"I knew he would make a move... but go this far..."

"He wants you to feel guilty..." 

She couldn't help but be careful... that was stronger than her.

Areum was in her study room with Ari and Nari, helping them with their math homework as both of the girls struggled with it. They hated math, but then again who could blame them right? It’s rare for one to like math, let alone be happy to do its homework. Even Areum herself had those kinds of moments. That was all normal.

“So this and this,” Ari spoke. “Gives this if I multiply it with two?”

Areum smiled and nodded her head. “That’s right.”

“And this divided by this,” Nari looked at her notebook while speaking. “Gives this?”

“Exactly,” Areum smiled at the girl. “My two smart girls.” She winked, running her fingertips through their hair. “What else do you guys have for homework?”

“History,” Both of the girls said at the same time and pouted.

Areum chuckled. “Alright, I’ll tell you guys what..."

The girls looked at her, closing the books in front of them.

“I’ll go prepare us something to eat, and then we can go through history, huh?”

Both of the girls grinned and nodded their heads.

“Prepare the books, and I’ll see you two downstairs."

Ari and Nari quickly skipped out of the study room, leaving Areum alone. She got up and quickly organized the books before leaving the study and going downstairs into the kitchen to prepare some food. Recently a lot had been on her mind and she tried her best to be busy and not think about it, but it was hard, especially since Baekhyun had told her who was behind it all. 

***

“What’s wrong?” She asked.

He sighed, before looking at her. “I didn’t want to bring it up earlier and crash the party… but… I got information about what had happened and who is behind it…” 

Areum gulped. “Dal?”

He nodded his head. There was no need for him to even say as only one look at him told her everything. He walked over to her and pulled her into a hug.

“It’s alright,” He whispered.

She wrapped her arms around her, as her mind wandered off. She knew she shouldn’t feel guilty… but she did. It could have been the end for all of them… 

“I’m sorry…” She mumbled.

“For what exactly?” Baekhyun asked, pulling away to look at her.

“I knew that he was capable of doing anything… but going this far…” She shook her head. “Did you report it to the police?”

“Okay, let’s get one thing straight, Are,” He looked at her, caressing her cheek. “None of this is your fault and you have no right to blame yourself for this. Apparently, your ex is crazy, but we made it out alive, evil can’t win, and you know that. And yes I have, but sad to say, he has someone in the police, so my report got thrown away.”

She sighed. “He always gets away with sh*t…”

“Don’t worry, it will be alright,” The male said softly before hugging her once again.

***

Areum found it amazing how Baekhyun was so understanding when it came to her and her past. He didn’t judge her, he didn’t blame her or make her feel guilty about it all. He was truly a nice guy, a ray of light that came into her life. Ever since the birthday party and his confession, Areum found herself thinking that it was all a dream and that she would wake up from it soon but that was not the case.

Being around him did make her happy, and a sense of security. It was a feeling of familiarity, a feeling that was hard to describe but she liked it. His jokes, his laughter, his smile, the look in his eyes, his voice. She loved everything about him… but…

Areum was still careful.

She knew that there were nice guys out there, but she couldn’t help but wonder about all of it. Due to everything that had happened to her, she was careful. Areum wished that she could just push it all to the side and trust easily, but… she couldn’t. She had to be careful as she couldn’t allow herself to go down that path again. But who could blame her, right? People change, and by the time one realizes it, it’s too late.

“What’s got my sister deep in thought?” Junmyeon asked as he walked into the kitchen to pour himself a cup of coffee.

“What hasn’t?” Areum replied, slicing the ham. “I just can’t figure that guy out, and as much as I don’t want to feel guilty about it all… it’s hard. It’s like I had brought him back. I knew he would make a move… but go this far…” She shook a bit as chills ran down her spine.

“He wants you to feel guilty,” Her brother simply said, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “You’re not and you know that. Don’t let him see that you are afraid of what he might do next, instead, continue living your life the way you have so far. Show him that he has no control over you anymore and that you are not the old Areum he used to know.”

“But he is not only targetting Ari and me… but everyone close to me…” She sighed. “I am more worried if something happens to you guys than I am about my own life.”

“Sadly,” Junmyeon confirmed. “He’s a psychopath and we are all aware of that, but I can assure you that everything will be alright with us. I took a few extra precautions-”

“As for Baekhyun,” Jongdae suddenly asked. “He had his ways to prevent such things from happening again. I spoke to Chanyeol, just a moment ago.”

“See?” Junmyeon smiled. “We understand your fear, we understand your worry, heck, even I am worried, I would lie if I said otherwise, but we all got each other’s back and together we are stronger, you hear me?”

“No matter what, you can always count on us, but you know that, don’t you?” Jongdae leaned on the counter. “And I don’t want to hear the words ‘thank you’, just be happy.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more, cousin.” Junmyeon jumped in.

“Exactly like that,” Eun smiled, joining the three in the kitchen.

Areum rolled her eyes and nodded her head. “Sandwich, anyone?”

“Me!” They all said in one voice and raised their hands.

Areum chuckled and continued on with preparing the food. Nari and Ari joined them as well. They always found a way to make her smile, no matter what storm came their way, and for that, she will always be thankful. Is that what family is for? Shouldn’t all families be the same? Supportive? Yes, but sadly that’s not always the case.  Suddenly her phone went off and un took over preparing the food while Areum sees who it was. The moment she saw the name on her screen she couldn’t help but smile.

How are my girls today? <3

- Baekhyun

*

We are good, and you? <3

- Areum

*

Great now that I am talking to you, by the way…

- Baekhyun

*

What’s on your mind, B?

- Areum

*

Are you free tonight?

- Baekhyun

*

I am, why?

- Areum

*

Great! I’ll pick you up at 7 tonight. Do you like horses?

- Baekhyun

*

I do, but what exactly are you up to?

- Areum

*

See you tonight! <3 Send my greeting to all, especially Ari and Nari. <3

- Baekhyun

*

I will you. See you. <3

- Areum


Areum chuckled and put her phone away before joining the others and sending Baekhyun’s greetings to them all, but Areum’s curiosity was killing her, what exactly was Baekhyun up to.
 

Eunji gazed at the information that Areum brought her the other day. She was studying it and wrote notes about everything that she and her family told her. It was basic information she already knew. Dal was once a caring ideal man but turned out bad. If a person starts showing signs of being abusive and evil, it's how they were brought up. 

She didn't trust his kindness. She saw through him when Areum met her once with him for the first time. At first glance, Eunji hated him and she didn't know why. Areum being herself, she loved Dal and the latter had to step back. You can't change the mind of a person in love. It was true, her mother was just the same, if not worse than Areum. 

Areum couldn't see the narcissist side, a typical red flag - him demanding her presence more and more. Their hangouts were rare. Still, Eunji understood it was because of the university and the problems she had with her parents. Has she ever judged her for that? No. She still found reasons and excuses. Until they lost contact entirely. But the universe has decided to save Areum and send Eunji to protect the latter and he