The rhythm where her heart ended and where the bass began started blurred. She couldn't tell whether the pulsating feeling coursing through her veins was her nerves, lust, or bass that was reverberating throughout the whole club. Or maybe it was the flashing lights of various colours that both blinded and entranced her in its hypnotic rhythm of forbidden desires. Desires that were inside everyone. The flashes of neon were dazzling and yet she continued on her trek to the rhythm hidden deep within the flows of music. A flow that was endless and restless.

The pheromones were driving her senses wild. For the first time since overcoming Paradigm's Curse she started to give in to her more beastly tendency. A built in safe system by the powers at be. The tendency to not think but feel. The tendency to follow her heart instead of her mind. The tendency to ravish the person that suited her taste. Her taste of a particular demon. 

The bodies swirling and moving around her overwhelmed her barely held together senses. The humans smelt exposed and vulnerable. Giving into their vices of their short lives meant that the choices they made tonight were temporary and held no meaning. The demons that managed to sneak passed blended in to prey upon such weaknesses. But, it was a quid pro quo. Giving the humans their desire also saw their lowest point. For nothing is worse for a demon than giving trust. For trust is death for an immortal.

Another beat drop.

Another shuffle of the bodies around her. 

After the demons came the Listics that also managed to sneak away. Or were allowed to sneak away. Gahyeon saw the tracking accessories upon a few of the Listics that mingled within. As if the law itself recognized the fact that there are needs that must be fulfilled no matter what. Needs that she herself is looking for. Or maybe it was the knowledge that no matter how much they make something illegal that there is always a gateway to it. So might as well regulate the gateway in order to maximise the profits while also keeping tabs on the populace.

But it's harder to control her needs than she expected. With the way her senses are guiding her through the mass of various bodies she figures that eventually she'll find what she's looking for. Especially since that's why she's here. To find the very thing to satiate a hunger she hates. A hunger. A need. A sign. A characteristic that will forever mark her as an Animalistic instead of a human she so desperately wanted to be seen as. 

But she can't change it. No matter how much she has done to contain such tendencies there was no end or relief in sight. In fact, there were some cases where she nearly compromised the mission due to such tendencies. It's a marvel how she hadn't lashed out already. Lashed out and hurt the ones she loves due to something she can't help. 

Another beat drop. 

The lights changed to red to indicate the darker tone of the song that blared through the speakers that lined the walls. The bodies around her muffled nothing and it was as if she was standing next to the speakers themselves with the way her body vibrates with the intensity of the bass. Her heartbeat was no longer her own now. 

"Soooo, you swallow or spit??" The voice was husky with a drunken desire.

Her sensitive ears picked up a conversation randomly. In order to guide herself from the tantalising scent that surrounded her she stopped by the bar that stretched the wall. Ordering nothing  as she gripped the edge of the seat in order to gain control. It was getting harder and harder as the pheromones were unravelling something within her. 

"Oh, I donate." The voice was steady with a sober and serious tone.

The absurd reply cleared her mind just enough to order a water. The barkeep was a Listic. A Listic with a tracking bracelet. Huh, even the employees aren't an exception. Or maybe what the patrons were saying was true. Maybe the only reason Animalistics still exists is to take the jobs of the lower class and to give humans a place in this world. The perfect excuse to be a terrible person. The perfect excuse to use faulty logic.  

Another beat drop. 

The glass of water appeared before her.

"You know, you're not far off. Just head straight down there," The barkeep gestured with pointed lips. Subtle in its meaning in case any intoxicated human wanted an excuse to be rowdy, "Go through the doors and avoid any out here. The ones here are from the gods. Sera will get what you're looking for."

Such simple words. 

Such damning words. 

Gahyeon could only grunt out a thanks before chugging the water. The coldness followed its course before it finally spread throughout her body. Or, she wished it did. The coldness only spread out a little before it was defeated by the heat that was enveloping her body, mind, and soul.

The lights were blue and green now. The song changed its tone at the last drop. It was hard to tell when one song began and when one ended. Maybe there was no end or beginning. Looking up towards the second floor she found the answer as to why the songs were playing like they were. The reason as to why everything was so enticing. The reason as to why everything felt like an endless loop.

She could see Ouroboros on a second floor balcony bobbing their head in approval. 

With another growl, she followed the barkeep's advice. She continued forward without a care. Pushing as many bodies as she could. Pushing the humans out of the way. Glaring at the demons to move. Ignoring any Listic that tried to entice her with their own scent and desire. 

