Death

[akariamai]

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[mensbestfriend]

project hail mary and interstellar crossover fanfic hear me oUT.

(edit: btw i just saw that somebody thought of this before me so it’s technically not an original thought 💔)

reader is on a mission to save earth and she goes through the worm hole (interstellar) but it kinda takes her to another dimension instead.

anyway, she ends up alone cause it was a though mission and the crew died or whatever, doesn’t matter.

she doesn’t know where the worm hole took her until she finds another spaceship, ryland.

it’s a whole confusion when they meet cause they are both on missions to save earth for different reasons so, different earths??? it takes a while to understand and accept that reader traveled dimensions through the worm hole.

anyway, it could be after ryland met rocky or reader and ryland met rocky together.

since reader’s mission was also a one way trip and she’s not even in her dimension anymore, she decides to help them.

now focusing on ryland and reader, they were both on suicidal missions, both spent a long time alone and never expected to see another human again.

there’s a clear and inevitable need for connection, I just feel like as human beings we naturally yearn for that. so after they both had no hopes of ever seeing another human, finding each other was something BIG.

so that’s a lot of quiet yearning since they’re both kinda trying to hold back??? idk man, I’m just guessing that not having contact with humanity for so long makes you extremely socially awkward so they really don’t know how to act with one another.

and then there’s those domestic moments where they tell each other about their lives on earth and maybe try to compare both earths to find what’s different.

oh and they’re so touch starved and sensitive that every little thing like accidentally bumping into each other, touching each other’s fingers while passing around something, creates tension. #lovethat

ANYWAY!!!

a relationship development and almost death experience later…

maybe when they’re in erid, one day rocky says the scientists are doing research to try to get her back to her dimension, but that is such a non explored field that it would take time.

reader is 100% sure she doesn’t want to leave ryland anytime soon.

as a quantum physics enthusiast, thinking abt this gives me so much joy but I can’t write it cause writing is not my thing.

sOMEBODY WRITE IT FOR MEEEE 🥹🥹🥹

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

ao3 turns 16 today.

reblog if you’re older than archive of our own

[akariamai]

Romeo & Juliet [Part 12]

Pairing: Jacob Black x OC!Swan

Word Count: 2176

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 13

Death was a painful reminder of how fragile human life can be. It lingers like an afterthought and sneaks to the foreground when least expected. She used to believe there were two human experiences that every person must encounter in their lives: their birth and their death. It was two experiences that tied people together. The birth, solidifying the sacred bond between mother and child, and death, the culmination of memories sharpening from the living.

But death didn't strike everyone the same. Some would find themselves back into the Earth, whether it was in a casket or ashes, while others were damned to roam for eternity in a pointless existence.

Harry Clearwater was the former. He was born a human and died human. He was a father, a husband, a friend, and a pillar to his community. His death left ripples in the lives of those around him and Sloan could only perceive the aftermath.

Her father was never good with grief. The death of a life-long friend only pulled him further into the unspoken sorrow that had encompassed his life. She knew her father had suffered hardships in his life, he had the tendency to bottle it up from the people closest to him, to bestow a facade for all to see, and right now Sloan could see he desperately needed comfort.

At the moment, he was not just the sheriff of a small town, he was a man who had lost a friend. A man who stood by the recent widow and her children as they too grieve for a husband and father. A man who only had his two daughters to turn to and was disappointed to find one missing.

Bella had left a simple note behind. There was no explanation on where she'd wandered off to or when she was coming back. She simply wrote Edward, the boy who had abandoned her in the woods, was in danger. He writing sloppy as if she wrote it in a hurry.

Her father stayed scanning the note as if he'd missed something. A clue of where she had gone. The kind of danger she was delving into, but it wouldn't. It couldn't even if it was sentient. There was nothing more written on the flimsy page.

Sloan gently placed her hand on his shoulder, his muscles stiff, "Dad, let's get to bed." The two had recently arrived home after a strenuous time sorting out details for Harry's funeral. They were drained and were hoping to get some sleep, but the note had captured his attention.

"But, Bella..." He tried to argue, but his voice was hoarse.

"Is already gone." She wished Bella had chosen a different date. A day where Harry Clearwater wasn't dead. A day where their father was burdened with dead hitchhikers, or the growing number of missing persons reports in Seattle. It wasn't a good time, but with Bella it never was. "She's eighteen and she left willingly. We can't force her to come back."

It was a bitter truth that rang too true. Bella was an adult now in the eyes of the law and legally, they could not force her to come back home. They were limited on how to navigate the situation.

"Okay." His voice was beaten. The world had not been kind. He slowly rose from the kitchen chair and made his way up the stairs. He stopped at the very end of the stairway, "Get some sleep, okay?"

Sloan watched as his figure disappeared up the stairs before picking up the note to scan it herself. The sheet was from the notepad she had bought at the nearby bookshop. Small leaf designs were ingrained as a border.

The words 'Edward's in trouble. Going with Alice' was scribbled heavy-highhandedly in pen. There was only one Alice Bella knew. Alice Cullen. Why would she return? Did that mean they were all going to come back?

The Cullens attracted trouble. That much Sloan could tell simply by existing around their orbit; not like Bella who'd continuously found herself in their circle. Sloan had the sense to stay away even when she was oblivious. Her instincts ensured she kept her distance from the weird family. Even disregarding attempts made from Alice herself.

But Bella was enthralled by them and in turn, they were too, in their own twisted way. Bella was ensnared in whatever trap they'd laid and the fawn had fallen in a false sense of security mindlessly waiting for the imminent slaughter to come. Was Bella's blood like a drug to them? Was her blood so enticing that they could not allow for her to stray too far from their path.

She knew there were only a few ways this could end. Bella's odds for survival were slim at best. Death seemed inevitable, like it always had, but this strain of death felt obscure. It wasn't quiet nor peaceful. It was agonizing. It was the sort of death Sloan hoped her father would never have to witness. A death shrouded in mystery with unfathomable cause.

At a certain point, Sloan would have to come to terms that Bella might already be dead. Whatever sort of trouble Edward must’ve found himself in could’ve been too much for a mere human. Her clumsy twin sister. And then what? Their father would drown in work, never able to look at her face because it was too similar to Bella’s, while their mother would pretend she only had one daughter. And she too would suffer a tantalizing fate; forced to know a vague truth and withhold from it all she loves.

How could she break the news to the wolves? To Jacob? She had seen the burden they carry close to their hearts, the Cullens would only increase the workload of the mess they’d left behind. The boys were already suffering enough. Why couldn’t the Cullens see that? Why couldn’t they stay away for the rest of their miserable lives? All she knew was that it was a problem for the morning. Right now, she could barely keep her eyes open. She let the note fall back into the table before climbing up the stairs.

The next morning was filled with tense silence. Her father and Sloan found themselves once again seated at the kitchen table contemplating on what to do about the Bella situation. Her father was still dumbfounded that Bella didn’t even have the audacity to call him before she left. He never asked for much, but Bella seemed to somehow tear clear boundaries.

“I’m going to send her back to Jacksonville.” Sloan had never heard her father use that tone before, but even she could tell it was absolute. Bella had crossed too many unambiguous lines and her father was tired. There was too much going on that needed his attention. He’d hoped Bella was more responsible than what she’d displayed over the past 24 hours.

“Okay.” There was nothing more she could say and she definitely would not go to bat for her sister. This was a ditch she dug herself in and she alone would have to crawl out of it. Sloan would not pretend what Bella did was rational. Nothing she had been doing was sensible and although she's heard the saying that ‘Love makes you do crazy things’ this simply wasn’t a situation that fell into that category.

Her father’s face was contorted, “I’ll call your mother and let her know my decision. Hopefully, she can clear out a room for your sister.” There was a silent question behind his words. Would you go too?

It was like he was waiting for her to deliver the final blow. Her mother, more than a decade ago, broke his spirit as she craved to escape the confines of a small town and not even a few months ago, Bella had used the same jarring words their mother once uttered to him. To him, it must’ve been history repeating itself with each blow hampering his self-worth. 

She didn’t want to go back to Renee. There was nothing left for her there. Forks, despite being the small town her mother desperately needed to escape from, had wormed its way into her heart. It was no longer a foreign place that was once a memory, but had slowly become her home. “I would like to stay. If you’ll let me.” Sloan didn’t want to overstay her welcome nor did she blame her father if he wanted her gone too. She would go without complaints if he wished to send her back.

His eyes were slightly glassy as a smile arose that could be seen as optimistic, “‘Course you can.”

She returned the smile briefly. She was not about to leave her grieving father to an empty house. What kind of daughter would she be if she did? “I’ll go call your mother. Get things ready for when your sister returns.” Bella wouldn’t have a choice. Not this time. She couldn’t slip away from this one. The consequences were slowly catching up to her and her future was shifting.

The call was anything, but brief. She’d caught snippets of her father arguing his perspective and her mother angrily yelling about responsibility and family. Sloan had no doubt that her mother was trying to spin the blame on her father, but he wasn’t responsible for the actions of an eighteen-year-old adult. Bella had left on her own free will. No one forced her to follow Alice to a void of vampirism. That was solely on Bella. She wished her mother could see that. It wasn’t the first time they had called Renee about Bella’s behavior, but she chose to be ignorant of Bella’s recent change in behavior. 

“Dad!” Sloan had successfully caught his attention away from the berating session her mother was forcing upon him. “Let me talk to her.” She had more recent experience in handling Renee.

‘Are you sure?’ He mouthed.

She nodded before he reluctantly handed over the phone.

“Mom.” Sloan said, garnering the attention of her mother, stopping her from continuing at her shriek fest.

“Can you believe him?” Her pitch toned down just a bit before the frustration began to take over once again. “How he wants to get rid of Bella. Just like that. No warning. No nothing. Offering nothing in return. He’s unbelievable.

“Mom, it’s not out of nowhere.” Sloan mentioned, “Ever since the breakup between her and Edward, she’s been acting insane. Dad has offered to get her help. She just refused at every turn. Dad told you this.” When she wouldn’t leave me alone. But she held her tongue as including such details would not help in getting through to her mother. Her mother responded well to a gentle hand to help guide her to the truth; to let her think she’d come to her own conclusions. It was one of the only ways to handle her mother.

“Why hadn’t anyone called me if it was getting worse?” Her mother simply didn’t understand that she barely listens to the words her father utters. When Sloan was a little girl, she learned early on that her mother likes to ignore her problems until they become unavoidable, and then complains when it has become too much for her mental health. Sloan had done this song and dance countless times. It was easier just to pretend and follow along. “We didn’t want to worry you. We thought she was getting better until now.”

Her mother hummed as if she was thinking of something. “Fine.” Renee relented, “She’ll come back to Jacksonville. I think she’ll appreciate the weather more. Forks is so dreary. Are you coming back as well? I can have Phil move the yoga studio to the garage.”

“I’m going to stay here.” She said, “I like Forks and Dad doesn’t mind that if I stay.”

Her mother paused for a moment, “Don’t know why dear. It’s awfully dreadful there, but if that’s what you want.”

Sloan was confident she would not regret her decision. She had a lot going on here and she would not uproot the life she had carved for herself. “It is.”

“Tell your father to call me when Bella comes home and we can go over the specifics later.” Her mother said.

She muttered a quiet, “Okay.”

“I’ll call you soon.” She wouldn’t, often forgetting to call when life was sweet, but Sloan wasn’t going to argue technicalities. She had done what she intended to do and her mother was happy at the moment. “Goodbye.”

Sloan didn’t get the chance to mutter a similar goodbye before she heard her mother hang up. She stayed by the phone, hearing the static for a beat or two longer, before returning the phone back to its intended space. She turned to her father, who watched her silently, and let out a small, “Bella’s going to Jacksonville.” There was a relief that washed over the two of them like a storm cloud had dispersed the second the words left her mouth.

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Taglist: @scuzmunkie @magical-spit @thelastemzy @kammsinn @slowlyshycomputer @dilfsandtherapy @krabzine

[akariamai]

Please Read

Recently, I came across my first scammer attempt on Tumblr. The scammer allegedly hacked into another person's account, someone from the fanfiction community, to attempt to scam me. They left a comment on one of my post saying, "Hey can you message me? I have something important to tell you its about your account, but i cant message you idk whyy??"

At first, I didn't clock it because it had been someone's account that I had been following for a few months now and I was given the whole "I accidentally reported your account" spiel. They tried to get me to go to Discord and do follow-up messages which I did not.

Do not interact with their attempts to contact you. Simply report, block, and delete any comments you get. I have reported this scam to Tumblr and it seems like they are aware of this type of scam as well.

Please stay safe out there.

[akariamai]

Romeo & Juliet (Part 11)

Pairing: Jacob Black x OC!Swan

Word Count: 2385

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10 Part 12, Part 13

Sloan hadn’t imagined life shifting back to semi-normalcy after accidentally learning the sacred secrets of the tribe, but somehow life morphed into a familiar shape. She wakes in the morning, attends classes, hangs out with her friends, finishes her assignments and homework, and every minuscule thing normal teenagers do. She could almost forget that her life had been plagued by the supernatural, but her hangouts with Jacob and the pack purged that thought quickly. It would fade once she met up with the pack, not that it was a bad feeling, the disappearance of normalcy, it felt true. 

Her sister, however, began to retreat into herself once again; reverting back to shutting herself in her room, gazing out of her bedroom window, unnerving passing kids. At school, she would resort to sitting alone at the cafeteria table the Cullen’s had claimed when they were in Forks. Her sister was clinging on to every piece of the Cullen’s with a death grip and all Sloan let herself feel was pity. Pity for the person Bella had been before she lost herself in the family of vampires. Now, all she was left with was delusions, clutching onto fleeting signs that they truly existed out of her mind, and endlessly waiting for them to come back and take her away.

But her sister either didn’t know or refused to accept the dangers the Cullen’s had ushered to their front porch. Maybe Bella simply didn’t care that the redheaded vampire was lurking in the shadows, testing the water to reach them, to end them the way the Cullen’s had done to her. The only reason they were alive was because Sam and the pack patrolled their house in the dark, constantly providing surveillance despite their responsibilities in the morning.

It was heartwarming to know the pack cared for their family despite not being members of the tribe. They actively went out of their way to ensure their safety and eliminate the threat. Jacob had actively gone out of his way to be close to her, unless he had patrol, and refused to allow her out of his sight until the two wolves on duty came to lookout for the vampire. Sometimes they would hang around her friends and other times they would loiter in the pack house.

Her father had planned a hunting party for the giant wolves Bella alerted him about; only making tracking and hunting the vampire all the more difficult. Harry was going to sabotage any hints of the wolves as the pack had planned an excursion to finally get rid of the redhead.

"Thanks for picking me up." Sloan wished her arm would heal more quickly. She felt more like a burden to Jacob, he had been the one to constantly drive to Forks and back to La Push, she didn't even want to think about the gas money he's spent on the trips to and back.

The truck fully came to a stop in-front of the pack house. "I don't mind." He glanced at her while he said it. "I liked spending time with you."

Her cheeks flushed red. She liked spending time with him too, more than a friend should, but she'll keep it like a close secret until the time is right. "I enjoy our time together." Perhaps when the threat of death lessened, she would gather the courage to tell him her growing feelings, but for now, she'll stay quiet and appreciate the time they'd spend together.

"Please stay in the house with Emily and Kim until we get back. Our scents should detour her away from the house." He said, "Hopefully, we end this today, but I would never forgive myself if something happened to you."

She nodded, "Okay."

"Okay." He gave her a tight smile before leading her into the house. He remained on the porch while she stepped inside. "I'll be back soon."

"Be careful, please." Sloan knew they had not only the vampire to worry about, but also her father and the hunting party. She cursed her sister for outing the wolves to their father, not only did it hinder the wolves' ability to hunt, it also put the hunting party in the crosshairs of the vampire.

