essence 03; why?

Sangwoo sighed as he knew someone was watching him. He was stacking boxes outside of his part-time job side door as a truck had just come by and was giving them their shipments. He was the only guy around today to get these boxes inside since none of the others would go and do it since they do want to put in the effort. Sangwoo opened the back door as he called for the manager on call to come sign for the boxes. He moved out of the way as he watched her sign for the boxes as she turned to him. 

"Thanks a lot for carrying all these. Could you bring them to the storage room?" She asked as Sangwoo nodded. 

"It is part of the job, Jiah (OC)-noona," Sangwoo replied as she only gave a half smile. 

"After that just man the front desk." She said as she walked off. 

Sangwoo sighed as started carrying the boxes to the storage area as he looked around as he did. He picked up the last box as he stood at the back door. "Seohyun. I know you are here, stop hiding." He mumbled as he watched her form a puddle. 

"Am I bothering you?" She asked as she looked at him. "I am just trying to keep you safe, you know." She said 

"I am not bothered perse, but just I have to get used to it. You can come to sit with me behind the front desk and help out. You won't get paid though since you technically don't work there - just let me do the talking when my boss asks who you are." Sangwoo said as he watched her nod just coming inside. 

"You don't have to be so nice to me. I could kill you." Seohyun said as she watched him stack the last box down as she followed him to the front desk. 

"You would have done it already if you were going to." Sangwoo said, "And besides you said you are protecting me." He added as Seohyun sighed. 

"I actually haven't made my mind up totally yet. Right now, yes - I am protecting you." Seohyun said as she looked at him. 

Sangwoo sat down on the stool behind the counter as he checked someone into a group room as he handed them the key. "Down the to the left and second door." He said as he turned to Seohyun. "I'll give you four to decide what you want to do with me, and then after that, I decide," Sangwoo said as he leaned on his elbow. 

Seohyun tilted her head as she crossed her arms. "What are you trying to play here?" She asked 

"I am giving you an ultimatum. You have four months. After four months, depending on my life and what not then I'll either keep you around or you leave me alone. Think of it as your temp. a position like in a job. Like your probation period." Sangwoo nodded 

"That is crazy and stupid," Seohyun said 

"You can agree to this or leave me alone forever." Sangwoo crossed his arms. "I don't want you basically stalking me without having some sort of boundaries and like an agreement between each other." Sangwoo looked at her. 

"Fine. We can talk about this later." Seohyun crossed her arms. She couldn't believe that to what she was agreeing to. She sat down on another stool as she watched Sangwoo check on booked rooms on the computer as he answered the phone just answering people's questions or putting in their orders for snacks and food. 

Sangwoo only nodded at her as he worked as it got time for his shift to end. He gave over the desk to the person coming in next as he motioned for Seohyun to follow him. He had already clocked out and just need to grab his stuff. He grabbed his backpack just heading out with her. "So, from now on you can't just hide around or sneakily watch me. It is weird and will make you look like a stalker or criminal. You'll just get yourself in trouble and I am not going to get you out of it." Sangwoo began as he looked at her as they walked. "Secondly, you are going to explain in better detail about this whole demon and flower thing." He said

"Blossom. You become a flower when you pass on your blossom to someone else meaning your offspring." Seohyun said

"Sorry, well has a blossom ever survived being eaten or something?" Sangwoo asked 

"There are rumors about old stories of blossoms living, but nowadays no. The only tribe that practices non-killing is tengus if they think the blossom can last our through pregnancy to produce a superior offspring that could possibly pass down the essence inside - but again that is a myth of it actually happening." Seohyun said, "Most just eat the blossom's heart where the essence is storied then disappear back to the demon realm." Seohyun said 

"I should tell the others," Sangwoo mumbled to himself

"I wouldn't do that. It will only cause more trouble for me. Plus one of them will stop you before you do. Joon will illusion you to seem crazy, Kitae will just rip your throat out, Xiyeon will burn you alive, Hyejoo probably won't do anything, Dongwoo might knock you out, and myself will stop you." Seohyun said, "Each of you has to come to terms with this on your own." 

