“Your Umma is very...clean,” Umji politely said once they entered the privacy of SinB’s room.

On the same afternoon, SinB invited Umji to her house. She figured it was best to get started and learn more about her werewolf side. It was becoming a hassle trying to suppress the wolf within on a daily basis. Unsurprisingly, Umji eagerly agreed.  

“It’s how she relieves stress,” SinB informed, shrugging as if seeing her mom multitask between vacuuming in the living room, mopping the kitchen floor, and ironing a pile of laundry was the most normal thing in the world. Dropping her backpack on the ground, SinB motioned for Umji to sit on the bed as she pulled up the chair by her desk. “So, where should we begin?”

Umji sat on the edge of the bed, taking off her backpack to retrieve a pen from the outer pocket. Opening her notebook, she skimmed around until she found an empty page. “Maybe you can describe more about your transformations. Are you able to control when you shift?”

“Most of the time,” SinB began, gently swiveling herself in the chair with the tips of her toes. “Except when there’s a full moon. During those nights, I have no choice, no control.” Another predicament crossed SinB’s mind. She nervously bit the inside of her lip, hoping Umji wouldn’t expect details. “But, there are other instances in which I find myself shifting without my own doing. Like, whenever I get a strong emotion.”

“A strong emotion,” Umji repeated as she wrote it down in her notes. “Can you elaborate on that?”

Dammit, SinB thought to herself. She paused, uncomfortable with having to share the happenings of her personal life. Especially, one that concerned her romantic feelings for her best friend. But, there was no way of getting out of the topic. Not when her entire sanity was at stake.

Swallowing her saliva, SinB kept her line of vision anywhere other than Umji’s perceptive eyes. “A strong emotion like... jeal-”

DING DONG

Startled by the doorbell, SinB stopped her sentence short. Part of her was glad that she was able to buy some time of not having to reveal her envy towards Yerin and Yuju’s relationship. But, another part of her was confused and curious of who could be paying a visit.

“I should check who’s at the front door,” SinB said, abruptly standing up and striding to the bedroom door. “My mom’s probably too occupied with cleaning. Just continue with thinking of more questions for me to answer. I’ll be back in minute.” Relaying a friendly smile at Umji, SinB exited out of her room and trailed down the flight of stairs.

Other than during the holidays, rarely did her family get any visitors. She knew her dad was at work and that Yerin was at track practice. Just before she reached the last steps, a vaguely familiar scent caught SinB’s senses. As she slowly walked nearer towards the entrance of the house, SinB saw that her mother had answered the door before she could. But, there was something strange in her Umma’s mannerisms. She appeared to be laughing, enjoying the small talk she and this mystery person were engaging in.

“Umma, who’s the visitor?” SinB stood behind her mom to get a better view of their guest. Her eyes went wide as her posture tightened.

“Annyeong, SinB-ssi.” Sowon warmly greeted, cadance a bit too gentle and perhaps, even flirty. She shyly looked down, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear.

“Sowon-ssi,” SinB uttered, face covered with surprise.

“Eunbi-ya,” SinB’s mom addressed her daughter, “you didn’t tell me you were bringing more friends over. I should’ve made the house more presentable.”

“Even from where I stand, I can tell that your house looks marvelous, Ms. Hwang,” Sowon sweetly praised.

“Kamsahamnida, Sowon,” SinB’s mom thanked, looking quite flattered. “Oh, where are my manners. Come in.” She urged, waving a hand for Sowon to step inside.

SinB couldn’t process what was happening. For starters, she wasn’t sure why Sowon suddenly showed up at her house. Not only was the taller girl, who left her baffled in the school restroom, currently taking off her shoes to prance about freely in her home, but she was clearly trying to get on her Umma’s good side.

“SinB-ssi, I brought my textbooks over so we could get started on that tutor session you offered me earlier in school today,” Sowon spoke, holding out her English workbook for SinB to see. Her eyes stared into SinB’s, conveying a secret message that said “Go along with it.”

