The Black Phoenix

by Hagocimit
***********************

Chapter 01: The New Apartment

“What the hell?” Bom roared from the kitchen. I grabbed Jiyong’s arm and hid behind his back
as she came marching towards us. She’s been ranting ever since she arrived, complaining at how
we haven’t fixed everything up. The bed, the couch, the study tables and some other stuff were
all stocked up in the living room.

“What’s wrong?” Jiyong asked as if he doesn’t know what’s going on.

“What’s wrong?!” she went on. “You’re asking me what’s wrong? You haven’t put everything
up to their proper places and-!”

“We just moved in!” I reasoned out. “We haven’t had enough time to put everything to their
proper places”

“Dara, you moved in here seven hours ago!” she ranted. “Don’t tell me you don’t have time
putting everything to their proper places but you have time for having sex! The whole apartment
smells sex and sticky fluids are everywhere – on the floor, on the kitchen sink, on the bed, on
the-!”

“It’s Jiyong’s fault!” I defended myself. “He was being a pervert!”

Jiyong looked down at me with raised brows while I gave him a look, asking him to just go with
the flow. Out of nowhere, Bom just burst out crying. I glanced at her with worry then back at
Jiyong but he just shrugged in return.

“Bom, what’s wrong?” I asked her.

“Y-youngbae!” she cried.

“Why? Did he cheat on you?”

“No!” she exclaimed. “He did worst than that!”

“Aigoo!” I mumbled and hugged her. “Why? What did he do?”

“H-he f-f-forgot to k-kiss me goodnight last night” she cried.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me!” Jiyong breathed, disbelief coloring his voice. I glanced
up and gave him a stern look while he stared at Bom with disgust written all over his face. He
just doesn’t get it. Men just don’t get how emotional women could get and how simple acts make
us feel. But I must admit, for someone like Bom to cry over things like this is pretty odd and
weird.

“It’s not just that!” Bom wailed.

“What else?” I asked in worry.

“He doesn’t want to make me love to me anymore because he’s worried for the baby I’m
carrying!” she bawled out loud. “Imagine, I’ll be pregnant for nine months! NINE MONTHS!
And for those nine months, he won’t make love to me at all!”

My heart squeezed. I totally understand how she feels. Nine months without intimate moments
with my pancake is the most tragic thing ever! If that happens to me. “He. . . what?” I asked
blankly as her words finally dawned on me. “Y-you’re pregnant?! Oh my God! Why didn’t you
tell me at once? And for how long already?”

“Two months” she sniffed then cried harder again.

“At least there are only seven months left” Jiyong snorted.

“Seven months!” Bom wailed louder.

I looked up at Jiyong. ‘Get Youngbae’ I mouthed. Seriously, this guy’s pretty rude and
insensitive. But I still love him, though.

---

“Ha!” I breathed as I dropped myself in the bed. We finally put everything to their right places
after Youngbae came to bring the wailing Bom home. I can’t believe her. I didn’t expect she’s
capable of bawling out like that but I guess that’s how love does to people. I closed my eyes,
imagining myself in front of a mirror with a bum. A blush suddenly crept to my cheeks. Aigoo!
But wouldn’t it be nice to have a little Jiyong? Aigoo, aigoo! I want a miniature Jiyong to take
care of! But wait, that would be err, odd. I can’t lust after my own son! So I take that back. I
don’t want a miniature Jiyong. Gah! If my son will have Jiyong’s lips, aigoo! I don’t know what
will happen! Maybe half me and half Jiyong?

Aish! What am I thinking? I’m already thinking of having a child when we’re not even married
yet! We’re not even engaged in the first place. My eyes suddenly snapped open.

Engaged. My pancake, my very one fallen angel, my Kwon Jiyong has been engaged ONCE to
another girl. Right then and there, my mind went travelling down to memory lane.
“How did Bom and the others found us down in the chamber?” I asked.

He didn’t answer at once as he was running his fingers through my hair. “Bom said Sulli called
them”

“She did?”

“Yes” he sighed. “Sulli told them that if they want to save you, they have to rescue you
themselves”

I swallowed the lump in my throat. They went there for me. I don’t know if I should be happy or
not about it. I guess I’m in between. I’m deeply touched that they were willing to risk their lives
for me but on the other hand, I can’t afford another death under my belt.

“That’s so thoughtful of them”

He chuckled. “I don’t know what they see in you, but they like you”

“I like them too!”

He kissed my head. “I know”

Silence.

“I want to hear everything” I broke the silence. “I want to hear how you planned out to kill Su- I
mean, her”

“I can’t tell you everything” he then said.

“But why?”

“Because I don’t want to remember everything Sulli asked me to do”

I suddenly felt guilty. “At least tell me some parts”

“I guess it all started with my mother telling me about the ability of a masked shadow to a
normal shadow into a masked one. Right then and there, I knew I have to be a masked shadow
even if it’ll cost me everything because as what I learned, only a masked shadow can match up to
a masked shadow. I asked Bom to tell you about the prediction in hope that you’ll love Jaejoong
again. Then I asked Jaejoong to keep you alive no matter what because I’m not 100% sure I’ll
win against Sulli if we fight after she turns me into a masked one. I’m not even sure if I’d still be
the same Jiyong after the transformation”

“I didn’t. . .” I mumbled. “I tried to see Jae as what the prediction said – my soulmate. But I
can’t. . . your face kept on popping into my head. It has always been you”
“You got it bad, huh?”

I rolled my eyes at his attempt of making a joke. He just sucked at it. “Tell me more” I said
instead.

“When I saw a chance, I quickly acted on it. I-”

“What chance?” I cut off.

“When Sulli put you under a spell, she offered me a deal. She said that if I. . . sleep with her,
she’ll lift the curse off. At that time, I’ve already decided on what I have to do so I acted up on it.
There’s no guarantee that I’ll succeed or she’ll do her part of the deal, but I risked it because
there’s no other way. Being the best liar as what everyone says proved to have a good use. There
were times that I think Sulli knew what I was up to but she didn’t say anything about it”

“She really likes you then” I stiffly said. “Or love you”

“I don’t think she’s capable of that”

“Oh no” I argued. “Never underestimate the power of love, Jiyong. It may be love for self, for
power, for money, for nature, for someone special. . . . still”

He sighed. “I should have seen it earlier. When she saw me down the alley, transforming. . . I
really thought I wiped off her memory, turns out we can do that” he said, ignoring what I said.

“She fooled all of us” I replied, deciding to drop my case.

“She did” he agreed. “And it damn pisses me off that I wasn’t the one who took her down”

“Speaking of, how did she die?”

“I have no idea” he answered. “I was beaten up and she was heading out of the chamber when it
suddenly turned very dark. The next thing I knew, there’s a black phoenix at the center of the
chamber”

“I saw that, too! But what was it doing there? Is the phoenix some sort of a shadow, too? Do you
have any idea who that was? Does it even turn to human?”

“I have no idea” he answered. “None of us does. I actually didn’t believe that phoenix existed,
much more a black phoenix”

“And Jaejoong. . . . he grew old”

“Yes. He must really love you for doing that”

“But how. . . .?” I trailed.

“Replacing your lost blood was one thing but you DIED. A life lost must be replaced by another
one’s life. So, basically, he gave you his life”

Silence.

“What about Sohee?”

“The. . . royalties paired us”

“Do you. . . do you like her?” I swallowed. “I mean, she’s really cute and pretty and. . .”

“You’re jealous” he stated.

“Of course I am!”

“Sohee. . . she’s like Bom to me, in a way”

“In what way? The girlfriend way or the friend way?”

“Dara” he wearily sighed.

I pouted and wrapped my arms around him possessively. Kwon Jiyong is MINE. “I’ll have to
steal you away from her, then”

“What are you talking about?”

“You’re MINE and I don’t like to share” I declared fiercely. I hated how this Sohee girl is like
Bom to him. I HATE IT. This is the price of being away from him for so long, I know that but I
won’t let that separation ruin what we have right now.

“You really are stubborn, huh?” he chuckled.

“This is not a laughing matter!” I scolded him. “I’m serious!”

He lifted my chin up. “I already told you how I feel, so you don’t have to steal me from anyone”

“But you’re engaged to her!”

“I’ll fix it” he said. “Now, go to sleep”

I smiled. That day, when he said the ‘I love you’ words to me - that’s the most glorious and
unforgettable moment for me. I kept on replaying it in my head every now and then for the past
months or so. That moment’s been burned in my mind, my heart, my soul. Up until now, it never
fails to make me feel special, to make me feel giddy, to make me feel happy.
“Jiyong?” I called out loud.

“What?” the answer came from the bathroom. My eyes suddenly snapped open, then I felt
myself grin. I quickly jumped up to my feet.

“What are you doing?” I called through the closed door.

“Taking a bath. Why?”

“He he” I giggled to myself. Peek, I want to take a peek. I reached for the knob and turned it to
the right but it was locked! “Ya! Why is this door locked?!”

He laughed. “To stop you from barging in!”

“AISH!! Open this at once! I need to pee”

“I don’t believe you” he laughed again.

---

JIYONG’S POV

She was already sleeping when I stepped out of the bathroom. I smirked. A while ago, I never
really thought she’d give up but I guess she really was tired. I went to get something comfy to
wear. After putting it on, I walked towards the bed.

“What a spoof” I chuckled before leaning down to give her a peck.

“Gotcha!” she suddenly said, her arms going around my neck while her legs wrapped around my
waist. She pulled me over and rolled, putting me under her. “I’m pissed” she told me.

“Why?”

“Because you locked the door! Why did you lock it?!”

“I want to”

She suddenly leaned down and claimed my lips. For someone as small and stupid as her, she can
be really aggressive sometimes, not to say vengeful. I let her kiss me, my arms going around her
waist as I kissed her back. I switched our positions and let our lips stay connected for a while
before pulling away and rolling off her.

“Ya!” she protested.

“I’m tired”
“You don’t LOOK tired”

“I am tired” I emphasized and looked at her. She pulled a grimace first before sighing heavily.

“Fine” she waved off and cuddled close to me. “Just a goodnight kiss then”

“You already kissed me” I pointed out.

“You’re turning me down?” she aghastly asked.

“Yes” I rolled my eyes. “Now go to sleep”

“You’re really rude”

I just grunted in response and went to close my eyes. The darkness somehow brought some sense
of. . . unsettlement, which I must say is kind of weird since people like me prefers dark places.
It’s been months since Dara and I got back together. I admit I still don’t feel at ease, somehow. I
just got used with the thought of Dara being in danger that eventhough months had passed
already, I can’t help but feel uneasy, uncomfortable. And the things I’ve done before in hope to
keep Dara alive haunts me in my sleep. The nightmares are not on nightly basis. They usually
come when I feel a sense of peace inside of me. I’m not a coward but guilt or maybe even
conscience is hard to fight. Ironic, I know. For someone like me, I should not feel any guilt or
nagging of the conscience. But if given the chance to go back in time, I won’t change anything.
I’d still do all of those for HER.

“Pancake Jiyong?”

“What?”

“You’re still up?” she softly inquired,

“Obviously” I snorted. “What now?”

“I’m thinking. . . .”

That’s not a good sign. “What about?”

“About Bom, Youngbae and their baby”

“What about them?”

“Can you believe it?” I mean, up until now, I can’t believe Bom’s pregnant”

“She’s married, Dara” I told her. “It’s normal for married couples to have a child or children in
that matter”
“It seemed surreal to me” she continued. “What about you? Have you ever thought of having a. .
. child?”

I knew it. Sandara Park ‘thinking’ isn’t always a good sign. I know she’s been meaning to ask
me that question. Should I lie or tell the truth? “No” I finally answered. “I don’t want to have a
child”

She tensed. Dammit!

“But why?”

I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling. “I don’t want my son to go through with being a
shadow. I don’t want my daughter to be the royalties’ guinea pig. I don’t want them to feel what
I felt when I learned that evil blood runs through my veins. I don’t want them to hate themselves
like how I felt about myself”

“Oh, pancake” she cooed. “You don’t have to feel that way. If you remember, you tried to live as
normally as you can. Being a shadow does not mean you have to be a REAL shadow. It’s your
choice”

I chose to remain silent. She doesn’t really understand, does she? And she will never understand
it because she’s a normal human being. Try as I may not to think of it, there will be things that
she won’t understand about me.

-------------
 Chapter 02: The New School
I woke up with tiny kisses being showered to my face. I sighed and tried my best to ignore her.
And then, she started calling me ‘pancake’. I peered at her through one eye and saw her grinning
at me widely.

“Good morning, pancake!” she greeted enthusiastically. I closed my eyes and grunted. “Ya! You
should greet me back”

“Morning. . . .” I answered sleepily.

“What kind of a greeting is that?”

I gathered her in my arms and went to bury my face at the crook of her neck. “You talk too
much” I mumbled sleepily.

“It’s really unfair when you start acting so cuddly”

I kissed her collarbone and kept my mouth shut. Ever since the threat to Dara’s safety passed, I
can now conveniently take as much sleep as I want in the morning. Though, the darkness of the
night is entirely a different matter. Like last night, I was awake the whole time. I stayed awake
watching her face and somewhere at dawn, sleep finally found me. Sometimes I wonder up to
how long will this last, up to how long will Dara stay beside me. Up to how long will she
continue loving me? Eventhough she already said that she has forgiven me for the things I’ve
done before, an unsettling worry never left my chest. I’ve already proven how cruel and selfish I
can be for wanting Dara to stay beside me and with me even if I know I’m not worthy, that I’m
tainted, that her loved ones died in my hands, that it was me who caused her too much pain a
normal person could never endure.

“Jiyong?” she softly called.

“Mmm?”

“I love you” she said and kissed my hair.

Those words. . . . she never fails to say theme very minute she could get. And those exact words
are what keeping us together. Funny for someone like me to feel glorious just because of those
three simple words when before, I’ve never really believed such thing existed.

“Kwon Jiyong!” she suddenly whined.

“What?”

“Get up already! I want to have a walk around the place, to familiarize myself so I won’t get lost
if ever. . . .”
“Why do you have to familiarize yourself with the place and worry of getting lost when I’m here
to accompany you?” I inquired softly.

“Aigoo! Why are you being sweet?”

I smirked. I knew she’d like that. She always does. “Knowing how stupid you are, I know you
need constant supervision”

“Ya!” she thrashed wildly.

I laughed and pulled my face away from the crook of her neck. “Don’t pout” I told her as I gave
her a light peck on the lips. But she pouted even more, making me growl. I reached for her lips
again. She welcomed the kiss quite enthusiastically, even curling her fingers on my hair to pull
me closer. Then, she pushed me down on my pillow and climbed on top of me with our lips still
brushing against each other.

It went on like that for quite some time until I decided to break it. I seriously want to sleep more.
I clicked my tongue upon seeing that she was grinning naughtily at me.

“You’re doing it on purpose, aren’t you?” I asked her with narrowed eyes. “You know what I’ll
do if you pout so you’re doing it on purpose”

“He he”

“Why are you so horny?” I sighed heavily, feigning a disappointed look.

“Ya!” she exclaimed angrily. “I’m not horny!”

“Then let me sleep”

“Fine!” she said. “I’ll go walk around myself”

“Okay” I answered nonchalantly and turned on my stomach, burying my face deep into my
pillow. She started stomping here and there, ranting endlessly but I remained still. After some
time, she exhaled harshly. Not long after that, the door banged close quite loudly.

---

Dara came back around late afternoon with a very grim expression. She stubbornly refused to
look or talk to me. She just went stomping here and there like a child having some tantrums.

Seriously, she can be childish sometimes that I can’t help but wonder if she’s really that girl
down the chamber, if she’s really that girl who killed my heart a million times, if she’s really
that girl who attempted to RAPE me. I smiled at the memory if her ‘raping’ me as what she calls
it. She’s pretty proud about it. She even boasted it to my friends. I had a good laugh seeing my
friends’ reactions to the smug announcement of the spoof girl. Seungri asked how we got back
together and just like that, Dara said we got back together because she RAPED me. Unable to
stop myself, I let out a light chuckle. I looked up in time to see the spoof girl glaring at me.

“Oh, so you think this is funny?!” she asked angrily, her eyes welling up. “Well, it’s NOT!”

She turned away and went to our bedroom, closing the door loudly behind her. What did I do
wrong? Girls are so hard to understand sometimes. Aish! I walked towards the door and turned
the knob around but I found it locked. I sighed heavily and knocked on the door while calling her
name but I only got a wail in response.

“Open the door” I called again.

“NO!” she wailed. “Go away! I don’t want to see you! And I’m not going to talk to you for a
week!”

“Stop being childish!” I snapped.

No response.

I sighed heavily again and went to get the keys. After unlocking the door, I pushed it open and
leaned my shoulder against the doorframe and shook my head upon seeing the big tent in the
bed. The spoof girl covered her whole body with a blanket. And oh, she’s sobbing really loud.

“What’s with this act, Dara?” I asked as patiently as I can.

“Act?!” she shrieked, her whole face and body still covered with blanket. “This isn’t an act! I’m
deeply hurt! You said you’ll accompany me anywhere I go but you didn’t. I just. . . I just wanted.
. . to spend some time walking around with you but you obviously don’t want to spend time with
me!”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re really being childish”

She wailed louder.

“Aish!” I breathed.

DARA’S POV

He’s really mean! And oh, rude! I just wanted to walk with him while holding each other’s
hands. I just wanted us to watch the sky or watch the shapes the clouds would form. I just wanted
us to eat somewhere or share a drink of tea while gazing into each other’s eyes lovingly. I just
wanted to spend a nice and sweet day with him but he chose SLEEP over me! It’s really
insulting! I swear, I won’t talk to him for a week as a punishment.
I felt the covers behind me lifted, followed by the bed’s other side shrinking. I stiffened,
knowing that he joined me under the covers. I felt his arms on my waist but I quickly took it off.

“Don’t touch me!” I hissed.

“Pancake” he softly called, wrapping one arm from behind me again. Aigoo, I can feel the hurt
and irritation slowly ebbing away. But no! I must keep firm.

“Don’t talk to me!” I tried to hiss again but my voice shook. Aish!

“Pancake, I’m sorry already” he whispered, nipping my earlobe as he cuddled closer to me.

That’s it! I had enough. I turned to face him. “I forgive you” I said. “And I love you”

He smiled, not the arrogant or sarcastic smile he usually wears but a sweet one. And it made me
giddy inside. Aigoo.

“How about I make up for it?” he asked as he grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips. After
kissing the back of my hand, he went to kiss my palm and each of my fingers, sucking a little at
each tip. Oh, he looked so sexy doing that. “So, what do you think, huh?”

“I. . .” I started but stopped as my voice came out in an unusually high-pitched tone. I cleared my
throat discreetly before answering. “I think that’s a good idea. What do you have in mind?”

He looked up and smirked playfully. “This” he answered then leaned forward to claim my lips,
which was he has every right to do. As his lips started moving against mine, I can’t help but
wonder why I always end up forgiving him. Am I really that in love with him? The answer’s
pretty obvious, isn’t it?

I brought my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. Gah, I want to devour him WHOLE, if
only it’s possible. I guess I’ll just have to settle with how his lips were pressed on mine, with
how his teeth were nibbling on my lower lips, with how his tongue was making erotic
movements inside my mouth. With those simple acts, a pressure deep down in my tummy started
building up.

“Let’s get rid of these clothes, shall we?” he asked in a husky voice, sending shivers down my
spine. Too captured with the look in his eyes, I only managed an eager nod for a response. He
took off his shirt first before removing mine. When he gave his attention to our pants, I
unclasped my bra and took it off to save time. I want action already!

After successfully removing our pants, I pushed myself up in a kneeling position and grabbed his
head to meet my lips. Once again, I was lost in the sea of passion that only Jiyong could make
me feel - my pancake, my very own fallen angel, my Kwon Jiyong. Yes, I have every right to be
possessive. As if reading my mind, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me tightly
to him. My soft and smooth skin met his rough and scarred upper torso. The second my bare
upper body met his, I felt my peaks crowning my breasts turned sensitive, as if longing to be
touched. I gave a moan at this and it grew more pronounced when my pancake started running
his hand up and down my back on a very sensual way, if I may add. Then, he proceeded on
drawing erotic figures on my skin, making me feel hot all over.

“Jiyong” I gasped, sounding a bit impatient.

“Hmm” he only murmured as he playfully nipped my earlobe.

“I love you” I moan, biting my lower lip as he trailed kisses down my jaw, neck and shoulder
while my hands went to the band of his boxer shorts.

“I know” he grunted as he slipped his hand to my still covered bottom, squeezing both cheeks.
Unable to help myself, I let out a delighted giggle and I swear, I felt him smirk against my
shoulderblade.

“Pull it down already” I breathed, referring to my undies as my hand went around his hard on
after pulling his boxer down.

“You’re so impatient” he growled.

“I want you so bad”

“I want you badly, too” he confessed, one hand covering a globe while he conquered the other
with his hot mouth. I threw my head back at the sensation.

“Jiyong!” I gritted in frustration.

“Yes?” he innocently asked.

“Ugh!” I groaned. Unable to keep my patience any longer, I slowly lay down, pulling him down
with me.

=o=

AUTHOR’S POV

A group of three students lingered at the second floor’s opened corridor. A tall guy, who seemed
to be the leader of the group, had his eyes fixed below as he tried to amuse himself by watching
students walked here and there. He gave a bored huff of air. Out of nowhere, his eyes zoomed to
one particular person, as if her mere presence was calling for his attention. His eyes squinted,
trying to get a good look of her face. She was wearing a huge, eager smile as if being here was
giving her joy.

“Hey” he voiced out to his companions without taking his eyes off the girl. “Who’s that?”

“Who’s who?” his male friend asked.

“That girl in pink down there”

The two companions, who happened to be siblings, looked down and searched for the person.

“No idea” his male friend answered again. “Want me to find out?” he finished with a hint of
playfulness in his voice. The tall guy nodded, making the friend smile.

The said leader acted as if nothing odd happened when his friend suddenly disappeared beside
him. A smirk curved his lips upon seeing his friend casually walking towards the girl with his
head bowed.

“That move is so yesterday” his female friend snorted upon seeing her brother bumped into the
girl ‘accidentally’.

“Have any better ideas?” he lazily drawled.

“I actually have other better ideas but I rather keep them to myself” his friend answered coolly.

The tall guy kept his silence as he watched the two shook hands with the girl in pink smiling
widely. After a while, they waved each other goodbye.

“Sandara Park, senior and a transfer student” his friend suddenly appeared. “Oh boy, she sure is
bubbly and friendly”

“Sandara Park” the tall guy repeated with a dark and knowing smirk on his face. “She’s mine”

----
 Chapter 03: The Other Guy
---

Dara keyed in a message in her mobile: Class almost over. Are you gonna pick me up from
my room?

‘No. Just go straight home. I’m here already’

Her face fell in disappointment but it was soon replaced by a smile as her eyes stayed on the
word home. Her nape suddenly pricked. She looked back but saw no one looking at her direction.
‘Weird’ she thought. ‘I feel like someone’s watching me. Must be my imagination again’

The class went on in a blur. She hasn’t made any friends except for the guy she bumped into this
morning. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry, like they don’t have time to mingle. She ate late
lunch alone, too. And the worst thing of all, she didn’t have a chance to see or bump into Jiyong.
Far-fetched as it may sound but she terribly missed him. But since they have separated classes,
she was left with no choice. She was brought upon the feeling of being watched again. She
looked around and scolded herself for imagining things.

Her fellow students suddenly stood up. It was then that she realized her last class finally ended.
Too excited to reach the apartment and see Jiyong, she excitedly headed towards the door.

She was near the door when a hand stopped her. She looked back and saw a cute, friendly face
smiling at her. “You left your phone” he told her.

“Oh” she mumbled, then chuckled awkwardly. “Thanks”

“You seemed so excited of going home”

“Well, yeah. . .” she smiled, holding her phone tightly. “I’m Sandara Park, by the way. But you
can call me Dara”

“Kevin. Kevin Woo” he smiled, shaking hands with her.

“Nice meeting you, Kevin. But I really have to go”

“Oh sure” he smiled.

“Thanks again” she waved and ran off. Due to her haste, she once again bumped into someone.
And this time, she fell back to the floor.

“Watch where you’re going, will you?” a deep voice growled.

“I’m sorry” she hastily said and picked her things up. She got to her feet and looked up. A sense
of déjà vu suddenly came to her upon seeing two male and one female in front of her garbed in
all-black outfits. She swallowed as two deep, sharp eyes greeted her. “I’m sorry, I was in a hurry.
I didn’t mean to. . .”

“Don’t you think you’re being a bit repetitive? You already apologized, no need to say sorry
again”

“I’m sorry, I-” she stopped. “Oh, err. . .”

The guy laughed. “What a spoof” he said then turned to his friends. “Let’s go”

Dara stood frozen on her spot as the tall guy walked past by her. She can’t believe the guy just
called her spoof.

“Hi, we meet again”

She frowned a little, then her face brightened. “Daesung!”

“Yeah” he nodded, smiling. “This is my sister by the way, Minzy”

“Hi” Dara timidly greeted the girl but the latter just looked at her with a little hostility in her
face.

“And the guy you just bumped into is TOP, he’s our friend”

“TOP?”

“Yeah” he nodded. “Anyways, we’ll go ahead”

---

“Jiyong!” she called out loudly as soon as she reached their apartment. “I’m here!”

“Okay” he called back, making her growl.

Following his voice, she found him in the bedroom, in the study table. “Ya! Is that the right way
to greet your girlfriend?”

He looked up and rolled his eyes. “I’m studying”

She pouted and crossed her arms in her chest while giving her boyfriend a dark look. Jiyong
sighed heavily after a while and stood up. He walked to Dara and wrapped his arms around his
tiny waist.
“Welcome back” he whispered in her ear, nibbling a little then he gave her a tiny peck on the
lips.

“I missed you” she told him and wrapped her arms around his waist, too.

“I missed you, too” he said, nuzzling her neck.

The words surprised Dara. She was not used to Jiyong saying things like those and she felt heat
crawled to her cheeks. With a smile, she hugged him tighter and rubbed her hand on his back.

“How was your day?” she asked, all the while still locked in his arms.

“It was fine. Pretty boring actually” he said, resting his chin on her head now. “How about you?”

“Nothing much happened, either but I’ve got new friends” she said. “There’s Kevin, Daesung,
Minzy and TOP. The last three kind of reminded me of you and the gang. And oh, the TOP guy
called me spoof. Can you believe that?”

“Your new friends. . .” he quietly said. “I just noticed, most of them are boys”

Dara went still for a moment. When his words finally dawned on her, she slightly leaned away
and looked at him with amusement in her eyes. “Omo, my pancake’s jealous! Aigoo, aigoo.
You’re so cute. Aigoo, I can’t believe you’re jealous. Omona!”

“Stop that!” he gritted.

“Aigoo!” she laughed. “My pancake’s so jealous!”

“Oh, shut up!”

She laughed louder but upon seeing the dark look in his face, she cupped his face and looked into
his eyes adoringly. “There’s no need for you to be jealous. You know very well that I’m madly,
deeply, stubbornly, persistently, crazily and stupidly in love with you, right?”

He didn’t say anything. How could he tell her that he’s afraid she’ll leave him behind once she
realized she hasn’t forgiven him yet? No matter what he do, he can’t erase the doubt inside him.

“Jiyong, you know I love you, right?”

He looked away. “How could you say that?”

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“How could you keep on saying that knowing that I’ve caused you too many sufferings and pain
befo-”
“KWON JIYONG!” she sternly cut off. “I’ve already forgiven you, okay? I told you before that
no matter how many times I get heartbroken because of you, I still want to be with you. I can’t
imagine life without you by my side. You can call me selfish, I really don’t care because I won’t
let you leave me again. NEVER”

“Maybe you’re just staying with me because I’m all you’ve got”

Dara sighed heavily, surprised with Jiyong’s ‘sensitivity’. Where did her sarcastic and insensitive
pancake go? She felt a twinge of guilt for questioning his conscience before. “Pancake” she
slowly said. “Have you forgotten everything? How could you think like that after all the things
we’ve been through?”

He remained silent. Dara looked into his eyes and hated the look of desperation in them. “I’m
sorry” he muttered.

“No, don’t be” she shook her head. “I love you, okay? I. LOVE. YOU. If you care for me, don’t
talk like that again. You have to forgive yourself”

He didn’t say anything.

“Come here” Dara said. “Let’s fix this problem of yours” she added, pulling him towards the
bathroom. “Let’s take a bath together so you’ll cool down, okay? And maybe we could do
something more than taking a bath”

“You’re pretty perverted for a girl”

“You should be thankful because I’m only like that when it comes to you” she returned lightly,
glad that Jiyong’s snapping from his downtime.

---

“I’ve been thinking”

“Not a good sign” he snorted. He may have sounded rude but Dara knew better. As they both lay
naked under the covers, he was softly brushing his hand on her hair, a total contrary to his tone.

“I want to sync my schedule with yours”

“No need to do that. We always see each other, anyways”

“But-”

“No buts, Dara” he sternly cut off. “And oh, I forgot. No PDAs in school, okay?”

“But why?”
“Because I said so”

“Why?”

“You can be. . . annoyingly distracting”

“That’s really lame”

He gave a light laugh. “Go to sleep. We still need to be up early tomorrow”

“You’re really rude” she pouted. “And mean!”

“Yeah, that’s what I am”

“I know but that won’t change how I feel for you. Nothing would”

“You can be so melodramatic”

“I’m not being melodramatic, simply stating a fact”

“You don’t know what the future holds, Dara”

“True” she agreed. “But I know myself and my feelings enough to say that. And will you stop
being pessimistic? Now, just kiss me goodnight”

“I must admit, you can be adorably cute sometimes”

“What do you mean by SOMETIMES? I’m pretty and adorable every second there is”

“Conceited” he chuckled and captured her chin to lift her face up. He leaned down and gave her
a sweet and tender smooch. “Goodnight” he whispered and leaned away from her, gebtly rubbing
his thumb on her lower lip.

She smiled. “Goodnight, my pancake”

“Don’t have wet dreams about me again, okay?”

“Arrogant crow” she murmured, blushing deeply. Not long after that, she finally succumbed to
sleep.

Jiyong looked up at the ceiling and sighed heavily. Then, he looked down at Dara’s sleeping
face. “Sweetdreams, my Dara” he whispered and planted a soft kiss on her forehead. He reached
out for the bedside lamp and turned it off.
Unknown to the couple, two eyes were silently watching their window. “You’ll pay for what you
did. . .” he gritted under his breath. He may be a normal human being and does not possess any
abilities like a shadow, but that won’t stop him. He will get his revenge from the both of them.
Oh yes, he will. Even if he has to sell his soul to the devil himself, he will. With one last smirk,
he walked away and headed back to his place.

o=o=o

DARA’S POV

I looked around, trying to find a table to sit in. Jiyong said he won’t make it so I’ll have to eat
alone, which I’ve been doing for the past two days. I suddenly lit up when I saw Daesung with
Minzy and TOP. Again, they were all wearing gothic clothes. They actually looked cool. I just
noticed, it’s only the three of them sitting at the long table. I can’t help but remember Jiyong but
of course, my pancake’s still the coolest in an all-black getup.

“Hello!” I greeted cheerfully upon reaching them. “Mind if I share? I can’t find other vacant
tables”

They all looked at each other. For a moment, I thought they’d say no. Minzy wasn’t really
wearing a friendly face, Daesung was looking rather surprised as for TOP, I don’t know. He had
his back on me so I really can’t tell.

“Oh no, not at all” Daesung then answered.

“Thanks” I murmured and occupied the space beside TOP. As soon as I was settled down, the
three of them looked at me quite intently. “Err, something on my face?”

“Do you have a boyfriend?” TOP suddenly asked.

I glanced sideways, surprised. “Well, yes I do have-”

“How long have you known him?”

“Quite some time” I answered. “Since grade school, at the most”

Awkward silence veiled us.

“How well do you know him?” Minzy then broke the silence.

“Why are you guys asking this kind of questions?”

“Just curious” Daesung shrugged. “Anyway, don’t mind it. Let’s just eat”

“I’ll introduce you guys to him one day. I’m sure y’all get along pretty well”
“I’m sure we will” TOP snickered.

Is it just me or. . . they’re a bit weird? No, I should not be judgmental.

“Maybe all of us could hang out sometimes” I beamed brightly at him. They only exchanged
glances and didn’t say anything.

Aigoo.

-----
 Chapter 04: The Idiotic Thought
I decided to check the library during my free period. The moment I entered the library, my jaw
literally dropped to the floor. The place is HUGE, like huge HUGE. Whoa, just whoa! Giant
shelves were lined up everywhere! They filled my eyes that all I could do was just stare and
blink in amazement. A thought suddenly came to me. I wonder if the stories of college students
doing IT in the library were true. Well, there’s only one way to find out, right? So I half-walked
and half jogged to the farthest end of the library, trying to be as sneak and quietly as possible. I
was a bit disappointed when I found the area empty. I stepped back to turn around when my eye
caught someone familiar sitting on the floor while leaning against the wall with a book on his
lap.

“Ji-!” I called out enthusiastically but ended up covering my mouth upon remembering I’m in the
library. Lucky for me, I’m at the farthest end and no one else was around the area. I quickly went
to him and joined him on the floor. “What are you doing here?” I asked in a whisper.

“Reading of course” he drawled. He sounds so sexy everytime he does that, tch. “And you?”

“I was just checking the place out” I answered. “And I’m glad I did. I haven’t seen you around
on campus and you always refuse to join me in lunch!”

He growled. “Go get yourself something to read and don’t pester me”

“You’re really being rude. What are you reading, anyways?” I asked and peeked at the cover of
the book. “‘Into The Mind Of Choi Dongwook’” I read aloud. “Who’s Choi Dongwook?”

“A famous architect during 80’s”

“Oh” I mumbled.

“Just go get yourself something to read”

“I’m not in the mood” I told him. I grabbed one arm and draped it on my shoulder. I smiled then
leaned my head on his shoulder.

“I’m not really surprised” he said. “Eversince we moved in here, I haven’t seen you opened a
book, not even once. I doubt if you still know how to read”

“Ya!”

He chortled and squeezed my arm. “Now behave and be quiet. I want to read”

"I didn't know you knew how to read, too"

“Nice try but be quiet”

I clamped my mouth shut and just let him be. If not for the occasional kisses on my head and
caresses on my arm, I would think he actually forgotten about me as he seemed so immersed on
what he was reading. I looked up at him again and saw that his eyes were focused on the book he
was reading. I silently scolded myself for not thinking about it at once. I should have just
watched his face from the very beginning than stare blankly ahead. Jiyong’s face was much
better than anything else around here. He sighed then looked down at me. I gave him a smile and
he returned it, making my heart skip a bit. He then leaned down and kissed me fully on the lips
and mind you, it wasn’t a simple peck. It’s a KISS!

“Hmm” I breathed out as he broke the kiss. Aigoo, my pancake’s being sweet again. “Thank
you” I murmured.

“You should be” he joked.

“Conceited” I laughed.

Time past by. Jiyong went on reading while I just stayed in his arms. I could go on like this, I
think. His presence, scent, touch, kisses were enough for me to just stay like this. Now I know
what he meant when he said that I can be annoyingly distracting sometimes. Ha! I don’t think
he’ll be able to finish the book he’s reading when we would share a kiss every now and then.
Sometimes, he would initiate it, sometimes I would. But most of the time, it was me. Hehe.

---

Someone’s shaking me up while calling my name. I blinked my eyes open. Jiyong’s amused face
greeted me. I didn’t know I fell asleep.

“What time is it?” I asked.

“It’s almost three” he answered. “You better hurry up or you’ll be late”

“Omo!” I jumped up. “You should have woken me up earlier!”

“I’ve been waking you up for quite some time” he lazily said, then with a smirk he said, “you
must have been having some wet dream about me again”

I glared at him. “Ha ha. Very funny, pancake”

“I know right?” he winked.

Gah! He’s being weird again. “Whatever” I rolled my eyes. “I need to go. See you later. Will you
wait for me?”

“No”
“Fine” I said and started leaving.

“Hey” he called. “You forgot something”

“Eh? What?” I asked. He smirked again and lazily walked up to me. Without warning, he planted
his lips on mine. My knees buckled at the soft, gentle and slow movement of his lips against
mine. Aigoo, he’s making me dizzy!

“There you go” he smiled, amusement coloring his eyes.

“O-kay” I breathed shakily, too dazed. He’s obviously in a good mood. I wonder why.

“Now go” he chuckled and spanked my bottom.

Wah!

I was too dazed that I feel like I’m in some sort of a trance, just floating along. And when I
reached my class, I was already late. I received a well-rounded scolding and a glare from the
instructor. It’s Jiyong’s fault! He shouldn’t have kissed me that way. He perfectly knew it would
put me into some sort of trance. Aish, that guy! Despite everything, I can feel the huge smile
plastered on my face.

“Something good happened?”

I glanced beside me and saw Kevin. “Well, yeah. How did you know?”

“You’re smiling to yourself” he chuckled.

“My boyfriend was just being sweet” I told him.

“He’s a lucky guy” he said.

I shook my head. “No, I’m luckier”

o=o=o

AUTHOR’S POV

“Here comes TOP’s apple of the eye” Minzy said in a singsong voice.

“Heading our way” Daesung informed the other.

“Really now?” he asked. “Alone or not?”

“Alone” the siblings chorused.

“How convenient” he snorted darkly to himself.

“Hello!” a cheerful voice then came. “Can I share with you guys again?”

“Sure” Daesung smiled.

“Thanks” Dara smiled back and took the vacant spot on TOP’s side. “So, how are you guys
doing?”

“Great” Daesung answered.

“What year are you guys anyways?”

“Minzy’s a sophomore while me and TOP are seniors”

“Really? I’m a senior, too! What class are you in?”

“Do you really talk this much?” the guy beside her then said.

Taken aback, Dara glanced at him and turned silent for a moment. “I’m sorry, I-”

“Why are you saying sorry? I was just asking”

“Oh” she mumbled. “Well, yeah. . . I usually tend to be a bit talkative”

“We’re from the top class” TOP said instead.

“Really?” Dara asked, eyes wide with amazement. “You must know Kwon Jiyong!”

TOP’s eyes narrowed and she can’t help but to shy away from him. His eyes are really. . .
penetrating and the air of mystery around him didn’t help at all. Plus, the way he dressed was
scarier than Jiyong. TOP looked more. . . gothic, especially with the heavy eyeliner he got.
Despite that, she can see that he was pretty good looking himself.

“Yes, actually we do” Daesung broke off. “Who wouldn’t know him? He’s supposed to mar – I
mean, he’s the most popular guy here when it comes to girls. TOP used to be popular but he’s
just second best now” he added with a laugh.

Dara’s smile faltered. “Jiyong’s popular with girls?”

“Yes” Daesung answered animatedly. “I guess being mysterious is quite appealing to girls
nowadays. And of course, he’s – oh, why did you ask?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” TOP butted. “Kwon Jiyong’s her boyfriend”
“Huh” the younger girl snorted for the first time. “Really? How come I don’t see you two
together?”

“Well, he-”

“Tell me, how did he get you to answer yes?”

Dara blushed. “Well. . .” she mumbled. “He. . . he didn’t really court me. . . I-I. . . I did the
courting, actually”

“You did?!?” Daesung disbelievingly asked.

“Kind of. It’s really hard to ex-”

“Back to Minzy’s question, how come you two aren’t always together?” TOP butted.

“Jiyong’s pretty focused with his-”

“That’s alright with you?” TOP cut off again.

“We get to see each other everyday, anyways so it’s not really-”

“Maybe he’s ashamed of you”

“It’s not like that!” Dara snapped at TOP.

“If he’s really your boyfriend, he should be proud of flaunting you around as his girlfriend. For
someone as beautiful as you, you don’t deserve to be kept in the dark”

Heat crawled to Dara’s cheeks at TOP’s words and intense stare. Unable to keep her eyes levelly
with his, she looked down and fidgeted with her fingers. “You don’t know Jiyong. You don’t
have the right to judge him”

“If he really cares for-”

“Jiyong loves me” Dara firmly said as he looked at him.

“Ehem” Daesung interrupted when he saw TOP was about to retort something back.

“I’m hungry” Minzy said lazily. “Why don’t we just eat?”

“Good idea!” Dara chirped.

As the table was consumed with silence, Dara fell into a deep thought. She shouldn’t be
surprised with how Jiyong was getting popular with girls but somehow, it still surprised her. She
trust him but she can’t help but feel jealous and annoyed with just the thought of other girls
drooling over him or looking at him dreamily or worst, even lust after him! No, that won’t do!
Jiyong is HERS and hers ONLY!

She stabbed the meat with her fork and shoved the food in her mouth angrily. Her frown
deepened as well as her scowl became more pronounced. And this took the attention of the guy
beside her.

“Is that scowl for your boyfriend or for me?”

She glanced sideways. “Neither” she answered, still frowning. “I just don’t like the idea of other
girls liking Jiyong”

TOP raised his brows, surprised with her answer. He expected his words would somehow make
the girl realize that her boyfriend’s not treating her properly as a girlfriend.

“His bad boy aura’s obviously appealing to girls” he said. “And thinking that he’s SINGLE, that
only notched the competition”

“He’s not single!”

“How would the other students know that?” he remarked. “He’s always seen alone everywhere
he goes”

“He’s been a loner since we were kids” she reasoned out.

“Oh, so you knew each other pretty long?”

“Yes” she answered eagerly. “But we weren’t really that close back then. I’ve got my own set of
friends, he got his own. He was pretty popular in our place too but with a total different reason
with his popularity here. We were totally opposites but then, there’s this one time while I was
driving-” she paused when she realized she’s being talkative again. “Sorry” she mumbled.

“Does your boyfriend like it when you’re talking too much?”

“Err. . . well, no. He finds it annoying, actually”

“I find it amusing” he chuckled.

“Really?” she asked with eager, round eyes. “It doesn’t bother you at all?”

TOP bemusingly stared at her then looked down to his plate and shook his head. “No wonder he
likes you”

“Eh? What are you talking about?”

“Ahm, excuse me?” Daesung joined in. “Me and my sister are still here in case you two forgot”
“Oh, sorry” Dara apologized quickly.

---

“So, how was your day?” Dara asked Jiyong as they share a simple dinner.

“Same with yesterday” he shrugged.

“I had a nice day” she told him. “I get to know my friends more”

“How can you call them friends when you don’t even know them that well, yet?”

Her eyes squinted. “I call everyone I meet as friends”

“Oh, so you see Sohee as your friend now, too?”

“That’s a different thing!” she snapped. “Speaking of, what is this I’m hearing about you being
popular with girls?”

He eyed her carefully and looked as if he’s thinking of the words he would say. “What’s wrong
with Sohee? She’s a pretty decent person”

Dara stiffened. “Why are you avoiding my question?”

Jiyong sighed wearily. “Dara, how do you expect me to answer your question about my
popularity with girls when I’m not even aware of it? And even if that’s true, I don’t really care.
That’s just a piece of bullshit!”

“Fine! It was an idiotic question. But why are you being extra nice to Sohee?”

“You’re being ridiculous! We talked about her before already!”

“You shouldn’t have brought her name up, then!”

“You-!”

“Never mind” she cut off. “Like you said, I’m just being ridiculous. Anyways, have you heard
from Seungri or CL?”

“No” he simply answered, looking down at his plate with a frown on his face.

“Oh, I just haven’t seen them for a while”

“If you want to talk to them, why don’t you just call them up and ask them to meet with you?”
Dara went silent for a while. “Y-yeah, I should do that. Excuse me”

DARA’S POV

I stood up from the chair and immediately went to the bathroom. I don’t know why I’m being
sensitive and emotional but I just found myself silently sobbing. Ugh, this is TOP’s fault! He was
just so believable! I know I should not doubt Jiyong but I can’t help but feel some jealousy
especially with Sohee. I mean, she’s kind of pretty and cute. She seemed nice, too. But the thing
that really scared me was the fact that SHE was there for Jiyong when he was being ‘suicidal’ as
what Seungri said. In the span of eight months, she was able to level up to Bom’s importance in
Jiyong’s life. Plus, she got him agree to the engagement when he couldn’t even think of being
engage to me!

I could never turn back time. I could never erase what Sohee did for him. I could never change
the fact that while I was gone, another girl was comforting HIM. I’ve never really asked Jiyong
about his time with Sohee. I was too afraid of what I’ll find out. But for her to be able to
penetrate through Jiyong’s secluded mind in just a short period of time is quite an achievement
already. And the thing is, I don’t want that. I don’t like how she can do what I can do for Jiyong.
I want to do things for him that no one else can. He’s all I’ve got, for Pete’s sake!

---

After some time, I finally stopped from crying and decided to go out of the bathroom. As I
opened the door and stepped out, a hand suddenly encircled my wrist. I looked sideways and saw
Jiyong leaning against the wall with his eyes closed.

“I don’t understand why you have to make a big fuss over something we already talked about
before” he said with his eyes still closed.

“Sohee’s really cute. . . and she seemed nice” I mumbled after a moment of silence. “She was
there for you while I was gone. She even pulled you out from your. . . suicidal state as what
Seungri calls it. You’ve been friends with Bom, Seungri, CL and Youngbae for a long time but
none of them was able to do what Sohee did. That only shows that she’s quite. . . special”

His hand that was wrapped around my wrist slid down to my hand, locking it with his. I looked
up at him and saw that his eyes were now opened. He was rather looking at me tiredly. I
suddenly felt scared. Is he tired of me already? But then, he pulled me to his body and wrapped
an arm around me. He reached for the black angel pendant with his free hand and toyed with it
before letting it rest on my chest.

“I’ve never given anyone a gift before, even my mother” he said. “I’ve never received a
handmade gift from anyone either except for this. I’ve never worn anything white also except for
this” he added, tapping the chain around his neck.
“It doesn’t make any sense” I mumbled with my head bowed.

He heaved a big sigh. “Think of this, Dara. Let’s say one day, you and I went boating with Sohee
or Bom or anyone. Then, two sharks attack our little boat, throwing us to the water. One shark
was coming after you while the other went to the other one. You know what I would do? I would
save you first even if saving you means ending the other person’s life. Now, does that make
sense?”

“Really? You would do that?” I asked, lifting my eyes up to him.

“Yes” he answered. “It may sound crude or evil even to say this but I’ll go after you first even at
the expense of anyone’s safety”

Unable to help myself, I smiled. Stupid me! What am I worrying about? Didn’t Jiyong already
proved how much he cares for me? But then, I don’t really think I could endure another death
under my belt. Even if he just wanted me to be safe, it’s still wrong to do that in the expense of
anyone’s life.

---------------
 Chapter 05: The Polluted Mind
After a week, I found out that there’s much truth in what Daesung said. TOP’s quite famous
among the girls but Jiyong. . . I’ve been hearing his name from girls everwhere! There was this
one time while I was in the comfort room when I overheard some sophomore girls talking about
him. There’s also this time when I saw MY pancake walking down the corridor with his usual
black hoodie get up, head bowed and hands inside his pockets stance that I saw some freshmen
following him with dreamy looks on their faces. Okay, I know Jiyong doesn’t entertain them.
That guy can be really snob, rude and mean so I don’t really understand why these girls are
going gaga over him. I shook my head. Like those traits of him mattered to me before. Even if I
knew he was rude, I still fell in love with him. I just hope these girls won’t see him smile because
once they do, there’ll be a pandemonium! Aish! But of course, I’m not letting Jiyong know I’ve
been checking him out. He’ll be pissed if he finds out. Aigoo!

I lingered in my hiding place for a moment and waited for him to turn into another corner. I
quickly came and silently ran after him. I found an empty corridor as I turned around the corner.
Eh? Where did he go? Oh, maybe he went to the men’s room! That’s right.

Minutes passed but no Jiyong came out from the men’s room so I decided to check up on him. I
shuddered a little as I entered the men’s territory. Aigoo, I shouldn’t be here, I know. But I’m
just worried over my pancake. I scanned the whole place but I saw no one. Where did he go?

“You’ve been stalking me” an awfully familiar voice came from behind me. Oh God, I’m
busted!

“Jiyong!” I greeted, feigning a surprised expression as I turned around to face him. “What are
you doing here?”

“Shouldn’t I ask you that question?” he returned with raised brows.

“Well, I. . . I was just touring around, you know. Getting myself familiarized with everything
here”

“Touring around?” he repeated.

“Yes” I grinned.

“In a men’s room?” he asked cynically and leaned against the wall with his arms across his chest.

Aish! Why does he have to look so hot in that position? It’s making my brain all fired up. He’s
creating chaos in my mind! I can’t think of a good excuse to say. “Well. . . you see, I was just
wondering how. . . ahm, like I said, I was just touring around and. . . .”

“You’ve been stalking me” he said. “Why?”

“I’m not stalking you! I was just checking if – oh crap!”

He gave a heart laugh. “Come here”

“I’m not stalking you” I mumbled shyly as I walked up to him. I kept my head bowed as I
reached him. Aigoo, this is embarrassing!

“Hmm” he murmured, catching my chin in between his fingers and lifted my face up. When I
saw his head leaned down, I immediately closed my eyes and parted my lips in anticipation.
When his hot breath blew into my opened mouth, heat automatically filled my veins and ran
through my system.

I clutched the front of his hoodie tightly, letting out a strangled moan. When his tongue slipped
to meet mine, my knees went jelly that I could have fallen to the floor if not for his arms holding
me up. My breath hitched as the kiss went deeper. I felt a sense of satisfaction as I started
hearing his heavy breathing. I leaned in closer to further deepen the kiss. Gosh, I just can’t get
enough of him! Why is that, eh?

Then, the kiss went slower and sweeter until he finally pulled back. I smiled shyly at him which
was responded by a light chuckle.

“How can you still blush like that when you already RAPED me before?” he playfully asked.

“Shut up” I mumbled. My eyes suddenly went wide when I felt him squeeze one buttock. Aigoo,
what a weird habit he got!

“We should leave” he then said. “We don’t want to get caught in here, do we?”

“Yeah, we should” I agreed.

“Stop being so naughty, will you?”

“I’m not being naughty!” I disagreed as we walked hand in hand down the empty corridor.

“Stop being a pervert then”

“I am not a PERVERT!” I exclaimed. “You’re the pervert!”

“You’re the one who makes the first move most of the times. You’re horny, admit it” he teased.

“I am not!” I protested.

“You’re blushing like hell!” he chuckled.

“I am not!” I denied.
He pulled his hand away from mine and patted my head. “Go to your class and don’t be too
friendly and playful to other boys”

I stuck my tongue out at him but he only winked at me and laughed away. Ah, I’ve got the
BEST boyfriend ever!

“So, that’s how you liked it, huh?” a familiar deep voice came from behind me.

I sharply turned around. “TOP!”

“TOP!” he mimicked.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Is it really surprising to see me around the school’s premises?” he retorted. “I study here too,
you know”

I glared at him. What a sarcastic person he is, tch. Then, his words suddenly made me frown.
“What did you mean with what you said a while ago?”

“Your boyfriend”

“What about him?” I asked, my eyes narrowed in suspicion. Omo! Is he going gay over
Jiyong?!?

He shrugged. “Just a conclusion”

“Ya! Stop talking in riddles”

“I wondered before why and how you two get along with each other” he said. “You’re like little
miss sunshine while he’s mister darkness”

I paused. That’s exactly how I felt before about me and Jiyong. “Didn’t you know? Opposite
attract”

“I heard about that” he scoffed. “But differences between two people would always come along
the way”

“Why are you so pessimistic?” I growled. “And might I remind you, you haven’t answered my
question yet”

You just seemed the kind of girl that wants to be seen PUBLICLY with her boyfriend so I was
curious why you’re involved with Kwon Jiyong when he’s been obviously neglecting you but
after seeing what I just saw a while ago, I finally understand”

“Understand what?”
“That you prefer a guy who acts like he doesn’t know you in front of other people BUT acts
differently when no one’s around. That’s pretty easy to do but definitely not my kind of thing”

“Are you, in any way, an alien? I swear, I can’t understand anything that comes out from your
mouth”

“I may not be a normal person but I’m definitely not an alien” he snorted. “It’s your BRAIN that
needs some fixing”

“‘I may not be a normal person but I’m definitely not an alien’” I mimicked. “It’s YOUR brain
that needs some fixing”

He chuckled. “Go to your class, you’re already late”

“Omo!” I exclaimed, suddenly remembering my class. “Aish! This is your fault!”

TOP’S POV

I can’t help but shake my head as she bounced away. It’s already taken that she’s no-ordinary
girl but just now, she just showed me that she’s not normal mentally. Ha! I’m not really a
territorial person but ever since that Kwon Jiyong arrived here, things had changed. The girls’
attention, for example – not that I’m saying I’m enjoying their attention but it still surprised me
to see the girls who used to gaze at me dreamily had their eyes on Jiyong now. Of course, HIM
being a direct descendant’s a big kick in my gut already. Not just that, the well-announced
engagement of Ahn Sohee and that guy caused a BIG talk before. I wonder if Sandara knew
about it. Does she even know who Kwon Jiyong is, or WHAT he is?

But it doesn’t really matter if she knew or not. Based from what I’ve seen so far, she’d still
accept whoever or whatever Jiyong is – a shadow. Heck, I even think the girl would befriend a
kidnapper if given the chance.

I took a deep sigh. I seriously don’t understand why I have to attend my classes. I’m not dumb,
lazy maybe. I just find sitting on a chair and listening to lessons boring. But since that’s what the
old lady wants, I don’t really have a choice. I may be someone people can’t imagine, but I’m not
an ungrateful bastard. Oh wait, let me rephrase that. I’m not an ungrateful person. Bastard –
yeah, that’s me.

Heaving a deep sigh, I started heading to class. Nobody really paid that much attention to me.
They’re pretty used to seeing me late or even come and go to class. Before, the male population
of this special class used to be just six – me, Daesung, Jang Wooyoung, Lee Minho, Park
Taehwan and Choi Siwon but now, we’re seven since Kwon Jiyong added up to that population.
Most of the population’s made up with girls, actually. I’m not really sure what they call them but
the girls in this class have shadow blood running in their veins only, they don’t possess abilities
such as the boys have. I dropped down on my chair, totally bored. My eyes strayed to Kwon
Jiyong. Sandara’s obviously into him and he obviously sees the girl special. Too bad he met her
first. I bet she wouldn’t risk a glance at him if she met me first. Not that I’m boasting but I’m
good looking compared to him. Oh well, I’d still try my charms on his girlfriend. That girl, she
sure is something else. And I have to think of ways on how to get her for myself. It won’t be
easy since the guy obviously had a few years of advantage against me. I don’t even know what
her likes and dislikes. But I’ll soon find out. I’m a pretty observant person, anyways, I’m not
saying I’m good at observing people but I CAN observe. Does that make sense?

---

JIYONG’S POV

I was on my way to the apartment when a girl suddenly appeared in front of me. Ugh, not again!
This would be the thousandth time this week! I tilted my head to the side and checked her up and
down. With a shake of my head, I evaded her and started walking away.

“W-wait!” she called.

I didn’t stop.

“Wait, J-jiyong” she called again and ran in front of me.

“What do you want?” I frowned.

“I. . . I just wanted to give you this” she breathlessly said and held her hands up, where a heart-
shaped box lay.

I grimaced. “I’m not a fan of chocolates”

“B-but. . .” she flushed. “There’s no harm in accepting this”

“No harm?” I echoed. “Let’s say I accept that, what would happen then? You’d go to your
friends and tell them that Kwon Jiyong accepted your HEART and you’d somehow feel special
because out of the thousand girls who attempted to give me something for just this week, I
accepted yours”

“It’s not really like that” she mumbled.

“Stop wasting your time” I retorted. “And you should tell the others too. I already had my eyes
set on someone”

“You already. . . .? W-who?”

I glared at her. “It’s none of your fucking business” I gritted and walked away. Stupid
sophomore girl. I guess that would be somehow my fault since I’ve been keeping everyone’s
attention off me and Dara. I’ve got a few good reasons for that. First, I’m simply not used to
PDAs. Second, I pretty much know about my popularity here since they announced the
engagement of Kwon Jiyong and the school director’s daughter, Ahn Sohee. I’ve seen how Dara
reacts everytime Sohee’s name is mentioned and I know people will be comparing them and I
don’t want Dara to hear that. Third, Dara’s already a shadow magnet. Having shadows as rivals
are already a tough fit, if I go public with Dara, everybody would have their eyes on us and the
human boys might just notice her unusual. . . aura. Fourth, there might be some students who’d
go to harming Dara because of it. I’m fully aware of Sohee’s supporters and friends watching
me. She’s pretty popular here, too. But I know in time, they’ll know about me and Dara. It’s
inevitable, I know. We’ll just have to face it then. But for now, I’ll let the spoof girl adjust to the
new environment I brought her into first.

Upon reaching the apartment, I felt myself smile at the audible sound coming from the kitchen. I
closed the door behind me a bit loudly so she’ll know I already arrived. And just as I expected,
she came running to greet me with a huge smile on her face.

“Paancaaake!” she greeted in an ecstatic voice. She jumped off the floor and threw herself at me,
her arms and legs wrapped around me.

“What the fuck?!” I breathed.

“Ya!” she loudly said, slapping my mouth. “Tch, you just missed a kiss. I won’t kiss your
swearing mouth!”

“That’s fine with me” I shrugged nonchalantly. “I can live without your kisses”

“You’re a liar!” she growled.

“And you’re a rapist” I chuckled. “Now, get off me”

“No”

“Dara” I wearily sighed.

“No” she stubbornly refused. “You have to walk me to the kitchen”

“Get off, Dara”

“NO” she emphasized. “Not until you call me pancake first”

Aish! This girl, really! With a shake of my head, I walked to the kitchen and told her to get off.
She pouted before letting go and turning her attention to the food she’s frying. I kissed and
nipped the side of her neck before whispering the words, “I’ll join you in a while”

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“I’ll just take a bath”

“Can I join you?” she eagerly asked.

“You’re cooking. You don’t want to burn the apartment, do you?”

“Oh right” she mumbled. “I forgot”

“That only shows how polluted your mind is” I feigned a stern tone, earning myself a glare from
her.

“Go away” she waved off.

I laughed at the look on her face before walking to our room. I dropped my things on the study
table first before pulling my clothes off and throwing them to the laundry basket, with my phone
on one hand. Stepping inside the bathroom, I fiddled through my phone and went to my music
player. As Meg and Dia’s Masterpiece started playing, I stepped into the shower stall.

I am no masterpiece where innocence is painted green.

Isn't it strange to think that you created all of me?
Done by the hands of a broken artist.
You painted black where my naked heart is.

I closed my eyes as the spray of water hit my scarred body. I emptied my mind and just thought
of the song’s words in my mind, silently humming under my breath.

Carved like a stone with your hands still shaking.

On display through a soul still breaking.
Aren't you proud you're the one that made me?
Aren't you proud you're the one that made me?

I bent my head down.

You can't erase these.

Lines you can't save me.
You can't display me.
You know what dismay means.
I can't even try to.
Remember what I knew.
Before I became your.
Model to claim no.
 I took a deep breath.

I grew tired.
You expired.
You finished me.
Now that I'm all that you planned.
What do you think?

It took me two songs before finishing my shower up. I wrapped one towel around my waist while
drying my hair with another. Stepping back into the room, I immediately went to the closet and
pulled on a brief and shorts out. Not bothering to wear a shirt on, I walked out of the room and
into the kitchen.

“Need help?” I lazily drawled.

“You can set the plates out” she answered without facing me.

“Okay” I huffed and went to set the plates on the table.

“I’m done!” she cheerfully announced. “So, how was your-?” she stopped as she turned around
and saw me standing just a few feet away from her. Good thing I was able to catch the place
containing our dinner before it totally slipped from her hands.

“Are you alright?” I worriedly asked. She looked. . . shocked.

She gulped first before answering. “You’re so sexy” she breathlessly squeaked.

I rolled my eyes but then, I wasn’t able to stop myself from laughing. Damn this girl! How could
she pull such comic act in an unusual and unexpected way?

“Ya! You’re making me blush!” I said, faking a shy look.

“Ji-jiyong?” she softly whispered.

“Hmm?”

“Can we. . . can we just eat later?”

My smile froze. With a shake of my head, I gave a light chuckle. “I’m hungry” I told her. “So
we’re going to eat NOW”

“Party poop” she mumbled and walked away from me with her nose sticking up in the air. I
shook my head and joined her in the table. I was already expecting a silent meal since I pretty
know how she is everytime she’s having tantrums or having childish acts on me. I know she’s
just acting up sometimes so I’ll woo her. I don’t really have a problem with that but there are
times that I find myself asking if that’s really the kind of person I am – wooing a girl. But then
again, she’s not really just any girl to me. She’s much, much more than that.

I’ve been having a lot of confusing thoughts lately. It’s like she’s creating a new person in me
and the other person inside me is not letting the other overrule him. It’s quite complicated but for
a shadow, I’m normally selfish but there are other times that I just found myself wanting to. .
.give or something like that. It’s like the normal me, which is mostly from darkness is fighting
against the new person that Dara’s bringing out.

“I miss the gang”

“Call them then” I answered absentmindedly.

“Rude” she retorted. “I’m trying to open a conversation”

“I’m not being rude” I answered.

“Yes, you are” she insisted. “I just hope you’re rude to the girls drooling over you, too”

I stared at her for a while. Then, I suddenly burst out laughing.

--------
 Chapter 06: The Dirty Game
DARA’S POV

“Hello!” I greeted my new friends.

“Are you really that loud?” Minzy came.

“It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” I beamed at her. “Oh, where’s TOP?” I turned to Daesung.

“No idea” he shrugged.

“I’ve been meaning to ask” I began. “What’s TOP’s real name?”

The sibling shared a look. “That’s not a safe topic to discuss”

“Why is that?” I asked, taking a bite on my clubhouse sandwich.

“Never ask him that question. It’s already bad that the professors here call him by his real name”

“Why not?” I went on.

“If you value your life, you’d listen to me”

I frowned. Somehow, Minzy’s words reminded me of how everyone back at the Valley treated
and talked about Jiyong’s supposed cruelty. “TOP might look like someone who’s capable of
hurting others but I don’t believe he’d really hurt someone” I said. Ugh, I can’t believe I’m
defending TOP from his own friends.

“If that’s what you want to believe” she shrugged.

“TOP’s a good guy” I firmly declared. He is, right?

“Did someone just say my name?” TOP’s voice came. He took a seat beside me and grabbed a
bit on the sandwich I’m holding.

“Ya!” I protested. “This is my food! Go get yourself your own sandwich!”

“You’re so selfish” he scoffed. “It was just a bite”

“But it’s not right to do that without asking for permission first” I wisely told him. Whew, I feel
intelligent. Hehe.

“Oh, so you’re saying if I ask for permission, you’d let me take a bite?”
“If you ask nicely, that is” I went on.

“Ahm, I think I need to go to the comfort room” Daesung mumbled. Minzy mumbled something
incoherently too before leaving with her brother.

“If I ask nicely?” TOP confirmed.

“Yes” I nodded with pursed lips.

“Hmn” he thoughtfully hummed, tapping his slim index finger on his chin while looking far
ahead. After a second or two, he glanced back at me, his deep and sharp eyes gleaming darkly.

“Ya! What’s with that look?”

“Ask nicely. Mmm, like this?” he asked then cleared his throat. My eyes widened the moment he
pouted and batted his eyelashes at me. “Sandara,c an you PLEASE share your oh-so delicious
sandwich with me?”

“Oh. My. God!” I exclaimed as I gaped at him with opened mouth. And then, I burst out
laughing so loud that I think the whole campus heard me. “BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”

I clutched my tummy and went on laughing like a madman. I was beating my other hand on the
table loudly and I bet everyone’s staring at me now. But I didn’t mind. That was just so. . . so
unexpectedly cute! I swear! The look on his face was priceless! Oh-mai-gawd! I can’t believe he
can pull off an expression like. Gah, it was epic!

It took me SOME time to calm my monstrous laugh into a fit of giggles. By that time, everyone
else’s attention was back to their previous state. I wiped my eyes as tears welled up there due
from too much laughing. I tried my very best to look at TOP’s face without bursting into another
round of laughter.

“I must say, for someone so little, you can be really LOUD” he scoffed.

“I can’t. . . believe you did that” I chuckled uncontrollably. “Aigoo! Here, I’ll give you my
sandwich for making me laugh like that”

“I said I just wanted to take a bite”

“No, it’s yours” I told him, still giggling crazily. “Call me Dara by the way. Sandara’s too long.
And besides, I’m not used to it”

“Sandara’s a pretty name” he shrugged, taking my sandwich. “I think it sounds prettier than
Dara”

My eyes narrowed. “If you wanted to have a free lunch, you could have just said so. You don’t
have to coat your words with sweetness. And I insist, I preferred to be called Dara”
“If you insist” he shrugged, taking his third bite on the sandwich.

I clicked my tongue and stood up. “Wait here. I’ll just go buy you a drink. I’ll buy another
sandwich for myself, too. You’re not the only hungry person here, you know”

TOP’S POV

Sandara, or should I saw DARA, rose up from her chair and went to the counter. I smirked. That
went smoothly than I expected. Huh, I think I just gained some points. I took a bite on the
sandwich and watched her return to our table. The girl’s pretty oblivious, obviously. I wonder
how she’d react if she knew what’s inside my mind right now. Huh, that would be a sight to see,
for sure.

“Here” she smiled as he handed me a bottle of soda. “So, I was wonderi-”

“TOP” a female voice interrupted. I looked up and saw the choir’s president giving me a stern
look. “Choir practice later, don’t forget”

“I know” I growled.

“Good” she nodded then gave Dara a quick glance, who by the way, smiled widely at the ever
hot-tempered president. “See you later then” the president turned to me with a grimace.

“You’re a choir member?” the girl asked in disbelief, her eyes as wide as the UFOs. Okay, I’m
just exaggerating a bit. Hmm, I was kind of expecting a disappointed look. Most girls find it off
for me to be a member of a choir. But this one, she looked amazed and. . . cynical.

“Unbelievable, huh?”

“Totally!” she agreed. “So. . . you sing?”

“Of course I sing. That’s what being a choir member is”

Out of nowhere, she started laughing again but not as loud as a while ago. “Seriously?” she
asked. “You. . . . sing?”

“Oh no, as a coir member, I PAINT”

“Sorry” she chuckled now. “It’s just so. . . unusual, especially for someone like you”

“I’m not doing it because I LIKE it”

“Then why are you doing it?”

“Because of money” I shrugged.

“Money? They pay you to sing? That’s. . . unusual”

“Well, this isn’t really an ordinary school, is it?”

“What does that mean?”

“Why don’t you ask your boyfriend?”

“Jiyong?”

“Why, do you have other boyfriends?”

“Ya! I’m not that kind of girl!”

“I know that” I rolled my eyes. “I was joking”

“Why don’t you just tell me instead?”

I shrugged. “I’m not in the mood. And besides, he knows the details more than I do”

I saw the look of disappointment in her face. Her boyfriend obviously doesn’t share everything
with her. I guess this is another point for me. I know I’m not playing a clean game but is there
ever a rule in this kind of game? None, right?

“What’s with the face?” I went on. “Am I right in thinking that your boyfriend’s not the type
who tells you everything?”

She didn’t say anything. Silence means yes. Whew, another point for TOP.

“He’s a secretive type, then” I continued and took a sip from the soda she bought for me.
“Surely, he’ll tell you if you ask him?”

“Is the choir opened for auditions?” she evaded, eyes brightly wide opened.

I didn’t answer at once. “Yes” I finally answered, my eyes narrowing.

“So, how much money do you earn?”

“Depends” I shrugged.

“Hmm” she thoughtfully mumbled. “I think I’ll give it a try”

“You sing too, huh?”

“Duh! Would I have the courage to audition if I don’t?”

“Let me hear your voice then?”

“Here?!”

“Yes, here”

“You’re joking!” I gasped.

“No, I’m not” I told her.

“But. . . but there are a lot of people here!” she whispered pointedly.

“So?” I asked with raised brows.

“Fine!” she snapped and cleared her throat. She took a deep breath first before opening her
mouth. The moment she hit the first note of whatever song she had in mind, I quickly shoved my
unfinished sandwich into her mouth, making her choke a little.

Her voice – I can’t even describe it. It wasn’t that awful but. . . it should have turned me off but
surprisingly, it didn’t. “Don’t audition” I told her. “You’ll only embarrass yourself”

“YA!” she angrily protested after taking the sandwich from her mouth. “That was really
unnecessary! You’re being a jerk!”

“At least I can sing” I retorted.

“Oh yeah?” she came, sounding pissed. “Let me hear your voice, then”

“Not a chance” I smirked. “Unless you pay me, of course”

“Never mind” she grimaced. “I’m sure you sound awful. And besides, I don’t want to waste
money”

My brows knitted upon seeing the look on her face. “Are you having money problems?”

She blushed. My frown deepened. If she’s having money problems, she shouldn’t have enrolled
in this school.

“If you’re having money problems, you shouldn’t have transferred in this school, of all places!”

“Why not?” she demanded. “It’s not like WE need to pay for some fees. As far as I know, the
education provided here is for FREE”
FREE? Seriously?! Obviously, she’s been lied to or her boyfriend forgot to mention it. “Why
don’t you tell your boyfriend about your problem?”

She pouted. “I’m not REALLY having money problems, okay?”

“Why don’t you try looking for a part time job?” I suggested.

“I’ll have to ask Jiyong first, if ever”

“Do you really have to ask his. . . PERMISSION all the time?”

“That’s how a relationship works” she knowingly said.

“Why, does he ask your permission first in EVERYTHING he does?”

A frown marred her forehead. Should I add another point to myself?

“O-of course he does”

“Really?” I cynically asked.

Her eyes suddenly narrowed. “Why are you so interested with Jiyong? are you going gay over
him?” she bluntly asked.

GOING WHAT?!?!

The girl must be out of her mind! She might have taken my silence as a YES because her face
turned pitiful.

“That’s okay” she cooed, tapping her hand on my shoulder. “You don’t have to be shy about it. I
actually preferred it if you’re his admirer than those girls because I’m sure Jiyong won’t err, I’m
sorry to say this but he won’t really take interest in you. He’s straight, you know”

o=o=o

AUTHOR’S POV

Seungri was about to enter the living area when he heard voices in serious tones talking. Since he
was naturally nosy, he paused and listened.

“So what do you think?” he heard CL asked. “Should I go?”

“It’s a rare opportunity” Bom answered. “You should grab it”

“You think I should?”

“Why are you hesitating? Didn’t you want to go to college?”

“I DO want to go to college” CL claimed.

“Then what’s with the hesitation? Your aunt’s offer is pretty generous. I’m pretty sure there are a
lot to choose from in Canada”

“I know” CL sighed. “Being able to go to college is a big thing already and being able to study in
Canada is another thing. . . .”

“But?” Bom urged on.

“I don’t really have a problem” CL then chuckled. “It’s a rare opportunity after all.

Silence.

“Lee Chaerin” Bom slowly said. “You can listen to my opinion but you don’t have to follow it.
You decided for yourself”

“It seemed the right and reasonable thing to do” CL mumbled. “And besides, I wanted this ever
since. . . I was born, I think” she jokingly added.

“It’s Seungri, isn’t it?” Bom quietly asked. “He’s stopping you from leaving”

Seungri’s heart stilled.

“What are you talking about?” the other girl returned, sounding a bit distressed. “He hasn’t
talked to me for days. How will he stop-?”

“That’s not what I meant, CL” Bom patiently cut off. “What I’m trying to say is that he’s the
reason why you’re hesitating to leave. You’ll miss him, won’t you?”

“Of course not!” CL scoffed. “How could you think he’s the reason? Why would I exchange the
rare opportunity to study in Canada with someone like him? He means nothing to me!”

Seungri’s head bowed, a bittersweet smile curving his lips. He heaved a deep sigh before pulling
up a grin on his face. “Did I just here the words ‘study’ and ‘Canada’ in one sentence from this
room?” he barged in. “Who’s leaving?”

“Have you been eavesdropping?”

He rolled his eyes at CL. “I was on my way here when I heard those words. It’s not my fault if
girls talk too loud, is it? So, who’s leaving?”

Silence.
“Err, hello?”

“CL” Bom finally answered.

“Oh really? When?” he asked, sounding bored.

“No specific date yet but pretty soon” Bom answered again.

To both girls’ surprise, Seungri pulled CL up for a tight hug. In a loud voice he said, “Ah, I’m so
glad you’re leaving! I hope you won’t return anytime soon! It’ll be such a relief not to see your
face around here anymore”

“Seungri!” Bom warned.

“Finally, I won’t be able to see your face soon!” he chuckled as he pulled away from the hug.
“Anyways, see you around, Bom” Seungri waved off and without giving any of them a glance,
he turned to leave. The moment he turned into the corner, his wide grin disappeared as his
footsteps slowed down. He leaned one hand against the wall while the other went to clutch his
aching chest.

Unknown to him, tears were falling rapidly down from CL’s eyes back in the living room.

“Oh CL, come here” Bom called.

Weakly, CL went to Bom’s arms. “I. . .” she sniffed. “I’m going to miss you and Youngbae. Oh,
Jiyong and Dara too! That must be the reason why I’m crying. . . yes. . . . I’m. . . . going to. . . .
miss. . . .”

“It’ll be okay” Bom assured her. “It’ll be okay”

“It’ll be okay” CL echoed through her tears.

----------------------
 Chapter 07: The Surprise Visit
Jiyong had his hands inside his pockets while keeping his head bowed as he headed towards the
library. Passing by the school grounds, a familiar laugh vibrated in his ears. He paused and
looked across the grounds. A small smile formed in his lips upon seeing Dara laughing out loud.
But the smile was soon replaced when saw the people accompanying her – two male and one
female. He recognized the guys from his class, though he can’t remember their names. He felt
something boiled inside him. Heaving a deep sigh, he ignored the boiling feeling and shook the
dark thoughts on his head. Just as he was about to walk away and head to the library, he was
once again brought to a halt.

“DARAA!” Seungri’s familiar voice entered his ears.

Dara paused then blinked. Turning her head around, her eyes grew wide upon seeing who
dropped by for a visit. “Seungri!” she ecstatically greeted, standing up and jogged towards the
guy. She locked him in a tight hug, laughing. When she pulled away, the two of them started
jumping up and down on their places like grade school kids. “What are you doing here? Where
are the others?”

“I just thought of dropping by” he winked. “And I came alone”

“Kyaaaaa! I missed you! Aigoo! How’s Bom? How’s Youngbae? How’s their baby? How’s CL?
And how are you?”

“Whoa, slow down” he chuckled. “I missed you, too by the way. Everyone else is okay”

“That’s nice to hear” she smiled. “Come, I’ll introduce you to my new friends”

The guy’s smile froze upon seeing the people just a few feet back. When Dara started pulling
him, he didn’t budge. With a frown he asked, “Does Jiyong know you’re befriending other
shadows?”

“H-ha?” Dara blinked. “S-shadows?”

Silence filled them as Seungri exchanged measured stares with the three. Dara on the other hand,
had her head going back and forth to Seungri and to her new friends. Understanding then dawned
on her below-sea level intellect as what Jiyong calls it.

“Omo!” she gasped, eyes wide while staring at TOP and Daesung. “You two are. . . . shadows?”
she breathed.

“Oh, so you’re aware of our existence” TOP snorted.

Her eyes went wider. “You really are a shadow!”

“So what if I am?”

Dara’s eyes sparked with amusement. “Does that mean you turn into a crow, too?”

“Of course he does, you stupid spoof girl. Every shadow does” Jiyong finally came in, walking
lazily to the group of people across the ground.

“Pan – Jiyong!” the stupid spoof girl beamed brightly and was about to throw herself at him
when she suddenly remembered his rule of not showing any affection in school especially when
there are other people around.

Jiyong gave her a tiny nod before turning his gaze on Seungri. “What are you doing here?” he
asked.

“Just visiting” Seungri shrugged.

He eyed him carefully. “Let’s talk” he said, motioning his head to the side.

“Can I come?” Dara hopefully asked. “I want to have a chat with Seungri, too”

“Maybe some other time” Jiyong answered.

“B-but. . .”

“I’ve got something to discuss with him”

“Fine” she sighed and pouted, making Jiyong exhale harshly. She quickly covered her mouth and
gave him an apologetic look. She forgot about what her pout does to Jiyong.

His face softened then. With a sigh, he took her hand off her mouth and gave it a little squeeze.
“See you later” he smiled, making her blush to the roots of her hair. He pulled off his eyes from
her and looked at the people whom Dara calls friends. After giving them a much measured look,
he let go of her hands and turned away with Seungri walking by his side.

“See you” Dara dreamily waved.

“You’re out of your mind” TOP told her, standing beside her.

“Did you see the look in his eyes when he took my hand? Aigoo! And he said we shouldn’t
display affection to each other publicly. Aigoo, aigoo” she giggled.

“How can you giggle like that when he just called you stupid a while ago?” he scoffed. “In front
of other people, that is?”

“Eh?” she asked blankly, still staring up ahead with a dreamy look on her face.
“I said Jiyong called you stupid”

“Yes, he did” she smiled, totally off the hook.

“And you just let him do that?”

Her rational thinking slowly went back to her. She narrowed her eyes at him. “Are you sure
you’re not gay? You’re really suspicious, you know”

“Not again” TOP groaned.

JIYONG’S POV

“What really brought you here, Seungri?” I asked as I leaned against a tree.

“I told you, I’m just visiting” he chuckled.

“Okay” I shrugged. “What else?”

He didn’t say anything. I looked at him closely, my eyes tracing the line of the scar he got from
Youngbae’s claws. Scars were always ugly. I was pretty lucky mine were hidden. I can’t
understand why Dara can bear kissing my scars. Seungri’s been always confident about himself
even after a part of his face was scarred, it didn’t seem to bother him. But looking at him now,
there’s something unsure about the way he held himself.

“How’s Bom and Youngbae?” I asked.

“They’re fine” he answered, looking relieved at the change of the topic. “Bom’s. . . been acting
different lately, though. She’s acting like a child. I don’t get how Youngbae keeps up his
patience with her but he does. He’s also doing some part time stuff in the cannery”

“Youngbae’s been always the patient one among the three of us. I think if we hadn’t known him,
we could have ended up killing each other” I snorted.

“Ha, sure he is. But wait ‘til Dara gets pregnant. She’ll be a trillion times worst than Bom” he
laughed. “But oh well, maybe not since you’re not really a family type of guy”

I sighed and chose to ignore his attempt in pissing me off. “How’s CL?”

The liveliness in his face suddenly disappeared. I mentally congratulated myself for hitting on
the right spot. Among the three of us, I already expected Youngbae would be the one to settle
down first. Seungri’s the least person I thought that’d be caught in the throes of. . . the L word.
Like me, we didn’t really believe such thing existed, at least romantically. But just like what my
spoof girl told me, never underestimate the power of love.

I’ve never noticed it before, maybe because I simply didn’t care. Or maybe I was just too
stubborn to see what’s going on between Seungri and CL. But now that I think of it, they started
way off before Bom ordered them to act as a couple in front of Youngbae. Ha! Maybe it’s
because that below-sea level intellect girl opened my eyes and made me a bit sensitive to others.

“She’s leaving” he finally said. “Her aunt offered her to shoulder her education in. . . Canada. I
think she’ll finish her high school studies there, too. Funny, I actually came here to see Dara
because well, you know how funny she could get. I was hoping that by this time, I’m laughing
my head off already but here I am, talking to you”

“What are you planning to do?”

“I’m not planning anything”

“You’re just going to let her leave” I concluded.

“I don’t have any reason to stop her” he quietly said. “And even if I do have a reason, I don’t
think she’ll stay if I ask her to” he added with a chuckle. “Enough about me. How are you and
Dara?”

“We still argue on small things. But what can you expect? From the very beginning, she’s been a
constant headache to me and she hasn’t changed a bit. Only, she became naughtier and more
stubborn than before” I told him with a frown.

“Naughtier?” he scoffed. “Should I expect wedding bells soon, then? Or little Jiyong and Dara?”

I glared at him. “She’s on pills”

“Oh” he chuckled. “Being safe, huh? But what if she’d want to start your own family?”

I growled. What the fuck? I can’t believe he’s talking about building a family to me. “Do you
want to have another scar, Seungri?”

“What now? I’m just asking” he came. “If you don’t want to have a family with her, then I’d be
more than willing to be your proxy. I’ve always thought she’s really beautiful and – hey! I’m just
joking!”

“It’s not funny!” I gritted and let go of his throat.

“Are you really this violent now?” he coughed.

I sighed and looked away. I knew he was joking but. . . aish! I don’t know what came to me. I’m
not becoming. . . possessive, am I? If that spoof girl learned about this, she’ll definitely go
berserk and dance that stupid washing machine dance of hers again.

“Sorry” I heard myself mumble.

“Oh, so you know how to say sorry now, eh? Well. . . I guess you’re just in love, huh?”

“It’d be better if you’ll just leave” I growled.

“What’s with the other shadows Dara’s hanging out with?” he changed.

I frowned again. “Those two are in the same class with me. I’m not so sure about the female” I
said.

“Did you introduce Dara to them?”

“I don’t even know their name” I spat.

“Ah, so she really is a shadow magnet, huh?” he chuckled. “I think you should guard her tightly.
I can sense some shadows will lurk around her pretty soon. A shadow for a rival isn’t healthy”

“Are you trying to get yourself killed?” I asked. “I fell like cutting your tongue out now”

“Yeah, right. Like you didn’t become suicidal before, attempting to kill yourself every now and
then. It was really tiring running after you all the time”

“So you’re really getting yourself killed” I snorted.

He rolled his eyes. “That reminds me. Does Dara know about this school?”

“No” I quickly answered. “Surprisingly, her reaction towards Sohee isn’t as welcoming as how
she was with Bom. All thanks to you”

“What did I do?”

“Innocence doesn’t suit you” I grimaced.

“She’ll find out soon, you know”

“I know that but you know why I have to study here. And you know how clingy Dara could get”

He was quiet for a while. “I heard there are some political issues and conflicts going on with the
royalties. Is it true?”
“Yes” I nodded. How can I not know when I’m the cause of the said conflict? Then, the
cancelation of my engagement to Sohee added up to it. I grimaced at the thought of the word
‘engagement’. I feel like puking.

“How’s Sohee by the way?”

I shrugged. “Haven’t talked to her for months”

“She must be really pissed.

“And your point is?”

“Never mind” he said, shaking his head. “I better leave. You still got some classes, I presume?”

I gave a tiny nod as an answer.

---

I stretched out and settled the book I’m reading down. I glanced at the clock for the nth time. It’s
already seven in the evening but she’s not yet here. I’ve been itching to call her or should I saw
I’ve been waiting for a call from her. My eyes darted to my phone. As I was about to reach it, I
heard the gentle opening and closing of the door.

“Pancake, I’m home!”

I stood up and went to meet her. “Where have you been?” I questioned at once, my arms across
my chest.

She went up to me, wrapped her arms around my neck and tiptoed to reach for my lips. “I went
to watch TOP, Dae and Minzy in their choir practice” she said after breaking the kiss. “I can’t
believe TOP’s a member of that club”

“TOP?”

“He’s your classmate. The one you saw with me a while ago? The tall, handsome guy?”

“I don’t pay much attention to other people” I grimaced. “Since when did you become interested
in choir singing?”

“I heard the school pays the choir members. I was actually planning to audition but TOP said I
should not do it if I don’t want to embarrass myself”

“Hmm” I thoughtfully mumbled.

“He’s really blunt” she nodded. “Oh, speaking of, TOP mentioned something about the school
and he said I should ask you because you know the details more than him. What is it?”
“Have you eaten already? I prepared a-”

“TOP treated me out in a family-run restaurant called Eating House. Weird name, huh?” she
chuckled. “We should go eat there one time”

“No thanks” I grimaced and pulled her arms off me. With a growl, I turned around and walked
away.

“Ya! What’s with that face?” she asked, trailing behind me.

“Mind your own business” I mumbled.

“What?”

“Nothing” I waved off and dropped myself back to my chair.

“You’re really being rude again. TOP even said so”

My jaw clenched but I kept my silence.

“We’re not fighting, are we?”

“No”

She heaved an audible sigh. She took the book from my hand and settled it aside. She then sat on
my lap, sideways. Wrapping her arms around my neck, she rested her head on my shoulder. “I
love you, Jiyong”

I sighed. “Are you planning to rape me again?”

She laughed. “That’s a very entertaining idea” she said, nipping on my earlobe.

Oh damn! I shouldn’t have said that. Aish! Now she’s abusing my lips. Lifting her up so she
could straddle me, I let her kiss me. As soon as she was straddling me, she became wilder and
aggressive that I feel like the corners of my lips are badly bruised now.

“Hey. . .” I exhaled. “Slow. . . down”

“No way” she refused. “You’ve been. . . mmm. . . rejecting me lately”

o=o=o

AUTHOR’S POV
The stillness of the dimly lit room was disturbed as a shadow appeared out of nowhere. His eyes
scanned the room. It was hardly equipped and soon enough, this room would be nothing but an
empty space. With a weary sigh, he let his eyes land on the girl peacefully sleeping on the bed.
Without taking his human form, he slowly glided towards the bed. He stared at her face quite
intently, as if memorizing every detail of it. He used to call her ‘my karma’ in his head. And she
just proved that she is indeed his karma. If only she’d give him just one day, just a day, maybe he
won’t be this miserably. . . hopeless. No matter how hard he tried, he always ends up losing
against her. She always wins.

At his own risk, he took his human form and sat at the edge of her bed. With trembling hands, he
reached out to brush the few strands of hair that fell into her face. He then gently caressed her
face. A small smile curved his lips. He remembered the first time they met, they were still kids.
He really thought SHE was a HE. He even made her as his best buddy. But when he found out
his best buddy was a girl, their friendship just drifted apart. He can’t believe he thought she was
a boy before. She did look like a boy before, though. But that was before. Now, she already
changed.

His hand paused and slowly, he pulled it back. He shouldn’t linger, he knew that. If he stays any
longer, he might do something stupid like asking her not to leave. For sure, he’ll only earn scars
far worst than the scar in his face if he took that risk. With a sigh, he stood up.

“Goodbye, Chaerin”

----------
 Chapter 08: The Growing Distance
“Jiyong. . .?” she called in a flirty tone.

Jiyong, who was lying on his stomach, peered at her through one eye. “You’re not thinking of dirty thoughts again,
are you?”

Dara laughed while her index finger went on tracing the scars at his back. “Let’s play a word game”

He buried his face in the comforts of his pillows and gave a groan.

“Come on, it’d be fun!”

“I’m not in the mood” he grunted.

“Aww, come on! Don’t be such a spoilsport” she wailed.

“Games are for children only” he murmured lazily.

“That’s not true!”

“Yes it is”

“It isn’t!” she claimed. “Pancake, come on!”

Jiyong growled. “I want to sleep. You didn’t let me sleep last night ‘til the early morn”

“Aish! Stop being lazy” she whined.

“Stop being stubborn either” he returned.

Dara pouted but since Jiyong had his head buried in his pillow, he didn’t see it. With a knowing look, Dara decided
to change her tactics. Leaning forward, she nipped on his earlobe and whispered, “Please?”

“That tactic of yours won’t work on me anymore” he snorted.

“Are you a mind reader now?!”

“I don’t have to be a mind reader to know what’s going on inside that small brain of yours” he chuckled.

“Jiyong!” she childishly whined, shaking his body back and forth.

His arm suddenly came out of nowhere as he settled on his side. He gathered her in his arms and kissed her
forehead. He then pulled the blanket up to their shoulders as his other hand rubbed up and down her bare and
smooth back. “Don’t be such a baby”

“What’s my favorite color?” she suddenly asked.

“That’s really stupid” he then said after a long silence.

“No, it’s not” she protested once again. “I want to know how much you know me. So tell me, what’s my favorite
color?”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re seriously asking me that?” he scoffed. “Dara, this is really stupid and dumb”
“Just go with it” she insisted.

“Fine” he snapped, rolling his eyes again. “It’s pink”

“Correct!” she cheered. “Okay, what do I love to eat the most?”

“Pancakes” he said, then added with a grin, “and my lips”

“Right again!” she smiled, looking rather smug. “You’re really very good”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me”

“Ya! No swearing! Aish”

“This is really stupid. I’m out. It’s boring”

“No, it’s not” she stubbornly said. “Anyways, what’s the happiest moment in my life?”

“Dara” he wearily sighed.

“Okay, okay. That’d be my last question IF you answer it”

Jiyong paused. “Err, you’re happiest moment would be. . . when you’re pissing me off?”

Dara grimaced at her. “That’s not it” she said almost angrily. “The happiest moment in my life was when you said
you love me. And just so you know, I love you so much”

Silence filled the room. Then, he took her hand and rested it on his scarred chest, letting her feel the strong pounding
of his heart. And she knew that Jiyong silently responded to her words. Tears started to well up in her eyes and they
just went down uncontrollably. She was about to wipe her tears away but he stopped her. He rested her hand back
on his chest as he leaned forward to kiss her tears away. He put one hand on her nape and leaned his forehead
against hers.

“I must be out of my mind. . . .” he mumbled with a chuckle.

“Pancake” she sniffed.

“Don’t go too emotional on me” he suddenly changed mood. “It isn’t a big deal”

“It is” she declared.

I’d really appreciate it if you don’t go too emotional” he said. “It’s disgusting”

“I don’t believe you see it that way”

He chuckled then bit his lower lip. Unable to stop herself, Dara reached for his lips. The kiss was slow and sweet,
making her heart flutter. When he broke the kiss, she could only smile and close her eyes while snuggling close to
him. Silence stretched between them, his heartbeat seemed enough for her.

“Jiyong?”

“Mmm?”

“I want to have a part-time job”

“No” he said with so much authority.

“Why not?”

“Because I said so”

“Aish! You’re really being difficult” she complained.

“No, I’m not” he argued.

“Then why won’t you allow me?” she asked. “I want to contribute to the expenses we-”

“I’m not requiring you to contribute anything, Dara” he growled.

“But I don’t want your mother to think that I’m-”

“Dara, just let me shoulder all the expenses, okay?” he cut off.

Dara sighed. Those were just her made up reasons. She can’t really tell him why she needed money. She’s 100%
certain he’d go berserk if she told him the truth. “But I want to earn money, too” she said.

“If you want anything, just tell me”

She pouted. “If you don’t want me to have a part-time job, fine! At least allow me to audition for the choir”

“No”

“Why not again?” she whined.

“Because I said so” he said. “You can join other clubs but not the choir”

“But why?”

“You can’t sing”

“Ya!” she burst out. “I CAN SING. And you’re supposed to support me!”

“Sandara Park, you are so conceited” he said, feigning a stern look. But then, he smiled.

“KYAA!” she exclaimed. “Omo! It’s that smile again. Waah, I think I’m going to have a heart attack! Gah! Don’t
you ever smile like that to other girls, okay? Or else, I’ll-”

The rest of her words were drowned as his lips covered hers. “You’re such a baby” he said, nipping on her lower lip.

“I’m only like this with you” she confessed.

“And why is that, hmm?” he murmured.

“I don’t know. Maybe I just want to be cute” she laughed lightly. “And of course, babies usually needs cuddling and
stuff”

“Good point” he said, fanning air into her partially opened mouth. The taste and smell of his breath was so
intoxicating that it clouded her mind. With a desperate groan, she leaned forward and crushed her lips on his. Jiyong
welcomed and responded to her aggression. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her on top of him.

o=o=o
“Get dressed” Jiyong told Dara.

“Why?”

“We’re going to the airport”

“Why?”

“CL’s leaving for Canada”

“She’s leaving?! But why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“It slipped my mind. And besides, she just made the decisions two days ago though I wasn’t really planning to see
her off. It’s not my kind of scene”

“Aish! But you should have at least informed me that she has plans of leaving. Wait, I’ll get dressed as quickly as I
can”

---

“Why didn’t you inform me about this?” Dara asked CL.

“Sorry” she said. “It was a last minute decision”

“But you won’t be residing there forever, right?” Dara went on.

“Of course not” CL smiled.

“Oh well. . . I’ll miss you” she said, hugging the other girl.

“Why not?” Seungri finally joined in. “Don’t you think it’d be better if you’ll just stay there?”

“Seungri!” Bom and Youngbae chorused in warning as they hugged and bid farewell to CL.

“Don’t worry” CL smirked. “I won’t inform you when I decide to come back so we don’t have to see each other’s
faces”

“Good”

Silence followed as CL and Seungri eyed each other. Seungri was obviously angry while the girl looked pissed. . .
and hurt. When Jiyong noticed Seungri’s face started to change, he cleared his throat.

“Take care of yourself” Jiyong said.

“I will” she smiled, taking her eyes away from Seungri. “You guys take care, too”

“I’ll miss you” Bom sobbed.

“I’ll miss you, too” CL returned and hugged Bom again.

“Ya! Why am I not included?” Dara protested, making Bom and CL chuckle lightly. The three of them then hugged,
wishing each other well.

After they broke up, Youngbae went to hug CL for the second time. Seeing this, Dara elbowed Jiyong and told him
to do the same. But her boyfriend only grimaced at her.
“It’s okay, Dara” CL chuckled lightly. “I know how Jiyong is. Anyways, I have to go” she tightly smiled and bent
down to pick her things up.

“Chaerin” Seungri softly called, making her go all stiff.

“Youngbae, I feel kind of tired” Bom suddenly said, rubbing her hand on her rounded bump. “Can we find
somewhere to sit?”

“Of course” Youngbae mumbled.

“Pancake!” Dara cheerfully said after. “Why don’t we take a tour in the comfort room, oh I mean, around the
airport, eh?”

“A tour around the airport?” Jiyong repeated. “This isn’t a tourist spot, Dara”

“We WILL tour around the airport” she said, widening her eyes at him. She hooked her hand on his arm and started
pulling him away from CL and Seungri. To her surprise, Jiyong took hold of her hand and laced his fingers with
hers. As far as she can remember, HE strictly forbids PDAs. But who was she to question him? Walking away from
their friends, she can’t help but look back at CL and Seungri.

“Dara, you’re being too obvious” Jiyong puffed. “Don’t you know the word privacy? You’re being too nosy” he
finished when he noticed his girlfriend kept on glancing back at the two.

“I’m just worried” she reasoned out.

“Just admit that you’re being too nosy” he chuckled.

“I’m not!”

“Yes, you are”

“Aish, how could you say that?”

As Dara and Jiyong bickered away, CL and Seungri were having the opposite situation. Minutes passed between
them but they remained silent. Thinking that he wasn’t going to speak up, CL sighed and started to turn around.

“Do you really have to go?” Seungri finally spoke.

“Why? Would you rather I’ll stay?” she sarcastically asked. “What for? So you could have someone to mock and
make fun of?”

The guy kept his silence.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me” she said. “I need to go”

“Time and time again, you keep on rejecting me” he scoffed. “I don’t learn, do I? But I guess this would be the last”

“This better bet he last” she returned coolly. “’Coz I’m pretty tired of your lies and games”

CL turned away and started walking. As she did, she let the tears she’s been holding back fall freely. Little did she
know, she’s not the only person weeping at the moment.

------
 Chapter 09: The Loving Couple
DARA’S POV

I propped myself on my elbow and smiled while watching Jiyong’s sleeping face. Words aren’t enough to describe
what it feels like to wake up every morning seeing his face. A sigh of contentment escaped from me. Yes, I feel
contented just by staring at the face of the person I love, my very own fallen angel, Kwon Jiyong. I tried to imagine
him with wrinkles and wondered if I’d still stare at him lovingly; if I’d still love seeing his face every night before I
sleep ore very morning right after I wake up.

Yes, I’d still feel the same. I’m sure of it.

“Staring is rude” he grunted with his eyes still closed.

I giggled and dropped my head back to my pillow. “Good morning, pancake” I greeted him. “Do you know how
sexy your voice sounds early in the morning, hmm?”

He chuckled. “Really?”

“Yes” I answered, smiling.

He opened his eyes and smiled, his eyes naughtily gleamed. He leaned forward and breathed against my ear. “Good
morning, spoof” he huskily whispered, nipping on my earlobe.

“You’re flirting!” I exclaimed.

“You started it” he chuckled lightly, his arms going around me. He then pulled me up on top of him. He leaned up
and gave my chin a peck before attacking me with his tickling fingers. I gave a shriek of giggles and started
thrashing but he kept one arm firmly around me while his free hand tickled me.

“S-stop!” I giggled. “Aigoo!”

We rolled over the bed and reached to the point where the lower half of my body went off the bed. I was able to
escape from his arms then. I pulled myself up and started running away when I saw him climbed off the bed. I know
he can catch me easily but I guess he was just being playful today because he let me ran around the place. When he
got me cornered in the kitchen, I could only laugh, not feeling a tinge of fear. Why would I feel anything like that,
anyway?

“Gotcha!” he chuckled, grabbing my waist and pulled me to his body forcefully that the tips or our noses bumped
into each other. I locked my arms around his neck and gave him a peck on the lips. “You go take a shower first
while I prepare us some pancakes”

“Hmn, do we really have to go to school?”

He clicked his tongue. “You’re such a bad influence”

“I’m just kidding!” I laughed and squeaked after I felt him squeeze my bottom. “Why you naughty shadow, oh yes
you are!”

He laughed then buried his head on my neck. “Mmm, you smell sexy in the morning”

I felt myself blushed. “Are you making fun of me?”

“No” he breathed against my neck. I closed my eyes and bit my lower lip as he started kissing his way from my neck
up to my ear. His hold on my waist tightened but not to the point of being in pain.

“Want to take a shower with me?” I hopefully asked.

“If I do that, we’ll end up being late” he chuckled. “Maybe later in the evening”

I blushed deeper. “I’d love that. And I love you”

“Huh” he snorted.

Silence followed. Neither of us dared to move, either. We just held each other tightly as if never wanting to let go.
But then, we really don’t want to let go of each other. I just love everything about him. And I also love how he’s
trying to stop himself from swearing in front of me though there were instances that he slipped, at least there’s an
improvement.

“Have you changed your mind?” I broke the silence.

“About what?”

“About not going to school today?”

He chuckled. “Of course not” he said and pulled away. “Go ahead and take a shower”

I feigned a disappointed sigh, making him laugh. Ah, I just love hearing him laugh. The sound makes me giddy and
tingly. Aigoo! What am I thinking? Aish!

“What are you still waiting for?” he asked, shooing me away with his hand.

“I’m going already” I told him after stealing a kiss. As I pulled away, he spanked my behind, making me jump a
little. I shook my head at this but I still blew him a kiss.

JIYONG’S POV

I shook my head as Dara’s loud singing voice reached my ears. There she goes again. She’s obviously in a good
mood. Right, I think it’d be better if she’s in a bad mood. Damn, what a spoof!

My hand froze on the process of flipping the pancakes over when I heard her chanting, “Jiyong, Jiyong, Jiyongie; I
so love my Jiyongie” this time. I groaned and shook my head. She totally lost it. But then, a smile tugged at the
corner of my lips. That girl, really.

As I was done, I decided to eat ahead of her. I still need to take a bath myself. I know she’ll pout and whine about it.
She might even stomp around and throw a tantrum. I’m used to her childishness but sometimes, it still takes me by
surprise. She just got her moments of maturity and childishness, not to say her moments of persistency and
stubbornness. Either way, I still feel the same way. I sighed. Up until now, I’m still having some difficulties in
admitting how I feel for her, let alone admit that I feel that way.

“Ya!”

I glanced over my shoulder and saw her behind me wearing a robe and a very annoyed look. “Hey” I grinned.

“Did you eat ahead of me?” she demanded.

“Yep”
Her face fell into an ugly grimace. Before she could throw a tantrum, a motioned her to sit on my lap. She crossed
her arms across her chest stubbornly and pouted as she stomped her way towards me. I grabbed her wrists and pulled
her down on my lap, sideways. I frowned. “Have you been losing weight?” I asked.

“Your fault” she stubbornly pouted.

I reached for her nape and turned her head to my direction to plant a soft kiss on her lips. “My fault?”

“Yes” she answered, glaring at me. “And why did you eat without waiting for me?”

“I’m hungry” I simply explained. “And I think you should eat a heavy breakfast or meal from now on. You’re
getting thinner”

“I don’t want to get fat” she reasoned out. “I want to look sexy”

“Being thin isn’t sexy” I argued. “I don’t like overly thin girls”

“You don’t?” she softly asked.

“No” I told her. “So you better start eating heavy meals, mmkay?”

“It’s still useless, though” she said as she started eating.

“And why is that?”

“I don’t want to tell you” she stubbornly stated. “You might not want to do it anymore one you knew how much
calories I burn everytime we-” she suddenly stopped and blushed.

“Oh. I get it. Huh!” I snorted.

“Oh well” she sighed. “I’ll just have to seduce you then”

I laughed. I grabbed her free hand and started playing with her fingers. Her face flushed but she chose to ignore it
and went to finish her pancakes. As soon as she was finished, I carried her back to the room so she could dress
herself up for school while I take a bath.

---

“Snap out of it, Dara” I wearily sighed as she jumped on my back for the nth time.

“How come you don’t want to give me a piggyback ride, anymore?”

“We’re on our way to school” I reasoned out.

“So?” she demanded. “Oh, right. No PDA”

I sighed as she started walking in a fast pace, leaving me behind her. Aish, this girl’s being a pain in the ass again
when just a while ago, she was being flirty and cuddly. “Hey spoof girl!” I called but she ignored me.

“Hi TOP!” she called loudly. I stopped in my tracks and frowned when I saw her jogged towards this guy I
recognized from my class. So, he’s TOP, huh?

“Hey” the guy greeted back.

“How are you?” Dara asked in her usual cheerful voice.

