoon cuts through the conversation making all of them to look at him.

Evie clenches her jaw and cocks her brows at him. "She should know that she shouldn't be helping that girl's Mom. Who knows what her daughter really did—"

"I said don't let her hear about your stupid accusations." he stated coldly that left Evie silent. Her eyes stared back at him, but they are emotionless while looking at her.

All of them grew silent after that and some forced back a smile when they noticed that you're heading back. Sunghoon almost lose it at the sight of your red eyes, cheeks wet from fresh tears.

He pulls you closer to him and kissed your forehead, comforting and consoling you. A pair of weary, salty eyes lingered on the two of you before quietly looking away—so subtle, unnoticed by anyone around..

"The school arranged some search party tonight. We're all going, right?" you then glanced around your friend group after hearing from Jeena's mother what the school had prepared.

They exchanged silent glances towards each other, a little uncertain about the idea. After the tittle-tattle that Jay broke into the group, they're unsure if they wanted to go to the search party. Not that anything is confirmed yet, but the chances are never zero that Jeena may not be the victim at all.

"Uh... I have practice for band later." Jay was the first one to reason out.

Adela and Evie eyes each other and it was obvious that they are hesitant with the idea. They actually saw this ahead, you volunteering for the search party because of your pure heart. On the other hand, they're not really sure about it. Not that they totally don't care about their schoolmate and not bothered about the situation, but they just think it's not a good idea.

Seeing you all worried for her and wanting so bad to help slightly makes them feel guilty.

"Maybe we will just follow after my practice for Ms. EU." Adela says after remembering that the scheduled practice for the pageant she joined was later after class.

Heeseung wraps her arms around her shoulder before smiling at Cici softly, "Don't worry Cici, we will follow to help." he assured you and that actually made you smile with gratefulness.

"How about you, Sunoo?" Jay asks curiously and waits for the boy's response.

He remains quiet and contemplates whether to come or not. Honestly, he have zero intention to. It's not like they are required to join. According to Jungwon, its mostly those who wants to volunteer. As mentioned, he isn't close with the missing girl. He's not even aware of her existence not until he saw her face on a missing poster on their bulletin board. He does feel bad for her, yeah. That's given. But he doesn't want to risk himself out there for someone he doesn't even know. The killer is still out there. Who knows what he's planning next?

"How about you Jungwon? You're going?" Jay asks their quiet friend. He glanced at him and lets out a strained sigh.

"I'm the one who arranged the search party, hyung." He stated that made Adela and Evie shook their heads slightly. "Oh..." he scratch the back of his head.

Well that totally made sense because who else will lead for the arrangement other than the President of the student council himself. After all Jungwon's pretty quick on thinking of solutions for issues, making him very efficient on the position. Not to mention his wide connections having his Dad as the town's mayor.

"Evie, you?" Heeseung turns to his cousin after noticing that she's grown quiet as well.

You glanced at your best friend with hopeful eyes and she glanced at your way as well. She forced out a smile and eyes caught Sunghoon beside you who didn't even spare her a glance. She cleared her throat and nods silently to confirm that she indeed will come to the search party. Evie adores you genuinely. She grew up with you and you're her best friend. If there's somebody that will always choose to understand her, it would be you and that's why Evie can never imagine her life without you.

"It's settled then. All of us are coming?" you asks.

"I have practice tonight, Cici." Jay disagrees and your lips pursed into a pout.

Sunghoon noticed and glanced at their friend, "Move your practice after the search party." he says firmly.

"Dude there's curfew."

His stares remains, "Leave that to me." he assures Jay that left their friend but to agree with the plan.

Their attention then pans towards Sunoo. "How about you, Sunoo?"

He lets out a sigh, "You won't give me a chance to say no, right?" he asks sarcastically to Sunghoon. He didn't answer and instead you smiled at Sunoo.

"I promise that we will stick together all night, Sun. No need to be worried of anything."

Sunoo's eyes softens and nodded his head. It made you happy. At least you guys will all go and do something to help find the missing girl.

While still trying to kill time, the group eventually diverts the topic into something else which Evie is thankful for. This whole Jeena missing girl is starting to freak her out.

"Look at that loser." Jay's voice was taunting as one of your classmate passes by at where your group of friends are currently hanging out.

You saw fear flickering over his eyes at the sight of your friends and it instantly, you're already aware what's about to unfold. He's very harmless and you can remember how nice he is. He was ready to dodge your friend group, trying to reroute himself just to avoid all of you.

"What's up, Flores? Look at that pants. Who does it belong to? Your great grandfather?" Jay stopped him from his tracks and wrapped his arms over his shoulder.

Some of your friends, including your boyfriend whose sitting beside you, arms over your waist, chuckles while watching his friends goof around the poor guy.

Heeseung stood up and joined Jay with the teasing. He took Flores' glasses and the boy was just too scared to even stop him. No words came out from his lips as it shakes out of fear. Heeseung's girl, giggles as his boyfriend wore the glasses instead. He even strike this silly pose that earned another fit of laughters from your friend group.