"I have to warn them. They are my friends in a sense." Sangwoo said 

Seohyun stopped as she looked at him. "You should only worry about yourself. I only care about you, and I am only going to protect you. You will probably lose them as friends if you tell them before they are ready." She told him. "I am only telling you all this because you want to know which you are ready," Seohyun said

Sangwoo sighed. "Fine." He answered, "How can I kill you?" Sangwoo asked as Seohyun rolled her eyes. "I mean just in case you go crazy and I need to defend myself!" Sangwoo put up his hands in defense. 

"I mean any human mean eventually will kill me if you have the right tools. I am not immortal totally. Every demon has a weakness - you just have to find it." Seohyun said

"You didn't answer my question," Sangwoo said 

"No, I just didn't give you the answer you wanted," Seohyun said as she looked at him just walking down the street. She looked over to Sangwoo was he was texting someone on his phone. "Anything else that you want to know?" Seohyun asked 

"Why do you need this essence stuff?" Sangwoo asked 

"Everyone has their own reasons. Mainly to gain the power to move up in the demon world, but I don't care about that." Seohyun said

"You mean you don't think that you do." Sangwoo looked at her shrugged her shoulders. Sangwoo sighed as he could see his home in the distance. "The last rule. You aren't allowed near my mother, so this is where we part." Sangwoo said as he looked at her. 

"Okay, we can continue discussing things tomorrow at lunch at school," Seohyun said as she watched Sangwoo walk on home. She sighed as she found a bucket of water nearby just sinking into just reappearing in her bathtub in the apartment that she as using. She always kept the bathtub with water in it and would refresh every morning to use for transport. Seohyun got out just walking out of the bathroom as she let the water run down the drain. She wasn't wet as she walked into her room just changing into some pajamas as she could shower in the morning. Seohyun walked to her scrying bowl of water as there was a water lily in the middle. She sighed as she picked it up just crushing it in her palm as she tossed it away. 

"Seohyun." Jaehyun was sitting on her couch as she turned around. 

"Why are you here?" Seohyun asked 

"Have you decided whether you are going to claim Sangwoo?" Jaehyun asked 

"No. We talked about it. He gave me four months of something." Seohyun said as she looked at him. 

Jaehyun simply nodded. "Good to know." He finally spoke 

"Why do you need to know?" Seohyun asked

"You don't need to attend the family meeting. Just focus on blooming him." Jaehyun stood up

"Why shouldn't I? I should help protect the orchard." Seohyun frowned 

"I know what I said last time. Just don't come. I warned you, so please listen." Jaehyun hazed out 

Seohyun sighed as she still didn't understand what blooming a blossom meant. I mean she knew that Jaehyun found a blossom a long time ago, but he never talks about her or shown her about it, but she knows other demons don't even try to fight him or even touch the orchard anymore. 

•••

Dongwoo picked up another piece of pizza as they were eating in a small restaurant that Jiwoo and Wonho knew about. He was happy that Nayoung and Jiwoo were getting along as Eunbi parted ways with them when they left the mall as she got a call from her mom to come on home. 

"Nayoung, you are good at shopping the sales. I never get that lucky. I should bring you along rather than Wonho." Jiwoo teased the other as he rolled his eyes. 

"Well, I never have that much money for clothes so sales are my best friend." Nayoung bit down on her pizza. "So what is college like?" Nayoung asked 

"Better than high school that is for sure. Dongwoo better is taking care of you and helping you out." Jiwoo said, "But really college isn't all that much magical. It is a pain." 

"Yah, don't scare her off!" Wonho glared at Jiwoo. "Jiwoo is just being a complainer. If you do well and do not procrastinate all the time then it isn't too stressful and learns to balance your life then college is a great thing." He told Nayoung. 