She came here for one thing and one thing only. 

To finally get rid of Handong out of her mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bora swirled the drink before her in order to let it open. As she swirled, she took in deep breaths with purpose. The brown liquid before her sent a wonderful scent to her nostrils. Notes of the barrel first caught her attention. The charred barrel made of sherry brought the other notes to life. After a couple of seconds, the liquid gave her its scene. 

A lush forest untouched by gods, humans, demons or strife in general. A green paradise. The forest was coastal as a hint of a sea breeze was felt as the leaves and branches rustled from the caress of wind. The sunlight is mild as it's broken by the thick leaves but it's full of warmth. The flora that bloomed were full of berries on the ground level. There was a hint of a cabin hidden underneath the foliage. A welcoming home.  

Another whiff, another scene.

The coastal edge was steep and jagged yet sublime. The skies were clear as the ocean below lapped against the edge of the cliff. It was a sight to behold. Serene and--

"Losing yourself in the booze again?"

Siyeon's question stopped her journey.  

"Ah, you always interrupt when it’s just getting good," Bora slightly chastised before taking her first sip. The taste corresponded with the scene from the scent. Full and powerful. Truly she was drinking a masterpiece.

"That's my power," The smugness was clear in Siyeon's voice as the wolf slid next to the occupied Rehabed Demon.

The only reply the Animalistic got was a small grunt.

Bora was lost to the magic of a beautifully crafted spirit. A spirit that she wishes she could lose herself too but her metabolism wouldn't let her. Instead, the only thing she could do was enjoy the craftsmanship of the drink.

Another couple of sips before she looked at the curious wolf.

"What?"

A simple question begets a simple response.

But Siyeon knows her too well.

"Why did you want Gahyeon to come here instead of all the other places?" Siyeon asked as she ran a hand up Bora's arm. Her touch conveying her intent in the question.

The moment Siyeon's fingers touched her a shiver went up her spine. It took every ounce of willpower to not let out a small noise of satisfaction. Out of all the people she had met, Siyeon has been one of the three people to make her weak by touch alone.

"Like I said, this is the only place I trust for her to get needs satisfied without risk of harm to any party involved," Bora explained with a soft voice. Careful to not inform the other people that were in the exclusive clubhouse. A clubhouse reserved for special visitors.

"Ah, but that still doesn't explain why you're tracking her," Siyeon said as she waved a hand through the holograph that was in front of them. A holograph that showed them where Gahyeon was weaving through the crowd. Weaving in and out on a single mission.

A mission to satisfy a carnal need. 

"To make sure--" Bora started as mundane as the reports on the weather that hasn't changed in the past 10 years. Heat, heat, and more heat. 

"Sua," Siyeon grabbed Bora's hand as she said her sanctioned name as decreed by The Order, "We both know that's not why...."

Siyeon's voice faded just slightly. That small trail between her voice and her eyes looking up into Bora's own red abyss sent a ripple down her core again. 

Such sincere intensity.

It was impossible to say no.

Impossible to lie to.

Bora leaned in close to Siyeon's ear. Purposefully making it look like they were sharing a lovers secret. It was the only way to keep the other observers at bay. The other demons looked at her with disdain as the other Animalistics looked at her with hope. Hope that one day the other rehabed demons will look at them as equals. 

"Haven't you notice the influx of Listics and other demons being affected by Paradigm?" Bora muttered with a of Siyeon's thigh. Using every visual cue she can to tell everyone around them that this is a private matter between lovers, "Sera said there's been a mad rush lately that they can hardly keep up. Even the gods started to bring their own......play things."

Siyeon stiffened at the sudden touch before relaxing into it. It took every ounce of willpower to not let her senses be overcome by the pheromones being emitted naturally and artificially. The pipes above them had vents that pulsated with various scents in order to subtly change the mood in order to enhance the experience between the music and their base desires. Up here in the penthouse, everything was charged. 

The other Listics were in the good graces of powerful mortals and mundane gods. As such they caught the attention of the demons that still held onto the underground power that was the foundation of the Hours. Despite the claim otherwise by the councilmen and their cohorts. 

Bora's hand continued to go upwards and her senses went back to the present. 

She made a point.

Gahyeon, their little headstrong fox, has been nothing but a weak puddle of irrational mush.

"It's not even the middle of the week and yet this place is as busy as ever," Bora continued as her hand continued up Siyeon's torso. Carefully leaving traces of subtle control as her own innate desire lurks behind her intent, "There's also more demons and Listics than mortals. You remember how it was? Demons and Listics never came here."

