Blink

Eun Hyuk Sena Fan fiction By mywebfoot @twitter @tumblr

The story of life is quicker than the blink of an eye, the story of love is hello, goodbye.
Jimi Hendrix

Winter 2011
Even though Lee Sena had known Eun Hyuk would reject and humiliate her on national television, Sena still chose to go for the group matchmaking date. She went, because the small pebbles of happiness, if collected together, made a decent handful. When he had smiled, when they had shared a temporary partnership, those were moments. Even when he had caught up with her before she left the set. That was another pebble. I, uh, Sena-ssi he had mumbled, struggling to meet her eyes. And her forgiveness was complete. Dont apologize, she had told him, his misery rising in her. You didnt know it would happen this way. Then she had quickly left before she felt more.

Spring 2013, Soras apartment.

So, your new assignment is Lee Sena? Sora nudged Eun Hyuk to the stool in her tiny kitchen and reached into the fridge for a packet of milk. Lee Teuk watched her welcome their early morning guest with dismay. He tried to protest but got shushed. Sit, Dorryeo-nim, and tell us what this is all about. You have 5 minutes, Teuk added, visions of a sexy morning farewell fading fast. Sora nudged him with her elbow. In self-protection, he hugged her to him. She struggled playfully and he pulled her even closer, grinning at each other. Eun Hyuk knew from experience if he didnt interrupt them there would soon be a lot of eye-gazing and he would get shooed out. He cleared his throat. Hyunggg, why do I get the crazy assignments? he pulled a folded up sheet of paper from his back pocket and showed it to Teuk.

Teuk and Sora tore their eyes away from each other reluctantly to look at the paper he held out. It looked like a report on a routine background check, run on everyone whom the Agency had dealings with. It showed that Senas criminal record was clean. She lived alone in middle-class Wangsimni, and her career was middling to decent. Nothing remarkable, except for her unusual patterns. Every two or three days, she would leave her apartment late at night, and not return until three or four in the morning. Once the Agency had trailed her to Soras filming location. It was this last bit of information that made the short hairs on Lee Teuks neck prickle to attention. Shes been stalking Sora? Not exactly. The guy who trailed her just said she hung around for a bit. Then she went home. Why do you attract these stalkers? Teuk complained, only half joking. Sora just gave him a calm Ill deal with you later look and turned back to Eun Hyuk. I didnt meet her that night. So that is strange.but she is also a friend. I see her for coffee now and then. Are you sure theres something going on? Im not, but the Agency thinks she should be checked out. And now youre going undercover to find out whats going on? Sora was fascinated. It was her first time seeing the Agencys covert activities begin. What do you have to do? Well, how about first digging the claws out of his back? Teuk pointed out. Shes not like that, Sora protested, shaking her head, Shes very sweet, very gentle. I remember another sweet gentle girl who socked me in the eye and kneed me in the tatas when she found out that I had humiliated her.

Teuk arched an eyebrow down at her. Sora looked embarrassed but she grinned anyway. Thats exactly the point! So, why does it have to be me? Eun Hyuk whined. She will never forgive me for rejecting her on national television, for entertainment or not. Theres no way Im going to be able to get close enough to watch her. Hyungsu-nim, youve been through this. Help me

SBS Studios, Extreme Chef Set.

Sena greeted him politely. 2011 had not existed, her eyes said. Eun Hyuk was just relieved that she didnt immediately start shrieking at him over the cooking range. The Agency had arranged for them to be both semi-permanent guests at a cooking show. In truth, he was glad of the opportunity to apologize to her properly. He couldnt believe a year had already passed since they were blind date candidates on We Got Married. As in all wrongs, the longer left uncorrected, the harder it had become to do the right thing. He knew hed been putting it off, promising himself he would apologize the moment he encountered her again. And it was likely they would meet again, he had conveniently rationalized, as they both worked the entertainment circuit. He had buried his apology under a year of rationalizations. However, since taping had begun, it was as if he were translucent. Sena had looked at him, talked to him when the cameras were on. Once they were off, it was if she had turned off as well, seated calmly in the corner, unemotionally waiting for the next cue. It wasnt silent treatment, it was worse: silent absentminded treatment. Like he wasnt worth the attention. Like everything he was truly sorry for wasnt worth more than the squashed pea on the counter top. Slowly, Eun Hyuk started feeling a lot less like a guest and a lot more like he was on the ingredient list. Deep-fried, battered myeolchi was on the menu today, he joked grimly, as he watched her skitter away

