#i’m terrified chas

[bobbie-robron]

And all we can do is make sure that these next few weeks are… the opposite to rubbish.

09-Sep-2019

[quack-quack-snacks]

Cat Mug (A Reason to Live)

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My Sweet Home Masterlist

My Cha Hyun-su Masterlist

Pairing(s): Cha Hyun-su x GN!Reader Summary: When Hyun-su first arrived at Green Home, the only plan he had for life was to end his. He never would have thought his plan to end his life caused by the lack of any reason to continue living would lead to him finding one. Warnings: Slight season 1 spoilers, self-harm (both the reader and Hyun-su), suicide ideation, smoking (weed), illegal smuggling of contraband (weed), and comfort. Word Count: 2,728 Extra Notes: Cannabis is highly illegal in Korea. This is set in an AU with no apocalypse/monsterization.

When Hyun-su first arrived at Green Home, the only plan he had for life was to end his. 

It was a few weeks into living there that he came to the terrifying realization when the blade of the weed chopper flew inches from his face. He didn’t actually want to die, he had just lost all of his reasons to live. 

Most of his days were spent inside his apartment, testing different video games for companies until his eyes dried up to the point of tears and his head throbbed in pain. The pain was a welcome distraction that helped keep his thoughts averted away from the disaster that was his life. He didn’t even have a cover or bed stand for his twin-sized mattress. It lay on the floor of his small living space, placed directly under the windows so he could watch the stars right before he fell asleep.

The stars were his only solace in this wretched world that took everything from him. Everything was gone because he offered a few quarters to a boy in high school that he tried to make friends with. At first, he blamed all the unfair treatment that he was subjected to on anything and everything around him, but after a while, he started to think it was his fault.

Maybe he was being cocky when he offered Do-hun those coins.

Maybe he was worthy of the bullying he put him through.

Maybe he deserved the way his parents blamed him for being bullied.

Maybe he earned the way his sister was embarrassed to be related to him. 

The more those thoughts circled in his mind, the more he started to actually believe them. The more he started to believe them, the more he started to hate himself for everything.

His life was on a steep slope leading to a pit of despair until he met you. 

It was around 6 p.m. on Friday, August 21 of 2020.

For you, that meant you were heading back from the grocery store after stacking up on your food for the next week.

For Hyun-su, at least on this specific Friday, it meant he was heading back from testing a game for the video game production company Syx Arus. He wasn’t in the best mood. The game was a total bust; glitches around every corner, the gun wouldn’t shoot for the majority of the time he tested it, and he ended up getting paid half of what he was promised because of his feedback being ‘too blunt and disrespectful.’

He was walking through the hallway toward his apartment with his earbuds in and his head down. His hands were stuck in his pockets as he tried to focus on how the loud music hurt his ears and not the frustration building inside him. Because his attention was directed elsewhere, he completely missed seeing you as you stood in front of your apartment door. You had been shifting the grocery bags in your hands around so you could have a free hand to unlock and open the door but let out a gasp as you felt a tall figure bump into you, sending the bag full of a carton of eggs and a loaf of bread onto the floor. You let out a wince as you heard a crunch, positive that at least a few eggs were broken. 

“Holy shit, I’m so sorry!” You heard from behind you, turning around to see a boy. He was tall, and his hair was a dark brown, almost black, unkempt mess on his head. He yanked the earbuds once residing in his ears out and you could hear the loud music blasting out of them before he paused it on his phone. 

“Don’t worry about it,” you reassured him before your lips curved into a slightly teasing smirk. “You just cleared a hand up for me. I should be thanking you,” you let out a little laugh as you finally had a free hand to slip your key into the lock of your apartment door before turning it until you heard that familiar, satisfying click, signaling the door being unlocked. 

 Just as you pushed the door open, he spoke again. “Do you need any help?”

You smiled at him over your shoulder. “Sure, could you just grab that bag?” You gestured with your head to the bag on the floor holding your broken eggs and dented bread and he gave an enthusiastic and adorably determined nod as he used one hand to hold the door open for you and the other to pick up the bag. You walked in, quickly setting your groceries down on the small dining table you had just outside of your cramped kitchen. You turned to the boy and took the bag from his hand, walking to the sink as you took the carton apart to inspect the damage. To your surprise, there wasn’t much. Only a few eggs were broken, and although you would need to put them into a different carton because the broken eggs had spilled onto this one, you still wouldn’t need to make a second trip to get more eggs. 

You turned to peek over your shoulder and saw the boy standing awkwardly outside the door to your kitchen, rocking back and forth on his heels as he looked at the miscellaneous decorations you had hanging on the walls. You breathed out a small laugh before walking to your pantry. Without turning back to look at him, you asked, “Do you like tea?”

“What?” He asked, not expecting the change from silence to a soft-spoken conversation.

“Do you like tea?” You repeated, finally turning back to look at him, two boxes of different tea flavors in your hands. “Or are you more of a coffee drinker?”

“Oh,” he replied, looking kind of stunned by your question. “Tea is fine.”

You gave him a smile at his soft-spoken words. Although this was the first time you had ever seen, let alone spoken to, the boy, you could tell he was not much of a talker or an expressive person. Setting the boxes of tea on the counter, you took out your kettle and started filling it with water before setting it on the stove with the fire turned on high. As it started to boil, you took out two mugs and placed them down on your kitchen’s bar counter where two bar stools were stationed on the other side. You gestured to one of them after setting the mugs down in their respective places and he hesitantly sat down. 

“So,” you asked as you walked back over to where you set down the tea boxes, picking them up and bringing them back over to him, hiding them behind your back for dramatic effect. “Lemon and ginger,” you pulled one box out from behind your back before quickly realizing it was the wrong box and frantically trying to switch the boxes before he could see the other flavor, an action that caused his lips to twitch in a slight smile for a moment before disappearing again. “Or spiced chai?”

“I’ll do the chai,” he decided and you nodded with a smile. 

“Good choice.”

You placed a spicy chai tea bag into his cup - a mug with a cheesy meme of a cat wearing a ski mask sitting on top of a burger on the front saying “cat burger-lar” - and placed your choice of tea in your mug - a plain white mug that said “World’s Best Grandpa” on the front. 

Waiting for the water to boil, you reached your hand across the counter to him in greeting. After introducing yourself, you asked, “I haven’t seen you around before, are you the kid who just moved into 1410?”

He nodded his head as he took your hand. “Yeah, I moved in a few weeks ago. I’m Cha Hyun-su.”

“Well I apologize for not bringing some cookies over sooner, Hyun-su,” you told him with a teasing lilt in your voice. Your eyes fluttered down to where his hand sat in yours and you did an almost imperceptible double take when you saw the scars littering his forearm beneath his black hoodie sleeve. When he noticed you saw them, he gently took his hand out of yours and tugged his sleeve down before standing up. 

“Thank you for the tea, but I should be going now,” he told you abruptly but politely and turned towards your door, intending on leaving as fast as he could, not wanting your pity or anything of the like. 

“Wait!” You called out after him and he turned just to see you quickly pouring some of the, now boiling, water into what was going to be his cup, running over to him, and giving it to him. When he looked shocked and confused, you gave him a lopsided smile. “You thanked me for the tea but you never even got to drink any.”

He looked back and forth between the mug in his hand, warming his palm through the ceramic wall, and your eyes, warming his heart with your soft gaze. He didn’t see any pity, just understanding. It was strange and he couldn’t possibly understand how you could feel his pain. 

“This is your mug,” he stated bluntly and held the mug back out to you but you just gently pushed it back towards him.

“Take it. You can give it to me next time,” you promised.

Next time.

Your words bounced around in his mind, banging off the walls of his brain until they settled and he gave you a slight nod. You walked him out the door, waving him off as he walked down the hall towards his door. 

Next time.

It was now Tuesday, August 25 of 2020, and you hadn’t seen Hyun-su since your first meeting. You were a little worried you had scared him off with your possibly too forward advances and how you’d seen his scars but decided to focus on the positive and just thought that he probably had a life of his own so he wouldn’t be roaming through the halls every day, waiting to bump into you and break your eggs again just to talk to you. 

Although you kind of wish he would.

It was 7:06 p.m. when you walked up the stairs of Green Home, sunset. You intended on heading to the roof and smoking for a bit so you would have less of a chance of being caught by anyone. As you used your shoulder to push open the doors leading to the roof, you saw the boy you’d been waiting to see for the past week standing on the edge. You let out a sigh and leaned against the wall.

“Kind of a lame way to die, is it not?” You called out to him and he flinched at your voice. Your eyes widened as he leaned farther toward the edge for a moment before regaining his balance and looking back at you. You sighed once again before giving him a sad smile. Popping yourself off the wall, you gestured for him to follow you as you walked around the entrance of the door to the stack of boxes leading to the roof of it. Hopping up, you turned around to hold a hand out for Hyun-su to grab as he followed you up. You turned back around to settle yourself down on the edge of the small box housing the exit to the stairs and dug around in your bag as Hyun-su settled down next to you. Letting out a little cry of success as you found what you were looking for, you pulled out the small mint box you used for storing your blunts. It was relatively safe and if anyone ever asked for a mint you could always just pretend to be really protective over them. That way you were just an asshole, not a criminal. 

As you pulled out your lighter and held the blunt up to your lips, you noticed Hyun-su staring at you. You tilted your head to look at him and held the blunt out for him to take. “Want some?” 

He shook his head, looking down at his lap. “I don’t smoke cigarettes.”

You gave a small laugh at his ignorance as you lifted it back to your lips. “It’s weed actually.”

His head snapped towards you comically and you laughed more, interrupting yourself again as you tried to light the spliff. “Wait, but… isn’t that illegal?”

You gave a small shrug as you finally lit the edge of the blunt and took a hit before replying. “It is. Why, are you gonna tell on me?” You leaned over slightly to bump him with your shoulder as you teased him and he vehemently shook his head no. 

“No, I just… I never would’ve thought you’d be the type of person to smoke marijuana. Kind of surprised me.”

You let out a hum of acknowledgment. “Well, I wasn’t originally from Korea, I lived in the States for most of my life until I moved here when I first turned 18. This is the last I have of the stuff I bought with me. Took a hell of a lot of work to sneak it past border control.”

He looked at you in a type of awe that made your lips tilt up in amusement. You would’ve never thought someone would look at you like that after you told them about how you illegally smuggled marijuana into a country that made it highly illegal. The slight movement of him tugging his hoodie sleeves over his hands caused you to release a breath of air before you directed your attention to where you were given a beautiful view of the sunset right from your spot on top of the building. 

He watched you as you took a hit from the blunt and released the smoke from between your lips. At that moment, he couldn’t think of anyone more beautiful than how you looked with the sun reflecting its last golden rays on your face. And to think, he would’ve missed this if he had taken that step forward just a second before you arrived behind him. “I was in a plane crash when I was 12,” you told him and his eyes widened in surprise. “It was… bad. There was a lot of fire and chaos just everywhere,” you glanced at him nervously and looked away when you saw him watching you intensely. You focused your attention on stubbing out your blunt on the rough concrete you sat on, no longer in the mood for a quick high. “Both my parents were on the flight with me, and yet - by some miracle doctors still haven’t found an explanation for,” you rolled your eyes in frustration at the thought. “I was the only one to live out of us. Most people on the plane ended up passing away with only a few coming out alive.”

Hyun-su wanted so desperately to grab your hand and comfort you but he couldn’t bring himself to lift his hand off his thigh. 

“For the longest time,” you said as you fiddled with your sleeve, rolling it up for him to see. “I hated myself for being alive when they weren’t.”

When you finally had your sleeve rolled up, he could clearly see the physical evidence of your guilt and pain. When he looked back up at you, he was met with your eyes looking back at him with that same look of understanding hiding within the lines of your pupils. 

Maybe you did understand.

“I know what it’s like to hate yourself and to want to take the pain away, but I promise you,” you reached out to grab his hand and squeezed it reassuringly, doing what he couldn’t all those moments ago. “It does get better.”

When you smiled at him, he couldn’t help but give a smile back, his lips tilting up to show his appreciation for you and your words. “Thank you.”

You shook your head, not letting go as you returned your gaze to the setting sun, the stars taking its place in the palace of the deep abyss in the sky. “Don’t thank me, just live.”

Maybe he did have a reason to live after all.

[nerdofthecentrey]

For Them | Cha Hyun-Su x Human Reader

Genre: Fluffy, Angsty

Summary: You do what you can to protect others and get hurt in the process.

Warnings: Blood, Getting hurt, monster descriptions, normal Sweet home stuff

Unedited

____________________________

It had been 16 days since this all started, It was terrifying but you wouldn’t lose hope. You wanted to stay alive not necessarily for yourself but to be with Hyun-Su. And for Kim Su-Yeoung and Kim Yeoung-Su the little kids both you’d both saved. You were determined for them to live, even in this cruel world they still deserved a chance.

You stood next to the stairs that lead into the rest of the apartment building. Your boyfriend stood across from you with that faraway look in his eyes.

“ I hate that you have to do this.” You sighed, glancing at the beaten door.

“Don’t.”

You looked back at him and he had this dead serious look in his eyes. You understood this was for the best but you still hate the way they treat him. You wish he wouldn’t take shit from everyone.

“ Gosh, Hyun-Su..I can’t keep letting them treat you like a caged animal. I’m gonna talk to Eun-Hyeok.-“

“ Y/N, Please.” Hyun-Su rested his hand on your shoulder bring you back.

“ I’m sorry, It’s just your doing so much for everyone here…. It’s like they don’t even care. I hate that.” You pause for sec thinking before you continue with, “ It’s okay if your hurt by this Hyun-Su. Your aloud to be upset-“

“ I have to go.” He cut you off in a quiet tone ready to retreat. You snatch his face back before he can go placing your lips on his gently. Warmth fills you and you savor the feeling. You never know when it may be the last time.

You headed into the daycare center not expecting to see Eun-Hyeok. It looked like he had just gotten finished talking because everyone was dead silent. He walked straight pass you out the door you followed. But before you could even say anything he spoke.

“ The answer is no.”

You suck your teeth, “ You don’t even know what I was gonna say.”

He turned.

“ I’m guessing it’s about Hyun-Su. My answer is no.” with that he walked away. You let out sharp sigh. You‘ll get him eventually just not now.

“ Y/N..?” A small voice spoke in almost a whisper. It was Yeong-Su. His eyebrows were slightly furrowed and his sister stood close behind him.

“ What’s up?” I asked a little worried.

“ Umm…” The little boy started his sister finished.

“ He wants you to come with us to get his toy. He lost it when we first got here. It’s on this floor. We just don’t want to get lost.”

Your heart warmed a little at the fact they were asking you and not someone else.

“ Of course, Shall we?” You held out your hand to the boy he toke it with a grin.

You all walked through the halls of the first floor. It’s only now you really understand how much a maze this building is. It makes your stomach turn a little at how many people actually lived here. Meaning how many lost their lives and how many turned. You guys had been walking for a little while before you could resist asking the boy.

“ Are we headed the right way?” He noded slowly showing you clear as day he was unsure.

“ Do you remember exactly where you lost it?”

“ No..” It sounded like he was gonna cry.

“ Yeong-Su!” His sister shouted forcefully pushing his hand out of his. “ You said you knew!”

“ I did know! … I thought I did.” He shouted back.

“ Hey.” You said sharply catching both of their attention. “ It doesn’t matter. We’re gonna find the toy either way. Let’s think of it like a mission okay?”

“ People who are working together shouldn’t argue and pointlessly yell at each-other. Deep breath.” You you inhale as did they. You exhale as did they. “ Now, Yeong-Su. Do you remember the area of where you left your toy?”

“ Yes, there was dirt it was in the hallway near the graves. It rolled into a room.”

“ That’s Good! I’m sure we’ll find it no time!” Before you can continue something goes off in your body. The atmosphere sudden tilting.

A bucket loudly crashed from the hall in front of you.

You push the kids behind you, cursing at yourself for not bringing a weapon. How are you constantly telling other to be prepared for anything and you aren’t even prepared. You look around for anything to use and find a short pole.

Just then you could see the shadow of a monster creeping up the hall. It’s tall and lengthy. You push the kids back the opposite way of the hall. Pushing them to run.

You knew it probably wasn’t the best idea to make loud noises but you weren’t far from everyone else. You wanted them to be safe as soon as possible being in the hallway was too vulnerable.

Just then the monster let out a loud screeching noises. You turn back just in time to see it round the corner, headed straight at you.

“ Run!” You shout. The kids pick up the pase sobs coming Yeong-Su and Su-Yeong pulling her brother along with all her might.

You grab a random cabinet pulling it down pushing multiple things in the way. It seems to slow the monster long enough for you to make back to the main area near the elevator.

Thud!

Yeong-Su fell to the floor. You quickly swept him up as fast as you.

A whimper come from Su-Yeong. Your head whipped around to see the monster creeping slowly into the room. Your heart was already pounding in your ears, your bones started to fell stif.

“ Go.” You tell them.

“But-“

“ Get the others.”

Su- Yeong didn’t wait she grabbed her brothers arm pulling him along.

You felt your body relax a little when you heard their foots steps getting quieter only for the monster to come bones cracking and stretching out with thin skin covering it. It was sickening to look at. You held up your pole knowing these we’re probably your last moments. But you were okay with that. As long as the others live.

Suddenly one of the arms came flying at you, you swung it away like baseball. Of course it only flew back but so far.

You ran closer to the main entrance leading it father into the hall.

“ Let’s go!” You yelled.

The monster seemed to let out some words you couldn’t understand. Only the word,

“ Family. ” “ I’ll do it for my family.”

The monster croaked sending his arm like tentacle thing towards you. You dodge to your left the tentacle missing you. But the sharp edge of a cabinet not.

You inhale sharply, but you can’t feel anything, not yet at least. Your whole body just feels warm and ready to move. You push yourself up from your spot grabbing onto the wall. You place your hand on your stomach to stop it from bleeding so much you fell the thick liquid coating your hand.

“ My family…my family…” The monster kept saying to itself eyes twitching. Sounding like it was trying to think or remember.

You leaned up against the pole watching the monster,

“ Hey!” A voice shouted a glass bottle was chucked at the monster it screeched in pain as it burst to flames. You jolt back from the heat your body hitting the wall feeling weak as ever. Ji-su rushing to you.

“ Oh my god, that’s a lot of blood.” She states.

“ Thanks a couldn’t tell.” You groan. Just then a loud buzzing sound rang from the door. You knew it was Hyun-Su it kept ringing violently. Till Sang-Wook opened it, you heard your boyfriend rushing down the stairs. Everyone watching the creature burn. His eyes fell on you.

“ Y/N!” He ran to you.

“ Hey.” You croaked.

He stared at you with a lost look on his face Ji-Su held you up. He had his lips parted as if he wanted to speak but he didn’t know what to say.

“ Maybe you should help!” Ji-Su shouted at him.

“ Right.” Hyun-Su said. “ I’m gonna lift you. It’s easier okay.”

He carried you to the room where Yu-ri works in. She patched you up carefully, Meanwhile you tried hard not to curse. While Hyun-Su stared with his lost eyes.

Once Yu-ri left you spoke.

“ Don’t keep looking like that.” You tell him.

“ What?”

You pause for second your heartbreaks a little, “ You look so lost. Why don’t you just share what your thinking?” Hyun-Su looks taken back but you go on.“ Hyun-Su, I won’t judge you for how you feel. I want you to tell me not keep it bottled up inside. Out of all the people still left in this word I won’t be the one to judge you.”

You watch a tear slowly falls down his face, you reach up brushing it away softly. He grabs your hand pushing your palm against his face. It’s like he said it all in that moment. More of his tears fall for the first time it’s like a wall had fallen down slowly. You watch him breakdown right in front of you. It hurt you to see. You pull his head down to rest between your neck and shoulders. Massaging his head gently.

“ I’m here, Hyun-Su.”

——————————————————————

A/N: Okay this is my first time writing anything that has so many parts to contribute in and my first Kdrama. Hopefully this is good. I might end up switching or adding more the ending. Let me know if you have any tips and/or misspellings.

[kylelovskii]

idk but now that kyle finally asked reader to be his gf, what if they were just hanging out and stuff so then kyle leaves to go do something but ends up coming back and sees reader masturbating and theyre just like a total hot mess on his bed waiting for him… just a thought bc im feeling pretty freaky atm LOL i need kyle hes such a meanie

-❤️ anon

been a while.. :3

i’ve missed writing about mean kyle, so let’s do this! 😈

the fuck do you think you’re doing?

“hey, baby, i’m gonna get some snacks for movie night, okay?” kyle told you, cupping your plush cheeks and kissing your forehead.

“okay..” you respond, closing your eyes as he plants his lips on your temple. you watched as he walked away. his white wife beater hugging him perfectly, and the way his basketball shorts hung perfectly around his waist. you’d been so desperate for him the entire day, but still so shy to even say anything. despite all the change, that old, shy, innocent (y/n) was still down there.

he shut the bedroom door behind him as he waltzed out. you knew he’d be gone for a bit. he usually likes to cook something up for the two of you on movie nights, then have extra snacks on the side. what to do with all this time?

who’s to say you couldn’t rub one out real quick? if he didn’t catch you, no harm no foul, right?

and with that last thought, you sunk more into his bed, reaching your hand down your baggy pajama pants. you pushed one finger between your folds, already so slick from just the mere sight of kyle a few moments prior. you massage the bundle of nerves between the pudge of your pussy, then push your middle finger into your hole.

you sigh at the relief you’ve been craving for the past 4 hours. sure, it wasn’t as good as kyle’s fingers, but it got the job done.

you add another finger, speeding up to make this process go faster so kyle wouldn’t catch you. kyle’s rule was, and i quote: “if i ever catch your fucking your self without my permission, you’ll be in a world of hurt, you get me?”

and you did get him, you just didn’t want to burden him when he probably didn’t feel like it. besides, it’s movie night, and why would you ruin that?

you were on the edge, so caught up in the release you were about to get, that you didn’t hear the bedroom door swing open. so caught up in how good you felt that you didn’t hear him yelling at you.

“hey! what the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

you yelped, scrambling up against the headboard, staring at kyle, horrified.

“who said you could do that, huh?” he spat, slowly walking over to you, his fists clenched.

“wait— i’m sorry! i didn’t want to bother you, and—” you were cut off by the painful sting in your scalp when he grabbed your hair, pulling your face up to his. “don’t be fucking stupid. get up, strip.”

you were quite terrified to say the least, so you quickly got up and stepped back away from your fuming boyfriend. you took off your t-shirt, then your pajama pants. you stood there, half naked, staring at him.

“why are you looking at me like you can’t understand english? i said strip.”

oh. he wanted you naked naked. okay. you brought the straps of your bra down, your perky tits bouncing out. you then pulled the pink cotton panties off your waist and kicked them to the side.

“you wanna get fucked so bad? then you’ll get fucked. lay down,” he ordered, pointing to the bed. you whined and climbed on the bed, laying down, vulnerable for him.

he tugged off his shirt, then took off his silky basketball shorts and threw them in a laundry basket along with his boxers.

“i think you’ve had enough prep, yeah? being greedy all alone in here, not even bothering to ask me. you know the rules, don’t cha?” he asked, smooshing your face together with one hand, stroking his cock with the other. “answer me, bitch.”

“yes! yes i remember! i’m sorry, ky— please!” then you felt a sharp pain against your face. “i don’t care if you’re sorry. you broke a rule, and now you’ll get punished. nothing has changed,” he forcefully explained before shoving his dick inside you. you cried out which turned into a long whine.

“aw, yeah? see? your fucking fingers can’t do this, only i can.” he reached his hand up and held your neck tightly, but not tight enough to stop your breathing. he pounded into you, harder and faster with each thrust.

“hah— ky! i’m gonna— you’re—” you tried to speak, but he was fucking you so good you couldn’t even form a sentence. “no you’re not. not until i do. you don’t deserve it.”

he slid his hand up, prying your mouth open more with his thumb, and with that a small fetching noise came from his throat before he spit in your mouth. “swallow,” he demanded, and you did.

each time his cock went back inside your cunt, it only pushed you more to the edge. you didn’t know how much longer you could hold out, but then you heard a high pitched groan come out of kyle’s mouth and then a warm sensation shoot inside you. that did it for you and you hit your high, legs shaking, locking them around kyle’s waist to make them stop.

but he kept going.

“stop! stopstopstop! kyle— please, wait—” he covered your mouth with his hand to shut you up, which didn’t really work, but you stopped talking at least. “what’s wrong? can’t take it? this is what you’ve been so desperate for, right? so you will take it. shut up and take it.”

orgasm after orgasm, kyle finally let up and pulled out, but he hadn’t cum yet. he inched up near your face, took off his glasses, and shoved them on your face. lean leaned his head back, stroking his cock until he came all over your face, recreating the scene that happened at cartman’s house many moons ago.

he let out a guttural moan as he did so, sighing when he finally came down from his high.

“go..go clean up,” he slurred, flopping down next to you as you looked at him confused. “you’re not gonna help?”

“no. you’ve been a bad girl. besides, i cooked. that’s enough of caring for one night. and clean my glasses too!” he shouted after you as you walked into the bathroom connected to his room.

kyle always took care of you, but bad girls know how to take care of themselves, right?

