The majestic mansion in front of her seems even more grandeur than what she pictures in her mind. She used to feel so timid whenever she visited Valerie's house. Daughter of the country's biggest hotel taicoon befriending a daughter of small construction company. Who would have thought that. Add Kao into the picture, an heiress to the technology trading company.
What an odd addition I made to this trio. People always said that friendship bonded in that school is based on business. You don't just forge a friendship that can't give you some leverage in business. So when Valerie approached Kay to be her friend it's like the sky has fallen onto the school ground. It's a scary world. The immense weight of their friendship sometimes makes Kay feel so small.
The price of such friendship is this. Waiting ever so patiently for a visit. It's weekend but big cars come and go with famous people going in and out of the house to meet the ever busy Winterfrost. Someday this will be Valerie. The hectic life, the billion dollar empire. I don't envy that so much. If there's something I cherish about my family background is the tranquillity of not having to prepare yourself for a predetermine destiny. Being mundane is not so mundane at all.
Kay turns her head around. A tall 50-year-old butler is standing beside her, smiling humbly, bowing his head in respect. Kay put her cup down, fixing her posture before clearing her throat as a sign for the butler to continue speaking. Hahaha. I always wanted to do that. A gesture which both of her friends does whenever a butler approaches. How so lady-like.
The butler bows before walking away.
The butler stops, turning his body around, facing Kay.
The butler makes his way into the mansion. Kay always find it fascinating how eerily obedient Winterfrost's butlers are to any command made under the name of their masters. It's like they are robots or something. Weird but invigoratingly intelligent.
Kay takes out her phone, contemplating to call Kao. She was distraught. Should I call her and ask? But then again maybe I shouldn't. Just wait until she's comfortable to talk about it. But I wish she's here. It's always easier to go past the waiting list with Kao around. Her name is not a name you reject from entering the Winterfrost's mansion. Gaahhh.. Old names and their privileges!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Kao Mikasa P.O.V}
After leaving Kay's, she find herself stranded in this crowd of evening subway. I am supposed to be at Valerie's, stalking Sebastian, instead of mop and mow over something spilled like this. Sorry Kay for leaving abruptly like that.
Why I just have to view this things as sad? He's not gone dead, he's only leaving for another school. Never heard of a phone call, Kao? Don't kids yourself like this.
For the past few hours of gloomily strolling the neighbourhood, without a place to go in mind (definitely not the house). She finally has a positive breakthrough. I am 24 years old and not some teenagers controlled over hormones and emotions any more.
She end-up burst out laughing loud over her dramatic self, abruptly . An old man reading news paper standing by her right side is giving this nasty looks. He must find her weird and unruly. Mind yourself uncle... just proceed with your boring news reading. She gives this small apologetic gestures to apologies for being that loud.
Left foot kicking pebbles, hands into her jeans pocket. As her finger tips brushed over her cellphone, she thought of calling Roderick. That's it. Let's salvage what's left of this. I am here travelling through time is not for me to change the history. It's only to scavenge through gaps and slack, fixing it.. where my old 16 self was too immature to make up her mind.
Pulling out the phone, her thumbs immediately pressing #3, speed dialling. As she waits for another end side to pick up, her hearth thumps hard, fast. Shit... I am nervous. Erick.. please.. She desperately waits for the phone call to be answered. The pausing in between the rings feels like forever. Fidgety, she strides around to ease her tense, ignoring all the staring eyes around her.
"Hey... what's up?"
Her heart stop beating as that husky familiar voice answered. She wants to say something instead her voice stuck, cave in. Speechless awkward silent filling up both ends. She choke on tears of sorry again. Her eyes goes wet as tears gather once more. Hell.. say something Kao. Wiping the tears before it falls again, inhaling slowly.. she finally has the strength to spout his name.
Kao: Erick! -trying hard to sound happy
Roderick: Yup! What's up? -awkwardly trying to be merry.
Kao: let me guess... you were mad at me. Weren't you?! -bitterly smiling
Roderick: You bet... Why didn't you come? I miss my train waiting for you.. -chuckles
Kao: Oh... -astonished- I am sorry, I can't make it in time. I just got your letter today. You know my household. Guess where I got it?
Roderick: I thought so! -laugh- Pile of trash??
Kao: Bingo!. Hehe..
-silent-
Roderick: Kao
I miss that. Erick calling my name. The echo from his voice is chilling.
Kao: Yes...
Roderick: Sorry for leaving like that.. Gomen!! I can't handle goodbyes. U know me..
Kao: Hahaha.. Yeah, absolutely fine.. Don't be that worried. I am not mad at all. It's my fault in the first place. If only I give you a chance to say things you wanted to say..
Roderick: No no no... no one at faults.Really..
-silent-
Kao & Roderick: Soooo.. -Pause- You.. -Pause- HAHAHAHA.
Kao: You first...
Roderick: Ok, So.. how's the tea ceremony?
Kao: They were alright.. tiring but still, it's a tradition. All Mikasa need to go through sooner or later. I'm more than glad to uphold that tradition.
Roderick: Good..
Kao: How's new school?
As Roderick goes spilling his side of story about that new school, trains arrives and goes, drowning under toned of his voice. She only find herself caught on him telling about how dull is a school can be when there is no girls around. The rest is not registered into her brain, it pass like the passing wind of night.
Kao thought of boarding one as she pensively looking at those passing trains. Her future self hobby whenever she's feeling dispirited is riding train, wandering around the city and dine out alone at any new places she stumble upon.
Roderick: So far... it's a good school. -snigger.
He end his story, sarcastically complementing the school. So it's all boys school. Haha...
Kao: Good for you... -silent
Roderick: Emm?? Good? Are you even listening?
Kao: Eh?? Did you say something? Ah.. Of .. coz. -stuttering
Roderick: Haha.. never mind man.. It's not even important. -awkward silent
Kao: Erick..
Roderick: Yup..
Kao: I wish the best for you and.. Good Luck mate. -pause- He he he -awkward laugh.
There she said it. That's what she has been waiting for so long to say. She never has the chance before. Now, she finally did.
Roderick: Thanks man.. you too.
Kao: That's it, I have something to do.. I'll call you later when I have time, gonna miss playing games with you Erick!
Roderick: That fast? Ugh... Ok then.. Will write to you.. if i ever have times.
She's about to end the lines.
Roderick: Wait.. I forgot to tell you, I passed your 16th's present to Val. Hope you gonna like it.
Kao: What is it?
Roderick: No spoiler.. go have look for yourself.
Kao: Fine then.. -chuckles- Ok, jaa nee..