“My Eunbi-ah is going to make a wonderful tutor for you, Sowon,” Ms. Hwang chirped in. “She picked up a lot of skills during her stay in America.”

“I’m sure she has,” Sowon replied, glancing over to smile at SinB who stood awkwardly between them.

“Umma, I’ll take it from here,” SinB piped in, finding the courage to say something.

“Alright. I’ll bring you girls some refreshments after I’m finished with the dishwasher,” Ms. Hwang said.

“Actually, Umma-”

“That’s kind of you, Ms. Hwang,” Sowon intercepted, “but, it would be best if there were no interruptions. I learn better that way. Plus, I’m sure SinB-ssi will be kind enough to get them herself when the time comes.” She ended her request with a charmful smile towards SinB’s mom.

“You don’t have to worry about us, Umma,” SinB reassured with an innocent smile of her own.

“Okay. I’ll be here downstairs if you need anything,” Ms. Hwang notified before returning to the kitchen.

Huffing out a sigh, SinB looked at Sowon who smirked in amusement. “Follow me,” she sternly ordered, peeved at the quandary she was now in.

The two quickly climbed up the stairs. Opening the door to her room, SinB allowed Sowon to enter first before shutting the door behind her.

“What are you doing at my house?” SinB barked, arms crossed and eyes narrowing on the unfazed Sowon.

“SinB-unnie, what’s going on?” Umji, sitting at the older girl’s desk, questioned.

Simultaneously, SinB and Sowon’s heads turned to look at the younger girl. With all the oddities going on, SinB had forgotten that Umji was still waiting for her.

“Who’s the pipsqueak?” Sowon teased, scoffing in distaste.

“Kim Umji, here, is my neighbor,” SinB emphasized. “And, I invited her to my house. Unlike you. Now, would you please tell me what you’re doing here, Sowon-ssi?”

“No need to get aggravated,” Sowon coolly tried to relax the tensed girl in front of her. “I’m here with a proposition that will benefit you, SinB-ssi. After that dead squirrel fiasco this morning, you should be thanking me for removing your earphones from the scene of the crime.”

SinB was hesitant to respond, unsure if Sowon was alluding to actually being the creature she suspected her to be. Her eyes flicked over to Umji, hoping for some much needed solidarity. But, the younger girl’s gaze was locked to the ground, overwhelmed by Sowon’s tantalizing stare.

“Does the pipsqueak know?” Sowon asked bluntly, pointing a thumb over to Umji’s direction.

Straightening her back to match Sowon’s domineering stance, SinB feigned ignorance. “About what?”

Sowon chuckled snidely. “Never mind. Your believable acting chops says it all. But, since I’m convinced this is a safe space between the three of us and that no one will go about telling others, why don’t we all just skip the formalities and tell it like it is?” She glanced between SinB and Umji’s conflicting expressions. Exhaling an exaggerated sigh, Sowon rolled her eyes. “Looks like we need an ice breaker.”

Clicking her tongue, Sowon promptly shrugged off her backpack, letting it fall to the floor. She then proceeded to bend down, crouching on her hands and knees. Closing her eyes, her brow furrowed in full concentration. It was if she was connecting her mind to her soul. In a matter of seconds, Sowon transformed from a beautiful, young woman, to a menacing, black-haired werewolf. Her dazzling, blue eyes were enough to strike fear in anyone’s heart. Quietly treading in slow circles, Sowon kept her shoulders hunched over as if calculating an attack.

As Umji sat in complete and utter horror, SinB couldn’t help but realize how Sowon didn’t have to undress in order to shift. In fact, the taller girl shifted with such grace that it left SinB in awe.

“So, that werewolf from last night...,” SinB spoke breathily, “that was you.”

Halting her intimidating promenade, Sowon bowed her head and closed her eyes in the same manner. Like clockwork, she returned to the long-legged human being that provoked more anxiety for SinB than when the taller girl was in her wolf-form.

Sowon stood up, dusting off her uniform before bringing her hands to her hips. She smirked quite identical to the way the werewolf smirked from the night before.

