hanmi-xo

[hanmi-xo]

One Call Away | (SVT Minghao x You)

M A I N | O N E S H O T S | S M U T | S C E N A R I O S

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Status: Complete Post Date: June 1, 2025 Pairing: Minghao x You (Faye) Genre: One Shot, Romance, Slice of Life, Angst Word Count: 2k Themes: Unknown Love, High School, College, Adulthood, Life, Enemies

Note: This is a work of fanfiction based on real people. Please respect the real Xu Minghao (Seventeen Minghao)

Synopsis:

You're ready for the next step in life after college, but someone from your past can't seem to accept that.

You're rivals, so why does Xu Minghao care if you're leaving?

Minghao and I have known each other since high school. Call it fate or destiny for us to wind up at the same college, but for him to bother me through all of it seems like nothing more than just some form of bullying.

With they way he treats me, I believe he hates my guts, and so I hate his whole existence.

One second, he's saying his oh so humorous sarcastic remark, and the next second, he's acting all nice as if we're buddies.

He seemed so bipolar to me, and I could never tell if he truly hated my existence or if he found it humorous.

Either way, I could never understand him, nor could I ever read him like a book.

Minghao was always... well, Minghao.

And I learned to accept his strange ways, yet his surprising, interactions with me.

If he truly thought I was annoying, then why want me to stay?

I stared at his stoic face that transfixed his eyes on me. His orbs became focused and somehow lost.

We stood outside my apartment building. The going away party has long ended at the restaurant, and he followed me back home.

He said he needed to talk to me about something.

And his first words were...

"You've got to be kidding me, Faye. You can't seriously think of moving out."

His words echoed in my mind like a broken record. His voice came out soft, yet his words were sharp like scratch.

"Why would I lie for some bad joke?" I tell him. My voice mixed with the harshness of alcohol and surprise under the moonlight. "Do I look like I'm kidding?"

His body stiffened. I can see him exhale through the smoke coming out of his nose. He took a breath as if he was trying to calm down or perhaps even taken aback by words.

His oh so sharp gaze drew downwards unto the ground. They were looking for the right words to say.

I stood there still in the cold. My arms crossed in front of my chest as I held the flowers my best friends gave me close to my chest.

I have never seen Minghao, so lost in thought. The boy I knew before would always say something to get a reaction out of me. He often knew what to say, what buttons to press, and the tone of his voice to embody the dramaticness in his witty yet snarky behavior.

So, where was it now?

Where was the Minghao I knew before the party?

Even at the restaurant, he was quiet.

I didn't want to think of his sudden silence or how I would find his eyes meeting mine before he would look away.

When graduation happened, he wasn't happy either.

I could see it in his eyes and the way his lips would force up when his family and friends would speak to him.

But throughout my time of knowing Minghao, one thing was certain.

His eyes never lie.

"Say something, Minghao," I say aloud. "The Minghao I know would say something witty or sarcastic by now."

I couldn't continue this awkward silence.

He just stood there as if he was questioning everything that was happening. His body remained in place as I spoke to him. He wouldn't budge.

I'm not sure why.

I sighed.

I can't stay outside like this when I should be packing. I leave in a few days...

"Don't go."

My heart hitched for a second, and I froze.

"What?" I question him.

Did I hear that right?

He spoke so softly it was bizarre. His sharp tongue disappeared, and I felt like I was talking to someone else.

"Repeat what you just said," I dare tell him.

I need to know if I'm hearing things.

Minghao drifted his head up. His dark orbs became soft like a child's.

"Don't go," He says louder. "I'm telling you to stay."

My brows narrowed. I shook my head as if all of this was some bad dream, and I needed to wake up.

I backed away from him.

"W-what," I couldn't stop myself from stammering. "No."

I scoffed. This can't be right. Minghao would never say those words to me.

"This has to be a bad dream." I tell myself. "I must've drunk too much alcohol. Why would you say that to me?"

My gaze went away from him. I was looking for answers in the ground in hopes it would talk to me.

To tell me that Minghao was lying. Tell me that I'll wake up.

I closed my eyes as I felt my heart race. This doesn't make any sense.

"Faye."

His voice was cool and collected. It was the same tone he would use when he talked to his family. It was kind and gentle, but for him to use that towards me?

It was too intimate.

Too affectionate.

Too kind.

My eyes opened, and I saw him close the distance between us. His hands gently held the sides of my arms, and his torse was slouched so his eyes could meet mine.

My heart skipped a beat.

His eyes illuminated the night, and his lips were close to mine.

His features sharp, but his expression gentle.

I wanted to pull away from him, but I couldn't.

Not because of how his large hands held me as if I was some fragile thing, but the fact that I was seeing a side of Minghao I didn't recognize.

He looked so lost.

He looked so hopeless.

And he looked so... alone.

"Why are you here," my voice came out soft with curiosity, but my words were sharp in search for answers. "Why come out here and say this to me?"

My eyes remained fixed on him. I felt his grip on my arms tighten as if I would disappear.

"Because," his voice was close to a whisper.

His eyes looked at me with such tenderness I wasn't sure what to say or do.

I didn't like this.

I didn't like what was happening.

Not because of the way Minghao's trying to he transparent with me, but because I wasn't ready for what he'll say.

"I like you."

Everything froze.

There it was.

The words I was scared of hearing. The words I never thought he could possibly say to me.

Why.

Why would he say that after all those years of treating me as if I'm beneath him?

Why act as though you care about me and change sides as if your mind about me suddenly changed?

Why...

Why now?

I pulled away from him. His warmth left my sides, and the cool air hit like a slap to the face.

I didn't know what to say.

I didn't know what to feel.

I could see Minghao back away while my eyes looked to the ground as if it's my safe haven.

I couldn't dare look at him.

No, I couldn't.

I'm supposed to hate him, but I couldn't. Nor could I hate how he felt towards me.

What I hated was the fact he tells me this when I have to go...

But why? Why did I feel like this?

I scoffed with bitterness.

"Am I some joke to you?" I say without thinking. "Why would you say that to me when I already have everything set to go?"

Silence.

I found myself upset and more angry than I thought I would be.

"Why Minghao? After all these years of knowing me? After all this time together? Why now? Why decide when I have to go?" I questioned him.

Everything began to hit me.

Every interaction we had.

Every moment we had.

Every second of his existence in my life...

I wanted to cry from frustration. But I wasn't sure why I was so upset. I wasn't sure why I was annoyed at him.

I didn't hate him... but I'm supposed to. I have to. This was the only way he wouldn't get to my head.

But here he is.

Standing there and watching me lash out at him.

I wanted him to say something.

Anything.

I sniffled from the emotions that were reaching me, and the cold air that continued to drop

"This hurts, you know?" I admit. "I was hoping to leave without any hesitation with my decision... yet, here you are trying to stop me."

Minghao brows narrowed.

"I never meant for this to happen," he says. His voice filled with emotion that he was trying to contain. "You think I wanted to stop you from going out and exploring the world? Stop you from stepping forward onto the real world?"

I watched as his voice grew louder as he tried to express his own frustrations.

"I never meant to fall in love with you, Faye," he says loud and clear. His eyes sharpened towards me.

A part of me broke hearing him say that. I didn't want to admit it, but my eyes got the best of me. I felt the tears swell up.

"Then you should have just pushed those feelings away," I snapped at him. "If you think I'm that awful, then why even like me?"

His eyes softened. I felt a tear come down my cheek.

He leaned forward, but I pulled back.

Silence.

I gritted my teeth as I tried to wipe my tears away.

I heard Minghao sigh.

"I never said you were awful..."

My eyes went back to him. His voice was in defeat.

"I never said I hate you... nor did I find you annoying..." he grumbled under his breath.

I watched him fidget as he stood there. He seemed so small compared to the amount of confidence he usually carries.

He spoke so genuinely. For a moment, I almost forgot to breathe.

"I just... I didn't want to ruin what he had," he admits. "Telling you now... this was the only way I could get my feelings across since I know we won't be seeing each other anymore."

His words felt heavy.

"I didn't expect you to like me back or feel anything towards me," he says with his voice growing low. "I just wanted you to know the truth. Selfishly hoping that you would stay even if I asked you to. It wasn't right... but I just..."

He struggled to find the words to say. His hands turned into a fist on his sides, and his eyes found the strength to look at me.

"I just.." he repeats himself with a steadier voice, "... I want you to be happy. After everything. You can say no to me. You can go."

His lips curled up, and his eyes glistened.

"I just don't want you to forget me."

My heart skipped a beat, and my breathing hitched.

"Minghao-" I began, but he stopped me.

"Maybe in another life, things would have worked out," he tells me with a weak smile. "Maybe I would have had the courage to tell you before all of this could happen. Maybe even tell you before we graduated high school so we could enjoy college together."

I stood there frozen in place. I didn't know what to say to him.

"It's foolish thinking, I know," he says with a hint of amusement.

His eyes looked away from me, and he found interest in the gleaming stars and moonlight.

"And maybe in that life, I wouldn't infuriate you, and I would show you more sides of me you never knew."

I watched him speak so highly of the possibility of us. I found his words endearing.

It was strange.

His gaze met mine again.

"So go." He tells me. "Go and do what you have to do, Faye. But you know how to find me, and you know where to reach me. I'm just a call away."

He smiled at me with a mix of sadness and love.

We stood there as silence drew back in.

But this time, it wasn't awkward.

It wasn't strange.

It was just there.

And I didn't hate it. I smiled.

"Thank you, Minghao."

I watched his eyes glisten like the stars in the sky. He smiled at me as if he knew this was going to be the last time I could see him like this.

"Get some rest, Faye," he says with a tone that was tender and soft. "I wish you a safe trip."

"I will," I tell him. "Good night, Minghao."

And just like that, my chapter in Seoul ended with one last goodbye to Xu Minghao.

But I knew my time with him would be far from over.

My time in Seoul may have ended, but this was just the beginning of something new.

Xu Minghao is only one call away, right?

• • •

End | Thank you for reading ~ ♡

Extra:

[hanmi-xo]

I Don't Love You | (SVT Woozi × You)

M A I N | O N E S H O T S | S M U T | S C E N A R I O S

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Status: Complete Post Date: Nov. 19, 2024 Pairings: SVT Woozi x You Genre: One Shot, Angst, Romance, Slice of Life Word Count: 1k Themes: Growth, Friendship, Meaning of Love, Rejection

Note: This is a work of fanfiction based on real people. Please respect the real Lee Jihoon (Seventeen Woozi)

Synopsis:

If English had another word for different types of love, then maybe you won't hate this one.

You disappeared, and Jihoon came to realize the truth of your absence. He writes his thoughts of you in his journal in hopes that one day he may speak to you once again.

Dec. 17 20xx

You don't love him.

Oh, so, that's what I was told. I wanted to believe there was something going on between the two of you, but you didn't say anything.

Maybe it's because he was my best friend and you didn't want to tell me the truth.

But deep down, I really did wish you would have told me.

He was in love with you, and you knew it. But he wasn't the only one who always thought of you...

Sometimes, I wonder how you're doing.

Do you check the voicemails I leave in your box? Do you see the number of times I texted you and the missed calls?

Do you hear how my voice calls out to you? Or how my messages become one-sided conversations in hopes that at some point you would finally respond?

There was a time when you and I did message each other, but when he came to the picture, things changed.

You became careful and cautious as if you were walking around broken glass.

Your voice that once boomed with life because quiet. And worst of all, your laughter that carried through the wind halted.

You became fearful of him.

Fearful of being loved by someone you didn't like.

But even before that.

Before this grand scheme of things that led to this lost feeling, I still thought of you.

Before he pursued you.

Before he would do everything he could to get your attention.

Your eyes never met his, but you would look to mine.

I didn't know it back then, and even now, I wonder if you were looking for solace. Looking for someone that you knew you could depend upon without worry.

He was my best friend, though. How could I do that to him?

How could I choose a girl over our friendship?

Yet, it still feels like no matter what I did or would have done would change anything.

I still lost. I still couldn't make both of you happy.

I couldn't make myself happy.

So why...

Why did you have to disappear?

Why couldn't you just accept him so I could watch you in the distance?

He wanted to walk you through the rain even when you denied his offer. He chased after you when you forgot your phone.

He would do all these acts of service in hopes that you could recognize his efforts.

He would talk about you so much. It was like I was there to witness it all.

But he only told me his side of the story.

I should have asked you how you felt.

But even so, would you have been honest with me?

I had a feeling you weren't happy. I had a feeling you didn't want to be near him.

But I didn't do anything about it.

Was I being a good friend trying to support him? Or was I just being a pathetic coward not speaking up for you?

I can't tell.

It seems all the same to me the more I think about it.

I was being an ignorant fool.

It was obvious, but I kept denying it for his sake.

I knew you didn't like him.

Even after I heard you set your boundaries, he still crossed them. He crossed each and every one of them.

Never once did I hear him say he made you happy.

Never once did I hear him say that you were glad he was there.

Everything he said was on how he felt.

And of course, I was rooting for him...

I was rooting for him because I thought that was for the best.

So why. Why does he now tell me the whole thing?

He called me last night, and I had to pick him up from the bar.

He was drunk and kept talking about you. How you rejected him more times than he could keep count.

Yet, he still pursued you.

He thought he could change your view.

I wanted to pity him, but I couldn't. Instead, I pitied you.

I pitied the fact that you had to deal with his antics and his foolish behavior.

Deep down, I knew that it would never work.

I knew you wouldn't love him.

But, I needed to hear it from you. I needed to hear those words directly from you.

I needed to be sure that you wouldn't ever love him.

Tell me...

Would it be selfish of me to admit that I liked you?

To admit that after you broke his heart, I would be able to speak to you without worrying about him?

It's cruel the more I think about it, but I missed the version of you before he came along.

I missed your presence. I missed your voice and your laughter. I missed it when you were still you.

But I would never do what he did.

I would never say what he said.

I'd do the opposite because I wouldn't want you to hate me.

I don't love you.

I would say that because I care more about you than how I feel.

I don't love you like a fool who would do things blindlessly.

But, I also don't love you without care.

Everything I want to say and everything that I want to do is done because I worry about you.

I want to stay by your side, but I don't want you to fall in love with anyone.

I don't want to tell you how I feel.

I would rather be ignorant than get an answer from you.

Even if it doesn't help, at least I can say I put your feelings first before mine. Your peace meant more to me than the overbearing chaos that was running through my head.

So, I don't love you.

No.

I couldn't love you.

For your sake, at least.

So come back. Come back and talk to me.

Let me know if you're well. Let me know how you're doing during all of this.

Let me know so we can stay friends. Stay in each other's lives.

Because I don't love you.

I don't love you.

I'll repeat it over and over again until you understand that this isn't love.

This isn't the love you hate.

No.

I don't love you.

------ Page 1

Lee Jihoon

• • •

End | Thank you for reading <3

[hanmi-xo]

CHAPTER 9: "Lights Out & The Escort"

| We Who Remain | Chapter List |

Previous | Next

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My flashlight illuminated the hallway that was devoured by darkness.

It sat tightly on my shoulder holster.

I walked carefully with my duffel bag and rifle wrapped around my body by their slings. I didn't bother leaving any gear in my room.

I wanted to believe that this might be the last time I could be seeing these halls with the way things were looking.

I could hear footsteps ahead of me.

A few people swung their dim flashlights around as they tried to make their way back to their rooms. They seemed scared, and if anything, in a hurry.

I couldn't blame them for their anxiety.

When your sight is taken, your other senses strengthen- not to fill the missing role, but because fear is what makes the body grow sensitive We become reactive and fixated on the worst that may come.

At least, that's what I believe.

I hated this feeling...

My gut was telling me to run.

But from what exactly?

I'm on the 4th floor of the building, so I should be safe for a while... right?

I let out a shaky breath.

The rain never stopped. The sound of its drops hitting the window pane like a reminder that it'll never leave us. That it'll never let us breathe.

My eyes looked through the cold glass.

I can see lights glow through the ocean of darkness. But, I couldn't tell if that was security, guards, soldiers, civilians, or whoever that were running around with their flashlights.

I couldn't make out the muffled sounds I was hearing. Was that running? Was that yelling? Was that commands? Or was that just fear?

I want to believe that there was an emergency protocol when something like this happens, but even so...

The chill down my back wouldn't go away.

We were vulnerable right now.

Seeing this many people out at night and having mutants sneak into our grounds is a feeding waiting to happen.

If anything, it would be best if everyone stayed inside their buildings and held their grounds if there was another surprise attack.

But the unfortunate reality is that not everyone thinks like that.

And the other unfortunate thing is, some people do, but not everyone makes it alive...

I watched the lights shine in the darkness before diminishing.

The lights were disappearing.

My ears perked up upon the sound of a gunshot.

Bang.

Then it continued.

Bang.

There were multiple sounds of it. It was a build-up of chaos that I couldn't see.

I soon heard a curdling scream.

It crawled all around me before making me shake. My heart raced, and my feet began to pound.

I was running.

Running towards whatever the hell I heard.

The sound of footsteps echoed the building. More people ran past me with fear and trepidation.

They weren't just rushing into their rooms.

They were definitely running from something...

Scream.

There was multiple this time.

I ran down the staircases, passing by people who were distraught.

I heard gunshots grow louder the lower I went. I was getting deeper into the hell.

Snarl.

I reached the bottom floor and saw a mutant running around with a few more of it on the floor, biting of what seemed to be guards and security.

They must have tried protecting the building when the blackout happened.

But to think so many mutants came in so fast...

I pushed my way through the crowd and quickly swung my bat at the closest mutant's skull.

Crack.

It was a clean hit. I looked down at the poor man who seemed to have died from blood loss. A piece of his neck was torn off followed by a pool of blood pouring out of him.

I narrowed my brows with pity.

"Thank you for your service," I whisper.

I took a deep breath before lifting up my bat.

Crack.

Blood splattered everywhere and covered my bat like an oozing blanket.

My hands shook as adrenaline overcame me. I looked at the other mutants and quickly swung my bat at each of them.

The sounds of their skulls cracking echoed the corridors. And just like the man who died, I smashed my bat into his colleagues' heads.

Once bit. Nobody can save you.

And that's the sad reality we have no control over.

I lifted my bat off of the last one. The stiffness of their blood imprinted my face. I could smell the iron and rotting flesh all over me.

I would vomit from the stench, but I knew it wouldn't stop the scent from going away.

"HELP!"

My ears perked up from the voice.

A girl in a lab coat came running my way. She had what appeared to be a small axe in her hand and a folder she held closely to her chest with the other.

Was she a researcher?

Behind her was an evolved who was running faster than a normal mutant.

The moonlit hit my eyes from a sudden glare. I looked down and saw a gun that one of the security dropped near their body.

I quickly picked it up and pointed towards the beast that was coming my way.

"Duck!" I yell at her.

I watched her look at me with fright before dropping to the floor. I carefully aimed my gun with my free hand while I held my bat in the other.

Bang.

It moved to the side, making me miss. I lifted my other arm up under my hand that held the gun as a steady base.

Bang.

I missed it again. It was moving with such accuracy that it was pissing me off.

"You stupid fuck," I spat.

I took a deep breath before releasing it to calm my shaking body. I aimed for its legs.

Bang.

Blood splattered. It couldn't dodge my bullet this time.

I watched it fall to the floor close to the girl. She tried to get up, but I could tell she was losing strength in her legs.

The beast was crawling towards her.

Bang.

A bullet straight through its skull. I watched it fall without coming back up.

I walked towards the girl who was shaking where she sat.

"Come on," I tell her. "You should get into one of the rooms upstairs. You'll be dead if you continue to sit here."

