#color me moonight | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

justoneday-namjoonii · 6 years ago

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Color me moonlight. II

☾ • I • II • III • IV • V • VI • VII ☽

› Summary: Some flowers are not to be plucked, for their thorns are far too sharp for any hand to graze, yet, she was touched. She was soft, fragile, she didn’t know it, but something that beautiful could never be bad. You grew up in a garden of loneliness, do you have a place to bloom? It’s alright, I’ll give you a place and we can bloom together.

a/n: thank you for all of the love part 1 received! I was really happy to see that some of you are following this story(im personally loving it myself). If there are any questions at all, don’t hesistate to send in an ask! Your feed back is more than welcomed ♥♥

April 7th, 1988.

“Jane Sato, date of Biological Alteration and Repair test run, April 7th, 1988. Time, 1:07 Pm. Subject 1010; 20 years of age, male, 129 lb, 5′9. Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, DNA-Polymerase, chromosomal translocation, and genetic isolates are among the primary research conducted for the operation. The patient’s condition of severe cell degeneration, Sickle-cell disease, and genetic malformations —” She paused, the recorders red light still on, “— compatible with all inquiries of biogenetic mutation and enhancement. Surgery will commence accompanied by surgeons, Jackson Blanchard, Stephanie Liu, Hanz Fai, and surgical nurse Joyce Brown. Surgery will now begin.”

The scientists and doctors in the facility watched from the viewing room, standing right at the glass so they wouldn’t miss a thing. Her personal favorite, clair de lune, was the last song on the playlist in the background. After roughly 7 hours, the operation was complete.

“Alright,” She inspected with work they had done over several hours. The surgical mask, gown, and gloves were beginning to become a part of her from how long she had them on, “stitch him up.”

She went to the sink in the back where she had left the recorder and thrown her gloves away.

“7:40 PM. The operation was successful. All vital signs are normal and patient 1010-FS is expected to recover well.”

She washed up before greeting the group of eager professionals who came to witness history. She clears her throat. “Alright, questions?”

‘I have a question doctor. Last month, you discussed the possibility of a program dedicated to your research, can you tell us more about that?’

She nods. “Yes. I‘ve served the Medical Science Advisory for three years now and since the opening of the SRMA Facility, I’ve come far with my research. Starting next year, my program will start.”

“What does the program entail exactly?”

“First, 120 volunteers from all over the country will take part in the experimentation. I won’t reveal everything but I will say this, the participants will undergo extreme DNA modifications and molecular mutation on a supernatural level.”

***

October 19th, 1992. 4 years post-program.

The program commenced in 1989 and experimentations took place at the Science-Medical Facility. Just as she planned, 120 participants were under intensive study and experimentation. More volunteers came from all over, ranging from ages 10 to 30, per Dr. Sato’s request. Recently, Sato had begun to categorize the most and least successful cross-studies. The 4% of experiments with the M2-gene were separated to undergo intensive modification.

“Jane.”

“Yes?” She measured the potent liquid, one drop more and it would kill the receiver.

“Patient 1072.” Her assistant, Diana, placed the clipboard in on the doctor’s work table. “She’s been showing a lot of physical and behavioral progress.”

“1072, she’s in the lower level group, yeah? That’s good” Sato flipped through a book, her gaze softening. “Look at this, in 1973 in the United Kingdom, this poor thing was born with Tay-Sachs disease. She had seizures, vision and hearing loss, intellectual disability, and paralysis and she died at the age of 3.” She sighed. “I could have saved that girl and given her a life without pain and suffering. Those doctors didn’t know what they were doing...that’s why she died.”

Diana cleared her throat, nodding as she waits for the doctor to notice that she came here for something else.

“I’m sorry, what about 1072?”

“Oh, she’s receiving the DNA modification well, I think she can join the 4%.”

“Let me have a look-”

The facility speakers blared.

Dr. Sato to room B012.

“I guess I’ll have to wait.” Sato slipped her reading glasses off and made her way to the elevator so she could get to the 9th floor.

“Doctor, thank God.” Blanchard was standing in front of the patient's room with a few of their colleagues.

“What’s going on?”

“The experiment, he’s developed his first sign of mutation. His body is still weak but he has physical changes, you’d be amazed.” Her eyes brightened, this was her favorite part of the program, witnessing the changes. “We’ve watched him for 4 hours straight and well- You have to see him yourself.”

“Show me.”

He opened the door and let her walk in by herself, the boy sat up on the bed, seemingly normal aside from his extreme lack of pigment in his eyes, they looked translucent, almost pale. That was new. She approached him.

“Touch my hand.” She spoke, waiting for him to do it. “Go on, it’s okay.” He slowly reached his hand to place it on hers. Warm, his hand was warm and she felt a pang of heat in her chest, he winced, retreating his hand immediately.

“You’re coming along great.” She insisted. “Get some rest and you’ll get your medicine shortly.” She left the boy to sit in the room.

“Did you see it, doctor?”

“Yes. Continue testing and make a date for his procedure.” She instructed and he nodded. She was about to walk down the hall but she paused. “Oh, and move him up to the 4%.”

“Stupid earrings!” You kick the side of your vanity, instantly regretting it when a surge of pain went up to your leg.

The only pair of diamond earrings you owned were missing and you had 10 minutes to get to the subway or bus for the North Heights. Half of your hair was okay while the other side looked like a mangled up tumbleweed. You got the sleeve of your blouse caught in the bleach water for dishes so you had to change for the third time. This morning was starting off pretty rough.

Margaret never specified a time until 6 o’clock this morning. She said Mr. Kim has appointments all day after 9 so, ‘Be here by 7:30.’ You live a half-hour away, and that’s when the bus isn’t late or if you catch a taxi on a good day. It was currently 6:47 and you were vigorously passing a comb through your hair. At this point, it doesn’t even matter if you look like Synthia from the Rugrats, you had to get out of here. You grabbed a ponytail holder and tied it up, at least you had somewhat of a presentable style now. Your little skirt and top would have to work with a pair of flats because there is no way you’re running around this city in heels today.

“How is it 7 already!?” You glanced at the microwave clock and cursed it for mocking you. The yogurt you attempted to eat would have to wait until you come back. You threw your bag onto your shoulder and bolted out of the door.

You ran down the few flights of stairs, stopping in front of the complex and holding your cell phone in your hand to search the bus and subway schedule. “Off of Miller and Maine- Departed?!- That’s it, the world has it out for me.”

The subway was too far of a walk and the 7 o'clock bus just left, there is no way you’re gonna get there before 7:45. “Why...” You looked around, about to wave down a taxi when a man in a tapped your shoulder. “Taxi!-”

“Excuse me, Miss?”

“Yes?” You furrowed your brows, wondering what this older fellow might want that apparently can’t wait.

“Are you Y/f/n?” You noticed the gentlemen wore a black chauffeur hat and uniform.

“Yes, can I help you, sir?- Wait, how do you know my name?” You gave him a suspicious expression.

“I am your driver for this morning ma’am, Bernard Shelton. Mr. Kim sent a car for you. I knocked on your apartment door but you must not have heard me. He requested that I apologize on is behalf for the short notice.” You looked past him to see a black luxury vehicle with tents that might as well have been a black hole. “Are you ready to go?”

“Um,” You didn’t know if you could trust this guy, despite his convincing attire and professional mannerisms. “I’m sorry but how do I know Mr. Kim sent you? I mean, wouldn’t he have his secretary tell me this?”

“Would you like to contact Ms. Gough for verification? We’re already running late and Mr. Kim has appointments all day after 9 o’clock. We really must be going, ma’am.” You glanced at your watch, it was 7:09, this is your best bet.

“Alright...” With hopes that you weren’t getting kidnapped, you followed him in the car and sat anxiously in the backseat. Your fingers grazed the flawless interior, making you wonder why a car of this prowess came to pick you up. Upon request of the CEO at that.

“We’re here ma’am, with one minute to spare.” He smiled, stopping you in front of the huge skyscraper in the middle of the fine part of the city.

“Thank you.” You hopped out of the car and made your way inside. The lobby was far more beautiful than the one at your office. There were sparkling light fixtures, expensive paintings gracing to tall walls and you found your self-walking towards the front desk slower than you should have.

“Hello, I have an appointment with Mr. Kim at 7:30.”

The woman looked through her computer and she couldn’t hide the judgments glint in her eye when she looked at you. “Your name?”

“Y/n.”

She picked up the black corded phone. “Margeret, I have a Y/n here to see Mr. Kim, would you like me to send her up?” A few seconds went by and she nodded. “Alright, I'll send her up.” She put the phone back on the hook. “You can go ahead. Top floor, directly in front of you when you exit the elevator, his secretary is to the right of his office.”

“Thank you.” Quickly, you went to the elevator and took it straight up to the top floor. A light ‘ding’ noise and you were let out on the quiet floor, not a single soul making a sound on the pristine floor.

“Excuse me,” You walked up to the desk that said ‘Margeret Gough.’ “Ms. Gough?”

“You’re here.” She had a kind smile. “He’s waiting for you, he just got off of his first-morning call. One moment,” She pressed a red button on the phone hook, “you’re 7:30 is here sir, should I send her in now?” She was talking to Taehyung.

“Yes, you can send her in.”

Your courage started to falter when you heard his voice, now you were really, really nervous. But now is not the time to be timid—you have to hold your head high and walk in there with confidence.

“Okay, sir.” A beep signaled that he turned off the phone. “Go on ahead.” She gestured to the door, a kind simper beckoning you to go in. “No need to be nervous, Mr. Kim is in a very good mood this morning.” She giggled, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“Just breathe...” You mumbled, slowly pushing open one of the two tall double doors at the end of the hall.