"I'll try." It wasn't the answer she was hoping for, but it was the best she knew he could answer without lighting a spark of hope that would be destined to die out. Safety wasn't guaranteed, even with his pack brothers watching his back, and she wasn't disillusioned with the sacrifices any of them made. It was a dangerous occupation without reward and despite being built to take down vampires comes the realization that death was around every corner.

He glanced at her for a final time before leaving without another word. His momentum quickened before his back was no longer seen and the shredding of clothing could only be heard. His footsteps swiftly disappeared from earshot. All she was left with was a sudden breeze and a restless heart.

Sloan felt a soft hand touch her shoulder, "Come now, it's not everyday that the boys are out." Emily led her to the couch, "But I think we can take advantage of the situation. I have several rom coms and food to occupy our minds."

Kim looked restless seated on the floor. A plastic bag filled with stuff sat by her side, waiting for its contents to be shown. "I brought my nail polish so we can paint each other's nails," Kim proceeded to take out each item as she listed them, "Coloring books and some crayons, a deck of playing cards, and some colored yarn and needles, but that's mostly for Emily so she has something to do with her hands or else she'd baked up a storm."

Sloan could feel their masked worry. Are they putting up a front for me? She didn't want them to bury their worries for her. They all had the right to stress; even though she felt a gaping hole in her heart, knowing who was meant to fill it was absent.

When she found herself soundly seated, she couldn't help, but mutter, "How do you guys do it? How do you wait around not knowing they're okay?" The two women before her were some of the toughest women she'd ever known. They supported their loved ones with stride. Prepared to face the possibility of one not coming back.

"We hope and we trust." Emily said in a sympathetic tone, "That's all we have."

"We hope for their safety and trust they'll come back to us in one piece." Kim added keeping her eyes on the items she'd brought.

Jacob had just left not even ten minutes ago and yet it felt like a lifetime. There was just an unease that disturbed the quiet. A sense of tension waiting to burst and release the worst of her fears. "Does it ever get easier?"

Emily shook her head, "Afraid not." Her hands wandered to the yarn. She wrapped it around her left hand, twice around her pinkie, and once over her pointer finger. Her other hand grabbed one of the three needles and her hands began to work.

"You get better at faking." Kim added, opening the deck of cards from its flimsy cardboard box. She began to shuffle the deck like she had done so a thousand times. She had done so flawlessly.

"What about you?" Emily had already made a decent row of yarn; from Sloan's angle, she could see a line of v's beginning to curl up into a circle. No v was too loose or too tight. It was uniformed.

She turned her attention away from Emily's needlework and glanced at the bottles of colorful nail polish. She reached over and picked up a soft pink nail polish, "I'm trying."

"That's all you can do." Emily nodded. "We're here for you. Whether it is to talk or listen. You'll always have a place here."

"Thank you." Sloan had sincerely meant it. Emily and Kim both became significant figures in her life, more she could've ever imagined, but she was grateful she was pulled towards them. She had people to talk to about the supernatural; people who knew what skeletons laid awake in their small town and the forest surrounding it. She wasn't alone with such a heavy secret.

"So..." Kim began, a glint of mischief filled her eyes, "How are you and Jacob? Is there anything going on between you two?" Kim was unknowingly scrapping the wooden chest where Sloan had stashed her feelings.

Sloan could feel her cheeks redden, "Me and Jacob?" There was too much to talk about, but nothing she wanted to spill. She wanted to keep her feelings to herself, to understand them before speaking it into fruition. "There's nothing going on." It was a small lib. Nothing too substantial and easily refutable.

Kim giggled, "Nothing at all?" It was evident she didn't believe her. Her rosy cheeks were a dead giveaway. Was she that obvious? Could everyone tell? Did he know? "Come on, spill! We want to know the details!"

She refused to look at either of them, pretending to find the nail polish in her hand interesting, "There's nothing to tell." Nothing had happened between the two. It has been the same as it's always been with the exception of vampires after her family and knowing his secrets.

"I don't believe it!" Kim exclaimed, "There must be something. When did you start liking him?"

Sloan didn't need to think before the words began to spill, "I don't know. It didn't happen overnight and I certainly didn't wake up one morning just enamored by him. It happened steadily like the waves being pulled back by the moon; destined to collide onto the sand in a continuous motion."

The collision wouldn't be rough, but steady. A calming whisk of chilly waters brushing against the sandy beach below. Two halves of a whole to create a fruitful place for wondrous marvels. That's what she thought of them; of her flourishing love of him and he hadn't had a clue of her thoughts of him.

Kim held a look of amusement, like she held more knowledge than she cared to admit, and Emily had a growing smile that warmed Sloan from the cold. Both had a knowing twinkle in their eyes. A glint of something she couldn't quite place.

A few agonizing hours had passed, the sun had risen to its peak, the outside world remained as silent as possible while the woman and two teens waited patiently for a shred of news.

If they had heightened senses they could smell each other's worries. They could feel their troubles leaking from within, but they were just humans. Humans with a sole tether to the supernatural. One foot in the world they'd grown up around and the other a hushed reality they've learned to accept.

The three were so absorbed in their own minds, they hadn't realized the three advancing figures roaming closer to the cabin. Their steps wavered the nearer they'd become. Words they'd never thought they'd ever had to utter on the tips of their tongues.

Emily was the first to notice. She beamed at the approaching figures before noticing their varying expressions. Sam, always the pillar of the pack, a reliable shoulder to lean on, now wore a haunted expression. He wasn't the most expressive person, but he tried to be the best for the people around him. Sam loved ferociously, the type of love that burned quietly, but intensely, and to see him disheveled only worried her more.

Kim and Sloan both turned to the men, who had already stepped into the house, and they instantly knew something was wrong. Sloan might not have known Jared for as long as the others, but even she knew he always carried a shining smile. He, now, wore a defeated display and he'd left no time before taking Kim's seated body into his arms. His arms began to shake as small whimpers befell their ears.

Jacob wore a haunting look of shame. Sloan could see tears pooling in her eyes, threatening to fall at the slightest movement, at the most devastating thought, and she managed to push herself away from the couch and reach his melancholy soul. Her arms wrapped around him and sparked the floodgate of tears to crack open. She could feel the wetness of his tears crashing onto her shoulders, his quivering body leaning into her, his arms binding themselves to her.

"He's gone." Jacob sobbed. "He's gone." She held him faintly as she allowed his words to register. 'Who is gone?' It was words she wanted to voice, but she remained silent until he or the others found the strength to speak it into certainty.

Her mind began to drift as no answer came. There were countless volunteers scouring the woods for the wolves they'd believed were responsible for the killings of hikers. Her father and Harry were out there, possibly dead and Sloan had no clue, but to be consumed with absolute dread.

Or perhaps it was one of their pack brothers. She noted Embry and Paul were missing; their presence unaccounted for. 'Where were they?' She thought. 'Surely not them. Please don't be one of them.'

Every scenario was devastating in its own right; only leading her heart to wept for the loss of someone dear. A guiding presence to the lives they'd touched around them and even though no one had voiced their name; their loss was present. It lingered. It grew with each passing moment. Someone was gone and she had missed her chance of saying goodbye. Tears began to trail down her cheeks as muffled sobs became unbound from her lips.

Sam was the first to shallow his sorrow for a moment before finding the strength to mutter, "Harry's gone." Suddenly, it was as if the world had gone silent. Disbelief washed over the women as the news whelmed them.

"No." Emily shook her head as she wailed for it not to be true.

Sam's eyes glistened, "I'm so sorry."

It was Emily's weeping that struck them. The reality of the situation clicking. Harry Clearwater was dead. He was there for a moment and then he was gone.

Main Masterlist

Taglist: @scuzmunkie @magical-spit @thelastemzy @kammsinn @slowlyshycomputer @dilfsandtherapy @krabzine

[akariamai]

Man in the Suit

Pairing: Ban Joo-yeon x OC

Word Count: 2091

Their relationship didn't begin with a myriad of heartfelt symphonies, but rather in digestible sprints. There was no definitive moment that pushed them together. It just happened organically. Her first introduction to Ban Joo-yeon was nothing short of boring; a simple man who couldn't handle his liquor. All she knew was that he was a businessman. The new director of the strategic planning division for the Yongsung Department Store and a potential victim for her friend, Baek Su-jeong, the infamous 'Director Killer.'

"Help." Su-jeong said, in a strained voice, as her arms tottered from the weight of the intoxicated man she attempted to haul. The man was far gone, whisked away by the warmth of sake, and now he was rendered useless. Sleep kept him in a tight grasp and his body looked ready to drop if not given the necessary support. "He's slipping!"

Ha-eun hurried out of the car and caught the nearly unconscious man before he hit the sidewalk. "Who is he?" It wasn't the first time Su-jeong had called for a ride after a night out with co-workers, but it had never been this late and she had never seen this man before.

"The new director." She groaned as she watched her load him into the car. His body was unsteady; his limbs limp. He mumbled something under his breath. Ha-eun swore it sounded like 'chocolate milk.' She sent him a confused look before deciding it wasn't worth it.

Her first impression on the man was indifference. He was just a mumbling drunk in the back seat of her car that she’d help get home. He was meant to be a trivial thought; a man destined to be another victim of the ‘Director Killer,’ but somehow he became more than just a brief moment. He steadily trickled down into her life and carved a permanent space for himself into her heart.

The second time they met was completely accidental. Ha-eun was very fortunate enough that her job allowed her to have a lot of leeway that she was able to walk around whenever she felt like it. She had just bought a double chocolate latte from a small cafe and had found herself entranced with the figures a street vendor was selling. She didn't know when it happened, but she was surrounded by children.

"Let go. I had it first." She heard a man say from her right. He was close, but she didn't bother to look up from the cute chibi figurines of Frieren.

As she glanced over the figures one last time before deciding which one to get, she could listen to the argument between man and child right next to her.

"An adult should give it up."

"A child should be polite."

"I really want this one."

"I'm sure." The man agreed, before ranting, "You can't even get it outside of Korea no matter how much you pay. It's the space edition, but it was out on the streets. Of course, you want it. I admit you have good taste, but I need to have it, too."

Once she successfully purchased her figurine, she turned her head towards the commotion. The child was half the man's height. He wore a simple yellow shirt and jeans. The man was wearing formal attire: an expensive suit, tie, and dark shades. There was something about him that seemed familiar, but she couldn't quite tell from where. The two were currently trying to tug to box away from each other. It was almost comical seeing the two struggle for the collector's item.

"Mom, this man is weird!" The child yelled before looking around for their mother, who appeared to be absent, "Where did Mom go?"

The man was able to get the item out of the kid's grasp, but paused when Su-jeong came into the picture. 'When did she get here?' Ha-eun thought to herself. She hadn't seen her approach, but then again her attention was elsewhere.

"Director?" Su-jeong, holding onto a small paper in her hand, held an expression of confusion like she'd never thought to run into him around these parts. Ha-eun took a sip of her drink, while she tightly held the bag her figurine was in. "Ha-eun? What are you doing here-"

"How about you, Ms. Baek?"

"Shopping."

Ha-eun and Su-jeong's boss both replied at the same time.

"Are you following me or something?"

"No." She held out the paper and flipped it over, "I needed to pick up something. Are you buying that one?" Su-jeong eyed the box in his hand. "You must like toys."

"This isn't just a toy-"

"It's a highly sought after collector's item." Ha-eun mentioned as she took another sip of her drink, enjoying the soap opera play out in-front of her. It was obvious Su-jeong's boss felt embarrassed to have been nearly caught red-handed by his co-worker and Ha-eun knew the feeling.

Her school years were filled with hiding interests that were too out of the norm to save face. The older she's gotten, she wished her younger self would've chosen to ignore the opinions of others, but words cut deeper as a child.

"And this child wanted it so badly." He handed the box to the kid. Ha-eun could only see the back of his head, but even she could tell he was devastated uttering the next few sentences. " It's precious stuff. I'm getting it for him since he wants it so badly."

Su-jeong appeared to be stunned by his generosity before saying, "You're much sweeter than I thought." She bent down slightly when she turned the attention to the little boy, "You must be happy to receive the gift."

"But this man-" The child was about to clarify, but was interrupted by the man.

"Go on your way now. I don't want any unwanted interest."

"Okay." Plastered onto her face was an annoyed look. "I'll talk to you later, Ha-eun."

"Yeah." She didn't know what to say as Su-jeong walked away. The man pulled out his card with a shaky hand and unwillingly handed it over to the vendor.

Ha-eun took one look at the box and recognized it from another store. Before she could utter her realization, the man hugged the box, and in proximity, the kid, and kissed it goodbye.

He kept his head down as he walked in defeat, his steps slow and sluggish, granting her enough time to say, "I know where you can find another one."

The man came to an abrupt stop before rushing back towards her. "Where?" If it weren't for his shades, she knew all she would see was the desperation in his eyes. She gave him the address and number to the establishment before continuing on with her impromptu shopping trip.

Ha-eun thought it would be the last she would see of him, but fate clearly had other plans. Su-jeong would ask for a favor and somehow her boss, whom she later learned his name, Ban Joo-yeon, was close by. The more they saw one another in passing, the more curiosity began to bubble within them, leading to conversations in the dark.

Ban Joo-yeon, the pinnacle example of a perfect businessman, had secrets hidden in his closet. Secrets that must be expertly hidden from the press and especially his grandmother. His grandmother could never know he continued to be enthralled in hobbies seen as inappropriate for a man of this status. His mind should be solely drilled into the intricacies of the company and anything else was a mere distraction.

When his grandmother grew suspicious of him, Ha-eun and Su-jeong concocted a plan to move his stuff to Ha-eun's apartment. The spare room she'd often used as an office was able to hold the majority of his collectibles. They weren't able to move all of his stuff right away, but his grandmother became distracted by a picture frame and left believing she had uncovered his secret.

Once Ha-eun couldn't hear mumbling from the other side of the wall, she waited for a while until she felt the coast was clear, and emerged from his secret room. She found him kneeling down by shards of broken glass and a frame.

"You don't pick up the glass with your hands, you'll hurt yourself." Ha-eun warned, slowly creeping closer, but pausing unsure of what to do.

She watched as he turned it around, "You know my parents died in a car accident, right?" He didn't even bother to look at her, his eyes focused on the untouched family in the picture.

"We were on the way to an anime event. They were both busy, but I begged them because I wanted to go. That's when we got into an accident on the way. I survived because of them, they died because of me. My grandmother indeed lost her only son because of me, so I decided to make it up for her. To become the person she wants and replace my father."

"Joo-yeon-" The words became stuck in her throat as he stood up and faced her.

"But even after that, I still couldn't give up on my joy. The next volume of my favorite cartoon, and the band's new song and show. I needed things like that to look forward to tomorrow. Even though no one loved me, I felt fulfilled. That's why I hold on to them. A reminder of when I was really happy."

"You looked really happy, then." She took a small glimpse at the photo. A snapshot to days long since passed, but still treasured. "I want you to continue to be happy."

He looked at it with immense emotions. "I like you." He confessed, "I've hidden things I liked for a long time, but I don't want to do that with you. You make things feel lighter and even if you don't feel the same way, I just wanted to say I like you so much, Ha-eun. Thank you for today."

His confession echoes in her mind. They were two souls that found solace with one another; incomplete without the other. They'd grown to be friends and were slowly turning into something more. Her legs began to function again, her heart ready to bounce out of her chest as her lips met his, and they shared a blissful kiss. It soothed her erratic heart, knowing he wanted her the same way she did, it was riveting.

It seemed like nothing could spoil their euphoria. It had been months since the two lovers who grew comfortable with each other, but with comfort-ability leads to miscalculations and blunders. For them, it came in the form of a person with a camera, secretly taking pictures of the two, money burning in their eyes.

The tabloids ripped her being apart, tore apart the things she loved about herself, there were no kind words sent her way. She was called names such as gold digger, money-hungry hag, and status hopper. They released her name for all to see, uncovered her job as a small business owner, called her business an absolute failure, and dug deep into her history.