Some of the blood hit her face, and she slowly wiped it off before staring at her bloody coat sleeve with horror. Her hands shook as she tried to process what happened.

I helped her up as she tried to get her strength back into her legs.

"Come on," I tell her.

She slowly got her bearing back with a shaky breath.

"T-thank you," her voice shook.

"Yeah," I respond.

I watched her eyes look at me before her face distorted with distraught.

Snarl.

My breathing hitched.

I quickly turned around and shot the mutant that was running our way. It dropped like the others who roamed the halls.

More mutants were coming behind it.

There was a broken window that they were climbing from.

I gritted my teeth.

They were blocked the way to the staircase. Behind them, I could see the last civilian reach the staircase before shutting the staircase doors closed with panic.

"Shit," I say with exasperation.

Even if I make it past those mutants, there's no way those people would open the door for us.

I turned to look at the girl who seemed to be frozen in place. I put the gun in my holster before grabbing her arm, and I began to run once again.

"We have to get out of here," I tell her.

She didn't say anything. She was too in distraught to even acknowledge my words.

I dragged her by her arm to follow me, and soon, I felt her legs pick up speed as we ran down the corridors.

The sound of snarls surrounded us like a pack of wolves. We were trapped, but we kept running.

Fighting them wouldn't do much with how many they were.

I didn't bother looking back.

I just need to get out of here in one piece.

We took a turn and made our way towards the exits. The sound of gunshots blared through the air along with snarls and screams.

There was a bigger hell out there. As much as I wanted this girl to stay in the building and not be my responsibility, I knew she would be good as dead if I left her alone.

"Stay close," I tell her. "I'll bring you to another building that's safer, but after that, you're on your own."

She didn't respond. It seemed she was taken back from my words.

I let go of her arm and lifted my bat to swing at an incoming mutant. It flew back with its skull cracking.

My flashlight illuminated past his fallen body only to show a horde of mutants within the darkness.

"Holy shit," I proclaim.

I took my assault rifle off my shoulder and passed my bat to the girl to hold. I needed both of my hands for this.

I aimed my sights and began to shoot down the horde that covered the path.

I took the lead, and she stayed behind me.

Bang.

The shots rang my eardrums. My body shook with each bullet from the recoil, but I stood my ground.

I was trying to clear a path.

Snarl.

I turned around and saw a mutant come towards the girl. I was ready to shoot it.

Crack.

She swung her axe at its head before kicking its body away. The mutant fell back with its busted skull pouring onto the ground.

I took a deep breath to calm my adrenaline.

My eyes met with hers for a moment before nodding my head.

As long as I clear a path, she'll watch my back.

Bang.

Bodies after bodies fell to the ground. I made sure to shoot them in their heads without wasting a bullet.

But even so, I knew I was running out of bullets in my magazine.

A few yards from us, I could see a go cart that was abandoned. It must be one of the security must have left it behind.

That's probably the fastest way out of here, but even with that.

Where am I to go?

Click.

I gritted my teeth.

I had to reload.

I removed the empty magazine and slid it into my pocket. I had a loaded one in my holster that I prepped ahead of time, but the mutants were getting too close.

I pushed them back with my gun before hitting the closest one with the buttstock.

I tried to reach for my magazine again, but there was just too many of them coming towards us. They were closing in too fast.

I finally pulled the loaded magazine out of my side.

Snarl.

A mutant came close, trying to bite me. I tried to put the magazine into my gun, but it knocked it out of my hand.

I watched it drop away from me before disappearing under the feet of the mutants who kept pushinh forward.

"Oh fuck!" I yelled.

Anxiety overcame me.

That was the only loaded magazine I had from the gear...

I let go of my assault rifle and allowed it to fling around my body by its sling. I reached for my handgun and quickly shot the creature.

My heart was racing.

Crack.

Its body fell, slowing down the mutants behind it.

But they just kept coming.

Bang.

My hands shook.

I don't have any extra ammo for this gun. Once this runs out, I'll have to use my bat or knife.

Bang.

I was running out.

Was this how I was going to die?

The mutants kept coming.

"RIN!"

I heard a voice call out a girl's name.

Rin?

I couldn't make out the voice from the sounds of snarls and distant gunshots.

"GET DOWN!"

I heard someone yell. I quickly grabbed the girl who tried to fend herself.

With a command like that, I didn't want to get caught by a stray bullet. The girl gasped once she hit the ground.

The sound of bullets took over the atmosphere. Its booming shots rang my ears.

Blood flung everyway like a bucket of paint. I covered the girl with my body seeing that she couldn't handle the situation at hand.

The mutants dropped all around us. I soon heard two vehicles approach us and people stepping out of it.

"Rin, Jaewon."

I looked up at the man who came to save us. There stood the officer who was in charge of this place.

Choi Seungcheol.

His squad remained on high alert behind him before surrounding us like a wall. They continued to shoot at the mutants that were roaming around.

"S-Seungcheol!" the girl said underneath me.

She got out of my grasp and slowly got up with her body trembling.

"Thank God, you're okay Rin," he tells her.

He had a look in his eyes that I didn't think he would be capable of having. I was recognized that expression before. It's the same kind Dokyeom has when he talks about Dowon.

Was Rin his lover?

Seungcheol looked over at me. His expression changed. He seemed rather pleased to see me in a respectful comrad manner.

"Thank you, Jaewon," he tells me.

He looked around us to check our perimeter before meeting my eyes once again.

"My squad will lead you two back to the East Wing. You should be safe there until this turmoil ends," he says with great certainty.

I slowly nodded my head.

"Okay," I say.

As happy I was to see a group of people save us, my heart hasn't stopped racing.

"Sergeant Lee is there as we speak," Seungcheol quickly says in hopes that bringing up Dokyeom would calm my nerves.

But the mention of his name didn't help.

"Jihoon," I say. "What about him and the others?"

Seungcheol's expression narrowed.

"What about Soonyoung?" I ask him. "What about everyone else that's damned?"

He gave me an unreadable expression.

He let out a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry, Jaewon. But this has to be discussed another time. It's not safe standing here," he tells me.

I gritted my teeth.

I knew he had a point, but that still wasn't the answer I was looking for.

"Please get in the vehicle, you two," he tells us.

I reluctantly followed his commands and found myself sitting in the back of the car with the girl named Rin next to me.

Seungcheol's men hopped into the other vehicle and went a separate direction from us. They probably had orders to escort other people.

"Thank you."

I heard Rin softly say. My eyes met with hers. She took off her glasses that had blood stains.

"Yeah... it's no problem," I tell her.

I wasn't sure what to say to her. If anything, my mind was still racing with the situation we just got out of.

"Jaewon, was it?" She asks me.

I slowly nodded my head.

She softly smiled and matched my action. Her attention went to her folder that she held onto. My eyes stared at the object.

"Are you a researcher?" I decide to ask her.

Her eyes widened from my question. She gawked her head at me.

"Yes, why?" She said with confusion.

I thought back about the evolved that chased her. If there were so many mutants around us and so many people fighting for their lives...

So why is it always evolves that hunt the researchers?

The last evolved only focused on Jihoon, and this one chased Rin into the building...

I narrowed my brows.

"Nothing," I tell her.

If I told her what I knew. How would she react?

Seeing how she almost passed out from the events from earlier, I think it's best I keep my mouth shut.

For now, at least...

● ● ●

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[hanmi-xo]

CHAPTER 8: "Alliance & The Darkness"

| We Who Remain | Chapter List |

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-----

Minghao opened the blinds from our side of the window that saw through the other side of the wall to the hallway.

Bang.

There it was, a mutant.

Its face was distorted, and eyes were bleeding red. Its body looked fresh, but its face looked beaten.

"Poor fucker must have turned just recently," Minghao says as he stared directly to the monster through the window.

It bangs its head against the window and growled at him. Minghao didn't flinch and looked rather annoyed than fearful.

"The question is how did it even get in here," I tell him. "We're not that close to the wall, and security should have saw this thing a mile away."

"That's if they saw it," Joshua corrects me.

I turned around to look at him. He seemed deep in thought but also annoyed like the rest of us.

"Someone has to be letting them in," he says. "I know most of the scurity on the wall. They shouldn't be foolish enough to let these things past them twice within a short time span from the last attack."

"Yeah, but things have been getting dangerous outside of the walls. Maybe their focus is elsewhere?" I say with a possibility. "And even so, for it to come inside this building must mean it has been wandering for a while."

Minghao's eyes remained on the creature that kept banging its head. It was trying to get inside and bite him.

Minghao glared at the thing with disgust. "Whatever the case, this thing has got to go."

I watched as Joshua made his way to the door with his gun in his hand. It had a silencer. I thought back to the day he saved me with it.

If only I had my gun right now, then I wouldn't be standing here with my knife.

Wherever I get my gun back, I'll need a silencer like his. I won't have to worry about making too much noise.

"I'll take lead," Joshua says with one hand holding his gun, and the other hand on the doorknob. "Use your knife, Minghao. We don't need to alert everyone with the sound of gunshots."

Minghao scoffed, but obeyed him.

"You're one ugly, motherfucker," he cursed at the mutant. "Don't worry though, you'll get rest soon enough."

He put his gun into his holster before taking out his knife.

Joshua placed his ear on the door but remained calm. His hand held his gun tightly.

"How many do you see?" He asks Minghao.

His comrade moved around to glimpse behind the mutant that continued to bang its head on the glass.

"I can't tell," he responds.

His eyes wavered, and he froze for second. Something caught his attention. His body stiffened.

"There's bloody footprints, but I don't have much of a view in this angle," he says.

"Okay," Joshua responds. His ear remained on the door. "I hear about three."

I watched the two cooperate with each other. They were working as a team, and here I was not doing anything useful.

"Three?" I whisper to myself, repeating Joshua's words.

I can handle three, but more than that may be an issue if there's an evolved...

I watched as Minghao backed away from the window and got closer to Joshua's side. I mirrored his actions and stood on Joshua's right.

The two men looked at me, and I looked back at them.

"What?" I whisper, confused by their attention on me.

Joshua ignored me and put his ear back on the door, whereas Minghao snickered at my reaction towards them.

"So, you'll fight alongside us?" Minghao says with amusement.

"Well, I don't have much of a choice," I tell him. "Besides, I'm an able body. I can handle my own."

He snickered once again. "You heard her, Joshua. She'll help us. This will be fun."

"Well, I am trying to survive," I remark.

Joshua briefly smirked hearing my words.

"We'll put that to the test," he says with slight amusement.

I watched him get ready to open the door. He was being careful- probably timing when to open just in case there's other mutant that might be wandering close to the door.

"On my mark..." he says.

Minghao and I took a breath. I felt my heart slowly begin to race. I tightened my grip on my knife.

3

Thud.

2.

Thud.

1.

Joshua swung the door open, and immediately he shot the mutant closest to us that was banging its head.

Its body dropped dead to the floor with a bullet to its head, leaving blood to spray around the area from the impact.

I heard another snarl, and from the other direction of the hallway, I saw two mutants running straight at us with their bodies distorted.

They were alerted from the doorway's creaking and our footsteps.

Those things also seemed to have just turned, similar to the one Joshua just killed.

Minghao went in front of me and took the one running closer to us. He dodged its arms that tried to grab him and stabbed it on the head.

The sound of cracking can be heard.

He pulled the knife out. Blood was released onto his knife, and it oozed out upon release.

The creature fell to the ground.

Minghao was ready to stab the other creature that was coming close to us, but Joshua was quicker. He shot it between its eyes.

Its brains exploded, and its body dropped like the others.

Minghao glared at him, and in return, Joshua smirked. As much as I appreciated their competition with one another, my attention went to the bodies that lay next to us.

The more I looked at them, the more I came to realize these were young adults. Possibly college students that attended this university.

I knelt down and stared at the first mutant Joshua shot since it was the closest to me.

The face was messed up, but the body looked healthy. There wasn't a bite mark visible to my eye, but I noticed markings on its wrist.

I narrowed my brows and got up to look at the other two mutants.

"What are you doing?" Minghao asks with wonder. Blood was stained on his hands, and a few blood splatter marked his face.

I didn't respond to him.

I looked at the dead bodies that lay next to him. They two had deformed faces as if they were beat, but their bodies were healthy. I looked at their wrists.

There were markings as well.

Why did all three of them have markings on their wrists? It look as if something tight was wrapped around them. And why did they seem like someone beat their faces?

I feared the worst possible thing that might have happened. But I didn't want to think about it, or rather, I didn't want to believe anyone would do that to them.

I heard footsteps, and I saw Joshua come towards me.

"Did you find something strange?" He asks me.

I nodded my head. "Yeah..."

My voice was slow since I was still thinking of what could have possibly happened to these things that were once people.

The two men didn't say anything.

They seemed curious yet careful with my paranoia and inspection on the dead. Their eyes were on the corpses, but they didn't say anything. Maybe they were trying to figure out what happened to these things as well...

There was a silence between all of us.

We were thinking, but it also felt as if we were mourning the dead. If my theory was right, then I had a feeling things would only get worst from here.

The silence was soon interrupted.

We heard a noise.

Joshua and I got up, and Minghao stood by our side. We were high alert just in case more came our way.

But nothing.

We didn't hear a snarl or anything.

It got quiet.

A little too quiet.

The sound of rain echoed these halls, and not a peep was heard.

All three of us looked at each other, and we carried similar expressions of vigilance.

Joshua was the first to take a step forward, and I followed suit. I could hear Minghao follow behind me.

We drew closer to the noise, but we kept our guard us.

We went down the hallway and followed the trail of bloody footprints as our only clue. It seemed that wherever the mutants came from, it was leading us to the possible location of the noise that decided not to speak.

The more we followed the bloody stains, the more strange it felt hearing nothing but our footsteps and the pattern of raindrops.

We went pass the empty rooms that once carried the sound of college students. This was the building of music, but all that was left was darkness and an old classroom that was nothing more than a memory.

I could only imagine what they used to study. The sound of music that would carry throughout the room. And their passion and dreams of being part of the music industry or whatnot.

But the music is gone.

Just like most of the world.

The trail of blood soon came to a halt.

We found ourselves at the other side of the building, the opposite end of where we came from.

Down a staircase, there was an exit door. Rain drops dripped down the door's surface. Someone must have used it recently. Those raindrops look fresh.

I felt a chill run down my back.

Was the noise we heard the door? If that were the case, then someone was just here...

"Someone's been sneaking around here," Minghao says behind me. "A rat being a rat."

I remained quiet.

Joshua went down the stair case and checked his corners to see if there was anything on the lower floor other than the exit door.

I followed him and saw two large doors that were closed shut. He tried put his hand on the door handle, but it wouldn't open.

It was locked.

Joshua's eyes examined the doors before looking back at the exit door.

Minghao stood next it, and he too was analyzing the wet door. It seemed that was the only path that was unlocked.

We made our way to him. We glanced at one another with the same look of vigilance before Minghao decided to open the door.

It swung open and the rain immediately hit us.

Our eyes wandered the premises, but there was nobody in sight.

We were in front of an abandoned parking lot with large garbage containers set to the side of the building.

This must be the back entrance.

I stared at the door we came out of. There was chains on it, but the lock on it was unlocked. Someone opened the doorway from this side...

"What the hell," I mutter.

Joshua and Minghao followed my gaze before we looked at each other.

Minghao scoffed. "So, what now? This is where the trail ends."

My eyes met with Joshua who was trying to find an answer. Our eyes wandered around us if we could find any more clues.

"If someone wanted us dead, they wouldn't send only three mutants," I tell the two.

My thoughts went back to the corpses that had markings on their wrists and beated faces.

I hummed in thought. Certainly, there must be more to this.

"Unless," Joshua says, moving his free hand to his chin to think.

Minghao and I looked at our colleague who seemed to know something we didn't. Joshua's eyes looked at us, and I saw a glint of realization.

"This was just a distraction to bring us out of the building..." his words were slow yet heavy.

My eyes met with Minghao before looking back at Joshua. We watched him look around with high alert.

"Let's split up," he suddenly says. "I have a feeling we should check the security and research departments. I can't help but think something happened during our meeting, and this only slowed us down."

His words crawled over me like a spider. I didn't like that theory of his, but I also knew it was a high possibility.

Joshua and Minghao are key people close with Dokyeom, and I've been getting watched.

"Yeah," I agree with Joshua. "Something doesn't feel right. As much as I don't want to agree with you, I know how dangerous things are getting."

The two stared at me.

"So, you're in this with us now?" Minghao asks me.

His voice wasn't held with mischief like it usually is. It seemed he genuinely wanted to know, and if anything, eager.

Joshua's eyes met with mine. As much as I hate his guts, I knew I have to.

This was the only way anything could be done.

"Yeah," I said. "Let's do this."

Joshua's lip curled up. "Glad to see eye to eye."

~

I wandered the corridor in hopes I could see if Jihoon or anyone else was alright.

But everything seemed normal.

Nobody was screaming or showed any fear or paranoia. If anything, they still couldn't get over the evolved that appeared the other day.

So, that means they don't know anything about the mutants I encountered with Joshua and Minghao...

I made my way to Jihoon's office that he stayed in.

Upon coming close to his door, I saw someone standing outside it. The person wore a lab coat and had long black hair. They turned around once they heard my footsteps draw closer to them.

I was bit taken back from their appearance.

Was this a man or a woman?

"Are you here to see Jihoon as well?" Their voice was deeper than expected.

Was this a man?

"Yeah," I tell him. "Do you know Jihoon?"

He smiled with a slight nod. His eyes looked tired, but he had a calm aura.

"He's my collegue. We're going to discuss some... work," he paused before finishing his sentence.

He seemed to have his guard up.

I nodded my head slowly.

Why did it get awkward? Was he scared I might do something?

Jihoon's door slowly opened, and the young man peeked his head. He had his glasses on his head as usual.

"Oh, Jeonghan," he says meeting eyes with the man before looking at me with suprise. "Jaewon? What are you going here?"

Jeonghan looked at Jihoon before glancing over at me. Jihoon watched his colleague stare at the both of us.

"She's trustworthy," he whispered to him.

I watched at the pretty man stare at me with a nod of approval.

"Yoon Jeonghan," he suddenly says. "My name is Yoon Jeonhan, but Jeonghan is fine."

Jeonghan? I remember Jihoon telling me about him yesterday.

This was the man he works closely with...

"Noe Jaewon," I introduce myself. "But just call me Jaewon."

Jeonghan's expression soon changed with a look of surprise.

"So, you're the girl that saved Jihoon's life," he said with a smile forming. He nodded his head with approval once again. "Makes sense why he would stay friends with you. No one feels safe even with these walls and this protection of guards."

His gaze wandered the premises as if someone was watching us. He was paranoid like everyone else.

"Us researchers don't have many people to trust," Jeonghan quickly says before looking back at me.

"Makes sense," I slowly say.

I wanted to tell the two about the three mutants Joshua, Minghao, and I encountered, but I don't need them spreading the word to others or being more frightened than they are now.

My eyes went to Jihoon. He stared me with concern.

"What is it?" He suddenly says.

"Nothing..." I lied. "Just stay safe you two."

His brows narrowed from my words.

"Did something happen?" He suddenly asks.

This time, it was my turn to check the premises with my wandering eyes.

"Let's just say, you both shouldn't wander alone," I warn them. "Don't come to my room either, Jihoon. If you can, please get a roommate. You too, Jeonghan."

My voice came off more worried than intended.

I avoided eye contact with him and his colleague. There was a moment of silence before Jihoon sigh with fear.

"Alright," he says.

He didn't ask any further questions.

I nodded my head slowly. "Thank you. I'll see you around then. Stay safe though. I do mean it."

The two nodded their head, and that was my cue to leave.

