“Mo-om! Lena took Mr. Whiskers!” The wail after was as solid as it was endless. I propped an elbow on the table, covering an ear with my hand while trying not to wince. In the kitchen there was a loud clang, then the sound of footsteps.

“Okay, could someone silence the seven year old? It would be appreciated!” Another clatter, this time deep and ringing with the warning of broken cooking ware. I leaned away from the pile of textbooks and papers in front of me, stretching my arms above my head.

“I didn’t take Mr. Whiskers,”

“Yes you did!” I rolled my eyes at the string of whines that ensued, gluing my eyes back on the notebook in front of me.

“Ri On-ah, don’t yell at your sister like that.”

“But-”

“No buts Mr. Rinnie,” A different voice intervened, this time from amongst the slams and clatters of metal. A giggle escaped my lips, though unfortunately it just wouldn’t go unnoticed.

“She’s laughing at me mom! Make her stop!” Umma didn’t answer right away, her voice suddenly booming as if it was over a megaphone.   

“Kim Ha ri, are you trying to break my kitchen?!”

“I wouldn’t have to break it if you were here cooking in it!” My lips fumbled terribly at the sharp remark. Placing a fist in front of my face I faked a cough. A couple more questionable crashes later, a figure emerged from the kitchen. Tall, with a blonde pixie cut and business jacket still on underneath her apron, the woman leaned against the wall, shooting me a grimace.

“How hard is it to warm up soup?!”

“Very difficult if there is no soup.” She replied under her breath, causing me to have to contain another fit of giggles.  “Ha young-ah give your older sister a break,”

“Every day you’ve both had a break! You think I don’t notice those take out boxes?” I cocked my head to the side, feigning innocence.

“What take-out boxes?” I asked. Out of the corner of my eye I caught my aunt nudge a small garbage bag behind her feet. “There are no boxes, umma you’re just imagining things.”

“Right, of course there aren’t.” Despite her lack of humour I couldn’t help but chuckle. She wasn’t pleased by it, her frown deepening on my laptop screen.

“What are you guys eating? Is it jajjangmyeon? Can’t you send me some Lena?” Immediately Ri On’s face popped up over hers, his eyes wide and bright.

“No I can’t; it would spoil by the time it reached you all, and that’s Lena noona,” I emphasized, pursuing my lips “I told you to practice your Korean.”

“She’s right, you need to keep speaking it with us or else you’ll forget it forever Mr. Rinnie” My aunt came forward, stepping around the table and taking a seat next to me.

“No! I won’t forget, and don't call me that auntie!” Neither of us laughed outright, but umma couldn’t help but chuckle.  

“Don’t say that to him, you’ll jinx his growth,” The boy in question sniffed, nodding his head in affirmation. I smiled at them both, crossing my arms and resting them on the table top.

It’s been almost three years since my father had received a job promotion at the company he worked at. Unfortunately, it was one that had a key condition: his transfer to its England branch for an undetermined time. At that time, things weren’t going so well in the sector; now he tells me things are better, that he’s made many deals. Even if he hadn’t said anything there would have been hints: the days they come back to celebrate Christmas and new years have stretched longer with every passing year. I’ve gone to England too, for two months as a middle school graduation gift. Every month I get allowance money I can never figure out how to use, and every birthday the gifts get larger and more expensive. Still, his company hasn’t called him back.

Ri On was only four when dad had to move, and umma…she couldn’t part from him. It’s just how they were, and how they still are. I wasn’t mad at them for wanting to leave, I was only furious when they tried to make me come with them. The thought of leaving the home I grew up in, the sights and sounds I was familiar with for something big and so unknown scared me. Thankfully Ha ri was there; she’s been taking care of me ever since.  

“How’s school going?” Ri On looked at me, immediately forgetting his earlier irritation.

“Well, it’s alright I guess. We had a show and tell; I brought my soccer ball.” On that note he held up the large, dirt speckled sphere. Umma stared at his pudgy hands staining brown, horrified.

“Why did you bring that inside Ri On-ah it’s dirty!” The said boy looked back at her, his eyes wide and unblinking.

“Busted,” I murmured in a sing-song voice. His head whipped back to me.

“I am not! I just forgot! Give me back Mr. Whiskers noona!”

“Alright, I’ll send him to you the next time I get the chance-“

“Send him tomorrow!”

“We can’t, we’re too poor!” Ha ri intervened, her red lips pulled into a frown “It’s too expensive so you pay for it!” She copied his ridiculous whine to such a high degree I didn’t know if I wanted to laugh or wince.

