It's too late..

The bottle swung to and fro from a chain infront of him as he sat in the corner of the classroom, the black fluid within moving along with it. It has been several days since Minho met Kibum and as he watches the bottle that held the golden liquid just that few days ago, his heart twists at the various horrifying thoughts of what could have happened to Taemin. Kibum could not give him a definite answer as the last Guardian that was cursed was never seen again since she was taken away a century ago.

Never seen again.. So does this mean that he would never see his beloved Taemin again? That beautiful Guardian that reached out to him when he never thought he could ever stand up again.

But it's because of me, that's why they took him.. He couldn't help but to blame himself for being the cause of Taemin's disappearance and potential misery. He put the bottle on a chain and hung it around his neck everyday as a constant reminder that his Guardian must be waiting for him somewhere in the other world, waiting for him to save him. Not that he even needed a reminder but he seeks comfort with having it close to his beating heart.

"Psst. Minho? Minho!" a anxious whisper came from his left and he turns slowly in the direction of the sound. Jonghyun was gesturing to him, waving and pointing towards the front with an expression as if he was trying very hard to explain something very important. Minho could not understand what he was trying to say, partly due to the insomnia he had every night since Taemin was taken away. In the end, he gave up in gesturing and sighed as he pointed to the front. Minho followed his finger and saw his lecturer starring at him with her hands on her hips.

"Minho-ssi? I believe my lesson is more interesting than that little bottle of yours?" she said as everyone sniggered and whispered among themselves.

Minho's face flushed as he quickly tucks the bottle back in his shirt. "Sorry..". His lecturer threw him a glare, clearly displeased by Minho's behavior.

"Write an essay on what I have just discussed in class and hand it up to me tomorrow morning, is that clear Minho?"

"Yes Seonsaengnim.."

~ ~ ~

"She called you three times! What were you thinking about?? And what's with this bottle?" Jonghyun asked as he reached forward to grab the chain around Minho's neck but his hand was smacked away.

"Just some stuff.. Nothing much.." They were heading home after lessons and Jonghyun insisted on going over to Minho's house. No reason, he just felt like it.

They walked down the familiar streets and Minho recalled how he encountered that gust of wind that brought him leads on where he could find help. He had been anticipating more news from Kibum and he believes it would arrive the same way it did the previous time, so everytime he walks down that stretch on the busy street, he would slow down just so he wouldn't miss it. He knows it was silly to do so as Kibum could contact him anytime if he wanted to, but to him, having this belief gives him comfort that maybe he just didn't pass by the street at the right time.

As Jonghyun blabbered on about what he wanted to do later when they arrived at Minho's house, Minho couldn't help but notice a tiny yellow butterfly fluttering above them, as if searching for a spot to rest on. When it had finally decided on where to land, it flew close to Minho's ear and landed on his left shoulder, a spot where Jonghyun would not be able to notice.

"He is safe. But I have to say he isn't the Taemin you once knew. I'm searching for ways to save him from the curse, keep the bottle safe, it may come in handy."

It was Kibum, searching for ways to save him.. Would it even be possible? The way the liquid changed in colour, it really made Minho realise that there were many things that he never knew about Taemin's world. What kind of world is it? What is it like? So many things that they have yet to talked about, so little time spent together. But even if he doesn't know much about this beautiful Guardian that entered his life, he would still risk anything to get him back, even if it were to cost him his life.

~ ~ ~

Minho was walking down the corridor with Jonghyun and their usual gang of friends. Apparently they were all charming gentlemen that caused many of their schoolmates to swoon at something as simple as their smiles, not that they did it on purpose other than Jonghyun who just loves to make new friends. Once again, as their Mr Sociable, Jonghyun smiled and waved at every girl that they walked pass, leaving the poor ladies screaming and giggling in excitement. Usually, he would have earned a light punch in the arm by Minho to get him to stop but today, the said boy was deep in thought as Kibum's words chased each other back and forth in his mind.

Just as the other guys were teasing Jonghyun about his daily routine, Minho felt something ice cold press against his chest and he reached up to find that it was the small bottle that hung around his neck. He could feel a pulse throbbing against his fingertips from inside the bottle. What's happening? Could it mean that Taemin is near? Just like how they always showed in the movies.

Minho looked around, searching for traces of that beautiful face he loved so much, but instead of spotting Taemin, he noticed a large crowd near one of the lockers. He headed towards the crowd to find out what was going on and the guys followed.

As they approached, some of the other students who were in the crowd shifted to make way for them and Minho saw that in the center of the crowd was a couple.

The girl was in a sweet pink dress with accessories decorating her wrists and neck, while the guy was in a black leathery outfit with chains topped with a little black pointy hat snuggled in his blonde hair that showed traces of a darker shade beneath. Minho couldn't see his face but he felt that the boy seemed very familiar.

The girl was blushing furiously and Minho could guess from the note in her hand that she had just confessed her feelings to this guy. Thinking that it was just another one of those rejections that occur almost everyday in the school compound, Minho turned to walk away but he was stopped by Jonghyun.

"Wait. You should see what is in this kid." Then he heard a commotion behind him; gasps, cheers and wolf whistles that made him turn around. The said boy had his fingers gently tracing his admirer's cheek as he kissed her passionately. If it was a guy that interests Jonghyun enough to stay and watch, this kid sure has something about him that deserves that bit of Minho's time.

He watched as the girl reached up to wrap her arms around her new found love's neck but her arms stopped in mid air when he pulled away and smirked,

"You know we can't be together, right? I can't accept your love. Sorry."

The poor girl's arms flopped down to her sides at those words as a small sob escaped her lips. Her friends rushed forward to comfort her as the others just looked at the boy in disbelief.

"What? How could he-" Minho muttered to Jonghyun.

"He's the new kid. Arrived yesterday afternoon and already received 14 touching confessions including this one. Broke all 14 hearts." Jonghyun spat in disgust.

"What's his name?" Minho asked just as the boy turned around and they stared straight into each other's eyes.

"Lee Taemin."

So.. Taemin's back! Different and all.. I really liked his image in the Japanese Lucifer so I felt maybe that image would suit the new Taemin in here. I would say Jonghyun takes the role of Minho's connection to the mortal world just like how Kibum is Taemin's connection to the Guardians? He'll be here though, no worries! :D Onew is like a Shadow in the story, and its like Taemin is the untainted Guardian. So with his kiss its like taking a blot of paint and painting it on a white paper? Somewhat like a curse/punishment for breaking their law. :)

Really sorry for updating so late! >< Had lots of work to do.. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for supporting! <3 and thank you all for your kind comments <3

@choikhatymin90: Hmm I would say.. "Stay tuned to find out!" hahas!

@jellee: Thanks! <3