[hunieday]

Chameleon Chill - Shuffle unit Event Story Translation

Please note that I am not a professional translator and I'm only doing this to share the side materials to those who cannot access them, if you notice any mistakes please let me know nicely. Enjoy!

Natsume Minami: Everyone watching the video, good evening.

Nikaido Yamato: Hello.

Osaka Sougo: Hello.

Yuki: Hello.

Natsume Minami: ...are you ready? One, two.

Nikaido Yamato: Cha...

Osaka Sougo: Chameleon...

Yuki: Fufu... Can we get the signal one more time?

Natsume Minami: Here I go. One, two...

Chameleon Chill: "Chameleon Chill"...

Natsume Minami: It's "Chameleon Chill."

Nikaido Yamato: Hello.

Osaka Sougo: Nice to meet you.

Yuki: Uhh... "8th Anniversary! 4 Four Thanks Project."

Nikaido Yamato: Celebrating the formation of our limited time unit! The "Ask this and that!?" edition!

Osaka Sougo: Let's get "Chameleon Chill"’s version started.

Chameleon Chill: ...

Osaka Sougo: Y...

Nikaido Yamato: Ya...?

Yuki: Huh?

Natsume Minami: Yay.

Chameleon Chill: Ya…

Osaka Sougo: ...The timing… is difficult to get… isn't it?

Yuki: Probably because of our dynamic.

Nikaido Yamato: We don’t really have hypemen who can cheer everyone up and lift the mood. The ones who shout and pull you along.

Yuki: Momo, or Mitsuki-kun are good at that.

Natsume Minami: I apologize. Maybe that should be a job for us juniors.

Nikaido Yamato: Natsume-chan, can you do it?

Natsume Minami: If you’ll allow me.

Yuki: That's right. ŹOOḼ goes all out in their lyrics, so there's no way you won’t go all out now.

Natsume Minami: You’re the last person I want to hear that from.

Yuki: ...

Yuki: ...Huh? Are you picking a fight?

Nikaido Yamato: Oh god, that’s terrifying. I’m scared.

Osaka Sougo: Maybe I should do it too. I always leave it up to Mitsuki-san and Tamaki-kun...

Natsume Minami: An MC with Osaka-san's voice would sound like a wedding ceremony.

Osaka Sougo: Without further ado, here comes the bride and groom.

Nikaido Yamato: Nice one, Sou. You caught on well. Perfect timing.

Osaka Sougo: You think so?

Nikaido Yamato: Yup, good job. It’s hard to believe that you, who’s usually so serious, was able to do that… 

Osaka Sougo: Ehehe... I'm glad to be praised by you, Yamato-san.

Yuki: Yamato-kun, you're spoiling him so much. Praise my jokes too.

Natsume Minami: Nikaido-san. If you're giving words of praise, I'd like as many as I could get.

Nikaido Yamato: You guys are so greedy.

Yuki: Can I eat these snacks here?

Natsume Minami: It’s fine, what’s stopping you?

Yuki: Okay then, I'm taking some. I'm hungry.

Natsume Minami: Me too. These look delicious.

Nikaido Yamato: Sou, wanna eat some?

Osaka Sougo: Th... Thank you very much.

Yuki: This atmosphere here is loose and relaxed.

Nikaido Yamato: I think I figured out why this unit's vibe is so relaxed. Wanna hear it?

Yuki: What?

Nikaido Yamato: Because TRIGGER is not here.

Osaka Sougo & Natsume Minami: Right...

Nikaido Yamato: This is the only unit that doesn't have them. Well Ichi noticed this, not me.

Nikaido Yamato: And so, he said that whether or not this unit becomes a complete mess depends on me.

Yuki: You're pumped up today.

Nikaido Yamato: Well, I thought I should do my best.

Osaka Sougo: Please wait a moment.

Natsume Minami: What's wrong, Osaka-san?

Osaka Sougo: Iori-kun told me the same thing.

Nikaido Yamato: Huh? That this unit depends on you as well?

Osaka Sougo: Yes.

Nikaido Yamato: Wow, what the hell is up with that guy.

Natsume Minami: Hang in there, Izumi-san

Yuki: Sounds like Iori-kun.

Osaka Sougo: I was happy to feel like Iori-kun was relying on me.

Nikaido Yamato: Alright then, a word to Ichi then.

Osaka Sougo: Iori-kun. Thank you for your encouragement.

Nikaido Yamato: Expressing gratitude, huh.

Natsume Minami: Well then, let's add some TRIGGER elements to this unit since they’re not here.

Nikaido Yamato: Whoa, he pulled something out of his bag.

Osaka Sougo: Ah... It's the TRIGGER table pop stand from TRIGGER's live DVD special bonus.

Yuki: Do you just carry that in your bag? Well then, guess I’ll put Momo’s uchiwa fan here as well.

Osaka Sougo: Then,  I'll leave King Pudding's...

Nikaido Yamato: I really don’t understand what’s happening here.

Osaka Sougo: Oh.

Nikaido Yamato: Hm?

Yuki: What's wrong?

Natsume Minami: Osaka-san?

Osaka Sougo: Without further ado, here are some questions we received from the staff!

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, okay.

Yuki: He started out of nowhere.

Osaka Sougo: Sorry. I remembered what I said earlier about doing my best to MC, so…

Natsume Minami: Your articulation was great. I can feel the enthusiasm in your voice.

Osaka Sougo: Thank you very much. Now, onto the staff's question...

Osaka Sougo: The question is, "are you getting along well?" what do you think?

Yuki: Yes, we get along.

Natsume Minami: That’s right, well...

Nikaido Yamato: Here, look. We even shot a movie together.

Osaka Sougo: That's right, it’s "MISSION."

Natsume Minami: Osaka-san, did you watch "MISSION"?

Osaka Sougo: Of course. It was very interesting.

Yuki: I’m glad.

Nikaido Yamato: Yes it was.

Osaka Sougo: But, the scene where Natsume-kun's character's fiancée is murdered was really scary...

Nikaido Yamato: Yeah, it’s quite shocking.

Natsume Minami: Nikaido-san you’re the one who killed her.

Osaka Sougo: Tamaki-kun couldn't forget that scene and was freaked out for a long time, so I cheered him up by singing "PoiGang"

Natsume Minami: Huh...? Why did you sing a ŹOOḼ song...?

Osaka Sougo: I thought I could replace the memory of “shocking images of death” with an “impression of a strong life” by looping an aggressive and energetic song…

Natsume Minami: Doesn’t that sound like a light form of brainwashing.

Osaka Sougo: Does it... But since Tamaki-kun is straightforward, the more I kept repeating it, the more he started thinking that way.

Natsume Minami: You're so interesting, Osaka-san. I also had fun when we worked on the song together.

Osaka Sougo: I'm flattered.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, right. The three of you gathered in Yuki-san’s studio except for me to work on composing the song.

Yuki: Gaku-kun was there as well, though. Well, there are various connections.

Nikaido Yamato: How do you manage to compose together? Wouldn’t many cooks spoil the broth? 

Yuki: No, surprisingly, we're all the type to compromise.

Nikaido Yamato: Ah, is that so?

Yuki: That’s right, Gaku-kun prioritized our opinions as well.

Natsume Minami: Normally I wouldn't yield when it comes to composing my own songs for ŹOOḼ. But for collaborative projects, I got to enjoy it…

Osaka Sougo: It was a learning experience for me.

Yuki: If we start asserting ourselves, we'll definitely clash.

Natsume Minami: But well, you two did have some moments where you clashed.

Yuki: Well look, Sougo-kun doesn't yield much.

Osaka Sougo: Natsume-kun never yielded once, right?

Nikaido Yamato: You guys didn't compromise at all. That scene sounds scary. Did you not drive Yaotome away?

Yuki: That’s not true. Next time, come and hang out with us, Yamato-kun.

Osaka Sougo: Ah... I'd love to have you visit.

Natsume Minami: You're welcome to join. Please come and judge.

Nikaido Yamato: Absolutely not... It’s like being a middleman to the poetry match between controversial poets. (1)

Natsume Minami: Oh, you know about the poetry match controversy.

Osaka Sougo: Yamato-san, you’re very educated.

Yuki: Shizuo-san trained you properly.

Nikaido Yamato: Wai...!

Yuki: Ah, oops.

Nikaido Yamato: Damn you… we can’t use that anymore, even though I was being praised.

Yuki: My bad.

Osaka Sougo: How about adding a beep sound?

Natsume Minami: It might make one’s imagination go wild.

Yuki: Sorry, sorry. Let's naturally bring up Yamato-kun's intellectual side.

Nikaido Yamato: No, it's fine. It'll definitely seem staged...

Yuki: It's okay. You're genius young actors after all.

Osaka Sougo: Wow... I'm looking forward to seeing your performance live and up close.

Nikaido Yamato: Seriously!?

Natsume Minami: I'll follow up. Let's do our best.

—PLEASE WAIT A MOMENT—

Nikaido Yamato: Huh? Hell no... It’s like being a middleman to the poetry match between controversial poets.

Natsume Minami: Oh, you know about the poetry match controversy.

Osaka Sougo: Yamato-san, you're very educated.

Nikaido Yamato: Naaaah, it ain’t like that...

Yuki: Why are you being so casual out of nowhere?

—PLEASE WAIT A MOMENT—

Natsume Minami: Just like that, we get along very well!

Nikaido Yamato & Osaka Sougo & Yuki: Yaay.

Natsume Minami: Now that we've answered the staff's question. Let’s start asking each other questions.

Natsume Minami: Who would like to start?

Nikaido Yamato: So, we can ask whatever we want to get to know each other better, right?

Natsume Minami: Yes, that's correct.

Nikaido Yamato: Hmm, what should I ask… Sou, do you have anything?

Osaka Sougo: Well...

Osaka Sougo: When you fight within the group, how do you all resolve it?

Natsume Minami: A fight within the group...

Yuki: Oh, nice. That’s an interesting question.

Nikaido Yamato: What about me? Can I talk about IDOLiSH7? Sou would know about it.

Osaka Sougo: Of course. As long as Yamato-san answers from his perspective, it's fine.

Nikaido Yamato: Got it. Ah... but to be honest I'm curious about other groups.

Nikaido Yamato: You see, we have seven members, so we are an odd number. We resolve disputes by taking a majority vote.

Yuki: Would that really resolve things?

Natsume Minami: IDOLiSH7-san, you’re not that democratic.

Nikaido Yamato: Don't diss other groups. But you know, Re:vale and ŹOOĻ both have an even number of members, right?

Nikaido Yamato: Since a majority vote won't settle things, I wonder how you deal with disputes like that.

Natsume Minami: Just for reference, how about MEZZO"?

Osaka Sougo: Well let’s see... I face Tamaki-kun with a genuine, peaceful and attentive attitude, but...

Nikaido Yamato: MEZZO" always seems chaotic despite your attentive attitude.

Osaka Sougo: Yeah... Maybe because we're a duo... What about Re:vale-san?

Yuki: Momo usually lets me have my way.

Nikaido Yamato: I’m sure he does.

Yuki: But when I really want him to yield, he aaaaaaaabsolutely refuses to let go.

Natsume Minami: Ahh...

Yuki: When that happens, well... Since we're not animals nor delinquents, we end up getting in a verbal argument, right?

Osaka Sougo: That's true.

Yuki: How many people in the entertainment industry do you think can win in a verbal argument against Momo?

Nikaido Yamato: Ahaha! Now that you say it!

Natsume Minami: Because Momo-san is quick-witted, right?

Yuki: That's why you have to express your opinion firmly at first so as not to be swayed by Momo.

Yuki: I have to really steel myself so I won’t let him win over me.

Yuki: Then I gradually start.. um... losing my composure in my tone...

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, you lose your composure...

Yuki: Before I know it, I end up going too far, and when Momo looks sad I end up feeling really sad too.

Natsume Minami: I’m sorry to hear that... How do you resolve it at the end of the day?

Yuki: ...

Yuki: I wonder how we resolve it?

Osaka Sougo: I don't know...

Nikaido Yamato: But being close with each other means that you compromise after you say what’s on your mind, right?

Yuki: Yeah, I guess so.

Natsume Minami: I think it’s a good thing to convey your true feelings even if you fight.

Yuki: Thank you. But we rarely fight to that degree. Momo is always kind to me.

Yuki: What about ŹOOḼ? I mean we don’t really know much about you.

Natsume Minami: Yeah, I don't really understand us either.

Nikaido Yamato: Don't say that yourself.

Yuki: Although you seem very assertive, you’re always concerned with the reactions of people around you, aren’t you?

Natsume Minami: (Whispering) Oh wow... This guy probably never cared about other people’s reactions...

Nikaido Yamato: (Whispering) It can't be helped. He has good qualities in his own way...

Yuki: What are you mumbling about over there. You're talking about something normal, right?

Natsume Minami: Please continue.

Yuki: Do you end up fighting? Or does it end up basked in a gloomy atmosphere?

Natsume Minami: ...

Natsume Minami: A gloomy atmosphere, I guess. That’s why it doesn't flare up easily. It simmers with dissatisfaction.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, that's not good.

Natsume Minami: When everyone's dissatisfaction gauge fills to the brim, it feels like a "fight!!" moment.

Osaka Sougo: Like a battle royale?

Natsume Minami: Well, not exactly… Everyone has become more considerate of each other lately.

Natsume Minami: Inumaru-san is a straightforward person, but the other members are rather complex, and they tend to demand a lot from each other, you know...

Osaka Sougo: What do you mean by “having a lot of demands”?

Natsume Minami: It's like they expect others to understand without saying anything, or assuming that others know what you want...

Yuki: You mean like Yamato-kun?

Nikaido Yamato: Hey, don't point fingers.

Osaka Sougo: That’s troublesome... I'm not very perceptive, so I’d probably end up offending everyone.

Natsume Minami: Is that so?

Osaka Sougo: I don't want to cause trouble, so I'd like everyone to write down what they want on paper and tell me to do it.

Natsume Minami: No, that’s no good. I want them to be troubled after all.

Osaka Sougo: Is that so !?

Natsume Minami: Yes.

Natsume Minami: I want them to be troubled, or rather, I want them to do some internal thinking. And then, I want them to understand.

Yuki: Wouldn’t it be faster if you wrote it down on paper...

Natsume Minami: I'm not ordering dinner at a restaurant.

Osaka Sougo: No matter how much I think about things, there is still stuff I don’t understand, so I hope they can be lenient in their scoring...

Nikaido Yamato: I understand both sides. The feeling of wanting to demand something and the feeling of thinking it's too much of a hassle.

Osaka Sougo: I don't think it's bothersome.

Yuki: Neither do I.

Nikaido Yamato: You people with partners should stop correcting others while having a specific audience in mind… 

Natsume Minami: Inumaru-san is that type, right? He doesn't think it's troublesome, but he doesn’t live up to your expectations.

Natsume Minami: And yet, he really, earnestly tries to face us. Mm, how do I explain it…

Natsume Minami: It's like playing "bird-in-the-cage”...

Yuki: ŹOOḼ’s conflicts are too scary...

Nikaido Yamato: So Inumaru ends up in the middle of that "bird-in-the-cage” circle, right...?

Osaka Sougo: Please go easy on him…

Natsume Minami: How about IDOLiSH7’s conflicts? Nikaido-san.

Nikaido Yamato: We had a lot of trouble at the dorm... 

Nikaido Yamato: But being together for this long, we've learned that even if we fight for a bit, we can understand each other by talking it out.

Osaka Sougo: Ahh... That’s true, isn’t it?

Nikaido Yamato: So, first of all, we talk about it. We know we're not enemies.

Yuki: Huh. How ideal.

Natsume Minami: Does such a peaceful world truly exist?

Nikaido Yamato: I know what you mean. I wouldn't have believed that things could be resolved through discussion a long time ago, either. 

Nikaido Yamato: Someone must put up with it, while the other does what they want.

Nikaido Yamato: But after spending so much time together, you start to understand each other gradually.

Nikaido Yamato: I don't want to hurt them. I want to make things work in this group. They’re all such important friends…

Nikaido Yamato: When you think about it that way, you’ll find that the root of the problem lies elsewhere, or that there are misunderstandings happening between you.

Nikaido Yamato: So you unravel them carefully. That’s all there is to it. 

Nikaido Yamato: In other words, even if we become something similar to a family, it’s still necessary to do that.

Nikaido Yamato: It's impossible to get along with someone you barely know without being careless in some way.

Natsume Minami: That's true...

Nikaido Yamato: But you still seek them out, right? Especially when I was a child, I felt loved as if I were the center of the world.

Nikaido Yamato: People around me naturally took care of me. When you live and get used to that comfort, the gap between that and reality can be tough.

Yuki: That's deep.

Nikaido Yamato: What were we talking about again? Oh right, resolving conflicts. Anyways, in our case it's through discussion.

Osaka Sougo: I would have liked to hear about TRIGGER's experiences too.

Yuki: TRIGGER are very blunt, so I might end up crying.

Nikaido Yamato: I might cry too.

Osaka Sougo: It's because they trust each other that they can start boxing with each other, right?

Natsume Minami: Who said anything about boxing...?

Nikaido Yamato: Alright, next. Who wants to go for it?

Yuki: Can I go?

Nikaido Yamato: Go ahead.

Natsume Minami: No problem.

Yuki: What kind of asparagus dishes do you like?

Nikaido Yamato: ...Huh...?

Osaka Sougo: ...Asparagus...?

Natsume Minami: ...Like the vegetables...?

Yuki: Yes.

Nikaido Yamato: Hey you, do you even wanna do this?

Yuki: I do, I do. Complaint letters will roll your way again if you keep talking to me in that tone.

Natsume Minami: What are you talking about?

Nikaido Yamato: I received complaint letters from Yuki-san's fans...

Yuki: Since we’re here anyways, I’d like to take this opportunity to explain the situation properly.

Nikaido Yamato: What do you mean by opportunity? Are you stupid? You’re gonna cause trouble for the innocent Jyuurokugumi, you know?

Natsume Minami: Wahh... the way Nikaido-san is talking to his senpai from Re:vale is a bit scary…

Nikaido Yamato: Wow. Natsume-chan, you're a good actor.

Osaka Sougo: Yamato-san is a serious person when he needs to be.

Nikaido Yamato: Sou, thanks for the sharp comment.

Yuki: Let me explain why Yamato-kun is so rude to me in very brief words.

Nikaido Yamato: There’s no way you can explain it briefly.

Yuki: Yes I can.

Yuki: Yamato-kun was the son of the manager at my part-time job.

—PLEASE WAIT A MOMENT—

Natsume Minami: Is asparagus a vegetable?

Yuki: Yup. I received a whole box of them.

Yuki: Momo likes meat, so I'm eating them pretty much by myself.

Yuki: I was wondering if you had any recipes you could recommend.

Osaka Sougo: That must be quite difficult. If it's okay with us, we'd like to help.

Yuki: Thank you. You're kind juniors.

Yuki: May I ask Yamato-kun as well?

Nikaido Yamato: Oh... no problem. I just received a rabbichat from Mitsu.

Yuki: What kind of rabbichat?

Nikaido Yamato: An asparagus recipe. It's a coincidence. Just happened.

Osaka Sougo: Maybe his sixth sense kicked in.

Natsume Minami: Please tell us about Izumi Mitsuki-san's asparagus recipe.

Nikaido Yamato: Asparagus rice. Cook rice with asparagus and salt. You can also add sesame seeds or corn.

Yuki: Oh... Rice, huh. Sounds good. Momo might eat it too.

Nikaido Yamato: I've had it before and it's seriously delicious. Right, Sou?

Osaka Sougo: It's delicious. It's like bean rice.

Yuki: Huh... Then I’ll try making it. Thank you, Mitsuki-kun.

Osaka Sougo: Next is my turn... I recommend asparagus kimchi.

Yuki: Kimchi? Did you make it yourself?

Osaka Sougo: No, I got it as a gift.

Natsume Minami: Surprisingly you really like spicy food, right Osaka-san?

Osaka Sougo: I like it. I like it right up to the limit.

Natsume Minami: What do you mean by the limit...?

Osaka Sougo: Asparagus kimchi is mild, not quite at the limit, but I recommend it as a side dish.

Yuki: Alright, I'll buy some kimchi stock and try making asparagus kimchi. If it turns out well, I'll share it with you.

Osaka Sougo: Thank you very much.

Yuki: How about you, Minami-kun?

Natsume Minami: Grill it in charcoal and sprinkle it with salt. That's it.

Nikaido Yamato: Oh, what do you know, that tastes like the most delicious thing ever.

Natsume Minami: That's right.

Yuki: I understand. Topped with mayo would be good too.

Natsume Minami: Momo-san grills the meat, and Yuki-san grills the asparagus. Why not just turn it into yakiniku?

Yuki: That's a good idea.

Yuki: Thank you, it was helpful.

Nikaido Yamato: I can't believe you really went with this question...

Osaka Sougo: Who goes next? Natsume-kun or Yamato-san...

Nikaido Yamato: Alright, I’ll go.

Nikaido Yamato: When it comes to chameleons, they’re all about mimicry, right? So, among the 16 idols in this project...

Nikaido Yamato: If you could impersonate any of them for a day, who would you want to be?

Yuki: MEZZO".

Nikaido Yamato: I said one person.

Yuki: Then, I'd like to be Sougo-kun. Please let me try.

Osaka Sougo: If you’re okay with me…

Yuki: I want to be Osaka Sougo of MEZZO" and do whatever I want.

Natsume Minami: Oh wow…as if Re:vale’s Yuki doesn’t already do that…

Nikaido Yamato: Natsume-chan, shut up…

Yuki: What about the other two? Who would you like to be?

Natsume Minami: ...

Natsume Minami: Not much these days... I know it doesn't make much sense...

Nikaido Yamato: Mhm.

Osaka Sougo: So who do you want to be?

Natsume Minami: ...

Natsume Minami: ...It's fine. It’s nothing.

Nikaido Yamato: No, just say it. Feel free to answer casually.

Natsume Minami: Casually...

Natsume Minami: The answer might be a bit extreme and difficult to answer, is that okay?

Nikaido Yamato: Huh...?

Yuki: Is it that serious?

Osaka Sougo: But since we're here, it might be better to reveal it and leave it behind...

Natsume Minami: ...

Natsume Minami: Rokuya Nagi-san...

Nikaido Yamato & Osaka Sougo: Ah...

Yuki: Huh. Why? What's the reason?

Nikaido Yamato: You’re the only one here who’s never been to Northmeir, so you don’t get how cold the temperature is there… 

Yuki: What do you mean by temperature? You mean because he's a prince from a cold country?

Yuki: Minami-kun, do you like the cold?

Natsume Minami: ...

Yuki: Y-You dislike it?

Natsume Minami: ...Like or dislike... If I had to say I dislike something, then I hate Rokuya-san.

Yuki: What. Nagi-kun?

Natsume Minami: Fufu... Even though we hadn't met back then, it's strange.

Natsume Minami: ...

Natsume Minami: I'm sorry. Forget it.

—PLEASE WAIT A MOMENT—

Nikaido Yamato: Uhhh…

Nikaido Yamato: Well then, how about you, Sou? If you could mimic any of us 16 for a day, who would it be?

Osaka Sougo: You mean I would impersonate them right?

Nikaido Yamato: That’s right.

Osaka Sougo: ...I’m not too keen on the idea. Because no matter whose appearance I take, it’s gonna be a serious responsibility… 

Nikaido Yamato: Just relax and have fun. Think of it as a one-day experience.

Osaka Sougo: That’s right…

Osaka Sougo: Well, in that case... maybe Tamaki-kun. I'd like to experience the world through Tamaki-kun's eyes and see what it's like.

Osaka Sougo: What looks wonderful and what feels painful... I want to know and use it in the future.

Nikaido Yamato: That's more of a study for yourself rather than for your own enjoyment.

Yuki: Even though I said I wanted to become Sougo-kun and do whatever I want...

Osaka Sougo: Oh... If that's the case, I'd like to become Yuki-san for a day and play the guitar well.

Nikaido Yamato: Well, exchanging experiences isn't a bad idea. What about you, Natsume-chan? Who would you like to imitate?

Natsume Minami: Well, let me think. Maybe Isumi-san?

Natsume Minami: I don't have any regrets, but if I had a chance, I'd like to go back to my high school days and start over.

Natsume Minami: Just for one day.

Nikaido Yamato: I see. Thank you.

Natsume Minami: You're welcome.

Yuki: Alright, last question. Minami-kun, do you have a question for us?

Natsume Minami: As you can see in the lyrics… talking about one’s true self.

Natsume Minami: When did you all start to realize your true selves?

Natsume Minami: When you’re a child you still have a vague sense of self, right?

Natsume Minami: So in relation to your true self... When did you all start sensing your individuality?

Natsume Minami: Was there any specific trigger?

Osaka Sougo: My individuality, huh..

Nikaido Yamato: The true self, huh?

Yuki: May I go first?

Natsume Minami: Go ahead.

Yuki: I've always only understood myself.

Yuki: In a way, I've always been my true self.

Natsume Minami: That's quite amazing...

Yuki: Well, I'm just a regular bastard. Being my true self is truly nothing special.

Nikaido Yamato: Don’t say that... You're rather kind, honestly. You've been really kind to me.

Yuki: Haha, thanks.

Yuki: But I met a really good person, and a really good man, so I wanted to be good too. (2)

Yuki: And that's who I am now.

