Hi there AFF readers! Thanks  for checking out my story, it's unusal concept I know. If you need any assistance, pelase don't hesitate to ask me. ^^ Thanks for subscribing as well, I really, really appreciate it. ^__^ Votes are open now, If you'd like to, you can leave your votes on the comment. Please refer to the guide section in the foreword, if you haven't. Anyway, enjoy your stay. ^^

 

 

3RD NIGHT: ESCAPE FROM HEAVEN

 

 

Heaven, depicted as the utopia of pure bliss and solace. Surrounded by angels who sang their requiems onto weary souls. Thou shalt not know hunger, for holy manna were plentiful. Illuminated by the light of God’s high throne instead of sun. It was portrayed as humanity’s ultimate salvation.

 

Alas, in a dark-twisted realm of nightmare, Heaven looked more like a shady strip club. Strippers instead of angels, disco tunes instead of requiems, booze instead of holy manna, neon instead of...any decent lighting. It wasn’t even the nice kind of Stripper. They sure were easy in the eyes, if not for one, slightly disturbing fact that they all shared the same face.

 

Nevertheless, Eunjung found herself in the midst of this madness, sat in the middle of two beautiful sirens who took turns feeding her with various delicacies. Was this not Heaven in some way?

 

“So, which one do you like?”

 

Eunjung pursed her lips, holding in the raw oyster in . She also forced herself into a delighted expression. It was a thinly veiled attempt at dodging Qri’s question, by pretending to savor the unpalatable sea food. She stared nervously at the stern-eyed Qri, and then at the doe-eyed Jiyeon. Both were eagerly waiting for Eunjung to swallow.

 

She couldn’t dally any longer. Raw oyster was nothing, but completely disgusting. Eunjung gulped half-heartedly, both to down the nauseating food, and to seek a hint of release from the nerve-breaking situation.

 

“You prefer my avocado salad, right?” Qri leaned against Eunjung’s right side. Even in dream, she still tried to make Eunjung ate healthy food. However, real life Qri would never dressed in a sparkly gold tank top, skin-tight black shorts, and dyed her hair pink. Even her nails were painted gold, and adorned with glitters. It was an unusual sight, but not a bad one.

 

“Don’t be silly,” Jiyeon scoffed, leaning against her other side, “Oyster is a good aphrodisiac. Don’t you think Jungie gonna need that?”

 

Actually, Eunjung rather ate the salad, but she preferred to hold on to that thoughts. After all, this was undoubtedly another nightmare. It would be better to tread carefully lest something bad might happen.

 

“Is something wrong? You don’t look so good, stud.” Qri asked.

 

“Ooh, I know!” Jiyeon’s eyes lit up. “Perhaps she wants to skip dinner, and you know...head straight for desserts...” As she said that, her hand moved to the neckline of her top, and slightly lowers it.

 

Eunjung gulped. Jiyeon usually showed her impeccable fashion sense with fancy dresses. But this time, she wore a set of sparkly outfit consisting of purple low-cut top, and leggings along with silver long boots. She even put on a smoky eyeliner, and colored lipstick, adding a sultrier twist to the whole look.

 

“I...I, uh...” Eunjung couldn’t help but leers, at first. When Qri accidentally nudged her side, she quickly averted her gaze elsewhere. “I-I mean, I’m good! I already ate.” She laughed weakly, but at the same time, a puff of cold air left her lips.

 

Weird...this place wasn’t cold at all. What was that?

 

“I think she’s just shy. We should get her comfortable.” Qri said while her fingers brushed Eunjung’s neck, and then gently moved down to her chest. Their eyes locked against each other, making Eunjung’s cheeks flushed red.

 

Qri had the most beautiful eyes that Eunjung ever laid on. It was easy to get lost in that narrowing eye smile. Though, when Eunjung caught the glimpse of Jiyeon pouting behind them – a surge of discomfort ran through her body. She pushed Qri aside, face all flustered.

 

“S-Sorry! I’m not feeling well! I’m gonna use the bathroom...”

 

Eunjung hastily stood up, turned to leave, but then froze when she saw Jiyeon, alongside three other Jiyeon stood in her way. “Are you going somewhere?” They spoke in unison. “But we haven’t had some fun yet.”

 

The temptresses words were like poisonous apple, a most delightful bite may brought calamity upon the unsuspecting. Tempted as she may, but Eunjung rather not bit into that. She warily backed away from them, and bumped into something else.

 

“She’s right, you know?” Now it was Qri and her doppelgangers. They closed in on Eunjung, encircling her like a wake of vultures upon their prey.

 

“Yeah, why don’t you stay? We’ll show you a real good time...” Jiyeon said, and their eyes simultaneously gleams blood red.

 

Without another word, Eunjung climbed over the dining table, and scampered like her life depended on it. Panic rushed all over. She dashed to the nearest door, pushed it opens before throwing her weight against the door. A powerful force slammed the door, sending Eunjung back in recoil. The door showed a tiny gap, and a blood-red eye peeked through it.

