In & Between.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Ireland. I wished my parents were here visiting me for their vacation this moment. Though the sun is bright, the warmth is temperamental that there's a slight humidity giving a fresh air smell. I just love days like this.

Walking down the street locking my rented room, I can see the busy street of the city. Cars and buses. Pubs, musics, retail stores, and the people. I smiled. Its gonna be a great day!

"Lexis!" I heard Troy's voice from the walkway pavement. He was driving his car. He slowed down and made a hand movement of asking me to hope on.

That's my buddy. My best friend. Troy Barrons.

"Mornin! Stop by Anne's. I need my coffee," I told him as I settled down on the passengers seat next to him.

"Alright," He drove me to the coffee shop.

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Class was boring today because it was not Mrs. Jain teaching my favourite philosophy class, it was her replacement. And i'm wasting my 2 hours dosing off.

I took out my phone and texted Troy. 'I wanna have Subway. You?'

And the reply came immediately. That guy. Does he even concentrate in his classes? But a smile creeps on my face.

'On! See ya there XOXO'

Hitting the home button, I was back to dosing till the end of my two hours.

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"Hahahahahaha" Laughter erupted among our group of friends.

Troy and I ended sitting among our general cliques of friends when we saw them at Subways too.

"Troy, man up!" Celina was teasing him.

Troy was drooling over a way muscle-y athletic guy who passed by us to the counter.

"What, shuddap Celina," Then he went back to looking at him.

I rolled my eyes, nudged him to get his attention and raised one of my eyebrow.

Our silent eye conversation goes, "What happened to courting Cassian?"

His was, "He's avoiding me," and I went, "Ah?" Troy just shrugged and went back to eating.

I will have to talk to him privately then. Troy's not open with his sexual orientation that much but I know he's been trying to get Cassian his attention who is also another one of his type. A homosexual.

Troy confessed to me he likes a guy from his department weeks ago and I was so surprised that he was finally hitting home run to chase after someone openly.

After our lunch break, the guys receded leaving me and Troy walking back to campus.

"Anything you not telling me?" I chimed.

He must have expected me asking him that because he sighed.

"No idea Lex. He rarely comes for classes too. I contacted him but it went up to voice mails and I'm worried about him. He told me his dad was against him, Lex,"

Cassian was giving signs of accepting Troy because they've been out many times and Troy always comes back texting me about his date. He's thrilled to be courting someone for the first time and he rambles about it.

Now I'm worried too.

"Its alright. Maybe give him some time to come out of it. He can't avoid classes for long Troy. He will be back," I linked his arm with mine and strode up pulling him out of his gloominess. Something about that gloomy face makes me feels weird. Not liking it.

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Bad dream. Breathing hard and shallowly I woke up. Bad dream. Just bad dream I told myself.

I slide my phone up and saw missed calls. WAIT. WHAT TIME IS IT?! OH SHIT. I'M LATE FOR THE PARTY. SHIT.

I called back to the missed call and started scrambling to my feet to get ready. "TROY! I OVERSLEPT!"

"Get your damn ass here as soon as you can then," I heard music in the background of his phone.

"Got it, see ya,"

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"Hey Alexis, thank you for coming darling, come on in," Troy's mum was already greeting me from her door. I hugged and kissed her cheeks. Bringing a red wine bottle I got for their anniversary.

"Oh dear, you dont have to do that," She frown, concern on the money I spent on them. They have always been really nice. Almost always reminds me of my parents over the sea.

"Hey babe," Troy came walking up behind his mum and hugging me then all the sudden he stilled.

I looked up from his chest to see his face. Questioning with my eyes.

He was looking straight ahead outside the door. Turning, I saw Cassian standing at the pavement, looking nervous. I heard Troy whisper, "He came," and saw the light in his eyes brightening.

"Go," I pushed him towards the door. Happy to see them finally getting together. Relieved somehow.

Standing at the door sill. I look at Troy pacing towards Cassian. They both look a little awkward standing looking at each other but Cassian made his move.

He close the gap between Troy and him. Troy's body was flexing at the distance. Cassian moved his his hand to Troy's cheeks. "I'm sorry Troy. I took a long time."

I could feel the relief passing by Troy and it went through me too. I smiled and went back inside to give them their privacy.

Later on Troy brought Cassian in and he introduced Cassian to his parents. I stood waiting.

"This is Alexis, my best friend and Lex, this is Cassian," He beamed, Cassian seems to be shying.

"Man up Cassian, you will get a lot of bullying around," I was really happy for them. "Champagne for the new couple?" I teased and Troy hit me on my head. I burst out laughing and dragging them to the serving table.

Soon after that day, little did I know things were taking its avalanche of emotions.

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Trampolines was placed in the middle of the backyard and people were occupying it. Soon, I was joining Troy and his brothers. He pulled me in while still jumping and I whooped. Cassian was standing and watching us smiling. More like smiling at Troy.

Then I looked at Troy. Things took it turn. A stupid thought of kissing those lips came to me. Horrified with myself I tried to banish it but it came back. This time, touching his birthmark on his cheeks. Then kissing his closed eyes. Then hugging him with my head on the gap of his should and neck. Horrified and panic flushed over me. My knees buckled and  I fell.