Such simple words. 

Such damning words.

Siyeon turned her head in order to whisper into Bora's ear. The positioning made it seem like she was going for a kiss. The other observers looked away in modesty. They know the duo before them can be surprisingly bold.

"You think there's something to it?" She asked as her own hand mirrored Bora's. First from the thigh then to the torso. Each fingertip saving the sensation beneath them. Noticing each shiver and quake in Bora's breath. It was mesmerising. 

Bora could only speak through her teeth once Siyeon reciprocated the touch. Her hand found its resting spot on Siyeon's strong shoulder as she melted beneath the wolf's touch. Her breath hitched once Siyeon's nimble fingers found their way home underneath her shirt and began to trace the subtle crevices that riddled her stomach and rib cage. 

"Of course, Sera has the data to prove it," Bora couldn't help but pant. The wolf was skilled, "Paradigm's call has been getting stronger and stronger ever since--"

Her thoughts were interrupted by a rough kiss. 

The kiss lasted long enough for the passing Listics to leave their vicinity. And short enough before either of them could deepen the kiss. 

"Ever since what?" Siyeon whispered into the still agape lips of the dazed Bora. 

"Ever since...." Bora blinked a couple of times to regain some semblance of self, "Ever since the plans for the 10th anniversary was announced."

Siyeon's mouth moved down Bora's neck. Gentle. Caressing. Lingering. The control was barely there. 

"The plans...." Siyeon whispered against Bora's tender neck, "But the plans have nothing to do with Paradigm."

She couldn't help but clutch and pull Siyeon closer. Her body begging for more as her mind held onto a thin thread of sanity. 

"It has everything to do with Paradigm," Bora looked at the hologram as Gahyeon went through the doors of 'salvation', "If what our sources say is true then we'll have another revolution on our hands....or worse...."

"Revolution...." Siyeon's voice sounded distant and clouded. As if her own mind could barely function. 

"If there is a revolution afoot then...." Siyeon trailed more kisses, her canines brushing against the sensitive skin as her hands slowly opened Bora's shirt, "We better prepare."

Silver eyes met crimson. Both struggling for control. But once the feed was cut as Gahyeon stepped into a chamber like a dazed fool, the thread snapped. Now there was nothing between them. 

Well, nothing but a couple of steps to a private, sound proof, chamber.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They found Gahyeon passed out on the floor of the chambers. Their own time together was interrupted  by a tube that was sent with such a speed that it ricocheted off the opposing wall before rolling to a stop. Their yells of surprise only stopped when the realisation of no threat was present and they noticed the cylinder on the floor. A cylinder that only held a hastingly scrawled message.

She's knocked out. D7. Didn't even get to first base.
           -Sera

They immediately composed themselves and pushed their way out of the clubhouse that was currently in an . The demons were lustful and the Listics gladly gave in while the mortals reaped the benefits. 

"Damn.....She reeks," Siyeon groaned as she carried the knocked out Gahyeon on her back, "How did she get this many scents on her??" 

The ride back to their home was uneventful. 

The hover car was brought to them undamaged. The ether fueled engines burned a brilliant violet against what little darkness that surrounded them. The neon lights from the club and from the dancing advertisements illuminated their path. The various sounds of the 7th hour surrounded them in its metallic echo. Steam from various sources were lazily moving about and their shadows from the  lights casted a illusionary fog onto the ground floor. If they didn't know any better then it would be easy to think that they were soaring miles and miles above instead of the set zone of the hovercar. 

And before they knew it, the hover car lowered itself down to ground level in order to let them off. The hover car parked itself into its designated spot.

"Damnit...." Bora hissed as she stumbled across the uneven metal plating that stood between them and the building that held their paradise, "Who thought it was a good idea to have metal plating for ground and just use more metal plates to cover any damage?!" 

As she continued to complain, Siyeon slid Gahyeon out of the hovercar in one motion. Once she was so many feet away, the hover car shut down due to its lack of bio control from its assigned being. She followed and learned from Bora's mistakes as she mindfully made her way across. 

"Tsk....So, if she's knocked out....who's gonna bathe her? Even I can smell what she's been through," Bora asked as Siyeon caught up. Once the wolf stood by her side, she assessed the sleeping fox. The young fox was out cold and for once looked at peace. 

"I say we just leave her in the living room, I don't think anyone would be in any position to--" Siyeon's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar laughter. 

"I don't think Paradigm works like that, Keran."

It was Handong.