I pulled my hood up to my head and slid my hands to my pockets. I kept my head down as I walked past by them.
They were conversing when I past by and as soon as I was up ahead, I heard Dara’s voice faltered. I could just feel
her eyes burning a hole on my back. Then, I felt something hard hit the back of my head but I chose to ignore it.

“Ya! Kwon Jiyong!”

“See you later” I called without glancing back.

---

AUTHOR’S POV

“You can join me and my friends for lunch” Dara cheerfully told Kevin.

“Ah, no. I have to do something anyways” he smiled.

“Oh, are you sure?” Dara frowned. She wanted to ask why he always disappears during break time but she thought
it’d be rude to do so.

“Yes” he smiled again. “See you later”

“Okay” she waved at him. When he was out of sight, she started bouncing to the cafeteria. As soon as she reached
the place, he searched for TOP and the siblings. When she saw them at the end part, she smiled widely and went to
get herself something to eat first before joining them. “Hello” she greeted, taking the place right in front of TOP,
who was sitting besides Minzy and Daesung.

“I can still take some load” Minzy told Daesung after the latter greeted her back.

“Can you handle it?” Daesung asked. “We already had our choir practice after every class and you already had one
part-time job”

“Part-time job?” Dara butted in. “Do you know any part-time jobs?”

“Is it really your habit to butt in with other people’s conversations?” Minzy.

“Oh, sorry” she mumbled.

“Actually, I do know one” TOP said.

“Really?” Dara asked eagerly, taking a sip of her juice.

“Yeah” he nodded. “But I think Minzy’s going to take it. You can fill in for her if you want, night shift”

“Oh” she mumbled, disappointment written in her face.

“You look disappointed” TOP snorted.

“That’s the only time I could spend time with Jiyong”

“Speaking of him, where does he stay at break time?” TOP asked.

Dara frowned. “Library, I guess”

“You don’t know?”

She pouted. “I don’t really ask. I don’t want him to think that I’m too obsessed with him. And besides, he hates it
when I’m being nosy”

“And I hate it everytime you disobey me” an awfully familiar voice came from behind her.

Dara looked over her shoulder with wide eyes. “Jiyong!”

Jiyong grimaced at the loudness of her voice. But setting it aside, he took the empty space beside her and placed the
tray of FOODS in front of her. “Eat them”

“All of these?” she asked in bewilderment.

“Yes”

“But. . . but. . . but it’s too many!”

“You have to finish all of these in ten minutes”

“Why?” she childishly asked but Jiyong just gave her his authoritative look. He then inserted his earphone in and
pulled his hood up to his head. Dara sighed when Jiyong turned his head away from her.

TOP’s eyes narrowed when Dara started eating everything her boyfriend bought while the latter was staring blankly
outside. He rested his elbow on the table and in doing so, he accidentally brushed his fork off the table. He pulled
away from the table and went to pick his fork up. He was about to sit straight up again but something stopped him.
He looked forward and saw Dara’s hand resting on Jiyong’s thigh while the latter was playing with her fingers with
both of his hands. He slowly straightened up in his place. Dara was still trying to eat down all the foods with one
hand. She had her head bowed but he could just see that she was blushing. Jiyong on the other hand, had still his
hood and earphones on while continuously staring blankly outside.

‘So this is how he works’ he thought. He fidgeted in his place and clenched his jaw. “Hey, you got something on
your chin” he said and reached out to wipe the spaghetti sauce off her chin.

“Oh” she mumbled. “Thanks, hehe. I tend to eat messily sometimes”

“I noticed” he smiled. “I do that sometimes, too”

“Really?” she chuckled.

“Need help with that?” TOP nodded towards the tray of food. At the corner of his eyes, he saw Jiyong straightened
up and had his eyes on him.

“Oh no, it’s okay” Dara smiled. “I need to gain weight anyways, so I’m all good”

“If you say so” he shrugged then glanced at Jiyong. TOP smirked at the intense stare of the other guy. For one or
two seconds, he saw Jiyong’s eyes flashed all-black. But it soon disappeared. TOP then glanced back at Dara and
opened up a conversation. He asked about what she likes, dislikes, favorites, etc. She eagerly responded while
continuing to take down her lunch. He could feel Jiyong’s death glare but he ignored it. He was waiting for the other
guy to challenge him or even snap up. Based from what the girl told him before, Jiyong’s not really a showy person.
He wanted to see how confident Jiyong is about his relationship with Dara.

“I’m all done!” Dara announced minutes later. “Ah, I’m so full”

“I’ll go ahead” Jiyong said upon seeing that she was finished. He stood up from his chair.

“Where are you going?” Dara asked.

“Library” Jiyong answered, walking away.

“I’m coming with you” she said, gathering her things up. She bid goodbye to TOP and the siblings before running
after him. She then pulled to a stop when she reached him. She stepped sideways then started walking innocently
with him to the library.

TOP saw everything, making him smirk.

“I don’t think you could get her” Minzy said.

“Have you seen her face? She looked so head over heels in love with him. It’s like she’s hero-worshipping him. You
won’t stand a chance” Daesung seconded.

“Let’s see” TOP quietly said, smirking to himself.

---

“Will you stop pretending that you’re reading?” Jiyong irritably asked when he saw her stifling yet another giggle at
the corner of his eye. They’ve been in the library for quite some time now. He had one arm around her shoulder
since the girl insisted it while she rested her head on his shoulder as she ‘read’ the book she randomly took from the
shelf.

“I AM READING!”

“No, you’re not” he retorted. “Do you know how many times you giggled already? And you’re blushing to the roots
of your hair!”

“I AM READING!” she insisted.

“No, you’re not. You’re thinking of dirty thoughts again”

“Ya! I’m not thinking anything like that!”

“Oh yeah? What are you thinking then?”

She didn’t answer at once. The blush in her cheeks went deeper as she chewed on her lower lip. “I was just. . . .”

“Mmm?”

“I was just thinking about. . . about. . .”

“I knew it” he grinned triumphantly.

“No, you don’t!” she contradicted. “I was just thinking about. . . about. . . about how beautiful I’d look in a. . .
waitress uniform”

Jiyong smirked. “I was right again. You’re such a pervert. And that was the lamest excuse I’ve ever heard”

“I’m not a pervert!” she gritted.

“I don’t believe you”

“I don’t care”

“I am so right” he mumbled, sounding very triumphant.

Wanting to divert his attention from teasing her, she cleared her throat and said, “Speaking of, you never told me
how much you find me pretty”

“I don’t find you beautiful” he said, chuckling a little.

“YA!” she protested.

“I’m just telling the truth” he shrugged.

“No, you’re not. You’re lying”

“If you don’t want to believe me, that’s up to you” he shrugged again, smiling playfully.

“Why are you teasing me?” she asked with narrowed eyes.

“I’m not”

“Liar” she growled. “I know you find me beautiful. Huh, I bet you find me pretty every second”

Jiyong closed the book he was reading and set it aside. He took one of her hands and started playing with her fingers
again. “Conceited” he snorted.

“Are you having an affair with my fingers?”

Jiyong laughed lightly. “I think I should send you to a mental institute. What do you think?”

Silence.

“Don’t you really find me beautiful?” she then asked.

Jiyong grimaced. “You’re being ridiculous again.

“Even just a bit?” she followed up with a pleading tone in her voice.

He looked down at her upturned face and frowned. “What’s going on with you?”

Dara looked down. “It’s just that. . . it’s just that. . . .” she mumbled. “It’s just that. . . I mean, Bom’s beautiful,
Sohee’s pretty, Victoria’s charming. And Su. . . Sulli’s. . . she’s cute. And you never complimented me. . .”

Jiyong’s hold on her hand loosened as his chest felt tight. The mention of Sulli’s name carried some unwanted
memories up to the surface. His jaw locked as he let out a harsh breath. “Dara” he thickly said. “How could you
compare yourself to them? Do you really think you’d be called the shadow magnet by the others if you’re not. . .
physically appealing?”

“But I don’t care what the OTHERS think” she argued.

Jiyong went silence. He resumed playing with her fingers. He sighed several times before deciding to break the
silence. “Dara, you’re not an ordinary girl. You attract attention anywhere you go. Let’s just say you’re one of a
kind”

“Is that good or bad?” she nervously asked.

“Both” he chuckled and planted a kiss on her head. “You’re beautiful, okay? I actually got three moments to attest to
that”

“Really? What?”
“Third would be when you’re. . . naked”

“Ya!” she burst out. “Aish! And I though you’re being serious”

“I’m not meaning it in a perverted way” he explained. “Tsk, how polluted and clouded is your mind already?”

“What did you mean then?”

“Seeing you all bare with no makeup or whatsoever brings out the pureness in you. Natural”

“Oh” Dara mumbled, blushing. She’s so digging his explanation.

“Second would be. . .” he trailed, a naughty smile in his lips. He leaned down on her ear and whispered, “The way
your face look everytime we’re doing IT is exceptionally beautiful”

Dara’s face turned so red that she was sure steams of hot air were coming out from her ears and nose. “You. . . you. .
. you pervert!”

Jiyong laughed lightly and went silent after a while. Dara’s face was now buried in his chest and he could just feel
the heat coming off from her. Het hen lifted his hand to her head and started stroking her hair gently. “But nothing
and no one could contest the way you look in the morning. Even if your hair looks like a nest and even if there’s a
trail of dry saliva down your-”

“I do not. . .! I’m. . . YA! Take that back!” she whined. “How could you possibly put that on your top list?!?”

“I’m not done yet” he chuckled.

“I don’t want to hear it anymore” she refused, crossing her arms across her chest with a frown and pout on her face.

Jiyong chuckled again and gave her a tiny peck on the lips. “I’m serious, though” he then said. “The way you look in
the morning is on my top list. Aside from what I said earlier, the way you look. . . so happy right after you open your
eyes is just good to look at”

“Huh” Dara arrogantly snorted. “Of course I’m happy. Every person who wakes up seeing the face of the person
they love first thing in the morning would feel that way. And it’s so unfair how you look so neat in the morning
sometimes but that’s just the way it is. I’ll always be the happiest person for waking up beside you”

“Damn it, Dara! Why are you like this?!” he demanded. But before Dara could even utter a sound, he already had
her mouth covered with his.

------
 Chapter 10: The Unexpected Twist
DARA’S POV

Being in love with Kwon Jiyong is like life itself. There are lots of ups and downs along the way but no matter how
unpredictable it is, I just keep on loving him just like how people live life even if there’s uncertainty for tomorrow. I
also got some confusion along the way. There are times that I prefer his rudeness than his sweetness but there are
times that I’d rather see the latter than the former. We still bicker, of course. I learned to accept it as a part of our
relationship. I also know that he’s not the type of person who speaks his feelings out. He speaks his mind out
sometimes alright but when it comes to his feelings, he always turns mute.

As a girl, it’s normal for me to want to hear some compliments from him or hear him say the magical three words.
But like I said, when it comes to his emotions, he turns mute. I’m trying to work on to change that part of him and I
know I’m having progress already.

“Hey spoof” TOP’s deep voice broke into my thoughts.

“Don’t call me that” I grimaced. I feel like he’s stealing some endearment from Jiyong. Aigoo. I’m weird, I know.
“What do you want?”

“Are you still up to do some part-time thing?” he asked. “There’s a store that’s in need for a night shift duty since
their employee got sick and all”

Anticipation suddenly built up inside me. “Really?”

“Yeah” he nodded. “It’s for two or three nights, I think. And since it is weekend tomorrow, I thought of
recommending you. The manager’s already expecting you to come later, actually”

“But. . . but I don’t have-”

“The manager already said yes” he cut off. “You already got the shift”

I bit my lower lip. Oh, I want this! I want to earn MY own money to buy Jiyong a present for his birthday. I know
it’s still some weeks away but still, I want to be prepared for it, financially, at the least. The only problem is Jiyong
himself. He made it clear that he didn’t want me to take any part-time jobs. He’s been giving me money alright but
on my part, it’s really embarrassing to be financially dependent on him. My former boss, Han Eul offered me
financial help but I declined. She already helped me a lot before and I don’t want her to think that I’m taking
advantage of her kindness.

“Why are you hesitant?” TOP asked. “Oh, it’s your boyfriend, isn’t it? He can’t really do anything once you started
it already, you know”

“He’s just worried about me” I defended my pancake. “He thinks I’m too thin to handle extra things on my hand”

“Worried?” TOP snorted. “Maybe he’s just not confident that you can do something on your own. No offense but
you seemed to be depending on him on everything, even in decision making”

“That’s how a relationship should work” I said, glaring at him but he seemed unperturbed.

“Okay” he shrugged. “If you don’t want the job, I’ll just go find someone else. And I was told that they’re willing to
pay double since it was a last minute notice and-”

“Fine!” I snapped. “I’ll take it. I can do things on my own, you know. I already worked in a shop before”
TOP smirked. I guess shadows will be shadows. That’s the thing about shadows that I noticed. They all exude a
mysterious and arrogant aura. Well, except maybe for Youngbae. He didn’t appear arrogant to me at all.

“It’s on then”

“You bet it is” I said. “Where’s that store anyway? It’s not in Road 96, is it?”

“No. It’s just five blocks from here” he said. “I can walk you there if you want”

“Would that be okay with you?”

“Of course” he answered.

“What time am I needed, anyways?”

“7” he said. “You still have time to freshen up. I could pick you up from your place then we’ll walk to the store to-”

“Oh no” I cut him off. “I’ll just meat you at the Eating House”

“Why?” he snorted. “Afraid that you’re boyfriend might get jealous of my good looks?”

“My Jiyong is way too handsome compared to you” I said, rolling my eyes.

“Oh, really?” he cynically asked.

I rolled my eyes again. “Okay, so maybe you’re a teeny weenie bit on the advantage compared to him but I tell you
this, he’s not the type of person who cares of what he or YOU looks like”

“We shall see about hat” he winked.

“Die in vain” I laughed.

“I find your laugh cute”

I paused. “Are you trying to make a move on me?” I asked. “Because it’s not really working!” I finished with
another laugh.

“Oh, damn!” he said, feigning a disappointed look. “And I thought I was making progress”

I gave another round of laughter at the comical look on his face. “Oh boy, a shadow with a weird sense of humor.
How refreshing!”

“I don’t have a weird sense of humor” he contradicted. “You’re just shallow”

“You-” I started but stopped when the school bell rang. “Oh. See you later. Say hi to Dae for me”

---

I’ve been thinking of ways on how to tell Jiyong about the job. But fate was being kind to me because even before I
could tell him about it, something came up. His mother called and asked him if they could meet and talk some
‘things’ over dinner. I haven’t really had the full story yet. I didn’t bother asking since he seemed uptight and stiff
about it. I have however, a bad feeling about the TALK that’s about to take. But I have faith in Jiyong. I know he
won’t drop me off. I mean, after all the things we went through, I don’t really think any of us would have the guts to
do that to each other.

“Don’t wait for me. This might take long” he said and walked away.
“Ya!” I called. He was as always, geared in a black shirt, black hoodie, black pants, black shoes – well, you get the
picture. The only item he’s wearing that’s white happened to be the necklace with the white angel pendant I made.
“You forgot something, I believe”

“No, I’m all cleared” he waved off.

“Kwon Jiyong!” I called again, trying my very best to be stern. He sighed wearily and turned to face me. Growling a
little, he shortened the distance between us. Cupping my face in between his hands, he then reached for my lips. My
mouth parted at once even before our lips touched. And when our lips did touch, the familiar wave of contentment
hit me again. His hands then went down to my waist. As he did, he pulled me closer to his body and deepened the
kiss. Oh dear, there goes the loud pounding of my heart.

But then, Jiyong broke the kiss. “Ah spoof, you’re such a distraction” he said, shaking his head.

“I’ll take that as a compliment” I grinned.

He shook his again and patted my head gently. “Behave”

“Okay” I smiled. But deep inside, guilt was filling my system. I shook the dark thoughts away as the door closed.
He’ll understand it if I explain the reason properly. That’s right. He WILL understand me.

Err, I hope so.

I took a deep breath and changed into a casual get up. I checked the time. I wonder if TOP’s already at the Eating
House. Aish! I should have asked for his mobile number. How could I ever forget that detail? Oh well, I’ll just ask
him later. Okay, I need to go now.

The weird feeling of being watched came to me again as I headed towards the Eating House. But I know I’m just
imagining things again. I smiled at the thought of Eating House. It sure is a weird name. But the foods there are
great! I should bring my pancake there sometimes. I’m sure he’ll love it, too.

“Hey spoof”

I squeak and jumped in my place upon hearing a deep voice. Belatedly recognizing it as TOP’s. I turned around and
him smirking at me. “Ya! Why did you sneak up on me like that? And what are you doing here? Aren’t we supposed
to meet at the Eating House?”

He shrugged. “Let’s go”

“Nice show of attitude” I grimaced. “How’s Daesung and Minzy?”

“Great”

“Are you being sarcastic?”

“Nope”

I narrowed my eyes at him but decided to let it go. “Oh, before I forget. Can I get your mobile number?”

“Why?” he asked. “You’re not planning anything bad, are you?”

“The nerve!” I exclaimed. “Just give me your number”

“And you’re using force now, eh?” he chuckled. “Hand me your phone”
I handed him my phone. He paused for a while and looked at me with raised brows. “What?” I asked.

“Your wallpaper’s distracting”

My eyes narrowed. “You are so getting gay over Jiyong, aren’t you?”

“No, I’m not” he said, rolling his eyes in a way that reminded me of how gays roll their eyes.

I chuckled lightly. “He looks like an angel there, doesn’t he?”

“Everyone looks like an angel when they’re sleeping. Daesung even said I looked like a baby angel when I’m
sleeping”

“I don’t believe you” I countered. “Only my pancake can pull off a look like that”

“Whatever” he scoffed, handing my phone back to me.

“I’ll send you a message. Save my number too, okay?”

“Did you really court Jiyong?” he asked as I typed a message.

“Message sent” I said before answering his question. “I confessed to him first so. . . .” I added off with a shrug.

“What did you like about him?” he went on as we started walking. “No offense but he isn’t really that good looking”

“You can’t base everything on what a person looks like” I sternly said. “And besides, Jiyong is handsome, cute and
sexy in his own way”

“Okay” he quickly came up. “But what made you like him?”

I didn’t answer at once. What made me like Jiyong? I tried to search my mind and memories for that particular
reason. “I’ve always been intrigued by the mystery and gossips surrounding him. I guess that kind of lured me to
watch him when he’s not looking. My family and I just moved in there so I was eager to make friends and well, at
that time, befriend Jiyong would be social suicide so I just contented myself in watching him whenever he’s around.
But after that one time when he helped me, I just. . . I just can’t keep myself away from him. It’s like there’s a force
pulling me towards him, like gravity or magnet or like. . . it’s hard to explain. And I also enjoyed the fact that no
matter how I piss him off, he never became the guy the gossips were saying. Sorry, I’m not really answering your
question, am I? Haha. It’s really hard to explain. I just know that one day when I woke up, I realized I’m in love
with him”

TOP was silent for a long time. “So” he cleared his throat. “You were just being grateful because he helped you”

I rolled my eyes. “Weren’t you even listening?”

“I’ve got all ears on you”

“Oh whatever” I growled.

He chuckled and didn’t say anything. We fell into a lapse of silence. I looked at my equally silent phone. What
could pancake be doing now? I hope he arrived safe at the meeting place. I gently shook my head afterward. I almost
forgot about him being a shadow. I can’t believe I’m already missing him. I mean, we just separated minutes ago.
Aigoo, Jiyong, I miss you already! Gah, I just love him so much.

“What did your boyfriend say, by the way?”

I blinked. “I haven’t gotten the chance to tell him. His mother called, wanting to meet up”

“Being a direct descendant must be stressful and tiring”

“Direct descendant? What do you mean?”

He suddenly stopped walking and gave me a measured look. “How could you be in a relationship with him when
you don’t know everything about him?”

I frowned. “I. . . I didn’t really bother asking”

He snorted. “You didn’t bother asking or he just didn’t bother telling you?”

“I’m sure he already told me but I just forgot. . . .” I mumbled.

“Don’t tell me you don’t know about his engagement to the daughter of the school’s director?”

“I know about the engagement and – wait. What did you say? D-daughter of the school’s director? Sohee’s. . . .?”

“He obviously didn’t tell you” he scoffed. “What kind of relationship do you guys have? Do you really keep secrets
from each other?”

“I-it’s not really like that” I defended weakly. “He. . . we just respect each other’s private spaces”

“No need to reason out” he said. “I can see what’s going on. I don’t really want to meddle but a girl like you
shouldn’t be treated like that”

I remained silent. I can’t seem to bring myself to respond. It’s like my strength has been sucked out of me. But I
tried to shake it away. I mean, I already know how Jiyong is. He’s not the type of person who speaks everything out.
He even told me before that he can’t promise about not keeping any secrets from me. But. . . .

“Gah! That guy is so gonna get something from me!”

---

Okay, what I have to do was pretty easy. I just have to stand-in as a cashier – smile here, smile there, accepts
payment – piece of cake. TOP was being supportive. When it’s getting boring, he’d approach me and have a chat.
But when there are customers, he’d go back to his table and go on with what he’s doing – either drinking a soda or
munching on some snacks. He’s a good guy, TOP is.

I missed working. Eventhough Han Eul offered me a part-time job on weekends, I declined. I didn’t want to lessen
the day I get to spend time with Jiyong.

It was near midnight when I decided to call Jiyong and ask him his whereabouts or maybe tell him where I am and
what I’m doing. Since I was allotted a break, I took the opportunity to step out of the store to make a call. Besides,
there are no customers as of the moment anyways. When I opened my phone, I saw one missed call from him. I
sighed. I have to remind that pancake of mine that a mobile phone isn’t only used for calling people. It’s also used
for sending messages. Aish!

I was about to make a call when I was suddenly pulled into a corner, pushed against the wall and stabbed in the
stomach twice. Everything happened so fast that the even didn’t register at first. And then, the pain overwhelmed
everything that my mind went blank from anything else. I could only think of the pain and some weird sense of déjà
vu. My vision started to go dark and even before my mind surrendered; I think I heard someone calling my name
from far away.
----------------------------
 Chapter 11: The Last Laugh

I knew I was dead even before I open my eyes. Well, at least not literally. The moment I came
back to the surface, the first things that came to my mind was Jiyong’s face. I was afraid to open
my eyes in fear of what would greet me once I do. But then, the need to see his face overcame all
other fears and doubts. I took a deep breath first before opening my eyes. As I did, I was greeted
by a white ceiling.

“Finally. . .”

I blinked my eyes and glanced sideways. I saw TOP watching me with an unreadable expression.
I frowned a little when I realized Jiyong was not here. “Where’s Jiyong?” I asked.

“Probably on his way” TOP shrugged. “Your phone was endlessly ringing a while ago so I
answered it”

I groaned and squeezed my eyes shut. “I am so dead” I whimpered. “Jiyong’s gonna be so angry
with me”

“Why would he be? You didn’t ask to be stabbed, did you?”

“Well, no” I said. “But I disobeyed him and looked where my disobedience led me. I’m so dead”

“Why are you so scared of him?” he asked. “Did he hurt you before?”

My eyes flew opened. I wanted to say no but the word just won’t come. “What happened,
anyways?” I asked instead. “I only remembered being pulled into a corner and being stabbed.
Who was that person? Was he a thief or something?”

“Well, I wondered where you were so I called your name out. Then, I heard you moan so-”

“I moaned?” I asked.

“Yes, you did. I followed the sound then I just saw you sliding to the ground. . . . I was rather
hoping you could describe the person’s face because I wasn’t able to go after him since well, you
were wounded so I brought you here in the hospital instead”

“But you’re a shadow, right? You could have just healed me”

“Not everyone can do that” he quietly said.

“Oh, right” I grimaced. “I forgot. Sorry”

“It’s okay” he said. “About the guy, how does he look like?”
“He. . . he was wearing a mask”

“Well, that’s-”

The door suddenly opened. My eyes grew wide when I saw Jiyong. I cowered in the bed sheets. I
know he hated going to hospitals so I should be glad he’s here. But the look on his face made me
wish for a black hole to engulf me instead.

“What happened?” he demanded at once.

“Well, I. . . I was. . . .”

TOP must have heard and sense how scared I was because he saved me from a lot of stuttering
and stammering with my explanation. I have now new found respect for him for explaining to
Jiyong what happened. I don’t think ANYONE could talk steadily when pancake’s being err, like
that. But as TOP recounted the story, Jiyong’s face went from blank to blank and to nothing.
When the story went to the stabbing part, Jiyong suddenly flipped the bed sheets off me. He then
pulled the hospital gown up to my chest, making me gasp in embarrassment. I quickly glanced at
TOP. He was shocked and surprised as me. I tried pulling my gown back but Jiyong won’t
budge. Okay, I may be used to being naked around him but TOP’s here too for crying out loud! I
reached for the bed sheets instead and covered myself. I was about to tell Jiyong off but the look
on his face stopped me. And then, it hit me. The stab wounds in my stomach. . . they must have
reminded him of the time when he stabbed me himself. . . .

“Jiyong. . . .”

He sharply turned away and stormed out of the room. I flinched at the loud banging of the door.

“That was intense” TOP said, his brows rose up in silent query.

---

“Thanks for walking me home” I turned to TOP.

“No problem” he nodded. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah” I smiled.

“Ring me if your guy do something or-”

“He won’t” I cut off. “I better go”

“Okay”

“Take care”
“No, you take care” he said.

As TOP went out of sight, I took a deep breath before heading towards the apartment. My heart
thumped painfully against my chest. I’m scared, alright. But it’s not the kind of fear of being
physically hurt. I just don’t want to see him upset or angry. I know he’s very much capable of
hurting me when he loose control but right now, it’s not really what I’m worried about. When I
stepped inside, I was greeted by a jungle. Well, sort of. Everything was turned over, thrashed.
There’s a loud noise coming from the bedroom. He was playing rock music in full blast. I know
it was his way of saying that he’s not in the mood for a chat. I gasped a little as my wounds
pricked but I tried to ignore it as I went to the speakers to lower the volume down.

“Pancake” I softly called.

He didn’t say anything.

“Jiyong. . .” I lamost whined, walking towards the bed. He suddenly pulled the covers up to his
head. I know it’s inappropriate but I can’t stop the smile from curving my lips. “Pancake, I’m
sorry if I-”

He suddenly flipped the covers out, stood up and walked out of the room. Aigoo! He’s really
angry. But then, I’m Sandara Park, I don’t give up that easily. I will woo him. Yes, that’s right.
It’s not like I haven’t done that before, right?

---

I was up even before the sun rose up. I noticed that everything seemed back to their places. He
might have fixed them while I was asleep. That’s a good sign. It means he’s already calm to put
the things back to how they were before. I was finishing some personal touch on the breakfast I
prepared for my pancake when he came. Our eyes met but he quickly looked away. He went to
the coffeemaker at once. I let his silence passed for the meantime. When he settled himself in the
stool, I quickly pushed the plate containing three pancakes with writings on each of them. With
the use of the chocolate syrup, I wrote the words ‘Sorry’, ‘I love U’, and ‘Peace?’ on each of
them.

He paused for a moment. “I already told you I didn’t want you to work but you still went on with
it”

“I know” I mumbled shamefully. “I’m sorry”

“Why?”

“Well, I. . . I just wanted. . . wanted to earn some money”

“You should have told me that what I’m giving wasn’t enough. I could have-”
“It’s not like that” I quickly cut off. “It’s just that your birthday’s coming up and I wanted to buy
you a gift with MY OWN money and I. . .” I stopped when I realized I said too much already.

“A BIRTHDAY GIFT?!?” he breathed. “YOU FUCKING DISOBEYED ME AND RISKED

YOUR FUCKING SAFETY FOR A FUCKING BITHDAY GIFT?!?”

I winced. “Well. . . the risk for my safety isn’t really an issue since you know, none of us
expected THAT to happen. . . and it’s just a minor thing. . . I mean, I’m still alive and. . .”

A string of curses flew from his mouth. Aigoo, he’s really pissed. He’s not mad, that’s for sure. I
know how he is when he’s mad.

“I’m sorry already” I mumbled and reached out for his face across the table. Jiyong backed
away, bring a sting of tears at the corners of my eyes. I pulled back and bowed my head.
Belatedly, I realized that I should feel some discomfort in my tummy from reaching across the
table but I felt nothing. I didn’t really pay that much attention to it since I was pretty busy with
thinking of ways to woo him but now that I think of it, eversince I woke up, I felt oddly. . . pain-
free. I pulled my shirt up and looked down while my right hand went to caress my stomach. It
was SMOOTH – no gauze or whatsoever. I gasped and glanced up. A lump suddenly rose to my
throat at the realization that he healed me again.

JIYONG’S POV

I already sensed it coming even before she acted up on it. Her eyes started welling up while her
lips trembled. I sighed wearily when a sob escaped from her throat as she rounded on the table
and threw herself at me. She then started wailing childishly. I grimaced, keeping my arms on my
side. Maybe I should call her giant baby instead of spoof.

I’m upset, all right. Pissed even. Angry or mad? Probably. The twin stabbed wounds on her
stomach reminded me of what happened down in the chamber. I’ve been trying my very best not
to remember that particular event. I know it’s a long shot but then, my attention was diverted to
another emotion I didn’t want to feel.

Envy.

It’s a cruel and crippling thing. That TOP guy’s slowly getting into my nerves. The thought of
him helping or saving Dara brought something inside me – envy. I don’t want other people to
save her. I want it to be ME. I let that emotion envelope me in order for me to forget that event
I’d rather not repeat. But feeling Dara’s warmth in my arms, it makes much of a difference.
Every feeling or emotion still takes me by surprise, it even confuses me sometimes. There’s a
part of me that’s been rejecting emotions Dara’s bringing out from me and there’s also a part
inside me that’s been welcoming and wanting everything from her. Maybe it’s being brought by
the fear of the unknown. Every specie got this instinct to shy away from something uncertain.
Love is uncertain. There’s no concrete definition of it while hate, jealousy, envy and others can
be easily defined.

I sighed. What the fucking hell is going on with me? These thoughts are unhealthy for me.
“You’re being ridiculously childish”

She wailed louder.

“Enough already” I grimaced.

She didn’t stop.

I sighed again and lifted my arms to hug her. I pulled her tight to my chest and tucked her head
under my chin.

“I love you” she sniffed.

“Oh yeah?” I cynically asked. “Then why did you disobey me? Do you want to recount the times
you disobeyed me and where those disobedience of yours landed?”

“I already told you the reason” she mumbled quietly.

“That’s bullshit!” I let out. “You know I don’t give a fucking damn about gifts that much”

“But I want to give you something” she argued. “And stop swearing! It’s rude to curse in front of
a girl, most especially if that girl is your girlfriend!”

“Girlfriend?” I scoffed. “You don’t even obey simple instructions and you seemed to listen more
with that. . . . TOP guy”

A minute of silence passed.

“Oh fuck” I breathed when I realized I voiced my thoughts out loud. Dara tried to pull away
from my hug but I didn’t let her. I think I already know what would happen once I let her out
from my arms. But then again, she’s known for her stubbornness and persistence so after a while,
she was able to free herself from the confinements of my arms.

I breathed harshly at the look on her face – she was euphoric. And then, she started laughing.
“You’re jealous!”

“I’m not” I growled.

“Yes, you are!”

“I’m not!”
“Liar”

“Oh, shut up” I growled for the nth time. And just like that, she started doing her washing
machine dance. Oh crap, not again. I can’t understand why she calls what she’s doing a ‘washing
machine dance’ when all I can see is. . . I can’t even describe it. “Snap out of it”

“My pancake’s jealous!” she cheered.

Oh, so you won’t stop?”

“No” she laughed.

I shrugged. “Fine. Suit yourself”

“Kwon Jiyong is jealous, Kwon Jiyong is jealous. . .” she started chanting while dancing her
washing machine moves.

With a growl, I pulled her down on my lap and shut her up with my mouth. I suddenly felt a
twinge of guilt. I know for sure that she’ll have bruises at the corners of her lips later or maybe
tomorrow but the way she was responding to me wasn’t helping me in restraining myself from
being a bit. . . enthusiastic.

“Bring me to bed” she said in between kisses.

I wasn’t able to stop myself. I pulled away and laughed out loud. I kissed the side of her neck
then looked at her. “I’m sorry” I whispered, rubbing my thumb on her lower lip. “You might
have bruises later or tomorrow”

“I don’t care”

“Ah, Dara. Why are you making my life difficult?”

She stuck her tongue out. “Why don’t you eat breakfast first, hmm? Then, after that. . . .” she
trailed, wiggling her brows at him.

“I’m not in the mood”

She grimaced.

I exhaled. “Dara, you were just. . . . stabbed last night. You should rest first”

“I already had my rest” she reasoned out. “And you already healed me, so I’m back to my
healthy being”

“Aren’t you evens stressed about what happened? Or hasn’t the event dawned on your below see
level intellect yet?”
“Ya!” she protested. “As you can see, I’m still alive. Nothing to stress about and besides, what
would it do? It’s not like we’re going to catch who that person is. He was masked”

I turned thoughtful. I was too pissed last night that I didn’t give a thought about it. I find it a bit
odd. It wasn’t robbery for sure since Dara still got her phone with her and as what that TOP guy
narrated, the culprit didn’t attempt stealing anything from the store.

Coincidence or planned?

If it was a coincidence, then what’s the reason behind the act? Could the person be a psycho who
enjoys hurting people? No. it’s not that. Before we moved in here, I already checked the records
of this place. This place almost got a clean record. Sohee’s father made sure of that. Of course
there are other shadows around too but Mom said they’re almost as harmless as a bee. And if it
was a shadow, that TOP guy would have sensed him.

If what happened was panned, then the most important question to be asked is why? And who
would want Dara to be hurt?

Something strong washed over me. It’s like a dam of angry water was opened. Memories came
flooding into my mind. It would always haunt me, wouldn’t it? No matter how much I try to
keep it buried in the past, it’d always come back to me. The wrong things I’ve done would
always haunt me.

“I wonder why the cops or some reporters aren’t interviewing me or something” Dara’s voice
broke into my reverie.

“I already talked to the police” I said.

“Really? What did you say?”

I shrugged.

“Kwon Jiyong! You didn’t do anything to them, did you?”

I glanced sharply at her. When I saw the dark humor in her eyes, I relaxed. “Why? Am I really
that cruel to you now?”

“I’m thinking more of bribery” she said, rolling her eyes. “And that reminded me, why didn’t
you tell me about the school being run by Sohee’s father? And what\s this direct descendant I
heard about?”

“Who told you that?” I growled.

“TOP” she answered. “And why are you avoiding my questions?”

“Because the answers won’t change anything”

“I don’t want to go to that school anymore!” she declared stubbornly.

I paused for a moment, then shrugged. “Okay, if that’s what you want”

She looked surprised. “Really?”

“Yep” I answered. “You can transfer if you want”

“What does that mean?” she demanded. “You’re transferring with me, aren’t you?”

I let a minute passed before answering. “No”

“Why not?” she whined.

“Because I don’t want to”

“You don’t want to or because Sohee won’t let you?”

“Dara, I can’t understand why you’re fussing over this” I exhaled tiredly. “And we talked about
Sohee before. There’s no need for you to be so fuckingly jealous”

Her mouth went into a firm line, a frown creasing her forehead. “I don’t have anything against
Sohee but she’s. . . . I. . . I just don’t like how. . . it’s. . . I just don’t like how you two formed
some sort of. . . bond in a short period of time. And you haven’t told me about how you two
spend time together before. . .”

“You’re being ridiculous”

She glared at me. “You’re being rude again.

“Can’t change who I am” I shrugged.

“You should be grateful that I love you because I could have hit you in the face already”

“You’re not a violent person” I pointed out.

“Oh yeah? Want me to prove it to you?”

“I doubt you can”

“Aish! It’s so unfair!” she suddenly burst out and jumped off my lap.

“Where are you going?”

“Away from you”

“Don’t get too far, okay?” I teased.

“Whatever you arrogant, conceited and rude crow!”

“Ouch!” I laughed.

“Laugh all you want, Mister Kwon Jiyong” she darkly said. “Mark my words, I’ll be having the
final laugh”

Instead of feeling threatened, I laughed even louder. There’s just something funny with the look
on her face when she said that. “Is that a threat, Miss Sandara Park?”

“Argh! How could you laugh like that when I’m trying to scare you off?”

I laughed harder than before.

 Chapter 12: The Public Acknowledgement

DARA’S POV

“You can walk with us if you want” I told Kevin as we head out of the classroom. Classes were
over and I’ll get to see my pancake again. Hehe.

“I’d love to” he smiled. “But I have some sort of meditation classes”

“Oh, like yoga?” I earnestly asked.

“Yeah, sort of” he answered. “You can join me, if you want”

“I’ll ask my boyfriend first” I smiled at him.

“Do you really have to ask him everytime?” a voice came from behind me. I rolled my eyes upon
recognizing TOP’s voice. I introduced both boys to each other. Kevin greeted TOP pleasantly
while the later just nodded.

“Well, I have to go” Kevin said. “See you around”

“Yeah, see you” I smiled and waved at him as he went away.

“Is he another boyfriend of yours?” TOP asked.

“No” I said, glaring at him.

“What?” he innocently asked.

“What are you doing here anyways? And where are the siblings?”

“They’re at the choir practice” he shrugged.

“What now? Did they you out of the club?” I snorted as we started taking a slow pace towards
the front of the school.

“Nope” he carelessly answered. “I just feel like skipping it”

I clicked my tongue. “They should kick you out”

“They can’t” he smugly said. “I’m too precious to be kicked out”

“Whatever” I rolled my eyes, chuckling a little.

We fell into a compatible silence. Now that I think of it, I find it odd and weird how I seemed to
have less friends here compared to the number of friends I had in the Valley. Back then, I almost
knew everyone while here, TOP, Dae, Minzy and Kevin. My thoughts drifted off. Hmm, I
wonder why that is. And then it came to me. It’s because of Jiyong. Before, I don’t have Jiyong
in my life though we knew each other; he wasn’t really mine to claim. But now tha ti’ve got him
in my life; got to spend time with him, kiss him, cuddle him and love him – I was contented. I’m
contented with just him beside me. He was enough for me. I didn’t care if I’ve got less friends as
long as I had him.

“Is that smile for me?”

I blinked and glanced sideways at TOP. “Dream on”

“Huh! It is for me” he concluded.

“You’re so full of yourself” I grimaced.

“Why are you smiling then?”

“It’s really none of your business, you know” I told him. “And besides, I-” I stopped upon seeing
a familiar figure waiting at the gate. As usual, he’s in his all-black get up, his hands inside his
pockets and his hood was pulled up in his head. He must have sensed someone staring at him
because he glanced up. The moment our eyes met, he smiled, making my heart melt. Aigoo!

‘Come here’ he mouthed.

I think I just exploded because I just found myself bouncing up to him. I stopped in front of him,
smiling. “Pancake” I exhaled. “What are you doing here? Have you been-?”

The rest of my words were left unheard when he suddenly cupped my face and kissed me. Omo!
I think I just went to heaven! What’s going on? What happened to HIM? I thought he’s not into
PDAs but why is he kissing me now, here in school and in front of other students?

Aish! Too much for that! I’ll just savor this moment, this public moment that is.

My pancake’s hands traveled down my back, hugging me. I breathed in contentment. A gentle
shiver ran down my spine when our tongues teased each other. I withdrew my tongue and
caressed his lower lip lightly before nibbling on it. I felt him smirk and I couldn’t be more
satisfied. His arms tightened around me as the kiss went deeper.

I was silently grateful when he slowly pulled away from the kiss. I don’t think I can stop myself
from devouring him if the kiss went on. I exhaled when I felt his thumb pad brushing along my
lower lip. That is just so tingly!

“We should go” I heard him say. “Everyone’s staring at us already”

I blinked my eyes open. Well, as of the moment, I don’t care about what everyone’s doing.
When he raised his brows at me, I could only nod helplessly. He then smiled and draped an arm
over my shoulder. I saw him glanced over his shoulder and smirked smugly. I guess I’m still in
some sort of a trance because I didn’t bother looking who he was smirking at.

Just then, I felt heavy stares boring on my back. I also started hearing unpleasant words and
whispers. But all of those things didn’t bother me. I guess I’m just too happy.

As soon as we were out of the school’s premises, that’s when my thoughts gathered rationally
inside my head. “What was that? I thought you hated PDAs”

He just shrugged.

My eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Are you up to something?”

“You’re so suspicious” he snorted.

“It’s called intuition” I knowingly said. He squeezed my arm, making me blush. Gah, I’m
already too aware of his arm on my shoulders and the squeeze was just too. . . gah! I wonder
what made him like this. “I really feel you’re up to something”

“You think and talk too much”

“What are you up to?”

He sighed. “You really are a stubborn and persistent person, aren’t you?”

“Yeah” I answered. “Now tell me what are you up to?”

He didn’t say anything.

“Ya!” I whined.

He suddenly leaned forward and gave me a sweet kiss. Now that put me into another trance
again. I didn’t even notice that we already arrived at the apartment.

“Leave your things” his voice broke into my dazed mind. “All of them”

“Why?” I blinked.

“We’re going to dine out”

“Oh, okay” I nodded and left my things on the table. “I’m all set”

“EVERYTHING, Dara” he said. “And that includes your phone and your wallet”
“Why?”

“Because I said so”

My eyes narrowed. “I take it you’re going to leave ALL of your things, too?”

“Of course” he said. “But I’ll be bringing money”

It sounded fair to me so I left my phone and wallet behind. But he was being thorough. He asked
me to pull my pockets out just to be sure I’m not being sneaky. After he was sure my pockets
were empty, I asked him to do the same. But he refused and just smirked at me.

“Ya! That’s unfair!” I complained.

“That’s just how things work” he snorted. “Now, let’s go”

I was about to snap a complain when he suddenly took my hand and laced his fingers through
mine. Okay, he’s being really sweet and it’s making me giddy.

“You’re really up to something, aren’t you?” I asked again as we were out now on the sidewalk.
“Where are we going anyways?”

“Road ninety-six” he answered.

I frowned a little. Road ninety-six can be compared to a little city or a main town. Almost
everything you need is in that road. Lines of stores, boutiques, restaurants, diners, etc are there. I
guess that means we’re going to eat in of the establishments there.

“What are you doing?” I asked in surprised when he suddenly pulled his hand away and went
down on his knees, his back facing me.

“Hop on”

It took me a few seconds to grasp what he was asking me to do. When I finally understood, I
willingly and enthusiastically obliged. The memory of him giving me a piggyback ride seemed
so distant. As I was settled, I rested my chin on his right shoulder and took a deep breath as he
stood up. I can’t help but giggle as Jiyong’s unique and manly scent filled my nose.

“What are you giggling about?” he asked.

“You smell so sexy, pancake” I giggled.

He snorted and turned his head slightly towards me. He gave me another lingering kiss. “Sweet”
he drawled when he pulled back. Warmth suddenly crawled to my cheeks. You’d think by now
I’ll get used to him but no, I still blush, I still giggle, I still feel giddy – all the time.
“I love you” I whispered and kissed him on the cheek.

He was, as usual, quiet. I buried my head at the crook of his neck and just enjoyed the smell of
him, the feel of him and all of him. I don’t know why but today seemed special. First, he waited
for me at the school gates, he kissed me in front of the other students going home and we walked
home together with his arm on my shoulder. In that instant, I realized he’s been breaking his own
rules for me, maybe he’s been changing. I mean, he doesn’t swear that much in front of me
(except for a few occasions when he’s really pissed or angry) and the no-PDA-in-school rule’s
obviously broken.

“Where do you want to eat?” he asked.

“Steakhouse” I answered.

“Are you sure?” he asked.

“Yes” I told him. Haha, I can steal kisses better if we’re in a steakhouse since we can be seated
side by side. Haha.

“Climb down, spoof” he said. “We’re here”

I heaved a sigh and let go, letting my feet land firmly on the ground. But my disappointment
didn’t last long because he took my hand and laced his fingers through mine again. I bit my
lower lip and pulled his hood off his head. “For better view” I told him.

He laughed lightly and pulled me with him inside. We took a seat at the far end of the place. We
settled in and gave our orders. As we wait for our meal to arrive, I quickly stole a kiss from him
he was half-facing me so it was pretty easy.

He shook his head and clicked his tongue. “You really are a pervert”

I only smiled. “I love you”

“You do?” he softly asked, leaning in closer. His warm breath fanned my face, making all my
nerve-endings go all tingly and jumpy. But our magical moment was broken when the server
arrived with our orders. Aish! I swear, I’m not going to this place again! I’m not going to eat
here again! Jiyong must have seen the look on my face because he chuckled lightly.

As the dinner went on, I can’t help but feel. . . weird. Not in a bad way, mind you. But it still
feels weird. Jiyong’s on his best charming self as of the moment. He was staring at me while
eating, if I may add. And he’s SMILING! Okay, I’ve seen him smile a lot of times before but this
time’s different! He’s smiling the whole time! It’s like he can’t keep the smile off his face. How
weird is that, eh?

“Did something good happen to you?” I asked, taking a sip from my juice. “You seemed to be in
a VERY good mood. You’re smiling the whole time”
“Well. . .” he trailed, a mischievous look on his face. “Maybe because I’m with you, that’s why”

My jaw literally dropped as I stared at him in disbelief. Okay, I’ve seen all sides of him already –
sweet, rude, charming, and sarcastic, among other things. But this. . . he just took me by surprise
with what he said. Is he sick or something? Omo! I quickly touched his forehead. He felt fine.
“You’re not sick, are you?”

“No. Why?”

“You’re just weird today”

“Is that so?” he playfully asked then leaned towards my ear. “Pancake” he whispered and nipped
my earlobe.

GAH!

A huge shiver ran down my spine, making him chuckle lightly. Heat crawled to my cheeks then
spread to my body. I think I can feel steams coming out from my nose and ears. Aigoo!

“You’re really weird today” I exhaled.

“Pancake” he whispered and nipped my earlobe for the second time. I’m really going to explode
any moment now.

“Jiyong. . .” I whimpered.

“Pancake” he whispered for the third time. I felt him smirked as he nipped playfully on my
earlobe again.

“If you do that again, I swear I’ll take you here and now!” I fiercely but quietly declared.

Amusement lit his face. He’s so. . . he’s so. . . I so love him! Everything about him makes me
feel alive.

“Okay, I’ll behave now” he said.

My heart went pounding hard against my chest, making it hard for me to swallow my meal
down. After some time, I finally finished my dinner. I thought I’d never finish it what’s with
Jiyong’s arm over the backrest and his other hand making EROTIC circles on my thigh. Grr,
can’t he see the effect of those things on me. He is so gonna get it from me later!

When I was done and after Jiyong paid for our meal, we walked hand in hand out of the
steakhouse. “So, are you going to give me a piggy back ride again?” I asked.

“No” he answered. “You\re going to walk”

I pouted a little. “Fine”

“It’s going to rain” he quietly said, looking up at the sky. I looked up too. The sky sure looked
dark.

“We should hurry then” I told him.

“What’s with the hurry?” he lazily asked. “Let’s take our time”

“But. . .”

“Let’s go” he said, tugging gently on my arm. I glanced down at our intertwined hands and
smiled. I heard him sighed before putting our laced hands inside his jacket pockets. My smile
grew wider. He feels so warm.

“So. . . how was your day at school?”

“Same as always”

I snorted. “You should spend more time with mea t school so you won’t be so bored”

“Maybe I’ll do that” he chuckled.

O-kay. That’s weird. Did he just. . . did he just agree? He’s really being weird. “You’re acting
really weird”

“It’s a special day”

“Special day?” I echoed, frowning.

He kept his mouth shut.

“Ya! What’s so special with this day?”

Nothing.

“Kwon Jiyong!” I whined.

“You’re such a baby” he said, rolling his eyes.

“What’s so special with this day?” I asked again. We were now on an empty street. I can whine
all I want.

“You’re seriously asking me that?”

“Aish! Why don’t you just tell me?”

“You go figure it out yourself” he dismissed.

“Ya! You’re being rude again!” I complained, stomping my feet a little.

“I told you, I can’t change the way I am”

“You can’t or you won’t?”

He just rolled his eyes. That’s when I first felt it – just one tiny droplet on my cheek. I looked up
and felt fat droplets falling down slowly.

“It’s raining” I heard him said, sounding amused. “That’s odd. It’s not the season for it yet”

“Okay, okay. I get it. But we should run now before this get heavier” I told him and started
pulling him with me, all set to run. But he didn’t budge. He just stood there, grinning. “Ya!
We’re going to get soaked!”

“So?” he asked. The rain was heavily pouring now.

“Aish! We’re going to get sick! We should run!”

“I don’t get sick easily, you know” he said, still wearing that amused look on his face. What’s
wrong with him? We’re already drenched, for Pete’s sake!

“Okay, maybe you don’t but I do” I pointed out. “In case you forgot Mister Shadowman, I’m a
NORMAL HUMAN BEING”

“If you get sick, I’ll take care of you then” he shrugged. “I’ll nurse you back to your healthy self.
So no big deal”

My mouth dropped as I stared at him in disbelief. I can’t believe this! I honestly can’t believe
this! It’s RAINING and he wants us to take time in walking back to the apartment? Like,
seriously?

“Aish! What’s wrong with you?” I demanded.

He suddenly pulled me next to him, letting go of my left hand. He took my right hand and
squeezed it tightly. “I have this. . . little item that’s been on the family for quite some time now. .
.”

I blinked through the heavy rain pouring down on us. He was staring deeply into my eyes and I
can’t help but to stare back. Then, I felt something hard and cold slipping through my finger.
Unwillingly, I tore my eyes away from him and looked down. My eyes grew wide upon seeing a
ring on my finger. It had a thick band and some weird carvings on the side. When I looked at it
closely, a bird, which I presumed a crow, was engraved on the middle. I don’t know how to
describe it but with the way the crow was positioned and the way its wings were spread out, the
letter K can be read on it. Emotions suddenly poured down on me. I felt my throat tightened the
same time two fat tears rolled down my cheeks. As soon as I let the tears fall down, it just went
on and on – unstoppable. My cheeks were now wet with both my tears and the rain.

“I love you” he softly whispered.

I glanced sharply at him. He said those words again! It’s the second time he said those words to
me. Everything was too much for me to take that I just flung myself at him and kissed him really
hard. His arms automatically went around my waist the same time his lips welcomed me warmly.

So what if we’re kissing in a public place, on an empty street and under the heavy rain? So what?

------
 Chapter 13: The Dream Sequence

I sighed in contentment. The wind blew hard against us, making me shiver a little. Jiyong pulled
me closer to him. My skin felt so cold but I was all warm and comfortable inside. Our lips
smoothly glided with each other. So I guess the rain got some advantages, too. But then, the need
for air interrupted us. I kept my eyes closed as our foreheads leaned together.
“I love you, too” I told him. “I love you so much”

A lot of good things happen today. He was right. This day is very special. I ran down the good things that happened
in my mind again: Jiyong waiting for me, kissing me, walking home together, giving me a piggyback ride, being all
sweet all throughout dinner, walking hand in hand, kissing under the rain and giving me a ring.

A ring.

The words echoed in my mind. I gasped and pulled away from him gently. He had his eyes opened already. Omo!
What did this ring mean? Is he. . . ? I don’t know how to. . . I can’t. . . my thoughts were so chaotic that I just stared
at him blankly for a few seconds. “This ring. . .” I mumbled. “What does this. . .? Are you. . .? Did you. . .?”

He grimaced. “I’m not proposing. It’s just something I want to give you”

My heart faltered, my shoulders fell and my lips turned outside down. I’m not even going to deny how disappointed
I am. I really thought. . . I really thought it’s an engagement ring.

“Oh” I mumbled. “I see”

“Dara, you didn’t really expect that-”

“Thank you” I cut him off. No, I can’t let this ruin our mood. I should keep this to myself. I shouldn’t have
expected. Right from the very beginning, he already told me that he’s not the type of person who wants to get
married and have children. “It’s really beautiful” I smiled. “So, what’s so special with this day?”

“I can’t believe you forgot” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Err, is this the day when we first made love?”

He stared at me. “Out of all the events that happened, THAT actually came to your mind first?”

“It’s not my fault!” I defiantly said. “I didn’t think of THAT on purpose, you know”

“You’re a pervert”

“No, I’m not! It’s just the first thing that came to my mind. You have to at least give me a timeline”

“Before THAT” he said.

“Oh, this is the day when we kissed then” I smartly said.

“You’re hopeless” he groaned. “Way before that”

“Err, the day you fixed my car?”

He just stared at me.

“Oh, I know! It’s the day when we moved in to. . . no, that can’t be right”

“If it weren’t for this day, we wouldn’t have met”

I frowned. “But we moved in to the Valley way before this date! How did that happen? Are you sure you got your
dates right?” I demanded.

“You really are stupid, aren’t you?” he said, clicking his tongue. “It’s your birthday, you stupid spoof girl. If you
weren’t born, we wouldn’t have met. If your father didn’t give that car to you as a birthday gift, you wouldn’t have
pestered me and I wouldn’t have fal-,” he stopped. “Oh well, you get the picture”

My eyes went wide. My birthday? Omo, it’s my birthday! I can’t believe I missed it. How on earth did I forget my
own birthday? Aigoo. “It’s my birthday!” I squealed, jumping up and down, momentarily forgetting my
disappointment.

“How could you forget your own birthday? Are you thinking of naughty things again?”

I pursed my lips. Well, I’ve been too preoccupied of thinking on how to earn money so I could get him a birthday
present that my own birthday slipped my mind. Aigoo! I must be really in love. “I’m not a pervert!” I then said.

“Yeah, right” he snorted. He grabbed my hand and laced his fingers through mine.

I smiled at him. “Let’s get going before we get hit by lightning”

---

As soon as we arrived at the apartment, Jiyong immediately pulled me towards the bathroom. “Are we going to take
a shower together?” I asked brightly when he started taking his clothes off.

“Why? Don’t you want to?”

“Of course I want to!” I quickly said in fear of him changing his mind. I quickly stepped into the stall and turned the
shower knob on. I looked behind me and growled. “Pancake! What are you still doing there? Come here already!”

He smirked and lazily joined me. I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him. He surprised me
when he suddenly pushed me against the wall. I felt his knee spreading my legs apart. Oooh, someone’s impatient.
Hahaha! I think this would be my best birthday ever! I slid my hand down his chest, feeling the scars and muscles
jumped in response to my touch. The water was cold but he felt so hot to me.

His hands slid down to my waist and down to my thighs. He took one knee and hooked it at his side. I already knew
what’s going to happen next. I broke the kiss to take a deep breath and managed to say ‘I love you’ to him before he
claimed my body, earning a long moan from me. I accept the fact that between us, I’ve always been the loud one.
Surprisingly, I’m not ashamed of it but sometimes, it annoys me how he rarely makes a sound when we’re making
love. Aish! I’m not saying he doesn’t make a sound AT ALL but. . . but. . . but it’s just so rare for him to do that.
And during the times that he does, I can’t help but compare the difference in volume between us. It’s like I’m
talking on a megaphone while he’s softly whispering. Where’s the fairness in that, eh?

“Pancake. . .” I gasped. You would thought I’m having some kind of a monologue, tch.

A while later, we were both standing naked in front of each other, drying each other off. I’ve seen him naked a lot of
times and he’s pretty used to seeing me naked too but I can’t help but blush at the sweetness and intimacy of the
moment.

“Arms up” he said. I obediently lifted my arms while he went on drying my sides and err, everything else.
“My turn!” I cheerfully said when he was done with me. Since I was done with his hair, face and arms, I went
drying his scarred torso and EVERYTHING else, too. I giggled a little at the part where I was face to face with my
BESTFRIEND, hihihihihi. AIGOO!

I just can’t keep the smile off my face.

HAHAHAHA!

“What’s taking you long down there?” he asked.

“I’m being thorough” I told him then jumped back to my feet. I carelessly threw the towel aside, wrapped my arms
around is neck and molded my body into his. I looked up at him with a knowing smile on my face. “It’s my
birthday, right?”

He didn’t say anything but I saw his eyes narrowed. Oh, he already knew what’s coming.

“I’m thinking. . . .” I stalled and wiggled my brows at him.

“I hate it when you think” he said.

I grimaced. I went to my toes and reached for his lips. I think that’s already enough to tell him what I was thinking.
And of course, my pancake’s not a slow person so he grabbed my waist and lifted me off the floor. I quickly
wrapped my legs around him and smiled against his lips.

He started going to the bedroom with our lips still strangely attached to each other. And then, I felt the soft comforts
of the bed. It felt cold on my back but Jiyong felt warm so it was okay. Eventhough his body’s not as smooth as the
sheets because of the scars; I’d still choose to cuddle close to him than lay down on the softest and most comfortable
bed without him beside me.

I bit my lower lip when he went to bury his head on my left shoulder, nibbling. Then, he went to my collarbone, still
nibbling. I gasped when I suddenly felt his warm breath against one peak.

“I can’t. . .” I heard myself moan. He stopped and looked at me with a frown on his face.

“You can’t?”

I shook my head. “I can’t wait any longer. Just take me now, please? It’s my birthday so I should be followed!”

“You’re always so impatient, aren’t you?”

“Please?”

---

I was still trying to catch my breath when Jiyong pulled me closer to him. I rested my cheek and hand on his chest.
His chest was wet with sweat but he still smelled so sexy to me. I smiled as I heard the heavy pounding of his heart.
Blindingly, I reached for the angel pendant I made for him. I played with it for a while. The white angel’s a part of
him in the same way that the black angel’s a part of me. We don’t take it off even if sometimes it causes us
discomfort. Come to think of it, I rarely feel any discomfort with it.

“Pancake?”

“What?”

“Thank you” I told him. “This is the best birthday ever”

But it would have been better if he proposed to me, though. Oh well…

He snorted and took my right hand. While I was playing with his pendant, he started playing with the ring on my
finger. “The K on the ring stands for Kwon” he said.

“Yeah, I figured that out myself”

“Good for you” he chuckled. “You’re becoming brighter”

“Tease me all you want, pancake. Nothing’s going to ruin my happiness”

He chuckled again and kissed my forehead. “Go to sleep”

“Mmm” I mumbled, stifling a yawn. “Goodnight” I murmured. “Sweetdreams. And I love you”

---

I knew I was dreaming but I can’t seem to pull myself out of it. I was at the cemetery again, wearing a white dress
with stains of blood on it. The moon was shining brightly down at the hundred or thousand of dead crows on the
ground. Somewhere in my mind, I remembered this dream. I’ve dreamed about this before. I remembered Jaejoong
asking me to choose him while Jiyong was begging me to stay away from him. I looked around, trying to see the
both of them but there was no one. I frowned at this. I was a bit disappointed. I was secretly hoping to see Jae again
even if this is just a dream. But obviously, something has changed. I stood undecided on my spot. What should I do?
Where should I go? Moreover, should I even do something or go somewhere?

I heard footsteps behind me. I quickly turned around and saw Jiyong. I automatically smiled at the loud pounding of
my heart. Jeez, even in my dream, my heart reacts to him all the same. I was about to run towards him when he
suddenly lifted his bow-bearing arms and aimed at me. I stopped in my tracks and stared at him. My eyes then went
to the pointed end of the arrow he loaded on the bow.

“Jiyong. . .”

He let go of the string. My eyes widened as I watched the fast-approaching arrow in fear and disbelief. Then,
something huge and black went in front of me, saving me from the arrow. It fell to the ground with a loud thud, the
arrow pierced deeply into its chest. With a jolt of surprise, I recognized my savior as the black phoenix. I was about
to reach for it when it suddenly burst into flames and burned to ashes.

“It’s dead. . .” I mumbled. I slowly lifted my eyes to look at Jiyong. “You killed it” I whispered in disbelief. And to
my surprise, I felt angry. I felt mad at Jiyong. It was so strong and intense that it scared me. With my rage, I started
running towards him, planning to attack him but even before I could reach him, I saw him aiming at me again. For
the second time, he let go of the string. I heard the whistle of the wind as the arrow flew fast towards me. I just stood
on my spot, unable to believe what’s going on. And then, it hit me. The arrow pierced right through my heart. I
gasped. And then. . . . darkness.

I opened my eyes and found myself standing in the middle of the forest.

“Child. . .” a voice echoed in my head. “My child. . . come to me. . . . come. . . .”

I frantically looked around.

“My child. . . my little one. . .”

I tried following the voice, stumbling here and there. I walked and walked until I saw my parents waving at me with
proud smiles on their faces.
“Mom! Dad!” I cried. But even before I could reach them, they started fading away, like ashes being blown by the
wind. “No, wait! Don’t. . .!” I desperately called out butt hey were already gone. I dropped to my knees and started
crying when that voice echoed in my head again.

“My little lost child. . .”

I looked around again but I saw no one. It was then that I realized that the voice was just inside my head, not from
the outside.

“Hey, spoof” a deep familiar voice entered my ears. I was more than surprised to see TOP standing lazily in front of
me. “What are you doing there? Get up”

“What. . .? How did you. . .?”

He shook his head and grabbed my arm, pulling me up to my feet. “You’re lost again, aren’t you? Did he leave you
AGAIN?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Jiyong left you again, didn’t he? I already told you not to go with him here. Good thing I followed”

“Jiyong would never do that”

“Correction, he already did” he snorted. He took my hand and started pulling me with him.

“Where are we?” I asked.

“He didn’t even tell you?” he asked in disbelief. “This forest. . . this used to be the place where the first shadow slept
with the devil’s daughter”

“Why am I here?”

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking you that?”

“But. . .”

This is really weird. I can’t understand what’s going on.

“Finally!” he laughed. “See? I led you to the right way”

I looked back at the forest and saw something moved. “W-wait. It’s Jiyong” I mumbled. “JIYONG! JIYONG!” I
called and went to go after him. I called his name out loud again but he didn’t even glance at me. He kept on
walking and walking and walking. I just followed him. And then, he disappeared. I looked around and found myself
in the middle of the thick forest. I heard a screech from above me. I looked up and saw crows flying above me in
circles. And then, they started attacking each other. Off. Blood rained down on me, making me scream. Then, TOP
appeared again with a huge black umbrella.

“You kept on getting lost” he said. “Come, I’ll lead you out of here”

------
 Chapter 14: The Best Birthday

JIYONG’S POV

I feel hot. No, not all over, just one side. My right side to be exact, where Dara was resting. I blinked my eyes open
and looked down at her. She was mumbling under her breath. I tried to catch her words but I didn’t understand
anything. With our naked bodies closely pressed together, I found out she was hot, literally hot. I touched her
forehead. Oh damn, she’s burning with fever.

I was about to get up when she suddenly clung stubbornly to me. “No. . .” she mumbled. “Don’t leave me”

“Dara, I have to-.”

“Jiyong. . .” she whispered. “Stay. . . don’t leave me”

“I’ll be back” I told her eventhough I’m not sure if she’s conscious or just dreaming. I jumped out of bed and went
to get a little towel and a container of lukewarm water. I pulled the bed sheets off her and started pressing the wet
towel all over her. Then, I went to get her a cotton shirt and shorts when I remembered I wasn’t wearing anything
myself either. I pulled out clothes for myself and put them on first before heading back to the bed.

I tried to be as gentle as I can be while putting the shirt and shorts on her. I didn’t bother getting her a bra and panty
since those items didn’t come to mind a while ago. I don’t usually panic but her fever is wholly human, not caused
by anything by my kind so it’s making me a bit edgy. I can bring her to the hospital of course but I really don’t like
hospitals. I lied to everyone about my scars. Some of these scars that I got were from my father and if only my
mother took me to a shadow healer just like Bom and her mother, I think I would have less scars. I do think Bom
and the others knew about the reason why I hated hospitals but they chose to keep mum about it.

I went to the first aid kit that Bom brought the last time she visited. I remember she left a container of medicines
there, too. I told her it’s unnecessary but she insisted. And I’m glad she did. I looked through the medicine box and
went to get a glass of water when I found what I was looking for.

“Jiyong. . . where’s Jiyong? I heard her mumble. “No. . . not you. . . no. . . Jiyong. . .”

“I’m here” I told her, feeling totally pathetic. Since when did I start answering sleep talks?

“I want Jiyong. . . .!” she cried. “Pancake. . . my Jiyong”

“Shh” I hushed her. “I’m here”

“Jiyong” she cried louder, thrashing around the bed. Oh fuck! I set the glass and medicine aside to hold on her
thrashing body. It’s really surprising how she could thrash around like that when she’s supposed to be weak.

“Dara, open your eyes” I told her.

“Jiyong. . . I want Jiyong here. . .”

“Dara” I shook her hard, gently tapping her cheek. “Hey, wake up”

She started crying and moaning words I can’t understand. She was sweating really hard now. I moved her damp hair
out of her face and reached out for the little towel and soaked it water. I pressed the cloth to her forehead, cheeks
and her neck.

“Jiyong” she sobbed.

I sighed. “Pancake”

Weirdly, her eyes opened but they looked out of focus and confused. “Jiyong?” she softly asked.

“Yes, it’s me” I nodded. “I want you to drink something. It’ll make you feel better, okay?”

“Okay” she croaked weakly, looking relieved now.

“Did you have a bad dream?” I asked her after giving her the medicine and letting her drink the glass of water.

She frowned a little. “But. . . I’m still dreaming, aren’t I?”

“No, you’re not”

“I’m not?”

“Just go back to sleep now” I sighed after a while.

Her eyes were already drooping but even before they closed, she mumbled, “I love you, Jiyong”

She turned quiet for two straight hours. But then, she started whimpering and trembling. I lay down and pulled her
close to my body.

Her sleep talks went on and off for the next hours. She hasn’t mentioned my name anymore. I caught a few words
like where, I don’t know, I don’t want to, how, where, where and who. The rest were all low and soft mumblings.

It was already ten in the morning when she stopped talking. I wanted to wake her up to put something in that
stomach of hers but upon seeing her peaceful face, I thought otherwise. I just decided to make rice porridge just in
case she wakes up any moment and look for food.

When I went back to the room, I saw her pushing herself up from the bed. What the fucking hell is she doing?

“Hey! What the hell are you doing?!”

She looked up. A smile suddenly brightened her face. “I was going to look for you”

“Lie down again!” I told her a bit harshly.

“I was just wondering where you were” she quietly mumbled as she went back to bed.

“Are you hungry?” I asked in a gentler tone.

“A bit” she admitted.

“Wait here” I told her. “And don’t you dare move”

“Aye!” she cheerfully answered though she sounded weak to me.

My eyes narrowed. I just hope she’ll follow me just this once. She’s usually stubborn. I went back to the kitchen to
get her a bowl of rice porridge as well as a glass of water and medicine.

I was glad to see that she did stay put in the bed when I returned. She was grinning knowingly at me. I shook my
head at this. She’s already pale and all but she can still grin like that?

“What’s with the grin?” I growled.

She shrugged. “Just reminiscing yesterday’s events. That was the best birthday ever!”

“You got sick and you still consider yesterday as your best birthday?”

“Of course I do!” she beamed a bit weakly than she usually does. “You were all sweet, you gave me a ring then we
made love a couple of times” she finished with a giggle.

“We only had sex twice, Dara”

She grimaced. “Spoilsport” she then mumbled.

“Just eat” I sternly said. “Here, open your mouth”

I started feeding her. It’s quite obvious that she’s enjoying the fact that I’m feeding her and filling in the role of a
nurse. She’s wearing a huge smile on her face and she’s beaming brightly. I was satisfied to see that she didn’t look
so pale anymore compared to a few minutes ago.

“You’ve been talking in your sleep, you know” I told her as I watched her swallow the medicine I gave her.

“Really?”

“Why, can’t you remember your dream?”

She frowned then turned thoughtful. “Not all parts. I only remember the latter part. I was in a church, walking down
the aisle, my groom was. . .” she stopped, her eyes growing wide in fear and panic.

‘Jiyong. . . where’s Jiyong. . . .?’ the words from her sleep echoed in my mind. It didn’t take me that long to grasp
the whole situation. “I’m not the groom in your dream” I said matter-of-factly.

She tensed and went very still for a moment. But then, she waved it off. “No, not really. I didn’t see my groom’s
face. But it was just a dream, anyways”

“Dara, you know I’m not THAT kind of guy, right?” I knew I was being. . . harshly honest. I could lie, I know. But I
don’t want her to live in a world of illusion about us. It’d be better if everything’s clear between us. I was expecting
to see pain or disappointment or anything like that in her face but she disappointed me. Instead, she looked strangely
determined. “I don’t like that look on your face” I told her.

“You should also know that I’m a very persistent person” she winked. “And I don’t easily give up”

“Your point?”

“You will see” she winked. “I’ll be having the final laugh, ha! Anyways, what else was I saying while I was
asleep?”

“You’re having a very wet dream about me AGAIN” I smoothly lied, teasing her. “You were moaning endlessly,
too”

She flushed, making me laugh.

---

I stayed in bed with her for the rest of the day. She wasn’t burning anymore but she was still hot. I was mostly
teasing her. But when she fell asleep, I climbed out of bed and went to the study table. I already skipped school
today so I need to do some reading. Aside from studying seriously, I’m also doing some research about the black
phoenix. I didn’t bother asking Bom to do the research since she’s pregnant and all. I didn’t just forget about the
black phoenix. Maybe I owe the mysterious creature our lives but I don’t want to be too trusting. In this world, most
especially my world, most of the time, nothing comes free. I want to know WHY it saved us. But so far, I’ve only
come up with crappy things such as its unknown origin and the existed even before the first shadow was made one.

I frowned in surprise upon hearing footsteps. Then, the next think I know, Dara pulled a chair for herself and settled
it beside me. She sat down and leaned her head down on the pillow she brought with her that was resting on her lap.

“What are you doing? You should be in bed” I told her.

“I want to be with you” she said.

“Go back to bed, Dara”

“I want to be near you”

I sighed and closed my book wearily. I stood up and glanced down at her. “Come on, let’s go back to bed”

She held her arms and legs out to me, making me growl in annoyance but still, I complied. I bent down closer to her
so she could wrap her tiny arms and legs around me. I took the pillow from her hands and carried her back to bed.
“There you go, little giant baby”

“I love you, pancake”

“Yeah, I heard” I snorted.

“You’re so cute, you know” she giggled.

“You’re worst when you’re sick” I gritted.

“Hehe” she giggled again and cuddled closer to me when I lay down beside her.

“I guess you’re feeling better now?”

“I feel heavy, exhausted and a bit dizzy but I feel better compared this morning” she smiled. “I’ve got a very
competent and efficient caregiver”

“I should be rewarded”

“Ooooh, I’ll give you a reward now! I-.”

“No” I cut her off. “You’re not well yet. And I’m just joking”

“Fine” she grumpily said. “Just wait when I get better. Ha! You’ll be surprised!”

“I already know what’s running on your mind”

Her mouth twitched. “Can you sing me a LULLABY? A slow song, not the loud ones you usually sing along?”

“No fuc- freaking way. Have you any idea how disgusting is that?”

“It’s not disgusting!” she protested. “Oh, come on! I’m sick pancake. How will I get better if I don’t get my basic
needs?”

“You’re taking everything for granted”

“Sing me a lullaby!” she commanded in a slightly strong voice. She was still weak.
I sighed. I can’t believe this is happening to me. I took a deep breath again. “Baby goodnight. . .” I sang. “Baby
goodni-. “

“STOP!” she suddenly said. “Not that song! You sound too sexy with that tune, it’s making me feel. . . I feel warmer
hearing you sing like that”

I laughed and gave her a quick peck on the lips. Oh damn, she’s too adorable for her own good. “But that’s the only
mellow song I know”

“Fine” she scowled. “Sing anything you like but just toned it down”

I paused for a moment. “Here I stand. . .empty hands, wishing my wrists were bleeding, to stop the pain from the
beatings. . .” I started. “. . . there you stood, holding me. Waiting for me to notice you. But who are you? You are the
truth. . . I’m screaming these lies. . . you are the truth, saving my life. . .”

I looked down at her. She was smiling.

“. . .the warmth of your embrace melts my frostbitten spirit. You speak the truth and I hear it, the words are: I love
you. And I have to believe in you. . .but who are you. . . you are the truth. . .”

I looked down at her. She looked peaceful. I kissed her forehead and whispered a soft goodnight.
 Chapter 15: The Question Existance

DARA’S POV

I felt better the next day. I wanted to go to school but Jiyong didn’t allow me. I argued with him of course but deep
inside, I was really giddy because he looked really concern. But then, he kissed me so sweetly that I just nodded
helpless in the end. Life is so unfair!

So here I am, just lounging on the sofa, watching television. I sighed and reached for my phone. I quickly typed a
message and send it to Jiyong. I missed him already. Oh wait, I’ll just ask Top to update me with Jiyong’s
whereabouts. I mean, I know my pancake would never reply to my stalker messages. I paused for a moment upon
remembering TOP. I slapped my forehead afterwards when I remembered I just left him a day or the other day. But
he can’t really blame me, can he now? I totally forgot about him the moment I saw Jiyong. And I totally went
helpless when he kissed me, in front of those students if I may add! Ah, I should apologize to TOP.

I typed a message for him: ‘Hey, sorry I just left the other day’

He surprised me when his response came faster than I expected. He said: ‘I was hurt, y’know’

I rolled my eyes. He’s obviously making fun of me again. I replied, ‘har har har’

‘Where were you anyway?’

‘Got sick. Skipped school. Feels better now but Ji didn’t allow me to go to school. Said I need to rest. Isn’t he
sweet?’

‘Is he your doctor now?’

‘Bleh. Oh, can I ask a favor? Can u update me with Jiyong’s whereabouts? Hehe’

‘No way. Aren’t u scared that I might steal him away from u?’

‘My pancake’s straight unlike u. haha’

My phone suddenly started blinking. I straightened up and accepted the call. “Hey”

“Hey” Bom greeted back. “Belated happy birthday”

“Oh, thank you!”

“Sorry I just greeted you today. Jiyong ordered us not to call you on your birthday because I think he was planning
something for you. Anyways, I already sent my gift by mail there, I’m not really sure when it’ll arrive”

“Omo! You shouldn’t have bothered but thanks a lot!”

“You’re welcome. Sorry if I can’t just get Youngbae or Seungri there to deliver the gift. Youngbae’s a bit busy with
work while Seungri’s being. . . well, he’s being an asspoop”

“An asspoop?” I choked.

She laughed. “Sorry, I know you hate people cussing and stuff, so. . .”

“What’s going on with him, anyways?”

“He’s following Jiyong’s footsteps. Don’t mind him. How are you anyways? I’m not disturbing anything, am I?”

“I’m just lounging in the apartment. Jiyong didn’t allow me to go to school. I got sick, you see” I told her. Then, I
launched into recounting what happened.

“How stupid of him” she snorted.

“Hahaha. But it was really sweet, though”

We chatted for a long time, catching up with each other. When the call finally ended, I felt that longing to see Jiyong
again. I want to go to school and stalk him. But I don’t want to disobey him again so I decided to just do some
cleaning and some laundry. I took Jiyong’s iPod. Not all songs of his favorite bands or groups and artists are that
loud. There’s this one particular song of a female fronted band that I really liked and I can relate to the lyrics. I put
the earphones on and put the song on repeat, humming along with it.

Glass hailed from the sky that night

I couldn’t hide to save my life
Standing drenched in open wounds
You took my hands and pulled me through

I want to give you everything

I’ll give you my all because you gave me,
You gave me your lips a gentle kiss
The medicine to cure my pain

Listen to all of this glass shatter

It pierced my ears and made them bleed
Now it sounds so beautiful ‘cause you’re beautiful
You’re beautiful

Right after doing the laundry and cleaning the apartment, I decided to bake cookies for my pancake. Ah, my
pancake! I missed him so much. I smiled after a while, remembering how he acted so sweet on my birthday. I held
my hand out and stared at ring on my finger. Aigoo! Eventhough I was disappointed and a bit hurt that the ring isn’t
an engagement ring, I still feel giddy about it. Imagine, the forever rude shadow named Kwon Jiyong gave me a
ring? And it isn’t n ordinary ring! It’s been handed down from generation to generation.

I took out the earphones and turned off the iPod after the cookies were done. I leisurely took time in taking a bath. I
was humming the song under my breath again and savored the feel of the water on my skin. My mind drifted to
Bom’s gift. Hmm, I wonder what it is. Aigoo! I can’t wait to see it already. I sighed as the memory of Victoria and
the girls brushed my mind. I haven’t seen nor talked to them for what felt like centuries. I don’t feel so bad about
them anymore. Truth be told, I actually missed them already, a lot actually. If only Sulli hadn’t. . . I sighed again.
She’s one of the reasons why my friendship with the girls changed. It hurts to admit it but what that girl did to the
girls only proved that our friendship wasn’t as strong as I first believed. She said the girls secretly envied me, most
especially Victoria. I grimaced. Not so long time ago, Victoria and Luna got interested with Jiyong. I shook my
head. Come to think of it, even Bom and Sulli fell into Jiyong’s charms. But I won! Haha. I defeated them all! Out
of nowhere, the memory of Victoria and Jiyong in bed popped into my head alongside Bom and my pancake’s
kissing scene in front of me. . . but the most brutal of all was that with Sulli. Grr, I don’t even have the words to
describe that. . . that. . . Gah! I don’t want to remember that anymore! But then, the more you wanted to forget, the
more the memory becomes vivid. Aish!

I redirected my thoughts to Krystal. Sulli said she was a tough one. The thing is, Krystal’s the cousin of my ex-
boyfriend who willingly sacrificed his life to bring me back from the dead. I can’t face Krystal because of it. Yes, I
died a long time ago. I died in the hands of my present boyfriend, Kwon Jiyong. Kim Jaejoong just got to be the
hero that day. A lump rose to my throat, making me choke. I haven’t told Jiyong about the guilt that seemed to cling
onto my mind. I’ve seen and felt how that particular part of our past still haunts him. He’d always go all stiff and
tensed. Everytime that particular past is brought to the surface, I can always see the disturbing doubt, fear and self-
disgust in his eyes. I didn’t like that so we never talked about it. At first, I didn’t really know why he’s feeling that
way. But I know what he doubts about just some time ago. He thought I was just staying beside him because he’s all
I’ve got. He just finds it impossible for me to forgive him after all the things he said he has done. Well, that’s what
he said. Everyday, I try to say and show him how much I love him to erase that doubt from his mind. I’m not really
sure if I’m doing progress. As for the fear, I still haven’t figured that out. What’s he so afraid of? I mean, it’s in the
past already. For the self-disgust, well, it’s quite obvious why he feels that way.

I shook my head. Aish! These are unhealthy thoughts. I shouldn’t be thinking of them. I forcibly redirected my
thoughts to Jiyong. He’s slowly changing, it’s pretty obvious too. But I think he’s subconsciously or maybe
unconsciously resisting and fighting it. Maybe that’s why he’s keeping secrets from me. If I knew EVERYTHING
about him; if I knew every thought or every emotion or if I knew all his secrets, that would leave him vulnerable to
me. And since he still doubted about the forgiveness thing, he doesn’t want to risk it. Oh well, that’s just my
conclusion. There’s no sureness if I’m right or wrong. Maybe that’s just the way he is.

I wrapped myself with a towel after I was done. I stepped out of the bathroom and went to the closet. My eyes
travelled to Jiyong’s briefs. Aigoo! I reached out and took one black brief from the neat pile. I giggled as I brought
the little garment up to my nose. I sniffed it and giggled louder. Aigoo, aigoo! I suddenly feel warm – no, I feel so
hot that I had the urge to go back to the bathroom and take a shower again. I closed my eyes and sniffed his brief
again. I imagined the feel of his lips on mine. Heat erupted inside me, licking the linings of my veins and arteries.
Jiyong’s lips. . .gah! His lips are the softest and sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted. Sweeter than a candy and softer than
a marshmallow! Yeah, try getting a marshmallow then pressed it on your lips. That’s exactly how his lips felt like
except the texture. Marshmallows are soft but they aren’t smooth. Jiyong’s mouth is smooth. Hmm, smoother than
silk, I think.

A naughty thought then brushed my mind.

With a giggle, I pulled a matching floral printed blue underwear and putt hem on. I sprayed some perfume and went
to hand the towel on the rack. Then, I proceeded to blow-drying my hair. I sprayed some perfume on again and went
besides the window to watch out for his arrival. It’s already late afternoon. He should be home any time now.

After a few minutes, I saw a hooded person from afar. My heart skipped a beat. I went to spray some perfume on
AGAIN and climbed to bed, lying down on my stomach with only my matching bra and panty. I didn’t bother
pulling the covers on me because this is exactly how I wanted it to be – all exposed for my pancake to devour.
Hahahaha. I closed my eyes and tried to even out my breathing. I have to appear like I’m sleeping because for sure,
he’ll laugh at me when he realized I’m trying to seduce him or he might scold me for wearing something like this
when I just came from a sickness. I’m confident he’ll be seduced. I’ve got a sexy back, after all. Hahaha.

Later, I heard the door opened and closed. Okay, I need to be an effective actress here. I strained my ears for his
footsteps, silently grateful that he’s not being careful. Tsk, when he’s being stealthy, he can really walk without
making any sounds. But I can hear the soft taps of his shoes on the floor. I can sense that he’s now in the bedroom.
But why didn’t I hear nay gasp of surprise? I heard him walking here and there. Wait a minute, did he just clicked
his tongue? What does that mean? Gah! I wonder what he’s doing. I’m so tempted to look but I stopped myself.
Then, I felt him took a seat at the edge of the bed beside me. Aigoo, this is it!

Jiyong gathered my hair to one side then touched my forehead. He must be checking if I’m really okay now. Aww,
isn’t he just sweet? He chuckled then. Hmm, why is that? Then, I felt his warm breath on my nape. It’s really hard
to pretend now. It’s draining all of my energy! When he started showering my spine with tiny kisses, I wasn’t able to
stop myself from shivering.

“I know you’re awake so stop pretending otherwise” he said.

Aigoo! I’m busted. I heaved a sigh and slowly turned on my back. “Aren’t you even seduced?”

He laughed and leaned down, our faces only a few inches apart. “Oh, so you’re seducing me?” he asked in
amusement, his hand caressing my bare waist.
I pouted. “You’re not seduced!”

He gave me a quick peck on the lips. I tried to chase for his lips but he evaded me. “You’re really okay now, huh?”

“How come I can’t seduce you?”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re being ridiculous again”

I sighed heavily. “I missed you, you know and I love you” I told him. “But tell me, aren’t you really seduced AT
ALL? Even a tiny bit? Don’t you find me sexy?”

He laughed again. He kissed me longer this time. My arms immediately went around his neck while I savored the
feel and taste of him. He pulled back and gazed down at me with a dark gleam in his eyes. He then rested his
forefinger on my lips. I smiled. Then, his forefinger slowly went down to my chin, to my throat and stopped in
between my breasts where the front clasp of my bra was located. “Should I. . . unhook this?” he whispered huskily.

I nodded eagerly. He laughed again but he didn’t pursue unclasping my bra. “Ya!” I protested.

“You still need to rest”

“I’m not sick anymore!” I told him wildly. “I even cleaned the apartment, washed our clothes and baked you some
cookies”

“Cookies?” he echoed. “Oh, where did you put them?”

“They’re in the container in the – ya! Where are you going?”

“Eat some cookies. I’m hungry”

You rather have some cookies than me? But. . . but. . . .Jiyong!” I whined. But he was already out of the bedroom. I
climbed out of bed, stomping childishly. I scowled upon seeing him leisurely sitting on the high stool, munching on
some cookies I baked. I marched towards him, planning to take all the cookies out of his reach. But he suddenly
pulled me down on his lap. His arms circled around me and he planted a soft kiss on my shoulder.

“These cookies taste good” he praised.

“I taste better” I grimaced.

He chuckled. “I might give you a reward for it” he said.

I’m suddenly in a good mood. “Really? What reward?”

“Hmm” he thoughtfully mumbled. “I’m going to take a shower after eating all of these. Want to join me?”

I grinned. “Join you in taking a bath?”

---

“You’ve got stubbles” I informed him as I lay contentedly in bed and in his arms.

“I might do some shaving tomorrow”

“I actually find them cute. They tickle, you know”

“Is that so?” he asked then propped himself in one elbow. I wasn’t able to retort an answer because the ringing of
my phone didn’t allow me to. “Your phone’s ringing” he said.

“Let’s ignore it”

TOP’S POV

I tapped my foot impatiently. Why the hell is she not answering? I pressed the end button and dialed her number
again. The other line rang for a long time before it was answered. “Ya!” an annoyed Dara answered. “I’ll call you
back late- aigoo! Jiyong, that tickles! Hihihihihihi!”

I held the phone away from my ear and looked down at it with a frown. I put the phone back to my ear. My body
tensed upon hearing some. . . things on the other line. I quickly pressed the end button. Oh crap, I’ll just call her
later. Or maybe tomorrow.

I heard some sounds behind me. I turned around and saw Daesung closing the bedroom door of the old woman.
“How is she?” I asked.

“She’s already sleeping” he answered. “This can’t last, TOP”

“I know” I harshly answered.

“The headache’s getting worst everyday” he continued. “I’m getting worried of leaving her alone here. There’s no
consistency in time of the attacks. And her eyes are becoming inconsistent. Sometimes she can see us, sometimes
she can’t”

“But you know she WANTS us to go to that wretched school” I gritted.

“We need to find the black phoenix”

“I know” I gritted again. “I’ve been frequently visiting the underground library but I’m still not getting anything”

Silence stretched between us.

“Do you really think IT exists?” Daesung then asked.

“She seemed to believe it does” I answered.

“If it does, then why aren’t there any records of its existence? The creature’s not even in any shadow history books
nor is it discuss in our shadow classes. There’s no proof of it or whatsoever”

I asked those questions myself a lot of times before. It frustrates me that up until now, I haven’t found any answers
yet.
 Chapter 16: The Celebrity Status

DARA’S POV

I reached for my phone. I wonder why TOP called. Well, there’s only one way to find out. I just hope he’s still
awake. It rang for a few seconds before the tome was replaced by TOP’s voice. “What?”

“Why did you call a while ago?” I asked in a whisper.

“Nothing” he answered. “I just wanted to ask how you’re doing”

“Oh, I’m fine” I whispered again.

“Why are you whispering?” he snorted.

“My pancake’s sleeping. I don’t want to wake him up”

“Why don’t you go somewhere else? In the living room, maybe?” he suggested.

“I can’t” I told him. “Jiyong’s arm is around me”

“Huh” he puffed. “So when are you going back to school”

“Oh why? Is it too boring without me?” I joked. I received a chuckle in response. With the way he chuckled, I could
say it was accompanied by the rolling of his eyes.

“Oh, I just remembered. Congratulations by the way”

“Congratulations? Why?”

“You just earned yourself a celebrity status in school”

Celebrity status?

“Really? Why so?”

“Everyone’s talking about the girl the ever famous Kwon Jiyong kissed. You might be surprised with how popular
you are already”

I paused for a moment. “Well, I guess that’s a good thing. At least the girls are aware that Kwon Jiyong has a
girlfriend”

“They’re not very happy about it so watch your back”

“Ya!” I whispered fiercely. “Don’t scare me like that.

“Mmmm. . . .” Jiyong suddenly murmured, cuddling closer behind me.

“I’ll talk to you at school” I told TOP. “Bye”

I ended the call without waiting for his reply. I returned the phone on the desk and slowly turned around to face
Jiyong. a smile instantly formed in my lips upon seeing his face. Gah! I just love him so much! I reached out to peck
him on the lips.

“Mmmm” he murmured again. “Who were you talking to?” he asked with his eyes closed.
“TOP” I answered.

His eyes suddenly flew opened. “Who?”

“TOP” I said again.

“This late?”

“I just wanted to ask something” I explained. “Let’s go to sleep”

“Yeah, WE should”

“Tch, so grumpy” I pouted.

He leaned forward and gave me a kiss.

---

Morning came. As usual, I woke up before him. I stared at his face. It’s part of my morning rituals. I climbed on top
of him and settled myself on his scarred body. “Pancake?”

No answer.

“Pancake?” I called again, tracing his face with my index finger.

“Mmm. . .” he grunted.

“Pancake”

“What?” he croaked.

“Do you love me?” I asked.

He groaned. “What are you up to again?”

“I’m just asking”

“You already know the answer to that” he snapped, pushing me off him.

“You just have to say yes or no” I pouted.

“Whatever, Dara” he yawned then stretched out.

“I just want to hear it”

Silence.

“Pancake!” I whined. “Do you love me?”

He sighed then opened his eyes. “That’s it! I’m getting up”

“Aish! You’re so impossible!”

“Get up” he said. “You still have classes today”

“WE’ve got classes today”

“Nope, not me. My section doesn’t have classes today”

“But normal classes are on?”

“Yep, all levels”

Okay, I have to think this through. If the special section doesn’t have a class today, that only means TOP, Dae and
probably Minzy won’t be at school today. Oh, my pancake too. “What are you planning to do today?” I demanded.

“Nothing” he shrugged. “Maybe I’ll spend the whole day in bed”

Gah! He’s tempting me! Aigoo. Huhuhu. I don’t want to go to school anymore. I want to spend the whole day with
him. . . in bed. “Ahm, pancake. . .” I crooned. “I’m not really feeling well yet. I think I should skip school today and
stay home”

He laughed. “You” he said, poking the tip of my nose. “You’re going to school. I’ll walk you there. Come on, get
up”

“What if I don’t want to?”

“Yes you will”

“No” I stubbornly said, crossing my arms across my chest with a frown and a pout on my face. That should do the
trick.

“You don’t really want to disobey me, do you?”

“Well no, but-.”

“Do you want us to fight?”

I nibbled on my lower lip. Where did he learn being like this? Gah! It’s disturbing. “Fine!”

“Now get up”

“Hmph”

---

Jiyong was chuckling nonstop behind me. We’re heading towards school and I was walking up ahead of him. I’ve
been trying to convince him that I’m not really feeling well yet but his resolve remained firm. Aish! And now, he’s
taking joy in watching me in my foulest mood ever! We were just a few meters away from the gates when I sensed
him stop. I stopped too, it was almost a knee-jerk reaction. Kya! I turned to face him.

“Ya!”

He didn’t budge.

“Ya! What are you doing there?”

“I won’t go any further” he said.

“Why not?” I irritably asked. But he just shrugged. Aish! This guy’s testing my patience, seriously! Unwillingly (not
entirely true), I marched back to him. I crossed my arms across my chest. “What now?” I demanded.
“People might see us together”

“So?” I asked. “It’s not like they haven’t seen us together before”

“But that was your birthday” he pointed out.

“Now what? We’re back to the no-PDA thing?”

“Yep”

“But they already saw us” I pointed back. Okay, I know I’m whining but I can’t help it.

“Just go” he said. “Behave yourself, okay?”

“I’m always behave!” I told him.

“Don’t flirt, either” he smirked.

“Ya! I don’t flirt”

“Yes, you do” he said.

“No, I don’t” I returned. I certainly don’t flirt!

“Just don’t be too friendly to other guys”

“But I’m naturally friendly”

His face darkened as his eyes narrowed. “Dara” he growled in warning.

“Okay, okay. I’ll behave myself. Are you happy now?” I heeded. “But. . . wouldn’t it be better if you’ll just hang
around the school or in the library? Or better yet, we could just stay all day in the apartment and-.”

“You’re such a bad student” he chuckled.

“But I’m not really feeling well yet. I feel a bit off actually”

“I’m not buying it, Dara”

AISH! Why is he so hard to convince? Aish!

“If I get sick again, it’ll be your fault” I rumbled. “Pancake! Just stay in the library or-.”

“I’m planning to pay Bom and the others a visit”

I grimaced. I’m not jealous of Bom, okay? Well, at least not anymore. The rivalry between me and her over Jiyong
was LOOOOOONG over. But I want to visit her, too! It’s been a while since we last saw each other. “I want to
come, I want to come”

“You can visit them next time or maybe they can visit us”

“It’s not just seeing them. I just want to be with you” I told him. “Always” I added pathetically.

“Don’t be such a baby. You have to go to your class now”

I sighed in defeat. Oh well, he’s the boss. I’m just a simple girl who’s very much in love with him. I reached out for
the front of his hoodie and curled my fists. I bowed my head and sighed again. “Pacanke. . . I love you”

“What are you up to now?” he asked, sounding suspicious.

I lifted my head and blushed. Aigoo! Why am I suddenly being shy about this? Aish! I could just tell how red my
cheeks are. I covered my eyes, unable to meet his eyes as I puckered my lips. He suddenly laughed.

“You’re seriously being shy about this?” he laughed. I wasn’t able to answer because he cupped my face and gave
me a short but sweet kiss on the lips. “Ah. . . what am I supposed to do with you?”

“Err, bring me with you?”I tried again.

“Next time, Dara”

“Fine” I mumbled. “See you later”

“Behave, okay?” he reminded me.

“YOU should behave yourself, too”

He laughed again. If there’s something I’m really proud of, that’s the ability to make him laugh. It makes him
looked so much. . . lighter, brighter. Ah, the mere sound of it is heaven to my ears. Not to say very sexy. Gah!
Everything about him is sexy. Even his teeth are sexy! Kya! I could bet everything I have that any girl who’d be
given the chance to just sit besides MY pancake would immediately have dirty thoughts about him.

KYAAAA!!!

I don’t want that! They don’t have the right to think of my pancake that way, much more have him as the subject of
their fantasies. I so wanted to tell everyone that Kwon Jiyong is MINE! But not now, at least not yet.

I walked alone to the school gates with slumped shoulders as Jiyong shooed me away. Is it possible to be annoyed
and happy at the same time? Ah. . . such conflicting emotions. It’s all his fault.

Kwon Jiyong.

Kwon Jiyong.

Kwon Jiyong.

Kwon Jiyong!!!

KWON JIYONG. KWON JIYONG. KWON JIYONG.

Gah! I can’t stop thinking about him. Huhuhuhu. It’s official. I totally lost it. I totally lost my mind over Jiyong. I
should have myself checked in an institute, neh? Aigoo. . . what to do, what to do?

“SANDARA PARK!!!” Ms. Im’s booming voice echoed through the whole room.

I blinked. Aigoo! Why is everyone looking at me? I glanced helplessly at Kevin.

---

I was too preoccupied with thinking of Jiyong that I didn’t notice my surroundings at first. But slowly, everything
rubbed on me. Everybody’s giving me strange looks, except Kevin. And the teachers. . . gah! I think all of them
drilled me on recitation! What’s up with that?
“What did I do?” I helplessly asked Kevin.

“Err. . . I think it has something to do with the Kwon Jiyong incident”

“What about-?”

“SANDARA PARK!!!”

Aigoo! Not again!

JIYONG’S POV

“What brought you here?” Bom asked.

“Am I not welcome here anymore?” I snorted as I dropped myself on the couch. “Are Seungri and Youngbae
around?”

“Youngbae’s working” she said. “Seungri. . . well, he’s wasting his life away”

“How so?”

“He’s skipping school, fighting at the arena and always ends up heavily drunk”

“Huh!” I snorted.

“It’s your fault, you know” she scolded.

“What now?” I scowled.

“If you weren’t so suicidal before, he wouldn’t have get these ideas himself”

“Maybe you should ban him from the arena like what you guys did to me”

“Yeah, maybe I should do that” she rumbled, looking annoyed.

“Seungri was right. You really are grumpy” I snorted. “And you’re really. . . big and round”

“Being pregnant isn’t easy” she knowingly said. “You would know that once Dara gets pregnant”

“I’m not planning on having a child with her”

“And she’s okay with that?”

I grimaced. Girls. They always end up siding with each other. “Did CL call already?” I evaded.

“No” she sighed. “She hasn’t”

“What is it with girls being so stubborn?” I growled.

“Speak for yourself. You’re as stubborn as a bull”

“Since when did you contradict me?”

She rolled her eyes. Bom has always been a good friend. I actually think she understands me more than I understand
myself. And I’m glad that even though our attempt in a romantic relationship didn’t work, we were able to maintain
our friendship. I wonder. . . will it be the same with me and Dara if that happens to us? My jaw instantly locked at
the thought. Why do I feel indifferent with me and Dara being just. . . friends? I inwardly scowled. Aish!

“I can tell something’s bothering you” she broke the silence.

I sighed. “I’m bothered by Dara’s weird. . . addiction lately”

“What addiction?” she asked, frowning.

“She can’t control her lust. She’s becoming hornier and hornier everyday. She can’t seem to get enough. Do you
think it has something to do with Sulli’s curse? An after effect, maybe?”

Silence veiled us. Out of nowhere, she suddenly burst out laughing. I grimaced and slumped on the couch. Now
what? As her laughter was replaced by giggles, I can’t but growl at her.

“I. . . can’t believe this!” she giggled. “You’re seriously asking me that? Did you honestly expect me to believe that
you came all over here just to ask me that?”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

She gave a chuckle this time. “Dara’s personality’s rubbing in on you. You’re changing”

“No, I’m not” I gritted.

“Well, maybe it has been always a part of you and Dara just woke it up. Stop fighting it. You know you’re not going
to win. Tell me, do you usually give in to her ministrations or not?”

“I’m just a guy” I told her.

“So you GIVE her what she wants”

“Not all the time” I countered.

She laughed again. “Can you hear yourself talking? Do you even know what you’re saying?”

“Of course I do. I’m not stupid”

“Maybe Dara’s just making up for the lost time. I mean, you’ve been away for eight month and before that, well,
you know what happened”

I scowled.

“Just accept it, Jiyong. You’re changing”

“You’re such a know-it-all”

She shook her head. “Where’s Dara, by the way?”

“School”

“You left her there when you fully know there are a bunch of shadows in that school?”

“I got some crows watch over her” I told her. “Hey, what’s with that look?”
“You set a bunch of birds to watch over your girlfriend? Shouldn’t you be the one guarding her?”

“I’m not her slave”

“See? You’re fighting against yourself. We both know you’re a bit obsessed in protecting her but here you are. . .
unless. . .”

“I don’t like feeling. . . submissive” I finally admitted. “It’s unnerving. Everytime she wants something, my instant
reaction is to give it to her. And usually, the things that she wanted the most go against what I stand for. We’re just
opposites”

“I think you’re perfect for each other” she said. “She lights you up while you tone her down”

I stared at her. “What the fuck was that?”

“Jiyong, you don’t really have to be bothered by these things. It all goes down to one thing. . . you love her. But I
think the intensity of your feelings for her is a bit scary”

I sighed.

“That’s not really what’s bothering you, is it?” she asked.

She really knows me. In fact, she knew me too well.

“I had a talk with Mom some time ago” I started. “THEY still want me to marry Ahn Sohee”

“Jiyong, you weren’t bothered by that before”

I sighed. I let a full minute silence passed between us.

“Something’s going on. I’ve never seen Mom so thin and pale. She kept on asking about Dara, too”

---

DARA’S POV

Gah! I don’t know how this day would end. Aigoo! This is the worst day ever! My pancake’s not around, everybody
hates me and TOP, Dae and Minzy aren’t here too. Who am I going to talk to?

I nibbled on my lower lip as I considered the possibility of having Kevin as a company todau. Jiyong said I
shouldn’t be too friendly with guys. Aigoo! But with these things going on, I need someone to talk to – aish! He
wouldn’t be angry, would he? It’s not like I’m disobeying him or something.

“Hey” I smiled” Would you mind if I share a table with you at the cafeteria today?”

“Oh” Kevin said. “I’ve got packed lunch and I usually eat at the rooftop”

“Oh, cool!” I brightened up. “Is it okay if I share the rooftop with you? I don’t really think I can eat lunch alone at
the cafeteria today”

He chuckled. “I understand”

“SANDARA PARK! KEVIN WOO!”

Oh crap! Here comes the drilling again.

---

Lunch came. I ordered food from the cafeteria and brought them up to the rooftop. Jeez, I feel like a weird psycho or
something. Everyone’s staring at me like I’m some sort of a menace.

“Jeez, everyone’s staring at me like I’m some sort of a weird psycho” I voiced out to Kevin ad I reached the rooftop.

“It comes with Kwon Jiyong’s popularity” he calmly said. “I take he’s the boyfriend you’ve been talking about?”

“Yeah” I shyly nodded.

“Your boyfriend got a lot of admirers here”

“Yeah. I realized that” I sighed and looked away. “I can’t blame them, though”

At the corner of my eyes. I caught something shiny glinted but then, loud screeches suddenly filled the air. To my
surprise, two or three crows dived towards Kevin and started attacking him. my eyes rounded.

“Ya! Get away, get away!” I told the birds, shooing them. Aigoo, I feel so stupid for talking to crows. It’s not like
they understand what I’m saying. Still, it didn’t stop me from shooing them. “Shoo! Shoo!”

“Ow” Kevin groaned.

“Get away or I’ll get my boyfriend to shoo you away!”

I was once again surprise when they flew away. Whoa! That was. . . I wonder if they understood me. Aigoo! Even
birds are afraid of my pancake? But how did they know he was my boyfriend? But wait, are they even normal birds?
Gah! It’s high noon but there are crows around? That’s total weirdness! And why did they attack Kevin? Aish! Did
Jiyong order them to attack any guy who talks to me? Since when did my pancake become so jealous?

“What was that?” Kevin asked in disbelief.

I quickly came back to my senses. “Omo! Are you alright, Kevin?”

"Yes"
“We should go to the clinic or-.”

“No” he protested. “I hate the smell of clinics”

“But you’ve got some scratches”

“They’re just scratches, no big deal”

“But-.”

“It’s okay, Sandara”

-------
 Chapter 17: The Dark Moon

“Are you sure” I asked Kevin for the nth time.

“Fine” he smiled.

“It was wise of you to bring some band-aids” I sighed.

“They come in handy” he said. “Thank you for shooing the crows away. Though I admit you’re kind of funny doing
that. You even threatened them to call your boyfriend. Why? Kwon Jiyong’s not very fond of birds, eh?”

I grimaced. “It’s not really like that” I mumbled.

“What’s with the face?” he asked. “You missed him already?”

