Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The night street of Seoul was silent under the moonlight. Only the sound of vehicles moving were heard. And one such vehicle roaming the capital of Korea was a cab that held the young master of the Yamazaki family. 

Although new to the country, the young genius was well informed about the state of the country regarding gangs and crews. The generation of war and the first generation kings that had risen was what interested the 13 year old Gun to come to Korea.

Gun was seated at the back seat along with a woman much older than him while the driver drove the cab at silence. The peace was disturbed when the sound of a rushing car, followed by a crash was heard. Concerned, the driver stopped the cab and got out, excusing himself and going to check what was going on.

Few minutes later, the sound of metal hitting something was heard and two large men wearing dark clothing were approaching the cab. The young teenager was calm while the woman became on guard. 

As soon as one of the men approached to open the door of the cab with a metal rod held threateningly by his other hand, the door was pushed from the inside more harshly, catching the man offguard. The movements of the woman were fast and with few moves the man was already under her. 

A loud scream escaped the man's lips as the metal rod was pierced on his thigh to hold him down. The scream caused the other man to come out from his shock and quickly move forward to attack the woman. But before he could even land a hit on her, a kanzashi hairpin with a rather sharp end was shot towards his forehead. Just as the woman's long black hair fell from a neatly wrapped bun, the man fell on the ground with the hairpin sticking out from his forehead.

Gun got out from the cab and saw that the men were still alive. Good, it was better to not get in trouble in a foreign country. He watched as the woman plucked out the hairpin before cleaning it's tip on the unconscious man's cloth and wrapping her hair back with it.

The duo couldn't get to further process the incident as the sight of a young kid running towards them from the dark corner where the car had crashed caught their eye. Before the kid could run any further, another man emerged from the darkness and yanked the kid down by his hair. 

The man slammed the kid's head on the hard ground one more time before dragging him along with him. His faced showed anger and frustration as he walked towards the duo of a woman and the young teen with a gun held firmly at his other hand. 

"Is this you guys' doing?" 

The man asked, shocked at seeing his two fallen men and confused by a woman on her late 20s and a kid of maybe 14 or 15 being the reason for it.  

Gun looked at the barely conscious kid who was maybe a year or two younger than him. It was most likely a case of kidnapping that was on the verge of failure. With that much concluded, he spoke.

"Don't kill him."

The man couldn't stay confused much longer as the gun was dropped away from his hand by the woman. Before he could fully comprehend the woman's speed, he was knocked down by a sharp kick from the woman. 

"Isani, check out what happened to the driver."

"Yes, young master."

With that the woman now named Isani left towards the car crash. Gun looked around the completely silent and empty area. The most notable things were the street light and the large building that was still in construction on the left side of the road, some meters ahead. That was also where the car had crashed. It was a good thing there were no surveillance cameras.

His focus then went towards the now free boy who was struggling to hold himself up. Thin line of blood was flowing from the side of boy's head but what caught his attention was the grateful and curious look on the boy's black eyes.

Well, he should have expected that but it wasn't his intention to help the kid. It was simply that the kidnapper of the boy happened to attack them. He didn't clear that out though. 

Gun looked at the boy up and down. The boy was small to say. Maybe of 11 or 12 years old. Fair skinned with jet black hair and eyes. Definitely the face that a lady of high society would wish their daughters to have. He looked both weak and frail. Most likely due to being raised by a wealthy household as thugs won't just kidnap anybody.

His evaluation was cut short when he noticed the before knocked down thug rising up. The man moved to punch Gun with an angered roared. Senses fogged with anger. Still, Gun didn't move as he could clearly see the man's move and all the flaws in it. It was truly disappointing. He was sure that the man wouldn't be able to survive much long as a gangster with his poor capabilities. 

Although his previous let down of expectation, the next incident made him think otherwise. The man that had intended to attack him couldn't even come close. A sudden explosive speed that caught even him by surprise. And a technique that he could only witness in awe as it knocked out the man cold on the ground. It all performed by the same boy that he previously thought was about to faint.

He wasn't wrong about the fainting part as after that, the boy's body finally gave into the fatigue and started falling down. Gun caught the boy before he could hit the ground. He paused before a smirk appeared on his lips as he spoke.

"Before you pass out, say kid, what's your name?"

Gun's black iris glinted under the lights as he looked down at the boy on his arms who looked back at him in tired confusion before answering in a low tone and blacking out into unconsciousness.

"..Daniel..."

The smirk remained on Gun's lips as he recalled the move done by the smaller boy. He looked down at the man that was lying motionless with probably more internal damage. It was definitely systema. And the real one at that. 

"Young master"

Isani called as she had already returned back from inspection. 

"This seems to be a case of kidnapping with a total of 4 people involved in this. One is still unconscious at the car's driver seat. Our driver was knocked out by the metal rod by one of the men before thus, he wouldn't be available."

She looked at the boy on the young master's arms.

"The crash was most likely due to the victim's disco-operation and thrashing around-"

She stopped as she noticed the look on her master's eyes. On her pause, the young master turned as he spoke.

"Find everything related to this incident. Especially about the kid."

____________________________________________________________

"The kidnapping was performed by a small gang that has been struggling to have proper influence due to the increase in other crews with power. Such as the 'kings'. In desperation to survive in the new generation filled with powerful fighters, they opted to kidnap the son of an influential and powerful figure."

"Their target was the son of the H group chairman. Specifically the second son of the Hong family. The existence about the second son of the Hong family isn't very well known so, it would have been impressive if they managed to kidnap the second young master especially with such high security. But-"

"But?"

Banken paused at his reporting of the recently collected information at the question of the young teen sitting infront of him. The 13 year old young master was seated on the couch in the middle of the private meeting room of a luxurious hotel. 

There was a table separating him and the sole main member of the Yamazaki family. Isani Ryu of Ryu family, one of the most loyal followers who have been serving the Yamazaki family throughout generations before stood beside her master.

The room that held them was a elegantly decorated room for important meetings and business related matter. Outside were more than a dozen of well trained men guarding the room.

Still, Banken's attention was drawn towards the young boy that sat on the couch beside the young leader. Beside the 13 year old young master who seemed much more mature both physically and intellectually than his age, the boy wrapped in bandages appeared like an actual young kid.

It hadn't been long since the late teen started working under the Yamazaki family therefore his understanding on the leader of said family's action was far less. Similarly, he couldn't understand as to why the young genius had let the kid be present in this room, let alone hear all this.

The moment was cut off by a knock at the door. It was most like a server bringing refreshments. The kid's attention went towards the closed door at the sound. Isani was the one to open the door. Tea with some snacks were brought in by the server before quickly leaving as it was a non disturbance room.

The room was filled with calm silence as Isani served tea to the young master before bowing and returning back to her position. 

Gun passed the snacks that were mostly pastries and other sweet flavoured stuff to the bandaged boy. He had specific asked for sweet things as he thought that Daniel would prefer those. Kids liked sweets right? So he should like those. 

Gun looked to see if Daniel liked them. He found the boy staring down silently at the snack filled table. He waited for a moment, watching the silent boy intently before speaking.

"I don't like sweets. Neither do the other two."

Gun received a questioning look from the frail boy. He now carried a more perplexed look on his face but refused to say anything. At the silence, Gun spoke again.

"The tea isn't to a kid's taste."

"With upmost respect master, the child had been kidnapped just a few hours ago. He has just recently gained consciousness. I believe there are other far more complicated thoughts going through his mind right now."

Isani commented creating silence in the room. Banken couldn't help but be nervous. The poisonous lavender of the Ryu family was truly brave. But he wasn't the one who had looked after the young master since his birth so, it couldn't be said the same for him. His nervousness surprisingly faded when the young boy spoke.

"I like them."

It caused Gun to turn his attention back towards Daniel. He hummed in approval as he glanced at Banken and spoke.

"Continue."

Banken nodded before he started his relay of information from where he had left on.

"As I was saying before, it would have been a notable feat to be able to kidnap the second heir of one of Korea's biggest company but it seems that they made a grave mistake. The one kidnapped wasn't their target."

"It is not a big secret that the chairman of the Hong company has the Russian Martial Artist Sophia as his personal bodyguard. The victim happen to be seen with Sophia in more than few occasions. It caused the kidnappers to assume that the victim was the second son being guarded by her as the first son's appearance wasn't as secretive and was recognizable."

"It appears that the chairman was aware about the child's existence and the unknown men lurking around. Thus, this whole kidnapping case was most likely a trap set by the chairman to get information on the gangsters of Seoul as he has always shown interest regarding the crews. Of course he couldn't have his own son partake in the case so, an unknown kid which his bodyguard had recently taken in seemed to be the perfect bait.."

"The chairman's men have been on  search since almost as soon as the kidnapping occured."

Banken concluded as he waited for the young master's comment. He glanced from the side of his eyes to the kid to see his reaction. The kid was taking all the information in. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts. Banken didn't know what was going on inside the kid's head but he didn't think that it was anything positive.

Banken pitted the boy truly. The situation of the boy also brought back the memories of his own past. But he had learned that there were times and people infront of whom, one's feelings and opinion didn't matter. 

Looking front, he could see the unchanged expression of the black haired woman. He could never understand nor meet the same conclusion with her. Still, both of them waited for any of the young boys to break the silence.

"Hm. How long has it been since Daniel was taken in by the Russian Martial Artist?"

"... according to our correspondent, barely half a month...?"

Gun continued at Banken's reply.

"That's too much of a short period of time for her to teach Daniel systema."

He spoke as he met Daniel's face with a delighted expression.

"So you did learn the technique just by seeing it."

He received an aloof nod from Daniel. Gun was ecstatic to say the least.

'So, such talent does exist.'

He perfectly recalled the small conversation they had when Daniel woke up at the hotel. That time, he couldn't believe it when the kid said that he had just seen the technique before. Non the less, it couldn't stop him from asking the boy to come with him. 

Gun knew that it was a hasty offer he said out at spot but now confirming that he truly had found a diamond in the rough, he was even more determined to have Daniel. The boy's potential was too phenomenal to leave him alone. 

At first, Gun had thought that it would be difficult to get Daniel due to his family background but after knowing about his actual situation, Gun was more than pleased with the outcome.

"About what I said earlier. Daniel, come with me."

This made all three individuals to look at the young master in bewilderment. 

__________________________________________________________

Even the unfocused Daniel couldn't help but be surprised. When the older boy had said the same sentence before, Daniel assumed that he wasn't serious. Hearing it again, Daniel couldn't help but be at a loss of words.

Daniel was a useless burden. He had come to know that. Whether it be to his late mother, his relatives(?) or the woman  who had taken him in. Daniel couldn't help but doubt his existence. 

He was a burden to all those related to him and now his uselessness was proved once again at the failed mission he was supposedly in. He was disappointed at being used but more than that, he was regretful for not being able to repay the only person who had accepted him. 

Daniel questioned the reason for his breaths but infront of the person who saw such eminent value at his worthless existence than he himself could ever, Daniel couldn't help but incline.

_________________________________________________________

"Ok."

Gun smiled.

"Good."

He was surprised but satisfied non the less by the answer. He patted the boy's hair as he spoke.

"I won't need to abduct you now."

Banken couldn't understand the young master's sudden decision nor the boy's weird calmness. By the look on Isani's face, he could say that both of them were on the same page at this.

With that, the stay in Korea was cut short as Gun announced,

"We will return to Japan the next day. Let's allow the situation to cool down for now. Our visit back to Korea can be few months later"

""As you wish, young master.""

___________________________________________________________

                ~To Be Continued~

Chapter Text

The once sky that was covered in orange and red by the stunning sunset, had turned into rainy dusk in a short moment. Tears of heaven fell on earth as the dark sky cried for the atrocious act done below. 

The cause of God's displeasure and the ground showered by crimson blood stood motionless in between the fallen men. His emotionless face and black eyes that seemed long dead, stared up at the heavens.

Whether be out of shame or guilt, he didn't dare look down at the crimson river he had flowed. His mind was frenzied and in a state of ambivalence. Non the less, the newly unsheathed katana in his hand didn't tremble.

His face turned only when he noticed the presence infront of him. Before him stood a person taller than him. The person held a smile of approval and satisfaction as his hand moved towards the shorter one's face. The tiny trickle of blood that managed to stay on the cheek was wiped away by the hand. He tightened his grip on the katana but his body involuntarily relaxed at the touch.

"You did excellent, Daniel"

Soft words of praise were spoken as the person opened his palm for the said individual. Akin to instinct, Daniel calmed down as he leaned onto the offered touch, reconciling himself that this was the person for whom he had done all this. 

For, the flowing river of blood was one of many things he could and would do for this person. As this was both his greatest desire as well as his most dreaded reality. But for now, it was simply a nightmare which Daniel wanted to wake up from.

Daniel's eyes opened, breath ragged but still stable enough. His eyes roamed the space filled with bright lights before focusing on the white sealing. He swept his bangs that were falling before his eyes by his one hand as he calmed himself down.

Letting out a long breath, Daniel looked at his left to the table clock that showed 4:17 am. He sat up at the bed that was way larger than needed as he took on the view of the room he was in. Despite the time, the room was fully lit up due to him falling asleep without turning off the lights.

Although it hadn't even been full 24 hours of his moving in this apartment, all the things were already set. The luxurious apartment was well arranged and  decorated as to his preference even before his arrival at the place. 

The bookshelves were filled with the books and novels of his taste. The walls were painted in his favorite colours of blue and white. Various flowers that he liked were planted on flowerpots and used as decorations for the apartment. 

Every corner of the apartment displayed the effort put into making it the way it was. Well he should have expected as much but unfortunately, he was already starting to suffocate in here.

______________________________________________________

The 17 years old teen had finished packing his most essential things as he was ready to leave. He looked himself in the full length mirror, focusing in his hair that reached his mid back. He should cut it short soon. His white clothes worn clumsily also made itself known in the reflection. 

Perhaps he should also buy some new clothes in a different color as most of his clothes were white. Not that they were bought by him as almost all his clothes were chosen and bought by others.

He signed. He wrapped a portion of his hair loosely by a hairpin, letting the lower portion of his hair fall on his back before placing a small note on the table and leaving the apartment with his luggage. The apartment was in the 7th floor therefore, he needed to take the elevator.

Daniel was met by a duo of a grown man and a little girl when the elevator's doors opened. The two were most likely father and daughter judging by their gesture. He simply stayed silent as non of them engaged in any conversation. 

His thoughts travelled back towards the various vases and pots that held the flowers. The plants were well chosen. He could remember saying that he liked them at least once in the past.  They made him recall the vast garden back in Japan and the painful memories it brought along.

'The next time I see them, I hope they are still as vibrant.'

________________________________________________________

The elevator descended onto the ground floor as both the father and daughter were left completely speechless by the person that had entered the elevator. Only after the person left that they regained their senses back.

"Dad- dad, Did you see that person? She was so pretty!"

The little girl exclaimed enthusiastically as soon as she was out of her memorized state. Her face showing innocent awe.

"Yes dear, we were on the same elevator. And I think she is a 'he'."

The father explained gently as he also broke out of his stuntness. The little girl showed surprise as she spoke.

"Wahh~! I have never seen anyone that beautiful before and his hair was also long like mine and mom's. We need to tell mom about him!"

"Alright dear. First let's get back to our home and no more going up and down in the elevator. Our stop was at the 5th floor after all."

With that said. The elevator went up as they reached their destination. The little girl excitedly ran towards their apartment as the father followed after her. 

"Mom!"

The little girl jumped towards her mother as she was caught by her. 

"Hey! I told you not to run."

The father soon caught up to his daughter. He only received an amused smile from his wife as his daughter ignored him in favour of her mother.

"You two took quite a while returning from your jogging. Did you spend your time playing with the elevator again?"

The mother asked half-heartedly. The daughter then excitedly started to tell her mother about the person she and her father met.

"Oh? And where did you meet such person?"

The mother asked partaking in a conversation with her little girl. 

"He entered the elevator from... the 7th floor! Yeah the 7th floor."

The young girl answered trying to remember the number correctly.

"7th floor you say? Hm.. I don't remember seeing such a young guy in this building before."

The mother spoke her mind as she looked towards her husband for his thoughts.

"The guy had a luggage with him. Perhaps he was moving out. And we could just haven't crossed paths with him before. It's not like we know all the residents of his building except few."

The father voiced his view as the little girl looked at them questioningly. Noticing the lost expression on her daughter's face, the mother spoke.

"Well it doesn't matter. How about we go inside now. I have already prepared the breakfast."

"Ah, right."

"Yes, Finally!"

__________________________________________________________

The sound of phone calling rang inside the kitchen as the woman waited patiently for the call to be picked up. She looked out from the kitchen door to the living room where her husband and young daughter were. Her focus returned back to her phone when the sound of the call being answered was heard.

"Hello, sir?"

[What happened?]

"Sir, the person you told to watch over has moved out of his apartment."

[..that was sooner than expected]

__________________________________________________________

Park Jong Gun's home country was Japan but he had travelled to Korea for more than one would ever need or would travel between two countries. This too was one of his many travels to korea.

Right now, Gun stood infront of one of many buildings of Seoul's richest neighborhood. His car parked below, he made his way up to the 7th floor of the building. 

He reached the apartment and as expected, the door wasn't locked. Gun didn't question as to how Daniel knew that he would be the first one to open the door and not anyone else and simply decided to go along. 

Opening the door, he went inside and was welcomed by the empty silence. The place was as new and untouched as if never resided before. 

'I had hoped that he would stay for at least a month'

Gun walked towards the balcony where more than a dozen different types of flower were planted in flowerpots. Few droplets of water dripped from the leaves of the plants as the soil they were planted in showed the dampness that still remained. 

Amongst the disappointment, the small habitual action caused a smile to appear on Gun's lips. 

He returned inside. Taking off his glasses and placing them on a table, he walked up to the bookshelves. None except only one novel was taken out from the shelves among the library of books. The condition regarding the closet of clothes was worse as it hadn't even been touched.

Perhaps he bought too much but then again, he didn't want Daniel to ever be lacking of any luxury or want. There were very little things that Daniel asked of Gun thus, he tried to give as much as possible of the few things that he liked and was interested in. 

But alas it was futile as he couldn't mend the boy's heart by material things as time and freedom was what he had asked for. Of course, 'absolute freedom' was the one impossible thing that both Gun and Daniel knew of but 'time' was something Gun could give.

Gun took his coat off and placed it over the couch before entering the closed bedroom. He made himself comfortable on the bed as his body, tired from the travel relaxed itself on the familiar fragrance that still managed to remain.

His attention shifted towards the table beside the bed as he noticed a note placed on it. Gun picked up the note and opened it. Only one sentence was written on the note that read.

'Don't send anyone to spy over me and make sure to water the plants regularly'

Hah.. what a rude way to break one's heart. Non the less, Gun felt more unregretful about making the place, the way it was. Although he could forgive the rudeness, it would be rather difficult to follow through the first request.

He rested his hand over his forehead as it closed into a fist. The  note crumpled under the force as he closed his eyes. Gun signed. He wished for alcohol right now.

'May be I should have filled the cellar with alcohol as well.'

___________________________________________________________

                    ~To be continue~

Chapter Text

*Ring..ring..ring..*

The sound of a phone calling rang through the spacious living room as grey smoke pilled over the couch area. Under the cloud of smoke, laid a young man whose presence felt almost out of place with in the walls of blue and white.

*Click*

Gun parted his lips, removing the cigarette out as he spoke,

"Hello?"

His one hand was placed under his head as a cushion while the other held the cigarette on his side. Despite the low lighting of the room, he still wore a pair of sun glasses. The voice of the other person responded from the phone that was kept over the table, infront of the couch. 

[Gun?]

[What made you call me after such a long time?]

Gun took a sip of the cigarette before blowing the smoke out. His face still facing the ceiling, he answered,

"Charles Choi. How about working together for a while once again?"

[....]

[That's the last thing I expected you to say after our last contact. Do you really think it will be that easy to work together again after your abrupt departure?]

Well, Gun had expected that. Non the less, Gun was well aware about where he stood.

"Do you not want me on your side once again? Especially when the ones that assisted on making you where you are, are gradually starting to part their ways from you."

[That is a bold claim you are making Gun. Are you sure you are not the one actively scheming against me with all that you have done in Japan?]

Eh? So the chairman was taking taps on what he had been doing. Could have expected as much. Still, Banken was more competent in that area. In a tone just as calm as before, Gun spoke.

"I heard the princess has gotten quite involved with your work. I believe she needs proper protection from the ones who was working to take you down. "

A notable pause.

[My enemies? Aren't you being too ignorant about those that are hunting you in Korea as well as Japan? Speaking of your enemies in Japan, it might actually create more problems for me here if I'm associated with you.]

"My enemies aren't something for you worry about. And I'll stay in Korea for 2 years at most. That's the amount of time, I am willing to work with you again."

Gun waited for the chairman's answer. After making up his mind, the chairman replied.

[You or your people's presence shouldn't be of any hindrance in my way.]

Ha..With an annoyed smirk Gun responded before cutting the call.

"I'll say the same for both sides. Let's work without getting in each other's way."

___________________________________________________ 

Watering flowers was one of the last things Gun had thought he would be doing. But here he was, gentle wind of the balcony swaying his simple yet expensive attire as he sprayed water to the plants.

Although the action was quite peaceful, it was out of his interest or engagement. He hadn't expected flowers be something that interested Daniel. Guess it was one of the many things he picked up from Isani. 

*Knock knock!!*

It had just been a day since his arrival and there was already an impatient fool slamming his door. Putting down the watering can, he moved to open the door. 

*Slam!*

"Gun!"

An annoyed looked appeared on Gun's face as he glared at the blonde haired guy that barged his way inside. 

"The door better be damage free or else it will be your bones that pay the price."

His words were ignored by Goo and was instead bombarded by questions. 

"Have You Finally Decided To Return Working With Us!? Do You Know How Hard It Has Been For Me Managing All Of The Work Myself!?-"

"Do you know how much I wanted to cut you down but couldn't since we weren't really working buddies anymore."

Much to Goo's anger that showed in his malice filled deranged smile, Gun simply pushed him away from his face and slapped the hands away from his collar. 

"Shut up. And get off my face if you want answers."

Goo could hear the clear annoyance and uncaring tone from Gun's voice. But he was pissed and it pissed him off even more. 

This bastard dared to suddenly not return from Japan. Dump all the work of Charles on him. And even leave his successor hunt hanging without any extra information. 

So of course he continued to fire back at Gun with even more ferocity. Only after that did he finally receive some answer.

Getting tired of the weapon specialist's rambling, Gun decided to provide the mad man some answers.

"I have some remaining work left here."

Goo looked at black eyed guy flabbergasted. Was that all this guy had to say? Still, he held himself back from jumping the guy.

"What about your successor candidates and uniting the four major crews? Are you going to continue them?"

"Also about the successors, if you aren't interested anymore, can I take them?"

Gun thought for a while. Even if not now, he would have had to come to Korea inorder to find a successor and leave the work on them anyway. But right now, he still had few things to take care of in Japan as well. Then again, Daniel was here so there was no way he wouldn't be here too.

Therefore, why not deal with all the things related to this country while during his stay.

" Yes. I will continue them And no you can't take my candidates."

"Aren't you here because of Charles Choi? Didn't he tell you?"

Goo huffed, crossing his arms as he sat on the couch.

"I don't understand what that old man is thinking. He let you go scott free back then without explaining anything to us. He is even letting Eugene mess around. Not to mention, few of the 10 are starting to act weird"

As expected, a lot was going on but not many were of his concern.-

"And what's with you and your fiasco in Japan? You have caused quite the stir there."

"Shut up. It isn't any of your business. My activities don't affect the matters of here. Well, not to most."

Gun responded as he sat himself on the other couch.

"Boo~ what a bummer."

Goo shrugged as he leaned back on the couch. His glasses covered eyes roamed around the place. The environment of this apartment for some reason, felt a little too familiar. The aesthetic and vibe of the place that didn't suit Gun was reminding him of someone else. 

His eyes reached the bookshelves as he spoke.

"Hey, how's Daniel doing?"

His voice was calm. Enough to make Gun glance at him.

"Why do you ask?"

Gun asked causing the weapon specialist to get irritated. Goo looked back towards Gun. Stared at him for a second before answering.

"Well maybe because you removed all my contact with him, burned my gifts and letters and prevented me from visiting him?! The fu*k you mean why?"

"It was better than me killing you, wasn't it?"

Gun asked back nonchalantly. Goo stood up from his place as he declared.

"Listen here you psycho, you might have gotten him first but I am still his best friend."

Gun turned his face up at the blonde as he stared at him. Stared down at him. 

"Watch your mouth. Your relation with Daniel is too insignificant to compare it to mine."

Goo, unfazed by the words, sat back.

"Yeah yeah. Say whatever you want to tell yourself"

A tick mark appeared on the back of Gun's head at the sarcastic tone, non the less he said nothing. Deciding that smoking was better than a nonsensical quarrel, he pulled out a cigarette.

Goo returned back to looking over the place. His focus fell towards the library of books. Among the many, few caught his attention. Those were definitely few of the many mangas that he recommended Daniel in the past, before Gun cut off their contact. 

Hum...he knew his taste was great but he didn't expect Gun to also be interested in them. So to voice his thought, he asked.

"When did you also start reading mangas? I thought you didn't like them?"

"I don't. They are for Daniel." 

"Oh"

So they belonged to Daniel. He should have expected that. Gun was too boring to be interested in them anyway....Goo paused. Wait- He stood up, moved and grabbed Gun by his sides.

"Daniel Is Here!?"

Gun looked at the questioning face that showed genuine hope for his answer to be positive. With an annoyed look, he pulled out his cigarette from his lips as he blew the smoke on the blonde's face that was right infront of his own. 

"Yes. Not exactly here but still in Korea."

Goo moved away from his position as he waved the smoke away. Happiness overpowering his anger that told him to punch the guy, he sat back down with an excited look on his face. 

"You bastard. Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I didn't want to."

The grin of Goo's face didn't disappear as he leaned back, making himself comfortable. After about 2 years, he was finally gonna see his friend again. He needed to calm his nerves, he was feeling too giddy.

"Seriously, I'm too happy right now. Why don't you bring out some drinks?"

"Alcohols aren't allowed here."

Ah.. right, this was Daniel's apartment.

"Yeah. Sorry I forgot."

____________________________________________________

The garden of graveyard was always a lonely place to be. The lack of presence made even the dead that rested under the unmoving slab feel cold. So, when one person came to keep them company, the cemetery graced that person with comforting peace and silence.

The person came, prayed and cleaned the gravestones. Well, as much as his sole pair of hands could. As if having been done this many times before, his actions flowed naturally. 

Like many, the person's visit to the cemetery was also rare. Whenever he came, he always stayed alongside that one grave of this loved one for a long time. Although the grief on the person's face that seemed to worsen everytime he returned here was visible, he never ones uttered any word regarding his life like most would.

Whether be sorrow or pain upon seeing the grave, the person never expressed or spoke about it. The only thing he ever mentioned were apologies. The ones resting under didn't know the reason behind it and truthfully, they couldn't care less. For, too long time had passed for the garden of dead to not welcome the person with comforting silence.

But this day was different. Perhaps this day, the person could finally let out the thing he was guilty of. Perhaps today, the soul of his resting mother could finally forgive the boy and free him from the crime he blamed himself for. 

The boy's words were anticipated by the nothingness of the cemetery. The grieving boy finally let the words escape out his lips.

"I'm sorry for showing myself again.. I promise this will be the last time.... After this, you won't need to bear having me around anymore."

"Even in death, I swear that you won't be disturbed by my filthy existence from the heaven that you're in."

Alas...

The resting soul of the mother was to remain distress. Even with all her desire to relief her son of any torment, be it thousands of apologies, one cannot be truly forgiven if they themselves refuse to forgive their own self.

The wind flew showing their disappointed yet the boy still found comfort in it. It didn't take long for the boy to completely fall asleep beside the gravestone of his mother.

Even with all the effort put in by the sun to not shine too harshly and the wind to not blow too heavily, when the boy woke up, he was snatched out from his peace.The boy noticed something that made him displeased.  

But no matter how displeased, one couldn't prepare themselves for when the boy took out his hairpin and thrusted it by both of his hands, towards his empty neck.

___________________________________________________________

                 ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

Banken was many things. Be it a information gathering specialist, a talented martial artist or an undercover spy. Although a cowardly snake, his intellect and skills at many fields made him believe that his life was worth the horrendous actions he had done.

After all, even with only being in his mid 20s, he had witnessed too many things to say that he was inexperienced when it came to knowing about the darkest sides of human nature. Therefore there weren't many things that surprised him.

Except, there were few times when he thought that the life he worked so hard to preserve was going to end. All because of his failure to predict someone's thought or action. And one such moment was right now.

Banken knew he was skilled at his work. He was experienced enough to know what to do and what not to do. But perhaps, he underestimated his target too much by getting so close to him. As this was what caused this target to plunge the long hairpin towards his neck.

Well, he tried to. 

Banken held the boy from behind. His hand stopping back the sharp pin before it could reach the flesh. His other arm covered the neck to prevent any damage even if he couldn't stop the hairpin.

From the boy's body that didn't react at the sudden outer resistance, to the lack of effort Banken needed to put inorder to stop the hairpin, he knew he messed up. 

"Banken-san. It better not be you."

Banken sweated nervously at the boy's calm tone as he let go of him. He signed as he faced the boy. He put on a composed smile on his face as he spoke.

"You really scared me there pal. Do you know what would have happened if your hand didn't stop-?"

"What are you doing here?"

Hah... Banken innerly prepared himself. He answered with as much positivity as he could muster in his tone.

"Well you see, the young master was worried that you might pull something like...that. So he send me to prevent it from happening."

The younger boy infront lowered his gaze in disappointment. It couldn't be helped. If the young master ordered it than it had to be done. 

"Is Kei also with you then?"

Nervousness swept over Banken once again. His hesitation caused the younger to look at him warningly before he finally replied.

"She is.. in Japan. But I am sure she will be fine-"

Banken was grabbed by the younger boy who glared at him furiously.

"How can you leave her there alone!? You were the only one she was comfortable with back-!"

"Calm down Daniel."

Banken cut in. His tone serious this time as he looked back at the younger boy. It might not work but,

"It's fine. She'll be okay. Infact, she was the one who told me to watch over you even when I tried to refuse the order."

He told reassuringly. And as expected, it didn't calm the boy down. With a look that could freeze fire, the younger boy spoke.

"How can a 15 year old be okay staying alone, surrounded by people that won't hesitate to kill her in a flick of a word?"

Ah.. the vicious memories of the past incidents that caused the young girl to loath every being and for his once student, Daniel to betray the one he ought to protect. Banken couldn't say anything. 

"...."

"I'll return back to Japan. Tell that to Gun. He might spare your life for being caught so quickly if you give him a good news."

"Wait! Daniel-"

But he was pushed pass by the boy that was walking away with the trail of ice. Banken had first noticed the trail of coldness when Isani died. But it was after 'that incident' that the ice trail became so cold and distant, it was impossible for his fingers to not tremble. 

Yet, he couldn't stop his hands from trying to reach out to the boy that drowned in the boiling lake of guilt, sorrow and regret. As he was one of the individuals that partook in crafting the boy to the way he was now.

Daniel desperately needed a break right now. So for that, Banken had to make sure that the boy doesn't return to Japan. Not this soon. And inorder to make that happen, he will have to clench his trembling hands and stop the boy. Doing just that, he spoke out.

"How about Ryo Kei comes here instead!? I'll request the boss. I'm sure he'll allow it."

The younger boy looked at him, slightly surprised that he even dared to say that.

"That way she won't have to stay in Japan alone. And you will also be able to look after her."

Banken waited hopefully for Daniel's next words. His hands forgetting to let go of the boy. Daniel thought before answering.

"Call Gun right now."

He sighed in relief as a smile appeared on his face. His attention then went towards their hands that were parted away by the boy. 

"Ah- sorry there"

Daniel didn't respond and simply started to gather his hair and wrap it by the hairpin. The bun wasn't good. It wasn't anything to what one would call a bun especially with his long hair. As most of the lower hair fell out while the long locks of front, stayed at the sides of his face. 

In the past, when Daniel was still a young child, he and Isani usually did his hair but as the time passed, there were very few that could even come near the boy. Well, at least his face did it's part on saving any and every look.

With an easygoing tone, Banken spoke.

"How about we go to your place before I call the boss-?"

He hoped to restore his damaged relation with his former pupil.

"No. Call him right now."

Sigh... He didn't wish to do this but he was gonna. 

"Sure~ but since Kai had asked me to watch over you, I should first tell her what you just then attempted to do."

The reaction was instant. Daniel stared at him threateningly as he warned.

"You won't."

Banken smirked. He kinda felt bad for putting it over Daniel's head but a little tease couldn't be so bad. His voice took a challenging tone.

"You bet? She also told me specifically to tell her if you did anything stupid like that."

Pausing for a while, Daniel reluctantly agreed.

"Fine. But don't complain about the place."

After paying their respect towards the grave for the last time, Daniel and Banken headed back. The trip was both long and awkward. 

___________________________________________________

There were very few unimportant things Banken could use to make small talks with Daniel. And even fewer past events/memories or anything related to home/Japan he could bring up without triggering the younger boy's traumas. So yeah, the trip wasn't great for either party.

Finally reaching the place where Daniel had resided after leaving the place arranged by the boss, Banken was welcomed by a shabby, nearly rundown shed. Banken took a second take before looking at Daniel questioningly.

He was simply shrugged off by Daniel as they entered the place. The inside also wasn't that good but it was still better than the outside. The place was somewhat neat but definitely not somewhere Daniel should be living in. 

Far from it actually. After being taken in by the young master, the boy was provided with every basic to extravagant things by the boss. Daniel had spent almost half of his life in absolute comfort and luxury. So, to see the boy living a run down shed, Banken was more than taken a back.

Noticing his shocked and questioning state, Daniel cleared.

"How do you think I was able to go unnoticed by you for nearly a week?"

Well, that cleared things. Daniel had already thrown away his phone so, there was no way for keeping tracks on him through electronics. It was only due to Banken's sureness that Daniel would at least once come and visit his mother's grave that he was able to locate his former pupil.

the place was located at the slumps of Seoul which wasn't the safest place for a teenager to live in. Seriously, what did boy even use his credit card for? But then again, what could actually danger this teen other than himself.

He just hoped that the boss doesn't find out about it. Admittedly, the young master was a bit too controlling when it came to Daniel and the surrounding he was in. He looked around the small place which was neat enough except for the unpacked luggage holding various stuff.

Various weird stuff. There were many assets that belonged to Daniel. But out of all the numerous valuable things, the boy decided to bring along the strangest of them. Except for all the clothing that were pure white, the remaining stuff were very questionable.

A broken hairpin kept carefully in a box, a kimono that didn't belong to him, a blood stained journal that also didn't belong to him, a doll expect only it's one big blue eye being present and a whole freaking katana. Well, the katana was a merchandise from a manga but still, if not for the power held by the Yamazaki head, bringing that thing abroad would have sure been a hassle.

In Daniel's defense, all have different perspective on what they call as valuable. 

"Would you like some tea?"

Banken was snapped back to reality as he saw Daniel at the kitchen counter. At least the boy was still as polite as ever. Guess most the things he picked up were from Isani.

"Sure."

He replied happily. Though..Daniel was doing too good.

"You seemed to have settled in well"

There was an underlying doubt in his tone. How could he not? This was the boy with the only thing truly taught to him being combat. His comment seemed to have an effect on Daniel. It caused Daniel to turn around and face him.

"Banken-san. What do you see me as?"

"Pitiful at best, deadly at worst."

Banken was as unhesitant as the flowing waterfall. It only further annoyed Daniel. 

"Well, you'll be surprised but I already received a job."

Daniel told with a hint of proudness. And Banken sure was surprised.

"What!? Where?"

"A convenient store. The owner was the one that offered to hire me. Though I'll actually start working there from tomorrow."

Banken was left completely speechless. Daniel, working at a convenient store? The same daniel that hadn't even bought his own clothes till now? The same Daniel that had never once left the household unless with Isani-san or the boss?

Yep! That owner definitely hired Daniel for his looks. There was no other explanation. He signed in exhaustion. He truly hoped that the young master doesn't find out about it. Other than that, he was fine with this. With Daniel having something to keep him occupied that was not violence related, it would be a good distraction for him.

____________________________________________________

Sitting in silence while drinking tea was definitely a peaceful moment. Even with the inconvenient sitting place, spending quality time with one's apprentice was something Banken found very precious. 

During the moment, Banken noticed Daniel's hair coming infront his face, causing him to regularly tug the locks behind his ears. The past 3 years had been more than heavy for the teen. It caused the boy to not care about trivial things, such as his hair amidst the haziness.

"Hey Daniel, have you thought about trimming your hair?"

The question was innocent. It didn't take long for Daniel to answer.

"I have. Although I still wish to continue wearing the hairpin."

He gestured towards the hairpin that he was wearing. The hairpin was an interesting one. The pin itself was clear white with slight crimson bleeding from the non-pointed end. At that end of the pin was a flower which he recognized as the red spider lily. Red tear shaped beads hanged below the carved flower similar to droplets falling from a fresh leaf. 

The most unique part of hairpin was the kanji carved onto it; Shadow of the White Demon. It was gifted by the young master due to Daniel holding onto the broken hairpin too much. It held importance to both the one that gifted and the one that received.

"Hum. How about I trim it for you. I'll cut it just enough to be short but also long enough to wear the hairpin."