Your eyes met him instantly as he stood in front of the window the covered the entire wall. The view was ridiculous.

His eyes widened upon your entrance. “Good morning.” He smiled a bit, one hand on a coffee mug while the other rested in his pocket. The dainty necklace with a tiny diamond on the end of it brought his attention to the v neck of your camel-colored blouse.

“Good morning, Mr. Kim.” You brought a had to the side of your neck briefly and that small movement prompted his eyes to find the soft indent of your collarbones.

He cleared his throat. “I apologize for this being so short notice, I hope it’s not too much of an inconvenience for you.” By the time he walked over to the gesture that you sit, you had already made yourself comfortable in the small leather chair in front of his desk.

“Don’t worry about it. Thank you for sending the car, by the way, you really didn’t have to do that.” It was a kind gesture but you didn’t feel it was necessary.

“No, it was the least I could do. Last night, I remembered I had these meetings to do and I couldn’t help but want to do one with you since we talked last night.” He sipped his coffee. “So, I asked Margeret to contact you.” He swiveled his chair a bit. “I guess we should get right into it then, yeah?”

“What is it, exactly?”

“Just reviewing company regulations, how you think your locations management is, things like that...” He laid a sheet of paper with a bunch of questions and long black lines, right in front of you. “Would you fill that out? It’s like a survey, a business owner seminar suggested I get to know the business and this was one way to do it.”

“Alright...” You did what you had to do, writing simple answers to questions like, ‘how does your management treat you? Do you feel like an important part of the team?’ Important? Eh, sure, you thought, trying to compile meaningful sentences. After five minutes or so, you were on the very last question and before your pen touched the paper, you froze. “D-did you say something?”

The confusion on his face probably meant no. “No.”

“Oh, sorry, I thought I heard something...” You bashfully went back to the paper, quickly scribbling down an answer before setting the pen back in the pen holder. “I’m done.”

“Great. So, how did you feel about the survey? Margeret made the questions with her assistant, she said this would be a good way to see how the employees feel about the company. It wasn’t too boring I hope.”

“It was fine,” It was a generic survey.

“Let me ask you, do you feel like a valued employee?” The question was pretty simple, but you found yourself scrambling for a response that clearly expressed how you felt.

“Valued? Um...” This was going to sound pessimistic but oh well. “Well, if I quit today and someone gets hired to take my job tomorrow, does that change your profits in any way?” He assumed it was a rhetorical question. “No, I don’t think it does. So how important could I be to you? Sure, I think I’m valued but I see it this way, there’s a job that needs to be done and I’m just the person who does it, no one too special...” He had never heard such an unenthusiastic statement from an employee before, he always viewed his father's company as one big family but based on what you were saying, it wasn’t as family-oriented as he believed.

“I’m sorry, that sounds kind of negative, doesn’t it?” His silence made you realize that what you said was probably the last thing a boss wanted to hear. “I don’t hate my job, I just don’t see the point in fabricating anything, Mr. Kim. Your company is great and all, but for me, it’s just a job that helps support me...”

“Well,” Your eyes followed him as he walked to the cute little coffee maker to fill up his mug again, “is there anything I can do to make your job more enjoyable? I don’t want you to feel like you’re a machine in a factory, you are an important member of this company. I mean that.”

“Look,” You sighed, standing up from your chair to walk near the window, taking this opportunity to appreciate the cities beauty from a bird's eye view, “I chose to work for you because it’s a reputable company and your cameras are nice.” When you glanced at him, he saw your real smile for the first time, your teeth showing and everything. Sadly, you shielded it from his sight as he approached you. “If it’s worth anything, I think you’re doing a good job with this whole CEO thing, in my professional opinion at least.” You smiled, he deserved some type of praise for reaching out to his people like this.

“Thank you, that means a lot.” The urge to walk up to you and tangle his finger in the stray strand of hair in your ponytail but he resisted. “You know, because of you, we discontinued Model 0XHS-5D.”

He was standing beside you now. “Really?”

“Yes, and it has impacted sales positively. We cut off the manufacture and it shows in the stock market, all because of you Y/n.”

“Oh, that’s good, I’m glad I could be of some assistance...” When you sensed him trying to stand a bit too close for comfort, you walked back to your seat. The lack of sleep was kicking in because you found yourself leaning against the side of the chair with your forearm—and the coffee in his hand smelled like heaven. He followed you, taking his previous position in his chair.

“I like the idea of...I don’t know, talking to someone I already know, it’s refreshing.”

“With all due respect sir, you don’t really know me.” The coo in your voice wasn’t intentional but you were just being honest. “Sure, we talked at the party and last night, but other than that...We’re strangers.” You trailed off, not really sure how you were supposed to end that statement.

“Y/n.” He breathed, thinking he may as well just outright say it—it would happen eventually. “Would you join me for lunch? My lunch appointment canceled before you came, so I have a reservation that I don’t have to cancel if you join me.”

Lunch? That was the last thing you were expecting to hear this morning. His eyes seemed to latch onto you and refuse to let you go until you answered his question.

“L-lunch? I appreciate the offer but...” You swallowed, for a split second, you considered taking him up on the offer but you quickly dismissed the preposterous idea. I can’t do that, he’s my boss. “But I can’t, I have to get back to work, it’s already past 8 and I- I don’t think that’s the best idea given I kinda work for you...”

“Work’s not a problem, I gave all survey participants the day off anyway. A 12:30 lunch is more than appropriate for our relationship I think...” Eager, that’s what he probably looked like, but the desperation to get near you was hard to ignore. That same way you looked on the terrace at the party, you still looked that way and he couldn’t just disregard it.

You locked eyes with him—tempting, very much so, but no. Absolutely not.

“I’m sorry,” You stood to your feet and he followed suit, standing much taller than you, especially without your trusty high heels on. “but I can’t.”

Any hopes of a day accompanied by you came crashing down as you politely rejected him. The only person he wanted to dine with at that restaurant didn’t want anything to do with him. The way you nibbled on your bottom lip implied that you were starting to feel uncomfortable. He took a small step back, you were dying to get out of here and he was perplexed onto why.

A beep interrupted you, it was Margeret.

“Your 8:30 is here, should I send them in?”

He was quiet, still peering at you as if it would change your final answer. Sadly for him, it did nothing for his cause...

He pressed the button on the phone base. “Give me one moment.”

“Well, I guess I’ll be going now-” You tried to gather your purse and get out of dodge but he stopped you.

“No wait, take this.” He grabbed a business card and wrote a string of numbers and words on it. “This is my personal cell.” He handed it to you. “With this number, I’m Taehyung, not Mr. Kim. So, if you feel more comfortable going to lunch with him,” He smiled halfheartedly. “he’ll be there.”

“Alright...” You tucked it into your purse and bowed respectfully before turning your back to leave.

“Do you like jazz or classical music?”

You paused, you weren’t expecting such a question. “Um, I enjoy both. Why?”

There was an itch at the back of his neck and he satisfied the nuisance with the tip of his index finger. “I thought maybe that was why we ended up at that cafe last night, a common interest.”

“Yeah, maybe...” You mumbled, turning around to continue your path out the door.

Meeting with Taehyung wasn’t so bad after all, you scored a day off. You took it upon yourself to get a few things done and spend a little time with one of your only friends. He was being currently studying medicine, technology, science - things like that. He offered to come to your favorite cafe to study with you and a few minutes ago, his lab partner joined you two. The bug seemed to have gotten to them too...

The cafe had the news on in the background and they were playing the same news bit from last night which led Hoseok to strike up a conversation with the lab girl he’s always with.

“What do you think about the 1989 Project? Does your supervising physician ever talk about it? Especially since the media won’t shut up about it.” Hoseok, your good friend for a few years now met you at the cafe so you could catch up on your language studies.

“She’s mentioned it a few times but I try not to ask about it.” Wendy decided to join you two as well, she and Hoseok were going to school for the same thing so they often studied together.

“What do you think about it Y/n?” Hoseok looked to you. Given you were really into that whole medical and technology thing, you wondered why he had to ask.

“Um,” You took out one earbud, “I don’t know, it’s interesting I guess.” Assuming he was going to continue talking, you kept the earbud out.

“I used to think that the Zoe Hawn case was always so freaky, it’s one of the reasons I’m studying at the SRMA Facility, I want to be a part of something that’ll do some good. Crossbreeds, crosses, hybrids- Whatever they're called, I know for a fact that there are experiments still at the laboratory.”

Wendy crooked a brow. “How would you know that?”

“I’m an intern at the facility, I listen in on the scientists and doctors sometimes. There’s a floor that you have to have level five clearance to be on and I’ve peeked in a few times.” You remembered you had a medical and scientific savvy best friends who would never drop the conversation.

Wendy chimed in. “Yeah, I’ve never seen the patients in there, they say some of them look like everyday people, others -- not so much. I wonder if there are even patients in there, it might just be something else.”

“Interesting...” It had been some time since you left Taehyungs office and you rubbed the business card between your fingers, staring down at the numbers and restaurant name. “Pain Grillé...” You whispered the name to yourself, you had seen that place before, your co-workers often mentioned the fancy place—maybe going wouldn’t be so bad...

“What was that?” Wendy tilted her head, her honey blonde hair shifting on her shoulders.

“Oh, nothing...” Nothing you wanted to discuss with them.

Hoseok smirked. “What’s that in your hand? You’ve been staring at it every few minutes now, is it a love note from an admirer or something?” He teases, the blush on your cheeks and the knitting of your brows only made your reaction all the more amusing

“No, dummy.” You kicked his foot. “It’s not a love note. I was asked to lunch and the name of the restaurant is on this card.”

