Promise of the Future

"Thanks for the gifts Sweetie!"
Tiffany looked at the camera and showed off her expensive looking cashmere scarf.
 

New Year's Eve came faster than expected, especially for Eunbyul and the Manager. UKISS schedules were hectic with the tour and the international fan meetings, round trips, events, etc etc. Despite being together, Eunbyul and Kevin hardly had anytime with each other, but she didn't mind.

Manager had his head on the desk, hair ruffled and untidy, with a sunken look in his eyes. Eunbyul sat across from him, multitasking furiously. She tapped away at the iPad with one hand, checking schedules and updating the sites to inform Kissmes, while she scribbled away at the clip board and updated the smartphone with it's data. It was always like this. He had to organize the majority of everything and set it into motion. Eunbyul was a catalyst, buffing the motion.

She quickly poured another cup of Americano smoothly and tapped his hand. He robotically took the cup sat straight, sipping the cup of coffee with bags under his eyes. Eunbyul went back to her fervent multitasking.

"How you holding up Eunbyul?"
Manager asked tiredly. Eunbyul gave a curt and preoccupied nod.

"Good. Get some rest Manager nim. I'll be done in 45 seconds."

Manager shook his head.
"No no no no. I still need to get the-"

"Done. I've checked in the theatre just now, confirming our next fan meeting there."

"But what about the-"

Eunbyul cut him off, showing him the iPad.
"The Malaysia plane tickets are in, I have them sent and checked. The flight is confirmed as well."

"... The-"

She tapped another section.
"Next performance is set, the stylist have been informed three weeks in advance, and the stage is getting ready as we speak."

"And the-"

Eunbyul tapped the final section.
"Next weeks interview is scheduled at 12:00 in the afternoon. I've postponed it so it won't intervene with the dance practice and to give them rest."

The manager sulked.
"Your doing my job for me.... I feel useless."

Eunbyul raised an eyebrow as she shut the iPad off.
"I merely did all the desk work, besides, you seemed pooped."

Manager sighed.
"We all are. How come you don't look tired?"

Eunbyul shrugged and the manager let out a tired chuckle.
"I swear, you are like an energizer bunny."

UKISS came into the suite, looking exhausted and done. Dongho fell on the bed as Eunbyul neatly slid a pillow under his head. She stretched out her legs for Kevin as he laid his head on her lap with a sigh. Jaeseop reached for the cup of Americano, and received a glare from Eunbyul. She squashed his hand with the butt of her pen.
"Nope, remember what the dermatologist said, oppa. No caffeine, no oils, no fast foods."

Jaeseop pouted as he sulked. Soohyun laid his head on Dongho's stomach.
"Aren't you tired Eunbyul?"

Eunbyul shook her head as Kevin played with her hair.

 

She didn't feel that tired, but her stamina had limits as well. Eunbyul was rushing back and forth in the stage set up helping the staff with heavy manual labor. The manager was discussing things with the host as UKISS looked over their script.
Eunbyul sat down on a folded chair, her limbs and head were starting to feel the fatigue of sleep deprivation.
"Eunbyul shi! One of the brand name companies want to speak with you!"

Eunbyul sighed and arose, rushing to them. A man in a suit and scarf took off his shades with a demanding expression.
"I am here on behalf of our designer company. I want to reschedule UKISS photoshoot and promotion for the new designs to this Friday."

Eunbyul shook her head.
"They're full, the only day was the prior scheduled day."

The man tried not to scoff.
"Well, postpone whatever they have this Friday."

Eunbyul felt her irritation ignite. She wasn't in the mood to debate.
"They are full."

The man put his tongue in his cheek.
"Look. Just postpone-"

"I said that they. Are. Full. This. Friday. What part of that do you not understand?"
Eunbyul's eyes narrowed dangerously.

He felt bullets of sweat bead on his forehead.
"Is this how you make business deals? No wonder UKISS isn't big."

"For your information, it was YOUR company that requested a contract with them, not NH. If you don't like it then cancel the contract. UKISS is busy enough as it is, they don't need a boorish inconsiderate deal like this one."
Eunbyul's eyes seemed to send sparks of electricity. She was tired, drained, and busy. She didn't have time for this.

The man turned red.
"I see your girlfriend status has made you high and cocky. Listen here miss. Who do you think you are in maki-"

A hand was on the man's shoulders, wearing a gold lion ring.
"Who do you think you are? Stressing out our assistant manager."
The man turned around to see Soohyun glare at him.

"W-well-"

"Get out. We are a bit busy, if you guys want to cancel then cancel. Like Eunbyul said, we don't have time for your crap."
The manager came in, looking at the iPad, not bothering to look at the man.
"Eunbyul, I can't find that one file wi-"

"In the notes app labelled Media schedule."
Eunbyul automatically spoke as she tossed a wrench to one of the electricians.

