Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 30
He sat alone on the bed, looking lost and paralyzed, a bit unconcerned for the world outside. Minimum noises went about outside his room, but he didn’t listen. Instead, thoughts of the “dream” floated about his head. He remained silently still and hoped he’d wake up again. A knock was heard, followed by the door creaking open.
Mike recognized the man - Brian, only this time he wore a long white lab coat and had a pen stuck in his breast pocket. He smiled at Mike as he walked closer and took a seat next to him, pulling from behind him a writing pad.
“Hi,” Brian whispered out as he slipped on his glasses and took out his pen.
“How are you feeling?” Brian asked. Mike looked at him in the eyes and waited for Brian to suddenly tell him something familiar. Anything . . . There was only silence.
“If you don’t talk at all, I can’t guarantee when you’ll get to go home,” Brian smiled. He began scribbling down some notes.
“I’m fine.” Mike’s response was quick and short. He didn’t show much interest in talking to anybody at the moment. He wanted to be left alone.
“Alright. I’ve called your wife. She’ll be coming in a few minutes. Why don’t you get dressed? She brought your clothes in that bag right there.” Brian pointed towards a black shiny bag, placed next to the table near Mike’s bed. Brian stood up to leave after neatly placing his pen back.
“Wait,” Mike called after him. Brian stopped and turned around. “When I was in a coma, did you see my wife with anybody?”
Brian paused to think for a moment, asking himself of a purpose to why Mike would ask an odd question as such.
“I don’t really remember, but she did show up once with a man.” Brian nodded to himself, sure that it was correct.
“What did he look like?” Mike wanted to make sure it was not Junjin.
“Fairly tall, built, clean cut and short hair.” Brian shrugged.
“Do you know his name?” Mike questioned.
“No.” Brian shook his head. He waited for a moment before Mike mumbled a ‘thank you,’ then left.
With a shadow falling over one side of his shoulder, Mike fixed his tie, then straightened his new suit. He’d shaved, once again looking like his old self; the person he remembered so well. Looking into the mirror, he didn’t want to look angry, but he knew he did.
“Mike, honey? Where are you?” Ji Yun called out as she dropped her bag on the bed that was already made.
“Over here,” Mike called back, not bothering to look her way. She walked over to him, a surprised smile plastered onto her face. She placed her hands on his shoulders and then to his tie.
“You look so handsome,” Ji Yun complimented as she helped him tighten it around his neck.
He brushed her hand off and walked around her. “Let’s go.”
He took a step into his home. The place looked familiar, but slight changes have been made throughout the entire interior of the living room. The once spacious bamboo floor was now scattered with papers and documents Mike didn’t recognize. He could tell she had done a bad job with house keeping while he was gone. Passing by the kitchen bar, he spotted a gold watch laying on the counter. Mike couldn’t help but wonder whom it belonged to, since it wasn’t his.
“Honey, could you help me out with this?” Ji Yun called out as she tried dragging a large box in. Mike turned his attention back to her and looked at the large box.
“What’s in there?” he asked. The contents of it seemed heavy, stamped all over.
She sighed and shrugged. “I brought it over from your office. They said it was yours so I had Junjin put it in the trunk.”
“You went to my office?” Mike asked, raising his eyebrows.
“Well, I...I just wanted to see if you had any unfinished work that I could help with.” She smiled and kissed his cheek.
“I’ll get dinner started.” Ji Yun walked away to the kitchen.
Mike brought in the box, despite his weakness, and placed it near the chimney. He made his way over to the kitchen and realized the watch was now gone. Ji Yun happily walked around in the kitchen with an apron on, going back and forth from the stove to the sink, finding her utensils. Mike walked over to the refrigerator and looked in. He closed it and stepped back. Crossing his arms, he stood back to watch her.
“Ji Yun.”
“Yes?” She looked up with bright eyes.
“What are you going to cook? There’s nothing in the refrigerator.”
To her surprise, she couldn’t reply. “Oh...I...I guess I was too busy for these past few days, I forgot to go shopping.” She looked away, biting her lips anxiously.
“That’s fine. We’ll go eat out.”
“Really?” She looked back at him with relieved eyes, half thankful that she didn’t have to cook.
“Yeah. I never really liked your cooking anyway,” Mike replied as he walked off to his room, leaving Ji Yun a bit surprised and speechless.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 29
Li Ann stood still frozen with terror as Andy held still with his gun pointed to her neck. She knew he wouldn’t stop if he was going to shoot her the next second. Her eyes stared straight into his, looking at his clean-cut face, seeing Mike walk up behind Andy.
For a moment she forgot why he was there. She couldn’t speak as everything seemed to be like a dream. Her heart was pounding faster than she could think when Mike slowly put his hand around Andy’s gun and suddenly yanked it from him.
“What the...” Andy thought he had accidentally dropped the gun. Without warning, a kick from Mike was directed towards his abdomen, followed by a punch to the face.
The main door flushed open as Eric and his crew came storming in with their guns aimed straight ahead of them. The entire room was now confiscated with four different groups.
Hwanhee grabbed the laptop and pulled out his shiny black caliber while Hyesung slowly walked backwards behind his men, ducking for cover. The entire warehouse became a wild rampage of men running around with guns, shooting aimlessly at one another.
Dahye suddenly yanked her wrists from the rope that she was bound with and worked on Li Ann’s knot. She cursed out loud as she kept fumbling with the knot. Slowly, the knot began to loosen.
Junjin had managed to struggle to his feet. Ignoring the pain ripping in his arm, he grabbed the rope that tied Mary’s hands and quickly unworked them.
“This way!” Junjin shouted as he followed Li Ann, Dahye and Mary out the little exit nearby, trying to dodge the flying bullets.
Another unseen force struck Andy in the jaw, knocking him down. He picked up his gun and started to wildly shoot into the air, hoping to hit whatever was attacking him.
“Put your weapons down!” Eric shouted. Hyesung pulled out a gun from one of his men’s grasps and aimlessly shot at the group of cops, while Andy’s men fought for cover. The surroundings weren’t so easy to hide, due to the room that had been cleared out earlier.
The exit that Junjin led them through came to a dead end, stuck between a door that was jammed tightly and the other side full of danger.
“Shit!” Junjin cursed as he grabbed his arm, which was now more painful than ever. He searched desperately for a way to open the door that was still jammed tightly.
“Shit shit shit.” He looked back at the three other girls, then back to the door, unable to configure a way out.
“Move,damn it,” Dahye suddenly said with a slight shove to Junjin. She took a deep breath, then threw a hard kick at the door. It shuttered noises as the weak walls moved, but the door didn’t budge. Dahye kicked again, and didn’t stop until the knob of the door nearly fell out of its place.
Inside the large warehouse room, the conglomerated situation caused confusion between Andy and Hyesung’s men, whom were all dressed the same way in black suits. One didn’t know of the other, nor what side they were from.
Like a conflagration, Hyesung’s men stirred and turned on each other. More police force poured from outside as Eric’s backup arrived. They surrounded the building firmly, corresponding to the situation Eric was in.
Eric leaned against a wall where it blocked him out of view from Hyesung as he gave what was left of his men countenance to continue their shootings. He looked around the scene. Hwanhee was missing.
A shout tore from Andy as he lost all senses. Not know what or who was against him, an invisible force that rapidly beat him, he grew frustrated and scared. He was in destitution for anything to help him while he still had time.
Brian remained silently still in his crouched position as he stretched his hands and cracked his knuckles. At the right time which he knew, he turned to see Hwanhee making his way out of the warehouse through a secret passageway. Brian knew what his intentions were. Even if he had no reasons with Hwanhee, he couldn’t let the man get away. Brian found the man despicable.
Before Hwanhee could make it past Brian, something lurched at his knees, tripping him over. Hwanhee fell over his laptop, which cracked in half. Not caring much about it, he picked himself up, then reached for his gun.
A hand, obviously of a male, picked up the gun before Hwanhee could. He looked up to see the young man around his age holding the gun securely, pointing it towards him. Brian wondered why Hwanhee was looking at him like he was crazy. Reasonably because Brian was in a suit, and Hwanhee had never seen him before.
“Who the hell are you?” Hwanhee asked with a low growl in his voice as he stepped back from Brian.
“Nobody you should know of,” Brian returned.
“Put your hands up!” Tony appeared from the door as he pointed his gun at Hwanhee, who was standing alone. Hwanhee threw his hands above his head in equanimity and glanced back at Brian, but found nobody. It was just him and the cop.
Junjin helped Dahye push against the door. This time, it surprisingly gave way with Junjin nearly landing hard into the ground with the force he put in. Mary helped him to steady ground and towards the officers nearby.
Li Ann followed last, but suddenly remembered one thing. She turned around and ran back towards the warehouse room. She didn’t know what she was doing back there. It wasn’t an escapade she was playing, but the feeling that Mike was still back there led her into the room.
The firearms had been laid down with a bullet in Hyesung’s leg. Most of his men were either dead or caught, and Jae Won slightly injured. Andy remained in hand cuffs as he saw Li Ann from the far side of the wall. She only glared back with a merciless look.
“Mike?” Li Ann quietly called out, hoping he’d pop out of somewhere to surprise her.
“Miss,” a voice provoked her from behind. She spun around to see Eric.
“I’ll need you to go to town with me to testify as a witness,” Eric explained. Li Ann merely nodded as she worried about other things instead; she worried about where Mike was.
With less than a few minutes on Brian’s watch, he literally dragged Mike out. Holding a tight grasp on Mike’s shoulder, he didn’t know how Mike had suddenly pulled away.
“I have to go back!” Mike shouted in argument against Brian.
“No, we’ve done enough, and if you don’t hurry, you’re gonna end up–...”
“I know! Just let me go back to say goodbye,” Mike interrupted. His eyes were focused onto Brian’s with his jaws clenched, and for a second there, he could actually see that Brian’s eyes had a bit of green in them.
“Sorry, can’t.” Brian looked at his watch as the minute hand moved up a notch. “You can’t.”
Ignoring Brian, he broke away and ran back towards the warehouse. Anger and confusion erupted his mind as he was suddenly in a place unknown, a place he’d never seen.
Moving across an empty field, Mike shielded his eyes from a bright light that began to form around him. The wind picked up an increasing pace as the world around them spun, making him more transparent than ever. He could feel the wind goin through his body as it began to decrease. Then he could feel no more.
His head began to throb with an undeniable pain, wrecking his soul. Claustrophobia set in and his mind began to stir. Where was Brian?
Water rose up to his neck, pulling him in, drowning him. He could feel the cold steering wheel beneath him, and his belt pushing against his chest to hold him to his seat. Then the water stopped.
He cringed as the white particles surrounding him lessen its pace and started floating off. He was suddenly unaware and mesmerized by them. Oddly, they unknown particles began to focus into view. His upside down position had been switched to horizontal, and he could move his eyes to blink at the white light.
Where am I? Heaven?
The endless beeping from a machine and the intoxicating smell of a place familiar invaded him. He could tell he was still alive, or at least breathing.
A soft touch was felt on his hand. Immediately, he grabbed what it was. A warm hand, he felt. He opened his eyes to wait for the image in front of him to come into view. He wished he hadn’t.
“Mike, honey, wake up,” Ji Yun’s soft voice spoke to him, soothing and comforting.
“Ji Yun? Wh...where am I?” Mike found his voice weak and his throat dry, as if he hadn’t drank anything in years.
“Mr. Lee?” He looked to the other side to see a female dressed in white with a clipboard in her arm. “I’m Alena Lee, your doctor.” A wedding ring sparkled off her finger.
“Where am I?” Mike asked again as he looked around now as his vision became clearer.
“You were in a bad car accident, and you’ve just woken up from your coma. You’re very lucky for waking up after only three weeks. Most patients don’t wake up for years.”
“What?” Mike found himself shocked to hear what had just came out of the doctor’s mouth. What struck him the most was the word ‘coma.’ He half wished he really did die, and remained half thankful that it was over. Ji Yun smiled at him as she patted his arm.
At the foot of his bed was Junjin, grinning at him. It could only be as Junjin returning from work once again; his entire attire was usual, and his hair ruffed from a long day’s work. His thoughts returned to what the doctor had been saying.
“I was in a coma? Where’s Brian?”
“You remember Dr. Joo? He’ll be back shortly,” the doctor replied explained.
“Brian’s a doctor?” Mike asked, confused.
“Yes.” She gave Mike an odd look. She turned to Ji Yun, “Patients that just woke up tend to think of people they saw in their dreams.” Ji Yun nodded in response.
“Mike, what did you see in your dream?” Dr. Lee turned to him and asked as she picked up a black inked pen from her pocket.
“I...” Mike thought for a moment. “I died.”
Alena’s eyes shot up, and so did Ji Yun’s. They were a bit surprised by his answer. The look Alena gave Mike wanted him to continue explaining.
“I died...I really did.” Mike’s voice grew quiet. He said no more.
Not wanting to pursue her task in asking about his dream, Alena wished him goodness and left to tend her other patients. She passed by Brian, who was talking to a registered nurse by the counter. He nodded and took a clipboard from the nurse. Alena smiled at him as she walked up to him.
“Patient in room 204 woke up,” Alena reported. Brian remained stunned for a minute.
“Already? Wow.” He nodded with a smile. “That’s wonderful, I’ll check up on him later. Thanks hun.” With a kiss to her cheek, he proceeded onwards to the opposite direction.
“How are you feeling man?” Junjin asked as he shook Mike’s arm carefully.
“I don’t know. Okay, I guess,” Mike replied, choosing his words carefully.
“Glad you’re alive. I have to run now, so I’ll check on you again later. I got a date with this really pretty girl named Mary. I'll come back later.” Junjin patted Mike’s shoulder before heading out, glad that after a long three weeks wait, Mike had finally woken up.
He lay quietly still on the bed, his mind locked in recaps of what had just happened. The two and a half weeks he’d been with Li Ann was all faked? And some how he knew of all the other things that happened, wether or not he was involved. Did he really have a niece named Dahye?
It felt like watching a movie...only that it was a dream; a dream real enough to be true. A dream of his life...the past? Or the future? The thought scared him. The questions confused him. So many remained unanswered. He remained at lost. He was afraid of the truth.
Ji Yun’s hold on his hand tightened. He finally realized she was still in the room with him. He looked at her face, beautiful and charming as ever. Light blush streaked her cheeks and her lips shined from the gloss she wore. Mike found her different. She smiled and leaned in to kiss him on the forehead.
“I’m going home to cook dinner for you, okay?” she asked softly to his ear. Ji Yun leaned back, but Mike didn’t let go of her hand yet. He only squeezed lightly back.
“Stay with me,” Mike whispered. Ji Yun slowly lowered herself down to the seat next to him. He wondered if Ji Yun had, or would really betray him.
His thoughts slowly drifted off back to Li Ann. What happened? Where was she? He wanted to see her.
Chapter 29
Li Ann stood still frozen with terror as Andy held still with his gun pointed to her neck. She knew he wouldn’t stop if he was going to shoot her the next second. Her eyes stared straight into his, looking at his clean-cut face, seeing Mike walk up behind Andy.
For a moment she forgot why he was there. She couldn’t speak as everything seemed to be like a dream. Her heart was pounding faster than she could think when Mike slowly put his hand around Andy’s gun and suddenly yanked it from him.
“What the...” Andy thought he had accidentally dropped the gun. Without warning, a kick from Mike was directed towards his abdomen, followed by a punch to the face.
The main door flushed open as Eric and his crew came storming in with their guns aimed straight ahead of them. The entire room was now confiscated with four different groups.
Hwanhee grabbed the laptop and pulled out his shiny black caliber while Hyesung slowly walked backwards behind his men, ducking for cover. The entire warehouse became a wild rampage of men running around with guns, shooting aimlessly at one another.
Dahye suddenly yanked her wrists from the rope that she was bound with and worked on Li Ann’s knot. She cursed out loud as she kept fumbling with the knot. Slowly, the knot began to loosen.
