XIII

Dara POV

I kept my head low through most of the way home. Though, I couldn't help but to peek a few times at Jiyong shadowed back, as his shirt distorted and smoothed out, while he advanced in the dark. His hand never left mine in its iron grip. I walked faster to make sure I don't fall behind or trip, not wanting to cause any more trouble for him.

The whole trip home is rather uncomfortable to say the least. Silence is the only comfort, as Jiyong's heavy steps clicked along the sidewalk, followed by my quiet but hurrying pace. The only warmth I really felt is his hand embracing mine. His back is turned, but I could almost imagine his face in fury. The very thought scared me. In my conscience, he had no reasons to be mad. I am simply minding my own business; he had just shown up at the right time.

Indeed… a very right time. Fear started to overcome me as I began to replay those last few moments that could have scarred me for life. If Jiyong hadn't come to save me...what would have happened? I knew very well what would have happened. I probably would have been , sold, and then killed within the next few days. And nobody would know until it is far too late.

I wanted to say something to Jiyong to break the silence. Those words were along the lines of 'Thank you..,' 'I owe you one,' 'I'm very grateful..,' or really anything that would express my gratitude towards his appearance. But I just couldn't find the will...or more so 'courage' to open my mouth and let those thankful phrases flow.

Lost in my own thoughts, it is only until I have reached the steps of the Kwon mansion, did I realize that I am finally 'home.'

Jiyong never uttered a single word to me as he let go of my hand, stomped towards the telephone and dialed a familiar number. My house number. I listened as he explained to my mom what happened, and in the end, assured her that I am alright, and no harm is done. Jiyong's expression that moment is serious and mature. A complete opposite to his usual goofy demeanor.

As I watched him slowly hang up the telephone. His gaze suddenly met mine, as he pointed towards the stairs and said, "My room...now." A few erted maids got the wrong idea and started giggling and blushing, some glared at me with envy.

"What are you all laughing for? erted freaks like you should all go rot in hell. Don't just STAND THERE, GO DO WORK AND ALL OF YOU BUNCH OF SICK MINDED IDIOTS!" Jiyong bellowed with anger. The maids' faces immediately paled as they all scurried away, afraid of losing their job, some, saddened by the fact that they have lost all hopes with the 'lord' of the mansion. I chuckled to msyelf, unfortunately, Jiyong seems to have overheard my muted laughter.

His eyes then went back to me as it held the stern order of me going upstairs. I obeyed as I raced up the stairs. Usually, I would never let Jiyong boss me around this way. But today, he had saved me, and he is in a foul mood, I, using common sense decided that no comebacks is the smartest thing to do.

As we reached his room, he shut the door in a soundless manner as his face remained emotionless. He pointed to the comfortable couch, meaning for me to take a seat. I complied, choosing the farthest end on the right. He too, took a seat, but on the farthest end to the left.

"What were you thinking...?" Jiyong asked, breaking the silence in a calm tone.

"Huh?" I looked at him, "what do you mean...what was I thinking?"

"What were you thinking, staying out in some isolated area so LATE AT NIGHT?" his voice rose considerably as he lost the restraints of being patient.

"It...It is none of your business..." I muttered in reply. "I had my own...matters to attend to."

"Business?" he choked out. "This 'business' nearly cost you your LIFE THEN. Being out that late at night, making your mother worry...running into some desperate old man and nearly killing yourself...IS THIS THE KIND OF BUSINESS YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT?!" he roared, his voice getting louder by the minute.

I winced at his rage...yet I couldn't help but notice his expression. There is anger, yes. But it also held worry and fear. His lips were slightly quivering, as if he is about to cry.

"I..." I breathed. "I never meant for it to be so late at night...I lost track of time and well...got myself into trouble."

Jiyong laughed. His laugh is not the good kind of laugh though...it is sarcastic and cold. "You're saying it as if it is a simple issue that could easily be fixed even if it did take its toll..." his hand ran through his hair roughly, "DO YOU EVEN KNOW OF THE CONSEQUENCES THAT YOU WOULD HAVE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IF I WASN'T THERE-"

"I KNOW." I screamed, Jiyong's gaze held slight surprise at my outburst. I had been quiet the whole time, but now I had snapped. "I AM CLEAR of what would have happened if you hadn't come to save me. I would have been scarred for life, , sold, killed, forgotten, EVERYTHING I HATE AND FEAR..." my voice shook but I kept it firm.

"...Well at least now I know I'm not the only one aware of what would have happened..." Jiyong's voice softened out of shock.

"HONESTLY... I DON'T EVEN KNOW... WHY YOU ARE BEING SO MAD AT ME. WOULDN'T YOU HAVE LOVE FOR ME TO DISAPPEAR, GET OUT OF YOUR LIFE? YOU MAKE THAT PRETTY CLEAR IN MY FACE AT SCHOOL. YOU HATE ME DON'T YOU? IF YOU DID, YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST LEFT ME AND-" my hollering is cut short by Jiyong's lips clamped over mine.

My eyes grew larger as I started to see what is happening. Jiyong is kissing me as his hands gripped tightly around my waist. I didn't return the kiss, but dumbly stood in place as his lips remained on mine.

As he removed his lips from mine, I could see that his eyes were a bit watery. They also contained pain and a sense of being misunderstood.

"…Don't talk about me as if I am a heartless monster or...as if you know everything…" he murmured, his lips still touching mine lightly. "Please." he added, as he slowly stepped away from me. At that moment, his face is sincere and angelic, it is almost beautiful.

"I.." you tried to search for some words that might help fix this situation. But you could find none. His back was now turned to you. Following your instinct, you slowly made your way to the door, and closed it lightly as you went out.

"Night..." I whispered while leaning against the door. I felt guilt...yet, I didn't know why.

Little did Dara know, that Jiyong on the other side, turned his gaze towards the door and silently replied, "Good night to you too...Dara."

He then made his way to his glass desk, and ran his fingers across the glass. His eyes fixed on the pictures that the glass had protected so well over the years. His eyes narrowed as it saw the silver haired boy beside Dara. But it softened as he saw Dara figure, a little girl that is trying to fend off an around 6 year old Jiyong.

"...You have no idea...Dara.." Jiyong whispered, "you have no idea how much...it hurts me."

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Hmmm. getting interesting :)