~

"Come in, Jaewon?"

I sat in my room that seemed untouched from the last time I was here.

I held my radio in my hand.

"Go ahead," I respond to Dokyeom, who seeked my attention.

"Joshua told me what happened," he suddenly says. "I'm going to send an investigation team in that building."

"Don't," I tell him.

I had a feeling it was best if he didn't.

"Why? What happened?" He asks me. "Joshua said you were checking the corpses since there was something strange about them?"

I bit my lip in fear of what I should say. Should I tell him my thoughts?

Things have been escalating...

"Do you know if there's anyone in the safe haven that seems a bit odd? As in a criminal record of sort?" I ask him.

"Not that I know of. Seungcheol is careful of who comes in and out of this place. Why?" He asks me.

My eyes wandered my room. The sound of rain continued to hit my window as it did this morning.

But it was now getting dark. It was dusk.

"I was just curious," I decide to say.

There was a moment or silence. Maybe Dokyeom was thinking of something.

Maybe telling him about the rat wouldn't be a good idea...

Joshua and Minghao know about the strange things happening, but Joshua did say Dokyeom doesn't know.

Was this for the best?

"Did you want to have a meeting with Seungcheol?" Dokyeom decides to ask me.

"No," I say. "I already spent too much time here... I need to go see Dowon as soon as I can."

I know if I talk to Seungcheol, I'd spend more time dealing with this issue than needed. I want to believe that maybe Joshua or Minghao could talk to him instead.

I already stick out like a sore thumb. I don't need to drag anymore people into this. I'm being watched...

I don't need Seungcheol be on their list.

But... Seungcheol is the head of the place if not Dokyeom...

What if he knows something useful?

"Okay..." Dokyeom says.

"Also," I add. "I was told Soonyoung might have to leave for a rescue mission. Is this true?"

I need more information if Soonyoung is heading to Dowon or not before I decide to meet Seungcheol.

"Soonyoung?" Dokyeom repeats the man's name.

His tone changed. It seemed the man's name bothered him.

"He was supposed to be sent out an hour ago... but, he didn't show up to his post." Dokyeom states.

Wait... what?

I felt a chill run down my back.

"What?" I say confused. "What do you mean he didn't show up to his post?"

There was a pause.

"Jaewon," Dokyeom says my name, emphasising the important information he might be telling me. "Seungcheol sent his men to find Soonyoung, but we can't find him."

Anxiety overcame me.

I didn't know what to think...

My lights began to flicker. The sound of thunder shook my room. My lights went out.

I looked outside my window to see what's happening.

Darkness.

The whole safe haven has gone dark.

It was a blackout.

"Jaewon," Dokyeom calls for my attention, "I'll contact you later. I have to deal with something."

His voice became urgent. The black out must have reached his office, too.

"Wait," I say, hoping to ask him more questions.

Silence.

Dokyeom didn't respond back.

"Shit," I mutter before putting my radio away.

I needed answers.

What was the mission Soonyoung was going to have? And where the hell did that man go?

I got off my bed, and quickly put on my gear. I didn't like how things were looking here. I didn't like it at all.

Just when you think things couldn't get any worse, it just does...

And sometimes it just doesn't stop.

• • •

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[hanmi-xo]

CHAPTER 7: "Information & Trust?"

| We Who Remain | Chapter List |

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---------

The sound of rain echoed the corridors. Training had to come to a halt due to weather circumstances. It was cold, and the heavy clouds had no intentions on leaving.

"So, there's no training?" I repeat his words.

Hansol nodded his head.

He came to my doorway to inform me of the sudden forecast that one of the scout teams relayed.

"One of the teams came back last night and informed us of gray clouds forming." He says. "Usually, their information is correct. I'm sorry we couldn't inform you sooner. I received the message from Soonyoung an hour ago, and he's been spreading the word to other Messengers."

I hummed in response before looking over at my window that the rain kept impacting. It was heavy. It seemed it would be storming all day.

"So, training continues tomorrow? What am I supposed to do?" I turn back around to ask him.

Hansol shrugged his shoulders with an unsure expression. "Usually when this happens, Soonyoung gives us a day off and encourages us to do card games with our colleagues. He says it helps build synergy in a team if want to build trust through friendship."

"Card games?" I repeat after him.

Hansol nodded his head. "Yeah, it's something he thought of a few months back. But I don't think he'll be hosting one today. He said he had a meeting with Seungcheol later this afternoon, and he said he has a feeling he will have to go on an urgent mission tonight."

"Tonight? But it's probably going to rain until tomorrow afternoon from the way the weather is looking," I tell him.

He would skip training today but is willing to go on a mission tonignt? How urgent did it have to be?

"He didn't give me the details, but I want to believe it's a rescue mission," his voice became weary.

I narrowed my brows upon hearing his words.

Rescue mission? Who were they rescuing? And where would they be heading?

Will it be the same direction as they previously planned to go northward?

Or will they go the direction of Dowon?

"What happened? If I may ask." My focus was on him.

Hansol looked around with hesitation. His eyes soon met mine, but his eyes showed fear. He knew something was up, but he wasn't sure if he should tell me.

He leaned in towards me and brought his hand up to whisper.

"I can't say exactly, but things outside the wall have been getting a bit out of hand." His voice was soft yet deep. "Even though one of the mutants snuck in the other day, apparently they've been more active outside the walls. Nobody really knows why, but whenever a team comes back from a mission, the Messenger of the team usually informs other Messengers of the dangers that lurk around."

He was explaining to me carefully before pulling away from my ear.

My eyes remained on him as I processed everything he was telling me.

"My job is hard," he admits, "But someone has to carry the information and inform the leaders of the teams. Not everyone can handle traumatic information- nobody likes bad news, but that information can save lives if we prepare for the worst for the future."

"But that makes you a target if someone wants information," I tell him.

He knows what's going on inside and outside this safe haven, but chooses whether or not to speak on the matters?

For Hansol to take up a heavy job that can be mentally draining makes me wonder how well he works under pressure.

I hardly know this guy, but he seems very attentive even if he won't say too much.

"Yeah, I know," he admits. "But we all die at some point, don't we? And besides, they won't get any information even if they try to kill me."

I wanted to admire him for his bravery, but I was more intrigued by his words.

He had no fear of death.

"So, you're not scared of dying?" I say my thoughts aloud.

He smirked and shook his head.

"I lost my family in the beginning of the plague, and if anything, I'd be more surprised if I make it out of this if I can be honest with you." His words were heavy, but his tone was light. "I never thought I'd make it this far, but here I am- just going with the motion of everything."

I wasn't sure what to tell him, or rather, I wasn't sure to even say to someone like him.

Was I supposed to say something encouraging or leave him be? I hardly know him, but it's clear he doesn't really care too much about his own well being.

"Well, I have to go," he tells me after looking at his watch. "I'll see you around, Jaewon."

Before I could say anything, he turned around and made his way down the hallway.

Even though he talked about a very heavy topic, he was walking around as if he were okay.

I wasn't sure what to think of him.

Should I pity him or agree with him that there isn't much life during this lifetime?

Would I end up like him if Dowon ends up like the rest of the fallen world?

I'm not sure.

But if I did, I wouldn't be surprised.

~

"Noodles or rice?" Minghao asks me, showing the two options of food he has.

He sat across from me while Joshua leaned against the counter towards the end of the table.

We were in an old meeting room, and we were having a late breakfast. I met with them at the cafeteria after my enounter with Hansol.

I needed more information about this alliance they want to form with me, and I have questions I hope they have answers to.

Though I was alone with these men since we were away from everyone else, the meeting room isn't that bad. Every building had one for social gatherings, but this one was abandoned since it was further away from the dorms.

Although it hasn't been used by the public, the space wasn't that terrible.

It didn't reek of mold nor dust. I want to believe Joshua and Minghao may use this room quite often for their meetings.

We were on the second floor, and the windows were slightly cracked open for air, but not wide enough for anything dangerous to come in.

The sound of rain can easily be heard, and the raindrops left trails all around the window frame.

"Noodles," I answer Minghao.

He snickered at my answer. "Welp, I guess rice is for you, Joshua."

He turned to his colleague and raised the wrapped meal to him with one hand, and in response, Joshua took it without much of a reaction.

Minghao scoffed. "Oh come on, at least be annoyed you didn't get noodles. I know they're your favorite."

Joshua ignored him and placed the meal on the counter next to his hip.

"So is she going to work with us or not?" he abruptly asks him.

I narrowed my brows from Joshua's words. It wasn't surprising to hear him get straight to the point, but then again, I would think he would be a bit nicer to his colleague.

But it was clear. He had no interest in Minghao's antics.

I kept in mind Joshua's directness. He didn't use his fake persona like he did with the others. He didn't smile nor show any interest in lightening the mood.

Minghao rolled his eyes at Joshua before looking back at me.

"Ask her yourself. She's right here," he said, slightly annoyed.

He began to unwrap his meal that seemed to be a kimbap and took a bite out of it since it wasn't cut up.

Joshua's eyes met with mine. Those doe eyes were sharp.

"So, what's your answer?" He says with a hint of impatience. He crossed his arms at me. "Yes or no?"

I scoffed at his directness.

My eyes went to the meal in my hands before I began to tap my thumbs on it. I needed time to think.

"As much as I want to say yes," I begin. "I need you guys to answer a few questions before I make my decision."

I felt the atmosphere grow stiff. I felt both their eyes on me. They didn't speak, and I could tell their attention was focused on me.

"First thing is, if I were to help with whatever plans you two may have," I start. "I asked Minghao this last night, but, will you both be completely honest with me?"

Joshua and Minghao remained quiet. I looked at Minghao who sat across from me, but his eyes went to Joshua. I followed his gaze and saw the brunette in deep thought.

His brows were narrowed before looking over at me.

"I can't guarantee your request," he tells me.

"Why's that?" I dare question him.

He took a deep breath before sighing. His hands made their way into his pockets, changing his composure.

"I don't believe you'll fully follow through with my plans," he tells me. "But, I know you're capable of doing them if you choose to follow through."

His words were careful but held truth.

"Things are not getting easier inside these walls," he explains.

"Yeah, but things aren't getting easier outside the walls," I proclaim.

Joshua's eyes fought with mine after hearing my words. He seemed taken back and a bit annoyed.

"So, you know the mutants are growing ever more rampant?" He tells me. "Did Hansol tell you?"

I glared at him. He had a hint of displeasure after saying Hansol's name. It was as if I wasn't supposed to know anything that was occurring outside this safe haven.

"So, what? Am I not supposed to know this?" I dare say.

I was getting annoyed by his secretive attitude.

It was his turn to scoff.

"Gain information however you want, but know that if you want to get out of here and get the help you need will only happen with Minghao and I," he tells me.

There was tension in the air, but I didn't give a damn.

I wanted answers.

"So, I'm just supposed to blindly help you and hope for the best?" My tone came out aggrivated. "Why is it only you that get's to make decisions in any of this? You haven't told me anything that shed light in this whole ordeal."

I can feel Minghao's eyes bounce back and forth between Joshua and I, but he remained quiet and finished his food.

"I hardly know you," I tell Joshua. "And all you've been doing is speaking in code. I hate to break it to you, but I'm no genius, but I'm not an idiot either. So tell me what you know, then I'd gladly help you."

I took a breath to calm myself down. My attention was on this man who seemed as riled up as me.

He made a face almost as if he wanted to say something but immediately changed his mind.

"You don't want to know what I know. Trust me," he says with a firm voice.

It was like he was trying to warn me about something. But I don't know what.

"What's so bad that you won't tell me?" I question him. "The world is in hell already. What else could make it worst?"

Joshua closed his eyes with annoyance.

"Because, there's a rat and I don't know who it is," he snaps at me.

My eyes widened at his words. He wasn't mad at me. He was mad at not knowing who to trust.

He has been on edge from the very beginning and tried his best to not lose his cool. Yet, here he was, struggling to find answers just like me.

He sighed heavy.

"Listen," he tells me. His voice changed with slight worry. "You don't have to trust me, but know that Minghao and I have witness hell more times than anyone else in this place has."

His words were sharp, and his voice grew with emotion.

"We need you to help us because there's not many people to trust. There, are you happy?" He finally says with a huff.

I stared at him for a moment before looking over at Minghao who was still spectating Joshua and I. He nodded his head with his eyes staring off into the table.

He was here mentally, but he had no words to say.

"Alright," I say.

I wanted to believe Joshua's words, but I had one more thing to ask them.

"Before I agree to this alliance," I carefully say.

Minghao and Joshua's eyes turned to me.

"Did one of you guys try to enter my room last night?" I finally ask.

I watched as the two narrowed their brows before looking at each other. It was as if this was news to them.

I sat there confused seeing their reactions, and a hint of fear overcame me.

"Why would we go to your room?" Joshua said with bewilderness. He seemed utterly confused as I was.

"I agree with Joshua." Minghao says. "Why the hell would I go straight to your room? I was tired after that talk with you."

I looked away from the two and thought back about the strange things that's been happening since I came here.

"I don't get it," I say. "I don't get it at all."

Joshua and Minghao were perplexed from my words.

"What do you mean?" Joshua says. His tone careful once again yet curious.

I let my eyes wander as I thought about the dangers that hid in this safe haven. How Jihoon and other researchers were scared for their lives.

How a researcher's work has gone missing after her passing.

And why would anyone even attempt to enter my room in the middle of the night.

"The rat," I begin.

The two men listened to me as I slowly spoke to process everything.

I closed my eyes to get a clear picture. "I've been putting a few pieces together, but I don't have a clear idea on who it could be. It has to be someone that has been attentive to the researchers, and have some sort of connections to be able to walk around freely here without anyone suspicious of their doing."

I tried to explain my thinking to them.

"For an evolved to show up out of nowhere and attack a researcher is one thing, but for it to show up and ignore everyone else and target one specific person is totally different. It's like it had a mind of its own and it knew what its doing. And just recently after that, I had a feeling someone has been watching me. They even tried coming to my room last night after my walk with you, Minghao."

Minghao's composure stiffened, and his eyes widened. He sighed in disbelief.

"If they came to you after our walk, then that means they have also been watching me." He says.

Paranoia ran through his voice, but there was a shade of anger.

He scoffed. "To be on someone's watch list is something they'll regret."

Joshua got off the counter, and his attention went elsewhere.

Minghao and I looked at him. His gaze was at the doorway, and before either of us could say anything, Joshua lifted a finger for us to stay quiet.

Minghao nodded his head at him before slowly getting up with his hand on his gun holster. I watched as Joshua did the same before I too followed their actions, but instead of a gun, I had my knife on me.

Joshua slowly closed the window without making a noise, and Minghao and I kept our guard up.

Joshua heard something Minghao and I didn't hear, but what exactly was it?

Thud.

There. A faint noise outside the doorway.

But nobody's supposed to be at this part of the building since it's sectioned off.

I looked over at Minghao, and he pointed his gun up at the door.

I felt a rush of nervousness hit me.

Thud.

Something was making noise.

But what exactly?

Then there it was-

A snarl...

• • •

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[hanmi-xo]

Epilogue: Between Us

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | END

------------------

A month has passed since the events of Joshua's appearance and ordeal. With his actions, and Junhui's reaction which led to saving Minghao and Lihua, a court case was done.

Because of the social media and camera evidence along with Lihua and Minghao's witness statements as victims, Junhui was found innocent.

Though so much has occurred, Lihua finds herself disappearing to get away from everything.

But where would she go?

If she went home, the Press would find her there.

And if they found her at the cemetery where her mother lies, it would be disrespectful to her mother if she lead the Press there if they find her.

So she finds herself wandering off into the museum where not many people would think of going.

She heads there in hopes of seeing a certain art piece.

But to Lihua's surprise, it was gone.

Nothing more than an empty spot on the wall where the painting once hung.

"Someone bought it."

She heard a familiar voice say behind her.

She turns to look at the man who decides to stand beside her. He was at the court case and was also the victim within the events that occurred.

Minghao glanced at the empty wall before gazing at her.

"Who would buy it?" She asks with confusion. "I hardly see anyone look at it..."

Her voice was low with disappointment.

Minghao had a glint of mischief in his eyes. He knew something she didn't.

"It took awhile, but I've done some research on the painting," he tells her.

Her eyes widened upon hearing his words. Minghao smirked after seeing her reaction.

"Li Hua," he says. "That's the name of the painting."

"Li Hua?" She repeats after him. She wasn't sure if she heard him right.

He nodded his head with amusement.

"Xi Jian," he says. "She had a daughter who she named the painting after. But, from what it seems, I don't think her daughter recognizes the painting she helped her make. Xi Jian sold it soon after her husband left her, hoping that she may gain money to take care of her daughter.

Lihua stood there motionless. Everything made sense to her. And what made it worst was how she knew he was telling the truth because,

Xi Jian.

That's her mother's name.

"H-how-" she stutters.

"Let's say Joshua wasn't the only one invested in your life..." Minghao answers her.

Lihua wasn't sure what to say to him. She was still processing everything he was saying, and before she knew it embarassment came over her.

She wanted to question him more, but she couldn't find the words- or rather the voice to say anything.

She found herself growing shy from how upfront Minghao was towards her.

"I- well, that is- Who bought it?" She tried to speak.

Minghao smiled brightly. His cold demeanor became upbeat and more charming than usual.

"Me," he says.

He took a folded paper from his pocket to show the document and receipt he signed to show her proof.

She carefully took it from his hands and stared at it in utter shock. She skimmed over the paper through each line proofing that what he says is true.

"But, I want you to keep it," he quickly says.

She looked up at him with even more confusion.

"What.. but, why? I- I don't understand?" She struggled with her words.

"On one condition," he tells her.

She held the paper tightly and placed it against her chest. She was curious yet concerned about what he could possibly say.

Minghao looked away from her for a moment before deciding what to say.

"When the time comes, and everything cools down," he begins. "Can I come with you to greet your mother? I want her to know that I'll take care of you, be it as a friend or even a lover."

Lihua's face grew red from his words.

"But," he adds, "I'll still give you the painting even if you say no to this request."

Her eyes remained on him. He was beginning to get flustered and couldn't look her in the eyes anymore.

"You can keep the painting and hang it wherever you like in your room..." his voice grows soft almost a whisper.

He was beginning to feel nervous knowing everything he was saying was coming from his heart.

"All I ask for is that you don't hide in your room anymore..." he says. "There's alot of people that care about you and want to see you..."

His eyes wavered, looking towards the ground. He didn't have the courage to look at her.

He felt a warm feeling on his cheek. He froze in his spot before looking at Lihua with surprise and embarrassment.

Her lips left his cheek leaving her warmth upon his face.

He stared as it was his turn for his face to turn red.

She remained close in proximity towards him. This time, neither of them backed away.

"Yes," she tells him. "You can meet my mom."

Her eyes glistened with sincereness and affection. He was getting lost in her orbs.

"Thank you for everything," she tells him. "I'll try to leave my room more often."

She smiled towards him and in return he smiled back.

"Okay," he whispered to her.

His hand went up to her cheek. He made little motions with his thumb causing her to grow flustered.

"Then it's a deal," he says happily.

The two stay like that for a while before pulling into a hug. Both of them warm with feelings that were overcoming them.

He hugged her tightly as she fallen deeper in his arms.

This was their beginning and an end to what was only between them.

Or as they say,

Between Us.

--- SM Post: Many has posted...

• • •

Previous | END

Thank you for reading~ ♡

[hanmi-xo]

Chapter 8: Mine

| Between Us | Chapter List | Previous | Next ------------------

| L I H U A |

I moved my thumbs up and down next to each other, twiddling them as I tried to calm my nervous.

