The room was so quiet; I would be able to hear the sound of a pin drop. I went rigid on the infirmary bed, too alarmed to move. My eyes grew wide and unblinking, taking in the three kingkas in front of me. Each one was rooted in their respective spots, as if they weren’t even trying to breathe.

The silence stretched, hammering down onto the room. My chest was getting more and more constricted as my heart flew erratically. A nervous buzz rushed through my veins, and made my hands to feel like they were about to start shaking. Not from fear exactly (though I still could feel some of that too since I had been asleep for who knows how long), but more so for something else. My cheeks burned as if they were caught on fire and I immediately lowered my head, gluing my eyes to the edge of the cot.

Why am I here right now?!

What was going on? How could I have possibly gotten myself into the situation where kingkas – actual kingkas – had been around me when I was sleeping?! Why had I sleeping in the first place?!  

“How do you feel?” I snapped up at the voice, my eyes widening drastically at the sight of Oh Sehun at the foot of my cot.

Had he always been standing this close?!

“–fine.” I croaked, my voice a rasp. Coughing into my hand I tried again, this time with a little more force. “I’m, fine.” I wasn’t fine. I was confused to the point I almost wanted to laugh out loud at the ridiculousness of this situation.

Maybe for any other girl this situation would have been close to a miracle; to be around the unrivalled handsomest boys this school had to offer. Now did that just sound like a cliché? Absolutely, but at that moment, I couldn’t help but feel intensely nervous. It felt like there were butterflies in my stomach and my legs were suddenly made of jelly.

To be honest I was no different then any girl at this school; I knew as much about Exo as any other (though my sources may have not been the most usual). Even without many acquaintances, much less friends, it was almost impossible to go a day without hearing the whispers, squeals, murmurs, and upright screams of adoration towards them. Countless times had I been actually trampled in stampedes and caught in crowds as girls flocked to try to see them. It was awe-inspiring as much as it was ridiculous. Sometimes I almost felt sorry that they were so popular; the craze was so intense that it didn’t look like they got a chance to relax and have their own space.

I was also a bit curious. Not because of their charms and beauty, though I guess I would be lying if my heart had never fluttered from seeing glimpses of them before. More than anything, it was because they were so…different. They were the direct contradiction to my high school existence. Where I was quiet and swallowed up by a crowd they would be the attraction that a crowd would gather for. To be in that sort of position where so many people loved and adored them, it made me wonder what kind of people they were really. Of course this curiosity had never been powerful enough for me to throw away my sanity and try to join one of those stampedes. It was just something that remained as it was in the back of my mind; simple, innocent curiosity.

Still, I had never even dreamed of meeting them this way; this situation was no miracle. It was mortifying. 

The boys were lost, bickering within a tangled mess of thought.

"What do we do?"  It was Kai who spoke first. His face was composed, but his thoughts were chaotic.

"Someone needs to say something, she looks really uncomfortable." Lay suggested, but he was terrified that he was going to be the one to do it.

"She isn’t just uncomfortable, she's afraid." Sehun murmured, his voice uneasy.

"Well do we not talk to her? It will be uncomfortable either way!" Kai cut in, stressed by the situation. Like Lay, he was petrified at the thought of speaking to the girl. At the same time, he could literally feel a crushing weight take his heart and stamp it to pieces the longer they did nothing. The reason as to why was a thought he didn’t have any intention of going into; he wasn’t sure if he wanted to know. The situation was infuriating, and the fact they were stretching out this silence only made it worse.

"She might feel even worse if we don't say anything..."Lay murmured, his voice soft "Maybe we sho-"

Without warning, you suddenly leaned forward. Swinging your legs over the end of one side of the cot you got up off the bed. That caught them all by surprise, ending their mental conversation. You bright eyes flickered between the three, a confused glare unknowingly on your face.

"Is something the matter? You’re sure nothing’s-" Sehun asked carefully, looking back to Lay for assurance.  

“Nothing’s what?” you asked, your eyebrows furrowing. You gaze flittered between the three, trying to understand the expressions on their faces.

“Hurt.” Kai murmured, taking a step forward. His gaze was intense, coloured with an illustrious golden brown. Maybe it could have been this color that made his stare all the more scrutinizing, to the point you wanted to squirm. “Do you not remember?”

“I-I don’t understand. Remember what? Did something happen to me?” you asked, a breathless bewildered tone lacing into your voice.

Had you forgotten?

It was then you decided to look down at yourself. A gasp escaped your lips at the state of your uniform. “What- what are these?!” your gaze became torn as you looked up at the boys and down at your clothes: “Wha–, what in the world-? What happened to me?!” you half whispered furiously, stumbling back to sit on the cot.

Sehun immediately edged forward, crouching down in front of you. Not seeming to notice, you pulled back your sleeves and patted your torso, trying to find the source of all the red splotches.