 

“LEAVE ME ALONE!!”

 

As if Eunjung’s words were abided, it soon turned quiet. No more sounds of clicked heels could be heard outside. Eunjung heaved a sigh of relief. Her hand reached to the door, closed it, and out of nowhere a sharp chill went through.

 

“Hey!”

 

Eunjung hugged herself against the chill. She rubbed herself all over, shoulder, arms, and thighs, desperate for the tiniest warmth.

 

“Hey, you!”

 

I think I just heard someone, am I losing my mind?

 

“Hey, girl-boy!” “

 

“What did you say?!” Eunjung turned around. No one was there...and she just realized she was inside a bathroom. Ire quickly turned to dread when she recalled a viral, spooky manhwa from naver. The setting was exactly the same, a lone girl...passed out on a bathroom floor after a night of wild drinking. Awoken by ghastly whispers, the foolish girl ought to know better than to open the only closed stall – where she saw a...

 

“I’m not a flesh eating ghost...”

 

Eunjung was completely astounded. Eyebrow furrowed as she uttered, “Huh, what?” It seemed this mysterious voice could read minds!

 

“You must be thinking of that manhwa aren’t you? You’re so obvious.”

 

And that’s when it struck her. “JIEUN?!” Eunjung shouted. She just recognized that distinctive attitude. But, Eunjung couldn’t see her anywhere in the small bathroom. She looked around, searching every nook and cranny, in case Jieun got shrunk or something.

 

“I’m here! Follow my voice.” Jieun said, speaking louder so her voice could easily be heard. Eunjung followed the voice, and there she found a small wooden stick figure – probably the size of index finger. It had a sharp bottom, like a pin. There were rough bulges all along the edges.

 

While Eunjung took a closer look at it, the bulges flicked open, revealing moist-bloodshot eyes. Thus the pin immediately got thrown to the wall, accompanied by Eunjung’s high-pitched scream.

 

“What are you doing? These are expensive!” Jieun protested.

 

“Huh?” Eunjung leaned closer to the pin. She didn’t hear that wrong, Jieun’s voice really did come from that wooden pin. “Jieun? What are you doing there?”

 

Jieun exhaled. “Well...I’m not exactly here. I’m somewhere on Tartarus right now. You heard my voice through the enigma eye.”

 

“Enigma what?”

 

“Enigma eye...the thing you just found. It’s an artifact. Basically, enigma eyes can transmit voice and image to each other. I have one in my possession, twelve more, I already scattered all over Tartarus. They are my eyes and ears.”

 

“Wait a second...I’m on Tartarus now? But this place looked different!”

 

“Look, Tartarus is always changing, okay? It doesn’t have one constant shape or interior, even its environment can be completely different. You mustn’t trust what you saw, got it?”

 

Eunjung uttered a yes, and Jieun continued, “From what I heard, you must be inside a trial. Those can be tricky, and...This isn’t a joke, okay? You have to get out of there before morning or you won’t wake up again.”

 

“You mean...”

 

“Yes, you’ll die...in real life.” Jieun’s voice was stern, no hint she was joking at all.

 

“WHAT?!” Eunjung dropped to the floor, as if her strength was whisked away by the bleak revelation. Never once in her life, that she had to deal with life or death situation. The pressure was outright horrifying. No wonder lots of people preferred the easy way out.

 

“...are you alright?” Jieun asked. For this once, she sounds really concerned.

 

“I-I don’t know...I’m scared...” Eunjung’s voice was breaking a little.

 

“Hey, umm...what’s your name? You haven’t told me your name, remember?”

 

“It’s Eunjung...Hahm Eunjung.”

 

“Eunjung? Your friends must’ve called you Jungie, right?” Jieun said. Eunjung nodded, and the thought of her friends, Hyomin, Boram, Soyeon, even Sunny...what if she couldn’t see them again? She wanted to meet them, at least for one last time.

 

“Listen, Jungie...can you pick me up? I mean the enigma eye.” And Eunjung did as she said. “Good, now put me in front of anything, which can grant reflection. Like water or a mirror.”

 

Eunjung approached the bathroom mirror, and laid the pin in front of it. The eyes were blinking rapidly before lights bursts out of it. All of sudden, Jieun was there...as a reflection on the clear mirror. Eunjung was so glad to see her. She ran to the mirror and hugged Jieun’s mirage.

 

Although it looked silly as hell, Jieun kept her silence. She was like this too once, scared out of her mind. How she wished to had someone to cling on back then, but she never had one. Jieun braced Tartarus by herself, and survived until now. That’s right, survival. She wondered, what was she doing – helping some girl she barely known?

 

“Did you feel better?” Eunjung answered with a light nod, and Jieun continued. “Alright, now listen to me. I can’t go to your place. Trials are different. No one can interrupt once a trial starts, not even the watchers.”