"Okay, I know all of that." Nayoung said, "Besides I don't know if I can even get into a good school due to all the fights I get in." Nayoung sighed 

"Schools really don't look at that." Jiwoo shrugged. "Just don't get suspended or expelled - you should be fine." She nodded as she looked outside. "The rain is letting up." She sipped on her drink. 

"I'll try not to," Nayoung answered 

"I should get Jiwoo home so here Dongwoo is my half of the check." Wonho handed him some money as he stood up from his chair as he handed Jiwoo her jacket. 

"It was nice meeting you, Nayoung. Text me, okay?" Jiwoo took her jacket as she smiled to Nayoung. 

"Yeah, It was nice to meet you too. I will." Nayoung said as she watched them leave together as she looked at Dongwoo as he was eating another piece of pizza. Nayoung looked at Dongwoo as she ate on her piece of pizza. "Why are you being nice to me?" Nayoung finally asked as she had been wondering why he was acting like they were friends when they barely knew each other. 

Dongwoo blinked at Nayoung. "Because we are friends, aren't we?" He asked 

"I barely know you," Nayoung replied. 

"That doesn't matter with friends. We can get to know each other as we go on. Right?" Donwoo asked 

"And what you did today at school? How can you do that?" Nayoung asked 

"If I told you then you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore, so I am not going to. Can't you just trust me?" Dongwoo asked 

"No," Nayoung answered. "You have lied this whole time. Are Jiwoo and Wonho even your friends or did you pay them or threaten them?" Nayoung asked 

"Yah!" Dongwoo sounded as he glared at her. "Jiwoo and Wonho are my friends! I would never threaten someone to be my friend! I am extremely loyal and friendly - it is in my genetics." Dongwoo snapped "I haven't lied at all. My family moved into your building, I got held back - I am a runt! I thought you would like another friend that is all." Dongwoo glared at her 

"Why are you talking about yourself like you are a dog?" Nayoung asked 

"Because people tell me that my personality is very similar to one," Dongwoo said, "Have I done anything that is mean, hurtful, or like those bullies at your school?" He asked 

"No, I am sorry. It is just hard to trust people when most people just want to make fun me or use me." Nayoung said And for the fact anyone could be a demon that thought ran through her brain. 

"Well, I am not like that. I really want to be your friend." Dongwoo nodded "Now eat up." Dongwoo grabbed another piece. 

"Haven't you had enough? You eat like a pack of wolves." Nayoung shook her head. 

"Are you saying that I am a good eater? Thanks." Dongwoo beamed as he gave her a puppy like smile. He finished his slice as he sipped on his drink as he grabbed the money that Wonho had left. "I am going to go pay. You take your time and finish then we'll walk home." Dongwoo got up just heading to the counter. He came back as Nayoung was putting her backpack on her shoulders. 

"Thank you for the meal. Next time I'll pay." Nayoung said as she followed Dongwoo out. 

"Your welcome. You don't have to." Dongwoo looked at her as they walked down the street. "From now on when someone messes with you, let me beat them up or take the fall for the fight. You shouldn't get in any more trouble." Dongwoo said 

"But what about you?" Nayoung asked 

"Eh, whatever happens to me isn't important," Dongwoo answered as he nodded. "I am not going to take no for an answer," Dongwoo added 

"Alright," Nayoung said as she could tell he was being serious and could probably be as stubborn as she could be. Nayoung walked to the apartment building as she walked to the elevator with him. "See you at school tomorrow." She said as she walked into the elevator as he followed. 

"Yeah, we can walk to school together?" Donwoo asked as Nayoung nodded. "Alright then, bye," Dongwoo said as he watched her get off the elevator as the apartment he was living in was a floor higher than her's. He got off the elevator just walking into his apartment just getting ready for bed. 

•••

The next morning Xiyeon got up early just getting ready for school as she walked out of her room as she looked at Yeri. "Yeri, today I would like you to go find out how Jaemin's parents owe in hospital bills and get them paid," Xiyeon said as she pulled her hair up in a ponytail as they walked down the stairs. 