“I always had a feeling there was something about you, Sowon-unnie,” Umji said, standing up from her chair to walk closer to the girl who towered over her. “I had you assessed as either a witch or a skinwalker, though. But, a werewolf! That makes a lot more sense now I that I think about it.” She smiled at Sowon joyfully, eyes filled with enthusiasm.

Sowon looked at the shorter girl with annoyance as she darted her attention to SinB. “I've shown you mine…” She took a step forward to SinB, elbow purposefully shoving into Umji’s arm. “Now it's time to show me yours.” Her eyebrow quirked provocatively.

Knowing that she had no choice but to reveal to Sowon that she was a werewolf, SinB began to to remove her school jacket, proceeded by her sweater vest.

“Wait. What are you doing?” Eyebrows knitted, Sowon stopped SinB before the younger girl had the chance to completely loosen her tie.

“I’m taking off my clothes so they won’t get ruined,” SinB simply replied, too bashful to look directly at Sowon. “Unlike you, if I shift with my clothes on, they’ll get destroyed.”

Sowon released a hearty laugh. “Oh, that’s right! You’re a wolfpup.”

“A ‘wolfpup?’” Umji echoed in curiosity over the unknown word.

“It’s a term we bloodborne werewolves like to call the newbies,” Sowon clarified. “It’s suppose to be condescending, FYI,” she said in mock whisper to Umji with a devious wink.

“Make fun of me all you want, Sowon-ssi,” SinB announced exasperatedly. “I’m going to my closet to undress.” Shoving her way past Sowon, SinB slid open the door of her closet, leaving just enough space to maintain her privacy, but also to move in and out with ease once she took shape.

SinB felt ridiculous as she ed and ped the rest of her clothes. On the other side of the door waited two people who weren’t exactly strangers, but made her feel strange, either way. Dismissing the unwanted feeling, SinB got down to the ground, shut her eyes tightly, and reached into the depths of her psyche until her mind clicked, thus unleashing the werewolf. Bones and joints, muscles and organs all surrendered to the undeniable pain that came with the transformation.

SinB’s eyes opened without warning, signaling that the process was completely finished. Panting wearily, she cautiously stuck her head out of the gaping space of her closet. Paw by paw, she slowly retreated out and into her bedroom for Sowon and Umji to survey.

Fearless, Sowon squatted in front of SinB. Her expression was missing her snarky, narcissistic flair. Instead, she looked rather befuddled and intrigued. “I knew my eyes weren’t deceiving me. You’re an Alpha,” Sowon said in almost a whisper.

“So, it’s true,” Umji commented. “Werewolves also operate in the same manner as a regular wolfpack.”

Tired of being gawked at and wanting to ask questions herself, SinB rushed into the closet, morphing back to her natural human state. Swiftly putting on her clothes, SinB smoothed out her skirt and tucked in her blouse before sliding the closet door all way. Marching out, her attention focused on a smug Sowon.

“What do you mean by Alpha?” SinB questioned with a crinkled forehead.

“There are three types of rankings in a wolf pack,” Sowon began, folding her arms and casually  leaning her back on the wall. “It’s typically indicated by the eye color of the werewolf. Red is designated for Alphas, the most superior in the pack. Omegas are the lowest in the wolf caliber. Their eye color is a yellow hue. As for the werewolves who have blue eyes, they rank below Alphas, but are far more capable than Omegas.” Tilting her head, SinB saw a flash of blue momentarily take the place of Sowon’s brown eyes. “We’re called ‘Betas.’”

“How is one’s ranking determined?” SinB further prodded.

“For bloodborne werewolves, such as myself, the rank of the parent’s usually gets passed on to their child. But, for people like you, Wolfpup,” Sowon addressed SinB, “it depends on the echelon of the werewolf who attacked you. Which means that an Alpha did this to you. You should consider yourself lucky. Last time I heard, the United States is littered with Omegas.”

“You said that Alphas are the most superior. But, why can’t I shift without worrying about tearing my clothes like you can?” SinB offered another burning question that’s been on her mind.

