She was in the red room again. The walls were all painted like blood, there were no windows and the furnitures were all black. The only colourful spot in the room was him. He was sitting behind his desk leaning on his elbows, chin resting against the back of his hands. His smile was wide, showing all the thirty two teeth, and his eyes were small, barely visible. It’s not the cute eye-smile that melts the hearts of women, this was a cruel, evil one, that makes everyone in the room froze. His suit was ridiculous. The pattern was a horrible mixture of all colours of the rainbow and it made her dizzy.

"We missed you, Sandy" told her the man never dropping the horrendous grin. "It was so cruel of you to leave us like that. You didn't even say good bye. It hurts, really."

Sandara just stood there trying to steady her breathing. Her whole body was screaming in agony. No, she wasn't in pain, but every bit of her remember what it’s like to be beaten up and she knew that would happen in the next hour or so. If she is lucky they will just kill her without goind through that process.

"I know what you are thinking, my beautiful Sandy" chuckled the man and straightened his back, putting his hands on the table. "But we won’t hurt you, no."

It was too soon to be happy about it, so she just waited for it. Something told her she won’t get away with her actions so easily.

"You would never understand what it was like to lose you this way. We have to show you real pain, Sandy. The kind of pain you caused to me. To us. Hope you understand."

She wanted to ask what was it about, but no sound came from her parted lips. She touched her neck and tried again, but she didn't succeed. She couldn't say anything but deep down she knew what was happening. And her thoughts came true when the big door behind her opened, and two bodyguards pulled in a struggling girl. She couldn't see her face yet because of the long, blonde locks falling all over it. She was screaming. Due to pain or fear, Sandara didn't know, but one thing was sure. She knew that beautiful, raspy voice that now turned into pained cries.

Sandara turned back towards the man and put both of her hands on the table. She wanted to beg to let the blonde go, to beat up or kill her instead but not the girl, but yet again no voice could be heard.

Please please please no! Not her! Not Chaerin! Kill me! Kill me now! Just kill me! Please!

The man was laughing at her wholeheartedly. He stood up and stepped to the blonde girl reaching for her chin and lifting up her face so he could look at her. When Sandara saw Chaerin’s face with all the bruises and little cuts all over her previously smooth skin, she became sick. She wanted to throw up.

All of this happened because of her. It’s her fault. She dragged Chaerin into this and now they hurt her. This can’t be.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?” Asked the man from the blonde in a gentle tone. „Pleased to meet you, Lee Chaerin. Do you know why you are here now?"

Her fearful eyes found Sandara and her expression changed right away. The brunette saw disgust all over her face.

"Because of this cheap ." She said in an incredibly low tone. It was almost like if it wasn’t even Chaerin. Sandara wanted to believe that it was someone else, but she knew the truth. Everything the blonde said was right. It’s her fault. "She ran away."

"Yes, my darling." said the man. "I’m glad you are aware of your situation. And if you would excuse my behavior. It’s nothing personal, but I have to do this."

He got out his gun from the holder and pulled it against Chaerin head. Sandara started to beg again, but only a small whimper came out from as she was sobbing desperately. She kneeled down in front of them to stop this madness, but there was nothing she could do. He pulled the trigger and a loud bang could be heard. Chaerin looked her in the eyes and the last thing she could whisper was "You’re so disgusting. It’s your fault."

"I’m sorry!" Sandara could manage to scream this time. "I’m so sorry, please… please…" Loud sobs stopped her from saying anything as Chaerin’s body fell to the floor lifelessly. "NO!"

"Hey, calm down, calm down, please. You’re alright, I’ve got you…"

The voice was distant, but smoothing. She knew it so well. It calmed her racing heart down and she felt safe instantly. Gentle hands caressed her face lightly then steady arms closed her shaky body in a warm embrace.

"Please, wake up. It’s just me. Chaerin."

"Chaerin…" Sandara whimpered as she opened her eyes. She was there indeed. Chaerin’s room was light, the curtains were pulled off. Her face looked concerned but still very-very beautiful. "I’m sorry" She cried as she saw her face. "I’m so sorry." Hot tears left her eyes, but Chaerin brushed them off with her thumb.