“Fine,” Ri On turned his head, looking off somewhere off-screen. “DAAAAAAAADDDDD! COME PAY AUNTIE TO SEND US MR. WHISKERS!” I slapped a hand over my mouth before my laughter could escape.  Ha ri wasn’t as successful, something between a snort and a chortle erupting from within her. Umma ended up the same, and in a matter of seconds we burst into fits of laughter. For once Ri On ignored us, slipping out of umma’s grasp and running off to find our father.

“Now look at what you’ve done,” She covered her eyes with her hands, trying to attempt a sigh through her giggles. “He’s going to nag his appa all night.”

“Serves the man right for working himself to the bone,” Ha ri raised her arms over her head in a long stretch, plopping one across the back of my chair “now he’ll spend some time working himself to the bone to please his kid.” Umma sent her a warning look, but the playful gleam in her eyes was still there.

“Wait until you get kids of your own; let’s see if you’ll still have room to talk.”

“Oh but thanks to you I already do,” Her arm came around my shoulder, squeezing it affectionately “isn’t my little baby so cute!”

“I think I’ve outgrown the title of ‘baby’,” My words fell on deaf ears; my aunt quickly became absorbed in cooing over my growth since the last time they visited. It was something that was slightly discomforting; half the time she was pointing out things I wasn’t even sure I saw in myself.

“Lena’s hair has gotten so long, it’s already beginning to cover her little bum-“

“Aunt Ha ri!” I protested, my cheeks flaming from her choice in wording.

“It’s the truth,” She dismissed me with the wave of a hand “anyways we’ve talked about getting it cut; she keeps insisting to keep it long. Just like how you used to when we were kids.” Umma’s smile grew a little wider, a sparkle appearing in her gaze.

“I did, but I wasn’t successful. Our mom got so fed up with the tangles that she ended up ambushing me with a pair of garden sheers-” Ha ri threw her head back, laughing.  

“How could I forget? You shut yourself in our room and didn’t come out for a whole week. You wouldn’t even let me in to sleep; I was stuck on the couch!” We all laughed.

“Ugh, that was horrible.” Umma’s face held a little grimace at the memory, but then quickly recovered her smile “Make sure to lock your door before you sleep Lena, don’t let your aunt get you.” I grinned

“I will, don’t worry.” The woman in question placed a hand over her heart, her expression mimicking one of insult.

“Nice to see the trust between us is still alive.” We all shared a smile.

A familiar whine broke through from behind Umma.

“Uh-oh. Looks like you're being summoned.” She turned back to look at us, her gaze now slightly irritated.

“Don’t overdo it Ha ri-ah. Expect an earful from me tomorrow.”

“I wouldn’t dream to miss it little sister. Make sure to say goodbye to my little baby before you go.” On that note Ha ri stood from her chair, breezing back into the kitchen.

Umma’s face melted into a smile, though this time it looked a bit tired and worn. “How are you feeling these days Lena-ah?”

“I’m, great Umma.” It would be a lie to say I didn’t miss her; between my parents she had been the most upset about leaving me behind. Whenever we had the chance to talk alone I could always see the regret of that decision coming through, and it made me feel a pang of longing myself.

“How’s school? Did you make any friends yet?”

“It’s fine…I’m getting there,” It was hard to lie. She knew how difficult it was for me to get close to people; countless afternoons she opened our door to find me in tears, trudging in from school with a new story of how I was ignored or forgotten by my peers. In elementary school it was an easier fix; after a couple cookies, a story, and a long hug I would feel better. But as I grew older and things never really got better, it got more difficult for me to confess everything. Now she wasn’t even home, all I had were these video calls to see her. These moments were precious, I wasn't going to ruin them by causing worry.  

“Oh? So you’ve met some people?” Her face brightened a hint

“Well sorta. I mean, it's just some classmates-”

“What’re they like?” My heartbeat spiked, my mind immediately blanking at her question. Great. Now I’ve done it.

“What’re they like? Uh, well- I guess they’re just,” I faltered for a couple moments. My mind flashed to this afternoon, Kai and Sehun’s faces rising into my memory “very kind. Very open, and friendly.”

“Really? That’s wonderful dear,” Umma smiled for real this time, it illuminating her face “you’ll need to tell me more tomorrow,” I only half heard her, my mind still caught. Without realizing it my cheeks began to flame; casually I rested my hands over them.

