“Ren, open the door.”

“No! I said I’m not going!”

“You really don’t have a choice, Auntie is already here.” Ren’s older brother Minseok sighed on the other side of his younger brother’s locked bedroom door. “It’d be nice if you just surrendered quietly instead of having her get someone to forcefully remove you from your room.”

“But…” he could hear the reluctant tone in the younger boy’s voice.

“I know you don’t want to go, but do it for me, do it for Minnie, mom, dad… grandma.”

At Minseok’s words, the door before him unlocked and opened and revealed his brother Ren standing there with a black cape wrapped around him. If he didn’t know any better, he would have thought his brother was on his way out for trick-or-treating… in March.

“Why am I the only one who has to go?” Ren mumbled while his blonde bangs concealed his eyes.

“I’d go with you but, uh…” Minseok scratched the back of his head, he wasn't sure how to answer the boy. Because you need help. But he couldn’t say that to him, it would make him feel terrible. “I have to stay behind and help take care of Minnie… yeah, to take care of Minnie.”

“Why does that sound like a lie?” He could clearly hear the frown in Ren’s tone.

“Oppa!” Suddenly a little girl came running up to Minseok in the hallway with her arms out, implying she wanted to be picked up. He scooped her up in his arms before facing Ren again.

“We can’t both leave, someone has to stay and play with our sister, right?”

“Ren-oppa, how’s Chucky?!” Their littler sister asked while peeking over Ren’s shoulder into the dark room behind him.

“Ah, he’s doing well, thanks for asking.” Ren smiled. Oddly enough, his sister didn’t seemed phased at all about the scary doll he treasures, nor his dark room. He had to wonder why everyone else but her were so freaked out about it. “Would you like to come in and say hello?”

“Yes~!” She nodded before reaching out to Ren but Minseok took a step back and stopped Ren from grabbing her.

“I don’t think our brother has time for that right now, Minnie. He has to get ready to leave.”

“Leave? Ren-oppa’s leaving?” Minnie frowned. Ren lowered his head, he did not appreciate his brother bringing it up again.

“Yes, but it won’t be for long, he should be back soon. Hopefully.” Minseok explained to his little sister. “But don’t worry, we’ll be visiting him while he’s away.”

“Then I’ll say hello next time!” She smiled at Ren. “I’m gonna miss you!”

“I’ll miss you too, Minnie.” Ren managed a weak smile before extending his hand out for her to hold.

“Are you ready?” They suddenly heard their aunt’s voice down the hallway.

Minseok looked to Ren who avoided everyone’s eyes, his own were locked onto the ground beneath him.

“Does it even matter if I’m ready?” He said quietly.

“Bye, Ren-oppa! I love you!” Minnie blurted out and kissed the back of Ren’s hand. He couldn’t help but smile at her affection, he was really going to miss her now.

“I’ll try to come back as soon as possible… then we can have tea with Chucky and your dolls.” He stepped over and placed a small kiss to his adorable little sister’s cheek.

“We’ll be waiting!” She beamed happily. Minseok smiled a the bond his younger sister had with his younger brother Ren. Their bond was quite cute.

“I guess I’ll see you when you get back.” Minseok placed a hand on his brother’s shoulder and gave him a pat or two. “Do your best.”

“Thanks.” Ren nodded with a small sigh. He would, for their sake at least. With that, he turned in the direction his aunt was standing and took a deep breath. “I’m not ready, but let’s go.”

~💮~

“Oh god… what have I gotten myself into?” Ren mumbled to himself quietly when he saw the giant mansion outside of the limousine's backseat window. He didn’t think they’d reach their destination so quickly like this.

Where was he, you wonder?

Choi Minki, also known as Ren, is a quiet and reserved 17 year old boy who loves to watch horror films in the dark while accompanied by his treasured Chucky doll. He doesn’t like socializing with other people, especially strangers, though he is fine with his older brother Minseok and little sister Min who's nicknamed Minnie.

His father is a busy man, being the owner of several department stores in Seoul where his mother used to be a successful clothing designer and part time model before she fell ill recently. Minseok graduated high school last month in February and would soon be looking into going to college but due to their mother falling ill so suddenly, he’s been helping take care of their youngest sister given she won’t listen to any of the nannies or family maids and butlers, she is afraid of strangers.

Min is Ren and Minseok’s 3 year old younger sister. She’s cute and hyper when given sugar and she adores her two older brothers. She is very accepting of Ren’s choices and you could say she’s his only supporter in the family. His grandmother was also a big supporter of his, but she sadly passed away the year before.

