Sehun was conscious of himself the whole time, taking care to behave and act as a gentleman, because his garden was littered with cameras that would ultimately be seen by his parents. He guessed they’d sent the ‘young couple’ out into the wilderness to watch the ‘evolving’ of their ‘interactions’ like ‘behavior psychologists.’ He rolled his eyes, it would be just like them to perform an experiment on him. Sehun was their ‘model child,’ ‘more robot than human’ as his friends remarked. He had been raised as one too, he was supposed to be the epitome of perfection but somewhere, somehow that expectation had taken a plunge into the Han River. He had missed the target and fallen short.

As he thought about his parents ‘child raising’ techniques, he wondered what it was like for Hana. Were her parents also ‘naïve psychologists’ keen on growing children as if they were an experimental species? Probably not. She was more normal than anyone he knew. He wasn’t too sure what the real norm was but what he did know was that he was distant from it and she was closer, hence she was the normal of the two.

It was a strange thought to ponder upon when the two of them had just been told to ‘take a stroll,’ and ‘enjoy the scenery.’ And that was what they were doing. Walking slowly, taking in the darkness that evening brought. Okay, maybe it wasn’t all-dark, maybe there were lamps illuminating their path, but the skies were pitch black with just the moon as a solitary mirror reflecting sun light. Therefore, there was no ‘scenery’ to ‘enjoy.’ Sehun scowled. His parents had made the term ‘awkward’ seem sociable. He decided to blame them for his shortcomings after all. Every misjudgment he and his sister made was from bad parenting, he decided.

“I haven’t seen much of you lately,” he informed her. Honestly, he wanted her attention because she seemed too content with the solitary walk. He was different mind, he liked the sound of her voice.

“I’ve been busy.”

“Too busy to make time for your boyfriend?”

Hana panicked a little at his words. He grinned quietly to himself as he waited for her to recompose herself from the nerves. He was aware that she might be busy, after all it was possible. However, watching her come up with an explanation to defend herself with was just amusing. Was she that into him? He liked to think so.

She covered her face with her hands for a while before she responded, “No, don’t do this to me! I’m trying to finish something. Don’t distract me.”

“I distract you?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

She didn’t say anything, reserving the right to remain silent. He could almost hear her thoughts revolving, trying to come up with something, and when that didn’t work, she just ignored him as if she’d never heard the question that brought her trouble. It was too bad, he liked listening to her splutter, and wave her arms trying to explain things she didn’t need to.

“You’re not going to tell me?” He asked tilting his head to look at her.

“No. You already know.”

Sehun couldn’t help it, he smirked sneakily. “Oh... Is it this?” He questioned innocently slipping his arm around her.

“Nope,” she shook her head, unaffected by him.

“This?” Here, he stopped to hold her by the waist. She reddened and averted her gaze.

“Not really,” she muttered quietly.

“Then this?” Sehun shortened the distance between them leaving room for electrified energy to buzz. Normally, this was where she would have blushed, and tried to hide herself using him as a cocoon, but like all the other things that were progressing abnormally, she was too.

She shook her head again, no sign of crimson cheeks. She made him want to pout. His charm wasn’t affecting her anymore! That wasn’t fair, and especially not when he felt high on her. However he refused to give up so quickly.

“Then it must be this.” He leaned forward and watched her eyes draw close. Her lips puckered in anticipation making him grin. Maybe he did affect her after all! A chuckle escaped him making her snap out of her daze.

“Is that what it is then?” Victory danced in Sehun’s eyes.

She threw him an incriminating look and crossed her arms. “What is ‘that?’” She demanded to know.

He clicked his tongue, “Your distraction.”

Hana laughed, confusing him. She continued to laugh letting him think he had miscalculated his steps and that perhaps he wasn’t her distraction after all.

The perplexity must have been clear on his expression because she took his hand in hers and smiled. “You are my life’s biggest distraction,” she assured.

“I can distract you further if you want, but my back garden is probably not the best place,” he winked.

She cringed at his joke and slapped his arm for ruining the moment. “ert!”

“You’re the ert,” he reminded her with a smirk.

“Be quiet, ert.”