"Lex, you okay?" Troy was still jumping and came closer holding his hand out.

"I'm fine. I think I'm getting jumping sickness," Lied. I quickly exit the trampoline and walked back into the house needing water.

What the heck is wrong with you Alexis? He's your friend and he has a boyfriend! Burn your brain! No. No. I'm just getting paranoid that he's taken that's all. Banish that thought! He doesn't like girls for heaven's sake Alexis.

Needing a better space, I left without telling him.

Troy texted me the moment he realised I left without telling him. I told him I didn't want to interrupt anything so I went off. He replied saying, okay, see ya at campus then, XOXO. I didnt reply.

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Next day, I was walking towards my class when I saw two familiar figure walking. Troy and Cassian. I smiled. When Troy saw me, he came over in one stride of his long legs. "Alexis! You have explanation to give young lady! You left the party early! What was that?" Troy exclaimed. Usual Troy and whenever there's a party at his place. I stay over till the next day.

"I wasn't feeling well Troyyyyy. Hey Cassian!" I waved.

"Hey," He smiled. Looking at Cassian and Troy together. Being comfortable, hits something in my chest and stomach again. Am I going to puke? No that's not the puking sensation. Damn it Alexis!

No. Walk away. I did. I turned and without glancing I told them, "I need to use the toilet. See you guys around,"

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'Lex? Something wrong?' - Troy.

'Lex, we are at Subs, come join for lunch,' - Troy.

Missed call.

'Lexis! Answer your damn phone. Where are you? Left?' - Troy.

Missed calls. 3.

'Alexis! At least tell me if you are back home. WTH is wrong with you?!' - Troy.

'Alexis, you sick? Are you in campus? I'll come see you tomorrow.' - Troy.

'F*ck, Lex. Stop making me worry about you. Cassian is worried too you know,' - Troy

His anger is not being contained from each message. I am avoiding him after all. Its been 4 days. I didnt attend any classes nor did I move out of my room.

I need to think about this stupid feeling twice.

Then I heard a bang and a shout outside my door. Must be him. Who else bangs instead of ringing the bell? Troy.

"I know you are in there Lex, open the door," He was calm. Can I not open the door? Should I? What will I do?

Again, "Lexis, open the damn door before I break it!" He is angry. Does he think its his fault?

I opened and my control gave away the second I saw his face. Looking flabbergasted, Troy was red and furious written all over his face.

I stared at him quiet and not sure what to do.

"What the heck Lex," He started to come in but I stopped him. He stared now. "Lex, what's wrong? This is not you. Anything you are not telling me?" He asked, eyes roaming over my face for answers.

"Troy, I'm leaving Ireland in a month time. After our grad," I told him. Looking at him.

He look confused.

"Go back Troy. I'll be fine soon.  I need some time alone,"

"You are upset for this? You are avoiding me for this? Because you are going to leave? It does not make any sense Lex," He totally can see through me.

Like that's easy.

"I'll see you tomorrow Troy. I promise," He nod and left.

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I didnt go to campus the next day. I broke my promise and I was getting drunk in some random pub away from my room.

Missed calls again.

Walking back to my room, it was pass 12.00 am and the street was still brightly lit with people walking.

Taking my turn down to my street, I saw Troy standing, slanting on his car, waiting. I'm still in my sense though I'm sober.

I walked passed him. Hoping he didnt realise it was me. But I was held down by an arm. Turning me around. I saw Troy's frowning face.

"Alexis,"

"Troy," I replied.

"Confess to me what is going on now," He sound so serious that I wanted to kiss that lips of his.

I pushed him away, staggering a little from the sudden push. I pace a few feet behind but he stood at his spot.

Still looking at him. I know he know's I'm avoiding him. He knows it got something to do with him and only him.

"I'm in trouble Troy. So much trouble," I said. Slowly picking my words. His facial expression changed to worry. "I can't do this. I should not do this. That's what makes sense. But I am not making any sense. I am horrified Troy. Horrified,"

"Alexis-" I stopped him from talking by putting my hand out.

"I have feelings for you," I said it. There. Standing there like a stupid pathetic fool staring at him. I just ruined our friendship. I ruined it. But he was still standing there processing it. How naive.

"Alexis, what? I-"

"You did not do anything. Its me. Its my stupid feeling. I'm sorry.Troy, I need this distance. Leave me alone for a while while I fix myself,"

"Can I really get my friend back?" Something about his question broke me. Deep. I could almost hear the crack in my heart. Can he?

I gave me a smile. "I'll try,"

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Well life sucks. Why now, Alexis? Why when you are going to graduate and move on to a different place and go on with life does your stupid heart has to play with you?

I went back for classes. Didn't want to bunk it anymore. I missed few deadlines for assignments submissions as well. Sigh.

Its been two weeks. I didn't see Troy or Cassian. No text messages. I can feel the stupid hole in my stupid heart. How could I fall for him? Why? I have been liking him since our first day but it was not like this. Troy was my best friend. Grateful I am to have him by my side when I first came to this country.