“So, why are you here?”

“Because I’m not going.” That card was dropped back into your purse, you regretted taking it out in the first place.

“Why not? Lunch at Pain Grille sounds great -- and expensive.” He wondered, what special person wanted to take you there?

“I just rather not, that’s all.” It’s time for a subject change, “I have to go, I’m dog walking all evening so...” You grabbed your notebook and put the rest of your things in your tote. “Bye guys.”

Mr. and Mrs. Lafonso asked you to walk and feed their Pomeranian while they’re out and that’s what you were doing. Dog walking on the side is way underrated, it was what you did when you first moved out here to earn some extra cash. It was sort of a depressing time in your life, you lived in a tiny hotel and worked in a diner until you could save enough to find your own place. Living on your own wasn’t easy at first—a young 18-year-old that was struggling to get by in the big city with a few hundred dollars or so and a heavy suitcase. You got offers from guys to be their sugar-babies and if you were honest, you considered it a few times, the check from your part-time jobs looked like chump change in comparison to the money those guys were offering you. You didn’t have much but you had dignity and morality, no amount of money could take that away. And that’s what kept you going, you knew you could to make it and you did, all by yourself.

“Ugh...” It was beginning to drizzle and you were about to walk down to get to the subway station but you stopped, Pain Grillé. Kim Taehyung could be seen through the window, sitting at the table alone as the swoon waiter brought him a glass of wine.

The grumble of your stomach indicated that it was a marvelous idea—darn your appetite. You turned around and strolled across the street to get to the restaurant, your actually about to do this. When you walked inside, the lump in your throat was stopping you from speaking to the hostess at the desk.

“Good afternoon ma’am, can I help you?” She was a sweet lady, beckoning you to come to her.

“Oh,” Clearing your throat, you smiled, “I’m meeting Kim Tae-”

“Oh, you’re her!” She sounded a bit flustered like she knew you were coming but forgot. “I’m so sorry ma’am, I’ll get you seated, right this way.” She grabbed a menu and urged you to follow.

Her?

“Mr. Kim said he was expecting a special guest, he told me to make sure I bring you over myself. I’m the owner, Audrey. He loves this place, comes here for all of his special lunch appointments.” Her jaw-length bob bounced as she walked you through the busy restaurant. When he looked up from his phone and saw you, one would think you two were pretty close because of his childishly wide smile. I knew she would come...

“Here you are! Your waiter will be over shortly. Enjoy!” With that, she was gone, and you both stood there.

“You came...” He beamed, still in awe that you took him up on his offer. You were about to speak as you reached to pull out your chair. “Yeah, I-”

“Wait, let me get that for you.” He rushed to the chair to pull it out for you.

“Thank you...” You shuffled the chair forward, now you were a few inches away from the pristine white tablecloth.

“No, thank you for joining me, for a moment there I thought you wouldn’t show up.” He took his wine glass, sipping it briefly. Unbeknownst to him, it was sheer coincidence that led you here.

“Oh? Well, here I am...” You scanned the menu slightly as you glanced up at him.

You don’t mind a little wine with your lunch, do you? They have wines that pair beautifully with every meal, I’ve tried the whole menu. I went with a Muscadet today, easy-drinking in my opinion.” He would have a knowledgeable understanding of wines, why wouldn’t he?

“I don’t mind, I enjoy a glass every so often.” Maybe a few times a month -- week.

The corner of his lips “So-”

“Good afternoon ma’am, can I get you started with something to drink?” The waiter asked and Taehyung glanced at him with an impatient glint, he was interrupting something.

“I’ll have a Mascoto please.” You thanked the waiter as he went off to get your sweet bubbly beverage. Day-drinking—I guess, when in Rome do as the Romans, you thought to yourself.

“Good choice.” He bit his lip, his tongue peeking out to run over his lips in a tantalizing way. Out of habit, he tapped his fingers on the table. “I admit that I’m probably coming on a bit strong, yeah?” You nodded. “I don’t mean to come after you, I genuinely just want to get to know you...”

He’s still on that. “Sir-”

“Taehyung...” He reminded you. “Call me Taehyung, please.” That smirk—God, why is he smirking at me like that?

“Taehyung,” You emphasized the call of his name, “I’m flattered but I’m no different from anybody else...” Thank goodness the waiter brought your wine to you, you needed it right about now. “I’m sure there are plenty of women who have extravagant lives they can tell you about over lunch, why me?” You scoffed bitterly. “It doesn’t add up to me-”

“I don’t want to know just any of those women, I want to know you.” He countered. “That whole ‘there’s nothing to know about me’ act, I just don’t believe it, everybody has a story.”

“I don’t.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you almost look believable when you lie?”

You choked mid-sip. “Excuse me?-”

“Are you two ready to order?”

He was starting to spite this waiter. “Uh, yes, I’ll have my usual, what about you, love?” He was looking at you.

Still taken aback by his statement, you ordered. “I’ll have the chicken marsala with a side salad, please.” He nodded, taking the menus away to leave you two alone. You glared at him. “Lie? What makes you think-” He cut you off.

“If you don’t mind me asking, are you close with your family?” That was a personal question that you weren’t expecting to have to answer today.

“You expect me to answer your questions after you called me a liar?” You scoffed. “I don’t think so...”

He sighed, not breaking eye contact in the slightest as he sipped his wine. “Is there anyone, anyone at all, a mother, sister, friend, anyone you’re really close with? Anyone you can share your heart with, talk about difficult things with. You seem like the loner type...”

“It doesn’t matter.” You quipped rather defensively. “I don’t really need anyone to talk to, I’m doing fine on my own. As far as my family goes, well, I’m not a representation of my family, I’m just me...”

“So you’re not close to your parents?” He tilted his head curiously. You gazed down at your silver fork, solemnly—you never talk about stuff like this.

“No...” You uttered lowly, not liking where he was going with the invasive questions. “They died when I was a newborn, I was adopted by my uncles family...”

“Oh...” He felt bad for asking now. “I’m sorry to hear that,” You flinched, he cupped the top of your hand with his own large one, a softness in his eyes, “I’m sure growing up was hard for you, yeah?...”

“I mean, you could say that...” Oddly, you let him keep his hand on your own but it didn’t last long. “Can we drop this subject, please? I really don’t like talking about it.” You slid your hand back, an awkward grin showing your discomfort.

“Of course, sorry,” He sounded flustered, “I didn’t mean to pry.” The waiter had come back and sat the food in front of you two, you both thanked him. It smelled divine and Taehyung had already dug into his meal. You stabbed the nicely sliced tomato, sticking it in your mouth slowly as you eyed him intently.

“Y’know...” He began.

You forgot that people actually talk to one another when they go out to eat, it’s been so long it seemed weird. You were just about ready to tape his mouth shut because of all of these questions weren’t allowing you to eat. The chicken on your fork would have to wait. “What?”

“I know this may be a little awkward since I’m your boss and all, but we’re both adults.” Awkward? That was an oversimplification.

He lowered his voice. “This morning, when you said you heard something,” He bit his lip, “I whispered something to myself...I said it so low, I could barely hear myself say it, but you did.” His gaze focused on you intensely. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it, how could you have heard something that was as quiet as a thought?”

Fear. A blanket of utter terror wrapped around you as you struggled to gulp the lump in your throat. “I- I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You choked, hands beginning to tremble when you pushed them in your lap.

“Are you sure? Because I think you do.” He was starting to rub you the wrong way.

You are eating lunch in a restaurant with a man that you work for and he sees no problem with it. Not only that, but you saw a few employees from the Heights office and they wouldn’t stop staring and whispering when they saw you. Free lunch at the expense of your antisocial way of life. Those workers knew your face now, what if this went bad? It would look bad on a new boss was seen with a lower level employee like you, what would they think? This is why you didn’t want to do this, this was a bad idea. Thoughts raced through your mind but the only one that you could grasp was the thought of him knowing—you wanted to throw up.

“Are you okay? Your face is flushed.” His eyes widened in concern.

“I- I’m fine, it’s just a little hot in here.” You fanned yourself lightly, reaching for the glass of wine and finishing it off but still feeling parched. Suddenly, a dull ache throbbed in your temples and your brows furrowed in discomfort.

“Excuse me,” he stopped a waiter, “can you bring me a glass of water please?”

“No, no, thank you for everything but I really have to go.” You were pushing yourself away from the table and in a matter of seconds, you were making your way through the restaurant and flying out the door. When you walked out of that place you felt like you could breathe. The gears were turning in your head, anxiety began to eat away at your bones and you couldn’t contain it anymore. Panting, you stood in the busy street, trying to gather yourself. You shook your head, your ears aching as if someone had set a firework off right next to you. Eager to get home, you got on the subway and held on to the safety bar. You felt hot, it as if everything was burning inside you. It scared you to death, people would try to get close, ask too many questions—

it made you sick to your stomach.

Home, that was your goal. When you got off the subway, you made your dog walking stops. Starting from the farthest apartment complex to your own. A pit bull, two chihuahua’s and a brown lab, it took about 2 hours. The Lafonso’s canceled last minute so you were thankful because nature decided that you deserved to suffer this evening. The rain was relentless. It was pouring down, your clothes were drenched, sticking to you in the worst way as you walked down the street, desperate to get home. No one offered to walk you under their umbrella, not that you would accept the offer anyway. A nice hot shower was all you wanted.

“Huh...” You sigh, dragging your soaked frame up the stairs. You closed your eyes, taking in a deep breath. You dug into your pocket to take out you’re house key. “Where is that thing?-...”

Notice from the city — Sorry we missed you!