“Sort of” I sighed. “Well. . . it’s just that I don’t want to be separated from him”

He chuckled. “I think we should eat”

“Yeah,w e should” I agreed, glad that he changed the subject. Tch, I really need to know more about shadows. . .
and crows. I need to know how to differentiate an ordinary crow from a shadow in his crow form. But. . . gah! They
all look the same to me.

As we ate lunch, we turned silent. Kevin. . . well, he’s a very quiet person. And I was pretty much occupied of
thinking about my pancake AGAIN that I didn’t bother opening a conversation or worrying about Kevin’s scratches
and the sudden attack of the crows anymore. Yeah, Kwon Jiyong is the biggest distraction there ever is.

WAAAHHH!!!

I MISS HIM ALREADY!!!

Huhuhu. . . .

“Oh, I should call him! Aish! I’ll just miss him more. Hearing his voice without seeing him is tragic! But. . . but. . . I
really want to talk to him.

Right after I ate lunch, I called him. “Pancake!” I whined the moment he answered the phone. “I miss you!”

“Stupid. . .” he said. “It’s not like we see each other everyday at school”

“But it’s different knowing you’re not here”

“I shouldn’t have told you then”

I pouted. Aish! I knew it. I knew he’d be like this. Gone is the sweet pancake who was charming during my
birthday. “What are you doing now?”

“I’m trying to kill Seungri” he chuckled.

“Why? What did he do?”

“He’s being ridiculous” he said. “And stupid. Oh, he’s being pathetic also”

“Like you haven’t been through this before” I heard Seungri gritted.
“Why so?” I asked worriedly.

“He’s depressed because CL hasn’t called yet” he chuckled.

“Oh, is he okay?”

“He’s just being pathetic. Don’t worry about it”

I sighed. “Jiyong. . . everybody hates me. Kevin said it’s related to-.”

“Kevin?” he cut off.

“Yeah, he’s my classmate. I’m with him right now actually. I can’t eat at the cafeteria so I joined him here in the
rooftop. Everybody’s looking at me like they want to kill me. Huhuhu. And the teachers. . . gah! They were so
mean! They. . .”

And I went on and on and on.

“. . . and oh, it’s really weird. Just as we’re about to eat, three CROWS came flying out of nowhere and attacked
Kevin! WEIRD, isn’t it?”

Silence.

“Jiyong?”

“The crows attacked your friend?”

“Yes, I was just telling you. Weren’t you even listening? Aish. You-!”

“Why would they attack him?” he said, sounding like he’s asking himself.

“How would I know? I’m NOT a crow”

“Are you alone with him on the rooftop right now?”

“Yes. I already told you that-.”

“Get away from there NOW”

“Why?” I asked.

“Because I said so”

“Aish! You’re being rude again”

“I’m coming back there” he said instead and ended the call.

Eh? What was that? Unable to stop myself, I giggled. I think I know what’s going on. It’s either he missed me too or
he’s jealous. But I think it’s both. Mwahahahaha. Aigoo.

I suddenly blushed upon remembering that Kevin’s with me. Aigoo, he might think I’m crazy for giggling like that.
As I was about to apologize, I found out hat he’s not in his place anymore. I looked around and saw him on his feet
at the edge of the rooftop.

“Hey, what are you doing there?” I asked, pushing myself up on my feet.
“Just looking down” he answered without glancing back. He spread his arms wide as if welcoming the wind. “I
wonder what it feels like to fly”

I chuckled and walked up to him, stopping besides him. “It feels free”

“You talk like you already flew before”

“It’s not really like that” I said. “It’s just my theory”

Grr. I don’t like lying and I’m not really good at it.

“If I get to choose on what I want to be on my next life, I want to be a bird” he dreamily said. “How about you?”

“I still want to be a human so I can love and be loved” I told him. I looked down. “Whoa!” I exclaimed and took a
step back.

“Afraid of heights” he queried gently.

“Not really” I chuckled. “The height just took me by surprise that it made me dizzy. Ah, it’s really windy today”

I took a step forward again and glimpsed down for the second time. The sight didn’t make me too dizzy unlike the
first time. I smiled. But then, I felt a gentle almost innocent pressure behind me and the next thing I knew, I was
falling off from the rooftop.

“KWON JIYONG!!!” I shrieked and closed my eyes. Jiyong, help me! This isn’t happening. This is just a dream.
This. . oh God. I’m going to die! Jiyong. . . Jiyong, I love you. Jiyong. . .

I suddenly felt two arms around me followed by a sucking sensation. Even with my eyes closed, I knew a shadow
came to my rescue. The sucking sensation’s the feeling of being transported. Oh God, Jiyong came to save me!

Are you alright?”

I blinked my eyes and saw TOP’s face. “TOP?”

“Why did you jump off the roof?” he asked, settling me down on my feet. I didn’t answer at once, I admit I’m
disappointed. I really thought it was Jiyong but I’m also glad I’m not dead.

“I didn’t jump” I told him then looked up with a frown on my face. “Kevin was. . .” I trailed when TOP suddenly
disappeared in front of me. I quickly looked around and sighed in relief when I found no one was around.

“No one’s up there” TOP said, suddenly appearing in front of me. “Did he push you?”

I frowned. “No, he wouldn’t do that. He might be running down now to check on me”

“What happened anyways?” he asked.

“I’m not really sure” I told him, frowning. “Wait, what are you doing here? Jiyong said you don’t have any classes
today”

“True” he nodded. “But I wanted to go to the library. I was actually on my way when I heard a scream so I came
here”

I closed my eyes for a moment and exhaled slowly. “Thanks” I said, running my fingers through my hair. “I don’t
know what would have happened to me. It’s. . . I’m . . . “
He suddenly took my hand and looked at it with a frown. I looked at my hand too and saw Jiyong’s ring. “This is a
shadow ring” he quietly said.

“Yes” I smiled. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

TOP’S POV

I’m not really sure if I should be pissed or angry. “Do you know what a shadow ring usually symbolizes?” I asked
her.

“Err, no”

“If a shadow is wearing a shadow ring, it usually symbolizes power. But if a human is wearing it, it symbolizes
ownership, just how pet owners give their pets collars”

Her eyes widened. “So you mean, it’s like Jiyong’s saying I’m his, that he owns me?”

“Yes” I answered. Unexpectedly, she squealed and jumped up and down.

“Omo, omo, omo! Really? Aigoo!” she exclaimed, blushing to the roots of her hair. “Aigoo, isn’t he the sweetest
boyfriend ever?”

It wasn’t the reaction I expected. I expected her to feel at least annoyed or something. Usually, girls don’t like it
when the guys are being possessive. But no, Dara has to be exceptional. What if I tell her the other implication of the
ring? What if I tell her that wearing one is both good and bad?

Also, I’m surprised with how she can squeal like this when just a while ago, she almost died. Shouldn’t she be. . .
shocked? With that thought, I suddenly remembered the time when she was stabbed outside the store. When she
woke up, she didn’t show any distress related to what happened. Instead, she was stressed out with what Jiyong’s
reaction would be. Could it be that she was put in a greater danger before? Could it be that she just copes up easily?
Or could it be that everything else didn’t matter to her as long as Jiyong’s with her?

She should be crying right now. She should be speechless or pale or in shock. But no, she’s giggling giddily. With
just the mention of Jiyong’s name, she went like this, forgetting what happened just a while ago.

“DARA!”

“Pancake!” Dara exclaimed, running to him? She then threw her arms around him. Great, she calls him pancake.

“You said you’re at the rooftop with Kevin?”

“I was” she said, pulling away a little. “But I fell off the-.”

Dara wasn’t able to finish her sentence because she was pushed aside by Jiyong. The next thing I knew, a punch
landed on my face. It was too strong that I actually staggered to the ground. My reactions were instant. As I pulled
myself up, I was ready to fight him in my shadow mode but when I saw him, I suddenly took a step backward.

“Dara, run away!” I shouted. “He’s not himself. He-!”

An invisible force had me back to the ground, making me groan out loud. Crap! I can’t even transfer myself. I
should get out of here manually then. If I don’t, I’m going to die. Others call it dark times, dark attack while others
termed it dark moon. It’s usually the time when the evil blood in our veins reign in, making us lose control.
“Jiyong. . .” I heard Dara called. I inwardly cursed. No, I can’t leave her with him. He’ll kill her too. I turned my
head and was surprised to see Dara shielding me. She was standing in between me and her boyfriend. This girl is
just plain stupid!

“Do you want to die too?” Jiyong asked her innocently but I heard the underlying bloodlust in his voice. I was bout
to reach for Dara but he suddenly pinned me to the ground again. I groaned when Dara suddenly hugged Jiyong.
What the hell is she doing?

“It’s okay” I heard her say. “It’s okay, I’m here. Calm down”

She’s trying to calm him down? Is she out of her mind? It’s impossible to stop someone going through this. I need to
move but I can’t. I can only watch them.

“Spoof, stay away from him!” I gritted. I saw Jiyong’s eyes gleamed darker. Dara’s going to get herself killed with
this! I wouldn’t be more surprised when she pulled away gently and cupped his face. What the HELL is she doing?

“Calm down” she cooed then gave Jiyong a peck on the lips. “I love you”

I grunted as I forced myself to a sitting position. My body hurts like hell but I need to get up. I looked up again. I
could only stare in a mixture of shock and amazement. Jiyong was back to normal. The shadow part of me refused to
believe that a mere human being could calm a shadow down like that. But the evidence was in front of me already.
How am I going to find a different explanation for it?

“I’m sorry” I heard Jiyong said. “Did I hurt you?”

“No, you didn’t” Dara answered. I could just hear the smile she had on her face. And if things couldn’t get any
worst, Jiyong pulled her in his arms and kissed her hard.

Oh sure, go on. Go ahead and eat each other’s lips out in front of me. I’m TOTALLY fine with it. Since nothing was
holding me to the ground anymore, I was able to stand up, with difficulty, though. Unable to stand what’s going on
in front of me, I growled loudly.

Dara pulled away and glanced at me briefly before looking back at her boyfriend. “You should apologize to TOP”
she said. “He did nothing wrong. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know what would have happened to me”

Jiyong frowned. “You saved her?” he asked, turning to me.

I can’t help but smirk. “Yes” I answered. “Good thing I was here”

His jaw clenched. He tore his eyes away from and turned back to DAra. “Where’s-?”

“DARA? Dara! Are you-?”

JIYONG’S POV

“Jiyong, don’t” Dara said as I was about to take a step forward towards the guy.

“Oh Dara, thank goodness you’re okay!”

“DON’T!” I warned Kevin as he also took a step forward towards Dara. I pulled the girl behind me. We stood in
silence for a full minute. Something inside me suddenly erupted. Unable to stop myself, I launched forward, my
hand automatically gripping Kevin’s neck while I pushed him against the wall at the same time.

“Jiyong!”
I ignored Dara. “Why?” I asked the guy.

“I. . . I don’t know what. . . I can’t breathe”

“Jiyong, let him go!”

“Can’t. . . . breathe. . .”

“KWON JIYONG!” Dara loudly called now.

Unwillingly, I let go of Kevin and took a step back. The guy coughed and bent over his knees. Dara quickly went to
him, asking if he was okay and apologizing at the same time.

“I want to know what happened” I demanded Kevin. “Dara said the crows attacked you. Why?”

“I. . . I don’t know. I-,”

“What were you doing before they attacked you?”

“Jiyong, what are-?” Dara started.

“Shut up!” I hissed without glancing at her.

“I. . . I was taking my lunchbox out and my. . . utensils”

“Do you really think I’ll believe you?” I gritted.

“I-I’m telling the truth!” Kevin said. “I took out my fork when the crows suddenly attacked me”

“Then why did you push her off the-?!?”

“I didn’t push her!” he quickly answered.

“Why you son of a-!”

“KWON JIYONG!” Dara sounded pissed now.

“We were just looking down when a strong wind suddenly blew then the next thin I know, Dara was falling already.
I tried to grab her but I was too late”

I exhaled. “Do you honestly think I’ll believe you?”

“I’m telling the truth!” he said. “Why would I push her? Why would I want her to get hurt? She’s my friend!”

My jaw clenched the same time my insides twisted in pure annoyance. “I’ve had enough of your lies!” I announced
before relaunching myself at him. But before I could do that, Dara went in between us.

“Enough!” she said, wearing a very serious face.

“You believe everything he’s saying?” I asked in disbelief.

“Yes” she said. “I WAS there, I knew what happened. And you’re going over the line! First, you attacked TOP who
by the way, happened to save me then you just attacked Kevin without even hearing his side of the story first. You
can’t just go on attacking my friends like that”
“Are you joking?!” I exhaled. “Do you really think you’ll be blown away just like that?”

Her spine went stiff. “This wouldn’t happen if you were here to accompany me”

I straightened up and stared at her. “This wouldn’t happen if you just obeyed me and didn’t flirt with-!”

SLAP.

I closed my eyes for a moment then opened them again. I placed my hands on my hips the turned away. “Fuck!”

From behind me, I can hear Dara apologizing to Kevin. I ran my hand through my hair and walked away. I don’t
want to hear her apologizing to that guy; I don’t want to hear her comforting him. I’m pissed, hella pissed. I’m
pissed with myself, with TOP, with Kevin and with Dara. I stopped in my tracks as I felt a presence behind me.
“What do you want?” I hissed.

“She was right, you know” TOP said. “This wouldn’t happen if-,”

“Are you lecturing me?” I breathed, facing him.

He shrugged. “Just saying”

“I guess now that you have saved her twice, you feel that you got the right to talk to me just like that”

“Expect me to always come around” he smirked. “You should be grateful. If it weren’t for me, what would have
happened to her? And oh, one more thing, you shouldn’t have given her that ring. But since you already did, just
make sure you’re always there so save her ‘coz if not, I might take the opportunity. The ring. . . it’s quite helpful to
shoo coward shadows away. But what about your enemies? Once they see her wearing that ring, she might be in
trouble”

“I won’t let anything ha-.”

“But you’re not always around you, are you?” he cut off. “But don’t worry about her, I’ll keep her safe and sound
when you’re not around”

My fists balled tightly. Unable to stop the violence raging inside my head, I attacked him. I was surprised he didn’t
fight back. He just let me punched him here and there, he didn’t even moved an inch to defend himself.

“KWON JIYONG! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?”

I stopped and looked up. Dara was staring at me with wide eyes. I was panting heavily so I didn’t bother answering
her. I looked down at TOP. I could just make out the smirk under the damage I’ve done. It was then that I finally
understood why h didn’t fight back; why he taunted me. I angrily pushed myself away from the ground the same
time Dara went to her knees to check TOP.

“What’s wrong with you?” Dara asked, looking up at me.

“What’s wrong with me?” I repeated. “Everything’s wrong with me!”

“Jiyong, will you stop being-!”

“Oh, fuck the hell off!” I snapped and walked away.

“Ya!” she called. “YA! KWON JIYONG!”

-------
 Chapter 18: The Game Continue

AUTHOR’S POV

“I’m so sorry. I-”

“What are you apologizing for?” TOP asked. “You didn’t do this to me”

“Aigoo! But I feel like-”

“It’s okay, spoof” he chuckled.

She stared at him and sighed. “Well, let me at least tend to your. . .”

“Don’t mind it” he said. “I’ll let Minzy take care of this. You should head to your class, you’re late already”

Dara can’t help but chuckle. “With what happened, I don’t think I can concentrate in class. I should head home and
have a chat with Jiyong”

“He’s just pissed” he said.

“Why would he be?”

He shrugged. “Maybe because he wasn’t there to save you. You know how guys are, they think with their prides”

She stared at him again. Despite his rough look and constant teasing of how imbalance her relationship with Jiyong
was, she can’t help but admire his sense of understanding in situations they’re currently in. Who would have thought
that someone like him could actually be. . . gentle? He should be angry or pissed especially after what Jiyong did,
but here he was, defending her boyfriend’s harsh actions to her. “It was still wrong of him to do that”

“So. . . what now?”

“You should go home. You look terrible”

TOP chuckled. “Do you want me to walk you to your place?”

Her face turned dark. “No, I’ll be fine. Speaking of, I better get going. I need to talk to him. I’m really sorry for this
again”

“Don’t mind it. I won’t die from this” he joked. “Go ahead. I’ll just find a nice spot to. . . disappear” he added with a
wink.

The moment Dara turned away, a small satisfied smile curved his lips. He was slowly discovering the weaknesses of
their relationship one by one. But after a while, the smile was replaced by a frown. He would have to agree with
Jiyong. Kevin’s excuses sounded lame, impossible and unbelievable. Instead of going home, he went to the rooftop
and looked around. He saw Dara’s things at one corner.

“That’s odd. . .” he murmured, frowning.

---

DARA’S POV

I’m not really a big fan of confrontations but I know I need to do this. Bracing myself, I slowly opened the door and
stepped inside the apartment. I closed it behind me with a heavy sigh. Aigoo. . . I don’t really want to fight with him.
I just hope we could talk this out in a peaceful way.
I saw Jiyong lounging in the couch with the television opened. I was about to call out his name when I noticed a few
number of empty bottles and cans on the floor. I was actually surprised with how fast he was able to consume a
dozen or more alcoholic beverage both in cans and bottles. Now how am I going to talk with him if he’s like this? I
stood for a moment on my spot, unsure of what to do. Then, I decided to just let him be. It’ll be useless to talk to
him if he’s like this. And besides, he’s at fault. He should approach me first. He should apologize to me first.

I was about to go to the room when my phone started ringing. I took it out and saw TOP’s name on the screen. “Hey,
TOP” I answered.

“I’ve got your things” he said.

“Oh right!” I exclaimed, slapping my forehead. “Thanks”

“No problem” he answered. “I’m actually in front of your apartment”

“Aren’t you supposed to be home?”

“Just thought of dropping by” he nonchalantly said.

I sighed. “Wait” I told him. “I’m on my way”

Without glancing at Jiyong or telling him where I’m going, I headed out again. Upon seeing TOP, I gave him a
weak smile. “You should have tended to your wounds first” I scolded. “How did you get hold of my things,
anyway?”

“I went to the rooftop” he shrugged. “Here”

“Thanks” I murmured as I took my things from his hands.

“So. . . how’s the talk going?” he asked.

I can’t help but grimace. “He’s drowning himself with alcohol so it’ll be impossible to have a serious talk to him
right now”

“Oh” he mumbled.

“You know what? Let me just tend to you” I said, grabbing his hand. I pulled him with me inside. Guilt was eating
my mind out so I didn’t hesitate in pulling him inside the apartment. I went straight to the kitchen and told him to sit
in the stool as I went to get the first aid kit Bom gave us.

“You keep a first aid kit?” TOP asked in surprise.

“Our friend left this here for me. Why do you sound so surprised?”

He shrugged. “I just thought HE handles everything on his own”

I laughed lightly. “I don’t want him to heal any of my wounds”

“Why so?”

“His way of healing is crude. I don’t want him to get hurt just so I could be scarless” I told him as I started applying
ointment on his face.

“I’ve never tried healing anyone the shadow way. But then again, not all shadows can do that. I don’t want to risk it”
“Jiyong’s closest friends can’t do that, too. I think only the royalties and elite can do things like those”

“Royalties and elite, huh?”

I chuckled. “They’re Jiyong’s own terms”

“The formal terms are actually boring and cheesy” he chuckled back.

Out of nowhere, Jiyong sang loudly. “Don’t mind me, I’m only dying!”

“I should have known he’s a fan of ESTK” TOP said.

I raised my brows at him. “You know the song?”

“Yep”

“Are you a rock fan, too?”

“Not really” he said. “I generally like music”

“Huh!” I snorted.

“What got me into this mess that devoured me?” Jiyong sang loudly again.

“I don’t understand why he likes listening to things like that. They’re all noise” I grimaced.

“It’s not all about noise” TOP said. “If you pay attention to the lyrics, you might like them too”

I shook my head. “Anyways, what are the formal terms for the. . . err, ranks of shadows?”

“That’s basically it. Rank 1, Rank 2 and Rank 3”

I snorted. “You’re right. Jiyong’s terms are way better”

“Don’t be too darn proud, will you?”

I wasn’t able to stop myself from laughing out loud. “Did I sound too proud of him?”

He rolled his eyes. “It’s not like he saved the world, did he?”

“Sorry” I shrugged. “I can’t help it”

“You could at least be modest about it”

I laughed again.

There was a clapping sound behind me. I glanced back and saw Jiyong clapping his hands. “Wow” he said. “That
was quite a laugh. Enjoying his company, eh?”

I straightened and faced him. “Jiyong, you’re drunk”

“Oh no, I’m not. Actually, I haven’t had enough yet” he said as he took the bottle of alcohol from the floor.

“I think I should go” TOP murmured.

“Wha-?” Jiyong asked. “You’re leaving already? Ah. . . don’t leave yet. Accompany MY GIRLFRIEND first. She
seemed to enjoy your company more than mine. . . go on, laugh all you want. Don’t mind me. Actually, I think it’d
be better if both of you just pretend I’m not here. Enjoy each other’s company, okay?”

“Jiyong’s you’re being ridiculous” I wearily sighed but he just grunted and walked away. I awkwardly glanced at
TOP and gave him an apologetic smile.

“Don’t mind it” he said. “I’ll go ahead”

“I’m really sorry” I whispered. When I looked up ahead again, I squeaked upon seeing Jiyong glaring at us. His eyes
went back to TOP, his jaw clenching at the process. When he started marching towards TOP with balled fists, I
quickly stepped forward and pushed him away. I guess he was really drunk because he easily staggered backwards.

“TOP, go!” I told him.

“See you tomorrow” he said as he walked past by us. “You’ll be alright here?”

“Of course” I answered.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes” I nodded. “Just go”

I looked down at Jiyong as TOP went out of sight. “What’s going on with you?”

But he just started singing again. “. . . bruised by your love. . . burned by your kiss. . .”

“Jiyong, get up”

“Leave me alone” he grunted. “Just fucking leave me alone!”

I sighed. “Come, I’ll bring you-”

“Don’t touch me!” he hissed. Then, he started singing again. “. . . now here I sing, my deadly lullaby. . . now here I
sing. . .”

“Jiyong, stop it!” I snapped.

With a pop, he suddenly turned into a crow. I jumped backwards when he screeched at me menacingly. The bird
spread its wings widely then flew off.

“Ya! Where are you going?!”

---

I woke up with a jolt. I automatically glanced beside me, only to find an empty space. Jiyong was out for the rest of
the day yesterday. I waited for him ‘til midnight but he didn’t come home so I just slept alone. I pushed myself off
the bed. I still need to prepare for school. I went to the bathroom to take a bath.

After taking a bath and drying myself, I put on a bathrobe and headed out of the room. On my way to the kitchen, I
saw Jiyong lying on his stomach on the sofa with new empty bottles and cans of alcohol around the floor. A lump
rose to my throat but I decided to ignore it. I proceeded to the kitchen and prepare myself some breakfast. It’s really
weird how I feel. . . alone eventhough Jiyong’s just in the living room.

Another lump rose to my throat when I started eating. I’ve never ate breakfast alone before. Not like this. I heaved a
sigh as I forced myself to swallow my food down. Aish! I feel like a brick’s blocking the foods!
I froze upon hearing footsteps. I didn’t dare turn my head but at the corner of my eye, I was watching him. It was
weird because when he past behind me, I swear, I smelled his aftershave cologne. Unable to stop myself, I took a
peek. His back was facing me but I could tell he’s making himself a cup of coffee.

The silence went on. After he made a cup of coffee, he consumed it in three go. Without saying anything, he left. I
bit my lower lip to stop it from trembling.

---

School was the same. Everyone’s pretty mean and weird to me. But I’m grateful none of them dared to physically
hurt me. Well, at least not yet. Even Kevin became distant. I felt sad of course. I attempted to talk to him a lot of
times but he always cowers away. In the end, I decided to just drop it off for the meantime.

And then lunch came. I was actually thinking of skipping lunch but when I saw TOP waiting outside the classroom,
I suddenly found courage and comfort to go to the cafeteria and have lunch.

“Nice to see your face almost back to normal” I grinned at him.

“What can I do?” he sighed. “I’m naturally handsome”

I gave a light laugh. TOP – no matter what happens, he’ll always be the shadow with the weird sense of humor to
me. “Are Min and Dae joining us?”

“They’re at the cafeteria already, saving us seats” he answered.

“Oh good” I nodded.

TOP was being funny as we made our way to the cafeteria. I was silently grateful for this. I needed distraction. What
happened in the kitchen a while ago still brings tears to my eyes. It would be embarrassing if I start wailing out of
nowhere.

I was a good sport all through out lunch. But at the back of my mind, I was thinking of Jiyong. A battle’s going on
inside my head. A part of me wanted to make the first step to reconcile with him, to woo him. But there’s also a part
of me that’s holding me back – my pride. I can’t always woo him especially if he’s at fault but I don’t want this
conflict between us to last long, either.

Ugh! This is so difficult!

TOP walked me back to my classroom after lunch. I didn’t pay attention to what the other students were saying
about me anymore. I’m still bothered of course but I chose to just turn deaf and blind about everything. Somewhere
along the line, I remembered what Jae told me before. He said I shouldn’t think of what other people think about me
or my relationship. I should do that. I sighed. The memory of Jae squeezed my heart tightly. Up until now, I still
can’t bring myself in believing what he did for me. It was far beyond my expectations. I never expected or wanted
anyone to die for me. That’s a heavy burden. I should pay a visit to the cemetery one of these days, to pay respect to
Jae.

Aish! I really don’t like it when Jiyong and I are having problems. I always end up thinking about stuff.

---

TOP walked me to the apartment again right after classes ended. The apartment was empty. I shook my head. I still
haven’t decided on what to do. Should I woo him or should I wait for him? But knowing him, he’ll never do that.
I frowned upon hearing a knock on the door. Eh? Who could that be? I went to get the door and saw a friendly-
looking guy.

“Miss Sandara Park?”

“Yes” I answered. “I’ve got a package for you”

“Oh!” I exclaimed. “Okay”

After everything was settled, I excitedly went to the room and opened the package. My eyes widened upon seeing
the contents of the package: three pieces of the most notorious. . . gah! I don’t even. . . aigoo! Where did Bom buy
these. . . these. . . . oh my God! It’s like being naked already so why bother putting these items on? Did she really
think I could wear things like these? Gah! I was suddenly sidetracked when I saw a note that says happy birthday.

I immediately took my phone out to check the date. I slapped my forehead. Oh crap! Jiyong’s birthday is coming!

Aigoo! I’ve been preoccupied about it for along time but now that it’s nearing, it slipped my mind!

Aigoo! What should I give him? Aish! We’re not even okay yet. AISH! I took my wallet and check my money. I bit
my lower lip as the thought of my savings in the bank crossed my mind.

-------
 Chapter 19: The Battle Within

AUTHOR’S POV

The stars blinked tirelessly down on earth. Jiyong wasn’t really sure what time it was already since he was in his
crow form. He’s been resting on a branch of a tree for quite some time now. He didn’t really want to use his abilities
for he wanted to live as a normal person but he needed a break. Well, he didn’t really have a break. He was stalking
Kevin Woo but so far for weeks now, he can’t see any trace of dirt on him. He was actually resolved in watching
him the whole night but when Kevin started playing pop songs and dancing along with it, he wasn’t able to stand the
sight. The guy was worst than Dara’s washing machine dance. The guy had a sort of routine everday. He'd go to
school, attend his classes, eat lunch at the rooftop alone, go to this place with some people doing some yoga then he
walks home.

He gave a screech with no particular reason. He just felt like doing so. He wasn’t sure whom he was annoyed the
most: Dara – for being a shadow magnet; TOP – for being good looking and the hero twice now. Or himself – for
being the way he was.

Dara. . . his relationship with her is very confusing for him. He didn’t really want her to be too friendly or flirty with
other guys but he can’t also help but notice how she seemed so dedicated to him. He was back to being torn. A
possessive side of him wants her to stay away from anyone who wears pants while a sensible part of him want her to
go out and make new friends. He was never like this before. He wasn’t even like this when he was going out with
Bom. Maybe he just wanted to screen all of Dara’s friends, most especially the guys. Before, he used to think that
she’s quite ordinary looking but well, it was a lie. The truth is, she stands out from a crowd.

Then, there’s TOP. He wasn’t sure if the other guy’s just playing a game or he’s being serious. He hated how the
guy always saves Dara whenever he’s not around. And he definitely hated the fact that TOP’s on the advantage
when it comes to looks though Dara seemed to think he’s way sexier than TOP, he can’t help but feel a bit. . . edgy.
Not just that, his girl seems comfortable with the other guy, too. The guy can make Dara laugh which he obviously
could not do. He can make her smile, chuckle, giggle and all but he can’t make her laugh out loud like that. He’s not
really into the joke stuff anyways. He’s sure TOP doesn’t harbor any DEEP feelings for Dara, well at least not yet.
He saw how the guy looks at his girl and he can’t help but compare it to the way Youngbae and Seungri looks at
Bom and CL. But he wasn’t that stupid not to see the meaningful stares the guy was throwing at Dara. His thoughts
went back to what TOP said about the ring. Truth be told, he never thought about the implications of it simply
because he was directed into thinking that it would make Dara happy.

Now that’s one of the reasons why he’s annoyed with himself. He’s not using his brain lately. His priorities are
jumbled up, too. As far as he can recall, his number one priority was to keep Dara alive so her safety always comes
first. Second goes to her happiness. But lately, the two seemed to exchange places. Maybe he was also to blame for
being at ease, thinking that the danger’s really over because Sulli’s dead already. But here it goes again. . . but why
her? Could it be because she’s involved with him?

He froze. No, he doesn’t want to feel the way he does. He’s becoming weaker and weaker by the minute but not in
the physical sense. Lately, he usually gives in to what SHE wants and needs. He’s being more vulnerable. Being
vulnerable can be a liability just like what happened to Youngbae before that led him and Seungri to fight the other
off that resulted to a scar on Seungri’s face. He screeched impatiently. His life wasn’t as complicated as this before.
Back then, he wasn’t bothered by any of these conflicting thoughts and emotions. If only he could go back to that
time again. With another screech, he spread his wings out and took flight.

As he flew back to the apartment, something hard unexpectedly hit his head. He circled around the area for a
moment but he saw nothing and no one. He didn’t even sense any shadow nearby. Dismissing it as a mere
imagination, he proceeded on going back to the apartment. However, a few minutes later, he started feeling dizzy,
his eyes going blurry until he finally lost consciousness. Surprisingly, he was able to flap his wings one more time
and maintain his altitude. But he was slowly falling.

---
TOP was on his way home. He skipped choir practice again. He was exchanging messages with Dara. He usually
taunts Dara how her boyfriend mistreats her but he decided to change course. So instead of making her realize the
flaws in their relationship, he decided to be a nice friend and a shoulder to cry on since the couple is still on in a cold
war for a while now. Out of nowhere, something dropped in front of him. He almost stepped on it but he was able to
step back. As he stared at it, he realized it was a bird, a crow to be exact. And it wasn’t just any ordinary crow. It
was a shadow in crow form.

---

JIYONG’S POV

Something was throbbing at the side of my head. I groaned and opened my eyes. I frowned as unfamiliar
surroundings greeted me. I pushed myself off the bed, readying myself for any attack but nothing came.

“Finally, you’re up”

My ears pricked at the familiarity of the voice. It was TOP. “Where am I?” I barked at him.

He cocked one brow up. “My place, obviously” he said. “You dropped out of nowhere in front of me. You should be
grateful I didn’t leave you on the street or stepped on you”

My pride didn’t allow me to thank him. “I’m leaving” I grunted, standing up.

“Dara’s on the way” he said.

“You told her?!” I asked in disbelief.

“Of course I did” he said. “She wouldn’t come here if I didn’t, did I?”

“Fuck you!” I hissed.

“Ah. . . still as rude as ever” a lady’s voice joined in.

“Ya! Old lady, what are you doing here? Where’s MinMin? I told her to watch over you. You should be in bed right
now, resting” TOP ranted, turning around.

“Don’t let Minzy hear you calling her MinMin” the old lady snorted. “I cam to see Jiyong, of course”

There was a moment of silence.

“You. . . you know him?” TOP breathed.

“Step aside so he can see me”

When TOP step aside, I was left speechless for a while. Then, memories came flooding back to me. The old lady. . .
she was the fortune-teller, the fortune-teller that almost ruined everything. No, not almost. She ruined some things.
“YOU. . . . . .!” I breathed.

“I knew we’d meet again” she smiled”

“Oh yeah?” I came up the same time TOP demanded, “You know each other?”

“I’m actually wondering why YOU know her, too” I said.

“She’s my. . .” TOP stalled, looking at the woman with a frown in his face. “She’s my caregiver”
“Caregiver?” the woman snorted, hitting, TOP in the head.

“Oww” he groaned.

“Aww, how sweet” I sarcastically said.

“Tabi, Dae and Minzy. . . they’re my adopted children” the fortune teller said.

“How did you know each other?” TOP asked again.

I didn’t dare answer. I feel like being kicked in the gut. It’s like the ghost of the past came back to haunt me. I don’t
know if it’s mere coincidence or if it’s. . . . fated. If it’s fated, then fate is mocking me.

“I’m sorry if I caused you trouble before. It was out of my hand” the lady quietly said.

I snorted. “You’re sorry for causing trouble? Your prediction didn’t just cause a simple trouble, you old hag!”

“Hey, watch your language!” TOP butted in.

“Keep away from this” she sternly scolded. “This doesn’t involve you”

“I-”

“TOP, Dara’s here” a new voice came. What was his name again? Oh right, Daesung.

“Where?” he asked.

“Outside” Daesung answered.

“You should have let her in” TOP scowled at him. They turned to leave. And since I don’t have any plans to stay, I
started following them out. As I was nearing the door, a hand suddenly grabbed my arm, stopping me.

“Something bad is going to happen to her” the old woman said. I froze for a moment. Then, I smirked. “I don’t
really think you’re still capable of making predictions” I told her and pulled my arm out of her grasp.

I saw Dara talking to TOP and Daesung. I silently walked towards them. Without saying anything, I grabbed her
wrists and started dragging her with me. I could tell she was surprised since she squeaked and jumped but I didn’t
pay heed to any of it. A strong grip on my wrist stopped me. I turned to see who it was.

“Are you trying to break her arm?” TOP demanded.

“TOP, it’s o-” Dara started.

“Mind your fucking damn own business” I hissed at TOP as I gripped his hand off me. Without glancing at Dara, I
went on dragging her with me.

“Ow, Jiyong” she complained.

“TOP, no” I heard Daesung whispered from behind.

DARA’S POV

I feel like he’s ripping my arm off my body. I don’t know what’s gotten into him lately. He’s been acting. . . . really,
really rude. I should be at least offended but I realized I can’t really stay pissed or annoyed or angry at him. We
haven’t talked for what felt like centuries and my resolve’s slowly melting. I’m so close to making the first move.
Like right now, instead of being angry, I feel like hugging him. I got really worried when TOP called a while ago
but I’m glad to see Jiyong’s fine. The only thing that’s stopping me from hugging him now is my pride. But believe
me, I’m very close to swallowing it down for him, too. It was torture, well at least for me, to see him everyday at the
apartment and not talk to him. It was so hard to sleep every night when he’s not beside me. He’s been sleeping in the
sofa at the living room. He usually arrives late at night too and leave early in the morning even before I wake up. I
held my tears inside me because of pride but I desperately missed him and I desperately wanted him beside me
again.

As we made our way back to the apartment, I decided to end this. . . misunderstanding. I was about to open my
mouth when he suddenly let go of my wrist. He quickened his pace then, he suddenly disappeared. I paused and
stared at the spot where he disappeared. I exhaled slowly in an attempt to hold the tears back and to lessen the heavy
poundings of my heart. I bit my lower lip to stop it from trembling. Hugging myself tightly, I started walking to the
apartment, alone.

---

I arrived at the apartment a while later. Jiyong was on the sofa with his pillow and blanket again, watching
television. I find this odd because he doesn’t really watch television shows. He prefers books than television. I was
caught in a moment to approach him nut my pride held me back again. With a sigh, I went to the room and went
straight to the bathroom. I took a quick shower then put on an ordinary pajama before going to bed. I stared at the
ceiling. I can’t take this anymore. I pushed myself up again and took the package wrapped in brown paper under the
bed. Hugging the rectangular item to my chest, I walked back to the living room. I went to turn off the television and
was glad that he didn’t reacted violently to it. Actually, he didn’t react AT ALL. I glanced at the digital clock and
waited for twelve midnight to come before rounding on the little glass table and stand in front of him. He wasn’t
looking at me but that didn’t stop me from saying what I wanted to say. “I’m sorry” I told him.

I waited for him to say anything. But he remained silent. “Pancake, I’m really sorry” I murmured. “I don’t want to
fight with you anymore” I added. When he remained silent, I handed him the package I was holding. “Happy
birthday, by the way”

He looked up at me. Surprise was written all over his face but then he scowled and looked away, not touching the
package.

“Open it” I urged him. “I made it myself”

Still, he remained silent.

“Pancake, please” I whispered, half-begging, half-sobbing.

With a growl, he violently ripped the brown paper wrapper. He then paused and stared at ‘my work’. It didn’t really
cost me that much. At first, I thought of withdrawing all of my savings from the back to buy him an expensive gift
but I remembered he’s not into gifts that much, much more birthday celebrations and all plus, he’s inconspicuously
rich, he could buy anything he want but since he’s not really a materialistic person, I decided to give him a
personalized gift in the end.

My gift in my pure own opinion is a cute and colorful cartoon-inspired caricature. Wait, aren’t all caricatures
cartoon-inspired? Oh well, never mind that. At the center was Jiyong’s oddly huge rude face but instead of his
normal body, I attached his face to a little body of a crow with its miniscule wings spread out wide so cutely. And
then, at the bottom was a tiny drawing of me staring up at Jiyong with clasped hands as if in prayer and instead of
eyes, I drew two hearts on my face in replacement of normal eyes.

From my position, I think I saw him smile. I’m not really sure since he had his head down. He stared at my gift for a
long time that I started feeling anxious. “I love you” I blurted out of nervousness.

He set the framed gift on the table, making my heart flutter. He pushed it away from him. I think I’m going to break
down in front of him any moment now. But then, he suddenly grabbed me by the waist and pulled me down with
him on the sofa. I squeaked in surprise but I was soon silence by his soft lips pressed hard against mine. His hand
was already travelling somewhere down that the pace of events confused me.

Aigoo, I think I’m going to have a rough night. . .

Sooner or later, I just found out that we were both naked, all credits to him of course. I swear, I didn’t even lift a
finger! Haist, unbelievable! I gasped when he GRABBED each of my thighs with each of his hands to spread them
apart, his fingers digging into my flesh. He was still holding my thighs apart when he positioned himself in between
me, looking very comfortable if I may add.

“I missed you” I murmured, trying to reach his face. He didn’t say anything. Instead, he answered my words with
his sudden penetration. My back arched back that I was almost lifted off the sofa. Gah, this is what I love about
make up sex! The urgency and desperation to be together is totally beyond words! He lowered his upper torso on me
and claimed my lips once again. I quickly and desperately clung to his shoulders as loud moans of satisfaction
started escaping my lips.

It’s official. I’m definitely having a rough time.

I’m not complaining, though.

---

I woke up with the steady rise and fall of his chest. I kept my eyes closed as memories of last night flashed into my
mind. I smiled. What Jiyong did last night is how a boyfriend should make amends to his girlfriend. No words
needed just pure action. Hehehe.

I sighed contentedly. I was lying on top of Jiyong. The sofa isn’t really as wide as the bed, so it’s more comfortable
for the both of us to be in this position. When his warm hand started rubbing my bare back, I blinked my eyes open
and looked up at his face. I grinned at him. He smirked arrogantly back.

“Good morning” I croaked. “So. . . I guess we’re okay now?”

He smirked again. “I’ve been staring at your gift” he said. “The longer I stare at it, the more I find it pathetic and
ridiculous”

“Ya!” I burst out. Ah, we’re definitely okay.

He laughed. “Why, good morning too”

It was so nice hearing him laugh again that I can’t help but smile at him. “Happy birthday” I told him. “And since
it’s your birthday, you’ll be my master and I’ll be your servant for the day. Wait here, I’ll go make you breakfast in
bed. . . err, breakfast in sofa rather”

I pushed myself off him but his arms went around me quite possessively. Aigoo! What is he up to now, eh? Aish. . .
can’t he see that it won’t do him good if we stay longer in a position like this? I mean, we’re both naked to the core
for Pete’s sake.

“Ya! You have to let me go” I said.

He shook his head. His hand started going up and down my bare back again while keeping me still with his other
arm.

I clicked my tongue. “Seriously, pancake! I still have to make breakfast for you. Aish!”

He lifted his head off the pillow and reached for my lips. I could only sigh in contentment. Gah! He’s doing that
slow and sweet kiss again. It’s the kiss that usually leaves me dazed! Aish! Is this his way of showing that he missed
me too? Aigoo! Is he trying to kill me? His lips are moving oh so slowly and lightly against mine. I think my soul
just left my body and flew straight to heaven.

----
 Chapter 20: The Mood Swings

“Will you stop giggling?” he snapped. Instead of stopping, I only giggled hysterically. “Dara” he
growled in warning.

Aigoo! I can’t stop giggling. It’s just. . . I’m having a very great day. So, I made some breakfast
for my pancake. We ate with me sitting sideways on his lap. All throughout the meal, he kept on
giving me kisses on my cheek, shoulder, hair and lips everytime he swallow his food down.
Then. . . we showered together! Aigoo, aigoo, aigoo!

And now. . . tada! We’re walking to school HOLDING HANDS. My pancake’s being really
sweet lately. Oh-mhai-ghad! Am I seeing the fruit of my persistency? Hihihi.

“DARA! STOP GIGGLING!”

I pouted at him. “Aish! You’re ruining my mood”

“Welcome to the club” he growled.

“You’re being really sweet lately, pancake” I said. “It’s making me giddy. Kya!”

He snorted. “You really are a spoof”

“I love yoooouuuuuu!”

He grimaced. “You talk too much”

“So. . . are we going public now?”

His hold on my hand tightened. I waited for him to answer my question but he remained quiet for
a few minutes. “Would that. . . make you happy?” he then asked without glancing at me.

“Yes” I answered truthfully. I don’t really understand why he wanted to keep our relationship a
secret. I mean, what is there to hide? “But if you don’t want to. . .” I trailed, pulling my hand
back but he didn’t let go. “Jiyong. . .”

“I don’t know what I want anymore” he said in a low voice.

“What do you mean?” I asked in confusion.

He glanced at me then blinked, looking as if he just realized I was with him. Instead of
answering my question, he just stared at me. I frowned but then something snapped inside me
again. He’s wearing his masked face again. It’s been a long time since I saw that face. The last
time I saw that was during the time when I was held against the wall, watching my loved being
tortured by Sulli.

“We should move fast” he said. “We’re going to be late”

We became silent. Jiyong wasn’t really the type to talk much so it wasn’t really surprising. As
for me, I’m still trying to figure out the sudden changes of behavior he’s having. I’m as confused
as ever. I was so immersed with my own thoughts that I didn’t notice we reached my room
already until he pulled his hand from my hold. I blinked then looked up at him. It’s the first time
he walked me to my room.

“See you later” he said then leaned down to give me a peck on the lips. With that, all my worries
went away. Aigoo! I think we’re really going public now! Bwahahaha.

But my happy bubble didn’t last. The moment I turned to enter my room, the livid faces of my
classmate greeted me that I’m actually surprised I’m still alive and unharmed right now. They
looked like they’re on for the kill but obviously, they’re holding themselves back. I wonder why.

I sighed and walked inside. As I took my usual seat besides Kevin, I can’t help but notice how he
seem to distance himself away from me. This hurt me so I decided to make amends with him.

“Kevin” I called in a neutral tone. “I’m sorry about the last time. Jiyong. . . Jiyong can be a bit
overprotective sometimes”

He hesitantly looked up. “You’re not. . . you’re not thinking I pushed you?”

“Of course not!” I told him firmly. “Like you said, we’re friends so I don’t really believe you’ll
do that”

“Your boyfriend seemed to think otherwise. He’s been. . . he’s been following and observing
me” he said. “And it’s scaring me off”

I grimaced. “I’m sorry about that. I’ll talk to him about it”

“N-no!” he stammered, eyes growing wide. “He might. . . get angry and he’ll-”

“Don’t worry about him” I cut him off. “I won’t allow him to terrorize any of my friends. He
isn’t really that bad. He’s just got. . . some temper issues”

I really need to talk to Jiyong. As much as I love him, I can’t allow him to just terrorize my
friends. I’ll talk to him later at the apartment. Or maybe he’ll go to the library at lunch break
again. I might as well check the place later. Oh well, I hope he’ll keep an open mind about
Kevin. I barely have friends here anymore. I just hope he won’t argue with me too because I
don’t really want to fight with him especially today since it’s his birthday. Or maybe I could just
discuss it with him tomorrow? Aish! I might forget about it if I leave it for the next day.

Oh well. . . I’ll just take the chance when it’s presented to me.

---
It turned out I don’t have to look for him because when lunch break came, he was already
waiting outside the classroom for me. I’m not just surprised; I’m hugely surprise with his
presence. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked.

“Picking you up, of course” he lazily answered. He reached out for my hand and laced his
fingers through mine. Then, he pocketed both our hands inside his hoodie pocket.

“This is. . . new” I opened.

“You’re not gaining weight” he shrugged off. “So I’ll be monitoring your meals from now on”

“Ya! Are you planning to fatten me up?”

“Yup” he answered, smacking his lips. “You’re as thin as a paper, you’re making my eyes sore”

“Arrogant bird” I mumbled darkly.

He chuckled then shrugged. “’Can’t change the way I am”

“You do realize that everyone’s looking and talking about us right now, don’t you?”

“Of course I am” he smirked. “I’m not as stupid as you”

“Ya!” I exclaimed but he just went on walking. Aigoo! The rude Jiyong is back! Huhuhu. “But I
thought you didn’t want. . .” I trailed upon remembering what he said a while ago. The look on
his face when he said he didn’t know what he wanted anymore flashed back into my mind. “I
want to discuss something with you, by the way”

“And that is?”

“Kevin Woo” I simply answered.

“I’m not interested in him” he scowled.

“Oh yeah?” I cynically asked. “Then why have you been following him?”

“That’s really absurd” he said. “I haven’t been following him”

He’s lying. “I don’t believe you”

“Do you have proof, hmm?”

I glared at him. “Why are you lying to me?”

“And you assumed that because?”

“AISH!” I burst out. “Just because it’s your birthday, it doesn’t mean everything will go
according to what you like. You can’t terrorize my friends, Jiyong. I barely have friends here
anymore. I don’t want to terminate the-”

“Terminate is a good word” he thoughtfully said.

“Aish, kwon Jiyong!” I whined, stomping my feet. “You’re not listening to me! I’m just-”

“I know what you\re trying to say” he cut off. “You want Kvin as your friend, go ahead. You
want to be friends with TOP, Daesung and Minzy, that’s fine with me”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Oh-kay” I slowly said. “Since when did you become this. . . this
negotiable?”

“I’m not being negotiable” he winked. “I’m simply being wise”

My eyes narrowed. “And your TRUE agenda is?”

He grinned. “You know what they say, keep your friends close and your enemies CLOSER”

“YA!” I exclaimed. “They’re not enemies, they’re my friends!”

“You talk too much” he dismissively said.

“If you dare do anything to them, you’ll have me to answer for” I threatened him.

“Ooooh, I’m scared” he playfully said, feigning a scared look.

“Ya! Why are you being like this? Are you in any way, being possessed by some crazy spirit?” I
demanded. But he just shrugged. “Aish! What are you up to this time?”

“You’re such a suspicious hag”

“A suspicious what?” I spat but he only laughed.

“Whew. It’s pretty crowded here today” he said.

I tore my eyes away from him. true, the cafeteria was pretty crowded. Once they noticed us, for
sure, they’ll start whsiepring to each other again. Oh well, at least they now know that Kwon
Jiyong is very much taken. He’s MINE. My hold on his hand tightened. Yes, Kwon Jiyong is M-
I-N-E.

“We might be having problems in finding a table?” I heard him say.

I didn’t say anything. I scanned the whole place. A smile automatically curved my lips upon
seeing TOP and the siblings on a very spacious table. “TOP’s table’s spacious” I told him and
pointed the table. “You go ahead and order us some foods. I’ll save you a seat”

“You’re coming with me” he growled.

“Jiyong” I faced him. “Remember what you said a while ago? You said I can be friends with
anyone I like”

His face turned dark. “Fine” he hissed then roughly let go of my hand before walking to the
counter.

Eh? What was that? He’s been acting really strange lately. Could it be PMS? Aish! What am I
thinking? If he could read minds, I bet he’ll laugh at me again for thinking so stupidly.

I shook my head and went to the table when TOP and the siblings were. “Hey” I greeted,
beaming at them brightly.

“Wow, you’re still alive” TOP smirked. I only rolled my eyes at him.

“How are you guys doing?”

“Still as handsome as ever” TOP winked.

“I’m not asking you. I’m asking Dae and Minzy” I glared at him.

“Well. . .” Daesung smiled. “I’m not as handsome as TOP but I’m doing good”

I smiled too. “You’ve got your own charms, Dae” I told him. I turned to Minzy but as usual, she
just gave me a bored and uninterested look.

“Are you and the raging boyfriend still together?” TOP asked.

“Of course we are!” I heatedly answered.

“Ah. . .” he sighed, shaking his head. He feigned a disappointed look. “I’m really hurt”

I can’t help but laugh at this. Aigoo! He really got some weird sense of humor. Hahaha. “Why?”
I joked back. “Were you hoping to have Jiyong beside you? I’m sorry to say this TOP, but I’m in
for a fight. I’m not going to give him up to you that easily”

“I have to use my hidden talents then” he said, batting his eyelashes in a flirty-girlish way that I
barked another round of laughter.

“Aigoo! You’re really weird!” I exclaimed.

“Once again, me and my sister have been neglected” Daesung sighed but looking rather
mischievous. “But I must say TOP, that was really disgusting”

“I’d rather go unnoticed” Minzy commented.

“Don’t mind her” TOP said. “She’s having her period”

Minzy suddenly stood up and glared at TOP. “Thank you so much” she hissed then walked out.
Oh dear.

“Girls. . .” he snorted. “They’re totally uncontrollable”

“I beg your pardon?” I exhaled.

“Why would you beg for my pardon?” he smirked. I rolled my eyes.

“I’m sorry” Daesung apologetically said. “TOP’s not in his right mind, obviously. He’s never in
his right mind now that I think of it actually”

I laughed again upon seeing the look on TOP’s face. But my laughter was cut short when a tray
loudly sounded and landed in front me. I glanced sideways and saw Jiyong with a very dark face.
What now?

“Eat” he said as he settled beside me.

“Which among these are mind?” I asked.

“ALL”

ALL?!”

“Yes” he hissed.

“What are you going to eat?”

“I’m not hungry” he said.

“YA!” I protested. “You have to eat something”

He took the sandwich then took a bite roughly. Aigoo. What’s wrong with him? He’s been
having weird mood swings lately. “You have to eat more than that” I sternly scolded but he
ignored me. I sighed then looked down. I can’t finish everything in time. I looked up at TOP and
Daesung. “Mind to help me guys?”

“Sure” TOP.
“No” Jiyong.

“Err, I’m already full” Daesung said.

“But-”

“I’m really okay” he said.

“Dara” Jiyong hissed in my ear.

I glanced at him and pouted. “I can’t finish all of these in time”

“Yes you can”

“No I can’t”

His jaw tightened. “Are you really testing my-?”

“I’ll help you spoof” TOP interrupted.

“What. . . did you just call her?” Jiyong breathed, looking at him.

Aigoo! This doesn’t look good. “Ahm. . . .” I quickly came up, smiling at TOP. “I’ll be fine,
don’t worry. I’m quite hungry, actually”

“Are you sure?” he asked.

I squeezed Jiyong’s thigh gently as I felt him stiffened. With another smile, I answered, “Yes”

“Okay” TOP shrugged. “If you say so”

AUTHOR’S POV

Dara started eating afterwards. She would glance once in a while at Jiyong, who as usual had his
head turned away from her. While chewing her food, Dara took out her phone and typed a
message to TOP, apologizing. She kept her face down so she didn’t see the smile that curved the
guy’s lips. Not long after, her phone beeped once. She opened the message. It said: ‘it wasn’t
your fault’

‘He’s just in a bad mood, I think’ she replied back.

‘jealous of my good looks, u mean?”

She chuckled lightly. ‘ur not really confident, huh?’

“Why bother texting?” Jiyong’s annoyed voice broke the silence. “You can just say it out loud”

Dara quickly glanced at Jiyong, planning to apologize but her boyfriend wasn’t looking at her.
His eyes were on TOP. The latter leaned back slightly with a playful smirk on his lips.

“Jiyong, I sent him a message first” Dara explained.

“I’m not really sure about that” TOP said, steadily looking back at Jiyong. “You seemed to be
easily affected by. . . words. You react violently everytime you hear something you think is
unpleasant to your ears. You don’t really want to lose control in front of all these students, do
you? Or you’re rather depending on Dara’s weird ability to calm you down?”

“Stop it” Daeung quietly said.

“TOP, it’s not really-”

“Maybe my reactions aren’t that irrational” Jiyong countered back. “Instincts make every living
thing react everytime it sensed a threat nearby”

“Oh, so you seem me as a threat?” TOP smirked. “That’s very nice to hear”

“TOP” Daesung warned. “Just drop it off”

“Threat?” Jiyong repeated. “Not entirely. I think you forget every predator becomes alert
everytime a prey is about to be devoured”

“I should watch my back then” TOP lightly replied.

“You should” Jiyong nodded. “But then again, I don’t really attack people behind their backs. . .
unlike you”

“YA!” Dara exclaimed. “What’s going on with the both of you? You’re making me edgy”

“Don’t mind us, spoof” TOP said. “We’re just having a. . . shadow talk”

-----
 Chapter 21: The Birthday Guest

AUTHOR’S POV

“SURPRISE!” Seungri’s loud and enthusiastic voice greeted Dara and Jiyong the moment they
arrived back at the apartment together.

“Hey! What are you guys doing here?” Dara asked, brightening up at once upon seeing Seungri,
Youngbaee and Bom.

“We’re here to celebrate Jiyong’s birthday, of course!” Seungri answered, beaming at her.

“You know I hate celebrations” Jiyong growled.

“You don’t really have a choice” Youngbae smiled.

“How did you guys get in, anyways?” Dara asked.

“We’re shadows, remember?” Seungri said, rolling his eyes. “Anyways, we brought some food
and drinks. Let’s party!”

“Seungri went on with his energetic mood while Bom can’t help but notice the silent tension
between Jiyong and Dara. As they settled in the living room, the boys instantly fell into a
conversation.

“We’re suddenly neglected” Bom chuckled to Dara.

The other girl smiled. “It’s nice of you guys to come here”

Well, we love pissing Jiyong off” Bom chuckled again.

“I’m actually surprised with Seungri. I thought he’s depressed and all. . .”

“He’s a shadow, Dara” Bo quietly said. “Lying and pretending are parts of their nature”

Dara went silent. Her eyes went to Jiyong. He looked annoyed but he seemed happy at the same
time. She sighed. They’re not talking again, although he waited for her outside her classroom, he
didn’t speak a word to her. She just can’t understand him. He said it was fine with him to
befriend whoever she wanted but he kept on having these weird exchanges of words with TOP.
Jiyong didn’t even apologize for what he did to the latter considering that Top actually saved her
twice already.

“Problem?” Bom softly asked.

Dara glanced at her and smiled tightly. “It’s nothing” she said.

Bom raised her brow. “You’re not really a good liar, you know”
Dara just bowed her head.

“Come with me” the taller girl said as she grabbed Dara’s hand and started pulling to the kitchen.
As she was about o let go of the other girl’s hand, her eyes accidentally caught sight of the ring
on her finger. She held Dara’s hand up and looked at it with a frown. Then, her face cleared as
she looked up at Dara’s face with wide eyes. “The ring. . .?”

“Yeah” Dara nodded. “It’s the one I told you about before”

Bom went silent. After a minute or so, she finally freed Dara’s hand. “What’s going on?” she
asked instead as they took seats on the high stool.

“It’s just a small misunderstanding” Dara said. “He’s just being weird lately. And he keeps on
picking fights with my friend, most especially TOP”

“TOP?”

“Yeah” Dara nodded absentmindedly. “He’s a shadow, too”

“Dara. . . you do know Jiyong’s history, do you?” Bom slowly asked. “He might not be innocent
on things but you’re his first girlfriend. My relationship with him doesn’t count. Between the two
of you, you’ve got the upperhand when it comes to relationships”

“But it’s different with him” she pointed out. “I don’t know how to explain it, either. I’m. . . I
don’t know”

“You’re. . . you’re not pregnant, are you?”

“No” she answered, shaking her head. “I’m on pills”

Bom slowly nodded. “Who’s this TOP guy, anyways?”

“He’s got to be the shadow with the weirdest sense of humor” Dara animatedly said. “We
actually-”

“Hey, what are you two doing here?” Seungri suddenly came in.

“Girls’ talk” Bom sternly said. “What are YOU doing here?”

He took a stool out and settled himself there. “I don’t like what they’re talking about” he
grimaced.

“Why? What are they talking about?” Dara curiously asked.

“Nothing of importance” he mumbled.

“They’re talking about CL, aren’t they?”

He growled. “I can’t understand why everyone’s worrying about her. If she doesn’t want to have
any connections to us, fine. But it’s really rude of her to not even call to say that she doesn’t
want to be friends with us anymore; that she found new friends there already. She’s such a
weakling, a coward”

Bom and Dara exchanged knowing looks.

“I think you drank a little way over what you can handle” Bom commented. “You can’t go on
like this forever, Seungri”

“Girls” he snorted. “They think they know everything”

Bom only rolled her eyes.

“You should have told her what you truly felt” Dara said. “In that way, you wouldn’t be like
this”

“I already told her how happy I am that she left”

“Maybe that’s the reason why she hasn’t called yet” Dara pointed out. “Maybe she thought
nobody would miss her. Besides, that’s not what you really feel. If it is, you wouldn’t be sulking
like this”

“I don’t have any special feelings for her” he firmly said.

“What is it with shadows not admitting how they really feel about someone?” Dara suddenly
exploded.

There was a moment of silence. Bom and Seungri had their eyes on her. Seungri looked bored
while Bom just stared at her tiredly.

“Hey, I was wondering where you guys. . . . err, what’s going on?” Youngbae entered, looking
rather awkward while Jiyong was silently lurking behind him.

“Pretty Dara here just exploded” Seungri said. “She got some issues with shadows not admitting
how they really feel for someone. Huh! Like we’re capable of being like that”

“You’re such a tactless idiot, do you know that?” Bom snapped, standing up, “Bae, can you
please drag this rat to the living room?”

“Of course” Youngbae murmured, understanding his wife’s intent of leaving Dara and Jiyong
behind to have a chat.
As soon as the three were out of sight, the kitchen was suddenly filled with a deafening silence.
Dara fidgeted with her fingers. With a sigh, she looked at Jiyong. he had his arms across his
chest, looking rather stern. “I-I. . . I’m. . . .” she stammered.

“If you have issues with me, you could just tell it straight to me” he coldly said. “I’m sorry to
disappoint you but from the beginning I already told I’m not the type of person who’ll always
speak out what I feel. If you-”

“I know that” she mumbled.

“- have a problem with that, that’s not my fault anymore. Why don’t call you TOP? Maybe he
got a solution for you. Or better yet, why don’t you start going out with him? I’m sure you’ll find
him quite the opposite of me”

“Jiyong, it’s not like-”

But he already walked away. Her lower lip started trembling as tears threatened to escape her
eyes. She bit her lower lip and scattered her hair on one side of her face. With her head bowed,
she started heading towards the bedroom. Since it’s inevitable to pass the living room, she tried
to keep her pave steady so it wouldn’t be so obvious that she’s on the verge of crying.

“Too bad, though” she heard Seungri said. “Out of all the times to fight with Dara, you chose to
argue with her today. I mean, the birds’ mating season is nearing and-”

“I don’t give a fucking damn about the mating season” Jiyong hissed.

“Oh well. . .” Seungri went on. “I guess you have girls at your disposal in just a blink of an eye.
We could play with them together if you want. I’m-”

“Seungri!” Bom and Youngbae hissed but Jiyong only laugh. That broke Dara’s resolve. With a
sob, she ran to the room, yanked it open, stepped inside and locked it behind her. She threw
herself to the bed and buried her face in the pillows to muffle her cries.

---

JIYONG’S POV

Bom and the others left hours ago. I don’t really celebrate birthdays, I don’t like it but this wasn’t
the day I expected it to be. Dara’s all locked up inside the room. Well, as of the moment, I like
the silence surrounding me, the feeling of being alone. It’s been a while since I had a quiet time
alone. Dara’s usually noisy, talkative and whiny so it’s really rare to have a quiet and peaceful
time alone like this. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. Dara’s face floated to my mind.

“Oh fuck!” I hissed to myself. “Damn this shit life!”

I stood angrily and marched towards the bedroom, only to find the door locked. Oh hell,
whatever. After hearing a click, I turned the knob and pushed the door open. She was lying on
her stomach on the bed, her face buried deep in the pillows. My feet, as if having a mind on its
own, started moving silently towards the bed. Halfway there, I stopped. Shaking my head, I
turned away and went to my study table instead. I need to distract myself.

I sat down on the chair and turned the desk lamp on. I took out a book from the pile at the corner
and flicked through the pages.

DARA’S POV

I knew he’s in the room with me. I can feel his presence. Okay, that’s a bit farfetched but I heard
him opened and closed the door. We just made up and now we’re not talking again. Aish! Why is
this happening?

I flinched a little at the memory of Seungri talking about the birds’ mating season and getting
girls for it. How dare him talk to Jiyong about looking for girls while I was just a few feet away?
He can go looking for girls to satisfy his needs but he won’t be bringing Jiyong with him. No sir!
I won’t allow it! I WON’T!

But. . . but we’re not okay yet. What if my pancake go looking for someone else? My spine
stiffened. NO! I can’t allow that! I pushed myself off the bed. I have to do something about his. I
marched towards the desk and tried to pull off a stern and serious face.

I cleared my throat. “J-jiyong” I called out, wincing a little at how feeble and squeaky I sounded.
But he just ignored me. “Jiyong. . .”

Still, he ignored me.

“Pancake. . .”

“What do you want?” he suddenly snapped, glaring at me. I held my chin up. I should not be
intimidated. With fierce determination, I pounded my fists on his desk. “This has to stop!” I
declared. “I know we’re different from each other but we can always agree on a compromise.
Now you stop acting weird on me!”

“Acting weird on you?” he demanded. “I’m not acting weird! This is a normal reaction to you
being flirty and too friendly with that TOP guy!”

“How did TOP end up in this conversation? We’re talking about-!” I paused and stared at him.
Then, it hit me. “Oh. My. God!” I exclaimed. “You’re jealous!”

There was a long, deafening silence after my outburst.

“Me?” he then scoffed. “Jealous?! I don’t even know what that word means!”
“You. . . . really are. . . . jealous. . . .” I whispered in disbelief.

“That’s bullshit!” he crisply said. “Me? Jealous of that guy? No fucking way! He’s not even that
good looking. He’s just taller than me and to hell with his height. I don’t need those extra few
inches anyway! I’m-!”

I don’t know what has gotten into me but I just found myself laughing. Maybe because it’s the
first time I heard him talk in that tone. And he didn’t even pause to breathe. AIGOO!

“What are you laughing at?!” he snapped.

I was laughing so hard that I wasn’t able to answer him. His face was getting darker by the
minute but I just laughed and laughed and laughed. But I suddenly stopped when he wiped his
things off his desk, excluding the lamp with his arm. I flinched and froze on my spot, my eyes
widening as he got off his chair and strode towards me. Afraid as I was, I turned to face him. He
looked so murderous that I cowered a little. He stopped in front of me and grabbed my arms
quite roughly. I can tell he’s about to do and say something nasty but he just stood there, silent
and unmoving. I looked at his face and saw that his dark face was lightening up while his hold on
my arms loosened. My jaw dropped in awe upon seeing his face softened.

“Pancake. . .” I murmured.

“Damn you!” he whispered in a tone of silent surrender. He cupped my face and leaned his
forehead against mine. “I’m beginning to think that you’re a witch”

I chuckled and closed my eyes as he now pulled away and kissed my forehead.

“Oooh, can’t find the strength to resist me?” I teased.

“Did you put some perfume on?” he said instead.

I pulled back a little but he didn’t allow me. He just kept my face on his chest. “No” I answered,
frowning a little. “Why?”

“Hmm. . .” he murmured, his nose and lips dipping down at my neck. “I can smell something”

“S-something?” I stammered. “What something?”

“You tell me. . .” he murmured again in that husky voice of his that sets me on edge. He went on
kissing me until he reached my earlobe, nipping a little. “So. . . what is it?”

“Err. . . my natural smell?” I answered, feeling rather breathless.

He didn’t say anything. Instead, he just chuckled and grabbed my waist, lifting me up to sit on
his study table with his lips still on my earlobe. “Hmm, that’s what I thought it was”
“P-pancake. . . you’re flirting!”

“Am I?” he playfully asked, his lips on my cheek now.

“Aigoo!” I breathed.

And then at last, at long last, his lips landed on mine. Slowly, we kissed. I lifted my hands and
curled my fingers on his hair. He pulled away; a naughty and knowing smirk closely related to
arrogance curved his sexy and delicious lips. Ahem.

“Take your clothes off”

I blinked. “What?”

“I said take your clothes off”

I just stared at him and blinked. With an impatient sigh, he stepped back once and started taking
my clothes off. First, with my shirt, then my bra (he smirked at me again after throwing that
piece of garment away), then he proceeded on taking my pants off and my underwear.

“Aren’t you supposed to take your clothes off too?” I asked, gripping the edge of the desk.

“Not yet” he smirked again.

“Why not?” I whined.

He knelt down, spreading my legs apart and started kissing the inner part of my thigh.

“P-pancake! W-what are you doing?” I breathed.

“This. . .is. . . just an. . . . appetizer. . .” he said in between kisses.

“A-appetizer?” I moaned, closing my eyes. Oh, he’s getting to the center!

“Yes. . .” he murmured. “The main course and dessert will come later.

Main course?

Dessert?

--------
 Chapter 22: The Overloaded Day

“Huhuhu. . .”

Stop it!” he gritted.

“You’re a beast, oh yes you are!”

“You shouldn’t have tempted me then”

“I did not tempt you!” I answered defiantly. “If you remember, you flirted with me! You just dipped your
head in my neck and went on asking if I put some perfume on!”

“Well, it’s your fault” he went on. “If you didn’t smell like that. . .”

“Ugh” I groaned. “My legs hurt! My thighs hurt! My whole body hurts! You, you’re a sex beast!”

“Oh, shut up!” he gritted as he went on massaging every part of my body that I whined out hurting.

“Hmm. . . ooh. . . .” I moaned. “. . . . aaah. . .”

“Stop it!” he snapped.

“What?” I innocently asked. “The massages feels great, I can’t help moaning out”

“Fine!” he gritted. “But stop making those sounds”

“Why, are you tempted again?” I chuckled. “Sorry, but I’m still sore”

“You don’t really know how to shut up, do you?”

“Are you being shy pancake?” I teased. “Now, now. No need to be shy. It’s just the two of us”

He growled.

“BWAHAHAHAHA!!!”

“That’s it!” he snapped. “I had enough. You go massage your own body”

“You’re so rude!”

“And you’re not?” he scoffed.

“I’m not! But you are!”

“Whatever|

“Ya!” I called as I felt him stood up. “Where are you going?”

“Away from you”

“YA!”

“You’re hopeless. You should see a shrink”

“How can I do that? I can’t even walk, much more stand up” I reasoned. "Anyways, I want you to promise
that you won't follow Kevin anymore"

"I don't do promises, you know that. And who gave you that idea? TOP?"

I didn't say anything. First, I didn't want to lie. Second, I don't want to put Kevin into a more compromising
situation. Then, I suddenly remembered about the mating season.

"I don't like that look on your face"

"Err, I heard Seungri talking about the mating season. . ."

His brows lifted.

"You can turn me into a crow, right? So-"

"It's called channeling"

"Okay" I impatiently waved off. "I'm not being a pervert or anything. I'm MERELY CURIOUS. So, I was
wondering, how do err, crows or birds mate. Then I have this great idea. As i wondered about the answer,
it came to me. So, err. . . I remembered you can turn me into a crow even for a moment, so I was thinking
that maybe we could. . ."

"NO!"

---

“Good mood, huh?” TOP noticed.

“Yep” I beamed. “Very”

His brows rose up. “So, tell me. . . where’s your boyfriend this time? Did you two argue again?”

“If we did, it’s really none of your business” a familiar voice came from behind me. “And you don’t have to
sound too damn pleased about it”

“Pancake!” I greeted him quite enthusiastically. He sat down beside me, glaring at TOP.

Silence.

“Let’s eat!” Dae clapped, breaking the silence.

“I’m all good” TOP said. “Just seeing Dara makes me feel full”

“Ah. . . ha ha ha. . .” Dae filled the silence again. “TOP, you really are a joker!”

I glanced at Jiyong. “But that’s just it, isn’t it? You could only LOOK”

“Jiyong. . .”

“But I suggest you stop doing that as well. I might. . . pick your eyes out of their sockets”

TOP smirked. “Not so confident, are you?”

“Stop it, will you?” I wearily sighed. “Not all of us can understand your weird sense of humor, TOP”

“He’s not being funny, Dara” Jiyong coldly said. “He’s trying to pick a fight with me and act like he’s on the
loosing end to gain your sympathy”

“Well, there won’t be any fighting from the both of you” I sternly said. “Or you’ll have to answer to me”

“Oooh, scary” TOP scoffed.

“Shut it, TOP” Minzy said.

“Ah. . . baby Minmin, why are you meddling with-?”

“Call me baby Minmin again and I swear I’ll put poison on your food, Tabi”

“Girls” TOP snorted, rolling his eyes.

“And what’s wrong with GIRLS?” Minzy rounded on him.

I watched and listened as TOP and Minzy bickered. It was so rare to hear Minzy talk that I was fascinated
watching her argue with TOP diligently.

“Eat”

I glanced sideways and smiled at my pancake. I reached out for his disgruntled hair and rumpled it. “Let’s
eat together”

He didn’t say anything. He just looked at me with a weird expression I could not quite describe. I lowered
my hand and looked back at his eyes. “I love you” I blurted out. I feel like it’s the right thing to say in
response to his weird expression.

That’s weird. Jeez, I wonder why I felt that way.

“THIS IS A CAFETERIA, NOT A LOVENEST!” TOP’s loud voice interrupted my train of thoughts.

Then it just happened. I was about to tell TOP off when Jiyong suddenly reached across the table and
grabbed TOP’s collar.

“Jiyong!” I warned, glancing around me. “Don’t!”

“If you want to fight with me, just say it” Jiyong gritted. “Are you that coward that you settled in pissing me
off with words?”

To my surprise, TOP smirked. “Ah. . . but words leave a lasting and painful damage. You see, sword may
be sharp but words are sharper. The sword can kill a person, yes. But words can ruin a person’s soul”

“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you” Jiyong said, voice thick with so much darkness that it made my hair at
my arms raise. “But my soul’s already ruined beyond repair. Your words won’t affect what’s left of it”

Jiyong let him go roughly then walked away. I glared at TOP, grabbed two sandwiches and two boxes of
juice. I shoved them in my bag and ran after my pancake. Upon reaching him, I grabbed his hand and
pulled him with me. He didn’t say anything. He just let me drag him at the back of the school. I looked for
a good spot. After finding one, I went there and sat on the ground, pulling my pancake down beside me.

I remained silent as I opened my bag and pulled out the foods I brought. I handed him his share but he
ignored it so placed them down on his lap. I chewed on my sandwich quietly, leaving him in his silence.
When I finished my sandwich and juice, I decided that his time’s up already. I grabbed his arm and
draped it over my shoulder. I wrapped my around him and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek. “I love you”

He looked down at me, wearing an expression that said he wasn’t aware I’m with him until now. This is
the second time already. I grinned at him but he just looked away with a frown on his face.

“You should eat, you know” I told him. “You’re getting thinner by the minute. It’s no good starving yourself”

He heaved a weary sigh and picked his sandwich up. I watched him take a sip from his juice every after
three bites of sandwich. After a while, I leaned my head on his shoulder.

“You shouldn’t have said that” I quietly said.

“Yeah, I shouldn’t have” he silently agreed. “It was damn stupid of me to think that I have a soul in the first
place. And if I do have one, I can tell it isn’t as whole and pure as anyone else’s. I’m sure it’s tainted – a
black soul if you may. It’s only right for a black soul to be ruined”

KWON JIYONG!” I exclaimed. “HOW COULD YOU SAY SUCH A THING?!?”

He glanced down at me. Then, he smirked. “I really enjoy watching your face when you’re angry”

“THIS ISN’T A LAUGHING MATTER!”

“Don’t be ridiculous” he said. “And let’s stop talking about it. It’s just a waste of time. Now come here and
let’s take a nap”

He pulled my head back on his shoulder, patting it gently. I wanted to argue but I didn’t want to have
another fight with him. So instead of arguing, I just said, “I love you, no matter what”

“You can be so naïve sometimes” he chuckled.

“Oh well,” I sighed dramatically. “Maybe that’s the reason why I fell in love with you. It’s because I’m so
NAÏVE”

He laughed. “If that’s the case, then I hope you’ll remain naïve ‘til the end”

---

I told Jiyong to go ahead without me after classes. He looked pretty surprised but he didn’t ask me why.
He didn’t even say anything. He just nodded silently and gave me a lingering kiss before walking away. I
waited for a few minutes before heading to the auditorium, where the school choir usually practices. I
pulled my phone out and sent a message to TOP.

I nibbled on my lower lip and looked around. I wonder what’s taking him long. Aish. . . maybe he’s busy
practicing. Should I just wait or leave it for tomorrow? It’s been a few minutes already.

“Hey, spoof”

I turned around, planning to slap him. But that didn’t happen. For some weird reason, I can’t seem to find
the. . . strength to hate him or be mad at him.

“Err, are you too mesmerized with my good looks?” he scoffed.

I glared at him but then, I sighed afterwards. “You shouldn’t have taunted or provoked Jiyong like that”
“He is a jealous type, isn’t he?”

“No, he’s not!” I angrily said. “And there’s no reason for him to be jealous anyway. So stop making him
think that you have a thing for me”

He crossed his arms, leaned one shoulder against the wall as he looked at me silently. After a while, he
shook his head. “You’re either insensitive, blind, ignorant, naïve or stupid. Tell me, which on are you?”

“What are you talking about?”

He straightened up, grabbed my shoulders and pushed me against the wall. “I think you’re none of the
above” he slowly said. “You know what I think, hmm?”

“I’m not a mind reader!” I gritted. “Now let go of me”

“I think you’re a great actress” he went on. “I think you’re pretending NOT to see it”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Oh really?” he asked, sounding amused. “I know you do”

“No, I don’t!|

“If that’s the case, then let me show it to you”

“Wha-?”

The rest of my words were left unheard as his mouth claimed mine. My body instantly locked down, my
eyes going wide. My mind went blank.

. . . blank

. . . . blank

. . . . . blank

BLANK.

But then, I suddenly came to my senses. I pushed him away, a resounding slap landed on his face. And I
just realized, I’m panting.

“How dare you. . . .!” I breathed heavily.

“Oh well, I think I deserved that” he said, massaging his cheek while wearing a knowing look on his face.
As our eyes met, I suddenly felt afraid. I don’t like what I’m seeing. No, I don’t like it at all. “You do realize
what’s going on, don’t you?”

My voice failed me.

“I like you” he said. “A lot, actually. And I think – no, I’m sure of it – you’re beginning to like me, too. That’s
why you’re pretending that you don’t see how I look at you because it’s scaring you”

“That’s. . . that’s not true” I whispered.

He smiled. “I still have a chance against him, then”

“Ha!” I breathed. “Ha ha. . . very funny!”

He just stared at me knowingly.

“Ugh! I hate you! I declared, pushing him away from me. “I LOVE KWON JIYONG AND HIM ALONE,
YOU GOT THAT?!”

And then, I ran away. Along the way, I bumped into someone. “I’m sorry” I mumbled.

“Dara, are you alright?”

I looked up. It was Kevin. “Y-yes” I nodded. “I’ll go ahead”

---

“Jiyong! We’re running out of supplies. You go and make a list of what we need”

“You’re off to the grocery at this time?”

“No, you’re going to the grocery. I’m going to clean the apartment, anyway”

“Dara, it’s already 6pm” he pointed out.

“So?”

“What’s wrong with you?”

“I’m fine” I told him. “If you don’t go now, we’re going to starve”

“You’re being melodramatic”

I glared at him. “Just go, will you?”

“Fine” he sighed.

“And oh, before I forgot. I’m running out of sanitary pads and pills. Put them on your list, too”

“Sanitary pads? Pills?” he asked in disbelief. “I can’t buy those!”

“Yes you can!” I fiercely said. “If you don’t want to buy them, that’s fine with me. But you do know what will
happen if I stop taking pills, right?”

His face turned dark.

---

I furiously cleaned the tiled floor of the bathroom. “How dare he say I like him?! The nerve of that guy,
really! Bah! Oooh, I hope that overly large and thick head of his will blow up. . . .arrogant. . . think he’s so
handsome. . .!”

The doorbell rang. I froze. Thinking the person’s TOP, I scowled and stood up, taking my rubber gloves
furiously. I marched towards the door and pulled it open, ready to shout. But it wasn’t TOP.

“Hi!” Ahn Sohee brightly greeted with a wide smile on her face. And her luggage didn’t escape my eyes
along with her fluffy pink mini skirt.
Now what?
 Chapter 23: The New Girl

AUTHOR’S POV

“Hi” Dara stiffly greeted back, her spine all straight.

Sohee’s smile widened. “Ah, it’s nice to see you again, Dara” she said, giving her a brief hug. “So, where’s Jiyong?”

“He’s not here”

“Oh” Sohee mumbled.

They fell into a moment of silence. They just stared at each other, none of them daring to move. Dara had the
impulse of shutting the door close on her face, her grip tightening on the handle. She was just a second away from
slamming it when the girl spoke again.

“Err, where did he go?” she asked politely.

“Out” she answered, barely moving her lips.

“Oh” Sohee brightly said. “I’ll wait for him inside then”

But Dara didn’t move or step back. Her eyes went back to Sohee’s luggage. “What’s with the luggage?” she boldly
asked, sounding a bit rude.

“Oh this” she chuckled. “My things”

Dara’s head snapped back up. She then silently inspected her. The girl was obviously garbed in designer clothes.
Her time with Han Eul has taught her a few things about those types of clothes. She also had baby-smooth skin that
seemed to glow. Her hair looked well-taken care of. All of the sudden, Dara felt. . .insecure. Unconsciously, she
fidgeted with her necklace.

“That’s a beautiful pendant” Sohee nodded to the black angel on her chest.

“Jiyong made this for me” she answered. “He also gave me this ring” she added, showing her ring to her, well, she
almost shoved it to Sohee’s face, actually. Sohee’s eyes widened slightly but then, she just smiled again.

“Sohee!” a familiar voice came. “What are you doing here outside?”

“Jiyong!” Sohee exclaimed, throwing herself to him. This made Dara’s eyes wide.

“You’re choking me” Jiyong coughed. “And in case you didn’t notice, I’ve got my hands occupied here. Let go”

“Oh, sorry” Sohee chuckled, stepping back. “It’s been a while since I saw you”

“Well, you chose not to contact me, did you?”

“Well, I was pissed when you. . . well, you know what happened”

“PANCAKE!” Dara cleared her throat.”Did you buy the BIRTH CONTROL PILLS I asked you to?” she asked,
deliberately showing Sohee that GD’s sharing a very intimate relationship with her.
“Yes, I did” he growled. Then he turned back to Sohee. “Come inside”

“Want some help with those grocery bags?” Sohee asked.

“Right” Jiyong snorted. “With that luggage of yours, I doubt if you can offer an extra hand”

“I’ll help you” Dara said eagely, stepping forward.

Jiyong glared at her. “The only time I’ll let you carry heavy things is when you’ve gained weight” he scowled. “You
might just break your arm”

“Ya!” I’m not that thin” she pouted.

“Now, step aside” he said. “Why are you blocking the way, anyways?”

“I’m not” she denied, “blocking the way” she finished and stepped aside. She reached out for the bags, trying to
show him that she can carry heavy things.

“Leave it, Dara”

“I just want to help” she mumbled.

“Just stay out of the way for a while” he said quite harshly. It would have put Dara off but she was determined to
keep an eye or her two eyes on Jiyong. “I bought dinner, by the way”

---

JIYONG’S POV

I watched as Dara placed a glass of juice on the table in front of Sohee. She put it down with much force her tiny
arm could muster that a small amount of juice bounced to Sohee’s face. I stared at her in amusement. I saw her
glared at Sohee, not bothering to apologize as she walked her way towards me. Dara had always been a friendly
person. Right from the beginning, she goes all right with everyone. Seeing her acting rude towards Sohee amused
and surprised me. As I was about to put a piece of food into my mouth, she suddenly grabbed the fork and shoved
the meat inside her mouth. She returned the fork to me and climbed on my lap, settling herself sideways. I caught
Sohee’s look. She had her brows raised at me. I glanced back at Dara’s face. She had her jaw set in a stubborn way
and she was all stiff as she stared darkly at Sohee.

“So. . .” Sohee started.”Is it alright if I stay here for a while?

“Why?” Dara asked. “With your clothes, I can tell you’re rich. Surely, you could get a house or apartment for
yourself? And besides, we only have one room and the three of us won’t fit in the bed”

I stifled a laugh at the expression on Sohee’s face. I was pretty surprised with Dara’s show of rudeness and bluntness
myself.

“That’s okay” Sohee said. “I could sleep on the couch”

Dara pursed her lips. I can’t help but chuckle. Her head whipped at me, looking rather fierce. I planted a soft kiss on
her neck and she relaxed a bit.
“How’s school by the way?” Sohee opened again.

“Good” I simply answered. “I take you’ll be studying here, too?”

“Yeah. Dad wants me to” she answered, sounding a bit disgruntled. “We had a fight about it actually. I was doing
pretty good in my own in Europe but. . . oh well, he told I need to come home”

I didn’t say anything at once. Sohee gave me a pointed look I nodded once. There are other reasons of her sudden
appearance, of course. But we can’t talk about it in front of Dara.

“And he’s been raging on about what I wanted to take up in college” Sohee went on, looking animated. “How about
you two? What are you planning to take up?”

“Well, it’s really none of your business, is it?” Dara piped in. I stared at Dara in disbelief. As far as I can remember,
what she just said was MY sort of lines, not hers.

Sohee’s eyes narrowed. “You’re quite rude and tactless, aren’t you?”

“If necessary, I think I can be” Dara coolly returned.

But Sohee just smirked and turned to me. “What are your plans for college?”

I lifted my brows. “I think you already have an idea. Why bother asking?”

“Who knows?” she shrugged. “You might have changed your mind like the way you changed your mind on. . . .
certain things”

“Still firm as before” I waved off, giving her a warning look.

“You didn’t tell me what you wanted to take up for college!” Dara turned to me, sounding a bit whiny.

“I did”

“No, you didn’t” she insisted.

“He wants to be an architect” Sohee butted in.

“Oh,” Dara mumbled, frowning a little. I smiled. I find it adorable when she’s doing that.

“What do you want to take up in college?” I softly asked.

“Well. . . .” she trailed. “I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pursue that. I don’t have enough money. . .”

“Don’t be stupid” I told her.

“I’m not being stupid!” she defiantly said. “I’m just telling the truth”

I rolled my eyes. Sher eally had a below-the-sea-level intellect. Of course I’ll shoulder the expenses but I’m not
going to say it out loud. . . not yet. Just then, a phone started ringing.

“Excuse me” Sohee said, standing up. Just as she went to the living room, I heard her say, “Dad”
“So, what do you want to take up?” I asked Dara again. “Given you have money”

“Well. . . I haven’t really thought about it” she confessed. “But if you’re taking architecture, then I think engineering
or interior designing would be my options. They’re kind of related to your course”

“Dara” I patient said. “You have to take what you really like, not because it’s related to what I want”

She bowed her head. “T-there’s only one thing I really want” she mumbled.

“What is it?”

She mumbled something inaudible that I had to ask again. Her cheeks turned pink, her lips moving soundlessly.

“Dara” I sighed impatiently.

“I want. . .” she started. “I want to be your wife. That’s the only thing I want to be. . .”

She looked up at me. I don’t know what exactly she saw in my face because she bowed again, looking as if she’s
about to cry.

“But I know it’s impossible” she amended, smiling a little.

“You know that I-”

“I know” she cut off.

Footsteps suddenly became audible. “Ugh!” Sohee groaned. “Dad’s such a nagger!”
“I haven’t seen your father at school” I said as we resumed eating dinner. Dara turned unusually quiet.

“He’s busy with. . . stuff” Sohee shrugged but not before she gave me another pointed look. “How are the classes,
by the way?”

“Just the basics, to tell you the truth” I shrugged back. “But the. . . other library’s pretty useful”

Sohee nodded. “My friends would freak out when they see me tomorrow”

“Friends?” I scoffed. “The whole school would probably freak out. Their princess has finally returned”

Sohee narrowed her eyes. “You should thank me, you know. I pretty much ordered them to. . . calm themselves
down when. . . well. . . anyways, I haven’t heard anything from Seungri and the others”

“Bom’s pregnant” I started.

“AAAAAHHHH!!!” Sohee shrieked. “Really?!”

“Jesus, woman! Keep your voice down, will you?”

“Sorry, I got so excited!” she squealed, clapping her hands. “What else?”
“I think she’ll be having the baby soon” I went on. “Youngbae’s already working in a factory. And Seungri. . . well,
he just became more pathetic, I guess. You should go comfort him. That’s your expertise, right?”

“Why? What’s wrong with him?”

“You ask him” I grunted.

---

Sohee was laughing endlessly on a rather corny gag show. She really resembles Dara in some aspects. Speaking of,
Dara’s sitting in between me and Sohee. Her head was resting on my shoulder and she’s been yawning nonstop. She
cuddled closer to me. I glanced down at her and saw her eyes were drooping close.

“Time for the little giant baby to sleep” I said. I shifted to her side a little and gathered her in my arms. Sohee shook
her head and smirked.

I went to the room and placed Dara on the bed, tucking her in. I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Pancake” she
mumbled. “ I smiled and gave her a quick peck on the lips.

I slowly and quietly went to the door and stepped out, closing the door behind me. I went to join Sohee on the sofa.
We were both silent for a long time. “I guess I owe you one” I finally broke the silence. “When the other students
saw us together, I kind of expected they’ll do something to her”

“Well, she was okay the first time I met her. We could have been friends if she’s not so jealous and you weren’t so
darn handsome” she said. “I’m still wondering how she tamed you. First pancake and now, little giant baby?
Seriously? Are you really the Jiyong I knew?”

“Huh” I snorted. “So that’s the reason why you wanted to stay here. You’re curious about her”

“That’s just not the reason and you know it, Jiyong” she snapped. “They ALL think the wedding’s still on, that YOU
just chose to delay it. They ALL think Dara’s just one of your flings. If they thought otherwise, Dara would
probably be rotting six feet under the ground already. You’re pretty lucky they regard you differently because of
your status. And if that marriage won’t pursue, then screw you”

I laughed lightly. “For someone so small, you could be quite loud”

“I’ve been quiet long enough” she said.

“Have you been into the Nest?”

“Yep” she said, sounding a bit grim. “Something weird’s going on. I’m not sure if any of those THINGS would
make then rush us into marriage or not”

“What about the political aspect?”

“Not good, either” she said. “Your stepdad’s in a compromising situation and don’t ask me why, I don’t know the
full details yet. But I heard he’s in danger of being kicked from the High Table. I saw your mother, too. She isn’t
looking her best”

“Maybe she’s stressed with the situation” I frowned. “What a bull of crap. Why would they kick him out?”
“I told you, I don’t know yet” she said. “Maybe because he failed in luring you in taking your RIGHTFUL place, as
what they call it”

“They only want me to join them because they think I’m so powerful, being what they said as the direct descendant.
I don’t even feel one”

“But YOU are the direct descendant and you’ll be the strongest shadow of this generation once you learn to let the
darkness reign in”

“”Reign the darkness in” I snorted. “And what? Kill everyone I see? Forget the meaning of friendship and things?”

She turned quiet. A toothpaste commercial’s currently being shown. After the ad, Sohee spoke again. “You have her
THE RING”

I grimaced and chose to keep my mouth shut.

“She’s making you vulnerable” she went on. “And it won’t do you good. It won’t do any of us good. It won’t even
do her good. You can’t allow her to get too deep, Jiyong”

--------------------
 Chapter 24: The Tiny Creature

DARA’S POV

I jolted awake. I glanced beside me only to find an empty space. An irrational fear came down on me. I jumped out f
bed and went to the bathroom. He wasn’t there too. I went out of the room. The living room’s empty too. Then I
heard hushed voices coming from the kitchen slash dining area. I ran there then stopped dead upon seeing them.
They were sitting in front of each other. And my pancake was eating sausages. I frowned at this. As far as I know,
he prefers eating pancakes in the morning.

“You’re a mess” Jiyong commented.

“You’re up already” I accusingly said. “You don’t usually get up this early. And you’re eating sausages! I thought
you like to have pancakes every morning?”

Sohee coughed but I think it was her way of hiding her laughter. I looked at her, well, glared to be exact.

“Get a grip of yourself, Dara” Jiyong said.

“Why don’t you sit down and eat some breakfast?” Sohee smiled.

“I don’t want to eat anything you cooked” I fiercely declared. Jeez, did I just say that? Since when did I become so
rude? Aish! And eventhough I wanted to settle myself down on Jiyong’s lap, I can’t sice I haven’t washed my favce
yet. I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet, for Pete’s sake!

“I didn’t put poison in them, you know” Sohee lightly said. “Jiyong can attest to that”

I was about to say something back when Jiyong told me to take a bath first. Unwillingly, I marched off and went
straight to the bathroom, stomping childishly. I was so annoyed, pissed and jealous that I almost ripped my clothes
off. I stepped into the stall and turned the shower knob on. When I was fully wet, I started to scrub myself angrily.
But then, a hand enclosed mine that made me jump and squeak.

“Are you trying to scrub your skin off?” Jiyong’s lazy drawl entered my ears.

I turned around and saw him smirking at me, fully clothed. “Pancake. . . .”

He didn’t say anything. He just went on bathing me. I started tugging on his shirt but he shook my hands off.
“Behave” he sternly said.

So after my personalized bath, he put a bathrobe on me and spanked my bottom, telling me to brush my teeth. I
brushed my teeth with him standing behind me. I was still pissed that my hand made jerky movements. I finished
brushing with haste. And when I straightened up and looked at the mirror in front of me, I found Jiyong silently
laughing. “What are you laughing at?” I snapped.

He stepped forward and wrapped his arms around my waist. Unable to help myself, I leaned my back on his chest.
“You’re so tiny” he chuckled, nuzzling my neck. “And I find it adorable”

“Really?” I breathed.

He resated his chin on my shoulder and looked head on at the mirror. His reflection smiled boyishly, making me
smile back. As I looked at our faces close together, I suddenly realized something.. “We look good together!” I
exclaimed, eyes widening with excitement, disbelief and amusement.
“We do?”

“Yes!” I answered eagerly. “And. . . and we kind of look alike” I added with a frown.

He chuckled. “Is that so bad that you have to frown?” he asked, sounding totally amused. “And I’ve already told we
looked the same when you took a picture of us on the mountains”

“Well, it’s just that, we don’t literally look the same but. . . I don’t know” I explained helplessly. As I stared at our
reflection, it dawned on me that our eyes have the same look in them. Contentment? No, it’s not that. Probably a
little. But there’s something else. . . aish! I could not describe it.

“Don’t think too much” he said. “I can hear your brain complaining of being overworked”

“Ya!”

He chuckled and unwrapped his arms off me. Then, he turned me around to face him. His head suddenly swooped
down, his lips claiming mine. It was one of his soothing kisses: sweet, slow, gentle and tender. But it left me
breathless all the same.

He smiled down at me. “It’s time for the tiny creature to eat”

“I don’t want to eat anything SHE cooked” I fiercely declared.

“Don’t be stupid” he waved off. “And she did not cook those, I did” he finished, grabbing my hand to pull me with
him.

“Oh” I murmured. “If that’s the case. . . .”

“She’s not going to put poison in your food if that’s what is bothering you”

“I don’t like her” I said, pouting. “I don’t want her here, either. Can’t you make her go away?”

He looked at me with surprise written all over his face. How can he be so dense sometimes? I don’t know why he’s
so surprised with what I said or how I feel about that. . . that girl. “What do you have against her?”

“I’m. . . I’m just not used to having another person around” I lied lamely. He just raised his brows at me. “She was
engaged to you before!” I suddenly blurted out, unable to stop myself.

“So?”

“Ugh!” I groaned. “It’s. . . it’s. . . you can’t have your ex-fiance and your current girlfriend in one room, much more
under the same roof! It would be. . . chaotic!”

“Sohee isn’t the type who engages herself in a nonsense fight. She’s too well-mannered for that”

“And I’m not?” I demanded, pulling my hand from his grasp.

He frowned. “You’re being childishly stubborn again” he scolded. “Act your age, will you?”

Angry and frustrated tears started welling up in my eyes. My breathing started to hitch as I stared at him in utter
disbelief. He cursed and ran his hand through his hair, looking anywhere but me then finally, he looked at me. “I
hate it when you start getting teary-eyed” he harshly said. Quite roughly than necessary, he pulled me in his arms
and gave my tiny body a squeeze before showering kisses on my head. “Sohee. . .” he said. “She’s a nice person,
Dara. Like I told you, she’s pretty much like Bom”

The respect and admiration in his voice didn’t escape my ears. I wrapped my arms around him tightly, holding on to
him like my life depended on it. It was a possessive and stubborn gesture, I know. But I can’t help the nagging
jealousy that’s been eating my insides. “I love you” I whispered.

“Heard that one before” he chuckled and gently pulled away. He stooped down a little and scooped me up in his
arms.

“I still don’t like her” I told him. “She’s too cute for her own good”

He chuckled again.”Oh, so you find her cute, huh?”

“Don’t you?” I returned, my eyes narrowed into slits.

He turned thoughtful for a while as we finally reached the kitchen. He settled on one stool with me across his lap.
Then, he lifted his eyes on mine. “I do find her cute” he said. “And occasionally pretty”

I felt like an elephant stepped on me. He finds her cute! He finds her cute but he also finds her occasionally pretty!
He never even complimented me that much but he said. . . wait, what did he say? “Occasionally pretty?”I repeated.
“What did that mean?”

His face turned dark. “It’s not my secret to tell”

“You mean. . .she had some. . . . err, things fixed surgically?”

“No” he impatiently said.

“Then what did-?”

“Eat” he cut off. “I don’t know why you’re stressing yourself with this. It’s totally unimportant and a waste of time
kind of topic. And it’s really none of your business”

I glared at him but decided to keep my mouth shut. I sighed and turned my attention to the bounty in front of me.
The silence that followed was too overwhelming that it irked my ears. I was just thinking of something to say when I
heard him sigh wearily. He wrapped his arms around me and pressed his cheek on my arm. I looked at him. He
smiled. The smile was so devastatingly beautiful that it made me breathless just by staring at him. Also, I know it’s
his own way of saying sorry for being harsh and rude.

“It’s so unfair!” I whined. “Why am I so helplessly in love with you?”

“Must be my good looks” he grinned.

“Why you conceited, arrogant, self-absorbed, thick headed. . . .” I trailed, searching for more words but my mind
failed me. He laughed at the look on my face. Then I realized something. “You enjoy that, don’t you? Even if my
show of love for you annoys you, you enjoy watching me look so gaga over you!”

He turned thoughtful again. “I actually find EVERYTHING about you annoying” he said. I was about to retort back
when he stopped me by saying, “But I love EVERY annoying part of you, too. It’s confusing, actually”
“Pancake. . .” I mumbled in awe.

He looked at me, his expression suddenly getting sour. “Will you take that shining look off your eyes? It’s creeping
me out!”

“Y-you said. . . you said you love every annoying part of me. It’s as good as saying the magical three words!”

“You’re so pathetic” he grimaced.

JIYONG’S POV

Her eyes started to water and before she could even utter another word that would creep me out, I kissed her. I
kissed her so thoroughly that it didn’t really surprise me when I felt her hands slid from my shoulders to my hair.
Her response was instant. She always responds to me instantly anyways, like she’s always eager to kiss me. The
countless times we’ve kissed and well, did things more than that, I originally thought that she’ll get tired of it
eventually, that the need and the cravings to touch each other and kiss each other intensified.

I nibbled on her lower lip in a way that I knew makes her moan. And as if proving it, she did moan. I smirked
against her moving lips. I grabbed her waist and lifted her up gently so she could shift her leg and straddle my lap.
And that’s when she became more aggressive. Her hands were now travelling all over my body. I tore my lips from
her and chuckled as she moaned a protest. I ignored her protest and dipped my head in her shoulder, moving the
robe aside.

“Pancake. . .” she gasped.

I loosened the knot in her robe and slipped my hand inside, caressing her smooth and flat stomach. I felt in
contracted under my touch. I lowered my hand, resting it on her thigh, gently stroking the inner part. I pulled my
head away from her shoulder and titled my head up to reach for her lips. And she was ready for me. Her mouth
opened in acceptance, her tongue meeting mine halfway.

“I can’t believe I forgot the – oh!”

I pulled back, fixing Dara’s robe quickly and glanced sideways and glanced sideways at Sohee, whose eyes went as
wide as saucers. “Sohee” I nodded casually, grimacing a little at how my voice sounded so husky.

“Were you just about to have sex in front of the foods?” she asked in a scandalized tone.

Dara mumbled something. I pulled her closer to me as she buried her face in my shoulder. “I believe you forgot
something?” I said.

“Oh right” Sohee breathed, shaking her head. She walked up to the end of the table and took the box that I didn’t
notice sitting there before. She then glared at me. “You do remember what I said last night, right?”

“Of course” I quietly said. Sohee nodded stiffly and walked away. I rubbed Dara’s back. “She’s gone”

She straightened up, looking pissed and embarrassed at the same time. Her cheeks were flushed and she’s wearing a
cute little pout. “I really don’t like her to stay here”

I glanced at my wristwatch. “There’s still a plenty of time”

She suddenly looked at me, her eyes brightening up as a knowing grin curved her lips.

---

I exhaled as I put my shirt and hoodie back on. As I pulled my pants up, I felt Dara’s arms wrapped around me from
behind. She rested her cheek on my back as I finished buttoning and zipping my pants up. “Are your school stuffs
ready?” I asked, unwrapping her arms off me.

“Yes” she answered.

I nodded in approval and took my baf. I slung it over my shoulder and took one of her hands. “Let’s go”

“Pancake?”

“Hmm?”

“Err, you’re holding my hand again”

“I know” I snorted.

“But I thought you don’t. . . .” she trailed.

“You think too much” I dismissively said.

“I so love you” she said in a tone that made me laugh.

---

DARA’S POV

It was ‘til this morning break that I started noticing how everyone seemed to ignore me. Unlike the glaring looks
occasionally thrown at me, they’re totally avoiding to look at me now. And I think I like that better than receiving
glares.

“Sandara”

I blinked and looked up. Kevin was giving me an apologetic look. “Oh, Kevin”

He hesitated for a moment. “How are you?”

“I’m-”

“Hey spoof!”

I stiffened. I turned my head around and saw the kiss-stealer TOP standing so arrogantly and confidently in our
classroom’s door. I glared at him for a long time before turning my attention back to Kevin. I gave him a forced
smile. “Anyways, as what I was about to say, I’m fine. How about you? I haven’t- kyaa!”

“Excuse us” I heard TOP said.

“Put me down, you. . . .you. . . evil, loathsome, arrogant. . . . person!” I ordered, pounding on his back.
“I want to talk to you” he said.

“I don’t have anything to say. PUT ME DOWN NOW!”

But he didn’t pay attention to me. He was now climbing down the stairs and I had the urge to scream at the top of
my lungs but I didn’t. when I thought he didn’t have any plans to put me down, he did. I faced him and glared at
him.

“What are you so angry about?” he asked.

“Oh, you really have the nerve to ask?!”

“If that’s about the kiss, I’m not going to say sorry. And mind you, you kissed me back”

I gasped. “I did not!”

“Yes, you did!”

“No, I didn’t!” I half-screamed.

“Why are you so angry? It was just a kiss” he shrugged.

“I’m not angry just because of that. . . . of that kiss!”

He stared at me. Then slowly, he smiled. “So, it’s really about the kiss. And since Jiyong haven’t attacked me yet, I
take it you didn’t tell him?”

I didn’t say anything.

“You’re worried for me so you didn’t tell him” he said, grinning.

I felt my temper flared up. “Why you-!” I started but stopped upon seeing two very familiar people talking seriously
from across the field. Jiyong was frowning as he listened to what Sohee was saying. I just felt my blood pressure
fired to its limit. I started marching towards them. TOP grabbed my arm and turned me back to face him. “Let me
go!” I hissed.

“I will” he said. “If you say you’re not angry anymore”

“I don’t like you okay!”

“Don’t you?” he slowly asked. “Don’t you really like me?”

My mouth opened but then it closed again. “I’ve got a boyfriend already”

“You can always break up with him” he suggested so casually that my palm itched to slap his face.

“I don’t have any plans to break up with him” I gritted. “NONE AT ALL!”