I groaned on my bed. I need to do something. I need to get out.

Pub it is. Getting drunk. Like that can ever erase him away.

But I still went. "Give me one of the top whisky," I ordered. Yes, I'm going to puke out everything in this body.

The beat was nice and I began bobbing my head. Its getting to me. The music. I took my whiskey shot and walked to the crowd and started dancing. For that moment I did forget about him. Nothing was important that dancing to the beat and screaming. It was loud enough that no one can here you scream. I made it through around an hour when I spotted Troy there with Cassian both staring at me.

Abruptly stopping. I turn to get another shot in case I was daydreaming.

"One of the same the young lady is drinking," He ordered. So he did came over. Cassian was standing next to him looking slightly worried. So he does know then. Still ignoring, I was swirling my drink. Thinking but not thinking.

"Alexis," He was cautious. I turned to him, looking at them both. Both their fingers intertwined. How absurdly can I be daydreaming.

"You won't get her back. Not for now," I said tentatively. It was getting packed and I needed air. More like I need air away from Troy, real or not.

After about 30 minutes, walking randomly around the street. I decided to give in and go back to my room.

And there he was again. My drunk state must have been imagining him again. I walked slowly. Hearing me approach. I didnt stop at him I walked pass to my building, walking up the stairs, he was following me quietly. Up till my room door. I put the key in and he was still there, not talking. I turned. Nope he's real.

I stifled my movement not to touch him.

"Lex," His voice was soft and sad. I want to kiss away that latter part of him. His blue eyes was piercingly bright under the dim hallway light. I can keep staring at that eyes for hours for sure.

"You will never get her back," I repeated like a broken record. I am.

"Lex, try. Please. I need you Lex. It feels so weird not having you around. Even with Cassian. You are my friend Lex. Try something. I-,I know I'm being selfish. I know this must be killing you. I know how it feels,"

It feels like my throat have been clogged by a stone. I cant swallow and I cant talk. For a good 2 minute we were looking at each other. My hand moved before my brain even processed that it was moving. It touched his left cheek that has his birthmark. Troy stiffen under my touch. He was radiating too much heat in my touch but he did not move away. I didnt look into his eyes. I was looking at my hands touching his cheeks. I smiled.

As if I came out of trance, I immediately removed my hand and turn to unlock my door and stumbling with my keys. Drunk. I'm drunk. It would have taken one swift move to kiss him.

"Do it," He said.

What is he talking about was what I was thinking when realization hits me. He is asking me to kiss him. Blood drained from my face. This is wrong, my brain says.

"Do it Alexis. Kiss me,"

Later tonight I will regret every single inch of myself for doing this but damn the consequences.

I turned and kissed him. I know its mostly my drunk self that was overtaking me but I do know what I'm doing and I'm blaming my drunk state for now.

Troy was frozen in place for few second but he started to give in. I didnt want to think of anything. So I kissed him. Eyes closed, hands at the back of neck. Tears sprang out of my eyes. Our breath mingling when we stopped. Still holding each other. Head and nose touching. I didn't dare to open my eyes. Regret taking over me right this moment.

I let him go and with swift movements, I unlocked my door and shut it hard. Leaving him behind the door without a word.

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Coffee

Winged.

"Its safe here for the time being. The place is warded with protection spells. Only people I allow to come in can walk through it," he told her while standing near the entrance of the so called hut. From the outside, its just made of up bricks and nestled with roofs made up of dry leaves, but Selena knows it does more of its magic inside.

As plain as the hut looks from the outside, the inside was a house where a comfortable house would look like. Everything was in place. A room, a kitchen, a living area and a bathroom covering every corner. It looks like a place taken care by a mother of the family. Who's house is this? Or is it was Selena wondered.

He stood strangely awkward thinking what else it is that should be advised to Selena before leaving her here for the time being. Selena stood staring around gaping.

She was brought here not willingly. No one wanted her in the village of hers. It was all it took for an Highlander to offer himself to bring her over. Who is he? All he said after offering up to take her was, well nothing. He helped her up on his horse and slide behind her and Selena still processing what was happening around her.

Highlanders are mythical creatures according to humans. They possess magic no one could. They partly are shape shifters. Depends on their level of royalty, a full royal Highlander could transform to a full shape shifter. No one disagrees with an Highlander, that was the unspoken rule.

He had wings. Black. Feathers. She had never seen one so beautiful covering the back of a person. His was flowing with royalty but is he one? It was almost the height of him and width twice of his muscularly lean body.

"I have two of my personal Rimwicks attending to you if you need them," He snapped his finger and two floating creatures came in view in front of her that she jerked and backed off hitting a wall behind.

Rimwicks are personal attendees of the Highlanders. They look like floating version of mini gargoyles.

Selena was now terrified of having them around her. Her wide eyes must have been read by him that he added, "They wont come to life unless you summon them to," and that made the two floating Rimwicks to turn to stone and was now on the mantel of the fireplace. Great now two pair of eyes will be watching her movement?