We missed you! You were not available when we came to introduce the new monthly policy. The SRMA monthly routine check on all citizens born between 1992 - 1998 who may have failed to submit their medical records or whose records may need verifying. Do not be alarmed, as a government, we want to ensure the health and safety of our people through all necessary methods. If you have any questions, contact us at 747-”

B.S.—You rip the bright orange paper off the door, crumbling it up into a ball, and throw it in the trash bin as you entered your home. It’s disgusting. The government has their sneaky ways of getting what they want, one way or another. Just as you do every night, you flipped the light switch to get some light in your dark little living room. You flicked it twice but there was no light—just your luck. The light bulbs are out. You toss your purse on the couch to go search for some extra light bulbs.

For some reason the light bulbs refused to be found, you checked under the kitchen sink, then the supply closet—I know I bought some.

“There we go.” On the very top shelf, the new pack of bulbs sat in the far corner. You had no clue why you put it there but you reached up on your tippy-toes and grabbed the pack.

Sighing, you untwisted the dead bulb from under lampshade and sat it on the coffee table. As you were about to screw in the new bulb, suddenly, you heard low footsteps in the hall and you tensed as the unknown person passed your door.

You absentmindedly screwed in the bulb. “Who in the- Agh!” A sharp burst of glass and light happened in your hands and scared the life out of you. The light bulb previously in your hand now exploded, the shards of glass missing your finger so by less than an inch.

You rush to your kitchen to get a broom and dustpan. “Cheap bulbs, what can you expect...” You cleared your throat, shuffling over to clean up the mess. When you glanced at your buzzing cellphone, you had easily predicted who it was on the other end. You picked it up and held it between your shoulder and ear. “Hi, Hoseok.”

“Hey, I was just calling to check on you. I saw you weren’t answering your texts so I got worried.”

Always so concerned for you, you were lucky to have at least one friend like him.

“Oh, I was really busy today, I didn’t even see your texts. Sorry about that.” You walked into the kitchen as Hoseok explained that he was just making sure you got home safely. He was also pretty curious about who went to lunch with today, you wouldn’t say. “Don’t worry about it Hoseok, it was just lunch and it’s not happening again. Now, I wish I didn’t have to run but I got caught in the rain and I need a shower-”

Footsteps. You heard footsteps in the hall again, and this time, they stopped right in front of your door.

“Y/n?”

“Wait one second...” You whispered, trying to stealthily tiptoe to the door but there was a knock. This time, you were sure it was probably Jan, it had to be...

“Hello?”

No, that’s a man's voice.

“Anyone home?”

Just as you were about to peek through the peep-hole, a paper began to slip through the crack of the door and fall to the floor in front of you. The person had quickly walked away after that and you bent down to inspect the paper.

“Y/n, is everything okay?”

You forgot Hoseok was still on the phone.

“Yeah...I’m good. Hey, I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

“Okay, goodnight.”

“Night...” You hung up the phone, staring down at the paper.

You have failed to submit your birth records to the SRMA for the 4th year in a row. 5 years with unsubmitted records is considered a felony as of 2 months ago. You have one year to submit your records before you are put under high suspicion of the state. At the bottom of the paper, a printed signature was signed. Ordered by Senator Nelson Green.

“Ugh, not again...” You were about to crumble up the paper, but you paused. You don’t even know if your birth certificate is legitimate. You were adopted and for all you knew, your parents had altered the thing, it’s unlikely, but it’s still a possibility. You had never turned them in for the mere fact that it wasn’t against the law, it was just a strong and annoying suggestion. Until now.

“I’ve never met anyone like her before and I don’t want to let her slip through my fingers...” He was at his penthouse and his best friend, Jimin, was day house-sitting for him. Taehyung sat on the couch with his matching pajama set on and pillow snug in his grasp as the television served to fill in the silence gap.

“She must be gorgeous for you to be this messed up about her.” Jimin sat on the recliner with a bowl of ramen.

“I went to lunch with her today.”

“Oh? So you’ve already gone on a date?”

“Not exactly, my lunch appointment canceled so I asked her if she wanted to join me. She came but I really don’t think she wanted to be there. It may have to do with the fact that I’m kind of her boss...”

“She works for you?!” Jimin couldn’t hide his shock.

Taehyung sighs. “Don’t sound so surprised, she works in the customer service department downtown.”

“Woah, what does your dad think about you getting involved with an employee?”

“Who said anything about getting involved? I don’t think she likes me all that much, she’s kind of a closed book, doesn’t like to talk much. I just asked her to lunch, nothing more nothing less.” He knew it was far much more than that.

“But you want this to turn into something more, don’t you?” Jimin knew the answer. And so did Taehyung. But the thought of verbalizing his want for you made it less real, less tangible.

“Yes- No, I don’t know, I just want to get to know her, that’s all.” Taehyung laid on the arm of the couch, lost in his thoughts. There was no denying that you were hiding something from him, he knew that for a fact. But getting you to open up and be comfortable with him seemed to be the hardest part of all. Why was he so drawn to you? And why did you hide that you felt the same?

A few days later.

It’s a few days since your meeting with Taehyung and you were back to your normal life. Unfortunately, the news that you had gone out with the CEO for lunch was the subject of conversation for the cubicles not too far from you. None of them have dared to ask you about it, for reason that you weren’t quite sure of. You just knew that the only way you were going to get those girls to stop gossiping was to ignore them completely.

You had quite a few calls this morning, no more than usual on a busy day but they came in back to back. Most of them were calling in regards to the new camera that just came out. Some were complaints, others were genuinely curious questions. Your supervisor came out of his office and you watched him survey the room until his eyes landed on you.

“Y/n, come to my office please.” He walks back to his office, urging you to follow.

You swallowed, putting the phone back on the hook and walking to his office. Honestly, you couldn’t imagine what he wanted.

“Yes?”

“You’ve been doing a great job, so don’t think I called you in here because you’re in trouble.” Those words soothed your weary expression. “I was asked by Mr. Kim, to give you this envelope this morning.” He reached into his desk to pull out a white envelope. “Here you go.”

“Oh, thank you.” You took the envelope and walked back to your cubicle. In the solitude of your little space, you opened up the envelope.

__, You’re probably wondering why I didn’t just call or text you. I wanted to know if you could meet me at the club we talked at the other night, I have something really important to talk to you about, please come.

Love, Kim Taehyung.

“Huh...”

“What’s that?” Your coworker in the cubicle across from you noticed the envelope in your hands.

“Oh, nothing, just some notice from HQ or something...” You opened up your desk and shoved it in your drawer. She didn’t look too convinced but she left the subject alone for the most part.

You laid on your bed, pen in your hand, notebook in your lap, and earbuds snug in your ears. Excessive studying had begun to bore you. You decided to set the book down and scroll through your phone absentmindedly.

I had a great time Suzette

You froze, eyes widening in suspicion. You sat up, seeing if someone had opened your room door or something. Where did that come from? It sounded oddly like her uncle's voice.

The kids are home, my mom and niece are taking care of them, but my wife doesn’t get off until 7 today

You were sure that was him now. You weren’t sure where it was coming from especially since you had your music on full blast. But when you took the earphones, you could hear the conversation amplified. Quietly, you sneaked up to your window on your hands and knees, pushing hair away from your face. To your distaste, you saw your uncle, leaning into the window of some woman's car—for your aunt's sake, you hoped that woman was just a friend.

I’ll see you on Friday, bring your swimsuit

He kissed her cheek—ok so they’re definitely more than friends. To ensure that he didn’t see you, you scurried away from the window and ran downstairs to help your grandma with dinner. After you washed up, you began to cut the vegetables for the salad as Daisy, the toddler of the bunch, played in the living room with her older brother.

“Hey guys, I’m home.”

The little kids, all 4 of them ran up to greet their dad, you merely waved. Little did they know, their daddy wasn’t the superhero of a man he portrayed himself to be.

“Food smells good mom.” He walked into the kitchen to search the fridge for something to drink as he always did.

“Thanks, son, it’s your favorite, stewed chicken and rice.” She smiled as he pecked her cheek. Now it was time to greet the only teenager in the house.

“How was school, __?”

“It was school, nothing special.” You mumbled, cutting the tomato with one of your earbuds still in.

“Oh, well, just so you all know, I have to go out of town on-”

“Friday?” You suddenly blurted out, earning you an odd look from him.

“Yeah, how did you know?” He furrowed his brow in suspicion.

Save yourself Y/n. “Um, just a guess.” He looked like he thought nothing of it and went back to the conversation. It took everything in you not to say what you saw, what you heard. It burned at the tip of your tongue.

After dinner.

You stood in front of the sink, washing dishes like you always did after dinner. Even though you all had a dishwasher, grandma always insisted that you wash them by hand. It was annoying but you did it.

“Hey, your aunt wanted to know if you’ll take Josie to elementary school tomorrow, she’s gotta go in early.” Uncle walked into the kitchen, a bowl of cereal in hand.

“Sure, I guess I’ll skip class.” You muttered, a hint of sarcasm in your voice.

“Well, you shouldn’t skip class-”

“It’s not a big deal, I was gonna skip anyway.” You cut him off. You two had always had this tense relationship. He would say something, you’d saying something back, he’d get offended, the usual argument followed suit. You remember his rage when he saw you got a nose piercing, it was fake and so you felt no need not to wear it. It’s your nose after all.

“Oh.” He stood there for a little while, reading over some bills and such.

“So, you’re going out of town...” You thought you’d be the one to bring it up.

“Yep.”

“Somewhere sunny, I’m guessing?”

You furrowed his brows, wondering why you’d say that. “Um, sure, I guess.”

“Why don’t you bring your wife with you? She hasn’t had a vacation in a while.”