“Choi Seunghyun!” Sohee’s familiar voice came from behind me. “Since when did you start harassing girls?”
I quickly turned around and saw Sohee and Jiyong making their way towards us.

“I’m not harassing anyone” TOP impatiently said. “And I’ll appreciate it if you stop calling me by that name”

“What are you doing here, then?”Sohee went on.

“I’m simply telling Dara that she shouldn’t be so angry with the kiss we shared”

My whole body went rigid as Jiyong’s dark eyes flashed my way.

------
 Chapter 25: The Little Reminder

AUTHOR’S POV

One look at Dara’s flushed face told Jiyong everything he wanted and needed to know. He drew in a deep
breath as his muscles flexed and his insides started boiling. He could feel something bad brewing up
inside him. Taking his eyes from Dara, he looked at TOP. The guy was smirking at him. And that was
more than enough to fuel him up. As he took a step forward, Sohee suddenly chimed laughter, making
him stop. All eyes then turned to her.

“You’re so funny, TOP!” Sohee giggled.

“I’m not joking” TOP said.

“I know you’re not” Jiyong butted in. “And I’m glad you aren’t”

Sohee immediately stepped in between them, trying to push them away from each other. “This isn’t really
the right place” she sternly told them.

“Jiyong. . .” Dara mumbled, reaching out for his arm.

“Don’t touch me!” he hissed.

Sohee, who witnessed how Jiyong’s temper eats the best out of him, saw the early signs of a possible
explosion. “Jiyong, you should leave NOW”

“No” Jiyong gritted, facing her. “Not until I get my hands on that-!”

“JIYONG! This isn’t really the right place! You, of all people should know that!” Sohee cut him off.

Jiyong’s jaw clenched and unclenched. For a moment, it seemed like he didn’t have any plans in leaving
but with a curse, he finally turned around and started walking away. Dara then started running after him.

“You don’t know what you’re doing, Seunghyun” Sohee rounded up on him, she gave him a warning look
as he looked about to follow Dara. “It’s not wise to play with Jiyong’s temper”

TOP chuckled. “He’s such a jealous freak, isn’t he?”

“Why are you doing this?” Sohee sighed warily.

“Look” TOP heavily said. “We’ve been friends for a while now, Sohee. But I didn’t meddle with you affairs
so don’t do so with mine”

“Dara is Jiyong’s girlfriend”

“So?” he snorted. “They’re going to break up, anyways. I heard that THEY still want the marriage to
pursue. Meaning, you’re still engaged to him. And I also know for a fact that YOU LIKE HIM”

Silence. Sohee examined his face closely. “Is that the reason why you’re trying to steal her away from
him?”

“I had no idea who she was the first time I saw her” TOP explained. “I didn’t even know she’s the same
girl you were telling me about. When I followed her home and found out she’s living with him, I thought
she’s just another fling of his. And the thing is, I LIKE HER”
Sohee turned silent for a moment as a frown marred her forehead. She sighed afterwards. “Oh well, I
guess she’ll need a shoulder to cry on pretty soon. You might as well put yourself in a good use”

---

“Jiyong!” she called. “I didn’t kiss him! I swear, I didn’t-!”

The guy suddenly stopped and was in front of her before she could even blink her eyes. “But you let him
kiss you!” he gritted.

“I didn’t!” she denied. “I went to talk to him and tell him to leave you alone but then he-”

“Wow!” he harshly breathed. “And now you’re telling me I should be grateful?”

“That’s not what I meant!” she screamed. “Listen to me!”

“I’m not in the mood to listen to you” he darkly said. “In fact, I don’t even want to see your face right now
so leave me alone”

With a rustle, he turned into a crow and flew away.

Dara stood on her spot as she watched him disappear from view. She wanted to cry but she held her
tears back. With balled fists, she retraced her steps. She could just hear the heavy pounding of blood in
her ears. Her steps quickened until she finally broke into a run. But she suddenly stopped upon seeing
TOP leaning casually and almost lazily against a wall, alone. Mindlessly, she flung herself at him and
started hitting every part she could reach with her balled fists. It irked her when he didn’t even do anything
to stop her. He just stood there like a stone.

“I hate you! I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!” she repeated over and over again, pounding her balled fists
on his chest. And even before she could stop herself, she started crying. “Why are you doing this to me?
Why?!”

“Is it so wrong for me to say what I really feel? What I feel for you?” he questioned her back. “And if he
really trusted you or your feelings for him, he wouldn’t be this jealous”

“YOU DON’T KNOW HIM”

“No, I don’t” he agreed. “But I’ve seen enough to say that he’s not the best guy for you. And he always
makes you cry”

“I love him and he loves me!” she cried. “It isn’t his fault that I’m crying right now but yours!”

“If he really loves you, he won’t do or say things that would make you cry” he calmly said. “You don’t have
any idea how beautiful your eyes are, Dara. They shouldn’t be crying right now. They should be laughing
from happiness of being in love and being loved back”

“You don’t know what you’re saying!”

“I do” he said and wiped her tears away. “Stop crying. It’s not right to see your pretty eyes crying”

---

He stayed in the forest for the remainder of the day. Luckily, he was able to get a grip of himself before he
totally loses control. And being in his crow form helped too because the last time he went to a forest in his
human form, he almost wiped the tress off the whole place. He tucked his head under his left wing. It was
weird but the gesture always calms him down. He never had this much temper problems before. But he
always blows up when it comes to Dara. If he goes on like this, he wasn’t sure what then would happen. It
wasn’t healthy anymore. Everyday, he only grows into this jealous and possessive type of person. And
Dara being adorable that she was isn’t much of a help, either. When he gave her that necklace, he was
rather hoping that it’ll somehow tone down her aura and senses about things. He had discussed Dara’s
title of being called a shadow magnet to Bom before and the latter said it must have something to do with
her aura or whatever that is. The black crystal holds some sort of containment powers but obviously, it
wasn’t that effective on Dara’s case.

Dara had never stopped saying how much she loves him. But for how long would it last? He was the type
of person who didn’t believe in forever or eternity especially in terms of love. She could be in love with him
today or tomorrow but how about the next day or next week? Or next month? Or even next year? Would
she still feel the same? Then there’s the issue of their past. If he was on Dara’s place, he admits he would
never easily forgive someone after all those things that happened. He might not even forgive that person
AT ALL. So it’s a bit hard for him to believe that Dara forgave him already.

---

He shifted. He pulled his head out from his wing and realized it was getting dark. He spread his wings out
and flew away. He started circling around until he finally settled himself in a branch of a tree just in front of
the apartment. Rustling his feathers, he spread his wings again and took off. Upon reaching his
destination, he slowly slid into his shadow form and hovered against the wall of the living room. Sohee
was sitting on the sofa, watching a show. He was tempted to know where Dara was but he stopped
himself. Then, the bedroom door suddenly burst open with Dara rushing forward. Her eyes were puffy and
the tip of her nose was red. He instantly knew she’d been crying. Her puffy eyes then searched the area,
looking as if she’s expecting to see him. He forgot how Dara sense a few things sometimes. She roamed
her eyes around again. Then with a sob, she turned around and went back to the room, banging the door
close. As she did, he saw Sohee rolled her eyes. She then reached out for the remote control and turned
the volume louder.

“Planning to stay there all night?” she quietly asked but he heard her amidst the noise coming from the
television.

He sighed and slowly gathered himself solidly. “I want to know where TOP is” he commanded.

“He’s my friend, Jiyong” she answered quietly. “And I’d appreciate it if you won’t take his life this early and
quite brutally”

His jaw clenched as his fists balled tightly. Then, he slowly exhaled. “I’m not going to kill him” he said, “at
least not yet. I just wanted to remind him of some. . . certain things”

Sohee then leveled her gaze to his.

---

He didn’t care if he was trespassing. No, trespassing was nonexistent in his list of concerns right now. But
he didn’t have to barge inside the house violently. TOP and the siblings were hanging outside in a
wooden bench under a large tree. He immediately let his presence be known. As soon as they saw him,
they all straightened up and looked at him with wariness and alertness. Only, TOP looked a bit smug and
arrogant compared to the other two.

“Get inside, you two” he told Daesing and Minzy”

“I’m not really sure if we should-” Daesung said but TOP shut him up by waving an impatient hand.

“Let’s go Dae” Minzy said, grabbing her brother’s arm to pull him with her. “Let him face the
consequences of his stupidity”
“I’ll deal with you later, baby MinMin”

“I’ll look forward to it, Tabi”

As soon as the siblings were out of sight, TOP was suddenly pushed against a tree with a hand encircled
tightly around his neck. Looking at the attacker’s eyes, he saw nothing but unfathomable darkness.
“Planning to kill me with your bare hands?” he asked softly, tone slightly laced with mockery and sarcasm.

“Not yet” Jiyong gritted each word with great emphasis.

“Why not?”

Jiyong owed him for saving Dara’s life twice – that was his reason. But he won’t say it out loud. Instead, a
slow menacing smirk curved his lips. “Put this fact inside that thick skull of yours, you bastard: Dara is
MINE. Pull another reckless stunt on her and I’ll snap your head off your body and feed it to the vultures”

“She’s yours?” TOP managed to scoff. “What if she doesn’t want to be yours anymore?”

Jiyong’s hand tightened even more around his neck.

“Not so confident, are you?” TOP went on.

“Maybe” Jiyong darkly returned. “But I’m confident enough to kill you the next time you cross the line”

“I’m not that ignorant” TOP hissed. “I know about your engagement to Sohhe. Are you telling me that you
will defy THEIR demands? Are you simply arrogant or stupid? We both know how far THEY could go just
to implement their plans. THEY COULD GO AS FAS AS TO KILLING HER IF THEY WANT TO. Do you
really-?”

“I can protect her from them”

“For how long?”

“As long as it takes”

TOP went silent for a while. “You can’t protect her against ALL OF THEM. A direct descendant can’t have
EVERYTHING. You might as well give her up NOW”

“And give you the chance to get her?” Jiyong sarcastically remarked. “No fucking way”

---

Dara nibbled on her lower lip as her eyes darted back to the clock for the nth time. She had just dried her
tears away a few minutes ago but she found herself on the verge of crying again. She stood up and
started pacing the room when the bedroom door suddenly opened. She was frozen on her spot upon
seeing Jiyong entered the room and closed the door behind him. She heard a click as he locked it. Then,
he leaned against it. She silently inspected him, checking if he was harmed. But upon seeing that he was
physically fine, she breathed a relief. Then, she swallowed and cleared her throat. “Jiyong, please believe
me. I didn’t-” she started but she stopped abruptly as Jiyong leaned away from the door and hurriedly
walked towards her direction. She could see and feel the contained anger in each step he took. But as
she looked into his eyes, she didn’t feel fear. She didn’t even feel of being in immediate danger. Truth be
told, she’d rather accept everything he’ll do to her rather than being treated coldly. Yes, she would have
preferred ii if he’ll hurt her physically or verbally than being ignored like he usually does everytime they
have an argument.
As his hand gripped her arm, she mentally prepared herself of what he’s about to say or do. She flinched
as his nails buried deeper into her skin when he pulled her in his arms and brutally invaded her mouth
with his.

Her eyes widened in surprise. She prepared herself for a verbal blow or physical assault but not this type
of punishment. As his right hand gripped tighter on her arm, his other hand went to grab a fistful of her
hair to pull her head back so he could kiss her deeper, her scalp throbbing in pain from the act.
Helplessly, she placed her hands on his shoulders to support herself up. What he’s doing was both
painful and pleasurable to her. She wanted to pull back but she knew that she had to bear everything. Not
knowing why or how but she knew it was Jiyong’s way of erasing Top’s kiss off her lips.

She closed her eyes tightly an accepted her punishment silently and willingly. But when he bit her lower
lip quite harshly, she wasn’t able to stop herself from making a sound out of pain.

Tears started to form at the corners of her eyes when she tasted something salty at the tip of her tongue –
her own blood. Her lower lip was bleeding and Jiyong didn’t notice it until she started sobbing.

He pushed her away roughly while he took a step back. His eyes looked at her coldly but it wavered upon
gazing at her bleeding lip. But then, he turned away from her, unable to bear the sight of her bleeding lip
and tear-stained cheeks. He closed his eyes for a moment as his jaw clenched. With a curse, he marched
stormily towards the door and went out, banging the door loudly behind him.

Dara stared at the closed door. Her mouth started to tremble. She fought against her tears butt hey
flowed uncontrollably down her cheeks. Consumed by mixed emotions, she weakly slid to the floor and
started crying again.

---

DARA’S POV

I didn’t want to open my eyes. My eyelids felt so heavy that I just wanted to keep them close. That’s aside
from the fact that Jiyong isn’t beside me and that he didn’t sleep beside me, either.

The memory of sleeping alone in the bed brought a lump to my throat. But I don’t want to cry anymore, I
might dehydrate myself if I do that. So unwillingly and obligingly, I opened my eyes and lifelessly went to
the bathroom. I didn’t have much strength in me to do my usual routines but I lazily went through with
them. I put on a robe after showering and brushing my teeth then headed towards the door. I was on my
way to the kitchen when I heard Jiyong’s familiar voice. So instead of barging on, I lingered on my spot.

“Fuck it, Sohee!” Jiyong hissed. “I thought you got it all planned already?!”

“I had it all plan out” Sohee hissed back. “But I had to do some changes and further. . .” Sohee’s voice
turned into a whisper at the last words so I wasn’t able to hear the rest of the sentence. “And now that
Dara entered the picture, it only made things a bit complicated than before”

“And I suppose you don’t want ME to tell her about IT?” he acidly asked.

“You know you can’t. She’ll only feel bad and hurt even if everything’s. . . .” Sohee returned, her voice
turning into a whisper at the last moment again.

“I doubt that”

My heart was hammering so hard against my chest that I started fearing they’ll hear it.

“Will you stop acting like you’re the abused party here?” Sohee snapped. “She’s a girl just like I am. I
understand her emotions better than you do. You’ll only hurt her if you tell her we’re-”
“Maybe she deserves it”

I gasped inaudibly.

“Jiyong. . .” Sohee wearily sighed. “You can’t blame TOP if he’s attracted to her, she’s a beautiful girl”

A deafening silence followed.

“You gave me your word, Jiyong” Sohee sternly reminded him.

“I know!” he gritted. “And don’t make me regret that I did”

Incoherent thoughts floated around my mind. But even before I could assess my thoughts and feelings,
the sound of the doorbell took my attention away. Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, I quickly went
to get the door.

“Seungri!” I gasped in surprise. “What are you doing here?”

He frowned a little; looking as if I’m the last person he expected and wanted to see. “Is Sohee around?”

“Well, she’s-”

“Seungri!” a bright, cheerful voice came from behind me. Seungri’s eyes flew past by me and landed on
someone behind me. Instantly, Seungri’s frown faded.

---
 Chapter 26: The Helpful Diversion

Seungri’s scar stretched as he smiled. It was weird seeing how he seemed so. . . not himself a while ago. There were
dark shadows under his eyes, his face seemed thinner and there was a haunted look in his eyes but they all faded as
he smiled at Sohee.

With a chuckle, he stepped in and walked past by me. I closed the door and faced them. I was greeted by the sight of
Sohee and Seungri hugging each other, laughing lightly. I felt betrayed, somehow. Not just for myself but also for
CL. My eyes darted to Jiyong but he wasn’t looking at me. He was staring at Sohee and Seungri with a look of slight
disgust on his face.

“You should have told me earlier that you’re back” Seungri said as he pulled away from her.

“Sorry” I got preoccupied with some things” she grinned.

“Jiyong isn’t giving you a hard time, is he?”

Sohee rolled her eyes. “Do you really have to ask?”

“What are you doing here anyways, rat?” Jiyong asked.

“I called him” Sohee said.

“I’m moving in” Seungri added. “I’ll be studying here, too”

“That’s great! We’re schoolmates now!” I joined in but it’s as if I didn’t exist anymore.

“And where are your things?” Jiyong asked.

“Outside” he answered.

“And you didn’t bother bringing them in because. . .?”

“You’re such a prick, Jiyong” Sohee said, rolling her eyes. “Seungri obviously got excited in seeing me”

“Brat” Seungri snorted.

Sohee just laughed. “Have you eaten already?”

“Not yet” he answered. “I’ll go get my things first”

“I’ll get them!” I piped in. and even before they could say anything, I was already outside. I expected Seungri would
come and help me but he didn’t so I dragged his luggage inside all by myself. When I was in, I found out they
already went to the kitchen and started eating breakfast without waiting for me. Nobody even thought of inviting me
to join them!

I stood on the entryway, staring at them as they chatted and laughed among themselves. I tried to search for the
persistent and stubborn side of me but it didn’t come. I felt too exhausted that I just walked away. I went to change
clothes and walked to school alone and with an empty stomach.

---

Everyone at school loves Sohee. Well, almost everyone. I, for one don’t feel anything close to that. And much to my
delight, neither does Kevin. But he doesn’t hate her either way.
From being the most glared at, I’m now the most ignored. It’s as if I don’t exist AT ALL. Well, at least that’s what
my classmates and other schoolmates made me feel. They were all fussing about Sohee, talking about her on and on,
even what clothes she wore or wearing or about to wear. I don’t really care about all those things but it irks me
everytime I hear her name. To make things worst, every short breaks, I always see her lounging everywhere –
talking to Seungri and Jiyong.

I’ve watched them froma far. I admit I’m terribly jealous. Seungri’s always been. . . kind, friendly, flirty and playful
with me but now, it’s as if Sohee’s the only girl that existed in the world. As for Jiyong, well, words won’t be
enough to describe how hurt I am seeing him ignore me as if I didn’t exist. And his talk with Sohee this morning
only made me feel worse. Of course I could always try and talk to him but I didn’t find it in me to do so. Maybe I
just wanted to let his anger pass by, maybe I’m just too hurt and jealous to talk to him or maybe I’m just scared and
tired of always wooing him.

I started feeling what I’ve always disliked feeling: that of being alone. And it only dawned on me when lunch break
came. I know I won’t have the stomach to eat with Sohee or Jiyong or Seungri. And I can’t possibly join TOP and
the siblings in their table, too. That only left me with one choice.

“Kevin?” I hesitantly came to him. “Do you mind if I. . . share the rooftop with you again?”

He smiled. “It’s not really my property, you know”

I managed a chuckle. “I’ll just go buy some foods from the-”

“Err. . .” he smiled sheepishly. “You can share with my food, I’ve got enough for two”

“Brilliant!”

“They’re just egg rolls, though” he said, blushing a little.

“With rice, I hope?”

“Of course” he answered.

“Definitely brilliant!” I grinned. Maybe this isn’t a bad day after all.

However, when we stepped out of the room, a group of tall, good-looking and intimidating guys greeted us. I
recognized some of them as Jiyong’s classmates. Kevin and I were rooted to our spots since they were crowding
around us.

“Excuse me” I mumbled, trying to break away from their circle. But nobody stepped aside or even moved to let us
pass.

“She really is pretty up close” one of them said. “And surprisingly small, too”

My ears pricked. “Are you talking about me?”

“Of course” the guy smirked. “Unless you’re a HE and your friend’s a. . . SHE”

They all laughed.

“You look very much like a SHE to me” I mocked. They all stopped laughing. They guy’s eyes narrowed as he
stepped forward.

“Siwon, don’t” one of them warned.

Siwon looked like he didn’t hear the warning but then, his posture relaxed. Then, he smirked. “Oh, so you’re one
brave tiny little thing, aren’t you? Why? Is it because of your boyfriend? Do you expect him to always come to your
rescue? You better start counting the days, tiny girl. He won’t be staying beside you that much longer”

“Boys, you’re not causing anyone trouble, are you?” Sohee’s voice suddenly came. They boys all turned their heads
to the newcomer.

“Of course not” the one from my left answered.

“Good” she nodded. “You know very well how much I don’t like seeing any type of trouble in my school”

“You’re not very territorial, are you?” Seungri chuckled. He was standing beside Sohee and I mentally slapped
myself for failing to notice his presence until this moment.

“Not really” Sohee smiled sweetly to no one in particular. “I just want everything to be smooth”

I had the urge to ask Seungri where Jiyong was but I stopped myself. For one, he didn’t even greet me. And well, he
had his eyes fixed on Sohee.

“You’re not being a bossy brat again, are you Sohee?” TOP’s deep voice then joined in. He was walking in a casual
and lazy way that I really find appealing towards us. I shook my head at this. He gave me one swift look before
facing Sohee. He chuckled and messed her hair when she childishly pouted.

Unable to take the way TOP looked so adoringly at Sohee, I grabbed Kevin’s hand and started pulling him with me.
I purposefully bumped into some of the boys and didn’t bother apologizing. I walked past by Sohee, Seungri and
TOP without a word.

---

Kevin and I shared a friendly lunch. He didn’t ask questions. I liked that about him. We basically discussed about
our subjects, nothing personal. I really don’t want to talk about anything related to my personal life right now.

“Ah. . .” I breathed. “It’s so peaceful here”

“Yes it is” he chuckled. “I’m actually surprised that you still went up here with me after what happened the last time
we were here”

“I think we pretty much established that it was nobody’s fault?”

“Your boyfriend didn’t seem to think so” he mumbled quietly.

“He doesn’t trust people that easily” I dismissively said, refraining myself from saying that he doesn’t trust me that
much, either. It seemed to me that Jiyong only trust a few people: his mother, Bom, Youngbae, Seungri, CL and
much to my dismay, Sohee.

I closed my eyes and let the stolen silence envelope me. It seemed like everyone abandoned me already. I wonder if
this is how Bom felt when I entered their lives: abandoned and alone. I tried to imagine the scene that would greet
me later in the apartment. I don’t need to have a creative mind to conjure an image inside my head. They’ll probably
just ignore me, act as if I didn’t exist. I actually felt rebellious about it. Impulsively, I tried to think of doing reckless
things to get Jiyong’s attention back, even if it’s a hostile or angry attention.

I opened my eyes. “Kevin, do you still do the yoga thingy?”

“Of course, why?”

“I was just thinking of joining” I told him. I think it would be better to choose safe diversions than reckless
ones. “What do I need to do or submit to join? And how much does it cost?”

“Oh, it’s for free!” he excitedly said. “You don’t have to submit anything, either. All you have to do is go to there
side and tell them you want to join the club”

“Cool!” I returned with enough enthusiasm. “Can I go later with you?”

“Sure!” he smiled. “They’d be delighted to have a new member”

And he started telling me about the group.

---

I don’t have that much knowledge about yoga or meditation stuffs but I could tell Kevin’s group isn’t a traditional
group. For one, they call themselves as the Group of Stress-Free Individuals or GOSFI. I thought it was pretty cool,
actually. They usually hold their activities in a vast field not too deep in the southwest woods but far enough from
the hazards brought about by vehicles. They also got tons of colorful outdoor mats to sit on.

I was introduced in a grand way that I momentarily acquired a stage fright. But when everyone seemed so happy to
have me in the group, I relaxed. They’re so friendly, warm, accommodating and welcoming that I regretted not
joining the group earlier.

The leader, a very friendly woman named Bang Min Ah, started the afternoon with a prayer. After that, she led the
group into singing a slow, relaxing song that I aim to memorize as soon as I can. As I listened to them, I mentally
noted to myself to ask Kevin to teach me the song. We then proceeded to relaxation exercises and the sort of empty-
your-mind or shake-the-bad-vibes-off kind of thing. I struggled at first. Emptying the mind isn’t as easy as I thought
it’d be. But Min Ah’s soothing voice helped me step by step. Slowly, I started to feel oddly. . . at peace and relaxed
that I can’t help but smile.

And just as I was relishing at the peacefulness inside me, the session has finally ended. But before we parted ways,
the group sang again. But this time, it was a happy and festive song that I found myself clapping and smiling
genuinely, already eager to come back tomorrow. And as the song ended, I was asked to lead the closing prayer, to
which I willingly accepted.

---

I was humming to the tune of the happy song when I arrived at the apartment. I went straight to the bedroom. I
dropped my things at once corner and started taking my clothes off. I stepped into the bathroom and went into the
shower stall at once.

The moment the water touched my skin, I closed my eyes and smiled. Somehow, I felt light, like a burden has been
taken away from my shoulders. I really should have joined GOSFI earlier. It’s the right group for someone like me
who has an unpredictable boyfriend. GOSFI’s just the right intervention and distraction from my chaotic mind and
probably messy life.

As soon as I finished taking a shower, I put on a fresh pair of pajamas and went to the kitchen with bare feet. Sohee,
Seungri and Jiyong were eating dinner already. I saw a spare plate besides Jiyong’s. “Good evening” I greeted them
and went straight to the fridge. I took two apples and a box of milk out. Then, I went to wash the apples by the sink.
I caught sight of something at one corner. I stared at the box for a moment before putting the box of mil down and
fishing my phone out.

After a few rings, Kevin answered. “Hey”

“Hey, Kevin” I greeted back. “I was thinking of baking some cookies tomorrow for GOSFI. It’s not forbidden, is
it?”
“Of course not!”

“Cool! And just so you know, I bake the best cookies in the world” I boasted, making him laugh. “Do you think
three containers would be enough?”

He didn’t answer at once. “Make it five” he then said, laughing.

“Oh, alright” I smiled. “But would it be okay if you pick me up tomorrow here at my place? I can’t carry everything
on my own”

“Sure, just tell me the address of your place”

“I’ll send you the details later” I said.

“All right”

“That would be all” I said. “See you tomorrow”

“See ya!”

After hanging up, I grabbed the box of mil and took a bite into one of the apples. I went to the living room, dropping
myself on the sofa. I reached for the remote control and turned on the television.

I straightened up when a body stood in front of me. I don’t have to look up to see who it was. I perfectly knew who
the person was. I think I explored his body too many times that I’ve memorized every part of him already.

“You’re not going anywhere with that Kevin guy” he said through grinding teeth. I could just tell how much effort
he was putting on to stop himself from hauling me up and shouting at me.

I was still feeling rebellious but I’m also giddy that he’s now finally talking to me again. But of course, I’m still
hurt. I stood up and lifted my eyes to his. “Oh, so now you’ve noticed me” I said with all the sarcasm I could pull
off. “Why don’t you just go on pretending that I don’t exist and I’ll act as if you don’t exist, either? Maybe that’ll
make us more agreeable to each other”

That was my pride talking, of course. I didn’t really mean any of it. Duh?! I possibly can’t act like he doesn’t exist!
He’s too noticeable for his own good. And how am I even going to act like he doesn’t exist when my heart always
reacts violently and enthusiastically everytime he’s around?

His eyes narrowed for a moment but then, he took a step back. “Suit yourself”

“Oh yes, I will” I declared and marched off.

“Fuck!” I heard him hiss as I closed the bedroom door behind me. Not knowing why, but a smile curved my lips.

---

It’s been three days since I joined GOSFI. Jiyong’s pretty proud and stubborn because he kept to his act on ignoring
me. And I was glad GOSFI’S there to divert my attention. I’ve been too dependent on Jiyong already. It’s about time
to branch out. Me and Kevin have been hanging out for the past days. I’ve been avoiding TOP, either while Jiyong,
Sohee and Seungri could always be seen talking to each other.

I tried to shake all the jealous energy off me. There were moments that I just wanted to pull Sohee’s hair off until
she’s already bald. There were times that I just wanted to walk up to the three of them and throw a tantrum.
But I was able to get hold of myself. It’s surprising, actually. The more days I spend with GOSFI, the more I
realized that Jiyong isn’t the center of the universe; that there’s still much greater room to expand and explore.

----------
 Chapter 27: The Real Intention

AUTHOR’S POV

“What’s with the face, Tabi?” Sohee snorted. “Did the worm escape your beak?”

“Oh, shut up!”

Sohee laughed. “So she’s really being elusive, huh? It’s not really surprising. She’s in a relationship and she’s in
love with him”

“Jiyong doesn’t even treat her right. He doesn’t deserve her”

“And you do?”

TOP just rolled his eyes in response. Dara’s been avoiding him. He could easily catch her of course, but he didn’t
want to force her into talking to him. The last time he attempted to force her into talking to him. The last time he
attempted to use force, it only made her angrier. He smiled at the thought. Dara was a tiny little thing and it was so
amusing to see her eyes flashing angrily his way but it also bothers him. The last thing he wanted was to get Dara
angry with him so he decided to tone it down a little, just letting her anger pass by. He knew he said enough things
to make the couple go into a cold war. He actually expected Dara would come into terms with him so she won’t be
alone but the girl chose the company of that Kevin guy.

“Where’s your pet, by the way? The one with the scar on his face?”

Sohee rolled her eyes. “He’s not my pet and his name is Seungri. He’s a friend and he’s currently in his class right
now. And you know very well shadows aren’t made to be pets”

“He seemed like a pet to me” TOP chuckled. “Always following you around and stuff. I remember, he used to be
very fond of Dara but he’s ignoring her now”

“Jealous?” Sohee asked, raising one brow.

“Yeah, right” he snorted again. “In your dreams little girl”

“A girl can always dream” she shrugged nonchalantly. “And he’s not ignoring Dara, he just got some issues”

“Oh right. Just keep on dreaming that Jiyong would fall for you. Maybe it’ll come true one day then he’ll leave Dara
alone. Of course, I’ll enter the scene to get her”

“Why are you being such an optimistic sarcastic?” she snapped. “And it isn’t really wise to get into Jiyong’s nerves.
You don’t know how he’s like when he’s angry”

“I told you, I like Dara” he said. When Sohee only stared at him, he sighed impatiently. “Fine! At first, I didn’t
really like her THAT MUCH. And when I found out she’s Jiyong’s girl, I saw her as a challenge but the times I
spent with her made me really like her. Besides, it’s not everyday you see the direct descendant being jealous and
pissed like that”

“And why would you go as far as to challenging a direct descendant?”

“I don’t know. To excite things, I guess. It’s pretty boring here. It would be cool to have some-”

“Some what? Some fun?” she exclaimed. “You really are out of your mind”

“And if you were wise enough, you should have told me before the name of that girl that made the direct descendant
all fucked up”
“And would good would that do?”

“I could have used all my charms to steal her away from your fiancé”

She rolled her eyes. “I won’t stoop that low. I’d rather win him fair and square. And I won’t really rely that much on
you. Based on what I’m seeing lately, Dara isn’t really eager to see you so I guess YOUR SO-CALLED CHARMS
isn’t really that effective. Why, I’ve been seeing her with that guy that I’m not so-”

“He’s Kevin Woo” Top butted in, annoyed. “He’s a transfer student too, I think. He usually keeps to himself so I
don’t know anything about him”

“There’s something odd about that guy” she thoughtfully said.

“I think he’s gay” he knowingly said.

“And what made you assume that he is?”

“For one, he hasn’t made a move on Dara yet” he said. “And he’s pretty neat and organized for a guy”

Sohee lifted her brows up. “Jiyong’s pretty neat and organized with his things but I can assure you he’s not gay. Just
because guys are organized unlike you, that doesn’t make them gays. And I thought you don’t know anything about
him?”

TOP then launched into recounting the rooftop incident, how he saved Dara, how Jiyong reacted to it and all the
details. “I didn’t head straight home. I went to the rooftop and saw Dara’s things neatly placed in one corner and-”

“Dara’s things?” Sohee echoed. “What about Kevin’s things?”

“He’s carrying them when he. . . what’s with that look? It’s really creepy, you know?”

“Did you inform Jiyong about this?” she urgently asked.

“In case you didn’t notice, Jiyong and I aren’t really on speaking terms”

“I can’t believe you haven’t figured it out!” she hissed, taking her phone out. She started calling Jiyong but he
wasn’t answering so she called Seungri instead. “I need to talk to Jiyong NOW! It’s urgent! Bring him to me! I’ll
explain later”

“What’s wrong?” TOP asked.

“HOW COULD YOU BE SO STUPID?!” Sohee demanded.

“What did I do?” he asked offhandedly.

“If Kevin was really concerned about Dara and the fall, did you really think he’ll find time to grab his things and
place Dara’s things NEATLY in one corner? His initial reaction should have been shouting for her name when she
fell or running straight down the stairs. And based on what you told me, you and Jiyong still managed to have a little
chitchat before Kevin burst into the scene”

It took a few seconds for Sohee’s words to sink into his mind. And when he finally understood what she was trying
to say, he stiffened. “Are you. . . are you telling me that Kevin intended to kill her?”

But even before she could answer, Jiyong and Seungri came into view. “What’s so urgent that you have to get
Seungri in forcing me to see you?” Jiyong lazily asked, looking bored.
“It’s Dara” Sohee said. “Do you know where she is?”

Jiyong grimaced. “She’s with Kevin, I think. Why?”

“I think she’s in trouble”

In just a blink, Jiyong’s expression changed. The lazy bored look disappeared. Alertness took its place and
somewhere, there was a tinge of panic too.

TOP didn’t linger to hear Sohee explain to Seungro and Jiyong her theory. He quickly and silently walked away,
intending to check on Dara. He pulled out his phone and called her. It was a long shot since there’s a possibility that
she’s not going to answer his call but he still tried. And to his surprise, Dara answered.

“I’m not really in the mood to talk to you” she said. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m quite-”

“This is urgent! Are you with Kevin? Where are you?”

“So what if I’m with Kevin? And I’m not telling you where I am” she stubbornly said.

“Dara, stay away from him! He intended to-!”

“Why should I do that?!” she snapped. “He’s been nothing but a good friend to me, unlike you! Goodbye!”

TOP cursed loudly when she ended the call. He dialed her number again but her phone’s already off. “Out of all the
days to be stubborn, you chose this particular day!” he gritted. He started marching towards a secluded area. With a
pop, he turned into a crow, suspended in midair. He spread his wings out, missing the feel of wind under his wings.
And then, he flew off.

---

JIYONG’S POV

I felt like I’m on the brink of my sanity and that I’m barely holding on. I can feel something inside me boiling and
waiting to get out. The weird thing was, I wasn’t exerting effort to hold it back in.

Kill. Destroy. Kill. Destroy. Kill. Destroy.

My mind seemed to chant the words over and over again. My mind’s so consumed by it that I couldn’t think straight
anymore. I could feel my insides trembling from I-don’t-know-what.

“Jiyong!” Sohee hissed. “Get a grip on yourself! You can’t lose control right now”

I didn’t say anything.

“Ji!”

“Her phone’s dead. “Seungri said. Dara wasn’t at school anymore and so we went to check the apartment but she
isn’t here, too. Seungri’s been trying to call her since Sohee said I’m almost close to gripping my phone too tight
that it might broke into two.

“Contact Bom and Youngbae” Sohee calmly ordered. “Tell them what happened”

“I’m going to kill” I whispered.

“KWON JIYONG!” Sohee shouted. “If you’ll only think of nothing else, we might not know where she is. Try to
recall the times when Dara talked about Kevin to you. Where does he usually spend his time? Where does he-?”
I instantly turned into a crow and gave a loud screech before taking off through the opened window. Just as I flew
outside, I heard Sohee swore at my rudeness and sudden departure. I feel stupid and irresponsible. I followed Kevin
for weeks but when I didn’t notice anything peculiar, I stopped following him. I should have known something was
fishy when Dara asked me to stop following Kevin. And if I wasn’t so darn proud and jealous, I wouldn’t end up
ignoring Dara for these past days and she wouldn’t be seeking for anyone else’s company!

I went first to the place where Kevin usually goes everyday after class. There was a group of people in the field –
singing. I casted my eyes around but Dara and Kevin were nowhere to be seen. I whirled around and flew to Kevin’s
place.

The place was neat and organized. Everything was in order and in their proper places. But Kevin was absent. I
looked around as I slowly went back to my human form. And then, I started searching. I don’t know why and what
I’m searching for but I turned the whole place over, not really seeing anything since my mind’s just too chaotic. I’ve
broken a few appliances from my irritation.

I leaned one hand against the wall as my other hand balled into a tight fist. “Fuck it, fuck it, fuck it!” I screamed,
punching the wall nonstop.

Then, my phone started ringing. I wasn’t really in the mood to talk to anyone so I ignored it. But when it was too
persistent, I took it out and flung it against the wall where it snapped and fell to the floor, broken. I’m slowly losing
it. Something inside me was boiling to get free. Something thick, dark and heavy was coursing through my veins.

Then, I felt them even before they arrived.

“Uh-oh” I heard Youngbae’s familiar voice. “He isn’t looking so good”

“Seungri, check the rooms or any hidden compartment” Sohee’s voice came but it was as if she was so far away, she
sounded so distant. “Youngbae, see through all this. . . mess. Jiyong might have overlooked some things seeing his
situation right now”

“He’s going to lose it any moment” Youngbae warned.

“I’ll handle him” she answered.

“Sohee, you don’t really know how-”

“I’ll handle him” she repeated, more firmly now. When Youngbae gave a hesitant nod, she then turned to Jiyong.
“You shouldn’t have taken off like that. Good thing I got enough authority to search through Kevin’s school records
to look for his address. Youngbae didn’t allow Bom to come since she’s in a delicate manner right now. As-”

“SHUT UP!”

“As for you,” she went on, “you better start controlling yourself. If you lose control, you won’t be able to think
straight because all you’ll ever want is to kill someone and that won’t help you o us in finding Dara. Just so you
wanted to know, TOP’s looking for her too. You don’t really want him to find her first, do you? You don’t really
want him to save her again, do you?”

My all-black eyes met her normal looking one. Then, slowly, an emotion welled up inside me that the dark clouds
hovering around my mind cleared. I blinked and judging by the satisfied look in Sohee’s face, my eyes are now back
to normal.

“Now that’s better” she grinned.

“Hey!” Seungri called. “I found something very interesting. Take a look at this”
Sohee took the thing from Seungri’s hand even before I could reach for it. It turned out to be a photo. “Okay, she’s
pretty cute but err, what’s so interesting about this?” she asked.

“For you it might be nothing” Seungri said. “But to all of us, it means a great deal”

Sohee handed me the photo as Youngbae went beside me to see the photo himself. As my eyes went down, I
instantly understood Youngbae’s gasp of horror and surprise.

It was a photo of Sulli.

------
 Chapter 28: The Nylon Thread

DARA’S POV

A swirling shade of different colors revolved around my mind. My head felt so heavy and swollen. I tried to open
my eyes but they felt heavy so I stopped trying for a while. Instead, I focused on remembering what happened and
what’s going on. I remembered walking with Kevin towards the GOSFI field when TOP called. i got pissed when he
started ordering me around to stay away from Kevin so I ended the call and started complaining to Kevin about what
TOP said. I was ranting and ranting until I felt something heavy and hard hit the back of my head.

The swirling shade of different colors in my mind started to clear up. But then, a sudden jab of pain hut my temples,
making me groan. The groan seemed to alert my other senses because my ears started hearing dull and continuous
droplet from somewhere. I suddenly became aware of the position I was currently in: I was sitting in a chair with my
wrists tied behind me with what felt like cold chains. I started breathing heavily. I really don’t have a good
experience with chains so I can’t help but think something bad is waiting for me once I opened my eyes. But good or
bad, I know I don’t really have a choice. Gathering my strength together and ignoring the heaviness of my lids, I
forced my eyes open. I frowned. There was a dull, blurry white light from up ahead. But I can’t make the most of
where I am since my vision wasn’t clear yet. I squeezed my eyes shut and blinked several times. But still, all I could
see was the blurred light. A shadow of a person then came into view, blocking the blurred light. I tried to open my
mouth to speak but even before I could even utter a word, water splashed into my face. The coldness of it bit and
stung my skin, making me gasp. As the surprise subsided, I realized that the water helped to clear my vision. I
looked up.

“Kevin!” I gasped. My first instinct was to ask him to free me but there was something at the look on his face that
stopped me from saying anything.

He smiled after a while. But it wasn’t his usual warm and friendly smile. It was cold and calculated. He reminded
me of someone, though I can’t really remember who. “Have you looked around, Dara? See anything familiar?”

A few questions jumped to my mind at once but instead of asking them, I looked around. My eyes widened as I saw
at my far right side a wall with familiar-looking chains on it. I took a better look at my surroundings. At first glance,
there was nothing familiar with the place. It was just too dark, too dirty, too cold and too empty but I know this was
the same place where Sulli brought me. “This place was caved in! I saw it happened!”

Kevin laughed. I stared at him. No, this couldn’t be the Kevin I knew. There must be some kind of a trick here or a
mistake. Maybe this is some kind of a sick joke? It’s just too impossible. “Oh yes, the whole place did cave in” he
said. “I think some even attempted to set the place to burn. But you see, this particular chamber holds so many traces
of different curses from the games she played that it. . . . but still, the place was cracked”

“I don’t understand” I said, shaking my head. “I don’t understand any of this!”

He grimaced in disgust. “Of course, you don’t” he said. “I heard a lot of things on how. . .your brain works. You’re
not really bright, are you?”

“Who are you? Why are you doing this? Is this some sort of a prank?” I asked, unable to stop myself. My heart was
beating frantically inside my chest. I mentally prayed for help. Please, let it come. Please. . .

“No, this isn’t a prank” he said. “And my name’s really Kevin Woo. I didn’t lie about that. As for the other question.
. . why do you think I’m doing this?”

“HOW WOULD I KNOW?” I shrieked. I don’t like this. I’ve never really paused to assess if I was brave or not. The
last time I was in here and facing a threat to my life, I wasn’t alone. Jaejoong, Bom, Seungri and Youngbae were
here with me. Even my parents and Jiyong were here. But now, I’m alone. I felt an intense fear.

“You really are slow, huh?” he taunted. “Oh wait, is that fear I see in your eyes?”
I didn’t answer. I was scared my voice would break if I dare speak. Yes, I am afraid. I won’t deny that but I won’t
give him the satisfaction, either. Who wouldn’t be scared anyways? The last time I was here, my parents were killed
in front of me, my friends were hurt and I DIED. My eyes widened. “How did you know about this place?” I asked
in a whisper. “She told you, didn’t she? Sulli told you”

I saw the sudden change in his face at the mention of Sulli’s name. He looked like a crazed person, a blinded one.
“She tells me everything” he quietly said. “I told her I’ll go with her but she didn’t let me because of that fucking
darn Jiyong!”

“You. . . how did you know Sulli?”

“How did I know Sulli?” he asked bitingly. And if I heard him right, there was a tinge of bitterness in his voice.
“She’s everything to me” he answered. “She’s my teacher, my lover and my sister”

“Y-your sister?” I gasped. I don’t know if my brain could cope up with this. It’s like my mind snapped close on its
own, refusing to take in anything he says.

“Yes” he said, smirking. “It’s funny, isn’t it? She knew everything about you but you don’t know anything about
her. You’re supposed to be her friends but you don’t know me or my siblings”

I’m still on denial. “I don’t understand. You’re the same age as I am and your name’s Woo. . .”

“We’re not really related to blood” he said. “She adopted us, you know. I can still remember the day she went to our
doorsteps. She put the rest of the family under some sort of trance or spell. My father was mentally strong so she
killed him even before he could make a run for it. Huh, like he can. She controlled every move my mother and
siblings made. But she spared me. She let me have my own mind, my own decisions. I witnessed how she played
and experimented with my family. That’s why my siblings were always sick. She loves games, you see. She was so
strong, so evil at such a young age that I feared her. I feared her so much that I didn’t dare defy her. But as time goes
by, I started to get amaze with her abilities that I started worshipping her”

I stared at him in disbelief. He looked so alive, so animated, so electrified that a shiver of fear ran down my spin.
Sulli meant everything to him. That, I can see. “You just let her do all those things to your own family?!?”

“Sulli’s a powerful creature” he simply said as if that’s all that mattered to him. “And I told you, I feared her at first”

I shook my head. “But why did she keep you in secret?”

“I wasn’t a secret!” he suddenly screamed. “She needed me to keep an eye on my family. Sulli loved me, adored me
and trusted me. She taught me everything, EVERYTHING! She even told me EVERYTHING! Even small ones like
being bored of going to school to big ones like observing Kwon Jiyong! She loves me, you hear that?!?”

“She doesn’t know how to love! She’s an emotionless creep and-”

He backhanded me. “Don’t” he gritted. “She loves me!”

“No, she doesn’t! She only wanted Jiyong!”

His face darkened. “Jiyong” he snorted. “If I weren’t a simple human, I could have killed that guy already!”

“And what does Jiyong got to do with this, anyways?!” I screamed. “He didn’t want Sulli in the first place! He just
went through with what she wanted because he wanted her to turn him into a masked shadow. And I can see that she
didn’t turn you one as well”

“That guy has got to do with all of this!” he said. “You didn’t see how. . . how Sulli talks about him. She’s always,
excited, elated, euphoric. She revered and feared Jiyong. She said she could smell and sense some deeper evil in
Jiyong but his emotions kept the deeper evil at bay. But of course, he wasn’t aware of it. Only Sulli knew. She was
crazed by the fact that someone is almost as evil as her. Jiyong was like an aphrodisiac to her. She enjoys smelling
the deeper evil reeking of his skin and aura, it energizes her. She also feared him because she didn’t know how
powerful Jiyong could get once he let that deeper evil out. She decided to observe him and she noticed how his eyes
stray to your direction ever since you became neighbors. She didn’t understand that, though. Then she set up a game.
She used the game to let the deeper evil out from him and she also enjoys watching all of you suffer. But her game
backfired. She was trying to release the deeper evil from Jiyong but instead, the opposite happened. She said it was
as if you were purifying Jiyong’s soul. And the fact that she can’t get into you that easily the way she did to my
family infuriated her more. You should have seen how pissed she was. She was so beautiful!”

My mind reeled at the look on his face. I wanted to puke, my head was spinning that I closed my eyes to stop the
dizzying feeling. Sulli, what have you done to him? it’s obvious that Sulli only knew one thing: to ruin a person’s
soul. “Sulli said. . . she said she planned everything. She was pissed with me because I was too. . . friendly and. . .”

He laughed. “Did you really believe that lame reason? Well, here’s the truth: it’s all because of Jiyong”

I closed my eyes, refusing to believe anything he’s saying. It doesn’t make sense! There were just too many lies put
into my head that I can’t make sense of anything anymore.

“Then she died” he whispered so quietly and brokenly that I opened my eyes. “So I swore to seek revenge. So I went
on working to earn your trust, trying to lure you away from Jiyong’s clutches. I even joined that stupid GOSFI thing
just so I have an excuse to say to you. But you were pretty clingy to Jiyong, you don’t want to do things without his
permission. But I should admit, you’re a good person Dara. Too bad you got yourself involved with Jiyong. Huh!
You wouldn’t even be here if not for him. You don’t know how many times I tried to get you alone. But all eyes
were on you. Some shadows were silently watching you from afar and that TOP guy has never looked at anyone but
you. It’s pathetic actually. I don’t really see anything special in you. I tried to seek revenge on that store but TOP
was there”

“That was you!” I gasped. “You stabbed me and you-!”

“Yes, that was me” he said. And lucky for you that TOP guy was there. And since I was just a human and he was a
shadow, I ran away. Then I tried attacking Jiyong but he was stronger that I thought. I did knock him out, though but
he landed in front of that TOP guy again! I hate that guy! And oh, I did push you off that rooftop!”

“No. . .” I denied, shaking my head. “That’s not true. . .”

“Are you really this STUPID?!” he barked then laughed out loud. “Sulli was right; you’re too trusting and friendly
for your own good. It’s the truth, Dara”

“That’s why the crows attacked you that time!”

“Well. . . I must give credit to your boyfriend. He always kept you on guard with those pathetic pet birds of his. But
I couldn’t care less about them. I just wanted to kill you. If it weren’t for that TOP guy, you could have been dead
already. And Jiyong didn’t trust me that much because he started following me everywhere and so, I had to tone it
down a little. I was very patient. And so I waited. The truth is, I was actually enjoying your company. I never had
that much friends to talk to but when you told about the phone call you received from TOP hours ago and how he
warned you of staying away from me, I was reminded of my purpose. And that led you here”

With everything that’s been going on, I felt a stab of guilt. TOP saved me twice from Kevin’s attempts of killing me.
He even saved Jiyong in a way. And just a while ago, he was trying to save me again but all I ever said to him were
unkind words. If I survive this, I’ll apologize to him. Oh please, someone help me!

Out of nowhere, a sharp pain hit my scalp. It was then that I realized that Kevin grabbed a handful of my hair and
used it to pull my head back up. “Now tell me, how did Jiyong do it?” he asked, his face turning inhumanly evil that
I couldn’t bear looking at him for a long time. “Tell me, what did Jiyong do to wipe her face off like that?! TELL
ME!!!”
“Jiyong didn’t do it!”

“LIAR!” he screamed and backhanded me so forcefully that I thought my head would snap off my neck. “I know it
was him!”

“NO! I’m telling the truth! It-!”

He backhanded me again. I bit my lower lip to stifle a scream of pain. But it didn’t stop the tears to fall down.
Maybe I’m not that brave after all. He pulled my hair again, forcing my head up to him. Then he slammed his lips
on mine. Everything inside me screamed in disgust and protest. I tried to pull away from him but his hold on my hair
was too strong. A sob was starting to shake my shoulders. He pulled my hair again, making me gasp in pain. He
took advantage of it. He slid his tongue forward. I was so disgusted that I grounded my teeth on his tongue. I
suddenly tasted something salty and was given the satisfaction when he pulled away and cursed out loud. I spat the
foul taste of his blood to his own face.

The look on his face made me fear desperately for my life.

“You’re a feisty little one, aren’t you? But not for long”

“I hate you!” I hissed. But he only laughed.

“I’m flattered” he mockingly said. “But you already used all my patience up”

Fear reigned inside me. “What are you planning?”

“I’ll kill you, of course. I should have done so before now but since waiting to get a chance to seek revenge gave me
an idea. So, before I kill you, I’ll give Jiyong a dose of his own medicine first”

My heart thumped painfully. “What are you-?” I started again but he stepped back and walked behind me. I tried to
look back but my body won’t cooperate anymore. I started breathing heavily when I started hearing an irksome
sound, like a metal being rubbed against another metal. Not long after that, Kevin came into view again with a
pushcart and a large mirror. He placed the mirror at one side and worked through with the things I couldn’t see in
the pushcart. Then, he lifted a nylon thread and a large black needle.

My eyes widened at once, understanding what he meant when he said he’s going to give Jiyong a dose of his own
medicine. “Oh my God!” I cried.

“Go on, you can start praying now because once I start, all you’ll do is scream”

“You can’t do this. . .” I cried. “Please don’t do this. Jiyong would-”

“I know he’ll hunt me down. I don’t care, as long as I kill you first. Then, maybe I could kill him, too”

“BUT JIYONG DIDN’T KILL SULLI! IT WAS-!”

“SHUT UP!” he roared so loud that the whole chamber trembled.

“It was a bird! It-!” I insisted but he backhanded me so hard that it shook all my courage away.

He freed one of my arms. “Oh, what’s this?” he softly asked as his fingers went to my ring finger. “What does this K
stands for? Kevin? Yeah, I think it does stand for Kevin. I’ll take this then seeing that it’s mine”

“No!” I cried and started struggling with him with just an arm but he suddenly twisted it. I screamed even before I
felt he pain and heard something snapped broken. He then took the ring off my finger.
“Try fighting me off again and your arm won’t be the only broken part of your body”

I started crying, really hard. And when he started sewing my fingers together, I could only scream and cry. He then
went to my other hand, sewing my thumb to my forefinger, then he sewed my forefinger to my middle finger, so on
and so forth.

He straightened up as I slumped on my chair weakly. He stretched his arms out and yawned lazily. He went to the
pushcart and grabbed a fresh set of nylon thread. Then he went in front of me. With his fingers, he tilted my head up.

“N-no. . . no. . .” I croaked as his hand bearing the needle with the nylon thread lowered down. Instinctively, I
closed my eyes. But it was a wrong move because I started feeling the needle piercing through my eyelids. He’s
sewing my right eye close!

My throat was already taut and dry from crying after he was finished with my right eye. My voice sounded hoarse
already. As fresh tears started rolling down again, it stung the wounds at the lower part of my right eye.

“I love hearing your scream” he chuckled. “But I have to keep your mouth close from now on”

I desperately begged for death to claim me when he went on sewing my mouth closed. Death was better than this
slow torture. I just want to die. I WANT TO DIE!

After some time, Kevin step back. I opened my left eye and saw him went to get the mirror. He placed it in front of
me. Unable to stop myself, I stared at the mirror. I burst into tears again as I saw my face. I can barely recognize
myself. There were bruises and hand marks on face. My broken arm looked pathetic. My right eye and mouth were
swollen and badly sewn. There were a few traces of dry blood on my right cheek and at the base of my mouth and
contrary to that, I looked pale. My left eye was wide open in fear. And I had a feeling that he’ll sew it close anytime
now.

When I thought all hope was gone, I heard a screech from up ahead. Kevin cursed and whirled around. With my left
eye, I saw a crow diving towards Kevin, the scar on its eye looked pale under the light. It was Seungri. Seungri came
for me.

Then, there were different screeches from somewhere. Another crow was now helping Seungri in attacking Kevin. I
don’t know how he did it but Kevin managed to ward off the attacking crows. As the two creatures fell to the floor,
they turned back into their human forms – Seungri and Youngbae.

Kevin walked towards them but then, he suddenly stopped. His body arched forward. He threw his head back as a
bloodcurdling scream escaped from his mouth – a scream of pain. Amidst Kevin’s scream, I heard Youngbae hissed
to Seungri. “Don’t let Jiyong see her face! It’ll only make him lose control!”

So Jiyong came for me. He’s here. my pancake came for me. And despite everything, my lips tightly smiled. All is
well, all. . . . a strong invisible force suddenly whipped through the air that I was suddenly flung backwards together
with the chair I was sitting on. The chair hit the floor and broke into piece while I landed to the floor with a loud
thud. Somewhere, I also heard two consecutive thuds with grunts. Something odd was happening; I could almost
feel it in the air. I felt so cold and weird that my hairs rose up from unknown threat, danger and fear.

“Shit!” Seungri hissed. “He saw what that freak did to her!”

“Let’s get her out of here” Youngbae urgently said.

I wanted to protest but I could only make incoherent sounds. Seungri pulled me into his arm. With a swoosh, we
suddenly transported into a living room I’m so familiar with.

“Oh my God!” I heard Bom gasped.

“My goodness!” Sohee followed.

“Shouldn’t anyone do something about this already?” TOP’s blanched voice entered my ears. He’s here? Why didn’t
he go and help the boys to save me just like what Seungri and Youngbae did? I tried to look at him but I was slowly
losing hold on to my consciousness.
 Chapter 29: The Extreme Ends

WARNING! This chapter is not for the fainthearted (LOL). Anyways, you can skip the first part
and just read after the three dashes: - - -
----------

AUTHOR’S POV

Kevin was panting and sweating heavily as he droppe4d to his knees on the floor. But Jiyong was
beyond reason already. Rage was boiling intensely inside him. He was like a volcano about to
explode. Evne if hew as a few feet away from the guy who dared touch and hurt Dara, he was able to
inflict pain. Kevin was once again lifted off the ground as an earth-splitting scream escaped him.
Everything inside him was being twisted by a cold force. Having no control over his body anymore,
he wasn’t able to do anything as what seemed to be an invisible hand made of steel twisted his neck
that his head turned almost 360 degree around. His arms, wrists and fingers twisted and angled on
different direction that he could only scream from the agony. As if those were not painful enough, his
lower extremities were bended and stretched extremely that his joints and bones snapped.

Jiyong laughed, knowing how much pain Kevin was feeling. Oooh, he wanted to give him a sudden
death but no, he’ll torture him first. There was something pleasant and euphoric at that thought that
made him laughed harder. He then untwisted Kevin’s neck, turning his head to its former and normal
place but then, he suddenly squeezed so much forced onto the latter’s arms that some of the bones
there broke, too. Then he dropped him to the floor without warning, making Kevin grunt. A smile
then curved his lips. “Look at you,” he sneered. “I haven’t even touched a strand of your hair but
you’re already twisting and screaming in pain. How pathetic. What do you think will happen to you
if I walk over there, hmm?”

Kevin was too consumed by pain to answer. But Jiyong wasn’t in the least bothered at his silence.
Instead, he walked over to where the pushcart was and the broken large mirror. With a sly smirk, he
turned his head to the side, willing the broken shards of mirror up in the air. He faced Kevin again
with the sharp shards of mirror floating on midair behind him. His smile grew wider as he sent the
shards of glass went flying to Kevin’s direction. As the shards of glass pierced Kevin’s skin, his eyes
widened from shock as his breathing labored. Jiyong chuckled softly, wearing a dark almost evil-like
amusement look on his face. He glanced around again and his eyes landed on the chains against the
wall. The sight of the set of chains on the wall made him tremble from hatred and unexplained
sorrow. He glanced back at Kevin and even without touching him; he lifted him up to the air and sent
him to the wall. As the latter’s back hit the wall, some of the broken shards even went deeper into his
body, making him gasp. His broken wrists and ankles were then chained. Since most of his bones
were broken, he sluggishly and pathetically looked awkward against the wall since his bones weren’t
holding him up properly.

Jiyong went to the pushcart and pushed it towards Kevin’s direction, taking his time. He had even
time to hum a tune under his breath. He stopped just in front of him. “I take it you already know what
I’m about to do?” he softly asked but despite the softness in his tone, there was something sinister in
his voice that chilled Kevin’s bones. As another idea came to his mind, Jiyong threw his head back to
bark a loud and delighted laughter.
He looked back at Kevin’s face, a different and deeper sense of darkness gleaming in his eyes. He
stepped forward and drew out a shard of glass that was poking out of Kevin’s arm quite roughly that
the latter wince. “First,” he whispered, “let me take your eyes out.”

Kevin’s eyes widened. “N-no. . .”

Jiyong paused. “No?” he gently asked, it was as if he was talking to a child. “Why not?”

“No. . . .” Kevin croaked. “I only did to Dara what do you did to Sulli!” he added in a hoarse
whispered. As soon as he uttered Sulli’s name, the black and violet smoke-like surrounding Jiyong
turned even darker. In a split of a second, his hand encircled around Kevin’s neck tightly.

“Don’t,” he gritted dangerously, “ever mention Dara’s name in the same sentence with that bitch
Sulli!”

“Sulli’s not a bitch!” Kevin gritted back. “Dara is!”

Jiyong’s hand tightened around Kevin’s neck even more that the latter started turning blue. It looked
as if he was going to take his life then and there. But then, his grip slackened. His hand dropped to
the side as a menacing smile curved his lips. “Nice try Kevin,” he said. “You’re trying to anger me
more so I’ll kill you at once. But no, that won’t do. I want you to suffer first.”

Without warning, he dug the shard of glass just under Kevin’s left eye, trying to fish his eyeball out.
Kevin started writhing uncontrollably as an agonized cry tore from his mouth. Any person would
have been moved or would have pitied him, but not Jiyong. Instead, he started chuckling, amused at
his own idea of cruelty. And when he finally took the eyeball out, he want to the other and did the
same. He laughed louder when he successfully took them out. He then threw both eyeballs to the
floor and stepped on them until they were squashed.

Jiyong’s free hand went to Kevin’s mouth, prying it open. The latter was too weak to protest, making
it easy for Jiyong to pull Kevin’s tongue out. As he did, he cut it off with the sharp shard of glass on
his other hand. Blood spurted out of Kevin’s mouth but Jiyong didn’t give a damn about it. He threw
the piece the of glad and a fair part of tongue away first before turning to the pushcart and set to work
with the large black needle and nylon thread.

He started humming to the tune of Happy Birthday under his breath. He then held the black needle
with the nylon thread up and started sewing close the empty hole where Kevin’s eyeball used to be.
After that, he went to the other. After sewing them close, he went to sew his nostrils together. He
stepped back a little and smiled at his work. But he wasn’t quite finished yet. With another smile, he
stepped forward again and started sewing his mouth close. After that, he freed Kevin off the chains
and let him drop forward to the floor. With the tip of his shoe, he turned Kevin’s body over. Jiyong
then knelt down beside the terribly hurt guy. He balled his fist and was about to hit the latter’s face
when he noticed the ring on the broken finger of his. He took it out and slid it to his own ring finger.
He balled his fist tightly again and started raining down punches on the face in front of him. He went
one and on and on – it was as if the word rest was nonexistent to him.

Jiyong’s fist turned red with Kevin’s blood but he still went on. He didn’t stop until the latter’s nose
broke. He went on relentlessly until Kevin’s skull cracked, caved in and smashed to pieces. He still
went on until the exposed brain was squashed into jelly. But he wasn’t quite done yet. He went on
attacking the body until the ribs broke and punctured Kevin’s internal organs.

He only stopped until everything inside Kevin’s body was turned in and out.

---

Jiyong sat at once corner of the chamber. He had his head bowed as he listened to the quiet drip of
blood from his bloodied hands to the floor. No, it wasn’t his blood. It was Kevin’s. He sighed. He
wasn’t really sure how he went back to his normal self or if he even really lost control because he can
still remember ever detail of what happened. Just when he thought the threat of Sulli on Dara’s life
was over, Kevin happened. Even in death, Sulli proved to be a bitch.

He was left a bit behind Seungri and Youngbae a while ago because he had to deal with TOP first.
And when he arrived at the place, his immediately looked for Dara. And what he saw made him snap.
He wanted to just kill Kevin at once for what he did but he changed his mind. Instead, he went for
torture – for physical torture. Now that he think of it, he was not better than Sulli. He was half-aware
or probably more than half aware of what he was doing a while ago and it gave him great pleasure
for causing too much pain on Kevin. He was too consumed in torturing him that he didn’t have the
wits to ask the guy how he’d known Sulli.

His jaw tightened at the memory of Sulli again. He felt disgusted. But mist of all, he felt disgusted
with himself. He wouldn’t feel this way if it weren’t for Dara because spending time with her made
his conscience active. On the other hand, Dara was also the reason why he snapped a while ago. He
felt so. . . tainted that it made him wonder how she could stand saying how much she loves him.
Shouldn’t she be disgusted with him? For who he is? And a part of him was beginning to wonder if
Dara’s feelings him are really genuine. It was just too impossible for anyone to feel anything for a
person who’s as heartless as him. He scoffed at himself for thinking such a word because at the word
because at the moment, he hardly felt being a person, much less being a human.

He looked up then paused upon seeing Sohee staring down at what’s left of Kevin with disgust on
her face. He was too immersed with his own thoughts that he didn’t hear or sense her arrived. Truth
be told, he’s actually surprised Sohee’s here. In times like this one, it was Bom who always had the
sense of talking to him.

As if sensing his gaze on her, Sohee glanced at him. he searched her face for any disapproval or
disgust directed to him but he only saw weariness in her. With a sigh, she walked towards him and
joined him on the floor.

“Seungri’s waiting outside,” she said.

“I didn’t hear you arrive,” he quietly said.

“You were preoccupied.”

Silence enveloped them.

“What are you doing here anyways?” he asked.

“Bom had this weird idea that I should come and talk to you,” she chuckled. “She’s pretty busy at the
moment, stressed out actually so she sent me instead. You know how pregnant women are, they’re a
bit sensitive and emotional. I could tell she was on the verge of hysteria when she saw Dara. . .” she
trailed as Jiyong’s whole body tensed. “She’ll survive,” she went on. “Well, at least that’s what Bom
screamed at TOP. She said Dara went through worst than that.”

“That guy’s still there?”

“Yeah,” Sohee chuckled. “He’s actually getting into Bom’s nerves. You see, he doesn’t trust Bom’s
skills and knowledge on healing and stuff and he was pretty eager on just bringing Dara to the
hospital or to THEM in-”

“No,” he said with finality.

“That’s what exactly all of us said. He was being a pain in the ass, to be honest. I’ve never seen Bom
looked so murderous before.”

“Serve him right.”

“And I’ve never seen TOP that worried for anyone either.”

Jiyong was robbed out of words. It seemed forever when he finally found his voice. “I hate that guy!”

“He doesn’t like you either,” Sohee chuckled. She glanced at him and silently inspected his face.
“I’m surprised with you,” she said.

“I wonder how many times I’ve heard that line from you before,” he said with a scoff and a shake of
his head.

Sohee smiled, feeling satisfied for making him scoff especially in the current mood he’s in.
“Seriously, I really thought you’d go flying to the arena – to Bom’s place – to reprimand Top and
personally checked on Dara.”

“Bom forbids anyone to enter the room when she’s healing her patient.”

“I know,” she answered. “TOP insisted on witnessing how Bom would do it firsthand but she didn’t
allow it. But that’s TOP. Surely, you have more right and power to be with Dara right now?”

He shook his head. “I can’t do that yet,” he said. “I might just. . . snap and end up hurting everyone
around me.”

Sohee hesitated for a moment but then, she never really held back any thoughts from Jiyong, except
probably the part where she likes him and that she’s helplessly falling in love with him. “Just like
what you did to Kevin?” she softly asked.

“It’s really funny,” he said, smiling grimly. “When a shadow’s having a dark attack, he’s supposed to
lose control, to just go for the kill, to become unaware of his surroundings or what he’s doing. A
shadow usually turns weak after an attack and forgets what happened. But when I calmed down, and
I have no idea how that happened, I can still remember every fucking damned second of what I did to
Kevin. And while I was doing it, I was even half aware of what’s happening. And I liked every
second of it, gloried in it.”

Sohee sighed. “I find it quite. . . amazing how Dara could out you on extreme ends. She could make
you lose control like a wild beast but she can also tame you beyond gentleness.”

“I can’t be the same person,” he said.

“It’s just a matter of choice Jiyong,” she said. “It’s always a matter of choosing what you want.”

“I don’t know what I want anymore,” he confessed.

o=o=o

DARA’S POV

I feel like I’ve been underwater for a long time. I wanted to free out of it but it was as if something
was holding me back. But I don’t really like feeling like I’m drowning so I forced myself to swim
back to the surface. I took a deep breath as soon as I resurfaced but I didn’t dare open my eyes yet, it
was as if something inside me was afraid to let them open. I mentally scoffed at myself. I’m being
stupid again. With a sigh, I slowly opened my eyes. A familiar ceiling greeted me. I just stared at it,
feeling like I ought to remember something. As if answering my thought, an image of Jiyong popped
into my mind.

“Jiyong!” I gasped, getting alert now.

“Shouldn’t you ask for water first?” a lazy deep voice drawled. My head snapped sharply to the side,
making me dizzy a bit. I squeezed my eyes closed and waited for the dizziness to subside. “Are you
alright?” he asked worriedly. I held my hand at him, silently telling him to give me a little time.

I took a deep breath after a while and opened my eyes. “Where’s Jiyong?”

“He’s in the other room, resting,” he answered and it didn’t escape my notice how he sounded so
bitter and sarcastic.

“Did something bad happen to him? Did-” I rushed in panic.

“He’s fine,” he grimaced. “I told you, he’s RESTING.”

I searched his face for any signs of falseness but he just looked. . . disappointed or something. “What
are you doing here, anyways?”

“Sohee asked my help to bring her here since your friends left her at Kevin’s place when-”

“Kevin!” I gasped, mind reeling. Images of what happened in the chamber flashed into my mind. I
started hyperventilating. “Kevin-”

“- is dead.”
I looked at him. I felt relieved but only for a moment. “I need to see Jiyong.”

“Dara, you need rest, too. I’ll call Bom to-”

The door opened. We both looked to see who it was. I frowned at TOP as I heard him mumble
something like “speaking of the devil.”

“Bom!” I called at once. “Where’s Jiyong? I want to see him.”

“I’m glad to see you’re up. I’ve been thinking if you won’t wake up anymore. You’ve been knocked
out for a week,” she casually said, as if she found the topic quite boring then, she gave TOP a
scathing look. “Although I remember informing everyone to call me once you’re conscious and it
seemed like someone didn’t pay attention to what I said.”

“Bom, I-”

“Jiyong’s resting,” she interjected.

“He stayed up all week watching over me, didn’t he?” I conclude. I didn’t find anything funny with
what I said so I was a bit surprised when TOP chuckled. “What’s funny?”

“You’re persistency on believing the goodness in Jiyong amazes me,” he said.

“She has a good reason to believe that!” Bom snapped. “Now, get out of the room before I wipe that
smirk off your face.”

TOP turned to me. “I’m sorry if I have to shorten our sweet reunion, spoof. But I’ll talk to you later,”
he promised then leaned forward to plant a kiss on my forehead.

My heart jumped a little as heat crawled to my cheeks. When he left the room, I fixed my eyes on
everything around me except Bom. I don’t know why but I was scared to look at her. The room was
so silent that it only adds to the uneasiness I’m feeling. Unable to take it any longer, I decided to
break the ilence. “J-jiyong did watch over me, didn’t he?”

“Of course he did,” Bom said. I smiled and sighed in relief. I tried to imagine my pancake sitting on a
chair beside my bed, holding my hand and whispering soft, encouraging and comforting words into
my ear. The absurdity of the scene almost made me laugh. “Actually, he did MORE than that.”

“What do you- what’s with that look?” I asked as I saw the odd look Bom’s giving me.

She just stared at me. Then, she shook her head. “I’m not the one sick here,” she snapped. “So let’s
not talk about how I look at you. And I’m also surprised that you first wondered where Jiyong is
when you’re supposed to think of what happened to Kevin or if you look okay now or-”

“H-how do I look?” I gasped, suddenly coming to the realization of what REALLY happened in the
chamber.
----------------------
 Chapter 30: The Final Straw

I stared at Bom but she just stared back at me, too. I suddenly looked down at my fingers,
remembering that they suffered as much as my face did. They looked. . . normal. I glanced back
at Bom and saw that she’s smiling halfheartedly. “Bom?”

“I can’t really say it’s back to how it used to look but. . .” she trailed and looked around. She
stood up and went to get a round mirror. “Why don’t you see for yourself?” she suggested and
gave me the mirror.

I hesitantly reached for it while keeping my eyes on her. My heart was beating frantically inside
my chest. I’m scared, I’m seriously scared. My grip on the mirror tightened as I forced myself to
look at it. I stared at my reflection for a long time. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath. But
slowly, I exhaled. There was nothing abnormal on my face except maybe that my lips and eyelid
looked a bit swollen and purplish. I looked back at Bom. “Is this permanent?”

“No,” she said. “It’ll eventually fade.”

I sighed in relief but then, I scowled at her. “Why were you so serious? You scared the hell out
of me!”

She grimaced. “I’m disappointed with myself,” she said. “I tried my best, Dara, but my skills
weren’t enough. If Jiyong didn’t help in-”

“He healed me!” I almost screamed.

She stared at me in disbelief. “Of course he did! You honestly didn’t think he’ll just abandon
you, did you? And don’t give me that look! I tried my best to convince him not to go overboard
but he was in draining himself if that’s what it takes to make you look normal again. We realized
the needle that Kevin used was cursed. Sulli probably gave it to him for safekeeping. And if I
didn’t secretly put a sleeping powder in Jiyong’s food, he’s probably here and-”

“I’m sorry!” I loudly said.

Bom sighed and slumped on her seat. “I’m sorry, too. I’m just stressed out. And when Jiyong
wakes up and realize what I’ve done, he’ll probably flip out. We both know how he is when
he’s-”

“I think I’ll do more than that.”

“Jiyong!” Bom exclaimed.

“But since you’re keeping that tall TOP guy at bay, then I’ll let it pass.”

I quickly jumped to my feet. Emotions came to me like giant waves. I drank the whole sight of
him. He looked pale and exhausted. Tears started forming in my eyes as I slowly walked towards
him. “Why?” I softly asked. “You know I don’t want you risking yourself for me!” I pounded on
his chest weakly.

I stopped a while later and looked up at him. I wasn’t able to stop myself. I burst into tears and I
flung myself at him. “I-I thought you weren’t going to come. . . I thought you weren’t coming for
m-me! I thought you didn’t n-notice or care I was gone. I. . . I thought you didn’t c-care
anymore!”

He didn’t say anything. He was alls tiff and tensed. I cried even harder. I felt his hands trying to
remove my arms off him but I held on tighter. “I’m sorry,” I choked desperately. “I’m sorry if I
was stubborn! I’m sorry if I disobeyed you! I’m sorry if I didn’t listen to you tell me off from
Kevin. It was my fault!”

The tension and stiffness went away. He hugged me back. “Dara,” he softly mumbled, kissing
my hair. His arms tightened around me. And it felt so good. It also made me realize how much I
missed him. I wailed louder and through it, I recounted what happened. I told him everything,
even the way I felt so alone and scared when I thought no one’s coming to save me. The impact
of what happened finally dawned on me. I finally realized how scared I was that time. I can’t
help but wonder why I always end up in the wrong end of the rope. “And. . . and. . . I don’t know
who’s telling the truth. . . Kevin or Sulli but. . .”

“It doesn’t matter,” Seungri’s familiar voice came in. “What’s important right now is that they’re
both gone for good.”

I looked over Jiyong’s shoulder. I saw all of them leaning against the wall. “H-how. . . how did
Kevin die?”

“Ask your boyfriend,” TOP snorted. “He knew every tiny detail of it.”

I pulled away from Jiyong and looked up at him. “Pancake?”

“Pancake!” TOP snorted again. “The word totally fits him.”

“Sohee. . .” Bom said in a controlled voice. “Sohee, you’re my friend but if you can’t do
anything about that walking-tongue beside you, I’ll kick him out of my house!”

TOP rolled his eyes and even before he could retort something back at Bom, I beat him to it. “I
want to know everything,” I said. “Please?”

My pancake stared down at me for a long while. I could tell he was thinking. I didn’t say
anything and just patiently waited for his decision. He sighed and leaned forward, planting a soft
kiss on my forehead. “Sohee,” he called without looking back. “Why don’t you tell her what
happened? I’ll deal with the rest.”

“Sure,” Sohee said. “But why don’t we take a seat by the living room first?”
We all went to the living room. Jiyong settled beside me in a two-seater couch. He put his arm
on my shoulder while the other went to play with my fingers on my lap. I don’t know why, butt
here was something possessive with the way he was holding me. As I settled my eyes on Sohee, I
could feel Jiyong sniffing and kissing my hair. Heat crawled to my cheeks. Aigoo, how am I
going to concentrate when he’s being like this?

“Okay,” Sohee loudly started. “TOP and I were talking about. . .” she trailed and looked around
uncertainly.

“We were talking about my feelings for Dara,” TOP filled in.

I turned redder the same time Jiyong went awfully still. I peeked at him secretly. He had his eyes
fixed forward. I followed his gaze and saw TOP. Gah! He’s staring at me in. . . in a way that
would make every guy think that I’m his property! I glared at him but he only smiled wider at
me as if it was exactly the reaction he expected from me. Annoyed, I turned to Sohee. “I want to
hear the important details if you don’t mind.”

“But that part’s important,” she said. “That’s how we ended up talking about Kevin. I told him I
find that guy weird and he told me all about the rooftop incident. He-”

“I told her that after you two left, I went back to the rooftop just to snoop around,” TOP
interjected. I saw your things neatly place in one corner. Sohee came to the conclusion that
Kevin did push you off of the rooftop because she said if the guy was really concerned about
you, he wouldn’t have the time to neatly settle your things in once corner and grab his bag. Good
thing I was there, by the way. If it weren’t for me, I don’t know what would have happened to
you. Anyways, Sohee then called Seungri and told him to bring. . . your boyfriend to her at once.
I took off, of course. I went ahead of them to find you. Because you see, unlike other people, I’m
more concern about your safety than hearing explanations.”

“I explained to Jiyong what I thought,” Sohee said after glaring at TOP. Jiyong immediately took
off, leaving me behind with Seungri. I turned to Kevin’s school records and acquired his address.
Seungri called Youngbae for help. The three of us then went to Kevin’s place. It was already
thrashed when we arrived what with Jiyong slowly phasing to the dark moon state. I ordered
Seungri and Youngbae to look around in case Jiyong missed some details. And he did because
Seungri was able to retrieve a photo of Sulli. The three of them suddenly took off, leaving me
behind again. So I tried contacting TOP. It took me a while to reach him since he was in his crow
form. I asked him to bring me here because I had the hunch that they’d go ask for Bom’s help.
And I was right. It-”

“Your boyfriend was shouting at Bom,” TOP interrupted, snorting. “He said Bom was being
useless and-”

“Jiyong was really worried for you Dara,” Bom said. “Youngbae and Seungri were trying to
calm him down while that TOP guy was mocking him. They started fighting. That’s when I
finally remembered the chamber where Sulli brought us before. I told them this and Seungri and
Youngbae were quick enough to respond. Jiyong and that guy stopped fighting and when Jiyong
sensed that guy was going to-”

“I do have a name, though. It’s TOP. I’m not usually called as that guy but-”

“– follow him, another fight broke out between them. But well, Jiyong’s naturally stronger so he
was able to knock that guy down without even breaking a sweat before taking off.”

“We were transporting most of the day,” Seungri spoke up. “As much as Youngbae and I wanted
to arrive there in a few seconds, we didn’t have that much energy and strength left in us. And
besides, we can’t really transport that far so we just went there in our crow forms since it usually
doesn’t require great power and strength but it can still tire us. I didn’t realize I was so tired until
Kevin warded me off. I tried to take you away at once so Jiyong won’t see what Kevin did but he
arrived earlier than I expected him to.”

“And he obviously lost control,” TOP commented.

I turned to Jiyong. “You killed Kevin?” I whispered hoarsely.

He looked down at me. “Yes, I did.”

I wanted to ask how. . .but I can’t seem to get the words out of my mouth and there was
something in Jiyong’s face that’s telling me he didn’t want to relive it, either. So instead I said,
“Thank you for saving me.”

“Don’t you want to know how Kevin died?” TOP asked loudly.

“No,” I answered firmly, looking at him straight in the eyes.

“I want to take a rest,” Bom suddenly said as TOP was about to say something again. “All of you
should rest, too. Youngbae, come and assist me.”

“I watched Youngbae as he went to assist Bom who glared at TOP before leaving. The latter just
rolled his eyes at her and didn’t say anything. As if sensing my eyes, TOP’s eyes moved to mine.
He gave a long and calculating look before smiling and saying, “Finding me too handsome?”

“Drop it off, Seunghyun,” Sohee scolded. “Now isn’t really the time.”

“And you know very well I don’t tolerate people calling me by that name. Call me that again and
you’ll regret it,” he warned. “You guys are so boring,” he scoffed then stood up, his eyes still on
mine. “I’ll just go to sleep,” he said. “I haven’t slept these past nights since I’ve been watching
over you.|

“I-”

“No need to thank me,” he cut off. “I had fun staring at you.”
“TOP,” Sohee warned at the same time I felt Jiyong froze beside me.

“I wasn’t going to thank you,” I growled.

“Whatever,” he yawned. “I’ll talk to you later.”

I glared at him but it was no use since he had his back on me already. Aish! What’s the matter
with him? I glanced up at Jiyong. He was staring at the direction where TOP went. “Pancake-”

“Don’t think about it Jiyong,” Seungri said. I looked up and saw him frowning. It made the scar
on his face wrinkly. It’s really odd. Seungri’s usually a happy-go-lucky kind of guy. “You’ll just
drain yourself,” he added.

“He’s deliberately doing it,” Jiyong hissed.

“You weren’t this jealous with Jaejoong before. What’s with-?”

“I’m not jealous!” my pancake snapped.

“Yeah, right!” Seungri snorted then turned to me. “Hey, I’m glad you’re fine and I’m sorry if
I’ve been a jerk to you lately. I was just. . . never mind the reason. I don’t really have one. But I
really am-”

“Forget it,” I said. “It’s okay. And besides, you went to risk your life to save me, too.”

Sohee suddenly burst out laughing. “Seungri, the noble shadow – how fitting. Oh well, I better
get going. I still have some planning to do. . .”

“I’m coming with you,” Seungri said.

“Suit yourself,” Sohee shrugged. Then, they left.

I turned back to Jiyong. What I saw in his eyes made me turn away a little. “No. . .” I mumbled.

He was hurt and offended. “Why?”

“M-my lips aren’t back to. . . normal yet,” I said, casting my eyes down. Aigoo! I’ve almost
forgot the way I look right now.

His thumb lightly touched my lips. “Do they still hurt?” he asked.

“No. . .”

“They feel fine to me,” he said. I looked up and saw that he was staring at my lips. “They look
fine to me, too.”
“Jiyong, you don’t have to-”

His head swooped down out of nowhere, his lips claiming mine. It was just a soft brush but it
brought all my nerve-endings to life. He pulled away gently, his fresh and warm breath tickling
my parted lips. “They still taste the same. . .”

That’s when I totally lost it. I succumbed to his smoldering eyes and melted in his arms. The next
thing I knew, we were both under the bed sheet, naked, recovering from the aftermath of an
intense lovemaking. He gathered me closer to him and I could just smile. “Thank you,” I
whispered.

He kissed my hair. “I missed you.”

I froze. “Y-you did?”

“Yes,” he answered. “So much. I’m not going to ignore you like that again.”

I lifted my head and stared at him. “Pancake, you don’t blame yourself for what happened, do
you? It wasn’t your fault, it was mine. You don’t have t feel bad about it.”

He pulled my head back to his chest. He ran his fingers through my hair first before saying,
“Dara, you shouldn’t be this forgiving.”

I was silent for a moment. Then it dawned on me. “You don’t want me to forgive you that
easily?”

“It’s not that,” he said. “But people usually don’t forgive that easily.”

“But it wasn’t your fault!” I whined. Sheesh, what’s wrong with me?

He sighed. “Okay, okay. Now go to sleep.”

---

JIYONG’S POV

I was staring at the fireplace for a long time now. Dara’s question a while ago bothered me. Do I
want her to not forgive me that easily? My answer would have been yes. But why? Why would I
want her to give me a hard time? I closed my eyes. I’m still guilty. No matter what I do, things
that I’ve done in the past would never make me feel right about myself. The odd thing there, I
shouldn’t even feel about it. I’m half-evil, for Pete’s sake! I shouldn’t be feeling guilty. I
shouldn’t be. . .

“Are you trying to make a decision?”

I opened my eyes. “I think so,” I answered.

“Why?” Sohee asked as she sat beside me.

“You heard her,” I scoffed. “She was asking for forgiveness when it should have been the other
way around. She said she was sorry for being stubborn and not for listening to me. She said it
was her fault. That wasn’t the reaction I expected. I thought she’d be angry at me and she’ll
blame me for always putting her in a deadly situation. That girl is out of her mind!”

“She loves you,” she quietly said.

“Then she’s really out of her mind.”

“You’re out of your mind too,” she chuckled quietly then turned sober. “But your decision. . .”

I sighed. “I only promised I’ll do it because I thought she’ll never forgive me for what I have
dome to her parents, to her, to Jaejoong. . .”

She was silent for a moment. “You do know what I’m trying to do, do you? Of what will
happen?”

“Of course, I do.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“Don’t even think that I’ll take this easily, Jiyong. YOU GAVE ME YOUR WORD.”

“I am aware of that.”

“Fine!” she answered stiffly. “I’ll talk to her, then. I want to know what she thinks of you
breaking your-”

“Don’t even think about it!” I growled.

“You’re right,” she bit back, standing up. “Dara must be really out of her mind to forgive you
that easily. Don’t expect the same reception from me.”

“I won’t.”

“I’m disappointed with you,” she said then walked out.

Since when did my life become so messed up? Oh, right. From the moment I was born, I was
already messed up. Dara’s face suddenly flashed into my mind.
But maybe. . . I could still fix it.

-------
 Chapter 31: The Surprise Company

DARA’S POV

I reached put beside me only to be greeted by an empty space. I opened my eyes and
immediately jumped to my feet as soon as I saw the empty space beside me. I quickly ran to the
door and was about to reach for the knob when it suddenly opened. I stepped back from surprise
but it was quickly replaced by delight when I saw my pancake handsomely smiling at me.
Aigoo! He’s so HANDSOME! He was so handsome that o failed to notice the tray of food he
was carrying at first. “Pancake!” I greeted enthusiastically. “You’re up so early! You-”

His lips suddenly claimed mine. I whimpered softly. My heart was beating frantically inside my
chest. Jeez, what’s wrong with me? It’s not like I haven’t been kissed by him before, right? And
it’s not like we haven’t went beyond mere kissing, too. Oh well, I guess I just really love him.
And when he pulled back, I was left breathless. “Good morning,” he smiled. “Breakfast in bed?”

“Definitely!” I breathlessly said. He must have seen or heard a different message from my face
or voice because he laughed out loud. His eyes were unusually bright too, like it’s glowing. “I
love you!” I blurted out. As soon as it was out, I blushed.

“Why are you blushing?” he asked. “Are you ashamed of your feelings for me?”

“Of course not!” I strongly denied. “It’s just that. . . I can’t seem to stop myself from saying it
countless of times.”

He smirked. “That’s not bad. I actually find it adorable,” he told me. He settled the tray on one
hand as his other hand went to my waist to draw me closer to him. I wrapped my arms around his
neck as he dipped his head at the side of it.

“Y-you do?” I stammered.

“Yes,” he whispered huskily.

“Then you won’t mind if I say it more often?”

He planted a soft kiss just below my earlobe before pulling away. “It’s time for your breakfast
tiny creature,” he smiled.

“I’m not that tiny!” I whined but he just chuckled and led me back to bed.

“Sit," he ordered.

I pouted at his bossy tone but I complied. And my pout earned me a peck on the lips. Oh well,
that’s just how life is for me. Hehehe. When I looked down at the food he brought me, I smiled.
Pancakes and sausages – perfect. “I love pancakes,” I said.

“I know you do.”

“Breakfast is the most important meal in a day, too.”

“I know that too,” he smiled knowingly.

I nodded then started eating. Now, what’s going on here? Okay, I’ve seen him being unbearably
sweet like this before. But there’s just something different about him today. “Why are you
staring?” I asked, unable to stop myself.

“I like staring at you,” he said.

I stopped chewing. “What?”

“I said I like staring at you.”

“I heard you the first time but. . .”

“What?” he asked, flashing me that knowing smile of his again.

“Are you possessed?”

“What do you think?”

My eyes widened. “You are possessed!” I exclaimed.

“Maybe I am,” he said and drew closer to claim my lips again. Just when I was having the time
of my life, he pulled away again.

“Ya!” I protested.

“You have to finish your breakfast first,” he smiled.

“You’re teasing me!” I exclaimed. “No, you’re seducing me!”

He laughed. “Eat up so we could go home.”

I stayed silent for a moment. “I like the sound of that.”

Silence enveloped us. I went on eating as he just continued staring at me. I tried to act as if his
stare wasn’t bothering me when deep inside, I was slowly melting. He’s just so handsome today.
Okay, he’s always handsome but he’s extra handsome today. Does that make sense? Aish, never
mind. Maybe it has something to do with his smile or eyes. His eyes are smiling and they’re
causing chaos inside me. Aigoo!

I don’t know how or why but the next thing I know, I’m already done eating. “Oh, I’m done.”
“Good,” he said. I just smiled at him. “Don’t you want to know what really happened to Kevin?”

The question was thrown at me so suddenly that it caught me off guard. I blinked at him. I
wanted to say yes but the haunted look on his face was back again, it was as if he’d rather forget
it. “No,” I answered. “I don’t want to hear the details. It doesn’t matter, anyways. What matters
is that you’re here.”

“Are you sure?”

I smiled. “Yes.”

“Oh, you’re awake,” a new voice joined in.

I turned my head and saw TOP. He was grinning. Instead of grinning back, I glared at him.
“Don’t you know how to knock?”

“Of course I know how to knock,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I just don’t have proper manners to
do it.”

I tried to stop the smile that starting to curve my lips but it was going out of control so I went to
being snappy. “What do you want?” I snapped.

“Tsk, so snappy, eh?” he commented. “I think I know why.”

“Oh really?”

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” he went on. “You’re in a foul mood because the first face you saw wasn’t
so pleasant, was it?”

I glanced at Jiyong with wide eyes. I squeezed his hand when I saw his face darkened. The
brightness in his eyes also disappeared and that irked me. “And you think you’re so pleasant to
the eyes?”

“I just don’t think of it, I believe in it,” he said, winking. “Spot the difference? Anyways, now
that you’re looking so healthy again, maybe it’s about time we go back to school? I mean, you
don’t want the school to drop you off, right?”

“No one asked you to stay,” Jiyong growled.

“True,” TOP agreed. “But it would be boring if I wasn’t here, wouldn’t it?”

I rolled my eyes.

---
My pancake and I kept ourselves locked in our room for most hours in the morning. We decided
to go back to our apartment later in the afternoon. I propped myself up on one elbow and smiled
as I watched him pull his boxer shorts up. Unable to stop myself, I whistled. “Sexy butt,” I
commented.

He turned around to face me, smirking. “Get up, you insatiable tiny creature.”

I chuckled and obeyed him, letting the blanket slid off me. “Dress me, please.”

“Since when did you become so lazy?”

“Just now.”

I kept my eyes on his scarred chest as he went on dressing me up. Everytime I see his scars, I can
always feel this tiny ache in my heart. He didn’t deserve any of the scars he has. “Your lips and
eyes are back to normal, by the way.”

I blinked. “Really? That was quite fast.”

“Yep.”

“Oh,” I mumbled, nibbling on my lower lip. “Pancake?”

“What?”

“Promise me you won’t dry yourself up just to-”

“I don’t do promises, you know that.”

“Is it really that important to you?” I asked, irked. “Would it really matter if I’m scarless or not?
Would you be disgusted if I’m scarred or bad looking?”

“No, it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“Then why-”

“Scars aren’t just superficial marks, Dara. They also bring painful memories. You’ll always
remember what caused those scars everytime you see them. I rather you don’t have one.”

“Is that how you feel everytime you see your scars?”

His hands stopped halfway in straightening the shirt he was putting on me. A minute of silence
passed before he answered my question. “No, it’s not like that,” he quietly said.
I was tempted to ask for more but I changed my mind. I don’t want to ruin the mood he
established, anyways. I don’t want to have scars too but I just wanted to hear from his mouth that
he’s feelings won’t change even if I don’t look adorable as he usually say.

As soon as I was dressed, he grabbed my hand and locked it with his. Hand in hand, we walked
out of the room and went to the living room to join the others. TOP, Seungri and Youngbae were
joined around Sohee, laughing. It would have bothered me but I was in a good mood so I just
smiled at Bom who looked up the moment we entered the area.

“Go and have a chat with Bom,” Jiyong said, turning to me. He smiled then kissed me. Aigoo!

With a dazed mind, I walked towards Bom’s direction. I smiled foolishly at her, making her
chuckle. “Hello,” I said.

“Glad to see you’re in a good mood,” she smiled back.

“Blame it on Jiyong,” I joked when Sohee’s laughter suddenly penetrated my ears. I turned my
head and looked towards her direction. She was at the opposite end of the room, lounging on a
sofa. I glanced at Jiyong who was leaning against the wall. There was a small smile on his face.

“You’ll get over it.”

I blinked. “W-what?” I asked, turning to Bom.

“You’ll get over that scene. It’s quite the same when you arrived in our lives so I know what
you’re feeling right now. Huh, the boys were quite interested with you, especially Jiyong,
although he had a good job hiding it.”

I glanced back at Jiyong and saw him trying to stop himself from smiling. I growled. “Aish!”

Bom chuckled. “Jealous?”

“Not really,” I slowly said, turning back to her again. “It’s just that. . . I don’t know. I mean,
don’t you feel a bit hurt everytime Youngbae’s attention stray away from you?”

She shrugged. “Dara, shadows are like. . . gangsters in a way. I thought I already told you about
his before? They like games alright, with girls, especially Seungri. They could sleep with anyone
they want or whenever they want but the thing is, they usually love just one person.”

“Oh well,” I sighed. “I guess Youngbae’s not the type of playing games and-”

“Actually, Youngbae had his fair share of games even if we were already married.”

“Really?” I asked, my eyes going wide? Youngbae? For real?

“Yes,” she smiled.

“And you’re okay with that?” I asked her in disbelief.

Bom shrugged. “As long as he still comes home to me at the end of the day, I’m fine with it. And
don’t look so worried, Dara. Youngbae and Jiyong are two different people. Jiyong might hate
me for saying this but he’s an idiot for being so blindly in love with you.”

My ears clapped. “Do you really believe that?”

“I just don’t believe in it. I know it for a fact. Dara, after everything that has happened, how
could you still doubt his feelings?”

“I’m not doubting his-”

“Hey spoof!”

I turned to TOP then grimaced. “Don’t call me that!”

“You’re still snappy? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re just being defensive because
you’re starting to like me.”

“How assuming could you get?! I-”

“Perverted pancake!”

I paused. Eh? I know that voice alright but the last time I heard him call me pancake in public
was the time when I was talking to Jae before. He just called me pancake but now, perverted
pancake? Kyaa! I looked up at him. “Ya!”

“Come here,” he said.

“Why?” I whined.

“I want to hug you, come here.”

I blushed, like seriously BLUSHED. Aigoo! Aigoo, aigoo, aigoo! What’s going on here? Kyaa,
he’s making me giddy. “Why are you being like this?” I mumbled shyly but stood up anyways
and went to him. The moment I reached him, he pulled me into a tight hug.

“Seungri, I’m going out. Wanna come?” I heard Sohee said from behind me.

“I think I’ll go out too,” TOP said.

“And I’d prefer it if you won’t return anymore,” Bom commented.

“Don’t be too harsh, round lady. It’s not good for the baby,” TOP countered.
“Leave my wife alone, TOP.”

---

The next day, I started with a jolt. Jiyong and I went home late afternoon yesterday. He was all
sweet and cuddly so I expected to see him staring at me the moment I open my eyes but he was
nowhere to be seen. I jumped to my feet and grabbed a robe to cover myself. I went outside the
room and started searching for my pancake.

I found him in the kitchen. He had his back on me as it seemed like he was cooking something.
He only had his jeans on, totally shirtless. I swallowed hard upon seeing his scarred but muscled
back. Ooh, he’s so sexy! I ran to him and wrapped my arms around his waist from behind. I
rested my right cheek on his scarred back and inhaled his natural scent. “Pancake, you’re up
early again.”

“I’m making pancakes for you,” he said. “It’s supposed to be breakfast tin bed but since you’re
already awake. . .” he trailed.

“I should be the one doing this for you.”

He slowly turned to me without breaking my hold around him. The moment he faced me, he
started chuckling. “Your hair looks adorable.”

My eyes widened. I pulled away from him and ran straight to the bathroom. I went in front of the
mirror and stared at myself. I groaned after a while. My hair’s a mess! How could he say it
looked adorable? Aish! I removed my robe and decided to take a bath. I was on the process of
lathering shampoo on my hair when I started feeling as if I’m being watched. I stopped what I’m
doing and glanced to my right. A smiling Jiyong greeted me. “Ya! What are you doing here?”

“Watching you, of course,” he said, smirking.

“How did you get in?”

“You didn’t lock the door,” he pointed out.

“Oh!” I mumbled. “Well, are you going to join me or not?”

His smirk grew wider. “I can’t,” he said. “I have to do something outside but I’ll be back later.”

I frowned. “I’ll go with you.”

“It won’t take long,” he assured me. “Your breakfast’s on the table, by the way.”

“You’re going to let me eat alone? You know I hate being alone.”
He rolled his eyes. “It’ll be quick, Dara.”

I pouted. “Fine.”

He chuckled then stepped into the stall and gave me a lingering kiss. “I’ll be back in a few
minutes.”

I sighed. “I love you.”

He smiled. I didn’t expect him to say anything, anyways. I’m quite used to it already. “I do too,”
he whispered.

---

I’m done taking a bath but I can’t stop giggling. Aigoo, I think I’m going crazy. As I looked for
something to wear, my eyes caught something lacy in the corner. My smile grew wide upon
remembering Bom’s gift. I took it out from the closet and put it on me. I wasn’t wearing
anything except the lacy lingerie, meaning, I was as close to being naked. I giggled again. I’m
going to surprise my pancake. Hahaha. And then, I heard the main door opened and closed
followed by footsteps. Oh, I’ll just eat my breakfast later.

I walked to the bedroom door and took a deep breath before opening it. I fixed a sexy smile on
my face before stepping out to greet him. “Hi pancake,” I said in an alluring voice. But then, my
smile faded as I saw five pairs of eyes staring at me. I felt my blood dropped to the floor as I
turned to Jiyong and saw him on the verge of laughing. I turned my eyes again to the four people
(two men and two women) in corporate attire. And then, I backed out and ran to the bathroom. I
locked the door behind me and started breathing heavily. My heart pounded louder when I
suddenly heard Jiyong’s laughter from the outside.

-----
 Chapter 32: The Delicious Dinner

Someone please kill me now! Waaaah! Aigoo! How am I going to live after this? Kyaaa!!!

HUHUHUHU!!!!

And my pancake’s laughing at me!

AIGOO!!!

How could he laugh at times like this? His mother’s out there along with other people! What
would they think of me now?

“You should have seen your face a while ago,” my pancake’s familiar voice came in. I didn’t
dare look up, I’m too embarrassed. I curled myself tightly and pressed myself further against the
wall. “Come on, tiny creature.”

I didn’t move, I didn’t say anything. I’m humiliated beyond words. Aigoo! If only I could turn
back time. If only I could disappear at will! I was thinking of different ways to escape this
embarrassment when I felt Jiyong’s hands on my arms. He was trying to pull me up. “No,” I
croaked.

But then, he’s strong so he was able to pull me up to my feet. I kept my head down and didn’t
say anything. He hugged me and squeezed me tenderly. “To tell you the truth, you don’t really
have to wear stuff like this to seduce me.”

He was teasing me and I could just whimper from embarrassment. “You can’t be seduced.”

“That’s what you think,” he said. “I just know how to control my needs sometimes.”

“Sometimes?” I asked.

“I usually give in to your advances, especially these past days.”

“Ya!” I protested weakly.

He pulled away slightly but I was firm on keeping head down. With his thumb and forefinger, he
lifted my chin up but still, I kept my eyes down. “Dara.”

I didn’t say anything. The next thing I knew, he was kissing me already. My defenses crumbled
down. I lifted my arms and wound them around his neck as the kiss went deeper. I moaned as his
tongue started playing with mine. It was then that I realized that he was also seducing me.
“Pancake. . .” I murmured.

He grabbed my waist and lifted me up. I quickly understood what he wanted me to do so I

wrapped my legs around his waist. He started walking to our room. With our lips still locked, he
gently placed me on bed. His left hand started caressing my leg up to my thigh. I was so
distracted that it took me a while to notice that he was taking the lacy garment off of me.

“Wait. . .” I murmured, stopping his hands. “What are you doing?” I added with wide eyes.

“Taking off the boundaries,” he smirked and dived for the sensitive spot on my neck.

“Aigoo!” I giggled, kicking childishly. “But. . . but you have visitors.”

He pulled back. “Your needs will be my first priority from now on, Dara.”

Aigoo! He’s being unbearably sweet. “What’s with the sudden change of behavior?” I asked.

“You ask too many questions,” he murmured and resumed nuzzling my neck.

“Y-you want us to make love with your mother and guests outside?”

“This is what you want, right?”

“Yes, but. . . aigoo, pancake, will you stop luring me in for just a second?”

He pulled away and looked down at me, frowning. I reached out to clear the frown off his face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.

I cupped his face and stared deeply into his eyes. “I know,” he said and leaned down to touch his
forehead with mine.

“I do want to make love with you, Jiyong. You know how much I enjoy it,” I started, blushing
deeply as he chuckled at my choice of words. “But you’ve got visitors and just what would they
think if they started hearing me making sounds in here?”

He sighed. “Are you sure?”

I hesitated for a moment but when he opened his eyes, I was able to make a decision. “Yes, I’m
sure.

“Oh well,” he said. “There’s still later, anyways.”

“I’ll patiently wait for you, then,” I told him in a teasing tone.

He raised his brows. “You’re coming with me.”

I frowned. “Where?”

“Out of this room. I want to introduce you to –”

“NO!” I quickly protested even before I could stop my mouth. “A-and besides, I’ve met your
mother before.”

“Are you ashamed of being my girlfriend?”

“Of course not!” I breathed out. How could he ask that from me?!

“Then what’s wrong?”

I moaned. “You know what happened! I can’t just face them after what happened a while ago!”

He rolled his eyes. “Believe me when I say that they’ve seen a lot more than what they saw a
while ago.”

“It’s still embarrassing!”I whined.

“No, it’s not.”

“You said you’ll prioritize my needs first!”

He sighed. “Fine, if that’s what you want. But you still have to go out of this room.”

“And why is that?”

“You haven’t eaten your breakfast yet and you NEED to eat.”

“Pancake. . . please don’t do this to me!”

“Since when did you become so shy?”

“Pancake. . . I’ll do anything! Just don’t force me out of this room!”

“You NEED to eat,” he emphasized. “Now, get dress.”

“Pancake. . .” I whined, pouting.

“Don’t be stubborn, Dara,” he said in a tone that I can’t disobey.

With heavy feet, I went to the closet and started looking for something decent to wear. I pulled
out a turtle necked shirt and jeans. I putt hem on with heavy and unwilling arms.

“Dara,” he sighed wearily.

“What?” I asked, facing him.

“What’s with the conservative attire?”

I held my chin up. “I feel like wearing one today.”

“Suit yourself,” he shrugged. “Now, come here and give me a hug and a kiss.”

“Ya! Why are you being like this?” I demanded with my hands on my waist.

He flashed me one of his boyish smiles as he lazily closed the distance between us. And he
looked so sexy doing that. Aigoo. As soon as he reached me, he rested his hands on my waist and
dived down for my lips. The kiss was so gentle and tender that it weakened my knees. The threat
of falling down to the floor made me hold on to his shoulders desperately.

“You’re so adorable,” he murmured as he pulled away. To my surprise, he pinched my cheeks

like I’m some kind of a two-year old chubby kid.

“Ya!”

“Let’s go,” he chuckled. “You need to eat.”

“I could just eat later.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

“I really can’t do this, Jiyong.”

“Yes, you can,” he said as he led me towards the door.

“I don’t think I can do this,” I said for the nth time.