Junjin had managed to struggle to his feet. Ignoring the pain ripping in his arm, he grabbed the rope that tied Mary’s hands and quickly unworked them.
“This way!” Junjin shouted as he followed Li Ann, Dahye and Mary out the little exit nearby, trying to dodge the flying bullets.
Another unseen force struck Andy in the jaw, knocking him down. He picked up his gun and started to wildly shoot into the air, hoping to hit whatever was attacking him.
“Put your weapons down!” Eric shouted. Hyesung pulled out a gun from one of his men’s grasps and aimlessly shot at the group of cops, while Andy’s men fought for cover. The surroundings weren’t so easy to hide, due to the room that had been cleared out earlier.
The exit that Junjin led them through came to a dead end, stuck between a door that was jammed tightly and the other side full of danger.
“Shit!” Junjin cursed as he grabbed his arm, which was now more painful than ever. He searched desperately for a way to open the door that was still jammed tightly.
“Shit shit shit.” He looked back at the three other girls, then back to the door, unable to configure a way out.
“Move,damn it,” Dahye suddenly said with a slight shove to Junjin. She took a deep breath, then threw a hard kick at the door. It shuttered noises as the weak walls moved, but the door didn’t budge. Dahye kicked again, and didn’t stop until the knob of the door nearly fell out of its place.
Inside the large warehouse room, the conglomerated situation caused confusion between Andy and Hyesung’s men, whom were all dressed the same way in black suits. One didn’t know of the other, nor what side they were from.
Like a conflagration, Hyesung’s men stirred and turned on each other. More police force poured from outside as Eric’s backup arrived. They surrounded the building firmly, corresponding to the situation Eric was in.
Eric leaned against a wall where it blocked him out of view from Hyesung as he gave what was left of his men countenance to continue their shootings. He looked around the scene. Hwanhee was missing.
A shout tore from Andy as he lost all senses. Not know what or who was against him, an invisible force that rapidly beat him, he grew frustrated and scared. He was in destitution for anything to help him while he still had time.
Brian remained silently still in his crouched position as he stretched his hands and cracked his knuckles. At the right time which he knew, he turned to see Hwanhee making his way out of the warehouse through a secret passageway. Brian knew what his intentions were. Even if he had no reasons with Hwanhee, he couldn’t let the man get away. Brian found the man despicable.
Before Hwanhee could make it past Brian, something lurched at his knees, tripping him over. Hwanhee fell over his laptop, which cracked in half. Not caring much about it, he picked himself up, then reached for his gun.
A hand, obviously of a male, picked up the gun before Hwanhee could. He looked up to see the young man around his age holding the gun securely, pointing it towards him. Brian wondered why Hwanhee was looking at him like he was crazy. Reasonably because Brian was in a suit, and Hwanhee had never seen him before.
“Who the hell are you?” Hwanhee asked with a low growl in his voice as he stepped back from Brian.
“Nobody you should know of,” Brian returned.
“Put your hands up!” Tony appeared from the door as he pointed his gun at Hwanhee, who was standing alone. Hwanhee threw his hands above his head in equanimity and glanced back at Brian, but found nobody. It was just him and the cop.
Junjin helped Dahye push against the door. This time, it surprisingly gave way with Junjin nearly landing hard into the ground with the force he put in. Mary helped him to steady ground and towards the officers nearby.
Li Ann followed last, but suddenly remembered one thing. She turned around and ran back towards the warehouse room. She didn’t know what she was doing back there. It wasn’t an escapade she was playing, but the feeling that Mike was still back there led her into the room.
The firearms had been laid down with a bullet in Hyesung’s leg. Most of his men were either dead or caught, and Jae Won slightly injured. Andy remained in hand cuffs as he saw Li Ann from the far side of the wall. She only glared back with a merciless look.
“Mike?” Li Ann quietly called out, hoping he’d pop out of somewhere to surprise her.
“Miss,” a voice provoked her from behind. She spun around to see Eric.
“I’ll need you to go to town with me to testify as a witness,” Eric explained. Li Ann merely nodded as she worried about other things instead; she worried about where Mike was.
With less than a few minutes on Brian’s watch, he literally dragged Mike out. Holding a tight grasp on Mike’s shoulder, he didn’t know how Mike had suddenly pulled away.
“I have to go back!” Mike shouted in argument against Brian.
“No, we’ve done enough, and if you don’t hurry, you’re gonna end up–...”
“I know! Just let me go back to say goodbye,” Mike interrupted. His eyes were focused onto Brian’s with his jaws clenched, and for a second there, he could actually see that Brian’s eyes had a bit of green in them.
“Sorry, can’t.” Brian looked at his watch as the minute hand moved up a notch. “You can’t.”
Ignoring Brian, he broke away and ran back towards the warehouse. Anger and confusion erupted his mind as he was suddenly in a place unknown, a place he’d never seen.
Moving across an empty field, Mike shielded his eyes from a bright light that began to form around him. The wind picked up an increasing pace as the world around them spun, making him more transparent than ever. He could feel the wind goin through his body as it began to decrease. Then he could feel no more.
His head began to throb with an undeniable pain, wrecking his soul. Claustrophobia set in and his mind began to stir. Where was Brian?
Water rose up to his neck, pulling him in, drowning him. He could feel the cold steering wheel beneath him, and his belt pushing against his chest to hold him to his seat. Then the water stopped.
He cringed as the white particles surrounding him lessen its pace and started floating off. He was suddenly unaware and mesmerized by them. Oddly, they unknown particles began to focus into view. His upside down position had been switched to horizontal, and he could move his eyes to blink at the white light.
Where am I? Heaven?
The endless beeping from a machine and the intoxicating smell of a place familiar invaded him. He could tell he was still alive, or at least breathing.
A soft touch was felt on his hand. Immediately, he grabbed what it was. A warm hand, he felt. He opened his eyes to wait for the image in front of him to come into view. He wished he hadn’t.
“Mike, honey, wake up,” Ji Yun’s soft voice spoke to him, soothing and comforting.
“Ji Yun? Wh...where am I?” Mike found his voice weak and his throat dry, as if he hadn’t drank anything in years.
“Mr. Lee?” He looked to the other side to see a female dressed in white with a clipboard in her arm. “I’m Alena Lee, your doctor.” A wedding ring sparkled off her finger.
“Where am I?” Mike asked again as he looked around now as his vision became clearer.
“You were in a bad car accident, and you’ve just woken up from your coma. You’re very lucky for waking up after only three weeks. Most patients don’t wake up for years.”
“What?” Mike found himself shocked to hear what had just came out of the doctor’s mouth. What struck him the most was the word ‘coma.’ He half wished he really did die, and remained half thankful that it was over. Ji Yun smiled at him as she patted his arm.
At the foot of his bed was Junjin, grinning at him. It could only be as Junjin returning from work once again; his entire attire was usual, and his hair ruffed from a long day’s work. His thoughts returned to what the doctor had been saying.
“I was in a coma? Where’s Brian?”
“You remember Dr. Joo? He’ll be back shortly,” the doctor replied explained.
“Brian’s a doctor?” Mike asked, confused.
“Yes.” She gave Mike an odd look. She turned to Ji Yun, “Patients that just woke up tend to think of people they saw in their dreams.” Ji Yun nodded in response.
“Mike, what did you see in your dream?” Dr. Lee turned to him and asked as she picked up a black inked pen from her pocket.
“I...” Mike thought for a moment. “I died.”
Alena’s eyes shot up, and so did Ji Yun’s. They were a bit surprised by his answer. The look Alena gave Mike wanted him to continue explaining.
“I died...I really did.” Mike’s voice grew quiet. He said no more.
Not wanting to pursue her task in asking about his dream, Alena wished him goodness and left to tend her other patients. She passed by Brian, who was talking to a registered nurse by the counter. He nodded and took a clipboard from the nurse. Alena smiled at him as she walked up to him.
“Patient in room 204 woke up,” Alena reported. Brian remained stunned for a minute.
“Already? Wow.” He nodded with a smile. “That’s wonderful, I’ll check up on him later. Thanks hun.” With a kiss to her cheek, he proceeded onwards to the opposite direction.
“How are you feeling man?” Junjin asked as he shook Mike’s arm carefully.
“I don’t know. Okay, I guess,” Mike replied, choosing his words carefully.
“Glad you’re alive. I have to run now, so I’ll check on you again later. I got a date with this really pretty girl named Mary. I'll come back later.” Junjin patted Mike’s shoulder before heading out, glad that after a long three weeks wait, Mike had finally woken up.
He lay quietly still on the bed, his mind locked in recaps of what had just happened. The two and a half weeks he’d been with Li Ann was all faked? And some how he knew of all the other things that happened, wether or not he was involved. Did he really have a niece named Dahye?
It felt like watching a movie...only that it was a dream; a dream real enough to be true. A dream of his life...the past? Or the future? The thought scared him. The questions confused him. So many remained unanswered. He remained at lost. He was afraid of the truth.
Ji Yun’s hold on his hand tightened. He finally realized she was still in the room with him. He looked at her face, beautiful and charming as ever. Light blush streaked her cheeks and her lips shined from the gloss she wore. Mike found her different. She smiled and leaned in to kiss him on the forehead.
“I’m going home to cook dinner for you, okay?” she asked softly to his ear. Ji Yun leaned back, but Mike didn’t let go of her hand yet. He only squeezed lightly back.
“Stay with me,” Mike whispered. Ji Yun slowly lowered herself down to the seat next to him. He wondered if Ji Yun had, or would really betray him.
His thoughts slowly drifted off back to Li Ann. What happened? Where was she? He wanted to see her.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 28
Ji Yun stumbled backwards, trying to get away from Mike. She ran out the door as quickly as she could and sprinted down the stairs, forgetting to grab her purse as she slammed the door shut. Running to her car, she took her keys out of the pocket and jammed it into the door lock, but of course, it wasn't locked.
Muttering a curse, she opened the door and sunk into the seat. As soon as her eyes lifted up to start the car, there he was, standing in front of her car. Ji Yun's fingers gripped the wheel. Within a moment of staring into his icy eyes, the car screeched out of the driveway.
“Nice work,” Brian complimented as he leaned cooly on the garage door. Mike turned around and looked at him in a sarcastic way.
“That bitch...” Mike mumbled to himself.
“Yeah, Mike. I’d like to stay here and help you scare people, but you do have some people to save, and you only have two hours.” Brian glanced at his watch and smirked.
“Do you know where Ji Yun’s going?” Mike asked, still feeling the anger fuming in his mind. Brian stood up straight and walked on ahead of him.
"I don't get it. An hour ago you were in such a hurry to do your own thing, but now you're helping me. Why?" Curiosity filled Mike's mind as he walked along side Brian. Mike kept glancing back to his house, then back to the road, wondering why they were walking so slowly if they only had two hours left. Brian didn't look at Mike. He kept his eyes steady on the road and walked with the same pace.
“Well, just because I’m wearing black and red all the time doesn’t necessarily mean I’m all evil,” Brian replied with sarcasm dripping from his lips.
“Why are we walking so slowly? Can’t you do that...magic thing you always do so we could just get there already?” Mike implied with impatience. Brian stopped and looked over to him, his eyebrows raised in amusement.
“Like this?” Brian turned back to the road, and so did Mike. They were in front of the old warehouse with a few black cars parked out front. Mike's mouth dropped in shock, but he quickly closed his mouth and just tried to look surprised.
.............
Eric picked up his cell phone and dialed the Seoul Police Headquarters quickly. He spoke sharply into it, ordering them to send backup and sharpshooters if necessary. Junjin sat in his seat a bit dumbfounded and stunned that he was involved. The chance of him getting killed was high, since he was the man to go negotiate with Hyesung.
Half a block before reaching the warehouse, Eric brought the car to a halt and looked over to Tony and Jae Won.
“You boys stay behind me and have fun, alright?” Eric asked with a confident look on his face. Tony and Jae Won merely nodded as they snapped their guns into place.
"Hey, what about me?" Junjin asked, looking really lost. Eric stared at him curiously.
“Aren’t you supposed to be the hero and save the girl?” Eric laughed as he stepped out of the car. Junjin rolled his eyes and followed.
"Hold up - so what am I supposed to do?" Junjin's question caused Eric to pause and think for a second. He chewed deliberately on his gum, thinking deeply of his plans.
"Go in there like you usually would. Negotiate with him until we come in. Got that?"
Junjin looked from Tony to Jae Won, who were minding their own business and focusing on the target. He nodded back to Eric and straightened out his suit. Junjin took a deep breath, then proceeded onwards towards the warehouse.
A black car pulled up and parked behind Eric’s SUV. Eric looked over and waved for Tae Hyung to come over to where they were standing. The large brick building blocked the four officers out of view, as Junjin walked into the warehouse, more than ever, feeling a desperate need to jump up and run away.
“What are we doing here?” Tae Hyung asked Eric outside as they stood there waiting for something to happen. Eric shook his shoulders and suddenly felt frolicsome. The exciting part was just about to happen.
“We are waiting for back up.” Tae Hyung’s expression changed as he looked at Eric in a funny way. He glanced over to Tony and Jae Won questioningly, but they only shrugged. Eric usually didn’t need backup. Tae Hyung guessed Eric just hated explaining things; he always did. That answer wouldn’t be the reason why Eric kept his position. He glanced at his watch. At the same time, Eric looked at his watch too.
“Damn it. By now somebody should be shot already,” Eric muttered as he pulled out his gun.
Jae Won chuckled. “You’re expecting Junjin to get shot?”
Eric gave him a look that read "yes". Suddenly, a Silver BMW pulled into the warehouse parking lot. Eric's eyes were focused on it like a hawk. He had a sneaking suspicion of whom would it be.
Andy stepped out, followed by four of his men, all dressed in neat suits, wearing dark shades. They strolled into the warehouse, a few of them looking around for any signs of cops.
Junjin turned the corner and came to face his biggest fear. He glanced around and felt very nervous but tried to look as confident as possible. Mary was tied to a pole, along with two other females he did not know. Hyesung stood in the middle with his arms crossed, and Hwanhee sat down on a desktop next to a silver laptop.
“How nice of you to show up, Mr. Park. Right on time,” Hyesung announced with a devilish grin. Junjin stood his ground as he scanned the entire room. There were about 10 men lined up against the opposite wall, their arms held tightly behind their backs and their gaze straight toward him, as if they were angry soldiers. Mary looked back at him, debating in her mind what he was thinking. He wasn’t even looking at her.
Hwanhee almost cavorted from his seat as he paced slowly towards Hyesung. Junjin remembered him from the night club. It was like a stare-down contest when all eyes were locked on Junjin alone. He glanced at Mary suddenly didn't feel as nervous as before. He tried to tell her that things were going to be okay by giving her a slight smile, but she only looked at him with confusion as her fingers continued to fidget with the rope tying her hands back.
Hyesung walked over to the desk and turned the silver laptop around. On the screen showed the entering page to the Seoul National Bank systems, with a box for a code and password
“Give me the number,” Hyesung demanded.
Junjin cleared his throat. “Not until you let the girls go first.”
Hyesung’s face went from hazy to dark as he looked over to Hwanhee. “Let Mary go.”
Somebody’s footsteps clicked, walking into the large room of the warehouse. All heads turned towards Andy, and his men. Andy grinned as he examined the situation.
“Well, well, look what we have here. Good job Hyesung. You were so close to getting through, but now that I’m here, I’ll take over,” Andy said loud enough for everyone to hear. He walked farther into the room. He glanced over to where Li Ann was, tied to the pole securely. She only stared back at him blankly.
Hyesung shook his head and managed a laugh. “Nice to see you here, Andy. I thought you would have died by now.”
“I don’t take life too seriously, but I don’t think I’ll be the next one to die. It seems like you and Mr. Hwang will be having a hard time cooperating with each other. Did you know that Mr. Hwang planned to kill you after you guys break the code?”