“Simple,” Sowon responded with a shrug. “You haven’t reached your full potential, yet. But, thankfully, I have the perfect solution. Allow me to be your mentor. I can teach you. I can help you control your animalistic instincts. Help you become one with your inner werewolf.”

The thought of “becoming one” with the creature that lurked inside her frightened SinB. There were perks to her newfound abilities, but SinB hadn’t completely accepted the big, bad wolf. How could she when every time she transformed, her entire body writhed with pain. When every time there was a full moon, she had to be extra cautious, hoping to not hurt anyone during her blackouts. When every time she sees Yerin and Yuju being affectionate towards each other, she has to lock herself up and calm down before she lost all self-control. Part of her wanted to accept Sowon’s offer. But, another part of her couldn’t shake the feeling that there was an ulterior motive to Sowon’s generosity.

“Thanks for the offer, Sowon-ssi. But, I already found someone who can be my guide.” SinB glanced over to Umji who sat quietly, watching the event unfold and occasionally writing some tidbits in her notebook.

“Oh, come on, SinB-ssi,” Sowon said in disbelief, pushing herself to an upright position. “You really think Pipsqueak over there can help you? What you need is someone who understands what it’s like to go through the same motions. Not a kindergartner who gets their info from B-horror movie depictions and melodramatic TV shows.” Sowon feverishly strided closer to Umji, eyes exhibiting a hint of blue. “What lesson are you two now on? Teen Wolf? Underworld? Twilight?” She laughed haughtily, causing Umji to feel insecure.

Fed up with Sowon’s snobbish behavior, SinB grabbed the taller girl’s shoulder, forcing her to turn around and face her. “That’s it. If you’re going to be jerk, Sowon-ssi, then I suggest you leave my house.” A crimson red scintillated across SinB’s eyes.

The intensity of Sowon’s blue eyes soon faded away. “Mianhaeyo,” she spoke with a tone similar to a stubborn child, though there was a hint of sincerity to her apology. “I crossed the line. But, it’s only because I want to help. Even if I was never a werewolf, I know what it’s like to be an outsider, a weirdo, a freak.” Looking down like a guilty puppy, she retraced her steps to her backpack, picking it up, and sliding her arms through the shoulder straps.

SinB and Umji were silent. Though Umji seemed rather remorseful for the taller girl, SinB kept her expression stoic.

Sowon released a sad sigh as she placed her hand on the doorknob. Just as she was about to turn it, though, she pulled her hand away, pivoting on her heels to meet the gloomy faces of the two girls. “I would like to offer you another incentive to my proposition, SinB-ssi.” SinB stared at her quizzically. “I can help you make Yerin-ssi jealous.”

Caught off guard, SinB shifted the weight on feet.“Wh-what are you talking about?” she stuttered, heat rising in her face.

Sowon subtly scoffed. “As if I really believed the whole ‘I’m happy if she’s happy’ excuse. I know you have a crush on your best friend. Don’t forget that we were in the same P.E. class together sophomore year. Haven’t your parents ever taught you that staring for too long is considered impolite?” She grinned, causing SinB to clench her jaw. “I can pretend to be interested in you, perhaps even convince Yerin-ssi that I have a crush on you.”

“You’re crazy,” SinB said, unconvinced over the soundness of the scheme. “Yerin is practically head over heels for Yuju. And, she also tried to start up a long distance relationship for me with one of the people I befriended during my time in California. I’m pretty sure your convoluted plan will only lead to double dates and synchronized wedding arrangements.”

“I don’t mind,” Sowon joked, laughing when she saw SinB grimace. “Maybe she will, maybe she won’t. But, the beauty about jealousy is that it comes in many shapes and forms. You never quite know until you see it for yourself.”

SinB glanced at Umji for guidance. The younger girl gave her a tight-lipped smile and a tilt of the head as if to say, “She’s got a point.”

“I’ll think about,” SinB declared, shoulders deflating.

