[ 2 YEARS AGO ]

"C'mon, Hyuk! Don't just stay cooped up there! God."

Nope, nope. I'm not budging.

No matter what happened, Lee Hyuk had made up his mind. After last week's shenanigans, he deserved this. No one could get him out of the rut he chose to be in. He deserved this. He will not allow anyone to pull him out of his chosen seclusion.

"Lee Hyuk, don't make me drag you."

Not even his older brother.

Hyuk held the blanket above his head, refusing to submit to his hyung's constant pestering. He knew that Ha Neul had good intentions, but he just wasn't up for it.

"C'mon Little Brother," said the eldest, "It's been a week since you started moping. You've been living like a robot again ever since. C'mon, it's time for you to live again."

"No."

Someone tried to pull the blankets.

"Hyuk, I didn't come all the way here from Busan just for you to snub me," complained Ha Neul, "Now, be a respectable little brother and look at your hyung in the face."

"I didn't ask you to come here."

"Mother did."

Damn it. I knew I should not have told Mom about it. She DID blab to hyung.

"...she said you haven't been yourself lately again. You just go to work, say hi, eat, and go to sleep," his brother was saying, "You don't smile a lot, apparently, and you know how that bothers Mother."

"She has Jae Eun to smile at her," argued Hyuk, still under the covers.

"Don't be stubborn, little brother."

Despite his brother's approaches, Hyuk remained under his blanket, still refusing to emerge. He thought about his mother noticing how he didn't smile much. She should know better that he wasn't in the right condition to flash anyone a smile. After all, how could he when he just got cheated on...for the second time?

And the excuse was exactly the same.

"I just...I felt so rigid because you refused to live a little. I want to be with someone who has life."

What was he? The walking dead?

It hurt a lot because of a number of things: he loved the girl, he was serious with her, he wanted to get married soon, and he thought he was okay. But apparently, he was never enough. 

Ha Neul gave up on pulling him and decided to plop down by his foot. 

"Listen Hyuk, I know this cause it's the second time," he began, "It stings like hell, I know that. And for Pete's Sake, she exchanged you for a woman!"

Don't remind me.

"But you've been through this. You got out of the same rut before," said Ha Neul, "I know it hurts like bad, but you're Lee Hyuk. You're stronger than this, Little Brother. You're a Grim Reaper, remember? You'll get better but you have to start living again."

As he stayed buried under the covers, he couldn't help but take his hyung's words by heart (of course, he didn't say anything. Ha Neul would've gloated and thought he'd be willingly dragged out now). 

But when?

(The Present)

Someone kill me now.

Opposite him, through the steam of grilled meat, Hyuk could feel his hyung's malicious stare. Beside him, Kim Sun Hee remained clueless to the growing yet silent battle between the Lee brothers as she placed another slice of meat on the grill. 

Ever since they ran into Ha Neul this morning, the latter refused to be left behind. He has been with Sun Hee and Hyuk through everything -- the shooting and now, for late lunch/ early dinner.

When they first ran into Ha Neul, the latter was definitely interested in Hyuk's female companion. Hyuk knew what it must've looked like for his older brother; after all, he was with a woman in the shadiest part of the town, surrounded by motels. Ha Neul's mind was probably conjuring plenty of mind-blowing fantasies he didn't want to know. So, in one breath, he explained everything: of how Sun Hee was an actress and she was his client, how he had to protect her from a stalker, how she didn't get a room and he had to stay with her, and how nothing happened he swears.

And all Ha Neul had to say was, "Sure."

You'd think his hyung would have the sense to leave them alone after that. But Ha Neul being Ha Neul, he insisted to tag along. Hyuk relied on Sun Hee to say no, to be terrified of his older brother.

But for some reason, she gladly accepted him.

All day, Ha Neul was with them. Of course, Hyuk had to brief him about the nature of his service to Sun Hee. The actress was the one who filled out the undercover stylist part, much to Hyuk’s dismay.

As Kim Sun Hee acted, Hyuk stayed with his brother in the sides, watching her and the other actors film a scene. 

For a moment, Ha Neul was distracted by the famous personalities. But when the cameras started rolling, so did his brother.

"So...an actress huh?" he said.