 

Eunjung lift her face up, “Then what should I do?” She still looked shaken, but at least her voice was clear.

 

“Simple. You find the way out, only – during trials, the exit aren’t always marked by doors like usual. Sometimes, it could be something else, something without a form.”

 

“Uhh...why are you speaking in riddles?” Eunjung scratched her head.

 

“It wasn’t a riddle...” Jieun let out a long sigh. “Think about it like a puzzle, sometimes you have to complete the picture before trying to understand it. Just remember – every detail is important. Find some clues. Make sure you don’t miss anything.”

 

Eunjung wasn’t sure she understands, but she rather not loitered any longer. If what Jieun said was true, she won’t have much time...it was already three o’clock in the morning when she accidentally slipped. At best...only two more hours left.

 

“Jieun, thanks for telling me this.”

 

“No problem, now we’re even.” That must be it! Jieun gaped behind her mask. Even though the sentence was purely unintentional, it finally put logic behind her action. She wasn’t helping Eunjung; this was merely settling the score.

 

Life debts are most encumbering. Now I owe you nothing, Hahm Eunjung!

 

*****

 

When Eunjung stepped outside, it was quieter than before. The identical temptresses, mostly in pairs were all busy with something. Eunjung decided if she wanted to start somewhere, it probably best to start from them.

 

She approached the nearest pair. Emerald-haired Qri was busy flipping through a book while blonde-haired Jiyeon sat idly with both feet rested on a table. Unlike her usual self, this Jiyeon looked somewhat menacing.

 

“What are you reading?” She asked Qri.

 

“It’s The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen. Have you read it?” Qri closed her book, and showed the cover. It was a beautiful book, decorated with pretty pictures and gold letters. If she wasn’t mistaken, the book was about a mirror that distorts truth and froze people’s hearts.

 

“I read them once a long time ago...I already forgot the story.”

 

“Oh?” Jiyeon leapt to the table, eyes widened in excitement. “Would you like your unni to tell you a bedtime story then?” Jiyeon smiled, but instead of comfort – the way Jiyeon smiled sends shivers down Eunjung’s spine. She felt like a helpless little girl in front of a dangerous predator [1].

 

“Uhh...I think I’m good! Haha...”

 

Eunjung slowly backed away, luckily they didn’t follow her. The next pair was sitting on top of a card table. There was a big-spinning roulette wheel behind them. Eunjung saw a black-haired Qri and long-haired Jiyeon, both wearing cat ears. When the hell kittens were in close proximity, it was clear that they were actually...Throwing money around? From distance it looked like cards.

 

“Oh, man...can’t I keep this when I woke up?” Eunjung sighed when she picked up some money from the floor. She would be lucky if she even had half of these in her bank account.

 

“Do you like money?” Jiyeon grabbed a fistful of money, and stretched them like a fan.

 

Eunjung shrugged. “I guess? I do need money to pay my rent.”

 

“How about gambling? Do you like to gamble?” Qri asked. Kitten Qri actually looked... cuddly. Eunjung never thought about it, but it seemed she had a thing for kittens?

 

“I don’t know...isn’t gambling illegal?”

 

Qri smiled and held her hand like a paw. She playfully spun the roulette wheel, until it stopped at the jackpot [2]. A loud fanfare blared from out of nowhere, at the same time – money literally rained down upon them.

 

“See? You do love money!” Jiyeon said to the awe-stricken Eunjung. “If you like it, you should just take it! Does the way you get it really THAT important?”

 

Eunjung hid her face in embarrassment. Though she disagreed with Jiyeon, her reaction just completely said otherwise. Suddenly, someone took Eunjung’s hand and led her away. She couldn’t grasp a clear view through the hail of money, only the silhoutte of a dark figure clad in leather jacket.

 

“Owh!” Eunjung yelped when her body was dumped into something soft...a mattress?! “Gaaahh! Not like this, please!”

 

“Relax, will ya? I’m not gonna hurt you!” It was the girl from earlier. Her hair was cut short, thus she was unrecognizable at first, but she was none other than Jiyeon. Strange as it may seemed, Eunjung felt her heart racing whilst she stared at the dark, brooding Jiyeon.

 

“Do you think she’s pretty?” On the side laid another girl, a spitting image of dark Jiyeon. So identical they were almost like the same person [3]. Though when she looked at the mole, Eunjung immediately knew the girl was Qri. “Which one is prettier? Is it Jiyeon or me?” Qri asked.

 

The difficult question at last. Eunjung had spent night after nights downing booze, but she still hadn’t found the answer. They were both, the most stunning woman she ever known.

 

“I...I can’t answer tha-” Before She could finish, another cold puff escaped her lips. The chill had returned, even colder than before.