Hyesung looked over to Hwanhee. The hard look on Hwanhee’s face was still the same. Obviously Andy was telling the truth, but Hwanhee didn’t show any emotions. Now a lost Hyesung wondered to himself if what Andy said would be true, or if he was just trying to confuse them.
“So state your business, Andy?” Hyesung asked.
“The same as yours,” Andy smiled. He pulled out a 22 caliber and pointed it towards Junjin’s head. “What’s the number?”
Junjin sighed. He was surrounded by three of the nastiest crooks, a whole bunch of people who would be more than happy to kill him, a gun pointed to his head, and all for that number. He looked at Hyesung, then at Andy, wondering what was going to happen next. Obviously half of him was sensing that he would feel the bullet penetrate through his brain at any minute.
“You think I’m going to tell you the number if you when you have the gun pointed to my head?” Junjin asked, suddenly feeling a bit more confident. Andy raised an eyebrow at him, astonished.
“You’re right...” Andy suddenly pointed the gun to Junjin’s arm and pulled the trigger.
The gunshot echoed through the room and out. Eric pulled his finger over his ear, then threw it forward. The four of them quickly closed in on the building.
“Ah! Shit!” Junjin screamed out as he grabbed his arm in agonizing pain. Andy’s smile disappeared as he walked in closer to Junjin.
“Do you want me to finish off the job?” Andy pointed the gun at his face. Junjin’s face was twisted with pain as he tried to struggle for air. He could barely stand up straight as blood dripped from his fingertips. He waited for something to happen. Where the hell was Eric?
Hyesung and Hwanhee just seemed to stand and stare as Andy’s patience slowly disappeared. He pulled the gun into motion, ready to shoot.
Li Ann glanced from Hwanhee to Hyesung, to Andy. Nobody was going to do anything. The poor man was just going to die. She bit her bottom lip as worry and panic filled her eyes.
“I’m counting to three. One, two–...”
“Andy! Wait!” Li Ann called out. Andy’s head turned towards where her voice came from. He showed a surprised expression on his face.
Li Ann took a deep breath. “I know the number.”
“What are you doing?” Dahye whispered. She wretched her hands around the ragged ropes. They seemed to loosen already, since she’d been doing that for the past twenty minutes.
Andy paced over to Li Ann and smiled. “You do?”
“Yes,” Li Ann replied with a nervous swallow.
“What is it?” Andy leaned in near her and placed his arm over her head. His face was nearly an inch from hers as he looked from her eyes to her lips. Li Ann lowered her gaze and tried to recite the numbers.
Hyesung cocked his head over to see if Li Ann was actually going to say something. He motioned for Hwanhee to walk to the laptop while Andy was occupied. Hwanhee reached the desktop and turned the laptop to face him.
“I...I...” Li Ann stuttered.
“What is it? Don’t you lie to me Li Ann...” Andy warned.
“You have to let these people go first.” Li Ann seemed to be doing exactly what Junjin was. Andy sucked in a deep breath and raised his gun to her neck. The tip of his gun felt cool as it was placed near her collar bone. A chill ran down her spine as she looked into Andy’s determined eyes.
“I don’t think so.” Andy shook his head slightly. His fingers wrapped around the trigger tightly, ready to pull.
Chapter 28
Ji Yun stumbled backwards, trying to get away from Mike. She ran out the door as quickly as she could and sprinted down the stairs, forgetting to grab her purse as she slammed the door shut. Running to her car, she took her keys out of the pocket and jammed it into the door lock, but of course, it wasn't locked.
Muttering a curse, she opened the door and sunk into the seat. As soon as her eyes lifted up to start the car, there he was, standing in front of her car. Ji Yun's fingers gripped the wheel. Within a moment of staring into his icy eyes, the car screeched out of the driveway.
“Nice work,” Brian complimented as he leaned cooly on the garage door. Mike turned around and looked at him in a sarcastic way.
“That bitch...” Mike mumbled to himself.
“Yeah, Mike. I’d like to stay here and help you scare people, but you do have some people to save, and you only have two hours.” Brian glanced at his watch and smirked.
“Do you know where Ji Yun’s going?” Mike asked, still feeling the anger fuming in his mind. Brian stood up straight and walked on ahead of him.
"I don't get it. An hour ago you were in such a hurry to do your own thing, but now you're helping me. Why?" Curiosity filled Mike's mind as he walked along side Brian. Mike kept glancing back to his house, then back to the road, wondering why they were walking so slowly if they only had two hours left. Brian didn't look at Mike. He kept his eyes steady on the road and walked with the same pace.
“Well, just because I’m wearing black and red all the time doesn’t necessarily mean I’m all evil,” Brian replied with sarcasm dripping from his lips.
“Why are we walking so slowly? Can’t you do that...magic thing you always do so we could just get there already?” Mike implied with impatience. Brian stopped and looked over to him, his eyebrows raised in amusement.
“Like this?” Brian turned back to the road, and so did Mike. They were in front of the old warehouse with a few black cars parked out front. Mike's mouth dropped in shock, but he quickly closed his mouth and just tried to look surprised.
.............
Eric picked up his cell phone and dialed the Seoul Police Headquarters quickly. He spoke sharply into it, ordering them to send backup and sharpshooters if necessary. Junjin sat in his seat a bit dumbfounded and stunned that he was involved. The chance of him getting killed was high, since he was the man to go negotiate with Hyesung.
Half a block before reaching the warehouse, Eric brought the car to a halt and looked over to Tony and Jae Won.
“You boys stay behind me and have fun, alright?” Eric asked with a confident look on his face. Tony and Jae Won merely nodded as they snapped their guns into place.
"Hey, what about me?" Junjin asked, looking really lost. Eric stared at him curiously.
“Aren’t you supposed to be the hero and save the girl?” Eric laughed as he stepped out of the car. Junjin rolled his eyes and followed.
"Hold up - so what am I supposed to do?" Junjin's question caused Eric to pause and think for a second. He chewed deliberately on his gum, thinking deeply of his plans.
"Go in there like you usually would. Negotiate with him until we come in. Got that?"
Junjin looked from Tony to Jae Won, who were minding their own business and focusing on the target. He nodded back to Eric and straightened out his suit. Junjin took a deep breath, then proceeded onwards towards the warehouse.
A black car pulled up and parked behind Eric’s SUV. Eric looked over and waved for Tae Hyung to come over to where they were standing. The large brick building blocked the four officers out of view, as Junjin walked into the warehouse, more than ever, feeling a desperate need to jump up and run away.
“What are we doing here?” Tae Hyung asked Eric outside as they stood there waiting for something to happen. Eric shook his shoulders and suddenly felt frolicsome. The exciting part was just about to happen.
“We are waiting for back up.” Tae Hyung’s expression changed as he looked at Eric in a funny way. He glanced over to Tony and Jae Won questioningly, but they only shrugged. Eric usually didn’t need backup. Tae Hyung guessed Eric just hated explaining things; he always did. That answer wouldn’t be the reason why Eric kept his position. He glanced at his watch. At the same time, Eric looked at his watch too.
“Damn it. By now somebody should be shot already,” Eric muttered as he pulled out his gun.
Jae Won chuckled. “You’re expecting Junjin to get shot?”
Eric gave him a look that read "yes". Suddenly, a Silver BMW pulled into the warehouse parking lot. Eric's eyes were focused on it like a hawk. He had a sneaking suspicion of whom would it be.
Andy stepped out, followed by four of his men, all dressed in neat suits, wearing dark shades. They strolled into the warehouse, a few of them looking around for any signs of cops.
Junjin turned the corner and came to face his biggest fear. He glanced around and felt very nervous but tried to look as confident as possible. Mary was tied to a pole, along with two other females he did not know. Hyesung stood in the middle with his arms crossed, and Hwanhee sat down on a desktop next to a silver laptop.
“How nice of you to show up, Mr. Park. Right on time,” Hyesung announced with a devilish grin. Junjin stood his ground as he scanned the entire room. There were about 10 men lined up against the opposite wall, their arms held tightly behind their backs and their gaze straight toward him, as if they were angry soldiers. Mary looked back at him, debating in her mind what he was thinking. He wasn’t even looking at her.
Hwanhee almost cavorted from his seat as he paced slowly towards Hyesung. Junjin remembered him from the night club. It was like a stare-down contest when all eyes were locked on Junjin alone. He glanced at Mary suddenly didn't feel as nervous as before. He tried to tell her that things were going to be okay by giving her a slight smile, but she only looked at him with confusion as her fingers continued to fidget with the rope tying her hands back.
Hyesung walked over to the desk and turned the silver laptop around. On the screen showed the entering page to the Seoul National Bank systems, with a box for a code and password
“Give me the number,” Hyesung demanded.
Junjin cleared his throat. “Not until you let the girls go first.”
Hyesung’s face went from hazy to dark as he looked over to Hwanhee. “Let Mary go.”
Somebody’s footsteps clicked, walking into the large room of the warehouse. All heads turned towards Andy, and his men. Andy grinned as he examined the situation.
“Well, well, look what we have here. Good job Hyesung. You were so close to getting through, but now that I’m here, I’ll take over,” Andy said loud enough for everyone to hear. He walked farther into the room. He glanced over to where Li Ann was, tied to the pole securely. She only stared back at him blankly.
Hyesung shook his head and managed a laugh. “Nice to see you here, Andy. I thought you would have died by now.”
“I don’t take life too seriously, but I don’t think I’ll be the next one to die. It seems like you and Mr. Hwang will be having a hard time cooperating with each other. Did you know that Mr. Hwang planned to kill you after you guys break the code?”
Hyesung looked over to Hwanhee. The hard look on Hwanhee’s face was still the same. Obviously Andy was telling the truth, but Hwanhee didn’t show any emotions. Now a lost Hyesung wondered to himself if what Andy said would be true, or if he was just trying to confuse them.
“So state your business, Andy?” Hyesung asked.
“The same as yours,” Andy smiled. He pulled out a 22 caliber and pointed it towards Junjin’s head. “What’s the number?”
Junjin sighed. He was surrounded by three of the nastiest crooks, a whole bunch of people who would be more than happy to kill him, a gun pointed to his head, and all for that number. He looked at Hyesung, then at Andy, wondering what was going to happen next. Obviously half of him was sensing that he would feel the bullet penetrate through his brain at any minute.
“You think I’m going to tell you the number if you when you have the gun pointed to my head?” Junjin asked, suddenly feeling a bit more confident. Andy raised an eyebrow at him, astonished.
“You’re right...” Andy suddenly pointed the gun to Junjin’s arm and pulled the trigger.
The gunshot echoed through the room and out. Eric pulled his finger over his ear, then threw it forward. The four of them quickly closed in on the building.
“Ah! Shit!” Junjin screamed out as he grabbed his arm in agonizing pain. Andy’s smile disappeared as he walked in closer to Junjin.
“Do you want me to finish off the job?” Andy pointed the gun at his face. Junjin’s face was twisted with pain as he tried to struggle for air. He could barely stand up straight as blood dripped from his fingertips. He waited for something to happen. Where the hell was Eric?
Hyesung and Hwanhee just seemed to stand and stare as Andy’s patience slowly disappeared. He pulled the gun into motion, ready to shoot.
Li Ann glanced from Hwanhee to Hyesung, to Andy. Nobody was going to do anything. The poor man was just going to die. She bit her bottom lip as worry and panic filled her eyes.
“I’m counting to three. One, two–...”
“Andy! Wait!” Li Ann called out. Andy’s head turned towards where her voice came from. He showed a surprised expression on his face.
Li Ann took a deep breath. “I know the number.”
“What are you doing?” Dahye whispered. She wretched her hands around the ragged ropes. They seemed to loosen already, since she’d been doing that for the past twenty minutes.
Andy paced over to Li Ann and smiled. “You do?”
“Yes,” Li Ann replied with a nervous swallow.
“What is it?” Andy leaned in near her and placed his arm over her head. His face was nearly an inch from hers as he looked from her eyes to her lips. Li Ann lowered her gaze and tried to recite the numbers.
Hyesung cocked his head over to see if Li Ann was actually going to say something. He motioned for Hwanhee to walk to the laptop while Andy was occupied. Hwanhee reached the desktop and turned the laptop to face him.
“I...I...” Li Ann stuttered.
“What is it? Don’t you lie to me Li Ann...” Andy warned.
“You have to let these people go first.” Li Ann seemed to be doing exactly what Junjin was. Andy sucked in a deep breath and raised his gun to her neck. The tip of his gun felt cool as it was placed near her collar bone. A chill ran down her spine as she looked into Andy’s determined eyes.
“I don’t think so.” Andy shook his head slightly. His fingers wrapped around the trigger tightly, ready to pull.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 27
“So are you sure there are not more than just Hyesung and his men?” Eric asked directly towards the nervous Junjin again. Junjin only nodded in return as they escalated towards Eric’s black SUV. Tony and Jae Won followed quickly as all of them got into the car and drove off towards the direction of the warehouse.
Junjin knew he’d risk Mary’s life even more now that he brought the cops. He thought it would be the best to do, since he knew he was going to get killed by the end of the day if he didn’t have some force of protection.
Jae Won flipped open his laptop and began searching for background information of Hyesung. His eyes stopped abruptly when it came across the listed names of Hyesung’s company and trade partners.
“Hey Eric, do you remember anybody by the name of Hwang Yun Suk?” Jae Won asked, chewing on his piece of gum.
“No,” Eric replied, keeping his eyes on the freeway.
“How about Hwang Hwanhee?” Jae Won asked again.
“Hwang Hwanhee? Hwang...Hwang...Oh, check under armed robberies in the past six years,” Eric quickly replied. He felt somehow that Jae Won’s research was leading somewhere. It did exactly that when Jae Won smiled and turned his laptop around to show Eric a picture of Hwanhee, with slightly long blonde hair and dark shades.
“Is this the man?” Jae Won crackled.
“That son of a bitch,” Eric muttered, not believing that he had been lied to.
“Is he a part of this too?” Tony directed his question towards Junjin, snapping him back into reality.
“I don’t know. I’ve seen that guy once at this one club, but that was it. He was fighting with Andy Lee.”
“Awah man, all the big ones are in this,” Eric chuckled miserably to himself.
“Is there something else you wanna tell us?” Tony asked Junjin, looking him squarely in the eye. Junjin knew it was either now or never. He might as well tell it now incase he gets killed later on. He swallowed the lump forming in the back of this throat and shifted a little in his seat across from Eric.
“I...I worked for Lee Mike,” Junjin started.
“We all know that,” Eric rolled his eyes impatiently.
Junjin ignored Eric and continued. “Well...Mike’s grandfather was the CEO of the banking securities that were handled in Seoul. His grandfather mysteriously died, but Mike believed he was murdered. There is a bank number code, and only Mike knows it. He gave me a copy of it, and that’s all I know. Andy Lee was one of Mike’s grandfather’s biggest rivals, so now he’s after me in order to get the number. Once whoever gets this number, they can unlock all security codes and transfer millions of dollars to their accounts and get away with it clean. It’s dirty, but clean in a way, because no files or records will ever trace back to the start of it all. That’s why everyone wants this number so badly.”
“So it’s all about the money huh?” Eric unwrapped a piece of chocolate bar and started chewing on it.
“What’s Hyesung in for? The same thing?” Tony asked.
“Hyesung is also after me for the same reason. I was the only one who was told where the number was, since Mike trusted me as his right-hand man. Hyesung kidnaped my girlfriend and threatened to kill her if I don’t bring him the number,” Junjin explained. He took a deep breath once he finished and looked at Eric for a response.
Eric swallowed the rest of his candy bar. “I saw that Hwanhee guy a few times with Mike’s widow. What’s her name? Oh yeah, Ji Yun. You think she has something to do with this?” Eric looked at Junjin.
“I don’t know,” Junjin replied as he turned his head back to the road.