“Because it’s work.”

“Or is it because Suzette will be there?” You had stopped washing dishes now.

“Suzette?” His brows knitted further. “How do you know Suzette? I’ve never mentioned her before.” Now he was suspicious.

You sighed, biting your lip anxiously. “You’re making a mistake, ok. You have a wife and kids, your family is worth more than some lady.”

“__, are you hearing yourself? Suzette is a co-worker and we happen to work in the same city this weekend.”

“And you guys plan to do some fucking swimming while you’re there?” You spat, raising your voice a bit through clenched teeth. “Yeah, that sounds like tiresome, boring work.”

He tensed—there is no way you should have heard him, that wasn’t possible

“You need to think before you speak __, you could get yourself in a lot of trouble. How the hell did you even hear that? Did you wire my bag or something? Where are you getting all of this?-”

“Look, I know what I heard.” You stormed away, trying to get away from him but he grabbed your wrist. “What.” You hissed.

“What are you up to, little girl? Do you think this is funny or something? You storm around me like some ungrateful bitch and I put up with it since the day you got here. I won’t be disrespected in my own home.”

“Let go of my arm.” You tried to pull away but he was relentless.

He gripped you harder. “I’m only gonna say this once, stay out of my business __, I mean it.”

The threat only made you spite him more. You felt anger and fear begin to bubble in your chest as he eyed you like a hawk. How dare he even insinuate that you were ridiculous when you saw with your own eyes what he was doing. You stared at him with a blank expression, your knuckles turning white as you clenched your fists impossibly tight. “L-let go.”

“Did you hear what I just-” He paused. A white heat began to incase his entire body, his hands trembled as a high-pitched ringing started to torture his senses, he stepped back. “What the hell?”

You got away and ran upstairs.

“__! I’m not done talking to you young lady-”

“Leave me alone!”

You gritted your teeth, trying to conceal your voice. You closed your door, locking it and jumping to lay on your bed. It was hard not to hate his guts sometimes, he was so annoying sometimes. You wondered what your real dad would have been like...

You heard a knock on the door but you willed yourself to ignore the sounds.

The door creaked as he opened it. “Hi, can I help you?”

“Hello there, I know it’s late but my name is agent Susan Black, I’m with the Scientific Research and Medical Advancements recovery efforts. I’m here to get records for the people living in your home for safety, it’s protocol. We’ve been made aware that you’ve been avoiding our calls and emails for you to turn in all the residents of this home's birth records.” She smiled, he knew this would catch up with him. “You’re making us really suspicious Mr. Kang.”

He scratched the back of his neck thoughtfully. “I’ll make sure that happens in the next week, but now isn’t the best time.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do it now sir, just before the end of the year. Goodnight sir- Oh, and don't forget, it’s for the safety of society.”

“Dr. Kim, what do you think about The 1989 Project, I know you used to work here back then?”

One of the resident doctors stopped by Dr. Kim’s office to hand off some papers. “I know a lot of the rumors are true, and that even you worked with Zoe Akasma Hawn to get her back to health.”

The older man sighed, thinking of the horrible state of that girl. “I don’t have a lot to say about it.”

“Oh, come on Doctor, I know you must think something of it.” He pried.

“I just hope the surviving participants get the help that they need, that’s all.” His answer is wholesome, not one you can really argue.

“You can’t possibly think that those experiments have a chance of molding into society, do you?”

“You never know.” That’s all he had to say before resuming his papers. His phone rang suddenly.

“Hello?”

“Hey dad, I can’t come by this evening, I have a thing.” Taehyung never missed coming to see his dad, so whatever it was, it must be important. “Sorry.”

“This thing must be important, huh?” He smiled through the phone.

“Yeah, I’ll see you. Love you, dad.”

“I love you too, son.”

Taehyung tucked his phone into his pocket and got out of the car, hoping he wouldn’t be waiting here all night. It was sunset, he entered the club and found a seat near the band and waited, anxiously. The tingling in his chest reminded him how nervous he was, what if you decided not to show up? That wouldn’t be a surprise given the feelings you have towards him—if you could call those feelings. When you ran out of the restaurant the other day, he had never felt so out of place in his life. He did put you on the spot when he asked about your family and you did not react well. But in his defense, he didn’t know it was a touchy subject.

“Can I get you anything?” A young waitress, who looked rather swoon by his appearance walked up to him.

“Not now, I’m waiting for someone.” Her expression saddened when she connected the dots. He wasn’t alone this evening and she could forget about hitting it big with a guy like him.

Thirty minutes turned into an hour, and an hour turned into an hour and a half. He had finally settled for ordering tea and leaving, but then you were walking in through the front door—you were wearing a black t-shirt, sneakers, and jeans. Your hair laid close on your shoulders as your eyes scanned the room for him. Before he could beckon you over, your eyes found him and you were walking towards him. With a breathless huff, you sat in the chair across from him, the air around you immediately took effect on him. His chest started to tingle but he managed to push the excitement down.

“So,” You exhaled, “what’s so important?” Your voice was soft, low, kind despite its cutting edges in tone.

“I...” He scrambled for his reasoning for calling you. “I called the office for you yesterday, but they said you weren’t there.”

“I had a few things I had to take care of, is that why you called me here?...” If that was the reason, you were sure he was taking this interest in you too far. “To see why I wasn’t at work? I asked my manager if it was ok-”

“No, that’s not why. I-...” He tapped absentmindedly on his ceramic cup, attempting to compile a coherent sentence. “Um...”

“Taehyung,” You cut him off, your patience running thin. “I really don’t have all night, I walked here from the subway station 15 minutes from here and I need to get back home...”

“The government contacted the company. They’ve been looking to see if any of my employees are affiliated with Jane Sato or know anything about The 1989 Project. I’ve heard that you’re one of the few people that haven’t been officially cleared by the SRMA recently.” He cleared his throat. “Do you know anything about it?”

“No, not a thing...” You deadpanned, eyes going between your hands and the live band in the background. You were starting to get that feeling again, the same feeling you felt the night you saw him, the icy burn at the tip of your fingers, and the pit of your stomach.

“And honestly, I don’t believe in that stuff. The whole Zoe Hawn case seemed like the government had too much to do with it. Put a feral looking failed experiment on the TV and everyone wants to get tested, it’s a hoax. Those hybrids, experiments- Whatever they're called, they have nothing to do with me. I don’t want to have anything to do with them either.”

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. “So, does this not look familiar to you?” You reached for it, fingers grazing it lightly before you gradually opened it up. A photo—a photo of a bunch of doctors and scientists, you weren’t sure. Your eyes scanned the individuals in the picture and you frowned.

Your gaze turned cold. “Where did you get this...”

“These are the doctors and scientist involved in the 1989 project, I got it from a physician I know. He thought I should show it to some of my employees. Do any of them look familiar?” He tilted his head, doe eyes too round and distracting for you at the moment.

You gulped. “No.”

He moved to grasp the photo. “I just thought you might’ve-...”

“I don’t know who any of those people are.”

A spark ignited from the tip of your fingers.

When your hands touched, it was as if a white light engulfed his vision and an achingly loud thump reverberated in your ears, you yanked your hand away instantly. There was no denying that you felt something and you didn’t like it. He stared up at you, lips parted in shock as you mirrored his expression but in a rigid manner. Your teeth dug into your bottom lip, probably drawing blood, and for the second time around him, your anxiety decided to devour you from the inside out.

“I-...I’m leaving.” You abruptly pushed away from the table and stormed out of the club, photo in hand.

“Hey! Wait!” He ran behind you, trying not to lose you since you were already halfway down the sidewalk. You retained a steady pace of running but you could tell he was hot on your trail, you could run down to the subway and try to lose him there but you hated getting on the subway at this hour.

You swiftly shoved the photo in your pocket and bolted down the alleyway. For a moment, you paused so you could catch your breath, leaning back against the rough brick walls and letting your eyelids flutter closed. Why is this happening to me and why now? You managed to calm yourself from the constant pound of your heartbeat. When you heard panting, you slowly opened your eyes.

He caged you, his eyes boring into your soul.

Your eyes widened, jumping back to run away but he seized your wrists. “Leave me alone!”

“Why did you run?!” He seethed, trying to stay calm. “Calm down, shh!” The words leaving his throat like a suppressed cough. You pushed at his chest, trying not to look him in the eye. “Stop trying to run away! Listen to me, please.” It was a firm plea, one you had never heard from anyone before. “If you’d just let me explain-”

You weren’t having it.

“Why won’t you just leave me alone?!” You jerked away, getting away from the wall so you could make a run for it but you felt a sharp pain in your head. You hunched over, clutching your forehead in your hands. “Ah...” You winced, your breathing unsteady and your stance shaky. The throbbing had increased and your vision was beginning to get blurry.

Taehyung reached out to you, his hand gripping your arms. “Y/n, stop fighting it...”

“Get the hell away from me!-“ You were pulling away, hitting, clawing at his arms and everything to get him to let you go. Despite your resistance, he wrapped his arms around you, his body being so close had made your pulse skyrocket. This was too much, it physically, emotionally, mentally, pained you the more you tried to getaway.

“Please, don’t fight me-” He tried to speak calmly but it was hard when you insisted on thrashing about. “S-stop fighting me, I’m not gonna hurt you, you can trust me,” His heart sank when he saw that look in your eyes, the look of an innocent creature in pain—you were scared. “We’re the same.”

“N-no, leave me alone,” Your stance wavered and you fell silent, tears building at your eyes. You were on the verge of sobbing. “Just leave me alone, I can’t be around you...”