“Stop stalling, Dara.”

“I really am not hungry yet.”

“Do you want us to argue?”

I pouted and didn’t say anything. I can’t help but whimper as we neared the door. He placed one
of his arms on my shoulders. I took advantage of it. I buried my face at his side in my lame
attempt to hide myself away from his guests. I grabbed a fistful of his shirt tightly as I firmly
settled my face at his side.

I could hear hushed voices talking the moment we stepped out of the room. I didn’t dare look up
or even take a peek. I was too embarrassed to do that. If I could just sprint directly to the kitchen,
I would. And speaking of, my pancake can transport from one place to another! Why can’t he
just transport me there? Ah yes, he’s not really a big fan of using his own powers. Great! I
answered my own question. Aish! What’s happening to me?
When we reached the kitchen, I sighed in relief. “Will you be alright eating alone?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” I answered. “Why?”

I just have something to discuss with them.”

“Oh, go ahead, take your time. And don’t bring them in the kitchen!”

---

I wanted to go back to the bedroom but since Jiyong’s guests are still in the living room, I was
stuck. I’m already done with my meal minutes ago. Aigoo! I wonder how long would it take for
my pancake to be back? I wanted to eavesdrop but I might get caught and it’ll only embarrass me
more so I decided not to do that. Aish! I’m dead bored already!

Just as I thought it’ll go on forever, I started hearing footsteps and the opening and closing of a
door. But I stayed in my spot, just to be sure. A while later, my pancake came in. “Are they
gone?” I asked at once.

“Yeah.”

“You don’t look so happy.”

He sighed. “We have to join them later at dinner.”

“B-but. . .”

“Sohee will be there, too.”

“Sohee? But why?”

“Because two of my guests were her parents while the other two was my mother and my
stepfather. You don’t really want me to go there alone, do you?”

I was then caught in a dilemma. It was already embarrassing to be seen wearing something
private but what’s more embarrassing was, the people who just saw me were Sohee’s parents and
Jiyong’s mother and stepdad. But I also don’t want to imagine my pancake in one table with
Sohee and her parents. Kyaa! No, that is not allowed. “I’ll go with you,” I decided. “But what
did Sohee’s parents want?”

He didn’t answer at once. “They were just asking about Sohee,” he answered. And I have this
weird feeling that he’s lying. Usually, I can’t catch him on the act of lying but right at this
moment, I’m sure he is. “Since we still have a lot of time before dinner, would you like to
resume what we were doing a while ago?”

I frowned. “Resume? What are you talking – oh!”

---

Night arrived. It’s time for the dinner thingy with the high almighty in the shadow world. I
badgered Jiyong endlessly about Sohee’s parents until he finally divulged selected information to
me. So basically, Sohee’s father is like the elected president in the shadow world. Well, that’s
just how I understood it. I think I have to be a shadow to understand everything. No wonder
Sohee’s so. . . oh well, never mind.

“Aren’t I supposed to wear a dress?”

“No, you’ll wear jeans.”

“But why?”

“Just do what I say.”

“I want to know why.”

“It’s already late and it won’t be ideal for you to show off some skin.”

I giggled. “Aigoo, being protective, eh? Hehehehe.”

“Don’t be too giddy.”

“Spoilsport,” I mumbled. “How are we going to get there, anyways?”

“The Ahns’ drivers will pick us up.”

I grimaced. “I don’t want to ride there.”

“Don’t be ridiculous.”

I really don’t have a choice, do I?

~AUTHOR’S POV~

Dara’s jaw dropped as soon as they arrived in the venue. The place was too. . . . grand for her.
“We’re underdressed, Jiyong. I don’t think they’ll allow us in.”

“They will,” he said.

A staff went to greet them and Dara could only stare as Jiyong and the guy exchanged words in
British accent. As soon as the conversation was over, the guy glanced at her and gave her a small
smile. “Now let me lead you to –”

“No, we’ll find our way.”

“Pancake!” Dara whispered as soon as he started finding their way to the table they were
supposed to join. “You sounded so sexy talking in a British accent! You didn’t tell me you could
speak that way!”

“You didn’t ask,” he said, trying to make a joke out of it. He could sense how tensed Dara was
especially with the current situation they’re in. First of all, they were underdressed for the place.
Second, people were staring at them. And third, almost half of the people they walked past by
were whispering behind their hands while giving Dara a dark look. She may be dense and stupid
sometimes but he knew she wasn’t that stupid not to notice the indifference of others towards
her.

He purposefully made her wear casual clothes because of some reasons – one of that is her
reputation of being a shadow magnet. As for the other, he ought not to think of it at the moment
because he’ll just get distracted. And being distracted won’t help calm Dara’s tension especially
now that he can see the faces of the people in the table they were about to join.

“What are you wearing, Jiyong?” Mr. Ahn asked. “I told you it’ll be a formal dinner.”

“I’m not comfortable in wearing formal suits,” he said. “By the way, this is Dara, my –”

“Ah, so Dara’s your name,” Mr. Ahn nodded, staring at Dara with a dark gleam in his eyes.

“Yes, hello!” Dara greeted enthusiastically, holding out her hand for a handshake. The man
stared down at her hand for a moment before accepting it. He gave it a tight squeeze first before
letting go to which Jiyong noticed but he decided not to react just yet.

“Dara, this is Hunmul, Sohee’s father and this is Sora, his wife.”

“Hello!” Dara greeted again with a bright smile on her face.

“And of course, you know my mother and Sohee,” Jiyong went on then paused for a moment as
he glanced at his stepfather. “And this is Miro, my mother’s husband.”

Dara can’t seem to let go of the tension she’s feeling even if they were settled down. And the
way Mr. Ahn would glance at her once in a while wasn’t helping at all. She asked Jiyong to
order for her since she had no idea what would taste the best. To her surprise, her pancake was
being extra attentive to her. As the dinner went on, Mr. Ahn mostly manipulated the
conversation, and Dara felt as if she was invisible. Although Jiyong and Miro, his stepfather
would sometimes ask for her opinion, Hunmul would always find a way to redirect the question
to Sohee, who ignored Jiyong the whole duration of the dinner.

Dara wasn’t complaining, though. It gave her a chance to observe everyone on the table,
especially Jiyong. She just noted how strongly-opinionated Jiyong was and she can’t help but
feel proud that he can keep up with the grown-ups. But as the dessert came in, there was a
sudden change in the direction of the conversation. Mr. Ahn was nowsurprisingly interested with
her.

“So Dara, what does your parents do?”

She froze. She tried to open her mouth but she can’t.

“They’re dead,” Jiyong answered flatly.

“Oh, right!” Mr. Ahn exclaimed dramatically. “I’m so sorry dear. It was mentioned to me before
but I forgot about it already.”

“I-It’s okay,” Dara whispered.

Under the table, Jiyong grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently.

“So, what are your plans for college?”

“I don’t really have a specific plan right now. I still need to earn money for it,” she answered.
Jiyong gave her hand another squeeze.

“Don’t you have ambitions?” Mr. Ahn went on.

“W-well. . . I would love to have my own boutique someday, and my own family,” she finished
and gave Jiyong a wistful look.

“Tell me, what subject are you good at? History? Science? It’ll help you decide what to take for
college.”

Dara blushed. “I’m not really that good in academics. But I can draw. I even drew something for
Jiyong for his birthday!” she cheerfully added.

“Anyone can draw,” Mrs. Ahn laughed. “Our Sohee here is pretty good at it.”

“Drop it off, Mom,” Sohee sighed and stood up. “I need to go to the washroom.”

“Me too!” Dara piped in.

As soon as the girls were out of sight, Jiyong then flashed Mr. Ahn an angry look. “Your new
playmate’s really interesting, Jiyong. Of course you can still keep her even if you were married
to our Sohee already but. . . would you mind sharing her –”

Jiyong reached out across the table and grabbed the collar of his suit. “Don’t you dare insult my
girlfriend that way, especially in front of me. And if you continue giving her the looks you’ve
been giving her for the past hours, I’m going to pry your eyes out! You might as well say
goodbye to your precious direct descendant because I won’t cooperate to anything you’ll ask me
to do.”

“Jiyong, that’s enough!” his mother scolded him.

“No!” he returned. “And if you dare touch just a single strand of her hair, you’ll have me to
answer for!”

“You dare raise your voice to me?” Mr. Ahn demanded.

“Jiyong, let Hunmul go,” his stepfather ordered. “Hunmul, please be more civil in front of your
wife.”

With clenched jaws, Jiyong let him go and went back to his seat. He blew up. He screwed up. He
knew Hunmul won’t take this easily but he didn’t care anymore. He had enough watching the
older guy stare at Dara like she’s a piece of meat. He knew the consequences of his actions and
he’ll just have to face all of those.

Dara, sensed rather than saw, the tension in the table the moment she returned. She wanted to go
home already and she was about to whisper it to Jiyong when Mr. Ahn’s voice broke into the
silent table. “So tell me Dara, is there anything else you can do aside from drawing?”

The insulting tone didn’t escape Dara’s ears. And although she felt small about herself, a
rebellious part of her made her jut her chin up and say the word, “Yes. I can show you if you
like.”

Oh, that. . . would be nice.”

Dara stood up from her chair. Then, she started dancing her washing machine dance while
singing to the song that she made up: “Jiyong, Jiyong, Jiyongie; I so love my Jiyongie!”

Although he was in a bad mood, Jiyong wasn’t able to stop himself from laughing out loud the
moment Dara started dancing her washing machine dance and singing to the song she made up.
What made everything funnier was the look on the faces of the royalties, especially Mr. Ahn.

When she was done, she went back to her seat with a bright smile on her face.

“You call that. . . talent?” Mrs. Ahn asked. “I can even sing and dance better than you.”
“No,” Dara answered quite friendly. “I may not be the best student in class, an ambitious person,
a talented girl or the brightest mind you’ll meet but I’m proud to say that I’m the only one who
can make Jiyong laugh out loud like that.”

Silence filled the table. Sohee straightened up in her seat and stopped pretending that she was
unaware of Dara and Jiyong; Jiyong’s mother just stared at Dara like she’s an exotic creature; a
small smile can be seen on Miro’s face while the smug and insulting looks on the Ahns’ faces
were wiped off.

Dara glanced uneasily at Jiyong and she almost burst into tears upon seeing the briefest flash of
pride in his eyes as he looked at her. It was rare for her to see Jiyong like that so eventhough it
only lasted for a few seconds, it meant a lot to her. Under the table, Jiyong took hold of her hand
again and gave it a tight squeeze.

Suddenly, nothing matters to her anymore. It doesn’t matter if she’s not that intelligent. It doesn’t
matter if she’s not that talented. It doesn’t matter what Sohee parents thinks of her, of what other
people thinks of her. Nothing matters as long as Jiyong’s beside her. Come to think of it, she
actually finds Mr. Ahn’s collar quite stylish, what’s with the crumpled style of it.

Everything felt so light then.

--------
 Chapter 33: The Long Conversation

If there was a word to describe the atmosphere in the table, that would be the word awkward. Dara’s
speech seemed to leave everyone in the table silent. It didn’t bother her, though, since she was too
busy exchanging flirty looks with Jiyong. Hunmul, however, tried to regain the previous atmosphere
he created. He was now controlling the flow of conversation and he was redirecting everyone’s
attention on Sohee. To Dara’s delight, Jiyong wasn’t even paying attention to anything the guy was
saying. Instead, he squeezed her hand and leaned forward to her ear, just saying random words in a
husky voice that never fails to make her shiver.

“So Jiyong, what do you think?” Mr. Ahn suddenly asked out of nowhere, voice filled with
controlled anger.

Jiyong straightened up and cleared his throat. His mother stared at him in surprise. She had never
seen his son look like a guilty young boy being caught eating chocolates when they were forbidden
to. “What I think?” Jiyong slowly said. “I think I like to eat a pancake, especially if it’s wet. . .” he
paused then glanced at Dara meaningfully before adding, “. . . with syrup. Do they serve pancakes
here?”

For some reason she can’t explain, Dara found Jiyong’s statement quite. . .meaningful to the extent
that her face went violently red from embarrassment.

“No,” Sohee answered.

“Are you trying to be funny, Jiyong?” Mr. Ahn asked.

Jiyong shrugged. “I think so.”

“Jiyong! What’s going on with you?” his mother came.

“Look, I’m just joking!”

“Since when did you learn how to joke around?” Sora asked Jiyong with her eyes on Dara.

“I think it would be best if we discuss trivial matters when we’re not in front of the table,” Jiyong’s
stepfather suggested.

The Ahns’ straightened up and glanced at each other. After some time, Mr. Ahn opened a
conversation again and this time, he made sure that everyone would participate in it, except Dara.
Eventhough she knew a few things about the shadow world and the shadows, she was still left
dumbfounded when they started talking about Nest and other things that she never heard of.

“I don’t want to be part of the Nest,” Jiyong said with obvious irritation. “How many times do I have
to repeat that?”

“You don’t really have a choice. As a direct descendant, it’s your obligation.”
“Oh yeah?” Jiyong snorted. “Since when did you start caring about your direct descendant? Oh, I
remember! That’s the time when you found out that I can use my powers unlike my useless father.”

There was silence.

“We’ve been very tolerant and lenient with you, Jiyong,” Mr. Ahn said. “But that doesn’t mean that
it would always be like that. You know what we’re capable of and you know the rules about-”

“Rules!” Jiyong snorted again. “Before, you and the Nest made all the shadow kids believed that
there were no rules but then you killed some of them when they underwent dark attack! Did you
really think I’m too dumb not to-”

“Jiyong!” Sohee cut off. “Learn to respect the elders. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you,
in private.”

Jiyong glanced at Dara.

“Alone, Jiyong,” Sohee said with so much authority that Dara just gave a tiny nod to Jiyong. she gave
him a reassuring smile to tell him that she’ll be alright in the company of Sohee’s parents and his
mother and stepfather.

Sohee was already heading out of the table when Jiyong finally stood up to follow her. She led him
to a private tea room that was located at the far end of the venue. “What do you think are you
doing?!” she demanded at once the moment she locked the door behind her.

Jiyong just sighed and dropped himself to a chair. “I don’t really have patience talking to your
father.”

“Jiyong, he’s a royalty.”

“And I’m a direct descendant,” he sarcastically said. “Doesn’t that put me higher than him?”

Sohee closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. After a while, she opened them again and
looked at Jiyong. “Jiyong, I really appreciate it that you’re starting to loosen up but this isn’t the time
for that. You know what they’re capable of!”

“And he should know what I’m capable of.”

“Jiyong, you’re a powerful shadow but you can’t stand against all of them!”

“I’m not going to let your father think that Dara’s just a toy that he can borrow and play with!”
Jiyong suddenly exploded. “I’ve seen the way he looks at Dara, Sohee!”

“That’s because he thinks Dara’s your fling!” Sohee returned. “I told you, they still think the
wedding’s still on, that it’s just been rescheduled – no, Jiyong, you can’t tell them it’s cancelled!”

“Why not?”
“Damn it!” Sohee gritted. “You know why, Jiyong. And you gave me your word that you’re going to
go through with it.”

“If you’ll only let me inform Dara about the marriage, then-”

“No.”

There was a moment of silence.

“I’m choosing Dara, Sohee.”

“What?”

“I’m choosing her,” he repeated.

“You’re. . . choosing her?”

“Yes.”

“You’re stupid! You’re suicidal!”

“It’s not about that.”

“Then what is it?”

“After what happened with Kevin, I realized that Dara’s been through. . . so much pain because of
me and-”

“And you’re just going to add up to it if you pursue on choosing her.”

“Did you know what she said when I asked her what she wanted to be after high school or college?
She said she wanted to be my wife, that’s all. She deserves my attention, Sohee.”

“Jiyong, you’re not getting it. Both of you could be killed because of this. No, she could be killed for
this.”

“What do you think will happen if I push through our agreement? It’s still the same, Sohee. I know
your father already noticed the ring on Dara’s finger and I don’t know why he’s being mum about it
when he was being straightforward about his intentions on getting Dara as his mistress in front of you
and his wife. And besides, they need me, they’re not going to kill me just yet. And as long as I’m still
alive, I’ll protect Dara.”

Sohee gave a bitter laugh. “Shadows are like that, Jiyong and you know that. We are not basically
loyal.”

“I know that.”

They shared another compatible silence.

“Are you sure about this, Jiyong?”

“Yes,” he answered. “I. . . love her.”

Sohee already knew that but it still made a big impact to her heart. She drew in a deep breath in an
attempt to lessen the pain but it only got worst. Hearing and knowing something are two different
things – she knew that now. “It’s not going to work, Jiyong. You can’t stand against them. They’ll do
anything to get you to their side.”

He frowned. “Have you figured out why is that? I don’t believe what they said to me before.”

“No, not really,” Sohee answered. “But I think if the marriage will pursue, we’ll find out.”

“Sohee, I already made my decision. Dara’s happiness will be my priority from now on. I’ve been
putting so much effort on her safety before but she still ends up in bad situations.”

“No, Jiyong. I still won’t accept your refusal. I’ll lie to them about you and Dara.”

“That’s your choice, but I’ll never deny who Dara is to me to anyone.”

Sohee smiled tightly. “I’m proud to see the changes in you, Jiyong, if only the changes were made by
me. I wish. . . I could turn back time,” she said. “I wish I could go back to the time when you hold on
to my hand because no one bothered leading you out of the dark time in your life.”

Meanwhile, Dara was at the most preoccupied moment in her life. Ever since Jiyong and Sohee left
for a talk, she wasn’t able to stop the wild, dark and suspicious thoughts from entering her mind.
Different scenarios played up inside her head on how Sohee would seduce her pancake into leaving
her. She wasn’t paying attention to any of her surroundings so she remained oblivious to the looks
being given her way. Unconsciously, she grabbed her knife and fork and banged her fists on the
table, shouting the words, “Jiyong is MINE!”

“I’m not going to steal him away from you, Dara,” Jiyong’s stepfather said. Dara was brought back
to earth and looked up, blinking. The confused look on her face made the former laugh.

Eh? What is he laughing about?she thought. She tried to recall if they exchanged conversation or
what-nots but she can’t remember anything. Then, it dawned on her. Her eyes went wide as his eyes
went red again upon realizing that she voiced her thoughts aloud. “I’m sorry,” she apologized at
once.

“You should have seen the look on your face. It’s as if you’re going to a war,” Miro said.

“Do you find Dara’s company pleasurable, Miro?” Hunmul butted in. “I do find her nice to look at, if
only she has brain, she would be perfect.”
The bluntness took Dara by surprise. She was quite used to insulting remarks from Jiyong or Bom or
TOP or from her friends but there was something different in Mr. Ahn’s tone and voice that shook
her off.

“I think Dara’s intelligent enough to make Jiyong laugh like that a while ago. I’ve never seen him
laugh like that-”

“You rarely talk to him, Miro,” Hunmul interjected.

“Nevertheless, I think Dara’s intelligent enough for Jiyong to like her. Don’t you trust our direct
descendant’s judgment?”

“They’re not going to last,” Hunmul sneered. “I’ve seen girls come and go in Jiyong’s life. He’s only
sticking up with her because of her sense of humor and. . . smooth skin but it’ll pass, you’ll see.
Sohee’s the ideal girl for Jiyong.”

He was getting back at her, she knew that. The way she answered and behaved a while ago might
have offended him and she knew he’s trying to get back at her. He’s lying Dara, she thought. Don’t
mind anything he says. Just think of your pancake. Think of how handsome he is, how cute he is, how
sexy he is, how amazing he is, how sweet he has been these past days – think of those. Positive
thoughts!

“Jiyong always says I’m adorable,” she started, directing the conversation to Jiyong’s stepfather,
Miro, since he’s accommodating enough to talk to. “But he usually gets pissed when-”

“-you’re being stubborn.”

Dara’s head sharply turned back. “Pancake! You’re here!”

“It’s time for us to leave,” he said.

“Really?” Dara asked. “Aww, too bad. I was having the time of my life talking to Mr. Ahn. He really
got some great fashion sense!”

“Is that so?” Jiyong asked.

“Yes!” Dara answered brightly, beaming at Miro and Jiyong’s mother. “Why, I think what he’s
wearing is the latest trend, only, I think it’s in a different era. And my, the soiled collar is really
something too! I think it’s the best collar I’ve ever seen! I wanted to buy something like that for you,
pancake but I don’t think it’ll suit you. You’re clean and handsome while Mr. Ahn is. . . oh well,
never mind.”

Jiyong burst out laughing while discreetly nodding his farewell to his mother. Still laughing out loud,
he started pulling Dara with him, who was beaming brightly at the people in the table.

“Bye!”
Once on the streets, Jiyong pulled Dara to a tight hug. “You are adorable, you are!”

“I am?”

“Yes,” he laughed.

“You did a great job back there.”

“I did?”

He rolled his eyes. “Dara, do you really have to repeat everything?”

“Sorry,” she smiled.

“You’re. . .” he said, planting a kiss on her forehead, “. . .the most. . .” he went on, this time, he
kissed each of her cheek, “. . .adorable person I’ve ever met!” he finished then kissed her in the lips.

He pulled back after a while then smiled down at her. “The stars are so bright tonight,” she randomly
said.

“Let’s take a walk home.”

“I’d love that.”

“I know you do,” he chuckled. He wrapped his arms around her and started walking. “You are
adorable.”

“You kept on saying that,” she noticed.

“You are adorable,” he sighed.

“Ya!”

“I can’t believe you left the Ahns’ stunned like that,” he laughed. “That was refreshing. You really
are adorable!”

“What’s with that word?” she demanded.

He was about to answer when his phone started ringing. He took it out, pressed the end button then
turned it off. He put it back in his pocket.

“That could have been an important call!” she trilled.

“I’m sure it’s not,” he confidently said.

“And what made you say that?”

“Because you’re not the caller,” he simply said.

There was a moment of silence. Dara’s mouth dropped as she stared in disbelief at Jiyong. “That’s. . .
eww, that’s so cheesy!”

Jiyong suddenly tensed, making Dara stop from her fits of giggle. She glanced up at Jiyong and saw
the alertness on his face, his eyes moving here and there while his arms tightened around her.

------
 Chapter 34: The Confused State

“What’s wrong?” Dara asked, looking up at Jiyong. He had his eyes narrowed up ahead and out
of curiosity, Dara followed his gaze. There was a shadow of a person up ahead, heading their
direction. Instinctively, Dara tightly held on to Jiyong.

“You should not lurk like that,” Jiyong said.

“You’re so suspicious,” a familiar voice replied. Dara immediately recognized it as TOP’s.

Slowly, he stepped out of the darkness.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Why, hello too!” he smirked.

Dara frowned at the heavy sarcasm in his voice. Bit her forehead cleared after a while. She felt
like she hasn’t seen him for years. She sighed then stared back at him. “What are you doing
here?” she asked again.

“Sohee called me,” he said, keeping his eyes on her. “She said your boyfriend’s mother’s been
calling him but he isn’t answering. She said it’s important.”

“I didn’t know you’re Sohee’s errand boy,” Jiyong snided. “I thought it was Seungri.”

“Jiyong,” Dara warned although she can’t help but frown at TOP’s obedience to Sohee’s orders.

“Since you’re enjoying the role of being an errand boy, inform Sohee that I’ll talk to my mother
some other time.”

“Jiyong,” Dara softly said. She’s not liking the current mood and aura TOP’s in and as much as
she doesn’t want to think about it, she can’t help but feel that they might end up fighting against
each other again. “I think it would be better if you’ll just go. . . . go back to the restaurant and
talk to your mother.”

Jiyong glanced down sharply at her, his eyes searching hers. After a while, he sighed. “Fine, but
I’ll take you home first.”

“No,” she refused. “Go on, I’ll be fine. Besides, I need to talk to TOP, anyways.”

His eyes narrowed. He was obviously against it.

“I’ll be fine, pancake. Trust me,” Dara consoled him.

“I trust you Dara,” he calmly said. “But I don’t think I can trust him.”

“Huh!” TOP snorted.

It was inappropriate but Dara can’t help but smile giddily at Jiyong. She reached out to cup his
face. The moment she did, Jiyong’s stance relaxed. With a sigh, he said, “Are you sure you’ll be
alright?”

“Yes,” she answered, still smiling. “Go, I don’t want your mother to think that I’m taking you
away from her.”

“Dara, that won’t be your fault. It’s my choice,” he calmly said.

“Ya!” Dara suddenly burst out. “Stop being unbearably sweet and charming, will you? You’re
going to make me cry!”

“I adore you,” he whispered so low that she almost didn’t hear it. And even before she could
make a response, her lips were sealed by his. She automatically held on to his shoulders as he
kissed her passionately. Just as she thought it’d be forever, he pulled away then chuckled. “You
really are adorable,” he said before taking off.

Dara blinked several times before her mind went back to its normal state. When it did, Jiyong
was already gone. “I think I’m going to faint,” she whispered breathlessly. She expected TOP to
say something sarcastic but he remained quiet. She turned around to face him.

He was wearing an annoyed look close to boredom. With a smirk, he turned around and started
walking away.

“Ya! Where are you going?” Dara called.

He didn’t answer.

“Ya!” she called again and ran after him. Upon reaching him, she stopped him by grabbing his
arm. “Ya! What’s your problem? I should be the one acting pissed, not you!”

“And what did I do to you?”

Dara frowned. “And what did I do to you?” she returned.

TOP was silent for a moment. “I’m not going to apologize for something I’m not sorry for.”

“Fine!” Dara gritted. “But why are you suddenly being rude?”

He rolled his eyes. “If you don’t know, then I’m not going to tell you. Go figure it out on your
own.”

“Is this because of what Jiyong said a while ago?”

“I’m used to word fights,” he dismissively said as he started walking again.

“Then what’s wrong?”

“Just go home, Dara,” he said. “It’s getting late already.”

Dara ran and went in front of him. She spread her arms out in an attempt to block him. She was
wearing a determined look and TOP can’t help but secretly smile at this. He finds her cute when
she’s being like that. “Why do you even bother knowing how I feel, Dara?”

The question obviously took her by surprise. She dropped her arms to her side as she tried to
think of an appropriate respond. “W-well. . . y-you’re my friend and I . . . that’s. . . you’re my
friend. . .”

TOP saw the hesitation and confusion in her eyes. And eventhough he didn’t want to give any
meaning to it, he can’t help but see a flicker of hope. “I’m tired, Dara. I want to go to sleep. I
was actually going to sleep when Sohee called me and asked me to-”

“You shouldn’t have obeyed her then,” she cut off.

TOP didn’t say anything. He needed more signs.

“If you’re so pissed with Jiyong, you shouldn’t have bothered going here just to tell him that his
mother wanted to talk to him. You do know how to say no or refuse, right? Well, of course you
do!” she ranted but TOP started walking again. “Ah, I know,” Dara went on. “You can’t say no
to Sohee because you like her, don’t you? But the thing is, Sohee likes my pancake, so you’re
pissed because you’re jealous. It’s not Jiyong’s fault, though. And eventhough Sohee likes him; I
think I can safely say that my pancake prefers me than that girl. That’s it, isn’t it? You can’t say
no to Sohee because you like her and-”

“I wanted to see you, damn it!” TOP shouted, facing her. “And yes, I’m jealous! But not with
Sohee and Jiyong! I already told you this before, Dara. I like you, okay? And I think I’m-”

Dara started laughing. She was laughing so hard that it made her tummy ache. “Aigoo!” she
exclaimed. “You really are weird! That was a good one, though. You looked really serious! I
swear! I almost believed you but of course, I know it was a joke. . . hahahaha! That was a good
one, seriously!”

“I’m not joking,” TOP calmly said.

“Oh, come on!” Dara giggled.

“I’m serious, Dara and you know it.”

Dara shook her head, still giggling. She failed to notice that TOP was closing the distance
between them. “If you could only see your face right now. . .”

“What makes you think I’m joking?”

Dara froze upon feeling his breath blew upon her face. She blinked and looked up. She made a
squeaky sound upon seeing TOP just in front of her – too close for her comfort. She took a step
back uncertainly. “W-well. . .” she began. “Y-you always make fun of me and-”

“Do I look like I’m making fun of you right now, Dara?” he asked in a low tone.

Dara swallowed upon seeing the look in his eyes – he was and is serious. She took a step back
again. “Don’t call me that way.”

“Why?” he asked, taking a step forward. “That’s your name, right? Dara.”

“Stop this. . .”

“Why?” he asked again, taking another step forward.

“I have a boyfriend and-”

“Break up with him then,” he casually suggested.

Her eyes went wide. “I can’t do that!” she exclaimed, her voice went a pitch higher. “I love
Jiyong and. . . if I’ll be able to convince him, I’m going to propose to him and ask him to marry
me and have children with me and. . .”

“If he really loves you, you don’t have to convince him to tie the knot with you,” he said. “If he
really wanted to be with you forever, he’ll ask you to marry him.”

“He doesn’t believe in forever,” she said.

“I do.”

“H-he. . . just got some issues,” Dara stammered. “But he’s changing already and that’s all
because of me!” she added with pride in her voice this time. “Look, I really appreciate it
everytime you make me laugh, your friendship and I’m really grateful for the times that you
saved me and accompanied me. I know that you probably find me cute and funny that’s why you
love pissing me off and-”

“I’m falling for you, Dara.”

Dara tried to laugh it off again but no sound came out. She was. . . all tongue tied and speechless.
She tried to move away but her body seemed to move towards him. “N-no. . .”

TOP saw something flashed across her face. And it was all he needed. He cupped her face and
claimed her lips possessively.

---
It was past midnight when Jiyong finally arrived at the apartment. He saw Dara asleep on the
sofa; he shook his head at the thought that she fell asleep while waiting for him. He looked down
at her and smiled. He knew she’s adorable, too annoyingly adorable sometimes but she’s
becoming more and more adorable to his eyes lately.

He scooped her up slowly – careful not to wake her up. Effortlessly, he carried her to their room.
He placed her down on the bed and kissed her forehead. Since she hasn’t changed her clothes
yet, he decided to change them for her. He went to get a loose shirt first before taking her shoes
and clothes off. He can’t help but shower her butterfly kisses all over. And to his satisfaction, she
remained fast asleep.
He straightened up after he was done putting the loose shirt on her. As he did, his eyes caught the
sight of Dara’s birthday gift to him – her masterpiece, as what she wanted to call it. He chuckled
then looked down at her again. I made the right decision, he thought. To hell with the
consequences of his choice, he doesn’t really care anymore. He’ll just face them when the right
time comes – no, they will face them together. He could just imagine how stubborn Dara would
be if he’ll insist on facing whatever tomorrow brings alone. He shook his head, surprised with
the way his mind was working. Maybe everyone’s right about him. Maybe he’s not really the
person he thought he was or maybe he was just changing. His eyes, on their own accord, went to
Dara’s ring finger. The shadow ring was there. He frowned a little as a memory and thought
passed his mind. But then, he smiled. It eventually turned into a soft laughter.

“I’m crazy,” he chuckled. “And it’s your fault, you adorable little giant baby.”

---

Morning came. Jiyong woke Dara up. “Aigoo!” she exclaimed. “Breakfast in bed again?”

“You’re actually complaining?”

“Of course not!” she said. “It’s just that. . . aish. . . . I told you, I should be the one doing these
things.”

He chuckled at her pouting face. “You are adorable.”

“You kept on saying that,” she noticed with her eyes narrowed into tiny slits. “What’s with that
word?”

“Why, don’t you like it?”

“You know I do,” she grumbled. “But I’m just wondering. Are you really my pancake?”

He laughed. “Can you see this?” he asked afterwards, pointing at the white angel pendant, “They
crystal. . . has some. . . let’s just say, ways of knowing its owner. For the sake of your below-sea-
level intellect, it means that I’m the only one who can wear this.”
“Really?” she asked. “Why didn’t you tell me that before?”

“There’s a process involved in it. You won’t understand it, anyways.”

She was about to demand what the process was but Jiyong suddenly placed a spoonful of
pancake in her mouth. She swallowed it down with chewing it. “Ya!”

“If you still don’t believe that I’m the Kwon Jiyong you knew, maybe this would help,” he said
then leaned forward and kissed her on the lips.

When he pulled back, she could only sigh. “There’s something missing, though,” she started.
“Maybe you should kiss me again so I can make sure that you really are my Jiyong.”

“Nice try, Dara,” he chuckled. “Eat first, then we’ll talk about your demand later.”

Okay,” she beamed brightly.

“You really are adorable.”

“Seriously, that word’s getting into my nerves already. What’s with it, anyways? Aha! Is that
your own way of saying the I love you words to me?” It was meant as a joke but when Dara saw
the look on his face, she was dumbfounded. “I’m a genius! If that’s the case, then I find you
really really really adorable, too!”

---

“Pancake, I don’t know what’s happening to me but I feel really tired and I don’t think I can
make it to school if I’m going to walk.”

He sighed and went to his knees. “Climb on, then. I’ll piggyback you to school.”

“Yay!” she cheered. “You are adorable. That means I love you.”

My pancake is so adorable adorable adorable. . .

“Dara, stop singing.”

Adorable adorable adorable

“You are stubborn,” he drily commented.

“Pancake, you are adorable! Hahaha.”

“And you are impossibly-”

“Impossibly adorable?” she giggled.

“Oh, never mind.”

Dara went on chanting and teasing Jiyong about the adorable word all the way to school. When
he brought her in front of her room, she climbed down. “Will we be having lunch together?”

“Yes,” he answered. “I’ll pick you up, later. Don’t go anywhere else, okay?”

“Okay,” she smiled.

“I’ll see you later then,” he said.

“Err, pancake. I think you’re forgetting something,” she said.

“What?”

She pouted her lips in response, making Jiyong chuckle. He leaned down and gave her a long,
sweet kiss.

Dara was used to the stares and glares of her fellow students so she wasn’t really bothered that
much. She can’t help but smile brightly. Then, at the corner of her eyes, a familiar figure past by.
When she checked to see who it was, the person was already gone. But of course she knew who
it was and the thought of him seeing her with Jiyong a while ago made her smile waver.

--------------------
 Chpater 35: The Unconscious Thought

She shut her eyes tightly. No, she can’t understand what’s happening to her. She doesn’t even want
to understand what’s happening to her in the first place. After a moment, she opened her eyes again
and tried to put all of her attention to the class. But the harder she tries to concentrate, the harder it
was for her to forget what happened last night. She shut her eyes tightly again, forcing herself to
forget it. But it’s as if it’s tattooed on her mind. The moment she arrived home after the TOP
incident, she actually cried. She cried and cried until she fell asleep on the sofa.

A heavy sigh escaped from her. As much as she wanted to think that everything she heard from TOP
was a joke, she can’t. There was something different with him when he said those things. She bit her
lower lip as she tried to understand what’s going on but then, her phone suddenly vibrated, making
her jump a little. Discreetly, she took her phone out and checked her phone. There was a message
from Jiyong. She frowned at this. He rarely sends her message so it was really surprising and a bit. . .
disturbing. But as she opened and read the message, a heavy feeling then weighed her heart as she
suddenly felt a surge of unknown guilt.

The message said: I adore you.

She shook her head, as if it would shook away the unknown guilt she’s feeling. She looked outside of
the room and a flash of TOP’s image crossed her mind. She shook her head again and looked
forward.

You were just surprised with his confession, Dara, she thought. You’re just feeling guilty because you
don’t want to hurt TOP because he’s your. . . friend.

She nodded to herself. That’s right. Yes, that’s the reason.

With that thought in mind, she exhaled and pulled up a smile.

---

Jiyong was waiting for her outside the room just like he said in time for lunch. She grinned at him
and held hands with him as they went to the cafeteria. The moment they stepped in there, her eyes
immediately scanned the place. She caught sight of Daesung with Minzy and TOP. She waved at Dae
and was about to head to their table when Jiyong held her back. She glanced back at him curiously.

“I don’t think it’ll be a good idea for me to be in the same table with your friends, Dara,” he said.
“Especially with TOP.”

She was about to protest but she changed her mind. She just smiled at him and gave him a nonchalant
shrug. He then led her to a different table and left her there while he went to get food. Her phone
vibrated again. She took it out and was greeted by a message from TOP. Avoiding me?

She hesitated for a moment but then, she decided to respond. No, she replied. Jiyong just thought it
wouldn’t be ideal for him to be in the same table with you.

Another message came: You told him what happened?

She was quick to respond to the recent message. Nothing happened, TOP.

Oh really? Do you want me to remind you?

Nothing happened, TOP, she replied again.

I think I know why you’re boyfriend said it wouldn’t be ideal for him to be in the same table with me.

She sighed. It’s quite obvious, isn’t it? You two always argue since you always egg him on.

No, that’s not it, he said.

She sent, Then what is?

Jiyong then returned with a tray of varieties of food. “Wow, that’s a lot,” she said.

“I kept on forgetting that I’m trying to get you fat,” he smirked.

“Ya!” she whined.

He chuckled. “You’re so adorable.”

She blushed at the same time a fresh wave of guilt hit her again. “I love you more,” she whispered.

He smiled serenely. “Let’s eat!” he announced all of the sudden.

As they ate lunch, Jiyong bombarded her with different sort of questions. “What’s with all of these
questions?” she asked.

“Is it wrong to ask questions now?”

“Well, no. . .” she said. “But for you, it’s unusual.”

“You’re being paranoid, Dara. I’m just asking questions.”

“I’m not being paranoid!” she whined. “I’m just saying that it’s out of character, you know.”

He chuckled. “You and your below-sea-level intellect never fail to amuse me.”

“Ya!” she protested. “I’m not dumb!”

“I know you’re not. I’m merely saying that you’re stupid.”

“Ya!” she whined childishly again.

“That’s actually one of the reasons why you’re so adorable.”

She was about to open her mouth but then, no words came out. She blushed deeply and looked down
at their intertwined hands. “Aigoo!” she whispered.

He chuckled. “So tell me, when you were a child, where’s your dream living place?”

She shrugged. “Anywhere,” she answered. “As long as I’m with you, I can live anywhere.”

“Even if I live in the forest?” he asked. “I’m a shadow, and being a shadow makes me a crow, too. I
can live in branches or in the trees or – what?”

She had her mouth dropped down as she stared blankly at her. “Was that supposed to be a joke?”

He grimaced. “It’s obviously not funny,” he darkly said.

There was a moment of silence and then, Dara laughed out loud. “Aigoo! Hahahahahahaha! I c-can’t
believe. . . hahahaha. . . you’re. . . haha. . . cracking a joke now. And you failed! Hahahahaha!”

“If what’s you’re saying is true, then why are you laughing your fucking ass out?”

“Ya! Hahahaha, no. . . s-swearing! Aigoo. Hahaha!”

“You can laugh at my failed joke all you want,” he said. “I don’t really mind as long as I can see you
happy and hear you laughing.”

That shut her up. “Pancake. . .”

He rolled his eyes. “Don’t go on teary-eye on me.”

“Pancake. . .”

He rolled his eyes again. “Anyways, since I’ve already established my dream living place, why don’t
you tell me yours?”

“I told you, anywhere’s find with me, as long as I’m with you.”

“There must be something specific on your mind,” he insisted.

“Well,” she paused, thinking. “I would want to live a bit far from the city, as much as possible, I
want to live near a beach or something. I want to have a vast garden so my children could play
around there, chasing each other. Then, we could also have picnics there. . . .”

And before she even knew it, she was already describing every detail of her dream home. She was so
immersed on her own thoughts that she failed to notice Jiyong’s unusual attentiveness. She went on
and on with no interruption from him. He can be seen frowning once, there were even instances that
he seemed amused with the details of her dream home but most of the times, he looked focused. And
when she was done talking, Jiyong noticed that the dreamy look on her face lingered on.
“You kept on mentioning children,” he said. “How many children do plan to have?” he jokingly
asked and reached out for a glass of water.

“A dozen,” she answered brightly, making him spill his drink.

“A what?!” he coughed.

“I actually dreamed of having more than a dozen kids,” she said, frowning a little as she tried to
remember the exact number. “But I know that won’t happen. I mean, you’re not really that type of
person, right? So, it’s okay,” she finished, beaming at him.

Jiyong went silent. His mind was already working ahead of him, planning things out.

“So, where are you planning to go to college?” she asked. “You’re planning to be architecture,
right?”

“I’m still thinking about it,” he said.

“It’s okay,” she said. “It’s still early to think about things like that, anyways. You still have months
to think about it.”

“What do you mean with I still have months to think about it? You already have plans on your own,
then?”

She rolled his eyes. “Of course I do!” she said. “I’ll be your ever supportive girlfriend. I’ll cook for
you and prepare everything you need and –”

“What about your plans for college?”

“You know I don’t have plans for college and I don’t have enough money for that.”

“I already told you, I’ll shoulder the expenses for –”

She pouted. “But that would make both of us busy and if we’re busy, that means, we won’t be seeing
much of each other. I don’t like that.”

He sighed. “Don’t be pathetic, Dara,” he said.

She pouted even more.

He sighed again then his head swooped down to claim her lips. “I told you not to pout in front of
me,” he said a while later.

“I was actually hoping you’ll kiss me that’s why I did that,” she said, grinning.

Jiyong then laughed out loud.

At a different part of the cafeteria, a head snapped up upon hearing a familiar laughter. “She was
right,” she said. “She’s the only one who could make him laugh like that.”

“Stop torturing yourself, Sohee.”

“I’m not torturing myself,” she said. “I’m just stating a fact.”

“Good,” Seungri said. “’Coz the Sohee that I came to know is a not a weakling.”

She snorted. “Are you saying that just because it’s the right thing to say or you’re just trying to make
a move on me?”

“You choose,” he said.

She chuckled. “It’s the first one, then.”

“What made you say that?” he asked.

She chuckled again and shook her head. “Well, first, you’re a shadow. Second, you’re in love with
Chaerin.”

“What’s with me being a shadow got to do with this?”

She looked at him. “We both know what they say about shadows, Seungri. Shadows can only love
one person. You can flirt all you want, play with other girls, sleep with them but at the end of the
day, there’s only one person who’ll own your heart. Although majority of the shadow population
usually don’t fall in love since they’re too consumed with the evil part of their blood.”

“That’s not a fact, Sohee and you know that. Things like that are shits. People change, things change
and feelings change.”

“So you’re saying?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “Maybe what I’m trying to say is that my feelings have changed.”

She raised her brows. “Maybe you’re just trying to convince yourself to forget her,” she said. Seungri
didn’t say anything. Sohee then sighed. “Bom told me that you were actually watching Chaerin from
afar and –”

“She’s happy with her new friends now,” he cut off. “Let’s just leave her alone and let her be.”

“Is that what you really want to do? Leave her alone and let her be?”

Seungri stared at her for a moment then looked away. “I’m starting to like a different girl,” he
confessed.

“Oh really?” Sohee excitedly said. “Who? Do I know her? Maybe I could –”
The rest of her words were drowned as Seungri kissed her. It all happened so fast that when Seungri
pulled away, Sohee remained still. “You,” he whispered.

---

Dara was just a few steps away from the restroom when she saw TOP. She instantly panicked upon
seeing that he’s heading towards her. She wasn’t sure what to do. Should she greet him? Should she
run away? Should she ignore him?

She was too confused that she remained on her spot. When he was just three steps away, that’s when
her mind went into full panic mode. She hurriedly turned away and tried to run away from him but he
caught her arm and spun her around.

“So you’re really avoiding me,” he said.

“No,” she said.

“Liar,” he hissed.

“I was just planning to go to the restroom but then, I realized that I. . . I’ve been there already and
that I’m not really feeling any urge to pee.”

“You’re not really a good liar, Dara. You’re not a shadow,” he said.

She can’t understand why her heart was beating so hard against her chest. “W-what do you want?”
she asked.

He let go of her arm. “There’s a celebration this weekend,” he said. “Dae and Minzy asked to me to
invite you –”

“I can’t,” she answered at once.

“You’re avoiding me, aren’t you?” he probed on. “Why, is it because of what happened last night?”

“Nothing happened!”

“Do you want me to re-enact it for you?”

Her eyes widened in fear. “That. . . that was nothing!”

He raised his brows. “You call our kiss nothing?”

“It wasn’t a kiss! I didn’t kiss you back!”

“You didn’t?” he softly asked. “Maybe you didn’t but you didn’t push me away, either. But I know
you were close to responding to me, Dara.”
“No, I wasn’t!” she denied.

“If you’ll keep on denying it, I can kiss you right here, right now and prove to you that I’m right.”

“I hate you!”

“No, you don’t,” he said.

“You’re supposed to be my friend!” she exclaimed.

“If you’re really my friend, you’ll attend to my birthday celebration then?”

“Y-your birthday celebration?” she breathlessly asked.

“Yes,” he answered. “Not because I’m a bastard doesn’t mean I can’t celebrate a false birthday
already, right?”

She frowned. “False birthday?”

He sighed patiently. “This weekend, I’m going to celebrate the day that I was found by the old lady
in the trash bag.”

T-TOP, I’m sorry. I didn’t know that. . .”

“Don’t mind it,” he interrupted. “I’ll go ahead. I’ll be expecting you this weekend.”

“Wait, I –”

“If you won’t come, I’ll pick you up from your place.”

“That’s not fair! I have the right to say no!”

“In this case, I’m afraid you don’t have that right,” he said. “And oh, don’t being your boyfriend,
okay?”

----
 Chapter 36: The Night Out

JIYONG’S POV

I stepped out of the bathroom wearing nothing but my black brief. I was drying my hair when I heard
Dara say, “Oh mai gah!”

I looked up and saw the spoof girl staring at me with her eyes and mouth wide opened. “What?” I
asked.

“Aigoo, my heart!” she dramatically exclaimed, clutching her chest with both hands. And then, she
fainted and fell to the bed.

I chuckled and threw the towel away. I walked over to the bed and settled myself on top of her
unconscious body. “Looks like I have my own sleeping beauty,” I whispered then smiled. “Hmm, I
have to kiss you then to wake you up.”

I leaned closer but stopped just an inch away from her lips. I smiled when I saw her took a peek at
me through her left eye but when she saw me looking at her, she immediately closed her eye. I pulled
away and sighed. “Ah, I can see that you’re awake so there’s no need for me to kiss–”

She grabbed my hair, pulled my head down and kissed me. A warm feeling spread throughout my
system. She then wrapped her legs around me. “Pancake. . .”

“Wait,” I told her, pulling away. “I have to do something, let’s just. . .”

She pouted. “You said my happiness would be your priority from now on.”

I rolled my eyes. “I just took a bath,” I reasoned out.

“Then let’s take a bath together later,” she returned.

I sighed. “You are insatiable.”

“It’s your fault!” she said. “You’re so irresistible!”

I chuckled. “And now you’re trying to talk your way to lure me in bed.”

“Pancake. . .” she whined.

I sighed. “Fine,” I said.

She grinned. “Yeeess!”

---

I was drafting a design when I noticed Dara was again, being. . . a pervert. She already used this
tactic before and I can’t believe she’s at it again. She was on her underwear, walking past by my desk
every now and then, pretending that she needs to get something or that she just wanted to check
something, etc. Maybe if she only knew what I was doing and to whom it was, she would leave me
alone. But of course I can’t tell her my plans yet. I want to surprise her. I know her reaction would be
something to look forward to. I snorted then shook my head. Damn it, I’m thinking and acting like a
love struck school boy. I mean, we’ve been together for sometime now but I’m just starting to act
like this.

“Dara, why don’t you put some clothes on?” I sighed as she walked past by me again, faking a yawn.

“It’s hot,” she said.

I paused from what I’m doing and glanced up. “Hot?”

“It’s hot for me,” she stubbornly said.

I shook my head. “Fine, suit yourself.”

She turned silent for a moment. “What are you doing anyways?” she asked after a while and walked
towards my desk. She leaned at the edge and rested her elbows on top of the desk. “Is that a house?”

I rolled my eyes at her. “Obviously.”

“Ooh, you’re designing a house? Why?”

“This would serve as an entrance exam to the university I’m planning to enroll in,” I lied.
Sometimes, her stupidity really is helpful.

“Really? I didn’t know that’s how it works.”

Just as I thought. “How would you know? Your intellect is below sea level,” I joked.

“Ya! You’re being rude again.”

“I wasn’t being rude, I was trying to joke.”

“Oh,” she mumbled. “You’re pretty bad at it.”

“Yeah, I noticed. No need to rub it in,” I told her.

She laughed. I can’t help but smile at the sound of it. “Aigoo, you’re so cute! And you are adorable,”
she said, pinching my cheeks.

I looked up at her. “You’re more adorable,” I whispered.

Her smile froze but then, I saw her blushed. “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I love you more
Jiyong.”
I leaned forward and gave her a lingering kiss. “You already got what you want, so go to bed and
rest.”

She pouted and straightened up. “You’re such a spoilsport,” she rumbled. “How long will you be
sitting there drawing a house?”

“I don’t know,” I shrugged. “And this isn’t drawing, it’s –”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Put a shirt on, you might catch –”

“I told you, it’s hot.”

I sighed. “Just go to sleep then.”

“Why don’t you just join me?”

“I’m busy,” I dismissively said.

“You prefer your desk than our bed?” she dramatically asked.

“Dara. . .”

“I was just joking!”

“You’re insatiable, you are.”

“I’m not!” she defensively said. “As a matter of fact, I’m going to sleep now.”

“Okay, goodnight then.”

“Aish!”

Hours passed by. I stretch out tiredly and yawned. I glanced at the sleeping girl in the bed. I smiled
and stood up, gathering my things. After settling them, I turned the desk light off and went to bed.
She was lying on her stomach, still on her bra and panty. Her back looked so smooth and soft. I
brushed her hair to one side and started showering her spine with tiny kisses. But she was still fast
asleep. I unclasped her bra and spread my hand on her back, rubbing. I leaned down on her shoulder
and started nibbling her sensitive spot there. Then, I slowly moved my lips to her neck up to her
earlobe.

“Hmm. . .”

I slowly turned her around and removed her bra. “Hey, are you awake?”
She didn’t answer. Well, if that’s the case, I have to wake her up then. A smirk curved my lips as I
leaned down to capture one peak inside my mouth. That’s when I heard her gasp. I looked up and
saw her eyes snapped open. She frowned in confusion at first but it was replaced by a look of delight
when she saw me. “Why you sneaky little beast,” she chuckled.

“I guess your seduction worked,” I replied.

“It took you a while to give in,” she complained. “I’ll do better next time.”

I laughed then leaned down again to kiss her.

---

TOP’S POV

I watched her smile at him. It was not getting easier everyday to see her with him. I actually feel
stupid about it. I don’t when my feelings for her intensified. All I knew was that, at first, I was
attracted to her. Then, I saw her as a challenge. After that, I started liking her. And now. . . I don’t
know what to do anymore. The hard thing about it was the fact that I know she has something for me,
too. The chemistry between us was too strong to deny. I also know that Jiyong’s been noticing that
and that was not helping me at all because now, he’s trying to take Dara further away from me as
possible. Heck, I wouldn’t be even surprised if he asked her to avoid me.

“Deep thoughts can be drowning,” Minzy airily said.

“Leave me alone, Baby MinMin.”

“I can’t believe you invited her over for your birthday,” she said. “I can’t remember you celebrating
the day you were found in the trash bag.”

I shrugged. “I just want her to realize something.”

“Are you sure about this, TOP?” Dae asked.

“Of course I am.”

I pulled out my phone and typed a message. Afterwards, I sent it to her. I lifted my eyes from my
phone and looked at her, watching her. She took her phone out and read the message I sent. Jiyong
then leaned slightly towards her, his mouth moving. I would then assume that he’s asking about the
message. But Dara just shook her head and gave her boyfriend a tight smile, looking every inch
guilty. I smirked. Got ya!
Later, I watched as he went to fetch her from her room. I followed them to their apartment. They
lingered in front, talking. Dara was frowning a little but then, she was nodding. And then, Jiyong
turned around and left. I saw Dara waved at him before going inside.

I quickly went away from my hiding place. I followed her up to their unit and as she was about to
close the door, I placed my foot in. I pushed the door open. “Hi there,” I smirked.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I just wanted to remind you about tomorrow,” he said.

“I don’t want to come,” she stubbornly said.

“Why, has Jiyong forbidden you?”

“No,” she said and she flushed guiltily. “I haven’t. . . told him yet and he’s due to be back on
Sunday.”

I grinned. “That’s better, then. I don’t have to talk to him if that’s the case.”

“I decided not to go,” I told him again.

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 6pm, okay?” I answered instead. “See you!”

“Ya! I told you I’m –”

I started leaving.

“Ya!”

---

DARA’S POV

Aish!

AISH!

I don’t know why I’m being like this. I already told him I’m not going. I’ve decided not to go but
here I am, prepared to leave. I glanced at the clock. It was 5:55 in the afternoon. I pouted. My
pancake has been out of reached ever since this morning, too. I don’t know what he’s doing or where
he went, he didn’t tell me even if I kept on asking yesterday. He just said that he had some important
things to do and that when everything goes well, he’ll be back by Sunday.

“I’m glad to see you’re ready,” a voice said.

I jumped and squeaked. I turned around and saw TOP leaning against the wall casually. “Ya! How
did you get in?”

“I’m a shadow, remember?”

“You should not do that, it’s rude,” I told him.

“Let’s go?”

I bit my lower lip. “Will Minzy and Dae be there?”

“Actually, it’ll only be the four of us.”

“Oh,” I mumbled. “Where are we going anyways? To your house?”

“No,” he answered. “We’re going to a club.”

“Club?”

“Yes,” he nodded. “You’re not underage anymore right? So, you’re not forbidden to drink.”

“I don’t think that would be wise for me,” I said, frowning. “What about Minzy? She’s still underage,
right?”

“True,” he said. “But. . . there are always some exceptions to the rule. But if you want, I could ask
them not to go with us.”

“No,” I quickly answered. “The more, the merrier.”

He snorted.

TOP was in a good mood as we made our way to the club he’s talking about. I was trying to be
detached but he’s infectious mood eventually got into me. I just can’t stop myself laughing from his
weird jokes. And before I knew it, the walls I’ve built to keep him at bay started crumbling down.

“You’re really the weirdest shadow I’ve ever met,” I chuckled.

“I’m one of a kind,” he shrugged arrogantly.

“I could tell,” I snorted. I looked forward again and stopped.

“We’re here,” he announced.

As we went in, I was greeted by loud music and string of voices. I looked left and right and couldn’t
help but blush. Kissing couples were everywhere.

Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

-----
 Chapter 37: The Breaking Point

“What kind of a place is this? Lovers’ den?” I blurted out.

“Don’t be sarcastic, Dara. It doesn’t suit you.”

“Well, what kind of a decent guy would bring a decent girl to this kind of place?”

“This isn’t really a date, is it? So I don’t really have to be romantic and –”

“”I’m not asking for a romantic date from you!”

“ – and besides,” he went on as if I didn’t speak. “The owner of this place is a friend of mine so
everything’s for free. I don’t have to spend anything.”

I gave him a glare. “I can’t believe I befriended you.”

He laughed and draped his arm carelessly on my shoulder. “Let’s go.”

“Ya! Don’t touch me!”

“I’m just trying to be a gentleman, here.”

“No, you’re not!”

“Yes, I am,” he answered. “You don’t really want guys to swarm in on you, do you?”

I gave him another glare. Aish! Why am I even keeping up to this foolishness? I must be out of my
mind! He led me to a table with a semi-circle seat. Dae and Minzy were already there. “Hi!” I greeted
them despite my annoyance with TOP.

“Hello!” Daesung smiled back while Minzy just nodded at me. It’s not really surprising, though. “So,
what do you want to drink?”

“Erm. . .” I hesitated. Aigoo, I’m not really a drinker. I remember the first time I drank, I woke up in
Jiyong’s bed the next morning. I smiled at the memory. I can still remember how annoyed he looked
and how he shooed me away. He’s so different from before now. Aigoo, my pancake has changed!
And it’s all because of me! Isn’t that just sweet? Hihihihi.

“I hope that smile is for me,” TOP’s voice broke into my senses. I threw him another glare. Although
he annoys me sometimes, I can’t understand why I can’t seem to get really. . . angry at him.

“Dream on,” I said, making him chuckle.

“Give her something light first,” he then turned to Daesung.

“So. . . this is your idea of celebration? Getting drunk?”

“Uh-huh,” TOP answered. “Get drunk, dance to the loud music and. . .” he paused then smirked at
me.

“I don’t like that look on your face,” I informed him. “You looked like you’re planning something
naughty and sneaky.”

“How easily you could read my mind,” he laughed. “Why do you think is that?”

I rolled my eyes at him. “Duh! You’re being really obvious.”

“Nah,” he said, shaking his head. “I think it has something to do with the connection between us and
don’t you dare deny it. I know you can feel it, too.”

“I don’t have to deny anything because there’s no connection between us. We’re friends, it’s as
simple as that.”

“Most friends turn into lovers.”

“There’s always an exception to the rule,” I told him as I accepted the drink that Dae gave me. After
gulping it down, I can’t help but cough as the alcohol scorched my throat. “Ugh!”

“You shouldn’t have drank all of it in one go,” he said.

“Oh, mind your own business.”

Time past by. TOP and I went bantering on and on while drinking. Minzy and Dae left us since the
former wanted to dance. TOP asked me to dance then but I told him I’m no good at it. He insisted. So
I thought, why not. But after only five minutes on the dance floor, he gave up on me. That’s when I
started feeling the alcohol taking its effect on me because I started laughing like there’s no tomorrow
at the look on his face.

“You’re a bad dancer,” he said, grimacing. “I feel like my toes are dead already!”

“It’s not my fault. I told you I’m no good but you insisted,” I giggled.

“Well, I thought you were just avoiding me again, that’s why.”

“I wasn’t avoiding you!”

“Yes, you were.”

“Why are you so stubborn?” I demanded, getting really annoyed now.

“And why do you keep on denying things? You’re not really a good liar, you know.”

“I’m not a liar!”

“Oh yeah?” he asked. “Prove it then.”

“Fine!” I hissed. “What do you want to know?”

“Do you like me or not?”

I wasn’t able to answer at once. All I know was that I felt heat crawled to my cheeks as he stared at
me with those penetrating eyes of his. Aigoo! I shook my head but the act only made me dizzier. I
suddenly felt thirsty so I grabbed the nearest bottle and drank it all in one go. “W-what was that
again?”

“Do you like me or not?”

I blinked then chuckled. I slumped on my seat then closed my eyes. No, I don’t want to answer. “I
don’t want to answer that,” I said. “Next question please.”

“Do you think if you met me first, you’d still like Jiyong?”

“Probably,” I shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean, I met Jae first but I still fell in love with Jiyong, he. I
guess I have this weird thing with boys having bad image.”

“Why do you think you can’t push me away everytime I kiss you?”

I frowned. I still had my eyes closed because the blinking lights were making me dizzy so I’m not
really sure if he’s just playing or he’s being serious. “I don’t know. . .”

“Do you think if I’d kiss you right now you’d respond to me?”

No,somewhere in my mind said but the alcohol already had its way through my brain. Instead of
saying no, I giggled. “I don’t know.”

“If I go ask someone else for a dance right now and kiss her, what would you feel?”

“Annoyed.”

“Why is that?”

I frowned. Eh? What did I just say? Aigoo. “Err, I don’t know why.”

“But you said we were just friends, right? So it would not really matter if I kiss a different girl right
now.”

I opened my eyes. My vision was a bit blurry but I can still see the handsome outline of his face.
“Why would you kiss a different girl?” I asked, frowning.

“Because you don’t want to kiss me,” he said.

“I didn’t say that,” I quietly said.

“Do you want to kiss me?”

“I can’t,” I answered, shaking my head.

“Why not?”

“It’s wrong.”

“But it’s my birthday,” he said. “You said so yourself, we’re just friends, there would be no malice
on your side, right?”

I shook my head. I don’t like what I’m feeling. It’s like warning bells are ringing in my head. “Can
you dance with me?” I asked instead.

“And risk what’s left of my toes?”

“Fine,” I pouted. “I’ll go find myself a dancing partner.” I stood up and swayed but he was able to
steady me up. “Dance with me,” I whispered huskily. This made me a bit uncomfortable because I
sounded like I was begging.

“In your state, I don’t you can manage to stand up properly, much more dance.”

“I’ll just lean on you then.”

There was silence. As the silence went on, I felt my arms went around his waist as my head rested on
his chest. Then, I started swaying ourselves slowly.

“I should be leading the dance,” he chuckled.

“Yeah. . .” I answered lazily. “Hmm, did you really drink?”

“You know I did.”

“You don’t smell like someone who’s been drinking for the past couple of hours,” I said, whining a
little.

“Why? How do I smell?”

I buried my face in his chest and sniffed him. “You smell great,” I said. Aigoo! His perfume’s
intoxicating. I suddenly had this weird urge to. . . to. . . gah! I don’t know what that weird urge is. All
I know is that I like the smell of him, I like the feel of his arms around me, I like the feel of being
with him. I smiled. “TOP?”

“Hmm?”

“Why don’t you want to be called by your real name? And what’s your real name again?”

“I don’t really want to talk about that.”

I pulled my face up and looked at him. “I’ll make a bargain with you,” I offered.

“And what’s that?”

“Answer my questions and you can ask something in return.”

He went silent again. There was a thoughtful look on his face. And then, he smiled. “Deal,” he said.

“So, why don’t you want to be called by your real name?”

“Because I don’t have a real identity,” he answered.

“What does that mean?”

“What’s the use of having a name when you don’t even know where it originated from?”

“Oh,” I mumbled as I buried my face in his chest again. “Okay, you answered one of my questions,
what do you want to ask in return?”

“Do you like me or not?”

It was my turn to be silent. And then, I said, “Yes.”

“Fair enough,” he said, sounding a bit smug. “Anymore questions?”

“What’s your real name again?”

“Choi Seunghyun.”

“Seunghyun,” I repeated, smiling. “It’s a beautiful name.”

“Is it?”

“Yeah,” I nodded against his chest. “Your turn.”

“Kiss me.”

“W-what?”

“I’m asking you to kiss me.”

I pulled my face away from his chest so I could glance up at him. My eyes met his black ones but at
the moment, they were smoldering. “I. . .”

“Kiss me, Dara.”

“But. . .”
“It’s part of the bargain,” he reminded me.

I hesitated. Something was telling me this was wrong. But then, I found myself on tiptoes, reaching
for his lips. It was supposed to be a smack but. . . things went out of my control. The next think I
knew, he was kissing me hard and. . . . . . I was kissing him back equally.

---

I don’t know what gotten into me but I kept on laughing and laughing as we headed back to the
apartment. I kept on tripping to the ground, too. But instead of whining about it, I only laughed
harder everytime I fall to the ground. “Aigoo!” I exclaimed, laughing still.

“Get up, Dara. The ground’s dirty.”

“Pull me up,” I said, reaching out a hand to TOP. He chuckled then shook his head as he grabbed my
hand to pull me up. But even before he could pull me up, I pulled him down on top of me. “Why are
you so handsome?” I asked, pinching his cheeks. I wrapped my arms and legs around him. “You
handsome, handsome guy,” I giggled, rubbing the tip of my nose to his. Then, I started laughing
again. “Aigoo, I swear, I’m telling the truth, you really are a handsome beast!”

“I know I am,” he smirked.

I laughed louder then kissed him on the cheek. “And you smell really great, especially your breath.
It’s fresh, warm, tingly, its. . . its. . . hmm. . . I want to kiss you again.”

I didn’t wait for his response. I just reached out for his lips and engaged him in an open-mouthed
kiss. His tongue smoothly slid into my mouth, caressing every corner of it. Then he gently caressed
his tongue at the tip of my tongue, sending a rocket of warmth through my system. I heard myself
moaned against his mouth. “Seunghyun. . .” I murmured as we deepened the kiss. I grabbed his hair
tightly, keeping his head in place, in fear that he’ll disappear or pull away any moment now. My right
hand, on its own accord, made its way to the hem of his shirt.

“Wait,” he said. “Not here.”

“Hmm?” I asked groggily then giggled again. “Carry me, Seunghyun.”

He pulled me up and settled me on his arms and then, he transported. The moment my feet landed on
the floor of the apartment, my mouth instantly searched for his. My mind was in a haze. I can’t think
of anything except undress him. And so, I did that. As I did, he did the same to me. With our mouth
still attached to each other, he started walking and the next thing I know, I was already lying in the
comforts of my bed with him on top of me, kissing me thoroughly. “Do you like what you’re feeling
right now, Dara?”

“Yes,” I answered.

“Do you like the way I touch you?”

“Yes!”

“Where do you want me to touch you?”

“Oh shut up and kiss me!” I gritted. I grabbed his head and pulled it down on me again. I gave a long
moan the moment our lips touched again. I could just feel how swollen my lips were right now from
all the kissing but I didn’t mind. Just as he was about to take possession of me, he stopped. “Ya!
Don’t stop!”

“As much as I want to continue, I can’t,” he answered. “You don’t really want someone watching us,
do you?”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“We have an audience,” he said.

“What?” I asked again, blinking.

“I thought you said he’ll be back by Sunday?”

I blinked several times. And then it finally dawned on me. My mind and vision cleared and as they
did, I quickly pushed TOP off me. With wide eyes, I looked up at the door of the room and there he
was, frozen like a statue, a blank look on his face. “Oh my God!” I breathed.

Different emotions suddenly swirled around me. Oh my God! What have I done? What have I
done?!?

“Don’t be afraid, I’m here,” TOP said.

I gathered the blanket around me to cover my nudity. Without looking at him, I said, “TOP, can you
please. . . .” I started but I can’t seem to get the word out of my mouth because truth be told, I was
scared and I needed support. But then, he understood what I meant even if I didn’t complete the
sentence.

“Okay, if that’s what you want,” he said. He picked up his clothes then went to my direction and
kissed me. “You know where to reach me,” he said. Then, with a pop, he disappeared.

---

How many minutes has it been? I don’t know. But he just stood there, frozen and silent. I can’t bear
to look at him at the moment. I was and am ashamed of myself. Oh my God, what did I do? What did
I do?

I took a deep breath and gathered all the courage I could muster and stood up, clutching the blanket
tightly around me. With tight chest, I looked up at him. “Jiyong, let me explain.”

“You don’t have to explain anything,” he silently said.

For some weird reasons, I got terrified with how calm and silent he sounded. “Jiyong. . .”

“I think I saw enough to know what’s going on,” he said.

“Jiyong, it’s not like that. I. . . I wasn’t aware of what I was doing, I was drunk! I’m. . .”

“Really?” he softly asked. “You weren’t aware of what you were doing?”

“I was drunk!” I weakly said.

A ringing sound suddenly broke entered into my senses. It rang for a few times before Jiyong
decided to pick it up. “Bom,” he answered. I took advantage of the call. I quickly picked up my
clothes and put them on. “No, cancel everything,” I heard him say.

“What do you mean cancel everything?!?” Bom’s loud voice came through my ears. “After all the
preparations you did and all the efforts we all put in, you want to cancel everything?!? Are you being
a chicken, Kwon Jiyong?!?”

If this was a normal situation, I could have laughed out loud at Bom’s loudness. “Well, apparently,
Dara does not want it anymore.”

“What are you talking about?!” she demanded. “Of course she wants to –”

“Cancel everything Bom,” Jiyong said with authority. Bom went silent. And I would assume that she
spoke quieter after that because I heard Jiyong say, “Well yeah, apparently something happened.”

“What happened? Is she alright?!”

“She’s perfectly alright,” Jiyong sarcastically said. “She’s more than fine actually. I’ll see you
tomorrow,” he added then ended the call.

“W-what’s going on?” I hesitantly asked, squinting my eyes a little since he kept himself in a
shadowed part of the door.

“I’m the biggest fool in the world, that’s what’s going on,” he snorted. “Ah. . . I can’t believe I
actually thought it would be possible. I should have known. . .”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’ve been keeping myself up late just to plan this whole thing. . . I was actually expecting it to be
done by Sunday but Bom and the others were so enthusiastic about it that they placed all their efforts
to help me and so, everything went earlier than I expected.”

“I can’t understand what you’re saying,” I said although I’m starting to feel really scared of what
he’s going to say next.

“Of course you can’t!” he burst out. “Of course you can’t! I can’t even understand it myself!”
I flinched at the raw pain in his voice. Oh God, please not again. I don’t want to see him crying
again. Please. . .

“Imagine, me, Kwon Jiyong, the non-believer to forever and love actually thought of setting up a
proposal. Oh yes, Dara! I’ve been planning and preparing everything! I even asked the help of the
others to find the perfect venue to propose to you!”

My hand flew to my mouth as tears started welling up in my eyes.

“I was going to ask you to marry me,” he weakly said. “I was. . . supposed to. . .”

Oh my God, he’s crying. Please, don’t let him cry. Punish me instead! This is my fault, not his.
“Jiyong, I. . .”

“Damn it!” he swore, punching the wall. “I was going to ask you to marry me, Dara. I was supposed
to surprise you. You don’t know how excited I was to go back here and bring you to that wretched
place after everything was done! But lo and behold, I ended up being surprised!”

“I’m sorry!” I cried. “Jiyong, I’m sorry, please forgive me. . . please. . . I didn’t want that to happen. .
. I was. . .”

“And stupid me! I even bought a property near a beach just so you’ll have your dream place!” he
shouted. He angrily walked over to his desk and started tearing up things there. “I even had your
dream house sketched out!”

“Jiyong, I’m sorry!” I cried again and ran to him. “Please forgive me. . .”

He took a step back. “I’ve had enough of this,” he said.

“No. . . let’s talk this out, we could. . .”

“What else do you want from me, Dara?” he whispered and I saw a tear fell from his eye. Oh God!
Please, punish me instead. “I’m not perfect but I tried to give everything to you. Aren’t those
enough?! Tell me!”

I was crying really hard now. “Jiyong, let’s talk this out, please. . .”

He shook his head. “No, I’ve had enough.”

“No, we can still fix this,” I begged. “I made a mistake. We all make mistakes, Jiyong!”

“We’ve hurt each other beyond our limits already, Dara. We might not survive anymore.”

“No. . .why are you giving up on me? Why is it so easy for you to give up on me?”

He shook his head. “I’m not giving up on you, Dara. You chose him over me, that’s far worst than
you giving up on me.”
“No, I’m not choosing him! I’m here, Jiyong. I’m. . .” I cried, trying to reach out for him but he kept
on stepping away from me.

“Let’s put an end to this, Dara.”

“NO!” I screamed. “Don’t give up on me! DON’T!”

He shook his head. “It’s over,” he said. “We’ve reached our limits already. Maybe we’re simply not
meant to be.”

“DON’T SAY THAT!” I screamed and threw myself at him. I hugged him tightly. “I love you,
please don’t do this to me!”

“Love?” he snorted. “I don’t think I could believe that it does exist.”

“It exists! And it exists between us!”

He forcefully removed my arms off him and pushed me away. “I don’t want to be a part of this
stupidity anymore. I’ve had enough.”

He started walking away. I ran after him and hugged him from behind. “No, please. . . Jiyong. . . I’m
begging you. Don’t leave me. . . please. . .”

AUTHOR’S POV

Jiyong’s jaw clenched. He closed his eyes tightly as he tried to swallow the overwhelming emotions
stirring up to the surface. He tried to remove her arms off him but she only held on tighter to him.
“NO!” she screamed. “I won’t let you go! I won’t!”

Tears welled up in his eyes. He was close to breaking down and even before he succumbed to the
pain imprisoning him, he transformed into a crow and started flying away. “NO!” Dara screamed
again.

He flew and flew until it started raining. He could hear Dara running after him, screaming for his
name. She was crying. And it was painful to hear her like that but he was also crying. and the silent
sound of it drown hers.

“JIYONG!” Dara screamed as she ran through the heavy pour of the rain. “COME BACK! JIYONG!
PLEASE!! JIYOOOOOONNGGG!!!!!!” she screamed. She ran and ran until her knees finally gave
in. “Jiyong. . .” she weakly cried. “Please. . . please. . . please. . .”

She forced herself up again as the rain grew heavier and heavier. “Jiyong!” she called out and started
walking. “Jiyong!”

She walked and walked until she fainted. But even before she could hit the solid ground, two set of
arms caught her.
---

The rain went on for hours. It grew heavier and heavier. Jiyong was silently sitting on a branch in a
forest, his head tucked inside his wing. He was wet. . . he was cold. . . he was. . . he felt dead. As the
rain poured on him, he felt heavier and heavier. And so, he stretched out his wing and flew to the
center of the forest. He went back to his human form and landed on the soft earth steadily. He threw
his head back and closed his eyes, letting the rain washed away all of his tears – both shed and
unshed. And then he screamed.

He screamed and screamed and screamed until he could the dark part of his veins taking over him.
He screamed with force again, sending dark force to his surroundings that the trees nearest him burnt
out and died. He screamed again and again until all the grass, tress and unfortunate animals within a
few kilometers from him burnt and died.

He fell to his knees. He bent over and freed his tears, swearing that it would be the last time he’ll be
shedding tears for love. No, he thought. This will be the last time that I will feel pain because of her.
If I had to turn my heart into a dark stone, I will. If I had to give in and surrender to my dark nature
just so I won’t feel pain and shed tears anymore, I will.

I swear, I will.

Jiyong can be found leaning against a dead tree a while later. He didn’t mind the heavy pour of rain
on him. Nothing mattered to him anymore. He took a box out from his pocket and opened it. A
vintage ring greeted him. His eyes instantly turned to black and the next thing that happened, the ring
and the box were rapidly burning and made into ashes even through the heavy pour of the rain.

Thunder and lightning went here and there. But Jiyong didn’t mind. He actually liked the sound of it.
Out of nowhere, he started laughing. He stood up and spread his arms wide, still laughing. And then,
he turned into a crow and flew against the raging wind and heavy rain. He screeched loudly as he
reached his destination. He turned back into his human form as he knocked on the door.

The door opened a while later. “Jiyong!” Sohee exclaimed. “What happened to you? Why are you all
wet?”

Jiyong didn’t say anything. Instead, he just stepped in, closed the door behind him and grabbed
Sohee’s arm. He pulled her towards him and claimed her lips possessively.

-------
 Chapter 38: The Two Birds

“What’s going on in here?” Seungri’s surprised voice came in. “What are you doing here, Jiyong?
Aren’t you supposed to be doing your proposal to Dara tonight?”

Jiyong pulled away from Sohee and stepped back. He had a veiled look on his face as he glanced
at Seungri then back at the girl. Without saying another word, he turned around and started to
run through the rain. He jumped into the air and turned back into a crow. He gave a loud
screech as he flew away to nowhere in particular.

Meanwhile, Sohee was too surprised and stunned with the pace of events that she went
motionless for a while.

“What did just happen?” Seungri demanded.

Sohee blinked and turned to him. “Go after him.”

Seungri’s face went impassive. “You want me to go after him?”

“Something’s wrong with him,” Sohee pointed out.

“After I find him, what would I do then?” he asked. “Bring him here so you could ask what’s
wrong with him? And then what, you’re going to soothe him?”

“Seungri, Jiyong’s your friend, too. Aren’t you a bit worried for him?”

“I’m worried about him because he’s my friend, but what about you?”

“Seungri. . . you know how I feel for him.”

“What about me then?” he asked. “After what happened, you’re just going to go to him just
because he needs you? He’s not going to love you, Sohee. He’s in love with Dara and you know
very well that shadows usually fall in love only once so in case you –”

“You’re in love with Chaerin, too,” she quietly interrupted. “No matter who I go for, I’ll always
end up being the second choice or the substitute.”

Seungri sighed heavily. “I already told you, Sohee. I’ve already moved on, I don’t want anything
to do with that girl anymore.”

“Just go after him first. We’ll talk later.”

The muscles in Seungri’s jaw jumped. Butt hen, he didn’t say anything. He just smiled bitterly
before turning into a crow. He spread his wings out, ignoring the heavy pour of the rain.

Minutes later, he found Jiyong back into his human form sitting on a branch of a big tree in a
forest. He landed beside him and with a pop, he went into his human form, too. “Sohee asked
me to look for you.”

“I don’t need your presence right now,” Jiyong said.

“Neither do I,” Seungri answered bitterly. “Look Jiyong, you’re my friend. But I don’t want
seeing you leading Sohee on. You’re not the only scarred person here.”

“Are you referring to the scar on your face?” Jiyong snorted.

“I’m referring to Sohee,” Seungri answered. “We both know what she went through before she
went to your rescue when Dara left you before and –”

“If you value your life, don’t mention her name in front of me.”

Seungri went silent for a while. The wind was so strong and cold that it could have chilled him to
the bones. But not tonight, he can’t feel anything aside from the continuous kisses of rain on
him. “I’m not going to believe you if you’ll say that she turned down your proposal,” he started
again. “I know how long she’s been waiting to hear that from you.”

Jiyong didn’t say anything.

“It’s the other reason, then,” Seungri went on. When Jiyong remained silent, he chuckled under
his breath. “So she gave in to him, huh? You already noticed Dara’s closeness to that guy but
still, you didn’t do anything about it?”

“I’m not in the mood to talk right now.”

“So where is she now?”

“Are you really trying to piss me off?”

“Maybe,” Seungri shrugged. “You did offend me when you kissed Sohee so I’m just returning the
favor. So you really don’t know where she is? Huh, knowing Dara, she’s probably looking for you
right now. I could just see her in my mind, running or walking in the middle of an empty dark
street with the heavy rain pouring down on her little body. Then, her clothes will be drenched
and too bad for her if some random shadow guy or some bad guys see her in that state. I mean,
Dara’s a shadow magnet, right? I mean, who could resist a girl who’s almost naked? I bet there –
”

“If you won’t stop talking, I’ll cut your tongue off.”

“If it was me, I would not be able to resist taking her if she’s as close to being nude.”

“You’re close to breaking my thread of patience, Seungri,” Jiyong warned.

“Oh well, if you don’t want to find her, it’s your choice. But I’m going to find her and extract
revenge. Since you kissed Sohee, then I might as well kiss Dara when I find her,” Seungri said
and took off at once even before Jiyong could react.

Jiyong watched as Seungri disappeared into the darkness. “Shit!” he cussed. He turned into a
crow and flew off.

He first went to the apartment. It was stupid but he didn’t even know why he’s even bothering to
look for her when just a while ago, he was swearing her off. The apartment was empty and he
couldn’t help but think that Seungri was right. He flew off again and started looking for her in
the streets. He was going on in circles when he saw Seungri in his crow form approached him.
The latter gave a screech and turned back to where he came from. He followed Seungri. Then, he
started recognizing the place where the latter was headed. His snapped his beak sharply upon
realizing where they were heading. He could turn back and not follow Seungri anymore but he
still tailed behind the guy.

Seungri landed on a branch not to far from a house. Jiyong landed beside him. From his view, he
could see a window opened. And through the window, he saw Dara sleeping in a bed with TOP
sitting beside her. She did choose him, he thought. It’s really over.

He knew TOP could sense his presence but the guy seemed not bothered at all. He watched as
TOP caressed Dara’s hair and leaned down to kiss her on the forehead. His chest tightened and
so, he flew off and gave a loud, pain-filled screech. He closed his eyes for a moment. It’s over, he
thought. And then, his eyes opened again. This time, they turned darker than before.

TOP’S POV

“Jiyong. . .” she moaned. “Please. . . Jiyong. . . Jiyong. . . . Jiyong. . . . don’t leave me. . .”

She went silent then. I knew she would go after him so I watched her from afar a while ago.
When I saw her stumble down, I went to pick her up and brought her to my place. By then, she
was already burning with fever.

“I can’t believe you actually did that,” Minzy’s voice came in. I looked behind me and saw her
with a basin of water and a cloth.

“You know why,” I wearily sighed.

“You might have feelings for her but I also know it’s not that deep yet for you to go all desperate
to get her.”

I chuckled. “Instead of you lecturing me, you should congratulate me.”

“And why would I do that?” she asked.

“I just hit two birds with one stone.”

“It’s not really life-threatening if you explain that furthermore,” Minzy said, annoyed.

“The old woman said that –”

“Why do you keep calling her like that? She’s our mother, TOP. Although she’s not our mother
by blood but on a technical aspect, she is.”

“She’ll just go all mushy if I call her that,” I dismissively said. “Anyways, she said that this girl
would lead us to the black phoenix.”

Minzy’s head snapped up. “What does that mean?”

“I’ve already used simple words and you still can’t understand what I said? Maybe you should
get your mind checked,” I joked.

“This is not a laughing matter, Seunghyun.”

I grimaced. “I hate it when you use that tone on me, you sound so much like that old woman.”

“Explain,” she demanded.

I rolled my eyes. “Maybe you should ask her for the details. I don’t know everything yet. She just
told me one day that Dara had to be separated from her boyfriend in order for her to lead us to
the black phoenix. Amazing, right? She’ll lead us to the phoenix then I have here beside me. Two
birds with one stone, I told you.”

“But why her? How is she related to the phoenix?”

“That, I don’t know.”

“Jiyong. . . .!”

“I don’t think she’s going to let him go that easily,” Minzy said, staring at Dara’s sleeping face.

“It won’t be easy,” I agreed. “But I can feel that Dara’s a strong person, she’ll get through this
alive.”

Minzy sighed. “I better start liking her, then. It would be hard moving around here if I don’t feel
so. . . friendly to her.”

AUTHOR’S POV
“Where’s Jiyong?” Sohee demanded.

“He went to London,” Serungri said.

“What do you mean he went to London? What happened?”

“Well, it seemed like Dara cheated on him. . .”

“Cheated on him? Who’s the guy?”

Seungri gave her an odd look. “Your friend, TOP.”

“TOP would not do that,” Sohee denied.

“Why don’t you call him and confirm it with him?”

“I’ll do that later,” Sohee waved off. “But why did Jiyong head to London?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged. “He wasn’t really in the mood to talk. He even used his powers
against me when I tried to follow him.”
“Jiyong hates being a shadow, why would he use his abilities on you? He had live as a normal
human for so long and –”

“I told you, shadows can change. That goes with our feelings, thoughts and other things.”

“Seungri, I –”

“Do you have a spare room here?” Jiyong’s voice came out of nowhere. “I’m tired, I want to
sleep.”

“Jiyong!” Sohee exclaimed. “What are you doing here? Seungri said you were heading to London
and –”

“I changed my mind,” Jiyong cut off.

“I told you, shadows can change,” Seungri grinned.

“Sohee, can you arrange my transfer papers?” Jiyong said.

“Why?”

“I’m going back to the Valley tomorrow.”

-----
 Chapter 39: The Dark Water

There was something peculiar with the way the mind works sometimes. How long has she been
finding her way out of the darkness? She does not know. There was something urgent that she
needed to do but she was not sure what it was. Something at the back of her mind was stopping her.
It was as if her mind was trying to keep her sleeping, trying to keep her away from the nightmare that
awaits her once she open her eyes. But something stronger and more urgent was screaming at her to
wake up. Was it her heart? She was not sure either.

As if in a dream, in a daze, her eyes slowly opened. Foreign surroundings greeted her but that did not
register to her dazed mind at once. She blinked several times, trying to clear the fog off her mind.
She could feel the steady rise and fall of her chest; she could even hear herself breathing in and out.
A frown marred his forehead as an urgent feeling came over her. It was urging her to do something,
to move. But the confusion of why, how and where stopped her from doing anything aside from stare
blankly ahead.

Unconsciously, she searched for the warmth that always greets her everytime she wakes up. She
turned to the side as she used to do but there was nothing but cold sheets. Another frown marred her
forehead. Her hand, on its own accord went to her chest, where the angel pendant lies. And then, it
hit her. It swarmed on her so fast and unexpected that it made her dizzy. Her mind spun around at the
blurred memories of what happened. She quickly pushed herself up and jumped out of bed. She ran
to the door and was about to reach for the knob to open it when it was pushed open. She stopped and
stared at the person in front of her.

Guilt, shame and something else came over her. She looked away, unable to bear seeing the smiling
eyes boring on her. “Hey there,” he greeted. “I was wondering if I need to kiss you awake –”

A memory suddenly flashed in her mind, making her tone sharp as she said. “I need to go.”

She felt the back of his hand touched her forehead, making her flinch. “You’re not that well yet,” he
said. Eventhough she wasn’t looking at him, she could just imagine the frown in his face.

“I need to go,” she said again.

“But –”

She looked up. “I need to find him.”

He went still. “Dara, he’s gone.”

She frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You’ve been out for a few days,” he explained. “I stayed beside you all the time and –”

“No, you weren’t!” she said, her voice rising up a notch.

He looked confused for a moment but then he smiled. “Ah,” he said. “I just went to check the old
lady that’s why I wasn’t beside you when you woke up. I’m sorry about that; I didn’t realize it would
affect you so.”

“I’m not in the least affected by it,” she said. “Now, step aside. I need to talk to Ji. . .” she stopped as
the mention of his name made her choke from kept and controlled emotions.

“Dara, he already left. Daesung and Minzy heard talks from school that Jiyong transferred to a
different school.”

“No,” she said. “He would not leave me.”

“He just did,” he calmly said.

Tears started springing up in her eyes. “Get out of the way! I need to go to him and explain that. . .”

“Explain what?” he quietly asked. “That you were drunk and that you didn’t mean it? That you didn’t
like what happen? That –”

“Nothing happened!” she said. “It was nothing, you hear me? I was not in my right mind!”

“Weren’t you?” he softly asked.

“Stop playing word games with me, TOP.”

“Dara, what happened between us was –”

“No, I don’t want to hear it!” she screamed and pushed him away but he remained on his spot.
“Don’t talk anymore! I don’t want to hear it! I don’t. . . I . . .”

He pulled her in his arms and cocooned her in his warmth. A moment of weakness led her to
welcoming the comfort he was offering. She needed it as flashes of what happened floated along her
mind. She closed her eyes tightly, trying to shake them off but the look on Jiyong’s face – in pain –
brought her up short. She pulled away and tried with all her might to push him away from the door.
She needs to find him.

She wasn’t sure as to why she went back to the apartment first. Maybe she was hoping that he would
be there, waiting for her, making pancakes; hoping that what happened yesterday or a few days ago
was just a dream, a nightmare. But the place was empty. And as the emptiness was not enough proof,
she found out that all of his things were gone.

A clog in her throat started rising up. But she did not let that stop her. She took her phone and started
calling him but the other line was dead. She rang up Bom next but there was no answer either. she
didn’t realize she was crying hard already until she heard a rather disturbing sound, like a rattle of an
empty chest, of a person who’s about to draw his last breath. What’s more horrifying was that, it was
her. She was making that awful sound.
She dialed Seungri’s number next. She almost jumped to her feet when her call was answered. But it
was answered by the least person she expected: Sohee.

“Where is Jiyong?” she demanded.

There was silence in the other line. “Dara,” the other girl then acknowledged her.

“Where is he?” she repeated. She heard someone spoke from the background, a male voice. Without
even pausing to recognize whose voice was that, she started running again, running to Sohee’s place.
She ran so fast that if it would have been a normal day, she would have collapsed already. But the
feel of the wind on her face and the painful strain on her legs distracted her from feeling other things
she knew would break her.

She wasn’t sure how or if it was even possible but she was able to reach the girl’s place wholly. She
did not waste any more time as she saw her door. She walked up to it and knocked. The door opened.
“Where is he?” she asked at once.

“He’s not here, Dara.”

“Let me in, I need to talk to him.”

“He’s not here.”

“Liar!” she hissed.

“She’s telling the truth,” a male voice came from behind Sohee. Dara looked past behind Sohee and
saw Seungri. Her eyes narrowed and her heart squeezed painfully. The look Seungri was giving her
was not the adoring look he used to give her. He looked calculating, measuring even.
She felt betrayed. Seungri was supposed to be on his side but why was he in Sohee’s place?

“I need to talk to him, Seungri,” he said.

“He’s not here,” he answered. “You can go ahead and search for him inside, by all means but you
won’t find him here.”

“Where is he?”

“Why should I tell you?” he asked.

“Seungri,” Sohee warned. “We’re not supposed to –”

“Why not?” Seungri asked. “Maybe Jiyong has cooled down already.”

“But he said –”

“He went back to the Valley,” Seungri looked back at Dara.

“Thank you,” Dara breathed and turned around quickly. Just behind her, she could hear them
arguing. But she did not pause to listen. As she made her way away from Sohee’s place, she stopped
to think of what would be the fastest way to go to the Valley. Just as different options ran along her
mind, TOP appeared.

“I can transport there, it would be faster,” he said.

She looked at him. “Why would you that?”

He shrugged. “Maybe I just don’t like seeing you like this.”

“TOP,” she started, feeling guilty for the way she had treated him.

“Don’t bother,” he said. “Let’s go?” he asked, holding out a hand to her. She looked down at it,
hesitated for a moment but then she accepted it. “Where to?” he asked.

“Bom’s place,” she answered.

---

“Bom, where is he?”

“He’s not here,” Bom stiffly answered, eyeing TOP darkly.

“Tell me where he is,” Dara asked again, almost begging.

“Why should I?” Bom snapped. “So that you could go ahead and hurt him again? Don’t you think he
had enough to endure with at the moment? Do you even know how it feels seeing and hearing him
cry? Jiyong, the ever sarcastic direct descendant of the shadows, crying! Can you even understand
that?”

“I was hurt in the past, too!” Dara defensively said.

“So you’re getting back at him now?”

Dara’s eyes stung with tears as she stared at disbelief at Bom. She could not really blame the other
girl for feeling the way she does but she rather expected that she’ll be at least neutral about it. “You
know I would never want to hurt him. You know how much I love him, Bom,” she said, voice
breaking.

“I thought so too,” she said. “But it seemed like I was wrong.”

“Bom,” Youngbae’s voice came in. “Go get some rest, let me handle this.”

“But –”

“You know it would do you no good if you stress yourself like this,” Youngbae calmly said. The
married couple stared at each for a moment; it was if they were arguing. But then, Bom sighed in
defeat and walked out from the scene. He then turned back to them as soon as she disappeared from
sight. “Sorry about that,” he said. “Her temper’s not really that good these days.”

“Youngbae,” Dara pleaded, reaching out for his hand. TOP looked away, unable to bear the sight of
Dara looking like that. No, this was not the cheerful girl he knew. “I need to talk to him. Please tell
me where he is.”

Youngbae glanced at TOP swiftly before sighing. “You should have known where he would go,
Dara,” he said. “He’s in his house.”

Shock must have been written all over he face because Youngbae chuckled lightly. “But why there?”

“He had nowhere else to go.”

---

Dara stopped as they neared the Kwons’ house. She turned to TOP. “You can leave now,” she said,
not looking directly at his eyes. She had the feeling that she’s not going to like what she’ll see. “I can
handle it from here. Thanks for your help.”

She turned away and started walking slowly towards the familiar house. A small part of her expected
TOP to protest but he didn’t say or do anything. Her body started trembling as she tried to hold down
her emotions. No, she could not bear being like this if she’s planning to talk Jiyong back to her. She
knew Jiyong would argue and it would be hard for her if she’s feeling like this – feeling awful for
treating TOP the way she just did.

She paused again and looked up at the house and the house besides it. Memories flooded her like one
great wave that’s threatening to drown her. Memories of her friends, of her childhood, of Jaejoong,
Jiyong and of her parents invaded her mind. It was then that she realized how much she had changed,
how much she had missed this place, how much pain she and Jiyong went through already. Even if
she doesn’t want to, the memory of Sulli flashed into her mind, too.

This place, this is where she met Jaejoong and Jiyong. This is where she met her friends. This is the
place that she wanted most to escape. The memories associated with the place were too much for her.
Being back was like being thrown to a torture room, a room where you’ll be forced to watch of how
much loss you had, of how much pain you had caused to others, of how many sacrifices other people
gave just to save her.

She could not understand why Jiyong went back to this house. Yes, there were still some happy
memories there but still. . .

She looked at her previous home and wondered if the people who bought the house were happy
people, if they were contented with their lives, if they found happiness in their new home. She took a
deep breath. It was not the right time for her to think of such unhappy thoughts. It would only add to
the burden in her heart.

Her body started trembling more as she started walking down the lawn up to the door. Her hand was
shaking so hard that it took her some time to lift it up. But even before she could knock, the door was
pulled open. A casually dressed Jiyong greeted her. As usual, he was in his all-black get up. He
looked tired, exhausted and. . . . lovable.

Oh God, she thought.I missed him. I missed him so much!

“J-jiyong. . .”

The look of surprise on Jiyong’s face quickly disappeared. He was now wearing a blank look. “What
are you doing here?”

“I wanted to talk to you, to explain –”

“Nothing is needed to explain,” he snapped. “I’ve already seen enough to know what’s going on. I’m
not that dumb.”

“I’m not saying you are,” she came up quickly, voice strangely high. “Please, just listen to me.”

“Why should I?”

Tears started streaming down her cheeks. “Please. . . Jiyong, I got drunk. I didn’t know what was
happening, I. . .”

“Don’t you?” he asked. “Don’t you?! We’ve already been through this. I already heard those words.”

“Everyone makes mistakes, Jiyong!” she suddenly cried. “Even you! Why can’t you forgive me? I’ve
forgiven you before knowing that you killed my parents and even if you broke my heart over and
over again when y-you. . . y-you. . . associated yourself with Sulli.”

“But I didn’t do them just because I was drunk!” he said. “I did all of those things for you. Did you
really think I enjoyed doing those things? Do you really think I’m so heartless? If I were heartless, I
would not feel like this! I would not feel as if my heart has been taken out from my chest, tossed to a
pot of burning water, and stepped upon!”

“Yes, I understand that you did those things for a reason but that doesn’t change the fact that you still
hurt me before but I still found a way to forgive you because I love you! Don’t you even love me a
bit to forgive me or just hear my explanation out? Don’t you –”

“Fuck it, Dara!” he growled. “You’re asking if I don’t love you a bit to forgive you. A bit?!? Do you
really think I’ll go that far with Sulli if I didn’t love you so fucking much? Do you really think I
would be stupid enough to even think of proposing to you, of building a house and family with you if
I don’t love you so fucking much?! I love you too damn hell that I can’t accept the fact that you did
that just because you got drunk!”

“It was a mistake!” she cried. “I know that now! I’m not perfect, I make mistakes, Jiyong. But why
can’t you forgive me? Why are you giving up on me so suddenly? I didn’t give up on you before; I
will never give up on you. But why is it so easy for you to give up on me? Why?!?”
“I’m not like you,” he said. “I can’t forgive that easily. I can’t hold on that long. I did. I hold on to
you before, asked for your forgiveness but you ran away too, remember? You turned your back away
from me too –”

“But I was able to find my way back to you,” she said. “Please Jiyong. . . don’t let this ruin us. Don’t
let this separate us. I won’t take it. I don’t have anyone else. I’ve lost everyone already; I can’t bear
to lose you. Why is it so hard for you to understand that it was a mistake? A mistake, Jiyong!”

“A mistake?” he softly asked. “Why, don’t you have any feelings for him?”

Her mouth opened but she can’t seem to get the words out at once. “H-he’s my friend.”

A bitter smile curved his lips. “It’s over, Dara. You chose him over me –”

“I DID NOT!” she screamed. “WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR YOU TO FORGIVE ME FOR JUST
THIS ONE MISTAKE?!? YOU’VE KILLED MY PARENTS, YOU’VE KILLED ME, YOU
BROKE MY HEART, JAEJOONG DIED, YOU HAD SEX WITH SULLI IN FRONT OF ME!
ALL OF THOSE THINGS BROKE ME BUT I WAS ABLE TO FORGIVE YOU! WHY CAN’T
YOU DO THAT FOR ME?!?”

Silence greeted her outburst.

Then he said, “It would always be like this, wouldn’t it? You, reminding me of every vile and foul
thing I did for you. You haven’t really forgiven me yet, have you? I’m right all along. You’re just
being like this because you don’t have anyone to turn to; no one to run to and you’re scared to be left
alone that’s why you’re clinging on me. You don’t. . .” he paused as his voice shook a little. “You
don’t really love me, do you? You just need someone and that someone is me.”

“NO!”
“Yes, it is.”

“No! Jiyong, listen –”

“For if you love me, you won’t really feel what you feel for TOP. You won’t really kiss him like that
even if you’re drunk if you don’t have feelings for him.”

“That’s not true,” she whispered. “Jiyong, I love you. Please, don’t do this to me, don’t do this to us.”

He shook his head. “Dara, we’ve hurt each other beyond our limits, beyond normal people would
hurt each other. Aren’t you getting tired of it?”

“No!” she wildly protested. She cupped his face and tried to kiss him but he pushed her away. But
she didn’t stop from attempting so. Hysterical sobs were escaping from her throat now as she
struggled to reach him. “Pancake,” she whimpered.

“Stop,” he hissed. “I SAID STOP IT!” he shouted and pushed her so hard that she stumbled to the
ground. She saw his eyes widened a little, looking as if he was surprised with what he had done. But
when she looked closer, it was gone. She must have imagined it. “Just go away,” he said.
“No,” she stubbornly protested, pushing herself upright. Without warning, she threw herself to him
and hugged him so tight, her face buried in his chest. She inhaled the scent of him and cried at how
she missed his smell.

“Let go,” he said in a low voice but there was warning in his voice.

“No.”

“Let go, Dara.”

“No!” she replied, hugging him even tighter. Jiyong then started pulling her arms off him but he
stubbornly fought against his strength. “I’m not going to let you go! NEVER!”

“Let go, Dara,” he said again. There was menace in his silky voice now but Dara ignored it.

“No,” she cried. “I can’t, I don’t want to. I don’t want to let go. I don’t want. . .” she said and stopped
as her voice broke. Jiyong went on pulling her arms off him but surprisingly, she was able to fight
against his impossibly believable strength. “Jiyong, don’t do this. Please. . . stop hurting me. You’re
hurting me. Stop it. Please stop hurting me. Please. . . .”

Jiyong stopped pulling her arms off him. He went stiff and it was as if he stopped breathing. Dara
buried her head further in his chest and started crying hard again. And then, he was gone. Dara
opened her eyes and saw a crow flying away.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” she screamed and started running after the crow. “Jiyoooong!!!
JIYONG!”

She followed the crow and didn’t stop. She stumbled a few times along the way, earning her some
bruises and scratches but she didn’t mind. Her knees were bleeding but she seemed not to notice. She
ran and ran and ran until she was led to the Valley river. The crow started flying over the river to the
other side.

Dara didn’t stop. She waded into the water, her eyes still on the crow. She was starting to panic as the
crow grew smaller and smaller – it was getting farther and farther from her. She went on and on until
her feet can no longer reach the river floor. But she went on swimming. She swam and swam until
her muscles grew weak, until she became too exhausted to move. And then, it happened. The pain in
her legs hit her so sudden that she gasped. As she gasped, a mouthful of water went into her mouth,
choking her. She could not move her legs; it was if they’ve frozen from pain. She started struggling
until the water started pulling her down into the darkest and deepest depth of it.
 Chapter 40: The Sweet Escape

It was endless. The bottom was endless; at least that’s what it felt like to her. She wanted to do
something, she wanted to but her body seemed to stop operating, as if it has given up fighting – tired
and exhausted. Death would be a sweet escape from all the pain, guilt, shame and everything else.
What’s the point of fighting if the person she’s fighting for flew away from her already, looking as if
he did not want to come back anymore? She made a mistake, she acknowledged that. She does not
blame TOP for what happened because she knew; a part of her actually wanted that to happen. And
she felt sicker because of that.

She blinked her eyes and thought that she saw a shadow of something flying above the water. She
smiled and closed her eyes. Jiyong has come back for me, she thought. And not long after that, two
set of hands grabbed her and started hauling her up to the surface. The moment she resurfaced, she
suddenly felt the weird sensation of being transported. The next thing she knew, she was on dry land.
She coughed out some water and looked up, only to be disappointed to see TOP. He, on the other
hand, looked angry.

“What do you think were you doing?!” he demanded. “Are you that desperate to go to the river like
that?”

“What are you doing here?” she asked softly, turning her face away from him to hide the tears of
disappointment threatening to fall from her eyes. He didn’t come back. He didn’t come back. He
didn’t. . . .

“What do you think I’m doing here?!”

“I told you to go away,” she said.

He exhaled harshly. “I can’t just leave you like that!” he said. And although he was shouting, his
voice sounded raw. The rawness of it made her even more emotional.

“Go away.”

“Dara. . . .”

“I said go away!” she shouted and jumped to her feet. She started running away from him. But her
legs gave in. she stumbled again and this time, she finally broke down into tears. She curled herself
into a tight ball, hugging her chest tightly. A while later, someone pulled her up and hugged her. She
knew who it was. She knew his scent, his arms, his warmth. She wanted to push him away but she
was just too tired, too cold, too hurt. “He doesn’t want me anymore because of you!” she cried. “He. .
. left me. He. . . . .”

He pulled her in closer. “I’m sorry to see you hurting like this but I don’t regret kissing you and
touching you.”

She closed her eyes tightly. “Don’t. . .please don’t remind me. I hate you.”

He chuckled. “No, you don’t.”

She didn’t answer. She just cried and cried until her voice went hoarse, eyes red and nose puffy. TOP
didn’t say anything. He just kept his arms around her, as if trying to hold her parts together so she
won’t break apart.

When her cries turned to sobs, he started rocking back and forth, his hand going up and down her
back to comfort her. “I overheard you a while ago,” he started. “About you forgiving him for what
had happen before. I’m not going to ask about that yet. But maybe Jiyong needs time, Dara.
Sometimes, when the wound is fresh, it hurts so much that it would make you frustrated and illogical.
You should give him some time.”

“No,” she brokenly said. “If I do that, he’ll only slip farther away from me. He’ll think I’ve given up
on him. I don’t want to let him go. I love him.”

TOP closed his eyes tightly and balled his fists. You have to let him go.

---

“Please. . .”

Bom sighed. “I don’t know where he is, Dara.”

“Bom please, I’m begging you.”

“He needs time to be alone, Dara.”

“But –”

“Remember before, when you went away? It took you some time to forgive him. He needs time,
too.”