"It’s okay. You’re safe. It was just a bad dream. I’m here."

She wanted to belive this. But she knew it wasn’t just an ordinary nightmare. The scene she saw a minute ago could happen in the future. They will hurt Chaerin. They know what’s her weak point now. She just wished they would’t lay a finger on the blonde. She was so kind, so beautiful. Too good person to be hurt like this.

She buried her face into Chaerin’s shoulder blade to hide her teary face which the blonde didn’t mind at all. She hugged her even more thighly and rubbed her back with her hands to ease her sobs. She succeeded, Sandara eventually calmed down.

When she pulled back with a much drier face, Chaerin dared to ask. "What was it about?"

She usually never asked about Sandara’s nightmares. They weren't something to be worried about. She would woke her up and calm her down, but the brunette never ever sobbed so hard like this before. She tossed in her sleep and even started screaming loudly. It must have been terrible. She couldn’t stop herself from asking.

Sandara just stared down at her hands in her lap and didn't answer. How could she tell her something awful like this? No. Never. Chaerin should just stay away from this.

"It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me" said Chaerin in a kind tone. The brunette glanced at her, so she just reached for her cheek and caressed it gently with her right palm. "Do you feel better?"

Sandara looked surprised so she tried to explain it. "Your fever. I think it went down a little, but I can’t be sure."

"Oh…" pouted the brunette and lifted her hand to her forehead. "Yes… I think I’m fine now."

"I’m glad" She smiled at her warmly. "Would you like to eat lunch? It’s kind of already too late for breakfast anyway."

"Huh… lunch?"

Sandara glanced at the clock on the wall then back at the blonde with wide eyes. "Oh my god, I’m late! No, no, no, this can’t be! I’m working there for only a month, they will be so angry and I…"

"Stop" told her Chaerin and put her hand on the brunette’s shoulders. Even while freaking out, she found her so cute. Seems like whatever this silly bunny did, she couldn't help but adore her. This is bad. She is older than her. It’s not like Sandara is her little sister, she should behave better. Her feelings seemed somehow inappropriate. "I already called the restaurant and told them that you are sick. They were really worried about you and asked if it’s serious and wether you can go tomorrow. They were really worked up. I can’t believe that they get to like you more after a month than they liked me when I got there." Said the blonde mocking her in a jocking manner.

Though Chaerin laughed at this, Sandara couldn’t help but scream in her mind, that it’s not it. That she is wrong and of course they like her more. It’s because of the party, they don’t like her that much. At least she thought so.

"What did you tell them?"

"That it’s not that bad and if the fever goes down and you will feel alright, you can go. Though I think it would be okay if you wanted to stay at home and rest. It would be bad if your condition worsen."

A thousand thoughts went through in Sandara’s mind in one second. What will happen in the party tomorrow? Will Chaerin be happy? Will she like her presents? And oh! Why didn't Chaerin went to work? Just because she was sick, she really should have gone to the studio. She couldn't possibly stayed at home to take care of her, right? She really is fine. But… it means that they can spend the entire day together? That would be so great. She really wanted to be with Chaerin now that she… she have to…

Oh, right. On Friday she will leave. Forever.

"Hey, are you listening to me?"

Sandara looked up as Chaerin was calling for her again.

"Huh? Uh, sorry I just… sorry, I spaced out. Whad did you say?"

Chaerin eyed her a little bit. She was calling for her twice but Sandara showed no reaction. She looked like she was in a trance. Her face was completely blank and she stared at the opposite wall with empty eyes. It worried her big time.

"I was asking if you would want to eat lunch with me or you aren’t hungry."

"Oh, uh… of course. I would like to eat with you." She cracked a little smile

"Cool" Chaerin smiled at her. "I will reheat the food a bit for us."

"Ah, thank you!"

Sandara went to the bathroom first. As she closed the door, she leaned her back against it with a soft sigh. She felt much better, though the fever really wasn't that bad, but that small thought never left her alone. Friday, friday, friday… she had only one and a half day to spend it with Chaerin. She have to live it to the fullest!

She quickly washed her face never looking at the angry bruise that just got even darker than the night before and joined Chaerin at the kitchen table.