"Does it suit me, babe?" Heeseung even asked his girl. She smirks and approached closer, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him for a kiss after answering a flirty 'Yes!'

"G-Give me my glasses." the boy finally got courage to speak up and both Heeseung and Jay aren't too pleased to hear it. They may show an amusing grin, but their eyes grew darker.

"Baby," you turned your head to the side to catch Sunghoon's attention.

"Hmm?" he hummed, both brows raising while he stare softly at you. Attention darted at you, waiting for what you need.

"Can you stop them, please? It's too early for this and besides, Flores is nice." you tried to talk him over it, but his head tilts to the side.

"How'd you know he's nice?" his eyes trailed from your eyes down to your lips and it stayed there.

"W-We worked together on a science project! He's totally good—" your words were cut off after he gave you a peck on the lips.

He flashed you this warm smile, but his eyes looked a little pissed. "Well, Hee and Jay are just joking around. You know friends can joke around, right?" he raised his hand and gently caress your chin using his thumb.

His gaze hypnotized you, making you feel like floating in the sky. The slight yell of disapproval coming from Flores was the one that made you snap to reality. If the scene from before was a little bothering, now its really concerning. Flores is facing Jay's backwards and he got his arm twisted, making Flores wince in pain.

"Who the fuck are you to talk back?" Jay looked really piss and his patience, is not that long for someone to mess with.

You sighed, feeling really bad. Being part of the student body, you know to yourself that you need to do something and not just watch. The students didn't gave you the position just for you to be a bystander. And so you stood up, ready to stop them when someone beats you to it.

"That's enough." his low tone sent shivers to your spine. His tall figure almost covers Flores' from your line of sight.

Jay and Heeseung turns their attention to the newly arrive person. They broke into grins, unamused ones. You let out another sigh, because you knew this won't end well.

"Mind your own business, Nishimura." Heeseung spats at him. The said boy threw him a cold glance before pushing Jay off from Flores.

It made Jay unhappy. You can see it through his eyes and with the way his jaw clenches hard. Panic took over you and you stepped closer trying to prevent a bigger commotion to happen.

Jay was already holding Ni-ki's collar while the latter remained calm and unbothered.

"I told you to fucking fuck off!" he shouts and threw a punch at him.

Students around you stops and the scene is starting to gather some crowd. You went close, trying to stop Jay from attacking Ni-ki. He was down on the ground, but manages to push Jay off from him as well.

"Guys, stop this!" you struggled to even get in between. When you find the right timing, you grabbed Jay from his arm. He was so mad and into it that's why he didn't notice that it was you. He yanked his arm hardly hitting you slightly, causing you to fall down.

You heard some of your friends yells your name as you grunt in pain. Even before you can stood up again, you heard your boyfriend's angry voice.

"Watch it!" he grabbed both of them by their collar and it seemed like it snapped them back to their senses after Jay pushed you.

"If you want to kill each other, leave my girlfriend out of it." Sunghoon's tone was so intimidating that nobody dared to talk after that.

He pushes the two off before walking towards you. Carefully, he helps you to stand up. Your bestfriend stood near the two of you, her eyes flashes worry as she glanced at you and Sunghoon.

"Are you okay? Do you feel hurt somewhere?" his eyes softens with so much worry while checking her thoroughly. You gave him a small smile and nodded your head to assure him that you are just fine.

"Jay hyung," both of your heads craned over the side when someone talked.

Jungwon, also one of your friends and also the president of the student body went in between. "That's enough." his eyes drifted over to Riki who's watching him silently as well, eyes still blank. His eyes then drifted towards your direction.

Sunghoon pulls you closer to him and stared back at him. He kept his stance known beside you, silently declaring something.

"Do you want to be suspended from soccer practice?" his tone sounds challenging. Riki clenched his jaw before ripping his gaze away from you and back to Jungwon, the cut to his lip so evident even from a distant. Jungwon turns towards Heeseung and Jay this time.

"How about you two? I'm sure your coach won't be so pleased hearing you suspended from Basketball practice hyung." he stated and then he glanced towards Jay.

"You want your band to be suspended?" he added and the two glanced away, obviously guilty.

Jungwon's very reserved. You've known him ever since freshmen and the only way to describe him is that he handles things pretty well. Everyone grew silent and you noticed how Ni-ki's friend approaches him to mumble something. Maybe to calm him down.

Just on time, it was saved by the bell because that left them with no choice but to leave each other alone. Adela has a firm hold over his boyfriend while Heeseung piercing gaze darted at the two other guys outside your circle. Jay's doing the same, but thankfully Jungwon managed to make him start walking towards the direction of your classroom.

Evie snapped out of her trance and glanced at your way. She watches how your boyfriend carefully attend to you, making sure that you're all right. She pursed her lips into a thin line before quiet strutting closer.