Banken suggested. Daniel seemed to think for a while. Suspecious regarding his skill with the scissors showed on the younger's face. After a while, deciding to trust the man's skill, Daniel agreed.

Daniel regretted his decision. 

He couldn't recognize this hairstyle at all. It was Shorter but not short enough to how he wanted. It wasn't cut short like Gun's and Banken's nor was it cut straight like Kei's that reached her shoulders. How should he call it, it was messy? Uneven?

"It's called a wolf cut."

Banken informed. Well, it sorta was but not exactly. He had intended to go for that look (he once saw the hairstyle in newtube) but he wasn't exactly a barber. Then again, how are you supposed to style a hair with only scissors?

"It looks terrible."

Daniel expressed. 

"Not what others will say."

Thanks to the face molded by the Gods themselves, Banken could save his own. 

"At least it's long enough for you to tie it and stick the hairpin it in."

Daniel didn't know. He was already bad at wrapping his hair with the hairpin. Due to his former teacher's unreliableness, guess he'll have to take care of it by himself somehow.

"Hah..just make the phone call already."

"Ai ai~"

_____________________________________________________

*Ring! ring!-*

The ringing phone was picked up by Gun. After a short exchange of information, the call was cut. 

"Who was it?"

Goo asked from behind. 

"Banken."

Gun replied going back to what he was doing before the phone call. Goo perked at the familiar name.

"That snake of yours? What did he tell you?"

Goo asked. Interested about the man that provided Gun with many of the most vital informations.

"Just that Daniel caught his tail and now requests to bring a hostage in Korea."

"Welp! your plan on keeping watch over Daniel went draining down the sink."

"Also, what hostage?"

"Nothing important to you."

Gun didn't wish to further explain to the blonde. He was already being generous enough by allowing the guy to meet Daniel, if he finds him that is. 

Regarding the information told by Banken, Gun had expected half of them beforehand. He'll have to do something about Daniel's tendency to give up on life. Hm. Perhaps that girl could be of help to that.

Previously he had wanted to kill the sole survivor of the Ryu family as she was the reason for Daniel's attempted betrayal. But after a lot of begging from Daniel to spare her life, he decided to let her live. She was also very useful at keeping Daniel in line so her life wasn't all that wasteful.

Now bringing her to Korea wouldn't be so bad. He could fulfill Daniel's wish while also having the girl as a leash. 

"So, you gonna agree to whatever that snake said?"

Goo asked. Curious about his decision.

"I will. Infact, I was needing of someone to look after the plants anyway."

___________________________________________________

It had been a whole week since Daniel's last visit to the airport. Last time it was while arriving to Korea. This time, it was to receive the person he had anticipated the arrival of since last 2 days. Gun had agreed on letting Kei come to this country and he was more than pleased with it.

After waiting for a while along with Banken-san, the sight of the young girl was finally visible. He picked his pace towards the young teen. The girl was silent while meeting them. Her face lacked the happiness that he felt while seeing her. 

It wasn't unusual. Thus, it didn't discourage Daniel from lowering to her level inorder to embrace her. His worries gradually washing away at the sight of her unharmed form. But what he met wasn't the return of the warm gesture but rather,

*Smack!*

Daniel looked back up from his kneeling self. His right cheek was slightly red as he faced the girl that looked down at him. Her blue eye burned down at him with absolute anger and disgust. With the tone full of venom, Kei uttered,

"How dare you try to die without my permission."

_____________________________________________________

                   ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

Daniel's cheek stung with pain. Under the blue eye that looked down at him in anger and disgust, he felt ashamed. He was angry as to who had told Kei about the incident. It was not his intention to kill himself. It truly wasn't. How could he when his life already belonged to the two that was not himself.

Even when wishing for the flames of hell to extinguish his horrid existence, Daniel, bound by the chains held by the one that owned his life and the other who he owed his life to, couldn't. As they were for whom his loyalty and responsibility laid to. 

He wanted to explain to Kei that he wasn't intending to do what it seemed like. He would never. He was too afraid to leave her alone in this world. Yet, he didn't. His anger too disappeared as he lowered his gaze before the girl.

It was his fault from the start after all. He shouldn't have done something like that in the first place. Now, he had caused her pain once again. Daniel could only apologize for the mistake he had done. 

With a tone as fragile as the morning dew, he spoke

"I am sorry I made you upset again. I promise not to do that-."

"Don't make promises that you can't keep."

The young girl was just as harsh and stern as Banken remembered her to be. He presumed she was much softer in the past. Ryo Kei, daughter of Ryo Isani and the only surviving member of the Ryo family. Experience truly changed people to their core.

He couldn't see the bright and cheerful kid Daniel described her to be in the past. The young kid that used to call Daniel her nii-chan and complain about how her mother loved him more than her. Now, she was just an ugly shadow of her former self that used his apprentice as a means of survival.

She was one of the people Banken found unpredictable. He had first panicked when the girl slapped Daniel. The boss would kill both the girl and him if he found out. But quickly composed himself seeing Daniel's reaction. He probably should have gotten a better grasp of her behavior till now but he hadn't.

Unlike Daniel, he wasn't all that familiar with the girl. He didn't know why the girl was comfortable with him when she detested the boss to a melting degree. Nor did he know the emotions she held towards his pupil.

The most he knew was that Daniel felt responsibility so strong towards the girl that it could rival his loyalty towards the young master. And the young girl was sure to make use of that.

"I was hoping you would correct me and say that it wasn't your intention."

The disappointed remark of the girl turned his focus back to her. Daniel was quick to answer her.

"I didn't mean to.."

The gentleness that his pupil showed towards the girl never failed to make him question if he had split personality. Disregarding the keeling person infront of her, Rei walked past them. Leaving them to follow after her. 

Banken could feel the stares of people around them. As if seeing a celebrity, everyone had paused what they doing to steal at least one glance of them. Well Daniel's. It wasn't unusual nor was it a surprise to the three of them. Daniel had grown to not notice them but it disturbed the young girl.

Even with all the harshness she poured onto Daniel. When faced with stressful environment or situation, such as a crowd of strangers, she would always tightly hold Daniel's hand. While Daniel inclined without complain. This time was no different.

Finally out the airport, Daniel was hesitant to let go of the girl but reluctantly did. They had to part their ways from here. Banken alone was to take the girl to the place where she would live and watch over her for the rest of her stay in Korea. 

_____________________________________________________

After bidding goodbye they separated and Banken took Kei to the place. This was his second time escorting someone to this building. The first was Daniel who left immediately the day after. Thinking of Daniel, he had given Banken an object to return to the girl.

It was a diary. Considering that Daniel had still been holding onto the bloodstained item, he guessed it belonged to Isani. It was possibly a journal diary. Not surprising since Isani was quite a poetic woman. 

Daniel most likely meant to return the diary to it's owner's daughter. Banken had followed the request and now the diary of dull purple color was held by the girl in her one hand. Her luggage was held by him as they made their way to the elevator.

Daniel had requested him to look after the girl and inform him if anything happens to her. The boy was seriously asking for a lot. It felt like he was a double agent working for two different people at the same time. But since he was generous towards his former apprentice, he could do that much. 

Non the less, he couldn't discard the doubt he felt towards the girl. The boss had spared her life on the condition of never showing herself infront of him and Daniel. Yet, she herself offered to be held as a hostage if it meant being near Daniel.

Could he even call her a hostage when she was one to offer the deal and the young master only saw as a tool to keep Daniel in line? From definition, he couldn't. It also confused Banken as to why the girl wanted to be with Daniel. She was very persistent on ruining his already messed up life, if he remembered correctly.

They got out the elevator as they walked towards the main door. Guessing that the boss was inside, Banken looked at the girl as he spoke.

"Daniel asked me to keep you safe. So, I hope you'll cooperate with me on that by behaving yourself."

The girl acknowledged his words but didn't reply. He knew it. This girl was gonna be troublesome to look after. 

_______________________________________________________

Kei and the man beside her entered the apartment. There inside, they were welcomed by the unwanted sight of two people. Seeing the first person, she quickly grabbed the hand of the man that Daniel-nii called Banken-san.

Infront of her, stood the object of her hatred. Gun Yamazaki, the head of Yamazaki family who was also called the Shiro Oni. He took his sun glasses off as he looked at her up and down. 

His black eyes didn't hide what he saw her as. A nuisance. The feeling of being nothing more than a mere insect was always present when facing this person. The most he ever expressed for her was annoyance. It was still the same. 

She honestly didn't care nor she would have continued to care. If not for her simple dislike towards Yakuzas morphing into the boiling hatred for this man. Her distaste for him started to grow when she realized the amount of loyalty her mother and Daniel-nii had for this person. She disliked the fact that her mother put the person before her own family. She despised Daniel-nii for valuing that person over everything and everyone including himself.

But non could match the hatred she felt for this person- no demon the destroyed her everything. Be it her relation, family or life. This demon was the root cause of her and her Daniel-nii's suffering. Sure, she feared him to a great extent but her hatred for the demon overpowered it. 

She knew if she left her Daniel-nii alone with this demon, he will change into that apathetic monster as well. She had witnessed it by her own eyes. The way her Daniel-nii fought and killed for this demon. No. She would rather die than let him turn into an emotionless monster that danced in red, under the demon's command.

Her expression was firm. She wouldn't show any hint of fear infront of this demon. She glared up at the demon that watched her with a belittling look. 

"I was hoping you would lose your mind and kill yourself from isolation. How unfortunate."

The genuine disappointment in the demon's tone made Kei clench the diary by her side. She forcefully twisted her face in a joyful smile as she spoke.

"Fortunately, thanks to Daniel-nii I didn't have to."

There wasn't much reaction from the demon except for the increase in annoyance. She also noticed the uneasy almost worried look on face of the man beside her. She had thought of behaving but this demon had to open his mouth. He dismissed his attention from her as he spoke to the man beside her.

"Banken, keep this thing under check before I forget about the benefit of keeping it alive."

The veins coming from her neck twitched as she found it difficult to keep her face. She tightened her hold on the man's hand to calm herself down. The man on her side replied back nervously.

"Yes master-"

"There's no need. Daniel-nii approves of my behavior."

This time she didn't force her face and let the stern expression with a hint of irritation be shown. It caused the demon's attention to return back on her and Banken to start fearing for the worst. 

Gun looked at the bug in annoyance. As expected, it's existence was more unpleasant in person. And it was starting to get on his nerves. Keeping it around was looking difficult the more it spoke. He didn't want to make Daniel further sad so he tried his best to not kill it and keep it near even back then. But,

'When is he gonna lose interest in it?'

He was getting tired of seeing it's face and knowing it still had a place somewhere inside Daniel's heart. A nuisance that clung onto Daniel as a burden. Looking at it, truly

"What a waste of Daniel's affection."

His contempt for the thing seeped out the further that revolting blue eye glared at him. He should have asked to plug both of them out back then. The eye that looked at him as if it wasn't just a measley fly that didn't deserve to even glance at the one it clung so desperately to. 

"!-"

The thing tried to speak back. Gun could almost guess the content that would come out of that mouth. Another aggravating reply involving the name it had no right to word out. Frankly he had enough of it. Giving his full attention to the thing, he loomed over it. It was enough to make the eye waver and the words to stop before it could even start.

"Your needless tongue. I can ask Daniel and he will cut if off."

It was true and it's proof was the breaking of eye contact by the thing looking down. He would have acknowledged the thing if it could actually be a threat to him. But it was just a pathetic insect that survived all thanks to someone's sympathy. He hoped it wasn't just as foolish. He would hate to make Daniel upset again. 

Having the bug put on its place, the air around Gun changed back to neutral. He put back on his sun glasses.

"Don't forget to regularly water the plants."

He told casually before walking out. He paused on his way as he turned back to the Banken who was just finishing sighing in relief. 

"Banken."

The man flinched in shock before quickly facing him in a composed manner. 

"Make sure that the thing lives, until it loses his pity."

With that the young master left, leaving Banken and Kei alone. Wait- there was someone else inside. It was Kim Joon Goo. Banken had seen him many times with the young master. He hadn't realized the person's presence because of the confrontation (if he could even call it that) between the other two before.

The boss's working partner seemed amused by what just happened. He had a grin on his face. Banken felt slight discomfort seeing it. Thankfully it didn't last long as the blonde soon left the place following the boss. Though it wasn't before, he gave the girl a look of interest.

Banken once again signed in relief. This time he wasn't disturbed. It was never a good idea to anger the young master. He didn't know when Kei would learn that and relieve him of such anxiety. Thinking of Kei, the girl was still looking down. He winced. He hadn't noticed how hard the girl was holding his hand. 

"Banken-san was it?"

He looked at the girl questionably.

"Get out."

If not for the warningly calm tone, he wouldn't have complied. Deciding on giving the girl some alone time, he exited the apartment. Ah- sh*t! He brought along the luggage.

_________________________________________________________

Kei heard the door behind her close. Her hands trembled as she bit her lips. Anger raged within her while dread doomed down on her. Her eye was wide open yet her sight was foggy. Clenching her gritting teeth she slammed her closed fist on the door behind. Her hand throbbed in pain as she slumped down on the floor. Her back leaned on the wooden door for support.

The phone given to her fell out from her pocket during the scuffle. The diary was still held tightly by her other hand. Taking some long breathes, her shoulders hanged as she looked up. Sweats rolled down her young face as she stared at the sealing, trying to calm herself down. Everything felt silent at the moment.

Taking in the soundless peace, she moved her empty and bruised hand towards her face. Her hand travelled to her right eye. Her eyes. Daniel-nii used to praise the beauty of her eyes by comparing them to blue gemstones. She didn't know if it was a pleasant memory or a horrible one.

She closed the lid with her fingers as everything went dark. She didn't need to close the other as there was nothing. In the blackness of her closed eye, the sight of Daniel-nii holding her other blue eye was visible. Her beloved Daniel-nii was wrong. The bloody eyeball that looked back at her with it's blue iris from his crimson hand wasn't beautiful.

Ah..she made a mistake. The rage and terror was dawning back again. For some reason, they always seem to come together. Never letting her experience just one agonizing sensation. Her powerless half cowered in dread while her still determined half burned in never ending detest.

|"What a waste of Daniel's affection" |

Kei banged her head back at the wooden door behind. 

"That damn devil's swamp.."

She swept her hair back from her face before clenching them in a fist. Her face twisting in an unsightly expression as she used the pain to avoid losing her sense. 

She really shouldn't be getting this rilled up as it was all in vein. Her hate was in vein. As infront of the merciless demon that had ended the life of hundreds of Yakuza heads and destroyed their organizations, her being able to even breathe till now was close to a miracle.

*Ring! Ring!....*

Not mentioning the unpleasant, non the less a known truth in the Yakuza world, that before even thinking about killing the White demon, they had to face his shadow first. A beautifully impalpable monster that took the form of an unreachable wall. Everyone faced it yet non could pass though.

*Click!*

[Hello? Kei-]

Revenge. A wishful goal of her's in the past. As to be expected of such foolish dream, it failed like many of others'. It wasn't her goal now. Yet, she still allowed the blazing sensation to exist in such ferocity within her. After all, there was a lot to despair about. So instead, she chosed to let the burning hate rule over.

"Daniel-nii."

For, she will  be the leash that held back the monster, raised by the demon named Gun Yamazaki.

_______________________________________________________

               ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

|"Hello? Daniel? your kid might be going crazy inside." |

Daniel signed. Banken-san was very unreliable when it came to preventing bad events from happening. But then again, he couldn't really blame the man on this as something bad was bound to happen whenever Gun and Kei faced eachother. 

Daniel stood infront of the door with a plastic bag on his one hand. He looked at the man that stood alongside him with a luggage. It had taken Daniel more than an hour to reach here. Seeing the man whose call was the reason for his arrival still outside the apartment, Daniel couldn't help but ask.

"How exactly did you manage to lock yourself out?"

Banken looked back at Daniel blankly. Now, how should he tell Daniel that he had entrusted the key to the 15 year old that decided to not open the door and let him stand outside like a fool just because she wasn't in her best mood, without making it sound like the girl was crazy and he was irresponsible.

"Handing keys to an angsty teenager is a bad idea."

Daniel just glanced at him unimpressed. Letting go of the subject, he knocked the door. He was met with silence.

"Kei?"

A pause before something slid out from the other side of the door. Daniel bent down and picked up the key. He opened the door, pulling it outwards. Near the entrance sat Kei with her knees up. Her hands rested over her knees as she looked up at him, tilting her head sideways.

Daniel entered and kneeled before her. Handing the plastic bag to Banken-san, he spoke

"The floor must be cold"

He gestured his arms to pick her up which she inclined. Carefully carrying her inside, he placed her on the comfortable couch. Much warmer than the hard floor. Banken followed behind them and made himself comfortable on the other couch. 

"Banken-san"

"?"

Banken glanced at Daniel before handing him over the plastic bag. Daniel took out an ice pack along with bandages that he had bought on his way. Glancing at the hand that wasn't holding the purple diary, he asked.

"I heard you got hurt"

In response to his words, Kei showed him her bruised hand. Daniel saddened at the sight of the painful closed wounds. Kei's face was free of any hard expression as if cooling off from an outburst. Her bangs that usually covered her left eye were swept aside, making her full face visible. Before he could linger any longer at the visible sight, Kei brought him back to reality.

"Daniel-nii."

Daniel's attention instantly returned towards the bruised arm. 

"Ah- sorry"

Carefully applying the ice pack at the reddened areas, his thought went towards the reason for the bruise. It was obvious and he was in no position to comment about it. He could only treat the after wound.

The coldness of the ice pack caused Kei to relax. Placing away the diary whose bookmark had just been changed after a long time, her eye roamed her surrounding. So, this was the place the demon had arranged for her Daniel-nii to stay. She recognized almost all the plants and flowers from her mother.

Unlike her mother and Daniel-nii, she wasn't a big fan of them. Averting her focus, Kei observed Daniel as he treated her lower arm. This time more attentively. His long hair was cut shorter. She had noticed that before but only now she could see how unprofessional the haircut was. 

The locks that framed the sides of his face were long enough to reach his shoulders. His bangs covered his eyes when bowing even slightly down. On the back, despite cutting off most of the hair, the main portion was still kept longer. The hairpin with red spider lily that peeked from behind also did it's part on saving the hairstyle some grace.

And as usual, his clothing was all white. Be it of slightly different shades but still that irritating white. From the light turtle neck to the thin opened jacket. She would have preferred if the shoes were atleast dirtied on his way. Among all that white, the bold red hairpin and the black thread like jewel that wrapped around his neck were bound to stick out.

Even when covered with those infuriating aspects, her Daniel-nii still looked sickeningly beautiful.

"You look hideous in white."

Daniel raised his head towards Kei in confusion at the sudden comment. Banken also looked at her before looking at Daniel and finally going back to looking at her questionably. Before Banken could say anything against the comment, Daniel spoke. His voice as gentle as ever. 

"We can buy new clothes if you want."

A soft smile was on his lips as he purposed the idea. He had a guess as to why she said that. He found the reason understandable as Kei did find anything related to Gun distasteful. And he was also thinking of getting clothes in other colours anyway.

"Let's go then. I can't bear to see you on that unsightly colour whenever we meet."

"Hm.. let me just finish this."

Daniel said as he continued bandaging up her wrist and lower arm. 

"Wait- we're going shopping!? Aren't you kids like- tired or something?"

Banken asked, not wanting to get up from his resting position. He was just getting to sit down from waiting for about 2 hours. Now due to Kei's pettiness they had to go shopping. Do these kids not even get hungry?

_______________________________________________________

The three entered the mall as almost all eyes focused on them. And Banken knew the reason to that. The mall was big but definitely less extravagant compared to their other options. Instead of going to a mall or department near their apartment, Kei wanted to go to a less crowded one. Thus, here they were. Travelling further than they needed to.

Of course, the crowd wasn't any less. Infact it might be larger but they were tired enough to just settle for this one. The mall was a pretty normal one so now among the hundreds, possibly thousands of people, almost all they passed by, stared at them.

Banken and Kei were well dressed. But the one that garnered the attention was the one blissfully uncaring about it. Well what do you expect from someone that wore even the most expensive and designer outfits as a casual clothing. 

They walked with Kei in the middle and him and Daniel at her each side. Kei was holding Daniel's hand almost protectively while Banken tried to ignore everything unrelated to what they were here for. He understood why the young master never let Daniel leave the Yamazaki estate.

Since Daniel wasn't the picky type and was ok with basically anything comfortable and deemed appropriate by him and kei, the shopping ended pretty quickly. In the mean time, he also bought some for himself considering that he was also gonna stay here for a while.

The best part of it all finally came when they got to sit back and eat something in one of restaurants inside the mall. Truly, hunger was the best ingredient. Daniel was the first to finish his meal and excused himself to the restroom, leaving Banken and kei alone. 

Daniel exited the restroom. His eyes checking the place. He supposed the shopping went well. Kei was very much invested in the selection of his clothes and seemed to be satisfied by it. So, it was fine.

His eyes landed on a nearby store. He entered the store looking for the thing that caught his interest. In a corner, he was able to find the many eye patches of intricate designs. Instead of normal eye patch, they were designed more as an accessory. After buying some, he exited the store to return back.

Daniel was stopped on his way by the sound of someone. Looking up was the large screen that showed a person singing. Similar to him, some of the people paused to look at the man shown in the screen. He presumed the person was well known. Glancing one last time, Daniel continued on his way. The singer with pink hair looked oddly familiar. 

_____________________________________________________

Kei got up from her seat. She was getting bored. She had seen an arcade on their way and was meaning to go there. After informing Banken about where she would be going, she left for the games. Leaving Banken alone to pay the bill.

Kei reached the lively arcade. Normally she wouldn't like such place. But right now without her Daniel-nii by her side, their won't be eyes focused towards her direction. Not to mention, she liked the change of aesthetic and vibe inside the arcade. 

Looking around, she doubted there would be much games she can play with one hand. Disregarding her inconvenience, she decided to join in. With her first game, she discovered her hand to not be that much of a handicap. With careful measures taken, she was ready to have some fun.

After finishing most of the games, there was now the claw machine remaining on Kei's list. She checked in her side bag that hanged from her shoulder to her opposite lower side. Good, she still had some change left. 

Kei would have already gone at the row of claw machines but not even one was empty during that time. She was sure at least half an hour had passed since she came here. Not seeing her Daniel-nii already arrived searching for her, she was a little skeptical but not worried. With that she went towards the one claw machine, free of any people.

________________________________________________________

Banken sipped his cold drink. With Kei at the Arcade and Daniel gone there as well, he had some alone time to just relax. Beside him were the various bags of newly bought clothes along with another bag of eye patches apparently, added by Daniel. 

The boy went searching for Kei as soon as he returned. From Banken's viewpoint, his pupil worried too much. It wasn't like Kei could get lost. She wasn't a naive child after all. And it's not like this was her first time in a mall........Pausing at his drink, Banken remembered.

fu*k! It was Daniel's first time in a mall! 

Meanwhile,

Daniel stood aimlessly among the hundreds of passing people. Recalling the direction to Kei's location given by Banken-san, he could only ask one thing.

'What the heck is "around the corner" ?'

He had already called Kei but the call wasn't picked up. He was strating to panic significantly now. The gaming section. Banken-san said she was there. But for god's sake was he not finding it.

The lack of context pissed Daniel off and his worry only grew more rapidly. He recalls some people trying to speak to him but in his panicked state, he wasn't focused. He concluded that his second kill was less nerve wracking than this.

"Hello? Are you okay?"

Daniel flinched back to reality at the sudden contact from someone. He stepped back instinctively before facing the stranger. A girl around his age stood infront of him. She seemed to have been caught off guard by his action as well.

She had a surprised look on her face while her black with small strips of light brown hair appeared slightly ruffled up. Her surprised expression quickly turned into a worried one as she spoke.

"Eh- sorry for suddenly touching you.. You didn't look very well. Are you okay?"

Daniel bowed apologetically. 

"No I'm fine-"

"But, can you please tell me where the.. gaming section (?) is?"

The girl seemed to know what he was asking about. 

"You mean the Arcade? I can but are you sure you're fine? You should calm down first-"

He moved closer to her, making her pause. His unusually thin patience at the moment running out.

"Yes. Please just tell-"

He was cut off by the sound of his phone ringing. Seeing the name, he quickly picked up the call. 

"Hello!? Kei?"

[Daniel-nii? Why did you-]

"Are you okay? Why didn't you pick up my call and where are you?"

[I am fine. I'm just at the Arcade. Didn't Banken-san tell you?]

Relief washed over Daniel as his tensed self slightly loosened up. A less stressful look appeared on his face as he spoke.

"No he didn't."

[I should have exp- hey! what the- give.....-]

"Kei?"

"Kei what happen..?"

"Kei-"

*Click*

The sound that indicated that the call was cut. His only communication with Kei was disconnected through the intervention of someone else. And he was left with his most fearful thoughts and interpretation to rule over his mind.

Daniel heard his heart beat fast. Yet it felt so low and far as if beating from inside a deep empty well. This emotion he was feeling. He recognized it to be similar to the time before Isani-san died. The moment when he was made to realize his true worth.

The moment when he saw that red headed stranger fighting Gun. It felt similar to the time when he agreed to leave Gun, knowing full well they will fail. This terrifying feeling had started to become too familiar. Too often.

Ah... It was his fault again. He shouldn't have left Kei's side. He shouldn't have proposed to come here in the first place. It was his fault. He had to fix it. He had to find her and keep her safe from any harm. He had to end the thing that could harm her.

The place she was in. Arcade was it? Daniel looked back at the girl.

"Miss. Can you tell me where the Arcade is?"

This time the girl didn't question back anything and only gave him the information.

_____________________________________________________

"I should have exp-"

"Hey! What the!?"

Someone snatched her phone.

"Give it back."

Kei glared at the person while her one hand still held the controller to the claw machine. Turning to the person, she was faced with a tall man. No. looking closely, he was probably around the same age as Daniel-nii. 

The guy wore a cap and a pair of sun glasses. Now that she looked at him closely, she had seen this guy before when she took her turn in the machine. He had been waiting for his turn till now. 

With an annoyed look still plastered on his face, the guy returned back her phone. 

"Get lost brat. With your crappy skill, you're never gonna get that thing."

He said as he pointed at the stuff toy she had been trying to win until now. Kei will admit, she wasn't doing that great on winning the doll. Although different from her usual choice, she still wanted that doll in her collection.

"No. Back off. I still have to get that prize."

She told defiantly as she put her phone inside her bag and returned on trying to get the doll. She failed again. Her hand had decided to not cooperate during the game she wanted to win the most. Before Kei could express her irritation at the handle, she was pushed aside by the guy who had enough of waiting.

"Stubborn brat. Let me show you how it's done."

He said before taking her place and trying to do the thing that she had continuously failed. Suppressing her anger at being pushed away, she waited to see if the guy could actually do it. And oh how gloriously he failed. Again and again and again. Witnessing the guy's horrible play, Kei with a serious tone, asked.

"Are you blind?" 

Her question seemed to piss of the guy but her expression remained unimpressed. 

"Shut up brat! I was just about to get that stupid thing!"

"Which part of that lousy play was gonna get the prize? Even my terrible one hand play was better than that."

Kei remarked snarkily. Even with the guy being most likely a delinquent with a foul attitude, he still seemed have the decency to not hit children. Since she was younger and the opposite gender, she could probably get away with more. Having that said, she moved to continue the try.

"Listen. My right hand isn't in the best state. And whether you like it or not, my one eye sees better than your two."

She looked at him directly in his sunglasses. Not challengingly. She will admit she wasn't that good at the game even with her hand fully fine. But she wanted that doll. She had already made plans for it.

"Follow my exact directions and we'll win that damn thing."

The guy didn't seem against the idea. Looks like the dude was also getting annoyed by the continuous failure. 

"Let's win this annoying thing quickly. My money is about to finish at just this machine alone."

His stubbornness to win was a positive thing for Kei.

"After winning that toy. You better get out of my face."

Whatever. She wasn't fond of him anyway. With that out, their first attempt didn't end well. The guy didn't like following other's instructions and even when followed, he was bad at it. The second attempt was successful. 

Finally having that annoying doll in her hand, Kai felt satisfied. Then someone snatched it away from her. It wasn't the sunglasses guy this time nor did it matter who it was.

As. God forsake her morality, for she was willing to accept her mother side of family right now. 

Vin Jin wasn't having a good day today. First that bitch Mary Kim had left him to wait while she did whatever with her hair. After that when he tried to pass his time and not rot in boredom, he was met with this annoying, sharp tongued brat with an equally annoying toy to win. 

And now, these bastards just had to come and ruin his mood even more.

"How long are you losers gonna hog the machine? Scram. It's our turn now."

The guy maybe older than him? (Vin didn't care) said with a stupid face. There were five more dudes behind him. One of the other nobodies was swinging the toy that he won as if to throw it away.

"Listen here you moron. That doll belongs to me."

"Give it back."

The brat stepped infront of the guy that had the toy. This was the first time he had seen her openly angry. Before she had that weird restrained calmness even when irritated. 

"Hey! Who are you calling 'moron' you stupid brat!? We were gonna let you go. But now let us teach you a lesson on how to treat adult."

The guy pushed the brat down before pulling the toy to tear it apart. But before the guy could tear it, Vin slammed the guy to the floor.

"You were gonna teach who a lesson, fu*ker?"

He took the toy as the guy remained on the ground face first with a bleeding nose. While the other guys were still shocked by Vin's sudden attack, he saw the brat get up. Walk amidst them. Look down at the guy whimpering in pain from his throw and kick him straight at his face before spitting on it. 

"Pfft- !!"

Vin almost bursted out in laughter. Well he would have if not for the other douchebag butting in and slapping the brat back.

"You Guys Were The Ones That Started This! So Don't Blame Us For Repaying It-"

Ignoring the guy, Vin picked the brat up by her back collar. He was starting to like this brat. Handing her the toy, he told her.

"Catch this and watch as I beat these bastards till they cry out for their mommy. And you. Make sure to spit on all of them afterwards."

His smirk only grew when the brat pointed at the guy that slapped her and said.

"Don't hit his face. I will be the one to make it uglier."

And as if to ruin their bonding(?) moment, The guy that seemed like the group's leader stepped infront of him. 

"Quite the arrogant pair of mouth you guys got there."

Unlike the others, he had a smile on his face.

"This is gonna be troublesome. We don't wanna get in trouble for crippling another high schooler again."

He said closing his eyes and scratching his short brow hair as if actually thinking. He then looked back at Vin with a cheerful smile as he spoke.

"Please don't forget to tell the police that you were the one that started the fight! And we were just defending ourselves."

"But even if you don't, we still have the proof of it down here."

He said as he pointed towards the knocked down guy almost dismissively. The brat rolled her eyes while Vin continued to smirk. Crippling you say? A wicked grin creeped on his face as he got into his fighting stance.

"Oh don't worry about that."

"I also don't like others taking credit for the limbs that I break."

______________________________________________________

                 ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

"I also don't like others taking credit for the limbs that I break."

What the heck was this idiot saying? Did he really just say that stupid line that could get them in trouble? Kei innerly shook her head. Checking the time at her phone, she wondered where Daniel-nii was right now. 

Without his involvement, this situation could get troublesome. She nearly forgot they weren't in Japan. The devil's swamp will definitely intervien to clear Daniel-nii's name if involved. Thinking of Daniel-nii being involved, she checked her face. No visible blood. There could be another bruise due to the slap though.

'I didn't slap him as hard as this, right?'

She hoped she didn't. 

Averting her attention to the fight that some other people had paused to watch while most left the place to not get involved. The fight was more like a one sided beat down. The sunglasses guy, when compared to the ones she had been surrounded by was, at the very most, even less than pathetic. 

But Kei concluded that comparing anyone to the likes of the devil's swamp and her Daniel-nii was unfair. But even when compared to Banken who also specialized in Kudo, the guy wasn't much. Well, he was at least strong enough to overpower those fools with how much he was holding back.

Being with Daniel-nii for so long, there was no way Kei couldn't see when one restrained themselves. From what she could see, the guy used a mixture of Kudo and Judo. She didn't know why he was or what was holding him back from going all out but it for sure was not a noble reason like Daniel-nii's. 

This guy enjoyed trampling over his opponents, especially the weak.

She disliked people like these. 

Right now, she found the inanimate object in her hand more interesting than the one-sided violence the other guy was revelling in. Before she could admire her prize for a little longer, she was grabbed by someone from her hair. Instead of escaping while still having the chance, the moron decided to grab her instead. Truly, idiocy knew no bound.

The guy grabbed Kei by her shoulder length hair. His face showed clear fear towards the person that battered their group with a grin on his face. He was just a highschool dropout that was persuaded to join the group by his friend. Only now, when faced with someone that was beating down both his friend as well as the leader of the group, did he realized he wasn't fit to be here.

"S-stop! Let's stop this! We'll leave! You let us go and I let her off scott free!"

His voice came out shaky. He was trying to put a brave, even a threatening face. Pulling more harshly at the girl to back up his words but it failed to make the guy give more than a short look. Their leader, who claimed to be a prominent member of the rising crew Goddog looked back almost pleadingly. This made him second guess his action and think about just running off.

Among all that, he forgot to look out for the 15 year old that had stopped trying to free herself from his grasp. Kei's hand had let go of the one that held her by her hair and wasn't fighting back. Switching the toy to her unwell hand, she lunged her left hand towards the unexpected captor's face.

"Didn't I say I'll make your face uglier?"

Finally his focus went towards the girl. But only one furious blue eye was seen before his face was clawed by the hand. The hand that was comparatively smaller than his yet the seer force and unwillingness to free his face bloodless, made him shout in pain and frustration. His own pull becoming more violent as he used his other hand to try and shove the bit*h's hand back.

Kei felt her head being yanked back. Her vision was averted upward along with her face as she struggled to push her hand against the guy. Even after her fingers felt the liquid slowly flowing out, her hand didn't stop digging. Her scalp burned in pain as she forced herself to glare at the guy that looked fearfully at his own blood from her hand. Kei's fiery blue eye made contact with an equally frightened pair of brown. 

Not only did he slap her but this bast*rd dared to ruin the hair combed by her Daniel-nii.

Her hand was being separated from the skin. She gritted her teeth as her hand trembled with force. But suddenly, her hand was free. The pull on her hair was gone as the splattering droplets of blood replaced her captor's position. By an attack invisible to the naked eye, her captor was sent flying at least some couple meters away. 

She was held from behind as to prevent her from falling. Kei didn't need to look back to know who this person was. Before listening to anything he had to say, she quickly rushed towards the unconscious guy. Following the trail of splattered red droplets some meters ahead, she signed when checking the guy's pulse. Thankfully he was still alive.

Daniel lowered his hand as Kei rushed towards the person. He noticed the doll held by Kei fallen to the ground. He picked the doll up before dusting off any dirt. The emotionless expression of the inanimate object stared back at him.

Calmly, he walked towards Kei. Ignoring the unmoving person, his eyes only looked at the girl. He tried to not let his hands clench into fists. He was holding Kei's toy. It shouldn't be ruined due to his emotions. So, only his irises trembled at the sight. 

Kei's hair, it was all messed up from being pulled and yanked. Her scalp probably hurt even more. Her face was bruised red. Her before fine left arm was now covered in rough hand prints. Her fingers trembled as blood dripped from the tips and nails. Seeing the anxious face of Kei looking back at him, he begged for his face to not show any revolting expression.

"Daniel-nii..."

Her voice was low. Daniel gently handed her the doll as he asked.

"Who?"

He hoped his voice came out soft. He tried to put on a smile infront of her. 

"....Daniel-nii..-"

A worried look appeared on Kei's face as someone behind him disturbed their conversation.

"Yo~ bit*h! Who's this new sh*thead? Does she want a beating-"

Before Vin could finish his sentence, he was thrown (?) back by a force. Was it a kick? Vin didn't know. Daniel's posture didn't give away any hint on how he executed his attack.

"Who the fu*k are you calling a bit*h?"

Vin slowly picked himself up. That was a slip of his tongue and now it caused him a bleeding noise, probably a broken jaw and a whole lot damage than he will show or admit. Spitting out the blood from his mouth, Vin stared at the behemoth of a person.

He wanted to charge in at the person that suddenly attacked him but his instinct was screaming at him to not. The aura that came of out this thing was not that of a human. No matter how much the person tried to keep their face expressionless, the malice that exerted out completely covered the fake calmness. 

Eyes are the window to one's soul. Vin had both heard and hated that saying. Even through his heavily tinted glasses, he could see the absolute rage in them.

Vin didn't know the person nor the reason behind such fury. Yet the voice in the back of his head was screaming. His instinct told of something his pride wouldn't let him do. He lied to himself that it was excitement and not fear. 

H-hah... seriously,

"What's with my luck today? I keep getting my mood ruined by running into weirdos."

"First it was the brat and now another bit*h."

Of course it was more than just a simple mood being ruined. But it didn't seem like he was gonna get to follow his instinct anyway. So why not go down in a less crappy way. Sweats ran down his forehead and the back of his neck as he watched the weirdo react. The nervous brat was moved aside by the weirdo before completely turning towards him.

Vin actually thought of taking off his sun-glasses. But since he himself was someone strong, he knew the outcome wouldn't change. His middle school self- no, even with both Mary and him at their prime combined won't be able to come even close to touching this sky shadowing wall. There's a good chance he's just thinking like this because of fear right now. Even if, it failed to make him feel any better.

