a/n: i'm back and i apologize for a late update... but college is just... a big pain in the !!! i love it though... (does it make me some kind of a masochist???)

The ticking noise of the alarm clock jolted her from sleep. The first thing she noticed was how unfamiliar the room she was in. It wasn’t the same tan ceiling, wasn’t the same comfortable sheets she’s used to waking up in, it wasn’t the same soft yet firm mattress she’s on, even the smell of the room is different.
 

She looked around and realized that she was indeed in a different room. In a different house. In a different country. For the first time in three days, it finally sunk in that she’s not in her grandfather’s clutches. She’s practically free.
 

It brought a smile to her face and she sat on the bed, gathering the sheets onto her chest. The smell of breakfast is in the air, the early summer sunshine is streaming through the window and bathing the small room in soft morning light, everything is peacefully quiet. For the first time in years, Seirin understood what home feels like. And this might be temporary for her, but instead of worrying about what tomorrow could bring, she’s savoring the feel instead. She had never been this at peace before and she’s happy that she as able to feel it before everything is over for her. Right this moment, her life is hers.
 

A knock at the door and Sehun’s quiet call had Seirin smiling even wider. Before Sehun could finish what he was going to say, Seirin already had the door opened.
 

“Good morning!” Seirin chirped.
 

Sehun looked a little bit surprised but smiled anyways. “Breakfast, noona.”
 

Seirin nodded and went down the stairs with Sehun. As they pass by Kris’ closed door, Seirin couldn’t help but wonder if the guy had already settled down with the idea of having her in their home with them.
 

When the three of them had came back from Myeongdong the day before, all covered in bruises, Hyoyeon fussed and scolded them for being on a fight. Kris however had a different concern. Since Seirin had told him about Raijin and her affiliation to the clan, he hadn’t said a word to her again.
 

That night, Kris had confronted his parents about how dangerous it is, ‘harboring’ someone like her. He was a miffed about how his parents could hide something so important about Seirin’s identity. Of course Joonmyun had reasoned that they were actually doing it for their own safety but Kris pointed out that because they knew nothing about Seirin being connected to Raijin, the attack in Myeongdong happened.
 

Even Seirin has no idea how the thugs that attacked them had known who she was, or at least connected her to Raijin. As far as she knows, her grandfather had never been the tell-tale type, he certainly wouldn’t have had released a picture of her even if he was looking for her. All those times she had escaped before, the ones to find her were always the same people, the ones who knows her face. There was no need for pictures.
 

“Don’t worry about Kris-hyung.” Sehun said in his heavily accented English. “Let’s eat. We got work.”
 

Oh, right. Hyoyeon had deemed it Seirin’s ‘punishment’ to work at the studio where Hyoyeon and some other instructors teach self-defense classes. Hyoyeon said that it’s because Seirin had been in trouble (it doesn’t even matter if she started it or not) so she’s confined to teaching a class, or at least a beginner’s class. Sehun had exaggeratedly told his parents how Seirin had nearly dismembered one of the thugs so Seirin could not deny that she knows a little self-defense even if she wants to, thus no escape from her little punishment.
 

Joonmyun saw it as an opportunity for Seirin to get used to other people and learn the language easier though, so Seirin agreed. Besides, she already decided to earn her keep. She can’t keep on relying on Joonmyun and his family forever. One of these days, she would have to move out and start a life on her own. No matter what Joonmyun had said about helping her unconditionally, Seirin can’t keep it just like that forever. It’s her life. And now that she had tasted freedom, she’s going to make it that she stays free for the rest of it.
 

“Oh, good morning!” Hyoyeon greeted. “I didn’t expect for you to wake up early.”
 

“I had the alarm set.” Seirin replied and took a look at the table as Hyoyeon set it up. She immediately helped to finish putting the plates down, smiling at Hyoyeon when the older woman told her that she should just sit down.
 

As Seirin fixed setting up the utensils, Joonmyun came down, greeting his wife with a kiss and teasing Sehun for being a glutton. Unlike Seirin who helped with the table, Sehun had immediately sat on his seat and started breakfast.
 

“I assume someone is excited for work today? You’re up early.” Joonmyun commented lightly as Seirin took a seat.
 

“I’m actually an early riser, it’s just that I was tired yesterday that I got up a little late.” Seirin explained, blushing a little. “Say, Joonmyun-san, is Kris still angry at me? I mean, he didn’t talk to me again after dinner last night.”
 