again. He swore a little. There was a long list of things he wasnt proud of in his life. His treatment of Sena was one of them. If he could only corner her, he might be able to knock his mistake off that long list. But Lee Sena moved in small, quiet movements. It put him to mind of the time he had stood in front of the desert mouse exhibit at the zoo, fascinated by the swift but cautious desert mouse. By its daring, darting dance across the midnight blue sand. Sena had the same wide nocturnal eyes, a crystalline amber-tinged brown. And the same frustrating way of disappearing into shadows when cornered. He knew because he had tried. He had edged closer to where she was in charge of stirring the boiling soup. Should I just dive in there myself or wait for you to push me in? he had joked, gesturing into the soup. His mouth twisted into a selfdeprecating smile. She looked up at him with her big brown eyes, a small frown wrinkling her smooth brow. Then it smoothed out and she blinked once, like she hadnt understood the question. It is good soup, she nodded, answering quite a different question altogether, and then she went back to stirring the soup, her movements smooth and delicate, like the rest of her. The encounter had left him feeling like every screw in his head was slowly twirling out of their sockets. So much for facing right up to it and perhaps cracking a joke. Great advice, Sora, he gave frustrated mental nod to Hyung-su-nim. Taping progressed. They flipped pancakes. The oohed over the dishes. Eun Hyuk felt the sweat begin trickle down the middle of his back. Which was strange, because the studio air-conditioning was on full-blast. He stiffened his determination to apologize. Hed been a wimp about it, he decided. With a copy of the script in one hand and his metaphorical balls in the other, he walked over to her seat at the end of the day. He took a deep breath and began again. Sena-ssi She glanced up at him, and Eun Hyuk was momentarily arrested by the impact of her sorrowful gaze finally looking right at him. He hesitated, forgetting what his excuse to come over was.

There is no need to apologize, Sena calmly preempted his prepared speech, knocking the rest of his breath out of him. He exhaled gustily. That is what you are here for. Hyuk raised his hands to his face to hide his embarrassment, and then put them down again before they were halfway there. Face the music, Lee Hyuk Jae. I wanted to say I am sorry for not taking your phone call on that day because I was trying to be funny and I didnt realize that I should have been more considerate of your pride and I forgot about your image. Clumsy, Lee Hyuk Jae. Not that I think you were actually attracted to me and felt rejected, of course not that, no, but because you deserve to be treated as a pretty lady too, he added hurriedly. I mean, you are pretty, with your big eyes, and your charming dimple and all that, but I needed to have remembered you are a woman as well because you are and Hyuk winced and bit his lips together to stem the verbal diarrhea. Beautiful apology, Lee Hyuk Jae. I dont have a right to forgive you. You didnt know how it would end. She hesitated for a moment, wondering how to explain without telling him about her own guilty activity. Eun Hyuk-ssi, there is no forgiveness because there is no wrong. Eun Hyuk looked up disbelievingly. He searched the depths of her eyes for sincerity. Unblinking, she gazed up at him. Suddenly the edges of his vision blurred. He had the bizarre sensation of being buried in disgusting body temperature mud, a sucking pressure at his feet making his limbs heavy. He gasped for air but the grey glop tugged it out of his lungs. His body jerked in reaction and his vision cleared. What had just happened? His heart was racing in his chest. Sena stood in front of him. But now she was half-smiling at him. Well, uh, okay then, stuttered Eun Hyuk, as he struggled to remember what they had been talking about.

Ill see you around, uh, next taping, he mumbled, spinning on one heel to leave, his normally agile feet stumbling. He frowned at his misbehaving limbs, wondering why they were as tired as if he had just completed a concert. Sena watched him leave. It was sweet of him to apologize. She felt her lips spread out. She touched her fingertips to her face, surprised to find herself genuinely smiling, genuinely happy. It was such a rare occurrence. Pebbles, Lee Sena. More for todays handful, she thought, watching his retreating back.

1.33 a.m., two days later.

The cool of the recent spring rain washed over Sora, Teuk and Eun Hyuk as they stepped out of the warm restaurant. The neon sign over their heads flickered out as the owner closed the shop up behind them. Stomach full and replete with their hot pot supper, Eun Hyuk sighed comfortably, thinking fondly of his bed. He wasnt due for another taping with Lee Sena until Friday. Until then, he could also postpone thinking about that moment he had looked into her eyes and felt like he was drowning in mud. Or how he had scuttled away. Enjoying the late night cover of anonymity, they strolled their way to the car at the end of the block. Eun Hyuk felt the prickle about a minute into their walk. He adjusted his hat and scarf. Hyung, there is someone following us. Yes, Teuk answered in the same conversational tone, his pace unhurried. There was nothing casual in the way he moved to sandwich Sora between them. Maybe its the paparazzi. Sora did not quite believe it herself. They didnt reply. Oppa, its not the paparazzi, is it? The men just edged a little closer to her. It wasnt that they were neurotic. Some of their Agency jobs had a habit of showing up again