“I think so. Mike’s death wasn’t an accident. His car brake line was cut. I think she planned to murder him in the first place with that Hwanhee guy. Great! This is just great. Now we have a witness, with evidence. I can finally put this Hyesung guy where he belongs, as well as Hwanhee and Ji Yun for the murder of Lee Mike. Damn, why didn’t you come to us earlier?” Eric looked at Junjin in a disappointed way. Junjin looked out the window quickly to avoid his gaze.
“What if I get killed today?” Junjin asked.
“Believe me, that Hyesung guy can’t do more than hurt a fly. Normally I wouldn’t take a witness to a crime scene like this, but you’ve waited long enough to the point when you are needed to be involved Mr. Park,” Eric laughed.
............
Ji Yun flipped open her cell phone and listened intensely if it was Hwanhee calling her. Her eyes were filled with worry and panic, as if somebody knew what they were doing.
“Hwanhee?”
“I got the girls. Ji Yun, come out to the old warehouse on 42nd street in a few minutes okay? I’ll see you there, sweetheart,” Hwanhee said before quickly hanging up.
Ji Yun stashed her phone into her purse and walked upstairs. The only noise in the house was the clock ticking as her footsteps clicked with the sound of her high heels. She reached her bedroom and took off her heels. Digging through her drawer in the dark, she pulled out a pair of black stockings.
Ji Yun started to put on her stockings when she thought she’d felt somebody walking around her. She quickly slipped on the other one and sat on her bed to strap on her black heels. The sound of a coin flip turned her attention towards the far distant wall, halfway covered by the dark.
“Who’s there?” Ji Yun’s voice echoed through the room and back to her. She stopped moving and stared at the dark figure in the shadow, his legs crossed over one the other as he leaned on the wall with his arms crossed.
“Hello?...” Ji Yun swallowed hard and began to feel paranoid. She closed her eyes and shook away the disturbing thought. It was nobody. Nobody at all. She was alone in that house. It was a little past dusk, and she was just probably paranoid because of all that was happening.
She opened her eyes and still the figure didn’t move. He lifted a hand and began to play with the silver coin that the small moonlight craving into the room reflected off. The light reflected off the coin and hit his face quickly. Her eyes widened with shock as she stood there frozen.
“Ji Yun...Ji Yun...” a familiar voice called to her. The voice was barely audible, but she could make out what he was saying, and she could make out who he was. Fear struck her down to her bones.
Mike’s eyes lifted to her as he smirked. The expression on his face was never clearer to her, that he was angry. He smiled, then took a step forward, coming more into view of the moonlight shining through the dim room.
“I loved you Ji Yun. I loved you more than my life. Why did you lie to me? Why did you pretend that you love me when all you really wanted was my money?” Mike asked, his voice smooth and alive. It was if she was staring at a real human. No. This was just her imagination. All her imagination.
She closed her eyes and quickly opened them again. He was still there. He flipped the coin one more time and caught it.
“M...Mike?...” Ji Yun could barely breathe.
“I’m glad you still remember my name, Mrs. Lee.”
Her eyes began to fill quickly with tears, but they didn’t drop. Her lips trembled as she felt her body beginning to weaken. She swallowed again and clenched her jaws. Could he be alive? Or was it just her mind playing tricks on her?
“Wh...who– what are you?” Ji Yun quickly asked, still in her stiff position.
“I’m the man that you married, remember? Your husband? Lee Mike?” Mike smiled. His smile was warm and full of life as he walked closer to her again. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand as he was only a few inches away from her face. Her mouth went dry and her body limped as she repeated in her mind that it was only her imagination. Mike is dead. The person standing in front of her was just an illusion.
“Mike...Mike....you’re....you’re alive?” Ji Yun gasped out with terrified eyes. He shook his head and lifted his finger to her chin. A tear drop escaped the corner of her eyes, but it wasn’t because she was happy to see him. She was terrified out of her skin to the point where she could barely move or make out her words. He touched her cheek, and wiped away the tear falling down her cheek. His touch was warm, his skin was still the same as if he was alive, and his scent was still there. She closed her eyes and quickly opened them again, blinking at him. Her hand touched his, on her cheek.
“Mike....I missed you so much...” Ji Yun hoarsely whispered out. Mike’s warm expression suddenly turned cold as he pulled his hand back and glared at her with a death glare.
“You are such a good liar, Ji Yun. You got me to believe that you were the person who I was going to spend my life with. I can’t believe what a fool I was,” Mike spat out harshly. Her tears choked her as she tried to talk.
“Mike....I...I...Hwanhee made me.” Ji Yun’s voice was as fake as her nails to Mike. He gave her a disgusted look as he moved back to seize up on her.
“Oh, he sure did. I’m sure he made you do a lot of other things.” His cold angry look suddenly stopped as his face went blank. She held her breath as she looked at him face to face. He bent lower till he was barely an inch across from her trembling lips.
“Don’t worry Ji Yun. There’s nothing to be afraid of. We’re going to be together forever, remember? I’m here to take you with me.” With his last statement, Ji Yun’s face went white. She knew then that he certainly had died, nor was his image an illusion.
“Take me where?” Ji Yun’s voice trembled the way she was trembling.
Mike paused for a moment. “To the Hell.”
Chapter 27
“So are you sure there are not more than just Hyesung and his men?” Eric asked directly towards the nervous Junjin again. Junjin only nodded in return as they escalated towards Eric’s black SUV. Tony and Jae Won followed quickly as all of them got into the car and drove off towards the direction of the warehouse.
Junjin knew he’d risk Mary’s life even more now that he brought the cops. He thought it would be the best to do, since he knew he was going to get killed by the end of the day if he didn’t have some force of protection.
Jae Won flipped open his laptop and began searching for background information of Hyesung. His eyes stopped abruptly when it came across the listed names of Hyesung’s company and trade partners.
“Hey Eric, do you remember anybody by the name of Hwang Yun Suk?” Jae Won asked, chewing on his piece of gum.
“No,” Eric replied, keeping his eyes on the freeway.
“How about Hwang Hwanhee?” Jae Won asked again.
“Hwang Hwanhee? Hwang...Hwang...Oh, check under armed robberies in the past six years,” Eric quickly replied. He felt somehow that Jae Won’s research was leading somewhere. It did exactly that when Jae Won smiled and turned his laptop around to show Eric a picture of Hwanhee, with slightly long blonde hair and dark shades.
“Is this the man?” Jae Won crackled.
“That son of a bitch,” Eric muttered, not believing that he had been lied to.
“Is he a part of this too?” Tony directed his question towards Junjin, snapping him back into reality.
“I don’t know. I’ve seen that guy once at this one club, but that was it. He was fighting with Andy Lee.”
“Awah man, all the big ones are in this,” Eric chuckled miserably to himself.
“Is there something else you wanna tell us?” Tony asked Junjin, looking him squarely in the eye. Junjin knew it was either now or never. He might as well tell it now incase he gets killed later on. He swallowed the lump forming in the back of this throat and shifted a little in his seat across from Eric.
“I...I worked for Lee Mike,” Junjin started.
“We all know that,” Eric rolled his eyes impatiently.
Junjin ignored Eric and continued. “Well...Mike’s grandfather was the CEO of the banking securities that were handled in Seoul. His grandfather mysteriously died, but Mike believed he was murdered. There is a bank number code, and only Mike knows it. He gave me a copy of it, and that’s all I know. Andy Lee was one of Mike’s grandfather’s biggest rivals, so now he’s after me in order to get the number. Once whoever gets this number, they can unlock all security codes and transfer millions of dollars to their accounts and get away with it clean. It’s dirty, but clean in a way, because no files or records will ever trace back to the start of it all. That’s why everyone wants this number so badly.”
“So it’s all about the money huh?” Eric unwrapped a piece of chocolate bar and started chewing on it.
“What’s Hyesung in for? The same thing?” Tony asked.
“Hyesung is also after me for the same reason. I was the only one who was told where the number was, since Mike trusted me as his right-hand man. Hyesung kidnaped my girlfriend and threatened to kill her if I don’t bring him the number,” Junjin explained. He took a deep breath once he finished and looked at Eric for a response.
Eric swallowed the rest of his candy bar. “I saw that Hwanhee guy a few times with Mike’s widow. What’s her name? Oh yeah, Ji Yun. You think she has something to do with this?” Eric looked at Junjin.
“I don’t know,” Junjin replied as he turned his head back to the road.
“I think so. Mike’s death wasn’t an accident. His car brake line was cut. I think she planned to murder him in the first place with that Hwanhee guy. Great! This is just great. Now we have a witness, with evidence. I can finally put this Hyesung guy where he belongs, as well as Hwanhee and Ji Yun for the murder of Lee Mike. Damn, why didn’t you come to us earlier?” Eric looked at Junjin in a disappointed way. Junjin looked out the window quickly to avoid his gaze.
“What if I get killed today?” Junjin asked.
“Believe me, that Hyesung guy can’t do more than hurt a fly. Normally I wouldn’t take a witness to a crime scene like this, but you’ve waited long enough to the point when you are needed to be involved Mr. Park,” Eric laughed.
............
Ji Yun flipped open her cell phone and listened intensely if it was Hwanhee calling her. Her eyes were filled with worry and panic, as if somebody knew what they were doing.
“Hwanhee?”
“I got the girls. Ji Yun, come out to the old warehouse on 42nd street in a few minutes okay? I’ll see you there, sweetheart,” Hwanhee said before quickly hanging up.
Ji Yun stashed her phone into her purse and walked upstairs. The only noise in the house was the clock ticking as her footsteps clicked with the sound of her high heels. She reached her bedroom and took off her heels. Digging through her drawer in the dark, she pulled out a pair of black stockings.
Ji Yun started to put on her stockings when she thought she’d felt somebody walking around her. She quickly slipped on the other one and sat on her bed to strap on her black heels. The sound of a coin flip turned her attention towards the far distant wall, halfway covered by the dark.
“Who’s there?” Ji Yun’s voice echoed through the room and back to her. She stopped moving and stared at the dark figure in the shadow, his legs crossed over one the other as he leaned on the wall with his arms crossed.
“Hello?...” Ji Yun swallowed hard and began to feel paranoid. She closed her eyes and shook away the disturbing thought. It was nobody. Nobody at all. She was alone in that house. It was a little past dusk, and she was just probably paranoid because of all that was happening.
She opened her eyes and still the figure didn’t move. He lifted a hand and began to play with the silver coin that the small moonlight craving into the room reflected off. The light reflected off the coin and hit his face quickly. Her eyes widened with shock as she stood there frozen.
“Ji Yun...Ji Yun...” a familiar voice called to her. The voice was barely audible, but she could make out what he was saying, and she could make out who he was. Fear struck her down to her bones.
Mike’s eyes lifted to her as he smirked. The expression on his face was never clearer to her, that he was angry. He smiled, then took a step forward, coming more into view of the moonlight shining through the dim room.
“I loved you Ji Yun. I loved you more than my life. Why did you lie to me? Why did you pretend that you love me when all you really wanted was my money?” Mike asked, his voice smooth and alive. It was if she was staring at a real human. No. This was just her imagination. All her imagination.
She closed her eyes and quickly opened them again. He was still there. He flipped the coin one more time and caught it.
“M...Mike?...” Ji Yun could barely breathe.
“I’m glad you still remember my name, Mrs. Lee.”
Her eyes began to fill quickly with tears, but they didn’t drop. Her lips trembled as she felt her body beginning to weaken. She swallowed again and clenched her jaws. Could he be alive? Or was it just her mind playing tricks on her?
“Wh...who– what are you?” Ji Yun quickly asked, still in her stiff position.
“I’m the man that you married, remember? Your husband? Lee Mike?” Mike smiled. His smile was warm and full of life as he walked closer to her again. She felt the hair on the back of her neck stand as he was only a few inches away from her face. Her mouth went dry and her body limped as she repeated in her mind that it was only her imagination. Mike is dead. The person standing in front of her was just an illusion.
“Mike...Mike....you’re....you’re alive?” Ji Yun gasped out with terrified eyes. He shook his head and lifted his finger to her chin. A tear drop escaped the corner of her eyes, but it wasn’t because she was happy to see him. She was terrified out of her skin to the point where she could barely move or make out her words. He touched her cheek, and wiped away the tear falling down her cheek. His touch was warm, his skin was still the same as if he was alive, and his scent was still there. She closed her eyes and quickly opened them again, blinking at him. Her hand touched his, on her cheek.
“Mike....I missed you so much...” Ji Yun hoarsely whispered out. Mike’s warm expression suddenly turned cold as he pulled his hand back and glared at her with a death glare.
“You are such a good liar, Ji Yun. You got me to believe that you were the person who I was going to spend my life with. I can’t believe what a fool I was,” Mike spat out harshly. Her tears choked her as she tried to talk.
“Mike....I...I...Hwanhee made me.” Ji Yun’s voice was as fake as her nails to Mike. He gave her a disgusted look as he moved back to seize up on her.
“Oh, he sure did. I’m sure he made you do a lot of other things.” His cold angry look suddenly stopped as his face went blank. She held her breath as she looked at him face to face. He bent lower till he was barely an inch across from her trembling lips.
“Don’t worry Ji Yun. There’s nothing to be afraid of. We’re going to be together forever, remember? I’m here to take you with me.” With his last statement, Ji Yun’s face went white. She knew then that he certainly had died, nor was his image an illusion.
“Take me where?” Ji Yun’s voice trembled the way she was trembling.
Mike paused for a moment. “To the Hell.”
Monday, October 8, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 26
Junjin walked into his home and tossed his keys onto the bare counter when his phone rang. He walked over to it and picked it up.
“Hello? This is Junjin.”
“Jin!” a female’s voice screamed out. Her voice was muffled by somebody’s hand when a laughter filled into the other line. He recognized the voice as Mary’s.
“Junjin...” Hyesung’s cool smooth voice took over.
“Hyesung? What are you doing?”
“I have your pretty little girlfriend here. It turns out that she betrayed me, so I’m going to kill her if you don’t bring me the number and the security code in the next hour,” Hyesung explained.
“What? Mary?”
“I’ll meet you at the old warehouse, down on 42th street.”
Hyesung had hung up on him. Junjin looked at the phone and muttered a curse before hanging up the phone.
Hyesung walked over to a bounded and gagged Mary. Her lips were tightly clasped as she stood there nervously, afraid that he may kill her. Hyesung swiped his dark sunglasses with a clean white rag, then looked up at her terrified face. His men held her still.
“My, my, my,....you are so beautiful Sianna, why did you betray me?” Hyesung asked sweetly as he leaned in to kiss her. She squeezed her eyes and waited for him to finish his kiss. Hyesung pulled back and looked at her tensely.
“My name is Mary...” she muttered back boldly.
“You’re Sianna, and you will always be Sianna...the whore that I picked up on the streets when she needed a home!” Hyesung said in a harsh tone as his angry eyes bore into hers.
“I was stolen from my family...” she replied back, her tone nearly matching his. His expression hardened as he knew what she said was true. He slapped her.
“Tie her up,” Hyesung announced to his men as he walked away.
“Tie these too,” Hwanhee’s voice poured through the room as he tossed Li Ann onto the ground, followed by Dahye.
Li Ann and Dahye looked around them. There seemed to be no escape. Hyesung’s eyes picked up on them as Hwanhee walked up beside him.
“They know about the number too,” Hwanhee told Hyesung. Hyesung nodded and gestured for his men to pick up Dahye and Li Ann by the elbows. They quickly tied and bounded their hands behind their backs, then tossed them aside where Mary was.
“Please let us go! We don’t know what you want,” Li Ann pleaded. Hwanhee walked over to her and smiled.
“Yes you do. You know Andy, and Andy knows the number,” Hwanhee said with a sly grin on his face.
“What? Andy?” Li Ann asked confused. Hwanhee walked away and sat down on the desk nearby. Hyesung took out a smoke and began to inhale it.
