"Well it's way past midnight. What if you get kidnapped?"

"Stop following me, Mr. Kim. The kidnapper should be smart enough to see from my face that I'm not worth any ransom" I replied, increasing my pace. It was too dark that I didn't notice something on the floor running over my shoe.

"Omo, a raaat!" I squealed as I kicked my foot around to get rid of the sensation.

Mr. Kim caught up to me and laughed his insides out.

"See! You can't even deal with a rodent. Just let me walk you home already. It is my duty as a male species!" he whined.

"No, it isn't. This female species can handle herself. Your baby face is actually a worse target for goons out here" I snickered.

"Well...rrrr...yeah...but then it is my duty as your friend! You know what? I'll just walk with you whether you like it or not" he sighed.

"I don't even remember being your friend" I whispered to myself.

"I kind of...heard what you said" he suddenly spoke. 

"I didn't say anything" I lied, keeping my focus on the dark streets.

"Even if you don't, your actions speak louder anyway. It's really strange how you've been acting towards me these days. Even during Chen's party, you kept on acting like I'm a stranger. I even called Hyosung to ask if there was something wrong, but she didn't know what was up either" he said with an undertone of sadness.

Right. Kris said that as far as Mr. Kim is concerned, we've been friends for the longest time. He even knows Hyosung. Simply put, he is just a victim of some crazy angels.

I stopped in my tracks and smiled at him. "Look Mr...I mean, Minseok. I'm sorry I'm just going through a rough time. Please don't worry anymore."

"I knew it," he snapped his fingers, "it's that time of the month!"

I couldn't help but facepalm myself. No, Mr. Kim. But that makes things easier to explain though. He can think of it that way.

"Uhh...yep." I laughed inwardly.

"Whew, sometimes it's really difficult to understand girls but hey I didn't mean it in a bad way I think I'm already getting the hang of it from spending a lot of time with you and actually it's quite a learning experience because I realized that maybe the only reason guys don't understand is because they don't listen and..."

He rambled on and on and on all the way to the bus.

"...but that's just what I think. I know it doesn't agree much with what Plato and Aristotle have to say, but isn't it healthy to question what society teaches us every now and then?"

By this time, we were in front of my house.

"You really talk a lot, don't you?" I chuckled.

"Oh! I didn't notice we're here," he rubbed the back of his neck in a shy manner while keeping his boyish smile, "sorry, you know you're the only one I feel comfortable with when it comes to my ideas. Everyone else just calls me a nerd."

"It's probably not your ideas, but your ultra baby face that they're talking about" I laughed.

"Ya! I'm a manly man" he pouted.

"The pouting doesn't support your argument" I pointed out, making both of us laugh.

Somehow, Minseok does have that vibe of a friend you've known for years. It's comfortable to be around someone like him. He feels like someone dependable and trustworthy.

Just then, my front door opened to reveal Kris.

"Oh hey, what are you doing here so late, man?" Minseok asked.

Kris did not even budge. He remained frozen on his spot.

Minseok shrugged. "Good night then, Haneul. See you tomorrow!"

"Good night, Minseok" I waved.

As soon as he turnes his back, Kris pulled me by the arm and locked the door behind us.

"Whoa, hold up! What is wrong?" I exclaimed.

His eyes were wide as saucers. He seemed slightly angry, but mostly...terrified. They were fixated on the window right beside the door.

He leaned in and whispered in a panicked voice, "What did I tell you, Haneul? Don't trust anyone!"