"How would I know? You never told me what it's like even though you promised," Councilman Lu Keran's voice was low as if the moment between them was tender. 

"Like I said, Paradigm is beyond mortal understanding," Handong's voice was light and teasing. Her laughter still hidden behind her words. 

Bora and Siyeon immediately melded themselves to a metallic wall. A wall that remained unseen by the lights that scattered about. Careful to not disturb the sleeping fox. 

Peeking around the corner the duo saw the pair just underneath the lamp light that stood before the door to their building.

"Then make me understand," The councilman grabbed Handong's hands and lifted them up to their mouth for a small kiss as a dreamy sigh escaped their lips, "It's easy to comprehend anything coming from you. You make everything.....so easy."

"Ah, but that would be......compromising," Handong's voice was soft yet stern. As if sorrowful that she couldn't share such knowledge, "Not only to my team, but to you as well."

"You know I would do anything to make sure that you were safe," The sincerity was obvious, "Please, Dongie, don't keep me out forever..."

Councilman Lu Keran's hand tilted Handong's face just enough for them to lean down for a delicate kiss as their other hand rested on her shoulder. A kiss that spoke a thousand words between them. 

Or it would have been delicate if a certain fox hadn't acted up. 

As if sensing Handong, Gahyeon woke up with a jerk. Siyeon barely contained her own yelp of surprise as the fox on her back began to struggle out of her grasp. 

"Damnit Gahyeon, keep still!" Bora chastised as she gently bonked Gahyeon's head in order to get her attention.

But the fox was focused.

She could only see Handong.

And how Handong's face flashed with disdain before she leaned into the kiss. 

A growl began to erupt from her small frame. 

Her Handong was doing something she disliked. Why must the world be so cruel to someone so amazing?

"Ah, ," Bora conceded as the wiggling fox made the wolf fall onto the metal ground before them. Thus revealing their position. 

" a duck, why is it always me??" Siyeon mumbled as she pushed Gahyeon off of her and pushed herself up.

"Oh! You guys are back!" The relief in Handong's voice didn't escape them. 

"Did some of your team go out to celebrate?" The councilman's voice was friendly but the glare at Gahyeon was obvious. Everyone knows and yet they continue this charade. A glass ballet dance. 

"DONGIE!!" Gahyeon's voice was commanding as she stood up. Her voice carried just enough to fill the distance between them. Her face flush and clothing askew. Her amber eyes sparkled either with determination or intoxication.

Handong gave Bora and Siyeon a questioning glance before answering, "Yes?"

The fox could only shuffle forward a little bit before sprinting into Handong. The force knocked the breath out of the demon but she quickly regained her composure. Out of reflex, her arms wrapped around the disgruntled fox. However, she was mindful in her hand placement. She had an act to continue. 

"Gahyeon??" Handong's voice barely reached Gahyeon's ears. The only thing the fox could hear was Handong's heartbeat. A sign that she was here.

"Looks like someone had a little too much," Councilman Lu Keran chuckled nervously before standing by Handong, "I guess that's my cue to leave. Until next time, my princess."

Handong barely looked towards Lu Keran and as she did met the councilman's. A soft kiss that would've been a memorable moment if not for the growling of a certain fox. 

Lu Keran only looked at Handong before giving her a wink and walked away. Their silhouette emphasised by the various smoke and steam before the telling sign of a hoverbike made its presence known. At the roar of its customised engine, the councilman's presence vanished.

"How the do they do that?" Siyeon asked the obvious.

"You guys were out this late?" Handong questioned as she still held onto the clingy Gahyeon. 

"Hmm hmm, we would stay to chit chat but someone has to talk Gahyeon into taking a shower tonight and we have something to continue," Bora quickly rambled as she opened the door and shoved Siyeon inside. As much as she wanted to ensure Gahyeon's comfort and safety, she knew better. Gahyeon was safest in Handong's arms. 

"Wait, what are we continuing--" Siyeon's question was cut short as the metallic door slammed behind them. 

The metallic moan of the 7th hour surrounding them. Gahyeon clinging and nuzzling her face into Handong's neck. Her breath tickled the skin that was exposed from Handong's choice attire. 

"Gahyeon...." Handong muttered as she held Gahyeon out at arms length to examine the lovely fox. She knew where the trio went. She knew why they went. So why were the tendrils of jealousy lurking in the back of her mind?

"Dongie....You know I don't like it when you smell like them," Gahyeon's eyes were glazed over but her voice was sturdy and sure. As if her body was not her own as her mind remained trapped and composed. 