Minghao disappeared off to the bathroom a few minutes ago.

But, my heart kept racing as if he were still here.

Traces of his existence next to me still lingered in the air, and I could still feel his warmth on me.

I closed my eyes.

I took a deep breath and released it through my lips.

"Calm down, Lihua," I whisper to myself.

I turned around and grabbed the bowls Minghao left on the counter after he helped me...

The image of him looking down towards me with his expression I couldn't read left a mark in my mind. He was still as handsome as he was in high school...

I closed my eyes once more and held the bowl up to my face. Its cold surface pressed against my burning temple that refused to relax.

It left a tingling sensation upon my skin, and I kept whispering to myself to calm down.

"Lihua?"

My eyes shot up once I heard my name.

The voice was muffled but clear as day.

I put the bowl down, and I looked up.

I felt a rush of fear creep over me once I met his eyes. They looked dark and unnatural with the way he was stared.

It was as if I was coming face to face with a killer.

But, worst-

"Joshua," I say with a shaky voice.

---

| M I N G H A O |

My hand rested upon my chest to calm my beating heart. It pounded loudly, leaving my hand to feel its vibration.

I couldn't believe how fast things took a turn.

Here I was hiding in the bathroom like a school girl flustered talking to her crush, except...

I'M A MAN.

I let out a loud groan of frustration with myself.

"What the hell are you doing, Minghao?" I scold myself.

I got off the bathroom door and quickly turned on the sink to wet my face with cold water.

I let it cool my face off to calm my mind that was running miles around Lihua.

She's pretty close up-

I pulled away from the sink and turned off the water. I stared at myself in the mirror in hopes I wasn't losing it.

I groaned in frustration once more.

The image of her soft yet surprised expression wouldn't leave my mind even when I tried to force it out.

I put my hands against my face to wipe off the water.

"She's a normal girl," I whisper to myself. "Get a fucking grip and just talk to her."

I suddenly heard a loud noise and I shook from how loud it was, startling me.

It sounded like the sound of shattered glass.

"Lihua?" I say aloud in confusion.

I heard her dog bark hysterically with the sound of his paws running.

Did she drop something? Did she hurt herself?

I then heard a scream.

"Lihua!" I yelled before running out of the bathroom.

---

| L I H U A |

I stared at the man who broke through the back screen door. He wore a baseball cap but had a chic attire.

"Lihua?" He says with a voice that sounded too emotional. "All you had to do was let me in. I just want to see you. Why were you ignoring me?"

The sound of broken glass can be heard as he walked towards me.

I backed away from him and maneuvered to the other side of the counter island.

Senko was barking at him trying to scare him off, but it wasn't working.

"Lihua," he calls out to me once more, "I love you. Did you like my flowers? I even got you a love letter."

His voice left an eerieness in the air as if it was trying to suffocate me.

"W-why are you here," I stutter.

I knew he would be back in town, but why would he come here of all places? I didn't think he would do something so reckless as this.

"To see you," he tells me.

He opened his arms open to me as if he wanted me to hug him.

I felt my stomach knot in disgust. I wanted to vomit and run, but I knew I couldn't out run him even if I tried.

He was in the track team in high school.

But I had to take my chances.

I quickly bolted towards the hallway that lead to the front door. I could hear him trail after me and before I could reach it, I felt his cold grip pull me back.

I screamed.

I then heard Joshua gasp, and I saw Senko bite his leg. He moved his head vigorously as if he was trying to deepen his bite.

"Senko!" I yelled at my poor pup who was trying to help me.

Joshua groaned in pain before kicking him to the wall making Senko groan in pain.

"Senko!" I yelled again. "Joshua stop!"

Senko let go of Joshua's leg, and immediately Joshua kicked him into the laundry room and slammed it shut. The sound of Senko barking and slamming against the door can be heard throughout the house.

"Whats wrong with you!?" I scream.

How could he do that to my dog!?

"Lihua, why are you running from me?" He held me so close to him I could hear his hot breath burn my ear. He was ignoring my words.

"Get off of me," I say with a weak voice.

His arms were wrapped around me, making it difficult to wiggle out. He held me tightly, and I felt stuck in his grasp.

I felt him sniff me, and I flinched from the way he inhaled my neck.

I wanted to cry.

"I smell a man's scent on you," he says with a hint of annoyance.

I tried to pull away from him. I hated the way he was acting towards me. What happened to him?

Why was he acting like this!?

I suddenly heard footsteps running towards us.

"Get off her!" I heard Minghao yell.

I stared at him in surprise. I forgot he was here because of the heat of the moment.

I pulled away from Joshua the second I felt him loosen his grip on me, and immediately, Minghao tackled him.

Joshua yelped to the floor upon impact.

I shuffled to my feet as I back away to the front door. Minghao and Joshua were wrestling on the floor.

"Go!" Minghao yelled, trying to put Joshua in a hold.

Joshua struggled in Minghao's arms and kept elbowing him. Minghao grunted in pain but his eyes remained on me.

"Go, Lihua!" He says once more.

I shook in my spot. Could I really trust Minghao to deal with him? What if he gets hurt!?

"Don't leave me, Lihua!" Joshua yelled at me with desperation.

The way he spoke my name made me want to believe I was in a nightmare. I don't want him near me.

I have to run, but I couldn't move my legs.

Minghao struggled holding down Joshua, and it was as if he knew I couldn't leave.

I watched as Minghao grabbed one of the vases off the table stand that stood as decoration before smashing it onto Joshua's head.

I flinched from the loud impact, and Joshua groaned in pain.

Minghao let go of him, and shuffled to his feet before running to me and grabbing my hand.

He lead the way as we bolted out of my house.

Where were we supposed to go?

"LIHUA!" I heard Joshua yell.

I turned around and saw him get back on his feet while Minghao kept tugging me to follow his running pace.

Before I knew it.

We were crossing the street, and Joshua was so close to us.

Minghao put me behind him the moment we made it to the other side of the sidewalk.

And before anything could happen.

A car came, and it hit Joshua. The driver hit his breaks, and I watched Joshua's body fly before rolling onto the ground.

I held onto Minghao's arm with the horror I was witnessing.

Joshua wasn't moving.

Was he dead?

---

| M I N G H A O |

Lihua held my hand as the paramedics and police came to the scene. She never let go of it since we ran out of the house.

I didn't mind her though. I didn't plan on letting go of her.

We watched as Junhui spoke to the police with Fallon next to him.

As much as I felt bad for him, I was grateful to know he was the one that hit Joshua. He was scared when he existed his car since he was only trying to help.

He said that he was supposed to meet with Fallon to teach her how to cook one of the meals he learned in class, but he saw us getting chased and he didn't know what to do.

So he ended up hitting Joshua with his car so he can stop him.

The paramedics told us that Joshua is still breathing but is dealing with a concussion and possibly a broken leg.

Whatever the case was, he wouldn't be bothering Lihua anymore in his state.

On the other hand, Dokyeom and Lihua's roommates were talking to police investigators about the events that unfolded.

I wasn't sure what they were saying but I saw Dokyeom look my way. And for a moment he gazed at Lihua and I before giving a slight nod of approval.

I nodded back at him.

---

| L I H U A |

I watched as Joshua's name came up on the news. It's been a few days since his surprise visit, and things were cooling down.

I hugged Senko while he sat on my lap.

He had an armbrace since he got a fracture from Joshua. The vet said he'll be good in a month or so, but even so, I didn't like seeing my pup hurt because of me.

The news continued explaining the different charges Joshua had. after the investigators saw his social media posts along with the video evidence we have from our house cameras.

And as a result, he has been put to prison along with the need for therapy.

His modeling and fashion company is currently being questioned because of the state he is in.

Possibly a result of his stress from work and the people around him. Along with the fact his mother recently passed away creating a great decline to his mental health...

I wasn't sure what to feel.

All I knew was that Joshua was finally out of my life.

---

SM Post: Many people have posted...

• • •

Previous | Next

[hanmi-xo]

Chapter 7: "I Have to See Her"

| Between Us | Chapter List | Previous | Next

------------------

| M I N G H A O |

It's been a week since I've heard from Dokyeom. Ever since the whole Lihua situation, he's been growing distant with me.

I was never one to reach out, and I knew if I did reach out to him, it certainly wouldn't be natural.

So the past few days for me have been work and painting. I did this on repeat. It's not because I entirely wanted to-

But it's because of Lihua.

I couldn't get her out of my head, and I needed something to distract me from her.

But I couldn't help and wonder what's she's been up to these past few days. If she's been eating well. If she still wonders about the painting.

If she still thinks of coming back to the museum. And if she would gaze at the painting as I did.

See the beauty of it and ask me about it.

But, would she even talk to me?

She was the first girl to consume my every thought, and I felt sick to my stomach, knowing I couldn't do anything about it.

"Get a grip," I mutter to myself. "You're at work."

It was past noon, and this whole shift felt like I was in autopilot mode. I just went with the motions of everything. Being a tour guide, talking to coworkers, etc.

But now that I was away from everyone, and I could catch my breath, here I was, standing in front of the very painting that seemed to draw me closer whenever it possibly can.

The white flower painting that brought Lihua's attention.

It remained hanging on the wall like an untouched relic. Its beauty was eternal, but its mystery was asking to be solved.

Maybe I could do more research on this. Possibly reach out to the client that sold me this?

My train of thought was interrupted.

I felt my phone vibrate.

I took out my phone from my pocket to see Seungcheol seeking my attention. I wasn't sure what he was talking about, but I responded to him since it seemed urgent.

Joshua?

As in, Lihua's ex?

I narrowed my brows at his name.

Why in the world would he be in town?

My thoughts went back to Lihua, and I found myself curious yet annoyed from this conversation.

I rolled my eyes at Seungcheol's messages.

I knew who Joshua was, but I was more interested in why that asshat was even back in town.

I played dumb. I didn't need him knowing what I knew.

I need him to give me more information.

Even if it pisses me off.

I decided not to respond to him after reading his last message.

It was stupid and annoying to look at.

I exited the messages I had with him and found myself looking for Joshua's social media account on social media.

I remember him being friends with Dokyeom and the others, but I never got to know the guy. I had different classes from him, and during lunch I never paid attention to him. He was more interested in talking about money and what not with his other friends.

Jeonghan and Seungkwan. The two guys that were always full of themselves. To think Dokyeom's ex bestfriend and Seungcheol's ex bestfriend became a trio with Youtuber wannabe Seungkwan.

Thank God I hardly knew them.

It didn't take long for me to find Joshua's social media account. I recalled Lihua talking about his modeling career and he was one of the top people to pop up as an emerging popular model.

The guy had so many photos of himself it was giving me an eyesore.

He had thousands of followers, but even so, what exactly was he posting to these thousands of people that has stirred up this commotion?

What has he done to make Dokyeom mad, and hurt Lihua?

I narrowed my brows.

What the hell am I looking at...

Why is he acting like Lihua and him are still in love? From what I know, she wants nothing to do with him.

I felt annoyed the more I looked at his posts. Each one was like a love message towards Lihua as if he's trying to win her over.

How long has this guy been doing this?

And Lihua has been dealing with this?

I scoffed.

This guy was more obsessive than in love. And for him to even send her flowers? Tag her in his posts? Exposing her private account and everything?

Model or not- this guy needs mental help. I don't blame Dokyeom punching him. Maybe if he does it again, he'll knock some sense into him. Or even better, he'll forget about Lihua if he gets a concussion.

What am I saying-

We need the police in this.

I had to contact Lihua. If Joshua's back in town, then he's bound to bother her again.

There's no way I'm letting a guy like that near her.

I have to see her.

---

| L I H U A |

My brother continued to message me while I ate my lunch alone at the counter island.

He was more protective than usual, and I wasn't surprised by his words.

I was ready to put my phone away. I didn't want to think about Joshua anymore.

It's been a week since he sent me that package and when I told Dokyeom about it, he immediately came over and got his agent to help him install cameras.

His agent, Mingyu, was not happy about it, but he did what he was told since he wanted to appease my brother.

Dokyeom was slowly growing in popularity with his songs that he was producing with his colleague and producer Jihoon. To lose someone like my brother in the industry, and much more in a music company, would be like losing a bag diamonds by being careless.

I don't recall ever calling him by his real name now that I think about it.

My brother wanted everyone to call him Dokyeom in high school since he wanted to use it as his stage name, and ever since then, it just clicked.

Lee Seokmin was nothing more than his childhood hidden behind his now signature name Dokyeom.

Joshua was the only one who would call him Seokmin though. It was his way of trying to show a clear closeness he had in friendship with him.

Afterall, he was friends with my brother since middle school.

But then again, Minghao also knew my brother during that time. I never got to meet him until high school since I was a grade lower so I never hung out with my brother and his friends.

Minghao...

I haven't spoken to him for awhile, and I did leave us on awkward terms.

With Joshua sending me random gifts and whatnot, I never really thought too much about Minghao.

He's probably at the museum doing work or something. In his own problemless world.

I sighed.

What was I thinking pouring out my thoughts and feelings towards him at the pier?

I placed my hands upon my face as I groaned with embarrassment. My voice vibrated through my palms as I tried to calm myself from my foolishness.

"Lihua, don't do that again," I scolded myself.

I felt my phone vibrate.

My train of thoughts ended by my phones notification.

Was it my brother again?

Or was it Joshua trying to send me follow requests?

He already tagged me in one of his posts and I've been getting random messages from strangers throughout the week all thanks to him.

I want to hide in a hole and never get out of it.

Why did my existence have to bother people so much?

Can I go back to the time nobody knew me except for the girls?

I looked down to my screen in fear of who could possible bother me at this hour. I know it can't be the girls since Ellis is at work and Fallon and Astrid are at school

I froze.

Minghao? Why in the world is he messaging me?

I wasn't sure what to say.

Did the others tell him about Joshua and his stupid antics?

I sighed.

Of course he would get his information that way.

Astrid and Seungcheol always spend time together. If there's drama, he's the first of the guys to know anything because of her.

But even so, it was strange messaging Minghao like this. I appreciate him caring about me, but it just felt odd knowing I'm getting comfort from him of all people at a time like this.

Isn't he at work?

He shouldn't have to worry about me because of Joshua.

I don't want to be a burden to him.

Him hating me is the last thing I need right now.

His type bubble appeared above his name, and he began to message about his concerns over me and my brother.

Minghao was being reasonable, yet reassuring. I felt the ends of my lips curl up at the end of his message.

Is Minghao like this with everyone?

Whatever the case was, I couldn't help but like his message.

I felt myself grow flustered. It was like a rush of nervousness yet excitement hit.

Like a leaf floating through the wind, the feeling took over me and I smiled like a child given a present.

Why did he seem to sincere?

Why does he care?

And why did he have to message me that?

It was like he was trying to enter my bubble without breaking the surface. He was being caring like how he was back at the pier.

I bit my lip.

I shouldn't be this happy reading his message.

He's Minghao. I shouldn't like him.

But, I wouldn't mind him coming over as a friend.

---

| M I N G H A O |

I wasn't sure what to do once I got to her house. I wasn't even sure if I should bring anything to cheer her up.

What if she ends up crying because of that asshole?

Or what if she's awkward me and I get the silent treatment?

What if there are other people there and it isn't just me? Will I have to sit there and wait for a moment to speak to her?

My hands were getting sweaty the more I thought about it.

But I wasn't going to be a coward and go back from my word.

Besides, I'm already in front of her door with flowers in my hand and ice cream.

My mom told me when I was younger that girls like these kinds of stuff. Something pretty and something sweet.

I took a deep breath.

I was ready to press the doorbell, but before I could reach the button, I heard footsteps shuffle towards the door along with the sound of smaller faster ones which I could only assume was a certain girl with a small dog.

The door slowly widened, opening the entrance to the home, but the first thing I was met with was a beautiful pair of brown eyes.

There she was.

The girl that consumed my brain like a cavity to my teeth.

Her hair was clipped up into a messy bun with her bangs framing her face. She wore a grey tank top with matching grey sweats. Behind her was her dog who seemed happy to see me.

He barked with excitement while Lihua remained gazing at me.

I've realized we both haven't greeted each other, and I found myself struggling to speech.

"Ehm," I tried to clear my throat.

I moved the flowers and ice cream towards her so she can see it in my hands.

She looked down at them before looking back at me. Her eyes grew wide.

Did she like them?

"I-I wasn't sure what to get you-" I stuttered like an idiot. "I thought that you might need ice cream or flowers or something..."

Why did I feel so nervous talking to her?

I watched her lips curl up before she moved her hands up to cover her laugh.

I clenched my jaw to stop myself from possibly smiling.

Why is she so cute?

I internally screamed in my mind.

Get a grip, Minghao. This is Lihua. A normal girl. Dokyeom's sister.

You can talk.

I opened my mouth, but no words came out.

SPEAK MINGHAO. JUST FUCKING TALK.

"Uhhh," I finally said.

I internally face palmed from my stupidity.

I closed my eyes ready for her to laugh. It's been more than a week since I last saw her and hear I am acting like a mime.

"Do you want to come in?" Her soft voice filled the air.

I watched as she grabbed the flowers and carton of ice cream from my hands.

I quickly wiped my sweaty hands to my sides.

"Yes," I finally spoke.

She smiled towards me before opening the door wider so I could come inside. She shut the door behind me, and even though I've been to her house before because of the party, it felt different knowing that the guys aren't with me.

Here I was, possibly alone with just Lihua and I.

I felt more nervous, but I tried to keep my composure. I looked at the staircase in wonder if her friends were home. I didn't see any other cars in the driveway, but then again, the house does have a garage.

"Minghao?" I heard Lihua call after me.

I didn't even realize she disappeared until I heard her voice in the distance. Was she in the kitchen?

"Yes?" I called out to her.

I took off my shoes and went after her voice. There she was, putting the flowers into a vase with water while the ice cream carton sat on the counter.

"The girls aren't home so you don't have to feel nervous," she tells me. "I know you don't like being around girls so you don't have to worry."

A rush of anxiety hit me.

So, I really am alone with her?

Why did that make me even more nervous!?

Her eyes met with mine, and I remained planted in my spot. She smiled brightly, and I felt my heart do flips.

"Thank you for the flowers and ice cream. It's been a while since anyone got me flowers," she says with a warm tone.

I felt the ends of my lip tug up but I stopped myself from smiling.

"Yeah, I wasn't sure what to bring you to cheer you up," I tell her.

She smiled at me again, and I felt myself grow more nervous the more she looked at me.

"You didn't have to get me anything," she says. "You being here is enough."

I felt myself unconsciously smile. Hearing her say that to me made me feel light as a feather.

When was the last time I appreciated a girl's compliment that wasn't my mothers?

I can't recall.

I made my way towards her. She finished fixing the flowers and tossed the trash that was left over before washing her hands. Her dog made his way past us and yawned. He disappeared past the corner, probably making his way to take his dog bed to take a nap.

It was quiet between Lihua and I for a moment.

Similar to when we went on a walk outside the museum the other week.

It was quiet, yet peaceful.

I stared at Lihua. She was wiping her hands before opening one of the top cabinets. She was trying to reach for bowls that were a little too deep in the cabinet. She was on her tiptoes, but her hands couldn't reach them due to her stature.

So I went behind her, and I helped her.

She turned around once I grabbed the bowls, and I found myself towering over her with our bodies close and face close in proximity.

We were close.

A little too close.

---

| A N O N Y M O U S |

My love...

She's still loves me right?

She has to. I gave everything away for her...

I did this for her. I left behind my career for her sake. I ignored Jeonghan and Seungkwan's words about you.

So why won't you respond to me?

I just wanna talk to you.

I just wanna see you.

"Lihua, are you home?" I whisper.