Yeri nodded as she looked at Xiyeon. "I already have breakfast down so you can go ahead and eat." She said as she watched Xiyeon nodded. "I will get that down today. Would you like me to look into any other bills that they might have?" Yeri asked 

Xiyeon poured herself a glass of juice as she nodded. "Yes, get a hold of all that information and we will figure out a payment plan not too suspicious and get the family in trouble," Xiyeon said as Yeri nodded. She sat down just starting to eat the breakfast that Yeri had made. She picked up her phone as she looked at the time as she figured that Jaemin would be going to school with his friends until there was a knock at the door. 

"I'll get it," Yeri said as she walked to the door as she opened it up. "Oh hi, Jaemin. Why are you here?" Yeri asked 

"Well, my friends had early morning dentation from yesterday so I thought Xiyeon and I could go to school together," Jaemin said as he looked at Yeri. 

"Then let's go." Xiyeon walked up just grabbing her backpack from the hook on the wall as she stepped past Yeri. She walked outside as she watched Yeri shut the door. 

"We are going to walk today," Jaemin said as he started down the steps of her house as he looked back at her. "What is something wrong about that? We can stop and grab a snack." He added as he watched her roll her eyes as she followed. 

"I suppose that nothing is wrong with but I don't understand why you would want to walk when there is a perfectly good car right here to take," Xiyeon said as she waved off the driver as they walked on by. 

"I like it because you can talk to your friends or hang out before school. Plus it is good exercise."  Jaemin said as they walked down the street. He stuck his hands in his pockets as Xiyeon shook her head. "You are way too spoiled," Jaemin mumbled as he looked at her. 

•••

Kitae stood outside of Yeoreum's apartment building as she had texted him that she would be down in a few minutes. He sighed as he pulled on his backpack straps as he watched both Yeoreum and Junseo walk out as he rolled his eyes. He really hoped that Junseo wouldn't be walking with them. Kitae just walked into the building as he walked up to the siblings. "Good morning." He said as Yeoreum had left her hair down today instead of in her usual pigtails or up kind of updo. 

"Good morning," Yeoreum replied back as she looked at Junseo. "Oh yeah, do you want to come over today and study then my mom wants you to eat dinner with us?" Yeoreum asked 

Kitae tilted his head to the side as he looked at them. "Sure, that sounds like fun." Kitae said, "But that means you have to come to my place too without a babysitter." Kitae glanced at Junseo 

"I don't-" Junseo started 

"Uhm, okay," Yeoreum mumbled 

Junseo sighed as he crossed his arms. "If you two are walking then you need to leave soon or you'll be late." He said as he flipped his car keys as he walked off. 

Yeoreum sighed. "Sorry about him, he's annoying." Yeoreum started to leave the building as Kitae followed behind her. 

"It is okay. My brothers are annoying as well." Kitae answered as he walked beside her. He handed her a container of chocolate covered almonds. "My mom made this and sent them to me, but I don't like sweets. I know you do so you can have them." Kitae said as he watched her take them. 

"Thanks, I didn't get a chance to eat breakfast since I woke up late that is why my hair is down. I was up all night studying and fixing all the page you circled with wrong answers." Yeoreum yawned 

"At least you'll get a good grade, you gain sleep back when you are dead." Kitae bluntly stated as he watched her eat a couple almonds. He hoped she didn't get sick from eating food from the demon world - he figured it would be okay. "Have you thought about what club to join?" He asked 

Yeoreum nodded. "Yeah, the art club. I texted Minjae and he said he'd join. I was going to ask you today." Yeoreum closed the container as she put it in her backpack. 

"That sounds doable. Art club it is." Kitae answered as they walked down the street to school. 

•••

Somin glared at Joon was he was casually walking behind her as she gripped her backpack straps as she stompped down the street. She looked behind her as Joon winked at her as she turned around. "Do you want something?" She asked 

"Nope just walking to school," Joon answered as he had illusioned himself invisible so it looked like she wasn't talking to anyone, but she could still see him. 