The distance between them was 8 to 9 meters. A guy's unmoving body that he had beat down, came in the way of that monster. Vin's eyes widened. The body wasn't in the way, it wasn't on the ground anymore.

'did I blink!? I must have!'

He hadn't. But there was no other explanation as to why the guy was flying in the air and he didn't see the cause of it. Before he could further questions that. Before the body could even start falling to the ground, he was kicked at his side by the monster that appeared out of nowhere.

"You harmed her just because she ruined your mood?"

He coughed out spit and blood as he was launched to a machine, breaking it. But Vin was sure his ribs' condition were worse. The question rang inside his ear but he wasn't given the time or chance to answer. A kick that easily threw him up from the floor and towards the opposite direction. The strength behind that small body was unbelievable.

"Wait Daniel-nii!! Stop-!"

Vin's eardrums must have broke. He was hearing the brat's annoying voice while being thrown across the place. The sight of the familiar hairpin that swung when he was first kicked by the monster was suddenly visible. And amidst his body still flying, a foot from above slammed his already aching face down on the floor. 

The floor underneath him broke, forming a creator where his head buried. His own blood splattered on his face as he shook in fear for what was to come next. He didn't know if he still had on his black glasses, he couldn't care or feel his face for that.

Most of his body was in agonizing pain while the rest, he couldn't feel them at all. But the worst part was the looming figure that made even his trembling body go cold and still in absolute dread. A pause for less than few second yet it felt like hours, just anticipating what that dreadful creature would do to him next.

Vin wished to not know that. Thus, he didn't. He passed out for the sole reason of not wanting to stay conscious in that thing's presence. It caused him to be unaware about the appearance of the man that saved his life. 

________________________________________________________

"Put the hairpin down, Daniel."

Banken said sternly as he stood in between the nearly dead high-schooler and his ready to kill pupil. He had rushed here as soon as he realized the trouble that was about to occur. Seeing everyone quickly exiting the arcade only made him more sure. 

Some were calling the police on their way. Fortunately he had already informed the boss about the problem Kei and Daniel might have caused on his way. Now the only problem that remained was calming the kid down.

"Step aside Banken-san. This bastard hurt Kei."

The hairpin held in a reverse grip didn't move away from Banken's throat. 

"The boss won't be happy with you getting in legal trouble. We're not in Japan right now."

Banken too didn't move from his position. As much as he didn't want to face the boy's wrath, he also didn't want to deal with the aftermath of his action. Even him standing against Daniel's will was because of his belief that his apprentice won't kill him.

"He'll understand...I'll convince him-"

Something was thrown towards Daniel. He didn't need to look back to catch the thing. What he caught was a doll. Kei's doll. Daniel quickly turned around to be met with a glaring Kei. 

"I told you to stop."

Kei huffed. Her breath uneven. She had known something bad was gonna take place as soon as she saw the petrifying look on Daniel-nii's face. She had tried to stop him before but her shouts were gone unheard and not even 10 seconds had passed, he had already taken out his hairpin.

Only a handful knew that the kanzashi hairpin worn as a jewel by the crimson shadow was an instrument of death to others. It was because no one lived to tell how beautiful and skilled the instruction and it's owner are when partaking in the dance of death.

All knew that any weapon touched by the white demon's shadow, became the agent of death itself. Yet, the most prominent weapon of the shadow being his hairpin was known only by the spectators. As when put to use, the jewel spared no one to tell it's tale.

Her mother was a prime example of that.

Placing her hand over Daniel-nii's, she looked at him in his eyes that gradually lost their intensity. 

"Put it down."

"Don't you dare spill blood in my name."

Kei wasn't the demon who was okay with his beast changing the colour of river to crimson. With how ease her Daniel-nii followed the horrendous action for the demon, she felt disgusted with just the idea of him doing the same for her.

Daniel's hand lowered along with his gaze that tried to deflect her's. She nodded at Banken as she pulled Daniel away from there by his sleeve. She will handle her Daniel-nii while Banken dealt with the other. After all, that is where Banken's specialty lied. Taking care of others' dirty work.

Taking Daniel far enough from Banken, Kei made him sit on a chair. She took the hairpin out from his hand before walking behind him. She started gathering his hair to arrange it back to how it was.

"I'm sorry..."

The cracked words and trembling tone made Kei aware of the crumbled state her Daniel-nii was in.

"...."

Finishing her work, she moved to see his face. Picking his lowered face, she made him look up at her. Tears trailed from his eyes as he reached his hand to caress her face. His touch was gentle, afraid of hurting her even a little. 

"I dared to love you, yet I can't even protect you.."

His tone bleed the more he spoke. Her Daniel-nii was a coward, Kei knew that. A coward who was afraid of loving someone and even more afraid of hurting that someone. Whether be directly or indirectly. It lead to him making greatly damaging decisions. She had already been a victim of that.

But she was fine with it as long as he loved her. She was the only other person he dared to love. She was the only other person he cried for. She was the only other person he breathed for. As long as he loved her, he will remain human.

"We shouldn't have come here."

"I shouldn't have let you leave the apartment in the first place."

"You were safer in Japan. It was my fault for leaving you alone there. He was right. Home was the safest place for you to be in.'

Daniel said regretfully. Kei slapped his hand away. Of course, how could she forget. He was raised by a psychotic demon who had his own twisted ideas on how to keep his most treasured masterpiece 'safe'. Her Daniel-nii was too weak. He was falling back to that dark pit again. What was the point of him leaving Japan, their home, if he was going to suffocate himself here aswell?

"Never think of that again. I've already spent 3 years of my life being locked up inside my own house."

Kei said coldly, causing Daniel to fall deeper in regret. Both about his words and his actions in the past. He didn't say anything except for the same old, pitiful apology.

This was the shadow of the white demon; the most treasured masterpiece of the Yamazaki head. The same person that was scared of even speaking a little harshly to her. 

A smile appeared on Kei's lips.

Her Daniel-nii was truly endearing.

"Let's return."

She whipped his tears, making him look at her with the pair of obsidian eyes that could put her's in shame.

"I want to redesign this doll to way I have envisioned it to be."

Daniel looked down at the doll in his hand. It was a small doll with long black hair, a blank expression, wearing a red dress. It wasn't her usual choice of doll. Kei seemed pleased. He hoped to not ruin that by his ghastly emotions.

"I thought you only like wooden carved doll..?"

He asked referring to her many collections of the dolls of such kind. She had a whole shelf just for the hina dolls from her collection back in Japan. Daniel doesn't know if she brought along some with her.

"I do. But this one is an exception."

She took the doll from him before hanging it beside his face. 

"Don't you think it looks similar to you?"

Daniel turned his head towards it. Their hair were of similar colour but most people had back hair. It's expression reminded him of his darkest time, when he felt lost and didn't know what to think or do except just following orders. He could see the similarity of the doll's red dress with his white clothes after using a weapon or a katana.

"Maybe. But my hair is shorter and I don't wear a dress like that."

Daniel pointed out the difference.

With a excited smile, Kei spoke.

"I was thinking of sewing a new kimono as well as cut it's hair to match yours."

"A keychain that I can carry wherever with me. What do you think? "

Kei observed him as she waited for his answer. Traditional Japanese dolls or just dolls in general was something Daniel wasn't very familiar with. Isani-san didn't brought the subject regarding them too much for him to also be interested in. But just from what Daniel knew of traditional Japanese dolls, he could see their appeal. Since, Kei was looking forward to do whatever she wanted to the doll, it was fine.

"It's good that's you're enjoying your hobby."

Daniel answered as he patted her head. Kei's radiant smile showed that she was pleased by the answer. As Kei was enjoying the headpat, she thought she's was forgetting something. Oh yeah... about the one that almost died.

"Daniel-nii."

With a smile still placed in lips, Daniel looked at her questionably.

"The guy you almost killed, he didn't hurt me. He actually fought against the others that were messing with us."

Daniel paused as Kei continued.

"Looking back at the situation, the group of guys weren't that much at fault. The sunglasses dude and I just so happened to be in a bad mood."

"Also, he was the one that helped me win this doll."

Kei finished as Daniel paled. He quickly looked back to see if the person was still there. He wasn't. Infact the whole place was empty with only Banken coming towards them. Feeling guilty for hitting someone that helped Kei, he asked about the person to Banken.

With a tired sigh, Banken answered.

"He is taken to the hospital by his friend. Just meet, apologize or do whatever you want to him tomorrow but please, NOT right now. Not today."

"I still have few things to take care of and sleeping instead of running to hospital is one of them. "

Banken would like to complain about the rate of trouble caused, being too soon. But since it was his job to clean their mess, he couldn't. He signed once again.

"Let's-  let's just return back."

Daniel and Kei agreed as they decided on visiting the sunglasses guy, whose name they still didn't know and honestly didn't care, tomorrow. With that, the three individual walked out of the mall with more glances than when entered.

______________________________________________________

Mary Kim in all her glory, was confused. She couldn't understand how a simple hair day of her's changed into taking Vin Jin to hospital inorder to keep him alive. From all her years of being friends with that arrogant idiot, she knew about his tendencies to get into fights. But when faced with real danger, Vin knew to back off.

Although that bastard is the one that usually stirs up the trouble, this time the trouble jumped at him instead. Dude got his ass handed to him for being nice for the first time. 

"I Almost DIED Bitch! The Fu*k You Downgrading My Pain For?!"

Yeah. Got his *ss handed so hard, even his pride had a heart stroke. His ribs, skull, jaw and ego, all were broken just because he was in a wrong place at the wrong time. 

Upon first finding Vin nearly dead, Mary, understandably, had been very concerned and angry at that. But she was faced with complete shock when Vin himself warned her to not do anything about it. Specifically, not mess with the person that did this to him.

Her shock had begun when a man in his twenties came and threatened to make there entire remaining life miserable if they report a complain or spoke about the incident to others. The man even explained in proper language as to how he can ruin their life, be it by their past or creating false stains about their past, present and even the future. 

Only then, did he inquire about the context. After knowing about the full story, the man put together that Vin wasn't at fault for the sh*t they were in and was infact the victim of a misunderstanding. It was safe to say, Vin recovered his strength to speak just for the sake of cussing him out.

Mary herself would have decked the man right then and there if not for them taking his blackmail seriously. Whether the man truly had the power and influence to make the things he said happen, or he was just really good at making sh*t up. Honestly, she wasn't sure. 

Well, atleast the man apologized in Vin's offender's behalf and offered to pay compensation as well as the full payment for Vin's recovery. That's one good thing she supposed.

In conclusion, from that one incident, Vin acquired PTSD and a second girl was added to his list of angry girls that he feared . Wait girl-?

"Mary, pray with me so that we never have to meet that chick again."

"Pray by yourself! Also he was a dude. How much is your glasses tinted?"

"What-!? But That Bit*h Was Prettier Than You!"

In Vin's defense, the guy was pretty. Very pretty actually. Prettier than most models or movie star. He had long hair AND was wearing a hairpin. It caused him to assume that he was a small chested girl but it seemed like Mary couldn't understand as she only glared at him. 

Whatever, she was just jealous that the dude was more beautiful than her. Well it didn't matter to Vin, he was still the most handsome out of all. 

Still, Vin would prefer. More like he hoped to never confront that monster ever again.

_____________________________________________________

                ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

It had been a whole month since Vin Jin had been admitted to the hospital. Mary had stayed by Vin's side as his companion and caretaker till now. Their stay was rather peaceful. That is if not counting the other two individuals that came to visit Vin aswell. 

The pair of teenagers, one 15 and other 17. The man named Banken that payed the bills, also came but he didn't really entered the room and was kinda irrelevant. But the other two sure made an impact.

Their first visit to Vin was.... something. As soon as Vin saw the guy, his first reaction was to faint completely at the spot. Mary too almost fainted but for different reason. 

"Holy--- FU*K bastard! Your nightmare's bloody gorgeous..."

That was the first thing that came out of Mary's mouth when she saw the guy that haunted Vin's dream. An awkward silence and an eye roll from the 15 year old girl was what she received. 

In there second visit, Vin tried and succeeded in fainting once again. Mary was left alone to try and engage in a conversation with the pair. It failed terribly. The guy although deadly beautiful, hardly spoke anything except for a formal apology. The girl that wore a white eye patch was worse. She could talk but she was difficult. It was like Mary had already failed the girl's vibe check.

The third time too, Vin fainted but this time, the pair didn't leave. After few hours, Vin woke up.

".......Has he left?"

Vin asked the silent Mary who sat at his right.

"Yo~ weirdo."

Vin slowly turned to his left and there stood the brat and his worst nightmare. Vin fainted but was forcefully brought back to the realm of consciousness by the brat that poured cold water on his face.

"Go back to sleep after you hear what Daniel-nii has to say."

Mary was left shock by the girl's audacity while Vin had to listen to the pretty boy without having a panic attack. Vin immediately accepted the guy's apology and forgave him. I mean..what was he supposed to do? fight him? 

Vin asked the pretty boy to not come visit him any further, which was hard to do when he was trying to be polite but also avoid looking at him. The guy agreed causing Vin and Mary to sigh in relief. But just after 3 days,

"Yo~ weirdo. How's your recovery going?"

Ah yes. Vin's most likely cause of death. Heart attack by the jumpscare of the prettiest face.

"What brought you guys here..?"

Mary asked nervously as Vin nodded with his head turning the opposite direction.

"I was bored."

Vin wanted to shout equality (both gender and age) and throw the stool beside his bed at the brat. But of course he didn't. Turns out the girl got bored and she also got an excuse to meet the pretty boy while visiting Vin. 

"How does it look? This is what you worked so hard for."

The girl showed a keychain of a doll that hung from her small backpack. Mary could see Vin restraining himself from doing or saying something bad.

".....fine."

"Wow.."

Mary applauded. From the way his face was twisting, Mary was pleasantly surprised by the held back reply. 

Next came the words that worked to change their perception about the situation.

"Thank you for helping Kei win the doll."

The sentence was simple and genuine. His tone lacked the guilt or pity regarding Vin's condition that was the result of helping the girl. Although the words came out as uncaring, it was still the first sentence that Vin heard and had an answer that didn't derive from fear. 

"..It wasn't a big deal."

"I wanted to win that annoying thing anyway."

A smile that was different from anything Vin had seen in these past 2 weeks. This time, he didn't feel the desperate need to look away from the one he presumed as a monster.

From that day, Mary and Vin's want to avoid the pair's visit lessened. The pair continued to visit them regularly while Vin and Mary started getting used to their presence. Just like that, a whole month had passed.

Kei Ryo. Despite Mary's first impression of the 15 year old not being the best, they hit it off rather well. Kei especially seemed to meet eye to eye with Vin. The girl had a dignified and well mannered air about her which was completely opposite to Vin. Yet their brash, arrogant and even petty personality traits matched eachother. 

Daniel park. The cold and distant guy that was part of the mafia. Or what Mary had thought him to be at first. She was still skeptical about the 'mafia' part but the 'cold and distant' part had been cleared. Through her persistent trying to get Daniel to engage in a proper talk, Mary was able to figure out that he wasn't really a cold person.

It turned out that Daniel simply lacked the social skills to engage in a conversation or properly interact with others. He was polite and rather friendly which was a complete opposite to Mary and Vin's assessment of him. They dare say he was a softie. Apart from his protectiveness towards Kei and tendency to go senile if something happened to her, he was a very chill guy.

Moving to the present, under the white ceiling of the hospital room were the four individuals. Kei sat at Vin's right as she showed him the various eye patches Daniel had bought for her. At the left side of the room were Daniel and Mary having their own little talk.

Daniel peeled and prepared the fruits for Vin while Mary played with his hair. Before, Mary had noticed that Daniel wasn't fond of physical contact from others except Kei. But as the time passed and they all started to be comfortable with eachother, Daniel stopped flinching away whenever he was touched. Mary and Vin didn't ask about the reason behind this behavior while Daniel allowed for casual physical contact from them.

Both Kei and Daniel liked coming here and spending their time with Vin and Mary. Vin called them just acquaintance but Mary knew they had become closer than that.

"I told you, eye patches are better than that crusty sunglasses of yours"

Kei said as she held one eye patch before Vin. 

"And look like a weirdo cosplaying as a pirate? I'm not a freak like you."

Vin replied as he pushed the eye patch away from his face.

"You already look like one with those ugly glasses. And don't lie to yourself. You are a freak."

Kei said in a matter of fact way as Vin glared at her.

"Says the freak that only has one eye but still brags about seeing  better than others"

Kei rolled her eye as she spoke back.

"Says the freak that has three eyes but still manages to see worse than someone with one eye just because of his crappy glasses."

"What did you say, brat?"

Vin warned as his three irises glared threateningly at Kei. 

"Are you deaf as well? Didn't you hear? Your sunglasses is crappy AND useless."

Kei retorted back, both the words and the glare. Vin scoffed as he too refused to lose the argument.

"Whatever. It still looks cooler than your plain white piece of cloth."

Kei smirked as she pulled somethings out of her backpack.

"Now that's where you're wrong."

Vin tried but failed to keep his eyes neutral at the bright sight of the various eye patches that were covered in shiny gemstones. 

"What kind of 'rich people's way of wasting money' bullsh*t is this!?"

Vin questioned as he searched for his sunglasses. If he continued looking at those things without protection, his bare eyesight would definitely be worse than with his sunglasses.

"What kind of 'broke people's reply' was that?"

"Atleast my broke ass won't be the one whose only eye got blind just by looking at those sh*ts."

Oh yeah. The four know about Vin and Kei eye/eyes. Vin's eyes were revealed when Kei took his sun-glasses off during his sleep without the presence of Mary. Kei revealed her eye when Vin asked about her wearing eyepatch. With them knowing about each other's condition, they had some interesting comment about one another.

| "Damn... No wonder you were wearing those hideous sunglasses. No sane person would wear them otherwise. Also, how did you manage to look sh*tter when trying to hide your sh*tty face in the first place?"

Mary wished Vin would suddenly fall asleep or turn temporarily deaf.

"So that's why you had no problem with my eyes. You were just jealous since you only had one for yourself. Say, were you born a freak like me or did someone made you like that?"

Daniel wished to end Vin as well as himself. |

Mary and Daniel had gotten more used to their inconsiderate way of talking with one another by now. It also helped that the two never truly crossed the line or degrade one another explicitly for their condition regarding their eye.

Mary backed herself from Daniel as she admired the pigtail that she made. The pigtail was kept intact by Mary holding onto the end as they didn't have a rubber to tie it.

"Daniel, What hair products do you use?"

Daniel paused as he finished his work and answered.

"Whichever can be found in the store."

"That's as helpful as your hairpin on Vin's hair. Thank you very much."

Daniel only smiled at Mary's sarcastic reply. Admiring the hairstyle enough, Mary let of the hair as the pigtail undid itself and the hair fell in it's original state. Daniel got up and took the plate of prepared fruits to Vin. 

"Hey Daniel! Does she really wear all that crap?"

Vin gestured towards the numerous eye patches. Specifically, the more extravagant ones. 

"What are you calling crap!? They were given to me by Daniel-nii, you fool-!"

"I've only seen Kei wear the white and black ones. The others aren't really practical for daily use."

Daniel replied as he placed down the plate. 

"Exactly! And this idiot thinks they are the most awesome thing in the world."

"To your face freak! They're even more useless than my sunglasses."

Vin exclaimed in victory while Kei turned her face in disagreement.

"Vin, your medicines? Do you know where they're kept?"

Daniel asked as he couldn't find them. Since Daniel and Kei visit with a 1 or 2 day gap and Mary also can't come in a daily basis, the medicines are sometimes placed differently by the two. Vin glanced at the drawer opened by Daniel, where the medicines are usually placed. Not seeing them, he asked Mary.

"Hey Mary! Where did you keep the medicines?"

"Oh yeah! Wait a minute."

Mary got up before bringing out the pack of medicines from a shelf in another corner of the room. Vin ate the fruits as he watched Daniel prepared the medicines that are to be consumed at the moment and separated the ones for tomorrow morning aswell. 

"Did you normally take care of others in the past too?"

Vin mumbled out without thinking. Mary also looked at Daniel for an answer as he was very good at looking after others. Daniel paused and thought about the question. 

"You don't need to answer if you don't want to!"

Vin quickly spoke out noticing Daniel's hesitation. Vin and Mary already knew more about him and Kei than the pair knew about them. Daniel had told them about him and Kei being from Japan. Daniel was born in Korea but lived his most memorable years at Japan. Whereas Kei's birth heritage was Japan and this was her time time at Korea.

It explained their use of term such as 'san' and 'nii' behind the names. There were also few other things that told about the two not having a normal or a stable background. 

Daniel smiled at Vin's words as he spoke.

"I did actually. In the past, when 'the person' was younger, they usually came back with many injuries. Because of that, I learned to treat larger injuries and wounds."

"Nowadays, there's no need for me to do that."

Daniel had worked hard to make that happen.

Vin and Mary stared at the thankful face of Daniel without asking anything regarding the identity of the mentioned person. Kei, noticing the change in atmosphere, snatched a slice of fruit from Vin's plate before eating it. 

"What the hell brat! That was mine, Go peel your own fruit if you want to eat."

Vin yelled as Kei once again picked another slice making Vin angrier. 

"There are many on the plate. Me taking 1 or 2 won't make a difference."

"That is if you stop taking them at just 1 or 2!"

Daniel chuckled at the pleasant sight as Mary smirked at the two's interaction. With a smile still placed on her lips, Mary asked.

"When are you guys gonna leave? Don't you have a part-time job to return to, Daniel?"

That was also a thing. Daniel and Kei were wealthy from what Vin and Mary could see. Yet Daniel still worked a job. When asked, he said it was to keep himself occupied. Mary and Vin didn't ask further for the reason. 

"Oh, the owner said he was pleased by my work and saw  increase in profit in the one month. So, he gave me a raise and a leave."

Daniel said and Mary believed that without a second thought.

"Your sleep schedule must be terrible due to the job."

Mary commented as working during the night, especially when he took the time to visit them during the noon aswell wasn't very health friendly.

"It's not that much of a problem. I didn't really have a schedule even before so I'm used to not sleeping at night."

Daniel cleared, trying to avoid any concern from Mary. It didn't work as Mary became more worried about him after that. It also fueled onto Mary's theory of Daniel being a part of mafia. Sighing, Mary spoke.

"Well, still return soon and have a good sleep for once. Who knows, you might dream of this beauty tonight."

Mary pointed towards herself half jokingly, making Daniel laugh.

"What's so funny? You think this nuna isn't beautiful enough for your standard?"

Mary teased with a smile as Daniel replied with an equally bright one.

"You got it wrong noona. I am the one that doesn't deserve you."

"Oh~ So our Daniel not only has a breath taking face, but also a deadly tongue?"

Mary was successfully swooned by the words. As, she didn't know that Daniel was an honest person who doesn't know how to flit with others.

"Get a room."

Vin groaned.

"No! The two of you, don't ever stay alone in a room without us."

Kei said in a threatening tone as she glared at Vin. Mary only laughed while Daniel patted Kei's hair reassuringly.

_______________________________________________________

Time flew by as Vin got discharged from the hospital. Vin and Mary went back to continuing their highschool while Kei started spending most of her time learning how to carve wooden dolls.

Daniel drowned himself with comics and novels in his free time as he didn't know what else to do. His stay at Korea was a holiday from his usual life back in Japan which he still doesn't know the purpose of. He didn't know how long it'll last until he returns back. He worries Kei won't be as joyful when they go back to Japan. She will miss the two. And he'll also....-!!

........

He was getting too comfortable to the short term change. He had already been greedy by visiting Vin so frequently. Now because of him, Kei will have a harder time when they leave-

"Yo~ Pretty boy!"

Daniel returned back to reality as infront of the counter stood the very familiar duo. 

"How dare you ghost us like that Daniel? It's been more than 2 weeks and still no response. What's the use of that fancy phone of yours if you don't even use it?"

"Vin? And Mary?"

Vin grinned at Daniel's surprised face. Since Daniel didn't contact them after he got discharged,Vin thought they wouldn't meet eachother again. He wasn't against it at first. Their whole interaction was like a long fever dream anyway. He could go back to his old days when he hadn't met the person who gave him PTSD. 

Although it had very much subsided, the fear of Daniel suddenly becoming a little too angry and going to the state when they first met was still there. The complete helplessness he felt that time wasn't something he could forget. 

Mary had held herself back from speaking about Daniel as although she enjoyed her time with him, Vin was still her first concern. With Daniel and Kei's background that hinted itself to quite sinister, Mary thought it'll be better to not be involved with them. Especially with their own past not being very clean. 

If they involved themselves with eachother, things might get more complicated in the future for all of them. That was what Mary and Vin first concluded to and spent the weeks following it. Only when Vin realized that the presence of the person was far more of a comforting dream than a haunting nightmare, that he went against his first belief.

At the end, both Mary and Vin decided that if Daniel doesn't contact them or respond to their calls, they are gonna find Daniel themselves. After facing him, if he tells them that he doesn't want to see them, they might agree to go back to being strangers. 

But for now, with a grin that showed the lack of regret at their decision, Vin and Mary waited for Daniel's reply.

"Why are you guys here at such late hour instead of sleeping? Don't you guys have school tomorrow?"

"Seriously, that's the first thing you say after seeing us?"

Mary sighed.

"What are you? Our mom?"

Vin's hand automatically reached for Daniel's head, ruffling his hair. Daniel's shocked face caused Vin's hand to go stiff in anticipation for something dangerous. Before a warm smile from Daniel melted the stiffness away, along with Vin's worries.

___________________________________________________________

Dear God,

Daniel hopes he will be the only one that pays the price for his greediness.

_______________________________________________________

                   ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

"Mary Kim. A judo genius who was an undefeated middle school league legend at the age of age 15."

Reviewing the file for the last time, Banken closed it and placed it alongside the other with the name 'Vin Jin'. So, the new acquaintances of Daniel were Mary Kim, a genius who is considered as a legend and Vin Jin who is the champion of their hometown Cheongliang.

Of course. Why would the first people Daniel meets after coming to Korea be any normal highschoolers? The last (and only) person he got friendly to was the weapon genus. That still hasn't gotten a happy ending. And now it's these kids. Banken sighed... Well, since Daniel seemed to get along with the two and they also don't snoop too much about him, Banken won't need to get his hands dirty. If anything did happen, their past was sketchy enough to be manipulated as to how he finds fit anyway.

Putting the files back to their place, Banken went towards the room Kei was in at the moment. Knocking the door, he noticed that it was open. 

"Come in."

Kei answered from inside as she didn't move from her place. Banken entered the room and was welcomed by the sight of Kei sitting on the messy floor. The art of carving wooden dolls wasn't something he or Daniel were knowledgeable in. So, there wasn't much they could help except for providing Kei with the resources she asked for.

Daniel had suggested to hire a professional trainer but was rejected by Kei who didn't want any stranger in the house. Banken eyed the work done by Kei. The various attempted geisha dolls that showed the poor skills of a beginner surrounded her. 

"Aren't Kokeshi dolls more fit to start from for a beginner than geisha dolls?"

Kei glanced at the questioning Banken before answering.

"They are but I like these types of doll more. If I don't start with the one I'm most enthusiastic about, I may get bored or lose interest before even mastering the art itself."

Banken personally preferred saving the best for the last over consuming it at the very first. Non the less he nodded, understanding what she meant. On his way out, he asked for the thing he came for in the first place.

"What do you want for lunch?"

Looking up at Banken, Kei replied.

"Are you cooking? If so then don't."

Holding the bridge of his nose, Banken spoke with a tick mark on his forehead.

"I was about to order takeouts."

His food wasn't bad. The girl simply didn't like his cooking.

"Good."

Kei said nonchalantly before answering him about the food she wanted. Telling himself that he shouldn't be offended by a child's rudeness, Banken left the room. He was assigned to watch over the girl. If it meant dealing with a kid with an unfiltered tongue, he'll do it. Atleast it was better than the cleanups he had to do after the young master's regular massacres.

Being optimistic, Banken flopped onto the couch. Just as he took out his phone to order, it rang from an incoming call. Noticing the name, he quickly answered the call.

"Hello-"

"^hello?^"

Banken spoke again, this time in Japanese.

[^Banken! How have you been?^]

Banken had thought the call was for something important. But the cheerful tone from the other end made him think otherwise.

"^I'm fine Hiroto-san. I hope you're doing well too. What might be the reason for your call?^"

Banken didn't want to engage in a stretched out conversation with the man. Hiroto was his senior who had served under the young master for far longer than him. Among those that worked for the young master, he was one of the friendly ones.

[^I am. It's a pity you're not here. Did you know that Daiuzu-sama has adopted the kid recruited by the young master into his clan? The kid has sure gained the others' acknowledgement in these past months.^]

"^You mean the kid that got his mouth slashed as soon as he got accepted by the boss?^"

Banken asked. Was this why the man had called him? A laugh was heard from the other end before the amused reply.

[^yeah the same kid! And man~ if that kid isn't brave or just stubborn on dying early. He still insist on marrying 'him'!^]

Banken signed. What's with these geniuses trying to die young? What was the kid's name again? Jiro was it? Wanting to end the call and continue what he was doing before, Banken asked politely.

"^I see. Is this the only reason you called me for?^"

[^Ah, no. It's related to Keisuke. Actually, are you with him? How's he doing? Has he been missing his senpais here?^]

"^No, I'm not with him. I was assigned to watch over Ryo Kei.^"

Banken's impatience was notable in his tone. He didn't know if the other man didn't notice or just ignored it.

[^The kid of Isani? Hm~ it must be difficult for you.^]

At least there was something Banken could agree on.

"^yeah-^"

[^Having to look after a traitor that should be dead, keep on living. It must be frustrating.]

[I would have killed her the moment we captured them if not for Keisuke stubbornly holding his hairpin to his neck.^]

[^Arg-! It's irritating just thinking about it!^]

Banken had almost misunderstood what 'difficulty' the man was talking about.

Hiroto was one of the selected few that knew about the incident and were sent to 'retrieve' Daniel back. It was successful as Daniel surrendered (it was successful, only because Daniel surrendered). 

[^I'm telling you, the young master is spoiling Keisuke too much! I understand the forgiving part but letting him keep that kid aswell-^]

Hiroto was cut off as the phone was snatched by someone else.

[^Enough of that. Are you questioning the young master's decision? Also, did you forget his order of never speaking of that incident ever again?^]

Banken recognized the man that was talking to Hiroto in the other end. 

[^I'm not-!^]

[^Hello? Banken.^]

Hiroto's voice couldn't be heard as the new person took over the call. Not minding the little dispute between the two seniors, Banken asked.

"^Yes, Kenzo-san? Hiroto-san told me there was something related to Keisuke.^"

[^There is.^]

The change of tone into a serious one was detectable. 

[^Helga Arnoult will be arriving to Korea.^]

The sentence made Banken stand up from his seat in shock. 

"^What!? Why am I informed about this just now!? And I'm sure there was still few more months before her visit. Does the young master know about this?^"

Contrary to Banken's panic, the man in other side of the call was calm. 

[^The delay of information was due to the sudden arrival without any prior notice. The leader is already aware about the situation so there's no need to worry.^]

Banken calmed himself down but the hint of irritation was still present in his voice when he spoke.

"^What could be the reason for Miss. Arnoult's presence before the decided date?^"

[^At her brief stay in here before leaving for Korea, Miss. Arnoult said that her work in North America has finished. She has already made up her mind regarding her last meet with the leader and wishes to discuss it with him. ^]

That was surprising. The two's first meet was rather antagonistic but it managed to create a chance for future cooperation. A cooperation that could be vastly beneficial for both sides if performed with proper utilization of the resources available to the mention sides.

Getting a clearer idea about the situation, now only one question remained in Banken's mind.

"^Does she intend to have the meeting with the young master in Korea?^"

[^No. The young master will be returning to Japan where the meeting will be held. She is there to see Keisuke.^]

                             xXx

Banken got out from the living room as he stood at the balcony. He took a deep breath as he observed the view outside. His unfocused eyes wondered above earth as a majestic eagle flew through clear sky. 

So this is where Daniel being involved came. The news was unexpected but he wasn't surprised. Still, Banken sighed.

He hopes he isn't too late to warn Daniel about the lady of house Arnoult.

__________________________________________________

"Thank you."

Daniel stepped out from the book shop as the sun shined down on him. Taking a second to adjust to the change in brightness, Daniel glanced down at the book he had bought. The latest volume of the novel he had been reading. 

He wasn't excited about reading it. Honestly, he didn't even remember half of what the story was about. The novel was purely fictional and not grounded in reality. That was the most he knew about it. And Daniel preferred it like that.

In the past when he first got into reading, he used to genuinely enjoy the action. His first introduction to manga and fiction in general was through a friend. Daniel used to read and memorize the plots of the  books recommended by him, just for the sake of having something common to chat about together. Now, he mostly read to keep his mind busy. 

Though, 

'I wonder how Goo's doing..'

*Ring...!ring..! Ring...!*

Daniel took out his ringing phone. Due to the sunlight and the low opacity, the phone screen was difficult to see. Turning the opposite direction where the light hit his back, he let his shadow fall on the screen. The name of Banken-san could be seen.

Just as he was about to answer the call, his upper body instinctively moved as something flew past his face. His face was left unscathed but the thing managed to make him drop his phone. Daniel's gaze followed the speeding bird as it landed on the roof of a nearly coffee shop.

'An eagle? Especially here, during this time?'

A rather rare sight. He didn't expect the birds here to be violent like the crows of tokyo. Shrugging it off, Daniel picked up his phone as he checked for any notable damage. There was a light scratch on the screen but the phone seemed to function without any problem-

"/Lorelei/"

Daniel paused as his eyes widened at the familiar name called out by an unknown voice.

Turning back, he was faced with the sun's bright rays along with a person that stood across the street. The opera glasses held infront of her face was lowered as a pair of amber eyes made contact with his own. 

Daniel had expected one of them to be green.

Instead of the one whom Daniel had associated with the mentioned word, the lady walking towards him was the complete opposite. Contrary to the sunny day, the person wore a long dark dress that hugged her figure while the heavy black jewelry wrapped itself around her neck. The slit at one of the side of the dress could be seen when she walked. 

"/Isn't that what he calls you?/"

The person asked as she now stood infront of him. Despite her standing alone almost empty handed, the air around her felt different but still very similar to that of Gun and other powerful clan heads. Her authoritative yet relaxed aura and posture gave away her identity as someone of high status. 

The person who observed Daniel with confident calmness that concealed her curiosity. He doesn't think he's wrong.

"/Lady Arnoult. What brings you here?/"

"/I don't reckon my face being that forgettable for you to not recognize me till now./"

Daniel pauses. Should he lie or be honest?

"/I apologize. I was expecting someone else./"

"/You mean my brother/"

Daniel doesn't know if is it was a question or a statement. Non the less, he nodded as it was correct. He was the only person that called Daniel by that name.

"/I still find it difficult to believe that you figured it out by just observing us./"

Daniel blinked at the sudden remark. The tone was causal but he could see the hidden seriousness. Her face lacked any friendliness yet she wasn't displeased with his presence even though he knew the thing no one was was supposed to about them.

Daniel couldn't decide whether to deem the European lady as most unreadable or the easiest to decipher. To test it out, he said the first thing that had came to mind when he found out about the truth.

"/Lady Arnoult is very adaptable./"

There was a change in the lady's expression. He had chosen the words carefully to show how he viewed her as. He was being honest about his sentence and he wanted her to know that. A small smile appeared on the older lady's face. Daniel doesn't question if it's fake or not as the lady wasn't someone who needed to fake anything.

"/For someone with such dull eyes, you have good vision./"

"/I've been told that./"

So the later it was. Not that it changed anything. Still, it was good that there won't be trouble because of him.

"/I heard about your short-lived upheaval. Micheal was upset in regards to the conclusion. If you didn't wish to return back, he would have gladly taken you in./"

And the second meet between the Yamazakis and the Arnoults wouldn't be this calm. The lady knew that yet her smile didn't lose its steadiness.

That was unexpected. Daniel didn't think that the lady Arnoult could make small talks.

"/Did he throw a tantrum over it?/"

"/He did. He's still sulking in Mexico./"

The lady's tone was more amused than concerned.

"/I see-/"

*Ring..! Ring..-!*

"/Please excuse me./"

The call was cut as Daniel focused back on the lady infront.

"/That must be Mr. Banken. He probably called to inform you about me./"

Daniel nodded in accordance as the foreigner moved her opera glasses to her other hand. There was a small shift in the lady's posture and Daniel tried to not glance at the cafe some distance away. 

"/I believe this is the first time I witnessed you speaking in English./"

The lady said as she glanced down at the book held by the boy. 

"/It's thanks to Mr. Micheal's persistency on teaching me the language./"

It was an excuse used by Micheal to elongate his stay in Japan. To make Micheal leave, the boy learned the language in under a month. The lady and head of house Arnoult; Helga, observed the boy in white.

Daniel Park. Whom the Yamazakis call 'Ruisuke', their own 'Nike'. The one known as the crimson shadow. Someone with the talent to copy practically any skill and take it to a level that's beyond perfection.

Yet,

"/A book that managed to interest you. Can I know it's title? I might have read it myself before./'

The boy had to look down at the cover of the book to answer.

"/It's a typical power fantasy novel. I don't think it's something you'll like to read./"

"/Hm. Unfortunate. I would have appreciated a common interest to lengthen our little talk./"

Helga replied to the polite yet impassive answer. 

The boy was a disappointment.

'how lackluster and passionless.'