 

“You really can’t choose between us?” Jiyeon’s words distracted her from the creeping cold. The young girl moved to the vacant spot beside Eunjung, and once again she was pitted in the middle.

 

“Maybe, there isn’t a right answer...you can have us both if you want.” Jiyeon whispered gently to the older girl’s ear. When she laid a hand on Eunjung, Qri followed as if unwilling to lose. Their touches were really soothing, and for a while Eunjung had forgotten about the grasping chill, since they were replaced by warmth. This was heaven indeed. The comfort from two beautiful women...was it really a sin to delve into such pleasure?

 

“Stay here with us, forever...” Qri said. Her lips curled into a subtle grin.

 

“WHAT?!” Eunjung shot up, and it all came back to her. “You have to get out of there before morning...or you won’t wake up again.”

 

Damn it! I don’t have much time left! Eunjung hastily got up. Even if she could go as a happy woman, she rather not goes at all. She was about to walk away from the bed when someone called her name. She turned around, and stared at Eunjung?

 

Eunjung rubbed her eyes, one, two, and few more times just to be sure, but ‘Eunjung?’ still stared back at her.

 

“Hello there...me.”

 

Eunjung flinched back, half screaming at the sound of her own voice.

 

Shadow Eunjung may look identical, but there was a striking huge difference – she had a paler skin, and white hair [4]. Not only that. When Eunjung looked at her eyes, there was nothing but deep void that stared back. Though other Eunjung was a deadpan, she certainly didn’t waste her time. Her arms were already wrapped around Jiyeon and Qri, and the two girls were clearly enjoying it.

 

“Poor naive me...torn between two lovers.” Shadow Eunjung looked at Jiyeon, and then Qri. Both were giggling at her company. “Are you such a coward that you afraid to turn one of them down?” She snickered. “Or could it be...you actually wanted them both?” She broke into a manic laughter; spine-tingling howls contradict the upbeat disco music

 

“Th-That’s not it!” Eunjung exclaimed.

 

“Then what is it? Tell me which one you choose?” She lifted Qri’s chin up. Lips were so close, they almost kissed. “Was it the dearly-beloved girlfriend? You liked her didn’t you? Cutie pretty Qri-unni, always so sweet and caring...” She stopped to turn at Eunjung, smirking. “Honestly, she is too good for you.” Her voice filled with disgust, as if Eunjung was dirt beneath her feet.

 

Eunjung hate to admit it, but those words did hold a ring of truth. Qri was too good for her, and she knew it.

 

“Was it perhaps...” Shadow Eunjung pulled Jiyeon closer, “You prefer the alluring mistress? So young...and beautiful...” She tilted the young girl’s head, and hungrily indulged in the sweet scent of her neck. “Aaaahhh...she’s fine, isn’t she? No wonder you can’t stop thinking about her."

 

“No...It wasn’t like that...you’re wrong.” Eunjung’s words were mumbled, not only because she was hesitating. It was because the cold attack had returned again, even more frigid then last time. Eunjung gritted her teeth, each breath releases a cloud.

 

“How am I wrong?” The other Eunjung continued. “You and I, we are one and the same. The truth is...you want them in your bed every night!”

 

The word struck Eunjung like a thunder. “No...No...” Even though her lips muttered denial, it was nothing but hollow words. Eunjung wasn’t so sure of herself anymore, and the worsening cold certainly didn’t help at all.

 

Ominous giggles turned into eerier, echoing laughter. Shadow Eunjung stepped forward, finger pointing toward the original. “Admit it! You are nothing but a pathetic, cheating scumbag!”

 

“Shut up! Shutupshutupshutupshutup!!! You don’t know anything!” Eunjung panted, out of breath. She mustered every bit of voice left, shouting, “YOU ARE NOT ME!”

 

With that, the shadow grinned.

 

Eyes flashed red, the Shadow let out a sharp roar as dozens of dark tendrils spouted from her back. The white hair and nails grew even longer. What stood before Eunjung now wasn’t a shadow of her anymore, it was a monstrosity.

 

“You...won’t...get out...ALIVEEEE!”

 

With a wave of hand, the Shadow telekinetically floated every object in the room, suspending them in midst air. Eunjung struggled as her body lifted off the floor. She tried to reach anything, managed to grab a whiskey bottle, and flung it at the shadow. It shattered into pieces when the bottle collided against an invisible force field surrounding her.

 

“Your struggles are futile...accept your fate!”

 

The Shadow’s eyes flashed bright crimson, and suddenly, the sensations from Eunjung’s toes were gone. She looked down, her feet were covered in ice and it slowly started spreading up her legs. What started as desperation turned to terror, Eunjung screamed, and threw even more objects at the Shadow – none of it made a single dent.

 

Eunjung stopped throwing, her fingers had gone numb. The screaming stopped next as the cold slowly crept into the back of .

 

“Eunjung!” A girl’s voice emanated from her pocket. “I heard everything, you can’t- you can’t die here! Not like this!” Jieun sounds distressed so unlike her normally collected demeanor.