“He’s just a little upset, he’ll get over it.” Joonmyun reassured. “Anyways, I would appreciate it if you keep yourself from trouble today. If it’s okay, please stay at the studio until work is over, and come home with Hyoyeon. We still don’t have a clue how those thugs had discovered who you are so it’s necessary to not expose yourself that much in the meantime. Okay?”
 

Seirin nodded. “I’m sorry if I’m being a nuisance.”
 

“Don’t say that, Seirin-chan. Everyone who is starting over goes through things like that. It is necessary sometimes to erase who you’d been so you can start a new you. A compromise is always needed.” Joonmyun explained. Just then, he snapped his finger in the air. “Oh! Before I forget. I got you this so you can start learning easily.”
 

Seirin looked at the small Korean-Japanese dictionary and handbook Joonmyun had handed her. She beamed up at him, thanking him sincerely with a huge smile on her face.
 

“Oh, cool! I can help you learn faster if you want, noona.” Sehun said in between munching his breakfast.
 

Joonmyun translated and Seirin beamed at Sehun, thanking him. Sehun laughed at how easily Seirin said thank you in Korean, smiling proudly since he taught her the word. They quieted a bit when Kris came down, his usual scowling face on, though the effect was slightly dampened because he was still in his sleep outfit and his morning hair a mess even though it was relatively short.
 

Kris sat beside Sehun without a sound and started eating. Seirin kept on looking at him from time to time but Kris ignored her, leaving to take a shower after eating without as much as a glance at her. It’s like she’s not even there in the first place even if they were practically facing the other across the table.
 

Hyoyeon patted Seirin on the shoulder and smiled reassuringly. “He’ll talk to you in no time. He might always look stern and always had that scowl, but inside he’s a big softie.”
 

Seirin believes Hyoyeon but her hopes with getting it better with Kris didn’t actually went up when the latter ignored her until he left with Joonmyun for work. But Seirin had no time to dwell on it since she also had her own work cut out for her…
 

Teaching 8 year olds a little karate is easy. Half of the time they are imitating your moves, the other half you’re practically shouting yourself hoarse as you run around after them because they just wont stay still for a second. Easy as pie.
 

Seirin sighed, taking a huge gulp from her bottled water. Teaching kids is even more tiring than the fight she had the day before. But strangely, she feels happy. She actually feels contented. Something about knowing that she was doing something beneficial makes her happy.
 

Hyoyeon came in with one of the teachers, and the three of them gathered up the class so they could change before leaving, the day’s lesson over for the meantime. Seirin looked at her watch and couldn’t believe that it was indeed a little after 4PM. She had been in the studio the whole day, handled 3 classes, and she didn’t even notice!
 

“So how’s the first day?” Hyoyeon asked when she came back.
 

“It’s good. I actually enjoyed myself even if all I did was run around and try to get them into line.” Seirin laughed.
 

“Well, that’s what you get with teaching kids. If your Korean gets better, I think you should try teaching the teens, although Tao is doing a good job with that.” Hyoyeon smiled.
 

Tao was one of the two other instructors other than Hyoyeon. The studio is not that big, just a two-storey building, the lower part is where the kids 12 below are taught while those who are 13 and above use the 2nd floor. Seirin was assigned with the kids indefinitely since half of the time the kids parents actually just send their kids to the school for daycare purposes; this doesn’t really need oral communication, give the kids some ice cream and they’ll happily shut up.
 

“You already trust me that much, Ms. Hyoyeon?” Seirin grinned.
 

“As long as you don’t turn my kids into gangsters, then we won’t have a problem.” Hyoyeon joked.
 

Sehun stumbled in, bubble tea in hand as he followed Tao who was also sipping the same drink albeit in a different flavor. The two looked like kids on Christmas day as they teased each other. Seirin discovered from Hyoyeon that Tao and Sehun are attending the same college and were pretty close to each other.
 

“Ah, the two devils are here. Where have you been, Sehun? You’re grounded for the rest of the week, remember?” Hyoyeon inquired.
 

“I was a school! I decided to drop by since it would be boring at home.” Sehun pouted.  “Hey, noona!”
 

“Anniyeong haseayo.” Seirin grinned.
 

“Wah, you’re learning fast!” Sehun beamed.
 

“I’ve got a good teacher.” Seirin nodded at Tao. He might be a year younger but he’s a great help. Especially because he once had a difficulty with learning the language since he’s a foreigner as well, so he’s gladly helping Seirin with the basics.
 

“Really?” Sehun smirked at Tao suddenly, “I wonder who’s better with fighting between you two.”
 