"You okay?" she asks worriedly.

A smile is what you gave her first, "Of course. Just a small scratch."

"Let's go." Sunghoon holds onto your elbow, oh so gently, before guiding you behind the group. Evie walks side by side with you and just ignore how the students carefully watches. Some of their eyes follows with slight envy, she can feel it.

"I'm sorry, Ci. I didn't notice you are behind me." Jay apologizes right away when you made it inside the room.

Sunghoon sets down your things on the chair beside him as his eyes pierced through his friend.

"It's fine, Jay. I understand. It was wrong of me to come closer when the fight is already heated up." and you even gave him an assuring smile.

"That's why you shouldn't just act up on your emotions, Jay. Use your brain sometimes. Your fist ain't going to save you all the time." Sunghoon says meaningfully and his friend wanted to argue back, but you went in between didn't let any of it to escalate into something serious.

"Baby, you shouldn't talk to Jay that way."

Sunghoon's cold eyes darted your way, "You got hurt because he's being stupid."

Your lips pursed in a pout while staring straight to your boyfriend's eyes. This is not a new scene for you anymore. Sunghoon has always been very protective of you. People sometimes even tells him to loosen up because it may suffocate you, but he doesn't care. He just wants you safe and sound.

"He didn't mean it."

Sunghoon rolls his eyes and grabbed your hand gently. "I don't want to talk about it anymore." He dismissed the argument because he just doesn't want to fight with you this early morning.

The whole day seems pretty normal, except for the multiple missing flyers of Jeena plastered all over the campus. You wanted so bad to continue on your day without worrying so much, but your mind kept on drifting towards Jeena. You aren't that close to her, but the fact that a girl from your university was murdered and now the other one currently missing is totally bothering.

"What do you want to eat?" your boyfriend asks, thumb caressing the back of your hand.

"Anything is fine." he nods and left the table. Some of the guys went as well while the girls stayed sat.

"What time is your practice again, Adela?" Evie asks while she's on her phone, sitting on your other side.

Adela smiles, "After class until 7pm."

"That's perfect, the search party will start by 7:30 pm." you intercept and she nodded her head.

"I thought we have a curfew? How come they started the search party so late?" Evie wonders.

The boys returned quickly and sits down to the vacant chairs around the table. Silently joining in the conversation.

"I actually have no idea. Jungwon said that's what his father suggested as according to him." they all turned towards their friend.

Jungwon shrugs his shoulders, "He says the police will be with the search operation and most of the volunteers are also adults that have jobs throughout the day."

They all nodded their heads as it truly made sense. Once the food is ready, everyone started munching and chatting. Slightly taking their minds off the missing girl.

"Are you guys going to Yeonjun hyung's party?" Jay asks suddenly that made them look at him with confusion.

"Party? I thought we have curfew." Sunoo asks what most of them are curious about.

Jay shrugs his shoulders off. "Their frat house is just near campus and most dorms for students are a few steps away."

Jungwon shakes his head side by side, clearly not amused by it. Adela cranes her neck to his boyfriend. "Are we going?" she asks.

Heeseung smiles and leans closer, "It depends on what costume you will wear." and he cocks his brows once at her with a flirtatious smirk on his face.

Adela giggles before leaning in for a kiss. You look at them with evident worry over your eyes. You completely understand that partying is part of their life already, your life as well. But this is a serious situation. A killer on the loose? Your friends obviously just taking this lightly.

You glanced at your boyfriend who's busy slicing the steak for you. "Why, baby?" he asks right away, his hand soothes the small of your back.

"They're going to the party."

He glanced at your friends and he lets out a small sigh before smiling a little. Sunghoon rarely smiles like this, only for you. Only for his sweet little angel.

"That party was planned even before the incident, love. Maybe Yeonjun hyung felt bad for cancelling all of it." he kisses you on your cheek to try and make you feel better.

"Besides, it will be one night. A lot of people will be there so I doubt the killer would even try to do anything. It's better to be in a large group rather than staying all alone." he stated that slowly made your pout deeper.

"Sunghoon is right! So we better all come." Jay stated too excitedly.

Sunoo rolls his eyes, "I will pass. I have to review for an exam the day after." he reasons out even before Jay can conclude all of you are indeed free that day.

Jay grimaces at the urgent dismissal of his friend.

"Come on, dude!"

"Me too. I will review." Jungwon says that made Jay's frown grow deeper. Heeseung chuckles while watching his friend be so childish to mock and even pursue the other two of coming.

"Evie will go for sure!" Adela, with a confident smile.

Evie raises a brow, "What made you so sure?"

"Because I am going. I'll drive you back home after." Heeseung stated that left her with no choice.

"How about you lovebirds?" Heeseung then pans his attention towards Sunghoon and you.

Sunghoon wraps his arms around your shoulder then tilts his head on your direction.

"Ask her. She's the commander." he jokes that earns teasing through your group.