Yuki: It might not be my true self, but it's not a lie or pretense. I consider it growth.

Yuki: In that sense, I've always been nothing but my true self since I can remember.

Natsume Minami: I see...

Natsume Minami: What about you, Osaka-san?

Osaka Sougo: The true self... that's a difficult question.

Osaka Sougo: Looking back now, I think it was back when I deepened my bond with my uncle that I started to understand my true self.

Natsume Minami: Your uncle... I think I've heard about him somewhere.

Osaka Sougo: He passed away already, but I had an uncle who loved music, and he influenced me in a lot of ways.

Osaka Sougo: It was through him that my interest in music blossomed.

Osaka Sougo: However, if someone were to ask if I was my true self there, I’d still think I couldn't fully crystallize it...

Osaka Sougo: It was after joining IDOLiSH7 and spending time with my trusted friends that I gradually came to know my true self.

Osaka Sougo: At least, that's how I feel.

Yuki: I see. It seems quite late then.

Osaka Sougo: Yes... When I was a child, I was the kind of person who followed what adults around me said as best as I could.

Osaka Sougo: I was a version of myself who tried their hardest not to be disliked by others rather than my true authentic self.

Natsume Minami: I understand... It’s easier that way at first, isn’t it?

Natsume Minami: Follow someone's orders, get praised for doing well on your task, and feel a sense of relief.

Natsume Minami: But as you continue to listen to others' orders, you forget what you wanted for yourself.

Osaka Sougo: That's right... Maybe I was like that too.

Osaka Sougo: Since joining IDOLiSH7, even now at this moment, I feel like I'm walking the path I chose, making decisions I chose for myself.

Osaka Sougo: Being true to myself. That's how I feel.

Yuki: What a good story. What about you, Yamato-kun?

Nikaido Yamato: I guess I feel somewhat the same as Sou...

Natsume Minami: Did you get to meet your true self late down the line?

Nikaido Yamato: Hmm... No, I don't know. I feel like my true self has always been there since the beginning.

Nikaido Yamato: Not like you, Yuki-san, but in my case, I was a little shit… A spoiled brat who doesn’t know anything.

Nikaido Yamato: But well, a lot of things happened to me... I realized that the self who thought, "Whatever, it's fine, isn't it?" was an idiot.

Nikaido Yamato: I pretended to be someone who had no desires, someone who was easy to live with, someone who was hard to hurt.

Nikaido Yamato: Being indifferent is easy, right? It’s easy to convince yourself that you don’t care. That it's not painful, not sad…

Nikaido Yamato: If you think something doesn’t matter, you don’t get attached to it and let go comfortably.

Nikaido Yamato:...But after joining IDOLiSH7, the things I couldn’t let go of increased unexpectedly…

Nikaido Yamato: When I couldn’t pretend to not care anymore, the little shit of a kid in me manifested himself again…

Nikaido Yamato: Ugh! Embarrassing! Stay inside, don't come out! Or so I thought.

Nikaido Yamato: But everyone was so kind to that bratty child in me.

Nikaido Yamato: So, I kinda thought... Ah, this is fine. Maybe I can be my true self now.

Yuki: What a heartwarming story.

Nikaido Yamato: No…Well, thank you for taking care of me.

Osaka Sougo: Yamato-san, that’s the thing about you... Somehow, I might have felt a similar part within myself.

Osaka Sougo: At that time, Yamato-san understanding my feelings was a tremendous emotional support for me.

Nikaido Yamato: I'm glad to hear you say that...It feels like the atmosphere has become quite serious.

Yuki: No, I’m glad. I want to hear Minami-kun's story about his true self as well.

Natsume Minami: Okay, then during the after-party.

Yuki: Sounds good.

Nikaido Yamato: Oops. Now that the questions have gone full circle, Sou, go ahead.

Osaka Sougo: Alright. The “8th Anniversary! Four Thanks Project”!

Osaka Sougo: Celebrating the formation of the temporary unit! This was “Ask this and that!?”, “Chameleon Chill” edition!

Chameleon Chill: Please drink! 'Chameleon Chill'!

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Osaka Sougo: Hello, everyone!

Osaka Sougo: I'm Osaka Sougo from “Chameleon Chill”!

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Nikaido Yamato: Hello! I'm the big brother of ‘Chameleon Chill”. Nikaido Yamato!

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Yuki: But I’m the big brother in this unit, aren’t I?

Nikaido Yamato: I'm sorry. Force of habit, so if I don't say it I’ll feel weird...

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Natsume Minami: I'm Natsume Minami from “Chameleon Chill.”

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Natsume Minami: Louder!

Audience: Kyaaaaa!!

Natsume Minami: That's good. Tonight we’re gonna show you all your true selves.

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Yuki: Good evening. I'm Yuki from Re-

Yuki: Yuki from “Chameleon Chill.”

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Nikaido Yamato: What did you just say? You were going to say Re:vale, right?

Yuki: Sorry, sorry.

Osaka Sougo: Thank you for participating in the “8th Anniversary! Four Thanks Project” campaign.

Nikaido Yamato: To the 1000 winners selected by lottery!

Natsume Minami: And to the special ones here with us!

Yuki: Let’s start the “Miracle Limited-Time 4 Unit Thanks Live”.

Audience: Kyaaaaa!

Osaka Sougo: Now, please listen to our unit song, which is also the CM song for 'Chameleon Chill'!

Osaka Sougo: Here we go. One, two..

Chameleon Chill: 'Chameleon'!

The end.

They make a reference to “独鈷鎌首” in the original text, which apparently is a story about a poet known for his love for debate in “the poetry match in 600 rounds”, the women of the household nicknamed it the controversy between “Tokke (an implement pointed at both ends) and Kamakubi (gooseneck)”, this is used to describe a poet with a penchant to engage in debates. I couldn’t find much info about this, and I’ve never heard about this before, so any correction if I’m wrong would be greatly appreciated ;_;

In the OG text, Yuki says a good “man” (in reference to Banri, since he’s older than Yuki) and a good “kid” (in reference to Momo, since he’s younger than Yuki). Since the public doesn’t know about Banri, I chose to keep the gender vague for him and use “man” on Momo.

[kiwiana-writes]

WIP Wednesday

Thanks @cha-melodius and @three-drink-amy for the tags! And… look. I want it on record that this is all railmedaddy’s fault, okay? OC POV/Outsider POV you terrify me but here we are.

(Okay, MAYBE I was the one who sent a voice note talking about the fact that while I understand why CMQ didn’t include it in the book given it was still in the future when they wrote and published, in a covid-free 2020 the Tokyo Olympics should have happened during the timeframe of the book, somewhere around LA/pre-Lakehouse; and that the Paris Olympics aren’t mentioned but would be, per the timeline in the bonus chapter, around/right before they get engaged; and that’s INTERESTING, three Olympics covering their rivals - FWB - lovers arc. But what I’m actually writing? THAT is Rae’s fault, hands down.)

Rio de Janeiro, 2016

Ari Katene never realised how many famous people go to the Olympics.

Pretty fucking stupid, when he thinks about it. Of course they do. But when he was little, the Olympics was just the thing his family crowded around the TV to watch once every four years, muttering about timezones as they did so; when he got a bit older and started taking diving seriously, when he started getting noticed and his coach started talking about the Commonwealth Games as a real possibility, the Olympics became a goal. He was no longer thinking about who may or may not be there, but on how he could be there.

And here he is. Representing his country on the biggest stage there is—even if it is in a sport Aotearoa has never actually medalled in. But it doesn’t seem to matter that no one’s expecting him to place; there are celebrities everywhere, and they’re all keen to chat with an Olympian. Any Olympian.

Which Ari is, now. Fucking wild.

He’s been trying to stay in the zone for the most part, ahead of the finals later today, but he can’t resist taking the chance to grab a selfie with Alex and June Claremont-Diaz. He hasn’t been paying a whole lot of attention so the circus that is the US election campaign, especially given his full-on training schedule all year, but even he’s aware of who the nominees are—and that if America actually elects Ellen Claremont instead of fucking it up, that selfie is going to be a pretty big brag in a few months.

Tagging @agame-writes @affectionatelyrs @anincompletelist @blueeyedgrlwrites @cactusdragon517

@celeritas2997 @clottedcreamfudge @cricketnationrise @dumbpeachjuice @everwitch-magiks

@firenati0n @getmehighonmagic @happiness-of-the-pursuit @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @indestructibleheart

@inexplicablymine @junebugclaremontdiaz @larkral @leaves-of-laurelin @lilythesilly

@littlemisskittentoes @lizzie-bennetdarcy @myheartalivewrites @ninzied @nocoastposts

@nontoxic-writes @notspecialbabe @orchidscript @piratefalls @porcelainmortal

@read-and-write- @rmd-writes @sherryvalli @ships-to-sail @sparklepocalypse

@stereopticons @thesleepyskipper @thinkof-england

@tintagel-or-cockleshells @welcometololaland @whimsymanaged and, as always, anyone who wants to play! (If you take the open tag please tag me so I can see!!)

[aajjks]

The Conqueror (XIX)

Synopsis: He had conquered everything, anything but your heart.

Pairings: Yandere!King Jungkook x Commoner!servant Reader ( FT. Cha Eunwoo From ASTRO.)

warnings. YANDERE THEMES, EXTREME YANDERE THEMES, DARK THEMES, obsessive!jungkook, unhealthy obsession, unhealthy possessiveness, mentions of self h-rm, crying, vulnerable!jungkook, plot twists (you aren’t ready for, buckle THE FUCK UP)

note. AFTER WHOLE FIVE MONTHS ITS FINALLY HERE… tysm for being SO patient and kind to me… I LOVE YOU GUYS SO SO MUCH… I’m so in a tc mood now, send me asks, SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK BECAUSE THIS CHAPTER WILL LEAVE YOU SHOCKED!!!! 🫡 istg y’all aren’t ready for this… ENJOY!

series masterlist.

*not edited, roughly written!*

taglist: @mageprincess7 @starsggukk @sprinkleoftee @koremis @minshookie29 @sana-b @bangtannoonalvg @oonaaurora @jeonsweetpea @sugaslittlekookies @outro-kook @kthyg @lunaashes @debicaptain-saturn @laurynne5 @captainsjoongs @myblackconfessions @lanalanexpjm @namjooncrabs @shadowmoon21 @kookunot @natalie-rdr @angelicasdre @iwasfuckinginnocentonce @mermaidtea @foulnightharmony @ungodlyjoon @quechulitaaa @telepathytae @silversparkles11 @j3alous-ang3l @bunzom @1-in-abillion @breadgeniedope @jiminie-08 @artgukk @lovesthetword @bunijmin @pinkcherrybombs @afangirllikeme-blog @twilight-love-nochu-main @wedarkacademia @hollxe1 @bighitfics @darkuni63 @golden-thv @investedreader @sweetempathprunetree @koocreampie (I can’t tag anymore people, it’s full 😭😭)

Jungkook was elated, he turned for the nth time on his mattress, you loved him! His eyes were wide open, his heart was threatening to burst out of his chest, you loved him! He breathed deeply into his pillow.

He couldn’t wait for the morning.

Jungkook wanted you to sleep with him in his chamber but he knew it wasn’t the right timing, as much as he wishes he could have you beside him in his bed.

He needed to wait.

He was longing to hold you, to feel your warm body pressed against his chest, so he could play with your H/C hair, Jungkook felt so wide awake, you loved him, that’s why you were crying when he had the dagger pressed on his neck.

Even though you didn’t confess to him yet, but he could see the love in your eyes.

You loved him.

He inhaled a deep breath, pressing his palm on the left side of his chest, his heart was pounding, closing his eyes, the king smiled.

The first time he saw you.

he remembers it faintly, yet it’s engraved in his memory.

The little boy was confused as he held his mothers hand, walking with her in the congested streets. His clothes were rough, his feet aching but his mother was not focused on him.

He stared at the woman with his large brown eyes.

“Mother..” he whined in his small voice. Shaking her hand so she would focus on him.

“Mother!” The child cried out, he wanted to leave, this was not the environment he was used to, the sun was burning hot, the sunshine blinding him.

“What is it, my sweet? We’re almost there.” She cooed, her feet didn’t stop, the child had no choice but to keep walking with his mother.

“I wish to go home.” The child confessed, closing his eyes and crying, “I’m thirsty!” He whined again.

“Jungkookie… my sweetheart… I am aware. But I have some important business to do… I’ll fetch you some water soon!” The mother replied to her ten year old son as she finally stopped at a flower stall, fixing her veil quickly, “be a good boy, will you?” She caressed the crown of his head.

Jungkook grunted under his breath, he was a good boy, he had to listen to his mother.

He was perplexed as to why his mother, the queen of Corea was disguising and stalking this area, particularly this flower shop?

He was regretting for demanding to his mother that he accompany her to wherever she was planning on visiting. He was too attached to his mother after all.

And terrified of his father.

“Mother… what is it?!” He whispered to her. The child was utterly confused. He knew his mother visited the empire in disguise as she liked to escape his father for some hours, he could understand her decision but…. Why this flower shop?

“Excuse me?” His mother called out to a man, he noticed that the pitch of his mother’s voice was low, what was going on?

Jungkook shrugged away his thoughts, he rufused to understand his parents, they were too complicated for him to understand, the boy stared at the flowers, his eyes searching every inch of the wooden shop, he was not amused, it was plain, broken and boring.

Awfully boring.

“Yes, madam? How can I help you.

He was not interested in his mother’s conversation with the man.

As the shopkeeper turned his back to look at his customer, his mother to be exact, a sketch caught his attention.

A girl smiling with her crooked teeth, his eyes were crinkling as she stared directly into his face.

A big toothy smile on her face and a flower crown on her head.

He felt his heart beat loudly, his eyes fixated on the paper, focused on the girl's smile.

The boy was mesmerized at the sight of it.

She was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen, after his mother that is.

Before Jungkook could take his time to focus on that mysterious girls face, he felt his mothers hand tighten around his hand as she left the shop, dragging her son along.

“M-MOTHER?!” The boy called out, his feet forcing him to walk, his mother looked like she had seen a ghost.

Her eyes looked wild as Jungkook watched her.

“I-It’s him, I-It’s him!”

“Who’s who? Mother?”

She gazed at the young boy for a brief moment, a hush of warm wind hitting them as she spoke.

“The man your father has assigned for my assassination!”

His eyes opened wide, his mouth agape as he sat up abruptly, Jungkook was breathing heavily, his chest shaking as he looked around.

The same nightmare over and over again.

His nightmare wasn’t just a nightmare but it was the flashback to his past.

If only he had believed his mother then,

She would still be alive.

“Y-Y/N!” Jungkook noticed his tears as he cried out your name, the sun was almost out through the dark curtain of his chamber, the king fixed his robe, as he stood up from his bed and left his chambers.

He was so scared. He needed to see you before his nightmare enveloped his sanity completely.

He rushed out to the halls leading to your room, his eyes frantic and glossy, his head was hurting.

He needed you to calm him down.

He needed your warmth.

He needed you.

“Y-Y/N!” The man called out your name as he stormed into your chamber. He was sobbing, he was scared.

“Y-Y/N! S-Save me!” He closed the doors behind him before turning towards your sleeping figure, he watched your body stir, you were waking up, Jungkook climbed into your bed and grabbed your body before you could wake up properly.

“D-Don't leave me… please… save me.. from him..”

[p1nkprincess444]

⋆˚࿔ ɪ sᴛɪʟʟ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ - ᴄʜᴀʀʟɪᴇ ᴡᴀʟᴋᴇʀ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

female!reader x killer!charlie walker

word count: 749

content: 18+, angst, murder, happy ending

You had been looking for your boyfriend in Kirby’s house everywhere. You couldn’t seem to find anyone until you quietly crept up the staircase. You saw a sliver of light peeking through a bedroom door. When you approached the door you saw someone looming over a dead Kirby adorned in full ghost face attire. You slowly backed away from the door until a floorboard creaked under your sneaker. You let out a shriek as the stranger chased you down the stairs tackling you in the entryway. 

I struggled helplessly as I was pinned to the floor, “ Stop! No- no please! ”

The stranger kept you pinned down as they pulled off their mask. It was Charlie. Your face dropped as you saw your boyfriend slide off the ghost face mask that was smeared with blood.

“ I’m going to let you go, can you be calm, ” Charlie was straddling your hips as he kept your wrists pinned to your chest.

You nodded and Charlie slowly let go of you and stood up, towering over your terrified frame. You slowly sat up as you stared at him. You began to cry as you curled into a ball holding yourself tightly as Charlie stood there. He leaned down and tried to hug you but you pushed him away. 

“ Baby please I won’t hurt you- just- just let me see you, ” Charlie’s voice was soft as he gently pulled your arms away from your face to see your red tear stained face. 

I looked up at him as he held onto my wrists, “ Char- why? ” My voice was frail and weak as I looked into his big blue eyes. 

He didn’t have an answer, his mouth just hung open for a moment before closing. He pulled you into a tight hug, your body stiffened for a moment before relaxing against his. You held onto him tightly as you cried, it seemed like all dreams for a future with Charlie were coming crashing down. He pulled you away from his chest so he could look into your puffy red eyes as you sniffled. 

His hand grasped your chin as he forced you to meet his gaze. “ I love you, my sweet angel. I’ll never hurt you, ” Charlie kissed your lips gently before moving you back into his lap.

“ Mm’ so sorry I did this to you, ” he mumbled as he kissed down your neck before sliding off your shirt.

You let him lay you down on the hardwood floor as he kissed down your body and stripped you of your clothes. As Charlie kissed down your body he murmured apologies against your soft skin. He looked up at you as his kisses reached the hem of your panties. You nodded and he quickly slid them off before he buried his head between your thighs. He lapped at your folds before sliding two of his fingers inside of your hands gripped and tugged on his hair as lewd sounds left your lips. Your hips bucked against his face as you tightened around his fingers. You moaned his name loudly as you came on his face while he pinched your clit between his fingers.

Charlie slid back on top of you as you caught your breath. His hands fumbled with his belt buckle as he straddled your hips. He managed to pull off his belt before he quickly unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down just past his hips along with his boxers. He pressed a chaste kiss to your lips before pushing into you completely making you both let out satisfied moans. 

His thrusts were slow and deep as he looked deep in your eyes while soft groans slipped past his lips. “ Fuck- you feel so good baby, ” he said before nuzzling his face into your neck.

You couldn’t form a sentence as his thrusts became more desperate and needy as he let out soft groans and moans. Your moans grew louder as your vision blurred as you came around his cock. Charlie’s hips began to slam into you harder and faster as he became desperate for release. He groaned loudly as he came inside of you before collapsing on top of you. You gently brushed the hair from his face as he caught his breath.

I admired his beautiful big eyes as I stroked his hair, “ I still love you Char. ” 

Charlie hummed softly in response as his grip tightened on you.

[viperwhispered]

Random Emi & Jamemi thoughts

You can find more information on my yuusona Emi and her relationship with Jamil here on the masterlist.

I think once Emi and Jamil start dating, Emi would be kinda torn between wanting to let her friends know, and wanting to wait and see how long it’d take them to catch on.

Though some of them might kinda assume that they’re dating already, with how much time Jamil and Emi seem to be spending together on the Ramshackle repairs and all. Like it feels like Ace would definitely be on her case about it.

Still, Emi totally might just walk around campus hand in hand with Jamil and see if anyone notices & reacts (assuming Jamil's gonna be okay with the pda, at least). Or just casually drop it into conversation if it's relevant to the topic, but not before.

Poor Deuce is gonna be all confused, like was he supposed to know about this already?

Though, I can also imagine that there's gonna be a few people who will learn through Grim complaining about Jamil taking up Emi's time and attention and things like that - she wouldn't (and realistically, couldn't) keep the info from Grim, after all.

Like in the game & the novel, there is something going on that allows Emi to understand the language everyone speaks as soon as she arrives in Twisted Wonderland.

However, sometimes Emi will be saying something under her breath, or perhaps singing to herself, and Jamil realizes he can't understand the words - like whatever usually gives them the impression of speaking the same language just breaks for a moment.

It’s definitely a mixed feeling for Jamil.

On one hand, he’s getting a glimpse of Emi’s world and her language.

On the other hand, it’s absolutely terrifying to think about the spell breaking down and them suddenly not having a shared language to communicate with.

Got a little mishap on campus, or need something? Jamemi’s got you covered.

I mean, Jamil's the guy who apparently walks around with aluminum foil and soap sheets. While Emi's a bit more lightly packed (relatively speaking), she also tends to carry an assortment of helpful things, from safety pins to some medicines.

Basically, if someone gets a papercut, Jamil and Emi will both be ready to offer a bandaid - and Jamil will be the one with the disinfectant, too.

Also, if you voice a problem within their hearing, chances are one of them will not be able to resist the urge to offer you a solution - or tell you what you should've done, as it may be in Jamil's case.

Emi clings to her self-determination with tooth and nail - at least as much as she can in the circumstances. The way she dresses is definitely a part of that, as well - choosing what she wants, not what she should.

Part of that self-determination is that she does not like possessiveness in her relationships. Like, for a romantic relationship, in her view she is committed to being with someone, but she doesn't belong to anyone but herself.

It’s a fairly meaningful distinction for her, and a boundary she’ll hold on to.

Basically, I’m thinking of Jamil being all “I’m gonna make you mine”, trying to be all seductive, and Emi basically making a face. (Poor Jamil.)

If she chooses to let it slide, not wanting to bring down the mood too much, the response would be “I’m already yours”. If she’s feeling more assertive, though… Jamil’s probably gonna be hearing how she’s no one’s to own (or control), but she sure is with him and his partner.

Tagging @scint1llat3 @diodellet @moonyasnow and @bibi-cha

If anyone else would like to be tagged for Emi / jamemi, do let me know!

[zikariogirl]

‘ 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 ’ — 𝐣𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐧-𝐬𝐞𝐨𝐤

part one, PART TWO

summary ┆ as vincenzo’s sister, you were asked to help him out with a certain situation he was handling in korea - spying on a evil-corrupted CEO, who has no care for others. you were strategic, smart, and the best of the best. . . but who knew you would fall in love with a psychopath.

warnings ┆ nsfw scenes, violence, HEAVY swearing

key:

normal = english

bold = korean

italics = italian

Ever since you confessed your feelings towards Han-seok, your life has been at a full bliss — not to mention how magical that night felt. The two of you completely ditched the party and checked in at an exclusive hotel where you fucked all night and all morning. You both agreed to only reveal your relationship to Ms. Choi, Mr. Han, and Han-seo, and that it would be better to keep your relationship private and far away from the media.

The only issue now is you don’t know where your loyalty lies anymore. You’re still an undercover spy for Vincenzo right now, regardless on how you feel towards Han-seok. Your duty is to report back to your brother, something you’ve been slacking on a lot, but also because your crazy boyfriend won’t leave you out of his sight at all. Whenever you get the chance to be on your phone — away from Han-seok’s eyes — you would give Vincenzo very little intel, something that he’s starting to grow suspicious of but you kept promising him that’s all you know. You’re not sure how long it’ll be until he realizes the truth.

Hopefully he won’t for your sake.

But there’s also the fact that you’re lying to Han-seok. You’re genuinely terrified of what he’ll do and how he will react when he finds out your true identity. Will he believe you when you try to explain that you actually like him? Is he going to kill you for “toying” with his heart? He’s dangerous and although you could handle him, he’s very unpredictable.

You were too lost in your thoughts to even notice Han-seok driving at an extreme speed. The moment he swerved the SUV to the left to avoid hitting a car, you snapped out of your trance and looked at him.

“Han-seok!” You yelled. “What the fuck is your problem?!”

“That fucking Italian scumbag and Cha-young are going to pay,” he lowly muttered to himself but you were able to hear him.

“What do you mean?”

“I know it was them,” he gripped the steering wheel. “Breaking into the arty gallery. Knowing about the paper company. They know, so. Much. Information.”

He unexpectedly yelled out in frustration, causing you to flinch. Even though you’ve been around him for so much you’re still not fully used to his outbursts.

You also weren’t aware of any plan that consisted of breaking in to an art gallery that held secret information for Babel. Yes, you may have been slacking lately with your information but Vincenzo always made sure to tell you everything about their plans — just in case you needed to keep Han-seok distracted.

Are they keeping information from you now? It’s not like you deserve to know now anyways, but still. You felt a little betrayed.

Speak for yourself.

You ignored your thoughts and held on tightly as Han-seok kept driving at an extreme speed. “Baby, can you please slow down.”

“No.”

“Han-seok.”

“Shut up.”

“You fucking son of a bitch,” you quietly muttered to yourself.

“Hm, what was that?” He stepped on the gas even more. “Did you just curse at me?”

“Han-seok, stop!” Your heart began to beat erratically at how swiftly you were zooming past every car. “You better stop with your fucking tantrum or I’m sleeping at my place tonight.”

He cackled. “As if.”

“You wanna bet? I would love to see you try and stop me.”

His nostrils flared and he slowly lifted his foot off the gas, the SUV finally going back to normal speed.

“Fine. You’re no fun.”

“I would rather not die,” you huffed before crossing your arms over your chest.

He shot you a quick glance before reaching over — definitely to touch your boob — but you just smacked his hand away and he scowled.

“You lost your boob touch privileges for the next hour.”