 

“Don’t give up! The clues are all in your hand, you have to remember!”

 

Just like prompted by Jieun’s words, a series of flashes bursts into Eunjung’s mind.

 

...a mirror that distorts truth and froze people’s hearts.

 

“If you like it, you should just take it! Does the way you get it really THAT important?”

 

“You really can’t choose between us?”

 

“Maybe, there isn’t a right answer...”

 

Eunjung finally understood now, alas it was too late...her eyes widened, but no sign of life emanates from it. Eunjung had completely frozen. Trapped eternally in the cold prison that is her own nightmare.

 

Love was over.

 

*****

 

Blackness. Black, putrid blackness.

 

She felt nothing, no sensation whatsoever.

 

Something...someone approached, a faint light radiates from that person, outlining her figure.

 

“I wasn’t allowed to have favorites, but...” Her voice stopped mid-way as if she was hesitating, “Just this once...”

 

There was a sudden flash of light. Sensation returned slowly...toes, legs, fingers returned to life one by one.

 

Heart pounded, sending a surge of blood through the veins. Pulses were throbbing excitedly, and warmth came next, enveloping the whole body in a single chain reaction.

 

“Live on, daughter of Eve. I’ll be cheering for you.”

 

When the sight returned, Eunjung threw her arm toward the unsuspecting Shadow. Fingers swiftly wrapped around her neck, the shadow choked, but instead of suffering or dismay – it was erse that showed on her face.

 

“That’s right...YOU loves to play rough...Feisty b*tch aren’t you?!”

 

“You are right,” Eunjung said in serene tone. “I am a liar...a pathetic, cheating scumbag.” She loosened her grip, and as she did so, the grin vanished from the Shadow’s lip. “I’m in love with both of them. Jiyeon...and Qri, they make my heart races. And yet, I’ve been lying to them, to myself...”

 

Eunjung took a deep breath before she continued. “I was afraid, ashamed of myself. That was the reason I pushed them away...especially Jiyeon.” When Eunjung stared at the Shadow eyes, she wasn’t staring at emptiness anymore. She saw herself, lost and scared.

 

“I understand now. You, and I, we are one and the same. Your feelings are my feelings because you are a part of me.”

 

At the last word, light emanated from the shadow, enveloping her body. White hair reverted into vibrant brunette. She smiled at Eunjung, a gentle – carefree smile that she hadn’t made these past three days. The shadow dissolved into a burst of light, it was so bright it filled Eunjung’s vision with whites.

 

As her head got lighter, Eunjung heard a serene – familiar voice spoke into her mind.

 

“Thou art I and I am thou. I am shadow, the darker self. With this I declare thou hast passed the trial of truth.”

 

*****

 

Eunjung woke up.

 

Three things she saw first was, blue stripped sheets, green walls and life sized Rilakkuma – the only stuff that can be considered feminine in her room. Eunjung never knew way but she had a soft spot for this particular plush toy. It just looked so relaxed. Wouldn’t life be so much easier if people were like Rilakkumas?

 

“Rilaaaaa!” Eunjung rolled over to hug her favorite toy. Strangely, it made her feel better, as if for once, things were normal. It was short lived though, because when Eunjung looked over the Rilakkuma...Jiyeon was laid there, sleeping in Eunjung’s favorite shirt.

 

A series of thoughts immediately ran through Eunjung’s mind. Before she could make any sense of it, Jiyeon already opened her eyes.

 

“Good morning, Jungie!” Jiyeon said in high spirit and the latter, instead of supposedly happy to hear that, was so surprised – she tumbled out of the bed.

 

“Jiyeon?! What are you doing here?” Eunjung asked. Her bangs got ruffled all over her face.

 

“Hmm? You called me over, and you didn’t even remember?”

 

“What?! No way! I mean, yesterday, I...I...” Eunjung froze. It shouldn’t be possible. She was up until three o’clock in the morning last night. Did she unknowingly drunk dialed Jiyeon again? When? Was it at the bar, or... “Gaaaah!” A sharp sting suddenly struck her head, another hangover?

 

“Why? Why can’t I remember the time I spend with you...? It’s like the important parts are missing...” Eunjung groaned. She tried to suppress the pain with her hand, but it made no difference.

 

“Oh, I remember them though.” Jiyeon giggled. “You were so sweet, Jungie. You treat me like I’m a princess.”

 

“Gee...I wonder why...” Eunjung laughed weakly.   

 

“Hmm?” Jiyeon shifted her eyes into something at the bed, a small...very thin object. “Hey...what is this long red hair?”

 

Eunjung felt like her heart just dropped to the floor. Th-That’s Qri’s...! What should I do...? Should I just tell her...? No...I can’t let her find out like this...

  

“Oh! That’s...mine! I used to be a redhead, you know...fashion! Hahaha...!”