That made you chuckle and send a playful glare to your boyfriend. He winks and kissed your forehead.

"Fine, we will go too." you surrender that made Jay cheer loud.

"But I will keep an eye on all of you. Nobody's getting too wasted to go home on my watch." and even gestures the 'i am watching you' towards your friends.

Jungwon smirks, "And Mom Cici returns. Yikes." he commented that made you pout.

"I just want everyone to have a great time, but also making sure they are safe."

They all look at you with a knowing smile on their faces. Adela pouts and even sent a flying kiss while Jay is jokingly grasping his chest dramatically.

"We know, Cici." they all say in unison that made you smile. They truly are your treasure. Being an only child is tough, but they made it a lot better.

"I'll be at ease if I'll know you two will be studying together at the frat house. But if anything happens, even the slightest thing, you call." your eyes turned over the two guys that declined the invitation to party.

Sunoo smirks, "Yes, Mom."

Sunghoon chuckles as they continued teasing you and planted a kiss on your temple. He always thought you are the kindest human being and you never failed to prove that to him.

"Anyway, we should probably plan our next trip outside the country." Jay stated, eyes fixed over his phone.

Sunghoon opens a bottled water while listening to his friends, all attention darted at you. Waiting if ever you happen to need anything.

"That's right. I wanted this one bag in Milan." Evie indicates and even excitedly pulls her phone to find the picture of the bag she's talking about.

"Milan, then?" Jay then scans your group of friends for approval.

Ever since your parents had let you to travel by yourselves, you've set a goal to roam the whole world altogether. It was such a cute tradition of your circle.

"When is your sister coming home, Sunoo?" Evie pans towards him.

Sunoo's older sister is currently studying in London. His parents wanted him to join her, but he chose to stay and convinced his parents that London is just not for him. He loves the place, but not to the point that he will be contented to stay.

"I don't know. Maybe christmas holidays?" he shrugs his shoulder off.

Evie then darted her eyes towards Sunghoon. She was hesitant at first, swallowing hardly, "Is Yeji coming this halloween?"

Sunghoon gave her a short glance, "No." he answers very shortly that stings a bit for Evie.

You noticed how she frowns at your boyfriend so you quickly stepped in with a smile, "Auntie and Yeji wanted to go to Japan so they'll be leaving in a week."

Evie forces a smile out from lips before she then turned towards Yang Jungwon. He's focused over his food, meticulously separating some vegetables he doesn't really feel like eating as of the moment.

"How about your sister, Jungwon?" she then asks.

He didn't respond right away and the whole table was just quiet, waiting for his reply. He lifts his gaze and shrugs his shoulder calmly.

"You know her. She's being stubborn and refusing to come home. She's forcing us to fly to her instead." he stated, tone low and obvious that he's slightly done with his sister.

Adela chuckles, "Well, she won't be your sister if she isn't stubborn Jungwon." she commented that earned quiet approval from the whole table.

Jungwon just smiles and tilts his head lightly over the side. "Right."

Jay claps his hand, "Just give me your preferred date for Milan so me and Sunoo can plan it all out." he announced that made the mentioned guy grimace at him.

"Why am I getting dragged into this?" that made everyone laugh.

"Because we need to align the dates to your airlines! Business class, baby!" Jay screams in happiness that made the whole group shook their head side to side.

"You're too excited, Jay hyung." Jungwon left a comment with a smirk to his friend.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Sunghoon's jaw tightens as he utter each words.

Evie's eyes flashes fear, teary and yet she tried to look fierce in front of him. She doesn't understand why she always has to be silent every time she wants to do the right thing. She hates how Sunghoon always acts on what he wants, disregarding anybody else' opinions and feelings.

"No! What is wrong with you?!" she pushes him by the shoulder once— that didn't even cause any damage over the tall guy in front of her.

"I can't take it anymore! The guilt is creeping and slowly eating me alive." tears started flowing nonstop over her cheeks.

Sunghoon's stood stiff as stone, jaw clenched so tight the muscle ticked in his cheek, hands slightly trembling at his sides—not from fear, but fury barely contained.

"We h-have to tell her what happened that night, Sunghoon..." she sobs, trying to inhale as much oxygen she needs to ease the feeling of his lungs thirsting for air.

"She will understand! I know Cici, she—"

"Don't." Just one word, but it cracked the air between them like a whip.

She flinched, but didn't back down. Her eyes were glassy, not from weakness, but the sheer weight of what she'd been holding in for too long. Guilt hung on her like wet clothes—clinging irritably through her skin, slowly suffocating her.

"I c-can't keep living like this, knowing I betrayed someone very special to me." the words stings as it left her tongue, her heart aches as guilt poisons it with no mercy.

He shook his head slowly, the storm in his eyes flickering with a glint of panic beneath the anger. "We won't tell Cielle about what happened. You say one word, and you won't like what I will do to you."