It wasn’t long until you both arrived at the art gallery, heading inside and making a direct bee line into the director’s office. Ms. Choi and Han-seo were already waiting for you, and you took notice of a red-head lady facing down. The three of them snapped their heads towards your direction, and she looked mortified when her eyes landed on Han-seok. The stillness in the air made the atmosphere very suffocating, letting you know that something bad was bound to happen in a few seconds.

Han-seok put his best poker face on as he took a seat in one of the chairs. “Well?” He faintly smiled up at Ms. Choi.

“They managed to steal the file that holds all of the information about the paper company, sir.”

You bit the inside of your cheek. “Was it Vincenzo and Cha-young?”

“Yes. We looked through the security cameras. It was confirmed to be them, along with a few other suspicious people. We’re sure they were all working together.”

They did it. They actually did it. A few months ago you would’ve been internally cheering for them and then invite them for drinks after.

But you’re the complete opposite right now. You’re hurt. Betrayed. Angry. Probably because you feel a small ounce of protectiveness against Han-seok, and also because Vincenzo — your brother — never told you about this little heist they had planned out. You felt Han-seok’s hand touch your arm, signaling you that he wanted his emergency gummy bears.

Yes, this psychopath has a secret stash of gummy bears he likes to carry around.

You pulled out the bag and handed it over. His silence spoke more than words, and you already knew he was a ticking time bomb, with just a few minutes left until he blows up.

“Why would you hold such a stupid event and cause so much trouble?” Han-seo began to scold the red-head. “The gallery is not your playground!”

She immediately got on her knees and began to bow at Han-seok, causing you to lift an eyebrow in her direction. “I’m so sorry, sir.”

But Han-seok remained unbothered, if anything, Han-seo was the one who seemed furious as he slammed his hand on the table. “This won’t end with you.”

His little outburst made your boyfriend speak up. “Be quiet. I’m thinking.”

“This is ridiculous,” Han-seo answered. “It’s like she doesn’t think at all!”

You’ve never seen him so angry before. It was definitely a sight to see, a rare one as of matter of fact. You were just about to speak until Ms. Choi beat you to it.

“You should leave the country before they bar you from going abroad,” she suggested.

What?!

“Why? Go where?” You asked.

“Yeah, why?” Han-seo jumped in. “I’ll take the fall for him. Why bother?”

“All the evidence they have points to you. They will be able to track the IP address from the gallery back to your home,” Ms. Choi explained the situation.

You felt yourself clenching and unclenching your fists at the thought of the police arresting Han-seok. Was that actually possible? Maybe there could be a way around it. Your mind began to wander at any possible ideas that could save him from going to prison, but while you did this, you took notice in the way Han-seo’s facial expression changed at the information. He almost looked…relieved. You narrowed your eyes at him, waiting for him to look in your direction, and the moment he locked eyes with you he swiftly looked away, showing clear signs of being uncomfortable.

You returned your attention back to Han-seok who was already looking up at you. A part of you wanted him to stay, but if whatever Ms. Choi was saying is true and whatever was on that file can send him to prison, you did not want to risk it. You shot him a sad smile, letting him know that you’re okay with him going away for a bit.

“Han-seo. Get me and ______ the earliest flight leaving for New York now.”

“Wait what?”

“Yes, sir.”

You and Han-seo spoke at the same time. You could tell Ms. Choi was also caught by surprise at his request, and you furrow your brows down at him. “You want me to go?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I feel like I won’t be as much use to you in New York. If anything, I want to track Vincenzo down for you. Just give me the order, please, and I’ll do it.”

As much as New York with him sounds fun, you need to see Vincenzo immediately. Other than giving him a piece of your mind, maybe there’s a way you can delete whatever file they stole, which will save Han-seok from prison.

Look at you, wanting to yell at your brother for not filling you in on their plan but you’re also trying to help the enemy. Hypocrite.

Stop. You need to stop thinking about that.

Han-seok shrugged at your suggestion. “There will be no need for that. New York isn’t always safe either. You’ll be there as my bodyguard, to protect me.”

Of course he would use that excuse.

You noticed Han-seo taking his leave as he began to look for flights for you both. The room grew quiet again, which made Han-seok stand up from his chair and slowly walk towards something that you assumed was a piece of marble. Your eyes followed his form, eyeing him suspiciously, before he suddenly began to angrily stomp on the marble slab on the floor.

Yep, there it is. His angry outburst that was waiting to happen.

He lifted up the piece and began to slam it down onto the floor, causing the red-haired director to silently cry at the sight in front of her.

He bellowed out one last scream before turning his body towards Ms. Choi. “Before I leave, I want to see Vincenzo’s dead body.”

She nodded her head at his demand, but you? You felt your blood run cold at his words. Why is he asking her that? Did the two of them plan something behind your back? Did Han-seok also go behind your back without letting you know? Your body began to tremble at all the questions that spurred in your head, and you didn’t even notice Han-seo walking back inside the room, confirming your flight.

No, you didn’t want to fly with him if he fucking lied to you and went behind your back. Hell no.

You remained quiet, not wanting to say a word. It seemed like everyone else was on edge as well. You weren’t afraid of them killing Vincenzo since it’s nearly impossible to make it happen. Your brother is the best of the best, and Korea is definitely not prepared for his twisted games.

And they’re most certainly not prepared for yours either. The next few minutes will determine if Han-seok lied to you or not, and that’s enough to make you worry, because if it turns out to be true, you don’t know what you’ll do.

The sound of Ms. Choi’s phone buzzing made you turn your head in her direction as she desperately fished out her phone from her pocket. The way her eyes widened from fear already told you enough and Han-seo stole the phone from her grip as he furrowed his eyes at the screen.

“They failed again,” he stated.

You didn’t miss the way Han-seok’s head snapped towards his direction. The younger brother brought the phone over to him, and he looked furious as he stared at the screen.

“He’s so hard to kill.”

You had enough of this bullshit. You angrily marched towards the two brothers, shoved Han-seo to the side, and snatched the phone from Han-seok’s hands. Your eyes focused on the picture and you felt your hand began to shake when you recognized the three men that laid dead on the floor. They’re Paolo’s hit men. They were able to get in contact with him — with your piece of shit brother. This was more than you expected. This was strategically planned out. They kept this from you? Even though you’re the one who’s supposed to be in charge of this?

“Why wasn’t I made aware of this?”

You didn’t even recognize your own voice.

Han-seok raised an eyebrow at you. “Hm?”

“Why. Wasn’t. I. Made. Aware. Of. This.”

“Because me and Ms. Choi had it under control.”

You didn’t even think twice when you angrily threw the phone into the wall, causing it to smash into a million pieces. All three of them flinched at your sudden outburst but Ms. Choi quickly regained her composure as she pointed at you.

“You! What the hell is wrong with you?!”

“You shut up you stupid fucking bitch! I’ll kill you!” You pointed back at her. “As for you,” you returned your attention to Han-seok. “Why the fuck am I here for huh!? Didn’t you hire me to do this shit?!

“You were obviously failing too much so we had to take matters into our own hands,” Ms. Choi barked back.

“Oh wow and look at where that got you,” you sarcastically laughed in return. “You wanna know what you are? A stupid fucking rookie. All of your moves against Vincenzo are laughable. You go for the obvious blow. You always leave fingerprints behind. You’re sloppy. You have no fucking clue how the Italian Mafia works, but I do.”

You began to walk towards her. “I’ve worked so close to these mafia bastards. I’ve been on countless missions for and against them. I know their weaknesses. I know how they think and how they work. Why do you think I haven’t killed Vincenzo yet, huh? Because he’s the best of the best. I’ve heard stories about him back when I was in Italy, and he was one of the top consigliere’s in the country. This isn’t some guy you can simply waltz with. Oh no. If you want to dance with him without having him step on your feet, then you need to learn how to move with him. You need to learn his moves. When he’s going to twirl you around, when he’s going to dip you down, and when he plans to finish his dance. That’s why I haven’t killed that bastard yet, because I’m slowly learning his moves. So when the right time comes, I can trip him in our little dance, causing him to fall completely.”

“Well it’s a little hard trusting a mercenary who turned herself into a prostitute–”

You didn’t even give her time to blink. Your hands wrapped around her neck as you pushed her down onto the floor, the sound of screaming going off in the background. Her eyes widened in fear as she frantically began to swing her arms to hit you in he face, but you quickly pinned her arms down above her head as your right hand began to squeeze hard against her skin. Her face was turning purple, and the feel of her body trashing underneath you in an attempt to escape sent a wild wave of exhilaration through you.

You felt a pairs of hands grab you from behind and you quickly turned around and punched them, not even caring to see who it was. Ms. Choi’s eyes were rolling at the back of her head and you nearly smiled until you felt two different pairs of hands pull you off of her.

“Stop,” Han-seok breathed into your ear. You broke free from his and Han-seo’s grasp, not even caring to check on the poor younger brother who was the victim of your right hook.

You were breathing heavily, from both adrenaline and anger. “Don’t fucking call me for anything anymore. I’m fucking done,” you snapped. “You want to hire shitty people and piss Vincenzo off more? Fine by me. Go ahead and sign your own death wish for all I care. I’m leaving back to Italy tonight.”

You saw him tense up at your words, and you didn’t give him a chance to speak since you continued to ramble on.

“You fucking lied to me. You told me you were laying off Vincenzo for a while and would let me know when you were ready to deal with him. Instead, you went behind my fucking back and planned this all out with Ms. Choi. The least you could’ve done was include me in your little meetings.”

You didn’t have a right to be mad, especially since you’ve been lying to him for the start. You’re crying to him about betrayal yet you’re the biggest snake in this room. Maybe it’s because you felt hurt and betrayed by both Vincenzo and Han-seok, since they equally went behind your back to plan something out. On top of that, they almost killed Vincenzo. You don’t know how exactly your brother survived their attack but one thing you did know was that they were close in taking him away from you. They almost got what they wished for.

“Good luck with your bullshit.”

You left it at that as you began to march out the door, but a firm hand gripped your own. You didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was.

“Stay, please. I’ll explain everything on the flight.”

“I’m not flying with you,” you shook him off. “And I’m not staying. Leave me alone.”

You didn’t want to look at him, because deep down, you knew his pleading eyes will make you stay. Even though you almost killed Ms. Choi, you were thankful in hearing her very hoarse voice speak, letting Han-seok know that they must head to the airport immediately.

You took that as your sign and left, feeling both relieved and upset that Han-seok didn’t try to stop you that time. Your eyes were starting to cloud with tears and you quickly wiped them away as you hailed a cab and began to make your way to Geumga Plaza. It was late at night so everyone must be in their rooms by now, and because of that you rushed up the stairs towards Vincenzo’s. You angrily pounded at the door and he was quick to open it, giving you the chance to storm inside.

“You know, I could’ve easily fooled you as someone else and killed you.”

“I’m not in the mood for your jokes,” you pointed at him. “What the fuck happened today?”

“What happened to you?” He raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t stopped by to say hello anymore. Is everything okay?”

“Fine. Han-seok won’t let me out of his sight. Now, tell me about this plan of yours you had about sneaking into the art gallery and taking a file!”

“Ah, well, Cha-young and I found some information regarding to Babel’s paper company. We needed a team in order to break in.”

“And why wasn’t I told about this?”

He hummed. “You’ve been acting suspicious lately.”

You swallowed at his words. “Suspicious how?”

Vincenzo walked towards one of the cabinets as he poured himself a drink. “Drink?” He asked, which made you shake your head in return. “Well, you haven’t been honest with me. You’ve been keeping information from us.”

“Says who?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know, you tell me.”

So he doesn’t know. He’s probably suspicious of you, but he doesn’t have concrete proof that you are in fact dating Han-seok out of your own free will. You looked down towards the floor, taking in a deep breath before exhaling.

“I just don’t understand why you planned this all out with people you barely even know. I’m your sister. We’re family. You always tell me things, but you kept this from me. You kept something this huge from me. On top of that, you almost died,” the image of Paolo’s three hit men flashed in your head, “I felt like you didn’t need me.”

His silence towards your last remark made you want to die, since it felt like he wasn’t acknowledging how you felt. Why can’t he just fucking talk to you? What’s so hard about that? You sucked up your pain and clenched your teeth together as you slightly switched the topic.

“I almost blew my cover when I found out that out.”

“What’d you do?”

So he responds to that? Cue your heart breaking.

“I almost killed Ms. Choi.”

He choked on his drink at your words, his eyes slightly widening. “What did you do to her?”

You slightly smiled at the satisfying memory. “I choked her and almost succeeded until the two Jang brothers pulled me off. If anything she’ll be left with a very bruised neck, possibly some soreness in her vocal chords.”

He chuckled at your response and shook his head in disapproval. “You really do have the worst temper.”

“Well I grew up with you, how can I not?”

Even though you were still upset and feeling betrayed by him, you couldn’t stay mad forever. You did almost lose him tonight, and spending time with him was something you certainly did not want to bypass — even if he’s somewhat disregarding your feelings. You drank a couple of drinks with Vincenzo before crashing out at his place, forgetting about the fact that you told Han-seok you were going to spend the night at your apartment.

It’s not like it mattered anyways, he was most likely already flying to New York by now, and that’s something you debated on telling Vincenzo or not.

By the next morning, everyone oddly seemed to be in a good mood. When Mr. Nam informed you that Prosecutor Jung arrested Han-seok last night with the information they stole, you almost lost it. Another thing Vincenzo forgot to mention when you two were drinking.

But why should you care? You’re the one who walked out on him and told him to never contact you again. He’s on his own now, and his precious Ms. Choi can bail him out if needed. He preferred having her do his dirty work anyways, since the only thing he needed you for was to let out his sexual frustration.

You were feeling betrayed both by Vincenzo and Han-seok, and you genuinely did not know how to feel.

After watching Prosecutor Jung’s speech on how he was wrong for his speculation against Babel and witnessing Cha-young lose it, you felt like you needed to leave. To everyone else, Vincenzo seemed pretty collected, but deep down you knew he was at the brink of losing it too. Their reactions towards his betrayal made you question yourself, and the whole atmosphere was suffocating. There’s no doubt in mind that you’re going to hurt them when they find out about you and Han-seok. How it wasn’t just a front anymore and how you cared about him. How you’re morally fucking this up for everyone — including yourself.

But seeing Cha-young and Vincenzo’s interaction made your heart clench. Only an idiot would not know that there’s blatantly something going on between them. The way he chased after her and was holding onto her arm while attempting to calm her down…you knew. You knew that your brother somehow managed to find love while he stowed away in Korea. It wasn’t planned, you knew he didn’t expect this. You were happy he found someone.

But do you have a right to feel that same happiness? You wouldn’t go as far and say you love Han-seok, but your feelings for him are pretty serious. Your love life is complicated — your fault though — and your boyfriend slash ex-boyfriend wants to kill your brother, and your brother wants to kill him. It’s not the most ideal situation you want to be in.

Maybe you can steer Han-seok away from his corrupted ways? Get him to just leave Babel to Han-seo and move away with you as far away from Korea as possible. You two could possibly move to the States. Maybe you could convince him, and if not, then you can just leave him be and help Vincenzo how you originally planned.

You didn’t even bother to say goodbye to anyone as you left the plaza and went back to your place. Walking in, the place felt a bit eerie since you haven’t necessarily been staying here for the past few weeks. Some of your stuff is still at Han-seok’s place so you were thankful to have left a few items behind. You quickly changed into a pair of black leggings and a white sports bra, adding a thin athletic jacket over you just in case.

Most of your day was spent working out and getting your mind off of things. Your body was mentally exhausted and you needed a breather from the world around you. For the first time in a while, you felt refreshed. You were heading back inside to your place with your headphones playing ‘No Hands’ at full blast.

“Girl drop it to the floor! I love the way your booty go – HOLY FUCK!”

You had a near damn heart attack when you walked inside your apartment and noticed Han-seok standing in the living room. His hair was disheveled and he had a crazed look on his face, but the moment his eyes landed on you, they widened.

“What are you doing here? I thought–”

You didn’t even get to finish talking before you felt him slam his lips against yours. He pulled you close and held your body tightly, and you almost caved in to the kiss but then remembered the whole altercation in the art gallery.

You shoved Han-seok away and shot him a glare. “I thought I told you I was done.”

“I thought you left,” he completely ignored your words as he began to talk. “I came by your apartment last night and you weren’t here. I searched for you and didn’t get any sleep. Then I had to return to Babel to discuss some matters before making my way back here, only to find your apartment empty once again. I thought you were gone, that you managed to leave the country without a trace. I was about to hire some of my best men to track you down…but now that I know you never left, where were you last night?”

“That’s none of your concern,” you turned around to grab a water bottle from the fridge but he rushed to your side and slammed the fridge door shut.

“Wrong answer,” he hummed before cupping your cheeks with his free hand. “Now, where were you?”

“Take your hand off me before I drop kick you,” you threatened.

He whistled and did as you asked. “You were out with some guy weren’t you?”

“No I wasn’t,” you dryly laughed. “All of the men here in Korea are a bunch of liars and not worth the effort, including you.”

“Are you going to continue to whine or will you let me explain why I had Ms. Choi do my dirty work for me?”

“Oh yeah, I would love to hear your excuse,” you responded with sarcasm.

Suddenly, you felt him grab your hand and twirl you around to face him. His eyes were full of emotion as they gazed down on you, and his features were soft, something that slightly shocked you. Ever since you met Han-seok, he’s been a mixture of serious, psychotic, and a dork. There was no in between since he would change his attitude in just a quick snap of his fingers. He was unpredictable — never letting you know what was going on in his head.

But this moment, right now, he was an open book. He looked vulnerable and weak, and that was enough to make you listen.

“Ididntwanthimtohurtyou,” he rapidly spoke, making you squint at him.

“What?”

He took in a deep breath and closed his eyes, giving himself a second before he could respond. “I didn’t want him to hurt you,” he begun, “he’s not someone you can test the waters with and expect to come out fine. He’s dangerous. You’ve seen what he’s capable of and you’ve run into him several times before. I still remember that one time you showed up bleeding almost everywhere. I…I don’t want him to go after you, and having Ms. Choi do my dirty work instead wont put you in harms way.”

Does…does he actually care for you? The Jang Han-seok, the CEO who’s made it clear he does not care about anyone else but himself. The same CEO who never shows any form of emotions — only anger. The same CEO who threatens his subordinates, including his brother, because they fail to do something right or just pester him.

“I need you, okay?”

His words left you stunned. Your brain was trying to process everything that was going on.

“You…need me?” You audibly whispered.

“Yes baby.”

“But do you mean you need my skills?”

He shook his head and tilted your chin up, his eyes meeting yours. “No. Even though you’re a fucking badass, I need you. You have weaved your way into my heart and I don’t plan on losing you.”

You’re literally about to melt right there.

You grabbed his face with your hands and pulled him down to you, pressing your lips against his in a desperate kiss. Han-seok responded almost immediately, and he hoisted you up, making you to wrap your legs around his waist as he began to walk you towards your bedroom.

His lips knew every sensitive spot in your body, and he took his time savoring you, exploring you, and making you feel special like the fucking goddess you are. He wanted to show you how much you meant to him, so he was at your complete mercy tonight. You were currently riding his face while his hands gripped your thighs, his tongue flicking and playing with your sensitive areas.

You writhed above him as you began to reach your high. “H-Han-seok I’m gonna…”

He quickly flipped you over so you were on your back and wasted no time sliding back inside you. “That’s it baby. I got you.”

He began to thrust as he held himself up on his elbows. Your moans echoed throughout your room and all you could do was gaze into his brown orbs. He cupped your cheek and snaked an arm underneath your back, pressing you closer to him.

“You’re so beautiful. My fucking baby.”

He connected your lips together in a passionate kiss as he began to pick up the pace. You wrapped your arms around his neck, kissing him back with so much passion while the two of you moved together in sync, slowly picking up the pace in a feverish way. You felt yourself cum first before Han-seok followed suit, spilling his seed inside you without a care.

The two of you continued to kiss and hold each other close, not wanting to let the other go. You both come from two different worlds, but at the same time, they’re similar in a sense. Unlike everyone you’ve known so far in your life, Han-seok needs you. Your father didn’t want you. The Cassano family accepted you then tossed you aside the moment they found something better. Vincenzo left Italy without thinking about how you would feel and only contacted you when he needed help, because he needed your skills.

You’ve never been put first your whole life, you were always just the person who filled the void in peoples lives, and when you weren’t needed anymore, you were tossed away. Forgotten. But Han-seok? He wants you. He needs you. He’s the first person to make you feel wanted in such a long time.

And honestly, you were not going to let that go.

-

Time has passed and matters were getting much more heated between Babel and Jipuragi Law Firm. Just like Han-seok promised, he has not bothered to send you on a mission to go after Vincenzo, instead, you’ve been doing some of his dirty work for him.

You’ve slowly been losing contact with Vincenzo again. It hurt knowing you two were growing distant, but he seemed to prefer confiding in his new family at Geumga Plaza than you. You might’ve been slow in delivering information but he still could’ve gone to you if he needed anything. Sure, you weren’t being fully honest with him, but you weren’t going to sabotage him in any shape, way, or form.

You also have been trying to grow close with Han-seo, especially since you felt bad after punching him in the face. The younger Jang brother laughed it off and reassured you it wasn’t a big deal, but he seemed terrified talking to you. It was definitely Han-seok’s doing and you know it.

But with everything that’s going on, you should expect the worse to happen.

You were staying at Han-seok’s place, cooking up a quick meal for you since he was out discussing matters with Ms. Choi. You despise that bitch, and you hate how close her and Han-seok are. You don’t care how old she fucking is, but a deep part of you always grew jealous when he had important matters to attend with her.

He can talk it with me too.

You were too busy angrily mumbling to yourself to even hear the front door close. A familiar pair of arms wrapped themselves around you as Han-seok hugged you from behind and began to kiss your neck.

“How was your date with Ms. Choi? You two have fun?”

“Hm, are you jealous baby?”

“Are you drunk?”

The smell of alcohol burned your nose when he spoke. You set the pan aside so the food wouldn’t burn as you quickly turned around to look at him. He didn’t hesitate in slipping his hands underneath your shirt — well, his shirt to be exact — and grazing the bottom skin of your breasts.

“Baby…you’re not wearing a bra?”

“Don’t change the subject,” you cupped his face to look at him. “Why were you drinking?”

“Because I can’t kill that bastard, and he’s been taking everything away from me,” he slurred before resting his forehead on your shoulder. “I need to find his family.”

Your breathing hitched. “Why?”

“Because then I can make him suffer. He must have a mother out there. Someone that’s family to him that he cares about.”

You’re looking at her. You thought to yourself. Even if you weren’t on big speaking terms with him, he still cares.

“I doubt he has family,” you wanted to steer him away from his assumption. “Mafia members usually don’t have any family left, and seeing how he’s Korean-Italian, I doubt his parents are alive. It’ll just be a dead end.”

He hummed at your response. “You can never be too sure.”

“Baby, I have no one left. Anyone I worked with back in Italy is the same.” He began to kiss your neck again, almost distracting you but you couldn’t have any of that. “I know him and Cha-young have something going on.”

He stilled at your words but kept his lips on your skin. “Really?”

“Mhm,” you nodded. “I think you should start with her.”

Even though you feel bad about suggesting Cha-young as a target, you didn’t want them going after Vincenzo’s mom. You met her once and she seems like a sweet lady. She’s been through a lot as well, and you still remember the rage you felt when you found out about what her previous employer did to her. Scummy men who prey on innocent women for their own sexual desires deserve the worst, and you had a mental celebration when you were made aware that he passed away.

He should’ve been tortured by Vincenzo, if anything.

Han-seok pulled away as he looked down at you, seeming to be in deep thought. “Maybe, we’ll see. But for now,” he tore his shirt off of you — like actually ripped apart — and his eyes trailed your body with hunger as you stood there exposed, wearing just your lace underwear.

“Han-seok!” You gasped. “I was making food!”

“Well baby I’m hungry too,” he smirked before ripping away your underwear and setting you down on the cold counter.

Then he proceeded to eat you out and it felt fucking amazing.

-

Life has not been easy ever since.

After articles about Han-seok’s past surfaced, he sent you to kill Oh Jeong-bae, the CEO of Daechang Daily. You finished it without a problem and left as the clean up crew that Ms. Choi sent arrived to pick up his body. What you didn’t know was that they planned to frame Vincenzo, but did it unsuccessfully since he’s always one step ahead of them.

You’ve been going on more secret dates with Han-seok and have practically moved in with him at this point. You were out running some errands when your phone began to ring, Han-seok’s name popping up on the car’s screen.

“Yes, sir?” You have to keep it professional at first, just in case anyone is in ear shot view.

“Baby! Come celebrate with us!”

He seemed to be in a very cheerful mood. “Oh yeah? What are we celebrating?”

“The death of Vincenzo’s mother.”

You slammed on the brakes, not even caring that you stopped in the middle of the road. “What?”

“Ms. Choi did some digging and found his mother. She was admitted to a hospital, and we sent someone to finish the job.”

This is not good. Killing his mom is just asking for a death wish, and knowing Vincenzo, he’s smart enough to figure out who sent the hitman. He’ll go after Han-seok in a heartbeat.

He’s actually probably on his way to kill him now.

“Baby, where are you?” Your voice was filled with panic as you stepped on the gas.