Hyuk looked at his brother. "It's not what you think. I already told you that." He crossed his arms and watched Sun Hee, subtly looking around for suspicious figures.

Ha Neul popped a gum and started chewing. "I know, I know," he said, "But man...look at her." He started gazing intently at Sun Hee. "Don't tell me you don't feel anything when you see her."

"That's disgusting."

"What? I didn't mean those feelings. Get your head out of the gutter," reprimanded Ha Neul, "I meant that you must be flustered with such a beauty."

"Nope."

"Liar."

And this conversation went on for three more hours -- three hours of "Why aren't you dating her?" and "God, she's so pretty!" plus a couple of "You're a lucky dude," and "Don't be too slow!"

When the afternoon came, Sun Hee decided she wanted some grilled meat to cap off the day. Hyuk was about to volunteer his brother out of the late lunch/early dinner situation, when she looked at Ha Neul.

"Would you like to join us?" she asked.

And that was how they all ended up in a nearby restaurant, devouring slices of meat, some soup, and noodles.

It was the oddest sight ever: Sun Hee laughing at his older brother's stories from their childhood. He watched them, trying to figure out what sort of charm Lee Ha Neul had that he won over someone as meticulous and judgmental as Kim Sun Hee.

"...out of the three of us, Hyuk has always been the mysterious one," Ha Neul was saying as he took a big bite of meat, "My mother thinks he got that from our father's side. He was always the silent type, but Hyuk is worse. He rarely speaks. He does so when he has to. But trust me, he's a nice kid. A bit weird, but really nice."

Hyuk noticed Sun Hee stare at him while sipping from her glass of juice.

"He speaks more than often now," she told Ha Neul, "And yes, I think he's nice."

"Really? So, he tells you stories?"

"Sometimes."

"Wow," said Ha Neul who then looked at his brother, eyes sparkling mischievously, "That's interesting."

He winked at Hyuk before slurping his soup. Ha Neul then looked at the actress.

"You must be a special case then," he said.

"She is a special case," Hyuk immediately in, "She's an actress in need of protection. She has a stalker. That makes her a special case."

"No, that's not what I meant."

"That is what you meant."

"What do you mean?" asked Sun Hee. 

Hyuk glared at his brother. He knew what was about to come out of Ha Neul's mouth and he didn't want to give Sun Hee any ideas. His hyung, on the other hand, looked sly as he finished down his soup.

"Let's just put it this way Miss Sun Hee," began Ha Neul, "My brother's not like that to a lot of women."

Sun Hee could feel her cheeks flaring up as Hyuk tried to subtue his older brother. She was thankful for the mini commotion; at least, no one could see her red cheeks. Immediately, she ate some spicy noodles. At least, she'd have a reason for her flustered look.

It was funny, watching the two brothers. From the hours she spent with them, she realized that they were polar opposites: Hyuk was the silent one while his hyung was the life and soul of any party. She never thought the detective would be related to such ball of happiness. Oh and there was a sister -- Jae Eun? Is that her name -- the youngest one in the family. 

As the brothers argued, she couldn't help but think that she learned a lot about the mysterious Detective Lee today.

"So...has he been with a lot of women?" she asked casually.

"Oh no he hasn't," answered Ha Neul, "My brother's not that kind of guy; believe me. He is loyal to the core and he loves to death."

"Really now," remarked Sun Hee, leaning on her back and looking at the now flustered detective. 

She never knew Lee Hyuk could be this cute. All it took was his hyung to bring out that side of him. He was always so uptight, cool, and confident. Seeing him all embarassed and panicky with his hyung was such an adorable sight. Sun Hee rarely saw him like this. She made the right decision to include Lee Ha Neul to her schedule. 

Ha Neul then finished his bowl and added a piece of meat to the grill.

"So, Miss Sun Hee," began Ha Neul, "Are you dating my brother?"

Both Sun Hee and Hyuk were startled with the question -- Sun Hee's eyes widening and Hyuk choking on his glass of water.

"I'm sorry?" she asked.

"Hyung, that's enough," said Hyuk almost at the same time.

Ha Neul was looking at the both of them, still holding in chopsticks and looking defensive as his brother told him off. 

"What? I was just asking," he told them.

"You could've asked a different question!" argued Detective Lee. 