Her stomach turned to ice, the blood draining from her face as her breath caught in her throat. She tried to swallow, but it felt like there was glass in her chest.

He wasn't bluffing. Evie knows that and she saw it in his dark expression, almost cruel. She knew how far he could go to bury it, just to keep Cici from knowing. How it would destroy so much for the two of them.

Her eyes trails off of him and he heard him leaving without saying anything more. Leaving her all alone with her own dark thoughts.

Evie's feelings became worst. She wanted to tear it off, to scream the truth into the open just to feel air in her lungs again. But she was terrified too—terrified of what would unravel once it was out. What they might will lose. Who they will hurt.

She was still lost inside her own mind until she hears the footsteps and soft rustle of a jacket. By the time she realized she wasn't alone, she had already wiped her eyes once, twice, then stopped altogether, tears still impossible to control. Her back stiffened then slowly turned around.

And there he was. Leaning casually against the wall, arms crossed like he'd been standing there a while. His expression was unreadable, but there was something in his eyes. Not pity. Not cruelty. Just... knowing.

Her breath hitched, brain couldn't find the right words to say.

"Are you eavesdropping, Nishimura?"

The said boy almost let out a scoff, but the unbothered look on his eyes remains.

"I was taking a smoke, actually." he says lowly that made her feel instant shame.

Evie looks hesitant, silently hoping he didn't hear a thing, but it was far from impossible.

"How long were you—?"

"Long enough."

It was the way he said it that made her chest tighten. Not accusing, not even curious. Just a straight fact. Like the secret that had been hers and Sunghoon's was no longer just between them anymore. Another soul knew now. A third thread tangled in the already-knotted mess.

Her legs felt weak. The weight of shame, of fear cracked something open inside her that she could yet to hold. "Please," she said, voice barely above a whisper. "Don't say anything."

He shrugged, casually—too casually. "Wasn't planning on it."

But the way he held her gaze, calm and unreadable, made her stomach twist. Was it mercy? Indifference? Is he saying the truth?

"I just didn't expect it to be you," she admits quietly, wiping at her face again, uselessly.

He didn't smile, didn't soften. Just tilted his head. "Secrets have a funny way of pulling in bystanders."

Then, without another word, he turned and was about to walk away, but Evie stops him.

"S-Sunghoon and I aren't cheating behind Cici." she's clueless as to why she said those words or why she attempted to even clear things out between Ni-ki.

"That's what cheaters usually say." he stated that ripped through her.

She blinks, pushing back the tears and tried swallowing.

"I swear— it was just one night! We were drunk and—"

"You don't really have to explain anything to me." he calmly cuts through her words. He was right. She suddenly felt more ashamed and dumb.

He turns away, leaving her standing there, trembling, alone with a heart beating far too loud and a secret no longer safely buried.

"Alright," Heeseung clapped his hands once, slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Let's move. Adela's gonna be late if we don't leave now."

"Who's coming with us? Jay?" his eyes darted at their friend right away. He answers with a short nod, looking a bit bored.

Sunghoon pans towards Cici when she gently pull over his uniform.

"Hm?" he asks softly.

"You should go with them and look after Jay. You're in charge of not letting him sneak off to skip the search party."

"You guys act as if like I'm not right here."

"That's literally what's in your mind that's why you refused on joining Jungwon and Cici in the council." Adela teased, that made everyone chuckle.

"Are you sure?" Sunghoon asks softly and you answered with a short nod.

He stares at your eyes for a while before leaning in for a peck on your lips before glancing at Jungwon.

"Look after her for me." he says.

Jungwon nods right away with a small smirk on his lips, "Don't worry. She'll be safe with me."

He nods and the four of them starts heading towards the practice hall for Adela.

You glanced at Jungwon. "Student council dungeon?"

"Unfortunately," he sighed, "Let's get it over with."

"How about you two?"

"We'll just go and get some food real quick." Sunoo answers for the strangely quiet Evie.

You already took notice that she's been out of it after lunch break. She suddenly disappears while the three of you— Adela, you and Evie, were checking out deserts on cafeteria. When she came back, she's off her mood.

Jungwon just gave a lazy wave over his shoulder while Cici laughed, already walking beside him toward the admin building.

Sunoo turned to Evie with a grin. "Alright, our turn. Let's go feed your hangry energy before it kills someone."

"Excuse you," Evie said, mock-offended. "You were the one begging for snacks five minutes ago."

"And now we're both winning," he replied, linking his arm with hers as they headed off.

After three full sessions of the practice, the boys— basically Jay and Sunghoon—eventually grew bored and suggested that they went out to have a few hits of cigarettes. They dragged Heeseung out, forcing him, uttering a quick promise of it just taking a few minutes.

Once outside, the cold breeze of air greets all of them. The occasional echoes of the instructor can be heard from the inside, but out here, around the back corner of the building where the pavement cracked and the air smelled faintly of smoke and dust, it felt like a different world.