"/Alas, it seems my time to leave has also arrived. I thank you for your time Daniel Park./"

The boy looked at her in understandment before bowing lightly.

"/It was of no problem, my lady./"

Helga blinked moderately in acknowledgement as she turned, facing the other direction. But before leaving, the lady spoke.

"/I suggest you spend your liberty on something productive instead of wasting it idly./"

It would be a shame to see such talent wasted in just the form of violence. 

With her curiosity satisfied, the head of house Arnoult departed from the Shadow of the White Demon. Walking past the coffee shop, Helga looked up at the bright sky. 

From the narrow opening of the eyelids, the flock of birds flying above the sky reflected itself in the pool of amber eyes which shined golden under the rays of sun. The view of birds were covered along with the bright sunlight as an umbrella was held over the lady. 

Helga glanced behind her where the man that served her brother, stood holding the umbrella over her. 

"Are you upset that you couldn't talk to Daniel Park yourself or is there another reason for your disappointment? Sergei."

The man now identified as Sergei looked up in surprise. Quickly he answered.

"It is nothing like that your ladyship."

"If so then I'll like to know why you requested to come along with me, instead of being by Micheal's side."

At the unconvinced lady's words, Sergei's memory went to the first time he had seen the teenager.

|Sergei was pressed down at the cold floor as he looked up in desperation at the person above him. A foot firmly pressed over his chest while his one hand was pierced by the leg of a metal stool that stuck to the floor. 

The right side of his face bleed, socking his hair red as he gritted his bloody teeth in panic. Chocking on his own blood, Sergei struggled to speak inorder to try and stop the person that had his eyes dead set on his target. 

The person, hardly seventeen had the master Sergei was supposed to guard at the gunpoint. Sergei may not be a professional bodyguard but he a trained fighter with excellence in both combat and weaponry. 

Yet, the gun that belonged to him, the master he was assigned to protect and himself, were all under the mercy of one boy. In his 37 years of living, Sergei never felt trepidation as profound as this time.| 

With a polite tone, Sergei spoke.

"If I may ma'am, I was hoping for your ladyship to scout Daniel Park. I believe he is greatly fitted to serve lord Micheal."

Helga Arnoult despite being from the family with pre-established lineage as nobility, she valued the individualistic raw 'talent' to a high extent. For she, Helga was the one that re-established, sustained and expanded the name and power of house 'Arnoult' more than the previous generations of Arnoults were ever able to.

Therefore, it was of no surprise that she will find individuals such as Daniel Park interesting. There was also another kid in Japan that managed to peak her interest through his unreal talent. 

If it was in Helga's hands, she was willing to trade thousands of 'Sergei' for one 'Daniel Park'. In addition, even Micheal was completely infatuated with the boy. 

Thus, was that why this man dared to utter such foolish words from his mouth?

The lady paused in her steps causing the man behind her to stop at his feet aswell. The lady turned towards him as he looked at her not knowing what to expect. Upon seeing the amber eyes of the younger lady, cold sweats appeared on the man as his eyes fell on the ground.

"Sergei. I withdrew you from war because of your capabilities. I do not regret my decision as your quick thinking was what enabled Michael to still be able to breathe."

"But.Was the presence of the crimson shadow too bright that it made you unable to view the wider picture?"

"You lost your ear. Not your eye for your sight to be so narrowed down."

"Speak such foolish sentence again and you'll be discarded from your task. I'm confident that the Russian military will be ecstatic to receive you back."

Sergei immediately lowered himself on one knee as he bowed his head down. He didn't dare look up at the head of Arnoults and only directed his eyes towards the earth below. Yielding in complete submission towards the lady infront, Sergei spoke.

"Please forgive me for my grave mistake your ladyship! It was idiotic of me to suggest such a thing. It shall never happen again.."

After a moment of waiting, the lady turned back as she continued her path. Sergei quickly got up before catching along with the lady. He held the umbrella back to it's original position before silently following her.

Just after some steps, the lady paused again as a car stopped beside them. A man got out from the black car and opened the door for the lady. Before entering, the lady gave her last order to Sergei.

"Return to Mexico and advance back to Japan with Micheal. Tell Michael that if he doesn't arrive here soon, Daniel Park will completely forget about his existence."

With a hand on his left chest, Sergei bowed.

"As you wish, your ladyship."

_______________________________________________________

A clear sky and an empty airport. That was what surrounded Gun. Well, not really empty but instead of the normal hectic environment, the area was calm and silent. The whole airport was reserved as hundreds of armed men in black waited for the one responsible.

Among the hundreds of men that guarded the place in total concentration, stood Gun as he lit his cigarette. Gun leisurely smoked as he waited while the men in black warily observed him through their peripheral vision. 

He didn't need to wait long as before his cigarette could finish, the car that held the person he was waiting for arrived. Gun tossed the cigarette butt away as the person walked out from the car. 

Helga Arnoult. One of the most powerful figures in the world. The lady who took over as the head of Arnoults at the age of 21. An heir prepared to surpass her predecessors in all fields possible. The increase in influence and authority of the house Arnoult was noticable as soon as she became the head. 

Just like that, in the spam of 6 years, the lady of house Arnoult had formed an empire that included not only the whole of Europe but also North America. And now for the second time, Gun was about to come face to face with the one who's hailed as the 'Daughter of Athena'. 

"Ma'am"

Helga glanced at the man that came beside her with his head bowed. He held an open case where she placed her opera glasses. Closing the case, the man retreated back as another man appeared with her black coat on his arm.

The over coat was placed over Helga's shoulders as her eyes darted towards the person, distance away. With an equally long white coat resting on his shoulders, the young master of Yamazakis appeared as neat as ever. 

Micheal was an aesthete who perceived the crimson shadow as the greatest piece of art. Helga doesn't disregard her brother's opinion but from her judgement, the crimson shadow was all but still a 'shadow'. A weapon that was bewitching to look at and even more lethal when put to use. 

On the hands of the owner, the weapon radiated to it's greatest potential. But when departed from the light that is the owner, no matter how magnificent, the shadow dims down to an inferior after-image. The 'art' Micheal acclaimed was indeed a masterpiece but Helga saw the 'artist' as far more remarkable.

Having reached the Yamazaki head, Helga stood infront of the taller person. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you again, Yamazaki-san."

She greeted the young man whose peculiar eyes hid behind the pair of black glasses.

"It's good to see you aswell, lady Helga."

The taller person replied. She had met and had a through discussion with this person before. Yet, the compelling aura of the person before her was still impossible to dismiss. Even when surrounded by hundreds of trained armed men under her command, the presence of the lone person in white stood out as the frightening one.

Unlike Daniel Park whose appearance worked to disguise his formidable strength, Gun Yamazaki's aura alone let others know of the dreadful monster that he was. So this is whom one had to be inorder to be the owner of the crimson shadow.

It was impossible for her to not appreciate the young master and head of the Yamazaki family. He who was recognized as the sole master of all remaining yakuza family and clans despite his history as the infamous Yakuza killer; 'The White Demon'. 

Japan was truly passionate in regards of providing sobriquets. 

'The Ruler of Yomi'.

A moniker of great magnitude, yet rightfully appropriate for the one that compelled Japan under his control in just a year. 

This was the person Helga wanted on her side. 

Taking away the demon's shadow that withered in isolation from it's light? How silly of an idea. She wished for the white demon himself to walk by her side. Hell will natural follow behind it's ruler. 

"I hold great expectations regarding this resolution. Let us work to uplift eachother for a prolonged period of time."

Helga extended her hand to the Yamazaki head. Upon the handshake being initiated by the white demon, Helga's eyes gleamed golden and a smile spread on her lips as a response.

The head of Yamazakis and the head of Arnoults walked alongside eachother with open trust. The trust not formed by comradery but rather through their faith in eachother's capabilities. 

Gun believed that with the lady of house Arnoult, his ambitions can be achieved. Helga knew that with the white demon on her side, her ambition will be achieved. Thus, a new alliance formed to accomplish the ambitions of two individuals.

One to built an indestructible empire and the other to grow the already established empire.

And as if to celebrate the newly formed alliance, a mighty eagle soared above them. Helga spared her attention towards the sky as she noticed the eagle being accompanied by another bird. 

'Seems like it finally found the crow that's able to keep up with its flight.' 

________________________________________________________

                    ~to be continued~

Chapter Text

"Alright. I'll be there tomorrow."

*Click!*

Daniel put the phone back into his pocket before facing up. The book on his one hand was used to block the sun as his hair continued to blow by the wind. His thoughts went towards the revelations that he had just been made aware of. 

Since Lady Helga herself ushered the meeting, it will result in a success and the partnership will be formed. It won't take long before Japan and it's government accepts the Yamazakis as more than the Yakuza organization that conquered Japan.

The leader of Yamazakis has many enemies that have been harvesting their power to end him when the right moment arrives. Both in and outside of Japan. Once the alliance is made official, those that wish to exact revenge against Gun will apply their full force in a final attack or completely lose hope of ever getting back at him.

Daniel is wary of them. But not overly worried as even in his absence, that man will be there. Despite how bothersome Daniel found the person to be, he was still the one that cleared the path for Lady Helga to operate her businesses.

It was unfortunate that he couldn't return to Japan right now. Daniel found it ironic how he wanted to go back to Japan when he himself begged to leave the suffocating home for a while. It was honestly pathetic. Non the less, he couldn't help but worry for the leader's sake. 

Daniel's narrowed eyes stare unblinkingly at the vast sky. Asia is huge. It's the largest continent. He wonders how long it will take for this project to finish-. Project? Was he really calling something of such magnitude a simple project? His own belief of successfully completing this 'project' scared him.

Daniel has some months free for himself before the project starts. That is if he doesn't count joining and studying in a highschool. In Japan Daniel had been homeschooled and was planned to continue it if not for the new changes. So now, inorder to graduate without any major problems, he'll have to continue his studies in Korea. 

Few months ago after being brought back and punished for the attempted betrayal, Daniel, in the heat of the moment had told Gun how much he despised the constant killing and bloodshed. 

It was the first time he had revealed his hatred for the battles, the deaths that came along with it and many other actions he has done for his sole master. Since it went against the teachings of both Isani-san and Gun, as well as his own moral and principles he had developed from his surrounding, Daniel took back his words the very next day. 

Kei was right. He was truly pathetic. Still, he believes he did the right thing.

His retracted words seemed to stay with Gun as no life had to be taken by his hands till now. Therefore, this information from Banken-san nearly made Daniel question if the young master didn't have enemies in this country. He innerly scoffed at that thought. Gun visiting a country for more than one time and not have it's people wanting to kill him?

Impossible.

He also wasn't naive to believe that his hands will remain this clean for much longer. At least now he knew that Korea was at the beginning of the list or one of the last ones to be dealt with. 

Apart from that, he doesn't have experience with educational institutions except for his very younger days. That too he lacks the memory of. Though he was most likely a loner or an outcast. In the end, Daniel comes to the conclusion that he won't be very fond of the constant travels between counties.

Daniel looks away from the blue sky. Gian highschool was it? Banken-san had recommended that specific highschool as it was where Gun had also studied at. He was fine with it. If things went smoothly, Banken-san wanted the forms to be filled due tomorrow.

He should probably bring some presents for Kei when visiting-

"Yo, Is he good? Did he lose his hearing from standing under the sun for too long?"

"One doesn't go deaf from something like that, idiot."

"I was just saying bit*h-!"

The two arguing voices broke Daniel out of his thoughts. The low sound of bicycle being cycled was finally noticable as Daniel returned back to reality.

"Ah- you were saying something-?"

Daniel was cut off as an annoyed Vin spoke. 

"This bastard- So you didn't go deaf? You better have a good excuse for ignoring us."

Vin, still cycling looked over his shoulder to glare at Daniel. Before turning back towards the road, he received an apologetic smile from the boy.

"Sorry about that. I kinda got lost in thoughts."

"We offered to give you a ride 'cause it looked like you forgot your way back to home. What were you even doing just standing alone in the street?"

Mary who sat sideways over the horizontal top tube of the bicycle, asked. Her tilted head and upper body were supported by her arms that rested on the handlebar.

"Nothing really. Just bought a new novel. What about you guys? Aren't you supposed to at school right now."

"Don't change the subject."

Mary retorted at the half answered reply.

"But I'm curious."

Daniel answered back with a persistent smile as Vin was the one to speak next.

"The teacher was just spouting boring nonsense so we skipped."

"I don't think you're allowed to just walk out of class."

Daniel said with a sweat drop at the uncaring, almost proud tone. Though he too had wanted to do the same few times during his own classes back in Japan.

"Hey now, it's not like we do that all the time. Today was just extra boring."

Mary said, waving Daniel's concern off. 

"Besides, there's this new restaurant that recently opened up. The food there is super delicious. Wanna come along with us?"

Mary offered with enthusiasm.

"It's fine if you can't. We're gonna be there with packaged meal during your shift anyway."

Vin told as he started to think of what to order when they arrive at the restaurant. 

"You can't just bring meals during my working hours Vin. Also, how's one even supposed to eat with all the costumers constantly coming in the store?"

Daniel reminded. Much to Daniel's inconvenience, Vin didn't see the problem in that.

"Why not? We've done that before."

"There's a notable difference between small snacks and a full-blown meal."

Daniel explained in slightly miffed tone. Vin couldn't understand the difference though. Food was food. Non the less, he inclined as to not have a nagging Daniel at his back. 

"Alright fine. We won't do that. So, you gonna tag along?"

Vin asked, hoping for a positive answer. He really wanted Daniel to try the barbeque there.

"Sure."

Daniel replied happily. He also hadn't had lunch till now.

"Alright then!"

Mary cheered as Vin ginned. 

"Oh yeah-"

Daniel suddenly uttered as a confused expression appeared on Mary's face.

"What now? Did you lost your wallet or something?"

Vin asked with a raised eyebrow. 

"Huh? No. I was about to tell you guys that I'll be quitting my job today. So, to hangout we should meet at a different place."

"You're quitting? Did you finally had enough of the copious number of confessions?"

Mary asked. Actually sounding serious. Vin stared at the back of Mary judgingly. Yet, he also focused his ears at Daniel behind to know if it was actually true. 

"What-?"

Daniel shook his head. Well, it could be a good enough reason to quit. The multiple confessions that lead to more trouble and disputes than he would like, wasn't the most comfortable place to work in. 

"No. It's not because of that."

Daniel cleared as Vin innerly shrugged. He should have known. The guy was too unbothered for his own good. Especially regarding others. 

"So, why then? Did you get bored of it?"

Vin asked, not expecting much. His glasses covered eyes remained  focused on the road. Mary leaned her face in her one hand as she waited for Daniel to answer.

"Nothing like that. I'm just about to join a highschool. So I need to manage my time-"

""You're Joining A Highschool!?""

The surprised question was asked in unision as both Mary and Vin reacted in impulse. Forgetting about the position they were in for even a split second, Vin turned behind with a surprised expression. Mary too, with a jolt,  straightened her hunched body and attempted to face backwards.

"Wait- guys! Look front-!"

Daniel spoke out as the unbalanced movements caused the bicycle to go haywire.

"Sh*t-!"

The two quickly tried to compose their position which only made the bicycle move more erratically in the middle of the road. Vin's glasses got misplaced, barely holding on to the bridge of his nose amidst the chaos as he tried to correct them while also control the handle of the bicycle. Mary swept her messed up hair from her face as she tried to observe the road ahead. Seeing a car rushing towards them, she patted Vin's hand with a panicked smile.

"Vin-Vin-Vin! To the side Vin-! There's A Freaking Car Coming Towards Us!"

"I Can See That Bit*h!"

Vin shouted as he tried to change the bicycle's direction. Mary's presence infront didn't help as her hold on his arm and the handlebar reduced the bicycle's flexibility. Clenching his jaw, Vin spoke.

"Hold tight."

Vin twisted the handle towards the side but Daniel could see it was not enough. The world through his eyes was slow. They wouldn't crash straight to the car but also won't go unscathed by vehicle that seem to aim right at them. His tensed body that was already prepared to move in pure reflex suddenly froze as his hold on Vin loosened.

There's no need to move. You won't die. It will only cause pain.

The mocking yet persuasive voice in his head forced his body to relax. 

"I Told You To Hold Tight Jack*ss!"

Vin shouted causing Daniel's eyes harden.

'I'm sorry but not now. Not right now.'

Taking control over himself, Daniel held onto Vin, firmly. As a warning, Daniel asked.

"Have You Guys Ever Read An Action Webtoon Before?"

"Is This Really The Time To Ask That!?" 

Mary shouted in confusion and anxiousness as the sight of white hospital ceiling was already visible to her. Both frustrated and confused, Vin shouted back.

"Too Bad I'm Not A Nerd Like You!"

"Well Just Let Go of The Handle, Hold Mary Tightly And Trust Me."

Vin didn't know what Daniel was gonna do. Non the less, with gritted teeth, he did just that. Grabbing Mary by her torso, Vin prayed to the gods he never thought would pray to before.

'To whoever the god is, Please don't let us meet you.'

Daniel, not wasting a millisecond, leaped out of the bicycle. He thanked Goo was introducing him to mangas with unrealistic physical feats. Copying random fighting styles and stunts from comics wasn't that much waste of time after all.

Mary was held by Vin with her head shielded by his other hand. While crashing down to the side of the road, the sight of Vin's glasses falling off was visible as she tried to catch it. The black glasses was saved as Mary watched the car run onto the bicycle that they were in and send it to, what one would call 'flying'. 

Mary gulped from what she saw. Sure, they were being reckless but the man that was driving that car was definitely on drugs or something.  

"Hey? You two good?"

Vin asked.

"Yeah. Just few scratches."

Daniel answered as they got up. Mary returned Vin his glasses while Daniel rewrapped his hair with the hairpin as they dusted themselves off. Finding nothing more than some scratches and few tears in their clothes, they checked how the bicycle was. 

"........."

"......Daniel, whatever that stunt you pulled up was, continue doing it."

Mary told seeing the damaged state of the bicycle for the second time and confirming that she would never want to be in it's place. Looking around, Mary saw a book laying few meters away. Guessing it was Daniel's, she went to get it.

"This thing looks done. Should we just throw it away?"

Vin asked picking up the bicycle. He turned behind to see Daniel looking at the other direction. 

"Daniel?"

Vin called before glancing towards the same direction. The car that had hit their bicycle had stopped some good distance away. It drove backwards before finally reaching up to them.

"Yo? Think we should be worried?"

Vin nudged as the three gathered together. 

"Depends. Let's see.."

Daniel lowly answered seeing the man come of the car with a worried expression. The man asked in panic if they were fine. He scolded the teens for their careless behavior. In return, he was questioned as to why he didn't stop or slow down when he still had the time. 

Their situation was different as they physically couldn't stop or slow down in the middle of the road with a car speeding towards them. The man answered that he was on an important call and wasn't paying attention. 

He apologized in his part with both party agreeing on not getting the police involved in the situation. The man offered to give them a ride to the nearby clinic and pay for the medical fees.  

"He's acting too nice. Let's not."

Mary whispered to Daniel as they observed the man that was more composed than one would be after nearly hitting three kids. Being on the same page, Daniel answered politely.

"Thank you for offering but there's no need for you to be troubled sir. We are luckily okay and are able to move perfectly fine. Not to mention the clinic is nearby."

"Alright.. If you say so. But wait a minute."

The man opened his car as Daniel observed the inside. The man returned with a cheque in his hand. 

"Do accept this. It's the least I can do."

The man insisted as Daniel accepted the already amount written and signed cheque. 

"We are grateful for your kindness. And please forgive us for the fault in our part as well."

Vin struggled to keep his face straight and not cringe at the words used by Daniel. Even with his exaggerated expression, he wouldn't be offending the man as his eyes seem to stay focused on Daniel.

The middle aged man in return smiled as he offered his name and a handshake.

"It's quite fine. Thankfully nobody got seriously hurt. By the way, my name is Yejun Shin. I'm an artist with a focus on photorealism."

Though suspecious Daniel awkwardly partook in the handshake. 

"Oh. I wish you a safe travel to your destination then."

He smiled, expecting the hand to let go. It didn't as the man seemingly paused, lost in his own thought. Daniel tried to pull away his hand but was faced with resistance. His complexion started to get paler with his increase in effort to get the man to loosen the hold, that in return, only got tighter. The larger figure refrained from budging, leaving Daniel to question his own strength. As it dawned on him that his skin was in the grasp of the larger person, his body that usually acted even involuntarily when in danger, instead, lost it's strength.

Daniel started to sweat. He tried to even his breathing. He wished to pull back from the man who, for some reason appeared to grow larger each second. Yet, he can't. His legs wouldn't move. As if his tongue twisted in itself, words struggled to leave his throat. His eyes trembled as the familiar morbid fear cornered him in its darkness.

| Kei's innocent eyes watched him in worry and confusion. The barely 12 year old held onto her mother's kimono, half of her body hid behind the older woman. Isani-san stood with clenched fists, hiding Kei behind her as she could only watch, unable to move from her place. 

"We're under attack!!"

That was what he had heard before they were cornered in their own home. The Yamazakis were unprepared for the invasion. And with more than half the members away from the Yamazakis estate, the number of Yamazakis was greatly less than the clan that invaded their estate. The Yamazakis were still waiting for their young master to arrive from Korea and thus lacked a proper leader. Right now, all they could do was just wait for an opening to turn things around.

Daniel feels himself being moved like a rag doll by the larger person. He cannot see (remember) the person's face but he knows a vile smile is spread on their lips. The words coming out from the person's mouth are arrogant and mocking. They speak ill of the person he loves yet their actions are somewhat similar to his. Somewhat. Gun's embrace aren't like the ones of the hands that hold him. The gestures are in a way, same but 'more' . Way more.

 Apart from just being rougher, aggressive and violent in general, they feel, 'off'. The touch that should bring warmth, instead felt tainted. 

Daniel understood that they have to wait for the perfect time but..the hands that crawl onto his skin don't feel like that of a human's. He feels bad for thinking of someone as such. But the affectionate actions done without affection, bring him a strange sense of aghast. Only when noticing the hateful and disgusted look on Isani-san's face as she covered Kei's view, Daniel finally realizes that, at the moment, he is the one who isn't seen as a human. |

He wanted to close his eyes. 

'G-Gun..?'

Yet even in complete darkness, the disgusted face of Isani-san is visible. 

'Gun?'

He remembers every inch of the little kid's expression as it slowly changes from innocent worry to the realization of something horrible.

'G-Gun..!'

'Gun!?'

'Where's Gun!?!?' 

He needs him or he might..!!..

Daniel's mind started to give up. His body accepts that as he allowed himself to not be present. But before it could though, his hand is pulled away by someone else. He opened his eyes in surprise to see Mary holding onto him.

"Ack-"

The pained sound made Daniel turn his head towards the man whose arm was now in Vin's hold.

Vin grabbed the arm in a painful grip as he stared down at the man. His grip got tighter, causing the man's face to twitch from discomfort. Because of the red in his eyes, Vin overlooked the unusual reaction (or rather the lack of it) from the man. The menacingly glow of his odd eyes threatened to melt the black glasses they were hiding behind.

"Do you not have your own son to hold the hand of Mister?"

Not waiting for an answer, Vin raised his other arm, fully ready to distort the man's face. 

"Wait- wait-! You misunderstood! I was just thinking to ask if the young man here will like to be a model for my painting!"

Vin launched his flexed palm as it shadowed the older man's face. His eyes widened as open hand that was prepared to crush the man's face in it's grip, struggled against Daniel. He glared at the boy with his face still twisted in anger. 

"Let's..hear him out.."

Daniel's hand still hadn't stopped quivering and his voice wasn't calm like normal. Vin wanted to break the one responsible for such reaction. Inspite of that, upon seeing Daniel's face, Vin begrudgingly lowered his fist.

"Tsk-!"

He let go of the arm but continued to glare at the man with venom.

The man was given the chance to explain in which he introduced himself as an artist that wished for Daniel to be his new model. As proof of his identity, he showed his card and location of art exhibition where his paintings were hung. 

"This is my card. My number's in it. Please contact me whenever you make up your mind."

Taking the card, Daniel only nodded. The man gave a last smile before driving off on his car. Letting the air escape his lungs, Daniel put the card inside his pocket before he could damage it. His head faced the earth below as his lips pressed against eachother. 

The fear gradually subsided as Daniel was left with the after emotion of anger. He felt ashamed by the way he reacted at such a minor thing. He hated how both his body and mind failed him when faced with even the slightest bit of his fear. 

'Damn it!'

The problem wasn't the man but his own weak self.

With his head still lowered in shame, Daniel apologized for the inconveniences he had caused.

"I'm sorry for over reacting."

"That was quite the dramatic reaction."

Vin replied as he placed his hand over Daniel's shoulder. 

"I was shocked. I thought you simply disliked being touched. I didn't know it was this severe."

"Agreed. I never imagined seeing you this scared."

Mary added as Daniel felt more ashamed of himself. 

"But don't worry."

Mary patted Daniel's back as she spoke in confidence.

"Since we now know how much you hate it, it won't happen again."

"We'll break their arm before they can even try anything!"

Mary winked as she smiled at Daniel who looked back at her in astonishment.

"Yeah. We'll make sure of that. So, don't think too much about it. 

Vin reassured. He smirked seeing Daniel's expression as he ruffled the shorter guy's hair. 

|So, don't think too much and forget about it.|

The sheer sureness in their tone made Daniel feel weird inside his heart. At first, he thought it was the dread for the unforgiving fate those consoling words brought with them. But.

Maybe it was the difference in tone and the overall atmosphere it was said it. His lips twitched into a smile as he spoke.

"Don't break someone's arm. You might get in trouble."

Daniel, half wasn't aware of what he was saying but he knew that the funny feeling in his heart right now, wasn't something bad. It made him hope for the words to also have a different result.

"Huh? And where the the fu*k did that go when we first met, you bast*rd?"

Vin scolded with a grin as he lightly pressed the chuckling boy's head.

Amidst the laughters, Vin's eyes met with Mary. They didn't need to speak to know what each of them were thinking.

The untouchable Daniel Park they had pictured in their head wasn't so untouchable after all. 

It was the opposite and they had a hunch as to why.

(They were better not knowing that.)

The two weren't entertained by the finding. Not at all. It poked a part of them that was still grieving in the company of nothing but themselves. The painfully burning hearts that raved for maim were suppressed by their wish to move on.

(They were better not remembering that.)

After what had happened.

After what had happened was ended by Vin's hands, him and Mary recognized that they had to move on. It wasn't a desire but a need. They had to or else they might actually go insane. 

Mary thought that they have gotten better at grieving now. It still hurt but it didn't burn so much. She was so glad that it was subsiding. Then what was this new burn that threatened to torch their already scorched selves.   

Seeing the person that gave them only the better part of himself, quiver in absolute dread from the trauma of the familiar something, it stirred a really unwanted emotion in them. An emotion so dense, it caused an almost instinctive reaction. If one could see it, they will describe it is as 'desperately dangerous to the point of ugliness'.

Seriously not a good look infront of Daniel. Especially when he made sure hide his dark pages from them. They can't be the ones to break the invisible wall that held together this relationship of theirs. Mary and Vin had become too fond of it. They sometimes still get concerned whether it's a good thing or not.

Never the less,

A look was exchanged as the two collectively agreed that they preferred the calm Daniel over the fearful one. 

                               xXx

"So, what do we do with this thing?"

Mary asked, pointing at the barely holding on bicycle.

"Can't we just throw it away?"

"We shouldn't Vin. It appears to be new. Maybe we can take it to a repair shop."

"Why go that far? It's not even ours."

Vin leaned back, uncaring of the damaged vehicle. 

"Huh? Then, whose bike is this?"

Daniel asked. 

"Oh, that belongs to some dude from our class. Vin forced the guy on giving him the bicycle for a day."

Mary snitched as Vin quickly spoke.

"Stop making me sound bad. I borrowed it from the guy."

"Yeah sure. The guy looked really happy to let you 'borrow' his bike."

Mary remarked, ticking off Vin.

"Even if I took it by force, So What?"

Vin yelled.

"Daniel, do you see how much of a bully this bastard is? Come on, scold him for his childish acts."

Mary whispered near Daniel's ear, intentionally loud enough for Vin to hear it.

"Why you-"

Before the exchange could last longer, Daniel interfered.

"Well, it doesn't really change anything except give more reason to repair the bicycle."

His statement was brushed aside by Vin who didn't the reason as to why they should be troubled by it.

"Don't be such a goody-two-shoes. It's not like that loser can do anything if we don't return his bike anyway."

"Goody what-?"

Daniel shook his head before responding to Vin's words.

"Even so, it's better to avoid trouble if possible."

"Meh, That guy's a wuss. He won't dare to do anything against us. The only trouble here is us having to deal with that stupid bike of his."

Vin complained. Lunch time had long since passed and they haven't even reached the restaurant yet. If the day hadn't been bad enough, now they have to take care of some idiot's bike. He would rather just leave the bike here and beat the guy into not asking about it. But Daniel seemed to suggest otherwise.

"Still, there's no harm in taking precautions. And it's not like we're losing anything in this."

Daniel insisted as he showed the cheque with the large amount of money written in it. 

"I'm with Daniel. Let's fix this thing."

Mary gave her opinion as Vin stared at her with a look of judgement. 

"You're saying that only 'cause you don't want to walk all the way, aren't you?"

"I'm not. I said that after carefully listening to both of you."

Mary denied with a straight face.

"Then why are you already sitting on the bike? And get your a** off from it. You'll break that junk even more."

Vin pointed accusingly which, Mary slapped away angrily.

"I don't weigh enough to make even a dent in this thing, you bast*rd!"

Vin hissed as he rubbed his slapped hand. He glared, ready to cuss her out. But was quick to turn away noticing Mary's furious eyes glaring back at him daringly.

"So we're bringing along the bike then?"

Daniel asked with an amused smile. Vin huffed.

"Do whatever you want."

"So who's gonna walk the bike among you two?"

Mary asked, resting her elbow at the saddle.

"Who else but the smarta** that brought up the idea."

Vin answered in a matter of fact way.

"Let's play 'rock paper scissors' to decide."

Vin looked at Daniel, questioning if he heard it right.

"Are you for real?"

"Yes."

Daniel replied without a single stutter. 

"This is so childish.."

Vin muttered with furrowed brows.

                             xXx

"Let's play this game again sometimes."

Vin suggested with a grin as he walked alongside Daniel.

"Weren't you calling it childish just a second ago?"

Mary called out. She sat at the rear rack of the barely holding on bike, walked by Daniel. 

"It's not anymore."

"'cause you won?"

"Yeah."

Vin declared shamelessly. Mary only stared at him blankly before turing her head to Daniel.

"You're not gonna say anything?"

Daniel looked at her with a thoughtful look on his face before answering.

"Well, It's my first time ever losing this badly in anything so, I was a little surprised. Guess there's a first for everything."

Daniel laughed innocently as Vin cackled in the background. Mary turned away, her eye twitching in annoyance.

'Ugh- These shameless and arrogant punks.'

_________________________________________________________

The music set in a low volume echoed inside the car of one middle aged artist. The music was barely audible with the sound of the speeding car. The driver inside sat silently, barely focusing of the road ahead. His eyes were in a daze from something or rather, someone, he saw earlier.

Yejun Shin looked at his right hand that was still twitching from exhilaration. One touch from him and Yejun had already went into a trance which he could only describe as 'paradise'. More than a year had it been since he had first seen him in Japan. 

He who walked behind the white demon like a shadow. Whose name and face had remained hidden from the world. Just a glance from those obsidian eyes and Yejun had since yearned to see that face and paint it. 

But due to the white demon's possessive nature, he was unable to. Despite the white demon proudly showcasing the existence of his masterpiece and bringing him along to almost everywhere he went, the yakuza killer never allowed his face to be seen. Those who had seen, were sent to the underworld. The Yamazakis simply called him 'Keisuke' and that was the closest Yejun was able to get to his 'name'.

Then today by pure coincidence, Yejun saw him again. The red spider lily hairpin with the japanese kanji carved in black paint, gave away his identity. Usually, it wouldn't be the case for others as the red spider lily design wasn't that rare but Yejun was a different case thanks to his photographic memory.

And oh how mesmerizing the sight was. Words couldn't describe the euphoria he felt when seeing that face. As if the god themselves carefully selected and combined the most brilliant pieces to create the greatest work of art, the most perfect being possible. 

He knew it. 

It wasn't coincidence but fate itself that brought him to Yejun. It was his destiny to paint that perfection! To preserve that face in the form of art was the reason for his birth. Yejun was more sure than he had ever been and will ever be in his life. But for his desire to be fulfilled, he had to make a call first.

*Ring! Ring! Ring!..*

Yejun waited before the call was picked up. 

"Hello, sir?"

Without wasting anytime, he told.

"The crimson shadow is in Korea right now."

Few words were exchanged, from after which Yejun let the person on the other side of the call, know of his request.

"If I may, I wish to continue this mission sir."

Upon given the permission to do so, Yejun couldn't help but let a blissful smile spread on his face.

"Thank you, sir Eugene."

_________________________________________________________

                  ~To be continued ~

Chapter Text

The Yamazaki estate, when ignored all the affairs of humans residing there, was a beautiful place. Inside the walls of the estate, the wonderfully built mansion in the traditional Japanese style was a sight to behold. The vast garden at the backyard with various species of flowers and trees, was especially the favorite of the numerous birds and other creatures that came seeking nectar. 

Even in a place such as this, nature didn't discriminate and radiated it's life just as equally when the woman with lavender hairpin nurtured the vast garden with sincere care. The children of nature that didn't judge humans for their deeds, had come to love the woman who played the role of a caretaker to their home as well as of the humans'. 

Today seemed to be a special day. The woman with lavender hairpin was more tender than usual. Though her face didn't show it, the breaths she took and the steps she walked were less restricted. The only two children in the house appeared livelier as the manor awaited for it's young master to arrive so that their anticipated celebration could begin.

It was supposed to be a special day.

Unfortunately, it appears that misfortune too, doesn't discriminate. 

Before the young master of the manor could arrive, his enemies were the first to greet the Yamazaki estate and the humans residing there. The events that transpired with in the walls of the Yamazaki manor afterwards were witnessed by the unblinking eyes of the children of nature. 

Nature and it's children truly didn't judge the endeavours of humanity. But the event that occured with in the solid walls, viewed from the perspective of both living and nonliving, was nothing less than a massacre.

The large manor which the woman with lavender hairpin had worked hard to maintain it's original state and keep it clean, was stained with the new paint of red. Even their lovely home, which was the vast garden was tainted by the disgusting liquid. 

Humanity indeed was something even when compared to other unknown monstrosities of nature. The nature's children found it ambiguous as to how such a joyful atmosphere could suddenly change into.. this. 

A manor so large yet the only living humans inside being the two most unexpected ones. Who could have thought that the massacre where hundreds lost their privilege to exist, two young children were the ones able to survive?

One was the child of the woman with lavender hairpin. Nature's children didn't care about the child but the one whose existence did matter to them, laid unmoving in the child's arms. They didn't appreciate that the woman's pure blood was mixed into one of the many pools with the foul blood of other humans.

Amidst the death and gore stood the one whom the nature's children deemed responsible for this tragedy. The boy that created his own piece of nature, that is the flowing red river, by bringing carnage to his own kind. As a weapon of death, the boy held not a sword or an axe, but a broken hairpin. The blue lavender hairpin, unsheathed right from the flesh of it's original owner. 

During the whole time of the boy redecorating the halls of the Yamazaki manor, the blood of the woman whose open hair rested messily on the dirty wooden floor, had continued to flow out from the hole in her neck. The creatures of nature witnessed and declared that the one guilty of such revolting deed, as the most horrid creation of God.

They couldn't be more right. The boy that held the freshly decapitated head of another human as it's blood dripped onto his long kimono, was truly God's biggest mistake. 

The boy whom the god had blessed with such splendid gifts, turned out be the loathly existence that even hell would hesitate to accept. The children of nature truly didn't care nor judged humans for their actions, but the vile creature that killed his own kind with a joyful expression, became an exception.

Even when killing his own people; the woman that took care of him, not a single tear escaped the vile creature's eyes. Instead of the clear liquid that showed one's pure emotions, disgusting crimson blood trailed down from the horrible thing's eyes. Perhaps it was an indication of the boy being the repulsive existence that he was. 

Only after having snatched the lives of all the humans except one child present in the manor, the madness ended as the basic emotion of fear and sadness finally made themselves known in the boy. It was repelling to see the same boy that separated a head from it's body by a mere hairpin, trembling at just the thought of finding the woman not breathing. 

The sickening smile of the repulsive creature was replaced with the horrified face of a young child, that desperately hoped for his caretaker to be fine. The boy emptied both his hands as he dropped infront of the little girl that held her mother's kimono as if trying to hold down the woman's life from leaving her body. 

The only two people that had the ability to speak were silent which, not even the nature or it's children tried to break. The rushing steps of men that led their young leader to the bloody hall was gone unnoticed by both the kids as they struggled to avert their eyes from the painful sight before them.

Neither did the boy dare to ask if the body of their beloved guardian was still warm, nor was the little girl able to tell that her mother's body had long gone cold. Words wouldn't leave their throat nor could they meet eachother's eyes. 

The boy slowly reached out his crimson hand towards the laying woman. The crimson liquid dripping with each tremble as he hoped, prayed, for the touch to be warm. But before he could feel the cold skin, before the nature's children could rejoice upon seeing the boy realize the consequences of heinous existence, his hand was grabbed by the Yamazaki head.