It looked just like the picture her friends posted when they were drunk out of their minds. The house was picture perfect. An image that came to life.

I smiled. They made my life a lot easier...

I wonder if she'll be happy to see me? Hopefully, she won't be too upset with what happened between us.

I love you Lihua.

I love you...

My eyes met with a certain vehicle, and all joy disappeared.

I never saw that car in the pictures...

So, who's car is that?

-----

SM Post:

Many people have posted...

• • •

Previous | Next

[hanmi-xo]

Chapter 6: "Trouble Comes Forth"

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | Next

------------------

| L I H U A |

"Lihua, we'll stop asking about Minghao."

I can hear Fallon say after she knocked on my door. I can hear the girls outside whispering and I could tell they didn't want me to be annoyed but they missed my presence.

It's been a couple of days since the party, and that was the last time since I saw Minghao.

Or rather, that was the last time I chose to see him.

Because ever since then, his name has been a hot topic among the girls ever since they found out Minghao and I went out during their party.

I didn't intend to hide it from them, but when we were coming back to the party, Junhui just so happened to be there trying to help the drunkards from hurting themselves with their lack of motor skills.

As much as I appreciate him for taking care of the others and bringing great joy in Fallon's life, he can be a little too informative whenever she asks him a question. Then again, at least he's an honest man.

The next day, when she finally got sober, she asked a simple question of whether or not she was a handful drunkard, and he responded with,

"Oh, no. You weren't. Lihua and Minghao helped me. They came back in time when I arrived."

And hearing the phrase "came back," Fallon certainly had some questions on what he meant from that...

The girls kept asking me about Minghao and why we "snuck out" but all I told them was that I needed some air.

But of course they wouldn't buy that even if it was the truth.

Minghao doesn't just go off with a girl in the middle of the night. Minghao the woman hater of all people...

I sighed.

I laid in my bed in hopes I could get some piece of mind.

It was the afternoon, and I remained in my room as usual. But the thought of Minghao wouldn't leave my head.

The question of Minghao wasn't as bad as before, but with my brother? It was like he grew more protective.

Of course he never said anything bad, but when the others would randomly bring up Minghao, it was like he didn't want me to hear about him.

Word spreads like a disease, and as my older brother who is friends with everyone, word would leak out to him.

My brother is usually easy going but with the events that occured, he's been a bit different...

Maybe it was because of Joshua.

Afterall, Joshua was a close friend of his and eversince our break up, they never stayed friends after that.

He might not want to repeat history...

Joshua.

Just thinking of him still annoys me.

He made different social media accounts trying to contact me the past few days, and I've been ignoring them.

I still don't understand why he's trying so hard to talk to me.

The past is the past. He should move on.

Then again... shouldn't I do the same?

-----

| M I N G H A O |

Ever since the party, I never got to see Lihua. She didn't even say goodbye to me when we got to her house.

She helped me with the drunkards but disappeared right after.

Her friend Fallon was a pain in the ass with the way she kept screaming she was a mermaid, and her friend Junhui needed my help to bring her to her room.

I never met the guy before, but right off the bat when he spoke to me, I knew he was Chinese from his slight accent.

It was nice to know there was a fellow Chinese with me so I could speak my mother tongue, but even so, I couldn't help but think of Lihua during all of it.

She must speak Mandarin to him all the time.

So will she do the same with me?

I wanted to slap myself.

What is wrong with me?

I was on my break, and I needed to get her off my mind. Everything she said that night bothered me.

I hated it.

I hated know she liked me before. I hated knowing she dated that jackass ex of hers. And most of all, I hated the fact that it even bothered me.

What made it worst was knowing that Dokyeom was her brother.

And because of my actions, he's been cold towards me.

I found myself rereading the messages we had the other day.

I never thought he'd be so confrontation towards me..

Who could blame him though?

That's his sister who went off with me in the middle of the night while he was partying.

Any older brother would be concerned.

I couldn't help but sigh at all of this. How ridiculous this whole thing was and how i put myself into this mess because of this stupid girl.

I wanted to see her.

Even if she didn't want to see me. Even if Dokyeom would hate me.

I had so many things I wanted to ask her. So many things I wanted to talk about with her.

Her words from that night echoed in my head.

"I don't want you to hate me."

I scoffed. For her to say that. For her to even think that.

"If anything, I don't want you to hate me," I whispered to myself.

That's the last thing I want.

---------

| L I H U A |

"Hey, Lihua, you have a package," Ellis tells me before knocking on my door.

It was night time and Ellis was the first to come back home before the others.

"A package?" I repeat her words.

I got off my desk chair and my way over to her.

Senko hopped off my bed, and the sound of his tiny paws echoed my room. He stood behind me while I opened my door to see my friend with a package in her hands.

"I don't remember ordering anything online?" I sat aloud as I continued to stare at the package.

I looked up towards her and I watched her expression change into confusion. She looked at the package then back at me.

"What?" She raised a brow.

Something didn't feel right.

I took the package from her hands and opened my door wider for her to come in.

I got my scissors and placed the box on my bed before opening it. Ellis remained beside me. Though she was quiet, I could tell she also was interested in the box.

"Do you think Dokyeom bought you something?" She decides to ask me before I could unwrap what's inside.

"My brother's nice. But he's not that nice. And if he did, he's a few weeks too early," I tell her.

Upon unwrapping the material inside, my eyes widen upon seeing something I never planned on getting.

"Ooh is that from Minghao?" Ellis jokingly says.

I felt all color disappear upon my face. There was a rose along with love letters and petals.

And from the writing, I knew who it was.

"This has to be a sick joke," I spat. "This is disgusting."

I looked over at Ellis who quickly changed her demeanor. Her eyes were wide as if she saw a ghost.

"When did this package arrive?" I dare ask her.

"A little while ago... I saw the delivery guy drop it off when I was about to pull up to the drive way," she answers me with a hint of fear. "But he sped off before I could park."

I quickly took the package in my hands and made my way out of my room. I was heading down the stairs. Behind me, I could hear Ellis follow after me, along with Senko trying to keep up with us.

"Wait, did that piece of shit send the package?" Her voice trailed behind me.

I couldn't answer her. Or rather, I didn't want to confirm if it were true.

I just wanted this out of my sight.

I put on my outdoor slipper and opened the front door. It didn't close behind me, and I could only assume Ellis was watching me from the distance.

I made my way to the trashbin and threw the remains of the package inside. Trash was meant to stay with trash, and that's where it belonged.

I looked around me as my hands began to feel sweaty.

It was like someone was watching me, and I didn't know where, but I had a feeling of who.

I need to call my brother.

--------

SM Post:

Joshua has posted...

Minghao has posted...

• • •

Previous | Next

[hanmi-xo]

Our Ballad | (SVT Joshua x You)

M A I N | O N E S H O T S | S M U T | S C E N A R I O S

-------------------------------

Status: Complete Post Status: Nov. 13, 2023 Pairing: SVT Joshua x You Genre: Angst, Romance, SMAU, One Shot Word Count: 900 Themes: Moving On, Unrequited Love

Note: This is a work of fanfiction. Please respect the real Hong Jisoo/ Joshua Hong Thank you for reading~

Synopsis:

Sometimes a spark doesn't always lead to a flame. He was a song that she never finished listening to. Even seeing him on his special day was difficult to breathe.

You were the reason for our beginning, but you were also the reason for our end. If loving you was going to leave a scar, then I wouldn't have let you in.

I remember how it all happened. The memory of us was like a song I couldn't stop playing.

You reached out towards me. You were everything I thought I wanted, but I wasn't what you needed. It's strange the more I think about it.

Were you the one that chased me or was I the one that followed after you? What happened before? Do you remember?

Do you remember what lead us together? Do you remember the clouds that filled the sky before the rain pour?

We were only in high school, but it felt like I knew you forever ago.

You held your hand out to me after I fell to the ground. I remember that look you had. The way your eyes widened with wonder and concern while your curled lips turned to a gasp.

It was embarrassing but I remember it.

You stuck by my side since then. Maybe it was because of our classes that destined us together, or maybe it was the fact that we couldn't ignore each other. All I remember was the way you'd pass notes to me in class and we would often get into trouble.

You'd goof around with me during detention and even when we had disciplinary exercises.

You could never stay up against the wall like I could and I could never hold that many books on my hands like you did. You were the memory that stayed with me, but your notes is what left your trail.

It was the highlight of my day whenever I would go home and find your random note in my backpack.

You always did let your presence be known with your signature smile with a musical note at the end of each one. You loved the reactions I would give you, and I would always love your attention.

You were a melody I couldn't stop humming. A song that I always wanted to sing but could never be sung.

You were my first love and you were my best friend.

You were always kind to me. You were always sweet. You did everything you can to make me happy.

But even so, it didn't mean you loved me.

Or rather, you didn't love me the way I wanted you to.

When I met you outside of school to watch a movie, you seemed nervous. I asked you to come along in hopes I would see a different side of you that day, but I saw more than I wanted.

And I heard a pitch change in the melody.

When you walked me home, that's when I heard the truth.

"I'm sorry. I never meant to lead you on..."

Your words were slow yet sharp. It was like I was impaled by a knife into my chest or being eaten alive by a monster. I shouldn't have expected more, but I did.

You stopped the tune that I wanted to listen to. What I thought was a ballad was just the blues.

I shouldn't have thought someone like you would love someone like me.

I was bitter when we went separate ways. Even more bitter knowing I won't find anyone like you. But I wasn't bitter enough to hate you. Nor was I bitter enough to take my own life.

But you did.

You weren't there for my birthday.

You weren't there for our graduation.

And you weren't there when you said you'd see me one last time before you'd go.

You never said where. You never said when.

All I remember was your message that you left. You wrote it as if you were going away and you'd see me far from now.

I remember the way your words were written like a poem. It was playful yet dejected. I wish you told me what was going on with you. I wish you told me what happened outside of school.

Outside of our safe haven.

But all I have is your message. All I have is this poem that just reminds me of your absence.

It's not fair. It's not fair that you could leave me like that while I was stuck in the darkness hoping you'd come back.

I have so many questions, but I know you won't answer them.

How could you when you're already gone?

Your mom was there you know? Your mom was there at your funeral. You looked just like her, but she didn't have that melody.

She was cold.

You never talked about her or about your father. He wasn't there. Did he know or did she not tell him?

Or did you not want him to be there?

I wish you told me your story.

I wish you told me all your flaws so I knew the process of your tune. The melody and notes I always listened and hummed to were cut short.

You ended it too soon.

And I know I'll never hear it again.

• • •

End | Thank you for reading <3

Extra:

[hanmi-xo]

To You | His Last Letter

| One Last Letter |

---------------------

Pairing: SVT Dokyeom x You Genre: Angst, Romance, Moving On/ Death, Two Shot, Love Letter Summary: Seokmin and you used to write love letters to each other. Even though you guys were together, writing how one felt always left a warm feeling towards each other. It was a memory you both can physically feel and remember just by rereading the letters. But when you passed, you left one last letter to Seokmin. And in return, after years of trying to move on, he left one last one for you.

It laid on your tombstone with a rock holding it in place next to the flowers he left behind. This was his way of letting go. This was his way of moving on.

Dear Love,

I still remember the time we first met. I remember how you laughed at me for running into a pole when I first noticed your beauty in this busy city.

It was embarrassing at first, but it's what led me to you. I remember it all too well. The way you ran to me to help me up before bringing me to your flower shop. You gave me an ice pack from the mini fridge you left in the back room.

I remember the way your hair would bounce whenever you tilted your head and the beige apron you wore to protect your clothes.

You were beautiful then and even more so the last time I saw you.

But that was long ago. It's been a bit over a decade now and my friends and I have been doing well.

I've been doing well...

You were right about the rewards and the fame that came to us. You were right about the recognition and love I received from everyone around me.

It was hard without you. It was harder knowing I couldn't even contact you.

But I was able to do it because of you. Because of the words you said before your passing and the letter you left with me.

I still look back it you know.

I still have your letter...

But it doesn't hurt anymore. It doesn't keep me up at night nor do I feel alone. I've been eating my meals and exercising with the others. I remember how you care a lot about my health and well being.

I visited the beach you always liked going to. It hasn't changed much since, but more foreigners have been showing up because of international advertisement.

I was in that advertisement...

I didn't want to do it at first since that place reminded me of you, but I remembered how much you would stare at the horizon. How you wished more people could love what you saw in that place.

You always did have a good heart to the world around us.

If only the world was kind enough to let you stay...

I'll meet you again once the time comes, but I'll keep going. I'll do what I can to take care of myself and for everyone else.

I don't know if I can fall in love again like I did with you. I won't find anyone like you, but I know I can't keep holding on to what we once had. If I fall in love again, and if I were to get married and have kids like you wanted, I don't want you to think I stopped loving you.

Because I could never do that. Not in a million or billion or any number of years higher than that.

They say all love is different, and if that were to be true, then my love for you would be unchangeable.

Maybe, I'll fall in love again, and that love may be different from ours, but I'll never forget you. I won't forget everything we had and we went through. I love you still as much as I loved you before.

But I have to at least try to move on now. Not because you told me to, but because I know I have to.

So let's meet again in the next life, okay?

Rest well,

Your Sunshine

• • • To Him | To You

[hanmi-xo]

To Him | Her Last Letter

| One Last Letter |

---------------------

Pairing: SVT Dokyeom x You Genre: Angst, Romance, Moving On/ Death, Two Shot, Love Letter Summary: Seokmin and you used to write love letters to each other. Even though you guys were together, writing how one felt always left a warm feeling towards each other. It was a memory you both can physically feel and remember just by rereading the letters. But when you passed, you left one last letter to Seokmin.

And here he was, reading that letter you left behind. The one letter he'll always hold on to.

Dear Sunshine,

If you're reading this, then I'm already gone. I'm sorry I had to leave you behind like this. I wish we had more time. There's so much more things I wish we could have done together, but I'm also grateful to have done a lot with you.

I'm not sure what to say since my mind is jumbled with so many things. Even now, writing this hurts, but I don't want you crying alone. I don't want you to cut away from the world because of my absence. There's people that are still here. They're still by your side. Even if I may not be next to you, I'll always be there.

I wasn't scared of dying or knowing what was to come for me. What scared me was knowing that I was going to leave everyone I knew behind. I was going to leave my world behind.

I was leaving you behind...

But we'll meet again soon. I'll wait for you. I'll watch as you become the greatest singer in the world and be known as Dokyeom. Those friends of yours have become your brothers and I can already see the amazing things you all will be doing.

I'll watch as you gain rewards and be remembered world wide as the man who has the brightest smile and strongest spirit. The world will hear your voice and the sounds of your heart.

You will be loved, and I will watch it all.

One day, you'll move on and fall in love with someone and have a family of your own. And you'll realize how great life truly is. You'll learn to love again. You'll learn to love everyone and everything again.

So, don't cry. Don't cut yourself off from everything and everyone you love. Don't forget about those around you. You won't be alone. You'll never be alone, remember that... please.

Even if it takes time, I know you're strong. So strong that you'll keep going.

Because that's who you are, and that's who I fell in love with. I love you Seokmin. I love you my Sunshine and Forevermore. Even if we can't stay together in this life, may we meet again in the next.

And I'll love you as I always do.

Forever and always,

Your Love

• • • To Him | To You

[hanmi-xo]

One Last Letter | (SVT Dokyeom x You)

M A I N | O N E S H O T S | S M U T | S C E N A R I O S

---------------------

Status: Complete Post Date: Nov. 11, 2023 Pairing: SVT Dokyeom x You Genre: Angst, Romance, Two Shot Word Count (Total): 1.2k Themes: Moving on, Death, Love Letters

Note: This is a work of fanfiction based on real people. Please respect the real Lee Seokmin (Seventeen Dokyeom)

Synopsis:

Lee Seokmin and you once were together until an illness took you away from the world. Letters were both your love language. Two letters between two lovers that parted ways without choice.

These were their last letter to each other.

Letters |

To Him • To You

[hanmi-xo]

Chapter 5: "What Once Was"

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | Next ------------------

| M I N G H A O |

"Minghao?" Her voice was soft yet delicate. It was like a lullaby that calmed a troubled soul.

But who was she?

I couldn't see her face. The light shined too bright behind her and caused her to glow. I had to bring my hand up to protect my eyes. It was like I was talking to an angel or some supernatural being.

But I didn't feel scared. I didn't feel any tremor. I was more curious than anything, and I wished the damn light would get out of my eyes.

The distance that once separated us closed. Her hand reached out towards me. Her fingers were gentle on my face.

I wanted to speak, but I couldn't. Even with my mouth open, nothing came out.

The light soon dimmed down and the young lady's face was revealed. I couldn't move. Her brown eyes glistened as if she could read me. As if she wanted me to stay.

"Lihua?"

A rush of adrenaline came through me. I shot my eyes open.

The sunlight was slowly peeking through my blinds and I was met with my ceiling. I rubbed my eyes to see what was real and what wasn't real. What I experienced... was that a dream?

I raised my hand and softly slapped my cheek...

I felt it sting, and I winced from the hit... so then...

Did I just have a dream of Lihua? No fucking way...

Anger and frustration crept over me like a shadow. I didn't like it. I didn't like how I had a dream of her. What was I thinking? What could have made me dream of her?

I grabbed my phone off my night stand to see what time it could be.

7:43 am

I sighed, and I laid my head deep into my pillow. I covered my face with my free hand to calm my nerves. I can't believe that happened...

Why did I dream of her?

I usually dream of work or falling off a buildings. You know, one of those stupid dreams. It's been awhile since I've dreamt of a girl. So why in the world did have a dream of her?

I scoffed.

"What the hell is wrong with me?" I mutter.

I tried to calm my beating heart, but I heard my phone ring with a notification.

I felt my heart race and a sense of anxiety overwhelm me. She accepted my follow request...

"What the fuck."

—

| L I H U A |

I can hear the others singing their lungs out downstairs. Their vocal cords were faint, but the way the music vibrated my room made it hard for me to read my book. The bass rang and shook the space as if I was in the palm of its hand.

I laid in my bed while the others partied. I tried to ignore their loud noises, but even with headphones on my body can feel beats of the melody.

It was Saturday, and the guys were here partying with the girls. Fallon seemed to be thrilled of the idea of having a get-together since she was stressed with school- even telling her good friend and classmate Junhui to come along. She's been spending a lot of time with him, and I could only assume that he may be someone she's interested in.

Even if it was Soonyoung's party, Fallon still had control over it since it's technically her house. Besides, who would protest over her inviting a friend?

I remember her talking about Junhui earlier to week. Since Junhui was an international student, she wanted him to feel welcome, and she was hoping my brother and his friends would let him into their circle.

I did tell Dokyeom about Fallon's request, and he said that he'll be more than happy to have another friend.

I'm not sure if Junhui showed up though. I've been in my room before my brother and his friends arrived.

Earlier, Dokyeom would check on me every once in awhile, but it's been a few hours since he last knocked on my door. They're probably having a good time.

The party was supposed to end at 9pm... it's already 10:32pm.

I took off my headphones and grabbed my bag.

Maybe I should head to the library or something? I know I should stick around, but I was never good with social events like this. Even the reunion felt tiring before Joshua showed up, and all he did was make it worst.

Joshua...

Ever since I blocked him, he hasn't been bothering me. It was nice not having to deal with his messages, but I had a strange feeling he might come around again. I saw his post a few days back about me before I blocked him.

Wanting a 2nd chance or whatever, but I don't think I'd want that- I don't think I'd want to make it work. What happened before is long gone.

I got over him years before. I don't need to be reminded of him.