Soohyun looked at Eunbyul with concern as she leaned against a rail and drank water.
"Shouldn't you take a break? You've been at it for two days like this, and you stayed up all night last night."

"How'd you know oppa?"
Eunbyul raised an eyebrow as she chugged water.

"Kevin told me. You were busy on the iPad, and he fell asleep."
Soohyun smirked, remembering Kevin fussing over Eunbyul silently.

"I'm fine. Besides, it sped up the preparations so you guys are good to go."
Eunbyul threw the bottle in the trash. 

"But it's New Years Eve Eunbyul."
Soohyun sighed as Eunbyul rushed away.
 

UKISS sat in the room, readying for an interview on camera. Eunbyul finally came in, plopping on the sofa next to Kevin. Kevin put and arm around her and leaned against her head.
"Aren't you working a bit too hard?"

Eunbyul gave him a look. They all looked even tired.
"Speak for yourself, oppa."

Kevin sighed.
"At this rate, we won't be able to have a New Years date, and countdown."

Eunbyul shook her head.
"Don't worry! I'll last for this night, and then I'll probably crash."

Eli took out a can of Red Bull and opened it with a hiss. Eunbyul looked at the can with interest.
Eli sipped it and noticed her scrutiny.
"Want one Eunbyul? It'll keep you up."

Eunbyul fervently nodded and Eli handed her another can.
Kevin eyed the can with caution.
"I don't think that's a good idea.... It's like caffeine steroids."

Eunbyul looked determined.
"Good. I need it."
She popped open the can and chugged the drink down.
Kevin and Kiseop gave each other a look.
 

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The crowd applauded as UKISS sat in their seats. The host introduced the members one by one and began the interview.
"So UKISS has become quite famous with their song Tick Tack in Japan."

"Yeah, we want to thank our fans for supporting us all the way through in our debut!"
Soohyun spoke with a smile. The fans in the audience cheered.

"You guys are really making it big now!"

"We have our wonderful NH staff, parents, and fans to thank for that. We wouldn't have gone this far without them."
Kiseop spoke sincerely. 

"And our assistant manager, Eunbyul Nee chan. She's helped us a lot both behind the scenes and in the scenes."
Dongho wouldn't let his noona out of the picture. The host was interested in that topic.
"Ah yes, the Nation's Star. She's a really lovely lady. You must be really happy Kevin San."

The audience awed as Kevin nodded fervently yet adorably. Kiseop shoved him as UKISS teased him.
"Seriously, he doesn't know how lucky he is. My mother called me once asking about Eunbyul."

"And what did she say?"

"She asked, 'Why couldn't you have gotten her first!', my mom's ideal type of daughter in law was Eunbyul."
Kiseop laughed.

"She's really sounds too good to be true. Does she have a bad side?"
The host asked.

UKISS all nodded immediately, and Eli spoke up.
"She can get REALLY scary. I'm older than her and I get scared every time she gets mad."

"She has this death glare, like a cat with a mouse."
Jaeseop commented.

"I get chills."
Dongho shivered as he smiled.

"Sometimes she's too cool."
Kevin replied with a tinge of sadness.

"Eh? Too cool?"

Soohyun began cracking up with laughter as he nodded.
"Sometimes it's like Eunbyul is the man of the relationship. Kevin is really cute and all flowery, then you see Eunbyul who is really cool and statuesque, but she's really charming."

"She's really hard working, to the point where she neglects her own health."
Hoon sighed.

"You guys seem to rely on her a lot."

"We can't survive without her now. Our manager starts aging faster every time Eunbyul isn't there to help."
UKISS laughed together.
 

UKISS ended the interview successfully after many questions and personal subjects. It was late, and they wanted to spend the New Years with Eunbyul.
Kevin sighed sadly.
We didn't have a lot of time to do anything special.

"Cheer up Kevin, at least we have the rest of today with her."
Jaeseop noticed his deflated expression.


 -=-=-=-=-=-=-==-

Eunbyul felt the jittery feeling of caffeine in her system as she looked around like a meerkat. She went to work twice as fast and was able to finish everything at a remarkable pace. The staff looked at her hyper attentive state with caution.
"Eunbyul shi..... Maybe you should take a bre-"

"Can't! New Years is coming up."
Eunbyul rushed into the back closet with a bundle of clothes before they could argue.

Kevin came into the lounge room looking around for the familiar long black hair. He pouted when there was a glimpse of the girl.
"Where's Eunbyul?"