"Thank you," Selena was sincerely thankful but it came out hastily due to her nervousness.

He simply nodded and disappeared. Damn that tricks always gives her chills. Highlanders can teleport. Appearing here and there wherever they wish they want to.

Now she was all alone. Afternoon sun was blazing through but she was bone tired to move around. She move to the couch and slide down warily. Strangely comfortable.

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She must have slept. Because when she opened her eyes, it was night time and someone was cooking someone. She smelled food the moment her sense came and dawned on her that someone was in the house besides her! She stood in a motion too fast for her to conjure that, she black out for few second standing and she saw black wings in the kitchen. Her heart beating wild. The guy is has not to her his name is cooking?

She stalked slowly towards the open entrance. He must have heard her gasping in surprise because he turned to give a glance over his shoulder and continued his cook work.

I saw plates arranged for two and my stomach grumbled.

As if on cue, he turned and place two big bowls of soup filled with scrumptious delicacy that she rarely got to eat at her village.

He motioned her to take a place as he did on her opposite. They had a silent dinner.

But Selena couldn't take the silent treatment. "Name?" She asked while looking at him.

Something flickered in his eyes but he answered, "Lorean Canally."

"Selena Lane,"

Then it went still. He must have realised the awkwardness because he stood and went to clean up his plate, walked over to the room next to the living hall.

Is he going to sleep here? If so where does Selena sleeps she wondered and shivered.

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Its been a week of stay. Selena cooks dinner now because Lorean was rarely in the hut nowadays. No, much to Selena's worry, he does not sleep in the hut, he does not stay overnight. Once a while he comes over then greets, "Lady Selena." She got used to him calling her that since the introduction.

But all she does to get his attention was to clear her throat and speak by not addressing his name. Somehow it feels weird for her to call him Lor, or Lorean. What should she address him? But he seems to not care.

When she cooks, she always cooks for him too, in case he comes and always leave his dish on the table. Surprisingly, the bowl is always empty the next morning. Does he sneak in at night while I sleep? But she knows its him.


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"I want to walk outside," She told him one day when he came over. She was getting frantic being closed with no visitation for her to talk to someone and she badly wanted to walk out and look at something but much to her eagerness, she dont dare till she gets permission.

"You may," Was all he said and disappeared leaving a note on the coffee table in front of the couch.

'Silver satin with heels of your choosing.
20:00 hours.Tonight'

The note said.

Ah? He wants me to dress up?

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Someone came along with Lorean when she was getting ready. A girl. She looks the same age of hers and friendly too.

When Lorean teleported with her together, she straight came to Selena and greeted.

"My greetings Lady Lane. Oh what a gorgeous outfit you wear but let me take over the beautification," She displays too much formality it edges Selena on speaking because she wasnt sure it would come out formally.

But she thank her.

The girl told her to call her Lady Kestrel.

"There, there. All dolled up for the ceremony," Lady Kestrel exclaimed.

Selena was shaken to see herself in the mirror. That was not the person she knows that looks back at her through the reflection but it was her.

Did she used magic? Was that what she meant by beautification? But no, she used sets of colored powdered and lipsticks that she knows only Highlanders can afford. Probably its mixed with magic. All Highlanders are beautiful, even the males.

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Selena was then accompanied by Lady Kestrel in a carriage.

They pass through the road of forestry and now pacing through a city hall heading towards the Highlander's Palace. Is there an event today? Where is Lorean Canally? He is not joining them?

Selena started fidgeting. Can someone like her visit a palace of an Highlander? Wouldn't people recognise her? Oh no. She was shaking now.

"I have woven you with my magic to keep to constraint among the plain view of the Highlanders. Do not worry of being identified," Lady Kestrel said as though she read her mind.

I knew it, Selena thought. Magic indeed she did.

When she walked through the entrance to the event hall, a cold chill ran down her spine. Dejavu.

She feels familiarity but Selena could swear she has never been in here in the 24 years of life. Or did she?

Lady Kestrel was hand in hand with her and she directed them both among the crowds. There were foods everywhere and Selena started drooling at them.

"The days is yours, Lady Lane. Enjoy the food. I advise you eat them before your appetites goes away," She grinned. Oh?

When Selena started moving towards them to get hold of a muffin she saw, she heard loud horn. Announcement. She knew it. Royalties coming in. She quickly twirled and moved away to hide among crowds. Lady Kestrel was having conversation with someone few feet from her.

Somehow being an average height gave her an advantage to see the Royalties from behind the crowd. When the wide wooden door she came through opened again, in came in few white coat dressed chiseled men with wings.  Each men with wings of different stealth and size.

Selena marveled at their dressing and the features. Royal Highlanders making an entrance.

Then followed by women, old and young. But unlike their male counterpart, the women had hidden their wings. Somehow making them invisible. Retracted.

And now Selena understood while Lady Kestrel told her about eating the food before her appetite goes off.

Walking in, in the last person of the Royal Highlander was Lorean Canally. Prince of Highlander. His wings were smooth black silk features. It gave her goosebumps.

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Coffee

The Black Ops.