 

“Huhhhh?! Jungie with long hair? A redhead?! Really?”

 

“Yeah! Yeah...Y-You know! It’s, uhh...You know that girl band KARA? I’m really into them once. They had this girl...Gyuri? Yeah Gyuri, I liked her style, so...”

 

“Really?! Isn’t she like, super feminine? You on the other hand...” Jiyeon’s eyes were narrowed in suspicion.

 

Eunjung gulped, she had completely forgotten about her own style. Why KARA?! Why not some androgynous boy band, or better yet...a heavy metal band instead?!

 

“...I, uh...used to be feminine?” Eunjung pursed her lips. Even she realized it was weak as hell.

 

“Oh, really?” Jiyeon crawled to the floor. She approached Eunjung slowly, eyes staring fiercely like a lioness upon a tame gazette. Without warning she pounced, pushing Eunjung’s back against the cold hard floor. “It’s not from another girl, is it, Jungie?”

 

“N-Nooo....Wh-Why would you say that?”

 

Jiyeon held with Eunjung’s cheek with both palms, lifted her face up and whispered gently, “You know, because if it is...I’m going to die...right here.”

 

It was a cold, harsh tone, so unlike the usually cheerful Jiyeon. Eunjung laughed, though she was merely masking her fear. “H-H-Hey, knock it off with all the dying stuff!”

 

“Then, I’ll kill you.”

 

Jiyeon reverted back to her usual peppy high-pitched voice, like it was nothing. She threw a wide smile, but her hands slowly moved toward Eunjung’s slender neck. “I die, or I kill you...which would be better?” Her grip tightened up, pretty strong for a slim girl.

 

“Hey...Come on! Whoa whoa whoa...ARGH! *hiss*.” Jiyeon buried her teeth into Eunjung’s left ear. Though it may be playful bites, her bipolar attitude made Eunjung grew tense.

 

“Fine, I’ll give you...five seconds...” Jiyeon’s orb widened, “If you don’t answer me, I’ll kill you.”

 

What? She’s kidding right?

 

“One...Two...”

 

Wait a second! Let me gather my thoughts!

 

“Threeeeee...Fouuuur...”

 

Eunjung gaped, but the air was stuck on . When Jiyeon nearly counted five, she instinctively did the only thing that crossed her mind.

 

“Hmmppff?!”

 

Eunjung sealed Jiyeon’s lips with hers, well, almost crashed into it actually. It was an impulsive act of survival, thus explained the bumping noses, and the mid-grader level awkwardness. But Eunjung was quick to step up her game. She grabbed Jiyeon’s waist while the other hand swept along the brunette’s silky hair, clearing the bangs out of her pretty face. With a gentle curl from the tongue, she parted the younger girl’s lips, and pushed her tongue in – touching Jiyeon’s.

 

It was abrupt, rough at first, but it got so good that Jiyeon completely lost herself into it. As Jiyeon’s mind went blank, her hands slipped away and she collapsed to the floor – followed by Eunjung who accidentally slammed a remote during the slip.

 

‘El Tango De Roxanne’ blared on the stereo whilst Eunjung lay on top of Jiyeon. Their tongues wrangled, unrelenting from the pursuit of each other’s taste. The song had nearly finished when Eunjung broke the kiss, their first kiss now that she realized it.

 

“Do you trust me now?” Eunjung asked through her heavy panting.

 

“Oh, I believe you. I just wanna tease you, Jungie!” Jiyeon’s cheeks flushed red. “You’re really cute when you’re all flustered, you know?” She looked away, clearly hiding her embarrassment.

 

Just a tease? God, she’s scary sometimes...

 

RIIIING...RIIIING.

 

“Oh, what was that?” Jiyeon asked. It was the sound of Eunjung’s door bell. “...You don’t have to get that do you?” She wrapped her arm around the older girl.

 

RIIIING...RIIIING...RIIIING...RING!RING!RING!RING!RING!RING!

 

Eunjung gasped. Only one person did that, and she was the last person on earth who should ever stumble into this scene. “That’s my landlady! Hide yourself in the bathroom, okay? I’m gonna pretend I’m not here.” She whispered to Jiyeon, the latter though confused, answers with a quick nod.

 

When Jiyeon was safely out of sight, Eunjung opened the living room window, and climbed to the emergency staircase. She took out her phone, no need to dial since it had been ringing for a while.

 

“Morning babe, what’s up?” Eunjung tried to keep her voice as straight as possible.

 

“What the hell, Jungie? Where are you?!” Qri’s voiced blared from the other side.

 

“Whoa, baby, hold on...I’m outside right now.”

 

“Don’t lie to me! I saw your car in the parking lot. Where are you, huh? Are you drunk again?!”

 

“I was, uhh...taking a jog! Yeah, I feel like working out today. Hahaha...”

 

“Really? You? Jogging? Does hell freezes over today?”