As if on cue, Eunbyul came out of the back closet brushing herself off in her new outfit. UKISS looked around and Kiseop let out a small awe at her outfit.
Eunbyul wore a warm brown colored eskimo jacket that went down to her mid thigh. The hood had white and brown lined fur and small furry edges on the inner sleeve. She wore matching winter ugg boots that had the same color and fur with a slimmer appearance with black lacing up to her calves finished off by beige puffs on the tip. Eunbyul was buttoning up the horn shaped buttons when she looked up to see UKISS looking at her attire. She adjusted the boots with her white leggings a bit self consciously.
Eunbyul never wore cute outfits until now. Her winter outfits usually consisted of a military like jacket or a sweater. She gave them a questioning look as she brushed herself.
"What? Tiffany Unnie gave this to me for Christmas."

"You look like a cute little Eskimo!"
Kiseop crooned. Eunbyul almost flinched at the tone.

"Oppa, stop it, you sound like unnie at the mall."
Eunbyul rolled her eyes and started putting the white scarf, mittens, and hat on herself.
"Well what are you guys waiting for let's go!"
She briskly walked past them.

UKISS stared at her direction:
"Does Eunbyul seem a bit jittery to you?"
Soohyun scratched his head.

Eli shrugged.
"I think it's from the red bull.... Wonder when she's gonna crash...."

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

AVEX Entertainment was having a roof party for everyone able to participate to countdown for New Years. The rooftop was lighted and decorated as staff members served food and drinks. The stereo system was playing casual alternatives now and then.
UKISS came and met some of the Japanese stars that were signed with AVEX.  Eunbyul sat in a corner watching the street lights glow radiantly. Kevin watched her from afar as he clenched and unclenched his fist.
Would she accept it?

Why wouldn't she? She likes me.

But does she love me?

He looked at his hand, a white gold band laid in his hand. The ring had delicate vine like carvings in both the inner and outer area, four tiny crystal star was implanted on opposite ends.
Kevin stared at it with anxiety and his palm began to sweat.
Maybe I'm asking too much.... Am I going too fast? It's hardly been a year for us....

I'm not proposing... This is just a promise ring for God's sake.... I'm overreacting.

Am I?

Kevin didn't realize how nerve wracking such simple gestures could be. It was only a promise ring to her... That he would make her happy in the new year to come.
How can I possibly consider even proposing when I can't even give her a promise ring?

WOAH there.... Going a bit too ahead on yourself.... Proposing?!? Too young man... Too young.

Kevin shook the sudden thought out of his head with a sense of surprise. He sighed as he shoved the ring back into his coat pocket. 

"Long time no see Sunghyun."
Kevin turned around and almost jumped in surprise.

"What the!"

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Eunbyul felt wide awake as she looker around. Many of the people on the roof were attractive and fashionable, despite the weather. There were some women that even wore casual cocktail dresses with shawls as they laughed and conversed with others. They steered a bit clearly away from Eunbyul for some reason. They felt unnerved by her eyes.
Eunbyul heard some of the actresses  whisper to one another in Japanese.
"Do you think she was given bad luck? Look at her eyes.... They aren't normal..."

"My grandmother always said that people like that are probably connected with kamisamas. Like wood spirits or something."

"What spirit would be her's?"
It urged her how they talked as if she wasn't there. They didn't  know she was fluent.

"Probably a nine tailed fox!"
One of the ladies giggled and snickered.

"Yeah, seducing Kevin kun with her fox like powers."
There was a tone of envy. Eunbyul almost wanted to scoff... Who were they to call him Kevin kun?

A deeper male voice interrupted them.
"I think she would be more of a heavenly maiden, like an angel."
Eunbyul perked up to the familiar voice. She flipped her head around and her guess was right.
stood next to the girls in a thick winter jacket, eyeing Eunbyul with mirth.

The girls sounded surprised and sheepish.
"Oh! Hyunmin San...."

Hyunmin gave them a departing nod and opened his arms to Eunbyul. She immediately darted and hugged the huggable vocalist of The Boss.
"Oppa! What are you doing here?!"

Hyunmin twirled her around giving a husky laugh as he set her down.
"We signed in with AVEX a while ago. We are still focusing on Japan, but we wanted to surprise you. Look at you Eunbyul! I swear you grow even prettier every single time we see you."

Eunbyul snorted and strained her neck to look through the crowd. Hyunmin chuckled at her search.
"Looking for Soohyun?"

She fervently nodded, she couldn't scope Mika through the many heads. Hyunmin gestured with his head.
"He's talking to your man."

 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Mika leaned agains the roof top rail as he smirked at Kevin.
"What? Don't you mean hi? Or nice to see your old member?"

Kevin smiled as he clasped hands with Mika.
"Good to see you again hyung. I thought you were in Korea."