"June, get Allison here by dawn. I have a job for you guys," Kai came trudging in with his mission suit. Sheathed sword and daggers around his hips. I bet there are blades and knives hidden in those armor of his.

"What?" I said nonchalantly looking up from my book.

"It's an important job June. I need a proper crew to attempt it," He stepped into the study room and unbuckled his armor.

"You are not stepping inside the study with those filthy boots Kai," I told him, going back to my book.

He heaved an exasperated sigh and stop midway.

"By dawn," He repeated it to me and took off.

Leader of the Black Operations, that's him alright. Always so secretive, moody, arrogant, mysterious, trusts no one and the most perceptible person to the King to assign him of to most of the mission. Even if its not any Black Op missions.

I flipped my book and stood to find Allison.

Allison, member of Kai's Black Op crew. Personally selected by King Tibe to be placed into Kai's crew. Allison is a shooter. She shoots everything and when I mean everything means its literally everything she sees and hates. Shooting a tree branches for apples was the most ridiculous thing she does and she puts it by saying, 'its efficient'. Allison can be compared to Kai for his skills in swords and blades while Allison does with her shootings. She never miss her bullets. Not that I have seen of.

I walk pass the Great Room where mission meetings are usually conducted and to the dormitory area.

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"Oh great the wraith is in this also?" Jesper's grunting was heard even before we opened the door to the Great Room.

"What's the problem with me hanging around Jes? Scared you will pee in you pantsy when you don't see me coming?" I answered.

And yes, that's my so call nickname among the gang or maybe not really among the gang. Wraith, the shadow girl or spy. I am made to me one. Trained.

My walks are ghost-like, cat-like that no one see me coming behind them for stabbings. And most certainly serves as a good spy with my jumping skills. Not that I am proud of it. I am not a shooter or a sword wielder though I am fairly good enough to defend myself. But my game-point would be my spy skills. I get information for my crew. From every hook and crook. Getting into dangerous place, prisons, palace, most guarded place and no one notices.

With all our bickering, we are most certainly a team and lead my Kai. Whom most certainly trust us with out skills.

Jesper is smart ass in our crew. He is the strategist. He can come up with something so useful even in our death bed. He analyses most of the information I give to Kai and comes with ideas and schemes.

"Just dont kill each other alright," Allison said when we took our seat.

Kai seems to be into a piece of paper and next to it looks like a map.  

"Kent is not joining?" Jesper ask seeing the missing member in the group.

Kai seem to be picking out only us and its not usual to leave Kent out. We most certainly need Kent in most of our missions. Jesper's question seems to bring Allison and me to it too. Why isn't Kent in?

But judging my Kai's dim quietness I guess he thought about it too before only choosing us.

I raised an eyebrow at Kai's stare but he just look away.

"We are breaking into the Calore Court to steal the most forbidden book to ever exist on earth," Was all Kai had to say to make all three of us to snap our head towards Kai and make us gap at him.

Everyone of us looking at him for some elaboration.

"The Book of Dark Theory," Was the answer that came out of my mouth. I know a lot about books because I spend most of my time in the study. A place for my solace when I'm not doing my missions.

"Yes, and this is not any missions assigned by the governors or senators. This was direct order of King Tibe himself. Its not a mission but a job for us," Kai stood almost like a mass of muscles.

"He wants us to get ourselves killed?" Allison for all her confidence seems to falter.

"Not certainly,"

"Why can't he just ask the Calore Court king himself nicely and get over with it? I mean they are both certainly are on good terms. Our court help's them most of the time and vice versa but its a unspoken rule not to steal anything from our allies. If anything, its the forbidden book! Not some jewels!" Jesper was fidgeting.

I am not sure if my brain is processing this. Getting into the Calore Court means meeting Jaden. My brother and its my childhood. A place I grew up and now I'm supposed to go there to steal some book while talking nicely to my friends?

"We are given two weeks. Today is just to tell you guys about it. I'll give you guys the details tomorrow night. Jesper, I want the layout of the court with security details when we meet up. June, Im sure you know how the book looks like, so you will be retrieving it and with your history with the Calore Court, Jesper would be needing your help,"

I was just gaping at Kai.

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I was waiting for him at the stairs.

"You need to replenish yourself before we head north," Kai said when he saw me waiting for him.

I stood up and straighten myself.

"Kai-"

"We need some stuffs. Help me with the blade sharpening and get all of us some linens and coats. I don't want us to go numb before we even reach the court," He walked into his room and I followed.

His room has an extra office table with lots of files. Papers here and there. A single bed at one corner and an attached bathroom. Its appreciably comfortable for a Black Op leader. I have been into his room countless time to pass him his blades and swords whenever I'm done sizing it up and sharpening it. Its a habit I took ever since I came in here to do that and I can't seem to understand why and without realising Kai gives his swords and blades almost every time when he comes back from missions.

He dumps me his sheathed sword and blades on my hand and move to remove his tunic.

Doesn't he realise I'm standing right in front of him? My muscle twitch at the sight of his upper body. I tried my best to keep myself busy looking at the papers on his table but I guess I failed to control it when it lingered back to him. He has a tattoo. One on his left chest and one on his upper left arm. A dragon and lynx. Both dangerous animals. Almost like him.