The young man covered the boy's view from the reality of his crimes through his embrace. In the arms of the sole person that saw him as a human at the moment, the boy let out unfinished questions regarding the unconscious woman. The quivering voice that struggled to form words begged for an answer which was nothing but a hopeless wish.

The man that once played the role of a teacher to the boy stood at the door with a grim expression. The little girl's gaze stayed down as she sobbed wordlessly. Both knew the answer but non of them could word it. The little kid herself still hadn't completely fathomed the events that transpired to her lovely family, while the man didn't want to be the one to break the sanity of his once pupil that miserably waited for a positive reply. 

The creatures of nature found the situation laughable. The future was already foreseen with the result being as prominent as the crimson blood. Yet, nothing could prepare them for the words that left the Yamazaki head's mouth. 

"Isani is...fine..

She'll be fine after some treatment. Don't worry. Nothing bad occurred."

"So don't think too much and forget about it."

"Forget that this ever happened."

All those present, witnessed the appalling scene in silence as not a sound escaped from them. Among the four that knew the truth, a lie was told by the demon, the child was unable to oppose the lie, which the man didn't even try and lastly, the existing and non-existing 'others' only watched. 

So, this is what happens when a demon loves.

Pity couldn't excuse the act of the sinful truth being twisted into a comforting lie. The truth is bound to come out. And when it does, even the hundreds of poisonous plants that grow at the backyard of the Yamazaki house, wouldn't match its poisonous tip. Undoubtedly, the one to bleed the most will be the boy that passed out, accepting the comforting lie as the truth. 

Thus was the boy despised by the nature's children, born for the second time as the crimson shadow.

__________________________________________________________

                    ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

*!!! !!!*

The sound of notifications blared from the phone as Daniel silently stared up at the ceiling.

'I overslept..'

Unusual, truly.

Daniel got up as he stretched the morning soreness. He went to the bathroom to freshen up and clear his mind. The cold shower calmed his headache from the bad dream. Despite the complete change in the environment of his living, the nightmares continued to latch onto him. He was fine with it. But the vividness of nightmares remaining as clear as the first night was something he found, in a way, impressive. 

He got out from the bathroom as his eyes fell on the square shaped box that was kept separately in a corner. He moved towards the well kept box before hesitantly opening it. The neatly folded kimono which wasn't originally his, made itself known inside. A smaller rectangular wooden box which held the pieces of a broken hairpin laid over the light colored kimono.

The long kimono that dragged down from his small body in the past, might fit him now that he has grown. Still, he doesn't dare to wear it. He gently touched the soft fabric as it brought an unwanted warmth to his fingertips. The warmth didn't last as a water drop landed over his hand from his wet hair. He silently observed the motion of the droplets as they landed over his hand and the wooden box. It brought a strange sense of peace to his mind.

One such droplet escaped from Daniel's wet hair with his black iris following it's trip to the hand below. But instead of the skin, it hit the fabric underneath. Daniel's eyes widened. The liquid that left his hair was clear and colorless yet the drop that landed on the kimono was deep red. The red liquid was soaked into the cloth as the bold color spread onto the kimono in an unnatural degree. 

He yanked his hand away before it could reach him as his body jerked back, at the strange but familiar sight. Daniel's alarmed eyes remained on the now red kimono as his mind questioned whether he was breathing or not. He tried to regulate the air he took in his lungs as his hand scattered around, trying to reach out for the lid to close the box. 

*Ting..! Ting..! Ting..!..*

The sounds of notifications from his phone, shook Daniel out of the false world his mind had been in. After blinking his widened eyes, the world was no longer red and the kimono retained it's original color. Finally noticing his panicked state and the unconventional position he was in, he pulled himself back together. Retying the slightly disheveled towel around his waist, Daniel picked the lid as he stared at the stainless kimono. 

He had already cleaned it many times before but his mind still refused to detached the crimson stains from the cloth. 

Pushing away the negativity in the dark, Daniel closed the box. Kei will be disappointed if she knew that the prescious present given by her was difficult for him to even look at.

Getting up, he returned back and picked up his phone that vibrated from the notifications. Upon opening it, he was faced with numerous messages from the newly made group chat consisting of four people. The words exchanged among the three individuals, gradually lit up his dull eyes.

[Vin: Are you guys up?

         If you aren't, then get your a**es up!

         Wake up.

         Wake up.

         Wake up. 

         Wake up.

         Wake up.

         Wake up.

Mary: Did your alarm finally work?

Vin: Yeah and I want you guys to suffer with me.

Mary: NEVER set that thing again.

Vin: Was thinking the same.

Vin: Btw, Where's Daniel and the brat? Did they turn their phone silent?

Kei: I wish I had. 

Kei: Anyways. Mary could you send me the pictures from yesterday? I doubt the idiot has any good once.

Mary: sure. Just wait a second.]

The pictures were sent by Mary as Daniel observed each one with the fading sense of the previous glum emotion. The pictures that captured their moment filled with untainted joy from their 'hangout' brought him the feeling of happiness that had become so foreign to him through out the years. He liked the enjoyment that simple things such as shopping and a good meal brought. 

One picture in particular caught his interest more than the others. Mary and Daniel sat in one side while Kei and Vin sat at the other end of the barbeque table. Daniel was picking out Mary's meat from over burning while she was searching for a good angle to click the pictures. On the other side, Kei having no experience with korean barbeque, was taking Vin's serving for her convenience. And just as Vin noticed his missing food, Mary clicked the picture. Capturing the moment right before a minor disaster. 

Daniel's face softened at the fond memory from the previous day. He saved the picture for himself before scrolling down.

[Vin: Daniel's still not answering. Carrying all those bags must have done a number on him.

Mary: Quit whining. It wasn't even that much.

Vin: And how would YOU know!? We were the ones carrying them though out the whole day! 

Kei: He could be still asleep or in the bathroom.

Mary: Or perhaps his hideout was discovered by the enemy mafia and they got to him.

Kei: Your theories are getting wild.

Mary: give me a reason as to why I should stop them 

Kei: never said you can't. 

Kei: I'll make a call to Daniel-nii. Sleeping is good but today's supposed to his first day at Jaewon highschool.

Mary: sometimes I wonder who's the adult between you two.

Kei: I'm the most responsible among all of us here.

Vin: Now you've done it Mary! You shouldn't have said something nice to her. Now, she's starting to spit bullsh*t. 

Kei: Truth is bitter. Go puke if you don't like it.

Vin: this little sh*t!

                          Daniel: Did I miss anything? 

Mary: Daniel! So the japanese mafia didn't get you after all! 

            Daniel: Yeah. Thankfully, I'm able to stay undetected for now.

Mary: hm~ your butler must be doing a really great job at it then.

         Daniel: Banken-san isn't really our butler you know? He doesn't even match the stereotypical ones from the comics.

Mary: So is he like a secret agent that was sent by your boss to keep an eye on you two?

            Daniel: Hum.. It does sound better than the butler one.

Kei: How long is this foreplay going to last?

Vin: Ew. Why did you have to make it sound so weird?

Kei: How is your lack of understanding things in a mature way, my fault?

Vin: Daniel. Was this brat fed sh*t as a baby? How come all the replies that come out from her sh*tty mouth always infuriating?]

Daniel chuckled before his thought went back towards his little exchange with Mary. When she first revealed her initial impression of them, they were completely outlandish but not fully wrong. So, he decided to entertain her idea. It went as he intended as her theories were treated more like an inside joke than actual theories from then on.  

'though, they are becoming scarily accurate..'

Daniel smiled with a beat of sweat. Returning his focus, he messaged back.

               [ Daniel: Kei just doesn't like losing.

Vin: what was there to even win??               

                    Daniel: by the way, will you guys be skipping school today as well?

Mary: why would we? We've already done it two days in a row. Not to mention, you're also joining from today.

Vin: you didn't forget about it, did you?

                       Daniel: of course not. I'll try not to be late.

Vin: you better not be. I'll have a seat saved for you near us by the time you arrive.

Kei: that sounds wonderful and all but are we sure you guys are even in the same class?]

Well, Daniel had asked Banken-san to admit him in J-high after Mary and Vin insisted on him joining their school. Since joining a school with already familiar students made it easier to fit in, Banken-san agreed. He's quite ecstatic to study in the same highschool as the two.

Noticing his already dried body, Daniel replied.

      [ Daniel: I suppose we'll find that out when we meet at school. Then, let's chat later. I have some chores to finish before thinking of school.

Kei: alright. I also need to water the plants. Especially since I missed yesterday due to our late return. The devil's swamp might actually just take my tongue if I don't water them today as well.

Mary: Oddly specific but sure, let it out I guess.

Vin: I have a feeling she isn't talking about the Banken guy ]

Daniel refrained from commenting anything about it.

[ Daniel: Also, Vin. Make sure to return the bike to it's owner. It's already been 3 days, since you took his bike.

Vin: yeah yeah whatever. Just don't start nagging.  

Vin: Mary, you didn't lose the key right? 

Mary: I didn't. Don't lump me with your careless a**.

Kei: Taking other's bike? Gross. I'm affiliated with a scumbag bully. 

Vin: lol. The brat called you gross AND a scumbag, Mary.

Mary: she was talking about you dumba**.

                      Daniel: well! I'll be off then. ]

Daniel turned off the phone with a smile as he ignored the notifications that continued to blare and light up his phone. Although his smile quickly died down in the presence of emptiness in the small place, Daniel presumed his morning in a better mood than the one he had woken up in.

____________________________________________________________

Holding a bag behind his shoulder, Vin walked through the hallways of J-high. He had came earlier than usual but the crowds of students seemed to be in the same amount. He slowed down his pace as he heard someone speeding towards him. A part of the busy hallways got disturbed when the person flung herself over Vin's back. 

"You jerk!"

Vin held his cap to prevent it from falling from the impact.

"Why didn't you wait for me!?"

Mary yelled as she landed on her feet.

"I would have if you didn't take so damn long staring at the mirror."

Vin replied, turning towards the Mary who stood with her bag hung on one of her shoulder, beside him.

"Hmph! You think it's easy looking this pretty everyday?"

Mary remarked, looking indeed beautiful. Vin scoffed before responding smugly.

"That's just skill issue. Unlike you, I always look handsome with ease."

"Who told you you're handsome?"

Mary asked as she stared at him in incredulity, hitting a nerve of Vin's. With a tick mark in his forehead, he countered with a mocking grin.

"The same mirror that told you you're pretty."

Mary glared back with a smirk while her eyebrow twitched in irritation.

"Hah! Looks like losing all those arguments with Kei didn't go to your waste after all. You actually gave a decent reply instead of just mindless curses."

"I didn't lose to the brat!"

Vin denied as both prepared themselves to lock horns. But before their little fall out could begin, the annoyed murmuring of the students around them were heard. The students who were disrupted by their not-so-quiet exchange, made their dissatisfaction known through open whispers. 

The two paused as Vin searched for the loudest voice among them. He checked for the second time to confirm if he saw the face of the most vocal sh*ttalker correctly. Vin smirked. He could recognize that ugly face anywhere. 

*Thud!*

He slammed his foot on the  bast*rd's face, pressing him against the wall. 

"Aren't you one those ugly characters that Zack drags around?"

The smirk on his lips spread into a vicious smile. 

"What were you saying? I didn't hear it properly. Say it louder, fu*kface!"

He kicked the idiot's face until he could hardly remember the ugly face behind the swollen bumps and the bleeding nose.

"Ugh..my shoes got ruined.."

Vin's nose wrinkled in disgust as he wiped away the mess in the whimpering guy's shirt.

"Anyone else got anything to say?"

Vin asked, not caring that the murmurings had long died down.

"I'm all ears~"

Vin taunted. Upon receiving silence as the answer, he scoffed.

"Puss*es!"

This was fun. Maybe he should set a few more examples of these buffoons.

"Aren't you done? I even forgot most of the comebacks I was gonna use."

Mary asked in a bored tone. And just as it was about to get good. His disappointment at not getting to do more was shown in an overly honestly expression. But Mary only looked at him as if he was acting like a childish brat. Seriously, such a party-pooper. 

"I'm in a good mood today. So I'll let it slide this time."

Vin told as the 'friends' of the guy that had scattered away in fear during his beating finally came near him when the danger was away. Vin clicked his tongue at the sight.

All the students sighed in relief when the pair from vocal and dance dept walked away without doing anything further, towards their department.

Silence accompanied Vin and Mary as they walked towards their department. It wasn't uncomfortable nor did it feel unnatural, but Mary soon broke it anyway.

"Gross. I'm affiliated with a scumbag bully."

Mary spoke the statement in the same tone she had imagined it to be in. 

"Oh, shut it."

She rejoiced at being able to annoy Vin.

"You didn't forget the key right? It would be really embarrassing if you did."

Vin asked Mary who was snickering at his previous irritation. 

"Of course I didn't. Who do you think I am?"

Mary told haughty as she spun the pair of keys in her index finger. Vin kicked open the door causing the students inside to glance at them. It's gonna be an interesting day today. With an excited  smirk, they entered the class.

"How has it been, losers?"

_________________________________________________________

A highschool student was on his way to his school. Despite close to being late, he was walking calmly as to not ruin his cool image. He had gotten his hair dyed blonde which gained him the praises from two girls. He took all of it with a smug smile as he checked himself in the glass near by.

Amidst his enjoyment, he noticed a sudden pause before the low whispers from the crowd. Something had caught the people's attention causing them to pause whatever they were doing and stare blankly in awe. From the students in their way to school to the casual citizens going about their days, all stopped to take atleast a glance of the one they found so mesmerizing.

The blonde haired boy confused, moved to turn back and see for himself the reason behind everyone dazzled state. Before he could turn though, someone bumped into him.

"Ah- sorry about that."

"Hey, watch where you're going!"

Angered at being disturbed, he tuned back with a scowl but was left baffled by the face he was met with.

A deep blush spread across his face as he was left speechless. 

"I apologize. I wasn't looking."

The girl spoke to his still bewitched self. In a panicked tone, the boy quickly answered.

"A-ah- it's okay-! I-It's f-fine!"

"M-my name is Beom by the way! What's you....r....?"

He slowed down as he fully noticed the appearance of the person. After looking down from the awestrucking face framed by black locks, he was met with the lean body of a male. Not to mention the person was taller than him which he just hadn't noticed till now. The heat on his face further worsen in embarrassment from the realization of his false assessment.

"Are you okay?"

Beom infact, was not okay. His ability to speak had taken a leave for some while, from shock and embarrassment.

"Excuse me then.."

Daniel said awkwardly before  walking past the silent guy. 

"Sorry about that. Please continue Banken-san."

He returned back to their call as the man presumed relaying information.

[As I was saying, I'll look into the matter regarding the individual 'Yejun Shin'. So just focus on your school life for now. I'll inform you if your involvement is needed.]

Daniel hummed. It could just be a hunch but he didn't want something to go wrong because of him letting things slide due to unsureness. With Banken-san looking out for the possible threat, Daniel was slightly relieved. Though he did wonder as to why Banken-san was so engrossed regarding his school life when both of them knew that it was more of a formality than an actual mediator to determine his future.

"I will. But aren't a little too interested in my school life? Did Kei told you to lecture me on it as well?"

A sigh of disappointment was heard from the other end.

[It's not like that. I just want you to be invested in the thing that allows you to enjoy a normal, hopefully peaceful life even if it's just short-lived. Kei wishes for the same thing.]

Daniel stayed silent as he was unable to say anything against it.

[So, make sure to enjoy your time in highschool with your friends and let your big brother deal with the minor inconveniences!]

Banken-san ended cheerfully as Daniel almost chocked on air in surprise.

"I'm sorry but- since when did you became my older brother??"

[Oh that's from the narrative I made for you. Your an orphan who's taken in by his distant relative which is me. You've been homeschooled most of your life with J-high being your first educational institution. It's not that different from your original life. Just remember that you have never been to Japan and have nothing to do with the country. ]

Daniel took in the intel, concluding that it was a rather loose background which could be questioned if suspicion arose. But for his case, it was good as consistency wasn't the thing they were after. The loose holes provided flexibility for the narrative to be changed when some emergency occurred.

"I understand-"

[Great! Then have fun and try avoiding getting into trouble. I wish you luck! Bye!]

*Click!*

"..."

'he must be busy'

Daniel put the phone away as he glanced up at the Jaewon high building. Ah- right.. He didn't get to ask which department he was in. Just great. 

Thankfully, with the teacher's help, he managed to reach the department he was admitted in without getting lost.

"Quiet! We have a new transfer student."

The class he was supposed to be in was boisterous. Their voices were audible even from outside the class. 

"Come on in."

Upon the teacher's instruction, he entered the class. Being the focus of attention wasn't something new to Daniel. Even with his face unseen, he had been subjected to many kinds of stares from early on. From the eyes that viewed him with disgust and hatred to the more simple, curiosity and fear. He had come to stay ignorant of them as he didn't enjoy nor could he complain, for they were rightfully earned.

But the shallow adoration derived from his appearance alone; the cleanest part of his being, such as this, Daniel hardly found it noteworthy.

"I'm Daniel Park."

"It's a pleasure to meet you all."

_________________________________________________________

"Take the empty seat."

The presence of the new transfer student Daniel Park caused a stir in the class. Most's heart raced while some became cautious of him.

And there was one that became enamored by the appearance of the familiar name and face. 

Zack Lee was non of them. It's wasn't like he had any different thoughts regarding the transfer student. Like most, he also found the guy 'fu*king gorgeous'. Perhaps a weirdo that wore girls' accessory and didn't even glance at the desk mate beside him; which was Zack. He wouldn't deny the guy's excellent looks. 

Since the pretty boy didn't bother him, Zack was ok with the guy.

"Daniel? Hi, I'm Zoe."

"You got something in your face."

Well maybe not that ok as he did attract annoying people. Zoe. Zack recognized her. This bit*h was at it again.

"Sorry? Where?"

"Handsome thing!"

The girl giggled in a supposedly cute tone as Zack could only think of how the flirting didn't even land well. He could see that the pretty boy too wasn't much impressed. Not wanting the annoying girl buzzing near his desk, Zack spoke out.

"Hey, Zoe. Stop flirting and sit. It's annoying."

"Oh Zack! scary! What~?"

This annoying bit*h- 

Her fake voice made up to look cute infront of the transfer student was only increasing his irritation.

"Stop doing that, bit*h!"

Zack was close to losing it when he suddenly remembered about Mira. Sh*t! He almost lost his cool infront of Mira because of this bit*h. He quickly looked front, hoping that Mira didn't notice him in a bad light. But seeing the flushed face of Mira as she also stared at the transfer student, Zack was heartbroken.

'M..Mira!!'

He glared daggers at the bastard that dared to seduce his Mira. Fu*k being neutral towards the pretty boy! He hated this transfer di*k!!

___________________________________________________________

The bell rang indicating the break for the lunch time. Today the cafeteria of J-high was buzzing with the students, all laying their attention on the new transfer student of fashion department. Saying that all the students had their mouth hanging from being awestruck by the transfer student's beauty wouldn't even be an exaggeration. As Zoe was a witness as well as a participant of that action.

"Daniel, what kind of side dishes do you like?"

Her own side dish dripped down from her plate while she continued to admire the heavenly sight beside her. How could she not? The new star of J-high was as magnificent as the stars in the night sky that everyone became attracted to. 

Zoe scorned at all those that stared at Daniel. Those floozies! She restlessly wished for them to look away. She felt anxious at the large number of competitors but she was also determined to make Daniel hers. There was no way she was gonna let those tramps get the guy she had her heart fixed on!

But before she could make her move, a ruckus was heard from the entrance of the cafeteria. She along with many turned to see the person that was storming inside. Zoe recognized the person to be the sunglasses guy from the vocal and dance dept. 

The guy marched with a furious expression, directly towards them. A blond haired girl followed behind the raging guy, shouting at him to calm down. Zoe watched the scene in confusion and growing nervousness as the guy reached near her and Daniel. Just as she glanced at her side questioningly, 

"Move, bit*h!"

She was pushed aside by the guy. Zoe didn't get the chance to express her anger at the black glasses guy as he thrashed the lunch plate held by Daniel before grabbing him by the collar.

"You fu*ker..!"

________________________________________________________

                    ~to be continued~

Chapter Text

"Great! Then have fun and try avoiding getting into trouble. I wish you luck! Bye!"

*Click!*

Banken ended the call. His cheerful smile fading as he slid his phone to the side of the couch he was sitting on. Turning his attention at the table before him, a sigh escaped his lips. Various files and papers littered the glass table while a single glass of alcohol stayed near the edge of the table like an out-of-place decoration.

And here Banken had thought he would be able to escape his work. He took a sip of his newly brought alcohol, gazing over the files of various information many would kill to have their hands on. Putting down his glass, a smirk spread on his lips as he admired his yet another success.

"So not only the daughter of T group's president but the 'hime' is also with workers now."

Due to the work in Japan, the boss had been largely absent from Korea, making them unaware of things unrelated to their goal. Many things seemed to had happened while the Yamazaki's leader was focused in his homeland. The change occured not only in Japan but in Korea and China aswell, that is not counting the lady. 

Banken had a pretty solid guess as to the reason behind the T group working with workers. Since the president couldn't land his brand in Japan, he probably went for Korea instead. Banken wondered if the multi-billionaire used the same tactic that he used in Japan. Daniel had completely destroy the club and nearly killed the president's daughter back then. 

Banken lightly scratched the paper he had held up with his thumb. The boss was planning to visit China the next month and he had already started arranging things as per the young master's order. The trip's supposed to be peaceful and devoid of any disturbance which Banken very much doubted to go as planned. Given that, even avoiding a nasty exchange with T group's president will be difficult. 

Since Banken couldn't really do anything about it, he decided to leave the problem for the ones that will be partake in that trip.

Moving on from the obvious one, the case of Lucky's hime intrigued him. Why would Mitsuki Soma of all people leave for Korea when lucky had started spreading all over Japan? With her rise as one of the most notable figures of Japan, the classified intel regarding lady Arnoult's stop in their country must have reached her office too. Yet, for such a capable businesswoman like her to miss the opportunity to strike any sort of connection with the renowned daughter of Athena was strange.

Perhaps, the workers were more troublesome than he had thought...

"Mister. Did you finish your work?"

Banken widened his eyes before quickly grabbing the glass of alcohol and placing it behind his legs as an attempt to hide it from the person coming out of the kitchen. 

"Do you need the living room? I'm nearly done. Just let me gather these."

Following his words, his hands scrambled to collect the papers.

"There's no need."

The steps taken by the girl were stable and didn't make any noise as she reached the couch beside his. She placed a tray of sliced fruit on the paper free part of the table with equal steadiness. Making as less sound as possible in it's contact with the transparent table with seeming ease. 

"What case are you dealing with this time?"

She asked, sitting down on the couch with a posture that made him sub-consciously improve his own. The white eye patch wasn't present in her face like usual yet her face any lacked any hint of self-consciousness one would expect her to feel. 

She took a slice of the rock melons placed on the tray for herself, but not before offering him the same. The few strands of should length hair that fell at the side of her face were swept behind her ears to avoid even the slightest possibility of it touching the fruit. Despite her face adorning more of her father's features, Kei Ryu was a perfect replica of her mother when it came to mannerism.

Kei looked at him with unwavering gaze, waiting for his answer. Eye contact with her singular blue one was more tough than most people with two. He returned his own gaze back to the papers as he replied.

"I haven't started yet but there's an investigation Daniel asked me to do on someone."

He picked out the card Daniel had given him. The card was totally normal, free of any suspicious stuff and filled with all but only the information the owner wanted to reveal to the world. Overall, a perfect identity card authorized by the government.

"Looking at it, it's probably more difficult than it first seemed."

He took a slice of the fruit as Kei made a sound of acknowledgment. She placed the rind of the melon at a slight distance from the uneaten ones on the tray before taking a new slice.

"Since its you, it most likely won't take long to find the target's whole history. You were even able to find my aunt. Investigating this person shouldn't be difficult."

Kei let out nonchalantly causing Banken's gaze at the papers to shake before it tensed. Did she say that intentionally? Her casualness said otherwise but knowing her, it properly was. Not that she didn't have the right to mention it, but he had thought that they had managed to come to an agreement if 'getting along' was an overstatement. 

It appeared that interacting with Kei Ryu was still similar to walking on thin ice. Not expecting to get splashed in the ice water will only make the experience worse.

With light shuffle, Kei got up from her seat. He hadn't noticed the outer layer of the her second slice already placed careful away from the untouched ones. 

"In any case, please bring me some paint and fabric the next time you go out."

She gently straightened her disheveled dress as he recalled the hina doll she had been working on. Did she finish carving up the doll this quickly? Banken wanted to ask about her progress but he'ld save that up later time. 

"Alright. You can specify me about the type of paint and fabric after lunch."

"Hm. Then do enjoy the fruits. I'll leave for my room."

She left as she per her words. Seeing her retreating back, he stealthy reached out for his drink.

"Also. I would prefer if you don't leave your 'drinks' in the kitchen or anywhere it could dirty the place if not careful."

"Such as the back of your leg."

He innerly winched pausing on his action as he looked towards the balcony. 

"Anyways, the weather looks rather wonderful today. I wonder how Daniel's doing."

Kei left without giving a second glance, into her room, leaving Banken to sigh out loud as he fully pulled out his glass of alcohol.

_______________________________________________________

[J-high. Lunch break]

"Tsk- Forget it!"

Mary let go of the imaginary person as she sat down on the cafeteria bench, grumbling. Vin who sat on the bench beside her, watched silently as he waited for her act to finish. Mary, having completed the imitation, couldn't hold it anymore.

"...Ppsshh- Phuhahhahaha!!!"

Vin tried to look unaffected as he continued to stay with his arms folded. Meanwhile, Mary beat her hand on the table as she wiped the tears with her other hand. Getting tired of his twitching tick mark, Vin slammed his hands on the table.

"Enough already!"

He glared at Mary through his black shades as she grinned at him. Far from fully composed, she leaned towards him.

"You really didn't make all that fuss, just to end it like that."

Vin pushed her face away with a frown, causing Mary to only chuckle more.

"Hey now, I tried to stop you, didn't I?"

She did but Vin still had been fully ready to punch Daniel in his anger. He would had, if not for someone in the background asking whether he was picking a fight with the new student. He instantly came back to his senses after hearing that.

No way in hell was he fighting Daniel! No matter how harmless the guy looked with his pretty and innocent looking face, Vin was not taking his chances. 

"You got scared, didn't you?"

Mary teased in a low tone before going back to her position.

"Shut up."

Vin turned away which Mary took as her victory. With him facing away from Mary, he could see Daniel coming back from the vending machine. Vin innerly hissed. Right, he was the one that threw his lunch before. He'll apologize for that later. 

He watched as Daniel was approached by three dudes on his way. Vin gathered his brows, trying to recognize the guys through his tinted glasses. 

"Oi, isn't that the guy you beat up before?"

Mary asked gesturing at one the three dudes with Daniel. Vin tried to recognize the face but the distance really wasn't helping. 

"Which one of three?"

"The one with the bandages. Who else-? Wait-"

Mary paused. He wasn't asking about which one among the three with Daniel. But rather which one among three guys he had beaten up today. 

"You know? I'm very tempted to tell Daniel about all the trouble you caused in our class today."

The school hadn't even ended and the brash idiot had already beaten up three students. 

"Don't you dare, you snitching bit*h. It's already bad as it is."

This bast*rd. As if she was the one that got him in trouble with the teacher. Who told him to get ahead of himself and force a guy to give up his seat? The bast*rd even had the audacity to get mad and beat up the guy for asking his seat back even after Daniel didn't arrive. 

"It was your own fault bast*rd. What kind of idiot would beat up two guys while the class was still going on? The f*ck you expected the teacher to do? Just watch?"

"In my defense, the first a**whip was Duke Pyeon and the second a**hole was the one that picked a fight with me first. How was I supposed to not make him regret his decision?"

Is this punk being for real right now?

"He was just making fun of your idiotic behavior."

Even she would laugh at his senseless showcase of anger at such a small thing. Not to mention, the dude was one of the guys that followed Vin during school. She doubts if even they would stick around with him after that.

"And? Making fun, picking a fight. Same thing. The a**hole had it coming."

Vin shrugged as Mary thanked the gods for not having to deal with this brute idiot alone. She wonder as to how Daniel was more tolerant and unfazed at Vin antics when she was the one who has been with him for years.

"Stop making that stupid face and just tell me who's the co*ksucker that's with Daniel."

"We need to swat away that pesky fly."

Vin reminded as he turned his focus back towards Daniel. The three guys were no longer with Daniel as he was coming towards them.

"It was the first guy you beat up. The dude from fashion department I think."

Mary told, giving up on debating anymore. The image of a swollen face under his shoe appeared on Vin's mind. Ohhh~So, they were Zack's lackeys! Now what the hell did those ugly f*cks wanted with Daniel?

Daniel arrived at their table as he placed down two plastic bags holding some bags of chips and juice boxes he had bought from the vending machine.

"Sorry I wasn't able inform you guys about me being in fashion department."

He apologized, taking a seat beside Vin.

"It's fine-"

"Nah, it's fine!"

Mary spoke over Vin as she got up and moved towards Daniel. Alright, that was probably unintentional. Vin remained calm as he reached for one of the carton juice boxes. He stared with wide eyes as Mary took the exact box he was reaching out for on her way. That's it. This bit*h was asking for it. 

Noticing Vin ready to abandon the peaceful approach, Daniel quickly passed him double the number of juice boxes and chips. He had bought them specifically for him anyway. Daniel honestly would had let him land a hit or two if it meant calming the situation down back then. Vin surprisingly had a good self control.

He watched as Vin stopped himself from acting on his impulsive thoughts in preference to opening one of the bag of chips.

Though, giving him his favorite snacks was also a good way of improving his mood.

Mary made herself comfortable next to Daniel as she poked the straw in the juice box. She leaned her face on her hand as she sipped the drink. Vin's taste wasn't so bad after all.

"So, did something happen in your class?"

Daniel asked, possibly suspecting another reason for Vin's anger except him not being in their department. Mary smirked. She had been waiting for him to ask that.

"Yeah-"

"Nothing except the guys in our class being annoying as usual."

Vin cut her off as he gave her a warning look. Mary innerly scoffed. As if she would back down just because of that.

"And sorry about before. I was kinda pissed off."

She blinked. Well, may be she could let him off the hook this time.

"It's alright. Just make sure a lunch plate doesn't pay the price for your anger next time."

"Hey! I apologized, didn't I!?"

Vin complained at the snarky remark said in a upbeat tone while the other two chuckled at his reaction.

Putting down his strawberry milk, Daniel tear opened a bag of chips. Snacking on it, he guessed that Vin most likely got into some fight during his absence. But since he seemed fine, Daniel supposed there's no need for him to further question anything.

"By the way, you know those three guys that approached you on your way here?

Mary asked before munching on the chips from the bag he was holding. 

"Not really. I think we're on the same department though."

Daniel answered as he opened another bag for Mary. 

"Good. Don't let those suckers hang around you. What were those idiots saying to you anyway?"

Vin asked, placing down an emptied juice box for the second time. Daniel followed along his gaze towards the guys that had approached him before. The three were also staring back at them. Noticing Vin looking at them, they turned their heads away.

"They asked me to meet them after lunch."

"These fuck*rs. Not even a day and they're already at it."

Vin cracked his knuckles as he stood up from his seat.

"What does he mean?"

Daniel asked at Vin's sudden need to confront the group, few tables away from them. Munching on the chips, Mary answered.

"They're trying to recruit you in their little group. If my guess is correct, it's for your looks."

Well there goes the slight interest Daniel had regarding the three.

"Yo! Fu*kface!"

Vin grabbed one the juice boxes before throwing it towards the sh*ttalker.

"I hadn't finished that you punk!"

Mary yelled as Vin smirked. Even better. The idiot turned his face at his call only to hit by the juice box right at his face. The impact caused the carton box to burst as the liquid soaked the bandages on his face.

"Bhahahha!! You two saw that? It landed right on his face. I must be some kind of genius."

Vin bragged at being able to aim perfectly even with his tinted glass. He looked at the two for their validation. Upon seeing Daniel's reaction, he quickly added.

"It's wasn't a lunch plate this time."

Daniel's sweat dropped. It didn't really change anything.

"So what? It still made a mess on the floor. You proud of that?"

Mary mocked, unimpressed as Vin glared at her. Disregarding the fact that it was mostly luck, Daniel was kinda impressed by it. He had once tried Vin's glasses and the experience was like walking into a dark room. The only reason he was able to function properly was because of his trained senses.

"Vin Jin, You Bast*rd! What was that for!?"

Vin turned. He almost forgot about these buffoons. 

"Didn't I tell you idiots, not to show your face infront of us?"

'You didn't!'

Doo Lee and his group thought at the same time. He already had bad luck with Vin Jin in the morning before. What did the bast*rd want now? 

"We haven't bothered you guys tho."

They needed to careful with this guy. Especially when Zack was not with them. That punk probably went to chase after Mira! Why did that bast*rd always leave when they needed him the most? Doo cursed the former boxer in his mind.

"Oh yeah? Then what about this guy here?"

Vin Jin asked, pointing towards the transfer student.

"We didn't know that the newbie was already friends with you guys. We just wanted to get to know him since we're in same dept. "

They tried to convince the guy with black shades. It was better to not get on his bad side.

"Well now you know. And he won't meet you buffoons after lunch. So, forget about even coming near him and fu*k off."

This douche! Just because they didn't want to get on his bad side didn't mean they were some pip-squeaks with no pride. Even if Zack wasn't here, they won't let this bast*rd walk over them.

"And who are you to tell us what to do, you fu*king freak? The pretty boy has agreed to meet us-"

"So what?"

Vin cut off the guy from spouting anymore nonsense. Were these pip-squeaks really trying to act tough infront of him?

"I told you sh*theads to fu*k off, didn't I? Take your ugly fu*ks and go suck someone else's di*ck before I make you unable to do even that."

*Cough-*

Daniel placed down his strawberry milk. Ok. The words were starting to get heavy with Vin getting a little too invested in this argument. He thanked that Kei wasn't the type to pick up things from the people around her. Not wanting their lunch time to be disrupted more than this, Daniel tugged on Vin's hoodie.

"Alright. Let's not escalate this to anymore than a quarrel."

Daniel glanced at Mary for assistance on calming down the situation. As a reply, she asked.

"Do you wanna meet them afterwards?"

"If it isn't rude, no."

Daniel told flatly. Upon receiving his answer, Mary swallowed the last chips before dusting her hands off. She got up as she faced the guys from fashion department.

"Welp! You might not have heard that but our Daniel here, isn't interested in being a part of your little group!"

She announced. A bright smile appeared on her face as she waved her hand in a shoo-ing motion.

"So, you guys can get lost."

"Shut your trap, bit*h! You weren't talking to you!"

What? Mary's smile slipped downward.The f*ck did that douchebag just call her? Just because Vin called her that didn't mean she's fine with others calling her a bit*h. Her expression changed into one similar to that of Vin's. And there she had been trying save these di*kheads from getting a beat down. 

"You know what, Vin? Go off. I'll even speak in your defense if you get in trouble with the teacher, just this time."

Seeing Mary also riled up, Daniel sighed. He really didn't want to witness a fight, the very first day of his school. Wasn't highschool school supposed to a peaceful place to study? Why are the students here so willing to engage in useless violence? Getting up, he pulled the two from a glaring contest with the three before them.

"No one's doing anything."

"What!? But it'll be quick! I swear it won't even take a minute."

Vin insisted while Mary's eyes tried to convince him to buy his words. To not fall into peer pressure, Daniel avoided their eyes and moved passed them. Now, standing infront of the two with the other three guys before him, he gave a slight bow. 

"Please excuse them."

His body blocked Mary while his slightly stretched arm came before Vin that stopped him from moving forward.

"I'm sorry but I won't be able to meet you guys later. Thank you for the invite though. So, we'll return to our table now. Have a wonderful lunch."

Jace watched the new student drag the pair from vocal and dance dept while they cursed their way back to their table. He wasn't the only one watching though as almost everyone had their attention fixed at the bunch. Except unlike him, they were observing them less for the possible fight and more for the transfer student's looks. 

Having seen the guy for himself, Jace wasn't surprised by the students' reaction. The only reason they weren't swarming him was because of the two that were with him. Vin Jin to be more specific. He's quiet well known and for burn knuckles, not in a good way.

Therefore, him accompanying the new guy caused burn knuckles to be cautious of the newbie. Bad guys budding heads with one another hadn't been the most common thing in J-high till now. But if their involvement was needed, they wouldn't hesitate to step in. This time the trouble was brought to a halt by the transfer student. Non the less, he would continue to keep a lookout for pretty boy.

With nothing interesting to observe, Jace turned towards their leader. Before he could call for him though, the distress mumbling of a girl from fashion department was heard.

"Did Daniel know them before transferring here? Why's that girl so close to him? He hardly spared me a glance... What if they're already together..?"

How much did this girl gloss over for that to her only conclusion after seeing all that had happened? Jace shook his head. How simple minded.

"Jace."

He tuned at the voice of his friend and leader. Ah-..right... The leader of burn knuckles was also a rather simple minded person. With a tear slipping from his eyes, Vasco spoke.

"We'll punish the new guy if he screws around."

__________________________________________________________

                   ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

Vin closed his eyes. He took in a long breath before audibly breathing out.

"That felt so good!"