“Of course. I’ll talk to you guys later, bye Umma.”

“See you soon, I love you.” Her face disappeared, the screen going dark. I slowly closed my laptop, my mind still in it's haze. No sooner had we finished speaking did another clatter sound from within the kitchen. I jumped up, this time caught off guard.

“Are you okay?” After a couple moments Ha ri reappeared around the corner, her usual easy smile now downturned into a grimace.

“Yeah, I don’t think dinner is salvageable today.”

“Is it ever?” I feigned a sigh, closing my notebook and rising from the table. Ha ri came up to me, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. Thanks to our similar heights, the effect was more sisterly, if not like a friend.

“Sorry, I think your mom just might be right about the cooking thing,” I couldn’t help but scoff “don’t tell her I said that.”

“My lips are hypothetically sealed,” She laughed a little, ruffling my hair.

“I guess I have to be satisfied with that.” We shuffled together into the living room, plopping down onto the sofa. “How was school?”

“Alright I guess.” I grabbed one of pillows next to me, hugging it. Unlike with umma, I had to be more careful around my aunt. Between them two she could be frustratingly accurate in reading people. Ha ri said nothing for a moment, only leaning in to looking at my face. I stared back, trying to look nonchalant. “What?”

“Nothing. It's just your tomato face tells me you're lying.”

“I do not have a tomato face-” I tried turning away but she came closer, her eyes turning into crescents.

“Then why are your cheeks so red and cute-!” She cupped my cheeks in her hands, shaking them from side to side. “Aigoo, is it a boy?”

“It's not a boy.” She was sharper, but that didn't mean she never missed the mark a bit from her assumptions.

“It's a boy isn't it?”

“Auntie-”

“You can't hide it from me~!” I groaned, mushing the pillow into my face so she couldn't touch it anymore.

“Stop Auntie.” She grinned, getting herself comfortable.

“Okay I won't ask much. Just tell me – was it a confession?” I dropped the pillow to my side, facing her.

“No it wasn't! I'm tell you there is no b-boys. I mean there weren't any bo-ys that I talked to!” Damn it. She grinned, propping her chin in her hands.

“He was a cute one wasn't he?” I bit my lip, my face going hot.

If only you knew it wasn't just one.

Before she could question me further I turned, plopping my face down onto the seat of the couch. I couldn't tell her, I would never hear the end of it.

“Okay I get it! I'll stop,” Slowly I looked back up at her. A small smile lay on her lips, her head slightly cocked to one side “For now of course.”

“You should mean forever,”

“I make no guarantees.”

“So I've unfortunately noticed,” I sat back up, placing the pillow on my lap. It was quiet between us for a moment. I could feel my aunt's stare but I refused to meet it, the image of the Kingkas' faces popping up in my head.

“Come on, don't be mad.” I wasn't but I didn't answer her, just simply leaning on her shoulder. Suddenly I felt exhausted, the day's events coming back in a giant wave “Are you not happy?” I turned my head, meeting her gaze “About whatever happened, I mean.”

“Well, it's not really bad.”

“What does not really bad mean?” She brought her feet up, crossing them. I hesitated, thinking.

“It was, confusing.” I spoke slowly “The whole thing just happened out of the blue; I still can't really believe what happened, happened.” My aunt stared at me, popped open in a small, perfect o.

“That must of been one hell of a confession-”

“It was not a confession.”

“Let's just agree to disagree so I can dream okay?” I just stared at her, trying to communicate my displeasure my eyes. She only smiled, ruffling my hair affectionately. “It's fine, I'll get it out of you eventually~” I groaned, plopping my head back onto the sofa “Now, what’s say we pretend to have forgotten your Umma's lecture for the next forty five minutes and get some fried chicken?” She blinked multiple times, as if attempting a look of cuteness. With her small face and big eyes it worked, but I kept my face neutral for as long as I could before uttering: “I’ll go get the coupons.”

“So, how do I look?” I didn't respond right away, trying to find the right words.

Kris was more open about his opinion. “It's different.”

“Good different or bad different?” My father asked. I cleared my throat, trying to not let the answer show on my face.

“It's not necessarily bad, but you might want to rethink the situation this is for sir.” I said. He turned to me, an eyebrow raised.