What he said when he broke up with me still lingers. It's something I try to ignore, and now that Joshua's back in town, it's like he's reopening my stitches. Just thinking about him gives me a headache.

I took a deep breath before sighing to release my frustration. I tossed everything I needed into my bag before putting it on. Would the library even be open at this time? Should I just go to that cafe nearby?

I heard Senko get off my bed to follow me. His paws softly smacked the floor with the pitter-patter sound of his short nails.

"I don't think you should come Senko," I say to my pup before putting on my leather backpack.

He smiled at me with his tongue out not understand anything I'm saying. He just wanted to be wherever I went like the affectionate animal he is. It was hard to say no to him. He's too loving to me.

"Alright," I said, kneeling down to his level. "I guess you can come."

He barked before twirling around in circles. I laughed at his silliness before getting his leash off the hook that hung on my wall.

I opened my door and watched my dog jump around before leading the way.

--

| M I N G H A O |

I watched the others have the time of their life with slight anxiety. I didn't want to have the responsibility of taking care of the drunk, and a part of me was hoping to leave before anyone could notice how sober I am.

I wanted to go, but a part of me was telling me to stay. It was amusing watching them drunk, but I don't want to be anyone's chaperone.

Almost everyone was singing. Soonyoung was taking lead with the song and Dokyeom would put adlibs whenever he had the chance. I sat on the couch and witnessed it all happen with empty bottles of alcohol scattered on the table along paper plates of eaten and almost eaten food.

The girls were drunk along with Soonyoung. Their voices were enthusiastic but their words were almost incoherent with the way they slurred them together.

Seungcheol was still holding himself together even after taking multiple shots. Dokyeom, on the other hand, was about to lose himself.

"PAAAAARTY!" Dokyeom yelled with Soonyoung and the girls cheering behind him.

"WOOOO!" They yelled in unison after Dokyeom.

Soonyoung tried handing the mic to me, but I quickly got up with a shake of my hand in refusal. I need some water. The living room felt too warm with all this body heat.

Before I left to grab a water bottle, I can heard Seungcheol take lead with the next song. I can only assume he took the mic after I left.

"SOSOSOSO RIGHT NOW!" I heard him sing while everyone hyped him up with encouraging words.

Their shouts were getting less loud the further I got away from the living room. It felt good to be alone. It let me catch my breath and recharge my social battery.

I grabbed a cold water bottle from the cooler before taking a sip. It was refreshing and cooled my soul. I sighed in bliss before taking another sip.

A certain brunette came to view and I almost spat out my drink.

Lihua's eyes looked at me for a moment before waving at me. I turned around to stop myself from having water come out of my nose.

She looked the same as she did in my dream...

Why the hell does she look like that.

I can hear her go around me to grab a water bottle from the cooler. I slowly turned around to see her figure ready to leave, but her dog seemed to be wanting something.

Senko barked and twirled around as if he was trying to speak, and Lihua smiled at her dog before grabbing what seemed like dog treats from the cabinet.

"Okay, okay," she says. "You can get a snack after your walk."

Walk?

She was going for a walk? In the middle of the night? Why would she do that?

"Why would you go for a walk at a time like this?" I couldn't help but express my dislike towards her decision. "It's dangerous to go alone." My tone was rather rude from my sudden concern over her.

If she got hurt, who knows what happens? I don't want anything happening... I mean, Dokyeom would lose his mind if anything were to happen to her.

Lihua was surprised by my words and looked at me with wide eyes.

"I was only going to go for a walk then come back," she said meekly. She seemed taken back from my words. "Maybe go to the cafe or library or something..."

"Well don't," I tell her. "I don't need you wandering around while everyone else is drunk."

If anything were to happen to her, I highly doubt our drunk friends could do anything. Seungcheol may seem alright for now, but I know he'll pass out in an hour- leaving me to be the only one to be fine.

Her brother is literally talking to a paper plate as we speak, and she wishes to go out right now?

Lihua's eyes drifted away from mine. She seemed rather disappointed. Did I hurt her feelings?

"...Alright," she said. Her voice was almost inaudible to hear. "Come on Senko..."

She turned away from me with a low spirit. It was difficult to see her walk away like this. I didn't mean to ruin her mood.. I haven't spoken to her in over a week, and our conversation was going to be cut short like that?

At least argue with me or something...

I hated how she didn't bother looking at me when all I could do was stare at her. I wish she didn't have to push me away so easily as if I was some stranger to her. Could she at least pretend we're friends so I wouldn't feel like this around her?

I scoffed to get her attention.

"Do you really want to leave that bad?" I ask her.

I need her to look at me. I want her to say something. I didn't go to the party just to deal with my drunk friends and some girls their friends with-

I came because of this stupid woman.

It's because of that stupid dream, I fucking swear. My heart won't shut up. Will my gut stop twisting and let me breathe?

"Yeah," Lihua said in defeat.

Her eyes drew across the floor before meeting mine. She played with the leash in her hand while Senko sat there with his tongue out, not understanding a word we were saying.

"Wait.. what?" I almost forgot what I asked her. The way my body reacted towards her was distracting.

If I could punch myself, I would- just so I can talk to her normally.

Lihua looked towards the living room while she rubbed her arm. I followed her gaze and saw our loud friends chanting some random words.

"KUNG CHI PAK CHI, KUNG CHI PAK CHI, YEAH!" They all yelled.

Their voices were like sirens with the way it bounced throughout the house. I can see why she would want to leave. Our friends are way too loud. It was like monkeys let loose.

I turned to look at her, and her eyes met mine. A tingle set out through me with a follow of nervousness, but I ignored it. I ignored the feelings that were bothering me like a buzzing bee.

"Do really want to get out of here?" I ask her.

She nodded her head with a slight confused look. I hate to admit how cute she looked doing that, and I cursed at myself for even thinking that.

"Yes... why?" She asks.

Fuck it.

"I'll go with you," I say ignoring all sense and nonsense within me.

It took a moment for her to react, but the moment she realized what I said- her face brightened.

It was like I saw a flower blossomed for the first time. I cover my lips to hide the curls that came up on its own.

What's wrong with me?

—-

| L I H U A |

The night sky looked so pretty. I leaned on the railing that separated me from the ocean. I had a view of the town and the view of the horizon in the distance. Minghao seemed to know this hidden area- saying that instead of going to the library of cafe, we can stay here for a bit before our friends get too crazy.

We were only 10-15 minutes from home, but it felt so nice like I was away from the world.

The lights twinkling from the buildings and boats. They gave this lovely glow to this chilly night. There was life even at the darkest hour and I smiled at the thought. It left this fuzzy feeling inside me, and I was enthralled by all of it.

I sighed in bliss.

I felt a pair of eyes staring at me and I turned to look at the man who brought me here.

Minghao stood next to me but his focus went to the scenery in front of us. For a moment I thought I he was looking my way. Maybe I was wrong?

The sound of the waves crashing onto the cement wall below us filled the air with the follow of a ship pulling its horn. In the distance I can see lighthouse guide its way to town.

My mom used to being me to that light house... She said it's like a beacon of light that lets people know where home is.

"You really like sightseeing," I heard Minghao suddenly say.

I stared at him. His eyes wavered from the stars before looking at me.

I smiled. He wasn't wrong. I always did have a fascination with how things looked around me.

"The world is pretty in person, and if I could paint the moment, I would," I tell him.

"Why don't you paint then?" He asks me.

I shook my head with a smile before looking back at the landscape ahead of us.

"I lost that touch years ago," I say. The memory of Joshua came to mind.

"Why's that?" Minghao asks me.

My eyes met his again. He seemed curious, and his face of focus was amusing to witness. But could I tell him about Joshua? I thought he would know from Dokyeom or Seungcheol. Then again, why would he care? I am a woman after all...

"Did my brother not tell you what happened?" I ask him.

Minghao seemed rather confused by my words. He narrowed his brows.

"No, what happened?" He asks me.

It was strange to see him so interested. Then again, he probably doesn't want us to be filled with silence.

I guess I should tell him...

---

| M I N G H A O |

She spoke with a clear voice but her eyes were heavy. Maybe I shouldn't have asked about her change of heart, but I couldn't help but seek an answer.

"Joshua was my muse," Lihua says, but her eyes weren't on me. She was staring off into the distance.

Joshua? The guys mentioned him before...He was at the reunion.

Wait- so that means they were together?

"Most of my art was inspired by him, and when we broke up..." her voice slowed down before she sighed.

This was a tough topic, and I was ready to change it. I didn't like how she seemed to appear so heavy hearted.

"We can change the topic," I tell her in hopes she would agree.

She looked at me with those dark orbs that had the moons reflection. I couldn't help but gaze at her. She tilted her head at me as if I said something she didn't understand.

She hummed with a smiled that seemed too good on her. "It's alright. I don't mind sharing. After all, you did ask. It wouldn't be right to ignore your question even when I'm already answering it."

The way she looked towards me and spoke made me feel funny. It was that strange feeling again, and I tried to ignore it. But I couldn't stop looking at her.

"Alright," I say.

She nodded her head before continuing where she left off. She was telling me what happened with Joshua and her. What happened in high school, but I can tell with the way she spoke about the topic, she left some parts out. Most likely for the sake of her personal well being.

"Joshua was my first love," she says. "He was there whenever I had no one to talk to, but even though he courted me and asked me out, I became the fool of it all."

I watched the way her brows knitted together while she reminisced of what once was. She was hurt, and she was hiding it. I wanted to say something to cheer her up.

But I didn't know how.

I couldn't help but feel angry. Not towards her, but towards that man that was hardly a man.

---

| L I H U A |

It was weird talking about this topic with him, but Minghao has been more talkative lately. It wouldn't be right to ignore his curiosity.

"A few months after graduation," I say before sighing.

The memory was still clear even after these years. I felt annoyed and upset by the thought, but even so, there's nothing that can change the past.

"Joshua broke up with me because of his modeling career." I remember the way Joshua spoke so highly about his dream job and how the moment he got the job opportunity, he was already ready to say his goodbyes.

It was bitter, not even sweet.

I stared at the lights that luminescence the town buildings in hopes to distract my disheartened spirit.

"I remember it all a little too well," I mutter. "Saying that models like him shouldn't be someone like me. Someone that isn't close to his league whatever you want to call it...I was considered to be below his level or whatever. It could be Jeonghan who told him to say that or it could really be coming from his heart. Whatever the case was, Joshua was ready to leave me. I saw it coming, but I didn't want to leave first because of this false hope I had in him... but I was the fool for even thinking he'd stay."

I couldn't even cry talking about him. I felt no sense of needing to. He's not worth my tears or my time, but a part of me wished I did. A part of me wished that I still had that Joshua I first met- not the Joshua who became like Jeonghan...

I glanced over at Minghao. He was quiet but his eyes were on me. He had an expression that I couldn't read. He seemed mad... but why would he be mad?

"Are you okay?" I asked him.

He scoffed and shook his head at me. It was like I said something dumb.

"I should be the one asking you that," he suddenly says. His tone was strange. He seemed mad but he also seemed annoyed.

I looked away from him. I was okay. At least I believe I'm okay.

The moonlight shined through the night with clouds slowly taking form. It'll rain soon...

"I'm okay," I tell him. "I'm more so annoyed than upset."

"Then that makes the two of us," I heard him say.

My attention drifted from the moonlight back to the man next to me. It was nice to know Minghao held an agreement over the matter. Even if he insist on hating women, he still had a heart.

He leaned on the railing with the rays of light hitting him. He seemed to glow in this dark night, and the memory of first meeting him came to mind. It was funny remembering it now.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" I asked him.

He looked at me with narrowed brows. He seemed a bit surprised by my question from the change of topic.

"Yeah?" He said. His eyes wondered away from me before looking back into my eyes as if he was hesitant on answering. "It was outside your house wasn't it?"

A bit of me died from his words. I guess nothing changed in high school.

I shook my head with low eyes. I didn't want to look at him. I forced a smile to hide my disappointment. The waves below me called for my attention and my eyes remained there.

"We met at the cafeteria," I tell him. "Dokyeom was introducing me to his friends and you were there. You didn't bother looking at me even though he said I was his sister."

I wanted to laugh for thinking he'd remember that. He hates women... why would he even remember meeting me?

Minghao didn't speak. The sound of waves crashing filled this gap between us. Maybe I shouldn't have asked him. Maybe I shouldn't have expected him to remember... the girls were always the ones to remember...

"It's alright," I say in hopes to lift the mood. "It's high school. Nobody remembers much of it anyways."

I turn to look at him, and I found him staring deeply into me. I froze.

His eyes stared at me with such a look that made it hard for me to ignore. His brows furrowed as if he had so much to say but he also didn't. What was going through his mind?

Should I ask?

No... I feel as though I already ruined the mood.

"The painting," I quickly say, I needed to change the topic. My eyes went away from him. I couldn't look at him. "My mother used to paint. She's one of the reasons I started painting."

It was weird how Minghao seemed to be so attentive towards me. Was it the alcohol that's making him like this? He doesn't reek of it though?

"Your mother painted?" He said with a change of tone. His voice was a bit soft, almost like he was talking to me with his heart.

I nodded my head. I leaned on my hand and stared up at the sky.

"She's gone, but I still think about her." I took a deep breath and sighed. "The memory of her was almost like a dream. Someone I didn't think would exist but appeared in my life before disappearing. She was loving and everything any child would dream for..."

I couldn't help but speak about her- how great my mother was. I didn't bother telling anyone about her since I knew it would make things awkward, and seeing how Minghao seemed so interested, it was difficult for me to not speak about her.

I watched the lighthouse beam with light while the boats docked onto the pier. They made it home... those people.

I smiled remembering how my mom would point at the boats. She always said being lost is scary, and finding a safe haven was one of the greatest feelings to have.

"She was my safe haven... you know?" I mutter. "My lighthouse."

I felt my eyes get watery. I missed her even after all these years of her being gone. She deserved to be remember. She deserved all the love I could give her.

"If that accident didn't happen..." my voice grew weak. I felt a tear escape and fall down my cheek. I quickly wiped it.

I didn't want Minghao to see me like this. He brought me here to get some air, not to make things low.

I felt a warm presence come towards me. His hand brushed my hair away from my face as if he wanted to see me. It was strange. Was he comforting me?

His eyes... why did he look at me like that? Why did he look at me as if I was someone worth his time?

"I'm sorry..." my voice cracked as I tried to hold in my sob that tried to escape my lips.

I never told Dokyeom about my mom like I did with Minghao... yet here I was a mess in front of him. In front of my brother's best friend.

Minghao shook his head towards me. "Don't..."

He was so empathetic towards me. I didn't know how to react, nor did I know what to say.

All I could do was stare at those eyes of his that seemed to reflect off of mine. Was he always this kind? I felt my gut begin to twist...

No. He's Minghao. He hates women... I shouldn't feel this towards him.

I pulled away from him, leaving his hand that once calmed my nerves. I couldn't look at him... not with the way my heart began to feel funny.

I knew this feeling. I knew this feeling too well.

What am I doing with him? Why did I go here? I was supposed to read a book... get some air... so why did it feel like we were having a moment?

As if we were something when we weren't?

"I'm sorry for dragging you here," I tell him. My eyes stared down at the waves below me.

He shouldn't be here. I shouldn't have decided to go out...

"We shouldn't be alone like this," I speak my thoughts aloud. "I don't want our friends talking about us... I don't want you to end up hating me."

There was silence just like before. The moonlight disappeared behind the grey clouds that began to cover the starry sky.

It's going to rain...

I felt his eyes on me, but I didn't look. I couldn't look. I felt distraught by everything that was running through my mind and everything that I felt going on.

Minghao. My brother's best friend. He's someone I once liked in high school, but upon meeting him, he wasn't like I expected. He was cold, but now.. it's like he had some sense of warmth.

I looked at him. His eyes were low before looking back at me. The way his bangs softly bounced and the scent of his cologne was hard to ignore now.

Before I could see him and not think anything... but now.

"Minghao," I call for his attention.

He stood upright with slight wonder. There's a reason I've been avoiding him. Not just because he's my brother's best friend or because he hated women.

It's because...

"I used to like you in high school," I admit.

There was a change in his eyes. It was like I said something so shocking it was hard for him to accept. Maybe it's because I'm Dokyeom's sister... that's all people remembered me as in high school.

Even now, I'm only known as Dokyeom's sister...

I turned away from Minghao before sighing.

"Let's stop being alone like this... I know my presence bothers you, but your presence bothers me too."

He had to know the truth. He had to know how I felt before Joshua... before graduation.

And before we ended up where we are now.

—

| M I N G H A O |

The ride to her house was stiffening. It was  like I was dying but I also wasn't. Everything she said... I couldn't even respond to her. I couldn't even say anything. My chest felt bitter yet it raced next to her.

Lihua had so much on her mind and so much bothering her that I didn't even know. She was so careful around me, yet I was blind towards her.

The sound of the windshield wipers and rain filled this void. We didn't speak to each other. And even if we did, what would we even say?

I should be mad hearing her confession, but I wasn't.

I was more mad that I didn't know sooner... because now, I know she'll never let me close to her again.

We were going to be strangers again.

Something I didn't want.

---------------

SM Post: Seungcheol has posted...

Joshua has posted...

• • •

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[hanmi-xo]

Chapter 4: "A Blooming Moment"

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | Next ------------------

| L I H U A |

I played with my fingers while I waited for Minghao. The front of the museum wasn't that busy when I showed up with a few couples and elderly people walking around. I waited outside next to the ticket booth.

"I'm sorry, but Minghao is currently tour guiding a group right now," the elderly man said. He stood behind the counter with an apologetic look with a radio in his hand. "His break will be in 15 minutes. Did you want to wait here or walk around? But if you decide to go inside, you'll need to pay a ticket for entrance."

I stared at the building which had carefully crafted architecture. The sun was hidden behind the clock tower that stood tall at the center of the building.

The exterior walls were similar to the renaissance era with the way the upper arches curved into an elegant form. It looked like I was staring into a painting- or history if you will.

Did I want to enter the place again?

The image of that painting came into mind. It was my conundrum.

"I'll buy a ticket."

~

The museum was the same as I first entered this place. Elegant yet modern. I walked passed the water fountain and made my way pass the crowds. The skyline roofing caused light to shine through inside the building. I remembered where the painting was from the art gallery after following the different yet recognizable paintings.

Upon reaching the area, it was hidden from the crowd. It stood upright with nobody around to admire its crafts.

I stared at the painting and anchored myself in front of it. I felt some sort of connection to this painting. I don't know why, but I did.

I feel like I've seen this before, but where exactly?

Was it one of my paintings? It looked similar to it the more I gazed at its strokes and colors. The tones were recognizable but the way it was painted- the more I looked at it- it wasn't really similar to my style of art.

I crossed my arms. There was something standing out within the painting. It was small, but I was able to see it.

I looked behind me to see if anyone was around. It seemed the room was almost empty. There was an elderly couple leaving the area, and I quickly went under the black stanchion that separated me from the painting.

I tilted my head to get a better look at the engraving. There was some paint cover it. The layer was thick than the rest of the painting. It was like someone painted over it.

"What the hell are you doing?"

I jumped from the sudden voice. I turned around and saw the man who I've been waiting for. He was giving me a confused look.

I quickly went back to the other side of the stanchion and he watched me do so with a raised brow. He glanced at the painting before looking back at me.

"Listen, you can look, but you can't touch," he says with crossed arms. "What were you doing anyways? There's a rope barrier for a reason."

"Uhm..." I felt embarrassed for being caught. "I was just looking at something within the painting..."

I twiddled with my thumbs, avoiding his judging eyes.

He moved next to me, and I saw him stare at the painting too. He seemed to be admiring the artwork just like before. There was a sparkle in his eyes with the way he looked at it.