The lines goes dead and the same goes to their friendship. Yeah, She's too prideful while he's too busy to mind. That's why they end up estranged of each other. That's why nothing can be salvaged, not even with this second chance, but she's glad for this time, she ends it all well. At least she gonna thinks so.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Karyn Faraday's P.O.V}
Kay sips her tea while her brain goes full throttle. Damn it.. It sounded much easier in my head. Now the moment comes she just froze. Talk about brain fart..
Sebastian is standing in front of Kay, looking nervous as well. It's not that obvious but an observant girl like Kay could sense it. She could see the light perspiration on Sebastian's forehead, the pretentious smile on his face. He clutched his arm a bit too tightly. His legs are spread a bit too closely to one another. This is a different person than the one she saw in the hospital a few years in the future. Are you surprised to see me, Sebastian?
Kay rest her tea cup on the saucer in her left palm. Sebastian is eyeing Kay's injury. Are you going to attack me here, Sebastian? Go on. Show me your true nature. Kay gather up some courage. She smiles, taunting the eager butler. I'm ahead of you, Sebastian. You know why I am here. Tell me what I must know.
Kay: So you're a hall boy now.. Interesting..
Sebastian: Yes my lady..
Kay: Hall boy slash time traveler.. -smiles, looking straight at Sebastian
Sebastian replies with the same smile. Eerily sweet.
Kay: Tell me.. how's the Grand Clock? Did I break it the last time we 'wrestled' in my bed?
Kay picks up her tea, sipping it while keeping her eyes on Sebastian, observing every little movement. As she put down her cup, Sebastian comes close to Kay, picking up the teapot and refilling the now empty cup. A sudden change of attitude. Now this is the butler I saw. I might not know you that well Sebastian. But you are not that hard to read. Kay catches a glimpse of blue skin beneath the white shirt. His arm.. I need to get a closer look.
Sebastian: It is a pleasure to finally meet you Lady Faraday, treasured friend of my Lady. A brilliant companion you are indeed. -calm
Kay is trembling as she fall into Sebastian's gaze. His eyes shimmer in red for a split second. Are you a demon or are you the grand clock master? Why do you bring us back to the past? Those questions linger in her mind only guarded by her smiling lips. Calm down Kay..
Kay: You look delightfully younger than what I've seen at the hospital..
Sebastian: And my lady is delightfully petite..
Yes, I know Sebastian. You could subdue me easily. The small kid in glasses, her frail stature, her traces of clumsiness. Me against you. What I'm waiting now is exactly that. Or do you want to carry us into another time, jumping again?
Kay: Where did you get the Chronicle? -straight to the point
I need to jab you with surprising question. You can't really hide natural reflex to surprises. He twitches. Come on Sebastian. For someone who possess a grand clock you must have something under that fake smile of yours. Surprise me. We are fighting in a silent battle after all. Battle of wit.
Sebastian: Do not patronize me with your questions my Lady. I'm merely a servant, who, successfully, place a very dangerous weapon in the hands of unsuspecting teenagers. But don't get me wrong. It's all for a greater good. We are after all, in the same boat. Let me steer the boat so that we all could reach our destination, safely.
So it's true. You were the one who planted the knife into Shuwei's hand. Tell me your intention, you snake! Kay removes the napkin from her lap and reaches for her back pack. Sebastian moves to pull the chair for Kay. As Kay turns to walk away, she loses her balance almost plunging to the ground just before Sebastian swiftly grabs Kay's arm as Kay grabs his.
Kay: Thank you, Sebastian.. -smiles
As I suspected. Thank you for proving my theory, Sebastian..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Sebastian Michaelis' P.O.V}
Sebastian watches as Kay retreats to the main entrance, walking her bicycle. That kid. She knows a lot. I misjudge her potential. Sebastian lifted the tray containing the left overs from Kay's visit. He bites his lips as the cold stings his skin. The pain seeping through his bone. Of all the possibility she manage to grab my injured arm. Was that intentional?
No need for intervention now that Kay saw through all his doing. She even manage to know about the chronicle. That was unexpected. Lady Valerie, your friend is a great threat to me and the future. That look in her eyes. I have never felt so exposed before. The eyes that see through people. This is a mistake. Karyn Faraday as a jumper is a big miscalculation.
Sebastian takes out the grand clock under his vest. Just a bit more. Please...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Kao Mikasa's P.O.V}
She can't believe this, out of many people ever available for her to have this dramatic kind of encounters, she wind up seating in front of Luke and Marcus in the train she chooses to board just now. Why are these young masters of nobles's even decide to board a commoner jam-packed train? =__=. This is ridiculous.
Puzzled, she alternately exchanging her looks with both of them. Marcus is leaning back looking nonchalance while Luke is grinning sheepishly toward every single person who's getting in and out of the train, trying to look friendly. Passengers around them are distantly glaring from side of their eyes, probably thinking of what's wrong with this picture. Yup, two handsome sons from eminent powerful family were boarding a train is certainly not your daily scene. Can't blame them.
Yet Kao is forgetting something, she is too from a well-known background and her boarding this train is also out of ordinary. At the future she is used to live as commoner hence she feels it is normal for her to... why I am explaining myself? Luke turns to her when he heard Kao's strained laugh.
Luke: Kao.. why are you even decide to board this train? -frowns
Wait, am I having a Deja vu. I think I just thought of that. Exactly that. Is senior Luke telepathic? Nah...he's impossible. To her surprise she in not that annoyed seeing them, she normally did, she hates bumping to any schoolmate outside. Instead she is glad to have them here. I mean, who wants to be alone when you can have two reliable ever handsome looking bodyguard to accompany you. She can't stop her laugh.
Kao: No particular reason... -shrug
Luke: It's air tight.. -pausing, looking around- and why are this people staring at us? -bend closer, whispering
You ask? Hahaha... Rockefeller in public transport is a big scandal. Can't you tell senior? Kao is giving Luke her nastiest side eyes. Are you purposely playing dumb? Ugh. My face isn't publicly publicize on every media like yours senior. They are definitely is staring at you. Not me.
Now I can say that am glad being Mikasa. We hate attention. They preferred to work in secret. It must be something got to do with their covert nature. Not a single Mikasa has ever officially publicize themselves to public. Most of them rather works using a persona or under pseudonym. Public only knows the name, not the face.
Marcus: Luke, I am scared... -tugging Luke on his sleeves, but he doesn't look scared at all.
Luke: Shhh... I am too. Just act normal... -whispering, you too are not looking so scared =___=.
And what are they talking about? Pardon me... Scared? Did I just heard it wrong? Marcus is scared? Marcus Demetrius who's formidable and feared by many is scared boarding crowded train? You want me to believe that? How's Kay keeping up with this crackpot? Are they trying to do some silly skit? Do I need to laugh?
Luke: Hey Kao... Urm.. We don't have tickets. -scratching his not itchy side jaw.