“What? Do I stand out too much?” He asked. The navy blue suit he wore was simple but nice, as were his polished black shoes. Unfortunately, that only made his tie stand out even more. “I think the flash of color looks nice.” He turned around, adjusting his cuffs in front of the standing mirror. I looked elsewhere, glancing around the fancy hotel suite. If luxury could have a picture definition, this would be it. “I thought you kids liked this kind of thing. Isn't it supposed to be 'in'?” I couldn't hold in my laugh this time and had to cover it with my fist, faking a cough.

“We don't fit in with that particular generation, you're thinking too young,” Kris said. He pointed out the horrible salmon and white thing fastened around my father’s neck “If this was a flash of color maybe; this is a flash of polka dots.” The latter only waved him back, undeterred.

“Well, I was just looking for a little change. Neither of you understand how depressing it can be surrounded by all those darkly dressed wolves. They're like robots; their faces are like this-” As if to demonstrate his expression immediately darkened, his lips pulling into an unnatural frown and his thick eyebrows furrowing together. Kris chuckled, clapping his hand against the latter's back. The man turned to him, a grin appearing on his face: “See? I can bring a little humor to their lives, right Joonmyeon-ah?” I came up to them both, my mouth curving up despite myself.

“They aren't looking for humor sir.” I reached for his collar, unfastening the tie from around his neck. “They are looking for a serious, detailed, and dedicated elder to work alongside them.” To this my father only frowned.

“Why not include the little hint of personality? It's not like the others have any.” Kris coughed, barely concealing the scoff of laughter embedded within.

“Sir, they have their own individual personalities. They keep them separate from work-”

My father gave me a deadpan stare. “Try having a 'casual' dinner with them and see if you can still say that.” I smiled, going to find a new tie.

With every large area of werewolf territory a special counsel was in position to oversee its population. In the eyes of the human world, these people were the CEO's, directors, and executives of famous companies and brands. In other words, they were the ruthless, expensive, and utterly untouchable. To us Creatures, they were a figure of authority and government if there ever was one. If there were Creature disputes, or matches to be created between wolves, then they would come to this counsel. Each member was considered an elder – a wolf elected for his proven extensive knowledge of werewolf histories or combat, or both.  As it so happened, my father was one.    

“The ties aren't in my suitcase, check the closet.” I stared at the small thing, zipped shut with his brief case balanced overtop. It was positioned right next to a pair of creme colored doors. Automatic lights immediately flickered on as I opened the doors, illuminating the walk in closet. I surveyed the room (as it was big enough to be considered one), sighing. If it weren't for the salary he received from his position, I honestly had no idea how he would've supported his shopping habits. “Look in the second shelf on the right hand side, there should be some.” I silently complied. A multitude of ties peaked up from within, each one neatly pressed and folded.

“So, what brings you two here? It's not very often that Joonmyeon comes to visit me, much less with his friends.” It was said in a teasing way, and we both knew why. A majority of the time my father was away on business; he had to make his home in hotels as supposed to our house. On the off-hand day I decided to come all I would find was him passed out over his papers. It was actually rare for him to make it to his bed before falling asleep.

“I thought I already counted as a son.” I smirked slightly at Kris' remark, picking up two or three ties I thought might look nice. Being in a pack together created a bond, one that could be called stronger than normal relationships. Kris and the rest of Exo were my brothers as much as they were my family, but we all didn't share a common bloodline.   

Walking out of the closet I handed my father the ties. “Pick one.” He looked between them, albeit distastefully.

“Aren't they a bit plain?”

“Plain is fine in this circumstance sir.”

“Would it kill you to call me dad once?” I smiled at him, clapping his shoulder the way Kris had.

“Not at all sir, but maybe after your meeting.” The only response I got was a annoyed look. Turning back towards the mirror he began to refasten one of the new ties around his neck. I watched him for a moment, leaning on one of the sofa backs.

“You've outdone yourself here,”

“Of course, considering this hotel is mine I think I get a little leverage on interior decorating” He looked at me through the mirror, a grin growing. “Soon enough this place – the entire hotel chain – will go to you. If you're up for it.” I smiled back, crossing my arms. I wasn't being forced into following my father's footsteps. It was something that I'd decided for myself. Of course, inheriting his position also entailed me having to attempt to take his place in the counsel. The process is as lengthy as it is complex; you couldn't just get the job from being a relative.  “Then you can decide how you want the place to look.”

“Fair enough,” I paused a moment “so I was wondering if there was something you could help us with.”

“And so the truth of this visit comes out,” He turned, letting his hands rest in his pockets. “I had a feeling you boys wanted something. I mean, other than the humorous fatherly love I generously give-”

“Dad.” I stopped him before he could continue. He held his hands up in mock surrender, smiling.