Although the tabloids didn't strike Joo-yeon in the same way it did her, it sent his grandmother into a whirlwind. She revoked his job as director, spilled words never meant to be heard, kicked him out of the company, and sent him packing. There was nothing he could do to change her stubborn mind. The image he tried so hard to uphold wasn't enough. He simply wasn't enough.

He stood on her doorstep, dejected and abandoned, "I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you." He sniffled, "I didn't think it'd be like this. Not for you."

Ha-eun pulled him into a hug, "I'm okay." The words cut deep. Deeper than she cared to admit, but she knew he wasn't at fault. "Are you?"

"No." He sounded so broken. "I don't know what to do."

"Let's go inside." She suggested. It was no use standing around outside her apartment door where her neighbors could interrupt. She didn't want others to see him so vulnerable, adding more to the flames of their predicament, "I have tea."

"Okay." He agreed.

She released him from her hold. Her hand holding his as she pulled him inside. They made their way to her couch. "I'm sorry about the trouble I caused." His life was in ruins because of their relationship.

"She shouldn't get to dictate who I love or not." Joo-yeon said, "I'll survive. I just don't want anything the tabloids publish to get to you. You're wonderful. Beautiful. Intelligent. Those are the words that should've been published instead of that smear campaign."

"It wasn't your fault." He established once again. "I wouldn't change it for the world if it meant I could love you in public. They only care because I was going to be the head of the company, but they'll forget once grandma's found a replacement."

"Well, you can stay here as long as you want?" Ha-eun offered. "And you wouldn't have to hide yourself anymore either."

"Can I?"

She brushed a stray hair that fell from his face, "Of course. I want you here."

"Thank you." He whispered, stroking her face, unable to believe he was lucky enough to be chosen by her.

She smiled up at him before giving him a peck. "We'll figure this out together."

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[akariamai]

Heartache

Pairing: Park Hu-min x OC

Word Count: 1282

There was once a time where their happiness was infectious even strangers were able to see love blossoming from the other. They'd send loving gaze to the other when the other wasn't looking. Anyone within watching distance could taste the sweetness they held for one another. Two kids learning the meaning of love and all of its complexities. Love was convoluted and life had the tendency to wreck the foundations of even the strongest relationships when luck ran out.

The beginning of the end came in the form of an old friend. The name Na Baek-jin had left Hu-min with a gaping wound that hadn't even begun to scar. With Baek-jin's reappearance in their lives came chaos. It came in waves and at first, it was easy to laugh off.

Bruised knuckles and cracked smiles became a new staple in their relationship. Baek-jin's reach didn't have the necessary pull to rattle their love and de-root it from their small plot, but every scrape and thrash was one step closer to their breaking point.

So he sent his underlings, teenage boys with too much time and not enough sense, to hunt them down like prey and pummel them to the ground. They would strike when they'd be separated and the end of school was the perfect time. Ha-rin and Hu-min went to two different schools: Bugil Girl's High School and Eunjang High School.

It was exhausting, but Baku refused to allow any of them to touch Ha-rin. He would run from his school to hers in a panic. He feared the day he was even a millisecond too late and they'd reach her first. It was his nightmare scenario that was far too real for his liking. He knew the members of Baek-jin's gang, the Union, wouldn't pull their punches if they'd caught her. It was a punishment meant for him; for every moment he stopped the Union from obtaining Eunjang High School into its ranks.

As the days began to blur into weeks, and the couple had gathered a sort of rhythm to their new normal, was when the Union decided to pounce. They set their sights on much smaller prey, but their alternative target would still leave the same impact; generate the same penetrating dread to allow Hu-min's mind to build upon his own nightmares.

Go Hyun-tak hadn't known the dangers that lurked in the shadows nor of the monster behind the dangerous smile. Go Hyun-tak fought with all his might as Union members witnessed their bogeyman thrash him to the ground, thankful his sights weren't on them. They flinched at his needless stomping. A deafening snap came from the boy in white, now soaked in maroon, followed by his wordless cries.

There was a helpless plea in Hu-min's eyes as he gazed at his friend lying still in the hospital. Guilt flowed out of him as his eyes remained on the bandage covering the bridge of his nose, covering a deep gash, and the cast guarding his knee.

It was like there was a fire simmering in his heart, constantly building as he eyed all of the visible injuries of his friend. His tone was harsh, almost unrecognizable to the uproarious personality, "I should've been there."

Ha-rin watched almost helplessly as his eyes, once filled with a spark so bright it outshone the sun, now dulled. She had no words in her arsenal to cease the tension, so she chose to offer him a comforting hand. She reached for his hand and kissed the recuperating scabs over his knuckles.

The days that followed were hard for Ha-rin as she noted how Hu-min began to pull himself into knots. The weight of the Union hung over him like a dumbbell being held by a deteriorating string, ready to snap at any moment. The Union still lingered only adding to more worry for Hu-min when Hyun-tak was released from the hospital. He couldn't be at two places at once, even if he'd joked about being the Flash at one point, and leaving one of the two most important people in his life vulnerable to the Union's ambushes.

"You can't keep doing this." There was no joy in his eyes, just an unbearable responsibility of two. "You're tearing yourself apart." He was drained more often than not. His faux enthusiasm was visible to everyone and he was tearing apart in the way Baek-jin and the Union wanted.

"I have to." It wasn't a want, but a need. Failure was too precarious. He yearned to preserve the smiles of his lover and friend, even at the cost of his own.

Ha-rin's own heart bled for the boy she loved. She couldn't be a mere spectator of his fall into despair. Someone had to lessen his load and she refused to allow him to let go of his best friend. She drank every inch of his face like it would be her last; solidified it into a detailed memory and relished in their last moments as a couple.

She sighed, "I'm tired, Hu-min." She was exhausted, but not at him. Never at him. She did, however, need to sell it; make it realistic enough for Hu-min to not ask questions and to let her go without a fuss.

She made sure to call him by his name. Give him a chance to digest the severity of the conversation before breaking his heart. Her appearance would help as prominent eye bags now resided on her face. Her usually meticulous hair was disheveled in the wake of another brawl.

"I don't think I can do this anymore."

He flinched, as though she threw him a bag full of burning coals, while the color drained from his face. Tears began to shimmer in his eyes as he asked in a desperate whisper, "Can't do what?"

It needed to be simple, straightforward, and unfeeling. She ingrained the details of him before dismantling everything they'd built brick by brick. She bit back the sorrow in her voice, "Let's break up." It sounded the right kind of certainty.

"Why?" He sounded wounded and her heart wrenched at the sight. She felt a numbness infiltrate her body as she watched the dolour oozed out of him. For a second, it made her rethink her plan, but chose to swallow back the words. It was already done. The stage was set, she just needed to finish before her tears could make an appearance.

Perhaps in another life and another time, they would've worked. Hu-min wouldn't have to overextend himself to care for her, but this life wasn't merciful. "We're just too different." The phrase was laughable as she'd once said their differences were the heart of their relationship, now it was the nail to their coffin.

The words crammed together, "But I love you." It was a desperate plea to stay as his passion poured out of his bleeding heart. It was the first time he uttered the words and it only made it more tragic.

In another time, she would've rejoiced, instead she recoiled. She knew the words that would burn a scar to his heart, to ingrain her as his first broken heart, even if it killed her voice.

I love you. Were the words she wanted to say, to wipe away the hurt she'd forced onto him, instead she said, "I don't love you." She didn't give him time to absorb her words, she simply left. She couldn't bear witness of his heartache and she couldn't allow him to see hers.

It was for the better. She thought bitterly. He'll forget all about her with the Union around and he'll be able to keep Hyun-tak safe. She wouldn't be his burden anymore.

Main Masterlist

[akariamai]

Romeo & Juliet (Part 10)

Pairing: Jacob Black x OC!Swan

Word Count: 2354

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13

Sam took the time to explain the magic in their veins. How a vampire or a group of vampires come to town and stay for some time and their presence activates their genes. They were born to protect the tribe; born to fight the cold ones. Their transformation came with responsibilities that usually bled into their normal lives.

"You don't have to worry about vampires anymore. We'll protect you." Sam had noticed her becoming visibly more anxious when he spoke about vampires. It was evident why. Her first encounter–not counting the Cullens–had left permanent mental scars that would probably never leave her.

Emily had recounted the night she and Kim had found her wandering the empty road in a daze. Sloan had been mentally and physically exhausted. Her arm was broken in a clean fashion. She had been wandering alone for a while.

"You don't have to worry about that vampire anymore." He continued, watching Jacob reach over to hold her hand, "We killed him that day."

Sloan looked bewildered at the thought, pretending not to notice the warmth of Jacob's skin, "He didn't hurt you, did he?" The question was directed to all of the wolves. There were no subtle jabs to their strength, only genuine worry, the wolves found it enduring.

She recalled the vampire's inhumane strength. His maneuver that led the black wolf, one of the people in-front of her, to crash into a tree. It was a petrifying sight, a wolf the size of a horse flying through the air like it weighed absolutely nothing, and it was recovering like it was nothing at all.

Embry beamed, "We heal insanely fast. Nothing can keep us down for too long." He pretended to show off the muscles in his arms.

"Besides," Jared interjected, "We have each other to watch our backs. You have nothing to worry about." He gently patted her head.

"We were made for this." Jacob added, slightly caressing her hand, "We were made to deal with them." There was a slight venom to his voice, not towards her, but towards his mortal enemies. "We'll protect you." His voice sent butterflies to invade her stomach. It wasn't a promise of protection, but an assertion he fully intended to keep.

Emily watched as the boys–her boys–packed around Sloan. Their wolves unconsciously affirm her place in the pack. She had seen this behavior with Kim and herself. They needed to acquaint themselves with Sloan's scent. She was part of the pack now, even if she didn't know it yet. "They appreciate the worry though."

"We do want you to be careful. There's another vampire roaming around. It keeps coming back no matter how many times we've chased her away." Sam didn't reveal it to scare her, but it was information she needed to know. "We don't know what she's after."

Sloan thought back to when she stared down a vampire without even knowing it. His blood red eyes pierced through her being. He had said something to Bella in his elongated speech before he broke her arm, but what was it?

He must've said something important during his lengthy ramble. All she had to do was think. Remove the fear, recall his words. He kept them alive for a reason; a taunt perhaps or a selfish release of guilt.

He referred to it as a mercy kill; explained he was feeling generous and would put an end to Bella. She shook her head. That wasn't it. She had to dig deeper, pushing passed images she'd rather forget. This was important to push herself. She just had to reach deeper in her mind.

She thought in the way the vampire spoke to Bella. He was stunned to have happened across her in the woods like it was by chance. He spoke about her–whoever she was–not being happy with the Cullens, specifically Edward and suddenly it clicked. Her eyes widened as she whispered, "Bella."

Her whisper garnered the attention of the others. "She's after Bella. The Cullens, they did something, killed someone and it pissed them off. They want to kill Bella as an act of revenge."

An eye for an eye, mate for a mate.

The guys pondered on the information, unsure of what to do. She watched as they all turned towards each, waiting for another pack member to ask.

"Are you sure?" Sam asked.

Sloan nodded, "Positive. The vampire, he said so, before he broke my arm. I didn't piece it together then, I thought he was talking in riddles. But the Cullens killed someone important to her. A mate."

"He didn't hunt us down. He stumbled upon us by chance. He was tasked to get a lay on the land, but he found us instead. He said it would be merciful." She explained.

Paul let out a guffaw, "Just another problem we have to fix."

Jacob just watched her in absolute devotion like he was mesmerized by her. He wasn't acting like the others, who wore worried expressions, instead he looked captivated. "You're amazing, Sloan." He muttered.

Red infiltrated her cheeks as all the attention was on her. She had pieced together their problem without a hitch. She had done so all on her own. She didn't have to share anything with them, but that's the type of person she was; helpful, generous, gentle. She didn't deserve to be forced into this world, but something kept tugging her closer and she couldn't quite put it into words. She was never meant to be this close to the supernatural, but somehow with the pack she felt more at home.

Sam thanked her before lending a helping hand to Emily. He carefully handled each muffin before placing it in an unused donut box. She counted them carefully, ensuring a dozen were in each box, before closing it.

"I know this is a lot to process. Trust me, I was in your shoes before." Emily said softly, "But we really need to start heading out. Kim's fundraiser is about to start and I want to make sure all the muffins get there uneaten."

Sloan was one of the first to stand up from her seat. The others followed suit shortly after except for one: Jared. She saw how love-struck he became once Kim's name was spoken. It was like her name spell-bound him to his seat. She could see all the love he carried for her and only her.

She hoped one day she'd find that type of love. She wanted someone to daydream of her when she wasn't near and get excited at the mere thought of seeing her. It was the type of love that was rare. Golden. Magnificent. A once in a lifetime happenstance.

There was still a warmth wrapped around her hand. A connection so intricate she couldn't quite put into words. Jacob hadn't let go of her hand and for that she was grateful. She didn't know if she'd collapse if he pulled away. He drew thoughts that were buried deep into her psyche; towed emotions that spurred in her stomach banishing any uncertainty of the situation she'd found herself in.

It was akin to being transported into a disparate world with outward similarities, but it adhered to specific rules solely meant for one. However, it wasn't a different world. It only felt like one. She was stuck learning rules she hadn't known existed, but somehow it felt manageable.

She wasn't stuck shouldering everything on her own, she wasn't stuck replaying scenarios to try to distinguish if they were real or not, she wasn't kicked to the curb. Instead she was welcomed with open arms even if the secrets were not meant for her and Jacob's presence was refreshing in the world she found herself in. He kept her anchored without even knowing it.

She found herself not wanting to separate her hand from his and some part of her wished to always be able to hold his hand, but Emily needed help and the boys had gone off to change into something more suitable for the occasion.

She hesitantly released it, her hand falling to her side, as an emptiness began to form and his warmth began to fade. Her hand was becoming cold and she found herself craving to reach for it again, but stilled herself instead.

When she was finally able to control her body, she forced herself to help Emily with the boxes. Emily had two muffin-filled boxes in her hands and there were many boxes that needed to be carried. She picked up two that were closest to her, noting how Jacob stayed firmly at her side. He lugged around four boxes in close proximity to her.

"Are you sure you want to take that many?" Sloan asked. Sam had explained their increased strength, but strength means nothing in the face of gravity. Emily had worked hard to make those muffins from scratch and she'd be destroyed if four of those boxes fell onto the ground.

Jacob laughed, "This is a piece of cake."

He strutted around with the boxes, his foot getting caught on one of the chair's legs, and tumbled forward. The scene felt like it was in slow motion for a second before he caught himself and the muffins.

"Jacob!" Emily shrieked.

He recovered, showing the boxes were unharmed, before saying, "Ta-da!" He let out one of the biggest smiles she had ever seen filled with so much faux innocence.

Sloan let out several giggles.

"What did I tell ya!"

"Please be careful." Emily sent a worrying glance at Jacob.

"Sorry, Em."

"You were almost defeated by a chair." Sloan let out as more giggles followed.

He beamed trying to contain his own laughter before pointing out, "But I wasn't. I reigned supreme."

Sloan added, "Must not be that strong or powerful if a chair can almost take you out."

"It sneak attacked me." Jacob retorted. "I was ambushed."

"All I'm hearing is excuses."

The rest of the boys returned dressed accordingly for the fundraiser. Sam quietly took the boxes from Emily's hands while the others gathered the rest of the boxes.

The boys were the first ones out of the cabin. "We're going walking." Emily told her, "Let's hope all the muffins make it to the fundraiser. The boys have big appetites."

"Really?" Sloan asked.

"Being wolves takes a lot out of them." She explained, "They burn a lot of calories. That's why most of them have a second dinner at my house. It's easier than explaining away their powers."

"Do their parents not know?" Sloan knew that almost all of the boys were still teenagers even with their large build. She would've thought their parents would still be informed about their new responsibilities. It was the tribe after all.