“Don’t deny it, ert.”

“You keep changing my words, ert.”

“You said it first, ert.”

“I’m going back inside, ert,” she declared with her hands on her hips.

“Yeah, you do that, ert.”

“Don’t follow me, ert.”

“I won’t, ert.”

Hana ruffled her hair, and feigned a glare. “Why are you following me, ert?”

“I’m going into my house, ert.”

“You’re following me, ert.”

“Am not, ert,” Sehun fumed lightly.

She rolled her eyes at him, “Are too, ert.”

“Am not, ert.” He hurried to keep up with her.

“Are too, ert,” she insisted.

The teasing continued until it caught Mrs. Kim’s ear, after which she proceeded to frown at her daughter for her rudeness towards Sehun. Hana froze in her place, not daring to move an inch, waiting patiently to be scolded with her head pointing towards the ground. Sehun didn’t understand why she didn’t try to elaborate the truth. Why would she listen to her mother’s shouting when she’d done nothing wrong? He was quick to defend, unknowingly the ‘robotic side’ he thought he had was slowly but surely transforming.

-

The Blue House was indeed blue, very blue, now that Sehun saw it up close. There were numerous guards just about everywhere, some stood in lines while others carried out patrol. It was like walking into an army barracks except these guys were in black suits, glasses and each wore earpieces. They were tall, built and intimidating. They acted as if they were invisible, but clearly that didn’t make them so.

He wondered how dreary it would be to live in such a place. This was the home of Seo Kangjun and of course, the President. Automatically, he wished he’d opted to stay home. His brotherly instincts had gotten the better of him, he too wanted to see his sister’s supposed fiancé and possibly sit down to question him, if that were allowed. He doubted security would be highly pleased.

The President herself was late, donning a black blazer, black skirt, a crisp white shirt with deep red lipstick that reminded him of blood. This was the person who ruled their country. She was a trillion times more domineering than her workers.

Sehun had never seen his parents act shy, but here they were behaving timidly as they handed her fruit baskets that were taken by the bodyguards for ‘security measures.’ He expected as much, however there was open hostility being thrown their way by the President.

She eyed Seryung with her nose upturned, not quite accepting what she’d been hearing. Her toad like eyes scanned the Oh family. Her first thought was: ‘At least they dress well…’ The second: ‘What was Jun thinking?’

Seated in the President’s living room, it was safe to say that everyone was uncomfortable. The lady herself sat with her back as straight as an iron board. She engaged in conversation with Mr. & Mrs. Oh occasionally pausing to glance at their daughter. Her eyes were devoid of any emotion other than intense dislike. She didn’t like to let it show, but her eyes shot lasers now and again.

Kangjun was last to arrive to the party. The man of the show flustered at the door, trying to fix his hair, as he hurriedly scurried over to shake hands with the guests. His manner was pleasant and extremely likeable. If Sehun didn’t already know him, through rumors, he would have stated that this Kangjun, and the one from school were not the same person.

Mrs. Seo became tight lipped. Anger flashed in her eyes, towards her son and the so-called daughter-in-law. She had been shocked to receive a phone call from the so-call in-laws who couldn’t wait to set up an ‘arrangement.’ All this had happened behind her back. She had a right to be furious. The first question she’d asked her son after being informed of a ‘marriage’ had been: “You didn’t get her pregnant did you?” The answer she’d received was no, but she wasn’t convinced. Why else would her young apt son be hung over a girl?

“We are very delighted to hear that your son has taken an interest in our daughter!”

“Yes indeed, it seems like it was just yesterday we were discussing the matter of Seryung’s marriage and your son’s name came up!”

Mrs. Seo nodded at the vivacious nature of the Oh’s. She ignored them mostly, but tuned in every now and then to catch the conversation. It seemed they wanted promotions in exchange for her son, or at least that’s what they were hinting at. It was too bad. Nothing was going to happen. Their coy daughter would be returning home without a ring.

“You’ve been very quiet son, is it because your future fiancée is here?” Mrs Seo queried patting her son’s shoulder.