 

“It-It wasn’t my idea! It was...Amber! Yeah, I’m with Amber right now.” When dealing with Qri, it would be best to mention someone from work, since Qri always advised Eunjung to take her job seriously. Hyomin would be a bad choice though, since those two didn’t exactly get along. However, Amber Liu the temp, aka Eunjung’s number one dongsaeng; was the perfect excuse for this kind of situation. It also helped that Qri actually liked the kid.

 

“Amber, huh? Well...she does like sports that kid...” Qri’s voice had calmed down. “Can I say hi to Amber?”

 

“NO! I mean...uhh, she’s really in the zone right now! How about later?”

 

“Fine...” Qri sighed. “Anyway, I just wanna tell you I have a photo-shoot tomorrow. I know you’ll always get bored, but...can you be there? It’s really important to me...”

 

“Yes, of course! Anything for you, babe...”

 

“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh, and...Try not get wasted tonight, okay?”

 

“Alright, I promise.”

 

When Qri hanged up, Eunjung immediately heaved a sigh of relief. She hated accompanying Qri to those photo shoots. She always sat on the sideline, getting judgmental stares from Qri’s colleagues. It wasn’t hard to guess what they’re thinking...a boyish girl like her with Qri. Even though those people were open-minded, they still looked down on a penniless nobody.

 

She can have anyone and she chooses THAT?

 

Did you look at her clothes? Seriously, where did she get them from? Flea shops? *Groan*.

 

...at least she’s good looking. If i don’t even have that, I’d rather kill myself.

  

“Heeey!” Jiyeon’s voice echoed from downstairs, breaking Eunjung’s train of thoughts “Looks like your landlady is gone! Come back here!” Eunjung dragged her feet downstairs, and then lazily walked back to her room. Jiyeon was lying on the bed with a wide mischievous grin on her face.

 

“Now...Where were we last time? *giggles*”

 

Eunjung whimpered.

 

*****

 

Night time, at Stray Sheep Pub.

 

“Ugh, you’re nasty...” Soyeon grunted. “And you ruined El Tango De Roxanne! I liked that song!”

 

Eunjung rolled her eyes at Soyeon, as if saying it wasn’t really her concern. To be fair, she had a more urgent matter at hand. “What do I do?! I’m meeting Qri tomorrow, she’s gonna kill me!” Eunjung tried to rubs off the lovebites on her neck; of course it was to no avail.  

 

Hyomin was laughing all the time. She never thought it would get to be this hilarious. “Second base? I thought you two hit the home run already!”

 

“Sh-Shut it! I told you I don’t remember anything!” Eunjung downed her whiskey in a second. It was nowhere near enough. This is a bad situation, really, really bad. She raised her hand to signal the waitress, but someone put it down.

 

“Don’t worry Jungie, I got you covered.” Boram grinned as she set down another glass of Whiskey. She took the seat beside Eunjung, and turned her gaze toward the latter’s neck. “Well, well, well...looks like someone’s being naughty.”

 

“You too, Boram?” Eunjung threw a face palm. “Why the heck are you sitting here? Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

 

“Whatever, I’m more interested in this right now.” Boram’s eyes lit up, and Eunjung immediately knew to watch lest she might ends up as the hottest rumor on the net.

 

“Boram-unni...” Hyomin gave her a stern look, and Boram broke into nervous laughter.

 

“Uhh, anyway, didn’t you say you were having a nightmare?” Boram asked while avoiding eye contact with Hyomin.

 

“Yeah, what’s that all about? We’ll listen to you for tonight.” Soyeon said, looking interested for once.

 

“Well...it was a weird dream actually. There was this castle, and sometimes I was being chased by monsters...I don’t know, it was scary...” Eunjung wondered, does her explanation sounded like the raving of a lunatic? Hopefully not.

 

“Hmm...That is really weird, but somehow it sounds familiar...” Hyomin said.

 

“What? I’m kinda thinking the same too?!” Boram exclaimed.

 

“Yeah...and then you feel like you don’t get any sleep at all, right?” Soyeon added.

 

Eunjung groaned. These girls flapped their mouth, but she couldn’t comprehend what they’re saying. Great! Looks like I drink too much again!

 

“Excuse me.”

 

They all turned their head toward the voice, Mr. Gentleman was standing there. Though she was caught slacking off by her boss, Boram didn’t flinched at all. “Oh, what are you doing here?” She asked in a truly calm manner.

 

He fixed his tacky sunglasses, “Hmmmm...Did you people know...? The reason you’re taught as a child...to count sheep so you’ll fall asleep is–“

 

“Yeah, yeah. ‘Sheep’ rhymes with ‘sleep’ or something.” Boram retorted, cutting him off.

 

“Ah, right...that’s our Boram, sharp as always!” He took a deep bow, smiled and left just as quiet as he came.