There was so much energy emanating around you, through your bones. You could feel everything—you could hear everything. The buzz of street lights, bickering old couples on the top floor of this old apartment, honking horns of impatient drivers, a sobbing teen curled up on a cold tile floor. It was as if all living things were coursing through you—a razor-sharp current of light and darkness stabbing you from the inside out.

The sound of something cracking, the sound so unbearably familiar that he found it difficult to physically control himself.

“Y/n, don’t fight it...it’s okay...” His hands clung to your lower back and the back of your neck, keeping you anchored against him, your hands still pushing him away. His lips parted, a shaky breath leaving his mouth when you tensed.

“I know...I feel it too.”

Absolute darkness, dull obscurations ravaged your sight and you fell limp—you blacked out.

#bts au #bts mutant au #bts hybrid au #bts angst #bts fluff #bts smut #bts scenarios #taehyung fluff #taehyung angst #Taehyung smut #taehyung hybrid #taehyung mutation #taehyung mutant au #bts #color me moonight #id love to hear your feedback! it means the world to me :)#goodnight 🌙🌙#bts scifi au

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justoneday-namjoonii · 7 years ago

Text

Color me moonlight. I

☾ • I • II • III • IV • V • VI • VII ☽

› Summary: Some flowers are not to be plucked, for their thorns are far too sharp for any hand to graze, yet, she was touched. She was soft, fragile, she didn’t know it, but something that beautiful could never be bad. You grew in a garden of loneliness, do you have a place to bloom? It’s alright, I’ll give you a place and we can bloom together.

“You have 5 minutes to pack, and get the hell out of here!”

He shouted from downstairs, her ears ringing sore from the volume of his voice. Family members in the house were silent out of fear and shock; her cousins, aunts, grandparents, and all witnessed the heartrending humiliation. She rummaged through her shared room and hastily threw her belongings in the largest luggage she had.

“Uncle, please...” She pleaded, tears in her eyes as she walked down the stairs steadily, the old railing tight in her grip—attempting to hold on to the place she called home.

He shook his head, arms crossed as he suppressed the fiery rage.

“P-please don’t do this-” She sobbed, the luggage suddenly extremely heavy in her hands. “I have nowhere to go, I have no one else! I-I don’t know where to go-” She cries harder, chest becoming tight.

“You’re 18 years old! You have a job and money saved up. I don’t care where you go, but stay far away from this family.” He pointed to the door, the family watched from the living room and kitchen, this sudden outburst had turned cold the once peaceful night.

“Wait! Where are you going?” The youngest of her cousins, 5-year-old Daisy, ran to grab hold of her leg—this would be the last time she saw those big brown eyes and chubby little cheeks.

“I-...I love you, but I have to go, Daisy, okay?” She wiped her tears, trying not to fall apart in front of the innocent little girl.

“B-but why? Where are you going?...” Before she could answer her question, Daisy was ripped away by her mother and screaming—screaming for her big sister.

“Get out!” He snarled it once again, infuriated at this point. “Or I’ll get the police over here and tell them what you really are.” His threat triggered the widening of her eyes, he was dead serious and she shyly looked back. They all just watched, the only person to reach out was Daisy, the sound of her little screams and protest engraving a pitch in her memory as her mother held her in place.

She gave her uncle a look of betrayal, disbelief, how could he do this to his own family?...

She stood trembling outside of the doorway now in a mess of tremors, and he said this in a quiet tone. “You’re not welcome here, and I don’t want to see your face again.”

The door shut in her face, metaphorically feeding her to wolves on her birthday, of all days—surprise. She first walked to the bus stop, barely treading in a straight line with the luggage following her. The bus took her one place and she kept switching routes, until she was in an unknown city, hundreds of miles away from anything she’d call familiar. It was a surprise that she could find someplace to stay after a total of 8 hours on a bunch of buses. The world looked down at her misshapen identity and jeered. Thinking someone might care about was a daft suggestion, all she had now was herself.

She sat beside lonely, broken souls, winos with dreams of music but mainly by herself, tucked safely in the very back. She found refuge at a single hotel room at a reasonable price, the sheets of that bed were tainted with ice-cold tears and hushed screams into the pillows. I’m a monster, I’m a monster, I’m a monster, she unleashed her agony into a dingy white pillowcase, “I’m a monster...”

The sound of something breaking awakes me from sleep. A sound full of unfamiliarity, I try to cover my ears but I still hear it...

Office jobs aren’t so bad, you get to go to retirement parties for people you don’t even know. Hey, you might even score some free cake in the process. Somehow, you were invited to a retirement party for a coworker, and you didn’t even know the guy personally. He was more like an ex-coworker, given you were almost fired last week, you missed two deadlines and the were ready to kick you out. Luckily, you were saved by your expertise in butt kissing. They must’ve forgotten they sent the invitation last month. It was in the higher-level office too, in the rich part of the city, the part you’ve never spent a lot of time at. It’s said that the CEO knew this man when he first started the company and so it was only fitting to give him an extravagant sending off.

Of course, you were lingering around the refreshment and snack table, trying not to look uncomfortable, though it was inevitable, you still tried. The office was huge, it didn’t even look like an office, it was so high class and stately. The venue did not disappoint either. You wondered if you could ever live in a place like this, maybe if you won the lottery or became somebody’s sugar baby if anybody would take you as one, probably not. There was a lively discussion revolving around the better choice of luxury cars, the stock market, and what is the best company to invest in. You found it funny how they could converse about such things—your biggest life debates are whether to have a burger or pizza is better on Friday night.

“Well, let's gather around and have a toast! For Mr. Devaut, wishing him a happy and prosperous retirement.” The CEO stood up from his table, a glass of champagne in his hands, man did he reek rich and judgmental. You were, of course, a mile away from the lady giving out champagne so you awkwardly maneuvered through the crowd to get to her.

“Excuse me,” Fortunately, she saw your struggle to get to her and handed you the glass, “thanks.”

“First, I want to thank Clarence for being such a loyal and selfless worker.” He shook his head to be a tinge dramatic. “I don’t know where this company would be without him, he’s closed more million-dollar deals than anyone in this business, he’s a role model to all of you looking to move up in this world. So, Clarence Devaut, thank you.” He raised the glass and everyone followed suit, doing the exact same gesture, you toasted quickly before sipping on the strawberry champagne.

“Oh, you’re too kind Sir.” The man was beyond flattered and all the higher-ups praised him in. I wonder if all of them drink and throw parties with their other rich friends on yachts every weekend, probably. They probably attended exclusive events, spent their money on thousands of dollars of clothes or other more lustful things—that’s just what you imagined.

“Now, now, now. I know tonight is supposed to be about me but I like to thank all of you who’ve helped me reach the company goals.” The proud expressions and smiles on the older guys faces indicated that the CEO’s son was near. The man continued going on about goals, stocks, other technical business terms that you didn’t really acknowledge. Why am I so insistent on not paying attention to these types of things? It’s not like you have a short attention span, you just get distracted by your thoughts on the subject or lack thereof. Either way, you downed half the glass of champagne and he was still talking.

You watched the group of men and women add to the conversation and laugh about things you wouldn’t understand. Your thoughts were elsewhere, the CEO's son is here tonight. Now that I think about it, I’ve never actually seen the guy, I hear things in the office sometimes. Some girls would say he didn’t talk much but when he did, he was charismatic and charming in every way possible—no one could be that perfect. Not even someone as beautiful as he was supposed to be.

“Thank you Devaut,” A baritone toned voice came from the table of higher-ups, the voice was smooth like hot, honey. Who’s that? Some people were still sitting at their tables and you saw a man with a red silk shirt, and smooth dark brown hair that tickled the back of his neck with its unique length. He resembled a computer-generated image; his nose was formed beautifully, his eyes were big and beautiful, his lips were a pretty natural pink guise. His stance was poised and his broad shoulders forced your eyes to trail up to his chest and neck. You nearly choked on your champagne—that’s him?...

“And sincerely, we hope you have a fulfilling retirement.” He surveyed the room and sipped his drink before speaking again. His eyes lingered in your direction for a moment, he did a doubletake.

“My colleagues and I have arranged for you a little going away gift, just a little something to show our gratitude.” He reached into his suit jacket and held a white envelope—oh, he was too much.

“We hope you enjoy it.” He stepped over to the older man, handing him the envelope with a charming grin. The man glimmered with joy and suddenly became humbled, or so it seemed. He practically praised the young man with a string of compliments and thank yous. As nice as this is, nature had been calling and you couldn’t hold it anymore. You quietly scurried down the hall and when you found the bathroom you sat your glass on the decorative table in the area between the restrooms. You went to the extremely tidy stalls and did what you had to do. When you walked out, your glass was gone. You leave for one minute and those pesky maids steal your drink. You just walked back to the venue with a plan to leave soon.

“There are gifts for everyone as a thank you for coming.” You heard one of the female representatives say and looked for one of your coworkers when you finally found her you waved her down.

“Hey, Shannon,“ Her face lit up when she saw me and you crooked your brow, “You didn’t tell me you would be here.”

“I didn’t think you would come.” She embraced me in a tight grip, her champagne glass pressing against my bare shoulder briefly. “I distinctly remember you saying that you rather go do your laundry then hang around a bunch of snobs who don’t care about average hardworking citizens.”

She laughed but she wasn’t wrong, you didn’t plan on coming here. “Yeah, I decided last minute to come.”

“Well, if you’re here you might as well have some fun, right?” She had a look in her eye, a look that screamed that she wanted you to get into some trouble. “Mingle around, maybe meet somebody. “ She smiled as if I would actually consider finding someone at a party like this, she has big dreams I suppose...