Somin spun around as she shook her head. "Just for the record, we are not walking together." She said as she kept walking 

"I don't know about that. I mean we are going in the direction and we are walking next to each other. So yeah, we are walking next to each other." Joon said as he flicked up a chip as he caught it in his mouth. 

"That doesn't mean we are walking to school together." Somin glared at him as she crossed her arms. 

"Whatever you think. We are totally walking together." Joon stood next to her as they waited for the light to change. "Oh and also at lunch today we are sitting with my friend, Dongwoo," Joon added as she rolled her eyes. 

"I am not sitting with any of your friends. I have self study at lunch and I eat in the classroom." Somin said "or I eat in the club room. The debate room." She added

"Such a nerd," Joon said as they walked across the street. 

"I am not," Somin said as she heard her name being called by another student asking her who she was talking to as she pointed to Joon as he wasn't there anymore. "What the hell?" She snapped as she stompped through the gate of the school as she made her way straight to the second year classroom. She marched down the halls to her classroom just ignoring the hello from Kihyun as she threw the door open as she glared at Joon sitting in his seat just throwing pieces of candy in his mouth. "You!" Somin stompped over to him. 

"Have a nice walk to school today?" Joon asked her as he looked at her as she smacked his bag of candy as she threw her bag on the back of it as she laid her head down on the desk. 

"Are you going to pick these up?" Joon asked her as he watched her give him a death glare. "Cool, I'll just blame this on Dongwoo." He leaned back in his chair again just closing his eyes. 

•••

Dongwoo handed Nayoung a bagel as he had already had two and a yogurt cup. "I forgot to buy groceries so I stopped by the cafe across the street." He said as they walked down the street. 

"Thanks," Nayoung said as she bit down into just following him. Nayoung walked beside him as she ate as he was just watching around them. "So uhm did you finish the homework?" Nayoung asked, "I accidentally fell asleep and forgot to finish the last three questions." Nayoung looked over to him. 

"Sure," Dongwoo said as they were walking on to the courtyard as he could see Somin marching off to to the classroom. "Oh I think Joon did something. We should go check." Dongwoo said as he started that way as Nayoung hurried after him. 

"Why? Are you afraid that Soin will snap?" Nayoung passed by Jaemin and Xiyeon who were arguing about something. 

"Joon can be annoying sometimes," Dongwoo said as he walked down the hall just entering the classroom. He walked in as he slipped on some of the candy left as he grabbed a chair to break his fall as he stumbled. "Why are their candies on the ground?" He asked 

"Oh crap, now I can't blame him - Somin. Thanks a lot." Joon sighed

"Your welcome." Somin rubbed her forehead as she was working in her cram school workbook. "Now you can pick them up." She added as Nayoung walked in. 

"Where did the candy come from?" Nayoung asked 

"Joon almost killed me with them." Dongwoo carefully walked to his desk just sitting down as he watched Nayoung do the same thing. "There is a broom over there in cleaning closet just sweep them up." He said as he handed Nayoung his worksheet as she was copying it down. 

"Good morning - who spilled all of this? I just come down to leave your packets for self-study this morning." Kihyun said 

Joon was pulling out the broom as he looked at Kihyun. "I was just getting the broom for Dongwoo. He spilled them." Joon said as he held out to Dongwoo as Dongwoo glared at him. 

"Seriously Joon?" Somin asked as she looked at him. "Yoo-sam -" Somin said 

"Well get to ti Dongwoo. Somin pass these tests out at the beginning of class. I have a meeting this morning." Kihyun set down the packets on Somin's desk as Dongwoo snatched the broom from Joon as he stood up. 

Dongwoo started to sweep as he waited for Kihyun to leave. "Get over here you lazy head. Clean this up." Dongwoo shoved the broom at Joon. 

Joon sighed as he stood up just starting to sweep up the mess as Somin and Nayoung were placing packets on each desk. Nayoung had also made a place on the table in front to turn in their already done packets that they had done the previous day. 

Author's note: Hi guys, here is another chapter! I hope that you like it!