Kao: -gawk- You what?! -almost screaming
If this ever supposed to be a funny skit, it is a bad one. This is not happening right? Wait, and how the hell they got pass the security? Please tell me you guys didn't do something stupid, you are not breaking any major law right? No one is hurts right?
Kao: But... how? Did you guys jump off the auto gate?
Luke: -grins- We did great right?
Kao: -speechless-
Marcus: She's angry...
Luke: I know that! Shut up..
Kao is pinching her nose bridge, blood pressure is raising. No, please.. not today. Could this day get any worse? Thanks seniors for adding up problems. It's not big of a deal, they can simply bought ticket at the next stop and she can easily make up excuses for them to avoid fine, but it is not the case. I have enough headache for today. and... believe me, you din't want me to explode.
Luke: Don't get mad, I can explained this. -trying to look acceptable
Not so good senior. Kao scowls, hardly amused. Luke and Marcus shrink over Kao's sharp gaze. She's not the hotheaded type, that's Valerie, but when she's mad, she can be pretty scary. The stares around them had cease when she gets up, standing. Kao decide to get off as the train is reaching it's next stop. She knows it's rude to leave like that, not when they are obviously looking that anxious.
Marcus: See.. she's mad now.
Luke: I can see that.. thanks.
Marcus: Any time..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kao is now sitting on a bench at the nearest public park, giving her best side glare to her left and right. This is rather goofy and absurd at the same time. I need my time alone! I thought I loss them just now. "Nice park! I never reach this far from home.." seated at her left is Luke, looking all excited, zealously looking around. "I like this bench..." and Marcus. He is now looking rather bit woozy. Don't you dare taking your nap here. Please...
Kao: Don't you guys have things to do? -surrendered
Luke/Marcus: Nope.
Kao: -chuckles- I thought soo..
Luke: Kao... actually we saw you wandering around the neighborhood. So we.... kind of accidentally followed you.
Kao: You expect me to believe that senior? You guys were just bored right? Hahaha..
Marcus: Yes... -eyes closed
Luke: Shut up Marc.
Luke suddenly taking out his wallet, handing it over Marcus.
Luke: Go buy some drinks. Let's have picnic. -raising his brows, taunting Kao.
Marcus: Food! -he is now energized.
And now what... picnic? At what... giving her wristwatch a glance.. 4 o'clock in the evening? Don't be absurd senior but to her shames she suddenly heard her stomach rumbles at the mentions of word 'food', it's pretty loud, and Luke burst out laughing. An absurd evening almost night picnic with this absurd duo wouldn't hurt, she guess. Marcus vanished, he runs like bolt. I hope he didn't comeback with bundles of dried squid. Would he? She shrivels over the thought.
Luke: Do you want to share that worries of yours with me? I'm listening... -concerned
Kao: Huh? What worries?
Luke: Look.... I know about Roderick leaving.. and I want to.. apologies.
Kao: Eh? I see... so did everybody else except me knew about this?
Luke: I guess.... yes, but I personally think everyone just naturally thought you knew.
Kao: Great..
She can't believe what she just heard. That means Kay and Valerie too. But, she's not mad. She can't be, because it's obviously no one faults. This bound to happen, it had already happened in the original past. She just have to accept the fact. She can't argue more when finally she got to read Roderick letter, it's still too late for them. What will be, will be.
Luke: I think it's my fault..
Kao: Huh? Hahahaha... you can't be serious right?
Luke: I hurt him.. and Mason will never forgive me for that. -clutching his head down.
Kao: He's not that petty... believe me, he knew Roderick's at fault too. He's not leaving because he's having issues with you guys. Don't bother to beat yourself over it..
Luke: Really?
Kao: Yup... It's Berkenstock's foundation, his father think it's time to prepare him for it.
Luke: I see.. -look relieved- but I am still worried.. since Mason and Roderick are best friend and all. What if he leaves too? arghhh... -punching air.
Hahahahaha, I knew this. Luke isn't that worried about Roderick leaving, Mason is the only reason for him to be this apologetic. Luke Rockefeller and his endless obsession over his brother. Too bad, Mason doesn't seems as affectionate. One sided brotherly love. Poor you senior.
"And if I transferred, will you follow me then?"
Kao almost jump out of her seat cursing in shock. Marcus's head pop out of nowhere in between hers and Luke's giving his best awkward unearthly smile to them. Can someone shot him in head please. Kao and Luke both worriedly turning back to have a look at Marcus who's been standing behind the bench. How long has he been there? So fast? I think it's not even 15 minutes yet.
His hands fully occupied with plastic bags... from many branch of marts. Then, how can he be that fast? Whatever, he's an alien after all.
Luke: Yes, deary.. of course I would! You silly... -eerie smile
Kao turns to Luke in shocks, disbelieve of how corny Luke's answers would be. She cringe over it. Can you not... Marcus is now hugging Luke. Do I have to see this? Get a room guys. Someone... please help me. Passers by are now glaring in discomfort looking at these two guys hugging in public. oh my... this day isn't as bad as I thinks it would be and thanks to this weird duo.
Marcus: I bought everything you like Luke. It's all yours. -passing all plastic to Luke
Kao: And for me?
Marcus: You didn't give me any money...
Kao: ehhh? -speechless.
Luke: Hahahahaha. You can have the mango pudding.
Kao: But I hate mango pudding -sulky
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Karyn Faraday's P.O.V}
Kay is bouncing around, steering her bicycle through the boulevard. The evening breeze slaps her sweaty face. She is gleaming in satisfaction. Taking a long way home is a bliss in this weather and in this mood. But drinking too much Earl Grey just now is a bit too risky. Oops.. I really need to pee. Please please hold it in. Another three blocks, passing by the community garden and she'll reach home. Just wait until we reach home, Okay bladder?
This is Senior Jason's neighbourhood. Passing through here, Kay can't help to hope to bump into Senior Jason. I really want to see him. How nice it would be if he just appear right next to me. Who knows he might be having his evening jog. Oh please oh please... Senior Jason, let me bump into you. Then again, just being in this neighbourhood is enough to make Kay's longing a bit bearable.
Kay is humming gleefully at the thought of meeting Jason when the wheel hit a gravel on the road. Surprise with the sudden impact, Kay fails to keep the bicycle steady. She wobbles in series of shrieks. She grips the brake on the handle bar tightly to stop the bicycle only to further plunge her forward.
Suddenly, out from the bushes by the road side, a figure in white comes almost like flying in front of Kay, stopping the bicycle from falling sideways by holding the handlebar but couldn't save Kay from plunging straight to the saviour's chest.
"Argh!!"
Kay quickly rubs her sore nose as she pulls her body away from the saviour's chest. She lifts her head to see the guy who saved her from her own clumsiness. Standing in front of her, still holding on the handlebar is Jayden, who is shrieking due to the pain in his chest. His hair is covered in dry leaves. His white sweater is stamped with Kay's pink lip balm.