“Fair enough,” Sowon spritely agreed. “But, I’m only giving you until tomorrow morning to make up your mind. Don’t want you to waste my precious time if you still decide on Pipsqueak --- I mean, Umji-ssi to be the best choice.” She held up her watch to check the time before looking back at the duo. “Now, if you two will excuse me, I have to go home and prepare for my parents’ business party tonight. I’ll let myself out.” Sowon courteously bowed before opening the door. Once out in the hallway, she closed it behind her before cascading down the staircase.

With Sowon gone, the air in SinB’s room felt breathable again, as if the older girl's presence was too much to contain in that small bedroom. SinB tiredly collapsed onto the mattress, drained over everything that happened.

“I should probably go, as well, SinB-unnie,” Umji shyly spoke, putting on her backpack. “It was fun while it lasted, but I’m sure you’ll be in better hands with Sowon-unnie as your guide.” There was a tinge of melancholy in her voice.

Confused, SinB brought herself to a sitting position as she watched the younger girl traipse to the door. “Umji-ssi, what are you saying?”

Umji stopped and stood in front of SinB, eyes glued to the floor and arms wrapped around her prized notebook. “Sowon-unnie is right. My knowledge is only limited to pop culture portrayals. It flounders in comparison to her first-hand experience as a werewolf.”

SinB pushed herself up from the bed and took several steps closer to her neighbor. “No, Umji-ssi. I need your help. I need Sowon’s help. I need all the help I can get. Besides, it's always better to learn with different teaching approaches.” Her demeanor softened at the gleam of hope in Umji’s eyes. “I want you to pick the three best werewolf-related DVDs you have in your collection. Because tomorrow, we’re going to have a movie marathon. And you, being the aficionado as you claim to be, are going to give me the play by play.” A warm, friendly smile rose on SinB’s lips. “Can I count on you, Umji-nim?”

Umji couldn't help but gleefully smile. “You can count on me, Unnie.”

You think that we connect/ That the chemistry's correct

Your words walk right through my ears/ Presuming I like what I hear

After a bizarre, yesterday afternoon filled with revelations, SinB was just glad that it was finally Friday. She already planned out her weekend: sleep, sleep, and more sleep. Earphones in and listening to one of her favorite tunes, SinB walked to her locker at a leisurely pace, feeling oddly optimistic.

Now I’m stuck in the web you’re spinning

You got me for your prey...

Out of nowhere, though, SinB felt herself being grabbed by the shoulders and pushed into what appeared to be a supply closet. The person who unexpectedly dragged her in had her back facing SinB. She hastily closed the door, rotating the lock so that no one else could get in. Turning around to reveal herself, it was none other than Sowon who looked at SinB impatiently.

SinB removed her earphones, forehead creasing in perplexity.

“Time’s up, Wolfpup,” Sowon asserted, crossing her arms and tapping her foot on the ground. “What’s your decision? May I remind you that I’m offering you a packaged deal. Not only will I be helping you navigate your powers as a werewolf, but I’m also letting you use me for your own selfish pursuits in winning the heart of Yerin-ssi.”

“Why do you have to say it like that?” SinB complained, feeling shameful.

“Well, it’s true. And, although I’m labeling it as selfish, if this ends well between you and Yerin-ssi, it’ll actually be a win-win situation for the both of us. You get the girl, I get the satisfaction of seeing a heartbroken Yuju for the rest of the semester.” A sly smirk twitched on Sowon’s mouth.

“You also don’t like Yuju?”

Sowon’s facial expression turned steely. “Why would I like someone who’s been calling me an ‘ugly duckling’ since elementary school?” SinB frowned, feeling sorry for the girl who has been teased and tormented for most of her life. “But, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who isn’t fooled by the star student.” Looking down at her watch, Sowon began tapping her foot faster. “Chop, chop, Wolfpup. I need an answer before first period begins.”

SinB stood frozen in her spot, mind switching back and forth between saying “yes” and saying “no.” Feeling the weight of Sowon’s stare, she darted her eyes to the box of cleaning supplies and pressed her lips. “Fine. I accept your offer. But, only if you agree to let Umji work with us, as well.”