 

“That old dude is way creepy...” Hyomin winced. “Does he like you or what?” She threw another glance at Boram.

 

“I don’t think so...He knows I’m not into guys. Surprisingly he’s so chill about it.” Boram sighed through her pursed lips. “He’s so lame though, sometimes what he says is just too random.”

 

“Hey, don’t be so rough on the guy.” Soyeon frowned. “One day, we’ll all be old farts like him.”

 

And the group broke into simultaneous grunt upon that remark.

 

*****

 

It was a lazy Sunday for you.

 

Though you were already tired, mostly from being a couch potato all day, somehow you felt like something was missing. It didn’t take too long to figure out what it is, it was her weird story. You had to admit, you never heard of something like that before...and, you wondered, why the heck am I so into it in the first place?

 

Maybe it was simple curiosity, nothing more. But that didn’t stop you from making your way to The Stray Sheep that night. You passed through the street, clutching your arms beneath your jacket as the only means of defense against the night breezes.

 

The streets were bustling with folks that night, and you were going against the current. Soon, your shoulder grazed a passerby, and you turned to apologize, but to your surprise it was...

 

“Eunjung-ssi?!”

 

“Oh, hey there! Sorry, I didn’t look at where I am going.” She chuckled. Her expression, the way she walk, it didn’t take a genius to figure out she was clearly wasted.

 

“Are you okay?” You leaned closer to check on her. “You don’t look so good...You shouldn’t go home like this, it’s dangerous...”

 

“Was it that bad? I thought I’m fine...”

 

Without another word, you put her arm around your shoulder and helped her up. “Why don’t we chill somewhere, until you feel better?” She nodded in response.

 

Thankfully, there was a ramyeon stand nearby. You sat her down at the bench, and ordered two bowl of nice hot ramyeon.

 

“Eat up, my treat this time.” You said as you huffs the hot noodle. Eunjung however, wolfed it down without further delay. Boy, was this girl hungry or what?

 

“Ahjussi, second helping please!” She said, handing her already empty bowl to the seller uncle.

 

“So...anything new?” You asked while keeping your voice straight, masking your enthusiasm. You wouldn’t want her to think you’re weird after all.

 

“You know what? I’m glad you asked! So, listen...like you said, it wasn’t that bad this time...”

 

Eunjung continued her ramblings, until she reached the story end. You found yourself...baffled. It was much more absurd this time. Did she really just say heaven is a strip club?! And a lesbian strip club at that? You looked left, and then right, hopefully no one heard this conversation.

 

“Eunjung-ssi, is that the real story or you’re just too drunk?”

 

She scoffed, “What you don’t believe me? You’re the one who’s excited to hear my story.”

 

Her last words almost made you choked on your noodle. You turned to Eunjung, laughing awkwardly, “You knew, huh?”

 

“Well, you hardly blinked. That kinda gave it away!” She burst into laughter. It took a while until she finally straightened herself, and for you to finally get over the humiliation.

 

“Don’t worry about it, okay? I’m glad to have someone I can talk to.” She threw a smile, before continuing, “Anyway, I need your opinion...what do you think about this?”

 

 

You told her what you think. It seemed she had it quite rough lately, judging from the question.

 

Not long afterward, Eunjung already looked better. You two got up, pay the bill and walked together for quite a distance until you reached an intersection. Eunjung said she was going to another direction, so you parted ways with her. You turned your back after bidding farewell, however Eunjung called your name again.

 

“Thanks for the ramyeon! I really appreciate it.” She shouted from distance while waving at you.

 

You smiled, and watch over her back until she was out of your sight. You wondered, would she sleep well tonight? Probably not, but at least Eunjung would had more stories to tell.

 

You didn’t mean to sound like a terrible person, but you were looking forward to it.

 

 

 

AN: I think most of you guys already knew, but I'll put this anyway. References list: [1] Day by Day & y Love MV, [2] Bo Peep Bo Peep Japanese MV, [3] Cry Cry & Lovey Dovey MV, [4] Eunjung at White The Melody of The Curse.

 

Changelog:

- Majority votes is A, Eunjung chooses the Chaos response 'I like them both' when answering The Shadow. Law response would be 'I was running away from commitment'. For option A, Eunjung will starts the 3rd day with Jiyeon. Also choosing A nets -2 karma for Eunjung.

- Eunjung's karma holds no effect in this chapter since this is a trial, thus there will be no Tartarus exploring or Watcher encounter.

- Jiyeon +1 karma (total +7), extra Eunyeon scene, the first kiss.

- Hyomin, Soyeon, Boram +1 karma, each main character who gains a karma will be present during the Stray Sheep sequence.

- Jieun +8 karma, Jieun assist Eunjung during the trial instead of Narsha. Also, finding Jieun's Enigma Eye is the first step of unlocking 'Velvet Room' (aka the Item Shop).

- Qri +5 karma, Qri invites Eunjung to the photo shoot.