Emily shook her head, "Not all. Some aren't lucky enough to have their guardians be a member of the tribal council."

"Oh." She didn't know what else to say. She could never imagine holding back a crucial part of herself from her father. Being wolves had become a pivotal part of who the boys were and to be shrouded with secrecy must've been harrowing. It was something she would never understand. Her life, if her sister decided not to pursue a vampire, would've remained relatively untouched.

Kim's fundraiser was being held at the Akalat Center. It was a big rustic building with several cars parked in the parking lot. She had never been inside the building before. It had served as a gymnasium for the tribal school, but now it was used for providing free services such as memorials, fundraisers, and potlatches.

Sloan just followed behind the guys as they strolled through the building. They led her into a large room where tables were still being set up with handmade wooden carvings, woven baskets, and fish lures. Everyone smiled at the group before continuing to piece together their stations. The guys gently placed the boxes onto one of the empty tables when someone called out for their attention.

"Guys, you're here!" A lean figure sprinted towards them. Their footsteps echoing throughout the room. Jared held out his arms, bracing himself for the impact, as the figure crashed into him. He quickly spun them around in his arms laughing.

Paul pretended to be nauseous at the sight while Sam and Emily continued to set the table to look more pleasing. The others outright ignored the demonstrative sight.

Once Jared stopped spinning the girl, she turned to the others, "I'm so glad you guys are here! It's been so busy. I feel like throwing up, but also a bit excited? Strangely, enough. I hope everything goes according to plan. It needs to be perfect."

Sloan barely recognized the girl, Kim Connweller, the girl who also saved her that night. Kim brought a sense of joy to everyone around her, even to strangers like herself. She just radiated happiness and excitement.

When Kim noticed her in the background, she stopped immediately, her form shifting from lively to attentive. "Sloan." She said her name more as a sympathetic whisper. "You're here."

"My dad wanted to help out." Sloan word vomited. Why did I say that? She cursed herself for having a Bella moment. Bella's awkwardness came in full swing for Sloan. She wanted the world to swallow her up right then and there.

"We brought her here." Emily added.

"Well, I'm glad you're here." She clapped before moving close to her, "Have you tried Emily's muffins? They are divine." Kim acted like they've been friends for a while. She chose to ignore the elephant in the room and for that Sloan was grateful.

Kim effortlessly spoke about Emily's superior baking skills. How she would sometimes read stories to the younger members of the tribe. There was a certain air around Kim that made Sloan feel mellow. It was like their souls were intertwined together in some way. Kindred spirits, of sorts, it was nothing like she felt with Bella, it was somehow more deeper than that, but she could chalk it up to their failing connection; but whatever it was felt right.

Main Masterlist

Taglist: @scuzmunkie @magical-spit @thelastemzy @kammsinn @slowlyshycomputer @dilfsandtherapy

[akariamai]

Two Years After

Pairing: Go Hyun-tak x OC

Word Count: 2419

There was no guide for how to live again after surviving the zombie apocalypse for four days straight. There were no books to help lessen the agony of losing bonds with people forged from sheer survival. There was no one to turn to when the journey to safety was snatched by the very people who came to rescue them.

No one spoke about the painstaking ache that followed, of the memories that burrow deep into the mind unrelenting in its hold, of the dead continuously appearing in her dreams. Dreams that resembled pleasant daydreams only to awaken in a never-ending nightmare.

When Ji-a, the lone survivor, followed the train tracks in a mindless haze. All she knew was to traverse to the next city and there waiting on the train tracks were soldiers aiming their weapons towards her. They barked orders at her, to drop her weapon, she almost didn't. She couldn't. It had become her lifeline. Her only connection to her friends, yet they stole that away from her.

As she grew closer to the border, weapon in-hand, there was a part of her that wanted them to shoot. She wanted them to end her misery. She had lost everything to make it to safety, but now it seemed pointless. Her friends were dead. The boy she loved was dead.

Since she was found wearing the uniform of Hyosan High School, what had become known as ground zero in the years that followed, the military's immediate action was to interrogate her. They asked her questions about her science teacher, Lee Byeong-chan, the creator of the virus, and his behavior before.

There was nothing beneficial she could say. No words they'd want to hear. All she wanted to do was curse them for leaving them behind. To unleash her unfiltered rage for knowingly leaving them on that rooftop; for giving them false hope and later bombing the school not knowing if they had managed to escape or not.

They left her alone once they'd realized she wasn't going to cooperate and then placed her in one of the many cells in their poorly established refugee camp, a repurposed prison. The survivors were forced to quarantine for six months.

Reporters flooded in the first chance they got. Forcing cameras and microphones on unsuspecting survivors only trying to be the first to get the details of how drastic things became in such a short time. They were probing for specifics not shown in the assorted videos broadcasted before cell service was completely disabled.

Once they caught wind of her survival, she was hounded by several news stations hungry for her account of the apocalypse. At first, she refused to. The wound was too fresh. The memories too raw. She didn't want the world to gorge itself on the most vulnerable version of herself and skewed versions of her deceased friends.

But the vultures wouldn't leave her alone and the nights were too prolonged for the memories to indelibly stick. She needed to utter their silent successes, their detrimental losses, their muted sorrow. It wouldn't be for the thousands of eyes it would inherently entertain, but to keep their memories alive in her mind.

Perhaps it was selfish, but she couldn't allow herself to forget their last moments. She didn't want her memories to blur themselves together as her mind attempted to shield her. She didn't want their memories to slip as life moved on. It needed to be tangible.

As time swift by and the anniversary of the tragedy came and went, Ji-a remained stagnant. The government found adequate accommodations to continue her schooling and now she found herself stuck in a place that reminded her of there.

Eunjang High School didn't have the best reputation. It was shrouded with whispers of their students being juvenile delinquents, but she paid them no mind. She was haunted by something far darker.

Her mind refused to erase the images of the blood-soaked hallway filled with half-eaten corpses–some resembling faces of the innocent and others were eaten beyond recognition–but the smell of rotten human flesh always lingered. Even now, she could swear she could smell decomposing human flesh coming from the walls of the school. She chose to bury herself in her studies; a mirage of her former self.

Ji-a flipped through her notes for the class after. Parts were smeared with various highlights over important details. Her head snapped forward when the sliding door grind opened and their history teacher stepped in.

The class became silent in the same way a dial was steadily turned down and when the teacher deemed it quiet enough to begin, they called everyone to come forward and turn on their cell phones. The teacher watched with eyes that reminded her of a hawk.

Some of her classmates clung to their phones, one even kissing it before unwillingly parting, others lingered in the background, adding a few extra seconds with their only lifeline, but a tenacious wave of deja vu engulfed her mind.

She inhaled before her mind reminded her the apocalypse had begun the same way. The blurring faces of teenagers she once knew, momentarily, begrudgingly handing in their cell phones, was a sight she had begun to accept. Her new peers acted the same way; delivering brief farewells and silent promises of return. It was all the same and she just had to bear it for another year or so.

Ji-a picked herself up from her desk, leaving behind her notes littered on her desk, her phone in hand, and slipped it into the clear pocket with her name taped onto the top. She exhaled before returning back to her seat.

Her teacher double checked the models of each phone, rummaging through their memories of specific details belonging to each object, before bobbing their head in satisfaction. They closed the case before calling over the class president to turn it in to the office. Once the class president had returned, a boy she never took note of, the class officially began.

"I know today feels off..." The teacher began, dismissing the usual greetings, "And that it'll be difficult to work during the anniversary of the events that happened two years ago. I know the world still remains dumbfounded for the scientific revelations and the sunken affliction it had imprinted on South Korea."

"But I thought we could watch the documentary to comprehend the effects it had left behind in both the way our government reacts and the way society has changed." Her teacher sent her a knowing look and her heart sank. Dread filled her at the thought of seeing everyone consume to tragedy that felt her scarred.

No one said a word because the memory was too fresh, not even the class clown was able to manage a forced smile, the room itself was tense. Ji-a could feel the walls closing in on her as the teacher switched the projector on.

Its light shone an image of the man responsible in front of what was once Hyosan High School. It was an early picture, his frown lines hadn't come in, more the eye bags she had come to notice near the end, but it was him all the same.

The documentary showed snippets of what was pieced together by journalists; bits and pieces of his childhood, his distaste of bullies, his marriage, his son and the shared experience with bullies. It uncovered his son's suicide attempt and the failed system of Hyosan High School. Familiar names were shown on screen: Yoon Gwi-nam, Son Myeong-hwan, Chang-hoon, and Kim Hyeon-ji.

She was vaguely familiar with these names. Everyone in school knew to stay away from them. The boys were, at the time, a grade above her own, and Kim Hyeon-ji was the only one she shared a class with. The girl's role would grow in the documentary. Surviving police and hospital documents painted a picture of Hyeon-ji being patient zero.

She remembered Hyeon-ji stumbling into class while Lee Su-hyeok tried, and failed, to recite the words Ji-a had recently stated. Blood dripped from her nose, her clothes in disarray, and her mind disoriented. None of them knew it then, but the end for many of them was near.

Then an interview with the arresting police officer Song Jae-ik came on-screen. He spoke about his opportunity interviewing Mr. Lee. How he created the serum for the survival of his child. The world had failed his son, let his tormentors go without punishment, and created the serum as a last ditch effort to save his son. It didn't matter that his son could become a monster, the world was already monstrous enough.

"At the time, I didn't understand why he was so fixated on the girl." Jae-ik admitted, "And once it clicked, it was already too late. The streets were overrun with them and so was the police station."

"I'm not saying he was a good man, but he wasn't an evil one either. He hadn't meant to create a world-ending serum. He only wanted to protect his son."

His interview ended with a curt, "He saved me life."

The documentary showcased the government, their response, and the response of the people outside the city. A clip of a couple of YouTuber's pretending to spread mass-hysteria by pretending to be zombies in areas outside of the affected area. Their 'apology' video also made its debut; showing the lack of remorse and lack of clarity of the situation.

"In times like these, people thought it was a well-crafted prank. I mean, who wouldn't? Zombies were supposed to be left in fiction. Stories that held no meaning in our reality. And then, realistic videos of different and unconnected accounts popped up on social media. The Korean government intervened and it was suddenly real." One of the working police phone operators said.

It went on for another thirty minutes, interviews of other survivors aired, and no one had said a word. They were too encapsulated with what they were hearing. They hadn't had to live through those events. They watched through a silver screen, but she lived it. She survived the real horrors of those long jaded days.

Then a face so familiar appeared on-screen that many of her classmates sent her a pitiful glance. There she was, a glimpse of her broken soul and glassy eyes, as she announced her name to the world.

The interviewer said, "I heard you were with a group for quite a while. Can you tell us a little bit more about that?"

"We all managed to find ourselves in our classroom. Su-hyeok and I arrived at the classroom last. We climbed through to the window using a ladder and his friends pulled us inside."

"We found a phone in one of our classmates' backpacks and called the cops. We made the mistake of telling them it was zombies and they never came." Ji-a said, "So, Nam On-jo called the fire department and said there was a fire at the school."

The interview continued and with every word she spoke, Ji-a wanted the world to swallow her up. Names she hadn't heard came pulsing back; details she had desperately tried to forget moved to the forefront of her mind.

Breathe in. Breathe out. She tried, but her lungs were refusing to cooperate. She couldn't tell how long she remained seated.

"We saw helicopters off in the distance, so the others held onto hope we were going to be rescued. I knew we wouldn't last in the recording studio. We didn't have food or water if we didn't move."

She needed it to end. Why would they showcase so much of her interview?

"We thought they were there for us. We were so happy we were about to be rescued, but we were wrong. They weren't there for us. They had a mission to complete and when it was, they left." Ji-a added, "They left us on that rooftop. They snatched back the hope they gave us. A day later they bombed the school."

Ji-a stood up and walked out of the classroom. She couldn't bear to hear any more. To watch her tear-eyed face for everyone else to consume. It was too much, too soon. No one bothered to call out to her and maybe it was for the best.

She heard a muffled scrape of the door. Her ears felt like they were underwater, "Ji-a." It was like the ghosts of her friends were calling her, wailing why she had let them die. "Ji-a." She gripped her uniform in a tight grasp as she tried to steady her breathing.

"Ji-a." A face appeared in-front of her own, not one of the ghosts that lingered, but a living person. She only knew him from class, Go Hyun-tak.

"You need to breathe." His hands hesitated to touch her shaking body. "Breathe in." She did. "Breathe out."

His fingertips lightly brushed her trembling shoulders, allowing her to pull away if she so chose to. "You're okay, You're here." He whispered with a softness she had never heard before. "You're here with me."

"Why didn't they take us?" Her voice cracked as tears began to fall. The weight of all the unanswered questions came rolling back. "Why'd they leave us?"

"I don't know." He pulled her against his chest.

"Why couldn't I die?" She cried harder. The feelings she felt that day resurfaced once again. She thought she had laid her unresolved feelings to rest, but it had somehow snuck up on her. "Why did it have to be me?"

"Don't say that."

She ignored him, "Why?" It was a question that haunted her. A question that never let her rest.

Hyun-tak didn't reply. She felt him pull her closer as her head felt like it was split open. There was so much ache that had been left building for quite some time and the events today created the perfect storm to overwhelm her.

It had been two long years since and it still gnawed at her being. The facade she tried to portray shattered and the guilt still clung to her. It felt like there was no escape. The feelings she had once tried to bury came back with such intensity it tangibly hurt.

Main Masterlist

[akariamai]

Battle Wound

Pairing: Kim Geon-woo x OC

Word Count: 3361

Mornings were always a pain for Ha-yun. Her body laid curled up in the comfort of her blankets refusing to budge even an inch to silence the alarm blaring all throughout the room. There were times where she'd hear her next-door neighbors bang on the walls in an attempt to coax her to awaken. It continued to sound as she burrowed her face further into her pillow.

She and her alarm clock were in an intense and never-ending battle that'll last until her lungs could no longer breathe or when her stomach grumbled louder than her need for sleep. Just as she was about to fall back into the land of dreams, her consciousness loosening, another more pressing ring rudely awakened her.

She let out a lengthy groan, unwillingly lifted her head from her bed, sending a deathly glare at her ringing phone. She hastily reached for her phone, not bothering to check the caller ID prior to asking in a hoarse tone, "What?"

There was a voice that came through, it sounded a bit muffled, it didn't help that her alarm clock was still roaring, "You haven't turned off your alarm clock?"

Annoyance filled her being as she weakly reached over to shut up her clock. "What do you think?" She hissed. She never understood how some people gathered enough energy to willingly wake up at the crack of dawn. To her, it was a sanctuary she was always unwilling to leave and anyone who would forcefully remove her from her haven was considered an enemy until she drank her morning green tea. "Why are you calling so early?"

There was a silent pause, so silent she could feel herself slipping back into unconsciousness, her mind conjuring the image of Geon-woo quietly checking the time. A trifling sense of disbelief was intertwined in his voice, "It's only ten in the morning."

"It's too early." She stated. She didn't want much in life, but decent sleep.

"I'm bored." Geon-woo whined.

She let out a long jagged sigh, "Then train. Aren't you supposed to be training?" Her head somehow found its way back onto her pillow, her eyes fluttering as sleep steadily began to drag her back to slumber, the grip on her phone loosening.

"I can't. The gym is closed." He admitted, his voice riddled with blatant disappointment even she could distinguished in her state, "The employees are quarantining."

It was as if all drowsiness left her body as she shot up from her bed, an audible snap echoed from her back, followed by an overwhelming ache. Her arm instinctively reached back to clench her shirt. "Do I have to quarantine?"

In recent days, she had visited the gym Geon-woo likes to train in. Had she been infected by the virus? Does she need to call her boss and let him know she has to quarantine even though she hasn't felt any symptoms? She had tried to be careful and to have possibly caught the disease was a devastating blow.

