→ Chapter 005

The sky had turned pitch black, and the only light was from the yellow tinted street lights that so ominously lit up Mina’s path. The feeling of dread grew inside her, for she hated taking this particular road to get home, but it was faster than her normal route. Besides, if anyone jumped out at her, she had enough fighting ability –and a few tricks up her sleeve- to be able to escape. Although, that was unlikely because seldom did she ever see a living soul take the back road.

She had just come from Irene's house. Poor girl, she thought. To Mina, Irene seemed so grief-stricken, and she couldn't control her emotions. She had dragged Mina to her house that school day, not even giving her a chance to say goodbye to Mrs. Nam. Irene had practically held her captive for the rest of the day, something about wanting to start anew. She felt pity. Pity because Irene shed so many tears over her, when Mina didn't consider herself someone to shed tears for. But it was a work in progress; and Mina would try her hardest to mend their broken friendship.

As she continued down the barren road, Mina began to make out a human figure standing next one of the many brick walls that surrounded them. She stuck close to the buildings, trying her hardest not to be noticed. On further approach, she realized that the figure across the street was graffitiing the building.

The person’s choice of colors appeared to be red, black, and white. Observing the figure, Mina decided they must be no older than herself, for their build was slightly scrawny, the way any teenager would look. If it had clearly been someone of a strong build, Mina wouldn't have waltzed up to the stranger clad in all black.

“Hey,” she began, clearly annoyed. The spray paint can stopped mid-spray. “You shouldn't do that. It's unjust and immoral to go around damaging another's property.”

“What's it to you?” The clear, smooth voice replied. The person -who Mina guessed was male by the sound of his voice- lowered his hand, and threw the paint can on the ground. Meanwhile, Mina couldn't find it in herself to answer. Something about that voice had stumped her, like she knew the person speaking. But who it was, she couldn't tell. When she didn't respond, the man turned in her direction, right before removing his hood.

Someone Mina didn't expect -and was secretly hoping she wouldn't see- hid under the black hoodie. He had been the source of all discussions at her school, and if Mina heard his name one more time she thought she might scream. Hell, even Irene was talking about him when she had visited her place, rambling about how cute and charming he was. Hell, he even offered to study with her sometime. Mina wanted to warn her friend not to trust him, but she didn't want to hurt Irene any further, so she left it alone. Kang Mina saw through this boy's lies, and wouldn't let him get to her.

That boy was Byun Baekhyun.

Mina's heart dropped when the glowing ten appeared hovering over him, and did her best not to stare at it. She still found it impossible to say anything, so Baekhyun spoke in her absence, “Kang Mina. What would such a sweet little girl be doing wandering this street at night? You could get hurt you know. Remember not to take candy from strangers.” He, in that jackass way of his, reached out to touch a strand of her hair. Mina swatted away his hand, just barely touching his milky white skin. She could've sworn she felt a jolt of electricity in his touch.

“Don't touch me,” she said, crossing her arms. “And I'm walking this way, because it's quicker than my usual route. Now if you'll excuse me, I am in a hurry, so if you'd kindly stop vandalizing that building, I'll be on my way.”

As if mocking her, he crossed his arms, and with his signature smirk, shifted his weight onto his rights foot. “How do you know it isn't my building?”

Mina scoffed at his stupid remark. “Well, is it?”

Baekhyun glanced at the spray paint can he had thrown on the ground, then at his creation on the brick wall. “Well, no.”

To her surprise Mina found herself laughing at the words. Not because she found the situation comical, but because she was so utterly frustrated at the boy's antics. Not able to stand it anymore, she bolted past him, picking up the spray cans on the ground, and ran to a nearby dumpster to dispose of them. Upon her return, Baekhyun looked like he wanted to strangle her, and Mina was pleased with herself.

“You know, you're a real piece of work, you know that?” Baekhyun said, poking her shoulder with his oh-so-pretty index finger.

Before he could say anymore, Mina retorted, “I could say the same thing about you. Kudos for putting up such a great façade, you’re truly a great actor. But I see right through you Byun Baekhyun. You aren't the simple, charming, attractive boy you make yourself out to be. You're hiding something, and I swear to I will find out what it is.” Mina didn't realize she had been gritting her teeth the entire time until she felt the relief of unclenching them.

Baekhyun laughed at her statement, and Mina wanted to murder him even more. “So you think I'm attractive?” He told her.

That was it. Mina was done with his , and before the situation could escalate any further, she spun on her heel and proceeded to walk away, but not before saying, “Stay the hell away from me and my friends.”

Once again, Baekhyun chuckled, and she longed to smack that grin off his face.