“Let us go，you f***ing bastards! When my friends find out where I am, they’re going to shove a large stick up your asses and send you to hell! F***ing assholes!” Dahye cursed out while she struggled to free herself of the ropes around her body. Hwanhee and Hyesung merely paid any attention to her.
“When will Junjin be here?” Hwanhee asked after checking his watch.
“Soon...” Hyesung breathed out the smoke as he looked out the window.
..........
Brian stared into the large rectangular glass that blocked him away from Alena. She was standing there, over somebody while she tried to operate. He was just staring at her, reminiscing the times when they had spent together, when he was alive. When he could hold her in his arms and say he loves her.
She finished and wrapped up the operation. Taking off her gloves, he could see a gold ring glitter off her finger. She washed her hand and smiled at the nurses before walking out.
“Is my husband okay?” a lady in her mid thirties asked desperately as Alena walked out.
“Yes. His liver is functioning well now. You can go see him after they put him in his room,” Alena smiled back as she patted the lady’s shoulder. Alena checked her wrists for the time when she walked past Brian. He looked at her like he hadn’t seen her in a million years.
“Hey honey,” greeted a nicely built young man as he kissed her cheek.
“Hey, how was your day?” Alena asked back as she smiled back at him. Brian walked in closer to see them. He could tell the man was wearing the same gold ring too. He felt his heart ache.
“It was good. Ready to go?” he asked.
“Yes. I just finished operating a patient with a liver problem today,” Alena replied as she signed off at the register desk.
“How is he doing then?” her husband asked. Brian could tell he was a cop. He wore his gun around his waist, and his badge was in front of his belt. He wasn’t just a cop, but rather somebody important, like a detective.
“Wonderful,” Alena smiled back as they walked towards the elevator. Brian stood where he was, a bit shocked and in love at the same time. He smiled to himself. So she had moved on. It was about time when he should too, he told himself.
The sound of a cell phone ringing interrupted Brian’s thoughts as he turned around and saw that it came from Alena’s husband’s cell phone.
“Hello? This is Tae Hyung,” he said.
“Who is it, honey?” Alena asked.
Tae Hyung didn’t answer. He kept on nodding and talking for another minute before hanging up. They were both waiting for the elevator. Tae Hyung hung up and looked at Alena.
“That was Eric. He said they know where Hyesung is. I have to go,” Tae Hyung said as he kissed her cheek.
“Okay. Be careful.” Worry filled Alena’s bright eyes as she saw her husband run off in the other direction where it was easier to exit out of the hospital. Alena watch Tae Hyung disappeared around the hall and sighed.
Brian’s mind clicked. Alena’s husband was after Hyesung too. He was on Eric’s team. That meant he was going to where Li Ann was. And Mike was going there also.
He thought of Li Ann. He felt sorry for her. He knew if he didn’t abide Mike into this whole thing, perhaps Alena’s husband would be the next one he’d pick up. He didn’t want that. The only thing he wanted was happiness for the person he loved.
He had to find Mike now. He needed to help Mike in order to help Tae Hyung. He knew he was crossing his limits, but in the back of his mind, he knew somebody was going to end up dead, and he couldn’t allow Tae Hyung to be that one.
Chapter 26
Junjin walked into his home and tossed his keys onto the bare counter when his phone rang. He walked over to it and picked it up.
“Hello? This is Junjin.”
“Jin!” a female’s voice screamed out. Her voice was muffled by somebody’s hand when a laughter filled into the other line. He recognized the voice as Mary’s.
“Junjin...” Hyesung’s cool smooth voice took over.
“Hyesung? What are you doing?”
“I have your pretty little girlfriend here. It turns out that she betrayed me, so I’m going to kill her if you don’t bring me the number and the security code in the next hour,” Hyesung explained.
“What? Mary?”
“I’ll meet you at the old warehouse, down on 42th street.”
Hyesung had hung up on him. Junjin looked at the phone and muttered a curse before hanging up the phone.
Hyesung walked over to a bounded and gagged Mary. Her lips were tightly clasped as she stood there nervously, afraid that he may kill her. Hyesung swiped his dark sunglasses with a clean white rag, then looked up at her terrified face. His men held her still.
“My, my, my,....you are so beautiful Sianna, why did you betray me?” Hyesung asked sweetly as he leaned in to kiss her. She squeezed her eyes and waited for him to finish his kiss. Hyesung pulled back and looked at her tensely.
“My name is Mary...” she muttered back boldly.
“You’re Sianna, and you will always be Sianna...the whore that I picked up on the streets when she needed a home!” Hyesung said in a harsh tone as his angry eyes bore into hers.
“I was stolen from my family...” she replied back, her tone nearly matching his. His expression hardened as he knew what she said was true. He slapped her.
“Tie her up,” Hyesung announced to his men as he walked away.
“Tie these too,” Hwanhee’s voice poured through the room as he tossed Li Ann onto the ground, followed by Dahye.
Li Ann and Dahye looked around them. There seemed to be no escape. Hyesung’s eyes picked up on them as Hwanhee walked up beside him.
“They know about the number too,” Hwanhee told Hyesung. Hyesung nodded and gestured for his men to pick up Dahye and Li Ann by the elbows. They quickly tied and bounded their hands behind their backs, then tossed them aside where Mary was.
“Please let us go! We don’t know what you want,” Li Ann pleaded. Hwanhee walked over to her and smiled.
“Yes you do. You know Andy, and Andy knows the number,” Hwanhee said with a sly grin on his face.
“What? Andy?” Li Ann asked confused. Hwanhee walked away and sat down on the desk nearby. Hyesung took out a smoke and began to inhale it.
“Let us go，you f***ing bastards! When my friends find out where I am, they’re going to shove a large stick up your asses and send you to hell! F***ing assholes!” Dahye cursed out while she struggled to free herself of the ropes around her body. Hwanhee and Hyesung merely paid any attention to her.
“When will Junjin be here?” Hwanhee asked after checking his watch.
“Soon...” Hyesung breathed out the smoke as he looked out the window.
..........
Brian stared into the large rectangular glass that blocked him away from Alena. She was standing there, over somebody while she tried to operate. He was just staring at her, reminiscing the times when they had spent together, when he was alive. When he could hold her in his arms and say he loves her.
She finished and wrapped up the operation. Taking off her gloves, he could see a gold ring glitter off her finger. She washed her hand and smiled at the nurses before walking out.
“Is my husband okay?” a lady in her mid thirties asked desperately as Alena walked out.
“Yes. His liver is functioning well now. You can go see him after they put him in his room,” Alena smiled back as she patted the lady’s shoulder. Alena checked her wrists for the time when she walked past Brian. He looked at her like he hadn’t seen her in a million years.
“Hey honey,” greeted a nicely built young man as he kissed her cheek.
“Hey, how was your day?” Alena asked back as she smiled back at him. Brian walked in closer to see them. He could tell the man was wearing the same gold ring too. He felt his heart ache.
“It was good. Ready to go?” he asked.
“Yes. I just finished operating a patient with a liver problem today,” Alena replied as she signed off at the register desk.
“How is he doing then?” her husband asked. Brian could tell he was a cop. He wore his gun around his waist, and his badge was in front of his belt. He wasn’t just a cop, but rather somebody important, like a detective.
“Wonderful,” Alena smiled back as they walked towards the elevator. Brian stood where he was, a bit shocked and in love at the same time. He smiled to himself. So she had moved on. It was about time when he should too, he told himself.
The sound of a cell phone ringing interrupted Brian’s thoughts as he turned around and saw that it came from Alena’s husband’s cell phone.
“Hello? This is Tae Hyung,” he said.
“Who is it, honey?” Alena asked.
Tae Hyung didn’t answer. He kept on nodding and talking for another minute before hanging up. They were both waiting for the elevator. Tae Hyung hung up and looked at Alena.
“That was Eric. He said they know where Hyesung is. I have to go,” Tae Hyung said as he kissed her cheek.
“Okay. Be careful.” Worry filled Alena’s bright eyes as she saw her husband run off in the other direction where it was easier to exit out of the hospital. Alena watch Tae Hyung disappeared around the hall and sighed.
Brian’s mind clicked. Alena’s husband was after Hyesung too. He was on Eric’s team. That meant he was going to where Li Ann was. And Mike was going there also.
He thought of Li Ann. He felt sorry for her. He knew if he didn’t abide Mike into this whole thing, perhaps Alena’s husband would be the next one he’d pick up. He didn’t want that. The only thing he wanted was happiness for the person he loved.
He had to find Mike now. He needed to help Mike in order to help Tae Hyung. He knew he was crossing his limits, but in the back of his mind, he knew somebody was going to end up dead, and he couldn’t allow Tae Hyung to be that one.
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 25
Junjin cut around the corner and pulled to a stop in front of Mary’s house. She stared at her knees and tapped her fingers lightly on the window, not realizing that they had reached her house.
“Mary,” Junjin said to wake her back into reality.
“Hmm?” She turned her head around to face him. He cocked his head forward to her house. She looked surprised for a second, then smiled and thanked him for the ride home.
“See you later,” Junjin said as he leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek.
“Okay,” Mary replied as she opened the door and stepped out. Junjin smiled and waved after her. She turned around when she approached her door and waved back at him. Junjin started his car again and continued down the street, passing a dark little car that sat still in the nearby alleyway.
Hyesung’s eyes seized up on Junjin as he squeezed his mouth in side to side motion, thinking of the easiest and painful way to hurt him. He smiled to himself at what a sly man Junjin is, almost admiring his guts. He tapped the driver’s seat, telling him to start the car. The driver did a curvature of the lonely street and proceeded onwards.
.........
“What are we doing here? Why did you bring me here? Take me back. I have to find Li Ann!” Mike commanded Brian. Brian just smiled and walked around the sepulcher that laid in front of Mike. Mike glared down at the tombstone and paused for breathe.
“Li Ann’s long gone,” Brian replied cooly.
“What? What do you mean?” Mike’s eyes looked at him questioningly. Brian fumbled with his sleeve as he straightened out his suit.
“Hwanhee has her,” Brian answered. Mike’s face turned from angry to stone cold as he heard the name of his most hated enemy. Was Brian lying or not?
Mike walked up to Brian’s face and breathed in on him. Brian’s cyan eyes glared back at him with no emotions. Mike’s hands grabbed his collar and shook him.
“Take me to her,” Mike demanded angrily, feeling all his patience being drained from him by Brian’s cockiness.
“No,” Brian shoved Mike back to get out of his grasp. His face suddenly turned from a cool pale color to a light dapple look. Mike stepped back, shocked that Brian looked like he was going to turn into the Devil himself.
“It won’t do you any good,” Brian said finally after calming down. Mike seemed so determined and dauntless that he had to use his bitter attitude towards him when his deadline came and he knew Mike didn’t want to go yet. He decided to dawdle around until Mike would eventually forget about Li Ann, but from the looks of it, Mike wasn’t anywhere near forgetting about her.
“Fine. I’ll go alone.” Mike turned his back on Brian and started to walk out of the cemetery.
“I brought you here for a reason. It’s an important one too,” Brian called after him. Mike stopped and breathed in the fresh air around him. The dead air.
Mike glanced around again to see Brian still standing where he was, both hands in his pockets. His black suit with red tie seemed to fade now as the background grew into a daub like scenery.
“And what’s that?” Mike asked with a swallow.
“It’s time. Judgement day awaits you,” Brian smiled frankly.
“What?” Mike squinted his eyes to gaze up on Brian.
Brian quickly pulled out is hand to check his Rolex. “We have...exactly three hours before your time is up. Then you will follow me to the East Gate.”
“Wait...my time is up?” Mike asked, still a bit confused.
“Yes. Every soul, or ghost, has a timing here on earth. Yours has just ended.” Brian looked ultimately happy to be announcing him this news, for he stood proudly next to Mike’s grave.
“No,” Mike slightly shook his head. Brian’s smiled died. “I’m not leaving until Li Ann’s safe, along with my niece.”
“What?” Brian let out a slight laugh. “You can’t do that. You aren’t able to help her anyway, Mike. Remember who...or what you are.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t do that.” Mike turned around again and walked away.
“And why not?!” Brian shouted after him. He paused once more.
“Because I love her,” Mike answered back coldly.
Brian started laughing. “Love? You’re crazy, Mike. You’re in love, with somebody who can’t love you. Don’t you get it by now? You’re a ghost! You can’t love her. She and you...your roads were never meant to be crossed.”
“What would you know about love? Obviously nothing,” Mike replied bitterly before passing the dark gates of the empty cemetery and started downhill.
Brian sighed a moment later. “I’m sorry, Mike. You won’t be able to help her.” He had actually grown to tolerate Mike since the past few weeks that he had to work with Mike, and with the situation he was in, Brian couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Brian couldn’t remember the last time he was in love. He could only remember the smell of the hospital as they rushed him to the emergency room for urgent care.
He stopped to look at Mike’s grave. Brian, having nothing to do, walked around senselessly until he approached a tombstone he hadn’t seen in ages. The sunlight crawled halfway upon it, revealing the neatly written descriptions of the person that laid in ground beneath it. He bent down and squatted as he tried to read the name carved onto it. He brushed back the ferns and vines crawling all over the tombstone to read out the description.
“In Loving Memory of Brian Joo” the carved letters made out. Brian swallowed a hard lump in the back of his throat as everything around him grew dead silent. He could remember. He just didn’t want to. He remembered clearly, everything that happened that day at the hospital.
“I need a check on his condition!”
“Somebody get the doctor!”
“He’s had a hard head injury. This is really bad. I mean look at the guy!”
“Brian! Brian, can you hear me?!” Alena’s voice echoed through his ears. Brian’s eyes could barely make out who she was. Blood was everywhere, covering his eyelashes, clogging his nose and mouth, leaking out from his head.
“What happened to him?” the doctor asked as he slipped on a pair of gloves.
“I don’t know...he...he pushed me out of the way and then was suddenly on the floor. You have to help him,” Alena pleaded desperately.
The doctor bent over Brian’s head to examine the injury. His eyes fell silently on the spot where he was hit. Brian was struggling for air as the nurses everywhere moved rapidly to clean him up. He looked over slowly to where Alena stood, her knuckles as white as chalk.
“He was hit by a speeding vehicle. His head is deeply injured and he lost a lot of blood...I’m afraid I can’t do this kind of operation,” the doctor told Alena silently in the corner. Her eyes grew full of shock when she heard this.
“What do you mean? You can’t save him? You’re...you’re just going to let him die?” Alena couldn’t believe her ears.
“I’m sorry dear. I can’t do anything about it. If I try, it will hurt him, and the chances of him surviving are getting lesser by the minute. All we can do is wait...”
“And let him die?!” Alena raised her voice.
“Alena...” Brian’s ghastly voice whispered out.
“Brian? Yes, I’m still here,” Alena said as she walked over and gripped his bloody fingers. She tried her best to contain herself and not fall to pieces in front of him.
“Alena...” he called out again. Her name was all what he could make out with the strength he had. His eyes, brimming with fearful tears told her he knew what was going to happen. He was dying slowly as the clock continued to tick.
“No, Brian. I’m not going to let you go...I love you.” Tears started streaming down her cheeks. Brian tried his best to smile for her. To tell her that he would be okay. That everything would be okay. She smiled back and whipped around to the doctor standing behind her.
“I’ll do it. I’ll operate him,” Alena announced to him. The doctor’s face fell as he examined her.
“What?”
“I said I’ll operate him. I am also a doctor...in training,” Alena managed to spat out. She had done operations before, but never one this serious. It was between life and death for him, and she had no choice but to risk it.
“I’m...”
“He doesn’t have a lot of time for you to think!” Alena shouted. The tears stained on her face told him she was serious. Wasting no time, the doctor agreed and called for a operating room to be prepared.
Within the next few minutes, Brian was placed into the room, left in pain as Alena stood over his shoulder and examined the injury on his head. He looked up at her as he could feel his strength weakening. She could barely stand to look at him like this. She took a deep breath and repeated in her mind that he would make it.