"Okay, fine," Lee Ha Neul said, rolling his eyes, "Miss Sun Hee, do you think you could like my brother?"

"HYUNG!"

Oh my god. This is getting more interesting than I thought.

"I mean, look at him," continued the eldest Lee, touching his brother's face, "He's digsutingly handsome for his own sake and he's got this cool job -- a detective. Do you think a pretty actress like you could spare him some time?"

Detective Lee looked so scandalized, all he could do was just shake his head. Sun Hee, on the other hand, gazed intently at him, seriously considering the question. But what was there to consider anyway? She already knew the answer.

"Well, I --"

"Don't answer that," said Hyuk immediately, raising his hand. He then looked at his hyung. "It's already past six and I have to go back to the station. Miss Sun Hee also has to return to her apartment. She has filming tomorrow and I'm sure my superior will question me if I don't return now."

"Wow, aren't you such a party pooper," complained Ha Neul.

"I'm serious. I need to get back to the station."

Hyuk hoped he did look serious and not too desperate to get away from the sticky situation his brother put him in. He took out his phone, pretending his was texting DA Park that he was on his way back.

"Ah, always the death of a party," remarked his hyung, "I'm sorry Miss Sun Hee, looks like our conversation will be cut short."

"That's unfortunate," said Sun Hee, "I was starting to enjoy it more. We could've gotten drinks."

Nope, you're not getting drinks, thought Lee Hyuk, thinking about the mishaps his brother would cause if he was drunk. He had enough embarrassment for the day.

"I know but Mr. Responsible here has a point. He does need to get you home," replied Ha Neul, "But it's been fun, Miss Actress! I never thought that dropping by that area would actually give me the opportunity to meet someone like you." He took Sun Hee's extended hand and gave it a kiss, causing her to giggle and Hyuk to glare at his hyung. 

"Well, since I've cause you two trouble," began Ha Neul, standing up, "I might as well pay for everything." He got out his wallet from his back pocket.

"Are you sure?" asked Sun Hee, "I can chip in. I don't want to be a burden." She was starting to rummage her bag for her cash when the oldest Lee stopped her.

"Oh, no you're not, Miss Sun Hee," refused Ha Neul, waving away her offer, "You are anything but a burden and I'm sure my brother here will agree." He winked at Hyuk before getting up. "You kids wait for me outside. It's starting to get a little crowded here. I'll get to it. Hyuk," he nodded at his little brother, " the actress out of this hole."

Ha Neul left Hyuk and Sun Hee to line up for payment, clueless to the long pause he left them.

"Your brother is really interesting."

They were still standing outside of the food place, waiting for Ha Neul to emerge from the crowds of patrons inside. 

Hyuk kept his eye on the door.

"I know," he said.

"You're really different though."

"What do you mean?"

He looked at Sun Hee who was observing him.

"He's loud, you're not," she observed, "He's happy-go-lucky, you're not. Also, he seems to be really jolly and --"

"I'm not?"

Hyuk raised his eyebrow at her. There was something unsettling in the way she compared him with his brother. 

"No, I was just going to say serious," she sadi, "But overall, he seems like a nice guy who's on the lookout for his little brother." She crossed her arms and watched the entrance with him. "I also sensed he's invested in your love life. More than you are."

"It's not my thing."

He said nothing after and chose to browse his phone for mails, but he could sense the actress still staring at him. She obviously wanted to know more about Ha Neul's revelations of his preferences (Were they revelations? He didn't really say much.) Hyuk couldn't bear continuing that conversation; apart from being uncomfortable, he wasn't up for it.

"I'd appreciate my hyung more if I were you," she suddenly said, "He's just genuinely concerned."

Hyuk saw Sun Hee stare at him reproachfully, almost as if she was telling him off. It was another odd moment: he was so used to being the one telling her off, hearing her do it to him felt strange.

"I know that," was all he said.

Finally, Lee Ha Neul emerged, tucking his wallet in his back pocket again.

"Phew, sorry that took so long!" he apologized, "The ahjumma behind the counter kept calculating wrong. Must've thought we ate too much than we looked. Okay kids, time to go home!" 