"Why are all the lights at the soccer field still lit?" Jay curiously asks.

"They're probably practicing right now." Heeseung answers then his mind drifted over the two guys they encountered this morning.

"Ni-ki still hasn't changed a bit. He's still cocky as fuck." he frowns, jaw clenching. "One day, I will seriously threw him a punch."

Jay cackles, "I already beat you to it."

Their eyes drifted towards the direction of the field, a few faint voices can be heard and a few whistles and sounds of balls being kicked follow through.

"When did the tension between you and Ni-ki started again? I couldn't even remember." Jay says as he kicks a rock on the ground before taking another puff from his cigarette.

"When he started acting a jerk towards my cousin." he hissed.

Jay face lighten up, "Ah right. Dude, you really can't force him if he doesn't like Evie."

Heeseung scoffed, "But it doesn't mean he has the reason to be an asshole."

His friend shrugs his shoulder then pans towards Sunghoon. He's being quiet as usual.

"How about you, dude? You and Jake used to be so close before." Jay asks.

"We just... grew up. No big deal." he answers shortly.

After the conversation, they fell silent. Just taking hits from their sticks of cigarettes, trying to divert their attention to what's really bothering all of them at the moment.

Heeseung exhaled slowly, the smoke from his cigarette curling into the air like a sigh. "It's messed up," he muttered, leaning against the brick wall, eyes fixed on nothing.

Jay scoffed softly, flicking ash to the side. "Gruesome doesn't even cover it. They said she was stabbed, what—ten, eleven times?"

"Twelve," Heeseung corrected, his voice low. "And not randomly. The report said it was deliberate. Focused."

They went quiet for a moment, the silence suddenly too loud. A soft breeze rattled the leaves above them.

"What kind of person even does that?" Jay said eventually, shaking his head. "Like—how do you get to that point?"

"Someone with deep hate," Heeseung said. "Or someone wanting a revenge."

"Or both," Sunghoon added. "But it's not just rage. You don't stab someone twelve times unless you want to make a statement."

The three exchanged glances, the smoke lingering heavier now between them.

Jay's brows furrowed. "But who'd have something like that against her? She was... normal. Quiet."

"Too quiet, maybe," Heeseung muttered, more to himself.

Jay looked over his friend, "What's that supposed to mean?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. Just... people keep secrets. Sometimes the ones you least expect are tied up in stuff no one sees." and his eyes unknowingly darted over Sunghoon.

Sunghoon didn't flinch. Didn't shift. He just met the gaze with a slow blink before slowly taking the cigarette near his lips once again to take another hit. He stayed relaxed, unfazed and refused to let Heeseung through his mind. He's not someone weak to be broken by a mere comment.

But the statement sparks something in him. Making him wonder if his friend knows anything. He didn't feel scared of it, but something shifted deep inside him.

Jay nodded slowly, dragging in another breath of smoke, unaware of the quick tension that builts between the other two. "Could've been someone close. Or someone she knew too well. Maybe it really is Jeena."

"Could've been one of us," Heeseung said, only half-joking, but his tone dropped just enough to leave the words lingering.

Jay shot him a look. "Not funny."

Heeseung broke into a fit of laughter after seeing his friend's reaction. He taps his now tensed shoulder then smiles. "I'm just kidding. What a scaredy cat." he taunts.

"But we seriously need to be careful," Heeseung replied, flicking the cigarette to the ground and crushing it underfoot. "Someone out there planned it. Knew when, where and what to do. That person killed with no mercy and left without a trace. And they're still walking around like nothing happened."

"We just have to keep each other safe." Jay says and smiles warmly to his friends.

Heeseung and Sunghoon agrees quietly and dabbed each other as a silent promise of having each other's back.

It felt like time had slowed—and none of them could shake the feeling that they were closer to something than they wanted to be. Completely unaware of what's about to unfold.

The water ran warm against Adela's skin, fog curling up the mirrors and clinging to the tile walls like smoke. The echo of her breathing mixed with the soft hum of the pipes, the hiss of water hitting the floor.

She was melting through the pleasure of finally showering off the sweat from practice that she failed to notice that the stalls beside her are getting empty one by one. Until it was quiet — too quiet — except for that ever-present drip from the far end of the shower station.

She ran her hands through her hair, trying to clear her head. Practice had drained her. She was sore, tired, and the kind of sweaty that only a long rinse could fix.

Then— tap.

Adela froze, water from the shower continuous on dropping at her.

It was faint. Barely audible over the water. Not a pipe, not a drip.

Something else.

She instinctively glanced over her shoulder, but the fog blurred everything. Just gray-white haze and the sound of her own heartbeat, starting to pick up.

Adela exhaled slowly. "It's nothing," she told herself, reaching for the soap again.

Tap.

Louder this time. Closer.

She quickly turned off the shower so she can hear clearly.

Silence.

Her skin prickled. She could hear her breathing became faster and shallow. She slowly reached for her towel, eyes flicking to the edge of the stall.