It makes me wonder...

"Do you also like the painting?" I decide to ask him.

Minghao turned his head towards me with wide eyes. He was bit taken back from my question, but he didn't seem against my curiosity. He crossed his arms with a thoughtful look and gazed back at the painting.

"It's a good painting, I guess," he says. His brown orbs shifted back towards me. "Why?"

I put my hands behind my back and stared at the artwork again. It hung there and presented itself as if it wanted me to speak about my connection towards it. It was bizarre and hard to explain. It felt like it was trying to tell me something...

I tilted my head and my eyes went back to the small carving that seemed to be painted over at the corner of the art piece. I could recognize the sketch, but I also couldn't.

"Have you ever felt so connected with an art piece that... you can't stop coming back to it...?" I say my thoughts aloud. "Like you want to know more about it?"

There was a moment of silence between us but I felt his dark orbs hit me. I turned to look at him and his eyes met mine. He stared at me with an expression I couldn't understand.

Did he agree with me or was he judging me for saying such a thing?

I looked away from him- breaking our eye contact.

"Never mind..." I mutter.

I guess I shouldn't have asked him.

My eyes wandered the floor before staring back at the man who seemed to be doing the same. He was quiet, but the way his brows knitted together told me he was thinking.

I wanted to ask what was on his mind, but I didn't.

I came here to get my journal. So I shouldn't bother him longer than I already have.

"Minghao," I call for him.

His eyes shifted towards me. "Yeah?"

"Do you have my journal?" I ask him.

He changed his composure and slowly nodded his head. "Yeah..."

His voice seemed hesitant. It was like he wasn't sure if he should confirm its whereabouts.

I felt a little suspicious of him so I stared him down. He avoided eye contact with me and quickly maneuvered away from me. He made an invisible barrier between us as if he was trying to get away from me.

"So.." I start. "Where is it?"

I watched him slowly turn his head further away from me. I narrowed my brows.

"Minghao?" I called for him again.

Why was he acting so cold all of the sudden? Or rather, why did he seemed so frigid?

"Hey," he says suddenly. His voice was low and slow. "I'll give it to you later, okay?"

I narrowed my brows. This isn't what I agreed on.

I walked in front of him in hopes of speaking to him without him avoiding me. He had an awkward expression and shifted his eyes to avoid mind. He looked guilty over something.

But what exactly?

"Minghao," I call for his attention.

He continued look away as if he couldn't hear me. I was getting upset with his behavior.

"Where's my journal?" I ask once more, but this time my voice was stern compared to before. "Can you please tell me where it is?"

I watched his eyes slowly look back at me. He seemed to show some cooperation, but he still seemed guilty over something.

"About your journal," he starts.

He closed his eyes and put his hands up as if he was trying to calm me down over something I don't know about.

"You have every right to be mad, but..." he spoke slowly.

I squinted my eyes at him. "Mad?"

Why should I be mad?

"Let's say... I might have... " He spoke almost in a whisper and it was hard for me to hear the end of his sentence.

I raised a brow in confusion. "Wait, what did you say?"

I watched him closed his eyes once more before taking to courage to speak aloud. He gave me an expression as if he didn't want to repeat himself but he knew he had to.

"I said, I might have ripped it," he says much louder than before.

I felt my stomach twist from his words.

—-

| M I N G H A O |

She was upset. And she had every right to be. I didn't intend for this to happen, but it did, and I don't know how to make things better.

I gave her the journal before getting off my shift, and she stared at it with horror. She was quiet and didn't know what to say to me.

I felt guilty beyond measure.

What was I supposed to say at a time like this?

"About your journal, I-"

"Don't," she cut me off quickly.

Her voice was gentle yet cold. It was a tone I didn't think I would be able to hear from her. Her eyes were low and avoided looking at me.

How was I able to make this up for her? I hated feeling guilty, and I hated knowing that I couldn't fix what I've done.

"I can drive you home," I tell her.

I needed to find some way to find common ground. She may be a woman, but I still have my sense of morality.

I watched her sit down on the outside bench, ignoring me. She was more concerned over the journal and how it was mishandled.

I found myself watching her as she checked each page to see if anything was missing along with counting photos. She was thorough with her organization with the way she knew where each page and photo goes. She must have spent a lot of time writing in it. There was a lot, and I mean, a lot of things thrown into that. It amazes me how she's able to keep it all in there without it falling out.

Unlike me who broke it the moment I turned it around...

She picked up the worn-out letter that was written in Chinese, and my eyes lit up.

Her eyes turned to me as if she knew I was looking. I immediately tried to look away, but I felt her staring at me.

"Did you see what's inside?" Her voice was soft yet curious.

I turned to look at her. She had her usually calm expression. I don't know if I should be concerned. Was she mad? Upset? Or was she okay now?

"No..." I answered.

It wasn't the entire truth since I did get a glimpse of that letter. I tried to avoid looking at everything else though.

She smiled softly before turning away from me. She seemed to be amused by something. I watched her lift the letter in her hands with low eyes. She held it as if it was the most precious thing in the world.

Her eyes went up and I followed her gaze. She was staring at the park across from us. The lake was lively with a few people walking around it and other getting their daily run. Then there were those that walked their dogs and those that fished or did yoga.

The weather was nice today.

The trees softly danced with the spring flowers blooming under them. The scenery was beautiful. It was almost like a scene in a book.

I looked back at Lihua.

She was smiling softly while she gazed at the scenery in front of us. It was that same look she had on the balcony back at the reunion. Though she was stressed earlier, she looked almost in bliss.

She seemed happy.

Strange enough, I couldn't help but gaze at her. Why did she look like that?

She seemed so fond of the world around her...

"I'm sorry for ripping your journal." The words came out of my mouth without realizing it. It must be from the guilt I had, and I was too fearful to speak about the matter.

It's too embarrassing to admit my faults, but for some reason, Lihua just seemed to have the patience for me- or maybe for almost anything.

Maybe it's because of this tranquil nature of hers, or maybe it's just I how felt in the moment from seeing the beauty around me, but I felt the need to tell her how guilty I felt.

She slowly turned to look at me. Her head titled to get a view of my face that I tried to hide from her. I covered my mouth with my hand to hide my embarrassment before looking away.

I felt the breeze hit me with a few petals flying from the cherry blossom tree near us.

"It's alright."

Her voice danced with the wind. I turned around to look at her. She was smiling at me, and I couldn't avoid her eyes.

A few petals floated pass us with a butterflies fluttering around.

For a moment, I felt my gut twirl. It crawled all around and gave me goosebumps along my skin. My heart raced with a follow of nervousness. But why should I be nervous? And what would making me nervous?

I didn't understand this feeling.

I watched Lihua get off the bench after fixing what she can with her journal. She was ready to leave.

I didn't want her to go yet.

It might be the warmth of the sun, or maybe the way the place felt too lively to just walk away, but I didn't want her to leave like this.

"Don't you want to walk around and look at the scenery?" I ask her.

She looked at me with surprise. I watched her twirl back around to look at the park we were looking at earlier. She thought for a moment before looking over at me.

Her orbs met mine, and I felt warm and a tingle in my gut.

"Are you asking me to go on a walk with you?"

Her question threw me off from the way she worded it. There's no way I asked her that. I asked her if she wanted to walk around to look at the scenery. I don't recall bringing myself up.

And even if I did, I highly doubt she'll say yes. That's practically a date.

She's Dokyeom's sister.

Why would I do that?

"Why would I ask you to go on a walk with me?" My voice came out a bit rude than intended.

Her eyes widened. "Oh."

I watched her turn away again, and I felt myself get guilty. She didn't get upset because of that did she?

"I'll walk around then," she says.

Her eyes looked towards the park before looking back at me. Her eyes sparkled from the sunlight.

"Thanks again for my journal, Minghao." Her voice was soft and smooth.

Why did she have to say my name like that? And why did she act like I wasn't going to see her for awhile?

I'm friends with her brother. So I'll see her around... right?

The thought of her not being around suddenly hit me. It's not like we're friends. I'm Dokyeom's friend. Not hers.

But my legs moved on their own.

And I found myself following her.

Her eyes met mine again once she realized I was behind her. I too was surprised by my own actions.

"Uh..." Was all I could say like the moron I am.

She tilted her head at me with curled lips. She seemed amused by my behavior.

Trust me. I'm not always like this.

"If you wanted to go for a walk together, we can," she tells me.

I was ready to protest against her.

"I won't consider it a date," she quickly tells me. It was like she read my mind. "So don't worry."

I don't know why, but I disliked her words. I didn't hate it nor did I like it. I don't know.

I didn't know what to say, so I stayed quiet. I followed behind her as she led the way.

The park was beautiful and charming. It was much prettier up close seeing the ducks swim in the lake and the squirrels that ran across the grass to climb up the trees. The scent of flowers were faint and being under the trees' leaves felt like a breath of fresh air. The path around the lake wasn't too long, but it was shorter than I expected.

She didn't speak during the walk.

Maybe it's because she didn't know what to say to me, or maybe it's because she didn't want me to feel irritated by her presence.

But I wish she spoke.

It was quiet with her, but it didn't feel terrible. Was walks always this peaceful?

When I walk alone, it's nothing like this.

I wish the walk was longer...

But she had to go.

~

"I can drive you home," I insisted.

She was ready to go our separate ways far quicker than I thought she would. We stood near a water fountain square area where there were different paths.

There weren't much people around other than an elder man with his grandchild feeding the birds.

"It's okay. You've done enough, already. I can ride the bus," she says politely. The sound of the fountain was faint behind her voice.

"Would Dokyeom be okay with that?" I ask her. I couldn't help but bring up her brother.

I didn't like how she suddenly thought of me as a stranger. We aren't close enough to be friends but I'm sure we couldn't be strangers.

We're acquaintances at this point.

"Dokyeom?" She said with a hum.

I watched her brows knitted before softening. She was thinking of her dear brother who I know wouldn't like it if she road the bus when someone he knows could just drive her.

"Even if he would be upset," she starts.

Her eyes met with mine.

"I thought you don't like being around women?"

Her question was abrupt and caught my attention. It was like a switch flickered within me. I do dislike being around women, but it's mostly certain ones.

But with Lihua-

She makes me forget about them. My views of all the girls I met in my life that used me and messed with me were bitter.

But with Lihua, she seemed different.

I didn't know what to say to her. It always felt like she knew how to tip me off balance even when my guard is up. I never had to think this much for a woman, other than my mother.

"I rather deal with my brother than make you uncomfortable," she tells me.

Her voice carried through the breeze. Some of her bangs waved from the wind. My chest felt funny with the way she spoke towards me.

She smiled. "I can handle my brother. I more concerned how you'll feel towards me being around you."

Her eyes changed tones with a look that seemed apologetic. I didn't like it.

"You don't have to be nice to me just because Dokyeom's my brother," she says.

She was smiling, but I knew inside she wasn't. There was something about her I didn't understand. She seemed to care deeply about her brother, but she also seemed to belittle herself at times. I didn't understand it. But I wanted to...

Was it because of me? Or was it something else?

"I'll see you around. Okay, Minghao?" she says before I can find the words to speak.

I watched her turn around and make her way far from me. Her retreating figure didn't feel right. Or rather, I didn't feel right.

Her words bothered me. And the look she had bothered me more.

I am Dokyeom's friend, and she is his sister. Yet, why do I feel annoyed hearing her say that to me?

Am I really treating her like this because of Dokyeom? Because she's related to him?

~

The drive home was quiet. I couldn't find myself to play music and when I got home, my empty space didn't make me feel any better.

I'm used to being alone, but right now, my thoughts made me feel different.

Why does it feel empty when I'm alone but not so bad when Lihua is there? She doesn't even talk yet I feel okay to have her company.

The image of her filled my mind.

I wish she let me drove her home. I wished she didn't have that look when she spoke.

I stared at my phone as I laid in my bed. I had emails about upcoming clients that want to examine the museum and other emails about upcoming art pieces that would be coming in next month that I would have to analyze.

Art pieces...

The painting came into mind.

Lihua was invested in it- even having to go pass the stanchions. I wander what makes her so intrigued by the painting?

I remember getting it from a seller and the quality was in good shape. He didn't say much about the art piece other than the painting was sold to him long ago. It's around 10 years old he said, but the whereabouts of it is unknown. Should I tell her about the painting?

But wasn't Lihua losing interest in art?

They way she reacted towards the painting said otherwise. It wasn't a look of disgust or indifference though. She clearly was admiring it.

I wonder... is she's curious about it as much as I am?

My phone rung with a notification. It was the guys. They wanted to celebrate Soonyoung's upcoming race.

I refuse to let that rodent party in my abode. I just moved in here. I don't need him stinking up the place with his hamster vomit.

He can set the party elsewhere.

I narrowed my brows at the thought of using another person's home. It's worst knowing it's women I hardly know.

Should I even go if it's going to be held there?

---

| L I H U A |

I heard my phone ring with notifications while I tried to stitch the journal back together. Senko slept on his back on my bed. His paws were up in the air while he snoozed off in a comfortable position. He acted as if he was human with the way he was sleeping. I tried not to wake him up.

I grabbed my phone off my desk and stared at the messages the girls sent.

I didn't mind the guys coming over, but the thought of seeing Minghao again felt strange.

I'm sure I wouldn't be talking to him anyways. The guys can have their fun. I'll just be in my room.

A notification popped onto my screen.

Xu Minghao...

Do I dare click on it? My eyes wondered away. I don't think I should.

I turned off my phone and left it on my desk.

I have to fix my journal.

---

| M I N G H A O |

My phone rang again with notifications. Soonyoung seemed to get an answer.

Lihua hates parties?

I'm not too surprised by that. No wonder she was at the balcony...

If she's housemates with Seungcheol's girlfriend, then that means Lihua will be there.

It'll be at that house...

I stared at his question with contemplation.

Should I go?

Of course Soonyoung was going to make it weird. I rolled my eyes from his messages.

So in the morning we'll see what happens...

I was ready to put my phone away, but my phone gave me a notification. My eyes lit up upon reading the name.

Do I dare look at her profile?

No. Why should I?

Why should I look at some chick's profile? I mean- she is Dokyeom's sister though...

Should I?

—————- SM Post: Soonyoung has posted...

Minghao has posted...

• • • Previous | Next

[hanmi-xo]

Chapter 3: “Curiosity of Ambiguity”

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | Next ------------------

| L I H U A |

It’s been a few days since the I went to the museum with the others, but that painting was hard for me to forget. I didn’t take any photos of my old artworks before selling them off, and I wish I did.

I laid in my bed and stared at my ceiling. My dog slept peacefully next to me. His soft snores were ambience.

My thoughts were interrupted by a notification. It was someone who I didn’t think would reach out to me.

I didn’t bother messaging him back.

I saw him at the reunion, but I didn’t speak to him. He made multiple attempts trying to speak about the matter, and when he did, his best friend Jeonghan was right behind him.

Jeonghan was Astrid’s ex who pretended to be something he wasn’t. Behind that pretty face and sweet words, he was a massive manipulator and was two faced. He was the devil that caused chaos wherever he went. He always seemed to find joy in putting others down.

He was the cause of Joshua breaking up with me.

And he antagonized Seungcheol about Astrid at the reunion.

I guess seeing his ex-best friend with his ex-girlfriend triggered him. Maybe it was jealousy? Or possessiveness? Maybe both?

I’m not sure.

I just remember Astrid crying and Seungcheol being held back by her. He was fuming, ready to fight. And before things could escalate, Astrid and I told them that it would be best to just go.

It was clear Jeonghan wouldn’t stop, and Joshua was there to witness it all, and he hardly did anything about it.

Joshua always let his friend cause problems. It was like he was blinded by their friendship to know what was right and wrong.

The reunion was just horrible.

I even went to the balcony to avoid it all. I had to take a breather. Seeing those two was like seeing a ghost.

Now he’s here again.

Reaching out to me to fix what happened years before. But I didn’t want to deal with him right now.

I didn’t need him ruining my mood. Today’s an important occasion.

I won’t let him ruin it.

---

| M I N G H A O |

I rubbed my eyes and glared at Dokyeom’s message. What the hell is he on?

It’s my day off and now I have to pick up Lihua from the cemetery?

What kind of request is this?

I rolled over to my back and I began to look for the chat Dokyeom put me in with his sister. That was the only way I’d be able to contact her.

I was still drowsy and it took awhile for me to find her name.

The last time I personally messaged a woman that wasn’t my mother was like 3 years ago. Was I supposed to be polite to Lihua? Greeting her or whatever?

Nah.

She’s Dokyeom’s sister.

Knowing Dokyeom, he’ll be upset if I leave her. I don’t need him nagging me later if he finds out she went home by herself.

I sighed.

She texts just like Dokyeom… why do they always use that dumb face?

I dragged myself off my bed. I have to go get my keys and pick up that girl.

Cemetery…

Now that I think about it, why would she be at the cemetery?

~

I pulled down my sunglasses and looked out of my passenger window. There she stood patiently in front of the cemetery entrance with a dog by her side.

The sun was shining brightly during this nice weather, and it was easy to spot her in the sunlight.

Lihua looked at me with confusion once I pulled up towards her. She had a picnic basket in her hands and she seemed to be dressed decently.

She wore a white lettuce trim dress along with her usual white sneakers. Her hair was tied up in a ponytail with some of her bangs falling out to frame her face. A camera was hung around her neck from its sling. She had a small leather backpack on, and next to her was a black Shiba Inu that she held with a red leash. It wagged its tail at me with excitement.

She looked like she went on private trip. But why at the cemetery? She seemed too well dressed for the occasion.

She looked at me with a perplexed look until I pointed at the door to come inside. There’s no way I’m going to open the front door for her. She has hands. She can do it herself.

I watched her pick up the dog with one of her hands while she struggled opening the door. Her hands were full, and her dog was getting excited. He wouldn’t sit still in her arms.

I sighed. I don’t have all day.

I got out of my car and came to her side. Lihua stared at me while I opened the door for her. Her dog moved around in her arms and looked at me too. It barked and I ignored it.

I motioned her to enter my vehicle.

“Get in,” I tell her, slightly annoyed.

She bowed her head a bit at me and situated herself within my car.

“Thank you,” she whispered to me.

“Yeah, sure. Whatever.” I shut the door.

I got back in my driver seat and left the premises. She was quiet while her dog moved around in her lap. It was trying to stick its head out of the window.

“Senko,” she whispers to her dog. “No. This isn’t Dokyeom’s car.”

She tried to calm her pet who seemed very energetic. It was hard to ignore the dog’s panting with the follow of soft barks. I can hear Lihua hushing the dog and in return it would whimper and bark louder.

I reached a stop light and stared at the two. The dog wasn’t going to calm down.

I began to pull the window down further down so the dog would shut up.

I watched Lihua look at me with wide eyes before looking back at her dog who quickly stuck out its head.

It looked at me with its tongue sticking out as if it was thanking me.

Lihua looked at me as well before saying, “Thank you.”

She was overly polite and it felt weird. I appreciate her manners and all that, but I’m not used to it. I felt myself stiffen.

“What’s the dog’s name.” I decide to ask since it kept looking at me like I was some fascinating thing.

She tilted her head at me as if she was surprised by my question. She began to pet her dog.

“Senko,” she says. “His name is Senko.”

I saw a subtle smile plaster on her apathetic face. She had a soft spot for her dog. It was easy to see.

Senko looked at her with his tongue out before looking back outside the window. His paws would go up and down with excitement. He was super energetic.

He reminded me of a certain someone…

“I’m sorry,” Lihua suddenly says towards me. She continued to pet her dog while she spoke.