“We were looking to hear more about some of the wolf stories,” Kris spoke, sitting in a chair positioned next to the mirror. I looked to my father, watching him cross his arms.

“Don't you have teachers drilled that mess of history into your heads already? Why would you ever want to go through that torture again? It's stupid.”

“We learned the formal part of it.” Kris continued, a quirk of humor on his lips. As he spoke I could tell he had to work to keep it natural and unseeming. “But now the two of us were wondering if there was anything else.”

“What kind of 'anything else'?” He looked between us both. This was the tricky part.

“Just, anything details that might be missing.” I said.

It had been my father who told us both about the histories and werewolf imprinting. The circumstances between then and now were different. Time had already past, we had put it to rest. I wasn't sure how he was going to react about us bring it up. If we could research it on our own it would've been better, but how could there be any documented information on something that supposedly didn't exist? There couldn't be, at least not here.

“Anything?” He walked past us both. A little silver tray was perched on a side table next to the couch, a glass and pitcher placed on it. He poured himself a drink. “Anything is really general,” He turned back, setting the rim of the glass just in front of his mouth “I don't think I'll have much to help you unless I know what I'm going for.”

“This isn't going to get anywhere unless we get more specific.” Kris' voice unfolded in the back of my mind.

“We're not telling him what happened.”

“We need to get something across, otherwise we'll just be talking in circles.”

“He'll suspect us more if we don't”

Was this even a good idea? How much could we give away without revealing our situation? I trusted my father, but he had a split duty to me as his son and the counsel as an elder. He was one of the more relaxed members but that didn't mean he was any less dedicated; that also meant there wasn't going to be any guarantee that he would react well to anything we told him. He looked at me; I could tell the glint in his gaze was one of curiosity. He had nothing to suspect me of, not yet at least.

“We were just looking to do a bit of research: the relation of bloodlines and it's effects on the inheritance of Gifts.” I spoke. My father paused a bit, then chuckled.

Werewolves were superhuman, with heightened abilities such as sight, hearing, speed, and strength. Even then there were some with a single, special characteristic that only applied to them: a gift. They were basically like superpowers, the manipulation of elements, the mind, or the form being the three major categories. Each subdivided into various sections. It was difficult to pinpoint exactly from who you got yours from, if you have a power at all. Some families were sprawling with members with special abilities, and others could go generations without one at all. A majority of the time there wasn't even a common thread between the powers in family lines. “You couldn't have chosen a more difficult and time consuming thing to look at.” My father laughed. I smiled, but couldn't laugh along. Kris looked at me, I could feel his gaze on the side of my head.

“It's school related, sort of.”

“As related as it can get, hm?” He smiled “I mean, with your fellow human classmates present.”

“You sure you don't want to tell him? This is your chance.”

“This is one chance, there'll be others.”

“Don't forget we still have a vampire to deal with-”

“I don't have many resources here to give you.” Of course he didn't. The only records we could keep in our private possession are our own family bloodlines. Even then they were copied to be placed in the counsel's archives. “I doubt the other elders will have anything to give either except their wonderful life stories,” He placed his glass down, coming to stand next to me. “I think I might know someone in one of the chinese counsels who might have something for you. Do you want me to give them a call?”

“We could go ourselves,” I offered “It'll be faster that way.”

“Skipping school for the sake of a school project?”

“Maybe the effort will give us extra credits,” Kris murmured, a little smile on his face.

“We would be gone a couple days at most,” I turned to my father “it's better we look ourselves and not trouble the elders there,” He gripped one of my shoulders with his hand, squeezing it affectionately.

“That's not a half bad idea. It'll give you a chance to look around, maybe even look into some of their counsel routines.” I only nodded.

“Let's not say anything right away. Not until we get a grip on what we're dealing with here.”

Kris didn't respond, and it was silent between us for the rest of the visit. It wasn't until everything was said and done that I chose to break the silence.

“He'll have the flight booked by the end of today. I want you to go to Shanghai and look through the counsel archive there.” He nodded once, looking down at his phone while we waited inside the elevator.

“Alone? He expects the both of us to go.” We locked gazes for a moment.

“But can we leave the others alone?” I said.

Kai, Sehun, and Lay were already unnerved by the situation. If anything were to progress, it would be better they weren't alone.

“I'll go.” Kris conceded. “You're going to need to make up an excuse.”