"Why isn't Kent in this?"

"He can't"

"Why? An order? You are hiding something Kai and don't you ask me to stop reading you. I know that look of yours," I said immediately.

Kai quietly drape a white shirt over him and walked to the table.

"Get me all this by tomorrow morning. I need to recheck the inventive before the meeting,"

Almost instantly my anger boiled.

"I'm not your slave to run your errands,"

"Well you certainly are under my command June, remember that," He cut me off with an equal voice.

"You know breaking into the Calore court would do me a lot more harm than to others," I have no idea why my throat started clogging.

"You are a spy. I need you to be on your wit and quit faltering with the past,"

"Sometimes I wonder if you even have a heart with that arrogance of yours," I clenched my teeth not to spit anything more worse and walked off.

Locked Away

Is it even possible to fall in love in this current massacre? Everyone is having a hard time working to survive this shift. Living in small cabins after a huge apocalypse changes people's life and perspective so much. And being a so called bartender doesn't give u any advantages as well besides you get to live in this cabin for free with food being catered to everyone on this place. "They are performing again!! Whoops!" Some girls were rushing towards the mini stage where the so call band is performing. Either u perform, serve, wash dish,everyone here had to do a job to be able to live of in a conspicuously spaced cabin. It only fits a bed, a wardrobe and a small toilet. Well no luxury suites even for the riches. "Who's performing today?" Amanda asked, she's not really permanent staff but she comes and goes. "It's baekhyun and Chanyeol," I told her. "Ohhh~ your hot stuff is performing?" "Manda, he's not my hot stuffs for heavens sake," I whined at her. "I can tell by the way you guys just look at each other El, that he's in to you," "He's totally not. He's just a friend," I protested. Though in reality my heart does skips a beat whenever I talked to him or walk pass him to serve the guest,when our skins caress each other while sitting and chatting. I do know the stares I've been getting from him. I do know sometimes he follows me quietly till I reach my cabin and I do know he sings at me sometimes. "What do u think of the performance today?" Chanyeol asked while I served him his beer. "Do I have to tell u guys this every single time you two perform?" I cross my hands and frown at them. I sighed at their childishness sometimes. "Baekhyun came up with the lyrics this time and I composed the music. It was a original piece," Chanyeol exclaimed. I looked at Baekhyun at raised my eyebrows. "I'm the god of lyricist," He was trying to joke it off but it came like a show off. "Show off," I mumbled but damn he looks so so, can I touch that lips of him? Quickly dumping that thoughts I continued to serve the other guests. Three of us are having dinner later so they are waiting for me to end my shift. I was walking with the two after dinner when Chanyeol's cabin reached, he went in. We greeted each other goodbyes and baekhyun told me he will accompany me till my cabin. I told him sure. Awkward. I cleared my throat to construct a sentence when I was interrupted by him pulling me into a corner of the walkway. He perfectly knows no one will walk in here. I was so surprised that I squealed and I could feel my whole body was pulsating like it just ran a 100m sprint. He cornered me onto the wall and caged me with both his hands at my side. Staring into my eyes so deeply that I couldn't take it off either. "Shhhh," was the only word he told me and the next this I know his lips was on mine. Goosebumps ran all over me but my instinct responded. It responded by giving him the kiss he gave me. My lips parted, I was breathing unsteadily. "Are you even breathing?" He asked me teasing near my cheek. I tried to push him away from my body but he was too strong and my legs were giving away. He chuckled and stared at my face. Smiling, he caressed my skin. From my forehead down to my nose and slowly to my lips. "Close your eyes," he told me and I did after blinking several time. His breath was hitting my skin. It's like an act of electrocution. Slowly I feel his lips closing in to mine. This time it was really slow. His smooth soft lips were moving. My hands were contemplating on moving or not to. But I guess my brain just shuts it system and before I could realise it, one of my hand was on his jawline and one was behind his neck pulling and feeling his hair. A small groaned escaped me and I choked in surprised. He chuckled at it. I bet my whole face is flushed right now. "I think I got to be going in" I managed to whisper. He finally let go of his cage around me and backed a little. I stood straight from my leaning position and stared at him. "Go on," he said. I moved out from the corner and into the small walkway to my cabin and unlocked it. He was still at the corner watching me till I went in. I shut myself in and my legs got weaker and I slid down behind my door. What did just happened just now? Did we just kissed? What was that even meant to be? What will happen from now on? So many questions but sleep took over.
"Ya chanyeol! That's wrong! Don't you even know how to mix the flour?" We were in cooking class because it was on of our free days and the three of us decided to take a toll n try some cooking lessons offered by the mothers in here. Chanyeol and I luckily got group together for a pair cooking while baekhyun was paired with another guy. And I could feel the jealousy rising from baekhyun because it was not him being paired with me. That side of him just gives me on that he was kind of possessive of his so called girlfriend. Yes we have been dating for 2 weeks now and there was a lot of kissings. Chanyeol knows but he was also teasing his friend. After the end of the session Chanyeol bid is bye because he had to head somewhere. So baekhyun and I was walking around the walkway that was designated to be like a mini park surrounding our cabins. I was heading towards to my cabins turn when baekhyun slowed down his pace and fell behind me. "Aish you scared me!" When I felt two strong arms were hugging be from behind. He laughed it off and suddenly became quiet. "Anything?" I asked. He just shook his head and buried his face into the back of my neck. "Can I sleep with you today?" He slowly asked. "Baekhyun, not today. Please?" He's been asking for the pass two weeks but I keep denying him. I'm not really sure if I'm ready to let him sleep with me. But I do know I really want him to be mine. He pouted but he was understanding and I'm glad he didn't push me either. "When you are ready ok?" He said in his low voice and I nodded. He kissed the back of my neck and let me go. I turned to face him and kissed him goodbye.
Morning with alarm clocks are always the worst of worse. I took of to my toilet to wash myself with a towel around me. Right after I stepped out of my toilet, I heard a knock. Who's this in this freaking early morning?! "Who's that?" The person didn't answer but my door knob twisted. All the sudden I rushed towards the door realizing I didn't lock my door shit! And It was too late. And came in the overprotective bf of mine. "You really should lock ur damn door El, if you don't want some weirdoes inside your cabin," "Ya you, you-," reality hit me that I'm only wearing a piece of towel around my body. Holy shit. Then only did he realise he was also staring at me in surprise. "You didn't answer me!" "That's not important," He said and pulled me towards the door. I leaned onto the door and