“I love you Brian,” Alena whispered out. He gave her one last weak smile before closing his eyes. The drug they had injected him with was taking over, putting him into a deep sleep.
Alena started to pry his head open with the sharp tools they had on the platter. More clogged blood started spilling out, all over her gloved hands. His heart monitor beeped.
“Heart rate dropping,” called out the nurse.
“Okay, this has to be quick,” Alena told herself as she searched for the open cut to close it.
“45, 44, 43, 42...” the nurse called out again.
“Brian...come on,” Alena said to him as she choked back her tears. She grabbed the pair of clippers and a clean cotton ball to clean the head area, trying her best to remove the clogged substance in his head.
“35, 32, 30, it’s jumping by two’s now,” the nurse called out again.
“Brian! Cooperate!” Alena shouted frustrated. Suddenly everything went deaf-mute. All was silent around as her eyes disobeyed her and looked over to the heart monitory. 15, 11, 9, 5, 4, 0...
“Brian...” Alena whispered as a tear drop escaped her eyes, followed by another, then by another. She looked down at Brian’s delicate face. He was gone.
Brian’s eyes were clouded with fresh tears. He coughed and stood up, feeling a bit light headed. He looked around and scolded himself for bringing back long forgotten memories.
Chapter 25
Junjin cut around the corner and pulled to a stop in front of Mary’s house. She stared at her knees and tapped her fingers lightly on the window, not realizing that they had reached her house.
“Mary,” Junjin said to wake her back into reality.
“Hmm?” She turned her head around to face him. He cocked his head forward to her house. She looked surprised for a second, then smiled and thanked him for the ride home.
“See you later,” Junjin said as he leaned in to plant a kiss on her cheek.
“Okay,” Mary replied as she opened the door and stepped out. Junjin smiled and waved after her. She turned around when she approached her door and waved back at him. Junjin started his car again and continued down the street, passing a dark little car that sat still in the nearby alleyway.
Hyesung’s eyes seized up on Junjin as he squeezed his mouth in side to side motion, thinking of the easiest and painful way to hurt him. He smiled to himself at what a sly man Junjin is, almost admiring his guts. He tapped the driver’s seat, telling him to start the car. The driver did a curvature of the lonely street and proceeded onwards.
.........
“What are we doing here? Why did you bring me here? Take me back. I have to find Li Ann!” Mike commanded Brian. Brian just smiled and walked around the sepulcher that laid in front of Mike. Mike glared down at the tombstone and paused for breathe.
“Li Ann’s long gone,” Brian replied cooly.
“What? What do you mean?” Mike’s eyes looked at him questioningly. Brian fumbled with his sleeve as he straightened out his suit.
“Hwanhee has her,” Brian answered. Mike’s face turned from angry to stone cold as he heard the name of his most hated enemy. Was Brian lying or not?
Mike walked up to Brian’s face and breathed in on him. Brian’s cyan eyes glared back at him with no emotions. Mike’s hands grabbed his collar and shook him.
“Take me to her,” Mike demanded angrily, feeling all his patience being drained from him by Brian’s cockiness.
“No,” Brian shoved Mike back to get out of his grasp. His face suddenly turned from a cool pale color to a light dapple look. Mike stepped back, shocked that Brian looked like he was going to turn into the Devil himself.
“It won’t do you any good,” Brian said finally after calming down. Mike seemed so determined and dauntless that he had to use his bitter attitude towards him when his deadline came and he knew Mike didn’t want to go yet. He decided to dawdle around until Mike would eventually forget about Li Ann, but from the looks of it, Mike wasn’t anywhere near forgetting about her.
“Fine. I’ll go alone.” Mike turned his back on Brian and started to walk out of the cemetery.
“I brought you here for a reason. It’s an important one too,” Brian called after him. Mike stopped and breathed in the fresh air around him. The dead air.
Mike glanced around again to see Brian still standing where he was, both hands in his pockets. His black suit with red tie seemed to fade now as the background grew into a daub like scenery.
“And what’s that?” Mike asked with a swallow.
“It’s time. Judgement day awaits you,” Brian smiled frankly.
“What?” Mike squinted his eyes to gaze up on Brian.
Brian quickly pulled out is hand to check his Rolex. “We have...exactly three hours before your time is up. Then you will follow me to the East Gate.”
“Wait...my time is up?” Mike asked, still a bit confused.
“Yes. Every soul, or ghost, has a timing here on earth. Yours has just ended.” Brian looked ultimately happy to be announcing him this news, for he stood proudly next to Mike’s grave.
“No,” Mike slightly shook his head. Brian’s smiled died. “I’m not leaving until Li Ann’s safe, along with my niece.”
“What?” Brian let out a slight laugh. “You can’t do that. You aren’t able to help her anyway, Mike. Remember who...or what you are.”
“I’m sorry, I can’t do that.” Mike turned around again and walked away.
“And why not?!” Brian shouted after him. He paused once more.
“Because I love her,” Mike answered back coldly.
Brian started laughing. “Love? You’re crazy, Mike. You’re in love, with somebody who can’t love you. Don’t you get it by now? You’re a ghost! You can’t love her. She and you...your roads were never meant to be crossed.”
“What would you know about love? Obviously nothing,” Mike replied bitterly before passing the dark gates of the empty cemetery and started downhill.
Brian sighed a moment later. “I’m sorry, Mike. You won’t be able to help her.” He had actually grown to tolerate Mike since the past few weeks that he had to work with Mike, and with the situation he was in, Brian couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Brian couldn’t remember the last time he was in love. He could only remember the smell of the hospital as they rushed him to the emergency room for urgent care.
He stopped to look at Mike’s grave. Brian, having nothing to do, walked around senselessly until he approached a tombstone he hadn’t seen in ages. The sunlight crawled halfway upon it, revealing the neatly written descriptions of the person that laid in ground beneath it. He bent down and squatted as he tried to read the name carved onto it. He brushed back the ferns and vines crawling all over the tombstone to read out the description.
“In Loving Memory of Brian Joo” the carved letters made out. Brian swallowed a hard lump in the back of his throat as everything around him grew dead silent. He could remember. He just didn’t want to. He remembered clearly, everything that happened that day at the hospital.
“I need a check on his condition!”
“Somebody get the doctor!”
“He’s had a hard head injury. This is really bad. I mean look at the guy!”
“Brian! Brian, can you hear me?!” Alena’s voice echoed through his ears. Brian’s eyes could barely make out who she was. Blood was everywhere, covering his eyelashes, clogging his nose and mouth, leaking out from his head.
“What happened to him?” the doctor asked as he slipped on a pair of gloves.
“I don’t know...he...he pushed me out of the way and then was suddenly on the floor. You have to help him,” Alena pleaded desperately.
The doctor bent over Brian’s head to examine the injury. His eyes fell silently on the spot where he was hit. Brian was struggling for air as the nurses everywhere moved rapidly to clean him up. He looked over slowly to where Alena stood, her knuckles as white as chalk.
“He was hit by a speeding vehicle. His head is deeply injured and he lost a lot of blood...I’m afraid I can’t do this kind of operation,” the doctor told Alena silently in the corner. Her eyes grew full of shock when she heard this.
“What do you mean? You can’t save him? You’re...you’re just going to let him die?” Alena couldn’t believe her ears.
“I’m sorry dear. I can’t do anything about it. If I try, it will hurt him, and the chances of him surviving are getting lesser by the minute. All we can do is wait...”
“And let him die?!” Alena raised her voice.
“Alena...” Brian’s ghastly voice whispered out.
“Brian? Yes, I’m still here,” Alena said as she walked over and gripped his bloody fingers. She tried her best to contain herself and not fall to pieces in front of him.
“Alena...” he called out again. Her name was all what he could make out with the strength he had. His eyes, brimming with fearful tears told her he knew what was going to happen. He was dying slowly as the clock continued to tick.
“No, Brian. I’m not going to let you go...I love you.” Tears started streaming down her cheeks. Brian tried his best to smile for her. To tell her that he would be okay. That everything would be okay. She smiled back and whipped around to the doctor standing behind her.
“I’ll do it. I’ll operate him,” Alena announced to him. The doctor’s face fell as he examined her.
“What?”
“I said I’ll operate him. I am also a doctor...in training,” Alena managed to spat out. She had done operations before, but never one this serious. It was between life and death for him, and she had no choice but to risk it.
“I’m...”
“He doesn’t have a lot of time for you to think!” Alena shouted. The tears stained on her face told him she was serious. Wasting no time, the doctor agreed and called for a operating room to be prepared.
Within the next few minutes, Brian was placed into the room, left in pain as Alena stood over his shoulder and examined the injury on his head. He looked up at her as he could feel his strength weakening. She could barely stand to look at him like this. She took a deep breath and repeated in her mind that he would make it.
“I love you Brian,” Alena whispered out. He gave her one last weak smile before closing his eyes. The drug they had injected him with was taking over, putting him into a deep sleep.
Alena started to pry his head open with the sharp tools they had on the platter. More clogged blood started spilling out, all over her gloved hands. His heart monitor beeped.
“Heart rate dropping,” called out the nurse.
“Okay, this has to be quick,” Alena told herself as she searched for the open cut to close it.
“45, 44, 43, 42...” the nurse called out again.
“Brian...come on,” Alena said to him as she choked back her tears. She grabbed the pair of clippers and a clean cotton ball to clean the head area, trying her best to remove the clogged substance in his head.
“35, 32, 30, it’s jumping by two’s now,” the nurse called out again.
“Brian! Cooperate!” Alena shouted frustrated. Suddenly everything went deaf-mute. All was silent around as her eyes disobeyed her and looked over to the heart monitory. 15, 11, 9, 5, 4, 0...
“Brian...” Alena whispered as a tear drop escaped her eyes, followed by another, then by another. She looked down at Brian’s delicate face. He was gone.
Brian’s eyes were clouded with fresh tears. He coughed and stood up, feeling a bit light headed. He looked around and scolded himself for bringing back long forgotten memories.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 24
Hyesung sat up in his leather chair and tapped the edge of the polished desk, thinking about Mary. He picked up his black cell phone and dialed her number. The only sound being heard in his large office was coming from the ringing tone as he waited for her to pick up.
“Hello?” Mary answered.
“Hey, this is Hyesung. What are you doing later tonight?” Hyesung smiled at hearing her voice.
“After work? Oh, I’m busy. I have to go to my sister’s house,” Mary lied.
“No, it’s okay. Take the night off if you have to. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Hyesung sounded a bit disappointed.
“Alright. Have a good night then Mr. Shin,” Mary replied.
“You too darling.” Hyesung smiled to himself. He had always liked Mary the most among his masseuses. She was good with her hands and very charismatic. He had never asked her on a date before though, due to his demanding schedules, but both of them knew his feelings for her.
She hung up the phone and walked back to the mirror to finish up her mascara. Mary was getting ready for work, but since Hyesung cancelled it, she figured she’ll take Junjin’s wallet back to him. She didn’t know why everyone wanted the number so bad, especially Hyesung. Her phone rang again. Mary rushed to it and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Mary? It’s Junjin, the guy you robbed.” Mary rolled her eyes.
“Where do you want to meet?” Mary asked immediately, eager to hang up on him.
“Hmm...” Junjin thought for a moment as he picked out a photo of her with her puppy from her wallet and slid it into the back pockets of his pants. “How about my place?
“Your place?” Mary sounded uncertain for a moment. “Fine.”
Junjin told her the directions, and specific instructions to come alone. She didn’t know why he was so paranoid or suspicious, but was leaning more towards the thought that he could be harmless to her. He pretty much seemed to be a schlemiel anyway. She strapped on her black heels to match her ruffled black top and slanted red skirt.
Mary knocked on the wooden door outside Junjin’s home. She moved a few strands of her hair out of her face behind her ear as she tried to beat the nervous feelings bubbling up in her belly. Why was she so nervous and afraid to face Junjin?
Junjin opened the door with a smile on his face. She ignored his smile and handed him his black wallet, ready to take hers and leave. Junjin ignored the wallet as he kept staring at her. Why must she always looks so good to him, he thought. He wanted to compliment her, but didn’t want to seem so lenient.
“Hi, come in?” Junjin stepped out of the way to let her in. She hesitated, but after a few seconds, followed him in. Junjin walked over to his kitchen bar and started pouring her a drink.
“Nice place you got,” Mary commented as she looked around.
“Thanks,” Junjin smiled as he handed her some sparkling water. Mary didn’t seem tempted to drink at all. Junjin chuckled as he drank his.
“It’s safe. I won’t poison you.” Junjin sat down on the large leather couch. She followed his moves as she sat herself down across from him. She set the glass down onto the table and carefully leaned back into the soft cushion of the leather couch, yet still acting a bit sleuth.
“What is it with his number you all are after?” Mary asked. Junjin raised his eyebrows suspiciously at her, then chuckled and looked away.
“Is it such a big deal? Hyesung wants it so much, so I guess you’re lucky I haven’t gave it to him yet,” Mary shrugged. Junjin stopped laughing and stood up.
“Did you give him a copy already? I’m supposing you’re lying to me,” Junjin said as he looked down at her. Mary shot him a disgusted glare and stood up after him.
“Here.” Mary placed the wallet in Junjin’s hands, causing him to nearly drop his drink and walked away.
“Wait!” Junjin suddenly grabbed her upper arm and pulled her back to him, making her slam into his broad chest. His drink wasn’t anywhere to be found now as he suddenly pulled her into a deep kiss.
Her sounds were muffled by his kiss as she hesitated and tried to pull away. His hold was stronger now as his hands wrapped around her waist. The wallet was dropped, along with the empty glass, making a loud clank sound, but no glass was broken.
Mary soon gave in and kissed him back. There were little whimpers that could be heard in the back of her throat, driving him crazy. Mary’s hands suddenly forced him away as she gasped for air. She shot him another death glare.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” Mary sounded angry, but Junjin knew she wasn’t. He sent her a mocking grin.
.........
Mike, Li Ann and Dahye sat in the body of the train, waiting for it to reach Seoul. Dahye tried her best not to fall asleep, afraid that Li Ann might trick her. Mike could tell she was tired, but Dahye had nothing to fear, for Li Ann was sleeping uncomfortably in her seat. Mike smiled as he continued staring at her from the seat across. Her delicate face was pressed onto her palm that was holding her head up. Mike reached over slowly to brush the small strand of hair that was bothering her, but retreated when he thought of the consequences.
Dahye’s eyelids kept on slipping as she tried hard to keep awake. Mike studied her for a minute. She looked like she had a hard life, running around with the kids she hung around with. He wondered what kind of person she would have been if she lived the same lifestyle he did. Well, now she would, because all his money was going to her, he thought. Perhaps she’ll make good use of the money. He couldn’t think of the negative results now. He had to think positively, it was for her own good.
The train came to an abrupt half, jerking Li Ann forward. She awoke and moved her cranky neck back and forth. Mike looked around and saw that they were already in Seoul. They did not rest in Pusan after finding Dahye, riding back to Seoul all in one night.
“Finally,” Dahye muttered.
Li Ann looked out the window and saw that it was already morning, people walking around and waiting for their trains to come.
“Good morning,” Mike smiled. Li Ann returned his smile and nodded. She made a grab for her backpack and nudged Dahye to stand up. The three of them made their way out of their section and down the long corridor to the exiting door.
Neither Mike nor Li Ann noticed a pair of dark eyes gazing over them from the crowd that the people in the train were making. Li Ann smiled as she smelled the fresh air once she hopped off the floor of the train.
The sound of a cell phone clicked.
Mike followed after Dahye had jumped off with her duffle bag. She looked around curiously with a sigh.
“So this is Seoul huh?” Li Ann looked back to Dahye and smiled.
Loud footsteps were heard walking around them in the midst of the crowd. Neither paid any attention.
“Yeah, it is.” Li Ann smiled as she motioned for Dahye to follow her towards the exit of the train station. People started scattering everywhere going in and out of the train.