Kay: Senior! -gasp
Jayden: Seriously Kay.. You little.. Arghh.. Why do your parents even allow you to ride a bicycle..
Jayden rub his chest while Kay is tucking her head low at his scolding. Kay jumps off her bicycle, looking at the tip of her shoes waiting for further scolding from her senior who has just appeared out of no where to save her. Wait.. he did not appear out of no where. Kay quickly turns her head to the right. The bush is uprooted, twigs are snapped towards the outer direction. Groceries still seated inside the bushes. And those dry leaves in his hair..
Kay: Senior.. Were you hiding from me?
Jayden: What? Err.. Ok.. I have to go. You be careful now. Bye..
Jayden picks up his groceries and quickly walking away. But Kay manage to grab his sweater and keep him from escaping her curious eyes. Jayden lets out a soft sigh as he knows he could not avoid this. He turns to Kay, expecting her to be pulling angry face at him. To his surprise, Kay's face is pallid. She is clutching her teeth. Jayden places the back of his hand on Kay's forehead. Don't tell me she's hurt..
Kay: Senior.. This is embarrassing but do you know where I could relieve myself?
Jayden: Relieve?
Kay: I need to pee... -tremble
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kay steps out of the bathroom with a relieved sigh. Walking towards the living room, Kay could hear a distant chatter between Jayden and Jason. Just a while ago Jayden took Kay to Jason's house since it's the nearest. The look of surprise on Jason's face is priceless as Kay just ran into his house heading to the bathroom. Sorry senior.. Earl Grey overloaded.
Jason: Moya igea? Nideul sagwinni jigeum?(What is this? Are you guys dating now?) -stern
Jayden: Aniya, kereonggeol aniya..hyung.. (No, it's not like that, hyung..)
Jason: Bo.. Karyn? Tareun yeoja aniya? Ke ilbon seonyo? Arghh.. jajeungna.. (What.. Karyn? Not the other girl? That Japanese girl? Argghh.. This is annoying)
Jayden: Ah jinja hyung! Cheongmal aniya.. -half begging (Ah, really hyung.. It's not like that at all)
Jason:
Ahh..Molla..Meori appa.. Ka.. (Ah, I don't know.. My head's hurt.. Just get lost)
What are they bickering about? The conversation between the two quickly ended as Kay enters the living room. Jayden is sitting in front of Jason who is wrapped in blanket. Jason's face is as pale as ghost. His nose is red. Fever? Kay takes a seat beside Jason. She smile shyly while tucking her hair behind her ear.
Kay: Thank you Senior. Sorry for barging in like that..
Jayden: I should probably leave.. -stealthy
Kay: No no senior.. I'm leaving. You stay.. You were going to stay here and watch out for Senior Jason, weren't you?
Jayden: Well, maybe you want to stay on my behalf? -winking
Kay: But, senior, you've even done the grocery shopping so I won't be needed anyway..
Jason: Guys..
Kay and Jayden simultaneously turn to Jason who's looking rather annoyed. Jason is hugging himself, snorting his runny nose, side eyeing both of them.
Jason: You do realize that I'm still here.. - annoyed- Just go home so that I can get some sleep..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kay drags the bicycle on her right, trying to move at the same slow pace as Jayden. It was an awkward moment just now. They both were kicked out off Jason's house. Jason can be very grumpy when he is sick. I hate to irritate him so better leave him alone. Sorry Senior Jason.
The wind gushes through the lush oak tree along the road. It's the only sound they hear and Kay is getting restless. Both of them know that Kay had a lot of question for Jayden and judging from how badly she searched for him these past few days, Jayden had no choice but to answer all.
Kay waits for Jayden to start a conversation since it is too awkward after the "I need to pee" statement. But Jayden keeps his mouth shut. The moment turns so quiet that Kay almost blurted curse at Jayden. Just say something!
Jayden: So, how's your wrist?
Kay turns her head, grimace at the troubled Jayden. Jayden looks down at his hands, which he clenched and unclenched nervously. Finally he tucks them in his pockets, looking aimlessly around him to avoid Kay's gaze. After a moment, he looked up at her again, still unsure what to say but a bit ashamed of his evading behavior.
Kay: You broke my wrist, senior.. You owe me an explanation.. -shoving her bandaged hand to Jayden
Jayden: I sprained your wrist. There's a big difference..-heightened- But then again.. -sigh- I do owe you an explanation.
Kay scrunches her nose in disagreement over her wrist condition but rather pleased with the mention of explanation. Truthfully, I don't need to know why you injure my wrist. The explanation I seek is on the imagery. Kay is getting a bit restless as Jayden serve another treat of silence.
Jayden stops walking, suddenly taking a seat on the bench under the oak tree. Kay stands by the road, waiting for Jayden to start blurting out details. Jayden is biting his lower lips, his shoulder weigh forward, his elbows are resting on his thigh. He lets out a big sigh before burying his face in his palms. Kay almost feels sorry for him. Is it that hard to talk to me? I'm not Kao so why are you acting all nervous?
Kay: Oh for god's sake.. Just speak. We only have two blocks to go. -annoyed
Jayden: You're a bit impatient today..
Kay: I always am.. -undertone- Senior, I've been trying to get you for days.. Impatience is an understatement don't you think?
Jayden: Kay... -sigh
Jayden massages his fingers, still looking away.
Jayden: First and foremost, apology for the injury.. And..I have to tell you something but you need to keep it as a secret..
Kay: I'm listening..
Jayden: I have a.. um.. a unique reaction towards blood.. -stutter
Kay: Yeah, I know. You can't see blood, it makes you want to kill people. You can't eat white choc, it makes you want to kiss people yada yada yada.. -flapping her hands
Jayden: You knew?
The look of surprise on Jayden face almost made Kay jumping for his neck. Arghh.. Senior.. I'm this close to strangling your pretty neck and snapped it in two. Huh.. Relax Kay. Fuuh.. Fuhh.. That might be an honest question. Play along Kay. Stop being so pushy. Kay finally gets her head cool. She ruffles her hair to let let out the remaining steam off her head.
Kay: Remember that day. We were at your secret hideout with my hand wrapped in bandages and your hands wrapped around my waist. Doesn't that give you quite an idea of what had happened in the maze?
Jayden: You.. in my dojo?
Kay: You're getting it.. I was in your dojo. Your secret dojo of which only you know and has the key to enter. And we were hugging..Now.. What do you think happened?
Jayden: Did you feed me white chocolate?
Kay: Yes! -snaps her fingers- Finally..You attacked me after seeing my bloodied finger. You broke my wrist and I feed you white chocolate to stop you.. You turned all woozy and grabby and carried me to your lair.. And you've told me all your secrets.