"Hah, and what about you? You smell like a million different people," Handong gently teased as she eased Gahyeon back into her embrace. It was true. Gahyeon didn't like it when she came back smelling like the councilman. It drove her mad. At first, Handong attributed it to familiarity. Lu Keran was just another mission, a mole, so it was only natural to separate work from home. But as time went on, combined with the many moments they shared, it's obvious as to why Gahyeon didn't like it. 

"That wasn't by choice. It was by chance," Gahyeon grumbled as she continued to nuzzle her face into the crook of Handong's neck. If her arms weren't trapped by Handong's then her hands would be wandering the wonderful curves and crevices that was Handong's body. 

"Can't I claim the same?" Handong questioned as she patted Gahyeon's back. On cue, the fox jumped and wrapped herself around Handong. Gladly giving in to receiving a lift from Handong's strong frame. 

"It's not the same and you know it," Gahyeon's mouth was dangerously close to the sensitive skin. It took every ounce of willpower left to not kiss or bite her. 

Handong opened the door and stepped into the foyer. Standing for a moment as she contemplated her next words. She knew Gahyeon understood her mission. She knew. But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt any less. 

"So, did you find your satisfaction or do we have to deal with you being grumpy for another week?" Handong opted for another lead in hopes of distracting Gahyeon just enough to avoid the elephant just a little bit longer. 

Gahyeon squeezed Handong's sturdy frame.

Through touch alone they understood each other. 

Handong let out a sigh. She wishes there was more she could do. But what more can she do? She has an act to play. An act that she has to see until the end.....whatever that end may be. 

She began to walk down the corridor and brushed a hand against the wall. Logically she knew she had to get back immediately. But logic was not a demon's forte. 

The building shivered in understanding. As she continued walking the corridor began expanding and the stairs became endless. The building answered her deepest desire.

Her desire to prolong this feeling as much as possible.

Gahyeon could only think about the salvation she chose before she became unconscious. She remembers being ushered in by Sera and answering various questions. It was clear as to why Bora wanted this place over all the others that Siyeon listed. This place catered to any specific desire whether that be act or person or both. 

She gave Sera a tough time though. After all, there's only one Handong in the world. 

Sera somehow managed to find someone that looked just enough like Handong that Gahyeon felt herself lose control for a brief second. She wanted nothing more than to feel the flesh beneath her writhe and contort in pleasure.

It was scary.

It was damning.

It was mortifying. 

However, the second that Gahyeon looked at the bare body before her, her body recoiled in revulsion. This wasn't the body she wanted. No, the body she wanted, the body she needed, was more sublime, beautiful, and supple than whatever was laid before her. 

At such a violent reaction, she managed to knock herself out. Embarrassing yes, but not surprising. After all, foxes tend to mate for life much to her pain. 

"Hey, don't fall asleep on me," Handong gently patted her back, "You still need to take a shower."

"Mmmmmm, I don't wanna...." 

"Then have fun sleeping on the couch."

"Hah?!" Gahyeon finally looked up.

What she saw mesmerised her. The soft lights of the stairs didn't hide the glow from Handong's pale skin. If anything it just enhanced it. And it was brilliant. Sometimes it hurt her eyes but she couldn't look away. The paleness complimented the dark hair that cascaded down like a graceful waterfall that framed her face. Her crimson eyes were striking but when she looked at Gahyeon in her arms they became tender. 

"You heard me. No shower, no room," Handong huffed as she opened a door to the corridor that would lead them home. 

"But--" Gahyeon began to protest but it was useless. She had no grounds.

"Do you want me to bathe you?" Handong's question was so neutral that it was hard to tell if she was being serious or not. 

"I wouldn't be opposed to it," Gahyeon admitted freely, "It would be like last time."

"Gahyeon!!" Handong stopped moving so she could look at the Listic in her arms, "You weren't supposed to say that."

The mild panic in Handong's voice made Gahyeon tilt her head in confusion. This type of banter was common between them so why the opposition?

There was a small blinking red light on Handong's shoulder. 

The shoulder the councilman touched.

Ah, she ed up.

"......Dongie....." Gahyeon couldn't even think of a cover. She wanted Handong more than anything. She was so close yet so far. But this damned mission was pushing her over the edge. 

"It's alright," Handong couldn't help but give a small kiss on Gahyeon's forehead. Any small comfort to give her as a sign that everything is alright between them, "You probably haven't recovered from knocking yourself out."