sometimes. They continued picking their way carefully in the dark, not hurrying up, but not slowing down. Behind them, a silent form moved in the shadow of the buildings. Hyung, you carry on with Sora. Let me find out whats going on. Teuk nodded. He was mobile, but the gunshot wound sustained at the hands of the Generals men still meant he wasnt at his full strength. Hyuk slipped away, swallowed in the dark depths of the next alleyway. He flattened himself against the wall, slowing his breathing down to listen carefully. He heard Teuk and Soras footsteps fade away. Faintly, he could hear a man belting it out at a nearby noraebang. Somewhere in the shop house above him a toilet flushed. Still, no one passed the entrance. He was about to give up when he saw their tail walk by the entrance. It was too dark to make out anything more than the suspicious way the figure was moving. If he had blinked, he might have missed it, so silently did it flit along the sidewalk Hyuk slipped out of the alleyway, ducking his head to make it look like he wasnt watching the hooded sprite just a few steps in front of him. About half a block in front of them, Teuk and Sora passed an allnight convenience store, its bright lights clearly showing just two people. The figure hesitated, clearly wondering what had happened to Eun Hyuk, and if the surveillance had been discovered. Now was the time. Eun Hyuk reached out and grabbed the man, wrapping his hand over his mouth, another around his chest. The mans body was surprisingly small and light, causing Eun Hyuk to overdo the strength needed, wrenching him practically off the ground and against him. Eun Hyuk felt the body he held in his arms and swore. He was holding a woman. Still covering her mouth, he raised one hand and pushed the jacket hood back. Lee Sena? Her eyes looked as shocked as his. Then her eyes grew round with panic and she made incoherent sounds against his hand. She used both hands to tug at his arm, patting and tugging him

off. He didnt let go, so she started shaking her head and urgently pointing at Teuk and Sora. Eun Hyuk half turned his head to them and what he saw made heart jump to his throat. Some twenty meters in front of them, Teuk and Sora had already reached the car. Teuk was holding the door open for Sora. Just barely visible in the shadow of the building behind them, a tall figure raised a pistol, the weapon pointing straight at them. There was no missing at that distance. Eun Hyuk opened his mouth to shout a helpless warning, but at that moment Sena raised her right arm and pointed one trembling finger at the man. Her breath left her lungs in one effortful rush. Eun Hyuk felt her body stiffen and shudder with tension. There was no gunshot. The weapon stayed pointed at Sora and Teuk, but no deadly flash emitted from it. Eun Hyuks jaw dropped. The shooter had had a clear shot, why had he not taken it? Teuk shut the door on Soras side, and then he trotted around the car and got in himself, unaware of any danger. They drove off. As their brake lights faded, Eun Hyuk watched the mysterious shooter slowly lower his arm. Then he holstered the gun and disappeared into alleyway behind him. A moment later, Sena dropped her pointing hand and fainted. Eun Hyuk felt her sag in his arms. Without thinking about it, he put an arm under her thighs and lifted her up. Even unconscious, she was much too light because curled up against his chest, it felt like he was cradling a sparrow. Something pinched tight in the vicinity of his heart. He swung to the left and right, unsure what to do with an unconscious woman at two in the morning. Finally he made a decision, and walked into the rain-drenched midnight, her still form draped over his arms.

II

Blink, and the world changes.

(Source unknown)

Concern, worry. Always purple, like a bruise was purple. If there was guilt, then it would darken and streak with red. Innocence tinged it violet pink. Then assurance floated through, taupe leaking into yellow. The colors shifted, bled together, moving with the rise and fall of the voices outside the door. A womans murmur of concern, replied by a male voice like hot honeyed milk. In the dark behind her eyelids, she found herself listening for it, yearning for its sweet warmth. Eun Hyuk. She opened her eyes. A strange room, a strangers bed. Eggplant brown on the walls, and in the soft dawn, she could just make out an elaborate ceiling light. A knock sounded on the door and Eun Hyuk walked in. A comfortably padded older woman followed closely behind him, peering curiously at Sena. His mother. Embarrassment shot Sena to her feet; dizziness promptly dragged her down again. The room twirled once around her and the edges of her vision disappeared as she fought back the urge to gag. Motherly hands touched her forehead, gripped her arms and pushed her back down on the bed. She kept her eyes closed and said nothing, gritting her teeth to stop from being sick. Behind her eyes, violet washed in giant sloshing waves over her and she knew she was safe with this lady, in her home. Hyuks Omma made sounds about soup and bustled away. Eun Hyuk pulled up a chair and turned it around, straddling it and grasping the back with both hands. She felt his unsmiling perusal. Saw his curiosity, drew back at the anger sizzling at the edges. She took a few deep breaths to brave the hostility, and then opened her eyes. Yup. No usual dopey grin present. Just give me a few more minutes. I can leave soon. Explain. Pepper green, she thought. The color of curiosity infused with anger. She was surprised. She did not know that Eun Hyuk could be this serious.