Geon-woo's voice was frantic, "No! No, Su-jin said we should be fine. They're just being careful."

She let out an exhausting wheeze, "Oh," before a yawn escaped from her lips. She pressed the speaker icon before placing her phone onto her bed, beginning to stretch out her arms, careful not to push her back to its limits. She had done this song and dance before and every time it left her feeling more drained.

"Now that you're awake..." He began, a tinge of amusement slipped through the call, "How about we meet up?" I want you to meet someone."

Ha-yun arched a brow at the thought of Geon-woo meeting someone in some capacity. The thing about Geon-woo was that he was unusually busy to the point where making friends was off the table. He worked a myriad of odd jobs to help his mother financially keep the family cafe afloat. It was a small cozy place that was hit hard by the ramifications of the pandemic just like another other small business. The pandemic had led to little to no foot traffic.

"Meet who?" She questioned, her bare feet now touching the coolness of the floor below. Mornings were her greatest enemy, right next to hunger; it should be a crime to be woken up so early.

He brushed over the question, "Just a friend."

Her stomach rumbled in dismay, "Yeah, but who?" In not one of the conversations they had had in-person, call, or text had he ever mentioned meeting anyone before. Not a single time and granted, it had been a while since they were able to spend time together in-person, but they'd still texted semi-frequently.

"It's a boxer." He said.

She unconsciously nodded despite knowing he couldn't see her movement. That makes sense. She knew Geon-woo had the tendency to be polite to a fault. After every match, if he had the funds to, he'd typically invite his opponents or opponents to an inexpensive celebratory meal.

His opponents, however, confuse his generosity with unabashedly parading his victory. They'd become irked by his genuine generosity and to learn someone had taken the time to realize he wasn't mocking them was relieving. Someone had finally seen he wasn't flaunting his wins, but genuinely wanted connection with others in the sport they loved.

"Okay." She agreed, knowing she would probably hate herself later on into the day. Although, all she had planned today was sleeping in and ordering food, her plans were already foiled.

She moved towards her dresser, its top cluttered with scattered makeup, hair accessories, and other small ornaments. She carelessly opened the first drawer, disturbing the items on top, filled to the brim with her everyday shirts.

"Great!" She heard as his delight was so pronounced as it stream-lighted in every syllable he spoke. She paused for a moment to process the way he sounded: oddly elated. His new friend must've made quite the impression to get him to sound so excited.

He continued, "I'll send you the address. I'm currently going to his place right now. I'll see you there!"

"Yeah, okay." She said walking with clothes draped over her arm before hearing the call cut off.

It was about an hour and a half when she found herself standing in front of a rundown apartment building. There were visible cracks that could be seen from the ground floor. They weren't too big, but still noticeable. The paint that used to be white had long since faded into a dirty creamish color.

She pulled out her phone to glance at the last two messages Geon-woo had sent her; the first contained the address of said apartment complex and the other was a measly 'we're on the roof.'

If it had been anyone other then Geon-woo than she would've just gone home. It was a bit sketchy and it felt like a scene from a horror movie where a character was lured to their death.

Upon entering the apartment complex, her gaze fell upon a small paper sign taped onto the doors of the elevator. As she grew closer, she was able to read the blocky letters: Not working, use stairs.

Dammit. She groaned. Was it too late to go home? The apartment complex had so many floors, meaning so many stairs. She should've just rejected the invitation and stayed curled up in bed. She didn't sign up for excessive and unnecessary exercise.

She sighed before gathering what little strength she had and began her rigorous journey to the rooftop. Climbing stairs upon stairs was an exhausting feat. The muscles on her legs were screaming, she heaved heavily trying to intake as much air as possible, and she knew the soreness of her body would be too real in the morning after.

She lost track of time as she forced her body to continue. As far she knew, it could've been hours since she'd attempted to climb each and every stairs in the complex. She could die there. Geon-woo better have brought food, she only brewed her green tea before arriving, and her stomach was not happy. She needed substance.

When she finally saw light at the end of the, what seemed to be endless, tunnel she let out a relieved sigh. Only a few more steps. She could hear incoherent mumbles as she drew closer to the top of the stairs.

As the tips of her fingers grazed the knob on the door, she heard a man ask in a whining voice, "And when is your friend arriving? The food is almost ready?"

"She'll be here soon." There was a bit of certainty in Geon-woo's voice that almost made her turn around only to prove him wrong, but the aroma of cooking noodles was too much to leave behind.

She pushed the door open, quietly surprised it didn't creak, before announcing, "I'm here! And starving!"

Both men, who were seated on random weathered chairs, turned in absolute surprise. They had vastly different expressions plastered onto their faces.

There was a familiar softness in Geon-woo's eyes even when they were filled with bewilderment. His head was slightly tilted, almost like a cutesy dumbstruck puppy. He had the whole look down to the finest details.

His friend's expression was a different story. His eyes were wide, his mouth agape as if he let out a silent shriek, his cheeks flushed crimson red. His arms were positioned in-front of him like they were ready for a fight despite him clenching a pot lid and a pair of chopsticks in both of his hands.

Geon-woo's face brightened, "Ha-yun! This is Woo-jin!"

The first detail that caught her eye was his short wavy hair. It was slightly longer than Geon-woo's. He wore a black sweater with a sort of dusty golden design, but couldn't quite tell what the brand was from this angle. The shirt beneath was a bright red color.

"Nice to meet you!" She would've reached for his hand, but they were occupied so she chose to nod in his direction. She took the empty seat next to Geon-woo and noticed a large plat of wood laying on top of three plastic crates. There were six empty noodle bags with other used ingredients scattered on the tray closest to her.

"Likewise." Woo-jin's attention was brought back to the soup as he stirred the noodles.

"What were you guys talking about?" She asked.

Geon-woo replied, "Mayweather."

Woo-jin explained further, "I think he's the top dog, but your friend over here thinks otherwise."

"That's because Geon-woo feels like Mayweather is more of a businessman than a boxer." Ha-yun clarified, not knowing if Geon-woo had already given him the spiel she's heard multiple times.

"He's in it for the money, but he's ridiculously good at it." Woo-jin nodded, "Probably made a few hundred billion."

Geon-woo observed him for a moment like he was peeling off layer by layer of his character. "Does money only matter to you?" Geon-woo viewed boxing as an art form. It was meant to be taken with an undying love for the sport, not the potential of making millions.

"What could matter more than money?" Woo-jin interjected.

She could tell he didn't quite understand what Geon-woo was asking. Was money his only drive towards the sport? Was it all that mattered to him?

"The heart of a boxer." Woo-jin erupted into uncontrollable laughter. His laugh, so thunderous, left Geon-woo perplexed. "What?" He nudged his arm, "Dude!"

"No, no, sorry. It's just you got so serious all of a sudden. It caught me off guard, that's all." Woo-jin added, placing the lid back onto the boiling pot of noodles, "Please elaborate on this boxer's heart."

Geon-woo began to slouch on his chair, leaning closer to Woo-jin, prepared to pitch his perspective. "I think Manny Pacquiao is the best example because-"

Woo-jin pretended to throw several punches at Geon-woo, "Pow! Pow! Pow! Pacquiao! Pow! Pow!"

"Come on, dude." Geon-woo complained, "Let me have my moment. I never cut you off, man." He was just getting started, too.

Woo-jin let out a last laugh. "I'm sorry, marine. I'll never cut you off." He promised.

"Well," Geon-woo began again, "I admire Pacquiao's heart, you know? He never gives up." Boxing was a passion ingrained onto him since he accidentally stumbled onto a broadcasted boxing match when he was younger.

"Okay, I can give him that, but Mayweather made a lot more money."

"But I bet a lot more kids started dreaming of becoming a boxer because of Pacquiao. That's true for me at least." Geon-woo mentioned, "That's the kind of person I want to be. A person who shows that with strong will and undying passion, anyone will be able to achieve all of their dreams."

Woo-jin added, "It's windy today."

Ha-yun noticed how Geon-woo's speech must've been too intense for Woo-jin. He always gets that way when boxing becomes a topic of discussion. He becomes impassioned to a fault. Seemingly out-of-character for him, but it was an unfiltered version of him.

"That's a true boxer's heart and the kind of hope we should inspire in the people watching us. A boxer's heart-" He was interrupted again, but still he showed no frustration.

"The food's ready. Let's eat." Woo-jin had lifted the lid, the essence of spicy noodle soup infiltrated her nostrils. He handed Geon-woo and Ha-yun their own pair of chopsticks, using his own to pile noodles into a bowl. He then picked up a ladle and poured the broth over the noodles. "Here."

She was the last to savor the noodles, relishing in the spices added, sedating the rumble of her stomach.

"Is it good?" He asked, despite already having slurped some noodles.

She took a sip of the broth before nodding excitedly, "So good."

They didn't move much after that. They spent the rest of the day talking on the rooftop. It was more fun than she'd like to admit, almost thankful she did leave the comfort of her bed, but she'd never mutter those words to anyone. She'd slowly become accustomed to Woo-jin's humor. He was definitely a personality. One that complements Geon-woo very well.

Geon-woo and Ha-yun left when the sun was beginning to set. They'd opted to walk home rather than spend money they didn't have even though it slowly killed Ha-yun.

"What do you think about Woo-jin?" They had walked far enough from the apartment complex and Geon-woo was curious.

Ha-yun sent him a soft smile, "He's fun. I think he's a good friend to have." Woo-jin seemed like a great fit for their duo, now a trio, and he was able to understand Geon-woo in ways she never could. Those two could talk about boxing all day long and never get bored. She could barely hold a conversation about boxing for thirty minutes before she's just listening to Geon-woo speak.

A piercing ringtone echoes throughout the semi-empty street. The two halted their conversation as Geon-woo pulled out his phone from his pocket, "Hey, mom."

She couldn't make out much of what was being said and she just took it as a sign to mind her own business. She watched as cars came and went as she waited for the crosswalk sign to turn green.

"I'm almost there. Strange people? Who?" His relaxed posture suddenly turned stiff. "Mom? What's going on?"

She sent him a worried glance. He was panicking. She knew that for certain and whatever it was grave. She knew Geon-woo's mother for a long time and she knew how unwavering she was. That was when she heard glass shatter. It was loud enough for even her ears to pick up the sound followed by a petrified scream.

Geon-woo didn't speak. He didn't waver. He ran. He crossed the road without bothering to check if there were any upcoming cars. He ran despite the cars beeping at him. He ran like hell and she followed.

She was beginning to lose sight of him. She urged her already tired legs to accelerate. They weren't too far from his mother's cafe, that's where she assumes she is, but her legs were worn out by climbing up and down the stairs. She hoped she wouldn't arrive too late, hoping to help in any way, shape, or form.

It took longer than she'd like, but the cafe was finally in her line of sight now followed by the numerous grown men groaning on the ground. The windows of the cafe were smashed in and a wimpy man came running out, scared out of his wits. She didn't bother with him though, too worried about the people she cared about.

She ran in without a fuss and saw Geon-woo throwing punch after punch to an abnormally large stranger. He was tall, almost built like a tank, and he was just taking Geon-woo's punches. She had never seen anyone else be able to remain upright after a punch to the liver, yet there he was.

She was barely able to pull her eyes away from the fight. She desperately searched for his mother in the now destroyed cafe and her eyes wandered behind the counter. She ran, careful not to step on pieces of broken glass and knocked over furniture.

There behind the counter remained Geon-woo's mother. She flinched every time she heard her son groan in pain. He was now trying to withstand the punches from the ungodly broad man.

"Did they hurt you?" Ha-yun asked, careful not to startle her too much.

"No." She wailed.

Ha-yun looked out the broken windows, saw the men pull themselves up from the ground, but barely managed to stand upright. They had a slim chance at leaving unscathed, but Geon-woo was losing the fight. More glass shattered and she was afraid to look over the counter, but she wouldn't forgive herself if she allowed his mother to see him in such a state.

When she peered over the counter, she saw a man standing over Geon-woo's bleeding body gazing like he was beneath him. He stood over him, his arms behind his back, before leaning down closer to Geon-woo's broken body.

"Hey." His voice commanded attention. "I appreciate people with grit. Because guys with grit... They can get anything done." She could hear Geon-woo cough. "Do you want to work for me? I'll make sure that-" He coughed more and something seemed to hit a nerve for the man leaning down before him.

His offer died down and the switch up was dangerously instantaneous. His people standing guard outside stiffened at the sight and a pit grew in her stomach. This man was so disturbed his own men feared him.

"Get the girl." He commanded. The air intensified and she stood up to lead the approaching man away from Geon-woo's mother. Her hands reached for one of the fallen chairs scattered throughout the cafe. It was a lousy attempt to create some sort of barrier or obstacle.

The burly man peeled it out of her hands, throwing it elsewhere, a loud bang echoed. She flinched as his unwanted hands reached her. She tried to fight back. Scratch up his face, tear out his eyes, but it only made him more angry.

He threw her onto the ground, her back landing on one of the broken chairs and shards of glass. She wailed as her head smashed onto the ground. Her body was screaming in pain. Was she going to die?

The leader casually walked towards her and crouched over her limp body. She could feel his weight on her, crushing her chest, as tears trailed down her cheeks.

One hand pushed her face to the side and the other held a large blade. She tried to use what little strength she had left to push him off of her, but it wasn't enough. He was too strong, too heavy, for her to even budge. She let out an ear-piercing scream as he began to carve on her skin. Blood dripped down from her cut.

Some pooled its way into her mouth. A metallic taste overwhelming her senses. She just wanted it to end. The last thing she saw was his ear-splitting grin before her vision went dark.

Main Masterlist

[akariamai]

Romeo & Juliet [Part 9]

Pairing: Jacob Black x OC!Swan

Word Count: 2280

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13

Jacob has refused to let go of her since the incident. It was like he was incapable of letting go. She was the only thing tying him to the world and she didn't mind. Not really.

She could still feel her blood rush to her head whenever she thought about the incident. Her body shrunk into his arms. Jacob was safe. He made her feel safe. She clung to him as if he was a lifeline, stuck within thrashing waters, her only way to stay afloat.

She hadn't realized where they were going. Her body only went where Jacob led her. They might've said, but her brain was currently mush. Still running what her eyes had seen. Another impossibility to add to the ever-growing list.

All she remembered was Jacob helping her into a vehicle. His arms still wrapped around her. He reminded her of a soft warmth during a stormy night. Her body instantly reacted to him, the tension in her muscles lessening.

All her brain could comprehend was that Jared and Embry were with them and nothing more. She couldn't remember where Paul or Sam had gone, but what little memory she had was the wolf and Paul were connected.

Jacob would lean in close and whisper sweet nothings before kissing the side of her head. He'd tightened his grip like there was no tomorrow and Sloan felt nothing, but an unspeakable type of love in his arms. She would've enjoyed the moment if it weren't for her mind swirling around the incident.

"We're almost there." Jacob whispered, his searing breath brushing against her ear. She found herself wanting nothing more, but to murmur back a dazed 'what;' however, all she could manage was a slight bob of the head.

His assurance was lifting. Something she hadn't known she desperately needed as the world she'd once loved twisted into something far more grittier than she'd originally known. Creatures ripped out of the pages of fairy tales were real and she had seen them with her own eyes. Her sister too.

"Is she okay?" There was a hint of concern laced into the tone. A sincerity from a stranger that she had barely gotten from Bella since the move to Forks. A poignant moment acting as a starch reminder that she had lost her sister in more ways than one.

It wasn't a loss from death, but everything in-between. It stemmed from a small wedge born in the shape of a boy and turned into a vast gaping breach that severed their bond after the absence of said boy.

Edward Cullen. A name Sloan had grown to detest. He set in motion the downfall of the sisters. He was the beginning and the end of everything she and Bella had built up together. Promises they once vowed to keep were all squashed away by her sister for the attention of Edward.