"Temporary thing. We came back to finish our debut in Japan. I wanted to surprise Eunbyul but she's not with you."
Mika looked around for Eunbyul and couldn't spot the long black hair.

Kevin also looked around, Eunbyul had disappeared from her previous spot.
"So.... You guys made up?"

Mika looked to the sky casually but his eyes held a dark look. Kevin gave him a puzzled look for a moment until it registered to him.
"Oh.... That..."

"Yep.... You know..... I still am slightly angry at you."
Mika's hawk like eyes pierced Kevin at the spot.

Kevin met his gaze a bit cautiously.
"I know.... You weren't the only one."

Mika looked at him for a moment longer before he relaxed and gave him a small smile.
"Mhhmmm..... Consider this a freebee then. But don't let there be a next time."

Kevin almost wanted to sink in into the roof floor.
Like having an elite military officer and his entire squadron along with a guitarist with a sharp guitar and judo skills isn't threatening enough.... 

"Oppa!!!"
The two handsome idols turned around at the sound of the voice. Eunbyul spotted Mika and her face lit up.
He was still as strikingly handsome as ever with his hawk eyes and angled face. He gave Eunbyul a genuine smile as he lifter a hand. Eunbyul went to him in a few quick strides and hugged him fiercely, reaching on her tip toes to hold his neck. People stared at the intimacy of the two but she didn't care as Mika shook with laughter.

Kevin looked at the two with a small twinge of jealousy. He pouted until Mika broke off the hug.
"Surprised?"

"You didn't tell me you were here."
Eunbyul gave him a small hit.

"Well it wouldn't be a surprise if I did tell you byul."
Mika chuckled as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.

Kevin went between the two nonchalantly as he pouted slightly.
"Yah! You didn't even greet you boyfriend!

"Hi oppa."
She spoke as she still kept Mika in her arms. Mika laughed at Kevin's crestfallen look.

He had a sly thought in his head and turned to Eunbyul.
"Anyway, how are you? You look a bit tired."
He stroked her cheek gently and frowned at the bags under her eyes.

Kevin stiffened at the intimate gesture, but it went by unnoticed to Eunbyul.
"Busy, but I'm fine. I'm happy where I am now."

Kevin gave Mika a blank look.
Sly little..... He hasn't changed... Little snake.
He fidgeted with the promise ring in his pocket as Eunbyul and Mika kept conversing.

 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

There was a small siren bell as the large digital clock began to show on the massive board. It was five minutes to countdown and everyone began to chat in excitement. 

Eunbyul had a hard time staying awake as the caffeine crash finally began to hit her. She hasn't slept for 48 hours and she was at her limits.
Eli smirked at Eunbyul and nudged Soohyun.
"Looks like she's gonna crash."

Soohyun shoved Kevin.
"Hurry up Kevin. It's now or never. Either you give her the rig or yah don't."

Kevin inhaled nervously and mustered the courage. He went up to the bench Eunbyul sat on. It was 1 minute to countdown.
Eunbyul's head drooped slightly as she tried pinching herself awake. Kevin seated himself next to her.
"Ready for a new year?"

Eunbyul gave a groggy nod.
Kevin leaned against her and Eunbyul leaned her head on his.
"New start. Let's make sure next year is better than this one."

Kevin chuckled Remembering all of the insane adventures this girl dragged them in. It was like a long term action suspense movie.
"It'll be hard to top this year."

Eunbyul closed her eyes. The world was blurry and her eyelids felt like hefty weights.
"Mhmm."

"I.... Can I give you something?"
Kevin stuttered.

Eunbyul opened an eye with some effort.
"Hmm?"

The countdown began.

10

Kevin began talking quickly.
"Don't take it the wrong way."

9

"But I want a physical symbol."

8

"Of my promise."

7

"And I hope you'll wear it."

6

"Forever."
He shuffled through his pocket.

5

Eunbyul gave him a tired look.
Where is this boy getting at? I wanna sleep..

4

"I promise, and this is a symbol of my promise."

3

He placed the promise ring in the palm of her finger.
Eunbyul's tired fuzzy mind gave a jolt of surprise, but the exhaustion finally came down like a hammer. She didn't realize how exhausted she was until now but she tried her hardest to stay awake.

2

Kevin new she would crash at any moment.
"Someday I'll replace this ring with a better one."
He knew what he was saying. He realized the weight of his words right now.
I promise that someday an engagement ring will replace this one.... So please wear it.

1

"I promise you that I will be with you."
He closed Eunbyul's fingers for her as he gave her a kiss on the forehead.  Kevin's heart raced faster than usual.
Eunbyul heard the last words and finally her mind just shut off. She fell asleep with the warm ring clutched tightly in her fingers. She didn't care if she slept in front of people anymore. She knew they would keep her safe. That Kevin would keep her safe.

