“HYUNJOONG!” Somin exclaimed in surprise as she turned around to find him staring sideways at the ground. Somin shot her head from side to side but there was none around them and it was pitch dark! She couldnt see anything or anyone just Hyunjoong.

“Where are we—“ Somin cried but then Hyunjoong’s expression caught her attention. He looked sad and lifeless—it tormented her heart to see him like this. Somin stepped forward driven by the uncontrollable urge to soothe him. When she reached him she hesitantly raised her hand afraid he’ll shove it away. Getting no protest, Somin couraged up and held his shoulders.

“Hyunjoong what’s wrong?” Somin asked softly. But Hyunjoong remained immobile—he just stood there like a stone statue,not even turning to look at her

“Hyunjoong…Hyunjoong “ Somin shook his shoulder—still there was no response. Somin got frustrated…she couldn’t bear to see him like this! “Hyunjoong! What’s wrong? Please tell me!” Somin cupped his face and pulled him to face her forcibly. His eyes remained impassive as they looked into Somin’s. “Hyunjoong…..please” Somin sniffed as tears started to roll down her cheeks

“Why did you trick me Somin?” Hyunjoong finally said. His expression remained the same—lifeless and sad—it was as if a ghost was talking.

Somin fell silent but her tears didn’t stop,they just came flowing

“I trusted you….and you tricked me” Hyunjoong continued and slowly started to back away

“I’m sorry Hyunjoong…..I’m sorry” Somin cried as Hyunjoong walked away further

“ You have broken my trust Somin….you have betrayed me….You’ve lost me forever” Hyunjoong’s voice echoed

“NO!” Somin’s head shot up to catch the last blurry glimpse of Hyunjoong as he dissolved into the pitch black that surrounded her. Somin ran forward to hold him but he slipped out of her embrace like sand

“Hyunjoong…Hyunjoong!” Somin cried as she circled in the pitch darkness around her but there was no other sound except her own voice echoing in the emptiness

“HYUNJOONG!” Somin’s eyes shot open. She was breathing heavily and sweating all over.

“It’s okay dear…..just a bad dream…dear it’s okay” Somin turned her head to find Granny her hair worriedly trying to calm her.

“Granny…granny……Hyunjoong…”Somin couldn’t continue as the fear from her nightmare brought tears in her eyes, choking her

Jihoo got up and as he came out of the room he saw Haera all dressed up, shoving things into her big handbag.

“Going somewhere?” Jihoo asked,rubbing his eyes

“Hmm to Juno’s place.” Haera replied. Juno was Haera’s childhood friend.

“Okay…do you want me to pick you up from there in the evening or you’ll go on your own?” Jihoo said as he poured himself a glass of water

“I am not going to the bash”

“What? Why?”

“What would I do in that bash where that witch will be wooing Hyunjoong and my brother will just look on ”

“Haera—“

“Don’t bother hyung! I am getting late” She swung her bag onto her shoulder and started to walk away.

“I am leaving tomorrow Hae. My flight’s at 5 in the morning. You wont even come to bid me farewell?”

Haera stopped in her tracks. She closed her eyes and bit her lip. Atlast she exhaled and turned around. She walked over and pecked on Jihoo’s lips.

“What news do you have Woobin?” Mr. Lee said looking at Woobin over his golden glasses

“They are having a Valentine bash today,Sir. The security will be comparatively relaxed” Woobin reported

“Hmm….this is our chance.” Mr Lee nodded his head thoughtfully

“What are you planning to do sir” Woobin inquired

An evil grin formed on Mr.Lee’s lips. “Do you know where a tree gets its strength from, Woobin?”

 “I don’t know sir” Woobin shrugged

“From it’s roots! If we want to bring the whole tree down we have to cut off its roots!” Mr.Lee smirked