“Yeah, okay..” Sarcasm was obvious in your voice but she didn’t catch on to it. Yiu looked around, trying to see if there was anywhere to stand and look inconspicuous while at the same time being hidden. You wondered if those people really cared, it’s not like losing an employee like you would make a dent in their profits. In fact, you had never met some of the people here and they had never even batted an eyelash your way. The company wasn’t inherently bad—you got some benefits and you can invest in your 401k so there wasn’t much to complain about. It wasn’t fulfilling, but then again I don’t even know what fulfills me so that wasn't saying much. You decided to go to the not so busy bar and take a glass of white wine on the terrace. You took your phone out and browsed through social media to kill some time.

“I’ll be back, I just need to make a call.”

You glanced behind you, that silky red shirt and a face that resembled a flawlessly sculpted statue was the source of the voice. Why did he have to come out here? Sure, he’s the CEO’s son so he can do what he wants but you do not want to be in the same vicinity with someone with so much unyielding power. It would look way too obvious if you tried to leave now, so you just walked to the further side of the balcony and stared out at the city in hopes that he didn’t notice you. He held his phone and he pressed a contact and held the phone to his ear until he got a response. You didn’t want to make any assumptions but you got a glimpse at his face and he looked angry, or maybe just focused? That may be why he’s making that phone call...

“I gave you a whole 48 hours to get this taken care of. I was more than generous with the deadline and you mean to tell me you missed it?” He sounded angry and for some reason the tone of his voice made you cower for the person on the other end. You honestly couldn’t keep yourself from listening in on his conversation, what can I say? I live for drama that doesn’t involve me.

“No, I gave you more than enough time. Our sales are going down on that model because of the manufacturer's defects. You can’t try to make it up to me now.” You could clearly hear the person on the other end going out in frantic apologies and empty excuses. “Today is your last day, I’m letting you go.”

You glanced at him when he said that, his expression was so stoic as the wind played with his hair gently. He hung up the phone in the middle of the man attempting to crawl out the hole he dug for himself because he neglected to do as he was told. You sipped the wine, trying to look like you didn’t just witness someone getting fired over the phone.

He sighed, leaning against the balcony with furrowed brows. “Idiot...” He mumbled, trying to compose himself before going back inside to the party—but when he finally looked around, he realized that he had a small audience. A woman that he had never seen before stood with a somewhat sheer, flowy blouse and a high-waisted skirt that brought his eyes down to her legs. She shifted her feet in the thin heels, probably feeling the strain that the forced arch invoked, but anything for beauty, right? His eyes tend to linger on what he finds pleasing, the presence around living beings intrigued him. Whether a warm scenery, a beautiful color, or a pretty plant, he tends to get visually distracted and he felt a draw towards you. He approached you with the straightest of posture and gentlest of calls. “Excuse me?”

“Yes?” You stood up straight with the glass in your sweaty hand.

“You work for our company, yes?” He leaned against the balcony with one propped up arm. You swore you didn’t care about looks and that appearance was always deceiving, but here you are, speechless.

“Uh- Yes, I do.” You thought about extending your hand but he wasn’t looking at you so you spared yourself the awkwardness.

“What department?”

“Customer service.” How exciting, you get to help impatient people who refuse to look at the directions for the cameras. It was okay at times but it was stressful a majority of the time.

“Oh, then you would definitely know the answer to this. Model 0XHS-5D has been on the market for 2 years now and since we changed manufactures, it’s dropped in sales by 18%. In comparison to our original models, how do you think the quality differs? If it differs at all.”

“Uh, well, I get a lot of complaints about the lens. Customers say it smudges easily and it’s not sturdy enough for a three thousand dollar camera.” You explained, not bothering to look at him directly because of how nervous you were.

“That’s what the customers tell you?”

“That, and the pictures often distort when transferred from a USB to a computer. I get literal hell from customers for that,” You sipped your wine hastily, calming your worries, “especially those who are professional photographers...”

“So, in your customer service opinion, you would say it was the worst model?” The way he said that sounded like a challenge for you to say how you really felt and you did so in the most truthful way you could think of.

“Well, in the words of one of your customers Mr. Kim, ‘that camera is a $3,000 piece of crap’, that’s the censored version of what she had to say.“ The smirked, a small chuckle escaping your mouth.

“Hm.” He stood there in deep thought. “Thank you for your honesty.” You actually couldn't believe that he was taking advice from you—someone who debated leaving the company more than a few times. “What’s your name?”

“Y/n.”

“It was nice meeting you, Y/n.” He extended a hand to you and you shook his hand with a light grip, the way he looked at you...did he look at everyone that deeply? You felt his gaze sink into your very being as if to look straight at your soul, it left you breathless for a moment.

“Nice meeting you too, Sir...” He walked back into the party, a trail of bergamot and musk beckoning you to follow him but you knew better than that. ‘No.’ you scolded yourself, you need to get the thought of ever getting this close to someone that important again. You downed the glass of warm liquid with a conflicted sigh, people like you aren’t supposed to be around people like him.

3 weeks later.

“Take it off of the market,” Taehyung discoursed to the product representatives as his father sat at the desk. Taehyung recently started to act and make decisions on his father's behalf, he was the owner now. “It’s causing too many issues and I’ve been informed that it is the lowest-rated camera in our line, we don’t need to put money towards something that doesn’t satisfy the customers, nor does its job. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, Sir.” He walked off, closing the door on his way out.

“Son, you’ve done an excellent job with the company.” He smiled at Taehyung proudly, Taehyung was taking over seamlessly. “I should’ve handed the ranks over to you months ago and gone back to the hospital full-time.” He chuckled. The sole reason why he started this company was for his beloved only son. At a young age, Taehyung was infatuated with cameras and how they worked. He’d steal his dad's cameras and take them on field trips to school just to photograph what he found pretty. The high demand surgeon paused his career to invest, and eventually own, a tremendously successful camera company. He did it in hopes that one day, Taehyung would take it over and he did.

“Don’t get me wrong, dad, I love this job, but it's really been a lot lately.” Taehyung huffed, typing something on his computer. “The marketing team branches are a pain in the neck right now, they haven't gained any new clients in Milan yet and they keep asking for directions. Don’t they know how to do their jobs without being told every little thing?”

“They’re just not used to your style of leadership, you don't micromanage which is great but some people have to be told once or twice to do their job. They'll start to realize that you won't tolerate and shape up. It's hard yes, but that’s just because you’re new, it’ll get better with time.”

“That’s good to know.” He went back to his papers.

“Where did you get the idea to take that model off the market? I knew it was causing problems but I didn’t know to what extent.”

“An employee in the customer service department suggested it...She was from the downtown offices I think.” He off in daydream for a split second and bit his lip. “Dad, she- I don’t know, I’ve never met anyone like her.”

“What do you mean? You think she was beautiful?” He beamed, thinking his son had taken a liking to someone.

“I mean, she was pretty but I don’t mean she physically different, it’s like there was something off about her, y’know? Not in a bad way, just off.” He sighed. “It’s probably nothing, I just thought it was strange...”

“Oh, I see.” His father nodded as if to push that thought aside before changing the subject for his own comfort. “Do you mind if I catch the news?” Taehyung shook his head, handing the remote to his father.

“Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on our special broadcast on The 1989 Project. Today marks the anniversary of the termination of what our society calls the Cities best-kept secret. In May of 1989, The Foundation of Biology Research and Experimentation was founded by Jane Sato, acclaimed Doctor, and scientist of 10+ years. The practices of her organization took place at the Scientific Research and Medical Advancement Facility in the heart of Medical City. For a decade, new medical practices, experiments, and advancements were discovered thanks to her organization. But speculations of inhumane experimentation taking place on innocent and or willing subjects under her guidance put the Doctor in question. Sato stated that, quote, ‘What if the human being is but a vessel that can be morphed into something greater, stronger, and far more beautiful through science and medical treatment. I believe that through technological advancements, the idea of physical imperfections, chronic illness, genetic disorder or even the common cold can be made history through rigorous genetic and biological alterations. There is no denying that a humans DNA is beautifully made, but that doesn’t mean there is no room for improvement. Our society, as we know it, could be radically transformed by humans with abilities that are beyond our comprehension.’ End quote. Her theory was embraced by few in her field, but those who did follow her were devoted to her dream. The idea that a humans genetic makeup could be bent to her will and mutated into nothing but a creature was a sickening notion to doctors, scientists, and civilians alike.”

“Can you believe that?” The old convenience store owner shook his head at the poorly colored tv screen as he wiped down the counters. You brought your chips and bottle of juice to the counter, pulling out your wallet from your backpack as you halfheartedly listened to the broadcast.

“Tragically, a few months after the speculations, a fire broke out in the laboratory and her research was destroyed, along with many victims. Several of the scientists and doctors working with her were off the record and so some are presumed to have perished in the fire, others are unknown. As many of the cities residents can recall, the story was promptly pushed under the rug after the case of Zoe Akasma Hawn opened in October 2007. The 19-year-old was found gaunt, with feral attributes such as fanged teeth, beady eyes, and oddly, severe discoloration of skin with a large unidentified symbol on her abdomen in one of Sato’s enlistee patient recovery residences. When her existence was discovered, her behavior was violent and she had to be detained and sedated for several days before she could be put into question. Though verbally incoherent, after intensive medical care, she professed to have no memory of how she obtained her oddities. Shortly after her case opened it was unexpectedly ended and hasn’t been disclosed since. The government claimed they knew nothing of Sato’s projects and neglected to give the citizens answers. After the fall of Sato’s life's work, she was never heard of again. It makes us wonder, is the government withholding the truth about these people? And if so, do we need to worry about people like Hawn running rampant in our city?”