“That won't be hard. Dad's busy enough he may not even notice I stayed behind.”

“Mind if I take Tao and Luhan?” He said after a slight pause. I smiled a little ruefully.

“Are you trying to make this into a field trip?”

“It's been awhile since they've seen their families; if the man is as busy as you say I think we can afford a few unscheduled stops.”

“What about Lay?” A series of chimes sounded as the doors slid smoothly open.

Kris stepped out first, shooting me a look. “He's not in any position to leave that girl, at least until she's more... solidly involved.” I fought the reflex to wince at his words, coming alongside him. The fact that what he was saying was the truth only make it worse.

The hotel lobby was huge and sprawling with people, the majority of them in suits. As we walked through I let my eyes drift talking in the faces of those coming into my line of sight. Many were familiar.

“It's like the business world decided to hold a mini convention here.” I bit back a smile at Kris' comment following him through the revolving doors. “What is it this time? It must be big, if your dad's staying here for so long.”

“You could say that,” Though it was already well into May, winter still kept its hold through the crisp bite of the air. I shoved my hands into my coat pockets, nodding to the bell man at the entrance. He bowed respectfully, as did his coworkers in the vicinity. “It's a shareholder meeting.” Kris turned sharply, his eyes widening.

“What, you mean Mugunghwa is-”

“A broadcasting company is electing new members for its directors board. They'll be borrowing the convention hall for the weekend.” I smirked a little at his expression “Dad's still functioning just fine as the head; I'm not going to be nominated into the ranks for a while.” Before he could properly respond our car pulled in. The valet quickly stepped out, bowing deeply before handing me the keys.

“During your visit we had it washed and waxed.” The change was apparent; under the fluorescent lights the mercedes-benz gleamed, reflecting back a glossy sheen.

“Thanks for your work.” I said.

He bowed again, stepping aside “It's our pleasure.”

“-prince Joonmyeon.” Kris finished off as we settled in. I started the car, the engine smooth and quiet as we pulled out.

“Very funny.”

“It's the truth. You're the only legitimate kid Mr. Kim's got; it's smart they start fussing over you now.”

I shot him a look. “You seriously think I'm going to be that kind of head?”

“No, but it's not like they'll figure it out anytime soon. You could work years to gain trust but they'll always believe a swinging guillotine is hanging above their heads.” He swatted at my arm, point ahead. “Watch the road.”

“Why? We're talking.” I stared pointedly at him, watching the discomfort grow on his face.

“Living is more important than talking- watch the road!”

With an innocent look I purposely touched the accelerator. “But I'm not finished talking. Why'd you have to be so negative and bring up a guillotine-”

“Tch- because I'm a pessimist! Watch where you drive before we crash!” He planted his hand on my head, forcing it forward. I couldn't help but laugh outright, his tone hilariously shrill. Kris only stared straight ahead, uttering curses beneath his breath until we reached our destination. 

“I said I was sorry,”

“Like you actually meant it.” Kris grumbled underneath his breath, shutting his car door. Suho locked the vehicle, coming up beside him so they could walk together. No, it wasn't that he didn't have any confidence in the latter's abilities. Suho was a good driver, but he used his skills to scare him way too much.

The two were in the middle of parking lot. Despite it being early evening this particular area was quiet. Just beyond the lot's boundaries traffic was slow going, still deep with the evening rush. Across the street, neighboring stores and restaurants were bustling with customers. The roar of noise trickled back to the two in echoes.

“Remind me again why we came this way?” Suho asked. Kris gestured towards the open space. It was a stark contrast to the street it resided on. Without the lights and sounds of people to fill it, the place didn't just look empty, it looked abandoned.

“You wanted a parking space, here it is.”

Suho stared at the latter. “I did say I was sorry.”

“And I didn't say anything back.” Kris stepped passed him, heading to the lone building that resided over the space. It was stout, outspanning the length of the lot it possessed. Dim lights penetrated through the glass windows, but did little to display what was inside. The only explanation to the building's presence was the advertisement board perched precariously up on the roof: a narrow pin that looked like it was about to be pummelled over by substantially larger bowling ball. Kris crossed his arms over his chest, gazing up at the building with the hint of a smile.

“It's a little rogue looking, but it has charm.”

Suho scoffed. “Whatever charm that is, only you can see it.” Kris ignored the latter's comment, walking up to the entrance door and pulling it open. Immediately they were hit with a musky combination of wax, grease, and strawberries.