“Why am I here again?” Ren sighed dreadfully before he faced his aunt seated across from him in the limo. She was wearing a teal colored designer dress and her hair was styled with many accessories, she almost looked like some fancy rich woman from the past the way she was sitting and touching up her deep maroon lipstick.

“For a makeover.” She grinned after shutting her small compact mirror shut. “I plan to have my friend’s daughter transform you into a handsome young man!”

“But why?” He frowned… I don’t want to change.

“I’ll tell you when it’s time. For now, please cooperate with everyone in the mansion, okay?” She said while fishing around in her clutch bag to touch up her foundation now.

“E-Everyone?” He stuttered out. There would be more than one person?

“Yes! It’s kind of like a boarding house over here. Their parents sent them here since the mansion is closer to the school they attend.” She explained all the while she was touching up her makeup. Ren honestly didn't know why she needed to since she looked just fine?

“School…”

“You want to go to school?” She asked with a curious grin.

“No! Never again!” He quickly protested. School was probably the reason why he was the way he is now… a result of being bullied. He’s currently being homeschooled, at least.

“If you ever change your mind, let me know~!” She sing songed cheerfully before turning to look out the window..

“Don’t hold your breath.” He muttered before he looked out the same window to see a beautiful girl walking up to the limo.

She had long jet black elbow length hair that flowed behind her as she walked. She sported the popular straight cut bags which honestly made her look like a doll with her porcelain white skin. He could tell she was only wearing a hint of makeup on her eyes with the light pink eyeshadow she was wearing to match her shirt, it really brought out her mix of chocolate and hazel colored brown eyes perfectly…

She was absolutely gorgeous in his eyes that went wide as he scooted away from the door quickly and covered himself up to hide when the girl opened the door.

“Mrs. Choi, so good to see you again!” The girl greeted with a bright smile. Ren had to look away, her beauty was blinding to him.

“It’s always nice to see you too, Min Hee! Been awhile, hasn’t it? You’ve grown up!” His aunt gushed while bringing her hands up to her own cheeks as her eyes admired the girl standing outside.

“Yes, time flies! You’re looking younger and younger every time I see you.” Min Hee complimented because she knew Mrs. Choi always liked it when people flattered her.

“Oh, stop! You’re too kind!” Mrs. Choi feigned embarrassment, but you could tell she was more confident than embarrassed. It always amused the younger girl every time.

“By the way, who is that in the corner?” Min Hee asked when she took notice of the person hiding while bundled up in a black cloth. It almost startled her, he blended so well into the black interior of the limo.

“Oh! That would be my nephew, Choi Minki!” Mrs. Choi beamed before she reached over to pull Ren out of the limo with her. “Though, he prefers to be called Ren these days.”

“I see,” Min Hee took a step back as the two exited the vehicle. Mrs. Choi stood him straight so he could properly meet Min Hee. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you, Ren. My name is Lee Min Hee.” She gave a small wave along with a cute smile.

The boy stilled at the words being spoken to him and he continued to conceal his face with his black cloak and blonde hair. His aunt frowned at his shyness and pulled the cape off his head, revealing his long messy blonde hair that covered the majority of his face.

“You should get that hair out of your face! Can you even see anything?!” She exclaimed while pulling his bangs away from his eyes to reveal his gorgeous face for a few seconds.

“Uh…” Min Hee barely got out. She was stunned by the boy’s beauty, she hadn’t expected him to be that, what’s the word? Gorgeous! For a split second she swore he could pass off as a girl. But after looking at him long enough, she saw right past the slight feminine features and felt her cheeks grow warm. She was blushing! She was finding him more handsome than pretty.

Finally, Ren turned away before letting out a small yelp and he pulled the cape back over his head.

“My eyes!” He shouted. “Too much… beauty.” He added while collapsing to the ground.

“Are you okay?!” Min Hee was shocked and worried at his sudden fallen form. She was about to take a step closer when his aunt stopped her.

“I can’t do this!” He wailed on the ground.

“Don’t mind him, he’s a bit… strange.” Mrs. Choi chuckled, clearly amused.

“Ah… alright.” Min Hee nodded before facing her again. “So, what is the reason you decided to grace us with your presence today, Mrs. Choi?”

“Oh, you!” Mrs. Choi pretended to blush and slightly nudged the younger girl. “I came to drop my nephew off.” She added with a bright smile.

“Drop him off?” Min Hee quickly looked down to the boy on the ground. He sure seemed to be a little dramatic as he was visibly shaking in his spot. She couldn't help but feel a little bad for the guy, he seemed so shaken, maybe even frightened by this encounter. He must not be a very sociable person?