“Now, now, don’t start making rivalries inside my school, Sehunnie.” Hyoyeon reprimanded.
 

“What did he say?” Seirin asked. Hyoyeon translated for her. “Oh… well, actually, Tao and I has different technique so it would be like trying to ask which came first, the chicken or the egg.” she shrugged.
 

Hyoyeon told Sehun what Seirin had said but the boy just pouted. He nudged Tao and told him something in which Seirin understood as Sehun urging Tao to see who really was better, in which Tao patiently declined.
 

“Aw, come on! Noona! One match!” Sehun pouted at Seirin, holding out a finger. “Just one. Please.”
 

Seirin could feel her resolution crumble with the kicked puppy look Sehun was giving her. But even if she had grew up being around people who would not hesitate in taking someone’s life, she made it a principle never to hurt people unless she’s provoked. Even if it was just a friendly match with Tao, and even if she’s pretty sure that there’s a huge chance that she’d lose anyway (just look at Tao, darn it, he’s a walking martial arts machine!), the fact that she never wants to use what she knows for show is just a rule she doesn’t want to break or bend.
 

Tao raised an inquiring brow at her, looking bashful beneath his dark locks. The tall kid is just shy even if he looks the most bad-assed badass.
 

“No.” Seirin replied firmly.
 

Well… too bad.
 

“Okay! Whoever falls first is the loser!” Sehun shouted excitedly as he bounced on one corner with his mother.
 

Seirin sighed, getting into a defensive stance as Tao did the same. They were facing each other in the middle of the first floor teaching hall, the rubber mat smooth and cool beneath their bare feet. The school was empty but for the four of them, the classes being over for the day.
 

“Well… good luck with the both of us.” Seirin smiled.
 

“Yeah.” Tao answered, adjusting his body a little.
 

Seirin couldn’t help but admire the strong and calm aura emanating from Tao. He looked like he’s ready to kill but if one would only look into those eyes, you would see nothing but tranquility. This made Seirin smile. The people who taught her martial arts all cold-blooded killers so to speak. Never had she fought with someone like Tao.
 

It seemed like a long while when in fact it was barely a minute, and then Tao made the first move. He attacked rather testily, as if gauging how much Seirin can take; she is still a girl after all and it is a given that she’s physically weaker.
 

Seirin did her best to dodge, something she practice more than attacks. Her physique is that of an average girl, maybe a little taller than most Asian women, and she knows her limits. Tao is lean and muscular and had years of training, there’s a huge possibility that he’d slip and hurt her for real. And frankly, Seirin had been physically donned up since the first day she arrived in Korea, she had been shot, been in a fight, and a getting hurt in a match with a martial arts expert is so not needed.
 

Luckily, Seirin disadvantage in height is compensated in agility. She kept on dodging Tao’s attacks and redirecting his blows while trying to land one of hers, though she couldn’t land one properly. It kept on like that for a few minutes until Tao managed to hit Seirin and swipe her on the leg, sending her to her knees.
 

“Are you okay?” Tao asked concernedly, immediately coming over to Seirin for assistance.
 

“I am.” Seirin nodded and stood back up and adapted and attack stance. It’s one thing to dodge attacks, but she had been hit, it is only proper to hit right back even if Tao might have not meant to do so. This is still a match after all.
 

“Hey, Tao, she didn’t fall completely! Go on!” Sehun called out when it seemed that Tao was going to stop now that Seirin was on her knee. “Go, noona! Fighting!” he cheered.
 

Tao reluctantly held his hands up in a fighting pose and it only took another second before the match resumed, Seirin giving the first blow this time. Tao seemed surprise by Seirin’s aggressiveness but returned her attacks anyway.
 

One uncalculated move from Seirin and Tao had her restrained, her back to his chest with Tao’s arm tight around her shoulder and preventing her from moving. Seirin could barely move her body and Tao’s height made it impossible for her to reach over and make him let go. It’s kind of hopeless and even Sehun was crying out for Tao to ease up, Hyoyeon shushing him.
 

Seirin took a deep breath and with a grunt she elbowed Tao on the stomach, making him instantly loosen up, then she took hold of the arm he had on her shoulder and with great effort, flipped him over her shoulder, the classic judo flip. Because Seirin is almost a head shorter, Tao was easily thrown outbalanced forward, making it easier to flip him over. Tao landed on his back with a loud thud, air practically knocked out of him.
 

Sehun let out a loud whoop, pumping his fist in the air and laughing loudly.
 

“Noona! You’re the best!” Sehun excitedly came over, beaming.
 