“They must've worked on the floors today.”

“I've been to other bowling places; you usually aren't supposed to tell that they've done so by smell.”

“But then how could you be sure?” Suho rolled his eyes a little at the latter's comment but didn't reply. The area inside was surprisingly small, and empty too. A door lay straight ahead but was shut tightly, the words MANAGEMENT written in tiny bold script. A stair case was based next to it, the source of the dim lights seen from outdoors. Music pulsed up; something metal and foreign, but addictive. They went down, feeling the music thrum into their skin. The air grew warm, making the peculiar smelly combination become stronger. Strobing lights crossed up and down their clothes from mini hemi-circle balls strategically placed across the ceiling. That combined with the evening rays from upstairs served as the only real light sources in the dimly lit area.

“Welcome to the underground alley! How many of you will be bowling today?” It was a woman's voice, slightly older but with enthusiasm. Both boys turned, watching a woman scurry up to them. An orange neon colored apron was fastened around her waist, acting as a beacon of light against the dark. Even still it blended nicely with her cocoa colored skin. Her hair was a disarray of curls, haloing over her slim face. A paper pad was clasped in one of her hands while a pen was in the other.

“You guys came on a great day. We actually have a discounted playing rate for- oh,” her face had been bright with her approach, though that immediately dropped once she recognized the newcomers. She fixed her gaze on Kris, her expression pointedly annoyed. “You again?”

“What? You don't want the business?” He had to duck, her hand coming up to his face in a karate chop motion.

“I'm not going to make a living off of making you milkshakes. If you'd actually bowl once in awhile then that'd be helpful.” He cringed, stepping away from her slightly “Can I take a rain check?”

“When do you not?” The woman crossed her arms over her chest, a wisp of curly black hair coming over her face. “The least you could do is sit out front and attract some customers.”

“Is that indirect admission that I'm handsome?” She whacked his arm with the pad with wicked precision; a startled yelp escaped his lips.

“I'm saying you're useful idiot.” She turned to Suho, her gaze turning apologetic. “Sorry sweetheart, your brother's a pain.”

“It's nothing I haven't already learned.” Kris gave him a deadpan look, clearly not amused. Suho smiled, focusing solely on the bowling alley owner. “It's been a while. How've you been Mrs. Song?”

“Skip the well-bred rich kid formalities before I hit you too.” She held up a hand, a twinkle of humor in her eyes. “I'm not that old.”

“The ring on your finger says otherwise.” Kris said, smirking.

“Let's just see you get married and whether or not you can still talk afterwards!” She whipped around, smacking the latter repeatedly with the paper pad. Despite their varying heights, she clearly had the upper hand. Kris cowered with his hands over his head, feigning surrender.

“I was kidding, I was kidding-” She halted, holding her arm up threateningly.

“We're five years apart.”

“That's half a decade.”

“You're not getting any younger.”

“And you haven't gotten any smarter.” He pointed straight down to her feet. “What kind of bowling alley owner wears heels to work?”

“You're the one treading dirt on the floors with your shoes. Read the sign! No-outdoor-shoes-allowed!”

“Guys-” Suho held his hands up, coming in between the two. “Please stop.”

“He started it!”

“She started it!”

They both pointed fingers at each other. Even though the area looked vacant, Suho felt a wave of embarrassment. For as long as he could remember there couldn't have been one meeting where the two didn't fight.

Ironically she was introduced to the boys by Suho's father, the child of a business partner from abroad. They made a new home in Seoul, and she was brought up in the foreign city. That – and the language barrier – didn't stop friendships between her and the group from being built. Though with some particular cases, such as Kris, this friendship somehow molded its way into a rivalry of frienemies. In adolescence to adulthood they could cross paths here, at a party, in the middle of the streets– anywhere at all and one way or another everything would be dropped so they could duke it out.

Was it excessive? Definitely. Though, deep down he knew it wasn't backed by any real ill will. In some ways, the two shared a bond that was reminiscent of siblings. Like the pack bond, but based off of good friendship. Still, it wouldn't hurt for them to be civil.

“Does it matter? Give it a rest, please.” Suho sighed. They didn't move, staring at each other for a long time.

“Werewolf.”

“Witch.”

“It’s actually sorceress,” She flipped her curls over her shoulder, a sparkling gleam coming to her dark eyes “don’t group me with that fraction.”

“Amara-noona, we're running late as it is.” Suho cut in, exasperation coming into his voice.