“But he’ll think I’ve given up on him. I don’t want him to think that and. . .” Dara stopped and took a
deep breath. She felt so tired and dizzy.

“Are you feeling alright?” Bom asked. “You looked a bit pale,” she commented and touched her
forehead. “You have fever!” she exclaimed.

“I’m fine,” Dara firmly said. “I need to talk to him, please.”

“I really don’t know where he is,” Bom said. “And even if I knew, I can’t tell you. You’re my friend,
Dara. But Jiyong’s my friend, too.” She turned to TOP. “She’s sick. Take her to a hospital.”

“Aren’t you a healer?” TOP asked with raised brows.

“I’m fine,” Dara wearily said and then coughed.

“I think we should go, Dara.”

“No,” she snapped. “I won’t leave unless I can talk to Jiyong.”

“He’s not going to talk to you, Dara,” Bom said. “The more you force him, the more he’ll rebel
against it. You know him.”

“So what do you want me to do?” Dara suddenly cried. “Just give up on him? After everything we
went through, you want me to give up on him? I know I made mistakes and I admit that. I’m not
perfect but I’m trying my best to show him how much he means to me, how much I love him. I’ve
already had a taste of life without him before, when I went away and work in Han Eul’s boutique. I
can survive without him, yes. But I can’t call that much of a survival or life either. Life without him
is like eating a teaspoon of food once a month; drinking a glass of water once a year; breathing
without getting air into my lungs. Everyday, I would look normal but everytime it goes dark, I
always curl in my bed and cry myself too sleep, thinking that I’d better be dead than feel the way I
do. I’ve broken down time and time again but still, I’m breaking right now. Do you even know how
painful that is?”

“Maybe he thinks you need him more than you love him,” Bom quietly said.

“You know how much I love him, Bom. Surely you do, don’t you?”

She was silent for a moment. Her eyes went to TOP then back to her. “I’m sorry, Dara.”

---

“Dara was here a while ago,” she informed him.

“So?”

Bom sighed. “Why are you being difficult?”

He snorted. “And now I’m being difficult?”

“Yes, you are. You do know how much Dara loves you. And you said before that you’ll prioritize her
happiness from anything else.”

“She doesn’t love me,” he bitterly said. “She just needs me because she doesn’t have anyone else
anymore, because I took everyone from her life. She would not feel the way she does to that guy if
she loves me. If she were happy and contented with me, she would not seek for another man’s arms.”

“Well, damn you!” Bom exclaimed. “Do you really think she’ll go here everyday just to ask for you
even if she’s burning with fever? Goddamnit Jiyong, they just kissed! Nothing happened between
them and she was drunk!”

“You can say whatever you like, Bom but no words from anyone would change how I feel.”

“You might as well turn into a stone!” she said and stormed out of the room without another glance
at him.
He sighed and looked out of the window. With a blink, he was gone.

---

Loud music was pounding on the background. He wasn’t paying attention to it or anyone in
particular. He doesn’t care about the phoenix anymore or anything and anyone already. He hasn’t
been into the local bars or clubs that much since he was always lounging in the arena. But tonight, he
chose a local place outside the shadow world he used to move around. He took a gulp from the bottle
he was holding. Alcohol – it was quite reliable when you wanted to forget something or someone for
just a moment.

“Jiyong?”

He paused and looked around. A familiar face greeted him. “Krystal Jung.”

“It is you!” the girl exclaimed. “What are you doing here? And where’s Dara?”

He shrugged and looked away. There was silence but at the corner of his eyes, she was still there,
watching him in awe. He looked back at her. “Are you with your friends?”

“Yeah, sort of,” she laughed. “And I can see you’re alone. Want some company?”

He took another gulp of alcohol and shrugged. “Depends.”

“Depends on what?” she asked.

“Depends on up to what extent you would want to accompany me.”

A knowing smile curved her lips. “If that’s the case, I’ll join you then.” She took a seat on the stool
beside him and ordered a drink.

“Want to dance?” he asked out of nowhere.

She shrugged. “Depends on up to what extent of dance you want.”

He heard it – the underlying meaning in her words and voice. It surprised him a little. As far as he
can remember, it was Victoria who was pretty outgoing. “How about a dance that would blow your
mind?” he suggested darkly.

She bit her lower lip and smiled. “Let me have a drink first.”

A moment later, they could be seen dancing in the middle of the dance floor, amidst other dancing
people. Their bodies were pressed together, rubbing. She was a good dancer, he acknowledged that.
A normal guy would have exploded already, but he wasn’t a normal guy. She lifted her arms and
wrapped them around her neck, her hands playing with the hair at his nape. With a smile, she tiptoed
and kissed him on the lips. She chuckled as she pulled away. “I have a confession to make,” she
whispered in his ear. “I really find you very sexy, even before. But I was quite. . . shy back then,” she
went on, laughing.
Jiyong didn’t say anything. Instead, he pulled her closer and buried his head on her neck. He started
sniffing and nipping her. He heard her moan. He went on kissing her up until he reached her earlobe.
He tugged at it before he went kissing her cheek and her lips.

---

When Jiyong opened his eyes the next day, it was already late afternoon. He pushed himself in a
sitting position as he felt someone moving about the room.

“Hey,” Krystal smiled as she pulled her pants on. “I’m afraid I have to leave. My parents are looking
for me already. But I’ll see you soon,” she said. He didn’t say anything. He just watched her put her
clothes back on. When she was done, she walked to him and kissed him on the lips. “Thank you for
the wonderful time.”

“I’ll walk you to the door,” he said obligingly. He went out of bed, not minding if he was naked. He
grabbed a robe and put it on, tying the knot loosely.

He walked her to the door. As she was about to leave, she turned to him again and kissed him. “Ah,”
she sighed. “No wonder many girls swoon over you.”

He didn’t say anything.

“So, when will I see you again?”

He was about to say no, he doesn’t have any plans of seeing her again but he chose to shrug.
“Depends,” he answered, making her laugh.

“Okay then,” she said. “But I hope it’ll be soon.”

Then, she left. But he stood there in front of the door, his eyes fixed on someone from afar. He knew
the physique even without seeing fully her face. But when he looked at her face, he saw her eyes
were wide with hurt. He was about to step back in and close the door, to shut away the look on her
face when someone called for his name just across the road. He looked to the source and saw Sohee.

“What do you want?” he growled.

“Why are you being snappy?” she asked, frowning.

“I’m not in the mood to talk.”

She raised her brows. “Well, it’s not going to stop from talking to you anyway.”

“What the fuck is wrong with you women?!” he breathed.

“And now he blames our kind,” she said, clicking her tongue. She walked past by him and went
straight into his room without another glance at him.
“I thought you wanted to talk,” he said as soon as he reached his room. “But you went straight to my
room.”

“You do know that Dara’s outside, right?”

“Really?”

“You’re being an ass again, do you know that?”

“No, I don’t.”

Sohee sighed impatiently. “What’s the matter with you? You broke your promise to me because of
her. You even said her happiness matters to you more than her safety. You’re not the only one
hurting here.”

“I’ve already had enough scars on my body,” he said. “I’m already scarred inside, I don’t want to add
more scars to that.”

“Well, that’s bullshit!” she burst out. “You’re not the only scarred person here, Jiyong and you know
that!” Jiyong didn’t say anything. Sohee sighed in agitation and started taking her clothes off. “Look
at me,” she said. “Look at me closely.”

He did. And he saw them. A normal person would not see them. Even he, at first glance, he didn’t
see. But then, there they are – scars weave here and there in her body. There was something gut-
wrenching seeing those scars on a woman’s body, especially since Sohee’s built was almost the same
with. . . with. . . .

He shook his head and walked towards her. He lifted one arm and traced one scar with his forefinger.
Sohee flinched and stepped away from him. He looked up at her and saw the look on her eyes – she
looked terrified. Sohee was scared. He had never seen her like this before. She had always been a
bubbly person, an independent and will-driven person. But then, she looked terrified. And he knew
why. The scars. . . it could run deeper than the skin sometimes. That’s how he used to feel, until Dara
came into his life. He could still remember how she used to cry seeing her scars; he could still
remember how it felt when she kissed his scars before.

“Sohee, what happened to you?” he asked.

Outside the house, two pair of brown eyes was looking up at curtained window, where the shadows
of two people can be seen. It was already dark but she could see their shadows clearly. She stood
there and watched them. Minutes passed, maybe an hour or so but the shadows just stood there inside
the room. And then, something happened. The shadow of the guy moved, leaning in towards the
shadow of the girl. Her breath froze in her chest. She knew what would happen and she did not want
to see it but for some weird reason, her eyes remained opened.

Just as the shadows fused together, making them look as one, she started feeling it. Her chest
tightened, making her clutch it. Her airway seemed constricted that she found it hard to breathe. Her
mind spun around and she knew she was going to fall down any moment. She looked up once again
and she wasn’t able to take it anymore. She was starting to black out and just as she was about to
faint, she felt two arms around her. And she knew, she knew who it was. Just before her mind
snapped close, a tear fell down from her eye.

Meanwhile, far from the Valley, far from the chaos of Dara’s world, a girl stood in front of the
mirror. It was just then that she looked at herself closely. She had changed, she acknowledged that. It
was quite. . . unnerving now that she think of it. She no longer looked like one of the boys. Her white
blonde hair was down, curled at the tip elegantly. She wondered, what would he think of me now?

She shook her head to drive the thought away. No, she should not be thinking about that. Just then,
she heard footsteps coming closer. She looked behind her and saw her aunt. The woman smiled at
her. “Will you look at that,” she said.

“I feel a bit awkward, actually,” she confessed. “I haven’t worn a dress before.”

“You look perfect!” her aunt said, holding her arms up for a hug.

“Thanks for this wonderful dress, aunt. No birthday gift could be better than this.”

“Oh no,” her aunt laughed, pulling away a little. “I have another gift for you.”

She frowned. “But. . .”

“No buts,” she said. “And besides, you’re not going alone. I’m going with you, too. I haven’t gone
into a vacation for a long time. But I’m afraid it’ll still be a few months from now.”

“Vacation? Where?”

“Where else?” her aunt piped excitedly. “To the Valley of course!”

The smile instantly left her face. “T-the Valley?”

“Yes!” her aunt happily clapped. “Aren’t you excited? You’ll see all of your friends again!”

“All of my friends. . .” she repeated mechanically.

“Chaerin, are you alright? You’re a bit a pale.”

No, I’m not okay, she wanted to say. But then, she didn’t want to spoil her aunt’s mood. So she
smiled. “Yes, I’m alright. I’m just a bit tired.”
------
 Chapter 41: The Ugly Moments

Four months ran by. TOP watched how Dara lived like a soulless being at day. He thought she would
never get tired of chasing after Jiyong but then one day, she just stopped going to the Valley to try to
talk to him. Instead, she started sulking, imprisoning herself inside her own room. At those times, he
would always see her curled in a chair, staring out of the window. She still goes to school, only
mechanically. It’s like all the life in her was gone. She rarely eats; rarely talks and he never saw her
smile or laugh again. It was becoming hard for him to see her being like that. Even the thought of
getting to the black phoenix was pushed away into the farthest corner of his mind. A soulless body –
that’s how she is at day. But at night, it was different. He would always wake up in the middle of the
night with her screaming and crying. everytime he runs to her room, he would always see her
thrashing around, trying to fight against the nightmares that haunt her. He would then gather her in
his arms and let her cry to sleep.

“You’re meant to meet her, Seunghyun.”

TOP straightened up and looked back. “You shouldn’t be up this late, old woman,” she scolded.

“With or without the black phoenix, you’re meant to meet her.”

“Just go back to sleep,” he sighed wearily.

She closed her eyes as a strong breeze blew her way. She smiled. When she opened her eyes, she saw
him, just flying in circles above her. She reached out and was able to get hold of one of his clawed
feet. Then, he started flying higher, bringing her with him. He flew higher and higher with her still
holding on to his clawed foot. But then, he started shaking her off, as if getting rid of her. “No,” she
whispered. “Please don’t.”

The crow screeched out loud. Then, with his other foot, he clawed on to her hand, burying it deeply
into her skin. It was so sudden that the pain took her by surprise. Her hand voluntarily let go and she
started falling, falling, falling until she was sure that any moment, she’s going to die. She closed her
eyes as she felt that she was nearing to the ground. She was going to die. But then, two set of arms
were there to catch her fall. A wave of disappointment and relief came over her that it made her cry.
She turned to the person who caught her and buried her face in his chest. She did not have to look up
to see who it was. She knew, she knew that he would catch her just like the way he led her to the
right path in one of her dreams when she got lost because of following Jiyong into the forest.

“Move on, Dara,” TOP whispered.

Then, the scene changed. She was back to the dungeon, watching Jiyong and Sulli together. She
watched as Jiyong killed her parents. She saw Jaejoong, sacrificing everything to save her.
Everything went back. Every pain, every tear, and every scream – she was drowning in it.

And then, the scene changed again. She was now facing Jiyong who had a bow and arrow pointed at
her. Just as he let go of the string, the black phoenix came, the arrow going straight into its heart.
“Y-you. . . killed it,” she heard herself say. “You killed it.”

Anger started boiling up inside her until it consumed her completely. She looked at Jiyong with all
the hatred in her heart. With a battle cry, she ran towards him, planning to attack him. She saw him
load his bow with a different arrow. But she didn’t stop. The sight of the loaded bow actually made
him angrier. As she neared him, a swoosh sound came and the next thing she knew, she was staring
down at her chest where an arrow was buried.

Dara’s eyes snapped open, breathing heavily. She pushed herself in a sitting position. She was
sweating and but she felt so cold. She gathered her knees up and hugged them to herself. Then, she
started rocking herself back and forth, crying hard.

It all started after they broke up. She kept on dreaming about the past – Jaejoong, her parents, Sulli,
everything and everyone. It was like when they separated, she was suddenly pushed into a sunlit
place where all her memories were stored. She just realized then that living with Jiyong was like
living in darkness, like he was covering her from the sunlight to prevent her from seeing those ugly
memories.

There were times that she can’t help but think that Jiyong was right – that she hasn’t totally forgiven
him yet, that she’s just staying with him because he’s all she got. Everytime those times would come
up; she would always shake her head to drive such thoughts away.

The sudden ringing of her phone brought her back to earth. She stared at her phone for a long time.
How long has it been since it rang? It felt weird hearing it ring again. She stared at it, not sure if she
should answer it or not. What’s the point of answering that phone? There’s no point at all, she
thought.

She let it be until it finally stopped.

But then, it started ringing again. Getting annoyed and impatient with it, she grabbed the phone and
was about to turn it off when she saw her screen – the number was not registered on her phone.
Curiosity made her answer the phone. “Hello?” she answered and was surprised with how she
sounded. She herself was not able to recognize her voice anymore. Her voice sounded like it hasn’t
been used for a long time.

“Hi, is this Sandara Park?”

“Yes?” she answered hesitantly, frowning. “Who’s this?”

“Oh, this is Lee Chaerin’s aunt,” the lady answered. “I silently took your number from my niece’s
phone without her knowledge. We’re actually going back to the Valley for a vacation and I was
wondering if you could help me. I’m planning to have Chaerin and her friends a little reunion, so, it
would be really great if you could come. And of course, I really want to meet all of her friends.”

“Reunion?” she echoed.

“Yes,” the lady laughed lightly. “We were supposed to go there four months ago but something
would always come up making Chaerin unavailable

---

The sun was up but there were dark clouds hovering around it. A few people were out on a little field
just at the entrance of a forest that leads to several mountains. Two of them were lounging under the
shade of the tree, trying to be oblivious by the dark stare being thrown at them by someone who was
keeping his distance from everyone. Another two were under a shade of a tree, a man and a woman.
The woman was holding a baby in her arm while the father of the said baby girl was playing peek-a-
boo to keep the tiny brunette occupied.

“Someone’s coming,” Bom said.

Youngbae looked up and saw a vehicle coming. “Do you think it’s her?” he asked his wife.

“We’ll soon find out,” she answered.

Youngbae looked around at the others. “Well, since everyone seemed pretty busy, I think it would be
best if you go and greet whoever’s coming.”

Bom glared at her.

“You’re better in talking,” Youngbae defensively said. “Give Hye Ji to me.”

“Fine,” Bom sighed and passed her daughter to Youngbae. She stretched out. “I swear, Hye Ji is
getting heavier everyday.”

The little baby shrieked, making Youngbae laugh. “But she’s very intelligent for her age.”

“Oh dear,” Bom suddenly said. Youngbae looked up.

TOP came out from the vehicle first, followed by Daesung and Minzy. TOP went to assist Dara
down. She murmured a low thanks to him and smiled a little. Awkward silence enveloped them as
they exchanged glances with Bom and Youngbae. Then, Dara’s eyes went to the little girl on
Youngbae’s arms.

“Our daughter,” Youngbae smiled proudly. “Hye Ji,” he went on. “She’s little big for her age but
she’s pretty intelligent too.”

Dara stared at the baby girl and can’t help but feel a bit hurt. She was not even informed that Bom
already gave birth. “How old is she?”

“Roughly four months,” Youngbae answered.

Dara stared at the baby girl in silence. The baby stared back at her steadily. It was quite unnerving
actually. Surely, for a four month old baby, it was quite weird to have a steady stare like that. But
then, the baby’s eyes went to Dae, Minzy then TOP. And then, it suddenly shrieked joyfully. Dara
stared at the baby and realized that the little girl was laughing while holding out a tiny fist to TOP.
She glanced to TOP and saw the surprised look on his face.

“That’s weird,” Minzy chuckled. “I think the baby likes you.”

“I don’t think so,” Bom contradicted. “Youngbae, give her to me.”

Youngbae was about to protest but then, Bom gave him a look that made him sigh and surrender his
daughter to her.

Awkward silence filled them again.

“Ahm, this is Minzy,” Dara started, “Daesung and well, you know TOP.”

Youngbae smiled at Minzy and Daesung. “Youngbae,” he introduced himself formally. “And this is
my wife, Bom. The little girl’s our daughter, Hye Ji.”

“Can’t I just go?” a voice suddenly joined them. Every head turned to the source. Seungri was
walking towards them, an annoyed look on his face. “I can’t bear seeing them like that anymore.”

“Seungri,” Youngbae warned.

“What?” Seungri demanded. Youngbae and Bom just gave him reprimanding looks. “Oh great!” he
muttered and crossed his arms, sulking.

Dara’s eyes roamed around, looking for the source of Seungri’s annoyance. And then, she saw them.
They were sitting under a shade of a tree. He was sitting in front of Sohee while the latter was trying
to get his shoulder length hair into a messy knot. Dara felt it then. It felt like her heart was going to
burst. She felt like she hasn’t breathed for a long time until now. She silently checked him. There
were a few changes in him. The most notable one was his hair. As to how he was able to make it that
long, she was not sure. She just wanted to run to him, to wrap her arms around him, to kiss him, to
love him.

Oh God, please help me!

Fierce longing washed over her like a tidal wave that it almost made her cry. The main reason as to
why she stopped chasing after him for four months was not because she had given up. It was because
she thought that maybe Bom was right, that maybe Jiyong needed time. But seeing him right now
made her regret why she ever listened to Bom’s advise. She just missed him so much!

Involuntarily, her foot took a step forward. But then, a hand encircled around her arm. She looked
back and saw TOP shook his head discreetly. She was about to protest, to scream at him but then, he
suddenly pulled her into his arm. “Stop hurting yourself, Dara,” he whispered silently into her ear.
“Stop.”
No!

How much she wanted to scream that word. But there was something in TOP’s voice that stopped her
from doing so. It was then that she realized how much she was trembling.

“It’s so nice of you all to come here,” a voice came.

Dara pulled away from TOP and looked back. It was Jiyong. He smiled at all of them, even to her.
His smile took her breath away and she had this weird urge to push TOP away and threw herself in
Jiyong’s arms. But then, TOP’s hold on her was quite firm and assuring that it wavered her resolve
for a moment.

She drank in the sight of him. The longer she stared at him, the more she wanted to run to him and
feel his warmth again. But the casual way Jiyong was smiling at everyone stopped her. Somewhere,
someone scoffed. She looked around and realized it was Seungri, who was looking at Jiyong bitterly.
She wondered why he was looking that way to his friend. As she turned her eyes back to Jiyong, it
was then that she realized who he was with – Sohee.

Her heart skipped a beat for a moment and then it hammered quickly against her chest that it almost
suffocated her. jiyong’s arm was draped on Sohee’s shoulder. “Hi Dara,” Sohee greeted her quietly,
smiling tightly.

She tried to smile back but her face was frozen. She looked back at Jiyong, accusation and hurt in her
eyes.

“Hey,” he nodded at her, smiling.

She felt it then – the signs of breaking down. And TOP was there, holding her tight to keep her
together. But she wasn’t able to stop herself. “Why?” she asked him.

Jiyong chuckled a little. “You haven’t changed,” he said. “You’re still weird. Anyways, it was nice
of you to ask TOP and the siblings to come. I’m pretty sure, Chaerin would be glad to have more
friends.”

The way he can casually talk to her hurt her even more than he’d hurt her before.

“I could just imagine what an honor it would be, being Chaerin’s friend,” Seungri suddenly voiced
out loud.

“Seungri,” Sohee warned.

Seungri looked at the girl and Dara was quite surprised seeing hurt in his eyes. Seungri – she had
never seen him as transparent as this before.

“Stop it, Seungri,” Jiyong warned him, too.

“Stop what?” Seungri asked bitterly. “Stop showing how hurt and betrayed I feel about you getting –
”
“SEUNGRI!” It was Bom now. “You’re being an –”

“Bom don’t,” Sohee stopped her. The girl then turned her eyes to Seungri. “I’m sorry.”

Seungri was about to say something when the sound of a car coming close came in. all of them
turned towards the direction of the car. A middle-aged woman came out first, smiling brightly at all
of them. She waved enthusiastically at them as she waited for a companion to step down from the
car.

CL then stepped out, her dirty blond hair hanging loosely. They were all tongue tied upon seeing her
in a body-hugging dress.

-----
 Chapter 42: The Bittersweet Reunion

“Seriously, is that really CL?” Youngbae asked in awe, making CL blush.

“Of course,” Bom snorted, looking at CL with pride in her eyes. “Welcome back,” she whispered
softly.

CL smiled. “I missed all of you!”

“Shouldn’t you be crying and hugging us now?” Jiyong commented. “Come here, lady.”

With tears in her eyes, CL ran to Jiyong and hugged him. Soon after that, Youngbae, Bom and Sohee
were imprisoned in a tight in a bear hug with her. Hye Ji was tugging at CL’s dirty blonde hair,
looking at it curiously. And then, the baby grinned.

“Aww, cute. . .” CL murmured.

“Of course she is, she is my daughter,” Bom said, making TOP snort. Bom gave him a dark look.
That was the time that Dara went back to her senses. She welcomed CL back, hugged her then
introduced the siblings and TOP to her.

“I like your hair,” Minzy commented, surprising Dara. She never thought Minzy had this side in her.

“Thanks,” CL smiled sheepishly. But then, she was looking at TOP and Dara curiously, a small
frown on her face. She was about to ask but upon seeing the look on Dara’s face, she kept her mouth
shut. She glanced around and saw her aunt chatting with Bom and Youngbae. Slowly, her eyes
moved, looking around her. Then, she saw him – a lone figure far away from them. She hesitated for
a moment but then, she gave him a small smile. He did not return it. He gave her a blank look then
looked away, his eyes fixed on something or someone. She followed his gaze and it landed on Sohee
who was talking to Jiyong. She looked back at Seungri and saw something past his eyes. Her eyes
squeezed painfully for some unknown reason.

“Oh this is bullshit!” Seungri exclaimed and walked away, leaving everyone behind him surprised.

“Sorry about that,” CL heard Bom said, probably to her aunt. “He’s just. . .”

“Jealous,” TOP said. “He likes Sohee.”

“Sohee?” her aunt asked.

“Yes,” Youngbae answered with a sigh. “But the thing is, she’s Jiyong’s girlfriend, so. . .”

CL whipped around and looked at Jiyong and Sohee then her eyes darted to Dara, who was obviously
trying to keep herself calm and composed. “It’s not really surprising, is it?” she heard herself ask
loudly. “We’ve always known Seungri’s like this.”

---
“You’re so cuuuute, aren’t you?” Minzy smiled at the baby girl as they lounged in a wide room. CL
had the little one on her lap and it was quite obvious that the little girl was enjoying all the attention
being thrown to her. TOP, Dara and Daesung were also with them in the room since Bom, Youngbae
and CL’s aunt were preparing for something, as what CL’s aunt called it. They were not sure where
Seungri was. Jiyong and Sohee said they have to go somewhere but said they’ll be back as soon as
they can.

“I need to go to the restroom; can you take care of her for me for a while?” CL asked, facing Minzy.

“Sure,” Minzy answered, smiling at the baby girl. The girl giggled and waved her arms excitedly,
making the two girls laugh.

“I’ll be back,” CL said to Hye Ji. The baby made adorable sounds, that made Daesung chuckle. Even
he could not resist the charms of the baby.

“I didn’t know you had this in you, baby MinMin,” TOP chuckled as soon as CL was out.

Minzy glared at him but then, an idea came to her. She stood up and gave TOP a smile. Without any
warning, she placed the baby on his lap, saying, “Hold her for a minute.”

“W-wha-?” TOP blurted, holding the baby up. The baby shrieked a giggle.

“She likes you,” Minzy smiled evilly.

“Y-ya!” TOP said in panic. “YA!”

“I’ll just go ahead and take a glass of water,” Minzy said.

“YA!” TOP called out. “Why you-! Ya!”

TOP looked at the baby he was holding up. The moment he did, the girl let out a cute, girlish and
infant-ish laugh. “Hye Ji likes you!” Daesung exclaimed, disbelief in his voice. TOP was not sure
what to feel but he could feel himself getting uncomfortable and tensed as the seconds ticked by.
Then, out of nowhere, Dara, who was sitting beside him, laughed out loud.

He hadn’t heard that sound for so long that he could only stare at her in amazement. But then, it was
soon replaced by irritation. “What are you laughing at?!” he snapped.

“T. . .t-the look on y-y-your face!” she said in between her hysterical laughter. “I-it’s. . .
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

TOP’s face turned red, making Daesung laugh with Dara. Then, Hye Ji joined in on the fun.

“Having fun?” a voice entered.

Dara was so busy laughing to even notice that someone spoke. TOP was caught in mixed emotions
upon seeing Dara laugh again and having to put up in an embarrassing and annoying situation. It was
Dae who first noticed. “Dara found TOP amusing,” Dae explained. “He was being amusing, really.
Even Hye Ji could not help but laugh.”

“I’ve always found TOP amusing,” Jiyong went on.

It was then that Dara heard his voice. Her laughter died down instantly. She looked behind her and
saw him, alone. “W-where’s Sohee?” she asked and she hated herself for asking it.

“She’s sleeping, she said she’s tired,” Jiyong answered and threw himself in a nearby couch.

Dara’s eyes were fixed on him. Thousand of thoughts floated around her mind that she could mot
pick up what they were about. There are about a million words she would want to say too but they
got drowned inside her throat. Now that he was near, now that she saw him again, her awareness for
his presence came back again. There was something about his aura, his presence that she would
always recognize even if he wasn’t beside her. “J-jiyong, can we-?”

“Gosh! I’m so tired!” Bom’s voice came in. But then, she suddenly stopped in her tracks upon seeing
Hye Ji being carried by TOP. “YA!” she screamed. “WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE YOUR
CLAWS DOING, HOLDING MY DAUGHTER LIKE THAT?!” she thundered, lunging forward to
snatch her daughter away from TOP’s claws. The moment she did, Hye Ji started crying while
stretching her cute little fist towards TOP, who looked like he just had his most traumatic experience
ever.

Seeing the look on his face, Dara momentarily forgot about what she’s about to ask from Jiyong. She
started laughing again, unable to stop herself.

“If I see you anywhere near my daughter again, you’re dead!” Bom warned and walked away, trying
to calm Hye Ji’s loud whines.

“I’d rather die!” TOP shouted back to her, looking pissed and traumatized. His eyes then darted to
Daesung, who immediately stopped laughing. But someone else was still laughing as if there’s no
tomorrow – Dara. He looked at her then, she was almost rolling in her seat. “Oh, so you think it was
funny, didn’t you?”

“Y-yes. . .”

TOP turned red and was about to say something rude and harsh but then, embarrassment ate him up.
“Aish!” he exclaimed and walked away.

Dara stood up and ran after him, still laughing. But at the back of her mind, she could feel two eyes
on her.

---

DARA’S POV

The following day, we all headed to the Valley’s river. I wasn’t comfortable about it, actually. There
were memories in this place that makes me want to cry and I can’t help but wonder if he’s
remembering them, too. I glanced at him but he wasn’t looking at me. He never looks at me unless
it’s necessary. He had his eyes fixed on Sohee. It hurts. I am hurting. I can’t help it. I wanted to pull
Sohee’s hair out, or wipe that smile off her face everytime she looks up at Jiyong, looking in love. I
hate it. I hate it so much that it’s making it hard for me breathe properly.

I don’t know what the point of this reunion was if some of us were not enjoying it. I could not fully
enjoy everything eventhough I’m happy that CL is back, who was currently talking to Sohee, Jiyong,
Youngbae and Bom. She was just telling them what her life was and stuff. Dae seemed to enjoy
talking to CL’s aunt while munching on some food. Minzy was all captured by Hye Ji.

Seungri was. . . well, Seungri had this dark cloud hanging above him. He seemed to be in a very bad
mood and he usually just kept to himself. I actually felt bad and sorry for him. This was not the
Seungri I knew. As for TOP, well, he still can’t get over what happened yesterday. I smiled at the
thought. The look on his face. . . it was something I would always remember. And I was silently
grateful to him. I haven’t laughed or smiled for a long time. Laughing at him yesterday made me feel
a bit lighter, but it did not lessen the pain in my heart.

TOP suddenly whistled, making me glance at him. “What happened to him?”

I followed his gaze and my eyes landed on Jiyong, who took off his black shirt. His scars were
glistening under the sun. I held my breath. The sight of those scars used to make me cry before,
knowing how much pain it could have brought him to leave scars like those. I felt longing inside me,
longing to touch them, to trace each curve with my finger and to kiss those scars. Looking at it now, I
felt both pain, longing and. . . and pride. Yes, pride. I’ve touched those scars, traced each curve and
kissed them. Those scars. . . they proofs how strong Jiyong is, my pancake.

Intense pain suddenly filled my whole system. I watched as Sohee, who was wearing a two-piece
bikini, pulled Jiyong with her towards the river. Jiyong suddenly scooped her up and threw her on his
shoulder, making the latter laugh. Then, he threw her to the river, gently. Sohee emerged a while later
and wrapped her arms around Jiyong, still laughing. And then, Jiyong pulled her down with him
under the water. A memory suddenly flashed into my mind, the memory of Jiyong pulling me with
him under the water and kissing me. I tried so hard not think of it, but a vision of Sohee and Jiyong
kissing under the water right now; a vision of Sohee touching Jiyong’s scars, tracing each curve and
kissing them filled my mind that a broken sound involuntarily came out from my mouth. I stood up
abruptly and turned away, heading nowhere in particular.

And I know he would follow me, that he would try to comfort me, try to take away the pain caused
by another man. I know.

I only stopped when I was sure nobody else would see, nobody else would hear, nobody else would
know how broken I am, except him. of course, TOP had seen me at night, at day, of how I forced
myself to live everyday in the past four months. There was nothing to hide from him anymore. He
already heard me scream in my nightmares, he already saw me crying nonstop, he already know why
I’m here, leaning against a tree while clutching my heart, biting my lower lip so hard that it I could
taste the bitterness of my own blood in my tongue, digging my nails in my palm as I tried to distract
myself from the pain that’s about to consume me like an unstoppable fire. But it was no use. I cried. I
broke down. And he was there, silent, firm and warm – holding me to keep my broken self together.
SEUNGRI’S POV

Yeah, I was enjoying everything. Everything. Bom and Youngbae are happily married with a
daughter, the sight of Jiyong and Sohee together are totally bearable, the look on Dara’s face
everytime she looks at the two looks funny, then there’s TOP – always staying beside her, and of
course, CL’s here. Perfect, just exactly the time of my life.

“H-hey.”

I looked up. Speaking of, there she is, looking down at me with a hesitant smile on her face. She
reached out a can of alcohol to me, to which I accepted. She then sat just a safe distance on my right.

“How are you?” she asked. I didn’t say anything. I kept my eyes on Sohee and Jiyong in the river.
Bom, Youngbae and the siblings were there, too. But they didn’t matter. Nothing matters. “It’s been
so long, isn’t it? Do you still remember –?”

“I’m not interested in walking down the memory lane,” I cut off.

She went silent for a moment. “Sohee’s pretty and cute,” she commented.

“I know she is,” I answered, taking a gulp from the can upon seeing Sohee wrapped around Jiyong’s
body.

“She’s really nice, too.”

“The total opposite of you,” I snorted.

“Seungri –,”

I sighed loudly. “Thanks for the drinks, but I would have really appreciated it if you haven’t come
back.”

“Why are you being like this? We’re supposed to be. . . f-friends. I don’t know what I did wrong for
you to treat me like this!”

I chuckled. “Don’t worry, Chaerin-ah, you didn’t do anything wrong. I just don’t like the sight of
you, if you know what I mean. You’re not that pleasing to the sight, seeing you irritates my eyes. So
I’d rather not see you at all. In fact, it would be better if you just turned invisible.”

“That’s really mean. . .”

I shrugged.

“Fine,” she said. She stood up and walked away. She went to the edge of the river, took off her shirt
and shorts, revealing a skimpy swimwear underneath it.
I crushed the can in my hand then threw it away. I stood up and turned to leave. I had enough for
today. This is such a time-wasting thing.

---

AUTHOR’S POV

Later that night, they went to the arena’s club to drink. Dae and Minzy were already dancing,
oblivious and careless to the tension surrounding the others. Seungri was slumped in the seat,
drinking and drinking and well, drinking. Bom was keeping the atmosphere alive while Youngbae
was still his calm and silent self, smiling and laughing on the right places, drinking once in a while.
Dara, on the other hand, still had her eyes fixed on Jiyong, who had his arm draped on at the back of
the leather seat, his hand touching Sohee’s shoulder. Jiyong was wearing an earring – a black fang
earring while his hair was tied in a careless knot again. He was smoking and drinking at the same
time. The same goes to Sohee, she was smoking and drinking, too. Sohee and Bom kept on talking
and talking on random things. They were keeping the conversation on the table going.

Dara took a deep breath when Jiyong leaned on Sohee’s ear and whispered something. She then
looked away.

“Want some of these?” she heard TOP ask beside her. She glanced at him and saw that he was
offering her a bottle of alcohol.

“I guess,” she murmured and took the bottle. She looked at it first. Then, she took it down in one go,
the liquid burning her throat. But she ignored it. When she consumed it, she felt a bit lightheaded and
giddy. “Ahh. . .” she sighed. Then, she took another bottle, then another, and another and another and
another. . . until she lost count of it. She started giggling and laughing. Out of nowhere, she stood up,
raised her arms up and shouted, “Wohoo!”

She heard someone chuckle. She looked down at TOP and saw him grinning at her. She smiled back
at him. “I want to hic dance,” she told him.

“Go ahead,” he said.

She grinned wider. “Kekekekeke.

Swaying a little, she was about to go to the dancefloor when a hand caught her arm. “You’re drunk,”
someone said. It was Jiyong.

She looked back at him, pouting. “I’m not hic drunk. I. . had only. . this small amount of alcohol. .”
she said, showing him her thumb and forefinger which were an inch apart from each other. She
looked at it and frowned. She bowed a little and tried to measure the bottle of alcohol. “Oh, it doesn’t
match, hahahahahahaha.”

“You shouldn’t have let her drink this much.”

“Eh?” Dara asked.

“Dara is old enough to make her own decisions,” she heard TOP say.

“Ya!” she turned to him. “I’m not that old yet! Who are you calling old?!”

“No one,” TOP smiled, standing up. “I thought you want to dance? What are you still doing here?”

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Right! I forgot, hihihihi. Will you dance with me, then? I’m telling you, Choi
Seunghyun, I’m a very good dancer, so if you –”

“Yeah, right,” Jiyong snorted.

“I’m pretty sure I could keep up with you,” TOP told Dara but his eyes were on Jiyong.

“Aaaah, you’re challenging me, eh? We’ll see hic about that. Come on then, you handsome giant.”

As soon as they reached the dance floor, Dara started dancing; at least that’s what she calls it. TOP
was more than shocked. He had never seen anything like it. “This is the washing machine dance,”
she said and made some crazy movements. “This is the running chicken dance. . . . . . . this is a whale
dance. . . . . penguin dance. . . . . . . roller coaster dance. . . . . . . ferris wheel dance. . . . . .”

And on and it went. TOP could stare at her in embarrassment at first but then, he started laughing.
Dara, you really are something, he thought. It was crazy! She even had a pillow dance, a butterfly
dance to which she totally looked like a stung ballerina. Others were starting to laugh at her, others
were as shocked as he was or as embarrassed as he was the first time. Everyone eventually cleared
away from the middle of the dance floor since Dara totally owned it.

But then, she noticed that he was not dancing. “What kind of a dance is that?” she asked. “Aha! I
know! That’s called a tree dance, isn’t it? Of course it is, trees just stay upright, not moving. Tsk,
you’re not hic creative. I WON!”

At the corner of TOP’s eye, he saw Jiyong stood up, went up the stage and whispered something on
the man playing the music there. The music then changed into Latin song. Everyone started clapping
and cheering. Only two words came to TOP’s mind: dirty dancing.

And he was right. Jiyong pulled Sohee to the dancefloor and started dancing. He could not deny it,
Jiyong was a good dancer. After a while, other couples joined them, even Bom and Youngbae started
dirty dancing, too. He turned to Dara, her eyes on Jiyong and Sohee. He was ready if ever she’s
going to run away or break down but then, she started laughing. “Look at them, they looked like
earthworms! It’s an earthworm dance, then? Kekekeke, let’s do that, too!”

Instead of doing it, TOP pulled Dara into his arms and hugged her tightly. “I know you’re tired, let’s
rest for a bit,” he whispered.

“Kekeke, I can just imagine how tiring a tree dance is,” she laughed. “But if you say so,” she
finished, burying her head in his chest. “Thank you by the way,” she giggled.
A while later, TOP pulled Dara back to their table. She was still laughing. “Aigoo! A tree dance!!
Bwahahahahahahaha!”

“You’re making fun of me,” he grimaced.

“BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

“If I didn’t know better, I would take you to a mental institute right now.”

“Aigoo, I need to pee, hehe,” she giggled. “Pee, pee, pee. Oh! I think I have a new dance step, a pee
dance! I’ll show. . .ugh! I really need to pee. Just stay hic here, I’ll be back to show you my pee
dance!”

TOP groaned as she started swaying away from him. He slapped his forehead after seeing that
instead of heading to the rest room, Dara was heading to a different direction. He stood up and
started following her.

Dara can’t help but giggle as she thought that she was floating and spinning around. as turned into a
corner, she saw two people kissing hard. She narrowed her eyes, trying to see who they were. She
then recognized them. Sohee was pushed against the wall, her lips locked tightly with Jiyong who
had his hand inside her shirt.

Dara giggled, not really sure why. The two heard her and separated. “Oops!” she giggled. “Sorry,
hihihi!”

“Dara, you –” TOP came in. upon seeing that Dara was giggling at something in front of her, he
followed her gaze. One look at Jiyong and Sohee, he instantly knew what just had transpired; he
knew what Dara just saw.

“Seunghyun-ah, look!” Dara chuckled, pointing a finger at the two. “Earthworms!

Hahahahahahahaha!”

“It seemed like this place is already taken, Dara,” TOP said. “Let’s find other private places so you
could what you said you wanted to do to me a while ago.”

Dara turned to him and giggled - a look of mischief in her eyes. She tiptoed and whispered in a very
low voice in his ear, “The pee dance?”

“Yes, exactly!”

“Oooh!” she giggled. “Let’s go then! I’m excited to show you how good I’ll be. . . hic hihihihi. . .”

TOP wrapped her arms around Dara and started pulling her with him. As they walked past by Jiyong
and Sohee, the other guy suddenly grabbed his arm. “What do you think are you doing?” he
demanded.
TOP raised his brows at Jiyong. “Dara, you do want to show me how good you are, don’t you?”

“Of course!” Dara giggled. “Eww, the earthworm is touching you!”

TOP smirked at Jiyong. “Let go, I don’t want Dara to be disgusted with me just because an
earthworm touched me.”

Jiyong glanced at Dara for a brief moment then back at TOP. After a while, he let go of TOP’s arm.

“Let’s go, Dara.”

“Let’s go!” Dara cheered. “Agogogogogogoooo!”

TOP brought her out to the forest.

“Wait,” she said. “I really need to pee, hihihihihi. Turned around, I’ll just pee here,” she giggled.

TOP turned away. She started singing as she peed, making him shake his head. When she was done,
she started singing and laughing again, walking and jumping at the same time deeper into the forest.
When she grew tired, she threw her arms around him and buried her face in his chest, still laughing.
But then, she turned silent after a few minutes. TOP felt it then, her tears soaking the front of his
shirt. Not long after that, she started crying out loud. He threw his head back at looked up, his fists
balled tightly on his side. As she cried louder, he closed his eyes, jaw clenching. But he let her be.

-----
 Chapter 43: The Lost Crow

DARA’S POV

I was so thirsty that it woke me up. I opened my eyes and the lights stabbed my eyes painfully. My
head was pounding really and I feel awful. “Ugh!” I groaned as I pushed myself up in a sitting
position. Groggily, I stood up and headed towards the door, planning to get myself a glass of water. I
leaned one hand against the wall as I walked towards the kitchen. It took me some time to get there.
As soon as I was able to, I grabbed a glass and poured cold water there. I was able to drink up to
three glass of water in one go. After that, I went to the sink and opened the faucet, washing my face
with water. I closed my eyes when I straightened up as I tried to take deep breath to dull the heavy
feeling in my head. My thoughts were not organized and it made it harder for me to think straight.

I decided to ignore it. As I was on my way back to my room, I thought I saw someone from far
ahead. I frowned and narrowed my eyes, trying to know who it was. It was Seungri. Curious, I
slowly walked towards his direction and was about to ask him what he was doing when I heard a
familiar voice just beyond the corner Seungri was hiding from.

“The wedding is just a few days from today,” Sohee said. “Do you think it would go smoothly?”

“What could go wrong?” Jiyong asked.

I froze. My heart froze. My brain even went blank.

Wedding?

All coherent thoughts were shoved out of my mind. My head suddenly cleared with thoughts I didn’t
know I was capable of. I marched angrily towards the room, not minding if they’ll call me an
eavesdropper or what. I don’t care.

“Whose wedding are you talking about?” I demanded at once, facing Jiyong. He didn’t even look
surprise or guilty or ashamed. He looked. . . unreadable.

“You should not be eavesdropping on other people’s conversation,” he drily commented.

“Whose wedding are you talking about?” I asked again, my voice rising in a high-pitched panic
mode.

“Dara. . . .” Sohee started.

My head whipped to her direction, my eyes glaring. “You don’t have the right to call me by my
name!”

“Dara, I know that this is quite –”

“Sohee, can we talk?” Seungri came in.

“S-seungri!” Sohee exclaimed. “W-what. . .how. . .?”

“I heard everything, even before the part when Dara entered,” he said. “Can we talk.” It was not a
request, but a demand.

Sohee glanced at Jiyong first. “It’s up to you,” he said.

She then sighed and turned her eyes back to Seungri. “Fine.”

As soon as they left, I faced Jiyong again. “Whose wedding were you talking about a while ago.”

He just stared at me. He looked like he was not going to answer. But then, he sighed, his face blank
as he said, “Mine and Sohee.”

It took, five or ten minutes for that information to dig into my brain. As soon as it did, I suddenly
find it hard to breathe. Surely, this is too much already? It’s quite surprising how I can still stand here
in front of him. “Why?” I managed to ask.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Why?” I just asked again.

He sighed. “I think you’re still drunk. You should go back to bed,” he said and reached out but then,
even before he could reach me, his hand froze halfway and then, he dropped it to his side.

“Why?” I asked again.

“I’m not obliged to answer that.”

“But you said you love me,” I whispered softly. My voice was close to breaking up. “But why are
you marrying her?”

“You won’t understand,” he said, shaking his head.

“Why?! Because my intellect is below-sea-level?!?”

“As I’ve just said, I’m not obliged to answer your question or even explain things to you. You’re not
my girlfriend anymore.”

“Do you enjoy hurting me, Jiyong?” I asked. “Will it make you happy to see me in pain? Will it
satisfy you to see me regretting that I’ve even kissed TOP?”

He didn’t say anything.

“Well, if you enjoy doing things like that, you should have invited me to your wedding as Sohee’s
maid of honor!!” I screamed. “That would be quite a show! Me, watching you wait for Sohee in the
altar. Me, listening to you as you say your vows that would bind you with her for the rest of your life.
Me, standing on the sideline, watching you kiss her. Me, seeing everyone clapping and wishing you
all the happiness in the world! I’ll go ahead and find Sohee and beg her to make me the maid of
honor instead. If that would make you happy, I will do that! I will –”

“SHUT UP!!!” he roared, his hand gripping my arm tightly. It was too tight that I’m sure it’ll bruise.
I even think that if he gripped on it tighter, my bone would break. “SHUT YOUR FUCKING
MOUTH UP!!!”

“Why?” I asked, voice shaking. “Would those be not enough for you to be happy? Would those be
not enough for you to forgive me completely? I’ll break myself over and over again, I’ll face death
over and over again, I’ll let myself suffer over and over again if that’s what it takes for you to forgive
me.”

“Are you insane?!” he hissed.

“Maybe I am,” I answered. “Maybe I don’t know what’s right from wrong, what’s real from not. I
only know one thing. And I can bet my all of how certain that is – I love you, Jiyong.”

His grip tightened on my arm again as I watched one emotion to another flickered in his eyes. But
even before I could get glimpse to all of them, he let me go and turned away from me.

“I love you,” I whispered. “I always have and always will.”

“Stop. . .”

“I don’t think I have it in me to stop loving you, Jiyong. Pancake –”

“STOP!” he shouted and turned to face me. He looked angry again. “It’s over, Dara. It’s over!”

“Pancake.”

“I SAID STOP!!!” he roared so loud that the whole room vibrated. “Why are you being like this?!
Why are you doing this?!?”

“I want you back,” I desperately whispered. “I just want you back.”

He shook his head, his face so grim that it made me want to touch his face to calm him down. But
even before I could reach out to him, he slowly turned into a black smoke, almost vapor then
disappeared.

---

My eyes were puffy red. I’m sure everyone noticed it but no one said a thing, especially TOP. He
was especially cheerful, teasing me with weird dance steps he said I showed him last night. I haven’t
seen Jiyong yet, nor Sohee or Seungri. I don’t want to ruin the mood of CL’s comeback because of
my personal problems so I tried to be as cheerful as I can be.

“I didn’t do that!” I exclaimed.

“Yes, you did!” TOP returned. “Aish, I should have taken a video of it. It was epic!”

I was thankful that TOP was being a good friend. He hasn’t shown me his sarcastic or bully side for
about. . .four months. I wanted to thank him personally but I can’t seem to say those words out loud
at the moment. Some simple things can be really complicated especially if. . .no, I don’t want to think
about it. I love Jiyong. The reason why I’m here is because of Jiyong, period.

Out of all the people in this reunion, CL’s aunt, who wants to be generally called as Aunt, was the
only hyper person. She’s just so energetic, enthusiastic and excited with everything. After our little
swimming getaway and the clubbing, now she just set up a game. It was almost the same game that
we had before, with me teaming up with Jiyong, except that for this one, it’ll be simply a race. We
need to get past three forest and two mountains. Bom and Youngbae would not be participating
because they need to look after their daughter but they’ve warned the guys not to use any magic
tricks. I guess they used those terms for the benefit or CL's aunt or Aunt, as she prefers it.

“Oh look, here come the others!” Aunt clapped. We all turned our heads towards the direction where
Aunt was looking and saw Jiyong, Sohee and Seungri walking towards us. I didn’t even glance at
Sohee, call me bitter or whatever but I just don’t feel like seeing her today. As for Seungri, he
seemed. . . . lighter. I don’t know - his aura seemed lighter. Aish, what am I talking about?

And Jiyong. of course, he’s still as handsome as ever, as sexy as ever, as mysterious as ever, as. . .
my heart constricted. Just the sight of him leaves me breathless and pathetic.

“He’s going to melt if you stare at him like that.”

“H-huh?” I blinked and turned to TOP. He just smiled at me and patted my head. “You would make
an adorable pet.”

“Ya!”

He chuckled. “I’m doing a good job in distracting you, aren’t I?”

I flushed. Guilt suddenly welled up inside my chest.

“Okay! For the newcomers, come here. I’m going to explain the mechanics again,” Aunt announced.
The whole time she was explaining, my eyes were on him. I can’t help it. I wanted to talk to him
about last night. I want to clear things up but I don’t want to do that in the open, especially in front of
Aunt. I don’t want to ruin her mood.

As soon as she was done explaining, she clapped again. “Okay, so pair yourself up!”

“I’ll pair with my sister,” Daesung announced at once. “I’m comfortable with her.”

I was about to open my mouth and say that I wanted to be paired with Jiyong but then, he beat me to
it. “I’ll pair with Sohee.”

“But I want to be paired up with Sohee too!” Seungri complained.

“I’ll take pet Dara with me,” TOP announced happily.

“Ya!”

“Sohee is Jiyong’s girlfriend,” Aunt said. “It’s quite normal for him to want to be paired with his
loved one. Why don’t you pair up with my Chaerin? Chaerin’s really good in games like these.”

“Why am I always left with no choice?” Seungri sighed.

“Okay, since everyone’s paired up, I’ll be giving you your things now.”

“What’s the point of this game again?” Seungri asked.

“Scared of competition, are you?” Aunt laughed, making Seungri stare at her in disbelief. “Don’t
worry dear, Chaerin can win this game if she wants to. You don’t have to do anything.”

“What does that mean?” he demanded but Aunt already walked away since he was distributing our
hiking things and stuff.

“She meant that you won’t be really of any help to Chaerin,” Jiyong said, smirking.

Seungri glared at CL. “We’ll see about that.”

“I know you wanted to be paired up with him but since he already announced that he’s pairing up
with –”

“I don’t have problems being paired up with you,” I told him, my eyes still fixed on Jiyong.

“I don’t get why we have to do this,” Seungri complained. “Can’t any of you see how dark the cloud
is? It’s going to rain!”

“I’m really starting to think that you’re not that competitive,” Minzy commented out of nowhere.

I heard TOP snort at first but then, he burst out laughing. It sounded so childish that I can’t help but
smile. I shook my head and chuckled. It was then that I felt someone looking at me. I looked around
and was able to catch Jiyong looking at me. But the look on his face was not the look I expected to
see.

---

All throughout the day, I silently hoped that I’ll bump into Jiyong but nothing happened. So when
night came, me and TOP settled in our tent. We only had one tent you see, but it was big enough to
shelter the two of us.

“It seemed like Seungri was right about the weather,” he commented.

“Hmm,” I murmured. True, it started to drizzle late afternoon and it hasn’t stopped ever since. I have
this feeling that it’s really going to rain hard, soon.
“Ah, I feel so tired. I’m not really up to physical activities that much.”

“Go to sleep,” I suggested. “We still have a long day tomorrow.”

He chuckled and looked at me. “As much as I want to stay awake and talk to you, I really am sleepy.
Goodnight, pet Dara.”

“Stop calling me that,” I pouted. But he just chuckled and closed his eyes. Sooner or later, he was
already fast asleep.

---

AUTHOR’S POV

Jiyong looked down at Sohee. She was cuddled up close to him, fast asleep. As for him, he was wide
awake for a few hours now. He attempted to go to sleep several times but it was to no avail. Maybe I
need some fresh air, he thought. With that thought in mind, he slowly detached himself from Sohee
and stepped out from the tent. It was drizzling a little but he didn’t mind. He closed his eyes for a
moment then threw his head back, letting the soft drizzle touch his face.

When he opened his eyes, he was now looking at his surroundings through crow’s eyes. He spread
his wings out and flapped them. He flew into the trees, letting his instinct guide him. After a while,
he stopped on a branch of a tree standing not too far from a tent. He was not sure what he was doing
there, watching the tent as if something was interesting about it. He could just tell that the occupants
in that tent were fast asleep, or maybe doing something else, he was not sure. He stayed far enough
not to hear anything from that tent, if there were any. He just stayed there, watching the tent even if
he was wet already.

But then, a movement froze him. Sooner or later, someone was getting out from the tent. His whole
body tensed upon recognizing who it was. There was a frown on her small, pretty face as she looked
around, looking for something.

Seeing her was enough, at least that’s what he’s trying to tell himself. He wasn’t even sure why he
wanted to see her in the first place. He could not help but sigh at the carelessness and clumsiness of
the girl. Who in their sane mind would go out to look for something when it’s raining?

“Jiyong?”

He totally froze.

“Jiyong, where are you?”

He looked carefully to check if the girl was dreaming or sleepwalking. But no, she was wide awake
and she sensed his presence. That alarmed him. He spread his wings and started to fly away before
she could even notice him. He was thankful that it was dark, his crow form perfectly blended in with
the darkness of the night and of the forest.
After a minute, he slowly turned back to his human form. Standing in the middle of the trees, he
placed his hands on his waist and tried to breathe in and out slowly. Then, his ears pricked.

“Jiyong?”

He paused.

“Jiyong, what are you doing here?”

He closed his eyes tightly. He should have gone straight back to the tent as a crow. Why did he stop
anyway and turned back to his human form? It was plain stupidity. Left with no choice, he opened
his eyes and slowly turned around. “I was just trying to see if I could still gather some dry woods.
Sohee’s a bit cold.”

“I see,” she said, nodding. Her lower lip then started to tremble and it didn’t escape his eyes. He
quickly turned his back on her and swallowed the lump that seemed to have clogged his throat.

“I should go back,” he said. “I don’t want Sohee to wait for me. You should go back too,” he added.
As he took a step forward, two arms suddenly went around his waist. Everything then shut down. It’s
as if his heart stopped beating, his lungs stopped functioning, his brain dead – his jaw clenched and
unclenched uncontrollably as his fists balled tightly.

“Pancake. . .” she whispered against his back. “Please. . .”

His eyes snapped close on their own accord, his teeth grinding on each other and his whole body was
trembling. He could not allow this to happen. His hands moved up, as he planned to get Dara’s arms
off of him. But the moment his skin touched hers – soft, smooth and fragile, memories suddenly
flashed in his mind like tidal wave that he was close to drowning from it. Along with those memories
was his plan to propose to her. His eyes suddenly snapped open. He gripped her wrists hard and took
them off him. “Stay away from me.”

He then started heading back towards his tent with Sohee, aware that Dara was following him. But he
ignored her. As soon as he reached the tent, he faced her again and he halted upon seeing her on her
knees. “What do you think are you doing?!”

“I. . .if you don’t want. . . I’m not going to. . t-to a-ask you to c-comeback. . . if you don’t want me
anymore, I-I’ll t-try t-to deal with that,” she said in a broken voice. “But can you at least. . . forgive
me?”

“That’s not going to happen!” he said. “Now get up and get away from here!”

He angrily went back inside the tent he’s sharing with Sohee. The moment he closed the flap and
turned to lay down, he saw that Sohee was awake, staring at him. And then, it started to rain, really
hard.

“She’s going to get sick,” she said.

“I don’t care.”
Sohee sighed then pushed herself up in a sitting position. But Jiyong grabbed her arm and pulled her
down again.

“Don’t you dare. . .!”

“But Jiyong. . .”

“Let her be,” he said. “She’s not going to stay that long there anyways. A minute or two from now,
she’ll go back to the tent she’s sharing with TOP.”

---

It was four in the morning already and it was still raining hard. For some unknown reason, Jiyong
woke up from his sleep. He glanced beside him and saw Sohee fast asleep. He closed his eyes again
and tried to sleep but he couldn’t do that anymore. He sighed heavily and sat up. He looked straight
up ahead. Out from curiosity, he opened the tent and took a peek outside. And she was still there,
kneeling under the heavy rain.

Anger, rage or hatred – he was not sure which but he suddenly felt violent. He stepped out of the tent,
getting soaked at once. “What do you think are you doing?!?” he demanded.

“Y-y-you. . . s-should g-get i-inside, i-it’s c-c-cold out here. Y-you’ll g-g-get sick,” she stuttered.

He stared at her kneeling form. “Stand up,” he said in a low voice.

“N-no.”

“Stand up, Dara.”

“No. . .”

“I SAID STAND UP!!!”

“I can’t!”

“What do you mean you can’t?” he thundered and pulled her up to her feet but then, her knees
collapsed. “Fuck!” he cursed and went to kneel in front of her. “Fuck you!”

“Y-ya!” she whispered weakly. “N-no s-swearing i-in front of m-me.”

“Jiyong?” a voice from inside the tent called.

He suddenly stood up then turned into a crow and flew away just in time for Sohee to peek outside.
She gasped upon seeing Dara’s pitiful form under the rain.

“Dara!” she exclaimed. “What are you-?!”

“Bring her back to your tent,” Jiyong’s voice came back. Sohee looked up and saw that TOp was
closely behind him.

“I think you should bring her to Bom at once,” Sohee suggested. “She looks sick!”

“I’ll take care of it,” TOP answered. Reluctantly, he turned to Jiyong. “Thank you for informing me.
but it would have been better if you didn’t let her stay this long under the rain.”

“I didn’t –”

“You could have just brought her straight to your healer friend instead of getting me to bring her
there, she wouldn’t have to stay under the rain for so long, although I appreciate that you informed
me,” TOP cut off. He then knelt in front of Dara. “Come here,” he said in a gentle voice as he
scooped her up in his arms.

“I-it’s c-c-cold,” Dara trembled.

“I know,” TOP whispered. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I’ll keep you warm, okay?”

“Mmm. . .”

-----
 Chapter 44: The Separate Journeys

Fire. Ice. Fire. Ice.

Dara was not sure if she’s still alive or not. All she could distinguish was the feeling of being thrown
back and forth to fire and ice. Her dreams were not helping at all. Or, are they dreams or her
hallucinations? She was not sure anymore. She wanted to scream, to thaw out. But something was
holding her back – pain, weakness or something else? She was not sure anymore. Nothing was
certain, nothing. She drifted and floated to nothingness. It’s better this way, she thought. It’s better to
feel nothing than feel everything at all.

She wanted to cry. She wanted to cry like a child but at the back of her mind, her guilt was stopping
her. Why would she cry over something that was her fault anyway? She deserved this. She deserved
this for betraying him. He doesn’t deserve someone like her. She’s a flirt! I’m a flirt!

But I don’t want to give up,a different side of her protested.

I already told him I’m giving him up.

No! I won’t give him up.

On and on, it went. As her fever rose and rose to dangerous height, so did her inner battles. She was
so consumed in it that she failed to notice everything around her or, better yet, ignored everything
around her.

He doesn’t love you anymore.

Pain shot through her like a heavy metal whip. But I love him.

It’s not going to change anything.

He’s not coming back to you anymore. He’s not. . .

TOP had dark circles under his eyes already. He’d been watching her for about two nights without
even taking a nap. He thought she’d start screaming again especially how high her fever was. But she
did nothing. Instead, she was frighteningly still and quiet as she sleeps. That’s the reason why he
couldn’t even take a nap. The sight of her being so still, quiet and motionless was scarier than
hearing her scream as she tries to escape from her nightmares. If not for the rise and fall of her chest,
he would think she’s. . .

He wanted to bring her to the hospital of course, but then, Bom insisted that Dara should stay where
she was. He argued with her, and it was a huge one. But in the end, she still won. “I know her for
some time now,” she told him. “She won’t like it if she wakes up in a hospital.”

“So what?” I asked incredulously. “What’s more important to you, her preference or her safety?”
“I can heal her,” she pointed out.

“Oh yeah?” I scoffed. “Then why am I not seeing any improvements?”

“That isn’t a physical weakness or sickness,” she said, voice trembling. “She’s emotionally sick. And
being in the hospital wouldn’t help.”

“Do you think being here would help?” he asked. “Don’t you think she’ll get sicker with that guy and
his girlfriend around?”

“Fine!” she said. “Suit yourself!”

Well, the truth is, I don’t have that much faith in hospitals either. I just wanted to argue, I guess. But
I still did try to get Dara to a hospital. I told her unconscious form that I’ll be bringing her to the
hospital but then, her eyes snapped open and she whispered two words. “Don’t, please.” And then,
she went back to her soundless sleep. He looked at Bom desperately.

“She needs Jiyong’s presence.”

“Well, that’s really stupid.”

“Everyone become stupid when it comes to love,” she whispered quietly. It was the first time she
used a gentle tone while talking to him and it amused and annoyed him at the same time. “And
besides, she lived here for quite some time. She’ll feel more at home here than being in the hospital.”

“If you say so,” he shrugged. “How long do you think she would be like this?”

“She’ll come around when she’s ready,” she said. “Dara is a strong girl. She might not look like it,
but she is.”

“Everyone has limitations.”

With that, Bom didn’t say anything further. After some time, she sighed. “I have to attend to Dara,
you can leave now. I don’t want any audience when I’m healing.”

“Witch,” he mumbled under his breath and went out of the room.

Bom went to her healer duties and tended to Dara. It was a while later that she straightened up and
said, “You don’t really have to blend yourself with the wall, Jiyong.”

There was silence. But then, “Since when did you become so sensitive with my presence?” he asked,
tone heavy with sarcasm.

“I’m not,” she answered. “I just guessed,” she added with a shrug.

“Maybe you should take another career aside from healing.”

Bom ignored his sarcasm. “Where’s Sohee, by the way?” she asked as Jiyong stood beside her, both
of them looking down at Dara.

“Cuddling your daughter,” he answered.

“Are you jealous?” Bom joked. “That child’s pretty charming.”

“She inherited it from Youngbae, I guess.”

Bom was about to snap something sarcastic back at him but the look on his face as he watched Dara
sleep stopped her. “Before, when you started dragging Dara along with you here, I thought you were
a bit stupid. When you fell in love with her, I thought you were stupid. But you know what I think
right now?”

“You know I don’t read minds, Park Bom.”

“I think you’re the stupidest, dumbest and the most hypocrite person that ever set foot on earth.”

“And why is that?” he asked, chuckling.

“Are you even aware of what your face looks like right now?”

“How would I know?” he returned playfully.

“I think the problem here is you. You haven’t really forgotten and forgiven yourself for all the things
that you’ve done to her before but then, you went on saying that it was she who hasn’t forgotten and
forgiven you for everything.”

“Can you speak in a language that I can understand?” he chuckled. “You’re not making any sense.”

“I’m right, aren’t I?” she went on. “And when you saw her with TOP, you got jealous, angry and
hurt. But then, underneath that all, you’re scared. You’re scared that maybe TOP deserves her more
than you do.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, waving the topic as if it didn’t really matter.

“You’re punishing yourself,” she concluded. “You’re pushing her away, hurting her because seeing
her in pain would hurt you thrice even more. And you think you deserve to be in pain. Don’t you
think that’s a bit ridiculous, Jiyong? Hurting the person you love just to hurt yourself thrice more, to
punish yourself for what had past?”

Jiyong shook his head. “The past have nothing to do with this,” he said with finality.

“You can always say that,” she said. “But you’re the best liar there ever is, aren’t you?”

“I already told you, if she was able to betray me with another man which means she’s not happy and
contented with me anymore. So why should I bother –?”
“Then why bother lurking in the shadows, blending in the darkness just to get a glimpse of her?” she
cut him off. “And why just a while ago, when you were watching her sleep, your face looked as if
you would rather die than see her suffer?”

Bom, your ideas are getting worse everyday,” he laughed. “Are you into reading romantic novels
these days? Or are you pregnant again?”

Bom stared at him for a long time. “I can feel that you’re lying,” she said. “And you’ve never lied to
me before, at least none that I remember of. What’s really going on, Jiyong?”

“What’s going on is my wedding to Sohee.”

“Sohee is a nice girl,” she said. “I hope you make it worth her while to be married to you.”

---

DARA’S POV

I feel like I was drugged into sleep and I’m just slowly waking up. I blinked my eyes several times. I
stared at the ceiling for a moment, as my mind was still blank. Instincts told me that someone else
was in the room. I turned my head sideways and saw TOP slumped in a chair beside my bed. He
looked so. . . tired. But what amused me was the innocence on his face. I smiled. He was really a
handsome guy, even through his disheveled hair and ungraceful position. He probably felt me staring
at him because he slowly stirred awake. I didn’t even look away to pretend that I haven’t been staring
at him for a while now. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, stretching his arms out a little after that.
Then, his eyes met mine. I smiled at him.

“You’re awake!” he suddenly exclaimed, eyes wide. I can’t help but laugh at the expression on his
face.

“Yes I am,” I chuckled. “What happened to the race anyways?”

He grimaced. “Minzy and Daesung won,” he said. “And now there somewhere off to Hawaii to enjoy
their prize.”

My eyes widened. “The prize was a trip to Hawaii?!”

“Yep,” he answered, smacking his lips. “The two were kind enough to mock me endlessly about it.”

“Sorry,” I murmured. “I’m such a weakling,” I mumbled, grimacing. “I always get sick.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” he said. “And besides, it’s not as if Hawaii’s going somewhere anytime soon,
right?”

I chuckled. “Right.”

“I can always go there in the future, anyways.”

“Ah,” I sighed. “We could have won it if I didn’t get sick.”

“Probably,” he shrugged.

“I could just imagine Seungri’s face after Minzy and Daesung won. I bet he was all grumpy.”

“Quite the contrary,” he said. “He was quite pleased. I think he was grateful he didn’t win or he
could have been forced to go to Hawaii with CL.”

I went silent. “Poor CL,” I murmured. “I want to talk to her. Do you know where she is?”

He suddenly went awfully silent. I stared at him. He was tensed.

“Are you alright?” I asked.

“Y-yeah, I am.”

I stared at him again. “No, you’re not. Did something happen? Where’s CL? Where’s everybody?”

He remained silent.

“TOP?”

“They’re not here,” he whispered.

“Did they go somewhere?”

He nodded.

“Where?”

A heartbeat passed before he looked up and said, “To Jiyong and Sohee’s wedding.”

I knew I told Jiyong I wouldn’t come after him anymore. But I even begged TOP to transport me to
the venue. We argued a while ago since he said I’m not that well yet. Yes, it’s true. I really am not
well. How am I going to get well if Jiyong’s going to get married to someone else? In the end, he
heeded. I might have been asleep for a few days to have known that the wedding was today. “You
should have woken me up!” I told him repeatedly.

As soon as we arrived to the place, I sprinted down the hallway to the venue. Memories flashed into
my mind. This is where we held our ball before, where Jiyong went as Sulli’s date. I could still
remember how handsome and dashing he looked that night. I could still remember how surprised I
was seeing him with his short hair.

As I burst into the hall, I was greeted by an empty place. The chairs that were arranged in rows were
no longer aligned. There were petals of red roses on the floor. The floor looked dusted. The place
was covered mostly in red and black, not white which was the traditional color of weddings. From
the corner of the hall, I saw some movements. With jerky steps, I went to see who it was. It was
someone I don’t know. He had some cleaning materials on his hands.

“Excuse me?” I heard myself say in a high-pitched tone. “The wedding that took place here, do you
know. . .?”

“Oh, it was finished hours ago, I think.”

I blinked several times before those words made sense to me. “F-finished?”

“Yes,” the man answered. “Do you happen to know the couple?”

“They were are. . . friends,” TOP answered.

“Oh!” the man answered. “Well, sorry to hear you were not able to make it to your friends’ wedding.
Miss, are you alright?”

“She’s not feeling that well,” TOP answered again.

“You ought to make her sit down first,” the man advised.

“I will,” he answered and grabbed my arm, slowly guiding me away from the man. “Dara?”

“I. . . I can’t b-breathe. . .” I gasped. “TOP, I can’t b-breathe. . . I. . .”

And the tears started falling down again. When will this end? I’m getting tired of this already. I’m
really tired.

Gasping for air, I leaned towards TOP. I’m tired. I want to rest.

I want to rest.

And the darkness consumed me once again.

---

AUTHOR’S POV

“Good morning!”

TOP stopped in his tracks upon seeing Dara in his kitchen, with an apron on. He stared at her
blankly, unsure if he’s still asleep or simply hallucinating. She cried for two consecutive days after
the wedding. He thought she’ll go back to the living like a soulless person again but then, there she
was, smiling at him like nothing happened.

“Are you alright?” he asked, unable to stop himself.

“Of course I am,” she chuckled. “Sit down, I made you some breakfast. I also brought breakfast to
Aunt already. I watched her ate the meal, she was rather pleased with my cooking skills, actually.
Too impressed that she went right back to sleep!” she ranted, laughing lightly. “And since Dae and
Minzy won’t be back just yet, I was thinking, maybe we should go out or something? You know, like
surf boarding or sky diving or something like that?”

TOP stood motionless on his spot. Dara chuckled and went to him, slid her hand to his and pulled
him towards the table. She pushed her down on a chair and started serving him like she was his wife
and he was her husband. She seemed to be pretty hyped up, too. She was talking nonstop and all he
could do was stare, stare at her eyes for they were gaining the old sparkle that he amuses him.

“What are you staring at?”

He blinked. “Are you alright?” he asked again.

She rolled her eyes. “I’m starting to worry about you,” she said. “I think you’re having an
Alzheimer’s disease.”

“Ya! That’s an old person’s disease!”

“Exactly!” she said, rolling her eyes again. She was about to head back to the sink again when he
reached out for her hand. “What?” she asked.

“Dara, about. . . .”

She sighed. “I’ve decided that I had enough,” she said. “And I want to move on. I was rather hoping
you’re going to help me,” she said and looked at him uncertainly.

He squeezed her hand gently. But then, he slowly smiled. “I won’t come for free, though,” he said.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

He grinned. “You have to sing and dance every meal for me to keep me entertained. You have no
idea how stressed I was with you. Ah, I’m starting to have wrinkles on my forehead already! I think
I’ve aged twice now!”

“YA!”

TOP laughed. He was too busy laughing that he did not notice how Dara frowned as she looked
outside the window. Her frown deepened as she thought she saw something black fluttering away.
She shook her head. It must have been her imagination.

Somewhere else, a boy stood in the middle of an apartment, staring around him. The place felt cold
and empty now. It looked so filthy, like an abandoned place. He searched around the place and tried
to collect and retrieve his things that might be useful, for his journey, just in case. His eyes then
darted to a door, a bedroom door. He didn’t want to go in there, there were too many. . . memories in
that room. But despite that, he still went inside. Just like the rest of the apartment, the room was
filthy, cold and empty. His study table was still there, with his books neatly piled, only that they were
covered in dust now. But he did not bother going there. Instead, he went to the cabinet. He might
need some clothes, anyways. As he opened it, a variety of clothes greeted him, his and hers. His fists
tightened on the handle that it started shaking. If he won’t let go, he might shatter it off. He suddenly
found it hard to breathe. He shut the cabinet’s door closed and looked away, only to be greeted by the
caricature that she gave him for his birthday.

He grabbed his hair and closed his eyes, jaw clenching. He slowly walked towards a nearby chair and
dropped himself there. When he opened his eyes, he realized he was in her vanity table. He could still
see his reflection in the dusted mirror. From his pocket, he took out a necklace where a white angel
pendant was dangling. He had the weird urge to crush the crystal into tiny pieces but then, he only
found himself putting it back to his pocket. From his other pocket, he took a box out and opened it.
Inside it lays a ring, a ring especially made for her. he took it off from the container and tried to fit it
on every ringless finger of his. But it only fitted to both of his little fingers.

He chuckled afterwards. And then, he started laughing out loud. He stared at his reflection in the
mirror. “You did a great job, Jiyong,” he whispered. “You did a great job. You really are the best liar
there ever is.”

A while later, the laughter died away from his face. It was replaced by weariness. He closed his eyes
for a moment. He would need a clear mind on his journey in search for his mother who had gone
missing just a few days after that dinner, the dinner with the Ahns, his mother, his stepfather and
Dara. It was the same dinner where she stunned the Ahns when she said eventhough she was not the
brightest person there ever is, she was the only person who could make him laugh out loud. And no
one else knew about his mother or that of his stepfather who suddenly was reported to be very ill.

Nobody else knew except him. . . and probably some of the so-called royalties.

-----
 Chapter 45: The Next Chapter

A loud roaring sound was echoing inside his head. It was annoying the crap out of him that he
just wanted to lay down and go to sleep. He hesitated for a moment, should he knock or not? But
surely, his presence would not go unnoticed? He heaved a sigh and decided to still knock. Two
rapping sound echoed along the empty and dark hallway. It was rather stupid actually, for him to
act politely like this. Why should he act polite to the people who he knew took and hid her
mother away?

The large oak doors opened on its own. He didn’t go in at once. He waited for the doors to be
fully opened before entering. As he did, a lone man was sitting on one of the high-backed chairs
at the far end of the room. The place was the total opposite of their research facility. This one
was more, medieval looking.

“Jiyong,” the man said. “This is a surprise.”

Jiyong clenched his fists. There was no mockery or sarcasm in his voice – yes, shadows are
surely great liars and pretenders. “Are you really surprised?”

The man smiled. “It’s a surprise, actually. You, the direct descendant of the shadow kind, never
even once acknowledged it; never even once stepped on this place and joined our discussions.”

“And why should I do that?”

Cheong Sik went quiet for a moment. “Surely, you’re aware of what’s going on?”

“If I were, I would not even go here.”

He closed his eyes and joined his fingers, as if in prayer. “Your aura has changed. . . .”

“Oh really?” he sarcastically replied. “Well, fuck you.”

“Do you know that it would be harder if you keep your real self tamed?”

“I’m not a dog that should be tamed.”

“But you are tamed now,” he went on. “That girl did, didn’t she?”

Jiyong stiffened. “Leave her out of this!”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Yes,” he whispered quietly, as if speaking to
himself. “I could see what Ahn was trying to tell me. The thing is, like what you’ve said, we’re
not dogs that once tamed, and we will become loyal. I’ve seen men of our kind like these before.
With us, the tamer we become, the wilder our dark side would want to come out.”

“I’m tired of your word games, Cheong Sik. Where is my mother?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have that answer.”

“You don’t have the answer or you don’t want to tell me?”

“Both,” he shrugged.

“Can I ask why?” he gritted.

“You do know what a bargain means, don’t you?”

Jiyong laughed sardonically. “Oh right!” he exclaimed. “So you kidnapped the mother of your
direct descendant to ask for a bargain.”

“I did not plan this myself, Jiyong.”

“But you’re a part of it.”

“True,” he answered.

Silence enveloped them. “What about my stepfather?”

“Your stepfather?” he asked. “I didn’t know you care for him as well.”

“Where is he?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have the answer to that as well.”

Jiyong clenched his fists again. “What do you want from me?” he snapped.

“Two things,” he said. “First, bring the black phoenix to us.”

“The black phoenix is just a legend!”

“Oh no,” Cheong Sik chuckled. “You, of all people know that the black phoenix is not just a
mere legend. You saw it, didn’t you? You saw the phoenix down that chamber? Tell me, why do
you think it saved you and your friends from that bitch?”

“How should I know? The black phoenix can’t talk, can it?”

“Bring the black phoenix to us, Jiyong and you’ll see your mother again.”

“Why?”

“You don’t have to know why.”

“So basically, you would want me to bring the creature that saved the direct descendant of the
shadows?”

“You’re not really being loyal to the creature, are you?” he asked. “And besides, you’re much
stronger than you think you are.”

“What if I refused, you’re going to kill my mother?”

He smiled again. “Oh no. . .” he said. “. . . at least not right away. But if you refused, then
maybe, Sandara Park will inspire you to find it for us.”

Jiyong suddenly found himself in front of the guy, clutching his neck tightly. “I said, leave her
out of this!”

Cheong Sik smiled upon seeing Jiyong’s tamed aura flaring. His all-black eyes glowed with
menace. “She’s already. . .” he chocked. “. . . a part of this, Jiyong. Ever since you revealed your
real self to her. . . she’s been part of this already. . .”

“IF. . . .ANY OF YOU. . . . LAY. . . JUST. . . . JUST A FINGER. . . ON HER, YOU HAVE ME
TO ANSWER FOR!!!”

He never felt so angry before. He never felt so. . . evil before. Just thinking of Cheong Sik
hurting Dara boiled his insides, sending him almost to the brink of his sanity. “Who would you
choose then, your mother or her?”

“I don’t have to choose!”

He laughed. “Then you don’t have that much choice.”

“What if I don’t find the black phoenix?”

“Then Sandara Park will die.”

Jiyong’s black eyes sparked and the next thing he knew, he already snapped Cheong Sik’s neck.
He suddenly stepped back upon realizing what he had done. His eyes went wide at the sight of
the man’s lifeless body, with his eyes still wide open. He looked down at his hand, it was
smeared with blood, and it was trembling – trembling not from guilt or fear, but from
excitement, he then found out.

“I knew you had this in you,” a new voice entered.

Jiyong’s head snapped around, looking for the source of the voice. He tried to sense for its
presence but he could not sense it anywhere. But then, he recognized that voice. “Show
yourself!”
Mister Ahn laughed. “Want to pick a fight with me, direct descendant or you want to kill me
too?”

“Fuck you!”

Loud laugher echoed in the hall again. “Bring the black phoenix to us, Jiyong. That’s your first
task. Your second task will be revealed once you’ve already brought that wretched creature to
us.”

“Why don’t you find it yourself?!” he roared.

“We did search for it. . . we’re have theories already but I’m afraid I would not be able to
disclose that information to you.”

“What made you think I will find it?”

“Well, since it saved you from that bitch before, then it’s quite safe to say that it’s connected to
you, isn’t it?”

“What made you think that it was me it was trying to save?”

“You’ve got a point,” the voice answered. “So, what do you want us to do? Take Youngbae or
Bom? Seungri or CL? Who else was down on that chamber? Oh right, would you want us to take
Sandara Park then?”

“Fuck you!” he hissed. “No wonder Sohee detested you!”

“DON’T MENTION HER NAME IN MY PRESENCE!!!” he suddenly shouted.

“Or what, send me to hell?” Jiyong laughed. “Oh wait, I think you better do that. Hell seemed
like a better place than the place I’m currently in.”

---

DARA’S POV

“Hey, I’ll be gone just for a few minutes!” she called out to TOP.

“Why? Where are you going?”

She gave him a small smile. “I’ll just go ahead and get my things from. . . from the apartment.”

He stared at me for a moment. I could just see the worry lines starting to crease his forehead. No,
I should stop letting people worry about me, especially him. He had enough concerns on his
shoulders, already.
I rolled my eyes playfully at him. “What’s with that look?” I laughed. “I’ll be back, okay?”

“I know. . .” he answered. “But, will you be okay going there alone or would you want me to
accompany you?”

I shook my head. “No, I’ll go ahead alone. I have to, if you know what I mean.”

He hesitated for a moment but then, he sighed. “Okay.”

“Besides, I’ll be needing some clothes once we go out and have some drinks or go sky diving or
something.”

“Sky diving?” he repeated. “I don’t think you’d fit in that,” he chuckled, looking playful now.
“You’ll just get blown by the wind.”

I grimaced at him. “Ha ha. Very funny, Choi Seunghyun.”

It was his turn to grimace. “I hate that name.”

“I don’t see any reason why you have to. It’s a beautiful name and it fits you. Anyways, I still
think sky diving would be our best option and if ever I get blown by the wind, you could just
transport to me or turn into crow to get to me and save me.”

“Ah, so you feel so confident of doing things like that because I’ll be there, is that it?”

“You’ll always be there beside me, won’t you?”

“Dara. . .”

I laughed lightly. “Aigoo, sorry about that. Don’t mind me. Anyways, I have to go,” I waved and
turned to leave but then, he suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me to his body. His arms then
went around me.

“I’m here.”

I closed my eyes and let his words comfort me. Yes, this is comfort. I should learn how to live
with this. With a deep breath, I wrapped my arms around him as well and let him comfort me.

I looked up at the apartment.Once I step into the doorstep, I know memories will come flooding
into my brain. I know those memories would bring me down to my knees again; would bring
tears to my eyes again; would kill my heart again. But I have to do this because once I step out
from this apartment, I’ll be leaving all the memories confined in it, all the pain and tears in it as
well. I have to do this not just for myself, but for TOP as well. And maybe for. . . and maybe for
Jiyong as well. Maybe once I’ve really set him free, he’ll find the happiness that he’s looking for.
I’m not so sure about myself but I’m ready to look for that happiness, I’m ready to move on.

I have to move on because there’s no way of turning back now. I could only look back but I
could never retrace my steps again, that path for me is blocked. The only available road for me to
take is the road up ahead of me so I have to take it eventhough that would mean the death of my
heart.

I closed my eyes again and took a deep breath before going in. I didn’t open my eyes until I’ve
closed the door behind me. When I opened my eyes, I was greeted, as I’ve expected, by
memories like a film being played. And it all started again – the heartbreaking pain in my chest.

This would be the last time. . . this would be the last tears. . . . this would be the last breakdown. .
. I have to let it all go to finally move on.

As I moved around the apartment, I could only cry and clutch my chest. This living room. . . this
is where Jiyong and I watch movies, more of me watching since he’s not really into movies. This
kitchen, this is where I always serve him his servings of pancakes everyday. Pancake. It’s so
weird how one word could hurt like hell. I clutched the table for support, to keep myself up. The
pain in my chest is just too much to take for me. I don’t think this is a good idea after all. I don’t
think I can do this.

With that thought in mind, I hurriedly went to our room, trying to ignore all the memories shared
in this room, in that bed, in that desk, in that shower room. I opened our dresser and started to
pull all of my things out when I noticed that his clothes were gone. They’re gone! Seeing the
empty part of the cabinet finally pulled all the strings off of me. like a puppet, I fell down to my
knees and surrendered to the pain while promising to myself that this would be the last time I’ll
be shedding tears for him.

No more after this, no more.

---------
 Chapter 46: The Lingering Voice

After gathering myself together, I stood up and started gathering my things as well. I heaved a deep
sigh just before I headed towards the door. Just as I was headed towards the gate, I stopped. I don’t
know if I should laugh or cry or feel frustrated I turned my head to the left and saw TOP leaning
against a wall. He looked up and smiled. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I had this strange urge to follow you, so I did.”

“I wonder. . .” I mumbled. “Will you ever get tired of checking if I’m alright?”

He shrugged again. “Eventually, maybe.”

I chuckled lightly. “Your honesty is quite refreshing, you know.”

“Give me your bags,” he said, taking the bags out from my grasp anyways. He then started walking
ahead of me.

“Thank you,” I whispered, stopping him from his tracks.

He turned his head to me and smirked, “Don’t thank me just yet spoof, this ain’t for free.”

Eh?

“What does that mean?” I asked but he didn’t answer. He just flashed me a mysterious smile before
walking away again. “Ya! What did that mean?” I demanded, going after him.

“Ah, I won’t tell,” he said in a playful tone.

“YA!”

“It won’t be really fun if I’m going to tell you, would it?”

“I demand for you to tell it to me! NOW!”

He shook his head and gave me a pitiful look. Kyaa! What does that mean? Aigoo. This guy, really!
But then. . . . I stopped on my tracks and just kept my eyes on his back. After a while, a small smile
curved my lips and I chased after him again. TOP, no, Seunghyun. . .maybe. . maybe. . .

“Ya! Wait for me!”

“Hurru up!” he called back.

“Aish!” I panted after him. “What’s with the hurry?”

“I want to sleep.”

“Eh?”
---

JIYONG’S POV

“Go ahead,” I heard Sohee’s muffled voice through the closed door. “I’ll follow later.”

There was a resigned sigh followed by footsteps. A while later, the door opened again. The chair I
was sitting on was facing the door so I was not able to see her at once. The moment she came into
view, I smirked and shook my head. She gave me a disapproving look as she dropped herself on the
seat in front of me.

“Jiyong. . .” she started.

“If you’re just going to lecture me, save it,” I cut off. “I’m not in the mood.”

“You can’t go on like this, Jiyong.”

“What do you want me to do then?” I asked. “Just sit around and do nothing?”

She sighed again. “Maybe you could tell me what’s going on then? What made you go there and end
up killing one of the royalties?”

I didn’t answer.

“I find it odd, though,” she murmured, frowning. “I mean, Cheong Sik is a royalty, he could defend
himself. He could have given you a hard time. Although, of course you’re more powerful than any of
us since you’re the direct descendant. However, your skills are not developed yet and you’ve been. . .
well, you’re not really into using your powers so you’re pretty rusty. . .”

“Rusty?” I chuckled.

“Well, the point is, I don’t understand why he let you kill him just like that.”

I closed my eyes, trying not to think of what I’ve done. I can’t believe it myself. Why did he let me
kill him just like that? Moreover, why did I do that? I can’t help the surging hate I’m feeling to
myself for doing that although I would not forgive him either for even thinking of harming. . . my
eyes snapped open again. Just remembering her name is. . .

“You know,” Sohee interrupted my train of thoughts. “Maybe you should start thinking of what
you’re doing or about to do.”

“Am I not doing that right now?”

She shook her head and sighed again. “You can’t show them how you feel for. . . . you can’t show
them any emotion when it comes to. . . when it comes to Dara. They’ll just use her more to taunt you,
to get to you.”
“I don’t want to talk about her.”

“Jiyong. . .”

“I’m going to sleep,” I cut off and stood up.

“Have you heard from your mother yet?”

I paused. “No,” I answered. “She’s probably not aware of what I’ve done yet. I heard she’s going on
another honeymoon with her husband as a celebration for their anniversary.”

It was so easy to lie. I don’t even feel any guilt at all.

“Oh, right,” Sohee mumbled. “Well. . .”

“Goodnight,” I waved off.

My feet felt so heavy that it’s like I’m dragging two sacks of metal. As soon as I entered the room
I’m currently staying in, I dropped myself on the bed and closed my eyes, resting my arm over my
head. I just want all of this to end but I know I’ve just taken the first step. I still have a long way to
go.

Out of nowhere, an all-too-familiar voice then sounded around me. Pancake.

My eyes suddenly snapped open, my breathing coming in and out harshly off of me. “Fuck!” I
mumbled and sat up. I looked around only to find an empty room. My breathing slowly came back to
normal. For a moment, I thought she was here, barging in like she usually does without caring if
she’s going to disturb me or not. But upon realizing that the voice was just inside my head, I snorted.
A mixture of relief and disappointment embraced me. With a weary sigh, I went to lie down again.
And just as I was on the verge of sleeping, her giggly voice echoed in my head again. I love you
pancake!

“Fuck!” I hissed to myself again and tried to chase sleep. But her voice and face wouldn’t just let me
be.

Pancake!

“Stop. . .”

Whoa! Pancake, you’re so handsome! And sexy!

“Stop it. . .” I hissed under my breath again, shutting my eyes tightly.

I love you pancake!

“I said stop it. . .”

Pancake, I want to kiss you!

“Enough.”

Pancake, I love you. I really do!

I sat up and grabbed the sides of my head, trying to wipe the memory of her voice and the way she
deliver those words so lovingly to me. But her voice only grew louder and louder inside my head.

I LOVE YOU PANCAKE!

Do you enjoy hurting me, Jiyong?

“I SAID ENOUGH!” I screamed, finding myself leaning towards a wall, punching it.

There was silence. I could only hear my heavy breathing and the loud pounding of my heart. For a
moment, I felt bad. I wanted to hear those words again, I wanted to hear her voice again.

I’ll break myself over and over again, I’ll face death over and over again, I’ll let myself suffer over
and over again if that’s what it takes for you to forgive me.

“STOP IT, FUCK YOU!”

I don’t think I have it in me to stop loving you, Jiyong.

I continuously punched the wall, aware of the hot wet feeling rolling down my cheeks.

Maybe I don’t know what’s right from wrong, what’s real from not. I only know one thing. And I can
bet my all of how certain that is – I love you, Jiyong.

I leaned forehead against the wall, my punches becoming weak. I then went down to my knees,
grabbing my hair and pulling them. “Please. . . .” I hoarsely whispered. “Enough. . . stop this. . .”

There was a long silence that followed. As if in a dream, a soft echoing voice sounded in my ear.

I’ll let you go now, if that’s what it takes. . . .

“No. . .”

Goodbye.

I’ve given up on sleep. With a blink, I turned into a crow and flew into the darkness of the night. I
spread my wings as widely as I can. Letting the wind drift me away; letting the wind drive the
unwanted thoughts away.

And the next thing I knew, I was perched on a tree again, far away from a house, watching her. She
was frowning while staring at the cards she’s holding in front of her. She looked every inch focused
while she was playing cards with TOP and Minzy. Minzy looked bored while TOP looked amused
while staring at Dara. My claws tightened on the branch I was perched on. She did look adorable
with her face frowning in concentration.

I closed my eyes and shook my head. What am I doing? What am I doing here? Didn’t I shoo her
away already? Didn’t I swear to myself not to see her again? That I would not. . . no, I don’t know
what I’m doing anymore.

“YA!” I heard her scream, making me open my eyes. She was looking at TOP frustratedly. “HOW
DID THAT HAPPEN? YOU CHEATED, DIDN’T YOU?”

TOP was laughing so hard that he could not answer her. He was clutching his stomach and pounding
his fists on the table. If I was in my human form, I could have snorted. For a second, I wondered why
Dara was not looking at my direction. For a moment I wondered if she could not feel my presence
anymore. For a moment, I wondered if she’s aware that I’m watching her but she’s just ignoring it.

But then, it did not matter anymore. I’ve already ended things between us. I’ve hurt her, she hurt me.
She betrayed me, and I ruined her. Not even bothering to pick up her ruined pieces. But maybe,
we’re better off without each other. Being with me is not healthy for her. Being with her is. . . is. . . .

Being with her is fatal for me.

----------- -------------------------------
 Chapter 47: The Warm Night

I wonder why, it seemed that the world had lost it colors, had lost its appeal to me. I flew high up,
looking down at the unaware world. It seemed so dull, so dead. I flew endlessly in the starless night.
Where am I supposed to go now? I’ve never been a fan of flying. I’ve never been much into
transforming or transporting. I hated being a shadow. I hated why I was born like this. I hated that I
was not normal, even to the shadow world. For years, I was able to escape what they call my destiny
- my destiny to lead the shadow world. No, I have no intention to take that role. I don’t understand
why they would want me to take that role when the royalties were obviously enjoying the position
and power they have.

Why? What do they want from me?

And Sohee was right. The more I show them my human side, the more other people will be harmed.

What should I do then?

That’s not really the right question, is it? The answer was pretty obvious. The correct question to ask
is, can I do it? Can I forget my human side? Can I take away my humanity off of me? No, that’s not
the right question, either. Evil blood resides inside of me; taking away my humanity would be easy if
I let that dark part of me take over.

Am I willing to give my humanity?

I screeched lightly. That was the right question to ask. Giving it up would mean giving up all
emotions as well. Come to think of it, that would be very helpful to me. I will never feel pain nor
agony nor. . . love.

If I do that, the pain and betrayal I felt upon seeing her with TOP would be gone but then that would
mean that I would also forget how happy I was having Dara in my life before we broke up; I would
forget how wonderful it feels waking up with her face being the first thing I would see in the morning
and the last thing I would see before closing my eyes for sleep; I would forget how it feels to have
her warm, tiny body locked in my arms; I would forget how her smile brightens up my day; I would
forget how she would insist on making love; I would forget how it feels to have her always say the
three words over and over again and that would mean I would forget her high-pitched and giggly
voice everytime she calls me Pancake.

For a reasonable person, it would be better to give all of those up than have this hellish pain in my
chest right now. Heck, hell would be a better place for me now. This. . . this world that I’m currently
in is ten times worst than hell. But, am I willing to give up the memories of the sound of her laughter;
of her bright smile; of her tears; of her voice and words that makes me feel like a normal human
being?

I don’t think I can do that. I deserve this pain. It would be cowardice to run away from it. But what if
it’s too much already?

Dara. . .
---

AUTHOR’S POV

Dara did not notice how time flew past her. They went fishing to which she totally failed, which
totally amused the hell out of TOP. He laughed and laughed at her on the way home, annoying the
crap out of her. They play cards every night to which she always loses to either TOP, Dae or Minzy.
She would prepare food but Dae was a better cook than her. They visit clubs at night sometimes, too
to which she does not fully enjoy since she’s not a dancer at all. She would draw things sometimes
but Minzy was better at it than her. The only thing she was pretty good at it seemed was making
everyone laugh at her stupidity and clumsiness, especially TOP. But none of them made her feel like
an unwanted persona or a nuisance, to which she was very happy about.

Little that she knew, her nightmares were lessening as time passed by. It was true; she was getting
fewer nightmares now. Sometimes, she could sleep without having a dream at all. Little that she
knew, she was getting closer and closer to TOP.

“Ya!” she exclaimed. “What are these?” she demanded upon seeing Polaroid photos of her pasted on
the door of his room. She doesn’t have anything against him taking photos of her, it’s a weird habit
of his. But what pisses her off was that the photos were all stolen shots with weird captions under it.
She looked rather stupid in majority of the photos; most of them were her off moments. Her
expressions were weird, funny and well, stupid. There was a photo of her sleeping with her mouth
open, drooling. There was a photo of her carrying a laundry basket to which she looked like the
hunchback of Notre Damme. There was a photo of her tripping over with her face looking surprised
and stupid. There was a photo of her face down on the mud. There was a photo of her panicking as
the food she’s preparing was burning.

The captions were pretty annoying too. Some of them says, Sandara pet looking stupid; Sandara pet
looking like an angel of mud (haha); Sandara pet is a bamboo girl; Sandara pet is a weird girl;
Sandara pet in the middle of her battle with the food; Sandara pet dreaming of me with a drool at the
side of her face, etc.

“Wonderfully exquisite, aren’t they?” TOP smirked.

“If you take another photo of me this way again, I am so gonna –”

“Have you seen my favorite photo?” he cut off.

“I don’t have –”

“This,” he cut off again, showing her a separate photo. It was again, a stolen shot of her, smiling. The
caption said: Sandara pet’s first genuine smile since. . .

“I. . . that’s. . .”

“You’ve been smiling and laughing a lot ever since it happened but this is the first time that I saw
you genuinely smile.”
She felt a weird sensation in her heart as she looked up at TOP. He’s been watching her this whole
time. I thought I was doing well but he noticed. . . he noticed.

“Your eyes are so beautiful here,” he quietly said, looking down at the photo with a smile on his face.

What should she say? What were the right words? As she struggled with herself, TOP brightened up
again and pulled a different batch of photos. “I also like these,” he said. “Sandara pet being an
adorable rabbit, Sandara pet being a cute rabbit, Sandara pet’s face when she’s secretly farting –”

“Bwoh?” she exclaimed. “YA!”

TOP laughed hard again.

“Give me that!”

“No,” he laughed.

“Why you!”

“Come and get it then,” he said, still laughing, holding the photos up high. She started jumping for it
but he was so tall that she could not even reach his arm. “Aww, aren’t you too small?”

“I’m not small! I’m just. . . petite!”

He laughed again and started running away. She chased after him, shouting at him. But he just went
on laughing. She chased her all the way to the rooftop. With a playful smirk, he inserted the photos in
between the bands of her boxer shorts, making her eyes widened. “Ya! YA!”

He laughed again and lied down.

“You’re disgusting!” she exclaimed. He just laughed again and reached out for her, pulling her down
on top of him. “What. . .”

He didn’t say anything. Instead, he started stroking her hair.

“Ya! What do you think are you doing?!” she demanded, trying to pull herself up but he pulled her
down again, his arm wrapped around her waist to keep her in place while his other hand was stroking
her hair.

“Let’s rest for a while,” he whispered and planted a soft kiss on her hair.

Dara froze. But then, his hand stroking his hair slowly made her at ease. She exhaled and started to
relax. She smiled and closed her eyes as she listened to the loud beating of his heart. “Weird giant
shadow. . .” she murmured.

“Sandara pet. . .”
She was about to snap at him and tell him off but then, no words came from her mouth. She could
only smile.

“Thank you,” he said.

She opened her eyes and frowned. She pulled her face up from his chest a little and looked down at
him. “What are you talking about?”

“Thank you for being born in this world,” he smiled. “Thank you for being my Sandara pet.”

She opened her mouth and was about to protest with the term he used: my Sandara pet. But upon
seeing the look on his face and eyes, the words were trapped in her throat. She could only swallow
and stare at him. After a while, she smiled. “Thank you as well,” she said. “For being born into this
world and for being a weird shadow. Whoever your parents are, they were the biggest fools in the
world to have abandoned you. But would it be evil for me to be grateful to them as well?”

He didn’t say anything.

“If it weren’t for them, you would not be born. If they have not abandoned you, Aunt would have not
picked you up and I would probably have not met you.”

DARA’S POV

He suddenly flipped our positions. He was now on top of me, looking down at me with the rarest
intensity in his eyes. I had this weird feeling that I think I know what’s going to happen. What should
I do? Is it too early to let it happen? Should I let it happen? It’s been months already. Should I. . .?

He must’ve seen the confusion and indecisiveness in me that he chuckled and looked away. He
sighed and started getting off of me when my hand suddenly reached out to him. “Wait. . .” I heard
myself say.

“It’s okay,” he said, smiling. He leaned down and kissed my forehead. “Let’s get inside, it’s getting
colder here.”

“Wait. . .” I whispered again, my hands balling into tight fists on his shirt. I don’t know what’s going
on. “Stay with me. . .”

He looked so genuinely surprised that it squeezed my heart. He looked at me intently, trying to read
my eyes. I just smiled at him. I reached out to cup his face as tears started to sting at the backs of my
eyes. No, I don’t know what’s happening. I traced every part of his face, smiling at his
handsomeness. I then cupped his face with both of my hands. Then, I started pulling his face down
on me, with my head lifting up to meet his halfway.

Our lips then met. It was just a soft brush. He leaned up and looked down at me again. I rested my
head back and gave him a small smile. I could feel my cheeks heating up as he stared at me with
those penetrating eyes of his. I could tell he was still trying to read me. But after a while, he smirked
and chuckled. And then, he leaned down again. I parted my lips in welcome while my hands went up
to his hair. His mouth felt. . . . warm, soft, and moist. His breath tasted sweet and tough, a very rare
combination that made a haze in my spinning head.

He kissed me. He kissed me tenderly. How long has it been since I’ve been kissed like this? How
long has it been since I’ve been kissed at all? I can’t remember. All I know is that I feel like I’m the
most precious person in the world. The way he’s kissing me made me feel wanted and needed. And
so, I kissed him back. I kissed him back the way he deserved to be kissed.

“Dara. . .” he whispered. I didn’t say anything. I just kissed him, welcoming his tongue inside my
mouth, welcoming his touches.

The night doesn’t feel so cold anymore. It felt. . . warm, pleasantly warm.

-------
 Chapter 48: The Unheard Truth

I just wanted to feel that I’m needed, that I’m wanted. I just wanted to feel. . .something aside from
pain, regret and heartbreak. I know it’s a cliché to use the reason about me being human. But really,
how long could one mere human being live with pain in her heart? Although I believe I deserve
everything, is it so wrong for me to wish or desire for an escape even just for a second? Or for just a
minute? It would not be selfishness, would it? Maybe it’s cowardice as well, I don’t know. But at the
moment, I just wanted to feel needed, wanted – I just wanted to feel. And whether I like it or not, I
need TOP right now. I need him to make me feel something, to make me feel that there is still
something worth living for.

It’s unfair for him, I know that. But when did life became fair? I know for a fact that life has never
been fair to me. I used to be the friendliest person there ever is, but ever since I entered Jiyong’s life,
it was as if my world revolved around him. I fell in love with Jae but then, I fell out love after some
time. I’m known for that, known for easily falling in love and easily falling out of love. But why
didn’t that happen to Jiyong? Why can’t I stop. . .?

But I know at some point, I have to stop.

With that thought in mind, I clung to TOP desperately. But then, he pulled away and leaned his
forehead against mine, breathing heavily. His breath was fanning my face and for some reason, I
suddenly had the urge to cry.

“Dara. . . .” he whispered. “I know what you’re trying to do. It’s fine with me if I’d be able to help
this way but I can’t gothat far.”

I didn’t dare open my eyes. I was scared to open them; I was scared to see TOP’s expressive eyes. I
didn’t want to see understanding there but I didn’t want to see hurt as well. He knows. . . he knows
that in a way, I’m using him and he’s okay with it but he was also telling me that he got limitations.
The least he can do for me is kiss me and hold me in his arms. Way beyond that, he could not.

“Why not?” I asked in a whisper. “Don’t you find me. . . ?”

“Dara,” he exhaled harshly. “Don’t even dare finish that question; you know that’s not the case.”

“Then tell me why.”

“Because I know it wouldn’t really make you happy. You’ll only regret it afterwards.”

No!my mind screamed but no words came from my mouth.

“And besides, you’re not really stable right now.”

“YA!” I protested, opening my eyes to glare at him. I was greeted by TOP’s shadowed eyes.

He smiled a little, although it did not reach his eyes. “I almost took advantage of you before and
looked at what happened. . . I don’t think I can do that again, unless of course you really want it.”
I can’t help but chuckle at the look on his face. “Wow, I’ve just been rejected.”

He shrugged arrogantly. “Maybe you join the queue of girls trying to have a taste of my sweet body
after a year. Maybe that time, I’ll consider your offer.”

“Why you conceited. . . !”

He laughed out loud and rolled off of me. I watched him laugh. At least I could make him laugh.

Maybe that’s my purpose in life now. . .