0

Everyone cheered as the new year began. Kevin smiled sheepishly as Eunbyul snoozed like a rock. UKISS came and almost laughed at the relaxed look on her face.

"Not as romantic as I thought it would be."
Kiseop commented.

"Happy new year hyung. You think noona will remember tomorrow?"
Dongho asked as he sipped his drink.

Kevin shrugged.
"I dunno, but I hope she wears it."

"Why wouldn't she? You practically promised her you'll marry her one day."
Eli snorted.

Jaeseop gave them a skeptical look.
"It's Eunbyul...."

"...... True..."
UKISS said at once as they sipped their drink.
Kevin huffed as he looked at Eunbyul. She was out cold, her face was peaceful as she snoozed next to him.
Kevin smiled softly as he stroked her hair.
She's my girl....... And she always will be.

Jay popped into view with a streamer in his mouth.
"Ppprrrrrt!!!! Happy New Ye---"
Dongho silenced him as he shushed. He gestured to Eunbyul who was sleeping on the weaved bench. Hyunmin raised an eyebrow.
"Did you drug her or something? I've never seen her so peaceful."

Mika gave them a darkened look and Soohyun raises his arms in the air.
"Relax, she's just tired."

"She's like a rock."
Karam snickered as Eunbyul slept.
Kevin slowly scooped her up into his arms and stood. The Boss gave him a sly look as UKISS smirked.
"Aigoo, our princess is like a sleeping beauty."
Injun commented as he stared at Eunbyul. Kiseop gave him a sharp look.
"She's OUR princess, get you own."

 Kevin rolled his eyes and walked passed them.
"I'll be taking Eunbyul back to the hotel, see you guys there."
He left before they could say anything. People stared at him as he carried Eunbyul in his arms as he exited the roof.

The Boss stared at his direction.
Mika twitched.
"Wait. Alone?!"

UKISS shrugged.
"They share a room."

"MWUH!"
The Boss looked scandalized and UKISS looked nonchalant.

"It's Kevin. He won't do anything."
Jaeseop commented. Mika stared darkly at the exit.
"Good, because I will slaughter him if he tries."

 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Kevin gently placed Eunbyul down on the soft bed. The desk clerk had given him a look as he carried her into the hotel and checked in.

He stripped off his jacket and winter layers until he wore his shirt and jeans. He stared at Eunbyul's winter attire.
Should I?

She looked uncomfortable sleeping in the coat. He debated a moment longer and swallowed thickly as he unbuttoned her coat. He slid it off her and hung it on the rack as Eunbyul turned and curled. Kevin felt heat rise to his cheeks as he stared at her snug fitting long sleeve blouse. He carefully pulled that off too and all Eunbyul was left with was her leggings and white tank top.
He plopped on the bed next to her. She still kept the ring clenched tightly in her calloused hands, and he gave it trying to pry it off of her. He wanted to give it to her tomorrow, when she was awake.

Kevin laid there staring at her. He sighed wondrously, UKISS' previous remarks about marriage had made him think.

"Hey.... You would marry a guy like me someday.... Right? I'm not too girly for you, or too skinny... right?"
He whispered softly at her sleeping figure.
Eunbyul twitched and began snoring in a purr. Kevin chuckled softly as he brushed hair out of her face.
"We're still young.... But someday... Hopefully."

".... I love you......"
It was faint, softer than a whisper, almost like a sigh as Eunbyul mumbled those words. Her lips barely moved but he heard it as clear as bells ringing.

Kevin's heart almost stopped, he wanted to shake her awake to say it once more. He stared wide eyed at Eunbyul, but she was in a deep slumber.
Was I hearing things?

He paused for a moment longer to see if she would say anything again but Eunbyul said nothing after that. Kevin soon began to drift to sleep, and the two slept next to each other. Eventually, Eunbyul's hand drifted near his and Kevin instinctively grasped it in his sleep.

The morning was cold, but Kevin felt warm under the covers of the bed. He felt the stir of his brain as his internal clock went off. Refusing to open his eyes, Kevin simply shifted his arms next to the empty space next to him.
He twitched and frowned in displeasure at the missing area and squinted as he opened one eye. Eunbyul wasn't there, all that was there was a small imprint where she slept.
Where'd she go?

He rose from the bed and looked around, and sure enough, his girl wasn't in sight. His phone vibrated suddenly.
Come down, they're all waiting for us.
Eunbyul.

Kevin left the room after fixing himself and saw Eunbyul waiting for him patiently with her usual scarf and jacket. She glimpsed him coming and smiled, beckoning him as usual, as if nothing happened.
Kevin felt a small irk inside him.
Didn't she get the ring? Or did she forget?
He waved at her.