“Good job, Seirin-chan. Looks like you really are capable of being an instructor here.” Hyoyeon congratulated.
 

Seirin just smiled and helped Tao up. “Are you okay?”
 

“Yeah. You caught me off guard with your elbow. I thought I had you locked down.” Tao grinned. He bowed at Seirin, showing the sport he really was. “I’ll get back at you next time.”
 

Seirin just laughed and bowed in response. “I don’t think I’ll get lucky next time.”
 

They were all starting to gather their things when a familiar faced showed up at the entrance. The sliding glass doors opened and the person came in with a bright smile.
 

“Lay-hyung?” Sehun raised a brow.
 

Seirin gave said man a wary look. She’s grateful for Lay’s help the day before, but even though the man reassured her that he meant nothing but to be a helping hand, something about those mysterious dimpled smiles just make Seirin’s inner instinct to give warning signals.
 

“Hello!” Lay smiled and waved a bit before entering. He bowed at Hyoyeon and greeted her respectfully, although the smile on his face was still rather cheeky. When he turned back to Seirin, he winked. “I missed seeing your pretty face, Seirin-san.”
 

Seirin ignored the gesture but kept the politeness on her face and tone, bowing a bit. “We meet again, Lay-san. Tell me… how did you find me exactly?”
 

Lay grinned. “Sehun is a frequent customer in Myeongdong, I had no problem tracking him down.”
 

“Tracked him down? Why?” warning bells started ringing inside Seirin’s head. Why would Lay track Sehun down? And more importantly, how could he manage such thing? Does he got connections? He’s a mystery after all and even with the angelic face, there’s just something about him that Seirin can’t put her finger on.
 

Lay handed a familiar bag towards Seirin. “You left this at my place. I figured that you might need it so I looked for you. Through Sehun.” Lay explained.
 

Seirin received the bag and looked inside. Her things are still there and she briefly wondered if Lay had looked inside. As if reading her mind, Lay told her that he didn’t pry inside her bag, and she reluctantly believed him. His eyes seemed honest enough.
 

“Anyways, since I am here and all, I invite you to drop by my club sometimes. Don’t worry too much about the thugs you met yesterday, my place is a neutral ground, nobody hurts nobody, and if somebody does, they’d be kicked out before they can even say cheers.” Lay said. “I like meeting new people and making friends, so please excuse me for being so straightforward with the invitation.” he grinned.
 

Seirin let out a small smile. “Well, that’s very nice of you. We will try to drop by when we’re free, Lay-san.”
 

Lay’s smile brightened up more, if it was even possible. “Really? That’s great! I would love to have such a lovely face in my place. Once you drop by, I promise to sing you a song or two, Seirin-san.”
 

Seirin could only reply with bashful smile. Well, Lay is pretty cute… fine, downright handsome. Even with Seirin not fully at ease at meeting the stranger for the second time only, she can’t doubt that Lay is one good-looking specimen to ever walk the earth. And for such an attractive guy to invite her, it’s flattering. She’s just a girl after all.
 

Suddenly, a shadow loomed over Lay’s back, towering over the dimpled guy, a little intimidating.
 

“Kris.” Seirin breathed out. After she had been through a lot in the past two days with Kris always with her, not seeing the guy for a day actually made her kind of miss him.
 

Kris just gave Seirin a fleeting look before stepping from behind Lay’s back and facing the shorter man with his signature scowling face. “What are you doing here? And how did you find this place?”
 

Seirin furtively stepped closer so she was partially in between the two. She didn’t quite understand what Kris had asked but she’s pretty sure it was related to how Lay was there.
 

Lay just pasted that wide cheery smile on his face and spoke in English, clearly wanting for Seirin to understand his words. Somehow, Seirin felt a little more grateful at Lay’s consideration towards her.
 

“I wanted to see Seirin. So I came here. And about how, well, I asked around Myeongdong about Sehun’s address. I found out about the studio.” Lay replied, glancing at Hyoyeon, “You have a really nice place by the way, Miss.”
 

Kris huffed, keeping his eyes on Lay. “Well, I assume you’ve already finished whatever you came here for?”
 

“You can say that.” Lay answered and turned to Seirin. “Well, I’ll see you at my place, okay? Come by when you’re free.”
 

With another wink, Lay left.
 

Kris was silent for a few minutes as Lay’s sleek black car sped off. After the car had disappeared from their sight, he turned to Hyoyeon and told her that he’d be driving all of them home. He didn’t even spare a glance at Seirin and left with still a gloomy face.
 