Shaking her head in an unwillingness to believe in SinB’s request, Sowon sighed in defeat. “Sure. Why not? How about we just form an after school club while we’re at it, so I could put in my university application?” she said sarcastically. Reaching into her jacket, she pulled out her cellphone and handed it to SinB. “Give me your phone and we'll swap numbers.”

Already regretting her decision, SinB obeyed, adding her name and number to Sowon’s list of contacts. Once finished, the two traded their phones back.

Sowon checked her watch, again. “Five minutes. Right on the dot,” she murmured to herself. Looking directly at SinB, Sowon grinned. “Lucky for you, Wolfpup, it seems like we have enough time to get started on part of our agreement.” She unlocked the door, checking to see if the coast was clear before extending her entire body out of the storage room. SinB followed the taller girl, albeit with less poise.

“Sowon-ssi, what are you doing?” SinB harshly whispered, keeping up with the girl’s pace.

Refraining from answering, Sowon continued to walk. SinB was about to repeat her question to the enigmatic, older girl when the blissful and heart racing scent of her best friend caught her attention. Sowon halted several rows of lockers away from Yerin who was too distracted with scrolling through her phone.

“You can stay here or leave, Wolfpup,” Sowon whispered to SinB. “Just don't get in my way. We don't want Yerin-ssi to get suspicious, now would we?”

Helplessly, SinB watched as Sowon trailed towards Yerin. And, although SinB wanted to see the event unfold, she abided by Sowon’s orders and walked away in the other direction to her locker. Curiosity and apprehension got the best of her. While turning the wheel of her locker combination, SinB utilized her heightened hearing and tuned into the conversation between Yerin and Sowon.

“Annyeong, Yerin-ssi,” Sowon greeted in a coquettish cadence which didn’t match with her real tone of voice.

“Sowon-ssi,” Yerin brightly addressed the taller girl, sounding a bit surprised. “Annyeong! How are you?”

“I'm doing okay,” Sowon answered politely. “I was actually wondering if I could ask you something.”

“Sure, Sowon-ssi,” Yerin reassured. “Ask away.”

“It's about your friend SinB-ssi.” Sowon paused, perhaps pretending to be flustered. “Do you know if she's seeing anyone?”

“No, she isn't,” Yerin responded slowly, probably biting back a smile. “Are you interested in SinB, Sowon-ssi?”

Sowon breathed out a nervous giggle. “You caught me, Yerin-ssi. I was hoping if you could convince her to go on a date with me. I was going to ask her myself, but I'm sure she's already heard a lot of rumors about me.” Her tone dampened, exhibiting a certain kind of pitiable sadness.

“Don't worry, Sowon-ssi,” Yerin urged with determination. “I'm sure SinB would love to go out with you. In fact, how about you and SinB join Yuju and I on a double date this Saturday night? It can help ease the tension.”

“Oh, that would be wonderful, Yerin-ssi,” Sowon replied, sounding ecstatic. “Kamsahamnida.”

RIIIINNNNGGG

“Shoot, I have to get to class,” Yerin said, closing her locker. “I'll give you my number during the lunch break, Sowon-ssi. And, maybe I'll even try to persuade SinB about dating you before then.”

“You're a saint, Yerin-ssi,” Sowon called out as the cheerful girl began to run to her class.

In a state of conflicting emotions, SinB shook her head and proceeded to walk to class, as well. She felt her phone vibrate. Retrieving it out of her jacket, SinB tapped in her passcode and noticed there were two recent text messages.

Yerin: You have a secret admirer, SinB-ah! kekeke ^^

Sowon: Don't be late for our date, wolfpup… ;)

A/N: Hey, everyone! I just want to give a big thanks to each one of you who have subscribed to this fic. It’s great to see that you all seem to be liking the story.

Also, sorry for making Yuju a jerk. It wasn’t my intention, at first. But, it plays a big part in the plot later on. But, trust me. I love Yuju and the YeJu couple. That kiss from the behind the scenes video <3

Feel free to leave comments or suggestions. Your feedback is always appreciated. ^^

Song lyrics used: “Spiderwebs” by No Doubt