"Happy New Year!"
She replied brightly as she grasped his hand in her's and pulled him away. Kevin followed casually as he held onto her slender fingers, but he noticed a small key detail.

He couldn't feel the ring on her finger. 

He glimpsed the other hand and sure enough, that hand was bare of any silvery jewelry. He felt his heart sink.
Did she not like the gift? Or was it too soon?
 

He wanted to ask her right then and there but UKISS was in sight. Today they were splitting the group. Eli and Kevin were working on a duet featuring Jamosa, while the rest of the guys went practice and a fashion shoot. Manager sent Eunbyul with Kevin and Eli as he left with the others.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Eli sat stiffly in the edge as Eunbyul and Kevin sat next from each other. Kevin had a blank look on his face as Eunbyul stared out the window nonchalantly. Eli could feel the awkward sense of negativity in the cab as the taxi driver drove them to the designated studio.

Eunbyul also felt the cold that Kevin gave off, which wasn't like his usual warm self. She wanted to question him, but Eli was there. Instead, Eunbyul attentively brushed her hand next to his and carefully placed her hand in his.
Kevin let out a sigh as his blank look softened, but he still stared out into the city. His hands simply interlaced her's and gave it a reassuring squeeze. 

Jamosa greeted them amiably as they entered the studio. Eunbyul gave a polite bow to the talented singer.

 She sat aside patiently while Kevin and Eli set themselves to work. Jamosa noticed Kevin glancing Eunbyul's way once and a while as Eunbyul adjusted the scarf.
"Not that I'm complaining, but do you take your girl everywhere with you, Kevin?"

Kevin gave her a small smile.
"No."

"You look like you want to though. I don't blame you, she seems one of a kind."
Jamosa observed Eunbyul as she scribbled something in  a notebook and tapped away on the iPad without looking.

"Like we haven't heard that before."
Eli remarked with a smile.

"Eli! You and Jamosa will be the first to record."
Eli and Jamosa left, Eli tapped Kevin's shoulders comfortingly.
"Maybe she forgot to wear it."

Kevin shrugged with a sunken sigh. He went into the room and sat across from Eunbyul as she finished her scribbling.
"Hey."

Eunbyul gave him a gentle smile.
"Hey."

Kevin puffed his cheeks out awkwardly and blew out his bangs.
"So..... Can I ask you something?"

Eunbyul raised a questioning brow and nodded.

"Why didn't you wear it?"

Eunbyul tilted her head perplexed for a moment then began to understand.
"Oh."
There was a pitch of amusement in her tone as she but her lip.

Kevin waited for an answer but she remained silent.
Eunbyul felt a bit of shy amusement at his question and waited for him to say something.

"It's okay if you didn't want to where it, if this is going to fast for you then I'm good with that."

Eunbyul almost sighed.
"Oppa."

But Kevin began to talk faster.
"We only have been together for barely a year, and don't worry; this is just a promise ring to you, you know like a couple ring. It's not an engagement-"

Eunbyul gave him a look.
"Oppa...."

"-Ring at all, I just wanted to give you something of mine since you gave me something of yours, I wouldn't give you a cheap engagement ring like that, but I just thought it would be-"

"Sunghyun oppa!"
Eunbyul's tone had a hilt of amusement as she silenced him.
Kevin bit his lip and widened his eyes a bit adorably.
"......Yeah?"
He peeped a bit sheepishly. Eunbyul rolled her eyes.
"And you say I'm a Babo. So that's why you were mopey."

Kevin huffed and pouted as Eunbyul began to unravel her scarf.
"This isn't funny, and I wasn't mopey."

"Uhuh..."

Kevin denied it.
"I wasn't!"

"Yeah, sure."
Eunbyul remarked skeptically as she took off her jacket.

Kevin gave her a glare.
"I was not mo-"

The object dangling around her neck silenced him. Eunbyul snorted in amusement as she showed it to him. The white gold ring shined pleasantly off, right below the hollow of her collar bones as a silver chain held it to her neck. 

Kevin almost brightened.
She wore it all this time.
Then he frowned a bit.
"You were screwing with me weren't you?"

Eunbyul scoffed as she clipped off the chain.
"I didn't do anything, you did it to yourself oppa."

"You like it?"
He asked attentively.

Eunbyul gave him a soft look.
"Why wouldn't I? What's there not to like. And...."
She took the loop off the chain and stuck it on her finger, the thick band slipped through perfectly on her ring finger.
"It fits perfectly.... But I want to wear it like a necklace. It replaced the one I gave to you."

The gold cross glinted to confirm her claim. Kevin stared at the hand with the ring.
"I think you should too..... After all, that finger is gonna be needed for something else someday."