Explain what? A delaying tactic for her to decide what she needed to say to escape further scrutiny. But if there was one thing Eun Hyuk had learned from poverty, it was persistence. How to never take no for an answer. He had made a decision to bring her to his family home, his most precious possession. He figured she owed him now, at least enough to douse the burning questions. Explain how you stopped the shooter last night. Lets start with that. Then explain why you fainted after. Explain why you cry in your sleep. Immediately she put her fingertips to her cheeks. Dried tears. She had not realized it. But that meant something. It meant her defenses were down, and for whatever reason, they had come down in his home. Alright, she said, but first find me a pebble, white, if you have it. The strangeness of the request gave him pause. Was she pulling his leg? Trying to get him away so she could escape? But the specificity of the request felt like truth. With one long warning glance, he went. In a moment, he returned with a stone from the decorative plants in the living room. She took it and sat up with effort, gritting her teeth under a new wave of nausea. Gripping it in the palm of her hand, she closed her eyes to shut everything out, and pulled in the tendrils of her consciousness, focusing, focusing only on the tiny hard lump in her grasp. With lessening sensitivity the colors faded, as did the nausea. Then she began to explain. Sorrow eating. Was it the role that triggered it? Or had she just matured into it? She didnt know. But at 21, she found herself sobbing on the set of a music video shoot. It was amazing, you are amazing, the director gushed. I could feel it, it was like, he snapped his fingers, trying to think of the right word for what he had sensed, like inkblots! Black india ink spreading through the room. He snapped his fingers and laughed We have to add that look to the video! Computer

graphics can do anything, he enthused, caught up in his creative moment. She was too shocked to be happy at the directors praise. It had been inkblots that she had seen. As she was crying during the taping she had seen them appear in spongy splotches. On the wall. Over the directors head. On back of the male stars neck. She had no idea why, but she had reached out and swallowed it. Her eyes rounded in shock, it wasnt gloppy, it was hard, like the shucked dry molted skin of a snake. It made her gullet spasm and her face crumple as she took it down. The tears had flowed effortlessly then. What were they? Sadness? Eun Hyuk asked. That. At first only that. Later everything. Guilt, concern, anger, vengeance. I can see them all. Gray. Blue. Green. Those are only sad things. What happens with love, or happiness? Sena shook her head. I dont know. I can see it, its usually some shade of lemonade pink, but I cant or I dont know how to pick it up. She laughed a little. Its not as bad as it sounds. I can be happy. He let that slide for the moment. And last night? Sora. A friend. No, more than a friend, she was someone who comforted. A safe person. Around her Sena had felt no need for her tiring defenses, so she had pursued the friendship. A month ago, she had met Sora for a quick coffee and seen the churning maelstrom of vengeance just fading off her. It had puzzled her at first, for she was sure that Sora was not bearing a grudge against her. Are you alright, Sora? Yes, Im fine, smiled Sora. Her eyes were sparkling. Sena believed her. There was nothing awful now, just that sparkling pink lemonade feeling of first love. She shook off her unease and smiled back, eager to hear the news. Alright, what did he do now?

Sora chattered on. Glasses clinked and the coffee machine gushed at the counter. From their seat in the middle of the caf, they could see the barista and the main door. Someone got up and walked by their table and Senas smile froze. There it was again. Just for a moment, it was if they were passing through a storm cloud. Cold greyness swallowed Sena up then as quickly as it had come, it faded away. She turned her head in time to catch the rear view of a tall man who was leaving the caf, his stride taking him around the corner so quickly that Sena had no chance to react. Sena, I said yes, did you hear me? I said yes! Sora touched her elbow to get her attention. Sena blinked and forced her attention back to Sora. Really? Wow? Was it the same man as last night? Eun Hyuk probed. You said he was tall. I cant be sure, but I think so. How did you know he was going to be there? I didnt. Pure luck. I want to know more before I say anything to frighten her, so I just follow her when I have time. I had no idea he was going to shoot her. Her voice dropped, remembering her shock when she had seen the gun. I knew she was out with Lee Teuk-ssi. I watched you guys have supper and I was just about to leave. Such a comfortable companionship she had witnessed through the window. Teuk and Hyuk ribbing each other. Sora laughing at their antics. The way Teuk draped a lazy arm around her shoulder. So open. So unguarded. She gripped the forgotten pebble in her palm. He arrived about the time you left the shop, I think.