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(Author's Note: Well, I wrote this while I was at my workplace out of boredom and had to stop it halfway because I had to continue my work. Hahaha. So the half hanging story. :P )

Stranger.

"Let's break up Lisa," His voice taunted me.

"Let's break up?! Let's break up! Break up!" I imitated him loud with my anger boiling in me reminiscing that moment he said that. The moment my wonderful 100th days together with him came down like an erupted volcano.

Walking down this empty park facing the river, alcohol bottle in my hand, my face probably looks like shit from all the crying and screaming because I fail at containing myself.

Watch shows 1.00am and here I am looking at the so called lovers river.

"Let's break up Lisa,"

I was chewing the delicious pork chop and stop midway as I process what he just said.

"What?" Questioning just in case I heard it wrong.

"Let's stop this relationship for now,"

"What are you talking? John, we are celebrating our 100th day together. What are you crapping right now?!" I asked putting my utensils down. Something in me is making me shiver.

"Lisa, I'm sorry. I know its sudden but I'm extremely sorry. Right now I need to focus on my career. I need to start focusing on my training. You know the agency is pushing me and all to make me debut right? I have to give my 100% for my debut, its one of my dream Lisa," 

"We talked about this John. We did it before. If there were time to come for you to debut, I'll support you and we will still be together no matter what. You told me you would not let me down no matter what and who you become of. What are you saying now?! Is this the agency? Is this them telling you to break up with me?!" 

"Lisa, no. Let's just stop. Let's have a proper meal and part our ways in a nice way, can we?" His eyes was pleading with sincerity but only hatred came through me. 

"Part in a nice way?" I snickered and stood up. Too much cliche but I dont think I can give him what he want right now. I took out my wallet and put my share of money on the table. "I know things were changing. I know you were busy with your debut schedule but I wonder how you are gonna be responsible for all the money your company is going to pour after your debut when you cant be responsible for a simple thing like this." and I left.

Sighing deeply, I took another sip from the bottle I was holding.

Strangely I feel like there was a shadow walking pass me. Turning to look who it was, I was taken back when I saw him wobbling towards the bench.

Stranger.

He could be a kidnapper Lisa! Walk away! My brain said.

Trying not to be too obvious but still watching him, it seems he is drunk. Did he break up with someone too? While my brain was bickering, I heard him making weird noise and he stood up. Walking towards me, my brain cell were shouting 'run! run! run!' but I froze.

"Ah- Ah, sir-,"

Before I could muster up my sentence to ask if he was okay or not, he puked just a few centimeters in front of me. Oh my gosh.

"Why did you do that Naeil ah?" He asked. Oh? Is he talking to me or is he just mumbling?

I look around before I walk towards him.

"Excuse me sir, I are you alright? Do you need help?" I patted his back while he was still in a bent position.

"Why Naeil? Am I not good enough already? I have money, I have a house and I- I am famous too, but why?"

He's famous? Now that I realise, I couldnt see his face in the dark. Who is this person? I tried to take a look at him but too much of his face was hidden.

"Sir, is it okay for you to be out like this?" I look around just in case there were someone who followed him or something. No one. What should I do? Leave him? Yes, I should. I tried backing up but somehow I felt guilty.

He seems to be in a worse position than me for being famous. I wonder if he's an actor or singer? Damn why is it so dark and shadowy. Should I call someone from his side? Oh, phone, where is his phone? All the sudden he plopped on me. Oh! Ohmygosh! No, no, I shouldn't be involved with these kind of people!