Handong restarted her walk as Gahyeon groaned.

"How....??" 

"Why else would Siyeon be carrying you?"

"That's a faulty deduction!!"

Handong's laughter was low, bright, and sophisticated. It sent Gahyeon's stomach into doing multiple flips as her heart fluttered in delight. She couldn't help but relish in it. It was mesmerising as it was intoxicating. She felt the laughter spread through her body. The gentle vibrations spread throughout her entire being and enveloped her in its warmth. She wanted nothing more than to protect that laughter. 

"Ah, my little fox, what are we going to do with you?" The question was to no one in particular except the air around them. They reached the ancient carved door that signalled their home. 

She didn't even have to reach towards it for the door to open. 

She expected an interrogation but instead she found silence. Or, as silent as their home can be. In the distance, she could hear Bora yelling about who knows what. 

She repositioned Gahyeon and continued her trek. The young fox went quiet either in contemplation or enjoyment.

"Handong...." The fox finally spoke up.

"Gahyeon...." The reply was simple but the tone said more than what was spoken.

A moment of silence as a quick zap was heard and a blue spark emanated from Handong's shoulder. The bug was destroyed. But why was it obvious? 

"Purge complete. Officer Handong is cleared. Anomalies found: 1. Permission to trace origin?"

The robotic voice of the automatic system surrounded only them. 

"Yes," Handong answered. Even though she knows the truth, the truth means nothing to the mindless without solid evidence. Well, without tangible evidence. The mindless will always remain willfully ignorant despite the obvious but what else is there to do but try?

"Permission granted. Time estimate: 7 hours."

"Time received. Commence," Gahyeon answered this time. Despite her muffled voice, the system had no difficulties.

"Order received. Commencing tracing. Results to Commander Jiu."

Handong easily carried Gahyeon up the stairs. 

With each step, Gahyeon's lips inched closer and closer to Handong's neck. As tempting as it was, she held back. She wanted nothing more than to taste Handong again but she couldn't. Despite logic telling her right from wrong her body acted on her own. 

The moment they entered their shared room, Gahyeon Handong's neck and started a trail of kisses. Needy. Pleading. Begging. Everything to get rid of the councilman's scent and covering it with her own. 

Handong barely held back her whimpers. She wanted nothing more than to feel Gahyeon's touch again but she couldn't. Her mission relied too much on her remaining focus on another relationship.

"Dongie....." Gahyeon began, "You know....."

Gahyeon's voice faded into obscurity. The lust was there. The need was there. The will was there. Hearing Handong's whimpers sent her mind ablaze with possibilities. She needed to hear Handong again.  

But Handong couldn't. She can't.

"Gahyeon....don't look at me," The pain in Handong's voice was evident as her hand laid itself on Gahyeon's head and prevented her from looking up, "Please, I can't stand the pain I'm causing you."

At the admittance, Gahyeon obeyed.

She peeled herself off and stumbled her way into the bathroom to take a shower.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As the hot water pelted her exposed self, she could only think about one thing. 

How can the world be so cruel to the kindest of people? 

Her shower lasted for what felt like hours. But it was just long enough to wash the scents off of her. Steam filled the entire bathroom and clouded her vision. She had to feel along the counter to find a towel and her clothes. 

She lingered in the bathroom. Contemplating Handong's words. 

Words that tore her heart into shreds. 

".....Handong...." Gahyeon muttered to herself in remorse. Despite her own wants and desires, there's only one thing that's consistent. 

All she wants is for Handong to be happy.

As she opened the door to their room, steam flowed out and slowly began to dissipate. The steam itself pushes her forward to face her demon. 

"Dongie....I..." Gahyeon began but there was nothing. No sign of life was in the room.

She walked over to Handong's bed and found a note. Lifting it up delicately as she didn't want to shake the scent off. 

Jiu called for me. I won't be back.

Brief panic overtook her before she gathered herself. The panic was still there. Lingering in the back of her mind waiting for a chance to be right. Its tendrils lurking and whipping against her thoughts.

Handong meant that she wouldn't come back to their room tonight since she's debriefing with their leader. 

A long sigh escaped her lips as darkness began to fill her vision. She began to tilt forward and she gave in. 

As her body bounced against the firm bed, Handong's scent enveloped her in its comfort. She took in deep breaths and savoured each one. She remembers the days when Handong's scent faded from her bed and it was agonising. So now she cherishes each and every moment of Handong's scent any way she can. 

Before slumber overtook her, she muttered the only thought in her head.

"I love you, Handong...."