So you followed us until he appeared. How did you stop him? Why did you do this? Eun Hyuk asked, lifting his hand and imitating her pointing motion. When I realized I was picking up peoples feelings I decided to find out more. I read about it. They call me, people like me, an empath. A super empath because I am highly sensitive and I can absorb the emotions of those around me. Sena gauged Eun Hyuks reaction. It was usually at this point that the scoffing disbelief or worse, the cruel jokes appeared. Im listening. She took a deep breath. Safe. This place was safe, she told herself. Eun Hyuk was safe. She trusted him, had verified his concern. Theres one more thing that I can do, which is hard to describe. I havent found any information about it. She tried, but since she herself didnt quite understand it, she could not speak it. There are no words, she began, lifting up her hands and shaking her head. She looked around the room, searching for a way to explain. Then she looked at him, her eyes narrowing on him. Eun Hyuk drew back a little, and then he understood. No, uh huh, you cant demonstrate on me. Just a little, Ill do it just a little and you can see. He shook his head. Eun Hyuk-ssi, I promise you, I wont hurt you. This is your home. I am thankful you brought me here when I was in danger. Youve done more for me than you realized. What kind of person would I be if I repay your kind deed by hurting you? Eun Hyuk was surprised. How had she known how momentous the decision had been to bring her home? The dorm would have been easier, but she would have been vulnerable to the guys inevitable knowing looks. From the moment he had picked her up, felt her small

bones shift in his arms, it had been obvious she needed protecting. And this was the safest place he knew, his home, his anchor, his family. The door opened, and Eun Hyuks mother came in with a tray laden with steaming soup and rice. She laid the bed tray over Senas lap. Youre better? Yes, Oemoeni. You went to so much trouble. Im sorry. The older woman shook her head. No you dont be silly. Eat up, eat up, you need your strength after fainting like that. Uri Hyuk Jae said you fainted on the street. So you just eat up and dont worry. Ill leave you two chat. Hyuk Jae, I made enough for you. She hurried out, closing the door behind her with a smile. Pretty girl, large eyes. And the first one hes ever brought home. She couldnt wait to tell her husband. After the first cautious sip of light tofu soup, Sena realized she was starving. Her pebble landed with a clatter on the tray and she used chopsticks and spoon to scoop her food up. Eun Hyuk ate with her, silently, considering her offer to demonstrate on him. When Sena was done, she sighed and leaned back on the headboard. Im full, I ate so much my stomach feels bloated, she patted her flat belly. Eun Hyuk looked up. Half her bowl of rice was left and she was full. No wonder she was so tiny. How ridiculous of him to be afraid. What could she possibly do to him? Alright, he said suddenly. Show me. Her dark amber eyes considered him. She nodded and moved to clear the tray between them. With the rest and food, she was back to her normal self, but carrying the tray was an awkward motion from her position on the bed. Eun Hyuk got up to help her, but the back of the chair hed been straddling got in the way, and he misjudged, grabbing her hands instead of the tray handles.

Eun Hyuk looked down, arrested by the image of her hands completely surrounded by his. He shuddered on the inside. Unbidden images of all the ways he could surround her filling his mind. He quickly shifted his grip, lifting the tray from below instead, balanced awkwardly on one hand like he were a waiter in a French restaurant. Sena let him, clasping her hands together to erase the hot imprint his hands had left on hers. She cleared her throat. Eun Hyuk put the tray on the floor and turned his chair around. He sat down and faced her properly, ready for the experiment. Lets see, Sena contemplated the possibilities. Nothing too strong, so no anger, no fear. She didnt want to scare him. First, you have to think about something you are sorry for. Anything, she added. That was easy. Around her, he could think of one very big thing he was sorry for. Hurting her and making her cry by rejecting her blind date suit. He nodded. She stared at him. Eun Hyuk looked back, steeling himself to hold her uncanny gaze. Mentally she let her guard down, coaxing, encouraging her empathetic senses out and toward him. Her eyes widened when she felt his apology. First came his sincerity, an unspoiled white expanse. Then his concern flowed through her, washing across the white in ever increasing indigo waves. What a sweet man, she thought, already regretting what she was about to do. But he had asked for a demonstration. She took his regret and gave it back to him, reversing the channel and pouring it back into him. Like a river flowing upstream, the sea gushed up the mountain. Embarrassment pressed in on him. He felt his mistake, a laughable faux pas that heated his cheeks and pushed his head down, yet forgettable. And forgivable. The tide rose, ripping away the convenient rationalization. Shame took over. His nostrils flared. Now he felt the truth of his actions, the reality of his base treatment of her. Knew himself to be strange, poor, meek, ugly, different, bastard, misborn! His