He exclaimed in satisfaction as his voice vibrated along with the music from a phone in the night street. He stretched his arms, feeling more refreshed than tired at the late hour.

"I feel like I can give the audition right now."

"With that much strain in your vocal cords? Don't kid yourself."

Mary brought him back to reality as she reminded him of his sore throat. 

"I was just saying. Don't act like you weren't also singing at the top of your lungs as if you just cleared all levels of a game in the first play."

"And I sounded good doing that."

Mary flaunted and Daniel agreed on that. He watched the video on his phone in amazement. Their presence was splendid in both live as well as recording. The awe and enjoyment he had felt inside the karaoke room when watching the two sing their hearts out, he could feel it emanating even through the screen. 

That was fun!

He couldn't help but nod in agreement at Mary's words.

"Right! You two sounded amazing. I wasn't able to keep my eyes off of you guys."

Daniel praised as Vin was unable to resist feeling smug.

"What else did you expect from the leading man of vocal and dance department?"

He told proudly while Daniel stared at him in admiration, further boosting his ego. Ignoring the sh*t eating idiot, Mary leaned in to take a look at the video. In her opinion, Daniel got impressed by simple things too easily sometimes. But then again, seeing her hair freely flowing with her movements as she and Vin performed a duet in the screen, perhaps they did look as cool as he described them to be.

Hn? Her open hair? She quickly moved her hand to check for her headband. Noticing her action and the lack of what she was searching for, Daniel turned off the phone and put in away. Before Mary could begin worrying, he pulled out her headband from his pocket. Oh right! She had told him to hold it for her.

"Thanks!"

She smiled, taking the headband and putting it back on.

"You know, it's kinda a bummer that you didn't participate. It was supposed to be a celebration for your arrival after all."

Mary expressed as she faced the sky above. Her hands placed inside her jacket pockets as they walked under the brightness from the street lights.

"Hmm.. but I still really enjoyed watching you guys. It was fun. I hope we do this again in the future."

Daniel replied softly as he turned his attention towards the night sky.

Vin called that bullsh*t. The true enjoyment of karaoke came from singing to your fullest, no matter how bad you were. And this weirdo barely sang anything because of him not knowing almost any song. 

Still.

He looked away from Daniel, turning to observe the same empty space above as him. It was hard to mock the bast*rd when his eyes shined in genuine delight just from being with them.

"I'll share my playlist with you tomorrow. (My phone's dead for today) Next time we go to karaoke, don't just watch us like an idiot."

Daniel glanced at Vin who walked with his hands behind his head. He replied with a smile.

"Sure."

"Heh? Just his? Take mine aswell. It has more genres than his."

Mary added as Daniel thought of buying  headphones for himself.

                                xXx

"Oh, we finally reached the damn store."

Vin called out as their steps slowed down at the sight of the convenience store.

"How long has it been since we last came here? I already miss this place." 

Mary spoke with a sense of nostalgia in her tone before turning towards Daniel.

"How about you Daniel? Did you miss your work place?"

"It has just been three days Mary. I'll probably need more time to miss working here."

Daniel responded at the silly remark. He was hushed by Mary as she spoke in an equally playful tone.

"Now, don't say such things. We had a lot of fun here."

*Ding!*

Mary stopped as some guys walked out of the convenience store. She thought she recognized them.

"What a wussy."

"Right..Hehehehe"

Their laughter soon died down as the four guys disappeared into the distance.

"Weren't those Zack and his lackeys?"

Mary asked as Vin shrugged.

"Who cares about those losers? Let's just get inside. My throat's screaming for something to drink."

"Zack? Zack Lee from fashion department?"

Daniel questioned, following behind Vin as they entered the store.

"Yeah. You two are in the same class, right?"

"Hm. My seat is right beside him."

He answered Mary. Glancing towards where the clerk should be, Daniel was met with an empty counter. 

*Hic..hic..*

Confused, he turns towards where the sound was coming from. Behind a table filled with empty bottles, sat a boy wearing the clerk's uniform. The guy looked young. His bangs covered his lowered face as he sobbed in a low tone.

Daniel looked to his side as Mary looked back at him with a less perplexed expression. He could see Vin already going to the isle where the drinks are kept, ignoring the scene infront of them. Though hesitantly, Daniel walked towards the person. 

"Um.. excuse me. Is something wrong...?"

The boy flinched before slowly raising his head. Between sobs, he peeked at them through his eyes shadowing bangs. Daniel waited for the boy to say something as he was unsure of what to do. He gave the teary boy a small smile as to ease him. But to his confusion and shock, the boy started crying harder.

'eh-!'

He looked behind at Mary who seemed equally taken a back by the sudden action. 

"Yo, dude? You alright?"

Mary called as she came up to them while Vin stuck his head out from behind the isle to check what was going on.

                                  xXx

"So the guys before us pressured you into selling them cigarettes and alcohol which they didn't even pay for?"

Daniel asked to be sure to which the boy nodded. His shoulders slumped from distress as he silently sipped the chocolate milk given to him, tying to not break into tears again.

"Isn't that basically steeling?"

Daniel remarked. 

"Not if they forced the clerk to agree in paying their bill for them."

Mary who sat at the other side of the table gave her guess. The empty bottles were swept to the side as the clerk, Mary and him occupied the table.

"Well, those guys are know troublemakers. Kinda already guessed that something like this happened."

"But hey, atleast you didn't get beaten up!"

Mary tried to find some positively in the situation but the boy's body further slumped down. She quickly turned to Daniel with a look on her face, asking if she said something wrong. Daniel didn't know the answer but he guessed that her words weren't the most encouraging.

"Um..kid?"

"Hamil. My name's Hamil Kim and I'm 19 years old."

"oh, I apologize-"

A surprised look appeared on the beautiful girl's face as she apologized. Hamil shook his head. 

"It's fine. I'm used to it by now."

He didn't mind it as he did look younger than most his age. It was normal for people to mistake him for being younger because of his small frame...

"Maybe that's why I'm such an easy target..-"

Ah-! He said that out loud! 

Hamil felt his consciousness sink in a deep pit of shame and anxiety. Trying to sallow the thought away, he nervously looked up. His eyes caught the unimpressed expression of the blonde haired girl. As if already predicting his words, she continued sipping her juice uncaringly. Suddenly, he was hesitant of raising his head any further. 

His eyes shakily trailed the lower face of the black haired girl. Her lips were slightly parted but she remained silent. Assuming that he only made her uncomfortable by saying that, Hamil was unable to see her full expression. He lowered back his face as his bangs hid him from the anxiousness caused by the non existing threat.

Perhaps, his dad was right.. He shouldn't have tried to get a part time job when even being judged by strangers scared him so much. With both his body and will being so weak, how's he supposed to fend off guys like today? Should he not have gotten out of his comfort zone to try and help his dad-?!

"Guys such as before are going to continue coming."

Hamil's swirling thoughts were cut short by the voice of the person he had dreaded to see the expression of. 

"It's impossible to avoid people that try to take advantage of you when you are a minor, working in a convenience store."

Her tone was unexpectedly gentle and lacked any negative emotion he had imagined.

"It's just your second day at work and something like this already happened to you. So, your worry is understandable. And if you think you can't handle this job and want to quit, it's also completely fine. I can even talk to the owner for you."

Hamil's eyes widened at the mention of quitting the job. Without thinking, he shouted out.

"No! Don't! I still need to help my mom!"

He finally had the courage to tell his dad about his wish to help him and mom. His mom had always been weak, which he too had inherited. And after a accident that caused him to miss his sat exam, his mom's health had gave in. He had recovered and had a chance to take the test again but the damaged had been done. 

Their family wasn't the most financially stable. Therefore, despite his weak body and severe social anxiety, Hamil had asked his dad to allow him to get a part time job. But now, just on 2nd day at work, he had already started thinking if he did the wrong thing. 

The proposal said in a understanding tone by the black haired lady was honestly tempting. 

Hamil tightened his hold on the cartoon box. He didn't wish to think like that. He doesn't know if he had the right to blame his inherited weak body for his more feeble mental fortitude. But his lack of courage to even refuse the 4 highschoolers only made him feel worse. 

Thus, even with the lady's words that accepted him as someone weak but didn't condemn him for being a coward, as well as his own mind that told him to abandon the difficulties and hide away in his comfort zone, Hamil wished to stand by his resolve. If he couldn't voice his will now, he doubted ever being able to follow through it. 

Clenching his eyes shut, with a tone more determined than sorrowful, he spoke.

"My mom's really ill and it's difficult for dad to provide for us while also paying the hospital bills. Even if it's just a little, I want to support them. So, I can't quit this job."

Hamil felt his face burn from embarrassment. Yet, he slowly opened his eyes and raised his head. He wasn't fully ready to face the weirded out expressions of the two ladies but he would try to not look away too soon. 

For some reason, his eyes met with the blonde lady on the left side of the table first. She wasn't looking at him but rather the lady straight infront of him. Both curious and worried, Hamil too followed her gaze. He felt his face heat up again but for a different reason this time.

The enchanting face that expressed an emotion opposite to his negative expectation, left him stunned and out of words.

________________________________________________________

Mary hadn't been surprised when the clerk told them about what happened. As she had said, the guys from fashion department were known troublemakers/ bullies. It also didn't phase her when the guy blamed his looks for his trouble. He did had an underwhelming frame. 

But observing closer, his body wasn't the main cause of his problem. After all, even Daniel was shorter and smaller than the likes of Vin and Zack Lee. And unlike the new cleck, Daniel had been adamant on following the rules and instructions regarding the job, given by the owner. 

Mary didn't really care. She would also prefer to not have Daniel go through all that trouble of talking to the owner for the guy they just met. The old man had already been against him leaving the job. Who knows? That bast*rd might just try to guilt trip Daniel into working the job again.

She was caught a little off guard when the guy suddenly shouted in refusal. A typical backstory for a good enough reason she supposed. Maybe he wasn't so weak minded after all. Still, the thing that surprised Mary was the way Daniel's attention deepened at the mention of 'mom'. 

She dismissed it as him being the sensitive guy that he was. But then after the clerk spoke out his last sentences, Mary was unable to hide her bafflement at Daniel's touched reaction. Oh come on now! This guy seriously got impressed too easily.

Slightly annoyed that a random dude got Daniel to make such a face so easily, Mary decided to break the moment.

"Well, that'll be difficult with all those laying bottles."

She said as she placed down her juice box with a thud. The guy shook out of his stunned state while Daniel turned his attention towards her. 

"I'm not confident that the old man's gonna let you keep the job if he finds out about you being pushed around just by few highschoolers."

She said, this time not caring that she may come out as rude. The clerk named Hamil tensed up at her words as he started to fidget nervously on his seat.

"If it's alright, how about I pay for them and we keep this incident from the owner?"

"What?"

Mary let out. Her face turning into a frown as she turned towards Daniel.

"And what if this happens again? Will you pay for that aswell?"

She questioned as irritation leaked in her voice. Before he could answer, Hamil who had somewhat collected himself, spoke.

"Thank you but I can't accept that."

He faced Daniel as he continued in a resolute tone.

"As the miss said about the next time, I want to try and prevent it from ever happening. I don't think I'll be able to do that if you pay for the job I failed at."

"So, please forgive me!"

Hamil bowed his head while Daniel placed his hand over the spot where the forehead would have made contact to. Hamil's forehead safely landed on his hand as the older guy quickly straightened his back upon realization.

"Ah-! I'm so sorry- I mean- Thankyou!.....Is your hand alright...?"

Hamil asked, slowly calming down his panic as he gently picked the presumedly injured hand. Daniel retreated his hand before the nervous guy could check for any harm. 

"It's fine."

Daniel said as his eyes closed, melting into the warm smile spread on his lips. Hamil thankfully seemed to relax after that. Before he could change his focus towards Mary, his wrist was pulled by her, making him turn towards her.

"As if."

Mary snorted at Daniel's words. She gently checked the hand for any bruise. And as expected, a light red bruise was present in the back of the palm. She glanced at the clerk. 

'What kind of idiot slammed his head on the table like that?' 

Perhaps her thoughts were written on her face, the guy flinched before looking down. 

"Hamil right? Got some ice packs?"

"A-ah yes! They are in the freezer. I'll bring one!"

Hamil quickly got up to get the ice pack. Noticing that the guy had left, Mary spoke.

"I know you got your sugar daddy to pay for you. But unless you want to become one yourself, offering money at the very first meet is a really good way of attracting leeches, you know?"

Her tone was calmer than before as she looked up from the hand to it's owner. 

"I shouldn't have been so hasty with my words."

Daniel said, raising his lowered head. He met her eyes as he continued.

"I'm sorry for angering you."

The sincerity of his apology was shown in his eyes as they pleaded for her to not remain mad. Mary's own contact wavered at the sight. Giving up, she sighed. She let a smile appear on her face as she spoke.

"Were you that touched by his words for you to make such a face?"

Daniel softened his face in relief.

"I was. Did my expression look too obvious?"

"It did. I was kinda jealous of him at that moment"

Mary replied with a grin. Daniel didn't hammer to know if she said it as a joke or truly meant. He was simply pleased seeing her cheerful again.

"Sorry it took some time."

Hamil returned to the small table as passed the ice pack to the blonde haired girl. He was flustered, worried at being late. There weren't any ice packs in the freezer and he had to search for the instant usable ones. 

He silently watched as the blonde girl pressed and applied the blue pack on the reddened spot of the pale hand. He gazed down sad as he recalled himself being the reason for that bruise. 

"Hamil."

"Y-yes!"

Hamil jolted up. He nervously looked at the black haired (possibly) high-schooler. Questioning the reason behind the sudden call. Once again, opposite to his negative thought, a soft smile blossomed on the beautiful girl's face.

"Thank you."

"It's... nothing.."

He shyly looked away. Flustered at the open gratitude he rarely received from others beside his family. 

Hamil's blush faded as he felt someone brush his shoulder. Looking back, a guy with black shades stood behind him. He moved to the side giving space to the larger person. The guy glanced at him as he asked.

"You're the clerk right?"

"Yes..I am. Do you need something?"

Hamil replied. He tried to not sound awkward facing the guy that, if he remembered correctly had entered the store together with the two girls. 

"Yeah, the toilet paper ran out. Replace it with a new one."

Vin informed as he watched the clerk say out a "thank you" before rushing away. Why had that weirdo been crying when they entered the store again? He glanced down at the corner near the empty chair where a bunch of glass bottles were kept. 

Meh, whatever. Vin shrugged it off. He sat down on the empty chair as he reached out for the half drank water bottle at the opposite side of the table. 

"Took you long enough to finish your sh*t."

Mary welcome him with a smirk. He drank the water, ignoring her.

"How's your throat? Is it still sore?"

Vin heard Daniel ask as he put down the water bottle, closing it's cap. 

"It's better now."

He answered as he faced Daniel's pleasant expression before his eyes landed on the hand below.

"What happened to your hand?'

He asked the guy sitting opposite to him. Daniel didn't seem to be in pain so it shouldn't be that bad. But then again, this idiot never really showed them any harsh emotions. Without looking at his ice pack placed hand, Daniel replied calmly.

"Nothing serious-"

"Yeah. It's just the result of misusing his freakish reflex."

Mary cut him off as a sweat drop appeared on Daniel's clam face.

"I thought you said you weren't mad anymore?"

Daniel uttered which Mary quickly responded to.

"And I'm not. I'm only telling him what happened."

She then proceed to tell Vin about Daniel's stupid action of letting his hand be slammed by the clerk's skull. Him and Mary both agreed that Daniel was a dumba** for doing that. 

Vin looked down at the slender hand rested on the table. It was pale and smaller than the hands of those he had fought when back in Cheonliang. It could be mistaken for fragile. He knew Daniel was strong. Stronger than anyone he has met till now. 

But seeing how a single hit on the hand could bruise it, Vin concluded that his pure muscle strength wasn't that big of a factor in his overall strength. Mary in their junior high or heck even him right now could be stronger than Daniel in terms of physical strength. 

Despite his overwhelming combat ability, Daniel was surprisingly..

"Your body's frail"

Vin commented as Daniel widened his eyes in shock. 

What?

Frail?

Him?

Mary stayed silent. Her eyes quietly observing the way Daniel's body tensed. She noted how his resting hand stiffened and his black pupils constricted despite the lack of overly bright lights. The change in his face was subtle but anyone not wearing Vin's sunglasses could see it. The serene expression of his flawless face morphing into something else.

"You should build more muscle. What if some punk manages to land a solid hit on you? Blah blah blah.."

Mary innerly worried as the idiot continued to speak, ignorant of the change in atmosphere. She knew Daniel wasn't angry. Whether it be something natural to him or something he made himself to be. But no matter how much Vin and Kei bickered or how many times she and Vin put him in troublesome situations with their shenanigans, Daniel never got genuinely angry or condemned them with any harsh emotions.

She also understood that Vin didn't mean to stir up Daniel. As, Unlike Kei who leveraged every bit of that to get her way, Vin didn't enjoy testing the limit of Daniel's nearly endless fondness towards the three. Therefore right now, Mary really needed the moron to stop speaking.

Vin wasn't mocking him. Daniel was aware of that. He was only reprimanding him for his careless act. It wasn't something new. After all, Gun had told Daniel more than one time how his capabilities were being held back by his less competent body. Daniel had already worked on that. So much so that it had been years since Gun last called him frail. 

And outside of his opinion, Daniel didn't care about others' words. Being called weak didn't phase him like how it used to in his younger days. It really didn't..

Perhaps it was because he actually got hurt this time that Vin's words stirred Daniel so much. He shouldn't, nor did he want to compare Vin's considerate worry to that. But he was unable to stop his mind from draw parallels once again.

| "It seems in the end, you're just a child after all. I' m truly glad that unlike him, your body's still that of a frail kid."

"..Isani-..san..."

Daniel stared at the woman in utter shock as a painful realization slowly pierced him. Her long back hair rested freely on her back as the scar on her neck that was usually covered by a light shawl, was left open for the world to see. 

No. It was for him to see. 

A smile of pure happiness graced her lips as she stared down at him. Daniel always enjoyed seeing her smile. It was so rare for the lovely woman's lips to curve upward in a delightful expression that, even as she pushed her long hairpin in his chest, he couldn't get himself to make her lose that smile.

It was so strange. The hairpin Daniel had gifted her to replace the broken lavender one, dug into his right chest. Yet, his left chest was the one burning in agonizing pain. Amidst the pain, there was also the comforting warmth he felt from the way she held him in a close embrace. Or was it just an affect of the poison from hairpin which she slowly pushed inside him?

It had nearly been a year. Why couldn't he see the difference till now?  |

Was it because he could had pushed her away and escaped her poisoned embrace that time, just like how he could have broken the boy's skull if it meant preventing his hand from getting harmed in the impact, but he didn't? Maybe it was, Daniel didn't know.

"Just look at Mary. She's a shell of her middle school self since she lost all that weight."

He knew he fully deserved every bit of that agony he had received back then. Yet his lack of complain towards the possible pain even in the near future couldn't prevent his heart from quivering in fear. He prayed for the agony that made him desperate for death to not wrap him in it's suffocating embrace again. 

God...

His pathetic ness was rearing it's hideous face again. He could already hear the woman taunt him for his greediness as her shawl danced wildly around his own neck. Even so, for now, Daniel felt so relieved. He was so glad Vin didn't say that in a delighted tone.

"I doubt she's even half as strong as she used to be."

'Is this bast*rd not done?'

Mary questioned in hidden irritation. That's it! She would knock his idiot out if it meant shutting him up. But before Mary could follow out the action, she noticed Daniel relaxing. The tensed veins in his arm settled down and a calm, relieved-like expression graced his face as he watched Vin blabber on. 

Mary didn't know the reason behind his sudden mood change. Nor did she care as immense relief flooded her inside seeing his features softening back to how they should be.

"You think so?"

Daniel engaged with a soft smile as Mary innerly sighed out the worry she had been holding in.

"Of course. It's been ages since she last fought. She doesn't even show interest in fighting nowadays."

A tick mark appeared on the back of Mary's head as Vin complained with genuine disappointment about her to Daniel while sitting right next of her. Still, she smirked. It was fine. She was looking for a way to let out her steam anyway. A petty squabble with the moron will do just well.

"Oh stop selling Daniel your crap. You know damn well how weak you have gotten since you stopped training. I'm the only one saving our face here."

"Bullsh*t!"

Vin instantly retaliated at the offense done to his pride while Daniel found it as a que to disengage from the soon to be quarrel.

"$#&$!&$#*€£!#$"

"#$$!&$#!#&$#&#"

Daniel's body relaxed. His lips easily curved into a smile at the relief and fondness soothing his heart. This was nice. He really liked this peace.

"£#$!#¥¢#$!#&¥#$#*#"

"#$&!&#$&!#*##...."

_____________________________________________________

Daniel picked out the ice pack. The redness had drastically lessened. 

"Your hand seems to have gotten better."

The relieved voice of Hamil spoke as Daniel welcomed the person with a smile.

Hamil could sense the black haired girl watching as he crouched down to pick up the empty bottles kept at the corner. He felt sight flustered having a gorgeous lady keeping her eyes on him. But her stare was surprisingly less nerve wracking than he expected. 

"Are you about to clear them out, Hamil?"

She asked as he paused on his work to answer.

"Yeah. They can break and create a mess if I leave them here for longer."

The sunglasses guy who had stopped his argument with the blonde haired girl tossed something at him. He picked it up to see a finished water bottle. It was the girl with red hairpin's if he remembered correctly.

"Then mind throwing this aswell, kid?"

The guy said as Hamil thought whether to correct the guy or not. He took a glance at the guy. Nope. He was kinda scary and Hamil didn't want any trouble-

"He's our senior idiot."

The blonde girl informed as the black glasses guy stared at him with a flabbergasted look. Hamil awkwardly smiled before quickly returning to his work.

Picking up the plastic and glass bottles, he got up to take them out. A small clink was heard as Hamil turned to see the beautiful girl picking up the remaining glass bottles. He paused, letting her catch up to him. 

"Are you sure regarding my suggestion?"

The girl asked before Hamil could thank her from her position beside him. 

'!'

She meant by her offer to pay for the alcohol. He opened his mouth but closed before letting out anything as his mind wondered.

He had just started working and there were quite a few bottles. He had planned to pay out of pocket for them tomorrow as his wallet was nearly empty tonight. At least, he wouldn't immediately get kicked out of the job for selling cigarettes and alcohol to minors since technically, he would be the one buying them..!..

*sigh*

Dad would definitely get worried and rant him to quit the job when Hamil tells him about what happened. He himself was greatly discouraged by it.

Still, he smiled.

"Ah, yes."

Strange. From the clothes and accessories she wore, the lady was definitely well off. Yet her action transcended from simple sympathy to a sort of understandment. He doesn't believe it's for his situation but rather guesses that she understands his emotions. He's probably overthinking this. But if he is correct, he doesn't want to disappoint the kind person.

"I'm sure about my decision. Thank you for helping me."

'In cleaning out the bottles as well as strengthening my resolve.'

And there it was again. That look. This person he has met for the first time. He felt his breath refusing to leave his lungs. Hamil knew he wasn't a cool or someone worth looking up to. Being an only son, he has never wished for a younger siblings as he's afraid of being a bad role model for them.

Yet, why did this person look at him with such admiration?

Suddenly it's difficult to face the girl. But he's not nervous or anxious right now. Hamil hurriedly searched for something to stare at except for the breath taking face looking directly at him.

Did the wind pick up? He was sure it wasn't flowing this much before. 

Finally finding something to invest his distracted focus in, he watched the red tear shaped beads hanging from the same coloured hairpin as they gently swayed along side the black strands of hair. The red flower. Hamil thought he recognized it as Red Spider Lily. He found it's symbolism unfit of the person wearing the hairpin. 

His sight then sharpened as he travelled his attention towards the tiny letters (?) in black. Before Hamil could linger his thought into them any longer, the owner of the hairpin spoke, flinching him back into reality.

"Hamil."

With a new found light in her eyes, the beauty asked.

"Can you do me a favour?"

_____________________________________________________

                    ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

Jiho Park shuffled through the hallways of J-high. His body was hunched with eyes droopy from the lack of sleep. The messily worn glasses covered his baggy eyes as he walked, trying to keep himself awake. The toll of having to do three extra assignments was reflected in constant yawning and foggy vision. Even the liveliness of the hallway filled with students felt as if they were specifically mocking his situation.

Yawning for who knows how many 'th time, he arranged his thick glasses. Pausing on his self-pity, Jiho picked up his initial slow pace. His bag was still heavy from the extra notes but it was better than the consequence of not bringing them.

Jiho's journey to his department was quickly halted when he bumped into someone. His exhausted self fell back on the floor due to the bag's weight. He hissed in slight pain while the person whom he had bumped into let out an angry snarl.

"Watch where you're going fu*ker."

Jiho nervously looked up at the guy. Vin Jin from vocal and dance department. Not good. He quickly let out short multiple apologies. 

"Are you alright?"

Jiho peeked at the person beside Vin Jin. The transfer student. Because of the pretty boy's untied hair, he almost mistook him as some new female student. The before pissed Vin Jin, turned to answer the pretty boy. His anger reducing into mere irritation as he spoke much calmly.

"Yeah. Just this di*khead seems to have forgotten his eyes at home."

Of course Vin Jin would be fine. He was the one that fell. Insensitive bast*rds! The pretty boy glanced at him as he quickly ducked his head, got up and slipped away from the two. It's better to stay away these types of jerks.

'that bag looked heavy'

Daniel turned his attention back from the walking away guy to Vin who was still letting of irritated noises.

"Are you still bitter that Mary left you?"

He asked, slightly amused. He remembered Mary complaining about the same thing yesterday.

"Why wouldn't I be!? I waited outside her door for more than 15 minutes, just to find out that the bit*h already left!"

Vin answered in exasperation. Daniel would have chuckled if not for an intervention.

"How dare you talk sh*t about me, you bast*rd?"

Vin glared while Daniel welcomed her with a smile. 

"You bit*h! Why didn't you text me you left!? I was standing outside your door like a moron!"

Mary only smirked at Vin's yelling, much to his annoyance. With a hand on her hip, Mary spoke mockingly.

"I forgot dude~ Why didn't you wait for me yesterday?"

Seeing Daniel's expression, she could tell that he had already guessed her words. Satisfied by Vin's mostly baffled reaction, Mary swiftly took her place beside Daniel.

"Tsk. How childish."

Vin sneered as he moved the bag over his shoulder for better placement. Not waiting for her to reply, he continued their walk to their department.

"Whatever you call it. I was just equalling what you did first."

Mary shrugged, matching the two guys' pace with her more interesting steps. 

"Still childish."

Vin's comment flew past Mary's ears as her thoughts wondered to the night before. Grazing over the memory, her focus landed on the one mostly inhabiting it. Daniel's hair appeared especially undone today. It was barely tied. The hairpin was tugged in a pitiful knot of few locks.

"By the way, Daniel. What's with your hair today? The hairpin's barely hanging onto it."

She asked, averting Vin's focus towards the two and Daniel's hand to his hair. 

"Ah, right. I was meaning to ask you for your help."

He pulled out the particularly designed hairpin causing the previously restrained locks of hair to fall freely on the sides of his face and back.

'His hair seems to have grown longer.' 

Mary mused as she recalled how she could only tie short pigtails during their stay in the hospital. Now, she could make a full blown braid with his hair.

"It was especially uncooperative today. My hands started aching but the hairpin still refused to stay in the hair."

Daniel told as he handed her the hairpin. Mary could understand the hand aching part. That thing was frustrating as heck.

"If it's so bothersome, why don't you just cut it off?"

Vin voiced which Daniel was quick to respond on.

"It isn't as bothersome as it is difficult to put together. Not to mention, It's harder to wear a hairpin in shorter hair."

Ah that...Unlike most that wore hairpins or other accessories to decorate their long hair, this dude grew his hair long just for the sake of wearing that hairpin.

"Well I guess it's also kinda entertaining to see others mistake you for a girl."

Vin replied with an amused look and Mary was already certain of the reason for his amusement. Recalling a part of the memory from last night, a grin spread on her own lips as she sent Vin a knowing glance.

"You bast*rd. Couldn't you have corrected the clerk a little lightly? The poor guy seemed like he wanted to bury himself right then and there."

Vin matched her tone as he replied with an equally entertained grin.

"Not my fault that the punk called Daniel 'miss' so confidently. Keeping in mind that Daniel doesn't like that, words just flew out my mouth you know?"

The two cackled in unision while the guy in between sighed at the unsurprising sight. Daniel glared at them unthreateningly. His expression showing how used to he was of their reaction. 

Mary and Vin's laughter slowly died down as they met eyes with their unamused viewer. Vin placed his arm around Daniel's shoulder with a grin still present in his face.

"Don't look so disappointed. It's just that unlike those confessions you get which quickly got annoying, this one never gets old."

The unimpressive attempt was met with an unimpressed Daniel. With a bright grin, Mary shot her attempt.

"Hey now, it's not that bad. Not like we'll let anyone make things too uncomfy. And besides, you think Vin could ever get things such as free deserts or extra discount?"

"Bit*h."

Her words manged to do the trick (at least she thought so) as Daniel sighed before making a sound of acceptance.

"Well, I guess it doesn't really matter now."

He looked at his watch as she also took a glance at it. There was still plenty time before the class started. About 25 minutes to be more exact.

"Daniel, how about coming to our department after you leave the bag in your class? I can make your hair there."

Mary suggested twirling the hairpin in her fingers. 

"Sure."

Daniel agreed as she smiled, catching the hairpin and putting it in her own pony tail.

"Then, this will be with me for now."

"You're leaving your hairpin to her? She might break it."

"Oh shut it! I won't."

She glared at Vin warningly. Knowing how precious the hairpin was to Daniel, how dare this bast*rd try to make him doubt her. 

"Are you sure?"

Vin asked in an uncertain tone as he gave Daniel a fake worried look. 

"Eat sh*t you bast*rd!-"

She knew Daniel wasn't buying his words but the way he smirked down at her still pissed Mary off. Having angered her enough, Vin turned his attention back to their path. 

"By the way, Daniel."

Daniel looked up at him while she paused on her curses to follow his view. They were about to reach Daniel's class.

"You want us to accompany you in dealing with Zack and his group of losers?"

'oh.. about that..'

Mary remembered hearing Daniel ask Hamil for a favour. A bill of all the unpaid alcohols wasn't something she had expected. But when Hamil gave Vin the coloured piece of paper asking him to hand it to Daniel, him and Mary could only accept the bill dumbly and later ask for the reason. Daniel's answer to their question had been pretty simple.

"Hm? There's no need for that. As I said, I'm only going to ask them to pay for their bill. (You're making it sound like we're going on a gang fight or something.)"

"Threateningly?"

"Politely."

Daniel reinstated Vin's word but the later's grin only became more wicked. Daniel gave a weak smile to that. He didn't know what Vin understood by his words, but Daniel meant it when he said he'ld be polite.

_____________________________________________________________

"And the clerk actually started crying!"

"Hehehehe.."

"He said he was a college student but he looked like some prick from middle school!"

"Right! Hahahaha!"

"Scratch that. He was even more of a wuss than a middle schooler!"

"Hehehehe~"

The clutter of mockery and laughter rang inside the fashion department with Zack Lee in it's centre. 

"Stop blabbering about him already. That wimp's crying was so annoying I couldn't even relax."

"Kekeke. If he was so annoying, you could have just shut him up. I doubt that wuss even has the guts to report us."

"Heh! Are you seriously saying Zack would use his lightning punch against that weakling?"

"Haha! of course not. That would be a waste of his talent!"

The door of the classroom slid open as another student walked in. With just a glance, Zack instantly recognized the pretty boy. The newbie silently moved to his seat, not minding their presence. The dude hadn't even bothered to style his hair today. 

Zack honestly would have mistaken the guy for another new pretty chic if the bast*rd hadn't been plaguing his mind so much. With the pretty fu*ker trying to steal his Mira, Zack hadn't been able to keep his mind at peace since yesterday. Doo and the other two constantly talking about how the di*khead was wooing Mira with his looks, further pissed him off. The wussy clerk's crying didn't help in relaxing his anger either. 

"- After all, he was a rising boxer in middle school."

He wasn't really in the conversation but he was enjoying the praises he was receiving. He gave the long haired punk a smug look as the talk shifted to his boxing skills. Were Mira and the fu*ker listening right now? She must be impressed with his strength while the fu*ker must be cowering in fear and regret going for his Mira. As he was basking in his praises that fed his pride, his challenging gaze at the before unconcerned guy beside his seat was acknowledged.

Finished resting his bag at his desk, the transfer student pulled out something from his bag. He looked at Zack in recognition before turning to identify his other three friends. 

"If I'm correct, you're Zack Lee right?"

The pretty boy asked as Zack raised his brow.

"Yeah. Why?"

He replied in a condescending tone. Curious as to what the bast*rd had to say. The pretty boy then turned towards the other three who each replied with their name in confusion and hesitancy. Zack furrowed his eyebrows as the pretty boy placed a piece of paper on his desk. Looking at it properly, it was a bill.

"You guys forgot to pay your bill at the convenience store last night."

His tone was nothing but polite as he said those words. But unlike him, the whispers that rose afterwards were anything but polite.

"Forgot? they probably didn't pay on purpose."

"They were bragging about getting alcohol despite being minors before. How else did you think they got their hands on them?"

"Knowing them, they would have probably used force or threatened to blackmail the poor clerk if he didn't obey them."

"Zack of the lightening fist. So he uses his lightning fist in such things? Hehhe.."

"Hahaha...Zack and his group stealing from a convenience store? Now that's new. Did they get bored of regular bullying or what?"

"He beats up guys just for having the same hairstyle or wearing the same shoes as him. What did you expect?"

"Woah~ Zack and his group forcing a clerk to give them free alcohol which the new student catches them doing so. Now, that's some tea everyone will love to hear!"

Many voices spoke and every student of the 1st year fashion department, even those that usually wouldn't present themselves, focused at Zack and his group. The loud whispers ranged from shock, unsurprised, taunts to even simple amusement. But among all the opposing voices, Zack's worried eyes went to the one whose opinion he cared the most about.

Widened eyes of his beloved Mira stared at him silently. Zack felt his lips gap apart as his mouth went dry in trepidation. The shock in her eyes turned to the unwanted acceptance as she closed her hands. His own hand sub-consciously reached up, but upon seeing the expression on her face, it froze as he no longer had the guts to face or explain anything to her. 

The eyebrows frowned along with the eyes that narrowed like usual. But this time, it wasn't just a simple irritation or anger she showed him when she found out that he fought again. The annoyance wasn't even present. Zack felt his heart throb. Mira was just...greatly disappointed at him. 

Unable to say anything to him or to those speaking against him, she only stared at him in disappointment. He lowered back his hand as they closed in tight fists. He clenched his jaw in an effort to restrain his boiling anger, but even the innocent desk before him was getting on his nerve.

"Please remember to deliver the full payment to the clerk later today. His shift starts at 8pm-"

*Slam!*

The newbie paused at the desk being kicked away.

"Hey, fu*ker."

"You tryna play as the sh*t, huh? You're fu*king funny, you know that? "

The bast*rd continued to look at Zack with unassuming eyes as he loomed over the dipsh*t. He glared down at the unmoving bast*rd, his face obscure in rage with only the bulging veins in his face being describable. His clenches knuckles only opened to flip away the desk that separated them. The pressure behind his clenched fist that turned his knuckles white matched the tone of the words he let out.

"Get up you fu*king worm."

_________________________________________________________

*Step.....step......step.....*

"...Vin. For what reason are we walking so slowly?"

Mary finally asked after walking in this unnaturally slow pace for far longer than any sane person ever would.

"I'm waiting for Daniel."

Vin replied casually as Mary felt the need to throw the guy through the hallway. Stopping her own hand, Mary let out her frustration.

"We could have just waited outside his class you jacka**! Why the fu*k are we imitating a damn turtle!?"

"I guess you don't understand the ways of scum all that well."

Vin shook his head in disappointment as she stared incredulity. The heck was this idiot on now? With an almost serious face, Vin continued.

"You think Zack would just listen to Daniel? He's only wasting his niceness in that scum."

Well the idiot was right. But..

'What does it have to do with us walking in slow motion???'

"I always tell him that polite words don't work on a**holes but he just doesn't listen-"

Vin's dramatic expression of disappointment was cut short when the excited shouts of some students were heard.

"THERE A FIGHT AT THE FASHION DEPARTMENT!!!"

"They say it's the newbie!"

"With Zack?!"

"Holy!"

"Where is it!?"

"Let's go see!"

"Oi you."

Vin stopped a guy from his feet, handing him his bag.

"We're in the same class right? Take it to my desk."

"Mary. Let's go."

That was last thing Mary heard before he turned back and ran towards the fashion department. So, this is what he was actually waiting for... She really didn't know whether to deadpan or be flabbergasted.

'A scum recognizes another scum I guess.'

She sighed. Putting away her role as the voice of reason between the two, she ran behind Vin with an equally excited grin.

__________________________________________________________

                   ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

"Is he that handsome?"

"Let's go watch!"

"Pretty boy?"

Many sprung up from their previous place and rushed to the fashion dept. A psyched horde of students crowded the door, trying to get the same luxury of seeing the two mentioned students, mostly the rumoured transfer student, as the ones already inside the class.

"Get out the way!"

"Damn."

"Where's the new guy?"

"Can't see!"

"There's Zack Lee!"

Exclaimed one the four guys that were at the very front of the door.