“Yes, he’s going to be staying here with you. I actually wanted to ask a favor from you, too.” Mrs. Choi caught the younger girl's attention once again after she took a step over to block her view of Ren.

“What kind of favor?” By now, Min Hee narrowed her eyes. What was all of this about?

“I need you to turn him into a handsome young man, Min Hee!” Ren’s aunt threw her arms up in the air with a huge smile. The woman even went through the trouble of throwing confetti in the air. "Can I trust that you will do a fabulous job?!" It was apparent that the girl was now some sort of Chosen One.

“Me?!” Min Hee asked with wide eyes before looking back to Ren who was still shaking on the floor. What in the world is going on?

~💮~

“You’re supposed to… what?” One of Min Hee’s roommates asked as he and their other roommates stood behind him. They were standing in the entrance area of the mansion, Ren was huddled up in the corner clutching his Chucky doll tight to his chest while his luggage surrounding him like a barrier. He was being even more dramatic now that they were inside!

“I’m supposed to… turn him into a handsome young man, so his aunt says.” Min Hee said quietly before looking back at the boy in the corner. “She didn’t say anything else besides that. I really don't know what or how I’m supposed to do anything. He seems… scared.” She frowned. He looked like a lost child in a room full of adults, but they were all clearly the same age or around the same age. I’m supposed to turn him into a handsome young man? Where do I even start, though? She thought to herself.

“Maybe he doesn’t do well with strangers?” Her friend Nari mentioned.

“Perhaps he’s had bad experience with strangers before?” Her other friend, Hana, added.

“It would appear so. How do you think I should approach him?” Min Hee looked to the others for an answer, but soon regretted even looking their way as they all mumbled a “Don’t know.” while shrugging. “Thanks everyone, you were so helpful.” She laughed. “Well, just thought to let you know he will be staying here. You can go back to what you were doing before I called you all down here.” She made a shooing motion at them to leave.

“Good luck with the scaredy cat!” Nari waved before linking her arm with Hana.

“We were about to invite you out to shopping, but it seems you’re busy now.” Hana frowned with clear disappointment in her tone.

“I know, I’m sorry. I wasn’t expecting this either. Another time, then?”

“Of course! Just let us know when you’re free again.” She nodded happily before leaving with Nari.

“I can help you carry his stuff to his room?” Her strong and friendly friend Baekho offered while everyone else were leaving, they weren't offering any help to the new addition in the mansion. She wanted to scold them, but figured right away that maybe it was best they don’t help. If he wasn't good with strangers, the fewer the better.

“Sure, thanks.” Min Hee nodded before they headed over to Ren in the corner. “We’re going to show you to your room. Baekho here is going to help carry your things, okay?”

All they got was a nod from the boy. He hadn’t said a word since they got inside. With that, they led Ren up to his new room. Once Baekho helped placed the luggage into the room, he said his goodbye before returning to his other friends downstairs as he was already doing something before she called them all together.

“Okay. Got all your stuff moved. Uhmm…” she looked around the bare room. “Is there anything you’d like put in here? Like a desk, book shelves, dresser, tab-”

“A TV would be nice.” Ren quietly interrupted. He cringed on the inside, he didn't mean to interrupt her like that.

“TV?” She repeated, he had said it so softly she almost didn’t hear it.

“A big TV.” He nodded, his voice was a little louder this time but his hair was still concealing his face. I wonder why he has his hair like that? She thought before nodding.

“Okay, I’ll see about in a bit. Anything else?”

“No, that’s it.” He shook his head.

“Alright. Then I’ll let you unpack while I see about that TV. If you need anything, just let me know.”

“Thank you.” He replied quickly but his tone was clearly nervous.

“No problem. Good luck on unpacking.” She smiled before leaving the room.

Once Min Hee was out of his room and down the hall, Ren collapsed to the ground once again.

“She’s so… beautiful.” He breathed out like he had the wind knocked out of him. “Can I really live in the same house with a girl like that?!” He looked to his Chucky doll, as if he’d get an answer. “Those other girls were so pretty, too… even the guys were …” he fell over before lying on his side on the cold hard floor now. “I don’t belong here…” he sighed and stared at the door Min Hee left out of.

~💮~

“Ren?” Min Hee knocked on his door a few hours later. There was no reply. “Ren? I contacted your aunt about that TV, she said she’ll have one delivered as soon as possible by tomorrow.” At no reply again, she decided to open the door. Did he leave? “Also,” she added, “dinner is almost rea-... Ren?”