"Heeseung?" she called out, trying to sound casual, but her voice cracked. Thinking it must have been him, playing yet another prank on her. After all, her boyfriend's love doing it.

No response.

She pulled the towel tighter around her, stepping carefully out of the stall, bare feet squeaking slightly on the wet tiles.

"Seriously," she said, glancing around the room. "If you're trying to scare me, just don't! I'm not in the mood."

Still nothing.

She hesitated. The thick fog made it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. Her phone buzzed suddenly on the bench by the wall. The sharp sound made her jump. She decided to go and pick it up.

Caller ID: Unknown Number.

She stared at it, heart pounding, then slowly reached for it. The screen was slick against her wet fingers, then she answered.

There was a pause on the line. Then a voice came through— warped, metallic, masked behind a voice changer.

"What's your favorite movie?"

Adela's blood ran cold, but she didn't respond right away. Suddenly, the memory of Jay mentioning the movie stab and how this caller unknown caller starts it with this infamous line, annoyed her. She thought it was his friend making fun of her.

"Is this you, Jay? I swear you're so sick in the head—"

"Jay? This is not him." the caller answers, voice still unfamiliar due to the voice changer.

Fear consumed Adela once again. She didn't breathe.

The line stayed quiet for a beat and she realized that it's probably stupid to stay in line and talk to someone psychotic so she attempts to end the call. Dress in a flash and run towards his boyfriend.

But then, "Don't hang up."

Her heart drops after what she heard. She looked around the shower station again, eyes wide, scanning the fog for movement— for a shadow, a figure, anything.

But there was nothing.

Just the steam.

And the voice.

"Let's play a game, Adela." tears started to stream down her face.

Her hand shook, knuckles white from gripping too hard around the phone and lips starting to tremble.

She wasn't alone anymore.

Tears starts to blur the world into streaks of steam and tile, every breath came shallow and fast. "Please," Adela whispered, voice cracking, "what do you want from me?"

On the other end the voice was flat, and the effect made it sound like it was coming from the wrong end of a tunnel. "We'll play a game," it said.

"I will give three sentences. Two of them are lies and one will be true." the other person's tone sounds playful, excited. "It's easy! All you have to do is say if what I stated is a lie or the truth."

Adela's breathing is still heavy, eyes still scanning the shower area, feeling a lot more anxious as moments passes by.

"If you lie, you die. If you tell the truth... you still die."

She  laughed once, a small, broken sound that turned into a sob. "That's not— that's not a game. That's—what are you talking about? Why are you doing this?"

Silence lingered for a moment like a held breath. Then the voice, casual and precise. "Honestly, no deep reason. Don't take it all against me." they chuckles, taunting.

Her feet moved of their own accord, backing away from the bench, towel clutched uselessly around her. "Heeseung?" she called, hoping his boyfriend will happen to hear her and come save her.

"Heeseung, please save me... I'm scared." Adela sobs, and the other line pause for a bit before she heard a low chuckle.

"Do you think he will still come if he knew about your darkest secret?"

Adela's breath hitched, eyes blinked rapidly and chest tightened. She swallows hard and pushed back that one thought at the far back of her mind.

"I d-don't have a secret."

A sinister laugh erupts from the other line that made her jolt and shake in fear.

"Liar. Everyone has secrets. Everyone lies at some point and you," they stall with their words, "Adela, is a one big liar." there's a rasp under the tone, not quite hoarse, still masked on the voice changer, but it was jagged enough to scrape her ear, making the victim strain to listen even though they wish they hadn't.

She can feel her whole body trembling, not because she's cold from the shower and being almost naked, but out of immense fear.

"Now back to my game! Two lies and one truth." they returned on sounding excited.

"First sentence: Lee Heeseung is not my boyfriend." he stated. 

Her throat tightened. She didn't want to. God, she hated this game. She hated the caller. The sound of their voice crawled under her skin like a parasite. She wants so bad to drop the call, but she's scared it'll end into something more horrible. The silence that followed her hesitation was worse than any threat—because she could feel him listening, waiting, knowing.

"Answer me!" they screamed, demanding.

She flinched hard, the phone almost slipped through her hands.

"Lie!" you yelled back, voice cracking.

The other line was silent for a few seconds before they spoke again. "Good. That's the easiest, by the way."

Adela cursed at the back of her mind, hoping this comes to end already. It was torturous for her.

"Second sentence: I'm a mommy's girl."

She felt her chest aches at the mention of her Mom. Her face almost drains out every emotion. Adela has never seen her Mom again after her sixth birthday. She left. She left her so whenever someone said mom, it wasn't just a word. It was a knife stabbed straight to her poor heart.

With tears streaming down her eyes and slightly clenched teeth, she uttered "Lie." she shortly replied.

The other person giggles, taunting hard. "Ooh, someone's sounding a little bitter." it teases.

