Areum’s POV

“But Areum,” His warm voice makes me quiver. “Even if you don’t need me, I need you.”

The tears come without warning, and are definitely not what I need at that moment. I turn to see Kai’s soft expression smiling at me from the top of the stairs to my home.

My ex-home.

I tighten my grip on the piece of paper in my hand, crumpling the paper with anger. I can’t hide the truth. But I can’t let myself depend on anyone anymore. Why did he come back? Why is he talking to me, torturing me… making me speechless.

“Areum,” Kai’s low voice lingers closer to me. I’m afraid to look up at him. Afraid to let him see my tears. “You don’t have a place to stay do you?”

I look at the crumpled pink paper in hand. Notice of removal? What does that mean? My grades aren’t slipping, so why am I suddenly kicked out of my place? And… why is Kai suddenly being nice to me.

I keep my head down, but nod slightly.

I feel his hand work its way up my arm and rest on my shoulders, the soothing feeling of his hand calms me instantly. My heart skips a beat. “Areum, come stay at my place for now.”

I scoff. “You moved remember?”

I push his arm down gently with my hand following. However, Kai, who is full of surprises today, interlocks his hand with mine before I’m able to leave it dangling on its own. I struggle to release from his grasp and stop myself, knowing I won’t be able to win against him.

He leans in closer to whisper into my ear. “I live closer to you now.”

I feel his cheek brush mine as his voice sends shivers down my spine. I gulp and peer up at him with shy eyes only to meet his almost immediately. He’s so close.

For mere minutes, all we do is stare at each other. Our hands melt together from the hot atmosphere we create. I feel my cheeks colour and I part my lips. His eyes are so brown, so round… dreamy. When was the last time I’ve actually seen him. From the time he left my sight, I never noticed how much I missed him.

I feel his grip on my hand loosen up as I’m about to give in to him. But I quickly realise the reality and the fault in our relationship.

Get a hold of yourself Areum! This is Chanyeol’s story all over again! Stop.

Snap out of it. I push him back almost immediately and I release my hand from his. He chuckles and rubs his hands together.

“Shall we get going?” He proposes nonchalantly. How is he able to act so carefree. That’s probably why he was willing to move when Baekhyun ordered him to.

“F-fine, but just for a short while, until I find out what’s happening with my sponsor.”

He nods, showing his understanding. Without another word, he pulls me by the wrist and leads me down the street to where a shiny new apartment stands. I gap at him as he almost drags me inside the building, questioning just how exactly he’s able to afford a place like this.

“Surprised?” He smirks at me and slows down in the front lobby. “My parents are paying for this.”

“Wow.” I can only hold my mouth open as I marvel at the beautiful gold embroidery on the walls and railings. Decorative art hung on the walls surrounded by beautifully arranged flowers. The place looks like a palace, if not, fancier.

“Ready?” He asks after a few minutes of watching my expression.

I nod and let him lead me by the arm. Just as the elevator opens, a voice calls out to us, causing us to stop in our tracks.

“Ari!”

I spin around to see Baekhyun walking into the main entrance. His hair is windblown and his eyes are shining with excitement.

Kai tugs me behind him, shielding me from view… protecting me. “What are you doing here? How did you know I lived here?”

Baekhyun clicks his tongue playfully. “I’ve got my ways.”

Kai scowls and looks in my direction. “I’m sure you know the reason why I moved.”

I nod with an emotionless expression. “I know.”

Kai looks kind of surprised, but doesn’t let his feelings get the better of him. He turns back to Baekhyun and almost hisses at him. “What do you want?”

“What, no ‘hyung’ anymore? Wow.” Baekhyun claps his hands slowly and smirks. “You’ve really grown up, haven’t you.”

“I said, what do you want!” Kai’s tone of voice makes me jolt out of surprise.

Baekhyun laughs. “You have a lot of questions don’t you, how about I ask you one?”

Kai freezes in his spot and suddenly, I find myself being pushed backwards as Baekhyun approaches us.

“Who is it that you remember from your past Kai?”

What’s going on…

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Kai’s POV

Almost as if on cue, I watch as a white mustang pulls into view just outside of the main entrance. All three of us turn to look as a women dressed in blinding white steps out of the vehicle carrying a furry hand bag.

Beside me, Baekhyun lets out a low chuckle and crosses his arms at his chest. “You ought to remember her Kai.”

I glance quickly at Baekhyun once, before refocusing to the figure that pushes through the main entrance. Narrowing my eyes, I study her posture. I don’t remember meeting such a sophisticated person?

“Who…” I start.

With a swift movement of her hand, she slips off her sunglasses and beams at Baekhyun. The smile she gives him is beautiful, making her almost glow in contrast to the already fancy lobby room.

Yes, she’s beautiful.

But she makes my skin crawl. My heart plummets as I recognize who she is. My memories flood my brain as if I’ve been suddenly brought back to my childhood, back to the horrible memories, back to when everything started.

I let out a shaky breath and step back, letting go of Areum’s hand.

“Baekhyun, it’s been a long time. I’m glad you gave me a call.” Her sickening sweet voice pierces the air, making me cringe. She shifts her eyes onto mine and observes me. Her eyes squint as she pays attention to the little features on my face. Soon, she smiles, showing her blindingly perfect teeth. “Jongin.”

I shiver at her voice. No one’s called me that since I moved around here. No one.

“Ally…” I begin, but jolt as I get cut off unexpectedly.

“Kim Songmyeon… Is that really you?” Areum’s voice is quiet, but everyone hears her clearly.

I turn to Areum and my lips part. Baekhyun and I exchange a confused and surprised look at each other. Tears non-stop falling down the sides of her cheeks as she stares, without blinking at Ally. Kim Songmyeon, or, Ally, on the other hand, is taken back by Areum’s voice. She looks… scared. It’s the first time I’ve seen Ally react to anyone like this since I’ve met her.

Ally dramatically drops her sunglasses on the floor and takes a step back.

“Areum?” Ally whispers.

“Y-you two know each other?” Baekhyun asks nervously as he points fingers at Areum and Ally. It can’t be.

Silence. I gulp, unsure of the situation, searching for an explanation. My heartbeat accelerates, to the point where it’s about to burst out of me. Sweat drips from my sideburns and I bite my lip.

“A-areum…” I say, trying to get her attention, however she ignores my acknowledgement. She slowly walks backwards until her back is pressed against the elevator doors. Areum’s eyes revert from Ally, to me. New tears overflow her stained cheeks and I can’t bear to see her break down.

‘This… is Ally?’ Areum’s glossy eyes asks me desperately.

I nod my head slowly and watch her clench her teeth. Baekhyun’s hands ball into fists as he watches Areum and I make eye contact.

“I’m so sorry.” She mouths. I blink at her with confusion and begin to make my way towards her.

“Ally, what’s wrong? Who is she?” Baekhyun asks in his innocent tone.

Ally shakes her head and gulps. Her eyes move from Areum to Baekhyun and she lifts her head.

.

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“Sh-she’s my younger sister.” Ally’s voice trembles, about to collapse out of surprise.

Notes

Bah bum-

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