The room was pitch black and there were no signs of any other light source, it was so dark. What in the…? She felt a chill go up her spine suddenly. It felt like something straight out of a horror film. Surely something was going to jump out at her any moment, right?

“W-Why is it so dark in here?” She shook her head before snapping out of her scary thoughts and searched for the light switch.

“Don’t turn on the light!” She suddenly heard to her right. There stood Ren holding his Chucky doll to his chest. It didn’t help that he was still wearing that black cape!

“Ahhhh~!” She shrieked when she saw his dim lit figure from the hall light outside his room. “You s-startled me!” She exclaimed while clutching her racing heart. Now she felt like collapsing!

“Sorry…” he whispered his apology. He was trying so hard not to look at her since her beauty always made him want to collapse to the ground in complete awe. If he was going to live here, he definitely needed to think of something quick. He can’t keep falling over like an idiot every time he crossed her path.

“What are you doing in the dark like this?” She asked while refraining from turning the light on. It was making her uncomfortable and nervous. She never did well in the dark growing up. She bit her bottom lip trying to keep it together.

“I… I like it.” He said quietly.

“Really?” She tried not to sound too shocked, but it came out that way unfortunately.

“Yes.” He replied, he didn't look too affected since he expected that kind of response anyway.

“Oh… well… it’s just… how can you see anything?” She scratched the back of her head in curiosity. She just couldn’t understand how someone could be in the dark like this… did he have inhuman eyes?

“I have cat eyes, I can see in the dark.” He mumbled sounding completely serious.

“You do?” She sounded just as shocked when he said he liked the dark, which made him chuckle.

“No, I’m kidding.” He thought that was cute, she almost believed him.

“Oh! Right, haha.” She laughed, embarrassed. Soon silence fell upon them once her laughter died down. She quickly spoke again to avoid it turning into an awkward silence. “Dinner's almost ready, you’ll come down and eat with us, right?”

“N-No…” He shook his head. “Sorry.”

“Ah, it’s alright. I’m sure you’re just nervous, it’s your first day here after all. I’ll bring your food up then.” She assured him with a kind smile and he literally could feel his heart flutter at that simple kind smile. His knees started to feel weak again but he managed to keep himself standing up straight.

“Really? Thank you… Min Hee.” He was grateful his hair was hiding his blush right now.

“You’re welcome. I hope you’ll become more comfortable soon to join us at the table someday.”

“I’ll try…” he figured he should be nice and say that at least instead of a straight up no, which it was a straight up no. But she’s been nothing but nice to him, he couldn’t do that to her, he didn’t want to see that beautiful face of hers frowning. He had taken a liking to her already!

“No rush, go at your own pace. It’s part of the reason you’re staying here, we’ll take baby steps.” She gave him another kind smile and it started to make him feel a bit strange. He just nodded because he was unsure of what to say in response, he already said thank you once, he didn’t want to sound repetitive. This was actually the longest he’s ever talked to a stranger before! A new record in his book he must record later...

“I should get back to the others. I’ll be back shortly.” She backed out of his room slowly with a small wave. He found it cute when she did that. He started to feel confused at the feelings he was getting when she’d do these tiny gestures at him.

“O-Okay.” He nodded again and stood still. She closed his door and he could hear her walking down the hallway. Once she was gone, he collapsed to the floor! “Eugh! Every time…” he complained while on all fours. “How am I going to get used to this? I don’t think I can.” He let his head drop in defeat. It was like the energy he had before coming here was drained from his body the moment he walked through the entrance, or was it a the limo when Min Hee came to greet them? Either way, collapsing was probably going to be a recurring thing for him now.

~💮~

It was a few hours after dinner by now. Min Hee had returned to his room earlier with his food on a tray. She was kind the entire time she was in his presence and he started to get that confusing feeling again like before. It probably goes without saying that he collapsed to the floor the moment she was gone because of those feelings. It wasn't a bad or negative feeling, but a nice and warm feeling. He hadn't felt it before, which was why he called it strange. He knew Min Hee was just being kind to him, but instead of just feeling thankful, he felt more than that and he didn't know what to call that feeling. His heart would start to race and he'd feel a weird sensation in his stomach that he might describe as warm and fuzzy. It seemed to only happen when she was in his presence. He didn't recall it happening when he almost bumped into the other female housemates during his trip to the bathroom. It only happened when he was looking at Min Hee. 