Mike glanced around, realizing that he had lost sight of Li Ann and Dahye. He searched quickly around him, trying not to go too far. How had he lost them so easily? He searched down the body of the train, hoping he’d spot Li Ann, or that she’d spot him.
Seeing nothing of Li Ann or Dahye, he quickly turned around, only to bump into Brian, who had his hands in his side pockets, waiting for Mike to realize that it was him waiting for Mike.
“Mike?” Li Ann asked into the air.
“Who?” Dahye asked. “Why did we stop?” She looked around curiously at the crowd of people walking everywhere. Li Ann looked at Dahye, then tossed her head back and forth to search for Mike.
“Hey lady, wanna tell me what–...”
A gunshot was heard.
People started running and screaming as they panicked. Li Ann quickly looked back at Dahye. People were running and some ducking. Li Ann grabbed Dahye’s arm to run out of the crowd to someplace where there was less people to be seen by Mike, but before she could move, somebody’s hand clasped over her mouth, and an arm around her waist.
A man who was wearing dark sunglasses and a trench coat grabbed Dahye from behind, trying to cover his hand over her mouth too. Li Ann’s eyes widened as she heard Hwanhee’s voice whisper to her ear.
“Move or I break your neck.”
Dahye shot a blow to the other man’s knee, but he didn’t flinch. He grabbed her waist and tossed her over his large shoulder. With Dahye kicking and struggling to scream, Hwanhee and the mysterious friend of his walked out of the train station, unnoticed.
Chapter 24
Hyesung sat up in his leather chair and tapped the edge of the polished desk, thinking about Mary. He picked up his black cell phone and dialed her number. The only sound being heard in his large office was coming from the ringing tone as he waited for her to pick up.
“Hello?” Mary answered.
“Hey, this is Hyesung. What are you doing later tonight?” Hyesung smiled at hearing her voice.
“After work? Oh, I’m busy. I have to go to my sister’s house,” Mary lied.
“No, it’s okay. Take the night off if you have to. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Hyesung sounded a bit disappointed.
“Alright. Have a good night then Mr. Shin,” Mary replied.
“You too darling.” Hyesung smiled to himself. He had always liked Mary the most among his masseuses. She was good with her hands and very charismatic. He had never asked her on a date before though, due to his demanding schedules, but both of them knew his feelings for her.
She hung up the phone and walked back to the mirror to finish up her mascara. Mary was getting ready for work, but since Hyesung cancelled it, she figured she’ll take Junjin’s wallet back to him. She didn’t know why everyone wanted the number so bad, especially Hyesung. Her phone rang again. Mary rushed to it and picked it up.
“Hello?”
“Mary? It’s Junjin, the guy you robbed.” Mary rolled her eyes.
“Where do you want to meet?” Mary asked immediately, eager to hang up on him.
“Hmm...” Junjin thought for a moment as he picked out a photo of her with her puppy from her wallet and slid it into the back pockets of his pants. “How about my place?
“Your place?” Mary sounded uncertain for a moment. “Fine.”
Junjin told her the directions, and specific instructions to come alone. She didn’t know why he was so paranoid or suspicious, but was leaning more towards the thought that he could be harmless to her. He pretty much seemed to be a schlemiel anyway. She strapped on her black heels to match her ruffled black top and slanted red skirt.
Mary knocked on the wooden door outside Junjin’s home. She moved a few strands of her hair out of her face behind her ear as she tried to beat the nervous feelings bubbling up in her belly. Why was she so nervous and afraid to face Junjin?
Junjin opened the door with a smile on his face. She ignored his smile and handed him his black wallet, ready to take hers and leave. Junjin ignored the wallet as he kept staring at her. Why must she always looks so good to him, he thought. He wanted to compliment her, but didn’t want to seem so lenient.
“Hi, come in?” Junjin stepped out of the way to let her in. She hesitated, but after a few seconds, followed him in. Junjin walked over to his kitchen bar and started pouring her a drink.
“Nice place you got,” Mary commented as she looked around.
“Thanks,” Junjin smiled as he handed her some sparkling water. Mary didn’t seem tempted to drink at all. Junjin chuckled as he drank his.
“It’s safe. I won’t poison you.” Junjin sat down on the large leather couch. She followed his moves as she sat herself down across from him. She set the glass down onto the table and carefully leaned back into the soft cushion of the leather couch, yet still acting a bit sleuth.
“What is it with his number you all are after?” Mary asked. Junjin raised his eyebrows suspiciously at her, then chuckled and looked away.
“Is it such a big deal? Hyesung wants it so much, so I guess you’re lucky I haven’t gave it to him yet,” Mary shrugged. Junjin stopped laughing and stood up.
“Did you give him a copy already? I’m supposing you’re lying to me,” Junjin said as he looked down at her. Mary shot him a disgusted glare and stood up after him.
“Here.” Mary placed the wallet in Junjin’s hands, causing him to nearly drop his drink and walked away.
“Wait!” Junjin suddenly grabbed her upper arm and pulled her back to him, making her slam into his broad chest. His drink wasn’t anywhere to be found now as he suddenly pulled her into a deep kiss.
Her sounds were muffled by his kiss as she hesitated and tried to pull away. His hold was stronger now as his hands wrapped around her waist. The wallet was dropped, along with the empty glass, making a loud clank sound, but no glass was broken.
Mary soon gave in and kissed him back. There were little whimpers that could be heard in the back of her throat, driving him crazy. Mary’s hands suddenly forced him away as she gasped for air. She shot him another death glare.
“What do you think you’re doing?!” Mary sounded angry, but Junjin knew she wasn’t. He sent her a mocking grin.
.........
Mike, Li Ann and Dahye sat in the body of the train, waiting for it to reach Seoul. Dahye tried her best not to fall asleep, afraid that Li Ann might trick her. Mike could tell she was tired, but Dahye had nothing to fear, for Li Ann was sleeping uncomfortably in her seat. Mike smiled as he continued staring at her from the seat across. Her delicate face was pressed onto her palm that was holding her head up. Mike reached over slowly to brush the small strand of hair that was bothering her, but retreated when he thought of the consequences.
Dahye’s eyelids kept on slipping as she tried hard to keep awake. Mike studied her for a minute. She looked like she had a hard life, running around with the kids she hung around with. He wondered what kind of person she would have been if she lived the same lifestyle he did. Well, now she would, because all his money was going to her, he thought. Perhaps she’ll make good use of the money. He couldn’t think of the negative results now. He had to think positively, it was for her own good.
The train came to an abrupt half, jerking Li Ann forward. She awoke and moved her cranky neck back and forth. Mike looked around and saw that they were already in Seoul. They did not rest in Pusan after finding Dahye, riding back to Seoul all in one night.
“Finally,” Dahye muttered.
Li Ann looked out the window and saw that it was already morning, people walking around and waiting for their trains to come.
“Good morning,” Mike smiled. Li Ann returned his smile and nodded. She made a grab for her backpack and nudged Dahye to stand up. The three of them made their way out of their section and down the long corridor to the exiting door.
Neither Mike nor Li Ann noticed a pair of dark eyes gazing over them from the crowd that the people in the train were making. Li Ann smiled as she smelled the fresh air once she hopped off the floor of the train.
The sound of a cell phone clicked.
Mike followed after Dahye had jumped off with her duffle bag. She looked around curiously with a sigh.
“So this is Seoul huh?” Li Ann looked back to Dahye and smiled.
Loud footsteps were heard walking around them in the midst of the crowd. Neither paid any attention.
“Yeah, it is.” Li Ann smiled as she motioned for Dahye to follow her towards the exit of the train station. People started scattering everywhere going in and out of the train.
Mike glanced around, realizing that he had lost sight of Li Ann and Dahye. He searched quickly around him, trying not to go too far. How had he lost them so easily? He searched down the body of the train, hoping he’d spot Li Ann, or that she’d spot him.
Seeing nothing of Li Ann or Dahye, he quickly turned around, only to bump into Brian, who had his hands in his side pockets, waiting for Mike to realize that it was him waiting for Mike.
“Mike?” Li Ann asked into the air.
“Who?” Dahye asked. “Why did we stop?” She looked around curiously at the crowd of people walking everywhere. Li Ann looked at Dahye, then tossed her head back and forth to search for Mike.
“Hey lady, wanna tell me what–...”
A gunshot was heard.
People started running and screaming as they panicked. Li Ann quickly looked back at Dahye. People were running and some ducking. Li Ann grabbed Dahye’s arm to run out of the crowd to someplace where there was less people to be seen by Mike, but before she could move, somebody’s hand clasped over her mouth, and an arm around her waist.
A man who was wearing dark sunglasses and a trench coat grabbed Dahye from behind, trying to cover his hand over her mouth too. Li Ann’s eyes widened as she heard Hwanhee’s voice whisper to her ear.
“Move or I break your neck.”
Dahye shot a blow to the other man’s knee, but he didn’t flinch. He grabbed her waist and tossed her over his large shoulder. With Dahye kicking and struggling to scream, Hwanhee and the mysterious friend of his walked out of the train station, unnoticed.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 23
Mike and Li Ann stepped off the train and made their way through the crowd out of the train station. Li Ann tiredly looked both ways, unfamiliar with the streets. Mike was just as tired. They had been traveling all day, and now it was beginning to darken in Pusan. Somehow there seemed to be a bond between them, as they both felt worn out and heavy.
“Do you want to find a place to stay first?” Mike turned to Li Ann with his question. Although she looked tired, she shook her head no.
“Let’s just find your niece first, it’s not that dark yet,” Li Ann replied as she picked up her little backpack. They checked the address once again, then started off down the busy street where luminous lights hung over the light poles. It was like a festival. It was like walking through a lithe dream as they strode down the street market.
Li Ann came to a halt when she saw the numbers on a building. It was the numbers in the address. She had guessed right. The place would be near the train station. The old building seemed to be littoral when there was no water near by. It seemed deserted and run down.
“Is this it?” Mike asked.
“Yeah, I think so,” Li Ann responded with a glance to him. Mike walked on ahead in front of her into the old building. He guessed it had been an old apartment unit, no longer in use.
“Li Ann, what room number?” Mike asked from over his shoulder. Li Ann quickly glanced down at the piece of paper in her hand.
“104 B.” They continued to walk up the long staircase hallway that led to the second floor. Mike looked at the doors, tightly locked closed. He wondered if his niece would have been living in a place like this, and why had he not known about her. There were a few doors that were seemed to be made of molybdenum and cold as ice. It looked more like a prison. The smell was hardly bearable to Li Ann.
“This is the room,” Mike said as he stepped out of the way. Li Ann moved up to the door and slightly knocked. There was no reply for second. She knocked again, this time louder. Still there was no answer. After a few minutes, Mike decided to pull Li Ann out of the hallway, afraid that she might faint from the intoxicating smell.
“It’s probably the wrong address,” Li Ann implied once they were outside.
“I don’t know,” Mike replied back.
“Do you want to come back tomorrow morning?” Li Ann asked. A noise clanked from a few meters off. Both turned their attentions to the little back alleyway behind the building. Female and male voices were heard. Mike slowly walked towards the invisible people conversing.
“Mike...” Li Ann called out after him quietly. He didn’t reply. He kept on walking closer and closer to the alleyway until he was completely gone. Li Ann got to her feet and paced herself after him. She stopped when she saw Mike’s back, facing a bunch of teenagers who were lounging around in the alleyway. A few of the young boys were smoking and most of the girls were dressed in baggy jeans and tanks. Some were squatting, some were leaning on the walls, and some were just standing with their arms crossed like the leader. They looked more of a gang. Li Ann swallowed back the lump in her throat.
“Ask them for Dahye,” Mike whispered to her. Li Ann looked at him and remembered he was a ghost, therefore only she could see and hear him. She had to do this on her own.
“Um, excuse me...” Li Ann stammered out. All their heads turned towards her. They blank stares questioned her authority.
“Hey lady, you ain’t here to collect rent money are you?” one of the boys shouted with a snicker from the background. The grouped joined him and started laughing.
“No, I’m....I’m looking for Lee Dahye,” Li Ann announced. A few of them stopped laughing.
“Dahye? Why?” one of the boys in front asked as he crossed his arms.
“It’s important. This concerns her uncle Lee Mike,” Li Ann stated clearly. They all ignored her and continued to talk to each other, laughing and joking around. Li Ann turned to Mike for help. He looked stuck too.
“Hey! Please tell me if any of you guys know where I can find Lee Dahye?!” Li Ann shouted once again to the crowd. A small pair of hands squeezed herself out of the few boys standing in the center of the alleyway.
A young skinny girl wearing baggy torn blue jeans and a red tank top stepped out. Her hair was partly braided and half tied into a bun. She wore a red bandana on her right arm and had an attitude of a bull.
“I’m Dahye, what do you want?” asked the young girl. She didn’t look much younger than Li Ann.
“I’m Kim Li Ann, and I need to talk to you,” Li Ann said. Mike was still trying to absorb the fact of seeing his lost niece.
Dahye looked back to her friends, then backed at Li Ann. She kept chewing her gum as she tapped her foot impatiently.
“About what?” Dahye asked.
“Your uncle.”
“What uncle? I don’t have any relatives. Sorry lady, you got the wrong person,” Dahye said dully as she started to walk back. Li Ann pulled her elbow to stop her. Dahye turned around a bit surprised. Li Ann moved her hand and stepped back.
“Please, it’s important,” Li Ann asked. Dahye thought momentarily with brisk silence. She turned around to face her group. Li Ann thought she was going to be ignored again.
“Hey, I’ll be back later,” Dahye shouted as she turned around to face Li Ann again. She started to walk off the opposite direction away from her group. Li Ann guessed this meant to follow her.
Dahye led Li Ann away from the dirty neighborhood there and out to a promenade like street where she stopped by a store to buy a soda. She offered Li Ann one.
“So what’s this gotta do with me? I mean, who are you?” Dahye asked once they were sitting down at a bench. Mike stood behind the bench as he waited for Li Ann to explain everything to Dahye.
“Okay, listen carefully. This is very important. You had an uncle named Lee Mike, he died a few weeks ago. He was killed by his wife because she wanted his money, but since you are Mike’ niece, you inherit all the money and corporation, since he didn’t write a will before he died. Now his wife Ji Yun and a guy named...”
“Hwanhee,” Mike answered.
“Hwanhee, is trying to find you. Once they do, they’re going to make you sign a paper that consists you to give all the money to Ji Yun. If you don’t, they may kill you,” Li Ann explained, nearly out of breath by her last sentence.
Dahye stared back at her blankly. A few seconds later, Dahye started laughing out loudly. She looked at Li Ann’s serious face and couldn’t believe what Li Ann was telling her.
“Hey lady, are you okay? Are you on drugs or something?” Dahye chuckled.
“I’m not joking,” Li Ann said defensively.
“I don’t have an uncle,” Dahye cut in.
“But you did have a grandfather, right?”
“I did,” Dahye shrugged. “But it’s not like he cares about me or anything. Geez lady, what does this have to do with me? I have no uncle, and I don’t know you, so just tell me what you really want and leave okay?”
“I just told you what I wanted to say,” Li Ann simply replied.
“And why do you know all this? Are you related to my grandfather or something?” Dahye asked as she stood up.
“No, I’m just a friend...” Li Ann replied gazing down to the floor.
“Just a friend? Ha, sure, your story is really good. Thanks for wasting my time. Bye,” Dahye said rudely before she started walking.
“Dahye! Listen to me, if I tell you another thing, you won’t believe me,” Li Ann pleaded. She couldn’t believe Dahye’s stuck up attitude was so hard to get through.
“What?” Dahye stopped and turned around to face her.
“Your uncle is right here– he’s a ghost, and I’m helping him,” Li Ann explained frankly. Dahye’s stare was even more lost now as she didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry at Li Ann. She took a deep breath.
“Look, I have a hard life enough already alright? I don’t need some person who doesn’t know me to be lying to me about stupid things like this. Just leave me alone.”