Kangjun forced a smile and cleared his throat before speaking, “I’m sorry, but there seems to be a misunderstanding. No one is getting married. It’s true that Seryung and I are dating, but we don’t have plans for marriage yet.”

Sehun furrowed his brows and  cast a glance at his sister whose eyes were downcast. She fiddled with the fingers on her lap as a new conversation sparked. Their parents were too feeble to argue with the President. They were being wedged into the corner of misinterpretations, and judging from Seryung’s reaction Sehun knew something fishy had happened.

He frowned quietly to himself waiting for when he would be able to punch a hole through Kangjun for not only humiliating his parents, but also making his sister shrivel up like a fish without water. What was that guy thinking? Why had he ‘proposed’ if he was going to shrug it off? Was he playing with Seryung, perchance? If so, Sehun would make sure the guy never laid eyes on his sister again! Quietly, he glared at the felon who had toyed with his sister, and ultimately made a joke out his entire family.

Kangjun kept his head low and eventually asked to be pardoned, not in the mood to listen to the squabble that had turned into a series of apologies from both sides. He was responsible for it all and there was one person he truly owed an apology to.

 She was refusing to meet his gaze, understandable. Her brother was seething, also to be expected. He left early before the suggestion of a meal at the Blue House cropped up. The idea was sardonic in itself, after disappointment would anyone want to eat with those who hurt them. Probably not. The Oh family however were unique because they did decide to stay. This meant his confrontation with Sehun was unavoidable. President’s son had dismissed the guards just in time.

“Just what are you playing at?!” Sehun gripped Kangjun’s collars.

“I’m not playing.”

“You rotten b*****d! Are you sane? Why the hell would you drop sweet talk all over the place, and then pretend it never happened? Like hell, you’re not playing! Do you think I’m an idiot?”

Kangjun sighed heavily. Lately things weren’t going right. He tried to meet Seryung’s eyes but she averted immediately. He was being pushed into a corner.

“Marriage is not a joke. We’ll get there when we do. Our relationship just hasn’t reached that level,” he confessed frustratedly.

Sehun wanted to punch him, as senile as the idea was, he really wanted to rearrange Kangjun’s face so his proud mother would have trouble recognizing him.

“Oppa, stop. Let me talk to him,” Seryung intervened making Sehun twitch. He said nothing but ran his hands through his hair in exasperation. He wanted to give the both of them a good scolding, perhaps even smack some sense into them. The idea wasn’t plausible, not when both of them were silently asking him to leave so they could sort themselves out. Unwillingly, he obeyed the order.

Kangjun’s shoulders sagged when the door closed with a thud. “I’m sorry. You’re mad too right? Just because you stopped him, doesn’t mean you’re fine with everything,” he apologized weakly.

Seryung bobbed her head. Was she angry? She felt a little relieved. Her behavior didn’t match the situation, but she was glad to be rid of the weighty term of ‘marriage.’ Still, Sehun had been onto something: things didn’t seem to add up. “Why did you say that? You were the one who said you wanted to marry me. Just now… You made it seem like I was pushing for it…”

He held his head in his hands, not sure how to break it to her. He blinked when her innocent eyes peeled the layers around him, leaving him feeling bare. Sighing, he asked “How’s Tao?”

Almost instantly, her countenance transformed into one of tiredness. “He’s been sick lately…”

“I see. A cold?”

“I’m not sure…”

“Did you guys fight?”

“Let’s not talk about him, please!”

“See that?”

“What?”

Suddenly, Kangjun hugged her shoulders and sighed into her hair. “How can we get married like that? All our conversations revolve around Tao-this, Tao-that. I don’t even know the guy but you make me hate him! He’s all you ever talk about!

“I know it too, I know you like him. A lot actually… I’ve been patient, extremely patient about it. But seriously, how can you show up at my door like this? Tell me,” – here, he pulled back and stared into her eyes – “how can we get married like that? We’ll both be miserable for the rest of our lives.”

Honesty radiated from his eyes, it hurt to look. She balled her fists, she was hurting him in her current state. She took a step back as she spoke, “I’ll stop talking about him. There’s nothing between us anyway. I’m sorry for hurting you. I’ll try harder, I promise.”