“Slow down,” It was Kai who spoke before he could. Standing just behind him the said boy leaned in a bit, catching your attention. You stared up at him, eyes wide and unwavering. “You’re not injured, thankfully.” He assured you. Sehun didn’t turn around, but his arm remained outstretched to you a couple moments longer than he had intended. He lowered his hand, but your eyes flickered down, catching his own. A spark blew inside of him, his stomach twisting in a funny way.   

“B–but why am I like this?” Your eyes never strayed with his, and it made Sehun feel as though he was locked in place.

“You need to make something up.” Lays voice floated inside his mind.

“Do you remember earlier today, when we bumped into each other in the corridor?” He spoke slowly. The furrow in your brow never ceased, but you nodded your head.

“Yes. I’m not sure I remember much after that.”

“Can you tell me how much you do?” Sehun murmured.

“You’re encouraging her recollection Sehun what are you thinking?!” Kai’s voice was incredulous but Sehun quickly cut him off.

“I need to know just how much she remembers. If I say something that doesn’t match with her memories she’ll question us. Besides…I don’t think she’ll remember him.”

“Who?” Lay intervened.

“The vampire.” Sehun received no reply, a silence forming within the room, but he could feel the latter’s silent tension.

“What do you mean by vampire.”

“I did…bump into you," you spoke softly, more to yourself then anything. Sehun didn’t answer Lay, paying careful attention to your response. His sudden dark monotone hadn't gone unnoticed though "but you helped me. I went to class?" You suddenly remembered flashes, images. Without realizing you leaned forward. "Oh…no. I was actually going to the library, but–" you abruptly stopped, your voice instantly drying in your throat. The sound of queenkas’ laughter floating in your head. The three cautiously watched your face drain of visible emotion. Did you figure it out? Did you remember the vampire?

“I need to go.” You pushed off the mattress, moving past Sehun and Kai towards the door. Before you take a couple steps a hand grabbed your arm. Kai stared down, an undecipherable look on his face.

“Hold on a second.” He said. You stared up at him, a sudden flash of confused fear going through your body. Just what did he have to do with this? Not only him but there was also his sunbae - Lay was it? - standing behind you. It made somewhat sense of Sehun’s presence, but why them too? It was unnerving, to go over your situation while under their scrutiny, especially since you weren’t sure if you knew half of what was going on.

“Sorry, but I need to go check my things.” You explained. You weren’t sure how it long had been since the queenkas had dragged you away, but one thing you had confidence in was the fact they had made you drop your things, right in the middle of the corridor.

“Not with the way you are now.” Kai said, nodding to your clothes. Your face instantly went red.

“It’s fine, I have spare clothes in my locker.” You didn’t, but at that moment your brain really didn’t seem to want to function. All you could think about was your things, and the desperate urge to run from his gaze.

“You don’t need to go that far.” A gentle voice spoke. You looked up, and for the first time locked gazes with most silent of the three. Despite the situation a tiny part of you couldn’t help but be struck by his handsome face, even if his expression was reserved.

His eyes too reflected a golden light within them. He stepped closer, a bundle in his hands. “There are usually extra uniforms here if you know where to find them.” You stared at his eyes, feeling your thoughts slowly crumble into nothing. You had to force your gaze down to the neatly folded clothing. The school’s insignia, a rose encased in thorns, was printed on one side of the chest. “Sorry, I can only find the gym uniforms. And uh, Here's some cleaning wipes and a towel too. It isn't any better then a shower, but at least you'll be able to clean up.” Sure enough a packaged stack of wipes was in one of his hands, and fluffy towel peaked out from underneath the clothing.  

“N-no, that’s fine!” You shook your head, allowing him to place them into your hands. A part of you was almost perplexed at how quickly he managed to get you theses clothes; you hadn’t noticed him looking or them being here since you had gotten up. The feeling was quickly overthrown by surprise and gratitude. And the searing image of his golden orbs.

“H-here,” He stepped to the side, gesturing you to go back into the room. “Just change inside the cot unit.” You hesitated slightly but edged closer. The stutter was soft and almost undetectable but it made you soften; it seemed you weren’t the only uncomfortable and unsure one. Stepping back into the space of your cot you placed the clothing on the bed and pulled the hanging curtains all the way around. They were thick and long, blocking out most of the sunlight. You didn’t move for a moment, your heart thudding in your ears; though you couldn’t hear a sound on the other side you were absolutely sure they were still there.

“We can wait outside the door, if you’d like.” You weren’t sure which one of them spoke, the noise nearly making you jump.

“T-thanks,” You managed to reply, your embarrassment creeping into your voice. Slowly shuffling footsteps filled your ears, then the sound of a door closing.

As swiftly and a silently as possible you switched clothes. The only time you hesitated was to scrub the sticky stains away and check for injuries; anything that could have been the source of all the red you had seen. It had occurred to you more than once what the substance could in fact be but you repelled the idea, not willing to grow the uneasy feeling in your stomach. Nothing, not even the tiniest scratch lay visible on your body. Whatsmore nothing was aching or seemed bruised; physically you were the same as before, if not better.