Jayden bites his lips even harder trying to recuperate his memory. He tries so hard to grasp on the event that already happened but he can't recall. The only thing he remembers is him running away from Kay after regaining his sanity. Hugging Kay in that secluded place, surely Jason would misunderstand. And Marcus.. Would he be hurt seeing that?
Kay: How did you know you broke my wrist?
Jayden: Sprained.. -correcting- I don't know. I think I did. But I don't know. I'm confused..
Kay: That's weird.. -slipping into her thinking cap but quickly snaps out of it- But that's not what I want to know..
Jayden: What do you want to know then?
Kay: The image I saw in my head, by the lake..
Jayden: That's what bothering you? Not the crazy personality transformation, not my devious attack on you but the images in your head?
Kay nods. Jayden straightens his back. He stares into Kay's eyes, seeing honest curiosity. She is not joking. His secret is not what she's after. But the images. Her flashbacks. She did look shaken during her memory trip. I shouldn't have ask her to do that. Jason Hyung.. Ahh.. Marcus.. Why do I have to get involve with this little mushroom head?
Jayden: It's just a trip to the past. Those were the images of your past. The better you concentrate on your breathing, the better you see, the farther you remember. It's supposed to remind you the prettiest memory you have. Well, usually happy memories are most prominent to most people..
Kay: But I see you attacking me before it happens...
Jayden: Don't be silly. How can you see a memory which has not being created? It's a method to access your memory.
Kay: Like a mind palace...
Jayden: A what palace? The point is, I didn't make you do it to upset you. I don't know what you see but it's definitely not my doing.. So..
Kay: I saw a burning kid.. Asking for help..
Jayden subconsciously making faces, sceptical of her description.
Jayden: Now that is definitely not my doing.
Jayden glances at Kay's wrist with a heavy sigh. Kay chuckles. She rests her bicycle on its stand. She takes a seat beside Jayden who is clasping his palm together, massaging them softly. Jayden turns to Kay. Kay sniff her nose acting snobbish. She could sense the fear in Jayden's eyes. Are you afraid that I would let out your secret to the world? Or is it the wrath of my beloved Jason would be the end of your friendship? Hahaha.. That's a bit of an exaggeration.
Kay: Don't you worry about my wrist. It's getting better now after all. And you don't have to worry about the blood secret. Or the dojo secret.. Or the white chocolate incident.. -pause- Hmm, come to think about it, maybe you should be worried..
Jayden frown at Kay's joke. That's not funny you little mushroom. Kay chuckles. It is so weird seeing the ever cool and composed Jayden acting all worried. I definitely burn his image to the ground with that joke.
Kay: Relax.. You can trust me. If there is something you should know about me is that I know a lot of secrets and yet none of them escapes my lips..
Kay makes a gesture of zipping her lips. Jayden laughs at Kay's tacky promise. There is less tension in his shoulder. He smiles at Kay while figuring out the little kid who is now his secret keeper. Can he trust Kay? He wants to trust her. For 17 years of his life, he only has Jason and Minwoo as his confidant. To put his most intimate secret in Kay's hand is not an easy thing to do. But looking at Kay, there's a weird sense of relief creeps into him.
Jayden: May I ask you something, Kay?
Kay: Yeah, shoot -immediately replying
Jayden: Who are you.. Truly..
Kay: Haha.. Why are you asking me that? You know me.. -giggling
Jayden: You want me to trust you, help me know the person I'm about to trust..
Kay blinks nonchalantly. She smiles at Jayden. There's no secret about Kay. It's not a difficult question to answer but watching the anticipation on Jayden's face makes Kay straightening her back, trying to give the best answer to his question.
Kay: I am Karyn Faraday, 16 years old, the first and only daughter in my family. I am half korean half german. My father has a construction company. My mother is a housewife. And I have a little brother named Karl. He's turning 4 this year. That's it..
Jayden: Are you sure? Is there anything you're hiding from me. Like maybe, let's say, an older brother..
Kay let out her biggest laugh at the mention of an older brother. Jeez, senior.. Are you really that afraid for injuring my wrist? Relax..
Kay: Senior, seriously. Nobody is going to hurt you for this.. -holding up her injured hand.. Truth is senior.. I don't have a family secret I could trade with yours..
Jayden: Are you being honest with me Kay?
Kay: Cross my heart and hope to die.. Why are you so serious about this. I mean, my family is like the most common household you can find here. We are not some kind of business mogul. We don't have butlers running errand for us. We don't have a family curse , no offence. And we definitely don't have secrets worth mentioning. We are mundane..
Jayden: Nobody is without secret. Maybe yours are just too well protected..
Kay: Are you saying that I lie to you?
Jayden: No.. Rather, maybe you are lied to..
Steam is building up in Kay's head. Her face turns dark. Isn't that too far Senior? Kay got up abruptly and storms to her bike. She holds the handlebar tightly before kicking the stand. Half running, she pushes her bike in anger. Jayden quickly grabs Kay's arm.
Jayden; Kay, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that..
Kay: You know what, Senior? You, old family thought that everybody in this world has some kind of twisted past, something they need to keep as secret. But truthfully we don't. We have nothing to hide. We have nothing to lose. We are free, unlike you lot. We don't lie to each other. We don't keep secrets from friends let alone from family.
Jayden: I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way.
Kay: Yeah.. Of course you don't -scoff- rich people never said anything wrong.. We misunderstood your pretty words..
Kay pull her arm from Jayden. She climbs onto her bike only to jump off when she remembers that the front tire is flat from the previous incident. She continues to push her bike as quickly as she could while Jayden is trotting from behind, trying to keep a safe distance from Kay.
Her stomach churns when she rewind the things she said just seconds ago. " We do not lie to each other. We do not keep secret". Truth? The truth is, Jayden might be right after all. She is cheated. She is kept from the truth. Or rather, she is the secret her parents wanted to keep from surfacing. Kay feels her tears running down her cheeks. She's crying? Now what?
Kay wipes the tears away but they keep coming out. Her glasses are steamed from the warm air emitting from her blushing face. Accidentally, she kicks the front tire while trying to rush away from Jayden. Bam, she comes crashing to ground, pinning her bike. Jayden quickly run to assist.
Jayden: Kay, are you alright?
Jayden pull Kay on her feet. Kay is looking away. She hates it when she bursts into tears. There's no way to stop it and it hurts her pride when people see her cry. But whenever the image of her father comes to mind, the estrange look on his face, the awkward instruction he gave before. Everything screams LIE. Why do they deny my existence? Kay feels sharp jab in her heart. Is it my gastric or is it my heart breaking at the possibility of being lied to?
Jayden: Kay, please tell me. Are you hurt? Are you bleeding?