And though she wished to place all the blame on Edward, her sister still had a hand at destroying their now shattered bond. She had willingly thrown it all away for mere glances; a facade of a mysterious broody boy that everyone wanted.

Whatever he had dragged her sister into was now bleeding into her life. Her world. What steps could she take to prevent it from infiltrating her life more than it already has? Was it too late? Had Edward's rotting roots spread too far, too deep, for any action she'd take would be futile in erasing any sense of the boy.

"We're here!"

Sloan felt the car jolt. She felt her body begin to jerk forward until Jacob made sure she stayed firm in his arms. There was an unwavering need to hold her steady.

It was completely out of character for him. They had never been handsy with one another, but enduring such a fright as severe as the one they'd experience tends to change a person. To reveal parts of themselves they hadn't known existed.

Jacob reluctantly released her, but his eyes were still trained on her. A reassurance that she was safe. He held out his hand and helped her out. It was then that she glanced around. The car was parked in front of a well-maintained cabin.

"Is Paul okay?" It was the first thing she was able to vocalize. The memories were fragmented. The boy was there for a moment, furiously trembling, replaced in a blink of an eye with a wolf. A wolf she had seen before, but where had Paul gone? Why hadn't the others reacted like she and Bella had?

Jacob sent her a small crooked smile. His gaze held a certain softness she had never seen before, but somehow felt right at home in his eyes. It was a certain gentleness that belonged to him. "Paul's okay. Maybe a bit frustrated with himself, but he's fine."

"Let's head inside." He motioned to the cabin where his other two friends walked in. "There's someone who's been wanting to speak with you."

Jacob and Sloan wiped the bottom of their shoes on the outside mat before they stepped foot inside. The first thing she noticed was the boys seated at the wooden dining table. They sat next to each other eyeing the trays of muffins cooling at the kitchen counter.

There in the kitchen was a woman bent down pulling out a tray of freshly baked muffins. Her back was turned towards them, but there was an air of familiarity Sloan couldn't quite place.

Jared was the first to break. He stood up, making as little noise as possible, and tried to reach for one of the muffins without getting caught. Embry watched wide-eyed at his daring actions. The woman turned around, "Don't even think about it!" Her voice was stern. "It's for Kim's fundraiser."

Jared flinched before sitting down sheepishly, muttering a meek apology, and pleading for it not to get back to Kim. It was mundane. So ordinary that it didn't fit with the recent happenings in Sloan's life. It felt out of place.

The woman peered towards the doorway, where Sloan and Jacob remained, and cast a tender expression. Sloan felt like a rug had been pulled under her. She was in Emily's house. She was in the presence of one of the women who had saved her that night.

"Sloan." Emily placed the tray of muffins further up the counter. She removed the mittens from her hands. "How are you?" Her question was benevolent.

Sloan was shell-shocked. It wasn't everyday when she'd come face-to-face with one of the people who'd saved her. She had conjured up multiple scenarios of what to do or say whenever the situation came up, but it seems she had forgotten all of it. She was left tongue-tied and slightly ashamed she couldn't even come up with a response. A simple thank you for not leaving her stranded when even her own flesh and blood didn't seem to care.

There were so many words she'd wanted to say. So many unspoken feelings she wanted to convey, but it still seemed trapped in her own mind. All she could do was give an insufficient nod.

Sloan felt awkward under Emily's gaze. It was like she was unraveling her, peeling back all the ache she had bottled up because no one else could understand, and saw the pain she'd been managing on her own. She was a child burnt by the implausible. A child without an understanding shoulder to cry on.

"Oh, sweetie." Emily strolled past the table to boys, who pretended not to notice her turmoil unfolding, and stood right in front of her the same way she did that frigid night. "May I?" She held out her arms, waiting for Sloan to make the first move, a silent invitation.

Sloan had plunged into Emily and she'd swung her arms around her body. It was an intimate embrace filled with unspoken reassurances. She could feel Emily take breaths as she patted her back gently. It was a comforting gesture.

She felt her cheeks damp with unvoiced tears, "Thank you." It came out as a measly whisper. There was so much, too much, she wanted to convey, but her heart only bled sadness that only comes from a certain brand of heartache.

"It's okay." Emily's voice was muted. "Do you want to sit down? Have a cup of water?" She leaned back, brushing off the stray tear drops from her face.

"Yes, please." Sloan's voice was drained. Her life had felt so grueling lately that the sprinkles of happy days wore off quickly.

Emily and Jacob guided her to the table. Embry rummaged through cabinets for an empty glass and placed it in-front of her. Jacob left her for a brief moment before carrying a jug of cool water from the fridge. He poured the water in the cup and watched as Sloan took a brief sip.

She mumbled another 'thank you' and thought bitterly, 'Is that all I'm able to say?' It was frustrating not being able to speak the words she wanted to, to mention the things she was grateful to that night, to who she was grateful towards.

She heard two people roam inside the house. She turned her attention to the glass cup in her hand. She didn't want even more people to see her spiral. Having this many strangers seeing her break down was enough.

"Is she okay?" It was Paul's voice, but more subdued. It was the same Paul that had disappeared when the wolf showed up. He was there, alive and well enough to speak, he was standing in the doorway like nothing had happened. The only semblance of distress was found only in his voice.

She looked up in surprise and there he was, standing in the doorway behind Sam, without any visible bruises or injuries. She openly relaxed. He was alright. He was fine.

Sam was the first to walk in while Paul lingered in the door frame. He resembled a sad puppy unsure if he was still allowed to enter the house.

It wasn't Jacob who answered, but Jared. "She's fine, Paul. All you did was scare her."

Paul refused to look at anyone, but Jacob and Sloan. It was as if he was silently asking for their permission to enter, but all she felt was relief he was in good health. He slowly crept inside, wary of how his intrusion could be perceived, his pace deliberate.

Sloan managed to send Paul a faint smile, "I'm happy you're okay."

Silence followed as the others processed her words. There was a quiet rumble flowing from the forest. Only perceptible when the world was still.

Paul's eyes widened before the bewilderment vanished by the softness of her expression. She didn't understand why he looked riddled in guilt. He acted like he had done something wrong; had committed the worst misdeed of all time.

The beat of the moment dissipated and Embry awkwardly disrupted the peace. "Should we...How would we?" He sent a weak look at Sam and Jacob. It seemed he was waiting for them to make the first move.

Sam delivered a lengthy sigh, "Sloan." It was voiced in a grave contemplating manner. Goosebumps rose on her skin. He was serious. "Please listen before you say anything. We have something to tell you."

Sam hurled her a piercing stare, it was the kind that unraveled layers upon layers of unfathomable mysteries, as he analyzed her. He observed the tiny cracks of her being. He began, "Our ancestors wandered the Earth as wolves before they met a wandering transformer who helped change them into the forms of humans. The transformer allowed only the strongest warriors to return back to their original form when our oldest enemies returned. You've seen them before: vampires."

Pieces began to fall into places she rather not see them go. Her heart began to relentlessly pound in her chest with enough force to maroon a familiar ache. The word vampires range in her ears.

It shouldn't be possible, but she had seen the impossible. She had seen a man dart from the far side of the meadow to her and her sister. She had seen his vile scarlet eyes. It hadn't been colored contact lenses as she first thought. She had come face-to-face with a vampire and survived.

And the wolves. They were... She couldn't finish that thought. That would mean... She would have to accept the secret that was clearly laid out for her.

Sam had peeled back secrets not meant for her. She shouldn't know any of this. The history of the tribe should not be told to an outsider, but somehow she had fallen into the webs of the supernatural. She was in too deep. She had seen things no mortal human should've and now, she was stuck. It was a burden she was never supposed to carry.

As she spiraled wordlessly, a truth suddenly hit her like lightning. The Cullens were vampires. Her sister had been dating a vampire. It was making sense now. How the Cullens knew the stranger who almost murdered them in the meadow, how Bella knew there was no use in running, and how her sister left her to a certain demise.

Sloan was supposed to die that night. There was no other way it should've ended, but the wolves came. They came to the rescue when all hope was lost.

They gave them time to run. Scared the demon disguised as a person away from them. "You save us." She muttered, embracing the new revelation as there was no denying that she was alive because of them.

Sam nodded, "We did."

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Taglist: @scuzmunkie @magical-spit @thelastemzy @kammsinn

[akariamai]

Silent Rescue

Pairing: Park Hu-min x OC

Word Count: 1283

It was a rarity for Hu-min to be completely consumed in silence. He had always been the loudest of the group, but standing in the almost empty room of the museum--minus a few stragglers lingering between displays--he reverted into one of the quietest.

He was alone for a brief moment. Hyun-tak speedily walked towards the boys restroom right after the group of girls Hu-min flirted with left. They were about to set out to meet up with Si-eun and Jun-tae, who were posted to take pictures with guests, for lunch.

He didn't think volunteering would fill him with so much glee. He'd only thought to make the experience entertaining for everyone involved.

He stood alone, slightly slouched, tentatively watching as passerby observed paintings. He noticed some would take a picture of their object of observation and others would mutter under their breath.

Hu-min felt someone tug on his costume before tenderly gripping his arm. He turned to see an unfamiliar girl with eyes pleading. He could feel her body trembling, her lip quivering, and with a pretend smile.

"Hey!" Her voice was artificially cheery as if she was trying to deceive someone, but her expression remained the same. She greeted him like she knew him. Apologetic in the way that he couldn't distinguish the faux tone. "Sorry, I'm late. My bus was delayed."

Hu-min knew there was something wrong. The ambience of the museum dwindled almost as if the building itself acknowledged an unwanted entity had entered its premise.

In the corner of his eye, he noticed someone suspiciously close to the girl. There stood a man mimicking the other visitors. He rubbed his beard as he looked at one of the paintings, but his eyes kept roaming over the girl's backside. He tried to stay inconspicuous, but it was unmistakable the man was after the girl.

He clenched his teeth before pretending, "No problem!" He wrapped his arm around her shoulder as if it was a normal occasion. "I wasn't waiting too long. How about I give you a private tour. Tell ya all about the history of my people."

The museum had dressed him in a rice farmer attire. He would play the role he was unwillingly given, but would give it his best to help the girl out of the situation. The girl nodded and Hu-min went right into action.

He showed her around to the more populated places, still keeping an eye out for the man if he'd dared to follow them, and he did for a while.

"Hu-min, I thought I told you to wait for me." Hyun-tak grumbled before noting the girl next to him. She was a stranger, yet Hu-min held her like they were friends or something more.

Hu-min sent him a look before continuing on with the facade. "Look who arrived!" He excitedly pointed at Hyun-tak, a silent way to let her know she could trust him, "He finally got out of the bathroom. What took you so long?"

He wrapped his other arm around Hyun-tak before the boy could mutter a sound, "Doesn't matter now. Let's go meet with the others." Hu-min made sure to say the last part extra loud. To clue in the perpetrator that the girl won't be alone, that more people will be around to be potential witnesses if he stuck around.

Hu-min liked to believe Hyun-tak knew him well. They were best friends after all and while he sometimes took jokes in strange directions, he'd never pretend something like this. Hyun-tak had to know this was serious.

Instead of relaying his usual questions, Hyun-tak played along, greeting the girl like they were close friends. Although Hu-min knew it wasn’t the end and Hyun-tak would ask when he felt it was appropriate or when Hu-min decided it was clear to fess up.

A warmth coursed through his heart as Hyun-tak understood his silent message. The three made their way to where the boys had last seen Si-eun and Jun-tae.

Hu-min continued to talk. It was the only thing he knew how to do, The only way he knew how to comfort. It wasn't much. He knew that, but it was something. He only hoped the man would get bored sooner or later as he realized the boys were there to stay.

Jun-tae's ears perked at his voice, slightly bouncing onto his feet, as he realized the other two just arrived. Si-eun was a little bit less enthusiastic than Jun-tae. Si-eun had slipped on his gray sweater over part of the costume he was forced to wear.

He glanced over Si-eun. He had never met someone so stoic before. Normally, he'd have no trouble reading people, but Si-eun had large walls built up. It was an obstacle Hu-min was not ready to accept defeat.

He had heard the rumors when he came back to school. A fight went sideways ending with a kid stuck in a coma, but something didn't feel right. There was something missing in the equation. A detail most likely left out of the gossip.

As the three of them made their way towards the two boys, Hu-min felt a slight tug on his costume, the girl almost seemed hesitant. She looked at him with an uncertain glance. Practically suggesting it was too much, but to him it wasn't enough.

He hadn't seen the guy since he'd proudly announced they were going to meet up with friends. They couldn't be sure if the creep had left or if he was still waiting for the opportunity to get her. He refused to allow something like that to happen to her.

He might not know her for more than ten minutes, but he still knew when to help someone when they needed it and she came to him for help; a stranger. She had been desperate enough to grip the cloth of his costume for a chance at getting help. He'd be damned if something would happen to her if she'd wandered off rather than meet his friends.

He slightly leaned down, close enough for her to hear, but far enough to not invade her space. "Don't worry. They won't mind." He hoped his tone was welcoming enough to hush her unease.

"If you're sure." He caught her voice waver. SHe was still unsure and he wanted to change that.

He cracked a sincere smile, "Of course. The more the merrier. Hyun-tak's paying anyway."

"Jerk. When did I offer?" Hyun-tak chimed in.

Hu-min playfully glared at him, "Right now. You're not going to let a girl in distress starve, are you?" His elbow struck Hyun-tak's chest. They've played this song and dance before. It always ends with Hyun-tak paying unless there was a bet involved.

Hyun-tak rolled his eyes, but said nothing. He wasn't going to argue with the equivalent to a brick wall. Hu-min laughed in glee as he just secured another free meal.

Jun-tae pulled a cute baffled expression when he noticed a girl next to them. He tried to pull any recollection of them mentioning any girl, but came up empty. He shrugged it off assimilating that they'll tell them when they are ready.

"Guys, this is-" He paused for a moment as he just realized he didn't even know her name. He spent so much time trying to keep her safe he'd forgotten to ask about her.

The girl tried to conceal a soft giggle, "Mi-cha."

"Mi-cha." He liked the way it rolled off the tongue, how it flowed naturally and effortlessly, almost innately familiar. He adored the way it sounded as goosebumps materialized on his skin. He didn't know why he was reacting in such a way. It was merely a name, but something about her name gave him shivers in the best way possible.

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[akariamai]

Old Wounds, New Faces [Part 2]

Pairing: Go Hyun-tak x OC

Word Count: 2388

Part 1

Dear Su-ho,

Si-eun is no longer walking through life in a haze as a group of boys broke through the walls he built up after all that had happened. They are good influences on him. I met them. They remind me of the us before the break.

Seo Jun-tae is just the absolute sweetest. He brings everyone their favorite drinks and recommends vitamins. He even bought me a bottle to strengthen my hair growth. He's too cute. Si-eun told me he wanted to learn how to fight, but he's so small and awkward. It's like a small kitten going against a lion.

Next is Go Hyun-tak. He reminds me the most of you. He cares for his friends and sticks by them through thick and thin. I feel the two of you would get along well.

Then there's Park Hu-min, who reminds me so much of a more extroverted version of Si-eun. His laugh is contagious, his smiles are enormous, but when he thinks no one is looking he's sad.

I hope you wake up soon. I don't want you to miss more time from Si-eun. He still visits you as often as he can. His grades are still stellar too. Please don't take too much time. I miss you.

Eun-kyung inhaled, her body rooted to her kitchen chair, a mechanical pencil in her left hand, as her eyes continued to gaze onto the last three words she'd written. I miss you.

Every time she hangs out with Si-eun and his friends, she can't seem to shake off the feeling that someone is missing. She replays every interaction to showcase how Su-ho would've interacted with the others in her head.

She knows it wasn't healthy, but Su-ho deserved to be there. He should've had the chance to be there; not stuck in the hospital unable to open his eyes. These thoughts usually stewed for a couple of hours until her eyes grew heavy.