“At the estate. I don’t see why you’re worried.”

Your knuckles gripped the steering wheel. “Jang Han-seok, you just killed the woman Vincenzo loves the most. His own blood. His only family. His mother. I know you don’t care about family, but majority of the world population will go ballistic if someone killed their mother. He’s going to fucking kill you, all because you wanted to get even with him.”

“Either I’m going stupid or you’re actually defending him.”

“Because he’s going to kill you!” You kept swerving past cars. “Why do you have to get even with him! Fucking hell!”

You were not that far from the estate now, but he suddenly went quiet on his end which made you worry.

“What’s happening Han-seok?”

Then a shot rang out, and you felt the blood in your body run cold.

“Han-seok!” You frantically screamed as you tried not to have a full blown panic attack while driving. You heard him breathe on the other line before he spoke two words and hung up.

“He’s here.”

No, no, no, no, no, no.

He can’t fucking kill him, he can’t.

It was as if everything around you was a blur, your hands felt numb even though you were gripping the steering wheel. You could crash into someone right now but you wouldn’t care, you’d find a way to get to Han-seok. At this moment, he’s the only thing that mattered.

The moment you arrived to the estate, your heart dropped at the sight of all the bodies writhing on the floor. It was like something straight out of a horror movie. The ramp leading to the house was caked with a trail of blood, letting you know that Vincenzo is showing no mercy. You cocked your gun and ran out of the car, ignoring the pleas of the injured bodyguards as you made your way past them.

You never felt such adrenaline before, and the moment you saw Vincenzo pointing his gun at Han-seok’s face, you knew right then and now, that this will leave a dent in your relationship with your brother. Vincenzo didn’t seem to know about your presence because the moment he heard the click of your gun behind him, he grew rigid.

“Drop the gun.”

Your voice was low and dangerous.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m not going to repeat myself,” you pressed your gun towards his head. “Drop the gun. Now.”

He stayed silent for a while, contemplating your order. Your eyes briefly connected with Han-seok’s and he looked both relieved to see you but also terrified. He wasn’t scared for his life — not even the slightest — but he was for yours.

“Stay out of this.” It almost sounded like he was pleading you to walk away, to not dig yourself further into this mess that can cost you your life.

“Not until he drops the gun,” you tilted your head. “So, what’s it gonna be, Vincenzo?”

His chuckle caught you off guard. “You really want to do this right now, sister?”

“You know better than to not call me that right now.”

“Why? You’re scared your boyfriend will find out the truth about your identity?”

Your breathing increased. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try me,” he pressed. “I’m sending you back to Italy tonight. You’re done.”

No you’re not fucking done, and he will not fucking ruin whatever happiness you found here. He didn’t expect you to kick his legs and force him to the ground, your body moving swiftly to take his gun from his hand. He looked shocked as he looked up at you, a look of betrayal flashing through his features.

“Yes! That’s my girl,” Han-seok clapped as he stood up, walking towards you to plant a kiss on your cheek. “Kill him.”

“She won’t,” Vincenzo answered with a smug look on his face.

Your hands began to shake and your eyes brimmed with tears while your lip quivered, the intense emotion of betrayal sitting with you as you stared into the eyes of your brother. Your family. The only other person who genuinely cared about you. Han-seok called out for you, but it’s like your mind tuned him out, and Vincenzo was the only other person in the room.

You’re not going to kill him, you can’t and won’t.

“I’m disappointed in you, sister. You really fell for the enemy.”

He actually fucking blew your cover. Your eyes widened in fear at his words, the dread settling in as the room grew quiet.

“S-Sister?” Mr. Han spoke from behind you. “Did I hear that right?”

“It seems we’ve had a traitor all this time, sir.”

“If you want to keep breathing for the next five seconds, I suggest you shut your fucking mouth, Ms. Choi. I will blow your brains out without a second thought,” you threatened which made her shut up real quick.

“You’re a fucking bitch.”

Han-seok’s voice cut you like a knife, and you refused to turn around and look into his eyes. You didn’t want to face him. You didn’t feel worthy of facing him right now.

Instead, you put the safety on Vincenzo’s gun and tossed it to him. “You know, I came here to help my brother out but lately, it’s been feeling like he doesn’t need me anymore. But you want to know who does? The man behind me. He’s made me feel so fucking special Vincenzo and I honestly could care less about what he fucking does and how he does shit to stay on top. You think the Cassano family has their hands clean? You ever sit back and wonder all the people we’ve killed for them, and how many of those people are possibly innocent with families out there? We’re fucking monsters. Every single person in this room is a monster. I’m tired of trying to play the good guy, because I’m not, and you –”

You didn’t even have time to react or simply do anything as Vincenzo interrupted your speech by aiming his gun at Han-seok and pressing the trigger. A silent shot rang out and Han-seok collapsed to the floor, holding his right ear while he groaned out in pain.

“That’s just a preview of what I’m going to do.”

“Han-seok!” You cried out as you dropped down to his side and tore a bottom piece of your shirt off to press it against his ear. He tried to push you away but you resisted as you held him close while everyone else scurried towards the two of you. “Call 911!”

His bloodshot eyes looked at you with disgust and hate, but you didn’t care right now. You needed him to get seen immediately. The ambulance was quick in getting there and took him straight away with Han-seo riding on the back. You wanted to leave with them so bad but you held back, not wanting to stress him out more especially with his wound. Ms. Choi and Mr. Han were not making it easer as they stared at you with intensity.

“My loyalty still lies with Han-seok,” you began, not bothering to face them. “Only cowards run and hide, and I’m not a coward.”

You avoided seeing Han-seok at the hospital, knowing that he will go crazy the moment he sees you walk in. Your betrayal was of course made known to everyone in Geumga Plaza, and you didn’t miss the looks of disgust when you walked inside and made your way to the office. You were currently sitting down at the table with both Vincenzo and Cha-young, your fingers drumming against the hard wood as you avoided eye contact with them.

“Give me my cut of the gold and I’ll be on my way.”

“You deserve nothing,” Cha-young snapped. “You betray us and side with Han-seok? You deserve not even a tiny ounce of gold!”

“Do not yell at me, stupid bitch,” you hissed out but noticed the glare Vincenzo shot at you. “Aw, I’m sorry. Did I insult your girlfriend?”

“He really did get in your head. What a tragedy,” he sighed.

“He didn’t do anything. Whatever I’m feeling? Whatever I did? I did it out of my own free will. Now pay up, brother.”

Cha-young loudly slammed her palms against the table, making you and Vincenzo look at her. “My father was murdered by that psychopath. How can you support that?”

“Save me the sob story, your father knew what he was getting himself into. Vincenzo warned him but he didn’t listen. He stuck his nose where he shouldn’t and paid the ultimate price.”

She shot out of her chair and went after you, and just when you were about to attack back, you felt Vincenzo grab your arm and twist it behind your back. He pinned you down against the table, leaving you immobile as you screamed and struggled against his hold.

“Let me go!”

“You have no shame,” he calmly spoke. “He killed my mother, and you still defend him. I call you to help me, and you betray me. What kind of sister are you?”

“I don’t care.”

That was a bit of a lie but you had to act heartless now. There’s no room for sappy stories or feelings in this field. You either fight to stay on top or roll over on your back and surrender. You were done with everything, and from this point on, you were your own independent contractor. No more Cassano family. No more Italy. No more Vincenzo. As much as it pains you, you brought this upon yourself.

“Just…let me go.”

He did as you asked, avoiding any form of eye contact with you as you rubbed your wrist. “I’m sorry I failed you. I got caught up in my own feelings. I’ve reached my breaking point Vincenzo, and while you found love here, so did I. What I feel for Han-seok feels so wrong but so right at the same time. Give me my cut of the gold and I will try to convince him to flee Korea with me, just don’t kill him, please. Do whatever you want with Babel, but don’t fucking hurt him, or else.”

Then, you proceeded to walk away, not even bothering to look back.

The drive back to your place was quiet and unusually eerie. Your whole mind felt numb at the thought of losing both Vincenzo and Han-seok, but there’s a slight possibility of regaining the trust of one of them. You could either go back now, drop down to your knees, and apologize profusely to your brother.

And also promising to delete that video of him singing to Rihanna.

Then there’s Han-seok, where you could prove your loyalty to him by continuing to betray your brother. You can continue to do his dirty work and help him bring Babel to the top.

So what will it be? Side with the man who grew up to be your brother — who fought by your side? Or with the man you love — who will burn the world for you? Most people will immediately choose family, but, you’re not like most people. Sad truth is you’re just as fucked up in the head as Han-seok. Maybe not on a psychotic level, but you’re still just as evil as him. Unlike Vincenzo, you have no sense for justice. The world will always be morally fucked up, that’s just how life is. Why bother wasting your time trying to fix its wrongs?

You were too caught up in your thoughts as you stepped inside your apartment that you had zero time to react when a hand shot out to pin you against the wall. It wrapped itself tightly around your throat, not enough to kill you but enough to daze you, and the culprit behind the hand was no other than Han-seok. His eyes burned with hatred, no longer showing any hint of affection towards you.

“Are you okay?” Was all you could croak out.

He darkly chuckled in response. “Am I okay? Is that all you have to say?”

“I’m just worried about–”

“Shut up!” He added more pressure to your neck. “I should just kill you right now.”

“Then do it.”

Half of you knew he wasn’t capable of doing it, but the other half believed he can and will. You’re at a point where death wasn’t a scary thought anymore, and if the man you grew to love was going to end it for you, then you’ll welcome death with open arms.

Han-seok seemed to hesitate at your request while his grip on your neck loosened, but he didn’t let go quite yet.

“Fuck you,” he sneered and practically threw you against the wall as he let go of you. “You’re such a clever bitch huh?”

He began to clap really loud, the speed of it increasing by every second.

“Bravo! Such an amazing job in fooling me!” Han-seok bent down to your level and gripped your chin tightly. “So, what’s your real name? I assume you’ve given me a fake one all this time.”

“It’s still the same,” you replied. “But my last name is Cassano, not Marino.”

He huffed out a breath and let you go, walking away as he began to run a hand through his hair.

“Vincenzo called me because he needed my help against you. It started off as a mission, but little by little I fell in lo–”

“Shut up,” he cut you off. “What are you? A mercenary for him?”

“I’m a spy for the Cassano family.”

“Cassano family,” he darkly chuckled and turned to face you again. “I hope you know I have to kill you now. I don’t take kindly to traitors.”

You smiled up at him. “You say that yet you’re the biggest traitor of all.” He stepped forward to say something but you quickly cut him off as you continued. “You’re a traitor to yourself. Your mind says one thing but your heart says another.”

You felt a bit wobbly when you stood up but used the wall as support. He remained quiet at your statement, not wanting to admit that you were right. Instead, he walked towards you and cupped your face with his right hand.

“You have such a big mouth for someone who’s supposed to stay quiet. You lied to me and I doubt any fucking thing you’ve told me was true. Stop with the act, you’ve been found out. If you think I’m going to crawl back to you, I won’t.”

“But I’m being se–”

He grabbed your shoulders and roughly slammed your body against the wall. You went ahead and grabbed his arm, moving your body so you’d be able to twist it behind his back. You kicked his feet underneath you and basically made him drop to the floor with a loud thud. He shot you a puzzled look while you flashed him a smile, but that was short lived when he grabbed your ankle and made you lose your balance. You fell down as well and Han-seok was quick to hover above you as his hands wrapped themselves around your throat. Just when he was about to squeeze, you wrapped your legs around his waist and flipped him over, causing him to lay flat on his back and loose his grip on your neck. You quickly grabbed one of your knives from a nearby coffee table and pressed it right against the skin of his neck, your other hand pinning his wrists above his head.

“Baby, if I wanted to kill you, I could’ve done that in a heartbeat. Especially after that fiasco with Vincenzo’s mother? You were lucky I was on your side instead of helping my brother out,” you noticed the way his jaw clenched out of both anger and fear. “I could easily kill you right here too, and I have sources that can help me flee the country within the next ten minutes. Don’t underestimate a spy from the mafia.”

You pressed the blade a little more against his neck, but made sure not to do it too much to draw blood.

“Why didn’t we try this position before? I kind of like being on top of you and having you at my mercy.”

You were teasing him and you loved it, but it was so hard deciphering what he felt since Han-seok cleared his face of any emotion. You were quick to stand up, keeping your eyes on his form. Han-seok dusted himself off and he looked more pissed than before — probably because he lost since he knew he let his guard down. All he did was shoot you a warning look before leaving your place, not bothering to utter out a single word about what just happened.

-

The next few weeks have been more hell. You lost your brother. You lost your lover. Now you were basically stranded in a random foreign city. You spent your nights at countless of bars, rejecting perverted men, and getting drunk off your ass without a care. It was hard watching the news since there was always something going on with Babel, and seeing Han-seok’s gorgeous face made you miss him even more.

You were currently out and about, a little tipsy since you had a couple of drinks at a bar, when you suddenly felt someone bump into you. The two of you fell to the ground — hard — and you felt your blood boiling at the incompetence of the guy who bumped into you.

“Listen you fucking jackass!” Even though you felt a bit tipsy, you were able to get a good grip on the guy. The alcohol was also definitely a factor as to why you were more pissed than usual. “You better fucking apolo–”

But you were shocked to see Han-seok staring back at you with surprise as well. The sound of several footsteps echoed above you and he gave you zero time to react as he grabbed your hands, pulled you up, and made you stand against a brick wall. You repeatedly blinked up at him, his face was covered in sweat and he seemed out of breath, like he was running away from something.

Or someone.

The sound of footsteps that echoed away indicated that he was in fact getting chased.

“Who were they?”

“I don’t know. They ambushed me back at my place.”

“Those assholes. I’ll kill them.”

You stumbled away from him, only to be stopped when his hand clasped around your wrist.

“Have you been drinking?”

“Mhm. I’ll probably be a raging alcoholic by the end of the month.”

His eyes fixated on you as he remained quiet for a second before speaking. “You’re really doing the most to make me drop my guard around you.”

You blinked. “Huh?”

“Going out to drink. Acting like you’re sad. Aren’t you a little genius?”

“Han-seok this isn’t–”

“I don’t want to hear it,” he began to limp away. “And don’t follow me.”

You ignored his request and stepped forward to provide as much of assistance as you could, but he was quick in shoving you away, a look of disgust resting on his features.

“Don’t fucking touch me and leave me alone.”

And so you did, but little did you know, he wanted you to follow him. He wanted you ignore his remarks, call him an idiot, and just simply take care of his wounds. He wanted you to prove to him that you did in fact care, but he ignored the aching of his heart when you simply let him go without putting up a fight.

-

You were at your wits end.

After drinking your sorrows away and sulking in your own pitiful heartbreak, you decided to take Vincenzo on his offer and leave Korea for good. Turns out him, Cha-young, and a couple of the tenants were hiding away the gold, and you did your best in hiding your anger through the phone when he refused to let you know where it was. Instead, he wired you the amount he promised and ordered you to leave the country. Made you swear on your mother’s grave and everything. You promised him to leave and never turn back.

You promised to leave Han-seok, for good.

Ever since your last encounter in the alley, you’ve tried to contact him multiple times, but he never returned your calls. You last spoke with Han-seo a few days ago, and he informed you that Han-seok and Ms. Choi planned out a fake arrest to protect him from Vincenzo. It was a pretty decent plan, and since his security measure is high, your brother won’t be able to touch him.

But even if he did, why does it matter? You two are end game. You shouldn’t care what happens to him. Whatever you two had was temporary, and you’re bound to meet someone ten times better in the States anyways.

You were at the airport waiting at the security line when your phone began to buzz. Confusion hit you when you noticed Ms. Choi’s name pop up on your screen, and if it wasn’t for your curiosity on Han-seok, you would’ve hung up on her.

“I assume you’re not calling because you want to meet up and get our nails done together,” you scoffed.

You could hear her sigh on the other end. “Desperate times call for desperate measures, I just have one question to ask you. Do you love Han-seok?”

Her sudden question caught you off guard. “Why are you asking me that?”

“Just answer the question.”

“It’s not like it matters if I do,” you snapped. “He wants nothing to do with me and I don’t blame him.”

“Agreed. I always knew you were a bitch.”

Your eye twitched. “Look, if you’re just going to call to insult me then I’m fucking hanging up–”

“Wait,” her tone reeked with desperation. “I hate to admit it but you’re our only hope against Vincenzo. He’s going to kill me and Mr. Jang.”

“I thought Han-seok was in prison to protect him from my brother?”

“Not anymore. He’s been released. We’re planning on fleeing the country but that’s if we’re able to sneak past Vincenzo. He has this whole plan in motion already and..” she paused for a second before speaking again, “he already called me and told me today is my last day. Once he kills me, he’s going after Mr. Jang.”

You have never ran out the airport so fast in your life. Ms. Choi isn’t the one to call you or beg for you help, but the tone in her voice and how urgent she sounds let’s you know that some shit is about to go down. Vincenzo doesn’t play and you know that.

“Do you have a location on Han-seok?”

“No, he wouldn’t disclose it. I’ll send you my address so we can meet up.”

The two of you hung up and you immediately hailed a cab towards her place. Your palms felt sweaty and your throat felt dry as you thought about Vincenzo winning and getting to Han-seok first. Knowing your brother, he will make sure to torture him and give Han-seok the most painful death he can imagine, and that was something that unnerved you.

You arrived to the address that Ms. Choi sent you but stopped on your tracks when you noticed the knocked out bodyguards that laid on the floor.

He was here. He got her.

“Fuck!” You punched the nearest wall, not caring about the excruciating pain that shot up your arm. She was your last resort at finding Han-seok since he could be anywhere in Seoul.

You need to think. Knowing Vincenzo, he must have some form of tracker on Han-seok because how else will he be able to locate him? If he’s out hunting for your ex-boyfriend, then he shouldn’t be anywhere near Geumga Plaza. You had to be fast on this so you wasted no time. You snatched one of the guns off of the bodyguard’s body and hailed a cab towards the plaza.

You charged up the stairs until you made it into the office, where you found Mr. Ahn sitting in front of a laptop. You raised the gun and aimed for his head, making him lift his hands up in the air.

“Where is he?”

“I don’t know what you’re–”

You shot the flower pot next to him and he dropped to the floor in fear.

“Where is he?!”

He was quick in turning the laptop off and picking it up. “I’m not telling you anything.”

“Is that so?”

You weren’t sure if these tenants were just plain stupid or had a death wish, because Mrs. Jang attempted to sneak up behind you, only for her to be placed in a chokehold with your gun pressing against her temple. Mr. Ahn’s face contorted into concern as he hesitated in taking a step forward.

“Now let’s try again shall we?” Your eyes were burning with hatred. “Where’s Vincenzo?”

“H-How could you do this to him?”

Mrs. Jang screamed when you shot her foot, causing Mr. Ahn to yell before running towards you.

“Nah-ah,” you hummed and pressed the gun to her chin, causing Mr. Ahn to stop. “One more step and she’s dead.”

“She’s pregnant,” he pleaded. “Please don’t.”

“Aww, then she should’ve thought twice before sneaking up on me,” you moved the gun down to her stomach, “now give me the laptop.”

“How do I know you won’t kill her?”

“Because I don’t get messy unless I have to. You give me what I want, and she’s free. So will it ping me to Han-seok’s live location?”

“Yes,” he hesitantly answered.

“Then give it to me. Along with your phone as well and some car keys.”

Mr. Ahn was quick to comply and didn’t hesitate in doing the exchange. As promised, you let go of Mrs. Jang and examined Mr. Ahn’s phone before crushing it, in case he decides to warn Vincenzo about you. You did the same to Mrs. Jang’s phone before running out the building and finding Mr. Ahn’s car. You turned the latop on and saw his live signal coming to a stop, and you prayed that he was on his own and was safe from Vincenzo.

But that hope washed away when the signal lead you to a warehouse.

“Please don’t be dead,” you whispered to yourself as you blinked back tears. “Hang on baby.”

You quietly made your way inside the building, having your arms stretched out downwards in front of you while your gun faced the ground. You could heard the sound of distant voices, immediately pinning the two male voices as Vincenzo and Han-seok. Knowing he was still alive made you feel more at ease but the adrenaline was still kicking in as you neared closer, the sounds of Han-seok screaming made you see red.

“…okay? Just shoot me! Shoot!” Han-seok begged but quickly stopped when his eyes landed on you.

The sound of your gun clicking made Vincenzo stop what he was doing, but your brother refused to face you.

“Turn it off and untie him.”

“I see that you decided to stay,” he spoke. “I shouldn’t be surprised. It’s not the first time you broke a promise.”

You were impatient and pissed off. You shot the timer that rested on the left side of the chair, making Vincenzo flinch away and take a couple of steps away from Han-seok as the timer broke into pieces.

“I’m not here to play games or fucking talk! You better disarm that whole contraption and let him go.”

“Or what? You’re going to kill me?”

“If I have to.”

He dryly laughed and shook his head. “I guess karma did get me in the end.” You furrowed your brows in confusion, not understanding what he meant. “The first time Han-seo came to me to help him overthrow Han-seok, I refused.”

Wait, Han-seo betrayed Han-seok?

“I told him I don’t like to involve myself in family matters, because if I help exploit a betrayal within a family, my own family might betray me in the end.”

The look he gave you made your heart break, and you felt yourself almost giving in, but the sound of Han-seok coughing out a bit of blood brought you back to your senses.

“You don’t have to do this,” Vincenzo begged you. “Sister, please.”

You gritted your teeth while remaining silent for a second, but slowly moved your gun towards his direction.

“Let him go.”

He sighed in defeat and tilted his head down. Vincenzo was incredibly fast and unpredictable, because he suddenly pulled out a gun from his waist and aimed it in your direction. A shot rang out and you felt a burning sensation on your right arm, and it took a second to register that he shot you.

He fucking shot you.

You screamed out in pain as you dropped your weapon, and you heard Han-seok call for you before hearing footsteps running towards you. You were quick to move your legs and swipe them underneath Vincenzo, making him fall as well. Your adrenaline started to kick in causing the pain on your right upper arm to diminish. You quickly stood up and ran towards your gun but Vincenzo was quick as he wrapped his left arm around your neck, holding you in a chokehold. He was applying pressure, enough to knock you out, but you used all your strength to move your head back, head butting him right on the nose.

He staggered back and you went in for a left hook but he was quick in blocking it. You were able to move your body away from him as he tried to land a blow on your stomach. Hit after hit, you both were a bloody mess at this point. The two of you were evenly matched; he had the strength but you had the agility. You two have sparred with each other so much that you basically have learned each other’s moves, and it’s only a matter of time until one of you gets tired first or one of you outsmarts the other. You couldn’t use any of your usual moves on him but you just remembered there was one move you never showed him.

Vincenzo managed to make you fall on your back, but you quickly blinked back tears and bent your legs before swinging them forward, causing you to shoot up and stand. You didn’t even give him time to react as you swung your leg up and kicked him right on the jaw. He immediately fell to the floor and you kicked him one last time on the face, almost knocking him out.

“You talk about betrayal but you chose your new family over me!”

You straddled him while pinning his arms against him.

“You fucking left Italy without telling me! No message, no call, nothing!”

Another punch to his face.

“You don’t even call me to let me know you landed in fucking Korea! I had to find out from Paolo that you fled!”

You punched his chest.

“I tried calling you because I was worried and couldn’t reach you. But then you call me when you need my help? Are you fucking serious?!”

You slapped him.

“I didn’t think much of it cause I saw it as my brother needing my help. I missed you and wanted to make you happy so I agreed, but then I started to miss our life back in Italy. I asked, no begged you to move back with me, and what did you do!?”

You slapped him again.

“You chose your new fucking family that you made here! You wanted to help your little girlfriend avenge her dead father!”

You were a bawling mess at this point, but you couldn’t stop.

“I felt so alone,” you choked out. “And guess who was there for me? Guess who made me feel fucking special? Jang fucking Han-seok.”

You punched him one last time, leaving his face badly bruised and bloodied. He choked out some blood and tried to move but you held him down with your legs and body.

“You never bothered to ask me if I was okay. You never bothered to care, but he fucking did. He could tell when something was bothering me, when something was wrong. While I stayed here to make my brother happy, he never once batted an eye in my direction when I felt alone. All my life, everyone expected the most of me. They wanted to use me. My father, the Cassano family, and now you. You never fucking bothered to know how I felt, and only saw me as convenient when it benefited you and your precious gold.”

You couldn’t even wipe away your tears since your hands were caked with blood.

“He makes me happy and I could care fucking less what he’s done. I’ve told you already, we’re all monsters, so stop acting like you’re some sort of saint. You’re just as evil as him.”

The pain on your upper arm was returning, and you felt a bit woozy from the blood loss so that was an indicator that it was time to go. You stood up and staggered a bit, but you quickly caught yourself before walking towards Han-seok.

His eyes somehow softened when they saw you, and you shot him a weak smile while you began to untie him from the chair. It took all of your strength to pull the drill that was beginning to pierce his skin away. You felt yourself almost collapse but Han-seok quickly caught you with his free hand.

“Are you oka–”

He shut you up as he connected his lips with yours, not caring about the taste of blood. A splurge of emotions hit you all at once, and all you could do was cup his face and kiss him back.

He pulled away and tilted his head. “You got shot yet you’re asking me if I’m okay? You’re crazy.”