That's a peculiar question. Kay lifted her head to look at Jayden's face. As her eyes meet the face of her faithful saviour, Kay notice that Jayden had kept his eyes closed. He is so worried that Kay might injure herself but also he can't risk her life by seeing blood. Kay sobs harder. Her shoulders rocks frantically. It's not your fault senior.. I'm just repeatedly reminded of my own doubt. First by my parents and their Korean visitors, later by Senior Marcus and now you. I can't ignore such a doubt but maybe it's better not to know. The contradiction is killing me inside.
Kay: I'm fine. You can open your eyes.
Slowly Jayden open his eyes. His brows meet in the middle, looking really worried at Kay and turning his gaze on Kay's bike. The rim is pretty much broken into parts. Wow, Kay fell on her bicycle twice today. That thing definitely had a long day with this clumsy owner. Jayden fixes his eyes on Kay again. She is still sobbing and sniffing her nose. Jayden wants to apologize but he can't seem to put the right words together.
Kay: It's not you.. I know it's hard to trust people. Especially ones with so many rumours floating around..
Kay wipe away the tears on her cheeks. Even mentioning the rumour to Jayden makes her heart sinks even more. It's not like she is unaware of the things people said about her. She doesn't look a bit like her father. She looks purely Korean. In the past she would just brush it off as her mother repeatedly assure her there is no truth behind the rumours. That she is her father's daughter as much as Karl is his son.
She stares into Jayden eyes as if looking for a glimpse of sympathy. Please do not make me question my own existence. It's painful just to think of the possibilities. But at same time she's looking for a place to hold on to.
Jayden: I'm really sorry. I'm just.. I don't know Kay. I trust you..
Kay does not reply. She just nods.
Jayden: Come.. I'll take you home. You might trip over that poor thing again. - eyeing Kay's bike on the ground
Kay chuckles.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Kao Mikasa's P.O.V}
Kao squints her eyes trying to follow Marcus who is running towards the end of the road, leaving Luke to accompany her. Luke is laughing at Marcus. The evening breeze smelled of tar mixed with stew from nearby restaurants. Kao's stomach continues to rumble. She skips her lunch for Kay and end up strolling the whole evening at the subway station. Even after meeting Luke and Marcus, Kao could only get her hands on mango pudding. Marcus kept giving her a stink eye whenever she tried to grab some bread from Luke. Ah.. my poor tummy..
Kao listens to Luke who is tapping on his phone's keypad. He is texting someone. Relentlessly. Out of curiosity and annoyance Kao tried peeking at the screen but Luke is too tall. It's hard not to look obvious doing that. Finally Kao gives in and wave her hands in front of Luke's face, redirecting his attention to her.
Luke: Oh -looking down to Kao- Sorry about that. Jason is having fever. I'm just sending some messages to him.. - grin
Kao: How nice of you..
Luke: Yeah, I can't let him sleep in peace so I'd just spam his inbox whenever he's bed-ridden.
Kao: Ok, not so nice..
Kao frowns at the menacing smile on Luke's face as he shows some of Jason's text reply. Most of them asking Luke to stop texting and that he is seriously ill. For god's sake. Stop torturing that poor guy. You don't know how much longer you gonna have him around. Kao quickly snaps out of her emo thoughts. Nope, stop thinking about Senior Jason. Don't go there Kao, just don't. There's nothing we can do about it. He's time will come and this time, we just had to be stronger. I need to be with Kay all the time.
Luke: Don't worry.. Jayden is there to take care of him..
Kao: Senior Jayden?
Luke: Yep, the one and only..
Luke stretches his arms before sliding his phone into his pocket. Kao tries so hard to keep her face straight. There a slight tang in her heart hearing the name. Jayden Xu.. She comes to miss that guy after a few days away from school. The mentions of Jayden reminds her of things she recently had dug from her gram. I need to ask him something. Her brains is working a plan, how to not end up being in sticky situation when asking him something that personal.
Kao: Why won't you guys go and help?
Kao's innocent question makes Luke laugh rigorously. His wide smile creases his cheeks. His right hand is on his stomach and his other hand is patting Kao's back as if to say "Well done.. That's a funny joke".
Kao: I was being serious.. -rolls eyes.
Luke; Yeah I know you were that's why it's funny. Marcus and I taking care of Jason? He would beg us to leave him dead instead.. Hahaha.. But jokes aside, I was busy and Jason hates visitors when he's sick.
Kao: Really? -sarcastic- You're busy with what? Chasing Senior Marcus all day?
Luke: Ha ha ha very funny kid.. Just because i chase him a few time doesn't mean I like chasing him all the time..
Kao: Said the man who spent his days chasing Senior Marcus around at school from day to day..
Luke ruffles Kao's bang just to annoy her, avoiding the question. What?
Luke: I was busy sabotaging my engagement..-laughing
Kao: Yeah, what ever Senior..
Luke: Valerie didn't tell you?
Kao: Tell me what? -not interested
Luke: Our engagement got cancelled..
Kao: Hmmm? -didn't catch it the first time
Luke: My engagement to Valerie got cancelled..
Insert thunders, Kao was shocked beyond believe. What? Engagement? Valerie and Luke?!
Kao: You were engaged!!?-gawking.
"Hey!! It's Jayden!"
Before she could asks any further Marcus is shouting from afar, pointing at a figure. It's Jayden. And KAY?!! Kao instantly feels a jolt in her heart. Jayden is laughing and pushing Kay's bicycle. Too many surprises happened at the same time. Dear lord.. today is a revelation and I don't think my heart can take these much of excitement. Kao takes a big breath before waving at Kay.
"Kay!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jayden: So everyone is here.. -eyeing Marcus who is fascinated by Kay's bike
Kao smiles awkwardly. Luke is smirking at Jayden. His brow is tilted, eyes looking back and forth at Jayden and Kay. Ahah, you naughty kids.. Are you on a date?
Marcus: Wife, may I ride your bike?
Kay turns to Marcus who is grinning widely. Kao unconsciously stares at Kay longer than she should have. Jayden stealthily staring at Kao. There's a weird tension in the air. Why is everybody so tensed up? Marcus snatch the handlebar from Jayden's grip, satisfied. The conversation now breaks into two group. Kao continues her conversation with Luke while Kay is entertaining Marcus with his question about the bike. Jayden stands there, watching Kao.
Kao: What do you mean you are engaged to Valerie? Do you know about this Senior Jayden?
Jayden: I thought you were scheduled to be engaged by end of the month.. -staring at Luke
Kao: You knew? -surprised
Luke: Everybody knew..
Kao: Clearly, not everybody, Senior..-annoyed- Did you know, Kay?
Please don't tell me you do. Kay switch her attention to Kao now, pursing her lips, creasing her forehead.
Kay: Know what?
Kao: Valerie is engaged to Senior Luke..
Kay: What?!
Kao: Yep, I thought so..