Before you had the chance to speculate on the subject further you heard the door slightly creak open.

“Miss? Are you finished?” For the second time you nearly jumped.

“Y-yes,” Slowly pulling back the curtain you walked forward, your uniform in your hands. They stood patiently nearby the door, regarding you as you walked towards them. “Thank you for the change of clothes.” You mumbled, bowing slightly.

“Don’t do that,” A voice cut in. Warm hands ghosted over your shoulders. “I told you not to.” Sehun spoke, his voice gentle. You stared at him for a moment, then abruptly stood as straight as you could.

“R-right, sorry.”  The latter said nothing, but his gaze was soft. You noticed a small smile on Kai’s lips. It was silent for a moment, no one saying anything.

“About…before,” the words left your mouth without you necessarily realizing it, causing you to hesitate mid sentence. All three stared, their expressions open seeming. Before you had a chance to consider it more you kept talking: “when you asked me what I remembered. I don’t really know how I had ended up here. Did you all happen to walk in when I was asleep or…?”

Do any of you know the reason why I went unconscious?

The cause of this situation being the queenkas you were certain. Still, a lapse of memory remained in your mind between them approaching you at your locker and now. No matter how hard you tried, nothing would surface.

"That,” Kai spoke first, his eyes clouding over slightly “some queenkas had been bothering you right?” You heart jolted at his sudden statement. They all noticed it, and the steady increase your heartbeat took on as you remained silent. “Sehun had been outside, and noticed you guys out on the field. He came in and broke it up." You looked up at the boy, unknowingly sharing Sehun's and Lay's feelings of surprise and bewilderment.

“What are you doing?!"

“Kai that’s too accurate!” the said boy had to fight the reflex to wince at the volume of their voices. Quickly regaining his composure he continued, meeting your gaze as he spoke.

"Those queenkas, they tried to hurt you. I was there too; you were trying to get away and went into the forest. Some of the girls followed you, but they ended up getting scratched by the branches. At some point you all fell; I think it was a thick root or something that made you all trip over each other. By the time we both caught up you had fainted. So, we brought you here. The nurse hadn’t been here, but Lay hyung was. He hadn’t been feeling that well himself,” the latter turned, staring at the younger. “We were explaining what happened when you woke up.”

"You have told me nothing."

“She doesn't know that, and besides, we're explaining right now aren't we?"

"This? This is lying."

"And telling the truth is better? I'm only leaving out the things she doesn’t need to know yet. If at all." Lay didn’t know how to respond, and could only resort to saying nothing at all. You didn't notice any sign of their silent conversation, absorbed in your own thoughts.

Originally, you’d come to the conclusion the queenkas had beaten you badly. But nothing was physically wrong with you. Was what he said true? You couldn't really remember anything about a field, but as he spoke, a funny feeling had washed over you. Like there may have been some truth to it. Even still, no solid memory would rise. Maybe they really had helped you. 

What should I do? The thought made my heartbeat thump the slightest bit harder. Timidly I risked looking up, locking gazes with Sehun's orbs. The effect of them was incredibly dizzying, their color moving like liquid fire.

"Why..." The word fell off my lips, and I quickly closed my mouth before the question could be finished. All three watched me, curiosity evident on their faces.

"Yes?" Sehun spoke, his voice surprisingly soft. I didn’t look into his eyes, settling for the tips of my converse.

"Um... w-well," I had no right to ask, no right to pry. I didn't even know them, and I wasn't even sure it was alright for me to find out the significance of their eye color. No, Sehun’s earlier reaction at my questions was proof enough; I couldn’t ask.

“It’s nothing," I replied a bit too quickly. Kai's eyebrows rose slightly, as if he didn't believe me. Sehun came a step closer. He fixed me with a look; not imposing but more questioning, as if he was curious as to what I was going to say.

"If, you’re worried about your things,” he began slowly “I texted a friend of mine to see if he could find them.” I jerked up, locking gazes with him.

“Y-you did? Oh b-but that isn’t necessary!” My voice came out slightly louder than I intended, causing another flush of rouge to creep up my cheeks. His expression turned slightly confused. “Well, what I m-mean is-”

You’ve already done so much for me. It isn’t right that you have to keep doing these things, especially to a stranger. I can’t thank you, and I can’t even repay you. Don’t trouble yourself, or the people you know with someone like me.

The words would never be able to come out. I was too embarrassed and shy. It was quiet again, this time the silence filled with the hint of awkwardness. Awkwardness I created. I bore holes into my converse, feeling conflicted.

I wanted to leave. I wanted to thank them for their help. I wanted to ask about the mysterious eye color the three had, and everything that had happened earlier at the field. But my stupidly introverted demeanour prevented me from be able to do anything.

"What's your name?" I looked up abruptly, surprised by the sudden question. It was Sehun again, his face downturned to look at mine. I stood up straighter, realizing I had begun to hunch down.

"Me? I’m Lena." I uttered softly.

~~~