I raised a brow at her. Why was she apologizing?

“I usually ride the bus or get driven around by others. I didn’t think my brother would bother you,” she explained.

The light turned green and I pressed the gas. My eyes remained on the road but some of my attention was on her. I didn’t like how she sounded like she was telling me some sob story.

“It’s whatever,” I tell her. “Besides, your brother didn’t know who to bother anyways. I’m assuming he was going to pick you up or something but he had an urgent meeting with his agent.”

I heard her hum beside me.

“Yeah,” she said. Her voice was almost low as a whisper. “He wanted to take me out and eat since he’ll be leaving town next month.”

I heard her sigh beside me.

“He’s always been kind to me,” her voice was light with affection but a hint of guilt.

I’m not sure what was going on with her, and I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to ask. But I was curious about something…

“Why didn’t Dokyeom go to the cemetery with you?” I say aloud. “That doesn’t seem like him to just leave a girl, much less family, alone.”

There was a moment of silence between us, and I took the chance to glance at her before looking back at the road. She seemed to be thinking of something- almost the state of daydreaming.

“Yeah,” she says. “He doesn’t normally do that. But today was a special occasion.

Special occasion?

“And that is?” I dare ask.

“My mother’s birthday.”

I hit the breaks on my car upon reaching another red light. I felt my car jerk upon my sudden action.

Did I hear that right?

I turned to look at her. My brows were narrowed. She seemed taken back from my anger that was about to come out.

“Why didn’t Dokyeom go?” I ask her. “Does he not care about his mom!?”

My voice came out rather loud and rude, but it bothered me that Dokyeom wasn’t around to celebrate his mother’s birthday. When did she even die? It’s only been over a week since the high school reunion when he mentioned his mom.

Senko stared at me for yelling, and began to bark at me.

Lihua quickly hushed her protective pup and calmed him down before looking at me.

“That’s because that’s not his mom,” Lihua tells me. Her voice was careful yet light.

My eyes widened from her words.

What was that supposed to mean? Are they not siblings?

“Wait.” I said. I was trying to put this all together. “Are Dokyeom and you even siblings?”

There’s no way I just drove some random chick around with her overly excited dog. I refuse to believe that.

Is that why they don’t look alike? Dokyeom and her?

I should have known from the start. They act nothing alike nor do they carry any similar features.

Lihua seemed startled from my question about her and Dokyeom, but then her eyes twinkled and her lips curled up. It was like I said something she was waiting to hear.

“His mom adopted me in middle school,” she says while petting Senko. “My mom’s best friend is his mom, and when you put two and two together…”

Her voice trailed off. She couldn’t speak more about the topic. She didn’t sob or even shed a tear.

But she just smiled while she sat there with a pitiful look.

I hate seeing girls cry. It always makes me feel like I’m obligated to do something. And if I do something, I can be considered a creep and they take it as flirting, but if I don’t do anything then I’m an asshole.

I rather be considered an asshole than for a girl to think I’d like her.

I heard Lihua sigh.

She turned her head to look at me, and her calm nature remained. Not even teary eyes was shown. Although she seemed down, she gave me a soft smile. It looked endearing but not too affectionate. It was like she was telling me that she’s okay even if she wasn’t.

“But yeah,” she suddenly says. She was trying to lift the mood. “Dokyeom and I are adoptive siblings… He didn’t come with me because he believed the occasion should be between actually family members. He’s always been courteous over my mom. It’s nice to have a brother like him. Sometimes I wish he was my real brother…”

Her brown orbs wondered away from me. Her attention went to her dog that yawned before laying down in her lap. She petted him while he tried to sleep.

It was odd knowing that I held a conversation with this girl. She seemed calm and level headed yet endearing.

I didn’t like how nice she seemed. I’m not used to it.

“The light’s green,” she tells me.

I looked back at the road in front of me and saw the go signal. I quickly pressed the gas again. Hopefully she didn’t think I was staring at her.

I was just analyzing her. That’s all.

“Minghao,” I heard her call for me.

I didn’t like how she said my name. It sounded too kind.

“What,” I respond with my eyes on the road.

“You’re not so bad,” she says.

I scoffed.

I knew where this was going to go. She’s going to compliment me then try to hit on me and then play that innocent girl act. I’ve experience before, too many times.

“Listen-“

“Thank you for dealing with my brother and his antics.”

She cut me off before I could express my dislike towards her. The compliment took me off guard. She seemed more glad to know her brother had a friend like me, then complimenting me over all.

It was odd.

I mean, he is her brother. So it would make sense for her to care about Dokyeom…

“It’s whatever…” my voice trailed off. I didn’t know how to respond to her.

After that, she remained quiet for the rest of the ride. There was silence between us, but it wasn’t awkward nor stiffening.

It was surprisingly peaceful.

~

When I reached her house, I noticed how her eyes were stuck on her phone. There were notifications alerting her and she ended up muting her device.

I could even hear her sigh. She seemed bothered by something.

I didn’t want to ask her about her personal business since I’m not that interested in her life, but she was getting spammed like crazy and it was hard to ignore the alerts.

Was she alright?

Lihua looked up towards her house before meeting my eyes. The sunlight reflected off her leaving a glow that seemed a bit unreal.

“Thank you,” she tells me. Her voice was soft yet clear.

Her smile was gentle yet careful. It bothered me how she looked like that. Much more on how she seemed almost like an angel.

I quickly looked away from her.

I must be seeing things.

I heard her shuffle around with her basket and bag before I decided to turn back around to look at her. I watched as she began to get out of the car while she carried her sleeping pup and picnic basket. She struggled at first, and I was ready to get out and help her, but she stopped me.

“I got it,” she tells me. Her voice remained light as before.

I hesitantly stayed in my seat and watched as she got out of the vehicle swiftly before shutting the door. She looked at me through the passenger window and bowed politely.

Her hair bounced gently as she walked. The breeze made some of her strands fly up and down and she had to move some out of her face so she can find her keys.

I watched her wave at me before entering her home.

She was gone.

I stared at the seat next to me, where Lihua once was. Her faint scent lingered in the air. It smelled like sweet whisky with its sense of earthy and sweet essence.

I narrowed my brows and pulled down the window to let her trace leave my car. I don’t need her scent filling my lungs.

After I pulled the window down to air out her trace, I got a notification. It was from Lihua.

I didn’t respond. Or rather, I didn’t know what to say.

I left her messages on read.

And somehow I couldn’t help but be bothered by her text. I don’t know why, but I did.

I guess a part of me doesn’t believe she’s that terrible to be around, but I also didn’t want to think about having a request like this happen again.

She’s Dokyeom’s sister. I should have an ill views of her, but I also shouldn’t be seeing her like this…

She was gently and ambiguous. Calm yet careful.

She was… odd.

Maybe it’s because she isn’t overly talkative, nor obnoxious, but it also bothers me how she seems too nice of a girl to exist.

The memory of what happened earlier this week came to mind. Dokyeom said something about her losing her touch in art. I don’t fully remember what he said, but I do recall the way she looked at that one flower painting that came in a day before their visit.

She had a good eye with noticing the only nameless painting within the gallery.

Not to mention, the only one I actually really liked.

She’s strange, but more so reserved. I can’t help but be engrossed by her. Maybe it’s because she’s Dokyeom’s sister.

Her existence is still new to me, and knowing my friend had someone in his life without my notice was strange. Maybe I should pay attention more when Dokyeom talks about a girl…

I scoffed.

“What the hell am I doing?” I mutter to myself, waking to reality.

I started up my car and left the premises like I was supposed to do moments ago. I can still smell her faint scent in my car. I was ready to press the buttons to open the window, but I couldn’t find myself to push the buttons.

Her scent filled me like her ambiguity. She was a mystery that I found myself stuck upon.

She’s Dokyeom’s sister. That’s all she’ll ever be to me.

---

| L I H U A |

Senko slept next to me on my bed. I hugged him while I tried to ignored Joshua’s messages.

He acted as if we could be close again, but it’s been over 4 years. If anything, it made me feel uncomfortable.

I told the girls about his sudden contact, and they too had mixed feeling about him.

I put my phone on my shelving that was connected to my bed frame. I didn’t want to think about him anymore.

I’ll deal with him later when the girls come back.

I sat up and began to look through my bag for my journal. I often wrote in it as a way to remember the events that happen in my life. I usually brought it with me so I can tell my mom how my life was going.

But it wasn’t where I left it.

I quickly dumped everything out onto my bed. But it still hasn’t appeared.

I widened my eye as fear came across me. Did drop it at the cemetery? No, because I remember putting it in my bag. Then I got into Minghao’s car…

“Oh no,” I say aloud before grabbing my phone.

I ran down out of my room and down the stairs to see if he would still be in the driveway, but he wasn’t there.

I felt anxiety crawl up my spine, and my gut twisted in fear of its whereabouts. I had to contact Minghao.

Even if he may not like the idea of me bothering him, I still need my journal.

I bit my lip in fear of what he might say to me. He’s Dokyeom’s friend though. If he’s nice enough to pick me up and drop me off, then maybe he’s nice enough to check if my journal’s in his car?

I quickly opened my phone and messaged him.

I hope he’ll read the message and respond to me. I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose it. I wrote all my thoughts and feelings in there.

I can’t let anyone read it.

---

| M I N G H A O |

I stared at her message with her journal in my hand. To think someone who seemed so careful can be so clumsy?

I kept rereading our messages while I took a sip of water. I made my way out of my kitchen before dropping my body onto my couch. I slouched into the seat while I continued to text her.

“I don’t want you to waste gas.”

Pft.

I know she’s being sincere, but can she be any nicer?

She is probably one of the few people to even consider my own time and money. It's hard for me to believe this girl is even real. Way too nice.

The next time I work? Is she serious?

I looked at my calendar that hung on the kitchen pillar before messaging her.

She's far more expressive through text than in person. I found that to be amusing.

I tossed my phone onto the coffee table before lifting up the journal she so cared about. It looked beat up with its torn edges and stitched cover.

I felt it fall out of my fingers upon tearing from its strings and it fell to the floor with a thud.

"Shit," I say aloud.

I felt my gut twist. I didn't intend to rip it. I was only moving it around with my hand. Lihua is going to be upset.

I grabbed everything off the ground and tried to fix the damage that I've done. There were some photos that fell out along with a few pages, and while I tried to organize everything, I noticed a paper that was different from the others.

It was stained, and its material seemed old.

What surprised me more was what was written. Those were Chinese character strokes.

Why did Lihua have that?

--

SM Post:

Joshua has posted…

• • •

Previous | Next

[hanmi-xo]

Chapter 2: "The Painting"

| Between Us | Chapter List |

Previous | Next ------------------

| L I H U A |

I sat outside on my balcony.

The birds chirped along the entangled branches and hummed a melody that was very calming. The sun shined between the clouds that roamed the sky.

I was reading one of the articles my good friend and colleague Wonwoo sent me.

I met him a while back during my time looking for a stable job. He was seeking editor help online and I was putting my freelance work up so someone can hire me.

Our paths crossed, and now I'm his assistant writer and editor.

Working remote has made it easier for me to be away from everyone. I know I should leave my room more often, but I believe I'm also more productive away from people.

Besides, I could only work so much for today.

Dokyeom wanted to bring me out, but he never told me what for. Maybe it's his way of making up for what happened at the high school reunion- probably hoping that I can see how life outside the house can be great. But even so, I'm a homebody at heart.

I heard my phone ring with notifications. It was the girls. None of them were home at the moment, but it appeared they were part of Dokyeom's plan. I stared at their messages that filled my phone.

Art Museum.

They know I don't like art anymore because of Joshua.

My phone rang with more notifications, but this time it was my brother.

I sighed. That was my signal to go.

---------

| M I N G H A O |

"I could have just waited in the car, Dokyeom," I tell my friend. He dragged me out to the front of the house.

"Oh, come on," Dokyeom says, "You never met my sister. She's great! Also, thanks again for agreeing to this!"

His voice rung with joy, and in return I glared at him.

"You said you wanted to hang out." My voice rose with annoyance. "This is not what I consider as hanging out. Why are we bringing your sister?"

I watched as my friend pursed his lips with guilt.

"Ah..." he awkwardly laughed. "You see... my sister used to like art, and now that you're a curator for the nearby art museum, I thought it'd be a great idea to bring her there!"

He gave me a bright grin of innocence. I rolled my eyes and judged his ridiculousness.

"First you say Seungcheol wants to tag along, and then his girlfriend, and now you're dragging your sister along," I spat.

Dokyeom raised his hands up in surrender. "It'll be fun!"

"Yeah for you guys," I rebuttal.

Before he could speak, the door slowly opened. The warmth of the home seeped through the gap that widened. I felt the heat reach out to me. A figure stuck her head out.

My eyes widened.

There stood that same girl from the balcony.

Her brown orbs reflected off of mine for a moment. She seemed surprised to see me, but also unbothered.

So, she's Lihua?

She doesn't seem to carry any similar facial features compared to Dokyeom though?

Her eyes went to him.

She didn't seem all too happy. I'm not sure if it's because of me or because of her brother.

"Lihua!" Dokyeom said with joy. "Ready to go?"

He beamed at her, but she didn't mirror his energy. Rather, she remained stoic and nodded her head.

She seemed like a phlegmatic person.

"Yeah," she said. Her voice was soft yet humble.

As she was stepping out, Dokyeom began to speak. He was rather in a good mood. Too good of a mood in fact.

"Do you remember Minghao?" he asks her.

She turned around towards me once she finished locking the door. My eyes met with hers again before her orbs scanned me up and down.

"The one that hates women right?"

She said it as though it was a normal thing, but Dokyeom responded with laughter. He pointed at me and nodded his head.

"I told you!" He snickered.

I rolled my eyes. I remember Dokyeom laughing in the car about the matter, and knowing that she knows me doesn't seem all too surprising.

What bothers me is the fact that she knows about my existence but I didn't know about hers.

Dokyeom hardly ever mentions her when I'm around. Then again, I don't pay attention to conversations that include a girl's name...

"What the hell did you say about me?" I ask Dokyeom.

I felt her eyes bounce between her brother and I.

"Oh nothing." He waved his hand off with mischief. "Let's go!~"

He walked ahead of us and ignored my glare. I felt his sister's presence next to me.

I turned to look at her, but she didn't bother looking my way. Her eyes were on her brother. She sighed.

"Don't worry. I won't bother you," she says. Her voice was monotone yet apologetic.

She seemed quite truthful.

She walked away from me and followed after her brother. I stared in judgement at the two who stood next to my vehicle. I saw Seungcheol's car pull up towards them with the front seat window pulled down. His girlfriend waved at us with Seungcheol sending out a piece sign.

I scoffed. This was supposed to be a guy hangout...

"Whatever. At least I get to look at art." I dragged my feet to them.

----------

| L I H U A |

I walked along the open hall that led to the art gallery. The place was bigger than I expected and had intricate architecture along with different sculptures and paintings.

They all caught my attention, and I couldn't help but awe at everything.

They were all beautiful, but I couldn't admit that aloud. A part of me felt depressed seeing all these artworks.

It reminded me of him.

It reminded me of Joshua.

Somehow I found myself away from everyone else. All I remember was Seungcheol and Astrid pointing at things and Dokyeom having to explain each one.

Dokyeom only knew certain facts about paintings because of me.

I was once an art major in college but since my departure with that, I became buried with books.

I needed something to get away from Joshua.

I needed something to get me away from the reality I lived in.

I stared at the painting that seemed carefully crafted with layers of oil paint. It was a white flower painting. It bloomed in darkness where everything else was tarnished or dead.

There wasn't a title nor a name of the artist. The painting was nameless leaving it feeling empty and hollow.

It was like it was forgotten or wasn't supposed to be found.

Whatever the case, I couldn't seem to get away from it. I felt too connected.

It reminded me of an old painting I once did, but I sold that off long ago. I sold almost everything that I made and crafted. I had too much artworks to keep track of. I didn't like looking at things that reminded me of Joshua. He was the reason for my art after all.

But I remember the day I made the painting. One of the few times he wasn't my muse or model.

I made it without a thought. I let the paintbrush do most of the work and let the ideas run through.

I wonder what happened to that painting...

"That painting came in yesterday."

I turned to look at the man who seemed to be behind me. I didn't know he would have the willingness to talk to me.

Minghao had his hands in his pocket while he stared at the painting in front of us. His black hair was brushed back with a bit of his strands hitting the frame of his clear glasses.

He suddenly had this sophisticated demeanor. It was strange seeing this cold man become soft towards the subject of art.

He looked lost in thought with way his eyes wavered around the painting.

I turned back around and stared at the artwork as well. I crossed my arms in front of me while I gazed at the brush strokes that were visible towards the naked eye.

"So there's no name?" I ask him. My orbs remained dancing on the surface of layers the painting displayed.

"No," I heard him say. "Nobody knows where it came from."

His voice was low as a whisper as if he too was in wonder about the painting's form of existence.

We stood there for a moment before I heard my name be called in the distance. I turned towards the voice that came from Minghao's side. He too looked.

There came the three we came with. My brother moved his arms up and down for our attention, and I couldn't help but sigh.

I walked passed Minghao and came towards the trio. They seemed happy but also confused.

"So? Did any paintings catch your attention?" Dokyeom asked me.

I shook my head.

"No," I lied.

I heard Minghao come from behind me. I turned to look at him and he didn't meet my eyes. Rather he avoided eye contact with me.

I saw Astrid's eyes look at him before looking at me. She seemed concerned. Probably because Minghao was there when they found us.

I shrugged my shoulders at her.

She seemed perplexed and mimicked my actions in return.

Minghao's appearance was out of the blue, but then again, he is a curator. He's an art lover under that cold appearance of his.

"Let's go and eat after this," Seungcheol says. "I'm hungry."

He rubbed his stomach and Astrid copied him as well.

"We're hungry," she says with a sad expression which Seungcheol mirrored.

The couple matched each other through action and mind. When this happens, they usually end up doing their own thing.

Dokyeom frowned. "But we haven't seen everything yet! There's so much to look at!"

He sounded like an excited child that didn't want to leave.

"Listen," Seungcheol says, trying to find even ground. "Astrid and I will go get some food, and we can all meet up later."

Astrid nodded her head with a bright smile. "Yeah!~ We can hang out at our house. Watch a movie or something."

Dokyeom moved his head side to side as he thought about the plan.

"Hmmm... okay. Sounds good," he says.

The couple smiled brightly before waving their farewell.

"We'll see y'all soon!" Seungcheol said as him and Astrid hurried off.

I squeezed my mouth to my left in judgement. I knew what they were going to do, and I knew it would be more than just eating.

"Well, since they're gone," Dokyeom says, gathering my attention. "Let's make a group chat. Only the real art lovers will be in it."

He seemed a bit petty from our friend's departure. I watched him take out his phone.

"I'll add you guys... annnnndd THERE!" He says after making the group chat.

I heard my phone get notified and Minghao took out his phone as well from the noise.

I looked at my brother who seemed to be waiting for something. He stared at us with a disappointed look.

"Why are you both so quiet!" He cried. "I made a chat! You both better use it! You know what!"

I watched my brother throw a small fit before turning around.

"I'll do my own thing. Just message me when you're both done!" He walked off.

Minghao and I looked at each other after witnessing my brother's behavior. Minghao scrunched his face with judgement.

I shrugged my shoulders at him with my hands up.

We then went out separate ways around the museum until it was time to go. Though the place was large and beautiful in every way possible-

I couldn't forget about the flower painting.

I wanted to know more about it, but I knew I shouldn't bother Minghao.

It wouldn't be right for me to do that.

He clearly doesn't like me.

——

SM Post: Astrid has posted...

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