“Here, take a seat,” Hayoung told Naeun in a gentle voice.

Way too gentle.

The blonde’s heart was thumping loudly. She had no idea where she was, and all she could do was to play along. “Are you going to remove the blindfold? I can’t wait to see what the surprise is,” Naeun said, feigning excitement.

Hayoung let out a small chuckle as she exchanged brief glances with Mino, who was standing at the corner. “Well, your surprise is here.” She gave a nod at Mino, signaling to him to handcuff both of Naeun’s hands to the arms of the chair.

As soon as Naeun heard the sound of the click, and the cool metal object resting on her hands, her heart pounded into overdrive.

Hayoung removed the blindfold and pointed her gun to the blonde’s forehead. “You’ve been spying on me,” she stated coldly, her face punched with betrayal.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Naeun responded, as she glanced at the dimlit room. She recognised this place. They were inside a shipping container.

“Don't bother lying. Song Mino has told me the truth.”

Naeun’s eyes travelled to Mino. He smirked at her.

“I can explain.”

Hayoung shook her head. “You forced me into this, Naeun.”

Naeun knew she couldn’t escape. No one was going to save her. She was going to die. She squeezed her eyes shut and held her breath as she heard Hayoung pulling the trigger.

BANG!

“Do you know why I killed him instead of you?”

The blonde instantly opened her eyes upon hearing Hayoung’s voice. She stared at the growing crimson pool around Mino’s head in shock. Her eyes travelled back to Hayoung who cast her a woebegone smile.

“I saved you because I love you. You’re the first person that I genuinely cared for,” Hayoung croaked. “But you betrayed me,” she added bitterly.

“Hayoung, please listen to me. Being involved in this organization will bring you nowhere.”

“I don’t want to see you ever again.” The paralegal took the cuffs of Naeun’s hands. “Go.”

“You can change, Hayoung. You can help us take this organization down.”

Hayoung harshly grabbed Naeun by her arm. “Go. Because if you don’t, I can’t promise you I’ll let you off this easily again.” She opened the door and pushed the blonde out. “ off.” With that, she slammed the door shut.

Eunji was happily skipping on the pavement. Her first date with Chorong earlier on went really well. It was a typical cliche date, like that in dramas, but of course, the date had a dash of Jung Eunji's usual endearing nonsense.

The eyesmiling girl couldn't wait for the next date. She was very determined to make Chorong fall for her. She was confident that the older girl would be completely in love with her by the fifth day. She had to make that happen.

A lonesome figure sitting on the railings of the bridge caught her attention. Eunji gasped as it dawned on her that the girl might be attempting to commit suicide.

"Don't!" she shrieked, as her legs carried her swiftly to the blonde. "Stay there and don't jump."

The blonde turned around to give Eunji a bewildered look. "Huh?"

The two gasped. "Oh it's you?" they said in unison.

"Yah Naeunnie, what are you trying to do?" Eunji asked worriedly.

Naeun arched her eyebrow. "Did you just call me by the name of your bike?"

Eunji laughed nervously. "Sorry, I thought it's a cute name for you. I can take it back if you want to."

"It's fine," Naeun smiled, fixing her gaze back to the dark sea below.

"Why are you sitting here?"

"For fun."

"For fun?? Isn't it dangerous?"

"I've done more dangerous things," Naeun casually replied, as she let her legs dangle over the railings.

"You okay? You seem upset."

"I'm fine, Eunji."

Eunji wasn't at all convinced. The blonde looked troubled. "Do you want a hug? It makes one feel better," she said, "And it's Eunji unnie, remember?"

"Nothing can make me feel better, Eunji unnie."

"See, you're lying after all. Previously you said you're fine but now you said nothing can make you feel better."

Naeun shrugged her shoulders. She stiffened when she felt the unfamiliar warm arms wrapped around her waist.

"What are you doing?" the blonde asked in annoyance. She hated how Eunji was bothering her time alone.

"Get down or I'll tickle you."

"If you tickle me, we'll both fall from the bridge and die."

Eunji chuckled as she leaned her head against Naeun's back. "I like your sense of humour," she stated softly, holding the blonde protectively.

"I wasn't even being funny," Naeun mumbled. "Just get your hands and head off me."

"Only if you get down."

"Why can't you leave me alone?"

"Because I'm worried for your safety. If you don't move, I'll stay in this position."

Naeun sighed in resignation. She placed her hands firmly on the cool surface of the railings. "Move, I'm getting down."

A relieved smile spread across Eunji's face. She released her grasp and moved a few steps back as she watched Naeun getting down safely.

"Happy now?" the blonde asked, glaring at the brunette.

"Very," Eunji grinned. She opened her arms and pulled Naeun into a tight embrace.

"I didn't ask for a hug."

"But you aren't resisting."

Naeun sighed, as she placed her hands comfortably on Eunji's waist. It felt odd that she was returning the hug, but she really needed one at the moment. "You smell good," she murmured, after taking a whiff of the brunette's scent. She unconsciously hugged Eunji tighter.

"Do I?" Eunji asked, slightly shuddering as she felt Naeun's light breaths against her neck.

"Yeah."

"Do you really mean it? Or are you just being really y right now?"

"I'm not in the mood for jokes, unnie."

"Okay, I'll stop joking around." Eunji gently Naeun's hair. "Feel better now?"

"Yeah," Naeun responded, breaking away from the hug. "Thanks."

"Anything for my gorgeous idol who also happens to be my friend," Eunji beamed.

Naeun let out a small chuckle. "You seem a little too happy. Your face is glowing brighter than the moon. Got a girlfriend already?"

"You're so smart Naeunnie!" Eunji exclaimed. "I had my first date today! It went really well."

"That's good to know. Is your date the jealous type?"

"Why?"

"You're touchy with everyone," Naeun remarked.

The brunette furrowed her brows. "I am not."

"You offered me a hug. I don't think any girlfriend would be happy with that."

"Ah..."