You took out eight dollars so you could pay the $7.51, glancing at the television before you got your change and went on your way. You were on your lunch break and due to your lack of friends and or poor socialization skills, you had no one to eat with. The park was pretty empty at this time of day, kids were still in school and adults were busy working or grabbing lunch—the city seemed to engulf wandering souls like you that didn’t speak the language of busy streets and impatient shop owners. You walked down the sidewalk with your little plastic bag to go and you were eager to get to your sandwich in the office but the crosswalk had other plans. You stood in the small group of people, anxious to get across the street and back to the safe confines of your workplace. A cute couple was having an interesting conversation and you couldn’t help but eavesdrop.

“They say it was some kind of human experimentation or something. My mom used to say the government was lying about them not knowing about it.”

Before your mind could wander further into the idea, everyone began walking down the crosswalk and you scurried behind them. You opened the door of the office building and ran to the break room to retrieve your packed sandwich. When you made your way to the refrigerator, you peeked inside to look for your little lunch pack, you couldn’t help but smile.

Once, someone had stolen your packed lunch and you swore you would never leave anything of yours in this fridge, but you gave it a chance today and you were glad you did. You sat down quietly, some of your colleagues had gone out for lunch and so the office was arguably calm.

“Hey, Y/n.” You were in the middle of taking a bite of your sandwich when the girl across from your cubicle, the slightly annoying one, tried to get your attention.

You furrowed your brows, “Yes?” reaching for a potato chip to accompany the sandwich in your mouth.

“The CEO is visiting the offices this week, he might come here tomorrow.” She smirked. “He is so mysterious, y’know? His father gave him this company and I heard some of the higherups are still getting used to his management. He doesn’t make any announcements, he just gives assignments and he really means business.” She giggled, how she got this information would remain a mystery to you.

“Oh, that’s nice...” You spun around in your rolly chair and went back to your lunch. She always tried to reel you in with her greasy gossip tactics but you resisted it. You were never too fond of messy gossip. Maybe you didn’t crave drama because you were never involved in it in high school with all of those insecure girls who had nothing better to do than bully each other. 7 pm came quicker than you anticipated, the sun had set, most of your coworkers were gone, you were one of the only people here next to the janitor that knew you all too well. You gathered your belongings and walked down the dimly lit path of the lobby.

“Goodnight, Ms. Y/n. Be careful out there.” The older gentlemen with crows feet and pale hair tipped his hat with a kind smile.

“Goodnight, Mr. Go, I will.” You waved goodnight and went out into the city, you rarely walked home, most of the times you’d take the bus but you missed it by 10 minutes. There was no sense in wasting a Thursday night walking, why not stop by that jazz club and have a drink? It sounded like a good idea to you so you switched sidewalks to walk through the front entrance adorn by warm lights. Immediately, when you entered the club, the music soothed your ears. With slight hesitation, you approached the counter to order something.

“One Americano please.” The barista went to prepare your drink and you sat at the tiny table in the corner. As you waited, your eyes were glued to the jazz band. The music was amazing, you wondered how you ever paced this place by, how could you have neglected an establishment of such musical prowess?

He sat on the barstool with a siciliano, leaning against the bar in exhaustion. Work was non-stop, not a moment to breathe or rest his busy mind.

“Your Americano, ma’am.” The barista placed a drink on the pickup counter and the owner of that drink walked to the counter with a timid thank you. He knew that voice from somewhere. One glance and the two of you narrowed your brows at the realization of your presence.

“Hi.”

“H-hi, Mr. Kim.” Great—you can’t go anywhere without being disturbed. “It’s nice to see you, sir, bye-”

“You’re leaving? But you don’t have a to-go cup.” He pointed out the heavy clear glass in your grip and your cheeks threatened a shade a rose.

“Oh...I guess you’re right.” Grudgingly, you took a seat on the barstool beside him, your fingers twiddling with the cup.

“Have you ever been here before?”

“No.” You cleared your throat, drinking a bit more of the bitter coffee. “It’s pretty nice though...”

“Me neither.” He took his drink, sipping it elegantly. “So, since you’re here, tell me about yourself. I rarely get to talk with my employees in a casual setting.”

You sighed, you weren’t in the mood for a conversation. “Well-”

“Taehyung.” You looked at him confused. “Let this be two regular people, you can speak to me comfortably.” He smiled. “You can start by calling me by my first name, it’s Taehyung.”

“Okay, Taehyung. There’s not much to know about me...” You deadpanned, chewing on the fleshy parts of your bottom lip. “I go to work 5 days a week and I go home the end.”

“Aw, come on.” He couldn’t hold back an amused scoff, you saw his boxy smile for the first time when you did that. “Nobody has that little to them.”

“Yeah, you would think that..” The way you were somewhat content with describing yourself in such a dreary manner—he couldn’t tell if you were being hostile or blunt. “Not to be rude or anything, but what’re you doing here? I thought your office was in North Heights? You’re a far way from there...”

“I like to wind down after work, I’ve been on this side of the city plenty of times.” He defended.

“You were here for the location management check-up, weren’t you?” You quipped, a knowing smirk on your face—he was caught. “They had an announcement this morning in the office, they said you might be visiting the locations...”

There was nothing more for him to say—in an unexpected way, he felt profiled. It was like you had one idea about him in your mind and that’s all you saw him as. Though, a customer service employee like yourself had no impact on his confidence as a person, but for some reason, how you said it bothered him. Music played smoothly in the background, it lessened the awkward of you two just sitting by one another without a word. He found himself, stealing glimpses of you when you’d look at the live band. After a while, he could tell you had downed that drink so you could get out of here.

“It was nice chatting with you but it’s getting late,” You took that last sip, “I should go...” You tucked a dollar under your empty Americano class for the barista. You adjusted your dark green blouse and fastened your purse on your shoulder, “Goodnight Mr. Kim.” and you went on your way.

His eyes lingered on you until you disappeared from his sight, not to be seen until fate deemed it time. Without reason or motive, he felt an innate draw to your presence. The night he met you, and even now, your demeanor was so distinctive, he couldn’t decipher what it was.

The old faithful lock on your door still creaked when turning the knob, the landlord claimed it was common but you knew he was just too lazy to fix it. Your apartment wasn’t the biggest, most beautiful place in the world but it was the safest and cheapest place you could find—it did the job for suitable shelter. You somehow predicted a knock at the door and in a matter of seconds, good ole’ Jan was knocking at your door. You never rolled your eyes harder than when Jan was at your door—ThatwomanneedstofindbetterhobbythanbotherinmewhenI’mtryingtobealone-

“Jan, hi.” You feigned a joyful smile. “How are you?”

“I can’t complain, honey,” She was quite the character with her leopard print robe and thick New York accent. “I was wondering if you had any disposable razors, I’m all out and I have a date in an hour.”

You had to stop yourself from looking at her like she had a third eye, a disposable razor? Seriously?

“Um, yeah, let me go get it.” You cracked the door and ran to get your last disposable razor for this woman. This wasn’t the first tie she asked for random stuff, a hairdryer, butter, one night her 13-year-old son was doing a science project and the woman asked for ketchup, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and vinegar, which of course you gave her and never got back. After that, you decided you would just say you didn’t have whatever she needed, she had just as much freedom to go to the store of you.

“Here you go, have a good night.” You handed her the razor.

“Thanks, hon.” She smiled, running off to her place down the hall.

“Jeez...” You sighed, trudging yourself to the couch and letting the old bag of leather engulf you—another day, another night on the couch. You flip on the television and of course, the news station turned on, and the 7:30 news anchor came in with the latest story.

Breaking News.

“Good evening, I’m Amanda Mitchelle, here with breaking news. 5 pm today, the government released a statement regarding the Foundation of Biology Research and Experimentation.”

A video of some middle-aged lad in a boring suit stood at a podium with about twenty mics in his face.

“The government takes the safety of our people seriously. In light of the anniversary of the 1989 Project, we have learned that there were over 400 participants involved in the project. There is a slim chance that some experiments could have escaped and settled amongst society and all over the world. Just as we did when the Zoe Akasma Hawn case came to the light, we would like to announce that if there is anyone who knows of this project, please come forward. Again, the experiments are not normal human beings. We have suspected that Sato’s experiments, as of now they will be called Sato-Cross, has been diminished to creatures who are unable to comprehend basic knowledge, function within societal means, or process emotion. A Sato-Cross Experiment is not to be hidden and is to be turned in immediately. They are a danger to society, once again, they are not to be hidden.”

“That was congressman Nelson Greene, speaking in regards to The 1989 Project—”

You turned the television off, not wishing to listen to it any longer, it was nothing new. The 1989 Project, that seemed to be the only thing they were talking about. At times, you wondered what had really gone down but then again, sometimes you could care less. Suddenly, your phone buzzed. You narrowed your brow, how did he get my cell number?

Unknown Number: I’m sorry for contacting you so late Ms.Y/n but I am contacting you for Mr. Kim. He requested that you to come to his office tomorrow morning, he is discussing company changes with employess from each office location. Please save this number. Kim Taehyung’s secreatary, Margaret.

You responded with a simple ‘I will be there’, and left it at that. If you were being honest, you did not want to be near that man any more than you had to be. There was nothing about you that would help him, why couldn’t he call someone else from your office? You didn’t want to read into this, he is your boss and there’s nothing more to it. Even if his eyes lingered on you longer than they should have, the way he tried to maintain eye contact with you, it just made you feel out of place—as if you were undeserving of that type of attention. You laughed halfheartedly, I guess that’s pretty sad, huh?

He tried not to dwell on you, but it was like every time he’d close his eyes, he saw those dark orbs that plummeted into obscure nothingness, staring back at him.

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