“Crazy for you,” you giggled before coughing out. “Sorry, that was cringey.”

“No, it was cute.”

You both helped each other out. He kept you grounded and made sure you didn’t collapse while you continued to untie him. He wasn’t too injured, just had some bruised areas and soreness, on top of the small hole that began to drill itself on its chest — he’s perfectly okay. But you? You don’t even know how much blood you lost. You were too busy fighting Vincenzo to even pay attention to your wounded arm.

“C-Can we start over?” You blinked up at Han-seok who watched you with an intense look. “If we’re talking US dollars… I have about 980 million dollars right now. Let’s just… let’s just move to the… States and start over? Please?”

He looked you over and seemed to be in deep thought. He was aware Babel was screwed over and not much can be recovered after everything that happened. He doesn’t have any family, or friends. All he has is you. The United States wasn’t too bad of a place to relocate at, and as long as he’s spending it with you, he can fucking live with that.

“Can we do some side jobs while we’re there? If you know what I mean?” He smirked down at you while tapping your nose.

You grinned. “Of course.”

The two of you began to walk away but the sound of Vincenzo groaning made you stop.

“I hope… you… know… that you’re… not a sister… of mine,” he coughed out with a croak, his eyes meeting yours for one last time. “You’re… no family… to me.”

Your vision fogged up with tears and you turned away while taking a deep breath in. “Goodbye Vincenzo. Take care.”

It was rough, and really fucking hard for you to walk away from your brother. You might be crazy choosing Han-seok over him but you don’t care anymore. Being with him feels right.

But your time with him might just be short lived after all.

You collapsed to the ground as you felt light headed, and Han-seok was quick in catching you, his frantic eyes looking down at you.

“Hey hey, look at me.”

“Oh fuck,” you coughed out. “Am I going… to die?”

“No you fucking won’t,” he immediately took of his jacket and tore it up; wasting no time in bandaging your arm. “Stay with me.”

“I do… care,” you slurred out. “Please understand t-that… I do care about… you.”

“Shh, stop talking baby,” he cooed. “I know, and I’m right here.”

You really lost a lot of blood, and if Han-seok cannot find you treatment within the next half hour, you’re for sure going to be a goner. His voice seemed distant as he called for you, but you couldn’t even respond as you slipped into darkness, the feeling of something wet landing on your cheek was the last thing you remember feeling.

-

1 year later…

The sun was shining high on the horizon as Han-seok leaned against the railing on the balcony, his hand holding a mug of coffee. Ever since he left Korea, life has been amazing. Sure he’s not a top CEO anymore but it’s still fun feeding his crazy side by doing a lot of jobs under the radar. The money that you acquired from Vincenzo definitely helped a lot, and now he’s living the luxury life while owning a huge mansion — more like a manor — on top of a hill in Beverly Hills. On top of that, there’s that penthouse in New York and that gorgeous beach house in Miami.

What more can he want?

He felt your arms wrap themselves around his stomach as you hugged him from behind. You planted a soft kiss on his bare back before pressing your cheek against it.

“Why aren’t you in bed?”

“I wanted to admire the sunrise,” he chuckled and placed his coffee down. “But I might just admire you instead.”

He loves it when you wear his shirts. The way your soft legs are exposed to him and just seeing his stuff on you gives him the satisfaction that you’re actually his. He leaned down and kissed you before moving his lips towards your neck, already loving the feel of you shivering underneath his touch. He pulled you closer to him, his hands reaching down to squeeze your ass while you wrapped your arms around his neck.

“Are you not wearing underwear?”

“We literally had sex last night, why would I put underwear on?”

“Just thought you would, but,” he caught you by surprise by slipping his fingers against your wet folds. “This will make this much easier.”

Neither of you wasted time in undressing the other, and he picked you up and placed you down on the balcony table. He pumped himself a few times before slowly going inside of you, the feeling of your warm walls clasping around his dick caused him to moan. You hooked one of your legs around his waist and placed the other on his right shoulder. Han-seok began to thrust and pound into you, your moans and screams echoing throughout the hills.

You feel so fucking good. He kissed your ankle before leaning down to kiss your lips again, silencing you immediately.

“Fuck, you’re mine,” he moaned out. “All fucking mine. You look so pretty down there. My fucking girl.”

He wasn’t done with you yet — without slipping out of you — he switched positions and sat down on one of the chairs outside. You straddled his lap and began to rock your hips, the two of you becoming a hot moaning mess for each other. Han-seok wrapped his arm around you while using his other to hold your chin, making you look at him. Nothing will ever beat this. He’s got the life he wanted and the girl of his dreams. He has money. A small sense of power still. A great sex life. And gets to travel the world with you.

People like him and you deserve to go to hell, but fuck that, you both were in heaven, and that’s all that mattered.

“I fucking love you, my pretty girl.”

“I love you too, my handsome boy.”

[link-posting]

Sand Seal Wipe Out

Hyrule looked down as he adjusted the harness around his waist, his eyes flicking nervously toward Wild. “Are you sure about this…?”

Wild let out a carefree laugh, patting Hyrule on the back as he clipped his harness to the leash of the sand seal in front of him. “Very sure! You’re going to love it,” he exclaimed confidently, sliding his boot into the strap of the shield he was using as a surfboard.

Hyrule quirked an eyebrow at Wild, looking apprehensive at best. Wild had that manic look in his eye he got before he tricked Hyrule into some dangerous (yet exhilarating) activity. He’d gone shield surfing once, but this wasn’t exactly the same thing. This time he was strapped to a beast that could swim through hot granules of rock hot enough to cause burns to the touch. One bad wipe out could turn out to be hell.

Despite his hesitance, he trusted Wild. He’d taken him on some amazing adventures, and no doubt this would be another one. Wild looked over at him, giving him a quick once-over to make sure he was clipped in right. “All set?” he asked, practically bouncing with excitement. Hyrule would be lying if he said it was anything other than infectious.

With a resigned sigh and a playful roll of his eyes, Hyrule stepped onto his shield. “Okay, I’m ready,” he said, bracing himself for what was to come.

Wild let out a loud whoop, and they were off. Hyrule let out a scream- terrified, at first, but quickly devolving into laughter. He held onto the rope attaching him to the sand seal, mostly for some sense of security as the beast pulled him along. He leaned to one side carefully, testing his ability to turn. He was still scared of wiping out, but he was starting to understand why Wild took him out on this ride.

Wild was having ten times more fun than Hyrule, and it showed. He had no apprehension or fear of sand surfing (or any other time, the Chain was convinced), so he had no reservations as he weaved through the sand, not bothering to hang on to the tether. Even if he overcorrected, Wild had taken enough sand to the face to know how to fall to minimize injuries. Sort of.

Hyrule was quick to let go of his initial nervousness. The longer the two raced through the Gerudo Desert the more comfortable he got on the shield. Soon enough he was zipping alongside Wild, laughing as the sun beat down on them, blindingly bright off the sand but so worth it. Wild had got him jewelry that would help resist the heat at least, but that didn’t help him when he nearly barreled straight into a Voltfruit Cactus. He yelped and overcorrected, getting flung off his shield and skidding through the sand.

“Rulie!” Wild yelled, quickly twisting on his own shield. He came up alongside him, pulling up in a way that allowed him to unclip his harness and jump off the shield, using the forward momentum to run up to his friend.

When he reached his friend’s side, he was surprised to see Rulie laying in the sand, laughing even as he sat up to shake sand from his hair. “I’m okay,” he said, waving his hand as Wild slid up beside him. “I might have a few scratches but I’m okay.”

Wild gave a relieved smile and held out his hand to help him up. “Good. You had me scared for a second. Eating sand can be pretty unpleasant,” he said, giving a little shudder of solidarity.

“Oh, it wasn’t pleasant. But I am okay,” he said, grinning and clapping a hand on Wild’s shoulder.

Wild chuckled and wrapped his arm around the Traveler. “I’m glad. Let’s get back to town, I’ll cook your favorite for dinner to get the taste of sand out of your mouth,” he laughed, ruffling Hyrule’s hand- causing the other to splutter as sand rained down into his face- including his mouth.

”You better throw some dessert onto that!” he said, sliding his foot back into the strap of his surf-shield.

”I would’ve thought you had enough of the desert!” Wild laughed, clipping himself back to his sand seal, letting out a whoop for it to take off as Hyrule let out a stream of threats and started chasing after him, the sun slowly setting behind them.

[liminalmemories21]

Fic Pride Friday

tagged by @freneticfloetry. Thank you, sweetie!

Rules: Post your favourite line or passage from as many of your published works as you’d like. Let yourself feel proud of your creations! Tag as many people as you post snippets, so your fellow fic friends can be proud, too.

A home isn't always the house we live in (still one of my favorite things I've ever written)

He finds he doesn’t like Carlos’ parents very much right now, which maybe isn’t fair, but he doesn’t know them, and he does know Carlos. Still, that’s not what TK’s asking. “Sometimes people don’t need you to fix things, they just need to tell you so that they know someone heard.”

The Knave of Hearts . . . he said he'd steal no more (because this one conversation, is I swear at the heart of the entire series)

TK stares wide eyed and startled, at the key he’s holding. “What?” He clears his throat. “If you want it?” TK’s quiet for long enough that Carlos wonders if he should take it back, wait for a better moment. Except TK’s hand closes over it tightly and he leans up into Carlos’s space. “If you keep letting me in, I’m never going to want to leave.” He presses a kiss to TK’s temple. “You’re on to my devious plan, whatever will I do?” TK snorts softly against Carlos’s skin and doesn’t let go.

the square root of sixty-nine (this was I think one of the first exchanges I wrote, and the entire story sprawled from there)

TK stares at him. "Okay, so my opinion of like everyone you've ever slept with before is dropping by the second, just so you know." TK looks at him closely, and says more gently. "This is not a deal breaker, and anyone who ever told you it was is a dick who wasn't worth your time."

We were in screaming color (I was so nervous about writing Carlos's sisters, and figuring out their relationship)

"Because Carlos,” and her words are as precise and measured as if she’s giving a closing argument in court, “I was scared. I was terrified that if we told you not to, if we all left and went back to our lives that the next time Mom called to tell me I had to fly home it would be for your funeral, not your wedding. So, I went to your wedding, even though you're right I've never really liked Iris, because I thought if they're married at least Iris will be there every day to make sure that he's okay."

tagging @strandnreyes, @rmd-writes, @paperstorm, @vineofroses, @carlos-in-glasses, @carlos-tk, @cha-melodius, and @walkinginland

[quack-quack-snacks]

Time Will Tell - Chapter 14

My Time Will Tell Masterlist

My Cha Hyun-su Masterlist

My Navigation and Masterlist

The Time Will Tell Glossary

Warnings: Blood, boxcutter threat from Seok-hyeon, Seok-hyeon being an abusive little shit. Word Count: 1,863

prev | current | next

You sat in the chair beside the makeshift bed Hyun-su lay on, watching his chest rise and fall ever so slowly. The bed wasn’t much - consisting of your jacket as a pillow and his own as a blanket - but it was enough. 

Eun-hyuk tried to get you away from the boy but you refused, not allowing yourself to move from that chair. He allowed it reluctantly but didn’t feel safe leaving you alone with him so he sat in the corner. 

“Is he dead?” Eun-yu asked. You hadn’t even noticed her appear at the doorway with how focused you were on watching Hyun-su take in slow breaths. 

“No. He isn’t dead,” Eun-hyuk replied for you. 

“I’m going to get you some water, you don’t look so great,” he excused himself after you looked over your shoulder at the girl and saw how you looked. 

“Gee, thanks,” you said with a light laugh, deep down knowing he was probably right.

After he’d left the room, your fingers brushed the hair out of Hyun-su’s eyes before your eyes fell on the blood drying on the boy’s neck. Looking around the room, you found a box of tissues and grabbed it, taking some out and gently wiping them across the blood. You couldn’t do much damage to the blood staining his clothes but you wanted to do whatever you could to make him as comfortable as possible. It was after the third tissue was completely soiled and you grabbed a fourth that his eyes shot open. 

He whispered out your name and your eyes quickly looked over at him, finding him awake and alert. 

“You’re awake,” you exclaimed quietly, setting the tissues down and placing the back of your hand on his forehead, feeling his unusually cold body temperature. “Are you okay? Can I get you anything? You’re so cold…”

“W-what happened?” He got out, his eyes looking between yours as you stared down at him, a worried look he wasn’t sure he deserved on your face. 

“You passed out after you fell from the 9th floor,” Eun-hyuk’s voice interrupted you as you were about to talk. Your hand fell from Hyun-su’s forehead as you looked over at him. The boy nearly whined from the loss of your warm skin but you were none the wiser as Eun-hyuk spoke again. “It was the golden hour that saved you. Did you know that?”

“Eun-yu was the one who saw you when you fell. It was… terrifying,” you admitted. 

“It’s ironic though,” Eun-hyuk continued. “Golden hour used to mean it was the last hour you’re able to save someone’s life, you know?” Hyun-su looked off into the distance, unable or unwilling to reply to his comment. “Are you okay?”

He brought a hand to the back of his head, pulling it away and watching with wide eyes as it came back bloody. “Yeah, I think I’m okay.”

“Okay,” Eun-hyuk said, shooting a glance at you before persisting. “It’s going to be tough from now on.”

You walked in between the two boys as everyone gathered in the nursery. As you were wrapping the jacket you gave to Hyun-su to use as a pillow around your waist, it wasn’t hard to notice the way everyone seemed so cautious of the boy. Stumbling over each other to get away from him and whispering as they stared. You rolled your eyes at all of it, glancing over at Hyun-su every once in a while to make sure he was okay. It didn’t outwardly seem like any of it had an effect on him but you weren’t sure. 

The only one who didn’t scramble away at the first sight of him was Seok-hyeon.

“You’re all out of your mind. You brought a monster in here,” he said, moving past Eun-hyuk from where he stood in front of you and you stood in front of Hyun-su. Hyun-su almost instinctively pulled you behind him to keep you safe. “Don’t you dare turn. Got it? You crazy monster.”

The sound of a boxcutter opening filled your ears and you pushed yourself back in front of Hyun-su so you were standing between the two men. “I suggest you put that down before you get hurt,” you warned. “Because trust me,” you continued as your eyes never left Seok-hyeon’s. “You will get hurt.”

Seok-hyeon looked at you in shock for speaking up against him. “Why you little- I ought to cut out your tongue for that!” He yelled furiously. 

“Like how you killed that guy in the blazer before? How did that turn out, again?” You asked rhetorically as you brought a hand up and gently poked at the bruise on his forehead. “Oh, yeah. You got hurt,” you laughed. 

Seok-hyeon put the hand holding the box cutter down and held up his other one instead, about to strike you when two separate hands latched on and stopped the hand before it could reach you. You smirked slightly, a bit surprised but mainly finding it funny how the anger on the man’s face went from 10 to 100. 

“Go inside,” Eun-hyuk ordered him. He yanked his hand away before retreating to the nursery, cursing as he walked. 

The bespectacled boy sighed and rubbed at his eye before looking at you. “Why would you taunt him? You should know he’s not above hitting people.”

“He was never going to hit me. If not for the two of you, I would’ve made sure of that myself,” you promised him. You turned around so you were facing both boys and smiled at them both gratefully. “I’ll see you in there,” you told them before heading into the daycare. 

“What did you say?” You heard one of the members of the new team to join the bottom floor, Jae-heon, ask as you got closer to the group.

“We can’t just do that,” the other newest member, Ji-su, backed him up. You were confused about what you couldn’t do, but it was cleared up with Seok-hyeon’s next sentence. 

“We can’t miss golden hour,” he said, and you knew they were talking about what they should do about Hyun-su. 

“The Lord said you-” Jae-heon started until the store owner interrupted him. 

“I’m sure Jesus never lived in a world like this, did He? It’s for all our safety!”

You slid down the wall of a pillar and placed your head in your hands, another headache forming from all the arguing. It seemed that was something you were going to need to get used to in this new world. 

You couldn’t help thinking of how much you missed your dad, your siblings, hell even the annoying bird that woke you up each afternoon. You missed your home, and you weren’t sure if you would ever see it again. 

The thought made you tear up until a slam of a box on a table uninterrupted your thoughts. 

“Here,” Eun-hyuk started. You weren’t sure when he had entered the room but when he did your eyes immediately glanced around the room for where Hyun-su could be stationed. You frowned when you didn't see him.

“What’s that?” Seok-hyeon asked.

The boy held up a stack of sticky notes. “Everyone please grab a piece of paper. If you think we should expel Hyun-su then go ahead and draw a circle,” he started to explain. You couldn’t help the sliver of fear in your stomach as you figured out he wanted to do a voting system. You couldn’t figure out who would be on which side of this group and it scared you.

It scared you for Hyun-su’s sake.

 “And if you don’t think we should, draw an X. Then put the paper in this box.”

“He’ll obviously be kicked out, why bother?” Seok-hyeon asked cockily. “Raise your hand. I want him out,” he started his own voting system and faced the residents. “Hands up. Hands up!” 

No one raised their hand. 

It was when he saw this and saw not even his wife raise her hand that he turned to her. “Raise your hand, you cow.”

Seon-yeong looked contemplative, scared to disobey but not wanting to raise her hand either. Luckily, a familiar voice interrupted everything. 

“Well, I don’t,” Eun-yu announced as she walked into the room. 

“You’re way too young to vote,” Seok-hyeon complained. 

“It’s the end of the world, who gives a shit about ages in voting?” You asked quietly but everyone could hear you in the silence of the room. Eun-yu smirked at your words. 

“Exactly, age doesn’t matter.”

“How dare the two of you talk back to me? When an adult speaks, you should listen,” he scolded and you rolled your eyes before plopping your head in your arms again, something he saw. “Don’t fucking roll your eyes at me! You’ve really been pissing me off today!”

You made no move to respond to him and his attention was captured by a bunch of hand movements from Eun-yu, secretly spelling out the words “FUCK BASTARDS LIKE YOU.”

“Did you just swear at me?” The shopkeep asked her, confused by the strange movements. “If I was your dad, I’d give you a good old-fashioned beating!”

“Of course you would, because you’re abusive,” you whispered, but apparently Ji-su heard it since she was standing next to you and she let out a laugh before slapping a hand over her mouth to stifle it. You shot her a grin. 

Eun-yu smiled extra sweetly at him and shook her head. “I didn’t. I said you’re cool,” she reassured falsely before aiming a finger gun at him that spelled out the words she just signed to him and pretended to make the gun go off. 

“To protect everyone’s privacy,” Eun-hyuk continued as Eun-yu moved to sit on the ground against the pillar with you. The two of you shared a quick fist bump before paying attention. “It must be a secret ballot.”

“What?” Seok-hyeon asked, confused.

“Because expelling him… would be like taking part in murder.”

Everyone stayed quiet at the boy’s words and your eyes stared off into space, glazed over with worry for the boy you grew fond of over those short meetings. 

Seok-hyeon scoffed when he saw the looks of conflict on everyone’s faces, standing up to face them. “Privacy? No way, man,” he laughed it off before raising his hand. “I want him out. Hands up. Hands up! It’s not murder,” he tried to convince. “We’re doing this to survive. Don’t be scared now!”

He turned to his wife to start screaming at her and demanding she raise her hand but your mind drifted, your teeth pulling at your fingernails in your worry over the boy who must have been in the next room over since you couldn’t see him in the room you were in. You only stopped picking at your nails when Eun-yu pulled your hand away from your mouth. Instead, she placed a pen and paper in it, silently telling you the voting had started. You drew down an X, obviously. There was no way you were letting Hyun-su get kicked out, even if that meant threatening to leave with him or doing whatever it takes to make sure he stays safe.

[rebelliousstories]

Take A Bite

Kiss Me You Animal

Relationship: Cooper “The Ghoul” Howard x Zylia “The Freak” Shelley

Fandom: Fallout

Request: No

Warnings: Fluff, Strong Language, Mentions of Death and Killing, Vague Cannibalism

Word Count: 1,027

Main Masterlist: Here

Fallout Masterlist: Here

Previous Chapter// Next Chapter

Kiss Me You Animal Masterlist: Here

Summary: When it comes to his cold, undead, somehow beating heart, Cooper goes back and forth on whether or not to use it on Zylia.

There was something almost comical about the way they walked with each other. Cooper kept Zylia on a tight leash, literally. Her hands were bound, her ankles less so. She struggled the entire way out of town, but The Ghoul just tugged on her rope to get her to settle down.

Zylia had no idea where they were going, but she hated every moment. Everything was going well up until she left with her payment for the bounty. Now she was tied up, hungry, and pissed off. All she could hope for was that he would not drain any of her more liquid assets. That would just be a kick in the teeth.

“You gon’ tell me why you’re bein’ paid in blood, rather than all caps, darlin’?” Cooper called from behind her, maintaining a safe distance. The bound woman did not even bother to turn her face to acknowledge that the man had said anything.

“Alright. Keep your secrets. Lookin��� mighty delicious though.” His off handed comment finally spurred a reaction from the woman before him. She whipped around and got right in his face as soon as his hand touched the pouch on her bag with the blood bags.

“You touch those and I’ll fuckin’ kill you.” Zylia growled. Her words spitting themselves onto Cooper’s face.

“Well,” he drawled while dragging a hand over his face to remove the fluid. “Why’s so goddamn important to you?”

“None of your damn business, ghoul.” She retorted, but the aforementioned ghoul just smirked at her.

“You’re the one that’s tied up with no place to go. And I’m the one with your bag, that has your blood. Now you wouldn’t trade caps for blood unless you truly needed it more. So why the hell you interested in that blood more than your own caps?” He laid it all out there.

“I told you, it’s none of your damn business why I value my blood more than my caps. I’ve got my reasons.” Zylia refused to back down from the man, as she was still standing in his face.

“Now, I’d like to hear those reasons.” Cooper teased, reaching his hand towards the pouch. Zylia responded by diving her head down to snap at his fingers which sent his fingers away in a heartbeat.

“You are just full of piss and vinegar, ain’t cha?” He chuckled as Zylia righted herself to look him in the eyes once more.

“Do not take that blood. I need it.” She pleaded, skin starting to bead with sweat, and her lips being moistened by her tongue.

“I needed those caps that you stole from my bounty. Looks like we’re both in a pickle sweetheart.” Cooper’s hand reached up as fast as lightning to grab the ropes by her neck and hands.

“So here’s what’s gonna happen; Imma keep you with me until I get those two hundred caps that I deserved, then and only then, will I let you go.” His voice was dangerous as he growled in her face. Zylia made her face as neutral as stone, refusing to let him see that she was terrified. Terrified about what was going to happen if she did not have access to those blood bags.

“Keep moving.” He shoved the woman away, and they began to walk once more. The more they moved, the weaker both of them could tell Zylia was getting. But she kept moving anyways. They neared an abandoned house that Cooper seemed to know his way around, and made their way in. Bodies were strewn about, and there seemed to be a kitchen area that Cooper strategically slid into.

Zylia was pulled with him, and that when she saw it. Fresher bodies were right smack dab in the middle. These may have only been about a day or two old, but they were still plenty fresh. Howard made his way around, looting the bodies and their bags all around the room, while the woman kept her eyes on the body.

When Cooper began to take what he needed from the bodies, slicing and filleting, he noticed that she was watching him intently. No, not him; the meat in his hands, but it was not a look of disgust. He held her gaze and ate another bite, while watching her eyes drop. The Ghoul kept going even after he had satiated his urge, but this was for drying to keep with him on the path. His eyes caught her swaying a bit as he continued his task. Poking his head up, Cooper caught her eyes just before the woman collapsed.

Making his way to her at a leisurely pace, his head cocked to the side as he watched the woman on the ground. She was full blown sweating, with her pale skin somehow looking even paler. There was genuinely no color left in her. Zylia kept gasping and trying to wet her lips, but she had no more moisture left in her. As she writhed on the floor, she kept trying to make her way to her bag but was unable to open the pouch she needed.

Out of curiosity, Cooper opened the pouch she was trying to access and found her blood. With a furrowed brow, he took out one of the bags, and held it up above her. He watched her trying desperately to reach it, yet unable to with the ropes around her body, and her energy slowly dropping. The Ghoul wrestled with his thoughts for a minute, crouched down on his knees. If he helped her, he could follow through on his promise. If he did not, however, that was one less person that would steal his bounties, and probably more food for him.

Zylia kept writhing, but it dwindled down from before. Her eyes were unfocused as she mouthed open air. The sweating and the colorlessness of it all freaked Cooper out just a little bit. After all this time, he had never seen anything like this. He watched her for a moment more, holding the bag of blood in one hand.

“What to do about you?” He drawled, watching the woman in front of him. There was something almost comical about the way they walked with each other. Cooper kept Zylia on a tight leash, literally. Her hands were bound, her ankles less so. She struggled the entire way out of town, but The Ghoul just tugged on her rope to get her to settle down.

Zylia had no idea where they were going, but she hated every moment. Everything was going well up until she left with her payment for the bounty. Now she was tied up, hungry, and pissed off. All she could hope for was that he would not drain any of her more liquid assets. That would just be a kick in the teeth.

“You gon’ tell me why you’re bein’ paid in blood, rather than all caps, darlin’?” Cooper called from behind her, maintaining a safe distance. The bound woman did not even bother to turn her face to acknowledge that the man had said anything.