The familiar ring of her doorbell caught her by surprise. She hadn't been expecting anyone or did she order any takeout. All she did was glance at the doorway, almost willing for whoever was out there to announce themselves, debating on whether she should force herself to check who was outside.

She picked up her phone and saw no new messages. She checked the time and knew it couldn't be Si-eun as he was still at cram school. His other friends, while had been at her apartment one time, wouldn't know the way back.

Another chime could be heard throughout her apartment. She stood up quickly and walked straight to her door. She checked her ring doorbell, "What?"

She was expecting someone to yell delivery or someone at the wrong door, but it wasn't. They were looking for her.

"Hey! It's Hyun-tak and Jun-tae." Hyun-tak awkwardly looked at the camera in her ring bell. His cheeks flushed with a basketball in his hands. "We were wondering if you wanted to watch us play basketball."

Jun-tae huddled closer to Hyun-tak, "Please."

Eun-kyung didn't really feel like spending time outside her apartment. She knew she wasn't good company right now. She wasn't in the mood for socializing, but they'd offered to let her watch. They would be too busy playing the game to really speak to her.

"Sure." She agreed.

"Great!" Hyun-tak's smile grew. "Let's go."

Eun-kyung slipped on her shoes and walked out the door. She came face to face with an overexcited Jun-tae. His body would not stay still. He was like a feverish puppy who could not contain himself. Hyun-tak himself was ecstatic too. Although he tried to bury it in faux nonchalance.

She found herself counting down the seconds before she heard the familiar click from her door. It had successfully locked. She nodded following them.

Hyun-tak spoke the entire time about some moves he hopes to teach Jun-tae. The two were so enwrapped in their conversation, they failed to notice she hadn't been chiming in. Perhaps they felt her indifference towards the sport and left her to her own devices or she was so riddled with a lack of motivation to socialize they could feel it and allowed her to contemplate in silence.

Hyun-tak turned around, quietly observing her for a moment, as Jun-tae rambled. He waited until Jun-tae was finished before saying, "We invited Si-eun. He should be joining us soon after cram school. Maybe you can see his progression during the game."

She snapped out of her thoughts, her gaze rising up from the ground, replying with a simple 'yeah.' The word came out as disinterested and she felt a pang of remorse for not sounding more enthusiastic. Hyun-tak and Jun-tae didn't have to personally come to her apartment to invite her out. They shouldn't have to endure her acting pessimistically.

The two of them grew quiet. It was like the energy they had before she walked out of her apartment had been sucked out of them. It was her fault. She had done it again. Ruined another hang out.

Should've just stayed home. She thought almost tasting the bitterness of her words.

But she missed Su-ho so much. She didn't deserve to be happy when he wasn't there to enjoy the moments. He was missing so much and it didn't matter how many words she'd written recounting the days he's been gone; it still wouldn't be enough for him to grasp the picture in its entirety.

There were details only he would notice. Quips that could only form from his mind. She knew it was missing in the pages of the letters she had written just for him. That nothing she was capable of writing would ever hold a candle to the realness of each moment.

Eun-kyung had barely noticed they arrived at the park. There was no one else at the park. A rarity as there was almost always someone running by or playing in the nearby swing sets.

The eagerness that she felt vanished from Hyun-tak and Jun-tae's body's earlier that night emerged out of thin air like it was stirring quietly until this very moment. The two immediately went into a game, bouncing the ball and running around each other, one trying to get a clean shot and the other acting as a barrier.

The only consumable sounds in the area were the buzz of the nearby streetlamps, the small chime of crickets, and Hyun-tak and Jun-tae's sneakers shuffling on the cement below them.

A small breeze of wind swept by and she took a second to calm herself. It was nights like this that were her favorite. They reminded her of better times; of days not like those of recent.

Su-ho awake with Si-eun and herself drinking sodas they had just bought from the convenience store behind them. The three of them were sitting as they spoke of nothing too serious. It was just murmurs of future plans that would never take place.

She was so much in her head that she hadn't even noticed the celebrated howls coming from one of the boys or the playful shrieks from the other. She didn't feel a new body sit right beside her.

She remained unaware for a few brief moments. The person beside her was also rummaging in their head, trying to find the right words to deliver the blow, without gaining the attention of the two playing in the rundown basketball court.

"I'm going to be moving soon. Abroad."

The voice had snapped her out of her thoughts. She turned her head to meet his impassioned eyes. "What?" She must've heard incorrectly. She must've. She could've swore he almost said...

"I'm going to be studying abroad." Si-eun repeated. "My mother thinks it's for the best."

"When?" She swore there was a crack in her voice.

He turned away from her, watching their two unsuspecting friends, completely unaware of their conversation. "Tomorrow."

She could see his jaw clench as the words spilled out. Tomorrow. Tomorrow she will be alone. The last one standing from their broken trio. A trio she'd hope would last a lifetime, but forever just seemed so out of reach.

How she wished she could go back to the days where her problems were the wannabe gangster and his group of runaways. Life had been much simpler then, easier, but Si-eun had a chance to get away from the ghost and even though she would be left behind a third time, she'd still smile through it for him.

"You should go." The words were so much harder to speak into fruition. It wasn't what she wanted, but she knew she couldn't hold Si-eun back. He had bigger things to do, to accomplish, then stay with her.

She watched as his eyes widened, his face still not turned towards her all the way, "I think it'll be good for you."

He remained silent, digesting her words, almost as if he'd expected a completely different reaction.

"We can still talk." She tried him or herself. She couldn't tell. "I'll send you updates on Su-ho and you can tell me all about the new places you've explored."

It didn't take long until her mind began creating a world without Si-eun. Conversations on social media platforms dwindled by the day until the texts stopped arriving. They'd been navigating two different worlds; two different time zones.

He would become too busy to entertain an evanescent friendship. Their texting would fade through the test of time until they became strangers again. He would forget about them with only the vague memory of a boy and girl who shook his life in Korea.

"Have you told them yet?" She asked as the last intact piece of her heart shattered. She would be alone again.

"No."

"Are you?"

He didn't reply, but his expression told her everything. Tonight. He was going to tell them when the night was over. He would give them one last day before pulling the rug underneath them.

She wondered how he would do it? Together or one by one. She could never tell with Si-eun, but she didn't want to pry either. He would do it as he saw fit. She wouldn't get in the way of that.

"Si-eun!" Hyun-tak called out with his hand waving him over. He was oblivious to the conversation they just had. A conversation that would shake their newly developed friendship. "Come switch."

She watched with pleading eyes as Si-eun stood up from his spot and walked his way over. Hyun-tak muttered what she thought was a 'finally you came,' but she couldn't be too sure. Her mind was still on Si-eun's eventual departure.

Hyun-tak strolled towards her, a gleam of sweat on his skin, as he sat down next to her. He didn't speak right away. He wanted to take in Jun-tae and Si-eun playing basketball. Si-eun managed to get his hands on the ball, eyed the hoop, and took the shot. The ball flew into the hoop. Jun-tae jumped as high as possible with his hands in the air towards Si-eun.

Hyun-tak clapped for Si-eun, "Do you think he practices?"

She held in a sigh, "Probably calculating the distance he was from the hoop." Her attempt at a joke didn't land. It felt too dry. Not carefully thought out.

She could feel his gaze on her. He asked softly, "Are you okay? You've been acting weird."

She wanted to curl up into herself. She'd hoped she wasn't too obvious, but it seems like she hadn't done a good job. "Sorry." She apologized, "I haven't been in the best of moods lately."

Hyun-tak shifted closer to her, their shoulders occasionally brushing against each other, he wanted her to know he was there. "I heard talking about it helps most of the time. I'm ready to listen whenever you are."

How was she meant to explain what she was feeling? It was a jumbled mess tied to years of untreated trauma. He shouldn't have to shoulder her burdens. No one should, but talking about it out loud could help.

"Hanging out with all of you. It's been nice, but..." She paused as her gaze fell into her hands seated on her lap, "I've never allowed myself to fully be present during our hangouts."

She never liked to open up to others, but somehow with Hyun-tak it wasn't tiring to let him in. He had this aura to him, a feeling she couldn't shake, "Sorry this feels weird saying it out loud. It probably doesn't even make sense."

He couldn't see the guilt oozing out of her being. He couldn't see her mind punishing her with fake scenarios of what could've been.

"It's okay. It doesn't have to." He reassured her.

"I feel like I can't feel too happy. That it isn't fair and that I don't deserve to be." She left a lot unsaid. She couldn't force the words out. It felt like it got stuck in her throat; physically unable to escape.

"You do, though." He said. "You deserve to be happy."

She shook her head, "No, I don't. I can't. Not when he can't."

She was never able to explain who Su-ho was. All they knew were the surrounding rumors about Si-eun and his reason for transferring schools. They didn't know the boy stuck in the coma was Su-ho. All they knew was that Si-eun would visit Su-ho. They never pushed, never prodded, they continued to wait until one or both were ready to talk.

"Sometimes I wish Su-ho could join us and wonder how'd he'd fit into the group. I think he'd like you guys." Eun-kyung admitted.

"What's he like?" Hyun-tak asked curious about the boy who left such a large impression. He wanted to meet him one day. Perhaps even get along.

"He's incredibly loyal to a fault. He would do everything in his power to protect his friends even if it gets him in trouble." She explained, "He doesn't like to fight unless he has to. I used to joke that he was justice personified. Mine and Si-eun's guardian angel."

Hyun-tak saw her eyes become glassy the more she spoke. It was difficult for her. "Sounds like a good guy."

"He is."

Hyun-tak wiped his hand on his pants before reaching for her hand. They didn't speak after that. They just watched Si-eun and Jun-tae play basketball.

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[akariamai]

Footnote [Part 2]

Pairing: One-sided Yeon Si-eun x OC

Word Count: 1023

Part 1

There was a time Yeon Si-eun used to believe maintaining friends was a waste of precious time. He spent so long, every waking moment, studying the pages of science textbooks, working on math workbooks, and reading literature to understand the meaning behind unspoken words. There was no time to open his heart to others when he had to succeed.

In the beginning of his reluctant friendship with Ahn Su-ho and Oh Beom-seok, it felt like breathing fresh hair for the first time after a lifetime of inhaling smoke. He'd begun to let down the walls that towered over his being. He allowed himself to build memories that were supposed to last forever, but forever was too long for what was in store for them. They were nothing more than a moment.

Si-eun felt his friendships were like cloth. His connection with Su-ho was an intricate pattern, precise in its technique, an unique motif that encompassed their interactions. It was them in another font.

Unknowingly to Si-eun the friendship he shared with Beom-seok was held up by threads, ready to snap at any moment, but Si-eun couldn't distinguish the difference. He couldn't fathom the state of fragility it was left in until it was too late and every thread was severed permanently.

He spent sleepless nights trying to understand what could've been done to fix the mistakes of the past. It was a continuous loop of what ifs and all he was left with was a bleak reality. The emptiness he felt before came back in full force and somehow it felt more hollow.

He watched as Beom-seok gave his all for people who didn't understand him. Used him for their financial gain and the worst part was that Si-eun was helpless to make him see. To show him his new friends were nothing, but leeches. Sucking Beom-seok dry of the person he once was.

He didn't know Beom-seok severed ties with him long before. SI-eun's bond with Su-ho would be tainted by the greed and selfishness of others. Their trio splintered apart.

He was alone again. He hadn't realized his life before them was lacking; missing a key component to the road of happiness and now he was all too aware it was gone. He was left with the need to fill in the emptiness, but no one could hold a candle to them. He couldn't go through that again. Loneliness was better than that.

All he was left with were the scars and memories that were a stark reminder of the past. He had realized too late, moved too slow, spoke too little, and was left to reap the rewards of a fool. They all had to pay a price and it was excessive.

Su-ho was stuck in between life and death. He was gone, but trapped in his mind while his body remained stagnant. Su-ho's condition stayed as a reminder of Si-eun's failure to protect; his need to withhold his disastrous rescue attempt and the beating he'd endured were all for nothing. Su-ho learned the secrets he'd kept and got hurt in the process.

If it were possible Si-eun would take a thousands beatings for a slim chance at Su-ho waking up from his slumber. He was the one who stayed. His first real friend. The only connection he was able to forge in his seventeen years of life and in a few weeks it was gone.

There was another link he had, a small more flimsy bond, but it still left an imprint in his mind. Unlike the connections he made with Su-ho and Beom-seok, this one survived off of scraps. Limited connectivity on both sides, but its presence was still felt.

She was always there, lingering in the forefront of his mind, she'd created space for herself without even knowing it. Perhaps he was putting too much importance on nothing; a trick of the mind. They were just two souls stuck in the same room.

The most prominent interaction wasn't much. It was when the baseball team picked a fight with Su-ho in the classroom. Su-ho collided with his table and his pencil case spilled onto the floor. Pens flew out in every direction. She had been there, mindlessly picking up his fallen stuff, and when their eyes locked there was a brief moment of unspoken understanding.

Maybe he was reading too much into it. Whatever semblance of connectedness would be long since forgotten. He was being forced to transfer schools.

Beom-seok's adoptive father could not stand for him to parade around unscathed after creating such a scene. He wanted nothing more than to throw Si-eun into a detention center, but the video he sent to himself was more damning than what he'd done.

So, Si-eun was forced to transfer to the only school that would take him, Eunjang High School. He had to leave his father's apartment and move in with his mother.

The kids at his new school heard rumors about his transfer. They all stayed away from him worried if he'd snap again that they'd be on his hit list. It was for the best. It was easier to be alone. He already tried friends and it ended in disaster.

But sometimes when the birds haven't begun to sing, he'd think of her. The girl he never had the chance to properly speak to. The girl who was simply there. They were merely afterthoughts of each other's lives; brief footnotes in each other's stories.

Perhaps that was all they were ever meant to be. Passing bodies.

In a few years, they'd forget about one another. He'd be the boy who went berserk on their classmates and she'd be the girl who picked up his pencil case. Just fleeting moments in their lengthy lives.

It was always going to end this way. His burst of unfiltered rage only sped the process. They were never going to be anything more. They would've graduated without exchanging a single word; only minor glances and would never see each other again.

Still them being in the same classroom left room for possibilities, but now it was certain. They were destined to stay footnotes.

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[akariamai]

All Because I Liked a Boy

Pairing: Ahn Su-ho x OC

Word Count: 1295

Ji-woo wished she could've stopped it all from happening. She wanted nothing more than to not be sitting down in one of the most uncomfortable chairs inside an all too familiar bare room. Her mind raced with different scenarios, of moments she could've tweaked, of decisions she should've made.

All she could do now was watch the love of her life take in breath after breath; a clear mask covering half his face with a feeding tube stuck down his throat. The machinery tethered to his slumbering body was blaring. Its echo bounced against the walls and reached her ears. Every sound was a reminder of the life and death battle Su-ho was in.

Su-ho couldn't wake up. He was stuck in the crevices of his mind and it was all her fault. If only she had stayed away; ignored the thumping of her heart whenever he was near. She should've followed her instincts and avoided love like the plague.

Growing up, love has always been described as magical, it was intertwined in the pages of storybooks, in the screenings of motion pictures. She and many others were convinced romance and love were the closest feeling in the world to magic, but what they failed to mention was that it was also chaotic, unpredictable, and detrimental.

Life wasn't a fairy tale and many didn't get their happily ever after. Love would leave people in shambles; leave them to pick up their fragmented heart.

She should have known better. She never had the best examples of love. Why did she think it'd end differently for her? She wasn't special. Love just wasn't in the cards for her.

Her mother never had the best time when chasing love. She loved the idea of love and fell like it was her first time all over again. The men who her mother adored were only there for the sprints of unconditional devotion. They didn't want permanent attachments, but she still loved them like there was not tomorrow. Her heart would shatter every time to where it no longer held together by its own, but with deteriorating masking tape.