-Thank god I'm not the only one left out-
Kay's eyes are wide open. The look on Kao's face just a few minutes ago now printed on Kay's.
Kay: You've got to be kidding me.. Why aren't we informed? She can't be engaged to you.. Now way.. Val is getting-
Kao throws a sharp gaze at Kay to stop talking. Don't forget, they don't know we are from the future.
Luke: Relax kid. We were not engaged yet. And thanks to me, we won't have to.. it's just an absurd idea. our parents are nuts. They can't expect me to marry Valerie.. Not in a million years..
Kao: Why? What's wrong with Valerie? -annoyed
You brat.. Do you think you are above Valerie? Uncomfortable with Luke's explanation Kao quick to brew a sentiment. You are getting on my nerve, senior.. Kay is in the same opinion with Kao but instead of voicing her disgruntle, she prefer to curse inside her head.
Luke: I will never get married. What a waste of life. And Valerie is a sister I cherish so much that I can't even imagine ruining her life with marriage.
Jayden: Please forgive my friend. He means no disrespect to Val.
Luke: If you ask me, the engagement is purely a business merger. Or rather, trying to strengthen the family's power over the Gevra Group. They have been planning this for ages.
Jayden: True, a marriage would definitely guarantee your place as the head of Gevra Group one day and Mason can lead your family business. Valerie is the only child of the only Winterfrost son. Surely Lord Winterfrost would rather keep the business in the family rather than leaving it in the hands of the stakeholders. Congratulations Luke, you had just ruin the most profitable business partnership in the recent decade. Your parents must be furious.
Luke: They are crying their eyes out. Hahaha.
Jayden: You must be out of your mind..
Luke is laughing his head off. For a minute there, Kao felt sorry for being mad at Luke. She forgot the fact that every decision in their life is governed by stock market and business acquisition. Marrying for the sake of wealth would mean nothing more than a company merger. They will grow bitter of each other, they will despise one another. Isn't that what happened in every family. Bickering among husband, wife, brothers and sisters.
However, the fact that Valerie is in love with Luke makes Kao scream in her head. You are a fool Luke Rockefeller. Nobody could admire and love you more than Valerie. Have you not seen the way she looked at you? Have you not noticed the way she talk to you. Kao's heart wrecked at the thought of Valerie. She must be devastated.
Kay: Sorry but I can't help to think. Wouldn't you be disowned by your family for this? Like in the drama.. -innocent whimpers
Kay voices out her curiosity. Her lips curl, eyes peeking from her lowered head. It's must be hard for her to understand this. The whole deal with the powerful family.
Jayden: Don't worry Kay. No matter how furious Luke's parents are, they won't disown their eldest son. Not at the expense of losing the Killjoys. We might seem like petty kids but we are the only reason why Luke can breathe easy doing the useless thing he's been doing with his life. Rather than disowning this brat, I assume they might try to make Mason marry Valerie.
Luke: What? No!
Jayden: Don't tell me you haven't thought of that when you decided to go against their plan for a union.
Luke: Mason can't marry Valerie! Never!!
Luke takes out his phone, dialing frantically. Just before he starts sprinting away, he gives the nastiest look at Jayden who is undoubtedly amused. "Francis, pick me up now!" he shouted through his phone as he runs to the road, not looking back.
Kay: What is wrong with the Rockefeller family? -rhetoric question
Jayden: Never mind him. He'll figure out something.. I would not worry much about him.
Kao: Kay, we better get to Val's..
Jayden: I don't think it's a good idea to go there, today.
Marcus: Yeah, let's go home, wife..
Marcus suddenly wraps his arm around Kay's shoulder while grinning at Jayden. Kao catches a slight change in Jayden's face but she can't really understand it. Is he jealous of Marcus and Kay? Kay pinches Marcus' arm as an objection to his sudden skinship. She keeps a straight face.
Jayden: She's your wife now? -sarcastic
Marcus: Why? Can't she? You go send your wife home, I'll protect mine.
Kao's face is burning. Shit Senior Marcus.. You can't just drop a bomb like that. Kay smirks at Kao. Here's you chance, buddy. Have fun strolling in the sunset.. Hehehe
Kay: I'm heading home. Thanks for the company, Senior Jayden -bowing
Marcus: Wife, let me take you home on my bike..
Kay: It's my bike and it's broken. Now if you want to send me home, help me push this piece of junk..
Marcus: Yes ma'am..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Karyn Faraday P.O.V}
After leaving Marcus at the door, Kay stomps to her room. Not in foul mood but she's way too pleased with herself. Her mother is shouting from the kitchen, saying something about some left-overs in the fridge and that they are going out which Kay answers gleefully "Go, I'm staying in my room" while hopping to her chamber. Kay pushes the door knob, helping herself to her fluffy bed. Jump!
Bup! She landed on her bed, 10 marks! Kay giggles.
But something is not right.. A sudden alarm rings in her head as she catches a glimpse of tall brooding man standing behind the door. He start walking towards Kay, slowly. He pushes the lock on the door knob. Kay is frozen. A visitor.. A surprise..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
{Kao Mikasa's P.O.V}
A big carved oak gate emerges from a far to the view as they make their final turn and Kao is definitely not happy to see it. Almost home, no... She doesn't want for this walk to end, doesn't want him to leave. They have been walking for thirty minutes and frustratingly nothing comes to mind. Both of them were so quite along the walk except for his subtle humming and her few awkwardly made up coughs.What an utterly awkward situation that kicking pebbles is the only move she could musters to attract his attention. Stupid!
Kao was so close to calling her driver when she caught this brilliant figures on her left side with his black tousled wavy hair flailing in the evening wind and his glistening eyes is alluring her to stay before he could even ask, her favorite person. Kao can't bring herself to ruin such a perfect chance. It's now or never, she thought at the moment but only end up with a silent long walk to home together.
Jayden stops abruptly, hesitating. Kao turns to him. He smiles, throwing a gaze beyond Kao, towards the guards. Ah.. What a cock blocker, he thought. He looks into her eyes and Kao bows, smiling still. Please say something senior... The trees are rustling and few leaves afloat before gradually falling down to the ground enacting a perfect scenery of dusk.
Jayden: Here we go... -smiling, hand running through his thick lock.
She has been admiring this boy for as long as she can remember and Kao never able to express her feelings, not a single gestures. She's too timid about the idea of love to say something encouraging, to signal him a push. This first puppy love of hers is like any other one, only began with silly teases and japes from Valerie and Kay. And finally it ended with him smiling like this. This exact kind of smile, she instantly falls for that shy smiles contrasting his sharps visual and cold character. This unexpected kind of smile from him had caught her off guard and she had been dreaming about him since then. Their sort of push and pull kind of puppy love never have a chance to bloom and it naturally dies with time.