“Alright. Keep your secrets. Lookin’ mighty delicious though.” His off handed comment finally spurred a reaction from the woman before him. She whipped around and got right in his face as soon as his hand touched the pouch on her bag with the blood bags.

“You touch those and I’ll fuckin’ kill you.” Zylia growled. Her words spitting themselves onto Cooper’s face.

“Well,” he drawled while dragging a hand over his face to remove the fluid. “Why’s so goddamn important to you?”

“None of your damn business, ghoul.” She retorted, but the aforementioned ghoul just smirked at her.

“You’re the one that’s tied up with no place to go. And I’m the one with your bag, that has your blood. Now you wouldn’t trade caps for blood unless you truly needed it more. So why the hell you interested in that blood more than your own caps?” He laid it all out there.

“I told you, it’s none of your damn business why I value my blood more than my caps. I’ve got my reasons.” Zylia refused to back down from the man, as she was still standing in his face.

“Now, I’d like to hear those reasons.” Cooper teased, reaching his hand towards the pouch. Zylia responded by diving her head down to snap at his fingers which sent his fingers away in a heartbeat.

“You are just full of piss and vinegar, ain’t cha?” He chuckled as Zylia righted herself to look him in the eyes once more.

“Do not take that blood. I need it.” She pleaded, skin starting to bead with sweat, and her lips being moistened by her tongue.

“I needed those caps that you stole from my bounty. Looks like we’re both in a pickle sweetheart.” Cooper’s hand reached up as fast as lightning to grab the ropes by her neck and hands.

“So here’s what’s gonna happen; Imma keep you with me until I get those two hundred caps that I deserved, then and only then, will I let you go.” His voice was dangerous as he growled in her face. Zylia made her face as neutral as stone, refusing to let him see that she was terrified. Terrified about what was going to happen if she did not have access to those blood bags.

“Keep moving.” He shoved the woman away, and they began to walk once more. The more they moved, the weaker both of them could tell Zylia was getting. But she kept moving anyways. They neared an abandoned house that Cooper seemed to know his way around, and made their way in. Bodies were strewn about, and there seemed to be a kitchen area that Cooper strategically slid into.

Zylia was pulled with him, and that when she saw it. Fresher bodies were right smack dab in the middle. These may have only been about a day or two old, but they were still plenty fresh. Howard made his way around, looting the bodies and their bags all around the room, while the woman kept her eyes on the body.

When Cooper began to take what he needed from the bodies, slicing and filleting, he noticed that she was watching him intently. No, not him; the meat in his hands, but it was not a look of disgust. He held her gaze and ate another bite, while watching her eyes drop. The Ghoul kept going even after he had satiated his urge, but this was for drying to keep with him on the path. His eyes caught her swaying a bit as he continued his task. Poking his head up, Cooper caught her eyes just before the woman collapsed.

Making his way to her at a leisurely pace, his head cocked to the side as he watched the woman on the ground. She was full blown sweating, with her pale skin somehow looking even paler. There was genuinely no color left in her. Zylia kept gasping and trying to wet her lips, but she had no more moisture left in her. As she writhed on the floor, she kept trying to make her way to her bag but was unable to open the pouch she needed.

Out of curiosity, Cooper opened the pouch she was trying to access and found her blood. With a furrowed brow, he took out one of the bags, and held it up above her. He watched her trying desperately to reach it, yet unable to with the ropes around her body, and her energy slowly dropping. The Ghoul wrestled with his thoughts for a minute, crouched down on his knees. If he helped her, he could follow through on his promise. If he did not, however, that was one less person that would steal his bounties, and probably more food for him.

Zylia kept writhing, but it dwindled down from before. Her eyes were unfocused as she mouthed open air. The sweating and the colorlessness of it all freaked Cooper out just a little bit. After all this time, he had never seen anything like this. He watched her for a moment more, holding the bag of blood in one hand.

“What to do about you?” He drawled, watching the woman in front of him.

[teddymoon06]

Chapter 7

Title: Beneath the Surface

Chapter 7: Shattered Hope

Y/N’s POV

Hours passed since Hyun-su lured the monsters away from the rooftop. We hadn’t heard anything from him yet. The air was thick with tension, and everyone was restless, waiting for something to happen. Every minute that ticked by felt like an eternity.

I kept glancing at the door, praying that he’d come through it any second now. The thought of him out there, alone, risking his life, gnawed at me. I hated this helplessness. All I could do was wait.

Jae-heon moved around, talking quietly with the other survivors, discussing what our next move would be. He was trying to keep everyone calm, but I could see the fear in his eyes too. We were running out of time, and the monsters were getting more aggressive.

“Y/N,” Jae-heon said, snapping me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, though the tightness in my chest didn’t loosen. “I’m fine. Just… worried.”

Jae-heon placed a hand on my shoulder, his expression softening. “He’ll come back. Hyun-su is strong.”

I wanted to believe him. But a part of me was terrified that I wouldn’t see Hyun-su again. That thought made my heart ache.

“I know he’s strong,” I whispered, my voice shaky. “But this is… this is different.”

Jae-heon didn’t argue. He just gave me a reassuring look and moved to help the others with reinforcing the barricades.

I hugged my knees to my chest, sitting on the cold floor, my mind racing. What if something had gone wrong? What if Hyun-su—

Before I could finish the thought, the door burst open, and Hyun-su staggered inside.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Every muscle in my body screamed in pain as I stumbled into the room, the adrenaline finally wearing off. I had managed to lead the monsters away, but barely. The whole time, I could feel the transformation inside me fighting to take over. I had to push it back, to stay in control.

But now, I was completely drained.

The room fell silent as I entered, everyone’s eyes on me. But the only person I cared about seeing was Y/N.

She was on her feet in an instant, rushing toward me. The relief in her eyes almost broke me. I’d never wanted to let her down, never wanted her to see me like this—weak, exhausted, barely holding on.

“Hyun-su!” Y/N’s voice was full of emotion as she reached me, her hands gently gripping my arms. “Are you okay?”

I nodded, though my legs felt like they might give out at any second. “I’m fine,” I lied, trying to steady my breathing.

“You look awful,” she said softly, her brow furrowed in concern.

I wanted to reassure her, to tell her I was okay. But I couldn’t find the words. The truth was, I wasn’t okay. The monster inside me was getting stronger, and I didn’t know how much longer I could keep it at bay.

But I couldn’t tell her that. I couldn’t let her see how scared I really was.

“I’m fine,” I repeated, forcing a small smile.

Y/N didn’t look convinced, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a hug. For a moment, everything else faded away. The fear, the pain, the constant threat of death—it all disappeared as I held her.

“I was so worried about you,” she whispered against my chest.

“I know,” I murmured, resting my chin on her head. “But I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”

Y/N’s POV

I didn’t want to let go of him. Not after everything that had happened. Holding Hyun-su like this, feeling his warmth, it made me forget, just for a moment, the hell we were living in.

But we couldn’t stay like this forever. Reluctantly, I pulled back, though my hands lingered on his arms. His face was pale, and I could see the exhaustion in his eyes. He wasn’t telling me everything, but I didn’t want to push him. Not now.

Jae-heon approached us, his expression grim. “Hyun-su, we need to talk. There’s something… something else.”

Hyun-su nodded, his jaw clenched. “What is it?”

Jae-heon hesitated, glancing at the others before speaking. “We’ve found another survivor. Someone… infected, like you.”

My heart skipped a beat. Another person like Hyun-su? Was that even possible?

“Where are they?” Hyun-su asked, his voice tense.

“Downstairs, in the basement. We locked them up for now. But they’re different. More aggressive.”

I saw Hyun-su’s expression harden. The fear I’d seen in his eyes earlier was back. Whatever this meant, it wasn’t good.

“I’ll go see them,” Hyun-su said, determination in his voice.

“No!” I blurted out, grabbing his arm. “You just got back. You need to rest. Let someone else—”

“I have to do this,” he interrupted, his tone gentle but firm. “I need to know if… if I’m going to end up like them.”

The words hung heavy in the air. I didn’t want to think about that possibility—Hyun-su turning into one of those creatures, losing himself completely. But I could see the fear in his eyes. He was worried too.

“Then I’m coming with you,” I said firmly.

Hyun-su looked like he was about to argue, but then he sighed, nodding. “Okay. But stay close to me.”

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

We made our way to the basement, the tension thick between us. Y/N was silent, but I could feel her worry radiating off her. I didn’t blame her. I was scared too—scared of what I might see, of what it might mean for me.

The basement was dark and cold, the air damp and heavy. As we approached the locked door, I could hear something moving inside—scraping, low growls, the sound of something inhuman.

Jae-heon unlocked the door, and the sound grew louder. My heart pounded in my chest as we stepped inside.

The creature inside wasn’t fully transformed yet. It was still human… mostly. But its eyes were wild, filled with rage and fear. It snarled as it saw us, its body twitching with every movement.

I swallowed hard, my stomach churning. This could be me. This could be what I turn into.

“Hyun-su…” Y/N’s voice was soft, but I could hear the fear in it.

I forced myself to look at the creature, to study it. It was losing itself, the human part of it slipping away. I could feel the monster inside me stirring, as if it was trying to take control, to break free.

But I wasn’t going to let it. I couldn’t.

“This is what you’re fighting against,” Jae-heon said quietly. “You have to stay in control, Hyun-su. For all of us.”

I nodded, clenching my fists. “I won’t let this happen to me.”

Y/N’s POV

I watched Hyun-su as he stared at the creature, his expression tense and conflicted. I could only imagine what was going through his mind. Seeing that thing—it must have felt like looking at his own worst nightmare.

But I knew Hyun-su. He was stronger than that. He wouldn’t let this thing take over him. I believed in him, even if he didn’t fully believe in himself.

“We should go,” I said softly, reaching for his hand.

Hyun-su didn’t move for a moment, his gaze still locked on the creature. But then, slowly, he turned and took my hand, his grip tight. “Yeah,” he muttered. “Let’s go.”

As we left the basement, I couldn’t help but glance back at the creature one last time. I hated it. Not just because it was a monster, but because it represented everything I feared for Hyun-su.

But I wouldn’t let it win. I wouldn’t let the fear consume me.

We walked back up the stairs in silence, but I didn’t let go of Hyun-su’s hand. Whatever happened, whatever came next, we would face it together.

Cha Hyun-su’s POV

Y/N’s hand in mine was the only thing keeping me grounded. The monster inside me was still there, lurking beneath the surface, but I was determined to fight it. For her. For everyone.

As we reached the top of the stairs, Jae-heon gave me a reassuring nod. “We’ll figure this out, Hyun-su. You’re not alone in this.”

I nodded, though I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hold on. But Y/N’s presence gave me hope. As long as she was by my side, I had something to fight for.

“We’ll get through this,” I said quietly, looking at Y/N.

She smiled, though I could see the worry still lingering in her eyes. “We will.”

And for the first time in a long

time, I allowed myself to believe that.

End of Chapter 7

Next | Previous

[mirajaneswritingshenanigans]

When Fear Becomes Strength

Fandom(s): Vincenzo Series

Pairing(s): Jang Han-seo x BestFriend!Reader

Summary: All the signs were there in the past, only you were too young to understand what was happening. Years later, you’ve become a witness to Jun-woo’s vicious behavior towards Han-seo. Now Han-seo fears what will happen next. This time he turns his fear into strength.

Disclaimer:  I do not own any character mentioned in this work. Every character and scene belongs to the writers, producers, and directors of Vincenzo. I am simply borrowing dialogue and characters to create this work of fiction.

A/N:  Y/N-Your Name. This idea came to me at 3am (09/28/2022). Instead of sleeping, I had to write it. I think I wrote Jun-woo a lot worse than he actually is. I mean, Jun-woo is a horrible enough person as is. Cha-youhg doesn't get kidnapped. Han-seo lives, because I said so and that man deserved so much better than what he got in the show. Just saying. Anyhoo, I hope y’all enjoy this. Bold Italics is a memory. ✨✨✨✨-Signifies a time lapse. 

Warning(s): Mentions of abuse. C-PTSD. description of violence/abuse. Netflix subtitle translation used. out of character moments? a few cuss words. abrupt ending? (I had no idea how to end this, I’m sorry.)

Word Count: 8,368

It felt like time had stopped. You weren't sure how to react to the scene before you. Jun-woo held Han-seo tightly by his tie. Anger clear on his face. His fist was raised, but stopped when he noticed you standing in the archway to the living room. He let go of his tie and began to straighten it up. "You should always remember to look your best." Jun-woo said in a sweet tone, trying to make it seem like he was helping and not hurting. You were stunned by the sudden change in his attitude. He gave Han-seo a hug whispering to him "we'll finish this later". Once he let go, he smiled at you and left the house, slamming the door on his way out.

Han-seo leaned against the wall, sliding down. He pulled he knees close to his chest and rested his forehead on them. You slowly walked towards him, kneeling in front of him when you were close enough. "Han-seo?" You whispered. "You were never supposed to see that side of him." His tone was filled with anguish. He looked up from his knees to meet your gaze. Your heart breaking when you saw the bruise forming on his right eye. The red mark in the corner of his lip. The hand print across his left cheek. What hurt the most was seeing the fear and pain within his eyes. Tears steadily streaming down his cheeks. "He's going to hurt you. He always hurts the people who find out about his violent side. That's why I can't keep friends. He... I c-can't lose you." Han-seo had a hard time speaking over the lump forming in his throat. The mere thought of Jun-woo hurting you terrified him and broke his heart.

He leaned forward, kneeling on his knees, and pulled you into his embrace. Sobs began to rack his body. You tightly wrapped your arms around him. At this point tears began to stream down your cheeks as well. Seeing him so hurt and scared broke you. You began to gently rub his back. After several minutes his body had stopped shaking. His sobs becoming softer.

"Please." Han-seo whispered. You pulled away from him to look at his face. "Please, what?" You asked with a puzzled expression. "Please, don't leave me." Han-seo said, his voice cracking. "I won't. I pinky promise." You held your right pinky out to him, he gently wrapped his left pinky around yours. He gave you a small smile when you pressed your thumb to his and kissed the tip of both of your thumbs. "I take pinky promises very seriously. No matter what Jun-woo attempts, I won't leave you." You reassured him when you pulled your pinky away. He leaned his back against the wall stretching his legs out and sighed heavily. You moved to do the same right beside him.

"How long has he been doing this to you?" You asked quietly. Han-seo sighed heavily before answering "since I moved into the Jang household as a child." You glanced at Han-seo, you could tell this topic pained him. "I'm sorry for you. Being hurt by someone that is supposed to love you and protect you is a terrible pain a person has to live with." You told him gently. He stayed silent staring off into the room. "I'm also sorry that I hadn't noticed sooner. I've been your best friend since we were children. Yet, I've missed all the signs that you were being abused and mistreated." Your voice became even softer as you spoke and sounded so much sadder than you had intended. "Please, don't feel guilty for that." Han-seo reached into your lap and took your right hand into his left hand. "You were a child! How could anyone hurt you?! It’s so wrong!" Your voice rose in anger as you spoke. You felt his grip tighten on your hand. You looked up to see that Han-seo had raised his right arm to cover his face and moved his legs closer to his torso again. For a moment you were puzzled. Then it hit you like a freight train derailing and crashing. Your tone and voice rising had triggered Han-seo. "Han-seo. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..." You lowered your voice and spoke more gently.

You weren't sure if he heard you at all because he had stayed in that position for a few more seconds. Eyes shut so tightly, arm still raised to protect his face. Legs close to him to protect his abdomen. You took note of how heavily he was breathing at the moment. I swear I'm going to kill Jun-woo myself for this. You thought to yourself. You felt his grip begin to loosen on your hand. He slowly began to lower his arm and stretch his legs out again. He hated that hearing the anger in your voice had triggered him the way it did. A part of him knew you weren't angry with him. The other part felt threatened and vulnerable and told him he needed to protect himself. "I'm okay." He whispered keeping his gaze cast towards his lap. You turned your hand over in his, where you could interlock your fingers with his. "I'm sorry. I truly didn't mean to trigger you. I was angry that anyone has the audacity to lay a hand on you." You told him. "That happens sometimes." He told you. Silence had fallen between the two of you. Both of you sat like this for hours before moving to his bed to sleep.

✨✨✨✨

Your body cramped when you woke up the next morning. Sitting on the floor, not moving, for hours wasn't the best idea before laying in a bed. You had decided to stay with him last night. You weren’t willing to leave him alone. You were currently lying on your back. Han-seo snoring away on you. While you had slept he curled into your left side, his right leg lazily draped over your pelvis. You glanced down at his sleeping form. How is that comfortable? You silently wondered when you saw he had his left arm folded in between you and his chest. His other arm slung over your abdomen. His head laying on your chest, more towards your shoulder. He looked so peaceful in this moment. You gently moved his hair to check his eye. You sighed heavily when you noticed the swelling got worse over night and the bruising darker. You gently began to run your fingers through his hair. Han-seo sighed softly before his voice filled the room. “Morning.” You laughed a little at his muffled groggy voice. Even though his eyes were still closed at the moment you still decided to smile at him. Your heart melting at the way he was smiling with his cheek pressed into you. 

Both of your bodies jerked when you heard the front door slam open. He quickly sat up in bed. "He can't know you’re here." He said in a panicked tone. He rushed to hand you all of your belongings before ushering you into his closet. "Just, stay quiet. Okay? This is for your protection." Han-seo pleaded with you as he handed you your phone. Your only response was a small nod before he quickly, but gently shut the closet door, leaving you in the dark. He was thankful that his room was farthest from the front door, almost clear across the house. He quickly jumped back into to bed and covered up. Making it seem like he was still sleeping.

"Oh, dear brother." Jun-woo called out. "I know you couldn't possibly still be sleeping." Your blood ran cold when you heard Jun-woo's slightly muffled sinister tone through the closet door. You flinched when you heard the bedroom door being slammed opened. Not being able to see what was happening may be a blessing or a curse. Though being able to hear, even if slightly muffled, was a curse as well. You weren’t sure which one you would consider worse. "Is something wrong?" You heard Han-seo’s timid voice. "I'm here to finish what I started. I was rudely interrupted by Y/N, remember." You wanted so badly to open the closet door and deck Jun-woo in the face.

"Hm, this won't do. Have you learned your lesson?" Jun-woo asked in a mocking tone. "Y-y-yes, s-sir." Han-seo stuttered out. "What is that lesson?" You could hear Jun-woo's footsteps moving across the floor. You figured he was walking closer to the bed to tower over Han-seo. "Th-that I-I'm your p-puppet. I-I’m not a-a-allowed to th-think for myself." Your heart felt heavy at how scared Han-seo sounded. "Very good. Get dressed, I've got to take you to the doctor. Make up a lie about those wounds." Jun-woo said before leaving the room slamming the door harshly behind him. Being in the closet, you had missed the way Han-seo had flinched and covered his ears.

About three minutes had passed before Han-seo opened the closet door. When he saw your face he gave you a sad smile. You slowly moved forward to hug him, but he held his hand up in a gesture to stop you. "If you hug me, I'll break." He said weakly. You wrapped your arms around yourself and nodded. "Is it safe to step out of the closet?" You quietly asked him, trying to peak over his shoulder. He shook his head no. "I need to get changed, quickly. Once you hear us leave the house, wait ten more minutes and then leave. Okay?" He said as he reached beside you to pull out one of his suits. You nodded "okay". "I'm sorry. For all of this." He gently told you before closing you in the closet again. You could hear him shuffling around his room. Trying his best to get ready as quickly as possible. "Come on!" You heard Jun-woo angrily shout from somewhere within the house. His voice clearly filled with impatience. "Coming." Before Han-seo left the room, he opened the closet once more. "I'll see you later, maybe?" Han-seo whispered. "If it's possible." You whispered back.

He closed the door once more. You sighed heavily. You never imagined that this is how your morning would go. You listened carefully for their departure. After a few minutes you heard the door slam shut. You figured that was Jun-woo's doing. You silently pulled your phone out and set a timer for ten minutes. Making sure it would only vibrate. You also made sure the phone notifications were set on silent. You didn't want to risk being caught if any of their guards stayed behind. Your mind raced with a million thoughts. Especially thoughts of how to explain to your other best friend and roommate Cha-young why you didn't come home last night. Those ten minutes began to feel like years to you. When the timer finally went off you quickly and quietly gathered all of your belongings and made your way out of the house. At this point you didn’t care that you were leaving the house in his over sized shirt, underwear, and socks. Your clothes and shoes bundled up in your arms. When you felt that you were a good distance away from his house you had decided to call Cha-young for a ride. You waited patiently at a bus stop for Cha-young to show up. You only had to wait for about ten minutes. You jumped up from the bench and rushed to her car when she parked to allow you to get in.

"Why didn't you drive last night?" Cha-young asked when you got into her vehicle. "Because, I didn't feel like it." You replied while shrugging. She gave your appearance a once over but didn’t comment on it. "Who did you visit last night?" Cha-young glanced at you when she stopped at a red light. She only glanced for a moment before turning her attention back on the road. "Han-seo." You told her honestly. Cha-young was fully aware of the friendship between you and him. Granted, she was shocked when she found out he is the childhood best friend you always spoke of so fondly. She was equally as shocked when Vincenzo told her that Jang Jun-woo was none other than Jang Han-seok. You remembered how shocked Vincenzo, Cha-young, and Mr. Nam looked when they discovered that by being friends with Han-seo meant you also got to know Jun-woo.

You were sitting at the table in the law firm office, sifting through a folder while waiting for Cha-young. "I've been fooled." You looked up to see Cha-young, Mr. Nam, and Vincenzo walk through the door. "Did I miss something?" You asked. "It's been revealed that her old colleague Jun-woo is actually Jang Han-seok." Mr. Nam said. Your heart dropped at the mention of the last name. Vincenzo gave you a puzzled look. "That can't be right. I mean, with what's happened so far, it doesn't make a lick of sense to me." Your words rushed out. "Why do you say that?" Cha-young crossed her arms. "Well, because Han-seo is my best friend, so I know his brother fairly well." Your words were met with surprised expressions. “How long have you known Han-seo for?” Mr. Nam asked curiously. “Since we were children.” You said. “When Han-seo introduced his brother to you what name did he give to address him by?” Vincenzo questioned. “Uh, he was introduced to me as Jang Jun-woo.” You told him honestly. “That would explain why you can’t imagine him as Jang Han-seok. But, how did you not notice before that he’s Cha-young’s colleague. You’ve also been friends with Cha-young for a long time, correct?” Mr. Nam asked. “I try to separate my work life from my personal life. I never talked about him around Y/N, and I never allowed the two to meet.” Cha-young answered for you. “Well, you did keep me away from your work up until you came to Jipuragi Law Firm. Then I started popping in whenever I could, just like now.” You told her. Mr. Nam still looked shocked at the information that was being shared. Vincenzo looked as if he was plotting something, and Cha-young looked neutral to it all.

Back then you couldn't fathom that Jun-woo would do such heinous acts of violence. Now, considering what you witnessed last night, you could believe it. You sighed heavily and slid down in your seat. "Something's happened." "Yeah, I walked in on Jun-woo hurting Han-seo." It wasn't a question but you replied anyhow. Cha-young sighed heavily as she parked the car. Being caught up in your own thoughts made you miss the fact that she had pulled up to Geumga Plaza.

Cha-young turned to face you. "Listen, Vincenzo and Han-seo have a plan. I don’t know what that plan is, but Vincenzo is trying his best to help take down Jun-woo. With help from Han-seo of course." Cha-young told you. "That's good news. Sounds like the two of you are pretty close now." Cha-young turned to get out of the vehicle. Clearly not wanting to address your assumption. You smiled to yourself at her reaction.

Once you got out, the two of you made your way to the law firm office. When you walked in you were greeted by a shocked looking Mr. Nam. You were puzzled by his look until you looked down at yourself. Your face grew warm when you remembered that you weren’t fully clothed. "There's a reason." You told him as you rushed to pull your pants on. "A reason for what?" You glanced over to see Vincenzo enter the room. "That they were barely dressed." Cha-young answered for you. "Interesting." Vincenzo said as he took his over coat off and sat at his desk. He leaned forward to rest his elbows on the desk and clasped his hands together. You figured that was your queue to explain yourself. You sighed heavily as you took a seat in the closest chair to you. You set your shoes and shirt from yesterday on the table in front of you. After doing that you leaned back, clasping your hands together and resting them on your abdomen. "I went to visit Han-seo last night. When I got there I noticed that the front door was wide open so I walked in." You began to tell them. "When I made it past the entrance I froze." At this point your voice grew softer as tears began to blur your vision. "Han-seo was being held tightly by his tie. His eye, his mouth, and his cheek already hurt. It looked like Jun-woo was going to hit him again, until he noticed me." You cast your gaze to the ceiling, trying your hardest not to cry. "You don't have to explain further, if it hurts to do so." Mr. Nam gently rested a hand on your shoulder squeezing it lightly. You nodded in response to him. Vincenzo had gotten up from his desk to hand you a box of tissues.