"Ah, Sir, is there anyone I could call for you? Sir-," He wasn't balancing and his body on me was getting heavier. I tried to move him to the bench but his footing weren't good. Aish!

"Naeil ah, thank you for coming, I know you would," I can feel him smiling.

"Sir, sir," I shook him off and that made him fell off and onto the ground. Omo! "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, are you okay?" I feel bad pushing him now. Why am I talking to him like he is in his right state of mind.

Look for the phone. I tried to find his phone in a less molesting way and found it in his front pocket. Taking it out, I saw the lock screen pic of a couple and goosebumps took over me.

Oh my God.

He is, he is. I took a good look at the person in front of me now and back at the phone.

Something

The lack of something.

What is it?

I keep trying to find it but its like trying to find needle in a haystack.

Something I need to find it myself.

Something in me.

What is it?

Song For You

A perfect tune up. Some one was playing guitar in the neighbourhood.

A young girl walking pass by the junction can hear it. Its half past ten at night. Her tiring day went in a blink of an eye with the guitar playing in the background. She sat on the bench near the neighbourhood walkaway and kept on listening to the play. Few times that person adjusted the tune and corrected the melody in between but she loved it. She smiled as it ended and there was no more music in the background.

Little did she know that, this music was going to change the course of her life.

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"Alice! Take the order for table number 8,"

"Okay,"

Alice walked to table number 8, where a bunch of young guys were seated looking at their menus.

"Hi, welcome to Honey Star Cafe, ready to order?"

"Hi, sure, I'll have one green tea latte and a glass of water,"

"Hi, I'll have a hot chocolate,"

Alice took down the order and was waiting for the next two of them to order.

"Milk,"

"..." No response from the last one.

"Your order?" Alice looked at the last person who was busy scribbling something on his white paper. He was on earphones.

"Alex," The guy next to him swatted his arm. Now everyone was looking at him.

"Coffee, thanks."

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Its afternoon after Alice's first day of college. Her orientation ended early so she decided to head back home before her shift work starts. The weather was getting windier and clouds were getting denser. And all the sudden, it started pouring. "Oh shit."

She rushed towards the nearest shop she was walking by and entered to avoid getting her papers and books wet.

Turning around, she realised it was an instrument store. It was as though she had entered heaven. The smell of the wooden crafted ukuleles, guitars and pianos made her want to live in them. She saw a beautiful white piano displayed. She got closer to it and laid her fingers on the key.

"Beautiful isn't she?" Alice was awaken from her trance by a male voice and jumped back.

"Oh, sorry I didnt mean to touch it," She apologize.

"No, no, no worries. If you can play, go on," He smiled. He was a young man.

"Oh I, I-, I don't play," Alice was embarrassed by the fact. "I just love music but I'm not a good player," She snickered a sly laugh.

The young man moved closer to the piano and laid both his hands on the piano. Fingers spread, he started playing a tune. Though she couldn't recognize the play, it was a slow and smooth melody.

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Alice was walking to her next class when she heard something very familiar. She stood still. Turning around looking for where it was coming from, she saw a closed door labelled "Music Room". Interest pitched in her but she was already running late for class.

Anyhow she took the chance to glimpse through the glass window to only see a about 10 people sitting in a round. She couldn't guess who was playing it.

Why was she so curious about it anyway? She shook her head and ran for her next class.

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'MUSIC CLUB AUDITION'

"Hey want to join?" Alice heard people whispering to their friends. 

She was standing at the official notice board looking for something to join but he eye caught the music club audition. What can a girl like her do there? She can't sing and she can't play. Defeated by her own low self-esteem, she walk away but she took note of the date since it was an open invitation. 

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"Next! Jason," One of the audition conductor called out names of each participants for their performance. 

"Jason?" Alice wondered where she have seen that face before.

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It was Alice's free time and she told her new friends that she was not going to join them for lunch and catch them during class. 

Walking down the familiar hallway, she found the room again. 

This time she opened it. It wasn't locked and no one was in. The minute she stepped in, she felt a totally different vibe. 

Someone cleared their throat from behind her. Goosebumps. 

Turning, she saw a guy standing behind the opened door looking at her. 

"Are you a new member?" He asked. 

Familiar face again but her memory was blur on it. 

"Err, I n-, ye-, err, yes, yes, I thought there was going to be a meet up or something?" She lied. 

"There is?" He questioned more to himself. 

"I guess not, maybe not today, I might have mixed up the date and time. I'm sorry, I'll get going," She was about to leave when he said, "Maybe I'll teach my juniors something if you are free," 

Stoned, Alice stood still figuring out a way to run away. 

"You play or sing?" He asked.

"Sing," She answered straight away and facepalmed inside her heart. 

With few tuning on the bass guitar chords, he started picking on the strings with a plectrum.

Alice don't quite understand what got into her but she started singing, "and at last I see the lights, and its like the fog is lifted, and at last I see the lights, and its like the sky is new,"

He kept on playing while looking at her. 

"I can't continue, I have class to attend," Her face was burning.

"Okay, see you soon then," 

Alice made a quick move to leave the room. 

"Hey you sing well," was the last she heard. 

She closed the door and ran. 

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