“I’m not the only one, right?” Ren said quietly while sitting up against the wall, his Chucky doll was seated against the wall beside him in the same position. The doll of course didn’t respond. “I’m not the only one who thinks that girl is unbelievably beautiful… right?” He looked down to his doll who remained still. “I’ve never seen any girl that pretty before…” he sighed before resting his chin onto his crossed arms above his knees. He had been so out of touch with other people, seeing Min Hee was a stunning sight to see. Sure all the other girls in the mansion were just as pretty, but Min Hee stood out to him the most.

He continued to sit in silence, thinking about that girl...

“Chucky! Why do you never answer me?!” He frowned while feeling frustrated. He knew Chucky was just a doll, but he really wished he’d respond right now, despite liking the solitary he sometimes wished he actually had someone to talk to.

“He’s just a doll, though.” Ren suddenly heard a voice at the door. His eyes darted over to the opened door and he saw a tall handsome guy standing there looking in with a small smile.

“How long have you been standing there?!” Ren exclaimed before jumping up completely startled. He had felt like someone was watching just recently but had no idea someone actually was watching him! Then he started to worry if the guy heard him talking to his Chucky doll?

“Just now, I came to check on you.” He answered. “Mind if I come in?”

“Aren’t you scared?” Ren asked softly. It seemed like the other housemates were scared when they passed his room earlier while Min Hee had the door open.

“Scared? Of what?” The other boy asked while looking slightly confused before he noticed  how dark Ren’s room had become as well as things normal people would consider scary were decorated around the room. “Do you mean am I scared of all of this?” He pointed around the room. Ren quietly nodded. “No.” The boy chuckled. “I don’t get frightened easily.” He explained.

“You don’t?” Ren looked a bit surprised, he never really met anyone like him before.

“I’m immune to scary things.” He nodded before coming closer to the other.

“Stay back!” Ren suddenly felt nervous when he realized how close the boy had become, he was still a stranger after all.

“I’m not going to do anything to you, you can relax.” He assured him before taking a seat next to his Chucky doll. “Min Hee told us everything your aunt told her… I just came up here because I want to be your friend.”

“M-My friend?” Ren collapsed to the ground at the mere word. It’s been so long since he’s had a friend…

“Yeah. I figure it’s not easy for you to socialize and make friends… given the way that you are, but I’m looking past that and offering my friendship. Everyone needs a friend on their side, don’t they?” The boy smiled brightly.

“You… you…” Ren stared for a moment before falling backwards onto the ground. “You’re so beautiful!”

The boy laughed, remembering Min Hee said the strange boy had done something similar earlier when they first met. “Why, thank you, Ren.” Ren struggled to sit upright again and avoided looking at the other boy this time. “I’m Minhyun… Hwang Minhyun.” He finally introduced himself. “I already know who you are, obviously. So what do you say? Can I be your friend?”

“Minhyun…” Ren repeated his name. “S-Sure… if you want.” He then mumbled and there was a hint of joy and interest in his tone.

“Great. I’m glad!” Minhyun beamed before taking hold of the Chucky doll sitting between them. “Can I be Chucky’s friend, too?”

“Ah~!” Ren snactched his doll away from him at the speed of light! “Don’t touch him!”

“Sorry~!” Minhyun quickly apologized. “I was careless, it won’t happen again!”

“Uh… it’s fine.” Ren frowned after seeing the boy being so apologetic. All he did was touch the doll, he didn’t do any real damage. He was overreacting just a little. “It’s just… Chucky is really important to me… so I’d like it if people didn’t touch him so casually… he’s not just a doll to me.”

“Ah, I see… okay. Thanks for telling me. I’ll make sure to protect Chucky from other people.” Minhyun smiled that bright smile again.

“Eugh~! So… radiant!” Ren covered his eyes. He was definitely not prepared for any of this!

“Wow, you’re really funny!” Minhyun chuckled in amusement. Ren was surely an interesting character. “I’ll go now.” He then got up to take his leave.

“O-Okay.” Ren nodded before standing up as well to see his new friend off. He felt a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He has a friend now.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, then.” Minhyun gave a wave as he stood at the door.

“Uh…” Ren stilled.

“I’ll come to your room?”

“Uhh…”

“You come see me, then?”

“Uhhh…!” Ren went back to being nervous and uncomfortable again. He hadn’t thought about what comes after making friends. Surely they want to meet up and socialize.

“I’ll write you a letter, then?” Minhyun asked, wondering if that option would work best for the antisocial guy.

“... I like that idea.” There was a hint of relief in his tone.

“Great! Then I’ll write you a letter! Take care, Ren.” Minhyun waved one more time before leaving the dark room.

Once Ren heard him leave down the hallway, he collapsed to the ground as expected. “They’re all so beautiful, how am I going to survive in this place?!”

Chapter one~!

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