In fact, in her future Kao never tries to look for him again, keeping him pure in her innocent memory glob and a ring given to her at KillJoys's high school graduation ceremony is the only thing left of him. That ring... She glance down to his hand and immediately come to recognized the supposed to be hers in the future ring, closely wrapped up on his fourth finger. She bits her bottom lips.. gazing in regrets.
Kao: Thank you for walking me home, senior. -looking up, beaming her best smile.
Jayden: Don't worry about it. Our home is in the same direction.. -pausing- Umm.. Send my regards to your grandmother ok?
Kao: Oh.. She already went back to Japan.. Never mind, I will.. at another time of her visit.
Jayden: Oh I see.. Ok then.. -pausing
Another gap of silent befalling, and they are both stuck... only pausing to smile.
Jayden:I guess... Bye then, see you at school..-still hesitating.
No... say something more! Anything! Would it go against the rule if she decide to do something about them now? If that theories of which Kay has been hassling about is true, a little two things wouldn't hurt. Is it? She started to feel a tad selfish considering their lack of interactions in the original past. Coming back from the future has given her lots more spaces to try harder, to know this boy better.. It's like having a chance to bake the second time blueberry pie.
Jayden waive as he change his course. His legs have never felt this heavy. He wants to stay so bad and talk some more yet it would be awkward if this goes any longer than it supposed too. Will she call my name? Call me... He can't muster any courage to get closer to this girl. Considering his dark secret, he can't afford hurting some one he care this much. Without considering the other side, he decided that by himself.
Kao: Senior!
Jayden: Yes! -quickly turn
Kao runs to Jayden. Blushing..
Kao: Sorry.. I forgot to ask you earlier..
Jayden: It's okay. What is it? -grinning
Kao: Umm.. It's about a book..
Jayden: Book?
Kao: Yeah.. particularly the one you lent to Kay..
Jayden: Ah, the Encyclopedia of a Time Reaper? What of it? -frowns
Kao: I was wondering if you have another copy of that.. -blinking
Jayden chuckles. That's it? What's with these kids distorted interests. I never knew nowadays that Time Travelling has been the new Starwars, is it? You guys are so much alike by time. This is funny.
Jayden: I lent my only copy to Kay. But if you really want to read it you can just ask Kay to give it to you. I won't mind..
Kao: But.. -hesitating- I can't get her to let go of the book. Besides.. ummm.. it's ok. Just forget it.. -giving up
Kao turns away and her face is showing the disheartened, instantly tugging Jayden's heart.
Jayden: Wait.. Kao..
Kao: Yes? -turning back
Jayden: I can help you to get another copy.. -raising eyebrows
Kao: It's okay senior.. I really don't want to bother you.. -worried
Jayden: Nahhh.. it's nothing hard, i'll just email my friend to send me another copy of the book..
Kao: A friend? I thought you copy it from the original copy kept in the school archive..
Jayden: I've never seen the original copy. -chuckles- I got a copy from a senior of mine back in Korea. Don't worry.. It won't take long. I'll give it to you once I get the softcopy..
Kao: Thank you senior.. I really appreciate it.. -smiles, brightens.
Jayden: Now... get in.. it's getting late. -Waving
Kao: Ok.. thanks again. Good byee..
As she walk happily up the slope to the gate, she turns back to take a another look on him hoping he would still be there and yes,he is still there, waving her home... This might be such a little progress between them but it is enough to make her day worth it. Will he be there forever, thou? No.. he will not... she already knew the answer, of how all this gonna end and it would be just like how her friendship with Erick had end.
Jayden: Happy Belated Birthday... Kao.
{Karyn Faraday POV}
In her room, lurking behind the shadows is the unheralded face, his grin is menacingly eerie. He strides calmly and slowly toward her, only Kay isn't seems frightened, though she did flinch a bit. She kind of expecting him to appear sooner or later, but not this fast and absolutely not in her room. She rolls to another side of her bed, planning to keep a safe distance from the unexpected guest. As she gets up onto her feet to face him bravely, he vanished and...
"Fast.. but not that fast..." whispers him to her left ear from behind, standing too close. She can definitely feels his breath on the back of her neck, sending this immediate chill down to her spines. What? How can he be that fast. Kay quickly turns around in a heart beat to fall back seated onto her bed, hiding her shocked expression and is confused. Sebastian laugh, letting out this crawly bedevil voice which reminds her of Barnabas Collins from Dark shadows.
Sebastian: Well... well... well, let's discuss the previously hold back business, shall we?
Kay: What do you want from me. -clenching her hands into fists.
Not answering her rhetorical question, he steps aside.. helping himself to a sit on her single reading couch placed at the corner of her room, crossing leg and arms, still grinning mockingly.
Sebastian: Fear not, Miss Faraday. I've come to offer you my alliance..
Kay: -chortle- An alliance? With you?
Sebastian: Yes, seems a bit unlikely and fishy isn't it?
Kay: You can't possibly think that I would form an alliance with someone who has attacked me before..
Sebastian: On the contrary, my lady. It's the exact reason why you should.
He is stressing his voice, threatening.
Sebastian: I wish not to threaten you but it's the only way to go about this. I could break you right now if I wish to. Fear me.. And trust me when I say I am better as ally than enemy.
Kay silence. Keep calm Kay.. Get a hold of yourself.
Kay: Very well.. How shall we shake on this? -extend her hand for a handshake
Sebastian grabs Kay's hand, pulling her close. He runs his fingers through Kay's hair, caressing along her cheeks to the chin. He holds Kay's chin softly. Kay trembles in fear. This is way too intimidating.
Sebastian: With a payback for the shock you gave me this afternoon..
Sebastian cold stare turns softer, warmer. He smiles sweetly unlike before. Sebastian sits on Kay's fluffy bed, arching his back down, relaxed and easy. Kay frown in confusion. Is he trying to trick me? Sebastian ruffle his well combed hair. He pull his tie loose.
Sebastian: I've known you before, Miss Faraday. You might not remember me but in the past I used to set your lunch and dinner whenever you visit Lady Valerie at the mansion.
Kay is even more confused.
Sebastian: I was the one who found you after you had your quell with your dangerous schoolmates. The one who sent you to the hospital..
Kay: What are you talking about?
Sebastian: Remember the time you ran away from home? I was the one who manage your new home..
Kay: What is this? What are you doing?
Sebastian: And after what happened to Lady Mikasa.. Yes.. very unfortunate..
Kay: STOP IT!!
Kay plunges towards Sebastian, hand curls into a fist, aiming at Sebastian who is now pinned under her. Kay trembled in anger and confusion. Kay expects Sebastian to grin menacingly instead he is pulling a dead pan look.
Sebastian: Informations in exchange to our newly formed alliance. -pausing- Your past was not your real past.. It has already being altered..And I am here to set things right.. I truly am a friend.. Not an enemy..