Before Su-ho, Ji-woo had promised herself to never fall in love with anyone. It was a vow she swore to keep by any means necessary, but love had a funny way of creeping in the shadows until a moment presented itself to pounce.

Ji-woo absorbed the numbing repetition of the machinery as her mind wandered to the one instance that led to all of this mayhem. I liked you before him. Why didn't you give me a chance? I would've treated you better than him! Rejection. She had rejected the wrong person.

She didn't know when the pin dropped; what steps she mistakenly took. Had she been unconsciously flirting with Beom-seok? When had she given him the wrong idea? Whatever she had done came with consequences.

Ramifications that would linger for all involved, either directly or indirectly, and poor Si-eun was caught in the aftereffects. How could she dare look at him anymore without the accumulating guilt gripping her very being.

Su-ho deserved better. He didn't need her stumbling into his life and wrecking it apart. The worst part is she hadn't meant to, but somehow she still did.

She was worse than her mother. Her mother never put anyone in the hospital. She hadn't led anyone to their downfall. Ji-woo had and now she had to live through the agonizing shame that came with it.

Oh how desperately she wanted to reach over to hold his hand, but it wouldn't be his warmth. She didn't deserve to touch him. She ruined him. She doomed the friendships he made.

Su-ho barely had time for friends. He worked a lot, slept at school, helped his grandma any chance he could, but somewhere along the way Si-eun and Beom-seok crept into his life.

They'd all hung out a couple of times; Si-eun more so than Beom-seok. Su-ho would never tell her much. Just that they had a falling out.

It was only when Beom-seok sought her out when she knew she was the problem. She was always the problem. He confessed his undying love for her and she rejected him as kindly as she could. She had a boyfriend who she loved dearly, yet she never once got the courage to speak it out loud for only his ears to pick up.

Beom-seok exploded. He ranted and raved he would be the better pick. How he would treat her better than Su-ho ever could. He treats you like his arm piece. He doesn't love you. With me, you'll be prized. Gifted with only the things you truly deserve. How can you not see that? He's just using you!

But his words meant nothing to her. Su-ho cared vastly. She knew it through the way he took his time dismantling the walls she set up long before she knew him. He took the time to remember her favorite drink and would always give her one. He poured all his emotions into the little things that people often ignored and forgot.

Su-ho understood she loved her space and despised feeling contained so he integrated himself in a way that wasn't forceful or unwanted. He made her feel love wasn't all that bad.

She ignored Beom-seok's confession. She was in a blissful relationship. She wasn't about to throw away the only person who ever made her feel safe to be in love with and certainty not with someone who was one of their best friends. The thought itself was unfathomable and in her disbelief she failed to see the utter resentment in his eyes once Beom-seok failed to sway her.

Beom-seok's loathing towards Su-ho became physical quickly afterwards, but Su-ho would choose to keep her in the dark. He would brush off her concerns when she noticed him limping.

"I just needed to replace the brake pads." He'd say knowing she knew absolutely nothing about the mechanics on his bike before changing the topic.

In fact, she only found out this morning that someone had intentionally cut the breaks when she went to pick up his bike from the mechanic.

She observed Su-ho, "Why didn't you tell me the truth?"

He couldn't answer, but she could imagine the words he'd say, "I didn't want you to worry" or "I didn't want you to fight my battles for me."

Ji-woo did have the tendency for confrontation. After receiving the life shattering phone call from Yeong-i, she knew who was responsible for Su-ho's condition.

She ambushed him and his adoptive father as they were leaving. "How the fuck could you do that to him! He was your friend you fucker."

She was immediately stopped by his father's bodyguards. She remembered how his adoptive father looked at her like she was another inconvenience.

"Fix it." He ordered Beom-seok before entering the car awaiting him.

Beom-seok waited until his adoptive father shut the car door before instantly berating her. "All of this is your fault. You should've chosen me, not him. Look at what you've done. He's that way because of you."

Her heart splintered at the thought that she could've prevented Su-ho and his grandmother from unnecessary suffering. Had she just stayed away, would Su-ho still be in a coma? Her mind disagreed, but her heart stayed tethered to replaying different circumstances to change the ending.

If she had just followed her solemn vow Su-ho would not be stuck in the hospital. He would be awake and happy because Ji-woo would be nothing more than a measly crush that never went anywhere. He would have never been betrayed by one of the people closest to him.

She only brought misfortune and now Su-ho atoned for her misdeeds.

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[akariamai]

Romeo & Juliet [Part 8]

Pairing: Jacob Black x OC!Swan

Word Count: 2417

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12, Part 13

The ride to the reservation was filled with her father's love of '70s and '80s music. He had an entire album filled with CDs ready to be listened to. Sloan and her father would go through an entire album of the ABBA to the Stone Roses. He knew exactly what track was coming next. It didn't matter if she input any of the CDs in his album, he remembered every single one.

As soon the synthesizers and the fretless bass sounds reached their ears, she immediately recognized it. Take my Breath Away by Giorgio Moroder was a staple in their household before the divorce.

Her father mentioned, "You know, this was one of the songs I used for a mixtape for your mother." It was almost like an afterthought; like he hadn't meant for the words to spew from his lips.

He'd rarely spoken about her mother, unless it was to give Sloan and Bella life updates when their mother was too busy to reach out to the two of them, but the days before the divorce were scarce at best. Sloan barely remembered them together. Her memories were foggy.

She turned towards her father, his eyes' slightly glassy, tuning out the music, "You made a mix-tape for mom?"

He chuckled before turning down the volume just enough for the music to still be heard, "I made several, but this song belonged to the first one I ever made for her."

"I would wait for the songs on the radio to record and hope the DJ wouldn't interrupt the song." He explained, "Your grandma and grandpa were noisy, especially on the weekends, so I made sure to go somewhere quiet."

"One time I called up the radio station to ask the DJ not to talk over a song, your mother's favorite song, and they did." He continued to reminisce.

"Sounds like a lot of work." Sloan replied.

She had seen old photographs of her father when he was a teenager. She could almost imagine it: her father around her age sitting around at the kitchen table waiting for her mother's favorite songs to pop up and pray the DJ didn't speak throughout the song.

"It was." He agreed, "But it was worth every second for her smile."

She knew the divorce was hard for him, especially since her mother had the absolute worst timing. Her grandparents, his parents, were ill and her mother felt Forks was too restricting. Her mother wanted to experience the world outside of their small town and began to loathe him because he wouldn't abandon his parents in their time of need.

"That's so sweet, Dad." She added, "I can't see many guys doing something like that nowadays."

Her father hummed, "Things are different now, but I believe the right person would go beyond for the person they love."

Sloan arched an eyebrow curiously, "I didn't know you were a romantic. Now I know where Bella got it from."

"I don't think that's genetic." He laughed.

"Maybe it is." She insisted.

Sloan remembered their disagreement on the premise of Romeo and Juliet and what Shakespeare wanted the audience to take away from his play. To her, it was an unnecessary tragedy caused by two warring families and their children's adolescent solution, to leave the situation, turned deadly.

Bella was a romantic and she views Romeo and Juliet like a romance. She just couldn't fathom that love at first sight was not love. It was and will always be lust. Romeo only 'loved' Juliet because she was beautiful and available.

The moment someone else caught his eye, Romeo would've left Juliet. She would've been left in ruin. The only reason Juliet fell for Romeo’s charade was because she was a child–a child who didn't know better–who had never felt true unconditional love.

Her father diverged from the main road towards one of the dirt roads. In the far distance, Sloan could see the familiar burgundy house with the white railings. A small creek ran through the side of the yard; a place where she and her twin used to make mud pies with Jacob and his sisters. This place was like a second home to her.

The police cruiser came to a halt. Her father turned to her, "I'll be at the fundraiser for a while. Do you want me to pick you up afterwards?"

"I think Jacob and I might go to help out." Sloan mentioned, "I know he still has to do his community hours."

Her father nodded, "Okay."

Sloan climbed out of the car, slammed the door, and strolled right up to the front door of the house. She knocked once. She could hear movement in the background.

Billy opened the door with a warm placid smile. "Hello, Sloan."

"Billy." She returned the sentiment as he moved to the side, letting her inside the house. She turned to her father, who was still in the driveway, and waved him goodbye. She heard the rumble of the car as it drove off.

"I would've thought you'd be at the fundraiser." She said.

Billy was an important figurehead for the tribe and usually oversees events like the fundraiser. It was unusual to see him away from his duties.

He laughed, "I would've been if Jacob hadn't slept in. He was out late with some friends. He mentioned you'd be visiting today. I didn't want you to be stranded outside."

"Oh." She instantly felt bad. He shouldn't have had to neglect his duties for her.

"Do you want some water?" He asked. "Please have a seat."

Sloan sat down at the kitchen table, "I'm fine, thank you."

"How have you been since..." He trailed off. The incident. His unsaid words were as clear as a sunny day. The last time he had seen her was when she was in the hospital.

"Startled, but I'm alright now." If only that were the truth, but she was still terrified of the man. He hadn't been caught despite the police force scouring the area. It was almost as if he simply didn't exist. As if he was just a figment of her overactive imagination, but he did. She saw him; felt his frigid fingers touch her arm before dislodging it from its socket.

He existed. Not only in reality, but also ingrained in her innermost thoughts. Her brief touch with death stuck to her like another shadow, following her to places where she once felt safest, and appears abruptly when she finds herself getting too comfortable.

Billy pondered for a moment, "How familiar are you to the stories of the tribe?"

"Um." She didn't know much and the tiny details Jacob had mentioned were brief at best. "Not much."

"Would you like to visit during one of our bonfires?" He asked, "I and some of the other council members retell stories of our ancestors."

"Are you sure?" Sloan asked. "I mean, I wouldn't want to overstep. I know how treasured the stories are. Shouldn't they stay within the tribe?"

While it was an honor to be allowed to attend one of the bonfires, she knew they were more than just that. They were council meetings and she was an outsider. It wouldn't be right. She didn't want to overstep her welcome.

Billy shook his head, "Nonsense. I know you wouldn't take them for granted."

"If you're sure..." Sloan was hesitant.

"I'm positive." Billy reassured her. His words struck deep. It was something about his sincerity that made her eyes well up.

She could barely muster a small pathetic, thank you. Her face flushed. It was somewhat embarrassing to be teary eyed over nothing, but still his words were overwhelming.

A knock at the door startled them. Sloan thoughtlessly used her hair like a cover. She didn't want another person to see her in such a state. She tried to quickly blink away the accumulating tears.

Billy, on the other hand, looked confused. He made his way to the front door. Sloan watched as his movements slow once he saw who stood on his porch.

It took a moment for him to open the door. There stood her twin sister, waiting around stiffly to be acknowledged, while her red truck was parked behind her.

How did they not hear her drive up in the driveway? Sloan thought to herself.

"Bella?" Billy asked. He didn't sound excited to see her.

"I need to see him." Bella demanded.

"Bella!" Sloan exclaimed. When did her sister become so rude? She knew her sister had changed, she'd been burnt by the brunt of it, but to see how she so fluidly commanded Billy to allow her to see Jacob was appalling.

Billy had been an important figure in their lives when they'd lived in Forks. He was one of their father's best friends, yet Bella continuously assumed it gave her free rein to treat him poorly.

Bella's body tensed. Her eyes darted in her direction, "What are you doing here?"

"I was invited." Sloan snapped.

Bella ignored the small jab Sloan sent her way, "I need to see him."

"He's not in." Billy lied.

Bella bit her lip. She shifted her body weight from side to side. Sloan knew Bella wouldn't believe him especially since she was present. Bella immediately forced her way inside, "I'm sorry, I really need to see him."

"Bella!" Both Sloan and Billy yelled her name as she continued to storm her way through the hallway. Bella reached the door to Jacob's bedroom and opened it without a single thought.

Sloan knew there was little the two of them could do to stop her. Her sister's determination was slowly becoming a curse and Jacob had become her object of obsession.

"I'm so sorry, Billy." Sloan was deeply ashamed at how Bella was acting.

Her sister stood over Jacob, who was sleeping soundly in his bed, completely unaware of the unwanted presence in his room. There was never a moment where she wished her arm was fully healed than right now. Bella towering over a napping Jacob was uncomfortable.

Sloan knew Bella wouldn't do anything fundamentally wrong, especially with both Billy and herself present, but it still left a bad taste in her mouth. Bella was infringing in his safe place; just like what she'd tried to do to her. Bella needed a reminder to respect people's boundaries.

All Sloan wanted was to pull Bella away from him. Save him from having another altercation where he reiterated the same exhausting words to her, but Bella just refused to hear it. His words meant nothing in the face of what she needed and what she decided she needed was him.

What stopped Bella wasn't the realization of her overstepping Billy and Jacob's boundaries nor was it Sloan's disappointed stare, but the chimes of playful hooting. The noise came from outside of the house; the window offering a display of a group of four shirtless men walking out of the edge of the woods.

The men seemed to spark an ardent fury in Bella. She rushed outside, once again ignoring Sloan's rage, and marched towards them like they had insulted her. Sloan apologized once again to Billy before following after Bella.

The closer Sloan got to the group, the more confused she was. The group consisted of Sam Uley, the person who found Bella in the woods, two boys who were there the night of the search, and Embry, one of Jacob's best friends. What anger could Bella possibly have over these guys?

"What did you do?" Bella demanded.

"Bella, leave them alone." Sloan cried. She simply didn't know what to do anymore.

Sloan didn't know where Bella got the confidence to push Sam, who was quite tall and muscular, but she needed to shelve it quickly. She didn't want things to escalate out of hand. They could be banned from entering the reservation.

Bella shoved Sam back, "What did you do? What did you do to him?"

Sam held off the boy on his right from retaliating, "Easy!"

"He didn't want this."

"We didn't do anything." Paul was becoming increasingly agitated.

"Bullshit." Bella explained, "He wasn't selfish before he started hanging around you."

Both Jared and Paul let out an obnoxious snicker. Their indifference only riled Bella even more than she was. She retaliated, slapping Paul without a care in the world, and suddenly the laughter drowned out in an instant.

"Bella! What the fuck!" Sloan yelled. They were definitely going to be thrown out of the reservation. Bella just assaulted a member of the tribe.

She tried to pull her sister away from the group of guys, but Bella just shoved her way and Sloan almost fell to the ground. Embry wrapped his arms around her falling figure.

"Are you okay?" He held her steadily. Careful not to touch her injured arm, but drew her away from Paul's figure trembling. "Stay behind me."

Sloan's mind couldn't understand what happened next. All she could remember was Sam ordering Paul to calm down, but Paul was seething in anger.

She couldn't recall when the switch happened. In one moment, there stood Paul's figure somewhat hunching down before scraps of clothing flew through the air, and in a blink of an eye, a gigantic wolf took his place.

She could feel her heart hammering against her chest, the urge to run was immediate, but her brain struggled to make sense of what had unfolded before her.

All Sloan could do was watch her sister run towards Billy's house. The wolf stayed in its place. Sam, Jared, and Embry acted nonchalantly like it was an everyday occurrence for them.

"Sloan!" Jacob jumped over the railing of his house and sprinted in their direction.

"Jacob! Run!" Bella raced towards him, but he dodged her speeding body.

Jacob scrambled towards Sloan, the palm of his hands caressing her face, "Did he hurt you?"

A whine could be heard, but her brain couldn't process the words Jacob was speaking. "What?"

"Did he hurt you?" He reiterated before scanning her body for injuries. Once he was absolutely sure she hadn't obtained any new injuries, he carefully pulled her into a warm embrace.

"She's fine." Embry chimed in. "Maybe a bit spooked, but fine."

Sam let out a deep sigh. "Take Sloan back to Emily's place. Bella left."

"What do we do now?" Jared asked.

"Nothing." Sam replied. "She knows how to keep a secret. She's done it before."

"Come on," Jacob lightly nudged her, "I'll explain everything."

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Taglist: @scuzmunkie @magical-spit @thelastemzy