head hung low. How simple the selfish act had been, how enticing the boost to his pride to be able to choose between two beautiful women. Then shame went to sorrow, and his chest threatened to cave in. His breathing shortened, choked by the tears running down his face. He moaned in the agony of crystal clear self-knowledge. And mourned that he was evil. Sena heard the moan and swiftly closed the channel. She reached out and grabbed his face in her hands. Dont cry, Eun Hyuk-ssi, please, stop crying. Its over! Im sorry, he hiccupped and wailed, so-so-sorry! Like a child seeking forgiveness from a parent whom he feared and he needed, he hesitantly reached out, fearing further reprimand. Trembling fingers touched her arms and her hands, begging for assurance. Sena held him. Though her arms barely reached around his square shoulders, she comforted him. He buried his face in her neck and moaned. She soothed, whispering blessings of comfort and absolution, rubbing his back with her palms. Its alright. Eun Hyuk-ssi. Stop. Its nothing new for me. I shouldnt have gone that day. People leave when they sense it. Saying the words reminded her of the ones whod left. The closed doors and the shuttered faces. You were just a little more spectacular, she joked lamely. Hush now, its alright. Her forgiveness drew long tearing sobs from him. She laughed a little and thought again that he was a sweet man. In time, he quieted. He sighed and she released him. He pulled back, turned his head and with one hand pressed into the bed, he kissed her. Sena stiffened; she had not expected this reaction. But his kiss was tender, salted with fresh tears and respectful. She let him, and then she didnt just let him anymore, because her eyes closed and she savored. Eun Hyuks other hand cupped her head and he pressed adoring kisses over her lips, then her nose and finally her forehead. His hands dropped to his side. He leaned back in his seat and stared at her, his mind giving

him a relentlessly precise replay of what had just happened. His jaw dropped. Oh crap.

III

The Doctor: Your life could depend on this. Don't blink. Don't even blink. Blink and you're dead. They are fast. Faster than you can believe. Don't turn your back, don't look away, and don't blink! Good luck.
(Doctor Who: Episode 10, Series 3)

He couldnt believe he had just kissed Sena as if she were a goddess and he the worshipful devotee. After sobbing, no wailing like an overgrown baby on her shoulder. Dont forget begging for forgiveness, he ruthlessly reminded himself. Because she had done something to his brain. Who, no, what was she? A strangled buzzing filled his ears. More? Was there more? His eyes widened, and he scrambled backwards, clumsily knocking over the chair hed been sitting on. He sprawled on the floor. Sena reached out to help and Eun Hyuk cried out, his hand coming up to ward her off. Sena stopped. That was fear in his eyes. No special senses needed to tell. A moment ago she was being kissed by a man she was foolishly attracted to. Now he was staring at her like she had grown two horns. And a scaly red tail. It hurt. The sound continued to buzz insistently. With a blink he realized the sound wasnt coming from her, but from his phone. He grimaced. Eun Hyuk got to his feet and pulled it out of his back pocket. Y-y-yoboseo? Eun Hyuk-ah, Hyung. Come to the Agency. We got security cameras for last night. Teuk sounded shaken. Bring Sena. Eun Hyuk glanced at her. She wasnt there. Eun Hyuk glanced around and behind him. Zip. He swore. What? Teuk was annoyed. Ah, Hyung, no, not you! Well be there. He hung up and sprinted out of the room to the living room. Still no sign of her. She couldnt have gotten very far yet. He clattered out the apartment door and looked to the left and right down the corridor. Empty. Eun Hyuk ran to the elevators. They werent moving. Was vanishing in her powers too? Eun Hyuk ran a hand through his hair. Ah. Logic asserted itself. He adroitly spun around and dashed to the emergency staircase.

He burst through the swinging door, the loud bang echoing down the long concrete stairwell. Eun Hyuk leaned out and peered down the stairwell. Panicked eyes stared back up at him. Sena gasped and continued her headlong rush down the stairs. Wait! he called out, and scrambled after her, taking the stairs two at a time on feet made swift from years of dancing. In two flights, he easily overtook her and held out his arms to stop her. Sena came to a screeching halt two steps above him, but pursed her lips in determination. Im leaving. She glared down at him. Uh-uh nope, He stared right back, and his lips parted in a half smile, enjoying their impromptu game of catch. She bent and feinted to the right. He blocked her. Easily. He cocked his head, the pose one of cocky triumph. She didnt know she was playing with the king of playground catch. Sena sniffed and straightened, crossing her arms and glowering at him out of the corner of her eyes. When she did nothing else, Eun Hyuk was confused. Was she giving up? He slowly straightened, unsure whether to trust her, but eventually dropping his arms to his side. Sena broke for it, feinting left but running right again. She almost got through. Eun Hyuk shunted backwards and turned with her, snagging her with a muscled arm around the waist. He hauled her in against his body, wrapping a second arm around her waist to secure her. Got you! he crowed. He threw back his head and chortled from the thrill of the silly game. She didnt see what was so funny. And it grated on her already bruised emotions that her mortification was just a game to him. Let me go! Her voice cracked with upset. Youve seen enough havent you? You got your demonstration! She hopped and wriggled, working to get free. Eun Hyuk felt her sweet behind rubbing against