You had failed at trying not to cry. Some tears had fallen. You leaned forward for the tissues to clean your cheeks and blow your nose. "It hurts because I've known Han-seo for years. How did I miss all the signs of abuse?!" Sadness and frustration laced heavily in your tone. Mr. Nam sat down beside you. "Sometimes, the abused get so good at hiding the abuse, that no one can tell what goes on behind closed doors. Until the abused feels comfortable enough to tell someone, no one will know otherwise. Sometimes they never speak up at all due to fear of retaliation from their abuser." Mr. Nam spoke softly to you. "Han-seo told me that Jun-woo always hurts people when they find out about his violent side." You had rested your elbows on the table, clasped your hands together, and leaned your forehead against them. "My other problem is, why didn't I notice Jun-woo's sinister behavior before." You sounded so defeated at this point that it even made Vincenzo’s heart ache to see you like this. "Evil has a way of deceiving people." Vincenzo stated. "He's beyond evil! He’s a monster!" You didn't mean to raise your voice but you had reached your breaking point.

You stood up so abruptly that your chair fell on its back. "I can't take this bullshit anymore Vincenzo. Everything he has done thus far, it's cruel. Everything he continues to do is cruel. Either you figure out a way to stop him or I will." Your voice was filled with rage. "I'm begging that you let someone else handle him." You turned to see Han-seo entering the room. The pleading look on his face made your anger disappear and your heart ache. “How did you get away from your guards and Jun-woo?” You asked him. “Jun-woo didn’t stick around at the hospital. Said he had better things to do than wait around for me. As soon as they discharged me, I slipped away from the guards.” Han-seo replied. “Now, back to what I previously said. Please, let someone else do something about Jun-woo. I can’t lose you too.” You looked down at your feet as you processed what he was saying. Looking up at him you said “fine. But next time I see him I’m gonna slap him, and if he dares to hit back I’m gonna kick his “family” jewels.” Cha-young couldn’t hold back her laughter at the last part of your statement. “Fair enough.” Han-seo said with a smile. Your chest filled with warmth when you noticed it was his genuine smile.

“Since you’re here we should go over our plan.” Vincenzo began to walk towards him, when he was close enough he wrapped one arm around his shoulder to lead him out of the room. You, Cha-young, and Mr. Nam stood puzzled on what to do. You startled a little when you felt your phone buzz. Pulling it out of your pants pocket you opened it to see a new text from Han-seo. The less you know, the better.~Han-seo You held your phone out to show Mr. Nam and Cha-young. “Well, I suppose that makes sense.” Mr. Nam said as he walked to his desk to sit down. “Does it though.” You could hear the pout in Cha-young’s voice as she spoke. You couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that had suddenly washed over you. Maybe not knowing is the best, but that doesn’t make me worry any less. You silently thought to yourself. You took this moment as an opportunity to go change into the shirt you wore yesterday.

Two hours had passed before Vincenzo and Han-seo showed up again. “We’ve set the first part of our plan in motion. Later tonight the second and last part will be set in motion. If all goes smoothly, this blood feud ends tonight.” Vincenzo stated with such confidence that it concerned you. You decided to brush off that feeling considering you knew his background pretty well at this point. “I’m seriously sorry about this morning.” You turned your attention to Han-seo as he spoke. “You did what was best for me. Don’t worry, I don’t hold anything against you.” You told him, giving him a soft smile. Sometimes, the abused get so good at hiding the abuse, that no one can tell what goes on behind closed doors. Mr. Nam’s words from earlier rang loudly in your mind when you saw Han-seo’s posture become more relaxed.

All the signs were there, I was just too young to understand what was going on. You thought to yourself. “Is everything all right, you keep zoning out.” Han-seo’s voice pulled you from your thoughts. “Uh, yeah. I have a lot on my mind at the moment. That’s all.” You replied. Han-seo nodded and continued his conversation with Cha-young and Vincenzo. You missed the concerned look that Mr. Nam had been giving you for the past ten minutes. “The last part I will take care of, with help of course.” You turned to Vincenzo as he spoke. “Okay, you’ve told me that you both have a plan. Part of that plan is already in motion as we speak, and the rest is to happen tonight. But, you haven’t given me any details of the plan.” Cha-young stated in frustration. “It’s for your own safety. More details will be given out later.” Vincenzo told her. Cha-young ran her hands down the length of her face and sighed heavily.

“Let’s not discuss this further. Place an order of what you want for lunch, including you” He glanced at Han-seo as he spoke. Of course Han-seo had to be silly about it, he first looked around the room acting like that wasn’t directed at him. Then he pointed at himself with a smile. Vincenzo rolled his eyes at his antics before nodding his head at him. “Once the orders are placed, Y/N and I will pick them up for you.” He finished speaking. You gave him a puzzled look because you would think he would have the food delivered to the firm. You studied his face noticing he was giving you a look that said he needed to speak to you alone. Your stomach dropped as your mind began to run rampant with thoughts of why that could be. Once everyone wrote down their order, Mr. Nam made the call and said Mr. Cassano will pick up the order. He was told it would be done in an hour.

Thirty minutes of talking about anything and everything had passed by when Vincenzo suddenly stood up. “There’s no harm in going to wait for our order now.” He looked at you as he spoke. You nodded your head and stood up. Slowly following behind him. He had to stop once because you had fallen so far behind. You mumbled an apology when you caught up to him. The rest of the walk to his vehicle was filled with complete silence. Once inside the vehicle that’s when he began to break the silence. “I’ve discussed this with Han-seo already, but the last plan involves you.” Vincenzo said as he fastened his seat belt and then turned the key in the ignition, putting the vehicle into drive as he pulled away from the building. “Wait, why?!” You asked him in a panicked tone. “Because, you may not know this, but you’re Jun-woo’s weakness.” Vincenzo stated as a matter of fact. You gave him a puzzled look, even though he was paying attention to the road so it was pointless but whatever. “Vincenzo, how could I be a weakness to such a monster?” Your words dripping with hatred. “I’ve observed his behavior when you end up having to be around him with Han-seo.” “What behavior would that be?” “It’s the jealous look he gives Han-seo when you stand so close to him. The fact that when he looks at you he always shows you a genuine smile. It’s the way his posture is severely stiff and on guard around everyone except you.” “Vincenzo, what are you getting at?” “What I’m getting at is that man may believe he is in love with you. What I know is, he doesn’t know what love is. You’re more of an object that he wants to possess.” The vehicle was stopped at a red light when Vincenzo glanced at you. Your blood ran cold as you realized this was the other-shoe-waiting-to-drop. You also began to think hard about all the moments your were roped into spending time with him and Han-seo together.

As if on cue your phone vibrated in your pocket. By the time you were able to pull it out of your pocket, Vincenzo was parking the car. You sighed before unlocking your phone to see a new text notification. Heart pounding frantically when you read the name of the sender. We should talk tonight-Jun-woo You felt nauseous when you saw that he had added the emoji with hearts surrounding it. “Something wrong?” Vincenzo turned in his seat so his body was facing you more. “First off, shouldn’t your body be turned towards the door and not me. You know, never expose your back or whatever.” You pointed out to him. He gave you a smirk and nodded at you before turning his body towards his door. “Second, and lastly. Jun-woo texted me. His ears must be burning or something.” You turned your phone so that Vincenzo could see the screen. “Or the universe may be working in our favor.” Vincenzo stated. “Either way, I don’t like this.” You whispered as you sent a reply to Jun-woo. What time and what location-Y/N You silently stared at your phone impatiently waiting for a response from him. You barely heard Vincenzo say that he’ll be back. Time seemed to fly before you finally got a reply. How about my place, around 8pm. Don’t tell Han-seo. Let this be our little secret (winky face)~Jun woo You felt bile in the back of your throat. Hating the fact that Vincenzo may have been right about the universe working in your favor. It still made you wonder how you fit into his plan to knock Jun-woo down several notches. Fine. I’ll see you at 8pm, don’t expect me to dress fancy or anything like that.~Y/N This time you only had to wait three minutes for a response. Someone’s in a mood. I like it.~Jun-woo Vincenzo gave you a puzzled look when he got in the vehicle handing the food off to you. As he was getting in you made a gagging sound. Instead of explaining it verbally, you handed your phone over to Vincenzo. You watched a grimace grace his features. “Disgusting.” He said as he handed your phone back to you. He turned the key in the ignition and put the vehicle in reverse. Making his way out of the parking lot and back to the law firm.

✨✨✨✨

“How did Han-seo react to the last part of the plan?” You asked when Vincenzo put his vehicle into park at the plaza. The entire ride back had been silent up until this very moment. “He was fuming. He hates it. He’s fiercely protective of you. Have you noticed that?” Vincenzo asked as he pocketed his keys and unbuckled his seat belt. “I have. He’s always made me feel safe and comfortable.” You softly said as you unbuckled your seat belt. “Wait, I need to know that you consent to being part of this. That if it comes down to it, you’d be willing to face whatever comes your way. No matter what it may be.” Vincenzo gently grasped your forearm. “For Han-seo, I’d do anything. Even if it meant losing my own life.” You admitted. Vincenzo nodded as he let your arm go. The two of you stepped out of the vehicle and headed to the office. Walking together in silence. Your heart felt heavy and your soul felt tired. However, you meant every word you said to Vincenzo.

“We’re back.” Vincenzo announced when he walked through the doors. You walked to the table with the food in your arms. Setting the bag down on the table and passing out the correct orders. You sat down beside Han-seo. You pulled your phone out, opened the text messages, and turned the screen towards him. You closely watched his reaction to the texts he had to read. You could see the anger flash across his face, then it was replaced with a look of fear. He looked up into your eyes. Your heart sunk at all the emotions hidden within his stare. Fear, hurt, and anger. “Is there really no other way?” He turned to Vincenzo who happened to be mid bite. “There isn’t. Unfortunately for Y/N, this works more in our favor. I know the exact time and location.” ��Wait, what if this is a trap.” You practically shout out. Vincenzo raised a brow at you. “I’m prepared for that. I just need to tell the others involved.” “Is there nothing we can do?” Cha-young asked motioning her index finger at herself and then at Mr. Nam. “Stand by and wait for instructions. That’s the best I can tell you.” Vincenzo finally took the bite of food after he spoke.

You glanced at Han-seo and noticed the way he was poking at his food instead of eating. You hated to admit that you had also lost your appetite as well. He looked up to meet your gaze and gently spoke “I’ll eat, if you eat”. You smiled and gave a small laugh. “Okay” you told him as you took a bite of food. Mind drifting to an old memory.

You tilted you head as you placed your lunch box in front of Han-seo. You noticed how he slumped and poked at his food. Something was clearly wrong but you didn’t know what. “I’ll eat, if you eat.” You said as you sat down across the table from him. “Oh, Y/N. I’m sorry I didn’t notice you at first.” He said in that cheerful goofy voice of his. “I’ll eat, if you eat.” You repeated to him. He gave you a look of curiosity before saying “okay” and began to eat. You didn’t ask what was wrong. Instead you talked his ear off about one of your favorite hobbies while eating. From that moment on, that phrase was spoken by one or the other between the two of you.

Han-seo smiled to himself when he saw a small smile grace your features. It was clear to him that his words triggered a happy memory for you. He startled in response to Mr. Nam tapping his shoulder. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Mr. Nam said. You glanced up to Han-seo, without thinking you spoke his name softly and reached for his hand. He didn’t flinch or move his hand away from you. Instead he intertwined his fingers with yours, squeezed a bit tightly, and took a deep breathe. When he was more composed, his grip in your hand loosened but he didn’t let go. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to react like that.” Han-seo said. “No need to apologize. I should have verbally announced myself before tapping your shoulder.” Mr. Nam spoke in a calming tone. I wish I wasn’t like this. Han-seo thought bitterly to himself. “It’s okay.” You told him as you gently squeezed his hand. “Thank you.” He said. You smiled at him before he turned his attention back to Mr. Nam “what did you need my attention for.” Mr. Nam took a moment to answer. “Oh, I was going to ask if you would like some tea or coffee.” “Tea sounds good.” Mr. Nam nodded as he walked off to get himself and Han-seo a cup of tea.

Cha-young and Vincenzo stayed silent during the whole ordeal, neither one knowing how to respond, but taking note of how to get Han-seo’s attention when they needed to. Vincenzo also took note on how it seemed like you were able to ground Han-seo. After about three minutes Mr. Nam returned to the table, carefully placing a cup in front of Han-seo. You gently gave his hand another gentle squeeze before releasing it. He took that as his cue to continue eating.

“We set into action the moment you arrive at Jun-woo’s house.” Vincenzo suddenly said. You nodded “I understand.” “This means that you need to stick to your part of the plan. Regardless of how protective you are of Y/N.” Vincenzo said in a stern voice. Han-seo looked up from his food “I’ll try my best.” “If that’s how it is, than I’ll accept that.” “When you said for us to standby. What did you mean?” Cha-young asked him. “What I mean is, the two of you will stay in the surveillance van. Mi-ri will hack into Jun-woo’s cameras so that we have a live feed of what’s going on and of what’s being said.” Vincenzo answered honestly. Cha-young nodded in understanding. She looked like she wanted to say more, but opted to stay silent instead.

No more questions had been asked, so everyone decided to finish eating in silence. Once the food was gone Han-seo slowly stood up. “I should head back now, before anyone notices my absence and begins to look for me.” He announced as he stood.  Not that they care enough about me to do so. He thought bitterly to himself. “Keep in mind that you’re not supposed to know about Y/N meeting up with Jun-woo tonight.” Vincenzo said. Han-seo nodded. “I’ll play dumb, it’s what I’m good at apparently.” He gave a sad smile as he spoke. “Be safe.” Cha-young looked up to him as she spoke. You saw Mr. Nam nod in agreement to her statement. He gave you one last smile before he walked out of the office. After Han-seo left Vincenzo began discussing what he expected from Mr. Nam, Cha-young, and yourself.

✨✨✨✨

You looked yourself over in the mirror one last time. You had told Jun-woo that you weren’t going to dress fancy or anything. So, you opted for your favorite hoodie paired with a comfy pair of pants and combat boots. You startled when you heard your phone go off. Slowly you reached over to pick it up, unlocking the screen. Do try to be on time. I have a surprise for you.~Jun-woo That statement alone made you feel quite uneasy. I’m leaving my house now. Hold your horses.~Y/N You had hit send before you could change your mind about your wording. This was one of those moments where you knew your sass would get you in trouble. You sighed heavily as you walked out of the house, locking the door behind you. From what you understood, everyone was already in place for what would go down tonight.

The drive to Jun-woo’s felt like it took forever, that was just your nerves getting the best of you though. You slowly pulled into his drive way. When you had gotten close enough you silently stopped and put the vehicle into park. You took a moment to compose yourself before getting out of your vehicle. You rang the door bell when you got to the door. You couldn’t bring yourself to knock because your hands were shaking a bit.

“Look at that, you’re on time.” His words and wicked smile greeted you when he opened the door. You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at him as you stepped past him into his home. You had missed the way your attitude had made his lip twitch in annoyance. Jun-woo had his back facing you as he closed the door. You stopped dead in your tracks. Your heart sinking and your blood running cold. “Surprise.” Jun-woo said as he walked to stand next to Han-seo. He was currently kneeling on his knees, hands bound behind his back, head down and slouched forward a bit. Jun-woo roughly grabbed him by the hair to pull his head up. The moment his eyes locked with yours tears began to blur your vision. “What the fuck?!” You angrily shouted at Jun-woo. “Simple, he had what I wanted. I’m sure you understand what I mean by that.” He released him, pushing him roughly causing him to fall to his side.

Jun-woo crouched down next to Han-seo’s body, pulling a knife out of his pocket. You stepped forward but stopped when he pointed the blade in your direction, waving it back and forth in a motion to say no. “You’re a monster.” Your words dripping with anger as you spoke. He scoffed at your words “you realize I’m doing all of this for you, right?” “Why the fuck would I think that?” “It’s because I love you.” “Jun-woo, this isn’t love.” He lowered the blade to Han-seo, cutting the rope that bound his wrists. He used him to push himself to stand up. You stepped back as he stepped closer to you.

Han-seo slowly pulled himself into a sitting position. His head throbbed with every movement. His entire body ached. He froze, watching Jun-woo walk towards you. “You were never meant to get mixed up with this side of me. You were only meant to ever see the clueless, puppy like, and adorable Jun-woo. Not the cold blooded, I get my way, I never fail Han-seok.” His tone colder than you had ever heard it. “I refuse you.” You said defiantly as you threw a punch towards his face. You had clocked him in the jaw pretty hard, but all it did was made him stumble away from you a bit. Rubbing and flexing his jaw he turned to you again, this time pointing a gun at you. When he stumbled he had reached into his pocket to pull it out. Somehow you and Han-seo had missed that.

“This silly game ends here. You have a choice, him or you.” You froze when you heard the lever on the gun click. It was at this moment that Vincenzo burst through the door. This had startled Jun-woo and caused him to pull the trigger. The bullet had missed you and landed in the wall beside you. With this distraction you moved past him to kneel beside Han-seo. “It’s rude to interrupt.” He pointed his gun at Vincenzo. “You’re worse than I thought. You lure a woman to your house and kidnap your own brother.” Vincenzo said stepping more into the room, Jun-woo followed his moves with his gun. “As if you’re one to talk. I’m sure you’ve done far worse than I.” Jun-woo stated bitterly.

You slowly helped Han-seo to his feet as the two of you watched the scene before you. “Y/N, don’t think you can escape. I want you to stand next to Vincenzo, right now.” He commanded. “Hurry up now, or the next round goes straight into this idiot’s skull.” He turned his attention towards you. You gulped as you slowly made your way to stand where you were told. Han-seo didn’t move from where he stood, out of fear that one of you would be shot.

“Be a good brother and grab that hockey stick over there.” Jun-woo didn’t take his eyes off of you or Vincenzo as he gestured with his free hand. He took a deep sigh “either do as I say or one of these two get shot.” He stepped closer to you. You looked passed him to see Han-seo slowly walk towards the hockey stick. “I want you to beat this mafia scum to death.” You turned to Vincenzo, he didn’t even flinch. “You sick bastard. You never should have been born!!” You raised your voice in anger.

The sound of his open palm slapping your right cheek resonated throughout the room. The impact causing you to fall to the ground. Anger boiled within Han-seo. Jun-woo squatted down in front of you. “Now, that really hurt. I shouldn’t have been born?” Jun-woo grabbed your chin forcing you to look at him. “Brother, don’t you think that’s a bit harsh?” Jun-woo asked as he roughly released your chin and stood up again. “Now, unfortunately you have to stay where you are while Han-seo does as he was told.” Jun-woo’s form loomed over you, gun pointed directly at your head.

“If I kill Mr. Cassano, what happens next?” Han-seo asked without moving. “Simple, we have one less issue to worry about. And maybe the two of you get to live.” Jun-woo shrugged his shoulders as he spoke. “What makes you think I won’t speak out against you?” You raised yourself into a sitting position. “You’ll do as I say or else I could end you at any moment. Duh!” He responded. “Stop stalling.” He directed his words at Han-seo. “Do as he says.” Vincenzo said. You glanced up in shock. Looking between him and Han-seo. “I’m sorry… Mr. Cassano” He stepped forward slowly raising the hockey stick with every step. “It’s okay, you have no other choice.” Vincenzo spoke again. You looked over to Jun-woo in time to see his eyes roll. You could tell he was growing impatient with every moment that passed by.

“Okay. I’ll make a decision I won’t regret.” He angled the hockey stick and slammed it hard into Jun-woo’s side. The moment you saw him angle the hockey stick was when you decided to fall to your side. When the stick made impact with his side, it had caused him to pull the trigger, making the gun go off. The bullet barely missing you as it flew past. He groaned in pain as he fell to the ground. He was momentarily stunned by what happened. He was laying on his back when Han-seo was about to hit him for a second time. The gun went off again, the bullet lodging itself right into his left bicep. The stick fell loudly to the floor as he went to cup his wound. This gave Jun-woo enough time to jump to his feet. Han-seo lunged forward grabbing for the gun, still in Jun-woo’s grasp. “Please, stop!” Han-seo struggled against him. He was pushed away.

Jun-woo turned towards you and Vincenzo. Aiming the gun directly at you as you tried to leave with Vincenzo. He was able to fire twice before he was back to struggling against Han-seo. The first shot missed, the second one however, grazed your right bicep. Pain instantly making you stop in your tracks. Vincenzo giving you a concerned looked. That’s a six shooter. He’s only got one round left. You thought to yourself. You weren’t even sure how your panicked brain had figured that out, but here you were.

Han-seo continued to struggle against his brother. Frantically trying to steal the gun away from him. “Please, stop!” Han-seo begged, maneuvering the two of their bodies to where the gun was pointed at the floor. “Let go.” “You really… shouldn’t have been born. Never. You scum.” Han-seo tightened his grip, which had caused the gun to release the final round. Jun-woo used more of his strength to push against Han-seo. His movement causing them to stand and the grip loosen. He punched Han-seo in the face, knocking him to the ground before taking off. Vincenzo was distracted by checking your wound, giving Jun-woo just enough time to run out the balcony door and jump down to the ground below.

Cupping your wound you went to Han-seo. Kneeling down beside him as he began to sit up. Vincenzo made a call before he walked out of the house. “He’s going to get him. Don’t worry.” You told him. The two of you startled when you heard the door open again. Instantly relaxing when you noticed it was Cha-young and Mr. Nam. “Are you hurt badly?” Mr. Nam rushed to your side, helping you to your feet. Cha-young was helping Han-seo stand. “Just the wound on my upper arm.” You told him. He nodded as he led you out of the house. “Can I get your keys.” Mr. Nam politely asked when you stepped outside. “Uh, yeah.” You dug your keys out of your pocket and handed them over.

He unlocked your vehicle. You slowly lowered yourself into the backseat behind the driver’s seat. Cha-young sat in the front seat. Leaving Han-seo to sit in the back with you. At this point you began to feel woozy and light headed from the blood loss. “Here, let me turn this into a tourniquet.” Han-seo was taking off his tie as he spoke to you. All you could do was weakly nod your head at him. “It might hurt a bit.” He began to wrap it around your arm, pulling it tightly each time he wound it around. You winced in pain. “I’m sorry.” He whispered to you, tying off the tie. The ride to the hospital was rough. At one point you closed your eyes.

✨✨✨✨

When your eyes opened again, you were met by the brightness of a hospital room. You began to sit up slowly. Glancing to your right you see Han-seo with his head down, your hand in his. “Oh, you’re awake.” Mr. Nam spoke softly as he walked into the room. “How long have I been out for?” You asked him. “About six hours, give or take.” He responded. You glanced down to Han-seo again. “He’s been by your side the whole time after he was looked over.” Mr. Nam went to stand on your left side. You smiled softly “it’s always been like that. Whenever we’d get hurt, no matter how the other was feeling, we’d stay by each other’s side.” You gently ran your free hand through his hair. The movement causing him to stir. He sat up quickly when he noticed you were awake.

He was greeted by a soft smile when he met your gaze. He looked over to see Mr. Nam and his face became warm. Mr. Nam didn’t say anything, he only smiled. “Any word from Vincenzo?” Han-seo directed his question at Mr. Nam. “He said to let you know that Jun-woo is no longer a threat, also to say farewell, you’ll hear from him eventually.” Mr. Nam responded. “Okay.” You could hear the hurt in his voice. “This isn’t a forever goodbye, you’ll probably see him again, at some point in the future.” You gently squeezed his hand.

“If I didn’t know better, it would seem like the two of you are in a relationship.” You looked over to see Cha-young leaning against the door frame. A smirk gracing her features. Your face grew warm at her comment. “It’s funny, we’ve heard that from everyone around us since we were teenagers.” Han-seo admitted openly. “Well, I can see why. The chemistry between the two of you, it’s like you’re both puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together. Two souls that became one.” Mr. Nam said fondly. “It just feels natural to me. They’ve always been there for me.” Han-seo met your gaze, you could see fondness in his eyes. “Even when I tried to push you away at one point. You were stubborn and continued to stick by me. I’m sorry I was such a pain and said such hurtful words back then.” He spoke softly as tears began to blur his vision. Guilt overwhelming him. “Hey now, I could tell you were going through a rough time. I didn’t know what exactly, but my gut said you needed me more than ever then. I’m sorry that I hadn’t known what was going on sooner.” Your voice gentle as you spoke. “It wouldn’t have changed anything. Except put you in danger of his wrath.” With his free hand he reached forward towards your face, to gently wipe away the tears that streamed down your cheeks.

“Thank you, for being there regardless of not knowing fully what was going on.” He whispered as he stood leaning towards you to gently place a kiss upon your brow. Mr. Nam and Cha-young silently watched the two of you. “We should go.” Mr. Nam whispered to Cha-young. She nodded at him before speaking, “listen, we’re going to head home now. The doctors informed us that you have to stay here a few days before they discharge you. It’s because you needed a blood transfusion, so they need to monitor you.” Han-seo sat back in his chair. “I’ll still be here.” He reassured you. “You always are.” You said with a smile. 

“I’m proud of you. Just so you know.” You told him. “What for?” He asked softly. “For being able to stand up against your brother.” He smiled softly, his chest filling with warmth at your statement. He was pretty proud of himself as well. It may have taken him years to do so, but he had finally turned his fear into strength. Making him able to go up against Jun-woo. However, he knew if it hadn’t have been for you, he wouldn’t have been able to do that. He wasn’t ready to admit it out loud, you were the reason he was able to do what needed to be done. Even if that had meant risking his own life. 

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