"Lightening fists!"

Called out another, excited to see the person fight that was once called the genius boxer.

"And the new guy?"

"Where's he?"

They heard the curious questions from the girls behind them. Yeah, where was he actually? It took few seconds for them finally recognize the one standing against Zack Lee. But upon finding the person, instead of a big, strong looking guy, they were met with a hesitantly standing back with long black hair flowing over it.

"Hey, who's that chic?"

"Don't know dude. Why's she standing there tho? Isn't Zack Lee supposed to be fighting the new guy?"

"Look down dumba**es. That's a dude. He's wearing the school pants."

"I mean the girls inside are squealing at him. So, he should be the 'crazy handsome newbie'...."

The fourth guy told, slightly unsure. They didn't know what to expect. The proclaimed hot newbie seemed very much different from what they had imagined in their heads. Sure, the guy was pretty tall but the size and ratio of his shoulder and waist weren't really convincing. Not to mention, the way he stood hesitantly made him seem more a scared girl before a thug, than a guy about to fight.

As they waited for the new guy to do something, they could hear some struggle from the students behind them. Before they could look back at what the heck was going on, the rumoured pretty boy turned towards the door. The enchanting face with obsidian eyes frantically searched for something as he looked at their direction.

"-! Wh-what...-?"

A deep blush spread over all those that saw the sight as the four guys fumbled their words at sudden increase in heartbeat.

"!!-..T-the actual fu*k..!"

"!- that's- the new dude.. ri-right..?"

Fu*k! They should have expected it but they didn't think that the pretty boy was gonna be this pretty. They honestly would have thought that they made some new discovery about themselves if not the other students matching their bewitched state.

"Ohhhhhhhhh!"

"OMG!"

"He's bloody gorgeous!"

"Damn, did my heart just skip a beat or something!?"

"Wtf- the guy's fu*king breathtaking-..!"

Even with their pride, they couldn't deny the guy's beauty and everyone seemed to have come to the same conclusion as them.

"Y-yo.. I think I'm-"

"Don't even think about it."

The guy froze as someone grabbed his shoulder in a frightening grip. He along with the other three slowly looked back at the person holding two of their shoulders, who was also the one causing the ruckus in the crowd before. They instantly recognized the frightening face of the infamous guy from vocal and dance dept.

"And he was looking for us, dipsh*ts."

Before they could look at the another person who made up the 'us', two of them were thrown away from the door, literally, while the other two quickly inched away from the duo from the vocal and dance department.

                              xXx 

"Hey wuss. I told you to come at me!"

'Let's see if he knows how to fight.'

Zack thought as he maintained his stance. From the lack of proper stance to the nervous posture, the pretty looked like anything but a fighter. Since Doo Lee mentioned the pretty boy being friends with Vin Zin, Zack had thought that the guy would know few moves atleast. But that didn't seem to be the case.

"Why's he just standing there?"

One of the guy beside Doo Lee asked.

"Is he scared?"

Doo thought out loud as the other guy beside him voiced his opinion.

"Now that I look at his stature, there's no need to worry. Fu*k. I almost got scared before."

"Oh man..I guess that guy's not a fighter.."

"Damn..poor dude.."

"The pretty boy looks really nervous. Shouldn't we stop this..?"

"Zack Lee! Stop!"

"This'll be sad to see-..."

With the many whispers that mostly ranged within the spectrum of pity, even the usually unbothered Jay Hong became concerned. His body got tense as he was seconds away from leaving his seat to interfere.

Zack observed the pretty boy whose posture showed the absolute lack of knowledge regarding fights involving martial arts. So, the newbie was just a pretty boy. It seemed like a easy victory. Zack wanted to make the bast*rd pay for making Mira sad. But before he could even start the fight, someone interfered.

*Slam!!*

"Fu*k. We aren't late, are we?"

"Close the door first, idiot!"

"Oh right-!"

The guy hurriedly closed back the door behind him as the students outside let out various noise of dismay. Leaving the guy to handle the lock, the blonde girl turned to the pretty boy whose eyes were shining seeing the two.

"I see you missed us, Daniel."

She winked at the said person as a greeting. Her smile was as cheerful as ever despite the tiny trickle of sweat from the endeavor they went through to get here.

"Mary!"

Mary's grin only got brighter at Daniel's reaction.

"See? I warned you that the scumbag doesn't listen to human words."

"Vin Jin."

Vin glanced at the glaring Zack Lee before responding with a middle finger. 

"Anyway, it looks like we aren't that late."

With his enthusiasm barely contained, he grinned at Daniel. Whose expression didn't match his at all. Of course...how could he forget. This guy severely lacked any passion for fighting. Even so, he wasn't-

"Vin Jin."

The fu*k did his bast*rd want now? With a twitching tick mark, Vin responded to the call with a side glance.

"Did you come to save your little pretty boy?"

Zack asked in a sneer as he gave Daniel a mocking look, irking Vin to a troubling degree. As if to water down his ill temper, Daniel also looked at him hopefully. 

'ugh-!'

His face clearly said, "please get me out of this situation."

Bringing his one clenched fist before his face, Vin took the hairpin from Mary's ponytail. He moved towards the open haired guy with a pained expression. Daniel looked at him in worry as Vin placed his hand on the worried boy's shoulder. He held Daniel tightly. With a look full of remorse, he handed Daniel the hairpin.

"I'm sorry Daniel.."

He said out regretfully as he ignored all the weird looks the others gave him. A look of realization slowly appeared on Daniel's face as Vin leaned towards his ear. Closing Daniel's palm over the hairpin, he whispered.

"I have to watch someone else get the same beat down that you gave me in our first meet."

Pulling away from Daniel's ear, he turned towards Zack who was looking at them in confusion.

"You asked if we came to take over for Daniel, right?"

He rephrased the question. Without letting Zack reply, a feral grin spread on Vin's face as he continued.

"You wish, loser."

                                 xXx

"Damn. That was dramatic as heck."

Mary welcomed Vin who smirked back at her.

"You also wanted to be a part of it, didn't you?"

"Maybe."

She shrugged as she gazed towards where he had come from.

"But Daniel looks quite betrayed."

Vin just waved off his hand.

"The weekend's near, right?"

Mary raised her brow before answering in positive.

"Daniel!"

Vin called out with a grin. It was easy to uplift Daniel's mood. Atleast for them.

"Let's go to the movies at the weekend! My treat."

Watching movie together. Last time they did so, it was really fun. If it was gonna be similar to that, Daniel sighed.

"Fine..."

He would've fought if they had just told him to anyway.

"Looks like they threw you under the bus."

Daniel faced towards Zack Lee. He gave a small nod of agreement to the smirking guy. Gathering his hair, he attempted to wrap it. Somehow...

.

.

.

Oh god...he wished the ground to swallow him somehow..

"Are you still not done?"

Zack asked in uncontaminated annoyance as Daniel further fumbled with his hands. Mary innerly winced. She probably should have wrapped his hair before. 

"Why would one grow their hair out if they can't even manage it? I swear that bit*h is wasting time on purpose."

"I knew it. He was just a pretty bit*h with a loose mouth."

Vin could hear Zack's goons mocking Daniel from the side. 

'Are these bats*rds that dumb?'

Did they not see that him and Mary were right beside them? 

Alright. Let's calm down. This is supposed to be Daniel's fight. They can't ruin the fun by disturbing it. Besides, Daniel didn't seem hurt by their words. He only ducked his head in embarrassment at his poor hair wrapping skills. They really shouldn't-

*Thump!!*

Oh sh*t ! Mary no!-

*Crash!!*

"M-Mary.."

Vin looked down at the two guys that were barely able to let out groans of pain. One was crashed on someone's desk while the other was beside Mary's feet. 

"Bit*h her. Bit*h him. You damn fu*kers and your foul mouths."

"I've been meaning to shut them up since yesterday."

Mary dusted off her hands as she stared at the guy that was shaking like a leaf on the floor below.  

The blonde figure loomed over the trembling Doo Lee who stared at her in shock and fear. 

"I-I didn't say anything! I swear-!"

Doo had known Mary Kim. Her outgoing and mostly cheerful personality made her quite popular among J-high. Despite her seemingly able to get along with almost everyone, she always stuck beside Vin Jin. Who, contrary to her was more infamous than popular. 

Vin Jin was a feared guy. So the only other person that remained beside him till yesterday would obviously also be someone strong. It really shouldn't be that surprising but What The Fu*k Was That Terrifying Strength!?!? 

The way she so easily threw them.. He also didn't think the Judo techniques she used were supposed do that much damage. 

Fu*k.... they messed up real bad this time..

_____________________________________________________________

                    ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

"Holy fu*k! Did you see that throw!?"

"Damn..I think the desk broke."

"Isn't that Mary Kim from vocal and dance dept?"

"Woah~ the architect guys got some tough competition."

"Fu*king hell! That crash scared the sh*t out me-!"

Putting all that aside for later, Zack was focused on the one that was his opponent at the moment. But for God's sake, why was it so difficult to get the pretty boy's attention even for a good second!?

"Mary! Vin! What-"

Zack watched with a raging tick mark as the pretty boy continued to give his complete focus to the two punks. The fu*ker even let go of the hair he had finally managed to somewhat put together.

"Sorry for the disturbance. Everything's cool here!"

"Yeah! Don't mind us. Continue where you left!"

The two bast*rds reassured the pretty boy with bright smiles. With Doo keeling at the floor beside their feet in absolute silence and not even daring to look up, as if anyone's gonna believe that-

"Ah. Thank god then."

'he completely ignored the kneeling guy!!!'

Zack was sure that everyone who saw that bullcrap had the same thought. 

Gritting his teeth, he stabilized his stance. He had enough of this nutcase's bullcrap. Who cared if the bast*rd wasn't focused on him? It didn't change of the outcome of him getting knocked down by Zack anyway!

"Let's start this, fu*ker!"

Zack swung his fist with an excellent form. It was gonna be a clean hit.

'well, I guess it had to start now or later...'

Daniel's hair still wasn't properly tied yet. It'll only get worse when moving to dodge the attacks, much to his dismay. Looking at the fist that travelled towards him in slow motion, Daniel recalled the times he spent without any fights till now. Excluding Vin, the last time he fought was nearly four months ago. Hmm.. he just realized how much he didn't miss fighting.

Alas, good things always come to an end. 

Just as Daniel was about to move aside, he noticed a figure through his peripheral vision.

'who-?'

'what the fu*k is he?'

Before Zack's punch could even near the pretty boy, his wrist was grabbed. He glared at the blonde haired guy with animosity.

"Who's that weirdo now?"

"What is Jay doing?"

"Excellent hair colour."

"Wow.. first time I've seen him step up."

The blonde bast*rd stayed silent through it all, only squeezing his wrist hard enough to restrain him. 

'he's usually like a fly in the wall..'

But just from the way both of their arms struggled against eachother, Zack could tell that this prick had some incredible strength.

'urgh..'

He took a glace at Mira.

"Let go! You di*k!"

Getting an encouragement boost, Zack forced his hand out of Jay's grip. Compromising his fumbled stance, he re-directing his fist towards the pretty boy who (he's now sure that the fu*ker's doing this just to insult him) was once again focused on someone else. That someone being the mute bast*rd. 

'Now, You're dead meat!'

Or so Zack had thought. But with the amount of ease with which the pretty boy dodged his punch, it surprised him even more than finding out that Mary Kim could fight.

"He dodged Zack's fist."

"He's crazy fast!"

"Amazing.."

"Daniel, you better not let that loser touch you throughout this!"

"......you must felt really pathetic at that time."

"Shut it! You should've tried being at my stead."

"No thanks!"

It felt infuriating. 

Zack was had always been fast. Throughout elementary, middle school to even high school. So, life had been easy. But now!

*Woosh!*

Miss. Again, miss. Once again, another miss. No matter how much he tried, the bast*rd dodged his punch with minimum effort. The only thing Zack had been able to do until now was loosen the pretty boy's hair from the constant dodging. He was starting to get tired but the most the pretty boy got, was slightly concerned about his hairpin falling off. 

This was infuriating!

And to add salt to injury, those two punks from vocal and dance dept were determined to make him feel sh*t about his boxing skill.

"Your hairpin's falling off, Daniel. Pass it here. We'll hold it for you."

"Why don't you just come here? She'll wrap it back up. It's not like that the loser could do anything."

"Then how about a braid? I have an extra rubber tie with me."

"Right.. His hair has gotten quite long. Good thing Zack hasn't been able to touch a single strand of his hair."

"Looks like we were wrong for calling Zack a scum. You think anyone can make Daniel relax enough to the point where he almost falls asleep? We should be thankful!"

"Sh*t,you're right! But I feel bad for the air near him. Zack's punches must be really hurting them."

"That's just Zack fanning Daniel so he could relax more. So, no need to feel bad. At the end, it's for a good cause. "

"Woah..I didn't know he was such a good guy. His 'lighting fist' nickname must have come from how fast he could make his opponents fall asleep. And damn he really lives up to his nickname."

"Shut up! You damn pricks!"

Zack swung his fist forward. He understood that the pretty boy was good at watching and reading his shoulder movements. He had experience fighting with boxers and with his unguarded posture, he was overconfident in the knowledge he gained from his experience. At least that is what Zack believed. But if the unfazed attitude didn't come from over-confidence, then the fight's result might turn out sour for him.

Just like before, his fist was dodged effortlessly. Not wanting to humiliate himself anymore infront of Mira, Zack lunched his punch again. Just as the pretty boy moved to dodge, he smirked, chancing his cross into a hook.

'got him!'

'you can't avoid this, can y-!?'

He punch was grabbed, stopping everyone on their track and shattering anyone's previous thought of the pretty boy only being able to dodge. Before Zack could react at the sudden action, he felt his arm slightly moved. During the fast motion, the twisting on his joint was noticable and,

*Thump!*

'Aikido!?'

""Ptf- kekekekekekekekkeke...!!""

Vin and Mary cackled in unision as Daniel could only sweat drop at their amusement. He glanced down at the laying guy who was mostly in a state of shock. 

He didn't really understand what was so fun about watching people fight. Outside of fiction, the most Daniel found the action to be was unwanted. Maybe it depended on the individual and the context behind the battle since he does remember enjoying training with Gun in his younger days. Even then, he enjoyed the after praise more than the training itself.

Non the less, looking back up, Daniel hoped that the two were entertained. Pulling out his hairpin, he walked towards the two. He was welcomed by Vin with a ruffle of his hair.

"Keke...sorry for pressing you to fight. I'll buy lunch today so don't get too mad."

Vin reconciled with a grin while Mary made him sit on one of the desk. Her smile just as prominent, knowing full well that he wasn't mad. She wasn't wrong about it either.

Daniel had wanted Vin or Mary to break off the fight before it could even start. The only reason he hadn't outright declined Zack was to avoid being disrespectful. Isani-san had been patient when explaining to him how people felt looked down upon when their challenge was refused so straight forwardly. 

Daniel also recalled Gun saying something about him dishonoring his learnings when he refused a challenged. He later found out that it was just something Gun made up so that he would stop declining everyone that challenged him for a spar. Dismissing that, doubting Isani-san was out of question.

Apart from that, he went through the unusual choice of dragged out the fight since Vin and Mary wanted a show. Seeing that the two had fun, the inconveniences was nothing. Now, he just had to make sure that they didn't speak about this to Kei.

"It's alright."

Daniel told with a smile before rotating back and stopping a punch from Zack with the back of his shoe. 

"What are you showing your back so quickly for..?"

Zack asked, his eyes more determined than ever.

'Damn...this dude's stubborn as fu*k.'

Still, Vin and Mary were far from offended. Instead, a new grin that was different from the previous fondness, stretched on their faces. 

"Daniel, how about I make your hair later?"

Daniel turned his face towards her. 

"I can stay still if you want me to."

"No need. Watching you two move is more fun."

Vin told as Daniel was pulled by Zack from the ankle of his stretched leg.

"You talk big for a doormat."

Zack threw his fist into a downward punch. Daniel moved his head to the side, dodging it. Placing his hands on the floor for support and to avoid having his upper body slammed on the ground, Daniel used his free leg to kick Zack on his side. Zack blocked the kick with his forearm. But it was just enough disturbance in his form for Daniel to escape his leg and perform a hald flip, landing on top another desk. 

One of the metal legs of the desk bended further than it already was as Daniel crouched over the rattling desk on his forefeet. Mary quickly recognized the desk as the one where she had slammed one of morons on. Placing his hand on it, Daniel stabilized himself before focusing back on his opponent. 

The desk hadn't even stopped shaking when Zack was already there with an upper cut. Daniel titled backwards. Most would say that he barely saved his chin but Mary could see how even his eyelashes were calm as he dodged, instead of falling off from imbalance, he grabbed the arm and threw the shocked guy over the desk to the opposite side, while he himself jumped down from it to where Zack previous was.

Zack was quickly able to pick himself up as the throw was light and only defensive, lacking the objective to do harm. Similarly, Daniel continued to be in defensive but Vin still seemed to enjoy watching the boxer being thrown around. Mary wasn't different but she did focus more on technical aspect of the fight. 

Observing Daniel who moved with precision and an unbothered lightness to his steps, Mary wondered what was going through his mind.

'I don't think I was that impolite..'

Daniel ducked, passing below Zack Lee's arm.

'Should I have given the bill in a more private setting?'

He probably should have. Zack was still really pissed at him. The guy was huffing and his attacks were getting sloppier. Despite his exhaustion, he was holding himself up from seer willpower and stubbornness. Seeing the boxer's back, Daniel contemplated whether to praise it or groan because of it.

"How long are you just gonna run like a spineless sissy boy?" 

Zack re-organized his foot, changing the direction on his fore body and threw a hook to the Daniel that had previously escaped behind him.

"Well.."

With him and the punch being in such close proximity, Daniel dived backwards. Dodging the punch and balancing his body on one forearm. 

"I was hoping you would back down from exhaustion."

Deciding to not attack and just create distance between them, Daniel leaped away from Zack. 

"Dream on, fu*ker."

Only few breaths were spared before Zack was at him again. Both the jab used as a distraction and the right cross followed behind were dodged as Daniel captured the right arm. He was prevented from turning the joints of the arm as a sudden pain coursed through.

"Egh-...."

Daniel swallowed as his one eyes squinted from the pain. 

"..Aren't you a boxer?"

The pull on his hair only got harder as his free hand instantly went to hold onto the one gripping his hair. Despite not being able to turn his head towards Zack, he noticed the burning gaze of the boxer from the corner of his eyes.

"Did you really think you could just run around throughout the whole fight?"

Zack asked in the similar low tone. So, that's why he tangled them in this unconventional position. 

'he must have been really irritated'

Daniel thought as his face remained facing the ceiling above. Thankfully he wasn't wearing his hairpin right now. It could've been damaged.

"Aren't you still a boxer though? What are you gonna do now since both of your hands are busy?"

"You talk as if you aren't just as bound."

Zack sneered and Daniel couldn't speak against it. His hands weren't busy for nothing. Both of them held onto Daniel with an unflinching grip. Daniel didn't doubt his ability to flip off Zack even now, but he also didn't doubt on Zack's persistence on not letting him escape his hold. Moreover..

The unwanted closeness with another person was starting to get nauseating. He similarly didn't enjoy his hair being fisted like this. Ugh...he really didn't like dragged out close combat.

Daniel wanted to talk with Zack a little longer but this position would soon get him. He didn't want to do anything out of bound since this was nothing more than just a small fight between highschoolers. He hoped Zack didn't mind getting his clothes a little dirty.

Daniel lifted his leg, swiping it backwards. As excepted, Zack managed to hold onto him even when falling back. He kept their closeness until the boxer hit his back on the hard floor. Air was pushed off from the slam as Zack let out a pained gasp and loosened his hands. Daniel used the chance to twist his hand onto letting go of his hair.

*Cough! cough!*

"..Damn you.. I'm not done yet motherfu*ker.."

Zack gritted his teeth, eyes closing shut from frustration as Daniel looked down at him from his crouching position. With one knee planted on the floor and the other resting his arm, Daniel soundlessly breathed out the nervousness that had creeped into him before. Focusing back on the guy that still tried to get up, Daniel asked the question that had been bugging him.

"Why do you even want to fight me? I don't recall saying anything that bad to anger you."

"You fuck*r..Are you trying to play innocent right now after so blatantly trying to seduce Mira? Or is this some ploy to make me look like the villain and yourself the hero infront of her?"

Zack glared at him with blazing hatred. Daniel titled his head in confusion. 

'Who's Mira?'

Ah! So, this was just a misunderstanding. Thankfully they don't have to continue this fight now.

"You misunderstood. I'm not trying to seduce anyone. I'm sorry if I did something to make it seem like that."

"Don't try lying, bast*rd. Those three already told me your about attempts of steeling her."

Zack scorned. Did this fu*ker really think he would believe him? Even through the pretty boy did look genuinely confused, Doo and the other two had been raving about him since yesterday.

"Those three? You mean the three with one of them named Doo Lee? The only interaction we had before was during lunch break yesterday where Vin and them almost fought."

The pretty boy replied as Zack frowned. Was he suggesting that they lied to him? Surprisingly enough, Zack was slightly buying it. First reason being that the three had started rambling about the pretty boy after the lunch break when before they were talking about befriending him. 

Second reason being, this pretty fu*ker was really obvious about his emotions. When nervous, unfazed, confused or even delighted when he told how it was all a misunderstanding. There was just one thing Zack needed to ask.

"Then why did you being up that convenience store and the bill?"

'what?'

"Because we happen to arrive at the store after you and your friends and got to know that you guys didn't pay your bill..(?)"

Daniel was confused.

"Even so, why did have to act up? You know how shocking and humiliating it was?"

He found it difficult to answer.

"Because of you trying to play hero, she's now disappointed in me."

What's he saying..?

"Fu*k. I knew I should have punched that clerk into keeping his annoying mouth shut. Did he beg you or was it just you wanting to boost your ego?"

Zack asked, getting up from his laying position to continue the fight. This time, Daniel didn't even try to stop him.

"Ah.. fu*k that. It doesn't matter. You're still gonna pay for making her upset."

'wow..this dude's a real scum!'

Was he really blaming Daniel and the clerk for making the Mira girl sad when he was the one she was disappointed in? Mary was honestly impressed. Rarely did she come across people this ignorant.

There were many types of scumbag Mary was familiar with. Vin was the petty types who hated that one dude from their class just for not liking the way he was. (He says it because of his looks but Mary had once looked similar and he had no problem with that. Not that it really mattered since the reason for disliking him being petty still remained.) Zack Lee seemed to be the ignorant type. Those that only realize their scumbaginess after experiencing it for themselves.

Seeing Zack be so oblivious to his own scumbaginess, Daniel became visibly serious. 

'So even he has his own irks..'

She mused. It was slightly surprising honestly. From her knowledge, Daniel wasn't the type to judge others as good or bad, thus one being a scumbag or not didn't matter much to him. He hung around them for context's sake! With Vin probably being one of the biggest scumbags. 

Despite Vin calling him a good-two-shoes, all four of knew, he didn't truly mean it. If Vin beat up someone, Daniel might apologize to that person on Vin's behalf and help them out but he never criticized Vin about it. Although doing the opposite, the only time Daniel opposed to their unfriendly ways were when its result could come back to harm them...

Or was she wrong? And it did matter to Daniel. He just didn't think he had the right to judge others-

"Damn.. Zack's seriously gonna get his a** handed to him."

Vin, who was resting his arm on Mary's shoulder let out.

".....For sure."

Mary replied, folding her arms as they both focused back on the two fighters infront of them.

Managing to genuinely get on Daniel's nerve (without threatening those he cared for) was a feat on its own. But it was an achievement one truly shouldn't wish for.

"It's been a while."

Daniel checked the time on his watch. 

"I don't think they'll mind if I end the fight here."

"You'll end the fight..? Sure, your constant deflection was really annoying me too."

Zack taunted with his regained determination. 

"So are you finally gonna come at me? Or will you continue to-"

"I won't dodge this time."

Zack narrowed his eyes. For the first time, he saw the pretty boy getting into a stance. Abandoning the chit chat, Zack got serious. He got into his own stance, closely mirroring the pretty boy's. 

'Doesn't he do aikido..?'

No. It was more of the pretty boy mirroring him. Unlike Zack's perfect form, his was more lose. Was the bast*rd trying to mock him by imitating the fighting style that failed to even graze him? 

"Tch."

Meeting eachother's eyes for one last time, both of them moved. If the transfer student wasn't gonna dodge, then the outcome of the fight depended on who would land the hit first. Mira watched from the sideline anxiously. 

Within a blink of an eye, the winner of the fight was clear. The competition regarding speed wasn't even there. She couldn't even fathom the speed in which the new student moved, already lifting Zack's feet of the ground before a punch could even be launched towards him. 

Mira along with all the other students stared in shock as Zack kneeled down. Witnessing the scene of Zack violently coughing as he lowered his head to the floor while covering his mouth with on hand and clenching his abdomen with the other, voices began to raise.

"You saw that!?"

"One real punch and he's down!"

"No way!"

"...So Zack never had a chance to begin with.."

"Awesome!!"

"What? Didn't he do aikido before?"

"Incredible!"

"Sick!"

"Daniel, you're the man!"

"Did you work out?"

Even the students outside the door couldn't keep their amazement contained.

"Damn.. he was ruthless!"

"Ooohh!"

"What the hell is he?"

"He didn't want to fight.."

"I guess he had no choice."

"Ooh Danny~"

"Damn cool!"

Throughout all the whispers and shouts, Mira kept his eyes on Zack who, as soon as his cough became less constant, swiped his worried gaze at her. 

"Lower Your Eyes!"

"Did You Enjoy That?"

Zack glared up at the crowd, finally showing his face and the mouth he had been covering. All the students went sent dead silent and a chill ran down Mira's spine.

"I Saw Everyone That Smiled!"

"I'll Pluck Your Eyes Out!"

Mira wasn't even listening to what he was saying. At the moment, all her panicked mind could think was,

'Is he supposed to be coughing up blood like this...?'

'oh shot! I accidentally hit him too hard."

Daniel rushed towards the coughing Zack. Because of his irritation at the guy's words, he lost slight control and made a slip up. He got down to get a better look at Zack. Yup. He was definitely coughing blood. 

'This is what I got slacking off...'

Deciding to berate himself at a later time, he reached his hand out in concern.

"I'm sorry." 

The action was more of an reflex than an actual will to check if the person was fine.

"Are you alright?-"

*Smack!*

"F*ck off, bastard!"

Unsurprising, he was rejected and his hand was harshly smacked away. Daniel innerly winced as his wrist hit the metal foot of a bench near him.

*Crack..*

"Are you tryna look down on me?"

Well, he seemed to speaking alright. Thankfully, it wasn't anything too bad-

"Who're laying your hands on loser?"

Daniel eyes widened as Zack was kicked by his shoulder, making him tumble back. 

Oh come on now! He was hoping to not cause Banken-san trouble just in his 2nd day.

A hand was placed over his head by the person who stood at his right. Daniel looked up to see Vin leaning his upper body forward to look down at the bleeding guy as mockingly as possible.

"You lost. Go bit*ch about it somewhere else."

Seeing Zack ready to pounce again despite his unfavorable condition, Daniel should probably ask Vin to stop taunting him anymore.

"Vin-"

"Seriously.. what's with your hands getting injured everytime you try to help someone?"

Undisturbed by the sudden hold of his left arm, Daniel inquired where Mary was referring to. Oh..there was a small gash made from the impact between the metal and his watch. With a light smile, he responded.

"Ah. It's barely there. But we should probably stop bothering Zack now."

The upward tug of his lips threatened to slip as Mary gave him a sour expression. 

"Hah..you really annoy me sometimes, you know that?"

'what?-'

Mary abruptly stood up, pulling him up along with her. 

"Vin. The bell's about to ring. Let's go."

"What? Where?-"

She grabbed him by the back of his hood before he could question her any further. 

"I don't have a band aid with me right now. Not that it would be enough anyway."

Many answered as she dragged the two guys (one confused, the other worried) with her. 

"Huh? How did you manage to get yourself hurt?"

Vin asked, not believing what he thought Mary was indicating. Meanwhile, Daniel gave an apologetic bow to the boxer and a worried brunette girl that was holding him back from doing anything rash.

"It isn't me you idiot. Daniel's the one who got his wrist injured during Zack's hissy fit."

Mary let of Vin's hood as he made his footing more comfortable. Pulling back his stretched cloth, Vin turned to move towards the beaten boxer.

"Then why's he apologizing to that bast*rd? Let me just serve that fu*ker a few more shoes to taste."

Mary grabbed Vin before he could follow through his words.

"Do it some another time after visiting the infirmary. We still have a believable reason to come up with for that bend desk." 

The students made way as Mary dragged the two guys (one compliant other not so much) out of the class. 

Before they fully exited the class, Daniel thought he saw another blond head nearing them. The sight was quickly covered by the crowd of students but he managed to recognize the person.

'I should thank him later.'

_____________________________________________________________

                   ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

The wind that swayed the tree leaves outside, entered the almost empty classroom of J-high through the open window. The dim orange rays of the evening sky basked the silent room and the sole person sitting inside. 

Jay's eyes wondered to the crowd of students exiting the school gate below while his mind stuck to something else. The silence of the room complemented his presence as he waited for the owner of the bag that rested some desk behind him.

'Is he fine?'

Jay had wanted to confirm his concern the moment Daniel was dragged out the class by Mary Kim. Even when he returned to class with a bandaged wrist, Jay had wished to approach him. Yet, he was unable to.

It's just like in the past. 

Despite Daniel still remaining aloof towards the world around him, when with the two from vocal and dance department, he was different. So very different from the child that used to look at him with eyes as black and lifeless as the moonless night. 

The thought of trying alone, scared him.

Throughout all his time with that boy, Jay could hardly spark a tiny light in those eyes. How's he supposed to reach up to that boy now that his radiant exceed even the most beautiful moon night? His right to be near the person was so lacking, it twisted his guts in a painful clutch.

*Creak..*

The door was gently pushed open as the uncaring wind welcomed the newcomer by caressing his long black hair in a graceful sway. Jay's lips parted in surprise at the arrival of the person who looked at him in recognition. 

'His steps have gotten lighter'

Jay noted. Even when they were young, similar to his, Daniel had a passive presence. But that was because he had detached himself from the world and wanted hide from it. Now, it was more discreet. Instead of the child that hid his presence behind the large figure of Jay's teacher, the steps were that of someone that was trained in the art of stealth.

Jay froze, not knowing what to do. There were so many things going through his mind. So many questions he wanted ask. 

Where have you been? 

How is your hand?

Why did you leave?

Does your hand still hurt?

Do you still remember me-?

"Ah.. Did I disturb you?"

Jay furiously shook his head. His hands moved, trying to convey the word 'no'. His hectic motions came to a stop as a smile of understandment was sent his way.

Jay's mind went in a state of soothing numbness, dissipating his previous fear. He watched as Daniel got to his desk. With his bag hanging on one of shoulders, Daniel started retreating. Jay rummaged through his mind on what to do. He didn't want them to just pass by one another. 

He needed Daniel to know that he had kept his promise-!

"Your name is Jay Hong, right?"

Daniel paused on the person's desk.

He was panicking.

Although a small beat of sweat was the only indication, Daniel could tell that he was before even noticing it. He himself didn't know how but he was sure of it. 

A 'yes'.

Jay didn't nod or say anything. Still, Daniel was confident in what he understood. His panic had also decreased. It was good.

"Thanks for helping me out before."

"Although the fight couldn't be stopped. I'm grateful that you stepped in."

Strange.

The familiarity he felt towards this guy was strange. Was it because of his last name? Probably..

"I'll be leaving then."

Daniel resumed his path. Vin and Mary were waiting for him at the school gate. It wasn't the best time to be reminiscing about the Russian bodyguard. Trying to get a clearer picture of that foggy memory always exhausted both his mind and heart.

"We'll see each other-"                                                     "I want to see you-"

!!

"ark-"

He stumbled. A sharp pain digging through his head in the form of a headache.

'wha-!?'

Daniel clutched the side of his head with his one hand as he attempted to support himself by holding on a nearby desk with another. 

"Will you come here again?"

Someone. He's talking to someone.

"Why not?"

It isn't the blonde haired woman. Despite her being the only one who had been around him at that time, he knows this person isn't her. The fact that he was talking to the person, gave it away.

As he had never talked with her in the whole time they lived together. 

"That's...because I want to see you again." 

Then who is it?

What should he call this individual that has no face nor a voice, yet his sub-councious so desperately tried to remember?

Daniel could see a figure nearing him through his blurred vision. He couldn't recognize who this was but he recognized who they weren't. 

Hands that didn't belong to Gun stretched towards him. Even with hair stands covering most of his view, he didn't recall Mary or Vin wearing such rings. Hands far larger than Kei's small ones held him by his sides. His eyes shot open at the almost hesitant grasp of his body. Goo was never this hesitant. 

Daniel didn't need his vision or mind to be clear inorder to swat those hands away from him.

*Smack!*

Jay's eyes widened behind his bangs. He saw many troubled emotions go across that pained face. The most prominent of them being 'alarmed'.

The bag hanging from Daniel's shoulder was flung away at his motion. It slammed onto a bench, creating a long, rattling sound from the unstable metal legs.

Jay's hand twitched from the sting. 

'He has gotten stronger..'

He closed them into tight fists as to prevent them from trembling. He tried to bit back the sharp pain. It was so obvious from the start. Why had he even been trying to refuse it? They had known each other for just 2 months. That too was so long ago. 

Why would Daniel even remember such a short and insignificant period of his past..? 

Right...it was just 2 months.. Why would such a short time from years ago matter to anyone? 

It did to no one but the fool that was Jay himself.

Damn it.. he might chock on his own heartbeat if it doesn't stop thumping so heavily in his throat.

"Jay.."

They were strangers again. 

His father had told him before but there actually must be something wrong with him. How come he always losses those he loves so dearly?

"..Did I upset you?.."

Of course he wasn't able to hide his sadness from the one that could understand the things Jay failed expressing to anyone else.

'It's not your fault'

Jay was sad. Terribly so.

Still, he didn't blame Daniel for his aching heart. He simply couldn't.

Daniel looked at him through his narrowly opened eyes.

"You say that but.. seeing you sad, for some reason, pains my heart....."

'It makes me want to comfort you..'

It was so strange. 

Daniel knew that his heart was weak. It has always been. He questions if it has gotten weaker for it to slow its rate for a random person.

'A random person..'

The description didn't feel right.

"Jay."

Daniel didn't recall saying this name before. Knowing a person's name meant getting attached to them. So, he never tried to learn them. Yet, the name he had never spelled before, left his lips with such ease that he may just have said it a hundred times over.

"Though I said that, I'm not the best at comforting people. Could you tell me what I can do?"

He gave a sheepish smile to the blonde. Jay seemed a gape before an almost determined look appeared on his face when he replied. Daniel was slightly taken a back by his request.

"Are you sure..?"

Among all things, he didn't think simply sitting together was that good of an idea. Non the less, seeing Jay nod without any hesitation unlike before, Daniel gave in.

With nothing but the company of the gentle wind, Daniel and Jay stayed inside the classroom in a comfortable silence. As per Jay's request, Daniel sat at Jay's seat resting his head on the later's bag. Jay was seated on the bench beside Daniel. The bag of the resting guy laying at the side of Jay's desk as he watched the rustling leaves outside.

Daniel found solace in the soothing calmness while the presence of Daniel alone, acted as a source of solace for Jay. 

The flowing of the wind went on as the peaceful silence between the two from fashion department lasted a little over five minutes. 

Jay wished for it to last longer. But keeping Daniel with him anymore was probably asking for a lot. As, the steps of the two individuals that caused the sleeping beauty to raise his head was starting to be audible to Jay as well.

Trying to tug his hair back, Daniel looked for his watch. He failed at both attempts as instead of his watch, he was met with a white patch covered wrist. A look of silly realization appeared on his face that the flowing black strands tried to hide.

Daniel moved his hand to sweep the free hair back but the wind insisted on acting playful with the ethereal being. Jay wasn't even aware when his hand stretched to stop the element of nature from having its way. Only when noticing Daniel gazing questioningly at him and his stretched hand that hovered near his face, Jay scrambled his hand back in panic.

Jay continued with his hasty concerns and apologies as Daniel innerly giggled at the messy scene. Jay then pulled out his phone and delivered it just near Daniel's resting arm.

With an anxious expression, Jay asked and apologized if he made Daniel uncomfortable. 

"It's fine Jay. I wasn't uncomfortable."

Daniel simply took the phone with an amused look. He felt both his heart and head lighten at the embarrassed yet relieved smile on Jay's face. He didn't know if this really helped the blonde. But Jay's expression that lacked the previous glumness, gave him hope that it did.

"Ah..as expected,"

"Seeing you smile is much more pleasing."

Jay felt his heart reverberate. 

The light upward tug at the corners of Daniel's lips were so genuine, even his eyes gave testimony of their sincerity.

His face flushed from seer happiness as he lowered his head to hid it. Mild giggles could be heard from the amused beauty as Jay further buried his face in his arms. His forehead touched the hard desk as he stared into the darkness created by his arms surrounding his face, smiling lips quivering from uncontained joy.

If it pleases him, then Jay will try to remain as positive as possible. In his murky water like life, he will find that light casted by the brilliant moon. If it meant that the brilliant moon will remain this vibrant, he'll preserve the light he wasn't able to spark, till death decides otherwise.