Both of them new what he meant, Kevin regretted blurting out the declaration so suddenly.
She wasn't that dense to not understand. They were quiet for what seemed like eternity when Eunbyul spoke softly with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Someday, it will."

Kevin didn't show any emotion as his heart seemed to leap for joy. Those three words meant something massive to him. She also saw a future with him as well, and that was more than he could ever ask for at this moment.
But for now.....

Kevin grinned as his eyes seemed to melt. He gently took her hand and peered at it closely. He took off the ring slowly and put the loop back into her chain.
This will do. But someday.....

"I like this one as a necklace too."
He remarked as he hugged her and clasped the necklace back on. Eunbyul nuzzled into his embrace. They haven't had much Skinship since Christmas and she craved it.

Jamosa walked in on the two in an intimate embrace and took a jolt step back.
"WOAH there! Am I interrupting something?"

Kevin and Eunbyul quickly split apart while Jamosa put her hands on her hips and snorted.
"Oh no, don't worry about me, go on. It was sweet."

Eunbyul hid the flush of her cheeks as she coughed self consciously.

 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The sleek red convertible roared past the slums of southern Africa in the dark of the night. The few people on the streets cried out in terror as they leapt out of the way of the oncoming vehicle. Women yelped imprecations at the speeding machine while men spat in the dirt and muttered darkly.
The driver had a look of clear cut frustration as he made an expert drift on a sharp corner. His cold ice eyes, rare in the depth of the dark skinned of Africa, kept glancing at the rear mirror while his pale white hands clenched the steering wheel. His passenger was also a middle aged Caucasian man only he was sweating bullets while his panicked muddy eyes stared back at rear window. He breathed quickly as he saw nothing in the darkness and the dimly lit streets of the poorly lamper slum. A black man in the backseat held an AK47 as he bit his thick lip.
"He's not there, I think we lost him."
His thick accented voice was high with anxiety

"Are you sure?"
He made another sharp turn at an intersection, leading to the open dock near the ocean.

"..... Yeah, he's gone-"

As if to rebuttal his point, a sleek black motorcycle like vehicle came in unbelievable speed and grace from the opposite intersection.
The man screamed as the driver stomped on the gas pedal with a malevolent look. The motorcycle was on the Verge of collision when the hooded cyclist heaved the motorcycle agilely. It did a drift of it's own as the man barely skimmed past the sleek convertible's bumper.  Tires squealed as smoke rose from the sudden high speed friction.

The cyclist immediately pulled out a prominent silver D-Eagle as his motorcycle drifted and pulled the trigger multiple times. The bullets met their mark and the tires popped. The convertible swerved but the driver gritted his teeth and stubbornly kept his foot on the pedal.

The motorcycle-like vehicle drifted to a 180 before coming to a complete halt. The hooded cyclist glared at the swerving convertible as he shoved the gun back into the custom holster.

There was a sudden beep as a neon blue light lit up near the ear. The man pulled back his hood as he clicked the ear piece.
He wriggled the black mouth cover off of his face and spoke into the earpiece mic.
"Target is moving 45 degrees to the east, heading for the mark."

"Roger that, keep the sheep moving, black wolf. Over and out."

Skylar pressed a few keys on his head piece, channelling the data through his visor like head set. A robotic female voice began informing him.
"Target located, finding shortest route to location."

The visor began projecting images of the map but he simply smirked.
"Won't be needing that."

He grabbed the handles of the vehicle and yanked the accelerator. The tires squealed as the engine gave a droning roar and kicked up the dry dust of the Sahara.

The dusty convertible skidded to a halt near an abandoned junk yard. Scraps of rubble and metal were piled high around them. The three men stayed in the car with cautious looks around the vicinity.

They didn't see anything out of the ordinary but kept their guards high. The black man breathed slowly as he quietly cocked the automatic.

The sound of a roar made them flinch as a two wheeled vehicle burst forth from a ramp of rubble and decayed metal.
It slammed it's massive wheels onto the hood of the car, shattering glass and ran it's way across the ruined car.

"Shit!"
The two men in the front seat covered their faces as the black man slid lower to the seat, aiming his gun high. Shards of glass showered them as the airbags burst forth. 

They quickly shoved the doors and spilled out of the car. The black man stumbled and quickly raised the AK47 at Skylar. A man in a black face mask burst into view from a corner. He flipped out a pocket knife and faster than the black man could fire, the knife bulleted into his hand. 

The black man yelled and dropped the gun as blood spurted from the wound. Travis let out a hollow chuckle from the covers of the black mask and walked up to him crunching the dry ground underneath. He pulled out a curved blade with rugged teeth edges and brandished it against the black man's neck.

