Time still passed as Irene and Jiyong lived as one half of the other, but still an ominous presence continued to grow and bug the Demon King. His behaviour had begun to slightly change as his eyes seemed distracted and distant to Irene. Something was bothering him, she could sense it without a word being spoken but chose to wait until he was ready. But day by day she too, grew more and more anxious for her silent lover

Another day had set to end as the pair began to close their little shop. Jiyong was quiet as usual stalking things away, doing all the heavy lifting whilst the smarter Irene dealt with the records and the books. With an exasperated sigh, Irene slowly stood up gently but firmly slamming her palms against the table before putting away the paperwork. “I’m heading out for a bit” She said with slight bitterness as for the third day in a row, Jiyong had not uttered a word outside of work.

Unfortunately for her, Jiyong was not good with people. Through his 1000-year lifespan, he had limited interaction with another living creature that was not killed or submitted to his power. For the first time in his life, he had someone he had to consider equal and above himself. Fortunately, he wasn’t completely brainless and was adapting to his new status. ‘I need to do something to make it up to her soon’ he thought as he scavenged the deepest parts of his thoughts on ideas of how to cheer up an angry girlfriend. Those thoughts were ceased as the dark presence resurfaced but this time… it was much closer and much stronger

Irene’s mood wasn’t particularly good, not with Jiyong acting strange. ‘Just one more day’ she thought she’d give him. She began looking around as her aimless wander took her into unfamiliar streets. Letting out a gentle sigh, Irene began to regret just walking out of the café or at least to more familiar surroundings. It was when she decided it would be best just to turn around and retrace her steps, the air began to change. Irene shivered, however the chill she felt was not from the cold but a growing feeling of fear. The wind began to pick up and bushes began to rustle. The dark uncertainty increased her worries as she began to hear footsteps slowly walk in her direction

“Yah Irene…. Are you okay?” A familiar voice spoke out, cold but with concern.

Without a second thought, she jumped into the arms of this figure. Everything about it was so familiar, his scent, his feel, it all made her feel safe in the moment of fear.

“Jiyong…” She said as she buried her face into his chest.

Jiyong silently comforted her making sure she knew everything would all be okay. “It’s okay Irene… everything will be okay”

Whilst embracing her Jiyong lifted his head and his eyes started to glow red with rage. This from him, was a warning to all those that would dare to return to harm her. He knew whatever was coming for them……. They were not from this world