“You think I don't know?” She raised an eyebrow, but a hint of a smile was growing on her lips. “Some of the boys already went in about an hour ago. ”

“They were on time?”

“I know, it surprised me too.” Spinning around she proceed to walk deeper into hall. Both followed closely behind, taking in the spacious area. Despite the sketchy exterior - and the smell -  the place was attractively built. With polished floors and sleek leather chairs, the walls spanned up with layered brick. A variety of graffiti art decorated the area above the pin stations, stretching along with various images, symbols, and even just scribbles of elegant script. It didn't look messy; it was sophistication with an edge. Neon colored bowling balls were neatly organized for each lane, an interactive screen set amidst the seats to keep track of scores and set new games.

When seeing the extensive detailing and maintenance of the space, it was almost surprising how little customers came inside. One could blame it on an imbalance of effort between the exterior and interior. Then again, even the little details were done the way they were for a specific reason.

“Wait guys,” Amara turned, going behind the long counter spanning the back wall. A digital register was set up with three electronic panels installed overhead, listing prices and the various types of foods offered. Kris crossed his arms over the counter top, staring intently at the menu.

“Do you mind getting me a-” Before he could utter another word a tall soda cup appeared in front of him. There was no cover, whip cream swirling into an elegant curl. Amara nudged the milkshake towards him.

“You get your usual and nothing else. Suho you want anything?”

Suho coughed into his fist, trying to hide the smile underneath. “I'm fine.”

She didn't push, going to wipe the countertop. “Honestly of all pathways you just have to choose mine.” She complained. Suho opened his mouth to apologize by Kris beat him to it.

“These are actually served in glasses.”

“I don't have the time or money to offer you one in a glass. Besides, Chanyeol will probably set it on fire.”

“Does marriage make a girl snappy or is it just the witch magic?”

“It's the sorceress magic now move so I can clean.”

Kris lifted the cup just before her arm came sweeping over with a dish towel. “Do I at least get a spoon?”

“Why do you need it? We're leaving anyways.” Suho intervened, grasping the latter's shoulder and pulling him away. He flashed a grateful smile at the latter “Thanks Mrs. Song.” Amara pulled out a straw, dropping it into the shake as Kris was tugged.

“You get what you get Kris, and that's Amara-noona. Do not make me feel old or I'll lump you together with this giant.” She winked, turning back to the register. “Shoo, before anyone notices you.” The two moved a little ways away, towards the far wall.

Kris held up his arms, as if to point out the empty area. “No need to be concerned, there is no one here to notice!”

“Shut up Kris.” Suho muttered.

A wide column of the wall jutted out a couple feet compared to the rest. At a glance it seemed entirely intentional. Small round tables were lined up a couple paces away, and graffiti art swirled around the area. A life size figure was depicted, his face covered in the shadow of his shockingly bright red hoodie. His body seemed to be emerging from a cloud of symbols and scribbles. Unlike the other designs across the alley the lines and shapes were rough and harsh. His arms were crossed, his weight to one side as if he was leaning against the brick. From one of his arms neon ink came out in jagged lines, slowing condensing into the shape of a cobra. The image spanned over the column and trickled along the other end.

Suho walked up to the hooded figure, analyzing the image for a moment before turning. Unlike the front face of the column this side was blank, only the rough scratch print of the cobra visible. Suho traced a hand over the unintelligible words, his fingertips immediately cooled from the concrete. Under the multicolored lights, he could almost miss the faint jade gleam ripple across the ink lines. Even if he did, he wouldn't be able to miss its energy, sharp and crackling as it travelled up his arm. The sensation was only momentary, like a static shock. Immediately the neon design faded, blending in with the dark hue of the wall. With the lack of lighting,  it could almost seem like it was completely black.      

Suho extended his arm fingers outstretched. His fingers still felt cold, but there was no solid contact; instead of the wall, all he felt was air.

“Sorceress? I still say witch.” Kris slid past him, stepping into what was once a regular wall. The black seemed to envelop his tall form, cloaking over it like a blanket. One moment he was there, the next he was gone.

Suho looked over his shoulder. Amara still remained behind the counter, now wiping down some glasses. Her eyes was directed to him, and once their gazes met a smile began to fill her lips. The strobe lights over the area blinked out for a moment, and he could see an electric jade gleam flicker within her irises.

“See you around.” She said, waving a hand. Suho smiled as he turned, his eyes averting to the floor as he slipped into the abyss of darkness.

~~~

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