The two men tried to run but Skylar shot at their feet. Travis smirked as he pulled out another knife and stabbed the blonde haired man's shirt into the car's hull.
"Wouldn't move if I were you.... Got you surrounded."

He tilted his head to a small speck. Walker had almost a lazy look as he trained his sniper at them from afar.
The men paled as they realized this was a set up, and they were rats stuck in a trap.

Skylar kept his hood up as he made silent steps to the other two men. He kicked the AK47 up and held it in one hand as he continued walking to them. The two men shrunk under his approach while the black man was unable to move with the rugged blade against his neck.

Skylar looked at the gun with distaste and quickly broke it apart. Chunk by chunk he dismembered the automatic within seconds before speaking.
"I warned you... Escape is futile. Now talk."

They couldn't see a face in the hooded darkness, but they felt the piercing glare of a predator.
The icy man sneered at Skylar.
"Fuck you, we will never talk."

Skylar remained silent as Travis let out a small sigh.
"Suit yourself. But hey, this makes it more fun."

Skylar said nothing as he stared at the ice eyed man. The man began to jitter under the scrutiny.
"Come on! Shoot us! You can't do anything to make us ta-"

A gloved hand went and struck up at the man's throat. Skylar looked impassive as the man made a hacking sound. He simply grabbed his thin sallow face and threw him to the dirt.

"Then you are of no use to me."
He aimed the gun directly at his head and pulled the trigger. A loud bang echoed the Sahara and the man was limp. The remaining two were speechless as Skylar turned around with an impassive look.

The blonde man stared at the body.
"You killed him. You actually fucking kill-"

Skylar pinned him against the car and shoved the gun into the man's mouth.
"And I will do the same to you."

His hand twitched on the trigger and the blonde man caved. He writhed and nodded. Skylar slowly lowered the gun and he gasped.
"Alright... Alright. We were just sent to recruit some people. His project, he wa-"

The man convulsed as his head began twitching and fell limp to the dirt. His eyes had a perpetual look of shock as his heart stopped beating.

The black man began convulsing as well, Travis gritted his teeth as he tried to make him stay put. Skylar immediately pointed the gun to him.
"What the hell?"
Travis couldn't get the man off as he grabbed Travis' shoulder.

The black man twitched and his eyes became glassy. He grabbed the knife against his throat with an impassive look.
He spoke with an almost robotic voice. Cold and uncaring.
"Mission failed."

He then pushed the knife into his own throat without hesitation. Blood spurted from his neck as he choked on the blood, suffocating him. Travis released the knife and backed away from the bloody fountain.
"Shit! What the fuck?! He just shoved the knife into his own neck!"

He yanked off his blood covered mask and the two soldiers stared at the sight. Skylar stared for a moment longer before approaching the body. He tapped the head with the end of his gun causing it to loll away at an angle. He spotted a small blue tooth head piece on his ear and narrowed his eyes. The wiring was different, it was like a piece of the silvery black metal was attached to the temple.
"Get Jacques over here to examine this."

Travis nodded and began whispering into his commlink. He grimaced at the bloody body.

"Dammit. So close and then back on step one. What the fuck is Gray after?"
Travis cursed as he grabbed the knife still embedded in the man's neck and yanked it out.

Skylar felt an unease in his heart, as if he knew what that monster was after.
Why do I have this sense of dread?
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
 

Heartless gray eyes stared at a screen.

"Oh well. Such a waist of a subject, but the prototypes seem promising."
Dr. Malcolm looked at a data screen with interest as he replayed the scene. The man convulsed and shoved the knife into his neck again. He chuckled as he saw Travis curse and question his motive.

"What am I after? I'm after my perfect soldier. The evolutionary figure of my new weapons...... Vincent, Adrian, Daemon?"

Three men seemed to appear from the shadows. They stood at attention, tall and fierce, with soulless looks in their eyes. A small black metallic earpiece seemed to connect itself to their temple.
Dr. Malcolm walked to them, eyeing them with boredom as his shoes made slow steps. He faced the tall bald one first.
The bald man's colorless gray eyes stared into the empty space. His strange tattoo seemed to claw it's way up the back of his head and rested against his neck.
"Vincent, keep Skylar on your tail, make sure he's chasing after you, and keep me updated."
Vincent gave a curt impassive nod.
"Yes sir...." it was a hollow obedience.

Dr. Malcolm stepped to the blonde haired man and the red haired man.
"I want the two of you to keep the girl in your sights. Do not capture her until I give the signal, just observe for now. Play your cards very carefully.... This girls not to be trifles with. Extra precautions."
The dull murky green eyes of the red head blinked as his earpiece seemed to glow. The blonde nodded.