---

JIYONG’S POV

I watched her laugh. I watched her cover her eyes from being blinded by the sun as she looked up at
a smiling TOP. Daesung then approached them and said something that made her blush and made the
other guy laugh. He sighed and nodded to Dae before speaking to her. She just nodded in return,
unable to look at him straight in the eyes. I saw him smile a little before going after Daesung.

She stood there like a lost child but then, a small smile curved her lips. Then, it turned to soft
chuckles as she shook her head. It felt weird to know that she seemed oblivious to my presence now.
Unlike before, even if was a few meters away, she could still sense that someone’s watching her, that
I am there, watching her.

Why am I even watching her? Isn’t this what I wanted in the first place?

Ha, maybe I’m just doing this because of my pride. Maybe I’m just checking her out and see if being
with him would make her happy, because if not, then my pride would have rejoiced. But watching
her now, my pride was deeply hurt. And the thing was, it wasn’t just my pride. Everything,
everything in me is hurting.

I should leave. I know I should leave, that’s the right thing to do. But then, I found myself flying
towards her. Just a few feet away from her, her head snapped to my direction. She frowned,
confusion written all over her face. Then, realization dawned on her. I circled around her and flew to
the left part of the forest. I could just feel and hear her footsteps as she followed me. I stopped in a
clearing, turning back to my human form. I waited for her to reach me.

“Jiyong. . .” she whispered.

I closed my eyes and slowly turned around. As I did, I almost closed my eyes again. Her presence,
her eyes, her face – everything about her is blinding me. She is like sunshine in my dark world.

“What are you doing here?” she asked. Even her voice felt like sunshine.

“I. . I just went to see if you’re doing okay.”

“Oh,” she mumbled then looked away. There was a slight blush on her cheeks that made me ball my
fists tightly. “Why?”

“I don’t know,” I answered truthfully, then let out a chuckle. “I just. . . I just found myself always
flying back towards where you are.”

Her head snapped back to me, her eyes wide and teary. “Jiyong. . .”

I chuckled again and placed my hands inside the pockets of my jeans. “I really don’t know why is
that. . . maybe. . . maybe I just wanted to see your smile again. . . maybe I just wanted to hear your
laughter again. . . maybe I just wanted to see your face, run my hand through your hair, trace your
lips with my finger. . . maybe I just wanted to get lost once again in the depths of your brown eyes.”

“Jiyong. . .”

“Maybe I just wanted to hear you say my name again. . . maybe I just wanted to hear you call me
Pancake again. . . maybe I just wanted to hear you say h-how much you love me despite everything
I’ve done. . . maybe I just wanted to hug you, kiss you, hold you. . . maybe I just want to say sorry. . .
maybe. . . maybe I just want you back. I want you back.”

Tears started rolling down her eyes. I wanted her to come running to me but she seemed so distraught
that she just cried on her spot. I wanted to close the distance separating us as well, but I hesitated. My
feet seemed frozen on the spot as well. But my longing to hold her and wipe the tears away won over
my hesitance. So I closed the distance between us and pulled her into my arms and hugged her
tightly. “Dara. . .” I whispered.

She just cried and cried.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“Why. . .?” she brokenly asked. “What took you so long? I’ve been waiting and waiting for you. . .”

“I’m sorry,” I said once again, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“I waited and waited. . .” she whispered. “But you never came. . . and now. . . and now. . .”

“I’m here now,” I said.

She pulled away and shook her head. She looked up at me with so much anguish in her eyes that it
made me feel like I was thrown to hell over and over and over again. “It’s too late. . .” she whispered.

“What do you mean?”

She opened her mouth but no sound came. Just then, another voice penetrated through the silence.
“Dara!” TOP’s familiar voice echoed. “Dara, where are you?”

I looked far ahead but I cannot see TOP just yet. I looked down at Dara. And I already had the
answer in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m sorry,” she whispered again.
I started backing away. I don’t know how long my legs would hold me up. One thing’s for sure, it
would not be long.

“DARA!” TOP’s panicked and worried voice came again.

“I’m here!” Dara called back. She looked at me again. “I’m sorry,” she whispered again. “And
goodbye, Kwon Jiyong.”

She turned around and started following TOP’s voice. I remained in my spot. Just then, I saw TOP’s
profile from afar. He saw Dara running towards him. Relief and annoyance flooded his face. Dara
then threw her arms around him and gave him a peck on the lips. He said something to her and she
said something back. He sighed then smiled. It felt as if I was watching them from a different world.
It felt as if my soul was being pulled away from my body, if I do have one.

Just then, my eyes snapped open. I looked around and found myself in the most desolated place on
earth. There were no living things around. Everything around me was dead. Dead soil, dead rocks,
dead trees, except for the one I’m currently staying on. Eventhough the tree he’s currently sleeping in
isn’t dead; it wasn’t that much alive either. It was all black – the branches, the leaves, the roots. I sat
up as understanding slowly dawned on me. I forgot that I went to this place and had been staying
here for days now. I stood up and looked around me. All I could see are dead things. There was no
river or water, no living thing around except probably for me. There were slopes of deadly rocks here
and there and I was at the top of it all. It wasn’t really surprising f everything’s dead on this place.
The sun never shines here, it was always dark, it was always night time.

“Just a dream,” I whispered. “It was just a dream.”

---

DARA’S POV

“I’ve been thinking,” I opened up to TOP. I want to work with Miss Han Eul again.”

“Who’s she?” he asked.

I stared at him in disbelief. “You don’t know her? Like, seriously?”

“I would not ask, would I?” he retorted, rolling his eyes.

“I can’t believe this!” I exclaimed. “She’s probably one of the best designers in the world! How
come you don’t know her?! Aish!”

He just rolled his eyes again.

“Anyways, I think that would be the best. I don’t want to be a burden here anymore.”

“You’re not a burden to –”

“I meant financially,” I cut off. “And don’t say anything else anymore.”

I waited for him to say something but he remained silent. This gave me some sort of. . . pleasure. It’s
so rare for a guy to listen to a girl.

“So. . . what do you think?” I asked. Still, he didn’t say anything. I rolled my eyes. “You can speak
now.”

“What’s the use?” he said, pouting. Omo! Cuuuuuuuuuuuutttteeeeeee! Kyak! “You’re not going to
listen to me anyway.”

I wasn’t able to stop myself. I leaned forward and pinched his cheeks.
“Cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttteeeeeeeeeeee!”

He just looked at me with those penetrating eyes of his. Gah! What kind of eyes are those? Why do
they make me feel guilty? Huhuhuhu. But then, he took my right hand and let it rest on his cheek for
a moment. Then, he planted a soft kiss on my palm. Something electrical seized my body that made
me jerk my hand back.

He sighed. “But if that’s what you want,” he said, shrugging.

“Don’t you want me to?”

“What I think doesn’t matter,” he said again, pouting. Omona!

“I. . . won’t go if you don’t. . .” I stopped when he suddenly started laughing.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” he laughed. “You should have seen your face! You looked so
guilty!”

“Why you-!” I gasped and started hitting him on every part I could reach. But then, he suddenly
stood up and started running. Naturally, I ran after him. But then, clumsy as I am, I tripped. But even
before I could hit the floor facedown, TOP’s arms were there.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

I looked up at him and glared. Then, I started attacking him again with his arms still around me. I
don’t know what happened but the next thing I knew, we were falling. I guess he tripped as well for
he was now lying on his back, moaning from pain.

“My back hurts,” he moaned.

“Served you right!” I said, sticking out my tongue at him. His head suddenly leaned forward while
one of his hands went to my head to keep it in my place. Then, he was kissing me, stroking my
tongue with his. I was still for a moment, my eyes wide opened. But when he flipped over, bringing
me under him, I found myself clinging onto him and kissing him back as well.
I tightened my hand on his hair and pulled his head closer. I can feel my blood flowing through my
veins, making me feel alive.

Then a voice came. “Jeez, what an eyesore.” It was Minzy.

I suddenly pushed TOP away and scrambled up, blushing.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I didn’t see anything. I was pertaining to the ants I saw on the floor a while
ago.”

I kept my mouth shut.

“You’ve got perfect timing, Baby MinMin,” TOP chuckled.

“I know right?” Minzy answered sarcastically and went on her way.

When we were left alone, silence came over.

“Well, that was. . .” TOP started after a while. “That was pretty short.”

I looked up at him with wide eyes but upon seeing the teasing look in his eyes, my stare became a
glare. He smirked and it made him looked so handsome that I suddenly had this weird urge to throw
my arms around his neck and pull his face to mine again so I could get a taste of his lips again.

Kyak! What am I thinking?

I shook my head to drive the thought away.

“So, when are you planning to go to this. . . this Han Eul person?”

I glared at him again. “She’s not this Han Eul person, got that? She’s one of the best designers in the
world! One of the BEST!” I emphasized, trying to make him see some sense.

“Riiiiight,” he slowly nodded.

“You don’t get it, do you?”

“No,” he grinned.

“Ugh!”

He laughed out loud then.

---

“I am so not going in there,” TOP said with his nose wrinkled in disgust.

“Why not?” I demanded.

“It’s. . . it’s ewww,” he said.

I laughed at the way he said eww with the wrinkled nose. He looked so cute that I just found myself
admiring his face again. “Fine, wait here.”

I turned around and was about to walk towards the boutique when he grabbed my arm and turned me
around to face him. The next thing I knew, his lips were on mine, moving oh-so gently while his
tongue was teasing my lips to open. With a sigh, I gave him access and let him be. I wrapped my
arms around his neck and kissed him back, not minding if we’re in a public place. When we ran out
of breath, we pulled out and looked at each other. Then, we chuckled.

“You go ahead,” he said. “I’ll wait for you here,” he added.

“Okay,” I nodded with a smile and turned away. I was a few steps away from him when I heard
myself groan. I turned back to him, ran and threw my arms around him and kissed him again. He was
obviously surprised but then, he was quick enough to gain composure. We kissed again. But then, he
pulled away so quickly then it made me frown. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

He didn’t say anything, he just pulled me tighter to him. That’s when I noticed that he was. . . that
there was something poking me down there. I mean, we just kissed!

“You better go in there now,” he huskily whispered. “I’ll just. . . go find a restroom,” he choked out
in addition.

“Okay,” I whispered in a small voice and quickly ran to the boutique, my cheeks burning hot.

I shook my head and took a deep breath. I pushed the door opened with a bright smile on my face.
“Miss Han Eul?” I jokingly called.

No one answered.

No one’s around as well.

I heard something fluttered somewhere. My head snapped here and there. I then took notice of n
opened door that I haven’t noticed before when I was still working here. Hmm, that’s odd. I can’t
remember having a door in this area. Nevertheless, I walked to it and started calling for her again.

Still, no answer came.

Just beyond the opened door was a spiral staircase. Maybe she’s down here? I know it’s quite rude
for me to just barge in but since I was not aware of this particular area, my curiosity got the best out
of me so I descended the stairs. As soon as I reached the final step, my mouth dropped open in awe.
The place looked. . . looked like some kind of a medieval room or something. There was a fireplace
at the center, there were eccentric things everywhere – like the table, chairs, paintings, etc. I can’t
help but smile at the beauty of it.
Just then, I heard that fluttering sound again. It sounded like. . .like wings. Out of curiosity again, I
followed the sound. And then, there it was. The most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen. I slowly
walked towards it. The creature was perched on a man-made golden branch. As I neared it,
recognition suddenly hit me.

It’s the black phoenix! It’s the creature that saved us from Sulli before. Its metallic silver eyes stared
at me then it made a cooing sound.

“H-hello,” I hesitantly waved. “You’re so beautiful,” I whispered. I smiled and walked closer. I
hesitantly lifted my hand, planning to stroke its head but I got scared. But then, the phoenix leaned its
head on my hand. My smile grew wider and I started stroking its head. “Thank you,” I said. “I never
had the chance to thank you before.”

Silence then came over. I just went on stroking its head while the creature had its eyes closed. It
looked like it was enjoying what I was doing.

“I’m glad to see that you’ve finally met your mother, Sandara,” Han Eul’s voice came. “She’s been
waiting to meet you for a long time now.”

-----------
 Chapter 49: The Fabricated History

I turned around. “W-what?”

Han Eul gave me a smile as she slowly walked towards my direction. “You heard me right.”

I shook my head in denial. “N-no. . . that’s not true. . . my parents are dead. . . they were k-killed by.
. . I saw them die in front of me.”

She gave me another smile, a sort of understanding smile. Then her eyes went to the phoenix. “I need
to explain everything to her first,” she said to which the phoenix cooed back. “Come, let’s sit and
talk.”

I was too confused to even protest or say anything. I let her led me to the living room set of the
basement just in front of the fireplace. Silence came over while Han Eul made the both of them a cup
of tea. “What do you know about shadows, Dara?” she began.

I looked up at her with wide eyes. “You. . . you know about shadows?”

She chuckled. “Of course, I do.”

“H-how?”

“I used to be in love with one,” she said. “Me and your real mother were. But save your questions for
later, Dara. I will answer them one by one. Tell me first what you know about shadows.”

“W-well. . . shadows turn into crows,” I said. And then, silence. Han Eul laughed, making me blush.
Well, it did sound lame, even to my ears.

“Well, that’s one,” she said. “What else?”

“They are mostly boys,” I went on. “And they have this weird mysterious aura around them. They
can be pretty playful and quiet at the same time. T-they have p-powers. They can turn into smoke or
blend in with the walls. They’re pretty proud as well. They can be pretty hot and handsome and. . . s-
sorry,” I mumbled shyly.

She smiled kindly. “I understand what you mean. I was once smitten by those characteristics,
especially knowing that they can only love one girl, right?”

I nodded eagerly, making her laugh again.

“What about their origin, Dara? What do you know about their origin?”

“W-well. . . it all began long time ago. . .” I went on telling the history that I heard as well. And
before I knew it, I was telling her everything that happened to me as well, from Jae to Jiyong and his
friends, to Sulli and then to Sohee, to TOP and the siblings, about Jiyong again, Jiyong, Jiyong,
Jiyong. . . ghad, I’m hopeless.
Han Eul stayed quiet for a while. Then, she sighed. “Do you believe that history, Dara?”

I was taken aback by the question that I was not able to find my tongue to answer that question.

“History can be fabricated, you know, forged.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“Shadows. . . are the sons of a she-evil and a half-devil,” she said. “That’s one version of the history.
The other version was that, the very first shadow was a slave of an evil spirit. There are different
versions of it, to tell you the truth. You see, long before this, there were. . . people who were involved
with dark magic. Being involved with dark magic is having a contract to an evil force, an evil spirit
or an evil entity. Since they are merely a force, a spirit or an entity, they were quite envious with
human beings for they can never be as physical as us. Human beings have this natural thirst for
power and greatness. Naturally, they would seek ways to get those things – power, wealth, you name
it. It was quite simple, if you think about it. If there’s a blood contract in fiction stories, in this case,
there was a soul contract.

The mechanics of it are simple, the evil entity would use the person’s body as a host and the person
would benefit from the entity’s power. But then, a person could get so lost with his power that the
entity would take control of him, leaving with nothing. But a soul contract can be eternal and it can
be passed on from generation to generation. It’s quite weird knowing that entities could reproduce as
well.”

“There came a time that it went so chaotic. The very first sons of the very first shadow fought and
killed each other, just for the fact that they would want to become the direct descendant. Innocent
lives were taken because of that. Crows. . . they were easily drawn to dark powers, dark desires and
dark magic that they became a part of it as well.

There was a prediction. . . a prediction about a new creature rising from the burning ashes with
unknown origin would put a stop to it, a creature more ancient than the evil entities. . . it was said
that this creature was once a guardian in the gates of the in-between worlds. As it rose from the
ashes, all shadows became one against it. But they were no match to it. They were not aware of its
weakness at that time. The creature was able to take down the shadows, except one – a baby boy. The
creature could not bear to kill the baby. So the creature turned itself into a woman to take care of the
baby. A phoenix can live forever, but it’s not infallible. There are probably two ways for it to die.”

“As she took care of the baby, she learned to love him as her son. As he grew into a handsome man,
the creature learned to love him as a man as well. They loved each other. One night, while making
love, the woman confessed what she was and her weakness. After that, the creature was found dead
in bed, turned into ashes.”

Silence.

“That,” Han Eul said, “Is just one versions of the history as well,” she laughingly finished. I can’t
help but grimace a little. Why tell me a history that is just as fabricated as the others? Aish. . . “There
were so many versions of the history that no one really knows which was true. The older shadows
could make the new generations in their own version of history they all like but I know for sure that
the history they told you was fabricated.”

“If no one knows the history, then how would you know if it’s fabricated?”

“Because,” she said. “Somewhere in the line, there should have been mentioned of the phoenix.”

“But. . . they seemed to be not aware of the phoenix as well.”

“That’s because their ancestors are trying to hide something,” she said. “That’s for sure. The
phoenix. . . can do things that shadows could not.”

“A phoenix can heal any illness,” she said. “A phoenix can bring someone back to life but in
exchange of its life, of course. A phoenix’s heart. . . that’s what the shadows wants.”

“Why?”

“We don’t know why, either.”

I jumped a little when the phoenix flew past by me and went to settle itself on Han Eul’s armrest. The
latter stroked the creature’s head lovingly.

“Come,” Han Eul said. “Come touch your mother’s chest, Dara.”

I hesitated at first. But with trembling hands, I reached out and rested my hand on its chest. There
was nothing except. . . . warmth, no heat.

“You see,” Han Eul said, “a phoenix does not have a beating heart just like us. What they do have is
a fire heart. And that’s its weakness.”

“But how. . .?”

“Your mother. . . she faced death three times. . .”

“T-three times?!”

“Yes,” Han Eul said. “The first death seemed like nothing but she started showing some changes
after being brought back to life by the doctors.”

“What changes?” I eagerly asked.

“Hormonal changes,” she said.

“H-hormonal changes?”

“Yes,” she said, eyeing me carefully. “I think you know what I mean, Dara.”

I blushed. Aigoo. This is embarrassing.

“The second death was because of me,” she said. “She saved me from drowning that she ended up
drowning as well. My parents were not able to do anything about it. But then, out of nowhere, a blue
element came out from nowhere, like a bubble and my sister was inside of it. When she landed on the
earth, there were swirling traces of black smoke and fire on her skin. My parents knew then what was
going on. They didn’t tell me any details but what I only know is that, your mother inherited the
phoenix blood.

Her third death was giving birth to you. . . a black fire enveloped her body and she turned into a
phoenix.”

My eyes widened. “I-I’m. . .”

“But your mother was able to plan everything even before giving birth to you,” she went on. “You
see, the shadow world was starting to suspect her identity. And so, we switched places. I pretended to
be her while she hid herself from everyone while she was still pregnant. But she made a mistake, she
confessed what she was to the shadow she fell in love with it and that shadow betrayed her. It was
only then that we were informed by our parents that shadows and a phoenix do not go along very
well.

Since they knew I don’t really have that much use to them, they did not go after me but was intent on
going after you. And so, after your mother’s death, I brought you to a couple who was on the bed of
death already. Your mother, as a phoenix, healed them and fabricated their memories. I kept my
distance as well and since my boyfriend at that time was. . . one of the influential people in the
shadow community, I was not harmed. But it came with a price,” she said. “He broke up with me and
went to marry a girl of the shadows’ liking. But I was not harmed.”

Just like what happened to Jiyong and me before, I thought. “But. . . what about masked shadows?”

“Their origin is not that clear as well.”

“So. . . that time in the chamber. . .”

“Your mother felt your death,” Han Eul said. “I tried to stop her from going, but a mother’s a
mother.”

I turned silent again.

“No more questions?”

“I have tons but I still can’t wrap my head around everything,” I answered truthfully.

She smiled. “You’ll get the hang of it. Sooner or later, you’ll start asking questions.”

“I do have some questions. . . h-how are you related to. . . my. . . m-my m-mother?”

“I’m your mother’s twin sister.”

I blinked blankly at her. What did she say?

“And you must be wondering why up until now, your mother is still not turning into her human form
to talk to you?”

I nodded.

“Well you see, once you turn into phoenix, you can never turn back to your human form.”

“W-what?” I breathlessly asked. I could just imagine how lonely that could be. Jiyong then came into
my mind. Is this the reason why fate kept on separating us? I inwardly scoffed. I should be thinking
more of my reaction but Jiyong was the first person who came to my mind. “S-so. . . that would
mean that. . .”

“Two more deaths from you and you’ll turn into a phoenix as well.”

“B-but you said it skips generation, right?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “But you’ve and still is, experiencing the changes, Dara. If I were to be honest,
your phoenix blood seemed more potent than your mother’s.”

“B-but. . .I. . .”

“And with all these things going on, I think you should learn how to fight,” she said.

“W-what?”

“You should learn how to defend yourself,” she said. “Because the moment your third death comes,
your mother will die as well.”

My eyes widened. “But why?”

“Because there could only be one phoenix heart, once you die, the phoenix’s heart fire will be passed
onto you. You don’t really want that to happen, do you?”

“Of course not!” I said. “But who would want me. . .?”

“I’ve been hearing talks, Dara,” she said. “The shadows are in the move of finding the phoenix.”

“I. . I don’t have to defend myself from Jiyong, do I?” I asked. “I mean, Jiyong. . . he. . . Jiyong. . .
my Jiyong hates being a shadow, he hates the. . . he hates the royalties, surely he would not go after
my m-mother as well?”

“I’m sorry Dara, but I don’t exactly trust the direct descendant.”

“He’s different!” I cried.

“How different, is he?” she asked. “Didn’t he take your life down in the chamber?”
“He had a reason to do so!”

“Didn’t he hurt you over and over again? Didn’t he let you cry over and over again? And where is he
now? Wasn’t he engaged to Ahn Sohee as well? How can he promise her marriage when he can’t
even ask you to marry him? He could not –”

“He was about to propose but I screwed up!” I cried louder. I don’t know what’s gotten into me. Why
am I crying in the first place? Didn’t I promise myself I won’t shed a tear for him anymore? Then
why am I crying?

Maybe it’s because I felt so caught up. The parents I thought were my parents weren’t really my
parents, so all my life was a lie. Then, finding out that your real mother died and became a phoenix
because of you, was not very helpful at all. There’s also the fact that once you turn into a phoenix,
you can never turn back to your human form again.

And then. . . and then. . . it seemed that I might have to stand in between Jiyong and my mother.

“You can’t have it both ways, Dara,” she said. “You can only choose one side.”

“Jiyong is different,” she said. “He won’t harm my mother.”

“Your faith in him is quite astounding. I hope I could say the same to him.”

I stood up. “I need time to think, sorry.”

I ran out of the room, clenching my fists as I heard the phoenix’s soft cry.

What am I supposed to do?

What?

I DON’T KNOW!

As I ran out of the boutique, I bumped into someone. “Whoa, hold your horses,” TOP’s familiar
voice entered my ears. I looked up at him and his smile instantly faded as soon as he saw my face.
“What happened? Why are you crying?”

I shook my head. “I. . .I thought I saw a ghost!” I choked out. “No one’s inside and it was so scary!”

He chuckled and hugged me tight. “Oh, you poor little thing,” he cooed. “I think I know exactly what
you need. Ice cream!”

We went to an ice cream parlor, with him treating me. I was still not myself as I licked my ice cream.
I was staring outside the glass window. The shadows are after my mother. I could not just watch. I
know I might have to stand in between. Jiyong would not go after my mother too, I believe that as
well.
What if he would? What would you do?

No, he would not do that.

Jiyong hates being a shadow. TOP and the siblings would surely be on my side, right? But I can’t let
them get involve with this. I don’t want anyone to die because of me. I don’t want anyone to die from
defending me and my mother from the royalties and the other shadows. What if I just let them get me
so that they would leave me mother alone?

But then, I’d be useless to them as a human, they will surely kill me to turn me into a phoenix. If I
face my third death, my mother would die. No matter how I look at it, there was only one solution.
Han Eul was right, I might have to learn how to defend myself. My only defense right now is that, no
one knows what really I am.

But what if I lose? What if I die and turn into a phoenix? That would mean I could never be with
TOP. With all the kindness he had shown me, how am I going to repay that if I’m a huge black bird
already?

And Jiyong. . . I could never be with him again. I could never touch him, kiss him, hug him. . . but
then again, I’m far from doing that in the future anyways. He’s already married and he has already
moved on with his life.

“Aish, you’re such a baby!” TOP’s voice broke into my senses. I glanced at him and he gave me a
disapproving look. “Tch, look at yourself, you’re all messed up!” he scolded. “You’ve got ice cream
all over your face.”

He took out a handful of napkins and was about to wipe my face when I just felt myself lean forward
and gave him a creamy kiss on the cheek.

“Ya!” he protested. “You’re going to get ice cream on my. . .”

I giggled at the look on his face.

---

TOP’s POV

We strolled around the whole day. When it was almost dark, I walked her to her apartment. As I was
about to turn around and leave, she suddenly grabbed my arm. I turned to face her and I was greeted
by a pouting Sandara pet with puppy eyes! Aigoo!

“I’m scared,” she said. “I could still see the ghost in my head.”

I tried to sound like I have no choice as I sighed and said yes when in truth, I was glad she’s inviting
me sleep over. Hahahaha.
“Yay!” she clapped and twined her hand with mine as she dragged me inside with her. “I’m going to
make you a nice dinner!” she said.

“You should,” I said. “I don’t usually do much favors to girls, you know.”

“Whatever,” she laughingly said as she pushed me down on the couch. She opened the television and
ordered me to watch something first while she pulls something up in the kitchen.

I watched some random variety show, laughing at some parts of it.

“Seunghyunnie! The food is ready!” she called out, making me grimace.

“Ya, Sandara pet! Don’t call me that name or else I’ll kiss you ‘til you forget your own name, got
that?”

“Yes sir!” she said, saluting.

I frowned. “What’s up with you?” I asked as she deposited a tray of food in the center table.

She didn’t say anything. Instead, she took a spoonful of food and started feeding me. “Come on Tabi,
open your mouth wider,” she cooed.

I was not even done chewing my food when she stuffed another spoonful inside, then another, then
another and another until I started choking.

“Omo, omo!” she exclaimed. “Sorry! I’ll just go ahead get you a glass of water.”

She ran to the kitchen and sprinted back. She gave me a glass of water which I quickly drank down.
“Ya! Are you trying to choke me to death?”

She pouted. “Sorry Seunghyunnie, I was just trying to be kind.”

“What did you call me again?”

“Aha! Look Tabi, we still have some food, you should eat more!”

I reached out for her shoulders and turned her to face me. “What did you call me again?”

“Tabi?” she answered.

“No, before that.”

“Seunghyunnie?”

“And what did I say I’m going to do if you’re going to call me that again?”

She shook her head.

“You can’t remember?” I asked.

She just shook her head again.

“Ah. . .” I nodded slowly. “Then, I might have to remind you, then, eh?”

I leaned forward and to give her a peck on the lips. Yes, it was meant to be a peck and a joke but I
was surprised when she placed her hands at the back of my head and twined her fingers on my hair.
She kept my face in place and kissed me.

I kissed her back, my arms going around her tiny waist.

What started to be a slow, sweet and innocent kiss turned deeper and deeper until I started hearing
her heavy panting a little. We broke apart for a moment. She had her hands on my chest now and she
slowly pushed me down on my back on the couch. She shifted herself and leaned down. Her face was
hovering a few inches above me. I snaked my hand to her nape and pulled her head down, my mouth
opening to welcome her. And she welcomed me back quite warmly.

“Hmm,” she murmured.

“Dara. . .” I murmured back, kissing her deeper. I could feel her heartbeat’s loud thump against my
chest. With my free hand, I reached inside the back of her shirt to the clasp of her bra. But before I
could unclasp it, my phone rang. We ignored it at first but then, it was persistent. “I have to take this
call. . .” I murmured against her lips.

“Do you really have to?” she asked, nipping on my lower lip.

“Yeah, this will be very quick.”

“Okay.”

I went to take the call. It was Minzy. “This better be good, Baby MinMin. . .”

“She wants to talk to you,” she said. “She had another headache a while ago. . .”

After the phone call, I went back to the living room and saw Dara fast asleep on the couch. I sighed
then chuckled while shaking my head. “Did I make you wait?” I softly asked. I then took her
sleeping form in my arms and carried her to her bed. I placed her down gently on the bed and kissed
her forehead, the tip of her nose then her lips. I went on my back beside her and stared at the ceiling,
thinking. Then, her arms and leg suddenly went on top of me as she snuggled her face to my chest.

Oh dear. . . this sucks.

---------
 Chapter 50: The Other Version

DARA’S POV

I woke up feeling. . . empty. The moment I opened my eyes, the first thought that went to
my mind was what I’ve learned yesterday. What am I supposed to do now? I went here to
work, to busy myself and to earn money. But how am I going to do that if I’ve just learned
that the parents I loved were not my real parents? How am I going to work in the boutique
knowing that my real mother’s there – a phoenix and that she could never turn back to her
human form because of me. If she didn’t die giving birth to me, she would still be a human
right now. What if that happens to me? What if I die? I’d turn into a phoenix and could
never be with anyone. I would be. . . alone.

Just the mere thought of it makes me want to cry. If I tell Jiyong that. . . would he give me at
least a day to be with him?

I really am stupid, aren’t I? I don’t want to feel this unbearable pain with his memory
anymore. But why do I keep on thinking of him, still? He’s already married to Sohee. I
should stop thinking of him already. I’ve told myself that I’ve already moved on, that I
should move on but why do I keep on looking back?

I sighed. And then, there’s TOP. If I tell him, would he leave me?

No, I could not bear seeing him turn his back on me. I need him. With that thought in mind,
I snuggled closer to his warmth. His warmth is different from. . . . from Jiyong. With Jiyong, I
always it’s like he’s fueling the heat inside me. With TOP, it’s like he’s warming my body
from the winter, from the cruel sting of the coldness that somehow invaded my soul.

Now that I think of it, I can’t help but feel a bit bitter to fate. I’ve made choices before but
why do fate always intervene? Many things came in between me and Jiyong. There was Jae,
Bom, Krystal, Victoria, Sulli, Kevin, Sohee, TOP. . . . After all the things we went through, if
you look at it logically, I believe we at least deserve to be together. But no, fate does not
think that way. So what was the point of going through all of those things?

I closed my eyes tightly to wipe those thoughts off of my mind. What I should be doing right
now is to make the most of my time with TOP. I mean, somewhere along the way, I know
that the royalties would know about my identity. I can’t risk and take people getting in the
way just to protect me. I don’t want another Jaejoong incident.

There was a weary sigh beside me. “You’re awake now, aren’t you?”

I lazily looked up at TOP. “Why?”

“I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Why?” I asked again.

“Pet,” he slowly said, “I’m still a guy. So I need to take a shower before. . .”

It was a moment later when I realized what he meant. I don’t know if I should grimace or
laugh. “You’re such a pervert!”

“It’s not my fault, is it?” he said. “You know I’m attracted to you and being near you. . . well,
let’s just say being near you have its ups and downs.”

I chuckled at that and teasingly climbed on top of him. His eyes narrowed at me and I can’t
help but laugh at the look on his face. He looked as if he knew I’m going to harass him.
Laughing on top of him did some things to our bodies. I paused for a moment and then, I bit
my lower lip and looked at him apologetically. He just rolled his eyes at me.
“Right, get off,” he said. “I really need to take a shower.”

But before he could even push me off of him, I leaned down and kissed him. Maybe I’m just
needy or clingy, or a flirt. But I do enjoy kissing him. Maybe because he was pretty good at
it or maybe because he makes my blood, which I thought was frozen already, rush to
different parts of my body.

It was a simple kiss at first, more like teasing. But slowly, it turned deeper. I murmured
incoherent words against his opened mouth. I’m not really sure what I’m asking or what
I’m saying. I just. . . I don’t know, seriously. But then, one arm went around me while his
other hand went to my head, steadying it in place.

“Hmm,” I murmured as he changed our positions. I instantly wrapped my legs around his
waist and immersed myself in kissing him, in the feel of his mouth on mine, of his tongue
teasing mine, of his hand trying to get inside my top. With ease deftness, he was able to take
my top off of me. He then broke the kiss and went to dip his head in my neck, down to my
shoulder and to my collarbone – showering every inch with kisses. Ghad, for a giant like
him, his lips are so. . . so tender, soft and. . . tingly.

He slid his hand under me and went to reach for the clasp of my bra. I arched my back to
give him better access to it. While he was at it, I slid my hands to the hem of his shirt and
took it off of him as well. I then ran my hands on his smooth back. For a moment, a part of
me suddenly shut down and for a moment, I had the urge to push him away. For a moment,
the only thought that came to my mind was that this was not the back I wanted and
expected to touch; I wanted to run my hands again on each curve of the scars carved on. . .

And then, I came to my senses. Of course, I thought. This was TOP. He doesn’t have scars.
For a moment, I suddenly had the urge to cry. But then, I got distracted with TOP’s mouth
enclosing on the peak atop one of my breasts. It was then that I realized that he had already
taken care of the barrier on the upper part of my body. I was disoriented for a moment
because there was this part of me that was still looking or seeking the feel of having a
scarred chest against my skin. But having something smooth against my skin was quite. . .
comfortable as well.
I grabbed a fistful of his hair and pulled him back to me so I could get a taste of his lips
again. It felt so warm that I could just sigh in agreement and contentment when he started
taking off my pants. I rolled over, bringing him under me without breaking the kiss. “Take. .
. . your. . . . pants. . . . off. . .” I murmured in between kisses.

He just groaned in response then flipped our positions again. As he hovered above me and
trailed kisses from my chest down to my tummy, I exhaled his name harshly. “Seunghyun. .
.”

He stopped and seemed to have frozen. But then, with a weary sigh, he rolled off of me and
went to lie down on his back beside me, his arm on his forehead.

I frowned and turned to him. “What’s wrong?” I asked.

He glanced sideways and gave me a small smile. “The way you said my name. . .” he said.
“That’s not the tone I wanted to hear. I guess you’re not ready yet. . .”

“But. . .” I protested.

He chuckled and kissed my forehead. “Don’t worry, I’m willing to wait until you’re ready,”
he said and stood up. “Ah. . . I really do need a shower. . .”

I wanted to stop him but I just watched him go to the bathroom. I slid underneath the
covers of the bed. I think. . . I think I’m starting to really. . . fall for him.

---
AUTHOR’S POV

“You’re concern for Dara seem pointless,” Seungri said to Sohee.

“Why?”

“Well, I went to check how she’s doing like you asked me to and I saw her making out with
that. . .that TOP guy. When I say making out, I mean making out.”

Sohee just frowned at him.

Seungri rolled her eyes and sighed. “They were in bed, with only their underwear on.”

Her eyes widened. “You watched them have sex?”

“Of course not!” he said. “I left just before they reach that part. Don’t get me wrong,” he said.
“I do watch adult videos but it’s quite awkward if it’s someone you know.”

She didn’t say anything.

“She seemed okay,” he shrugged.

“Do you think. . . do you think I should tell. . .”

“What’s the point?”

She sighed. “You’re right.”

“Where’s Jiyong, anyway?” he asked.

“I have no idea,” she answered. “I haven’t seen him for a long time now.”

“Oh,” Seungri murmured. Then, a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Come here
then.”

Her eyes narrowed in suspicion at once. “And why do I need to do that?” she asked
snobbishly but he could just see the small smile starting to curve her lips.

“Because. . .” he said. “If you’re not going to come here, I’m going after you!” he laughed and
lunged at her but she was able to avoid him. Laughing gleefully, she started running away
from him. “Ah. . . so you want me to chase you first, huh?”

Seungri chased Sohee around the house, both of them laughing. “Gotcha!” he victoriously
exclaimed upon catching her waist. Sohee just laughed in response. He then turned her
around to face him. With a smile, he leaned down and kissed her. She then wrapped her
arms around her neck and responded to him.

“Okay, let’s get to bed,” Seungri said.

“Hmn. . . yes. . .” she murmured in agreement.

Seungri then carried her to a room and placed her down on a bed. He chuckled upon seeing
the look on her face. “Will you please stop looking so excited?”

“Conceited,” she scoffed.

-----

Miles away, Jiyong stood on his feet, staring down at the dead bodies of some of his fellow
shadows. His long hair was being blown gently by the wind, his eyes all-black and seemed
to be darker and blacker than they used to. He was as usual, wearing a black top and pants.
His hands, which were hanging loosely on his side, were bloodied. He was staring at the
lone guy who was bloodied as well a few feet away from him. Jiyong smirked upon seeing
the man tremble.

“Do you want to watch your little daughter die in front of you first?” he asked. “I asked a
simple question, a simple answer is all I needed.”

As if on knowing and understanding what’s going on, a little girl beside Jiyong started
crying.

“That would not make a difference!” the man answered. “They’re going to kill us anyway!”

Jiyong shrugged. “Oh well, your choice.”

“Wait!” the man shouted. “Leave her alone, kill me instead!”

He rolled his eyes. “You know I can easily do that without your permission.”
“I seriously don’t know where your parents are!” the man desperately screamed.

“Don’t you?” he sneered. His bloodied hand then went on top of the girl’s head.

“W-wait. . .!” the man shouted, getting desperate. Jiyong smirked at that. Whoever said that
all shadows are heartless was a part-liar. There would always be an exemption to the rule
and the man in front of him was that. “I-I’m not s-sure but. . . but I heard. . . I heard they
were brought to an island. . .”

He sighed impatiently. “And where is that island?”

The man shook his head. “I can’t. . .”

“You can’t. . .?”

The man’s eyes darted to his daughter. “Please. . . don’t hurt my daughter. . .”

“I won’t if you tell me what you know,” he said. “Surely, you know something since you’ve
been a guard in the Nest?”

“This much I can tell you. . .” he said. “The history of the shadows that you know is not the
real one. . . there have been a lot of theories, speculations to that. But Master Ahn was able
to find out the truth that’s why he’s looking for the daughter of the black fire, or more
known as the black phoenix. Aside from its power to heal all types of illnesses, Master Ahn
also wants to put an end to it all. . . and to seize dominance. . .”

Jiyong huffed in boredom. “The point?”

“The history is not as what you think it is. . .!”

“You already said that,” he grimaced. “But I still don’t see your point.”

“The point is, a battle will emerge that will put an end to the cursed lives we have!” the man
shouted. “The daughter of the black fire and the son of the black eyes will fight and
whoever wins will escape the curse placed upon them.”

“And does Master Ahn know how it will end?”

“Yes!” the man feverishly said. “You. . !” he pointed a finger to him. “You will - !”

Out of nowhere, the man stopped speaking and his body was lifted off of the ground. And
the next thing that happened, Jiyong just found him lying on his back with his eyes wide
open – lifeless. The girl shrieked and escaped his grip. She went to run towards her father
but then, just like what happened to her father, her little body was suddenly lifted off of the
ground. She gave a loud scream and Jiyong’s eyes widened as the girl died in front of him as
well.

He stood motionless on his spot as an echoing laughter echoed inside his head.

“AAAAHHHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!” he screamed as his evil

blood started to take over him. His logical mind totally shut off as a black and violet smoke
enveloped him.

“You would not be able to stop that evil side of yours, Jiyong,” his echoing voice rang inside
his head once again. “Just let it go. You and I. . . we’ll lead the new era for the shadows. . .”
--------
 Chapter 51: The Training Partner

News about a half of a small town being blown up is spreading like wildfire. Authorities,
media, medics and all sort of people immediately responded to the situation. Authorities
are speculating on different theories but they couldn’t give public statements yet as they
weren’t sure what caused the explosion. They were still currently investigating everything
as of the moment. To someone’s point of view, it could either be a gas leak or some
terrorists or rebellion is going on. But to those who knew better than that, all they could do
is stare at their television and watch how innocent lives are lost.

“Do you think it’s him?” Sohee asked.

“He’s the only one who got the abilities,” Seungri answered grimly, the scar on his face
paling due to stress.

“But. . . I don’t. . .”

“He must’ve been provoked, Sohee.”

There was silence.

“I could only think one person who could affect him that much,” she said sadly. “My father.”

“This isn’t just about your father, Sohee,” he consoled. “Jiyong. . . defines and depicts the
word shadow. He defines everything about being a shadow but he also depicts that for
having the ability to love and care about the people around him. I’ve seen how he is
everytime. . .” he paused and gave Sohee a measuring look. “. . . everytime Dara get hurts.
But I’ve also seen the look in his face with just one smile from that girl – he looked like
someone who got everything he could ever ask for. That girl. . . as much as I don’t want to
accept it and say it, but Dara is Jiyong’s greatest strength and weakness.”
Sohee went silent again. “What do you think he’s feeling right now?”

“If he’s still in his dark moon phase, then he’s still mad. But if he’s back to his senses, he’ll
sure be devastated as hell.”

“Should we look for him?” she asked.

Seungri gave her a measuring look again, his scar seemed to be throbbing with dull pain.
“We’ll need Bom’s help if we’re going to do that.”

---

DARA’S POV

I can’t keep still, I just can’t keep still. I’m eating breakfast with TOP and he’s been giving
me this weird looks. Gah! His eyes. . . aigoo! His eyes will be the death of me! Gah! He’s
unleashing its full force on me every now and then! How am I going to concentrate if he’s
doing that? Huhuhuhu, life is so unfair! How could he be so. . . . so handsome? And how dare
he have the most expressive eyes there ever is? It’s unfair! UNFAIR!

“Ya!” I suddenly burst out. “Stop that!”

“Stop what?” he innocently asked.

“Stop whatever it is you’re doing with your eyes!” I said, pouting.

“Why? What am I doing?”

“Aish!” I huffed in frustration, making him laugh.

“It’s working then?” he asked. My head snapped up and I can’t help but stare at him in
disbelief. He must’ve seen something funny in my face because he laughed out loud again.
“Ah, you’re so cute!” he said, pinching my cheeks. “Cute, cute, cute!”

“Ya! Stop it!”

“Just admit it,” he said. “You’re too entranced with my looks.”

“Why you conceited –!” I started but got cut off with the loud ringing of my phone. I quickly
snatched it and looked at the screen. It was Han Eul. I’m not really sure if I should take the
call or not. I don’t want to talk about. . .

“You should take the call,” TOP said. “It might be important.”

“I’m not really sure. . .” I told him.

“I’ll be here,” he assured me.

I can’t help but smile. “I know that,” I said. And he smiled back at me. Maybe I was assured
that no matter what happens, TOP will be there to comfort me, that eventhough I’m not yet
ready to face whatever it is that I needed to face, he’ll stick with me no matter what and
help me overcome it. “Hello?”
“Dara,” Han Eul sighed with relief. “Thank goodness you’re alright.”

I frowned. “What made you say that?”

There was silence. And then, “You need to come over. I need to talk to you.”

I hesitated. “I’ll be bringing a friend along,” I told her. “A shadow friend.”

It was her turn to hesitate. “Dara. . .”

“I trust him,” I said.

“Fine,” she then agreed but it was obvious that she’s annoyed and she doesn’t approve it.

“Okay, see you later. Bye.”

I looked up at TOP. He was looking back at me with his brows up questioningly. “Am I
supposed to be the shadow friend you’re referring to?”

“Yes,” I answered. “Who else?”

“Well, you do have a lot of shadow friends,” he shrugged.

I rolled my eyes. “Jealousy doesn’t suit you.”

---

“Well, good thing you –” Han Eul greeted but stopped upon seeing me and TOP. Her eyes
darted to TOP and there was something that passed her eyes that I could not comprehend.
“Choi Seunghyun.”

I blinked. “You know each other?” I asked TOP, my voice tinted with accusation.

“I don’t know her,” he answered flatly.

I looked back at Han Eul and there was a gentle smile on her face when she asked us to
come in. this surprised me. As far as I know, she isn’t that friendly with shadows, except
probably with Sohee. We were led to a coffee table and were served tea and delicacies.

“You’ve grown up into a fine looking man,” Han Eul said. I exchanged glances with TOP and
I could have laughed at the blank look on his face. Aigoo, he’s so cute looking like a lost kid!

“How did you know him?” I asked.

Han Eul took a sip from her cup. “I knew his father,” she said then smiled again as she
looked at TOP. “You look exactly like him.”

“You. . . knew my father?”

“Yes,” she nodded. “He was a handsome man and he’s pretty gentle for a shadow,” she
finished with a chuckle.

“Gentle?” he scoffed. “He left me in a garbage area!”

“He didn’t do that,” Han Eul said. “Your father would never do that. But he was left with no
choice.”

“What-?”

“He died, Seunghyun.”

Silence.

“Don’t call me that.”

“I gave you that name,” she quietly said.

“You. . .?”

“But don’t get me wrong,” Han Eul said. “I’m not your mother. But we’ll talk about that later.
I have a more pressing matter on hand and I want –”

“How did you know about –?” I started.

“Dara, later.”

“I want to know,” TOP said.

“Later, Seunghyun. I need to discuss something important and this involves Dara.”

TOP didn’t say anything then.

Han Eul turned her attention to me. “Have you seen the news?”

“No,” I answered. “I haven’t watched anything lately.”

She nodded. “Watch this,” she said and turned on the television that I didn’t notice before.
“I’ve recorded this as soon as the news broke out.”

I watched the news. It was about a half of a small town being blown up. I gasped at some
parts of the videos upon seeing some dead bodies of all ages – from young to old. The odd
thing about it is that, they don’t look like they’ve been burned or something. They looked
like. . . “A shadow did this,” I heard myself whisper.

“Yes,” TOP agreed.

“Normal people are not aware of that,” Han Eul said. “Do you have any idea who did this,
Dara?”
“I. . . I don’t know,” I answered half-truthfully. I already have an idea but I don’t want to
think of it.

“It’s obvious, isn’t it?” Han Eul said. “It’s Jiyong.”

“He. . . he wouldn’t!”

“If he’s taken over by his evil side, he would not be able to stop it.”

I didn’t say anything. I don’t want to believe Jiyong did this. He wouldn’t. . . . he just
wouldn’t. “Did you ask me to come here just for this?”

Han Eul sighed. “Dara, this isn’t just about you. This involves your mother as well. Things
like these make her. . .” she paused, as if not really sure if she had chosen the right words.
“There might be a huge battle coming Dara. Signs of an impending doom are starting to
show up – and it will happen with you and your mother in the middle of it all. They might
not know yet who you are. If they realized who you are, you’ll be in danger of being under
their control. And that would not be good for everyone, especially to the human beings.”

“There’s nothing to worry then,” I said. “As long as they don’t know who I am, then all will
be okay.”

Han Eul shook her head then sighed. “At first, yes, it will be okay. But your mother will not.
She’s bound to stop things like what happened in the news, just like what she did before, to
save you.”

I really don’t like feeling guilty. And Han Eul was making one hell of a good job with it.
“And like what I’ve told you, she’s not infallible.”

“What do you want me to do then?”

“You need to start training,” she said.

I stared at her, dumbfounded. “Training?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t think I get your point,” I said.

She smiled. “We’ll just enhance some of your inherited skills, although of course, you’re not
a full bloom –”

“Both of you are giving me headache,” TOP suddenly said.

“You must prepare yourself as well because you will be training Dara.”

TOP’s head snapped up. “Me?”

“Well, of course,” Han Eul said. “Your father was one of the royalties before. Surely, his son
would just have the same bloodline skill like he had, wouldn’t he?”
---

AUTHOR’S POV

“Stop,” he whispered. “Stop it!”

Amidst the dead land where the sun never rises; where all the opposite of happiness could
be felt, Kwon Jiyong knelt underneath the dead tree, clawing his arms as if wanting to get
his veins out and drain all of his dark blood.

He never felt this way before. His blood was boiling – literally. Thoughts of violence, lust,
power and all sort of things invaded his mind. His dark blood was boiling due to
excitement. He could just feel its satisfaction, his satisfaction upon wiping out almost one
town.

He was losing it. He could feel it. He didn’t know how to stop it. Well, did he want to stop?
The thing about letting it control him was discovering things that he thought he could never
do. In a way, he actually understood why eventhough he’s been rebelling against the
royalties on being a direct descendant.

The things he could do if he acknowledge his true identity – it was beyond someone could
imagine, even him. So why was he trying to control himself from totally giving in to the call
of his evil blood? Why was he even thinking of clawing his veins out and drain his dark
blood? What was he doing in this dead land when there are too many lives to be taken, too
many innocent to be corrupted? What was he doing here alone when he could have all the
women at his disposal?

He wasn’t in his right side of mind anymore so he wasn’t really able to answer his
questions. Why indeed, he wondered. There was no sense in staying in a waste land when
there’s so many things that he can do. He then stood up, driven by the thirst to cause havoc
by his boiling blood. As he stood up, what seemed to be an impenetrable wall of violet and
black surrounded him, his eyes darker than usual with some tinge of violets at the edges. As
he did, something sparkly on the dead ground caught his attention. He looked down and
stared at thing for a long time. He then bent down to pick it up and realized it was a white
crystal in the shaped of – Dara – the name suddenly popped up into his mind. A great wave
of pain, longing and something else hit him. It was so unexpected that the smoke or vapor
surrounding him was suddenly sucked into nothingness, his eyes going back to normal.

His hands started trembling as he held the angel-shaped crystal necklace in his palm with
such care. And before he even knew it, tears were already rolling down his cheeks, bringing
him back to his knees.

Meanwhile, miles and miles away from that dead place, a girl was sleeping while tossing
here and there. She had her eyes closed and pearls of sweat were forming in her forehead.
In her dream, she was wearing the white dress again and she was standing in the cemetery
back in the valley. She had dreamed of this before but there’s something different to it
that’s scaring her. Jiyong was standing at the far end opposite from her. He was not holding
any bow or arrow this time. It was just him and her.

“Jiyong. . .” she mumbled. He smirked and there was something sinister to it that gave her
goosebumps. She looked into his eyes and saw why she felt something weird. There was no
recognition there, no signs of him being the Jiyong that she loved. He then started laughing
as a mixture of black and violet smoke or vapor enveloped him, his eyes turning darker
than before. To her surprise, after turning blacker than black, his eyes had a shade of violet
now which made him looked scarier. She took a step back as Jiyong started taking steps
forward. He then launched himself into the air and turned into a huge crow – a giant crow.

“Dara!” TOP’s familiar voice entered my ears. She looked around and saw him with an
arrow and a bow in his hand. He looked determined but sad at the same time. It was as if
he’s crying. Then, he let go of the arrow and it went straight through to her heart. She
gasped and her eyes widened as she felt the pain. She started falling to her knees, feeling
like her life is being drained out of her. Her eyes were closing and she could feel death and
darkness enveloping her.
And then, something happened – a spark. A spark in her heart started until it grew and
grew and resulted to fire. It was spreading through her system. She felt hot. She felt alive.
Something was changing, something was burning.

When she opened her eyes, she could feel something immensely powerful. She then
realized that she was looking through a different set of eyes. She was about to push herself
up when she realized she doesn’t have any hands anymore. Wings, she has wings.
Something sharp then hit her and she felt the presence of her archenemy. She spread her
wings and went high up in the sky, leveling herself with the giant crow which was watching
her a few miles away from her.

With a screech from the crow and with a singing sound from her, they flew towards each
other – beaks and claws at ready, powers in their disposal and ready to use.

And then, she woke up.

-----
 Chapter 52: The Starless Sky

The sky was starless. But Jiyong didn’t mind. He preferred it that way, anyway. His wings
were spread out at his side. He wondered why he didn’t like using his powers before; he
wondered why he didn’t enjoy turning into a crow when it could be so much fun. The feel of
the wind under his wings was very much enjoyable. He didn’t really have any specific
destination in mind. He just wanted to fly, to feel free to roam around. But then, he just
found himself perched in a window of someone else’s window. He looked through the glass
and could just see a figure of a person lying in the bed. Slowly, he immersed himself with
the shadows, and slowly glided towards the bed.

“You’re trespassing, you know.”

He paused and didn’t move an inch as a familiar figure pulled away from the dark wall. He
didn’t say anything. What should he say, anyways? What defensive words should he say?
He can’t even understand why he was there at the moment when he clearly stated to her
that they were over. So he just stood there and stared at her sleeping face.

There was a long sigh. “Oh well, I guess I’ll let it pass tonight,” he said. “But I’d really
appreciate it if you won’t wake her up. It took me hours to put her back to sleep.”

Without wanting to, his head snapped to the other guy, his face showed all signs of
curiosity.

“Dara had a nightmare,” the other guy explained, sounding as if he really wanted to share
that detail to him in utmost importance. “It’s been a while since she had a nightmare.
Before, she used to scream all night – every night. She kept on screaming your name,
begging you not to leave her, begging you to come back to her. You should have heard how
desperate and frightened and hurt she was. But I tried taking those nightmares away. And
eventually, it paid off. But a while ago. . .” he paused and scoffed. “The funny thing is,
nightmares supposed to include monsters and killings and stuffs. But she told me a while
ago that she saw you in her dream, standing in front of her looking as if you don’t recognize
her at all. She called that a nightmare.”

Jiyong’s eyes went back to Dara as a lump started forming in his throat.

“She cried for hours and I had to console her back to sleep so I’d really be piss if she woke
up and find you staring at her like that.”

Still, Jiyong remained silent.

There was a sigh again. “Like what I’ve said, I’ll let this go for tonight. But you should know,
you can never have her back. I won’t let you.”

“I don’t have intentions of doing that,” he said, finally finding his voice. “I’m just about to
leave.”
TOP shrugged. “Suit yourself,” he said and headed towards the door with his hands inside
his pockets.

Jiyong stood there a few minutes after TOP left. With a frustrated sigh, he turned around
and headed towards the window, planning to leave. As he reached the window, his feet
suddenly stopped on their own accord. His jaw clenched as he squeezed his eyes shut with
his fists balled tightly. Just tonight, he thought. Just once.

He turned back towards the bed. He stood there feeling like he’s being plunged into
something unknown. Slowly, he let himself lay down on the bed beside her, his heart
squeezing tightly inside his chest. He lay there on his back, with his head tilted to the side in
order to see her face. She was so close and yet, he felt as if she was on the other side of the
world. He then pulled himself up a little and gently pulled her head to rest in his arms. He
lay there silently, with her head gently resting in his arms. He leaned forward and inhaled
her all-too achingly familiar scent. His fists balled into tight balls. If only. . .

She moved in closer to him, making his heart thunder in his chest. She made a sound and
how he wished he could hear her call him Pancake again. He scoffed inwardly,
remembering how he used to hate hearing her call her Pancake; how it sounded so cheesy
to him before but he’s actually longing to hear it right now. She made another sound, this
time, it sounded more of a satisfied purr. She scooted closer to him, her head on his chest
now while her arm and leg was wrapped around him. “J. . .” she murmured. “Pancake. . .”

And then it hit him – the longing was so intense that it almost made him insane. He
squeezed his eyes closed; trying to reign in some emotions he ought not to feel. Unable to
stop himself, he hugged her tightly to his chest, placing soft kisses in her hair. He then
rested his forehead against hers. Before he knew it, tears started escaping from his eyes. He
took one of her hands and placed wet kisses on her palm, letting it rest on his cheek
afterwards. With his eyes closed and her palm resting on his cheek as if she’s caressing it,
memories started running inside his mind.

He could remember clearly how she approached him before, trying to be friends with him.
He could remember clearly how she asked him to ride with her after he fixed her car. He
could remember clearly how she went to bail him out with his father. He could remember
clearly how she showed up in front of his door, asking him to drink with her. He could
remember how her face always brightens up everytime she talks to him or try to persist to
be friends with him. He could remember how she changed his room into a pink room. He
could remember how sweet she was, how loving she was, how giving she was, how stupid
she was for loving him like she did. He could remember how she looks like everytime she
wants to make love with him. He could remember how real and genuine her face looked
like everytime she whispers those three words that he could whisper back that easily to
her.

Remembering everything made him realized how happy he was being with her even if she
was being stupid, even if she was being foolish, even if she was being horny, even if she was
being disgustingly sweet and loving, even if she was being cheesy, even if she was being
stubborn. . . his happiness being with her before could never be put into words. But what
did he do? He hurt her, he killed her heart and stepped on it, he made her cry, he made her
suffer, he let her go.

He leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead, then to the tip of her nose, then to her
lips. It was just a quick peck but the effect on him was all the same. The pain that hit him
made him want the evil blood to take over so he would no longer feel it. But he knew he
deserved this hellish pain he’s feeling right now. I deserved this. If only this was just a
dream.

If only. . .

---

“Should I take it that this would be the last time I’ll be sensing you lurking around?”

Jiyong stopped upon hearing that voice. He already left Dara peacefully sleeping in her
apartment and he was just about to take off when he heard TOP’s voice from the alley. The
other guy was leaning against the wall with his head slightly bowed and his hands inside
his pockets.

“Did you actually think I haven’t noticed or sensed your presence before?”

"I'm not in the position to ask for favors," he said instead. "But I would like to ask one from
you."

The other one smirked. "What made you think I'll listen to it?"

"Because it can cause you your life," he answered without hesitation and without blinking
his eyes.

He cocked his brows. "Really?"

"Don't hurt her," he whispered, looking far away. "Don't make her cry. Don't hurt her like I
did. She already suffered too much in my hands. She deserves to be happy."

"Listen to you," he scoffed. "You're actually asking me that?"

"Yes," he replied, still looking far up ahead. "If not, I'll kill you."

"You're the one who hurt her the most, shouldn't you be killing yourself?"

"That would not be enough," he whispered. "If I die, everything in me will be gone - I would
not feel anything anymore. I can't let that happen. The only reason I'm living right now is to
serve the eternal punishment for hurting her. While I'm still alive, I'm still capable of feeling
something - and being away from her, seeing her with someone else is more than hell and
death to me."

There was silence. “Listen to you,” TOP scoffed. “You sound as if she’s much important to
you than your own life.”

“She is,” he replied, surprising himself. He was never vocal with his feelings to Dara before,
not even to his closest friends.

“But why are you doing this then?” TOP asked. “You know very well that you could have
just reconciled with her before.”

Another minute of silence went by. “I don’t have an answer to that.”

“She likes me, you know.”

“I know that,” Jiyong half-growled and half-scoffed.

“I even think she’s starting to fall for me.”

Jiyong closed his eyes tightly for a brief moment as he swallowed yet another lump in his
throat. “Just don’t hurt her,” he whispered almost helplessly. He waited for the other guy to
answer but when no response came, he suddenly felt anger starting to boil up inside him.
The next thing he knew, he was holding TOP by his collar up against the wall. “I said, don’t
hurt her!”

Much to TOP’s confusion, he noticed how. . . how different Jiyong seemed to be. His eyes
were all black, just like how a normal shadow eyes would look like but there was
something different to it, something deeper than being a shadow, something deeper than
the darkness in their blood. It was the shade of violet in his eyes that made him uneasy and
uncomfortable. He had never seen a shadow eyes with streaks of violet before. Jiyong then
looked down, his eyes squeezing tight, his grip on his collar loosening.

“Just. . .” Jiyong whispered almost helplessly. “Just don’t hurt her the way I did,” he finished
without looking at the other guy. With a quick turn, he jumped into the air, turned into a
crow and disappeared through the starless sky.

---

The following day, Dara woke up feeling a bit lighter compared to her previous state when
she woke up in the middle of the night. For some weird reason, she can’t help but smile and
hum to herself. Being in a good mood also made her hum to a melody while preparing
breakfast for her and TOP.

“You seem to be in a good mood today,” a deep baritone voice came from behind her. A
smile curved her lips even before she faced him.
“Good morning, Choi Seunghyun!” she greeted brightly and hopped her way towards him.
With a mischievous smile, she tiptoed and gave him a peck on the cheek.

TOP was obviously taken aback but then, he grimaced. “I don’t like my name.”

“Pfft,” Dara scoffed. “Nonsense. It’s a beautiful name!”

“Says who?”

“Says me!”

“Well, you really have a weird taste so I can’t really. . .”

“Ya!” she stomped, whacking his head.

“Aww!”

“You better hurry up,” she sternly said. “We’ve got some training to do.”

TOP groaned. “You’re joking!”

“Do I look like I’m joking?”

“Come on, Dara!” he whined childishly. “I do fight with other shadows but I’m not. . . I’m not
some type of a shadow soldier or warrior or something like that.”

“Well, Aunt Han Eul said you’re a descendant of one of the royalties. That would be
something, don’t you think?”

He grimaced. “I’m not interested in knowing facts about my father who abandoned me.”

“But he didn’t abandoned you, Han Eul said –”

“That’s what she said.”

“Seunghyun, you –”

“Aish, fine! I’ll go, but just don’t call me that name!” he blurted out. “But I’m not training
you.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know how to!” he replied. “And besides, I might just end up kissing you all the way
of the training. . .” he added in a mumble.
“I heard that,” she said.

“Good,” he then said, grinning. “At least, you won’t be too surprised once that happens.”
---

“I’m telling you woman, I don’t know anything about weapons or techniques or –” he
stopped upon seeing the smile on Han Eul’s face. “Ya. . . what’s with that smile?”

“Who said anything about weapons or techniques?”

That made TOP and Dara frowned. “Then what are we going to do?” they chorused.

“Senses training.”

“What does that mean?” TOP asked.

“There are five senses, aren’t there? The sense of touch, smell, sight, taste and –”

“Yeah, I know that,” TOP cut off. “But that seemed a bit. . .stupid for me.”

“What if you’re only left with one sense? What will you do to survive? It’s probably the
most basic of training but once you’ve mastered it, Dara, you will master everything.”

“Err, I can’t train her,” TOP said.

“Why not?” Han Eul asked.

“Well. . . in our school, we have a special class for shadows and well. . . we do extra shadow
classes and we studied the theories for senses training for the elite shadows and well, I
don’t think I can do that to her.”

“Why not?” Dara asked this time.

“Well, there were young elite shadows who failed and failing the senses training means
death.”

“What do you mean?”

TOP shook his head. “Based on the theories, the training involves a series of life-
threatening situation. You might end up dead because your other senses will be cut off.”

“That’s why I’m asking you to be her partner. I know you would not let that happen,” Han
Eul said.

“Aish!” TOP burst out in frustration. “I can’t! She’s too distracting!” he whined childishly.
“YA!”

“Well, you really are beautiful,” he told Dara, making the latter blush.

“Flirt,” she mumbled.

“I’m not,” he said. “Just telling the truth,” he added with a shrug.

“Are you actually trying to get a move on me right now?”

“You two,” Han Eul snapped at them. “You’re here to train, not to flirt.”

“He started it,” Dara quickly defended herself.

“I won’t do anything if you didn’t provoke me.”

“Provoked you?!?” Dara demanded.

“You did!” TOP said, a mischievous smile on his lips. “You’re just too. . . pretty.”

Dara flustered again. “Ya! What’s wrong with you today?”

Out of nowhere, Han Eul started laughing. “Listen to you two! Aigoo, you remind me so
much of myself and. . .” she paused, looking a bit surprised herself but then, she went on
laughing again.

“Dara, I think we should start without her. What do you think?”

“Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.”

---

“I-in an i-island far down north,” the trembling shadow said as he knelt in front of the direct
descendant.

“Are you quite certain about this?”

“Y-yes!”

Jiyong stared down at the man. “You do know what will happen if this information of yours
is false, don’t you?”

The shadow trembled once again. he was a shadow himself, he also has some abilities.
Based from what he heard, the direct descendant doesn’t have any formal training, the
direct descendant lived as a normal person almost all his life. So if experience was the basis,
he’s at an advantage. He could probably escape him right now but no, there was something
fearfully sinister with the direct descendant’s aura, especially right now since he’s in his
dark moon phase. He never felt such power as this and he could just bet that his experience
would pale next to the power he could feel surrounding the direct descendant.

“B-but. . .” he said. “I did hear that the island is flocked with shadows – elite shadows who
were trained to fight and –”

“Much better,” Jiyong answered.

“But you’re alone, you might get-!”

“Get what, killed?” he asked, laughing. “They can’t do that. They need me.”

“But they might kill your mother.”

“If they do that, then I’ll make sure I’ll turn them into flightless birds by tearing off their
wings.”

“B-but there are about hundreds of s-shadows t-there. . . and they might have moved your
mother to a different island. They’ve been moving her from one island to another, along
with your stepfather.”

“Are you actually concern about me?” Jiyong asked cynically.

“I. . .”

“You served your purpose,” he dismissively said. “You can leave now.”

As the shadow left, Jiyong remained on his spot. No, he was certain there might some lost
lives at the end of the night. He could almost taste the blood from broken wings. Thinking
about it made him feel. . . empty. The only thing that’s consoling about the thought was, the
more shadows he takes down, the better chances that Dara will be safer. Although of
course, he could not sacrifice the safety of his mother as well but he knew the members of
the nest needed him to get the black phoenix. It was absurd, really. He could just say yes
but the memory of the phoenix somehow saving Dara from Sulli is stopping him from
complying with what the others wanted. He owed the phoenix half of Dara’s life, at the
most. And, he could not just get the point why the royalties wanted the phoenix that bad.

-----------
 Chapter 53: The First Sense

TOP’S POV

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I muttered.

“Don’t be such a baby,” she answered.

“You really don’t know what lies ahead of you, do you?”

“I trust you and Han Eul,” she shrugged off as if that settled the situation.

“Dara. . .”

“Look, I’m already nervous as it is but I wanted to do this. You don’t have to be so
worrisome; it’s making me more nervous.”

“You don’t have to do this,” I told her.

She then looked at me straight into the eyes, her gaze steady. “You know I have to.”

I heavily sighed. I wanted to say yes, I do know that but no words came out from me.
Instead, I just spread my arms wide in a welcoming hug. A smile then played along the
corners of her lips. She ran to me and I hugged her tight while she hugged me back.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Do I have another choice?” I joked, making her chuckle. That’s right, it’s better like this
than having her cry all night because of the other guy. I’m not delusional – I know she
would never forget him, his memories will never be erased from her mind and heart and
she might still continue loving him. But I’m not a hypocrite as well to say that it’s okay with
me. Of course it isn’t. But then, there’s also this tiny hope that somehow, I might give her
warmth that would take away the coldness from the pain she felt with him. Having her love
me as well, though, not as much as she loves him, I think that would be enough – for now.

We were silent for a long time. It was like, Dara was actually getting some strength from me
to continue going forward without him. And I couldn’t help but feel happy and satisfied that
somehow, I am with Dara at this crucial moment. “So, can you survive being a scavenger for
two months?”

“You heard Han Eul, it might take three months. If we’re still alive by that time,” she said
with a chuckle.

It was true. Han Eul said that we’ll be leaving all types of technology behind – meaning no
mobile phones. We will be staying, as Han Eul said somewhere across the South rain forest
to train. I don’t really have any idea where that is. I mean, who in their sane mind would
even think where that place is when your life is actually a teeny weeny bit at stake? Like,
seriously?

We’re actually all packed and geared up to go. Han Eul specified that we’re not to bring
anything aside from clothes and some toiletries.

The training for senses actually has two principles:

1. What if you’re only left with one sense, how will you survive?

2. How would you overcome the obstacle in front of you if the sense required for that has
been cut off but all other senses are working?

The second principle is obviously easier compared to the first one that’s why it’s rarely
used. Remembering about the theory about that, I can’t help but hug the tiny girl tighter.

“Ya,” she chuckled. “Are you actually trying to squeeze the breath out of me so I’ll faint and
give you an excuse not to go through this?”

I squeezed my eyes tightly. The images in my head were chaotic and she still had the guts to
joke like that? I pulled away a little from her, grabbed a fistful of her hair and pulled her
head up towards me. I crushed my lips on her a little bit violently than I intended so I was
actually expecting a protest from her like pushing me away or slapping me or avoiding my
kiss. But she didn’t do anything like that. What she did actually surprise the life out of me!

She kissed me back!

And it wasn’t just a simple response. She was kissing me back as violently as I was kissing
her. But then, her hands went to my nape and her fingers were making calming strokes that
made me change pace gently. In between kisses, she whispered, “Calm down.”

It wasn’t that long to calm me down. When I’ve calmed down, and really started kissing her
with all the gentleness and tenderness I could muster, an intense heat started boiling up
inside me. She pulled away a little and smiled at me. “Feeling better now?”

“You kissed me back just to make me feel better?”

“No.”

“Then why did you kiss me back?”

“And why did you kiss me?”

I stepped back and looked away, a little bit annoyed. “You know why. . .”

“No, I don’t.”
I looked back at her, my eyes turning into slits. “Are you playing games with me?”

“No.”

I sighed heavily. “Fine,” I said. “Let’s just go.”

“TOP,” she started.

I looked back at her and saw the anxious and worried look in her face. I gave her a smile for
assurance that everything’s okay. I picked up our packed things and started heading
towards the door. When she didn’t move, I stopped and looked back at her again. “We’re
going to be late, you know.”

---

The car was silent as we travelled. Han Eul was driving while Dara was in front, in the
passenger seat as for me, I’m in the back seat, all alone. I had my arms across my chest and
could only stare at the window. Sooner or later, I know I’ll fall asleep. Clearing my throat, I
turned my attention to Han Eul. “How long will we get there?” I asked.

“Two more hours,” she said.

“I see,” I nodded. Well, I’ll just sleep then. With that thought, I slumped myself in my seat
and closed my eyes.

I was already drifting when I felt the car stopped moving. Involuntarily, I opened my eyes. I
saw Dara get off the car and I was about to ask Han Eul where she’s going when the girl
opened the door to my side and asked me to move. She then sat beside me, closed the door
and leaned her head on my shoulder. “What - ?”

“I feel sleepy,” she simply answered.

I felt heat crawled to my cheeks and I looked around to hide it. But my eyes chanced upon
Han Eul in the rear view mirror. She was smiling as she started the car again. I was frozen,
not really sure on what I should do next. But when Dara cuddled closer to me, I can’t help
but smile as well. I gently wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer to me with her
head still resting on my shoulder. I planted a small kiss on top of her head and rested my
head on top of hers as well. With another smile, I closed my eyes and went to dreamland.

A while later, Han Eul woke us up and said, “We’re here sleepyheads.”

I stretched out lazily and checked Dara. I saw her looking up at me with a smile. She then
gave me a peck on the lips. “Let’s go,” she said.
I just chuckled in response. As we got out of the car, I looked around and gave a low
whistle. “Wow, where on earth are we?”

Han Eul just smiled. “Let’s get going.”

All I see are trees, trees, trees, tress. Well, basically, trees. We walked for a few minutes. I
pointed out that I could just transport to our location but Han Eul said we have to walk. I
don’t really get it but oh well, I’m not in the mood to argue especially with the current
things that happened lately. I was smiling as I trailed behind Han Eul and Dara,
remembering the kisses we shared today. Ah, this might sound a bit off, especially coming
from a guy but, I feel elated.

“Hey, smiling boy, get a grip on yourself and start building the tents.”

“Huh?” I blankly asked.

After building up three tents, Han Eul then let us walk again, higher to the mountains and
deeper into the forest. We broke into a vast field where what seemed to be man-made and
shapeless towering statues made of black stone stood in the middle. Eventhough they were
shapeless, they looked. . . erotic, like symbols for sex, passion and lust. Ugh! What am I
thinking?

“Are those man-made?” I blurted out.

“No,” Han Eul answered.

“They look like symbols for sex,” I said.

“They’re not symbols for sex, fool.”

“They look like symbols for sanctuary,” Dara said.

“Yes they are,” Han Eul answered, sounding impressed.

I looked back at the statues with a frown. “How did they become symbols for sanctuary?”

“We’re not here to discuss symbols,” Han Eul said. She then walked a little ahead of us and
faced us. “Okay, since Seunghyun is reluctant to train you, Dara, I decided I’ll do it instead.
To give you heads up, we will have two activities today. The first one would be easy – I’ll
simply place a blindfold on both of you and I will shoot arrows from random position. You
have to rely on your sense of hearing and feeling as well as smelling the air. If you would
not be able to avoid my arrows, then you will be hurt.”
“Wait,” I interrupted. “You’re going to test Dara that way? Shouldn’t we give her like a
lecture or something on how she’ll be able to use her other senses or a practice or -?”

“This is practice,” Han Eul said.

“But. . .”

“Do you think her potential hunters would consider for one minute that she doesn’t have
any practice or training to fight? How do you think she would learn if we give her simple
and easy training? Do you really think I’m that heartless that I don’t worry for her safety as
well? She’s my niece, Seunghyun. Of course, I’m worried for her as well.”

I was rendered speechless.

“Okay,” Han Eul then sighed. “The second one would be both easier and complicated. I will
be cutting off your sense of feeling and will throw both of you in an obstacle where it would
require the sense of feeling – like fire, both visible fire and hidden fire. You’ll understand
later on. Any questions so far?”

“Yes, I do have a question,” I said. “Are we still alive by the end of this day?”

Han Eul smiled. “It would be up to you.”

---
 Chapter 54: The Conspiracy Revelation

“STOP!” I gritted in frustration as another arrow hit her. I already passed the obstacle as I
volunteered to be first so Dara will have the chance to watch and get some points. Just the
first arrow, it hit her on the shoulder. The second one hit her at the side. And I had enough
of it already as she was kneeling on the ground already, bleeding. “Are you planning to kill
her?” I shouted at Han Eul as I grabbed her bow and arrows and throw them away. I ran
towards Dara and pulled the blindfold off of her. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she
struggled to steady her breathing.

“Seunghyun. . .” she gasped.

“I’m here,” I whispered. “Don’t worry, I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you, okay?
Just rest and leave everything to me.”

“I. . . i-it hurts. . .”

“I know,” I whispered and kissed her hair. “I’ll take the pain away. Close your eyes.”

I haven’t really exercised all of the supposed-to-be-abilities of a shadow and I never really
saw myself that strong to do some things but for Dara, I will drain my energy to keep her
safe. But first, I need her unconscious. It’s just a simple whisk of a finger, from what I’ve
heard but I have to be careful because it might leave traces of curse on her. I made her
unconscious and her body sagged in my arms. I stood up with Dara in my arms and started
going back to the tent we built a while back where we’ll be staying.

“Out of my way!” I growled at Han Eul as she tried to inspect Dara’s state. I so wanted to
throw her in the air and into the trees but I know Dara would not like that when she wakes
up. And I can’t bear losing control right now because I might end up hurting this beautiful
girl in my arms as well. And the last thing I wanted to do in my life was to hurt her. She’d
been hurt enough already. I fear she might totally break down and I’ll end up losing her.
And besides, there’s the threat to my life by the person who made her like this.

It boggles my mind as well as to why she loves him so much. And it’s still a mystery to me
as to what that guy have that caught her attention. I mean, he isn’t really that good looking,
compared to me anyways. Although I admit that he’s quite appealing to the girls in a sexy
way. I guess it’s the snobbish attitude of his – and all that all alone, desolate and mysterious
image of his, except of course when he’s with Dara. He’s so different everytime I see them
together before at school. He doesn’t look like a shadow – a half-human living in the
darkness. Although of course, I could not blame him if he looked so love struck. Who
wouldn’t love someone like Sandara Park?

I started attending to her wounds – the shadow way. For some weird reason, I seem to have
the power and strength to do so. At times like this, I really find being a shadow useful. She
stirred a little in her slumber. Then, she murmured something that left me in awe. “H-
hyunnie. . .”
Unable to stop myself, I smiled. It was supposed to be just a small smile but I felt my face
broke into a grin. It’s weird, though. I don’t like my birth name because it was given to me
by someone who abandoned me. I preferred to be called TOP, not Seunghyun. But hearing
that name from Sandara Park’s lips made me think that my name is somehow and in a way,
beautiful.

After I was done, I left the tent, planning to confront Han Eul. She’s already ready for me
when I went out. I glared at her and was about to start shouting some sense into her when
she smiled at me. “See my point?” she asked. “That’s why I’m asking to train her first.”

I scowled at her. “If Dara wouldn’t be mad at me, I could’ve killed you already.”

“I know.”

“She’s your niece, for Pete’s sake!” I exclaimed, unable to contain the frustration inside me.
“How could you hurt her like that?”

“I didn’t hurt her because I wanted to,” she said. “I want to protect her.”

“Well, you have a weird way of showing it.”

She shook her head. “You have no idea what’s in store for her the moment they would know
who she really is. Shooting her with arrows would be lame to what they can do to her.”

I frowned at her. “There’s something you’re not telling us.”

She glanced at me briefly then looked far ahead the field. “I don’t have much time left.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going to die,” she said. “It has been predicted already. “In the battle, I’m going to die.”

I frowned. “Predictions aren’t reliable.”

She chuckled but it sounded off. “I’ve only lived this long to make sure Dara would be ready
once the battle comes. It has been predicted that this battle will decide the fate of the
shadows never-ending hunt for the line of phoenix. I made a promise to my sister that I’ll
do anything in my powers to make sure that Dara will be ready.”

“But why?” I asked, frustrated once again. “This battle could be prevented. I mean –”

“It has been foreseen already,” she cut me off. “There’s so much more about the history of
your kind and ours.”

“I don’t really understand any of this,” I said. “Why would they want Dara that much?”
Han Eul faced me. “She’s next in line of being the black phoenix,” she said. “Although my
twin is of course, precious and very much of a black phoenix herself, but Dara. . . . she’s
bound to be the strongest phoenix as Jiyong is bound to be the strongest direct descendant
of the shadows. And there will be a battle coming. We need to get her ready for it.”

- She closed her eyes for a moment. “I don’t want to lose both of them,” she said.

“What does that mean?” I asked.

She opened her eyes and there was some sort of desperate look in her eyes. “You have to
promise me Seunghyun that you’ll do anything in your power to keep her alive.”

“I. . .”

“Promise me!”

“I promise.”

----

She blinked her eyes open. I gave her a small smile. “Hey sleepyhead.”

“Hey,” she returned with a small smile as well. “How bad?”

I shrugged. “Not that bad.”

She sighed. “Han Eul must be disappointed right now. Where is she?”

“She left,” he said. “She’ll be back,” I added upon seeing her anxious look. “She left you in my
tender hand to train.”

Her eyes widened and a goofy grin broke her face. “You’ll be training me?”

“Yep,” I answered, smacking my lips. “Why, you look happy. Why is that?”

She beamed at me. “You’ll teach me the basics first, right?”

“So it seems,” I answered. “You still haven’t answered my question, though.”

She just winked at me. “Let’s get started.”

“Eager much?”

“Well, with Han Eul, it would only be train, train, train and train. But with you, it would be
train, train, play and train then play, wouldn’t it?”
“What type of play are you referring to?”

She just rolled her eyes at me. “Get up, you lazy giant and make me a meal.”

“I’ve already made you breakfast.”

“Breakfast?” she asked. “Oh, how long have I been asleep?”

“Long enough,” I answered. “Eat then let’s get started since you’re so excited to be trained.”

“So what’s in the agenda today?”

“Sense of hearing.”

----

DARA’S POV

After eating, TOP led me to the deepest part of the forest, far from the field. There was a
little clearing with broken and dry twigs. It felt so cold and I can’t help but hug myself
anxiously. TOP then stopped and pointed at the ground a few feet away from him. “Sit
there.”

“There?” I asked.

“Yes.”

“But why?”

“Just follow me, okay?”

I pouted but obeyed, anyways. I sat on the ground with my feet crossed. “What’s next?”

“Close your eyes.”

I eyed him suspiciously. “You’re not going to leave me here, are you?”

His face softened and something jumped inside me. “Of course not,” he said. Jeez, what was
that?

I closed my eyes then. “Okay,” I muttered.

“Here’s what I need you to do,” he said. “I’m going to give you two minutes, I have a
stopwatch here, to listen to your surroundings. I want you to take note of all the things you
will hear. I’ll listen as well. After the time, you have to give me all the things you heard and
I’ll compare it to what I will hear in the span of two minutes. In that way, I’ll know what
sounds you are sensitive to and the other way around, okay?”

“Okay.”

“In order to do this, you have to empty your mind,” he said. “If you have a single thought in
your mind, you would not be able to concentrate.”

“How’s that possible?” I grumbled with my eyes closed. “Every single person would have at
least a single thought to their minds.”

“I know,” he answered patiently. “But this is your first time in doing this activity. In a
matter of time, you’ll be able to hear what you want to hear even if there are millions of
thoughts running around your mind.”

Oh,” I mumbled. “Okay.”

“You have so much faith in my words today,” he said. I can hear the faint smile in his voice
and I can’t help but smile in response.

“I trust you,” I said.

He was silent for a while. “I’m glad you do.”

I took a deep breath. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“On the count of three, I’ll start the stopwatch, okay?”

“Okay,” I answered.

“One. . .”

I have to clear my mind. I repeated the words inside my head like a mantra. But the more I
try to empty my mind, the more thoughts poured in. Ugh, this is frustrating! I wondered if
TOP realized that it’s only the two of us here, in the middle of nowhere with no Han Eul
around or any other people. And how long are we going to stay here anyways? What about
our food supplies or our clothes? Where are we going to wash them? Speaking of wash, I
haven’t taken a bath yet! Eww, I must’ve smelled. . .off. Ugh! I need to take a bath later. But
where?

“Two. . .”

Oh right, I forgot. I have to clear my mind. Hmm, TOP’s voice is really sexy, baritone sexy. I
wondered how many girls already swoon over his voice. Jeez, what am I thinking? Tch, get
a grip girl!
“Three.”

I.Have.To.Clear.My.Mind.

I can hear myself breathing. Err. . . what else?

There was a chirping noise somewhere as well – must be birds.

Aigoo, this is hard. I can’t seem to hear anything else!

I tried to concentrate and I felt myself frowned. What else?

So far, I have two in my list. I ran through them mentally – myself breathing, the chirping
birds. . . Oh, there’s the pounding of my blood in my ear. I tried to listen to any signs of TOP
but. . . there was nothing. I started to feel scared. He didn’t leave me, did he? I hate being
alone.

“Time’s up!”

I blinked my eyes open. And there he was, standing under the rays of the sun, looking every
inch like a gorgeous shadow.

“So?” he asked, his brows arched up. “Give me your list.”

“Err,” I flushed.

“Well?”

“There. . . there’s myself breathing, chirping birds, the blood pounding in my ears. . . .”

“Yes?” he urged on and looked at me expectantly.

I flushed guiltily. “That’s all,” I mumbled, feeling small.

He was silent. I looked down, I think I would not be able to bear looking at his disappointed
face. “In the span of two minutes, I heard two people breathing, two hearts beating, birds
chirping, small animals nearby squeaking, the gentle blow of the wind, the rustle of dry
leaves and list could go on and on. Tell me your last thought during the countdown?

I flushed deeply this time. I could just feel the heat on my cheeks.

“You’re blushing,” he commented. “Now, I’m curious.”

“You really don’t have to know!” I snapped.

I felt, more than heard him walked towards me. He scooted down and leveled his face with
mine. “Tell me,” he said.

“No!”

“Please?” he asked. I looked up unwillingly and a childish-pouting-irresistible TOP was full

on. I swallowed hard.

“W-well. . .” I stammered. “I. . . I just thought that your baritone voice is sexy. . .”

“Hmm,” he murmured. “Is that so?”

My eyes widened! Gah! He’s unleashing his most husky, most baritone voice! Gah! My
eardrums just exploded, I think!

“Ya!”

He laughed. “I enjoy teasing you,” he said. “But we have to focus on your training first,
okay?”

“Okay,” I nodded.

And our training went on. It was more of concentrating and filtering the sounds you heard
and wanted to hear. It’s not easy but TOP said I’m doing well for a first-timer. He also said
that it might take me a week or two only to master it and I can’t but feel giddy about it
although two weeks for me is still a long time but he said there are some who took years to
master it. I must be doing really well then.

After the hearing-in-the-forest training, he then started conducting the training in the river,
where he made me sit with the waterfalls just behind me. This same river is where we
wash our clothes and take a bath as well. It was harder to hear things with the waterfalls
loudly echoing behind me. I argued with TOP about it. I mean, how am I going to hear
things properly if it’s too noisy? But he said that it would make much of a difference. He
said, Do you really think in a battle, it would be quiet like the forest?

He got a point so I didn’t argue anymore. It took me longer to get the hang of it compared to
the activities in the forest. And I couldn’t imagine how he actually thought that it would
only take me two weeks to master it. I mean, I think I’ll need centuries here!

I didn’t notice that I was starting to get more eager with the training. There were times that
I would wake up earlier than him and starts the training all by myself. Maybe it was my way
of getting my mind off of things. As much I would want to deny it, but there were nights
that I still dream of him, just his face. There were instances that I see him walking away
from me as well. And since TOP and I were sleeping in separate tents, I don’t have anything
to distract myself but to go out and train myself. I had the choice to go to TOP’s tent, of
course but I didn’t want to wake him up or worry him over me. I am aware of his feelings
for me and making him see me still distracted by him would hurt him. I don’t want to hurt
TOP. It’s my selfishness, I guess. If I make him see that I still dream of him every now and
then, he might give up on me then and leave me alone.

I don’t want that. I don’t want to lose him as well. I don’t want to be alone. If that would
happen, I have nothing anymore, nothing.

After an hour or so, I went back to our camp and started making breakfast. He’s been
cooking breakfast for the both of us these past days and I think I owe him one. He’s been
very patient with me. He’s an effective trainer. I smiled to myself, yes, that’s right, my very
own personal trainer. When the food was done, I went to wake him up, surprising him a bit.

“I want to start early,” I told him. “There’s still so much things I want to learn.”

He smiled and patted my head. “Good girl.”

I smiled back and we finished our breakfast in silence. When the silent breakfast was done,
I was on training mode once again.

“The key to it is familiarization,” he said. “Now, in this type of surroundings, do you think
it’ll be normal to hear the swoosh of an arrow?”

I shook my head.

“Exactly,” he said. “If you familiarize yourself with the surroundings, it’d be easy for you to
determine the normal and not-so-normal sounds. In that way, it’ll help you avoid things like
arrows, yes?”

I just nod my head. What did he just say?

“Let’s give it a try then,” he said. “Here, put this on,” he said, handling a blindfold to me. “I’ll
try one arrow, okay? I won’t shoot it at you but I would allow it to fly near you.”

I nodded.

“I won’t hurt you,” he said, voice full of promise.

“I believe you,” I said.

“Then what’s with the look?”

“I just. . . don’t want you to be bias. . . I want to know how much I’ve learned and needed to
learn as well.”

“I’m not being bias,” he said. “Let’s just try once but if it. . .”
“You have to push me too, TOP. I appreciate how gentle and understanding and patient you
are with this but I also need pressure.”

He swallowed and nodded.

“Let’s try ten arrows,” I boldly said.

“T-ten?!” he exclaimed, eyes wide with surprise and shock and disbelief.

“Yes,” I answered, holding his gaze firmly.

He hesitated. “Are you sure about this?”

“Yes.”

He sighed. “Fine, let’s give it a try.”

I securely placed the blindfold in as I heard his gentle footsteps on the dried leaves,
breaking and cracking under his weight. I steadied myself as he walked away from me and
probably went to a place where he could take me by surprise. I can’t help but smile. And
then, I heard it, the faint and fast swoosh that did not belong to the surroundings. It’s
coming fast. My right ear was ringing and my right arm lifted on its own accord. The next
thing I know, my fingers curled around what seemed to be a light and thin wood.

“Again,” I called out.

To my surprise, a sudden swoosh came from behind me. My initial reaction was to duck
and so I did. And I heard him snort.

“Are you actually laughing at me?” I asked. But he didn’t answer. Then, there’s a sudden
fast-approaching sound from above me. I was ready for it this time.

And it went on and on, from all directions. I managed to catch at least six of the arrows. I
dodge three of them and one was a closed hit to my shoulder. When I pulled the blindfold
off, I was grinning like crazy.

“How the hell did you do that?” a voice far from me asked. I looked up and saw him staring
at me with wide eyes. “How the hell did you catch those arrows?”

Honestly? I don’t know the answer myself but I was just too happy that I just ran to him and
launched myself to him. He didn’t catch me right on time so he stumbled back but he
seemed to not mind as I started laughing heartily. And it felt so good to laugh out loud. It
felt like I haven’t laughed for ages. He must have seen how giddy I was about what
happened because he started laughing himself. It suddenly made me aware that I was on
top of him. Our laughter eventually died down and we stare into each other’s eyes.
He smiled. “You must be really proud of yourself,” he said.

I didn’t answer. TOP, he’s a handsome guy. No doubt about it. But then, looking into his
eyes, I felt that jump again inside me. I like him, there’s no doubt about it. And I do care
about him as well.

“Dara. . .” he murmured.

I ran my tongue along my sudden dry lips. I’m attracted to him!

I must be possessed by some spirit because I leaned down and gave him a peck on the lips,
which surprised him. He blinked then his eyes darkened. Then, we were kissing. I curl my
fingers in his hair while my other hand cupped his cheek.

“I was just gone for a few days and this is the scene I’ll be seeing?”

We both jumped as Han Eul’s voice came in. I stood up unsteadily and cleared my throat
awkwardly. My heart was beating fast inside my chest as I tried to look anywhere except
Han Eul.

“You might be surprised with her progress,” TOP said.

“Really?” Han Eul asked. “Show me then.”

TOP snorted. “Just wait and see, she did this all herself.”

I placed the blindfold again and went through the training again. This time, I caught eight
arrows and dodge two of them. Han Eul was impressed, I can clearly see that. She was
almost smug about it. She gave TOP a proud smile. “I knew you can train her.”

My training went on. Han Eul said that sense of hearing is the most important of all
compared to the others so in between training for other senses, I still have to undergo
complementary training for my lovely ears. On top of that, I also have one-on-one session
with Han Eul for my fighting skills.

I was glad about the training, it distracts me from thinking of undesirable thoughts. And
sooner or later, I was only thinking about how to do well everyday.

I didn’t even notice the time until Han Eul said we’ve been working hard for two months
already. She said that it seemed that I’m ready already and we all deserve a rest and we all
deserve to go home already.

Wow, two months. . . it’s been two months! For some reason, I felt weird. Maybe because I
just got used to my everyday routine of waking up to train and I train before I sleep.
Thinking that tomorrow would not be the same anymore, makes me kind of sad.
The night before we’re about to go home, I could find sleep so I went out in my thin white
nightwear and strolled around. Then, I decided to go the river and take a bath. The river
looked lovely under the full moon. Without taking my nightwear off, I dived into the water
and started swimming. I went to the direction near the waterfalls and pulled myself to the
side and sat down on a huge rock. I closed my eyes and tilt my head up. With a sigh, I
opened my eyes and stared up at the full moon.

“A goddess,” a voice said in awe.

I looked straight up and saw TOP partially hidden in the shadows. I smiled a little. “Have a
dip?”

He needn’t telling twice. I saw him took a step forward, took his shirt out, slipped his
slippers off and with only his walking shorts on, he dived into the river and started
swimming towards my direction. Anticipation started building inside me and I don’t why. . .

Then, he emerged, gloriously wet from swimming. I grinned at him. “Do you have any idea
how much of a goddess you look like right now?”

“Really?” I asked, blushing a little.

“And your skin glow under the moonlight.”

I giggled. “What’s with all these poetic words?”

He grinned boyishly. “Just trying to be in the mood of the scene.”

I laughed. He can be adorable sometimes, really. “Do you have any idea as well as to how
adorable you are right now?”

“Really?” he asked back. “What shall we do with it then?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. But I have this weird urge to pinch your cheeks.”

“Is that so?” he asked. “So what am I going to do with your goddess look right now?”

“What do you want to do?”

“I want you,” he said.

I paused. The right reaction to it was to be surprised but for two months of being with him,
I knew what he wanted. But the question was with me. Am I ready? Do I want him as much
as he wants me? Yes, I do like him. Hell, I even care for him. It’s much safe to say that I have
feelings for him. But . . . am I ready for this? A part of my mind then sneered at me, move on
– move forward. He reached out to caress my face. I’ve never been caressed like this for a
long time and I suddenly felt my heart squeeze painfully. I never realized how I missed his
touch, his caress, his little way of making me feel special and treasured. But he’s no longer
here, he’s no longer mine, he can never be mine anymore. And the thought of it made me
feel so lonely, so unwanted, so. . . dejected.

I can feel a little tug on my arm and I was pulled off from my position to the river. I was
pinned against the smooth side of the huge rock with my feet resting on each of TOP’s
under the water. Should I take the risk?

As if goading me, there’s this hopeless part of my mind that conjured up Jiyong’s smirking
face and I could just hear him say, I don’t really care. No, I don’t want to live in pain
anymore. Enough is enough.

I should give myself a chance, right? Right?

Without really thinking about it or a firm decision in mind, I wrapped my arms around his
neck and gave him a small smile. Then, he kisses me, gently at first until I initiated to
deepen it. And deeper it went, indeed.

----

We were back in civilization and TOP asked me out for a lunch. I indulged, of course. We
held hands as we joined other people on a busy Sunday. He was being funny, throwing
jokes here and there that I can’t help but laugh to. I was inside my happy bubble, him as
well. He would occasionally lean down and kisses me on the lips which always make me
blush, especially knowing that we’re in a public place. I would glare at him and hit his arm
but he would just laugh it off.

I thought my happy bubble would continue the whole day but it burst to nothingness when
I saw two familiar people, arm in arm, looking much of a couple enjoying the Sunday rush
as well. I blinked at them and I can’t help the boiling feeling starting to go to the surface. I
stopped and TOP stopped as well. At the corner of my eye, I saw him looked down at me
with a frown. He then followed my gaze and I felt him tensed.

I let go of TOP’s hand the moment the couple noticed us. They both stopped and stared at
us, wide-eyed. I didn’t really care about the girl, my eyes were all on the guy. As if
possessed, I stepped forward, lifted my arm and landed a good smacking slap on Seungri’s
face. “How could you?!”

“Dara!” Sohee gasped.

I turned to her. “And you! How could you go all. . . lovey-dovey with your husband’s friend?”

They exchanged looks. Then, Sohee looked back at me again. “We need to talk.”

“Spill,” I said.
“Let’s talk it over a meal,” TOP said. “I’m hungry.”

So our little party went to look for a place to dine in. I ordered pasta but didn’t have the
appetite, really. I just want this to get over and done. I felt betrayed, especially by Seungri.
But I forced myself to eat, since I don’t really have anything to do as both of them are so
quiet, only TOP was trying to break the tensed between the three of us, and he’s failing
miserably.

When the meal was done, I initiated the talk. “Start talking,” I said.

“Dara,” Sohee said, smiling a little. “Jiyong and I. . . we’re not married.”

I stared at her blankly. What did she just say?

“We never intended to really get married,” she went on. “The marriage. . . it was supposed
to start the rebellion against the Nest – you know, the royalties’ little club. I already made
Jiyong promise that he’ll help me with it, before, when you. . . when you left him because of
Jaejoong.”

My mouth suddenly went dry.

Sohee took a deep breath. “To be fair, I did love him. I knew from the start I was hopeless.
You should have seen how he was when you left him, it was frustrating to see him trying to
get himself killed to punish himself. But I told him it would do him no good and that it’s an
escape to what he did. I told him that if he continue living, then he can continue feeling the
pain he deserves as a punishment.”

I gasped and my eyes widen at her.

“I know it’s a cruel thing to say,” she said. “But at that time, it was the only way I could think
of to pull him back to earth. After that, he did come back to earth, determined to live each
day with pain. He thinks he deserve eternal pain for hurting you.”

A lump started forming in my throat. No, I couldn’t bear to hear this. Not now that TOP’s
with me. Not now that I’m just starting anew with him.

“I made him promise to help me bring down my father,” she smiled bitterly. “I love my
father but I don’t like his ways as a shadow. Jiyong only agreed to my proposal when I
mentioned that my father had you monitored.”

“Monitored?” I asked.

“Yes,” she nodded. “He’s been watching Jiyong from afar. I know you’re aware of how Jiyong
despises being a shadow, how he avoided using his powers. My father was keeping tabs on
him to find out his weakness. Then, you came. . . at first, my father thought that it’s just
another fling. But as time grows, he saw how attached Jiyong was to you. And he started
planning things to ruin your relationship.”

“Why?” I asked. I just can’t help it.

“Because you’ve tamed Jiyong. And my father wants the direct descendant untamed. My
father knows no boundaries,” she said, shaking her head and looking regretful.

“J. . . he seemed to like you, though.”

She smiled. “He respects me, I think. You see, we are much alike. Although we attained it
different ways, but I’m also scarred, my father made me a guinea pig with his experiments.
And well, have you ever seen a half-shadow girl planning to take down a full nest of royal
crows?”

I didn’t say anything.

“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” she said. “But Jiyong made it clear from the start
that I’m just a friend. He was just bounded with his promise to me and I’ve asked him not to
tell you about our plans to sabotage the wedding to make my father a laughingstock in the
shadow world when this little fellow came in,” she paused and smiled. She turned to
Seungri and cupped his cheek. Seungri in turned, grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. I
looked away, unable to take in the sweetness.

“The original plan was for Sohee to declare that he doesn’t want to get married to Jiyong on
the wedding day,” Seungri said. “I overheard them talking about it so I joined and suggested
that it would be more rebellious if Sohee would run away with me while she was just about
to say her vows. I knew it could cost me my life but. . . Sohee’s father didn’t react the way
we expected him to. Up until now, it’s still a wonder to us.”

“I hope that clears everything between us, Dara,” Sohee said. “I do want you as a friend.”

My mind was blank.

I just drifted through the conversation then I just found myself asking TOP for a combat
training. He had me pinned down on the ground in seconds.

“You’re distracted,” he commented.

I blinked up at him and smiled. I need a distraction. And he is my greatest distraction right
now. I snaked my arms into his nape and lifted my head, wanting to kiss him. But he turned
his face the other way and pulled himself away from me. I feel like I’ve been fisted in the
stomach. “TOP?”

“I know why you’re so distracted,” he hissed. “You can’t have it both ways, Dara.”
Fear suddenly gnawed my chest. No, my mind trembled. I took a step forward but he
stepped away from me. “R-remember when we were at the river? When we were. . . when
we were. . . you know. . .”

“When we were what?” he scoffed. “You can’t even say the word.”

“You said you’re going to wait,” I whispered. “I need time. . .”

“I’ve given you enough time.”

“I don’t want to lose you,” I whispered, tears threatening to fall. “Please, give me more
time.”

His face softened. “I don’t want to lose you, too.”

I wasn’t able to hold my tears back anymore. I ran to him and threw myself in his arms, my
mouth seeking his automatically.

“I thought you need time?” he asked in between kisses.

“Yes,” I rasped. “But I need this, too.”

His arms went around me as he lifted me off my feet. I wrapped my legs around him as he
kissed me deeply. I felt him moving and the next thing I know, I was pressed against a wall.
I know where this was heading and I didn’t show any sign to stop him. I like being in his
arms, he makes me feel special and treasured. He makes the feeling of being unwanted and
rejected go away.

A soft buzz then interrupted us. “Your phone,” I whispered against his lips.

“Hmm,” he murmured, nuzzling my neck with his nose. With a resigned sigh, he took his
phone out. He snapped on whoever was on the other line. A coy smile curved my lips as I
started unbuttoning his top. I managed to free three buttons and I smiled to myself as I
leaned forward to start trailing kisses from his throat down to his chest.

“What do you mean she got worst?”

I immediately stopped.

---

AUTHOR’S POV

TOP looked at the old woman’s face and can’t help the guilt from gnawing his insides. How
could he neglect her so? She looked so thin, so pale, so sick, so. . . .
“We have to find the black phoenix faster,” he heard Minzy said.

“I know where the black phoenix is,” he answered and he could feel Daesung and Minzy’s
eyes on her. He sighed and buried his face in his hands.

Thousand miles away, in an island in the middle of the lost sea, a tower stood. A small smile
curved the man’s face as he looked out to the window with one of his disciple whispering
some good news in his ears.

“It seemed that we have good news,” he then announced.

“Is that so?” a low, menacing growl came from behind him. He turned around and smiled at
the boy sitting in a throne-like chair at the far end of the chamber. He was amazed and in
awe as he watched the mixture of black and violet smoke surrounding Jiyong as he sat
lazily on that throne-like chair. And his eyes. . . oh his eyes. . . Mister Ahn just loved how his
eyes speak of death, despair, agony, revenge, destruction, hatred, lust and much more in his
all-black eyes tainted with the shade of dark violet.

“Yes,” he answered gleefully. “It seemed that we already found our slippery phoenix friend.”

Slowly, Jiyong’s head turned to his direction and his lips curved into a smile he so admired
these days. The smile – it was so full of promise, promise of death, destruction, pleasure
and victory.

“Deliver then,” Jiyong said in his menacing growl.

Ahn glanced at his disciple and gave him a nod. The disciple scrambled to the door and
went back in with the people walking confidently beside him. Ahn went to greet them. He
knew them of course. Nevertheless, he asked for their names. “Names?”

“Minzy,” the girl answered. “This is Daesung.”

“So. . . you have news about the phoenix’s whereabouts?”

“Not the exact location, no.”

Ahn felt Jiyong’s furious aura behind him so he looked back and crooned, “Easy there.”

“But we do know something that might help you locate the phoenix.”

Ahn turned back to them. “What is it?”

“The phoenix has a daughter.”

“Interesting,” Ahn answered, rubbing his chin.

“We do know that wherever the daughter is, there will be the mother.”

“And who is this descendant of the heart made of black fire?”

“Sandara Park.”

-------
 Chapter 55: The Indiferent Show

DARA’S POV

I splashed water into my face and looked at myself in the mirror. The reflection staring
back at me is still the same – it’s still the face of the Sandara Park I know. But why do I feel
different inside. I closed my eyes for a moment and opened them again. TOP walked out on
me a while ago. Well, I couldn’t really blame him, can I? I just don’t understand why I’m so
distracted with what Sohee and Seungri said. So what if he never really intended in
marrying her? So what if it was just a show? Why didn’t he inform me about it? If I heard
about this before, I would have hold on, I would have continued fighting for him, I would
have not given up on him. . .

I’ve already moved on, I thought to myself. I should be thinking more of TOP and me. But if
I’ll be honest, when I saw Sohee and Seungri a while ago, I immediately thought of him.
Why, oh why is that?