Adela felt instantly sick in her stomach. Not only that this person is threatening to kill her, but she's making her suffer mentally. Whoever is on the other line, knew her. Not that it's a secret to the whole town that she has a broken family, but the fact that they target these things says a lot. They perfectly knew which will hurt and break her the most.

"Are you sure about that answer?" they taunt once again, after noticing that she's not responding.

"Yes! Please, stop this already." her voice cracks in between her sobs.

"Next and final question for you, Adela, dear." they seem so calm, feeding through her fear like as if that's what's making them sleep better at night.

"Adela is a fucking slut."

Her lips trembled with a light grimace. They're tone cold, unknowing.

"W-What...? No! I'm not— It's a lie! It's a lie, please!"

They didn't respond. Just pure silence, leaving Adela hanging like a fool.

Panic shot through her. "Please, I'll—I'll tell you anything. Just don't—don't hurt me."

"Tell the truth," the voice replied softly. "Admit it! Admit that you are a slut, a whore! Lee Heeseung was unaware of his sweet little girlfriend fucking around old business men, is he?"

Adela felt like her world stopped after she heard those words, heart beating rapidly that she's so sure it might make her throw up.

"Adela, the self claimed beauty queen in the morning and a mistress at night."

"P-Please... I'm begging you. Just stop—" her knees weakens.

There was no answer from the other line. It went strangely quiet. Only the metallic rasp of the voice, and then, closer now, a sound of something shifting—quiet, deliberate steps that didn't belong to the sterile echo of the shower stalls.

She tried to move faster, heart battering in her ribs. The fog hid shapes, but she could feel the room narrowing, the tiles slick beneath her feet. When a figure slipped out from the steam, knife catching the harsh overhead light for a second, she dropped the phone and it skidded, still connected, the killer's voice a thin thread through the hiss of water.

"Adela!" they screamed, lunging blindly.

She shielded herself at the arm that came for her, fingers scrabbling at the black fabric—at flesh—but the figure was steady, practiced. Every movement calculated. She fought with everything she had, pushing, kicking, a desperate pull on an elbow, nails that raked at hands. None of it was good enough to stop what came next.

Pain came rushing, hot and immediate, sharp and blurring. She gasped and tried to pull away, but the world narrowed to the pounding in her ears and then comes the taste of metal at the back of her mouth that she never thought she's familiar with until this very moment. Blood. Her own blood.

Each time she fell, she got up again, driven by a small, furious hope that movement could save her. And by each attempts of Adela to protect herself from each strike of the sharp knife, it stayed just out of reach, then the strikes kept coming.

Adela took a grip over the person's arm and fiercely faced them using the remaining strength she could muster. She can feel all the painful wound the knife inflicted her, until every bit of her slowly grew numb.

She's slowly losing any care and just have one thing inside her mind. Her eyes stabbed through the masked killer that's holding her and playing with her life.

She wants to know who's behind that terrifying cover, she wanted to know who's fucking with her life right now like they're God.

She clawed at the ground as the masked killer hovered over her—cold, faceless, merciless.

Her trembling hands latched onto their wrist when the knife gleamed in the low light. She twisted, desperate, nails digging into the mask's edge. She poured everything into it until she ripped it off.

Her world stopped.

"No..." her voice cracked, barely audible.

Adela doesn't know who she expects it to be or how the person behind the mask would look like, but she definitely not saw any of these coming her way. The familiar eyes— very familiar if she will be more precise, stared down at her with something unreadable, dark, detached.

Tears spilled before she even realized. "You?" Her breath hitched, ragged. "No... it— it can't be you."

Her weak body trembled and instead of fighting back, she just found herself conceding. Like she fully embraced the truth that this will be her end. Her eyes never left the person in front of her, her mind still refused to accept it.

"Why?" she choked out. "Why are you doing this?"

They raised the knife again, silent.

Her hands shook as she reached out, clinging to their arm, not to stop them—but because she couldn't believe it.

The killer's expression didn't falter.

Her tears blurred her vision. "Answer me! Why?" she screamed, though it came out cracked, fragile, desperate.

The blade hovered closer. Her body shook with both terror and something worse—betrayal that cut deeper than the wounds already on her skin.

And then she felt it, knife stabbed straight to her heart. They didn't miss, with her not even trying to fight anymore.

Her voice collapsed into quiet, broken whimpers. "Why?" she asked again, over and over, as if saying it enough times would force them to give her the truth.

But the silence was heavier than any answer.

Her legs finally gave, grounding out on the cold tile. She collapsed there, breath ragged. Her phone lay nearby and the picture of Heeseung hugging her while they both smile brightly at the camera flashes.

Silence followed, heavy and absolute. The lights hummed, a slow drip echoed somewhere in the stalls. She did not move when it came. Her chest did not rise in the steady rhythm she had once known.

fic tag-list:

@mora134340 @drunkinjake @jakesgfff @cara9065 @wonluvvies24 @enhaheart8

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