They eat the the leftovers from yesterday and it still tasted really good. Actually, it was better than the last time she ate it with her family. Could it be because it’s been a really long time she last eat with them… or saw them? The taste was just incredibly powerful. She almost teared up upon thinking about her mother and siblings, but she quickly pushed the thought away. There’s no time for this. When she will have to go back to the club, she will have days and weeks, if they’re merciful enough, years to regret everything. But now she is with Chaerin. There is no room for thoughts like that. Only for her.

"How are the album preparations going?" She asked out of the blue. Chaerin looked at her a little bit surprised but smiled after a few moments.

"Really good, actually. We finished the recording and musical arrangements. The remaining parts aren't up to me."

"So you don’t have anything to do now?"

"Well, I still have to work on the dances, but most them are finished as well."

Sandara was thinking about it for a bit, then asked quietly. "That’s why you stayed at home today?"

Chaerin’s smile disappeared for a moment. There was something off about her questions. Or more like the way she asked them. As if there was no other reason for her to stay at home than day-offs. Sandara meant much more than that to her!

"I stayed at home to take care of you" she answered seriously. "In case you are still feeling sick"

"Oh… I see" Sandara turned away blushing a little and so did Chaerin.

What’s wrong with them? Even herself seamed off a bit. But really, Sandara’s questions made her uneasy.

For god’s sake, it’s been only a month – she thought. She shouldn’t behave like they got that close during this short time. Sandara maybe doesn’t feel like this, she couldn't put more pressure on her to carry. She really enjoyed being with the brunette, but Chaerin must understand that maybe this doesn’t go both ways. Though she really wanted it to be.

The awkwardness didn't last long, and to the blonde surprise it was Sandara who broke it.

"Maybe… would you like to show it to me? I mean the album."

Chaerin thought about it for a moment then nodded.

"It’s on my laptop. When we finished eating I will show you."

And so did she. Sandara made herself comfortable on the couch and Chaerin sat down next to her with the laptop in her lap.

"I’m still not sure about the order though" started the blonde smiling. "Maybe you should help me."

"It would be an honour" said the brunette right away with sparkling eyes. Chaerin couldn't help but laugh at this. How was she so adorable all the time?

"Okay, so there are eleven songs…"

"I know If I were you already" told her Sandara when she glanced at the titles.

"And MTBD and The baddest female as well." added Chaerin pointing at them with the mouse. 

"That’s my favourite"

Chaerin looked at her with a questioning look on her face and pointed at the songs. "MTBD?"

"No, The baddest female. But MTBD is good too, don’t get me wrong."

"Really?" She chuckled a bit feeling immediately the blood rushing to her cheeks. Somehow the thought that Sandara liked her music made her feel happy. "Why that one?"

"I don’t know" mumbled the brunette seriously thinking about it, then shrugged her shoulders with a perfect grin. "I like how it emphasize a strong image. I want to be like that too sometime."

"Yah, you little bunny" Laughed Chaerin and grabbed the brunette with her arm pressing her into a half hug. "You are already a badass enough."

"Hey, let me go!"

They laughed a bit, then Sandara leaned back into a sitting position again and tried to fix her disheveled hair. Her high pitched, soft chuckle and bright smile almost made Chaerin forget about yesterday’s events. She looked at the angry bruise again and couldn't believe that how even that dark patch can’t make the brunette uglier. She wondered how she got it again as well. It just seemed impossible that a simple bump into a table could cause anything like that. Her behavior was alright, she really seemed alright, but the anxious thought never left her mind that something was up. The bruise yesterday, the worst nightmare ever today… She still didn't know Sandara that well, but she felt somewhere deep down that she had to take care of her.

Chaerin knew the signs. She spent enough time on the streets and in the care of the Blue Fish to know when someone was up to no good or wanted to hide something.

So that was it. Another day in heaven before descending into hell. Hope you liked it. :’) The next chapter will be about Chaerin’s birthdayparty, so it will be probably a bit longer (or a lot, I don’t know. I plan to write a lot of things in it). And… well. You know once I asked about whether would you like to read more intense scenes… let’s see if I can do it, because next chapter definitely needs it. Wish me luck. I’m really bad at those…