It was your fault he broke up with you, you know, a part of my mind snickered. I shut my
eyes tight and my fingers curled reflexively onto the edge of the sink. Yes, it’s true. But I’ve
begged him to forgive me; I did everything for him to forgive me and to take me back again.
If he really loved me, he could’ve forgiven me at the least. But he didn’t – he rejected me,
denied me of his forgiveness. Maybe he just doesn’t want me anymore.

My chest tightened and I took a deep breath to fill up my hungry lungs. I should not be
thinking of this! Past is past, I’ve already moved on and I already have TOP. Yes, I should
stick with TOP.

I was in that thought when I suddenly heard scrapes, noises, explosions in the room. I
jumped uncertainly and I heard voices. I reached out for the knob and pulled the door
opened. My eyes widened upon seeing the place filled with flying crows and I bet, shadows,
fighting. Not just shadows, but I recognized two of them – Youngbae and Seungri.

What’s going on? Why are there shadows in my place? Why are Youngbae and Seungri
here? I gave a squeak when Youngbae was suddenly lifted off the floor and thrown to the
other side of the room. Then, as if in movies, in a slow motion manner, they all stopped and
looked at me.

Fear gnawed my insides upon seeing the shadows’ faces.

“Shit!” I heard Youngbae shout. “Seungri, get her out of here, NOW!”

As if I’m sort of a magnet, all shadows started flocking towards me and I had the urge to run
but I could not move, I’m paralyzed. I saw Seungri try to ward them off but they’re too
strong for him. One of the shadows reached out for me with a victorious grin and I could
feel myself being sucked into a black hole. I know this feeling – transport. But as I thought
I’ll be transported to some place, I was pulled back up and I gasped out loud with the
sensation. My eyes widened upon seeing the shadows floating in the air, their eyes wide
and empty. I thought it was the end but then, flocks of crows started flowing into the room
like a heavy rain. Then, one of the crows turned into a human – Mister Ahn. He smiled at me
quite maliciously and I feel like I’m going to faint from fear.

“Hi Dara,” he greeted with a sweet smile, tilting his head to the side. Out of nowhere, I feel a
gut-wrenching pain starting from my head down to my toes. I screamed out loud and just
as I thought that I was going to die, two arms encircled around me and I was once again
sucked into a black hole. Instead of feeling fear, I felt oddly. . . relieved. I curled my body in
the person’s arms and a familiar scent filled my senses, driving away the after effect of the
pain Mister Ahn gave me.

I blinked my eyes opened and I found myself in the familiar receiving room of Bom’s place.
I don’t have to look up to see who it was. I already knew – right from the moment his arms
encircled around me, I knew. It’s him. But still, I looked up. I wanted to be sure, I wanted to
be certain – I wanted to see him. So I slowly looked up and I was right, it’s him.

It’s Kwon Jiyong.

My heart went wild inside my chest that it was making it hard for me to breathe. My mind –
it was only filled of thoughts that he is here, in front of me. I’ve been envisioning this scene
in my head before – us, meeting again. I had a lot of scenarios in my head on what my
reaction would be. I wanted to act nonchalant, I wanted to be casual, I wanted to show him
I don’t care anymore, I wanted to make him see I’m angry but none of those comes close to
what I’m feeling right now. I can feel the threat of tears at the corners of my eyes. I fought
them back. I have to fight them. With trembling hands, I slowly lifted them to cup his face. A
strangled gasp came out from me the moment I had his face in between my hands. He’s real,
he really is here. He feels the same – warm, soft and. . .

“J-ji. . .”

A flash of pain crossed his eyes. He looked away and closed his eyes, his jaw tightening. He
took a step back away from me and opened his eyes again upon hearing some footsteps. He
glanced to his left side and nodded. “Bom,” he acknowledged.

“Let’s go,” I heard her say. “It’s not safe here.”

Without looking at me, Jiyong reached for my arm. The moment he did, it’s as if my body
has its own mind because I just found myself curled in his side, my other arm around his
neck. As Jiyong brought me and Bom with him to I-don’t-know-where, I buried my face in
his neck. He’d lost weight that was pretty much obvious as his collarbone became more
prominent. As if I couldn’t stop myself, I inhaled his scent and rubbed the tip of my nose
along his collarbone, making him stiff.

When my feet landed on something solid, a soft moan of protest escaped my lips when he
pulled away from me. No! Why am I reacting like this? I shouldn’t be reacting like this! I
have moved on, right? I’m starting anew with Seunghyun! I shouldn’t be like this! But why,
oh why do I have this strong urge to throw myself at him, hug him and never let him go?
Why?

“CL and Sohee. . .” Bom started.

“I’m on it,” Jiyong answered then he disappeared.

A few minutes after, I fell down on the floor. I hugged my knees to myself as I felt myself
trembling. . . trembling so hard that it felt like I’m going to be torn apart. But gladly, no
tears came.

“Dara. . .” I heard Bom’s voice called out. “I know this must be a shock to you but this isn’t
the time to break down like this. . . I know you’re scared and. . .”

No, she doesn’t understand does she? I’m not trembling because of what I saw a while ago.
I’m not trembling because I’m scared of the shadows going after me. I’m not trembling with
the thought that I might be captured and tortured or whatnots by the shadows. No. . . I’m
trembling because of him. I can’t even understand it myself. I’m trying to control the
trembling of my body but I can’t. . . I just can’t. . .

There was another pop-up sound. But I didn’t look up. I don’t have the strength and will to
do so.

“What’s going on?” I heard CL’s familiar voice.

“I’ll explain later,” Bom said.

“Oh dear, what’s going on with Dara?” Sohee asked.

“I think she’s shocked,” Bom answered. “Ji, can you put her to sleep or something? I can’t
bear looking at her like that.”

Why? I wanted to ask. What do I look like right now? I felt two arms under me and the next
thing I know, I was being carried by someone. I instantly knew who it was when my body
stopped trembling but then, my heart started going wild inside my chest to the point of it
being painful. No, I can’t bear this. I wanted to be close to him, yes, but him, being kind to
me is just too much to take. I can’t bear it. . . my heart can’t bear it.

“Put me down. . .” I whispered weakly.

“I doubt you have the strength to stand up on your own feet.”

Oh dear Lord! His voice! Oh, how I missed that voice! He’s talking to me! And I wasn’t able
to stop my long-held back tears any longer.
“They’re not going to get you, Dara.”

Damn it! Why?!? Why is he being like this right now? Why am I being like this right now?
He misinterpreted my tears as fear. Yes, I know I should be crying right now because of
what’s happening. But my tears. . . they’re not because of fear. They’re for many reasons but
primarily for longing and regret – longing for him and regret of what could’ve been. . .

And maybe I’m crying because I know I can never be with him. I already made a decision to
be with TOP, haven’t I? I don’t want to hurt my Seunghyun. No, I can’t bear that as well. I
was in deep thoughts when I felt myself being lowered down in a comfortable bed. Jiyong
then placed a hand in my forehead, his eyes went all-black just before I felt myself being
pulled down into the nothingness of sleep.

---

AUTHOR’S POV

His insides were trembling. He was like a volcano about to explode but he’s trying to
contain it in. It would do him no good if he would not be able to control himself. For the
past two months, he was ruled over with hatred, agony, bitterness and pain that his dark
side started getting over him. It slowly pulled him down into the darkness. Being in the
darkness, he enjoyed it. There was no pain, only the strong surge of power and strength. He
revered it. He was aware that he was starting to fall into Ahn’s plans but he didn’t mind. He
was enjoying himself doing bad things. But then, the news of Sandara Park being the
daughter of the black phoenix pulled his normal self out of the darkness. Even as he stood
there standing, there was something boiling up inside him that wanted to escape. But he
was keeping it at bay. Slowly, he sat down at the edge of the bed. With trembling hands, he
started reaching out for her face. The moment his skin touched hers a sense of calmness
came over the other side of him that wanted to escape from him but along with the
calmness was a crippling pain beyond words that he just wanted to draw his hand away
from her. But he didn’t, he didn’t pull away. It was hard to explain but aside from calmness
and the pain, there’s also that fierce longing that he could not fight. He missed her. He
missed her so much that it was making him vulnerable to emotions he long tried to forget.

A small smile curved his lips unexpectedly and it took him by surprise as well. How long
has it been since he smiled? To think that what made him smile was her baby face seem
rather stupid but that was the truth. She hasn’t changed at all – except maybe she gained a
little weight. Although looking at her, it would not be obvious but when he carried her a
while ago, he noticed the difference.

She betrayed you, Anh’s voice echoed in his voice from before. He closed his eyes and
pulled his away from her face. He stood up, his jaw tightening. He took a deep breath to try
to calm down the boiling of emotions trying to get to the surface again. He asked himself
why he was wasting his time staring and wanting someone who would probably will never
be his when there were a lot of things he needed to do.
With determination glittering in his all-black eyes, he disappeared in a pop and reappeared
in another place. His hand instantly reached out for someone around the neck but the
person, took by surprise by his sudden appearance, fought him off. But he was able to
contained the other against the wall with his hand on his neck with the other on the front of
the person’s shirt. “I told you not to hurt her in any way!” he said, his voice different from
his own voice. It seemed like the voice came from deep down the pits of somewhere and
being echoed by different voices.

“W-what?” the other gasped.

“I told you not to hurt her in any way!” he repeated. “Or else I’ll kill you! But you put her life
in danger as well as her mother’s you fucking asshole!”

“I. . . I don’t k-know what. . .”

Jiyong’s hand tightened around his neck. “Don’t play innocent with me, TOP! She trusted
you with her secret but what did you do?!? You told Minzy and Daesung and they spilled it
to Ahn! Now everyone’s after her!!!”

Understanding dawn on TOP’s face as well as he was awash with horror. “No. . .” he
whispered. “They would never betray me.”

“They just did!” Jiyong hissed. But then, he let go and he took a step back upon seeing the
genuine shock on the other’s face. And it wasn’t just that. . . the look of pure anguish on his
face unnerved him

“That’s not true. . .”

“It is. . .” he started slowly, his insides calming down a little. “They just attacked her place a
while ago.”

TOP gasped and his eyes widened as he stared at him. “Where is she now? Is she okay? Did
they - ?”

“I was able to take her out of that place.”

“Where is she now?”

His eyes narrowed. “I don’t want to tell you.”

He opened his mouth as if to argue but then, he closed it and thought better of it. They were
enveloped in an awkward silence when suddenly, a loud popping, a screech and a growl
broke the silence.

“Jiyong!” Seungri shouted. “Need a hand here! There are hundreds of them!”
In that instant, Youngbae also appeared with at least a hundred or more of both shadows
and crows looming around them. “Sorry, brought the party here. We were starting to gain
attention back at Dara’s place!” he shouted over the noise.

Without glancing at TOP, Jiyong joined over the party. Sooner than later, he was the only
one left fighting them off as Seungri and Youngbae were beyond exhausted. It only took
Jiyong a few minutes to turn almost everyone into dust. He hated hurting the genuine
crows but most of them fell to the ground lifeless.

TOP could just stand and stare. He had never seen such brutal power and strength before.
But what left him more astounded was Jiyong’s endless mercilessness that was glinting in
his eyes.

---

Dara woke up with a start. She was disoriented at first. But when all thoughts came back to
her, she quickly jumped off of the bed and looked around her. She blinked several times
and fell down back to the bed, her eyes closed. She opened it once again and headed to
what she thought was a bathroom. And she was right, it was a bathroom. She went to
splash some water to her face and stared at her reflection.

“I’ve already made a decision,” she whispered to herself. “I’m just reacting like this because
I haven’t seen him for a while. Yes, that should be it.”

She took a deep breath again and pulled up a smile on her face. With a smile, she wiped her
face with the towel hanging on the rack. She then decided to look for Bom to borrow a
phone to call TOP. Yes, that should be the first thing she should do.

Walking out of the room, she started looking for Bom, her eyes taking in the place. It almost
looked like Bom’s place but there was an obvious difference. This place seemed to be older.
There was this ancient look to the designs on the walls, the way the place seemed so. . .
cold. She found Bom in a couch, staring at the dancing flames in the fireplace.

“Hey,” she started.

Bom turned a little and gave her a smile. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” she answered.

“Need a drink or food?”

“No, I’m good,” she said. “But. . . can I borrow a phone or something? I need to call TOP.”

“Sorry, I can’t lend you one.”

She frowned. “Why not?”

“Because –”

They both jumped when a popping sound echoed in the room. Then, they saw Seungri and
Youngbae being assisted by TOP and Jiyong. Footsteps then came in.

“Seungri!” Sohee exclaimed and immediately ran beside Seungri’s side while CL could just
look from her place at them.

“Bom, do something about their wounds,” Jiyong commanded.

“Got it,” Bom said as he went to assist her husband up while Seungri just smirked at Sohee,
cupped her face then kissed her on the lips.

“I feel much better now,” he said, grinning at Sohee boyishly, who blushed to the roots of
her hair.

“Stupid,” she mumbled, still blushing. She then helped Seungri up and the four of them
started walking out of the living room.

Dara blinked and it was when it really dawned on her that TOP was there, his face bruised.
“TOP!” she called and went to throw herself in his arms. He almost staggered backwards
but he was able to keep his stand. “What happened to your face?” she asked as she stepped
back and looked at him, her brows frowned in worry.”

“It’s less than I deserve,” he whispered and stepped away from her. Dara felt a pinch in her
heart but she ignored it. No, she would not allow TOP to reject her as well. She had enough
rejections to handle already. To her surprise, he knelt in front of her. “I’m sorry. . . I’m so
sorry Dara. . . I’m sorry. . . . sorry. . .”

“What are you talking about?”

“He’s the reason why you’re here,” Jiyong said. “He told Minzy and Daesung who you really
are and in turn, they told Ahn about it. So everyone is now after you, including those who
are close to you.”

“I-I’m sorry. . . I didn’t know they’d do that. . . I. . .”

“Really?” Jiyong softly asked. “Are you really sorry or you’re only pretending to be sorry?”

I wasn’t really sure what I was doing. But the next thing I know, my hand landed on Jiyong’s
face soundly. “You! You don’t have the right to make him feel like that! You don’t have the
right to judge him, you, out of all people! TOP would never intend to hurt me!”

“The way you said those words,” Jiyong snorted. “It’s as if you’re trying to imply that I’m the
one who placed your life in danger!”
“I’d rather have my life in danger than die a million deaths from being rejected and
abandoned by someone who I thought would never abandon me.”

Jiyong blanched. It was pretty obvious what she was trying to say. She’d rather be someone
who placed her life in danger than be with someone who abandoned her. It was like he was
whipped across the face, across his back, right in the middle of his heart. But he didn’t say
anything. He just stared back at those beautiful eyes which were now looking at him with
all condemnation and hatred.

Then, she turned around to go back to TOP only to find him gone. “TOP?” she called out.
“Where’d he go?” she turned to CL.

“He just disappeared,” she answered.

Dara then ran towards the door.

Silence filled the room as both Jiyong and CL just stood in their places, neither of them
looking at each other or acknowledging the other’s presence. Then, CL decided to break the
silence. “Aren’t you going to look for her?” she asked. “It’s not safe for her to stay outside.”

As if snapping back to his senses, Jiyong made a move towards the door.

---

Dara hugged herself tightly as she sat down on a log, her tears uncontrollably falling down
from her eyes. Then, her ears pricked upon hearing something that would be unusual in
this night, when she’s out on her own. Her senses instantly became more alert but she
didn’t move, pretended she did not hear anything. But then, the sound was the softest she
ever heard, it was like a whisper and if she wasn’t so silent, she probably would not even
hear it even if she underwent training. Alerted, her senses heightened. An uncomfortable
feeling came over her nape and she knew that whatever or whoever caused the sound was
now behind her. A hand landed on her shoulder. She didn’t think twice. As swift as a
panther, she grabbed the person’s hand, twisted the arm and was able to pin the person
down to the ground with her hovering over and her hand on the person’s neck. She
released her controlled breathing and relaxed upon realizing who it was – it was Jiyong. He
was staring up at her with wide eyes. She straightened up and stepped back, not offering
any help for him to stand up. She let him stand up on his own.

“I can’t find him,” she whispered, not looking at him,

“I found him,” he said, making her head snap back to him at once.

“Where?” she urgently asked.

Jiyong sighed. “I already talked to him. He’s not leaving, he just wants some time alone.”
“Dae and Min are like his brother and sister,” she commented. “He’s shock with the
betrayal. Even me, I never thought they’d do that.”

“Ahn had a bargain with them.”

“And what is that?”

“He promised that he’ll do everything in his power to get their adopted mother back to her
healthy state.”

Dara was silent for a moment. “TOP would never intend to hurt me,” she then said.

“I doubted it at first,” he said. “But I think you’re right.”

Silence then embraced them.

“Where. . . how did you learn to move like that?” Jiyong then broke the silence.

“I had training with TOP and Han. . .” she stopped. “Han Eul! She’s my aunt and she’s with
my mother! She might be in danger right now!”

“I’ve already checked,” he answered. “She seemed capable of herself and besides, it would
be better if we don’t make it too obvious that she’s with your mother. Ahn thinks the
phoenix is with you since you’re her daughter.”

“Well, tough luck for him,” she grimly said. “I still want to make sure she’s fine.”

“She’s fine, Dara.”

Dara flinched a little upon hearing him say her name. She went back to the log and sat
down. She buried her face in her hands as tears threaten to fall down again. She flinched a
little again upon feeling his presence beside her.

“You said you had some sort of training?” he said, attempting to have a normal
conversation with her and hoping to distract her from her worries.

Dara pulled her face away from her hands and looked up ahead. “Yes,” she answered
quietly. “TOP and Han Eul trained me for two months.”

“You’ve just trained for two months and you’re already capable of moving like that?”

Dara smiled. Jiyong sounded like a child amazed with someone who has superpowers. “Han
Eul said it will come in handy, although of course, learning how to fight would not be useful
to shadows that have powers.”
“We don’t have unlimited powers, Dara.”

She flinched again but she was able to hide it from him.

“When we’re exhausted, we would settle up with a fist fight,” he went on. “You’re skills will
be useful but of course. . .”

“Of course what?”

“I don’t think TOP would allow you to fight shadows and endanger your life.”

She snorted. “It sounds more like you though, I mean before. . . TOP believes I can do it.”

“Still, it’d be better to be sure.”

“You don’t have that much faith in me, do you?” she snorted. “I can’t blame you, though. I
did something wrong to lose your trust. But I’m not perfect, Jiyong. I make mistakes as well.
I asked for your forgiveness and begged you for it. . . but maybe it was a blessing in
disguise, you not forgiving me. If you’ve forgiven me, I’d probably still hold on to you, fight
for you and never let you go. I would never move on if that was the case. I wouldn’t have
learned how the things I learned from the training and I probably wouldn’t know how
funny, sweet and caring TOP is.”

Jiyong was silent first. But then he said, “Sometimes, the hardest to forgive are the people
who you loved the most because you have so much faith in them that they would not do
anything to lose your trust.”

“But that’s all in the past of course,” Dara said. “Anyways, I’ll go ahead. I’ll wait for TOP
inside.”

She stood up and walked away. And Jiyong could only watch her walk away from him.

-------
 Chapter 56: The Perfect Imitation

DARA’S POV

TOP didn’t show up the rest of the evening. I remained silent as well all throughout dinner
and the rest of the night. I just wasn’t in the mood. I was worried about TOP, I was bothered
with the conversation I exchanged with Jiyong that I just didn’t find it in me to participate
with the others’ planning on what should be done next. I then decided to just go ahead and
try to get some sleep. But even if I was all alone in my room, lying in my bed, I still couldn’t
find sleep. I’m confused, I’m stressed – I’m just a mess right now.

Why couldn’t be life be simple for me? Why does it have to be so complicated? It’s tiring to
live each day already. How I wish I were a different person. How I wish I’m just a normal
person, a nobody. It could have made things much easier.

And when I thought I would never sleep tonight, the next thing I knew, I was blinking my
eyes open to the sunlight streaming from my window.

With a heavy heart, I took a bath first before going of my room to check on the others.
Everyone was on the dining room, all gathered in the table for breakfast. My eyes instantly
zoomed in on TOP. “Choi Seunghyun!” I called out, a bit angrily. “Where have you been?!”

He looked up and grimaced. Then, he sighed and bowed his head again on the table.

“Ya!” I stomped. “I’m talking to you!”

“I was out,” he mumbled.

“Well, the next time you go out, inform me first so I don’t have to worry that much if you’re
okay or not!”
“Sorry,” he mumbled again.

I was about to go ranting on again but I thought better of it. With a sigh, I sat down beside
him and took his hand into mine. He tried to pull it away from my grasp but I held on tight
to his hand. He didn’t bother looking at me when Bom came in to serve the breakfast. I
noticed that everyone had the same meal except for me, Jiyong and TOP. The others have
vegetable soup, marinated chicken and steamed rice in front of them. While me and Jiyong
have a plate of pancakes in front of us. TOP, who looked utterly shocked, seemed to have
the weirdest and foulest food I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t even describe it. The food in his plate
like a mixture of all rotten fruits, vegetables and meat!

“Let’s eat guys!” Bom clapped her hands, looking so smug. I can’t really understand the
hostility between TOP and Bom.

“Why are we having different breakfast?” I asked. “And are you trying to poison TOP with
that food?”

Bom looked at me innocently. “Eh?” she asked. “What are you saying? I would not want to
poison TOP if there would be other people looking, I’ll get caught, wouldn’t I? That will do
him good since he drowned himself in drinking alcohol last night. It’ll help with the
hangover. And besides, don’t you like pancakes for breakfast?”

For some weird reason, I found myself blushed.

“Jiyong, don’t you like pancakes for breakfast?” Bom asked in her most innocent and
sweetest voice ever.

“Of course I do,” Jiyong answered softly. “I like pancakes for breakfast especially if it’s wet
with honey and butter.”
I think my face just exploded. There’s no reason for me to blush. But I’m blushing like I’ve
never blushed before.

“How about you, Dara?” Bom asked who was now seated beside her husband, Youngbae.

“W-what?”

“How do you like eating your pancake?”

What is she doing?

I was saved to say anything when TOP said, “This taste better than it looked.”

I glanced at him and saw he was starting to eat his meal. At the corner of my eyes, I saw
Bom grimaced. I glanced at her and saw her glaring at TOP before looking back to her
husband with adoring eyes. Jeez, this woman, really!

I looked around the table. Sohee and Seungri. . . they’re being the sweetest couple at the
moment. I looked at CL, who was unusually quiet these past days. Somehow, I feel bad for
her. I looked back at TOP, who was still refusing to give me a glance. With a sigh, I looked
down at my plate. Upon seeing the pancakes in my plate, I wasn’t able to stop myself from
looking at Jiyong. As I did, I saw him spreading butter on his pancake. I quickly looked away
then and started to reach out for the bottle of honey when he reached out for it, too. My
hand was around the bottle while his was around mine. We both looked at each other the
same time. I was the one who pulled away first.

“Go first,” he said.

“No, you go first,” I said. He shrugged and reached for the bottle again and uncorked it. He
started pouring some honey into his pancake and I could just stare at how much he meant
he liked eating his pancake wet with butter and honey.

Dang it! Why am I feeling awkward about this?

“You sure do like pancakes dripping with honey, don’t you Jiyong?” Bom then said.

“Yes,” Jiyong lazily answered.

Ghad! What the heck is Bom doing?!?

“Here,” Jiyong said, passing the bottle of honey to me. I cleared my throat as I reached out
for the bottle when I noticed that everyone seemed to be watching me, except for TOP and
CL. Based on the looks on their faces, they were waiting for me to pour some honey into my
pancake.

Ghad!

“Aren’t you going to spread some butter on it first, Dara?” Sohee asked.

“Oh, yeah. . .” I mumbled and placed the bottle down. I reached for the butter first. To
distract everyone, I started up a normal conversation with Bom. “Where’s your daughter,
by the way?”
“Had her safe and sound with my mother far away from home,” she answered. “I have to
make sure she’s far away from all this hassle. She’s a very sensitive and intelligent little
thing. She’ll notice something’s wrong.”

“Oh, I see. . .” I nodded absentmindedly as I finished spreading butter on my pancake. I then

reached out for the bottle of honey and started pouring some to my breakfast. I feel bad for
Bom and Youngbae. It’s because of me that they have to stay away from their daughter.

“Oh, so you also like pancakes drenched with honey, huh?” Bom’s voice broke into my
senses. “Yours looked more drenched that Jiyong’s pancakes here.”

Upon realizing that my plate was swimming with honey, I immediately settled the bottle
down, blushing again. What the hell is going on in here?!

“I was distracted,” I mumbled.

“If you say so,” Bom shrugged.

I ignored her and started eating my pancakes. While I was at it, the blush on my face
seemed to grow deeper and deeper and I don’t know why. Then, as I was about to be
finished, I heard a snort – a familiar snort until it turned to a soft chuckle. I looked up and
saw Jiyong chuckling. When our eyes met, he eventually burst out into the loudest laughter
I’ve ever heard from him. Laughter made his face looked so. . . gentle, so young, so light.
And even if I have a strong feeling that he’s laughing at me and that I should be angry at
him, I found myself staring at him with a smile gently curving my lips.

“I-I’m s-s-sorry. . .” he laughed. “I’ll finish eating mine in the living room, hahahahahahaha!”

And with that, he stood up, grabbed his plate and went to the living room.
“What’s he laughing at?” Seungri asked while Sohee was wiping the corners of his mouth
with a tissue.

“I think he’s laughing at Dara,” Bom answered, staring at me with an evilly smug look on
her face.

“I wonder why?” Youngbae murmured.

“Well, let’s admit it. A blushing Dara is adorably cute,” Bom said.

“I’m not –!”

“Oh puh-lease!” Bom exclaimed. “Don’t even start denying you’re not blushing because you
obviously are. But anyways, I’m done, gotta go and started cleaning the dishes. When you’re
all done, bring your plates to the kitchen.”

“I’ll do the dishes,” Youngbae said. “Just take a rest.”

“Aww, you’re so sweet.”

“We’re done as well,” Seungri said, standing up and grabbing Sohee’s hand.

When the four of them left, an awkward silence hung on the dining table. I wanted to talk to
TOP about last night but I didn’t want CL to be awkward and made her feel like she’s out of
place or something so I remained silent.
“I’m done,” she then said after a moment. “See you guys later.”

The moment I was sure CL was out of earshot, I turned to TOP. “We need to talk,” I started.

“What do you want to talk about?” he asked, sighing heavily.

“Why did you drink more than you can handle?”

“I’m. . . I guess I wanted to escape from all of this shit. . .”

“It’s rude to swear in front of a girl. . .”

He snorted. “Dara, you don’t know how much I want you to call me names, bad names right
now. You don’t have any idea how. . . how. . . I wanted to go and confront Minzy and
Daesung, how I wanted to crush Ahn by even thinking of hurting you. . . you don’t know
how I. . .”

“You can’t do that!” I gasped, horrified. “You’re a strong shadow but you won’t stand
against them! You can’t put your life in danger like that!”

A sad smile curved his lips. “I’ve been searching for the black phoenix for a long time now
so the old woman will be healed. I’ve dedicated most of time to find out anything about the
phoenix. But when I found who the phoenix was, how you are related to her, I totally forgot
that I’ve been looking for the phoenix for my adopted mother. Instead, all I could ever think
of was you, of how dangerous it would be to you if shadows will find out who you really
are. But I saw your reaction, your face when we’ve seen Sohee and Seungri before and
Sohee told you about the real deal with them. You were so distracted that I got angry,
jealous and frustrated. When I went to visit my adopted mother, I told Minzy and Dae about
the truth. I never really thought they’d. . . . Dara, please believe me, I never thought they
would go to Ahn and inform him about the truth.”

I sighed. “To tell you the truth, when I heard it from. . . Jiyong, the first thing I felt was fear,
not betrayal. I care about you and I know you care about me, too. I didn’t really think about
how Ahn knew who I really am maybe because I already have this feeling that this day
would come, that I really would have to face and acknowledge who I am, that I really have
to confront those shadows going after me. But even if I have that feeling, I can’t help the
fear in my heart, that I might die or my mother or anyone I care about. Then I remembered
that even if I die, I can still be brought back to life in expense of someone else’s life. And I
immediately thought of you. You have to promise me that if that would happen, you’re not
going to sacrifice your life for me, that you would not allow anyone to sacrifice their life to
bring me back to life.”

“I can’t promise that,” he said.

“Why not?” I demanded.

“Because I can’t fight Jiyong off,” he said.

“W-what?”

“He talked to me last night,” he started. “He still loves you, you know. I don’t think he’ll
allow you to be hurt or to die. And even if you do, he’d probably sacrifice himself for you
and I can’t fight him. He’s much stronger than I am.”

I opened my mouth to argue but no words came. I cleared my throat. “I. . . don’t care about. .
. h-him,” I whispered silently.

“I know you still do.”

“I care about you,” I said. “And why are you bringing him up to our conversation?”

“You should stop caring about me, Dara. . .” he said. “I’m the reason why Jiyong broke up
with you and now, I brought this mess up on putting your life in danger.”

“I’ve already forgiven you,” I said. But then, Jiyong’s words came back to me. Sometimes,
the hardest to forgive are the people who you loved the most because you have so much
faith in them that they would not do anything to lose your trust.

But that’s not it, isn’t it? I just can’t find myself to hate TOP. Yes, that’s it. That should be it.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “But I would never think of myself deserving of anything from you.”

My heart started beating fast in my chest. He’s rejecting me as well! He’s abandoning me.
“So. . . that’s just it? You’ll just throw everything away. . . just leave me like that?”

“Dara, please understand. . .”

“Let me understand then!”

“I can’t be with you anymore after everything I’ve caused!”

I shook my head. “No. . . That’s not it. You think I’m going to die, don’t you? And if I turn into
a phoenix, I can never be a human again. . .”
“That’s not it!”

“Yes, it is!”

“No!” he said. “Can’t you see? I’m not the one for you!”

“And who are you to tell me who’s right or wrong for me?! I have my own mind, I can make
decisions on my own!”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry but I can’t. . .”

I felt angry. I felt so angry that I just wanted to hit him. But looking at him, I can clearly see
in his face that he can never be talked out of it. “Let’s make a deal.”

He looked up, his eyes narrowing. “What kind of a deal?”

“Let’s fight for it,” I said. “If you win against me, I’ll leave you alone. If I win. . . you’ll just
have to deal with me whether you like it or not.”

He was silent. But then, he shook his head again. “I can’t agree to that.”

“Why not?” I demanded, my nose flaring.

“I don’t like your terms. . .” he said.

“Fine!” she said. “If I win, you have to respect whatever decision I’ll be making.”

“Fair enough,” he said. “But I have one condition. You have to make sure that you’ll think of
your decision first.”

“There’s nothing to think about,” I stubbornly said.

“No Dara, I’m serious,” he said. “I want your decision to be what you really want not what
you think you should decide.”

“Fine,” I said, my lips tightening in a thin line.

He then nodded. “Where are we going to do this, then?”

“Outside.”

We walked past by the others who were lounging in the living room.

“Where are you going?” Bom asked.

“I have a fight,” I simply said and just went ahead. I went to look for a place in the midst of
the hovering trees where we can fight. When I found one, I stopped and faced TOP only to
be surprised to see the others followed us and now gathering at the edge, watching us.
But I didn’t mind them. “No holding back, TOP.”

We stared at each other, both of us in an offensive stance. After a few heartbeats, I attacked
him but he was quick enough to dodge me. Adrenaline then rushed through my veins. And I
felt myself smile, maybe because I know TOP would not hesitate to fight me back. I heard a
snap to my left and without even looking, I went down and give my leg a swing to the left. I
heard a thud but then, my leg was trapped between his legs and he grabbed my arm,
twisting it. I gasped but then, I twisted my body around and elbowed him in the stomach.
He gave a grunt and let me go. I rolled away from him and stood up. I was about to launch
into an attack again when he suddenly jumped to his feet and attacked me. This was like
the training I had. And for some weird reason, I was confident I’ll win against him. Just
watch and see Jiyong.

I was surprised with the thought that I got distracted. He managed to almost pin me down
with five moves when I was able to escape his grip. I have to end this, I can’t be this
distracted. So, with nothing but determination vibrating all throughout my system, I
brought him down with three moves.

“Whoa!”

“How the hell did you do that?”

“Is she really Sandara Park?”

Those were just the reactions I’ve heard from the others. I smugly smiled at TOP. “I won,” I
said.

“Like what I’ve asked, you have to think of your decision first.”
“I will,” I firmly said. I stood up and held a hand out to help him up. He accepted it with a
smile.

“You’re much better now compared before.”

I grinned at him, feeling proud of myself.

“Wow, Dara!” I heard Seungri called out. Then, he was next to me. “Wow! Did you really
make those cool moves? Wow, just wow!”

I grin at him. “Really?” I asked.

“Yeah! You were really cool! You move like a panther! You even remembered some of
Jiyong’s moves back in the arena and you’ve executed them perfectly! I mean, I’ve tried
imitating Jiyong’s moves before but I failed. But you. . . it was perfect!”

My smile left my face. No! That’s not true!

“Want to have a match with me?” a familiar voice called out.

My head snapped to Jiyong.

“Oh, that would be fun!” Seungri excitedly said.

“Ri,” Sohee called out. “How could be excited about this? Dara’s a girl and Jiyong’s a well
experience fighter.”
“I think it’ll be interesting, don’t you think?” Jiyong asked. “For training’s sake?”

I don’t want to! I wanted to scream those words but then, I just felt myself shrugged. “Sure,
no problem.”

Seungri excitedly went back to the others while TOP gave me an encouraging nod and
smile. To my surprise, Jiyong suddenly stood in front of me. He was so near that I suddenly
felt claustrophobic when in fact, I’m out in an open field.

“Are you ready?” he asked, his breath fanning my face.

Oh dear. . .

“O-of course. . .”

“You’re not nervous, are you?” he whispered in a low, husky voice.

“O-of course. . .” I answered. When one corner of his lip quirked up, it then dawned on me
what I just told him. “I mean, of course not!”

“Good,” he said. “I don’t want you distracted.”

“You’re too near!” I heard myself whined.

“Sorry,” he chuckled then stepped back. “Is that better now?”

“I. . . y-yes. . .”

“Shall we start then?”

“Yes,” I said more firmly this time. We both raised our arms up, both on our offensive
stance. But I didn’t attack, I just waited.

“Aren’t you going to attack me?” he softly asked.

I shook my head. “No. . .”

“Why not?” he asked. “Don’t you want to hurt me for rejecting and abandoning you?”

My heart beat faltered then speeded up. No, it’s unfair for him to say those words in that
tone. He shouldn’t sound so hurt. He shouldn’t be!

So I attacked him, pulling up all the moves I’ve learned from Han Eul, TOP and to my
horror, some of his moves when he was still fighting in the arena. I realized how much of a
better and experience fighter he was. Even if I was moving way too quick than I used to, he
was able to dodge all of my attacks without even hurting me. In an instant, he was behind
me, holding me immobile. “I’m not perfect as well, Dara,” he whispered so that I’ll only hear
him, his nose skimming the side of my neck.
I twisted away from him and launched another attack using my feet. He easily dodged it
and made a move that almost tripped me but before my face even hit the ground, he pulled
me back right up. “I make mistakes as well. . .”

My jaw tightened. I don’t want to hear him talking in that tone! I don’t want to hear him in
that painful tone, I don’t want to!

“You want to know what the painful mistake I ever had?” he went on as I was getting
frustrated in trying to bring him down.

“Shut up!” I gritted.

“The most painful mistake I ever had. . . .” he said as he dodged my frustrated attacks. Then,
in one sleek easy move, he pinned me to the ground with him on top of me. “. . . was letting
you go.”

And in that instant, I finally accepted it. I finally accepted that I will never stop loving this
man. I tried, hell I tried. I’ve even convinced myself that I succeeded. I’ve even thought that
I’ve already moved on, that he means nothing to me already. But hearing those words from
him in that painful tone and looking at his eyes this near, I knew I can no longer deny it.

I will never stop loving him. It has always been him and will always be. This heart, this
stupid heart beating so fast inside my chest right would never stop beating for this guy.

Never.

---
 Chapter 57: The Intimate Moment

I wanted to know why, I wanted to ask myself why I can’t stop loving him, why my heart is
crazily beating inside my chest everytime I see him, why I seem to be so conscious when
he’s near.

Why?

This guy who is now staring down at me with those adorably penetrating eyes of his had
his name tattooed in my chest with me allowing him to do so. He’d always been vocal of not
believing in fairy tales or promises and how he does not want to have children but that
night, he was supposed to propose to me and would marry me which was against
everything he stood for and believed in. He, who pretended to be snob and heartless
showed me that he’s capable of being sweet, romantic, funny, playful, overprotective and a
pervert. How can he be heartless when he’s looking down at me as if wishing that I could
read what’s inside his soul; when he’s looking down at me with that gorgeous eyes filled
with pain and regret and. . . something else.

I remember, I wanted to tell him. I wanted to tell him I can remember those sweet little
moments we have; those times when he was being playful and always teasing me of how
much of a pervert and insatiable I am; those times when he’s being adorably cute acting like
a child with his childish pouts; those times when he would always scold me everytime I go
all stubborn; that time when we kissed in the rain and him giving me his family ring; that
time when he gave me the crystal-made angel-shaped necklace; those times when he
whispered the words I love you.

I can remember everything. I can remember how he fought Sulli to save me, how he fought
for me against the shadows’ protests of me being his girlfriend, how he cried in front of me,
how he protected me from Kevin, how he always hold me close to him everytime he makes
love to me.

What happened to us?

Tears, my tears seemed to be very active these days because they just started pouring
down once again. His eyes widened then. “No,” he whispered. “Please don’t cry and pity me,
Dara. I know it’s already too late.”

Stupid! I wanted to say but I was too overwhelmed with my feelings that I just bawled out
loudly. He wiped my tears away with his thumb. “Dara, please don’t cry. . .”

Hearing him say my name and the word please did it for me. I just totally cried and cried
and cried. I seemed inconsolable and I think it scared him off because he stopped wiping
my tears away with his eyes wide opened in fear, staring down at me. Then, something
dark passed in his eyes before he suddenly disappeared.
I gasped upon feeling the lost of his weight on top of me and the feel of his warm body. The
sense of loss hit me hard in the gut. Is it really too late?

How can a person who broke you into pieces fix you back up again?

But. . . I love him. There’s no question to that anymore. The question is, does he still love
me? And am I still willing to risk it?

---

It’s been two days since the match happened and Jiyong hasn’t come back yet. The others
seemed to be not worrying about his disappearance. Sohee and Seungri were being the
sweetest couple as ever, Youngbae was reading a book and would shake his head once in a
while everytime Bom would start making a point that is totally pointless, Bom was. . .
ranting on and one, well, picking up a fight with TOP, obviously who in return was
throwing teasing and insulting remarks back to Bom. CL was silent.

I, on the other hand is silent as well. I looked out through the window and saw nothing but
darkness. In a few hours, the clock will strike twelve midnight and that would mark Jiyong’s
third day of no show.

I suddenly feel suffocated. I stood up and told the others I’ll just go ahead and take some
fresh air. As I stepped outside, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. Then, I released my
breath and opened my eyes. I started walking with no exact destination in mind. I found
myself back in the clearing where I had a conversation with Jiyong. I exhaled upon seeing
the log. I sat down and looked up. I haven’t talked to TOP yet about Jiyong and my decision.
I mean, right before the match, I pretty much showed TOP that I wanted to be with him but
then. . . I can’t just tell him that I finally accepted the fact that there’s no one else I could
love but Jiyong. But Jiyong is a complicated person and loving him is complexity itself. I
know it would be simpler and easier if I just choose TOP but it would be unfair to him as
well as to me.

I sighed and stretched my legs out in front of me. “Jiyong. . .” I breathed. Then, I launched to
my stupid song in a slow pace. “Jiyong, Jiyong, Jiyongie. . . . I so miss you, Jiyongie. . .”

AUTHOR’S POV

The room went silent with his sudden appearance. “Hey, where have you been?” Bom
asked, breaking the silence.

Jiyong didn’t answer at once and just looked around the room.

“Why do you have bruises?”

“Got caught in a petty fight,” he said. “Where’s Dara?”

“She went out, said she needed some fresh air.”

“And you all let her out at this time?”

“Well, what do you expect us to do then?” Bom asked. “She’d been worried about you.”

He waved his hand impatiently and went out to look for Dara. “That stubborn girl,” he
murmured under his breath. He shook his head in disapproval as he started looking for her.
“. . . haven’t changed. . . . still as stubborn as ever. . .” he rumbled to himself.

Then he saw her. He was annoyed to see her looking as if being out in the open was not
important. “You shouldn’t be out in the open this late,” he said.

She didn’t show any signs of surprise which would mean that she either felt or heard him
approach her. It amazes him how she seemed to transform into someone he would have
never imagined her to be. She was amused and annoyed at the same time. First and
foremost, he never wanted her to literally learn how to fight although it’s a good way to
defend herself but he just didn’t want her getting hurt or injured in any way. And he can’t
help but be annoyed thinking that she now had the guts to walk around this late because
she’s now confident that she would be able to defend herself, which would not be that
effective in all situations since shadows do have powers.

His annoyance overshadowed his amusement that he scowled loudly.

“Where have you been?” she asked softly, facing him.

He grimaced. He didn’t want to tell her that he actually ran away from his fear. For a while
now, there’s this one thing that he’s really afraid of – seeing her in tears. Seeing her in tears
because of him – he’s now considering it as his greatest fear of all. That’s why he ran away a
while ago. Yes, maybe he’s actually a coward. “Just went somewhere to think,” he then said.

“Think about what?”

“Things,” he said. “But don’t change the topic. You’re not supposed to be here outside,
especially this late. You know that everyone’s after you right now.”

“Not everyone,” she said. “I mean, the humans aren’t after me, are they?” she went on,
grinning.

“Har har, very funny.”

She laughed lightly. “You know what? I’m actually thankful to Dae and Minzy for telling Ahn
who I really am.”
Anger suddenly boiled his insides. “And why is that?”

“If they didn’t tell him, I probably would not see you again. I would probably still be lost in
my delusional world that I can move on without you.”

“You seemed to have fare enough,” he said. “I mean look at you, you’re now a fighting tiny
little thing. You’ve even defeated TOP a while ago.”

“He said you talked to him. . .”

“Yeah. . . I did. . . just trying to make a point. . .” he shrugged.

She frowned and then sighed.

“You really care about him, don’t you?”

“Of course I do,” she answered. “He’s a good person.”

They both went quiet.

“What do you think will happen now?” she asked. “Do you think they’d eventually find us?”

“Yes,” he answered straightforward. “They will find us. I’m not certain on things but there’s
one thing I’m sure about.”

“And what’s that?”

He glanced at her and gave her a lopsided smile. “They won’t be able to turn you into a
black phoenix.”

“I don’t want anyone sacrificing their lives to avoid that from happening,” she grumbled.

“Sacrifices can never be avoided in situations like this. But let me ask you something. . .”

“What is it?”

“If I die tomorrow, will you shed at least a single tear for me?” he asked.

She suddenly had the urge to shout at him. How could he ask her that question? It would
not only be her tears that will be spilled. But she tried to calm herself down. “You're not
going to die,” she quietly said. “You're the direct descendant after all.”

“Being a direct descendant does not mean I’m immortal and invincible.”

“How about you?” she asked. “Will you cry if I die?”

“I don't think TOP would allow that to happen,” he responded.

“Will you allow that to happen?”

“You’re not going to die, Dara,” he said with so much finality that it gave her the urge to
laugh.

“TOP would not always be there,” she said. “Let's say I die, would it be too much to ask for
one last wish?”

“You're being ridiculous.”

“Grant my last wish, Jiyong.”

He sighed impatiently. “What is it then?”

“Kiss me.”

He didn’t say anything. She waited for any other reaction but the silence stretched between
them. She took a step forward towards him but he stepped back, as if coming to his senses.
“It’s getting late, we should get inside,” he said then turned around, walking away.

“I’ve tried stopping whatever my feelings were for you. . .” she started.

He was at the far end of the clearing when he suddenly stopped, his whole body trembling
for some weird reason. Taking advantage of it, Dara went on.

“I thought I did. . . I thought I’ve moved on. . . but I realized I can’t stop loving you. I’ve tried.
. .” she choked. “You don’t have any idea how much I’ve tried to kill or drown the feelings I
have for you so I won’t feel the pain as well. . . but I can’t. . . I just can’t stop loving you. I love
you, I love you. . . I love you.”

His fists clenching tightly while his jaw tightened. He shut his eyes tightly for a moment,
muttered a curse under his breath before opening his eyes and turned back to her. With
huge strides, he approached her. With her tears retreating back, Dara could only stare at an
angry-approaching Jiyong. She stood there, unsure of what to do. She took a step back as
he neared. And when he reached her, he cupped her face with his hands then his head
descended on hers, his soft lips touching hers until he claimed it quite possessively and
desperately.

Her response was instant. She clung to his shoulders as she kissed him equally. It’s not only
her longing for him. It also goes the other way around. The way Jiyong was kissing her quite
possessively, desperately, passionately – it’s as if all emotions that had been held back were
being poured into the kiss itself and she could only equal that as well. Come to think of it, it
was quite impossible to let another person know how you feel without using words. One of
his arms then went around her and he pulled in so tight against him that she felt like her
bones would snap into two any moment and it was like she was being choked. But she
didn’t mind. Oh, how she longed to be in his arms again, like this. She then moved her hands
from his shoulders up to his hair and curled her fingers on some strands. She missed this,
she definitely missed this. But she hadn’t known a more intense physical contact before.
And it actually gave her hope.

She didn’t want to get her hopes too high but she could not help it. But when Jiyong
grabbed one of her knees and pinned it on his side, she lost all coherent thoughts and got
lost in the wave of sensations that his lips, his hands and presence were bringing. She gave
a little groan as she felt herself being pushed back against a tree. Oh, she missed intimate
moments like these – to think that he’s actually just starting.

She made a quick gasp to take some air in and when she did that, a tongue darted inside her
mouth, causing her knees to almost turn into a jelly. She then had this urge to touch him so
she slipped her hand under his shirt and his scarred body greeted her smooth hand. With
their lips and tongues still battling, she started roaming her hand on his upper torso. Her
finger was tracing every curve again – what’s odd was, it seemed that her finger knew
where the scar would curve and would stop. She never thought that she actually
memorized his scars subconsciously and never thought she’d still remember it considering
they’ve been separated for a long time. With one knee pinned against his side, she felt his
reaction to what they were doing and her belly tightened as well. She wanted to rub her
covered self against his covered self as well and was about to do that when he suddenly
grabbed her other knee and pulled it up, wrapping her leg around his waist. The next thing
she knew, they were already in his room and he was now pushed against his locked door.
He let go of her legs, making her feet land solidly against the ground. She was then taken by
surprised when he suddenly tears her shirt into two.

He broke the kiss and started nipping, kissing and licking the skin on her bare shoulder and
neck while she was now starting to pull his shirt off of him. At some point, they were able to
take off their shoes as well, closely followed by their pants. Left with only their
undergarments, they stumbled in the bed in a mess of limbs.

Unstoppable, a set of tearing sounds filled the room followed by the throwing of what
seemed to be ruined cloth. It wasn’t long until sounds can be heard from the room and a
person could clearly hear it as he was leaning outside the door of the room.

TOP swallowed the lump in his throat and with closed eyes, he walked away.

---

DARA’S POV

I woke up with a start but I didn’t open my eyes. I was beyond exhausted and I wanted to
go back to sleep. Jeez, I forgot. . . erm, the extent of my stamina was. I think I really am a
pervert or it could be that I just missed him so much and words weren’t enough anymore to
express how I feel. I smiled, biting my lower lip as I tried to suppress the giggle threatening
to come out from me. For some reason, I felt. . . contented, wanted and happy. Maybe
because Jiyong didn’t hold back and heck, I heard him made sounds at the peak of our. . . of
our. . . aigoo! Just thinking of the word makes me all giddy up inside.

Aigoo, aigoo, aigoo!

And we did not just have one round, there were at least. . . aigoo, I wasn’t able to count! I
sighed in contentment. I can feel his presence, his warmth. . . and it felt so good.

“Morning,” he greeted in that husky and sexy voice of his. Gaaaaaaaah!

“Hmm. . .” I murmured.

“I know you’re awake,” he said. “You have a stupid grin on your face right now.”

I opened one eye and peered at him. Then, I smiled and opened them both. “Morning,” I
greeted back. “Oh, is it morning already?”

“Yes,” he answered. “It’s seven in the morning already.”

“Oh,” I mumbled, not really interested with the time right now.

“Any plans of getting up?”

I shook my head and closed my eyes again, cuddling closer to him. We went silent for a
moment.

But then, he decided to break it. “Any plans of talking some things out?” he asked.

I heaved a sigh. “Actually, there are a lot of things I wanted us to talk about,” she said. “But I
don’t want to ruin the mood that we have right now just yet. Maybe we can talk later.”

“What mood exactly?” he asked. I can just hear the smile in his voice.

“Well, you. . . me. . . wrapped in each other’s arms. . . naked under the sheets. . . that kind of
mood.”

He chuckled a little. “You haven’t changed. . .”

“I told you, my feelings for you haven’t changed.”

“Dara. . . about that. . . I’m. . .”

“Shhhhh…..” I shushed him, my body suddenly becoming alert. I’ve been ignoring it for a
few minutes already but the silence is just too much. “Something’s wrong. . .” I murmured.
“What do you mean?”

“It’s so quiet outside. . .” I said, sitting up. “Jiyong. . . something’s wrong. . . the forest outside
is. . . way too quiet.”

-------
 Chapter 58: The Final Chaos

He seemed to think for a while but then, he gave me a small nod, put on a shirt and jeans all
in one go then disappeared. I sat there, on the edge of the bed, trying to listen to anything
unusual. I don’t like this, I don’t like this at all. I really have a bad feeling about this. I
chewed on my lower lip and looked around the room. A pop then sounded. I looked up and
saw Jiyong. I stood up. “Aww,” I winced.

“Are you alright?” he asked, holding my arm.

“I feel sore,” I said, almost in a whiney voice. I saw the expression on his face changed. From
being worried and angry, it changed to a suppressed grin.

“Oh,” he said with a straight face. Awkward silence then embraced us.

“Sore but satisfied,” I then mumbled, making him laugh. I smiled. I really missed that sound.
I was about to say something when I noticed something flashed in his eyes. I stilled.
“Something’s wrong, isn’t it?”

He looked away. He then went to the built-in cabinet and pulled out two items – a boxer
and a loose long sleeved polo shirt. “Get dressed,” he said, handing me the two items. Well,
he did ruin my clothes, didn’t he? He also picked up my bra and threw it to my direction. I
pursed my lips and decided to put on some clothes first before pursuing my case.

“Strap my bra, please.”

He didn’t say anything and just complied. I then slipped on the loose shirt and his boxers
on. He suddenly stooped low and was about to carry me when I stopped him.

“What’s wrong?”

“I already told the others to –”

“Jiyong, I’m not really that weak anymore.”

He looked up, his eyes flashing angrily at me. “Do really want to know what’s wrong? Well,
the whole forest outside had been wiped off and there are at least thousands of shadows
staying a few thousand miles from us, surrounding this place! You don’t even have any idea
how surprised I am to know that the population of shadows had gone up this high and I
didn’t even sense their presence!”

“Well. . . I think you were a bit distracted. . .” I mumbled softly, trying to lighten the
atmosphere. “I mean, I was pretty loud while, you know. . .”

He then buried his face in his hands. “Oh, Dara! What am I going to do with you?”
“Love me again. . .” I blurted out of nowhere. He opened his mouth but then, he got
distracted with the sound of voices coming from the outside. Without saying anything, he
just scooped me up then transported. I just clung to him and let him be. Maybe because I
was scared to hear what he’s going to say.

We reappeared in what seemed to be one of the rooms in this small place. The others were
already there. “Open it,” I heard him say.

Seungri then leaned down and pulled out the carpet. I saw a plain floor but then, Seungri
caressed his hand over the smooth floor, making me frown. I tried to look over his shoulder
but I can’t get past through it even if I was already craning my neck. To my surprise, there
was a rumbling sound then a set of stairs then started descending.

“The basement had been built previously by healers to prevent shadows from transporting
in and out,” Jiyong told me. “You should be safe down there.”

My head turned to him sharply. “What do you mean by that?” I asked, my voice increasing
in pitch. “I’m coming with you!”

“No, you aren’t.”

“But how did they find us?” Bom asked, cutting me off the privilege to retaliate back.

“I intend to find that out,” Jiyong answered.

“Well, maybe there's a spy here among us,” Seungri said.

“It’s not the right time for jokes, Seungri,” Youngbae sternly said.

“I’m just trying to be a participant,” he said.

“So what’s basically the plan?” TOP asked as we started descending the stairs. I looked
down, my cheeks blushing. I haven’t talked to him yet and I feel so guilty right now.

“Well, basically, all of the girls will be staying down here and all of the guys will be going
out there.”

“You’re joking!” me, Bom, CL and Sohee all exclaimed.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Jiyong asked.

“You can’t really expect me to stay here when my husband and my friends are in danger,
can you?” Bom said.

“I agree,” CL said.
“Yes, I can’t let Seungri go without me as well,” Sohee said.

I wanted to protest as well but I couldn’t find my voice.

“You don’t really have that much of a choice, do you?” Seungri said.

“I won’t allow it as well,” I said.

Jiyong looked down at me. “Do you really want us to argue about this right now?” he asked.
“Dara, this isn’t just about me or Youngbae or Bom or anyone else. Think for just a second,
what would happen if they would capture you? it’s not only the shadow world that will be
affected, but also the world of the normal people.”

“He’s right, Bom,” Youngbae said. “Let’s face it, you girls are normal human beings and you
won’t stand a chance against a shadow that can use their powers on you. You’ll only end up
being used to get us or Dara or the phoenix.”

I felt heavy. This would not happen if I wasn’t who I am. I wonder if Han Eul and my
mother are aware of the recent events.

Jiyong then put me down on a couch as we are now in a large circular room that looked like
much of a chamber of a queen from old times. Without saying or looking at me, he went to
Seungri and started talking to him while Sohee just clung to Seungri’s arms. Bom looked
like arguing with Youngbae in one corner. My eyes landed on CL and I somehow felt bad for
her. I was about to go talk to her when TOP approached me. He gave me a small smile.

“Just thought of saying hello,” he said. “This might be the last time I may be able to say that
to you or even see you.”

“Don’t talk like that!” I said, standing up. Oh God, I don’t like this. My heart thundered
painfully in my chest. He’s been with me when I was all alone. He’s been very patient and
God knows how much I wanted to repay him back, how much I wanted to repay his
feelings. I do care about him, and I do love him. But. . . Jiyong. . . he’s just. . . he’s just the one
for me.

I reached out for TOP’s face, tears started stinging my eyes. No matter how hard I deny it,
what he’s saying is actually quite true. Reality check, how can four teenagers fight
thousands of full grown and well-experienced shadows? Jiyong might have the chance of
survival but as for the others, I’m not really sure and it pains me to think of it. It was
actually quite funny how I was talking about this with Jiyong just a few hours back and
now, it’s actually happening.

“We still need to talk, so you have to come back, okay?” I said, my voice cracking.

“I don’t want to make a promise that I couldn’t keep,” he replied.

And I just threw myself in his arms, hugging him tightly. Tears flowed endlessly from my
eyes but I refrained from making any sounds. It would only make it harder for both of us.
We were in that state when we heard a loud bang followed by the place being shaken.

“I guess that’s our cue,” Seungri said.

I met Jiyong’s eyes while I was in TOP’s arms. His jaw tightened and he just looked away,
saying, “Let’s go.”

I then somehow understood what I saw in his eyes so I let go of TOP and chased after him.
Jiyong was already up in the stairs when I reached him. I grabbed his arm and pulled him
back, making him face me. Without saying anything, I cupped his face and tiptoed to reach
his lips. I kissed him as hard as I can and as passionately as I can.

“I love you,” I panted, breaking the kiss. “I love you. . . I love you. . . I love you. . . and I’ll wait
for you, okay? I’ll wait for you no matter what.”

He stared at me in silence. Then, he pushed me against the wall and roughly claimed my
lips. I don’t what it meant. It could mean different things but I let it slipped my mind. Right
now, Jiyong’s kissing me, I can feel his presence surrounding me, his scent, his warmth, his
very essence.

Prematurely, he broke the kiss and looked away, his jaw tightening and his eyes closed.
Then, he breathed out heavily and let me go without saying anything. He just walked away
and I was rooted on my spot for some reason, just watching his back.

I don’t like this feeling at all. And even before I knew, the secret passageway was closed and
I was left with the rest of the girls.

---

AUTHOR’S POV

“Whoa!” Seungri exclaimed. “What the hell happened here?”

“They wiped out the entire forest!” Youngbae exclaimed.

Jiyong and TOP didn’t say anything. Their eyes were focused on the people standing a few
miles away from where they were. “When did the shadow population grown like this?” TOP
then said.

“I think Ahn had been more secretive than I thought,” he said. “He used to do some
experiments to try to reproduce another descendant since I wasn’t prepared to take the
role. But it seemed that he’s been reproducing shadows in general.”

“Freak,” TOP whistled.

“Why do you think they haven’t attacked yet?”

“I’ve been wondering about that as well,” Jiyong said. “But I think I already have an idea and
it’s nice.”

“Nothing about shadows is nice,” Youngbae murmured.

“There is,” Seungri said. “Me.”

“True,” Jiyong sighed. “Your scarred face is pretty nice to look at.”

“Har har, very funny!” Seungri said. “But seriously guys, I will always be honored fighting
next to you.”

“That’s just disgusting,” both Jiyong and Youngbae said.

“You two will always be my best friends, even if you treat me so unfairly sometimes,”
Seungri said. “So, if something happens to me, look after Sohee for me, okay?”

“Can you just shut your mouth up?” Jiyong snapped.

“And. . . look after Chaerin as well.”

Well, since Seungri started it, I might as well make a request,” Youngbae followed. “You
know who the most important people in my life are – my wife and my daughter so take
good care of them, Jiyong, okay?

“Do I look like a caretaker?” he asked.

“Well, frankly speaking,” TOP finally broke his silence. “You’re the only one who got the
chance to survive this.”

“Are you all guilt tripping me?” Jiyong asked. “If so, you can go back inside and wait for the
result.”

All three snorted. “Did you really think we’ll let you fight them alone?” Seungri asked.

“Like you said, this isn’t just about protecting Dara or her mother, Jiyong.”

“Enough with these talks,” Jiyong grimaced. “It’s creeping the hell out of me. And if I do lose
control, stay away from me.”

“I’d love to!” Seungri beamed.

“Now everything’s clear, let’s have this over and done.”

Jiyong took a deep breath then gave a loud half-screech, half-whistle. Silence ensued next
but sooner or later, ordinary crows started flying in to their direction, circling above their
heads.

“Nice of you to call our friends,” a loud and familiar voice echoed in Jiyong’s head.

“What do you want?” he asked, his eyes scanning the area, looking for him.

“You know what I want, Jiyong,” Ahn answered. “And I can’t understand why you’re fighting
me.”

“I guess we just have differences that we can never settle,” he answered back, still trying to
look for him.

“Looking for me, Jiyong?”

“Where are you?” he hissed.

Laughter then filled his ears. “I’m here, Jiyong!”

Ahn then popped in the middle of the wiped-out forest with two people in front of him. One
was his mother and one was his stepfather who was motionlessly lying on the ground. His
mother was on her knees, facing him, all tied up in rope. Anger started boiling inside of him
and he could just imagine his dark side smirking smugly at him.

“Easy Jiyong,” Youngbae whispered. “Don’t bite his bait.”

“One more chance, Jiyong,” the man called out. “It’s all up to you, just give me what I want.”

“I’m not really sure if you’re just being stupid or what,” Jiyong called back. “Why ask a
question that you already know the answer to?”

The man nodded and sighed, looking crestfallen. “Well, if that would be the case. . .” he
trailed and caressed Jiyong’s mother’s hair. Then, he pulled her head and snapped it in two
in just a blink of an eye. Her body fell forward, lifeless. It happened so sudden that the four
of them just stood there, staring. Jiyong, face bearing no emotions, started taking lifeless
steps forward. Each step he took gave way to one tear until it finally dawned on his
conscious mind what just happened, what he had just witnessed. The pain started
spreading to his system and the urge to let his dark side take over was so tempting. Letting
it take over would stop him from feeling pain, only pleasure from seeing others suffering.

“Jiyong!” someone called out. “Dara is expecting you to return to her in your normal state,
you can’t lose control right now!”
Jiyong stopped in his tracks. It was TOP’s voice but why should he care? He didn’t promise
he’ll return for her, right?

“He’s provoking you,” TOP went on. “If you lose control, it might trigger the phoenix to
come and you don’t really want that, do you? Think of what Dara would feel if you and her
mother would fight!”

Why should she think of other people’s mothers when his mother is dead? Whose mother
was that again? he thought.

Dara, a side of his mind answered. Dara’s expectant face then popped into his mind and it’s
as if his mind was cleared with the dark clouds hovering over it and his dark side retreated
back to the deepest part of him. But then, the pain was just so crippling that all he could
ever think of was getting revenge.

“You started this,” he said, letting himself fade slowly into a dark smoke, his eyes getting all
black. Seeing this, the other three then went to their shadow mode on. With a smile, Ahn
signaled the others to attack as well as Jiyong urging the crows to attack.

Half of the shadows surrounded Jiyong, Youngbae, TOP and Seungri while half of them
went to attack the house.

-----
You can have this as a BGM

or the piano version, whichever you prefer. You can just replay if it's finished.

----

Meanwhile, the girls were all anxious of what’s going on outside. Sohee was especially
worried for Seungri. “My father might face him off personally because of what we did,” she
said. “We were pretty surprised that he didn’t start doing anything to us after what we did.”

“Seungri knew what he involved himself into,” Bom said. “Surely, he would not expect less?”

Sohee was about to answer back when they felt the whole place shaken up that dusts from
the ceiling started falling off heavily. They can hear mixture of sounds – screeches, voices,
shouts, screams, banging sounds, explosions, among other things.

“The shadows would not be able to use their powers inside this room,” Bom said. “So they
might go for physical fight. Sohee, I think you better stay at the back.”

“I know how to fight,” Sohee gritted. “It should be Dara staying at the back since she’s the
one they wanted the most.”
“I’m –” Dara started when the sound of incoming footsteps stopped her.

They all went still. Dara’s heart started beating so hard against her chest that she was
finding it difficult to breathe. Truth be told, she was scared. She was scared to death. Then,
slowly, a person emerged into the room followed by a horde of shadows.

“Hello ladies,” Ahn greeted them, smiling. “Oh, dear daughter, you’re also here.”

“Dad, stop this. . .” Sohee said.

“Your mother is quite disappointed with you,” he said. “Choosing that low-life shadow as
your lover, it’s an insult to us. It makes me wonder how you can stomach watching his ugly
scarred face. His name is Seungri, right? But don’t worry dear, some of my friends are now
eliminating him.”

There was an outraged scream and Dara stood frozen in shock as she watched CL launched
to attack Ahn but then, a shadow leapt forward and attacked her. And I then realized that
CL actually knew how to fight as well. But then, Ahn stepped aside and let the other
shadows in.

“You can do whatever you want, just leave the phoenix girl and my daughter alive,” Ahn
said. And it angered Dara so she joined in with Bom and CL fighting the shadows off. Sooner
or later, Sohee joined in.

Adrenaline rushed through her veins and she felt so cool fighting off a number of shadows
all at once. She never felt this good before as she was never a supporter of violence. She
still doesn’t support violence but just having that ability to defend herself and her friends
was something she somehow takes pride on. She suddenly felt responsible for them and for
her life, she felt independent and strong. But she knew it was limited. The shadows coming
in on them seemed endless and she didn’t have the enough stamina to fight all of them. If
she falls down now from exhaustion, Bom and CL might fall down from exhaustion as well
and the shadows would not hesitate to kill them.

If previously asked, she would probably let them be to save herself and Jiyong. But the
things she went through taught her that there is a world outside the world that she created
for herself and Jiyong. And that world is beautiful and should not be ruined – that world
where friendship exists; that world where you make mistakes and learn from it; that world
that will teach you how to be strong; that world that will laugh at you; that world that will
cry with you; that world that would not really care if you die or not; that world where you
create memories with your loved ones and even with your enemies; that world where you
love and get hurt; that world where you will be loved and you’ll find your happiness.

She wants to be part of that world. She wants Jiyong to be part of that world as well. But
they’re not the only ones who have the right to be part of that world. Bom and CL have the
right to be part of that world, too. Bom, being with her daughter and watch her grow. CL,
finding someone she can be with. And she thought, life is all about choices. I learned that
well from my past experiences. Sounds pretty easy, huh? But not quite. What if the choices
are to gain or to lose; to be loved or to love; to leave or to be left; to live or to die; to kill or
to be killed? Will you be able to choose? It always goes down to one thing. It’s either be
selfish or be selfless. However it may be, consequences will always come forth. As much as I
don’t want it, I know that along the way, lives will be taken, hearts will be broken and a
happy ending will be impossible for some of us.

She doesn’t have anything to ask anymore. She only wanted Jiyong to love and forgive her,
to be with him. She also wanted to have a family with him, of course. But then, having a
family would have another descendant and that is not good thing. If both Dara and Jiyong
will be gone, then there will be no useless battle and wasted lives. It will be prevented. She
was in that thought when she heard a scream, Sohee’s scream. She paused for a moment
and looked for her. She was writhing on the floor with pain. She looked back at Ahn and
saw him staring at Sohee. Now this made her frown, as far as she knew, shadows can’t use
their powers inside this room.

Sohee writhed and screamed some more. “What’s going on?!” Bom screamed over the
chaos.

“I don’t know!” she answered. She looked back at Mr. Ahn and saw him holding some sort
of a device in his hand and he was pressing it.

“Hmm,” he murmured. “It seemed that my experiment on you is actually working.”

A painful ringing hit her ears. Experiment, the word echoed and bounced off the walls of
her mind. Who sane parent would experiment on his child to inflict pain?

“Stoopppppppppp!” she screamed so hard that the whole room reverberated. She felt
everyone went still. “Enough!”

Ahn narrowed his eyes. “Take my daughter,” he ordered the shadows that stopped fighting.

“Don’t touch her!” she screamed. “I hate you. . . I hate you. . . I hate you. . .”

“That’s a strong word, girl.”

Her mind just went blank. Now she understood how Jiyong feels everytime he sees her in
danger. Sohee might not be that close to her compared to Bom or TOP or Jiyong but just the
thought of a parent experimenting on his child to inflict pain and use as bait was so
repulsive to her that it made her saw red.

“You’re the vilest creature I’ve ever known,” she said before launching to attack him. At the
same time, she saw CL did the same but the other girl was blocked by the other shadows.
Even without powers, Ahn was quick and strong. No matter how hard she tried to hit him
just once in the face, he would always successfully dodged her without any efforts. And she
knew he was laughing at her and it enraged her even more.

As she fought Ahn, Youngbae and Han Eul suddenly arrived. Youngbae started pulling off
the shadows fighting his wife while Han Eul had a bow on hand and shooting some arrows
into some of the shadows crowding around CL.

“Dara!” Han Eul screamed. “Stay away from him!”

Dara heard Han Eul but she can’t stop herself from fighting Ahn, not now. Not now that she
can still hear Sohee panting and sobbing, all curled up on the floor.

“Dara!” Han Eul screamed again.

When Han Eul ran out of arrows, she used her bow to fight off the shadows together with
CL, Bom and Youngbae. But shadows just keep on coming until it was already too
overwhelming for the four of them. Bom’s arms were grabbed by two shadows at each time
and Youngbae went to help his wife. But then, the number of their enemies was just too
overwhelming that a shadow attacked him from behind, grappled his neck and twisted it so
hard that the joints broke. Bom went still and watched as her husband’s body fell forward,
lifeless.

Her grief rendered her weak that she fell to her knees, just staring with eyes wide opened
at Youngbae’s dead body – his eyes opened and staring blankly ahead. And she was being
attacked. For a moment, she wondered why they were not killing her just as what the other
shadow did to Youngbae.

She wanted to go with him, she wanted to fade with him but then, it’s as if her subconscious
mind was protesting against it because the image of her daughter floated in her mind. And
the image of her smiling, looking exactly like her father suddenly gave her the will and
strength to survive.

Unknown to most all of them, Daesung slipped past all of the chaos, picked up Sohee and
gave a brief nod to Ahn who was still busy making fun of Dara. But CL saw Daesung
carrying Sohee away from the chaos. Sohee would be safe but she knew Seungri wouldn’t
be too happy to see Sohee being carried by Daesung so evading some of the other shadows,
she went after Daesung. She ran through the chaos, just flailing her arms all over the place.
She climbed the stairs and when she reached the last step, she was surprised to see that
everything was wiped out – the trees, the house, everything. Her eyes ran through the area.
There were dead bodies and crows here and there. There were flying and attacking crows
as well. She wasn’t sure of the number of shadows but they were a lot, transporting here
and there, screaming here and there. . . it was pure chaos. She couldn’t make out where
Seungri was. She could only make out Jiyong’s profile that was emanating dark vibrations,
sending shadows around him down to the ground, writhing. Goosebumps covered her all
over. She had never seen Jiyong like that before.
Sohee’s scream brought her back to her reverie. Shaking her head, she started running after
Daesung, hoping that he would not transport somewhere. And she was more than grateful
when she finally reached him. She gave him a kick in the back, making him stumble a little
bit forward. Sohee was dropped off to the ground and she rolled over.

Daesung faced CL, his stance defensive but then, he straightened up upon seeing the girl.
“You don’t really want me to hurt you, do you?” he asked.

CL replied by swinging her arm to his face but Daesung easily dodged her and when his
eyes turned pitch black, she knew she was in danger. And she was right because she just
dropped to her knees, her eyes rolling back to her head. She didn’t want to scream, she’s
not that type of person but she wasn’t able to help it. An eerie scream escaped her lips and
it took the attention of the nearby shadows.

“I’ll handle her,” Minzy’s voice appeared. “Take Sohee.”

Daesung turned away from CL and the scream faded. As he was about to go pick up Sohee, a
shadow transported just beside the girl – Seungri. Seungri pulled the girl in her arms then
disappeared before Daesung could even stop him.

He turned back to Minzy but she was already fighting with CL. He was about to help his
sister when he was suddenly pushed away by an invisible hand. And when he looked up, he
saw TOP whose eyes showing his emotions – he felt betrayed.

“Why?” TOP asked. “WHY?!?”

“Ahn promised to heal mother,” Daesung answered. “And that’s what we wanted from the
start, right?”

“BUT LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE DONE!!!” TOP screamed.

“Are you really concern of what is going on or you’re only thinking of your precious
Sandara Park? By the way, did she choose you over Jiyong?”

TOP didn’t answer.

“She didn’t, huh?” Daesung chuckled. “So what’s the point of all of this, Seunghyun? You
should be fighting with us, with me, Min and mother! Not with them!”

“I’m fighting for what is right!”

“Why, is it wrong to want the person who raised us to get better? Do you really love that
girl so much that you’re choosing her over the person who took you without having any
second thoughts?”
“I care about the old woman, Dae,” TOP said. “But do you think she’d be happy to know that
we’d let things like these happen just to save her? Dae, lives are being wasted here! Aren’t
you even looking around you?”

“I don’t care about anyone else!”

TOP shook his head, saddened of where the conversation was heading.

“Look, I don’t really want to fight you,” Daesung then went on. “So stay out of my way.”

TOP was silent for a moment but then, his eyes gone all-black as well. “I’m afraid I can’t
allow that.”

“So be it, then.”

On the other hand, CL was having a hard time fighting off Minzy. She felt so drained out and
she could no longer stand straight. The girl smirked at her. “Well, I might just have to let my
friends finish you, huh?” she said then gave a tiny whistle. Two or three crows flew in and
started attacking CL. She protectively covered her head with her arms and just stayed down
on the ground, all curled up. When she thought it’ll never stop, two arms encircled around
her. And when she opened her eyes, Seungri’s scarred face greeted her. “W-where am I?”
she asked.

“Far from the trouble,” he answered. “I don’t really think they’ll bother going after you, they
only care about Dara. As much as I want to bring her here, I can’t. They’ll only follow her
here and more innocent lives will be taken. I’ve already told Jiyong a while ago that it’d be
better if you, Sohee and Bom are far away from Dara but he thought the others won’t find
the place we’re hiding and he said that it’d be better if we stick together because it’d only
make all of us vulnerable if we’re all separated.”

“Bom. . .you need to get her. Youngbae. . . he’s. . . he’s dead.”

“W-what?”

“Youngbae’s dead.”

Pain flashed through his eyes. He closed his eyes for a moment then opened them again,
signs of pain all gone.

“I need to go,” he said. “You can look after yourself, right?”

“Yes,” she answered.

He smiled a little. “I know you’d say that,” he said. “And do me a little favor, look after Sohee
as well. She’s in the other room.”
“Okay. . .”

Back to the underground room, as Dara made another attack, Ahn was able to get hold of
her arm, twist it around and held her back. Then, she heard it, three arrows swooshing her
way. Instinctively, she bent her body forward to avoid them as basing on the sound; the
arrows were aimed for the head. She expected Ahn to gasp in surprise or even fall down to
his knees but when she straightened up, she saw that he was able to catch all three arrows
shot by Han Eul in one hand. He then threw it back to Han Eul and Dara saw Han Eul was
about to evade it when six shadows crowded around her and restrained her from moving.
The arrows then hit her – in the forehead, in the chest and in the stomach. Dara wasn’t sure
how that happened. It was impossible but she could just watch as her aunt stumbled to the
floor bathing in her own blood.

She tried to search for Sohee, CL and Bom but they were nowhere in sight.

“All alone, eh?” Ahn whispered against her ear, giving her goosebumps as he ran his nose
up and down her ear. “What is it about you, huh? Jiyong was almost there – almost being
the shadow descendant that he is but when he heard from those two stupid minions your
name and your relationship with the phoenix, he then went back to his normal state. Why is
that?! TELL ME!”

She didn’t say anything. She was trying to save her strength. She started counting the
shadows in front of her. It was more or less than a hundred. She needs to do something. Her
mind was busy thinking of tactics when she was pulled back to earth with Ahn’s hand
slipping through her shirt. She heard her bra snapped. She felt so revolted that all of her
plans disappeared into smoke and she just went to a barbarian attack. She stepped on his
foot, elbowed him on the stomach, twirled around to face him and kneed him in between.
As soon as Ahn bent down in pain, the rest of the shadows crowded around her. And she
was helpless against them. No matter how hard she tried to pull up all moves she learned
from Han Eul and TOP, they were useless. She was so exhausted already – and being human
at the moment that she was, her strength was limited. And so, she limply held on to one of
the shadows’ arms, trying to keep herself up straight but then, someone kicked her knees
that she just knelt down to the floor, panting heavily.

She then gasped when someone pulled her hair up painfully. A resounding slap then landed
on her face that she felt like her head was separated from her body. Upon looking up, she
found out it was Ahn. “Drag her by the hair up the stairs,” he ordered. “And bring the boy’s
body up as well.”

Dara wondered for a moment who the boy was. But she soon found. It was Youngbae and
she swallowed back her scream and cry of agony upon seeing him lifeless and being pulled
around like a rag doll.
Pain lanced across TOP’s back. Turning around, he saw Minzy glaring up at him, holding a
whip. “Stay away from my brother!”

Daesung took advantage of the situation. He went closer to TOP, placed his hand on either
side of his neck. In that instant, TOP felt pain went deep to his soul. He never intended to
kill Daesung. He was just supposed to knock him out but as he evaded Daesung’s attempt to
twist his neck, he then realized that the siblings would not hesitate to inflict pain on him
and it was more painful than all types of pain. Closing his eyes, he willed all of his strength,
sent Minzy flying backwards to nowhere in particular before facing Daesung again. He tried
to search for a glimmer of hope in Dae’s eyes – just once, just a glimmer that he isn’t as
merciless as what he’s showing now. But there was nothing. There was only determination
and bloodlust in his eyes. And TOP knew he had to make a choice. He couldn’t afford seeing
Daesung lose control like this. He must save him but the only way of saving Daesung from
Ahn’s influence would be brutal, merciless and evil. But choices must be made.

As soon as Dara was out of the underground room, she felt her body frozen. She knew then
that they were past the border where shadows could not use their powers. She wanted to
scream but she couldn’t even move a muscle, bounded by invisible rope that Ahn placed
upon her. When she was out in the open, she could only stare wide-eyed at how many dead
bodies were lying on the ground, at how many flightless crows were writhing on the
ground with their broken wings – some were obviously dead. And on the middle of all the
dead bodies and all the blood was Jiyong. My pancake, she thought. And it pains her to see
him in that state.

“Kwon Jiyong!” Ahn called out. Jiyong paused, as well as the others – even the crows
stopped attacking shadows. Dara was then pulled up by Ahn and he made her stand up in
front of him. Her tears then fell upon seeing Youngbae’s body thrown casually in front of
her, followed by Jiyong’s mother and stepfather. Han Eul came next.

Dara could only stare at Jiyong – he was such a beautiful man even if he was surrounded by
the eerily black and violet smoke or water or air or whatever it is surrounding him. she
then felt something cold, smooth and sharp on her throat, slowly gliding down to her neck
and to the top of her shirt.

“Stop being a rebel Jiyong and all will be back to normal,” Ahn said.

Dara then wanted to scream when she heard the top button of her blouse falling to the
ground, followed by another then another. Ahn then stopped. He brought the knife to
Dara’s chest, just in between her breasts and dug the knife in shallowly, creating a small
wound. Dara felt something warm and wet trailed down from her chest and lower. And she
knew what it was – blood. She then felt Ahn’s finger wiped the blood off of her and from the
corner of her mind, she saw him placed his finger inside his mouth, sucking her blood.

“Hmm,” he murmured loudly. “She tastes good, Jiyong.”

She wasn’t really sure if Ahn was simply stupid and brainless or just mainly an asshole. If
he wanted to calm Jiyong down, he was obviously doing it the wrong way because Jiyong
looked even more violent and out of control. He looked worse compared to the time that he
totally lost control and hurt her.

“Watch her die and come back to life as a phoenix,” Ahn shouted and raised the dagger high
up in the sky.

She closed her eyes tight as she could not even move a limb. Her tears flowing endlessly –
she was going to die. I’m going to die, she thought.

She was mentally and physically preparing herself for the pain the knife would bring but
then, a loud singsong cry echoed around the place. She then felt Ahn disappeared from
behind her. Then, a soft feather touched her cheek. She opened her eyes and found herself
capable of moving her body. As she looked around, she saw her mother, flying to her
rescue.

But then, she felt something so strong coming off from afar. It was Jiyong – looking up at the
phoenix flying around, chasing shadows away. There was a look in his face that scared her.
The look on his face as he stared up at the phoenix was evilly hungry. I heard Ahn’s
laughter from somewhere. “That’s it Jiyong!” he shouted. “That’s right!”

Dara could only stare at Jiyong as he started. . . deforming. “No. . .” she whispered and she
felt herself moving forwards, towards Jiyong.

“Don’t let the girl touch Jiyong!” Ahn’s voice shouted. “Not now that his evil side his
naturally reacting to the presence of the phoenix! He won’t transform to a true descendant
form if the girl will touch her!”

She was just walking but she found herself running now. It was then that she realized what
Sohee said was true – they’ve been observing them far too long. They knew that she could
calm him down. It made her determine to reach him. That she didn’t even notice TOP and
Seungri fighting off the shadows trying to block her way. She then felt something on her
shoulders then the next thing she knew, she was already being lifted up. She looked up and
saw her mother carrying her with her claws which were amazingly gentle on her shoulders.

“Mom!” she said for the first time. “I need to get to Jiyong!”

“We need to give him some time to transform!” Ahn shouted again. “Distract the phoenix!”
Crows, which were defending Jiyong a while ago, started attacking her mother. Sooner or
later, most of the shadows turned into crows, including Ahn who was unexpectedly huge
and circled around them. They all launched at once the same time Dara heard a dozen of
arrows coming their way.

The phoenix gave a loud cry, making the arrows turn into dust. Then, Dara felt her mother
letting go of her. She started falling down and all she could do was scream her lungs out -
just as she thought she’d hit the ground, a set of arms encircled around her – TOP’s. A
strong force then pushed them backwards, sending them flying away. Dara, TOP and
Seungri landed a hundred miles away from the place in a loud thud.

Dara panted as she tried to push herself up. Looking straight ahead, she then saw what
seem to be a large transparent dome made of electricity caging her mother, some of the
shadows and Jiyong inside. There were crows flying above the gigantic bubble and when
one of them tried to dive into it, it turned into dust. She then realized it was coming off from
her mother, who seemed to be fighting off the shadows pretty well.

Her eyes then went to Jiyong. She stared. It was no longer Jiyong. In his place, surrounded
by violent black and red and violet was the most beautiful creature she’d ever set eyes on. It
was some sort of a bird, as huge as the phoenix with black feathers with a dip of red and
violet on the tip of each feather on its wings.

“That’s not good,” TOP said.

“W-what do you mean?” Seungri asked, who sounded to be in pain.

“When I was researching about the phoenix in the underground library, I read something
about the shadows’ direct descendant’s true form. The book said that once the direct
descendant transformed, it would instinctively want to kill its long time enemy – the
phoenix.”

“No. . .” Dara heard herself say. She started moving forward but two arms restrained her.
“Let me go.”

“Are you out of your mind?!?” TOP shouted. “You can’t go in there! That dome is a barrier
your mother created to avoid you being harmed!”

“I don’t care!” she screamed back. “That’s Jiyong and my mother inside, naturally created to
kill each other! Can you expect me to just sit around and watch one of them die?!”

“How are you going to get inside that dome then?!” he demanded. “You’ll die even without
even reaching either of them!”

She had no answer to that but the stubborn person that she is, she pulled herself off of him
and started moving forward. But then, a set of arms stopped her again and she fought the
person. She fought TOP off. But TOP won over her. She was just too drained out. And when
Seungri joined in restraining her, she could only struggle against them.

“JIYONG!” she screamed. “KWON JIYOOOOOOOONG!!!”

The smoke or fog surrounding the new creature turned pitch black that she could no longer
see Jiyong. It was as if there was a whirlwind made of black violent winds, moving around
and around powerfully.

“Jiyoooooooooong!” she cried so loud that it almost tore her throat apart. She weakly
leaned against TOP’s body but straightened up at once when the black whirlwind cleared a
little. And Jiyong was standing there, staring at her, his eyes looking normal. A small smile
curved his lips as a tear fell from one of his eyes. He then mouthed the words, I love you
before his eyes turned all black he was swallowed by the black whirlwind and turned back
to the creature a while ago. It was the only time that Dara noticed – the creature’s eyes
were violet.

Dara was frozen on her spot as she felt her heart skipped a beat. There was something in
Jiyong’s look as he mouthed the words I love you that paralyzed her. And she watched as
the beautiful creature spread its wings and flew towards the phoenix. The phoenix gave a
singsong cry and met the creature halfway.

A blast of black and violet then exploded. It was so strong that the tip of the dome or the
barrier started to crack. As the blast of black and violet spread out, all living things inside
the dome started turning to dust. The crack then grew larger and larger until the dome
started breaking from the tip, going downwards. The crows flying above the dome fell dead
upon being touched by the blast of black and violet.

Dara blinked, her tears falling down upon seeing feathers of pure black with a dip of violet
and red started falling down like confetti. She took a step forward but then, she suddenly
felt being pulled into a dark hole. The next thing she knew, she was already standing in a
room.

“Bring me back there. . .” she said. “Bring me back there. . .”

“Dara. . .”

“Bring me back there. . .”

“Oh, goodness! You’re here!” CL came in. “What happened?”

There was silence.

“Where’s Bom?” CL asked again.

Still, silence answered her.

“W-where’s Jiyong?”

Dara’s head snapped up. She turned to TOP and Seungri. “Bring me back there!” she said.

TOP and Seungri exchanged looks upon seeing the desperate look in her face.

“What’s wrong?” Dara demanded, her voice notching up. “Why did you take me away? Why
did you bring me here?”

“You know why. . .”

“I DON’T KNOW WHY!” she hysterically burst out.

“We could have died, Dara.”

“WELL, I DON’T CARE!” she screamed. “YOU TWO ARE COWARDS! BRING ME BACK THERE,
NOW! I NEED TO KNOW IF THEY’RE SAFE! I NEED TO CHECK ON JIYONG! MY MOTHER. . .!”

“We can’t do that, Dara.”

“Why not?” she demanded.

“Look, you need rest.”

“NO!” she stepped back. “Aren’t you worried about Jiyong, Seungri? He’s supposed to be
your friend! You should be - !”

“Jiyong’s dead!” Seungri burst out.

Dara fell silent. Then, she started laughing but her tears were falling down. “You’re joking!”
she laughed. She then turned to TOP. “Ain’t Seungri a funny guy, TOP? Saying that Jiyong’s
dead? How could he be dead? The feathers that fell. . . they were black. So. . It’s my mother’s
right? Hahaha! Can you just imagine how awkward Jiyong would be around me then? He’ll
probably avoid me again as he would feel guilty for killing my mother. I feel bad, of course. .
.”

“Dara. . .”

“W-what?”

“Jiyong’s dead,” TOP said. “He’s dead.”

Dara slapped him. “T-that’s not a funny joke. He can’t be dead. He can’t. . . not now. . . I’m
just starting to win him back so he can’t be dead, no. . .”
“But he is. . .”

“NO!” she hysterically screamed. “Bring me there now or I’ll go there on my own! You’ll see!
He’s there! Sitting all alone, trying to think of ways to avoid me again!”

“Dara –” Seungri started.

“I’ll bring her back there,” TOP said.

“But. . .”

“She won’t accept it until she sees.”

“There’s nothing to accept,” Dara said. “He’s there.”

And so, TOP took her in his arms and transported her back to the place where the chaos
erupted. She stared at the vast, dead field. She started walking and walking and walking
and walking. She’d been doing that over an hour and a half when her eyes caught
something lying on the ground. It was one of Jiyong’s feathers – pure black with a dip of
violent and red. She knelt down and picked it up with trembling hands. As she did, she then
saw something that made her dizzy – the angel pendant made of crystal that she made for
Jiyong covered in blood.

She choked out a sob as she pulled the necklace up and brought it to her chest, just where
her heart lies – her heart, it felt dead to her.

She then remembered the look on Jiyong’s eyes when he mouthed the words I love you a
while ago. He was mouthing those words but his eyes. . . his eyes were saying goodbye to
her. She doubled forward over the realization. Her mouth dropped open in a soundless
scream of pain and agony and of loss.

Even if it was a soundless scream, the scream of pain inside her soul, her whole being, her
body and mind was louder than the loudest cries.

-----
 Chapter 59: The Final Chapter

One year and six months later

TOP’S POV

I guess I will never take it away, I will never take away that look on her face. It had never
left her face – the look that someone or something’s missing and she won’t be fine until
she’ll find it again. of course I knew who she was looking for. And maybe, I should just be
grateful that she just looked like someone’s missing. Right after the incident more than a
year ago, she was. . . beyond devastated. She totally broke down. She kept whispering to
herself the words, he’s still alive and he’ll come back. There were instance that everytime I
try to talk to her, she’d always say, I’m waiting for Jiyong to come back or I told him I’ll wait
for him. He must be on his way right now.

It was so painful to watch. It was worse compared to the time they broke up before. We let
it pass – me, CL, Seungri and Sohee for a while, thinking that she’s just trying to cope. But
then, it went on for one whole month and she was getting thinner and thinner as she
refused to eat. It got even worse when Bom’s daughter was just left in the doorstep with a
note from Bom’s mother that she’ll leave the child in our care first as she would search for
her daughter. We were then forced to consult a shrink. I hated it. I hated the day when I had
to bring her to the shrink and seek for help.

The shrink told us at first that she very uncooperative but he said that was to be expected.
It was just too painful to see that I stopped going with the others everytime they visit her.
When I was alone, I always go back to the time when I ended Dae’s life. It was painful but he
wasn’t ready to give up and he was all for killing me for getting in his way. Minzy had gone
missing. I’m not sure if she’s dead or not because we never found a body in the wretched
place. Bom, the crazy woman had gone missing as well. But Seungri, together with CL and
Sohee went to search for her, to no avail.

There were no signs of the phoenix as well as Jiyong as well. That part was making it hard
for Dara to move on. She would always argue that if Jiyong died, we should have found his
body and her mother should have showed up already. I told her the possibility that the both
were dead but he totally went wild at that, refusing the fact that Jiyong’s dead.

I tried to help her, I tried to pull her out from her misery but it’s as if she totally closed her
world from us. And I knew that she would never be the same again.

After a year, she was then given the go signal to continue her life outside the facility by the
shrink. I would pretty much say that she didn’t look that disturb anymore. But I was right,
she’s not the same as before. She lost that spark of liveliness, that perkiness. . She doesn’t
laugh her high-pitched laugh anymore and she rarely smiles although she can converse
normally already.
I looked after her while Sohee took the responsibility of taking of Bom’s daughter. And it’s
been a year and six months already but Dara’s never the same. Ever since she came back,
that look on her face never disappeared. I had this weird feeling that she still believes he is
still alive. I wanted to ask her but I was scared she would go back to that unreachable
person that she became after the incident.

I’m not hoping for us to be together anymore or that she’ll somehow fall for me more or
love me more. I just only have hope and wish now – that time would heal her and make her
go back to the Dara I knew, cared, adored and loved. I’d rather exchange my love for her for
friendship if that will bring her back. But then, deep down I knew there’s only one person
who can make her back to her old self again. He may not be my bestfriend or he may not be
the person I think would be best for Dara, but right now, I’d rather he was here with her.

I closed my eyes, my mind still wandering to that event more than a year ago. It actually
garnered so much attention from normal people and the media. there were so many
theories of what really happened that day, on that place that were released through the
news – none of them even coming close to what really happened. Of course, they’ll never
know. How they wish. . .

DARA’S POV

It was one of those days that a memory or two would just suddenly flash in your mind that
it will totally caught you off guard. I was trying. . . I am trying my best to look okay, to be
fine, to act normal although there were instances that I can sense Seunghyun can see right
through me. I wanted to comfort him everytime he gives me that worried look. But I can’t
even comfort myself, how am I going to console another person? I can’t blame him, though.
I must have been one hell of a scary sight before. I don’t know, I just lost it – I got lost in my
denial stage. I just can’t accept and I refused to accept that. . . no, I don’t even want to think
of the word. It hurt just thinking about it. It makes it hard for me breathe. In all honesty, I’m
actually quite surprised I haven’t committed suicide yet. Huh! Maybe I’m just surprisingly
strong or maybe because somewhere deep inside me – somewhere deep down there
continues to believe and hope that he’s still alive.

I should be punished. When they kept on insisting he’s. . . he’s. . . ugh! I just can’t bear the
thought of him and that word but when that even happened, I secretly hoped that he’d win
against my mother. It was a bad thing, I know. How can a child care more for someone else
than her real mother? And that time, I actually thought it’d be better for the phoenix to be
gone and for him to continue existing. That’s probably why I lost it as well. Although I felt a
weird connection with the phoenix, I never really knew her as a person. I was raised by
different people and I spent most of my time with him than other people I’ve known.

I just can’t understand why he’s always being taken away from me. But the thing that I
really can’t and don’t understand is that, why am I always fighting for him? How many
times had I been hurt by him? How many times had I been in danger because of him? How
many times had I cry my heart out and almost went insane because of him? And yet, why
do I keep fighting for him, running after him, desperately holding onto him?
And seeing Seunghyun giving me worried look wasn’t really helping my sentiments. So,
with a resigned sigh, I told him I’ll just go out for some fresh air. I was silently grateful
when he just nodded and hurt at the same time. How could I ever make him okay? I don’t
want him to be like that and I feel like a burden to him right now. He lost Dae, Minzy and his
stepmother as well because of me. And he had to endure watching me still not myself for
over a year now. I wanted us to go back to the way we were before but I knew I can no
longer do that. I don’t want to give him false hopes, it’d only hurt him more.

It would only hurt me more.

So I went out, walked around and ended up going to the pond in the middle of the woods. It
felt comforting in a way – the woods remind me so much of him. In that instant, I felt a stab
to my heart and I hugged myself tightly as I tried to fight the tears back. Please, stop. I don’t
want to cry.

I closed my eyes, fighting the flashes of memories. But when I can no longer take it, I turned
away, planning to leave. I don’t want to be depressed anymore. I can’t afford watching
everyone me affected by it and I don’t want to go to the shrink again.

But something stopped me from leaving. I felt it even before my ears heard the light
movement behind me. I turned around and I know that I should be alerted, that I should be
in my defensive stance. But I didn't feel threatened in any way. Maybe because there was
something in the person's presence that felt familiar yet. . . foreign. No, not really foreign
but. . . I can't explain it.

I narrowed my eyes and I can almost make out a silhouette, some sort of shadow of a
person in the darkness. I took a step forward, just once. Even if I didn't feel threatened in
any way, I don't really want to rely in this weird feeling that much.

I sensed, heard and saw the person started moving out of the darkness.

“J-jae?” I barely whispered. The person stopped moving. My heart went weirdly fast inside
my chest that it made me lift my hand to my chest and clutch it. Why is my heart beating
fast like this? Is this because of nervousness? Of fear? Or something else? I wanted to go to
the person, grabbed the arm and pull the person into view, under the moonlight’s beam.
But I stood still, waiting.

I tried to feel the person, try to make out the silhouette, tried to hear the pattern of
breathing. There was something weirdly familiar that the person is bringing but then. . . it’s
like. . . it’s like having a best friend and became a stranger later on. No, that’s not the
appropriate description. I just can’t place it into words.

But I know this person, for sure and yet, I don’t know the person.
“Who are you?” I asked, still whispering. I heard the person took a deep breath, a shaky one
before slowly moving into the light. As the person moved slowly into the light, the lower
part of the person’s body was first lighted, giving me the idea that he’s a guy. He was
wearing old-washed jeans and a very thin blue top that I can actually see through it – giving
me glimpse of a smooth and well-toned body. A portion of his upper body and face was still
in the dark so I took a step forward and narrowed my eyes again. “Show yourself.”

And he did. The moment the light from the moon hit his face, I gasped and my hand
instantly flew to my mouth as tears ran down my eyes. It was instant – the same with my
heart beating so fast inside my chest. I can’t feel any part of my body anymore so it was a
surprise to find myself slowly walking towards him. He just stood there, waiting for me.
The moment I reached him, he gave me a small smile that almost made me faint. With
trembling hands, I first cupped his face. As I did, he closed his eyes and his jaw clenched, as
if he’s in pain or something. My tears were still rolling down uncontrollably as I ran my
fingers in his forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, lips, chin, jaw, neck, his shoulders. . . I wanted to
know. . . I wanted to know he’s not just a figment of my imagination. He felt so warm, oh so
painfully relieving warm. When my hand reached his chest, I suddenly took a step back and
pulled my hand away. No, he can’t be. . . the scars – there were no scars! He’s not him.

I felt it starting again – the process of me breaking down. But then, he stepped forward,
took my hand and placed it on his chest, atop his beating heart. Warmth went through my
fingers down to my whole being. For some weird reason, I suddenly felt so light, as if all of
my burdens were taken away from me. I let my hand rest atop his chest. He then went
down to his knees, making me gasp in surprise. “I’m sorry, please forgive me.”

I looked into his eyes. Oh, if he only knew that the mere fact he came back, he’s already
forgiven. And I knew. . . I just knew. So I pulled him back up to his feet, threw my around
him and choked, “You found your way back to me, that’s all that matters.”

I threw myself in his arms and cried as if I’ve never cried before. And he hugged me tightly
back. This feeling, I will never forget this feeling of being cocooned in his presence, in his
very essence after his long absence. I could pound him to pieces right now for making me
wait so long but I just missed him so much that it hurts not being in his arms. He just kept
whispering my name as if he hadn’t talked for the whole duration that we haven’t seen each
other. And I felt it. . . I felt how much he longed for me, missed me. . .

It took me maybe half an hour a full hour to calm down. My voice was beyond hoarse and
I’ve got a runny nose. I was still settled in his arms but we were both sitting this time with
him leaning against a tree and me in his lap.

“What happened?” I hoarsely asked. He smiled a little and ran his fingers through my hair.
his face looked bloated from preventing himself to cry but I can just see some traces of
tears in his cheeks and how swollen and red his eyes were.
He kissed my head. “The violence, the deaths. . . it fueled my dark side,” he started. “I was
holding it back in but when I was left alone there, without Youngbae or Seungri or TOP as
they had other fights to do as well, I was starting to lose it. And when I saw you with that
man. . . I knew what was happening but I can’t fight it. When I sensed the phoenix’s
presence, all I wanted to do was to kill her. But when I was all set to kill her, I heard her
voice. . .”

“H-her voice?”

“Yes,” he answered. “She said: Let me save you, let’s put an end to this endless war. Let me
save you. . . for Dara. . . for Dara. . . she needs you. That’s what she said. I remembered being
angry hearing it but. . . my feelings for you must have been stronger because just hearing
your name. . . it’s as if I was then neck to neck to the evil part of me in terms to the control
of my body and powers. I remembered clashing into the phoenix, her wings wrapping
around me with her claws holding me in place. I remembered her beak opening wide and
something fiery coming out from it. It felt so hot and I feel like I was caught up with fire.
Everything then went white. The next thing I know, I woke up in somewhere I didn’t know
with a letter just beside my head.”

“A letter?”

“It seemed that Han Eul and your mother had some way of communicating with each other.
It was a letter addressed to me.”

“What did it say?”

“That’s between me and your aunt and your mother.”

“Ya!” I demanded hoarsely.

“In general, it contained information as to how your mother decided to sacrifice herself to
purify me as to stop this shadow-phoenix thingy and some things that they both saved for
you.”

“Purify you? You mean, you’re no longer a shadow? Is that why you don’t have any scars
anymore? And what do you means with some things they both saved for you?”

“Well, things like land, boutique and some other stuff.”

My eyes widened, momentarily forgetting our reunion. “Really?!”

He chuckled. “Yes.”

“WOW,” I mumbled in awe. But then, I wasn’t to be distracted. “You haven’t answered my
other questions.”
He sighed. “I’m still a shadow,” he said. “And my scars were gone when I woke up. The thing
is now, I’ve got control with my own powers already. It’s like. . . it’s hard to explain. The
ability of being a shadow is still within me but it’s like the evil side has been driven away. . .
it’s hard to explain.”

I bit my lower lip. “Are you okay with that?”

“Of course I am!”

I stared at his face. Why are we again talking of some random things? Oh right, because I
missed his voice so freaking much. “I missed you,” I blurted out.

He stared back at me, a small smile in his lips. “I missed you too,” he said, leaning his
forehead against mine. “You don’t have any idea how much.”

I closed my eyes and just savored the fact that our faces were just a few inches away. “What
took you so long to come back then?”

“I had things to do,” he said. “But I’m glad you waited for me, I’m so glad. . .”

“What things?” I asked.

“Things like building a dream house to spend honeymoon and grow old. . .”

“Dream house? H-honeymoon. . .? What are you. . .?” I stuttered, confused. Then, my eyes
widened at the realization. “Did you. . . did you just propose?”

He didn’t answer.

“Oh my God!” I exclaimed, standing up. “That has got to be the most unromantic guy could
ever do for a proposal!” I ranted, turning away from him. “I mean, where are the candle
lights, the flowers, or music or the mood or anything!”

“Does that really matter?” he softly asked. “Wouldn’t it be enough for a proposal to be
sincere?”

“Well, I’m a girl!” I went on. “We love romantic things!” I said. Oh, I’m so happy! I could just
jump from happiness and I’m about to cry again so in order for me to stop myself from
crying, I just decided to rant.

“Well, you’ll still say yes, anyway, right?”

“Why, that has got to be the most arrogant thing a man could say in a proposal!” I exhaled,
finally facing him. When I did, all the stubbornness in my head actually evaporated. Oh dear
Lord, his face! His face is so full of promise and sincerity! Gah! He’s making me cry again.
And cry I did. I then started hitting his chest with my fist. “Stupid!” I cried. “What took you
so long? I’ve been waiting for this, you stupid, stupid, stupid guy! You don’t even have a ring
to give me! But I still love you and I’m still the happiest person on earth right now!” I went
on crying, still hitting his chest.

He grabbed one of my wrists and steadied it. The next thing I knew, he was slipping a ring
to my finger. “I made it myself,” he said.

I paused and looked at the ring. I gasped in awe upon seeing that the band was made of
pure diamond while a little phoenix on top of it was a combination of diamond and ruby. I
looked back at him and was about to say how beautiful the ring was when he beat me to it.

“I love you,” he said, staring right straight into my eyes.

And I just melted.

“I love you,” I whispered back.

Emotions played in his face. He then pulled me to him all of the sudden and kissed me. and I
gladly kissed him back. Just when I was enjoying it, he pulled away and gave me that
lopsided smile of his. “We still have a wedding to prepare,” he said then pulled away from
me. With another smirk, he started walking his sexy lazy walk.

I smiled to myself. This must be a dream. If it is, I don’t want to wake up anymore. No, I take
that back. I don’t care if I’ll be having a bad dream or not – as long as he’ll be beside me
when I wake up, I’ll be fine.

“Ya!” I called out. “I haven’t said yes yet.”

“I already know the answer,” he called back.

“Why, you conceited jerk!” I called out but I was laughing deep inside. He turned to me as
he walked backwards. He gave me a wink that made me run to him and threw myself in his
arms.

And he readily catches me to prevent me from falling down, face on to the ground – which I
knew would be the scenario from now on.

FIN