"Jay"

Jay faced up, raising his head ever so slightly. He silently watched the caller of his name through his bangs.

"It's getting late. I'll be leaving now."

Having seen the time and how long he had stayed in the class, Daniel gave him back his phone. He reached for his bag that laid beside Jay before continuing softly.

"Make sure to get home before it becomes too dark alright?"

Daniel waved his hand, bidding farewell as he retreated to where the footsteps were coming from. Jay jolted himself up to halt the leaving form. He still needed to check something. It was the main reason as to why he had asked Daniel to stay with him inside the silent classroom, in the first place.

'Has your headache gotten better?'

Daniel paused on his steps as he stared wide eyed.

This guy-

"Jay.."

| He felt both his heart and head lighten at the embarrassed yet relieved smile on Jay's face. |

Why did his heart feel lighter, right now? And..

"I'm fine. And-"

Why was it so easy to smile when he was with him?

"Let's hangout more"

*Slam!*

The door opened with a bang and everything else was a blur to Jay.

"Daniel! What's taking you so long??"

"Did some ghost get you? 'Cause I know for a fact that the loser wasn't the one."

"Bye Jay!"

"Sorry for taking so long. I must have kept you waiting."

"No sh*t bast*rd. What were you even doing there for so long?"

"Use your brain dumb*ss. He was with the blonde dude. What else would he be doing except taking to him?"

"With that mute guy? How do you even talk to him?"

"With my mouth of course."

"You pretty little-"

.

.

.

Thus, disappeared the moon that no sun could outshine behind the doors, leaving only the fragments of his radiance captured by the murky lake.

| "let's hangout more" |

'Can I really do that?'

Jay wasn't doubtful about his want but rather scared of not being able to have it. This wasn't the first time Daniel had invited him into his light.

| "I want to see you again." |

Even in the past, when his shine was as dark as his lifeless eyes, Jay had wished to be welcomed in his shade. Yet despite his longing, he was nothing but a lake. He could only hope for the moon to grace him with his radiance and make the lake a little less murky. 

But what if the moon abandons the lake? What if Daniel leaves Jay behind?

He doesn't question his ability to live through another separation. He knows he won't be able to. 

Jay had come to know about his heart and desire. After being left behind by Daniel and shoved away by his father, his heart has gotten frail and his desires, stronger.

Perhaps that's why, Jay's willing to take the risk of being abandoned by his moon once again. After all, he knew his heart and desire very well. Even if he tried to protect and help Daniel only from a far, he would want to get closer to him sooner or later regardless.

His love for his moon was far greater than his fear for the possible darkness. 

The lake was already dark and murky. How could it resist wishing for the light when the moon itself smiled so magnificently as it invited the lake to its radiant shade.

Therefore, even if a lake can only hope for the moon to shine and reflect its unmatched beauty on its surface, Jay would stay by Daniel's side and chase after him until the later decided to throw him away in the pit of darkness.

Until his moon decides to leave him again.

Yet still.

After so long and finally meeting him again, Jay so desperately wished for Daniel to not abandon him.

Not again.

Not this time.

______________________________________________________________

                 ~To be continued~ 

Chapter Text

Zack pulled out his phone from his pocket. Seeing the screen show 8:55 pm, he conformed that he wasn't late. Putting back his phone, he continued his awkward journey to the convenience store from yesterday night.

|"If you ever bring this up again, I'll kill you."|

Zack perfectly remembered giving the pretty boy the money before telling him to fu*k up and refusing to hand it to the clerk himself. So, it was even more awkward and embarrassing to go to the store after all that he had said.

Zack honestly wouldn't be going there if not for Mira.

| "This is the last time Zack. If you do anything like that again, I won't be there to look after you like this." |

Despite her great disappointment at Zack, she had still given him a chance. He couldn't fumble it. He was here to make sure that the pretty fu*ker did what he said and not take the money for himself.

He initially wanted to bring the other three with him aswell. But when he was searching for them to collect their share of money, he found them all beaten up in the toilet. 

|"We-..we were just talking about the pretty boy.. then the bastard-..."|

Zack hadn't needed to hear more to know that it was probably the bast*rds from vocal and dance dept that got to them. That Mary Kim especially seemed to hate being bad mouthed. Noting all that, he decided to come alone. 

It didn't take long for him to reach the store. He was about to enter when he was stopped by someone lunging out from within.

'what the fu*k-!'

 Zack instantly threw himself to the side, getting out of the person's way. He fell behind as his body ached from the already existing damage done to it. 

Grunting from pain and anger, Zack tried to make sense of what just happened. He hadn't spent nearly the whole day at the nurse's office just for all that improvement to disappear because of a single fall. Slowly picking himself up, he glared at the person that had crashed a good distance from the glass door.

He was about to yell at the guy for the stunt he had pulled but stopped when the person looked back. The anger from humiliation burned so scorchingly in his eyes, Zack got visibly taken a back. The sight of the man whose eyes alone expressed soundless rage was uncomfortable yet he couldn't look away. 

Like a disturbing scene of a boring movie that manages to fully grab your full attention, Zack hardly noticed the blood dripping from the man's nose or the words of two voices from the store's entrance.

"He was just being polite by not directly flipping you off, dimwit. What part of that 'no' did you not understand?"

"You seem to have your parents in your contacts. Didn't they teach you to not get handsy with someone you just met and let go when asked to?"

"I deleted the number. But If you still somehow managed to memorize it, erase it from you mind. "

"Quit glaring fu*ker before I pluck your eyes out."

"We're being generous right now. Get lost and never show your face again. Next time, it won't be just a broken nose and a hand."

Something flung at the corners of his eyes before a pained sound broke through the thick air.

"Argh-!"

Zack shook out of his trance as he registered the thing that had brought him back to reality.

'A phone!'

A phone hit the guy right in his eye..or so he guessed. He's not sure. The guy's face was turned to the other side from the hit. Now that Zack looked closely and not just his bloodshot eyes, the dude was bleeding from his nose. 

'Who-'

"Tch. What a sore loser."

Zack shot a glance at the store's entrance. It didn't take him long to recognize the retreating pair with one having long blonde hair. The pair completely disappeared from his eyes' reach as he was left with the injured guy that more or less, creeped him out now.

Zack would have considered helping the guy if not for him looking like a knife at a thin rope. So he just watched the guy slowly gather himself up. The duration felt agonizingly long and uncomfortable. In the mean time, Zack managed to take notice of the scuffled uniform he wore and his right hand that he carefully supported. With the way the uniform of Gian high was worn, the guy was definitely not a 1st year like him or the other two.

'Damn...Not even upperclassmen are safe from those a**holes..'

Also, the phone hit the dude above his eye and not directly at the center. (His guess was still close though)

At last, the guy finally gave notice to him. With red eyes whose blood vessels seem to be on the verge of breaking, the guy directed his glare at Zack for the first before leaving the place. Safe to say, Zack didn't wish to see those creepy eyes again.

Picking himself up, Zack was now sure that his money wasn't safe with those bast*rds. Rushing inside the store, he was met with a rather controlled sight. The two a**holes from vocal and dance dept were cracking jokes about the guy from Gian high on the small table while the clerk and the pretty boy were talking about some book in another side of the store.

"Oh, Zack? So you came."

The pretty boy was the first to notice him. Before he could ask the pretty boy if he had handed the clerk the payment or not, Vin Jin and Mary Kim decided to welcome him.

"Heh.. What's the loser got to do here? Aren't you embarrassed to show your face here again? Or are you that shameless?"

"Oh hushh~ He's probably here to apologize to poor Hamil. What else could he be here for? Getting back at Hamil or Daniel?"

"He couldn't be that much of a scumbag to do the first. And getting back at Daniel.."

The two shared an evil grin as she continued with a wicked glint in her eyes.

"We all know he can never do that."

The worst thing was, these a**holes were right. To keep his promise with Mira, he would even apologize to the clerk if he has to.

'Anything for Mira!'

With the last self-encouragement, Zack apologized to the clerk. 

"So..yeah...Sorry about yesterday..I..um..wasn't in the best mood.."

Heck was this terribly awkward and embarrassing! 

"Boo~ that excuse doesn't work if you aren't already friends, jacka**! Do better!!"

Oh how Zack wanted punch that bast*rd right between his sunglasses.

"Um..since you returned the payment, there shouldn't be any trouble for both of us. Just don't do this again.."

The clerk replied. With his tone and gestures, it was pretty obvious that he didn't forgive Zack but was willing to let go of the whole thing to end this awkward moment.

And Zack was completely fine with it! He did his part. The four of them could fu*k themselves if they want to. It didn't matter to him. 

It seemed that Vin and Mary also didn't care about his apology. It was just a means of entertainment for them. Just as they finished making fun of him, the two a**holes shifted their attention to the clerk.

In amidst the two teasing the guy for mistaking the pretty boy for a girl, Zack made sure to slip out the store before they start tormenting him again.

_______________________________________________________

From the first day, Zack had guessed that the pretty boy would garner a lot of students towards his desk but he didn't think it would be this much. 

"Oh! Daniel, your pen seems to have fallen on the floor."

"Hm?"

Daniel glanced down to where Zoe pointed at.

"Let me pick it up-"

"There's no need. It's nearer to me anyway."

The disappointment in Zoe's face was clear as the pretty boy picked up the pen himself.

"You guys should return to your seats aswell. The break's about to end."

He advised with a small smile which the girls and few boys quickly complied to. Getting back at their desk, they all sighed in dismay at another failed attempt to get closer to the pretty boy. 

Zack just watched the scene with a blank face. He and everyone in the class had gotten used to it by now. 

Despite his politeness, the pretty boy's limited care and expressiveness towards others proved difficulty in befriending him. But perhaps because of his politeness, the students never got discouraged to stop trying. Thus, condemning Zack to never enjoy the breaks between classes in peace.

Apart from that, things have been going surprisingly smoothly after their fight.

"Zack, isn't this your pen?"

Daniel asked as he showed the pen to him. Looking closely, it indeed was.

"It is. When did it even fell down?"

Daniel gave him the pen as Zack tested it to see if it still worked or not. In the meantime, Daniel got the chance to take a look at his notes.

"You did seem distracted during the class. But I didn't expect your notes to be completely empty."

He commented as Zack roughly closed his notebook before replying against it.

"I wasn't distracted. The teacher was just speaking too fast. And don't act like you weren't also taking a peek at that stupid comic book of yours."

Daniel glanced at the said comic book that was lying openly on his desk. A smirk appeared on his pretty lips as he spoke.

"But I still have my notes, don't I?"

This bastard-

"Don't get so mad now. Here."

Daniel passed the well completed notes onto his desk. Zack grumbled but took the notes non the less.

The pretty boy was annoyingly enough, a good desk-mate.

                             xXx

School seemed to end quickly when daydreaming of something exciting. The bell rang as Zack started collecting his stuff. The pretty boy hadn't been wrong when he said Zack was getting distracted during class. He just couldn't hold his excitement when it came to Mira. 

They had decided on going to the movies tomorrow and he was already feeling giddy about it. Halfway done packing up his bag, he noticed Daniel already getting up from his seat.

"Oi. You don't want this anyone or what?"

"Ah! I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me."

The pretty boy thanked and took his notebook back. Zack resumed the packing of his bag while Daniel went to bid his goodbye to the blonde guy. 

"Jay, I'll be leaving. Get home safe alright?"

"..."

"Yeah I'll be walking home with them. And you? I presume the same mister is going to pick you up."

".."

"You sure? And you already have a license for that?"

"..."

"Ah.. sorry but I won't be able to. As I said, I prefer walking home."

"...."

Yeah. Zack had no idea what the fu*k they are talking about. He didn't know when they became friends. They just suddenly started talking to eachother and now Jay was the one Daniel was closest to in the class and the pretty boy was the only person, the mute guy interacted with.

Him and the rest of the fashion dept didn't understand how that worked. Daniel communicated with Jay in seeming ease and without any problem. Zack had first questioned if he was the only one that wasn't able to hear the blonde guy talk. But after the whole class agreed that Jay simply didn't talk but Daniel still somehow perfectly understood what he meant, they just accept the strange fact and stopped questioning it anymore.

Daniel finished his 'talk' with Jay, just as the two a**holes from vocal and dance dept arrived at the entrance of fashion dept. When with the two, the change in Daniel's mood and the air around him was baffling noticable. The way the pretty boy lit up from his normally reserved and unbothered self, the students of their class could only glare at the pair from vocal and dance dept in envy.

Zack really wondered as to how the hell did the pretty boy even became friends with those two evil a**holes.

_____________________________________________________________

This weekend was officially the best weekend for Zack. Although the movie had been planned as an apology to Mira and a promise to do better, he was the one in cloud nine. The film was a random romance movie he had hastily picked up but it turned our nice and Mira said she really liked it. So, all was good with Zack happily waiting for Mira outside the restroom.

Zack checked the time. It had been a while since Mira left for the restroom. She should've been out by now. Amidst his contemplation, someone moved past him. His eyes widened as he recognized the beautiful individual that appeared worried to say the least. Zack's hand instantly reached up to grab the guy.

"Oi, pretty boy!"

He stopped the guy in his tracks, before quickly retreating his hand back. Daniel Park looked back at him, equally stunt from Zack's actions. 

"You're about to enter the ladies room, idiot."

Before he could get an explanation for the pretty boy's suspicious rush, two people exited the ladies restroom. 

"But it was her first time and the movie was still really good."

Zack beamed upon recognizing the first person. 

"That's doesn't change the fact that her acting was terrible."

And who was this weird kid that Mira was talking to?

"Kei!"

Did Daniel know that kid? With the way he rushed towards her, it seemed they were very familiar with eachother.

The four of them gathered away from the restroom to not get side eyed by people. Mira appeared interested in getting to know the pretty boy of their class and the girl that called the pretty boy her brother. Zack personally wasn't into the sweet talk but he stood there for Mira.

"It took you guys quite long to get out from the restroom. What were you even talking about?"

He asked referring to the discussion they were having when exiting the restroom. Mira explained that they were talking about the movie and the actress that played the lead role.

"Kei says that the actress wasn't fit for the character but I think she did well enough for her first role."

"It was her first role? No wonder. Her poor skills really made it hard to watch."

Mira smiled awkwardly to the girl's response, clearly not sharing the opinion. Zack sharpened his gaze at the kid. What was this brat so salty for? Daniel gave an apologetic smile indicating it wasn't anything new.

"That's a bit harsh, don't you think? The plot was still good and enjoyable."

Mira tried to defend the film. She had said that she liked the film but Zack didn't think she liked it that much. Next time they watch a movie, he make sure to choose the same sub-genre of romance.

"A good plot doesn't save an actor's poor acting skills. Just accept that the actress was terrible at her job. It doesn't make the film any less bad than it already is."

Alright. The brat's tone was starting to get to him too. He could also see how the tension was building between Mira and the brat as non of them wanted to let go of their opinion. Not wanting to ruin their date- hangout, Zack stepped in.

"This stubborn brat. Do you even know anything about acting? Don't speak nonsense that you know nothing about-"

A sudden flash of anger flickered in the visible eye of the before calm kid. 

"Shut the fu*k up. I know what I'm talking about."

Zack had noticed how Daniel was on edge when he had spoken. And now, like the kid's tone that had ranged from matter of fact to condescending, the pretty boy's calm demeanour completely disappeared.

Zack wasn't even mad at being cussed. He was just taken a back by the girl's words that were far from a kid's temper tantrum. Mira seemed equally shocked as the two remained starstruck.

The pretty boy gave an half hearted apology before shifting his full focus towards the girl. His and Mary's presence was completely neglected as the boy tried to relax the kid with his own stammering words and trembling hands. 

It soon became apparent that the pretty boy was more distraught than the one he was trying to calm down. Seeing the boy get so worked up at her outburst (?), the kid seemed to get further angry at the guy. 

Zack and Mira watched the jarring scene, having little to no idea as to what the conflict was even about anymore. 

"Hey Daniel! kei! What's taking you guys so long??"

The two flinched out of their engrossed state as the sight of Vin Jin and Mary Kim became visible. 

"Huh? What's that loser and his girlfriend doing with them?"

"How would I know? They maybe on a date or something?"

These a**holes.. Zack didn't know whether to curse them or squeal from happiness. So he did non and just waited for the two to do something about this bizarre situation. 

The two arrived and as expected, they seemed to have a better gist of what was going on. 

"How long are you two weirdos gonna stand near the restroom? Let's leave. We're starving here."

"Weren't you the one complaining about the movie being too long, Kei? What are you two doing interrupting someone's date? It's rude, you know?"

"...It wasn't a date. The guy has no game with Mira."

"Pft-!"

"The brat's right about that one."

"Well, let's leave them alone now. We already found a good restaurant that's near by."

"Right.. Sorry for making you guys wait so long."

The pretty boy apologized and soon the four were gone, leaving Zack and Mary by themselves. 

...

What? 

Just like that?

Didn't Mary and Vin notice what was going on?

Why did they act as though everything was fine?

The pretty boy and the kid also played along with them as if nothing happened. 

Was this strange behavior normal?

Or was he just thinking too deep into it? 

Zack was shocked, confused and everything in between. Thanks to that disorienting incident, he was unable to fully enjoy the rest of his day with Mira.

________________________________________________________________

Walking through the usual streets of his home area, Zack concluded that the night of this weekend was rather dull. Except. He turned his head to stare inside the convenience store through the clear glass.

"Vin, enough already. You're making him cry."

"But Mary. This guy dares to try and steal our Daniel. Shouldn't we make him pay for that?"

"Well you're kinda right about it. Hamil, you shouldn't confess so blatantly and instead get in line, you know?"

"I told you. I didn't confess to him!"

"Oh yeah? Then why didn't you refuse when we asked if you liked Daniel? What do you have to say about that?"

"Tha- that's..-!"

"You think you're first one that had crush on him? We recognize an annoying pesk when we see one."

"Are you one those troublesome creeps? 'Cause if you are..you won't like how we have kept those annoying things away from Daniel till now."

"I-!..I'm..."

Mary and Vin cornered the shuttering Hamil to the wall, trapping the frightened guy with their ominous presence.

"Alright. That's enough you guys."

Daniel put down the comic he had been reading as he gave them a firm look.

"Pshhh-"

"Phuahahahahahaha!!!"  "Baahahahahahahaha!!!"

Mary and Vin burst out laughing as their threatening demeanour vanished upon Daniel's words. The clerk took the chance to run behind the pretty boy's chair and hide. With tears, Hamil tried to explain to Daniel that he infact, was not what Vin and Mary were suspecting him of being.

The two a**holes continued to laugh their a** off while the pretty boy calmed and consoled the clerk at the other side of the store.

These fu*kers..!

After nearly ruining his time with Mira, they're having the best moment of their life while teasing the poor clerk to death. Even in such a dull night, they sure knew how make their environment boisterous...How annoying..

'Ugh! fu*king a**holes..'

 And his mind had been running marathons for no reason..

Zack really needed to smoke his anger out right now. He glanced at the lively convenience store for a second before moving past it. He remembered another store nearby that sold cigarettes without asking for their id.

On his way, Zack crossed paths with Vasco of Architecture dept. He hadn't known that the leader of burn knuckles jogged around this area. Seeing the guy that is said to deal with troublemakers, his mind went towards his three friends who were just that.

He had suggested them to not cause trouble for the Hamil dude since the weird trio seemed to hangout often in that convenience store. But then again, with those three (especially the two a**holes) as his regular customers, who would need other troublemakers?

___________________________________________________________

                    ~To be continued~

Chapter Text

More than a week has passed since the movie incident and everyone involved, forgot about it. At least they acted like they did.

Life with Daniel Park as a desk mate has been going well for Zack.

He wouldn't say that the pretty boy got any less indifferent towards almost everyone in their class. But there was no ice or awkward tension between him and Zack. He dare say that Daniel was more friendly with him than he was to most. 

It was weird considering how their first introduction with eachother went. The guy lacked any ill impression of Zack left behind from their first dispute. Now that he thought about it, Daniel Park didn't seem to have any opinion about others.

A neutral feather that only swayed towards the few he liked more than others.

Well, he was a weirdo.

*Ding! Ding!*

The bell for lunch break rang as Daniel finally put down his book that definitely wasn't related to the subject that had been going on. The teacher exited the class and the pretty boy turned towards Zack.

"Zack-"

"Here."

He handed the pretty boy his notebook before continuing.

"Give me your notes from the next period."

Daniel blinked before giving him a smile. This had started to become a regular practice between them.

"Sure. I'll even place back your barrier of book if it falls."

A grin almost broke from Zack's lips. He had come to understood the persistency of his classmates.

The classrooms soon became empty as the students crowded the cafeteria. Zack sat with his usual group, waiting for his lunch plate to arrive. With the G-hole taking annoyingly long time to get their lunch, he just decided to listen to the conversation that was happening just behind their table. 

"Thanks for letting me borrow the novel, Jay. So did you read the webtoon I recommended?"

Since when did the blonde dude liked such things?? Zack didn't recall Jay ever being interested in comics or novels before. Was it due to the mute guy being as unnoticeable as a fly in the wall? Probably.

 "Already!? But it has more 200 chapters...ah..no wonder you don't look well today.."

The pretty boy sounded upset. Zack suppressed his urge to look back.

"Of course I am. You shouldn't do that."

"Reading just for the sake of memorizing the plot, just ruins the experience."

He sounded very familiar with the action he spoke of.

"How about this? We choose a webtoon to read and discuss about it after the end of school, each Monday. Till then, there will be plenty of plot to talk about. So, don't overdo it alright?"

  "..."

Jay said something in his silence that caused the pretty boy to take on a comforting tone.

"Jay. You know stories aren't the only reason and things I talk about with you, right? I separated Monday specifically since I wished to spend more time with you. And not just during school hours."

"Am I allowed to wish for more of your company?"

Zack rotated himself back to see the madly flushed face of Jay as he shyly nodded to Daniel's question.

Daniel Park..this guy..

'He's dangerous..'

With his blushing mess, the mute guy somehow managed to say something to the pretty boy.

"Hm? Well since I won't be walking home with them at that day. I guess you can do that."

Jay beamed from happiness which seemed to both surprise and amuse Daniel. With a playful smile, the pretty boy asked.

"Did you want to show off your bike to me that much?"

Various hectic movements of hands with a red face. Yup..this guy was too deep into the pit. Zack looked at the chuckling beauty. This guy was seriously dangerous..

Before Zack could get completely buried in the cheesiness, Jiho arrived with their lunch plates. He turned back to see only three plates were put on the table. Doo and the other two took the plates each as they complained about the lateness. Zack glared at the guy to bring his plate fast, making the punk rush towards the counter. 

He decided to listen a little more while he waited for his lunch. He turned back towards the pretty boy's table, only to find the guy looking back at him.

"I didn't know you liked eavesdropping, Zack?"

"!- I wasn't!"

He refused but seeing the look on the pretty boy's face, it became clear that they both knew the truth.

"..how did you know?"

With a sly smile, Daniel answered.

"I was wondering why the chair behind was creaking so much. By the way, I don't see your lunch plate."

"Speak for yourself. Mine's taking long 'cause of the bast*rd's slow legs."

Daniel glanced at the crowd Zack gestured to. Among the many students that were at the cafeteria counter, one such was Jiho.

"Again.."

Daniel let out before turning back towards him. Zack slightly shifted in his position. 

"You're still making him bring your lunch.. I've been wondering,"

His posture not as relax at the change in tone.

"Are you still hurt from our fight?"

What??

"I'm not."

He instantly debunked the concerned guy.

"But you're asking someone else to bring your lunch.."

Had he not come to know that Daniel was being genuine and not saying that just to mock him, Zack would have been mad. Now this was just purely embarrassing.

"It's fine if you still need rest. I can bring you your lunch from now on if you want-"

"Fu*k you! I said I'm fine!"

Zack furiously got up from his chair with a red face. 

"Watch me bast*rd! I can do it by myself!"

Daniel got up from his chair at Zack's hasty movements.

"Are you sure!?-"

"I'm sure! Try doing that and I'll punch that pretty mug of yours!"

"... alright. Be careful-"

"Shut Up!"

Zack stomped away towards the counter. On his way, he found G-hole returning with a plate of lunch. 

"Zack?-"

"That's your lunch. You got it?"

"From now on, don't ever bring my lunch."

He cut off the wimp to make his point clear before continuing his march towards the countertop.

                                   xXx

"Tch. Annoying bastard. Who does he think I am."

Zack cursed as he ate his lunch. The three sharing his table stared at him for a while before one of them spoke.

"You know, he was playing you right?"

"He wasn't."

Zack answered firmly making the three pause. 

The pretty boy wasn't like the two a**holes who used slippery words to make their point across. He was too blatant for that. Zack wasn't sure which of the two was more annoying. Vin and Mary's twisted mockery or Daniel's piercing straight forwardness. 

The three stared at him then themselves before going back to eating. Zack too resume on eating his lunch. 

..He wondered if Daniel was being nice to him only because he assumed Zack was still hurt.

The thought was kinda infuriating.

He would had asked Daniel about it if not for Vin and Mary's arrival. They called the pretty boy to their table as soon as they had entered the cafeteria which Daniel happily complied to. Jay and him were just left watching as Daniel was taken by the two from vocal and dance dept. 

Those two were very strict when it came to gatekeeping the pretty boy. 

Unlike him who was disappointed at not getting to question Daniel, Jay seemed fine at leaving their conversation for later. Guess the blonde guy didn't really need to be disappointed since he was one of the only three, the pretty boy actively sought out for.

The weird trio's table wasn't far from theirs so Zack could still hear them. It wasn't his intentions to eavesdrop but Mary and Vin weren't really known to be quiet with their conversations. They were talking about some game that was coming out the following week. 

Now that he thought about it, he did remember seeing a video game trending on Pacebook. U******* N***** S**** 4 something like that. His thoughts were cut short as a sharp and long 'clang' clattered on the floor below. 

Zack turned towards the sound that, if he was correct was from the table where the weird trio sat. And he as correct. An empty glass slowly rolled on the floor while the water it previously held made a puddle below. Vin stared appalled at his hoodie that was splashed wet half way through, while a shocked and anxious Jiho stood fearfully beside the table. 

One didn't need to be a genius to figure out what had happened. The G-hole seriously needed to stop fumbling his steps. 

The loud sound drew most of everyone's attention towards the weird trio's table. 

"Your glasses aren't even tinted. Then why is it so fu*king hard for you to walk straight, motherf*cker? Should I pluck your damn eyes out since you don't even use them?"

Jiho slipped on the wet floor as he was forcefully grabbed from his collar by Vin.

Well, poor him. He made the a**hole's mood go sour real quick. This was gonna be nasty.

"Hey, we are in the middle of planning something. You better not start a fight and create a hassle right now."

Or perhaps not. Mary might just save the G-hole's a**. She stared at Vin with an annoyed look on her face as he frowned at her contradiction. 

"Vin"

Daniel tapped the furious guy's shoulder. Zack innerly shrugged in conformation. What did he expected? Of course it would be him who resolves the dispute.

"You should let him go and take off your hoodie. It's quite thick. You might catch a cold."

Zack wanted to scratch his chin. How was the pretty boy both caring and uncaring in the same sentences?? 

Moving on,

Vin clicked his tongue before letting go of Jiho.

"Fine..It's starting to get uncomfortable as well."

Vin took off his hoodie in one go, making the plain T-shirt visible. Seeing the chance, Jiho tried to escape the situation.

"Did I allow you to leave, mut?"

Arranging his slightly moved glasses, Vin stopped Jiho from slipping away.

"Don't even think about running before cleaning this mess. "

With nothing interesting to watch anymore, Zack was about to turn back. He stopped half way in when he noticed the guys from Architect dept approaching the scene. They weren't here before. Did they come here because of the fussing students? Whatever the reason was, this could go somewhere entertaining.

Since Vin and Daniel were sitting side by side with Mary opposite to them at the table, she was the first to notice the leader of burn knuckles. Her eyes got wary as she watched him make his way towards their table. It didn't take long for the other two to notice his presence as well.

"It's your table. Clean it by yourself."

Vasco ordered, stopping Jiho from doing what was he told to do. 

Why was this guy butting in for actually? This was clearly nothing to interfere into if you ask Zack. 

"Why should I? That's his job. What's it to you, bast*rd?"

Vin asked, agitation written all over his face. On his side, Daniel looked confused from Vasco's intervention while Mary was alert at his presence.

"You guys are tormenting someone again."

Vasco stated sternly. His eyes hard as he gazed at three. 

Tormenting? This brute was giving them too much credit. They didn't even really do anything to G-hole. If it was Zack's clothes that were soaked wet to the point of needing to change, he personally would not let that slide. 

And 'again'? What was this guy talking about? Daniel and Mary didn't go messing around with people and Vin has been relatively chill lately.

...

The image of crying Hamil and Vasco jogging around the convenience store suddenly popped from his memory.

Wait. Was he referring to those incidents? Well that's a different story then. When it came to teasing, the two a**holes didn't held back or stopped at just one time. Perhaps they weren't over credited after all.

"You might be strong or handsome-"

Vasco glared at the pretty boy specifically at the last word. Zack had heard that Vasco didn't like handsome guys. Looks like it was true.

"But stop screwing around."

And to set an example of his words, Vasco grabbed each of Vin and Daniel's shoulder. Vin grunted from the grip of death while Daniel widened his eyes (for a second he seemed frightened) at the sudden force applied to his shoulder.

Zack abruptly stood up. Shocked, he was about to question his involuntary action but he quickly realized he wasn't the only one that left their seat. 

Mary was livid. 

"What do you think you're doing, punk?"

It almost felt like the air itself was wavering around her. As if sensing the danger, the smartest of burn knuckles; Jace moved to block Mary from reaching his leader. It only made Mary's aura, rage more. 

Even with the burning anger from her, there was still a chilling coldest in the air. Jay's anger wasn't shown in his face. Infact it was so emotionless and cold, Zack wondered if he was really the same guy that was with Daniel just some moments ago.

To remove the obstacle from her way, Mary's ominous hand stretched towards Jace. 

"Mary."

Vin suddenly called, making her pause.

"Don't go ballistic and just sit down. You're an overkill."

Mary glared back at him, challenging Vin with her (terrifying) eyes to try and stop her from breaking someone's spine.

"Just trust me alright!"

Vin let out. Mary would have legit threw Jace towards him if Daniel didn't speak.

"Vin's right. You can also relax, Jay. Everything's fine."

The pretty boy said with forced calmness. Although his fingers no longer shuddered, Zack has observed him well enough to know, the trembling didn't go away naturally.

Jay saddened but still did as he was told with drooping (invisible) ears. Zack had never seen anyone so disappointment at not getting to beat up a person, till now.

"Oi, meathead."

Vin was the first to speak as both him and the pretty boy gave Vasco their full attention. The two grabbed each of Vasco's wrist. Daniel was much more polite in his part.

"I'm sorry but there seems to be a misunderstanding. So could you please-"

Despite their varying tones, their next words were spoken as if uttered from the same mouth.

"Get your hand off him."

Suddenly Vasco no longer held the two guys down to their chair with his grip. Instead. He was the one being held up by the two that were still sitting on their seats. 

Zack knew Vin and Mary did Judo. It was a martial that has a lot to do with grabbing the opponent. Yet, he was left completely shocked when Vin managed to make Vasco scrunch his face in pain from his grip on the later's wrist alone. 

The pretty boy was different. The force behind his grip on the Vasco's wrist didn't come near Vin's strength. Instead, he did something to the larger guy's veins. Since Vasco's arm was muscular and veiny, Daniel easily found and targeted a specific vein that caused Vasco to twist his face in an inhumane way before instantly letting go of the shoulder. 

Vin opened his grip as Vasco stepped back to check if the veins in his wrist were alright. A beat of sweat rolled down Vasco's face as he flexed his arm. Many gasped, widening their eyes from surprise at seeing the leader of burn knuckles get panicked, almost anxious.

Zack only smirked. He had expected something similar to this. 

After a pause that was less than a minute, Vasco appeared to have made the decision to engage in a fight. Possibly 'punish the bad guys' from this point of view.

Noticing his aggressive stance, the two guys stood up while Mary, Jay and the members of burn knuckles moved to the sides they belonged two. 

"Sit. We'll take it from here."

Mary pressed down Daniel back to his chair as she took her place beside Vin. 

"But Vin's shoulder-"

"My shoulder's fine. It barely felt like a pinch."

"And I don't tremble just from a pinch."

Daniel's protest was dismissed as he dishearteningly complied. 

So, Vin was also able to notice it even in such a situation..

Zack contemplated whether he should go towards Daniel or stay where he was. He held himself back when he saw Jay already on the pretty boy's side. He didn't know what the guy was saying with his worried gestures but Daniel smiled at him so it should fine.

Diverting his attention to the more heated part of this situation, Zack saw Vasco preparing his fist. He was left disappointed when Jace quickly pushed himself infront of his leader, stopping Vasco from launching the punch.

The sly punk gave a friendly smile to Vin and Mary as if his leader hadn't just wanted to smash their faces.

"Haha! Yeah! So it was just a misunderstanding?"

Vin and Mary glanced at eachother.

"Was it? I thought he just came here to pick a fight."

Vin asked, not caring about being heard.

"Well, Daniel said it was so it probably is."

Mary shrugged as Jace's smile grew. Glad that the fight wouldn't take place. The two gave Jace time to mentally sigh and start speaking with a smile as he hid his relief.

"Well then-"

"But you see."

A cruel grin spread on the two's face as Vin continued.

"It doesn't really matter to us if it was a misunderstanding or not."

Understanding where this was going, Jace stepped aside. The rest of burn knuckles stood behind their leader as a sweat of unsure nervousness made itself visible in Jace's face.

During the exchange, Zack had made his way to Daniel's side, leaving behind his previous hesitation. He picked up the wet hoodie from Vin's chair and handed it to the pretty boy before sitting on it. Jay gave him a look from Daniel's other side to which Zack asked back,

"What? Can't I also sit beside him?"

Jay didn't say anything and just returned his gaze back. Huffing, Zack glanced at the pretty boy. Although his body seemed relaxed in his chair, his eyes attentively watched the exchange infront of him. 

"I thought you didn't like fights."

The pretty boy gazed at him.

"I don't."

He answered in a matter of fact tone.

"Then why aren't you stopping them? I'm pretty sure the two will listen if you tell them to. Vasco is a tough guy. Not to mention, nearly a dozen of the burn knuckles are also here."

Zack told, making eye contact with the pretty boy. It didn't last long as Daniel turned his head back towards the two mentioned a**holes.

"I know that as well. But the guy, Vasco, landed his hand on Vin."

The pretty boy smiled at him, voice getting gentle.

"And don't fret. It will be fine. I'll make sure of that."

Now Zack understood why Daniel never had a problem with Vin and Mary's overprotective ness. He was the same.

Deciding to not comment on it, Zack turned back to where Vin and Mary were now cracking their knuckles. 

"Your leader put his hand on the wrong person."

Mary spoke. Her tone as well as the guy that was at her side, both lacking any doubt or fear from the dozen of guys infront of them.

Mary didn't usually pick fights nor was Vin normally this daring about challenging Vasco. Them being together in this could be the reason for their confidence.

But if Zack had to say, the fact that Daniel won't let the two get a single bruise from the fight, it alone justified their confidence.

"And unfortunately for you guys,"

Mary continued, tightening her ponytail while Vin properly arranged his sunglasses. For some reason, Zack found the two putting their hands in their pockets as they stood before burn knuckles, oddly natural.

With the devilish grin that matched Vin's, Mary declared the start of the fight.

"We promised to break anyone's hand that touched Daniel."

_____________________________________________________________

Another week has passed and Zack still stands by his opinion of Daniel Park being a good desk mate. The best one he had till now actually. 

Sure he was a freak of nature that could prevent his friends from being hit while not even directly participating in the fight. And an overprotective weirdo/psychopath that allowed Vin and Mary to break Vasco's hand while the rest of burn knuckles watched in horror. 

He was still a good classmate and an even better desk mate. He even apologized to burn knuckles the very next day of the fight. Although the architect guys appeared ready to smash him with a literal statue. It wasn't the pretty boy's fault since Mary and Vin were the ones to put them in the nurse's room-

Wait...He's making excuses for Daniel.

Oh fu*k..fu*k, fu*k, fu*k...!

Zack has become the same as the mute guy and his classmates. He too was successful charmed by the pretty boy. Zack wanted to slam his head on a wall. Seriously, what has his life come to??

Zack stopping beating his head as he caught the sight of a person standing some distance ahead. Speak of the devil. With his school uniform still on, Daniel stood at the side of the street. 

It was weird seeing the guy alone while outside of class. Oh right. Today was Monday. But then why was he still here? Shouldn't Jay have drove Daniel to his home by now? Or did he tell the blonde guy to drop him here? 

Zack paused on his internal questioning as Daniel tuned his head towards his direction. He smiled and waved his hand at Zack. Well, the pretty boy was right here. He could just get his answers from him. 

Zack picked his pace to quickly reach Daniel. A sudden gust of wind hit his body as a car drove past him in a concerning speed. He wouldn't have thought much of the black car if it didn't stop right infront of the pretty boy. The door of the car suddenly opened and the reality of the situation clicked into Zack. 

"Daniel-!!!"

Zack leaped towards the boy with all his strength, not caring that his lungs burned from the lack of oxygen. Still, he was too late as a hand stretched out from the car and pulled the boy inside. The car drove away, leaving a desperate Zack behind as it disappeared from his sight of reach.

_____________________________________________________________

                     ~To be continued~