“He’s still mad at me, isn’t he?” Seirin sighed.
 

Hyoyeon just giggled. “Oh, stop dwelling on it. Make him some sweets and he’d be fine. Come on, let’s go home.”
 

Seirin sighed once more, picking up her things and slinging the bag Lay had brought on her shoulder. She wonders when Kris would finally talk to her again. They are not close or anything but they are living together and it would be uncomfortable if you live with someone who doesn’t want you around.
 

“Hey, noona!” Sehun called out, falling into as step with her as she went out the front door. “Your bag is cool. Where did you get it?”
 

Seirin’s brows raised with curiosity. She had never really paid attention to her bag before. She slung it forward, thinking that she could give it to Sehun if he’s interested on it. It’s the least she could do since Sehun’s helping her out too.
 

She hadn’t noticed this before but the bag, something that she’s pretty sure is customized buy one of manufacturing companies under Raijin, actually had Raijin’s insignia embedded on it. Raijin’s insignia is as old as the clan itself, made by the first clan head, it had never been altered over the generations even if with different heads that had lead the clan.
 

A curled up blue dragon with its horns shaped as lightning bolts, the manes flowing out of it’s back like blue fire while its eyes were the deepest of black. It’s Raijin’s insignia, signifying power and control over something no one can ever predict; lightning. In Japanese myth, Raijin, or Raiden in some, is actually the god of lightning. The first head of the clan was very ambitious and considered himself as someone who can wield much power over his subordinates, someone undefeatable, thus naming the clan after the lightning god.
 

Gasping, Seirin realized that the bag could very well had been what had given her away while in Myeongdong.
 

“Are you okay?” Sehun asked, noting the frown on Seirin’s face.
 

Seirin explained to Sehun her theory about the bag and how the thugs knew who she was. The bags after all are customized and there are only few people who goes around another country announcing they are a part of Raijin. This is because unless you’re someone who can take down anyone in a fight, or someone who actually has bodyguards and goons to defend them (only high ranking members goes around with them),  no one dares to stroll around wearing the insignia out in the open.
 

“Ah… so it’s because of the bag?” Sehun wondered. “Hey! If hyung didn’t bring that bag to Myeongdong, then we wouldn’t have been in trouble!” he exclaimed.
 

Seirin tried to protest and stop Sehun from blurting such nonsense. She’s already on a shaky relationship with Kris, she doesn’t want it any more complicated in any way. If he hears what Sehun was saying, then there’ll be more misunderstanding between them for sure.
 

Too late though. Kris was actually within earshot when Sehun had blurted out what he said. When Seirin managed to catch Kris‘ face, she flinched at the cold look on his eyes.
 

Great, just great.
 

“How is she? Did you manage to get closer to her?” the younger male asked, holding the phone close to his ear. He flipped idly through some paper littering his desk, the sharp features of his face illuminated by the desk lamp.
 

“Yeah, yeah. I’m getting closer. Though I think I’m going to have a little problem with one certain guy. He’s practically always near her, and not to mention that he’d be working for the force soon, so I think playing around with him could be dangerous. But don’t worry, I’ll take care of your precious little girl.” the man on the other end of the line said, that cheeky dimpled grin evident even through the phone. “When are you going to come here, anyway? I don’t know how long I can restrain myself from making a move on that pretty.”
 

“Don’t you dare. She’s mine.” he warned. He knows that his friend is just kidding but he can’t help but be possessive.
 

The other man just laughed and ended the call with a simple teasing goodbye.
 

Putting the phone back on his pocket, the young man looked at the picture sitting on his desk. Its their picture, the one they took on her past birthday. He wonders why she hadn’t call him yet. It’s been three days since she left. He can’t call her first, that would give away the fact that he knows where she is actually when she believes that he’s got no clue of her whereabouts. He resorted in keeping an eye on her thorough his connections, just to make sure that she’s safe.
 

But why hadn’t she call him yet? They’re more than best friends, even if they had not labeled themselves so. Yet she hadn’t made the first step to inform him about her leaving. He’s willing to wait though. He’d give her time, he’d wait like he always did. Nothing’s going to change between them, he trusts that. He trusts her.
 

Once his father’s plans are over, she’d be back in his arms. No one will come in between them. She’d be his forever.
 

He reached out and traced her pretty face through the glassed frame.
 

“We’d be together soon… Seirin.”
 

a/n: i'm pretty sure you guys already has an idea who the unknown person's POV the last part was... hehe....

still spazzing over the comeback!!!