him and his body ached. His grip involuntarily tightened around her slim waist. Let me go now! Im a freak, I can mess with your brain! With each word she hopped a little, unaware of the havoc she was wreaking on his libido. You better stay away from me, Sena choked around the lump of tears in her throat, or Ill get you again! she threatened, I will! Wait, what was this? Eun Hyuks smile sputtered and faded out. Had she not enjoyed their little game of chase? Uncertainly, he angled his head to look into her eyes. She stubbornly looked away. She twisted and struggled harder, trying to get out of the circle of his arms, frantic now with the need to run before she broke down in front of him in tears. Eun Hyuk gritted his teeth and told his body to behave. Sena-ssi! Stop moving! he hollered. She stilled. Eun Hyuk used his body to back her up against the wall. When they got near enough he let go her waist and quickly gripped her shoulders to turn her around, pressing her firmly but inexorably against the wall. Much safer, he thought, with just one contact point. Still, she avoided his gaze, shrinking against the wall. She wished disappearing were within her range of abilities. Hey, what happened? He put two fingers under her chin and nudged it up. She shook him off, and looked stubbornly down. I need to go. You have your answers. Thank your mother for me, the food was delicious, Im leaving now, she mumbled, speaking faster and faster as the urge to flee grew. She ducked to leave. Eun Hyuk lowered his arm and expediently stopped her. Please, not yet. The Agency called. They want to see you. Whatever you did to me just now, it has something to do with it. Did? That just

made her mad, and accomplished what no amount of gentle sympathy could. Her spine stiffened. Did? What I did to you? You asked for a demonstration! You did something! I hate crying in front of people and you still made me cry! I have never felt so awful in my life, like, like I was the biggest piece of shit and you were the only one who could forgive me. In his agitation, Eun Hyuk let her go and started pacing, waving his hands in the air to punctuate his words. I mean, I was a big piece of shit, and I am sorry for rejecting you. I needed your forgiveness, its true. But just now when you did forgive me I was so thankful I had to kiss you! Do you know how weird that is for me? I cant even look you in the eye! He stopped in front of her. Thats NOT ME! he voice rose as he struggled to convince her of his innocence. He put his hand to his chest. Thumped it violently to emphasize his point to her. She watched him rant. I dont behave like that and I certainly dont kiss women like this, he demonstrated, cupping her chin and kissing her quickly on the forehead, or this, on the nose, or this! The lips. Twice. The second one with a hint of tongue. She put her fingers to her lips and stared at him in shock. Awkward silence. It was broken by Eun Hyuks groan. He let go of her and his hand covered his eyes in embarrassment. Not again. Hed gone and kissed her again. What the hell had she done to him? Or had he really wanted to kiss her? All that rubbing against his nether regions earlier maybe? He couldnt tell anymore. Nothing made sense. His phone rang again. It had to be Teuk getting impatient. Argh, I dont know. Just come, he said, grabbing her wrist. Time enough to deal with this later. She followed him. Sena was quiet during the fifteen minute ride over to Agency headquarters. Eun Hyuk tried to deal with his emotions, his thoughts,

and her strangeness. He failed, and eventually settled on shoving it to the side until he could face it. When they arrived Eun Hyuk led her through the double doors into the spacious conference room with a view of early morning Seoul. A half dozen large display screens broke the clean lines of the room, filled with what looked like running data and security camera footage. She gasped when she saw her own face staring back at her from one of the boards. Photos of her. Leaving her apartment. At work. What have you been doing? Have you been spying on me? Lee Sena, its a pleasure to meet you. A man she instantly recognized turned from the board to face her. Teacher Lee Soo Man! she bowed. Only the most powerful man in Korean entertainment at the moment. Lee Teuk stood up from his seat at the table, bowing and greeting her. Sora stood up next to him, holding out her arms. Sena went to her and they hugged. Sora, youre here? Whats going on? They will explain in a moment. But first, thank you, Unnie, Sora whispered. You saved my life. Sena looked at her with surprise. She knew? She turned to glare accusingly at Eun Hyuk. He shook his head subtly. No. We saw the security tapes, Unnie, Sora explained, gesturing to the one of the screens in the room. Teuk hit the replay button. In the grainy black and white security video, Sena could see a distorted wide-angle view down the street. The streetlight fell on the foreshortened figures of Teuk and Sora as they walked to the car. The camera must have been a security camera, mounted high up to watch the street in front of the shop. In the distance, she could just make out herself and Eun Hyuk. She saw Eun Hyuk silently nab her from behind. Teuk and Sora went off screen as they stepped off the kerb to the car.