Kangjun didn’t want to burn in jealousy, and Seryung hated the idea of longing for someone who would never be. He slipped her hand into his and gave it a squeeze. He hoped he hadn’t offended her.

“I can wait for you.”

She nodded with a small smile, “You don’t have to. I’m already here.”

-

“What are you?”

“Me? I’m no one really.”

“A voice in my head…”

“I’m not exactly inside your head.”

“A delusion…”

“Hmph! I didn’t ask for you to hear me!”

“Says she’s a ghost…”

“But I am.”

“Is going to haunt me.”

“That I am not. I haunt interesting people, not boring ones.”

“I’m boring...”

“No, you’re mean! You were mean to Seryungie too!”

“Seryungie?”

“Yes. It was rude. She only came because Hana sent her after you.”

“You know her?”

“Of course I do!”

“How?”

“Magic! Duh, she can see me.”

“She sees you…? She sees ghosts. Makes sense but defies science.”

“Speaking of science, don’t you do homework?”

“I should.”

“Yeah you should, even Hana is almost done hers.”

“You checked?”

“Yup.”

“You can spy on people?”

“Erm… It’s not really spying. I don’t hide exactly.”

“Then you would know…”

“What?”

“How her talk went.”

“You mean at the Blue House? I didn’t go there. I’ve been here with you.”

“Ca-can you check?”

“Hm… Do I have to? It sounds pretty boring.”

“No then?”

“Do your homework!”

Tao sighed. He’s been ‘talking’ to something that called itself ‘a ghost.’ He was in denial. Since when did ghosts exist? He hadn’t thought of them, until Seryung had first spoken about them.

He sighed again, sighing was something that was starting to become habitual. He chuckled to himself, still dubious. Was he really talking to a ghost?

“What’s your name?”

“Mine? Uh… I don’t have one,” she lied taking a seat beside him. She waved her hand in front of his face but he didn’t even flinch. It was astonishing that he was hearing her yet not seeing, hadn’t it been the opposite for Sehun?

“You don’t want to tell me?” Tao interrogated.

“Not yet. Not until you can see me.”

“Should  I be able to see you?”

“Maybe?”

“Why do I feel like a test subject?”

“Because you might be.”

He nodded and sighed ruffling his hair. Life had lost its meaning. He’d forgotten the joys of being alive. What was the point? He traced his lips and groaned. Why had he kissed her? Now he missed her more than usual. He needed her by his side if he wanted to regain his sanity, or at least that’s how he perceived it. Perhaps he was making excuses to be near her?

“Mr. Test Subject, I have a question for you.”

-

Hana yawned and rubbed her eyes. It was painstaking, but she thought she’d narrowed the list down considerably. She laughed at herself. Never had she imagined she would ever have to break into lockers to look at copybooks, now here she was, matching handwriting. Perhaps it was the nature of the crime or her lack of experience, she hadn’t caught the culprit from her findings. Back to the computer, only two names stared back at her. They made her stomach churn with contempt. She knew these people, sort of. Why would one of them torment Tao?

She reached for a copy of Tao’s letters. Why would anyone pour so much effort into this? It was ridiculous! Yet the content was so feverishly virulent.

They had begun as something not to take great note of, name calling and warnings. Somewhere in between they had hinted at knowing about Tao’s personal life. Then they began to make fun of people close to Tao and later, threatening wellbeing. They were the sole cause of her cousin’s distress.

The invisible voice in black ink needed to be unveiled. Whoever he was, he needed to be brought out into the open for Tao to breathe again. Her cousin needed to see the culprit as an ordinary person, not a great force that was his soul dry.

Hana reckoned she could help him up to there, as to how they should handle the bullying, only the teachers and Tao himself would be able to take action.

She squeezed her dry eyes, within a couple of hours it would be time for school. She hadn’t slept a wink, and she doubted she would have been able to. She’d even taken the time to fit in homework and revision, that was how much she abhorred the two names that had glared at her through the computer screen.

They would haunt her until she found the offender. Until then they would burn themselves into the back of her head. Just two names, one was Kim Joonmyun and the other, Seo Kangjun…

Who could it be? Sinister maybe?  ;)