The eager hyung went ahead of the two, his tummy and loudly talking about how much he ate. Behind him, the actress and the detective walked in silence. Hyuk couldn't explain it, but he knew Sun Hee wanted to say (or ask) something. She just didn't insist and that was new. She usually got things her way, but now, she remained silent, pretending to be interested with Ha Neul's babble about too much beef.

These were all just guesses and suspicions, but Hyuk was sure. 

He felt like he'd known her long enough.

He watched as the actress closed the gate behind her and went inside. Once the gate was locked, Hyuk the ignition and started driving away.

"Wow, what an interesting woman," remarked Ha Neul who sat beside him, "Really. I've never met anyone like her."

"Really? In all the years you've been out clubbing, socializing, and networking, not one woman?"

"Believe me when I say no. She has a different kind of charm," continued his hyung, "I mean, she starts off as this annoying and demanding actress, but once you really get to know her, she's actually charming -- and not just because she's beautiful."

Hyuk made a right. "Like you know her long enough."

"Oh right, sorry. I'm not supposed to claim her like that, huh?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" asked Hyuk as he stopped for an old lady to cross the street. He glanced at his brother who was eyeing him mischievously. Ha Neul adjusted his position and looked at his brother straight in the eye.

"C'mon Hyuk, she's not here anymore. Stop playing dumb."

"Excuse me?"

"Don't make me say it."

"Say what?"

His hyung took a deep breath.

"I hate to break it to you, Little Brother," he said, "But you like this girl."

Pause.

Hyuk stared at his brother in disbelief.

A loud beep from the car behind them startled his senses and he immediately hit the gas to keep the car running. Instead of staring at his brother, he glued his eyes on the road again.

"That's crazy," was all he said.

"I'm the one who's crazy? You're the guy who got all flustered a while ago."

"Because I was embarrassed with what you were saying."

"No, you were embarrassed because I said those things to the girl you liked."

"That's stupid."

"No, you're stupid. You're in denial."

Ha Neul stretched comfortably and raised his hands up, pretending as if he didn't drop a bomb like that. Hyuk, on the other hand, said nothing more. He didn't want to argue with his hyung; he knew that once Ha Neul rolled, there was no stopping him.

And he was also afraid of what he would realize if the conversation rolled deeper.

"Let's just put it this way Miss Sun Hee: my brother's not like that to a lot of women."

She could feel her cheeks reddening at the memory, but forced herself to stop. She was powerless, however, and the feelings of flattery won her over.

As Sun Hee turned the knob and opened the door to her apartment, she couldn't help but remember the Detective's flustered face when his brother said those words. His face was as red as hers, his eyes widening in surprise as his hyung blabbed. It was an adorable image -- a far cry from his serious and scary demeanour.

She placed her bag on top of the table and sighed.

It had been one hell of a day and night. 

Never in her wildest dreams would she think that she would end up spending the night with Lee Hyuk. Sure, not much happened and there were a few catastrophes here and there, but she got to see multiple sides of him. As a bonus, she even met his older brother who seemed to take a liking to her. It was such an overwhelming experience, she couldn't help but be happy. 

This is stupidly shallow.

As she removed her hair tie and let her hair down, she gave it a good shake, thinking about the memories. 

For sure, she was definitely smitten with Lee Hyuk. She was just trying to be subtle with it. But now...there could be a possibility that he might...actually like her.

Could he? I don't want to expect.

But the sight of his flushed cheeks distracted her again.

Her thoughts of the handsome detective, however, blinded her from the fact that one of her prized lamps lay broken on the floor. It took her a minute or two to realize that fact. She stared at the broken piece of appliance and knelt down, surprised to see it there.

Wait, has it always been like this?

Sun Hee tried remembering if she knocked over her lamp before leaving for the set yesterday. Part of her, however, was annoyed that it broke. It was a prized lamp. 

Aisht, I'll have to buy a new one. God, how did this happen?

She lifted the small piece of decor, still wondering how it broke in the first place. She the kitchen lights, hoping to find some glue to maybe resolve the lamp problem.

Only to find a stranger in the kitchen.

And the lamp broke again.

A/N: YIN and LDW have another one of those phone commercials! Gosh, I miss them a lot. I'm re-watching Goblin right now because I miss them a lot. Also, please tell me what you think. 

And if it were up to you, what sort of ending would you like Sunny x Grim Reaper to have?