A moment later, clear as day, a hand very distinctly holding a pistol appeared in the bottom left hand corner. Senas blood chilled. She had seen it herself, but the pale, long-fingered disembodied hand caught on tape disturbed her. It made it real. Undeniable. In the background, Sena saw herself raise her own arm and point. For three interminable seconds, the hand and the gun stayed there, unwavering. Then it went away. And Sena collapsed. The video faded to black. Teuk had just forced himself to watch the footage again, even though he had already reviewed the tape repeatedly this morning. This was the reality; Sora had nearly been murdered. At that distance, the shot would have meant instant death. Teuk tightened his grip on Soras hand. He could have lost her. Sena-ssi, Teuk contained the tremor he felt inside. I dont know how you did it, but we are very grateful. How did you do it? Teacher Lee asked. Sena hesitated. Please, Unnie, Sora asked quietly. I know how strange all this looks, she gestured toward the equipment and Senas information on the board, but you can trust them. Please, tell us so that we can find the shooter. In her mind, Sena saw again the scene, remembered her helpless panic at the threat. She had done all that she could, she thought, remembering her late night jaunts trailing Sora in the cold winter streets. Now that they knew for sure there was a threat, perhaps someone with more resources would do a better job of protecting her. Ill tell you how. But first, you all have to promise to never tell anyone. Im 31 and I live on my own. Work is hard to come by for any actress. I dont need to be branded a freak in the industry. Freak. Ugly. Misborn. Eun Hyuk heard the words and recognized the echo from his own skinny and poor past. He frowned, the impact of her abilities beginning to be clearer to him. Did she isolate herself or did people shun her?

You had all better sit down. Factually as she could, she gave them the abbreviated version of her empathic skills. Lee Teuk, Sora and Teacher Lee listened on in amazement. When she got to the part about demonstrating it on Eun Hyuk, they all turned to him for confirmation. I felt it, he nodded, relieved she had left out the bit about him crying and kissing her. But what does that have to do with the shooter? Are you saying you made him feel regretful about shooting Sora? Sorry enough to stop? Lee Teuk said disbelievingly. To tell you the truth, I honestly dont know myself, she explained. I was panicking, I was still so far away, and I dont know if my powers reach so far. I did what I could; I sort of took his emotions and lobbed it back at him. As hard as I could. Sena awkwardly settled for words that made her sound like a pitcher in a ballgame. There were no words for things outside the realm of everyday experience. She remembered taking in the gunners turmoil, and even now her lips curled at the sensation of boiling frost, a winter storm piercing her body. Sena fisted her fingers on her mouth as the nausea returned. Theres your answer, she said, shaking her head. It was pure luck, dumb luck. I didnt know if it would work, or how it would work. Perhaps he felt vengeance directed at him. Or he just felt momentarily weird. Enough to hesitate perhaps. Its even possible I didnt do anything at all, and he decided not to shoot. She shrugged. Everyone was silent as they struggled to process the bizarre nature of what they had just heard. Sena watched them try to figure it out. At least they werent reporting her to the nearest mental institution. Or carting her off to the police. Actually, right now, it doesnt matter if Sena stopped the shooter or not, Teacher Lee broke the silence. We only need to find him, and fast, before he gets another chance.

He leaned forward and fixed his steady gaze on her. You say you can sense when this man is nearby, Sena-ssi? Yes, Sena replied, relieved to be able to give at least one simple answer. All right then, help us identify him. Stay near Soras side and if, when he shows up again, point him out to us. We can take it from there. Sena nodded. That she could do. Thats settled then. Ill get Sora a few guest spots on Extreme Chef. Eun Hyuk will be there. He can keep you both safe. Eun Hyuk stiffened. He was going to have to deal with it. All of it. Outside the Agency building, a dark blue sedan pulled away from the kerb. The driver leaned out, carefully checking traffic before speeding up into the flow. As he drove, he considered the situation. So, she had help now. The Agency has found her. And the boy is one of them? He must be, having brought her there from his home. What was he to her? There was more to consider, then. Still, the demonstration last night had been impressive. He glanced at the rear view mirror. He reached out to adjust it to accommodate his higher viewing angle. The face reflected in the mirror was fair, almost as pale the streaks of grey in his hair. He smiled a little, and genial laugh lines appeared under his eyes, bracketing his mouth as well. Sena. Definitely time to arrange a meeting.