“Dahye, please, you have to believe me. If you don’t come with me–...”
“Then what? What’s going to happen huh?” Dahye asked with a chuckle.
“Then Hwanhee and Ji Yun will find you and they’ll kill you!” Li Ann shouted in frustration. Dahye shook her head with sympathy.
“Look, if you come back with me, I promise you that you will inherit all your uncle’s wealth. It’s solely to you only, that’s why Ji Yun is so eager to get it. By the way I see it, you need the money now right? And why would I travel all the way from Seoul just to lie to you?”
Dahye stopped as she stared at Li Ann’s face. There was something in Li Ann’s eyes that told her she wasn’t lying. Perhaps a little crazy, but definitely not lying. Dahye chewed her gum back and forth between her teeth as she continued to stare at Li Ann.
“So...if I come with you, how much do I get?” Dahye asked as she raised her chin with interest.
“I don’t know the exact amount–...”
“9 million,” Mike cut in. He crossed his arms aggravated.
“But it’s around 9 million,” Li Ann smiled at Dahye.
“Plus the corporation and all of my grandfather’s remaining wealth,” Mike added.
“Plus the corporation and all of your grandfather’s remaining wealth,” Li Ann added to Dahye.
Dahye and her group of friends huddled as she explained to them the deal she was getting. Li Ann looked from afar with a bit of hope that Dahye would say yes. She turned to Mike, who had his hands resting in his pant pockets, gazing up at the stars, waiting along with Li Ann.
“There’s really 9 million of yours?” Li Ann asked in amusement.
“12 to be exact, but I just said 9 to make it more reasonable,” Mike shrugged without looking at her. Li Ann’s eyes widened as she couldn’t believe how much Mike had earned in his short lifetime period. No wonder Ji Yun was so aggressive to carry on her plans to get the money.
Dahye walked back to Li Ann with the same blank expression she had when they’d first met. She stopped shortly in front of Li Ann and pursed her lips together.
“If anything happens to me, my family over there will make sure you receive the first blessings of death,” Dahye stated as she looked back to her group. They were all standing proudly around as they watched Dahye and Li Ann. Li Ann smiled and nodded understandingly.
“Fine with me,” Li Ann shrugged. Mike smiled at her boldness.
“When do we leave?”
Chapter 23
Mike and Li Ann stepped off the train and made their way through the crowd out of the train station. Li Ann tiredly looked both ways, unfamiliar with the streets. Mike was just as tired. They had been traveling all day, and now it was beginning to darken in Pusan. Somehow there seemed to be a bond between them, as they both felt worn out and heavy.
“Do you want to find a place to stay first?” Mike turned to Li Ann with his question. Although she looked tired, she shook her head no.
“Let’s just find your niece first, it’s not that dark yet,” Li Ann replied as she picked up her little backpack. They checked the address once again, then started off down the busy street where luminous lights hung over the light poles. It was like a festival. It was like walking through a lithe dream as they strode down the street market.
Li Ann came to a halt when she saw the numbers on a building. It was the numbers in the address. She had guessed right. The place would be near the train station. The old building seemed to be littoral when there was no water near by. It seemed deserted and run down.
“Is this it?” Mike asked.
“Yeah, I think so,” Li Ann responded with a glance to him. Mike walked on ahead in front of her into the old building. He guessed it had been an old apartment unit, no longer in use.
“Li Ann, what room number?” Mike asked from over his shoulder. Li Ann quickly glanced down at the piece of paper in her hand.
“104 B.” They continued to walk up the long staircase hallway that led to the second floor. Mike looked at the doors, tightly locked closed. He wondered if his niece would have been living in a place like this, and why had he not known about her. There were a few doors that were seemed to be made of molybdenum and cold as ice. It looked more like a prison. The smell was hardly bearable to Li Ann.
“This is the room,” Mike said as he stepped out of the way. Li Ann moved up to the door and slightly knocked. There was no reply for second. She knocked again, this time louder. Still there was no answer. After a few minutes, Mike decided to pull Li Ann out of the hallway, afraid that she might faint from the intoxicating smell.
“It’s probably the wrong address,” Li Ann implied once they were outside.
“I don’t know,” Mike replied back.
“Do you want to come back tomorrow morning?” Li Ann asked. A noise clanked from a few meters off. Both turned their attentions to the little back alleyway behind the building. Female and male voices were heard. Mike slowly walked towards the invisible people conversing.
“Mike...” Li Ann called out after him quietly. He didn’t reply. He kept on walking closer and closer to the alleyway until he was completely gone. Li Ann got to her feet and paced herself after him. She stopped when she saw Mike’s back, facing a bunch of teenagers who were lounging around in the alleyway. A few of the young boys were smoking and most of the girls were dressed in baggy jeans and tanks. Some were squatting, some were leaning on the walls, and some were just standing with their arms crossed like the leader. They looked more of a gang. Li Ann swallowed back the lump in her throat.
“Ask them for Dahye,” Mike whispered to her. Li Ann looked at him and remembered he was a ghost, therefore only she could see and hear him. She had to do this on her own.
“Um, excuse me...” Li Ann stammered out. All their heads turned towards her. They blank stares questioned her authority.
“Hey lady, you ain’t here to collect rent money are you?” one of the boys shouted with a snicker from the background. The grouped joined him and started laughing.
“No, I’m....I’m looking for Lee Dahye,” Li Ann announced. A few of them stopped laughing.
“Dahye? Why?” one of the boys in front asked as he crossed his arms.
“It’s important. This concerns her uncle Lee Mike,” Li Ann stated clearly. They all ignored her and continued to talk to each other, laughing and joking around. Li Ann turned to Mike for help. He looked stuck too.
“Hey! Please tell me if any of you guys know where I can find Lee Dahye?!” Li Ann shouted once again to the crowd. A small pair of hands squeezed herself out of the few boys standing in the center of the alleyway.
A young skinny girl wearing baggy torn blue jeans and a red tank top stepped out. Her hair was partly braided and half tied into a bun. She wore a red bandana on her right arm and had an attitude of a bull.
“I’m Dahye, what do you want?” asked the young girl. She didn’t look much younger than Li Ann.
“I’m Kim Li Ann, and I need to talk to you,” Li Ann said. Mike was still trying to absorb the fact of seeing his lost niece.
Dahye looked back to her friends, then backed at Li Ann. She kept chewing her gum as she tapped her foot impatiently.
“About what?” Dahye asked.
“Your uncle.”
“What uncle? I don’t have any relatives. Sorry lady, you got the wrong person,” Dahye said dully as she started to walk back. Li Ann pulled her elbow to stop her. Dahye turned around a bit surprised. Li Ann moved her hand and stepped back.
“Please, it’s important,” Li Ann asked. Dahye thought momentarily with brisk silence. She turned around to face her group. Li Ann thought she was going to be ignored again.
“Hey, I’ll be back later,” Dahye shouted as she turned around to face Li Ann again. She started to walk off the opposite direction away from her group. Li Ann guessed this meant to follow her.
Dahye led Li Ann away from the dirty neighborhood there and out to a promenade like street where she stopped by a store to buy a soda. She offered Li Ann one.
“So what’s this gotta do with me? I mean, who are you?” Dahye asked once they were sitting down at a bench. Mike stood behind the bench as he waited for Li Ann to explain everything to Dahye.
“Okay, listen carefully. This is very important. You had an uncle named Lee Mike, he died a few weeks ago. He was killed by his wife because she wanted his money, but since you are Mike’ niece, you inherit all the money and corporation, since he didn’t write a will before he died. Now his wife Ji Yun and a guy named...”
“Hwanhee,” Mike answered.
“Hwanhee, is trying to find you. Once they do, they’re going to make you sign a paper that consists you to give all the money to Ji Yun. If you don’t, they may kill you,” Li Ann explained, nearly out of breath by her last sentence.
Dahye stared back at her blankly. A few seconds later, Dahye started laughing out loudly. She looked at Li Ann’s serious face and couldn’t believe what Li Ann was telling her.
“Hey lady, are you okay? Are you on drugs or something?” Dahye chuckled.
“I’m not joking,” Li Ann said defensively.
“I don’t have an uncle,” Dahye cut in.
“But you did have a grandfather, right?”
“I did,” Dahye shrugged. “But it’s not like he cares about me or anything. Geez lady, what does this have to do with me? I have no uncle, and I don’t know you, so just tell me what you really want and leave okay?”
“I just told you what I wanted to say,” Li Ann simply replied.
“And why do you know all this? Are you related to my grandfather or something?” Dahye asked as she stood up.
“No, I’m just a friend...” Li Ann replied gazing down to the floor.
“Just a friend? Ha, sure, your story is really good. Thanks for wasting my time. Bye,” Dahye said rudely before she started walking.
“Dahye! Listen to me, if I tell you another thing, you won’t believe me,” Li Ann pleaded. She couldn’t believe Dahye’s stuck up attitude was so hard to get through.
“What?” Dahye stopped and turned around to face her.
“Your uncle is right here– he’s a ghost, and I’m helping him,” Li Ann explained frankly. Dahye’s stare was even more lost now as she didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry at Li Ann. She took a deep breath.
“Look, I have a hard life enough already alright? I don’t need some person who doesn’t know me to be lying to me about stupid things like this. Just leave me alone.”
“Dahye, please, you have to believe me. If you don’t come with me–...”
“Then what? What’s going to happen huh?” Dahye asked with a chuckle.
“Then Hwanhee and Ji Yun will find you and they’ll kill you!” Li Ann shouted in frustration. Dahye shook her head with sympathy.
“Look, if you come back with me, I promise you that you will inherit all your uncle’s wealth. It’s solely to you only, that’s why Ji Yun is so eager to get it. By the way I see it, you need the money now right? And why would I travel all the way from Seoul just to lie to you?”
Dahye stopped as she stared at Li Ann’s face. There was something in Li Ann’s eyes that told her she wasn’t lying. Perhaps a little crazy, but definitely not lying. Dahye chewed her gum back and forth between her teeth as she continued to stare at Li Ann.
“So...if I come with you, how much do I get?” Dahye asked as she raised her chin with interest.
“I don’t know the exact amount–...”
“9 million,” Mike cut in. He crossed his arms aggravated.
“But it’s around 9 million,” Li Ann smiled at Dahye.
“Plus the corporation and all of my grandfather’s remaining wealth,” Mike added.
“Plus the corporation and all of your grandfather’s remaining wealth,” Li Ann added to Dahye.
Dahye and her group of friends huddled as she explained to them the deal she was getting. Li Ann looked from afar with a bit of hope that Dahye would say yes. She turned to Mike, who had his hands resting in his pant pockets, gazing up at the stars, waiting along with Li Ann.
“There’s really 9 million of yours?” Li Ann asked in amusement.
“12 to be exact, but I just said 9 to make it more reasonable,” Mike shrugged without looking at her. Li Ann’s eyes widened as she couldn’t believe how much Mike had earned in his short lifetime period. No wonder Ji Yun was so aggressive to carry on her plans to get the money.
Dahye walked back to Li Ann with the same blank expression she had when they’d first met. She stopped shortly in front of Li Ann and pursed her lips together.
“If anything happens to me, my family over there will make sure you receive the first blessings of death,” Dahye stated as she looked back to her group. They were all standing proudly around as they watched Dahye and Li Ann. Li Ann smiled and nodded understandingly.
“Fine with me,” Li Ann shrugged. Mike smiled at her boldness.
“When do we leave?”
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 22
The unguided rain splattered onto the cold pavement as Mike quickened his pace. He trampled through the near empty streets alone and wondered what Li Ann was doing at the moment. He had decided to go off to find Dahye. He didn’t know how he would help her, but he had to find her before Hwanhee and Ji Yun did. Suddenly he paused when he saw the train loading. Where was Li Ann? She was the only person he was worried about. Now that he got the address of his niece, surely Hwanhee would be after her as well as Andy.
Hesitating, and thinking twice, Mike took a deep breath and turned around. He should have thought of her before leaving. He had left her when she fell asleep in her bed, thinking that she would be safe, but neither Hwanhee nor Andy was on his mind. Not until now.
Junjin sniffed back the running nose and entered Hyesung’s masquerade. People were standing around wearing expensive suits and cocktail dresses that were embroidered with diamonds. Junjin scooted past several people who knew him. They welcomed him with warm welcomes, but his main business here was with Shin Hyesung.
“Hey, I’m here to see Hyesung,” Junjin informed the security guard standing in front of a large doorway. The security guard nodded and allowed Junjin to enter.
“Thanks,” Junjin said quietly as he entered into the large room where it was highly more sophisticated than the party outside. There were masseuses dressed in thin clothes and tanks full of rattle snakes. Junjin’s face grew disgusted once he saw the reptiles in those tanks. He noticed a few men standing around, but then spotted his main target.
Hyesung sat with his close associates, engaged in a conversation. Hyesung’s eyes spotted Junjin and excused himself from his group of friends. Hyesung walked over to Junjin with a mellow attitude.
“Junjin! So glad you could make it! Have a seat.” In the middle of that room were large comfortable couches and a coffee table in the middle, all on top of an ancient rug from China that was hand sewn. Junjin was quite impressed with Hyesung’s lifestyle.
“So Junjin, what have you got so far?” Hyesung asked as he sipped his red wine. Junjin bit his lips and twiddled his hands nervously.
“I haven’t gotten anything yet,” Junjin lied as he perked up more confidence.
“Really?” Hyesung set down his glass and looked at his watch.
“Yeah. I’ll get it soon. The codes to the locker are still locked, so I’m waiting for the key,” Junjin explained.
“Very well. I have plenty of time on my hands, speaking of which I’m late for my meeting. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see you later.” Hyesung stood up and straightened his shirt. Junjin arched his neck back and forth.
“I should get going too,” Junjin said as he stood up.
“No, don’t do that. You should stay and enjoy the party. Do you want to relax first?” Hyesung asked noticing the tension in his muscles. He waved at a young masseuse to come over. The young and tall girl with light brown tanned skin looked over. She had brown sugar wavy hair and was dressed in a red camisole top and a little over the knee length skirt that had a split down the side up to her thigh. Her pretty oval face was soft and flawless and her large eyes twinkled as she approached Junjin.
“Yes sir?” She asked Hyesung as she came up to him.
“Give Mr. Park a massage. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Junjin, this is Miss Kim Sianna. She’s an expert. Enjoy,” Hyesung slyly smiled as he patted Junjin’s shoulders and walked off.
“Hello Mr. Park,” Sianna smiled seductively as she held out her hand.
“Hello,” Junjin replied as he took her hand and kissed it. She blushed bowed.
“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to a more private room.” She led him to a dark room with maroon walls. Soft music played in the background as Junjin looked around curiously. A messaging table was set in the center, and next to it were bottles of body oils that laid around in fancy little potion like glasses.
“Nice room,” Junjin commented as he kept his eyes looking all over, trying to avoid her. She was extremely attractive and sexy to him.
“Take off your shirt if you like,” she said as she poured out some oil onto her palm. Junjin started stripping off his top. Sianna’s eyes gazed over his broad shoulders and hard abs. She looked away and walked over to the other side of the table. He laid down chest first and relaxed his arms. Her slender fingers ran over his shoulder blades and down his spine. She started messaging him as his body seemed to relax a little.
“So...where are you from?” Junjin asked.
“What do you mean Mr. Park?” Her voice was soft and melody like to his ears. He felt he was going to fall in love.
“Well, you don’t look like you’re Korean,” Junjin smiled to himself.
“I’m half Caucasian, one forth Japanese, and the rest is Korean,” she giggled.
“What?” Junjin said in a confused tone. She continued to giggle as she message his shoulders.
“My father is Korean and Japanese, and my mother is Caucasian,” Sianna explained.
“Oh, no wonder your name is so different...” Junjin implied with understanding.
“That’s not my real name,” Sianna said quietly. Junjin tensed up under her. He looked over his shoulders and into her brown eyes. He looked at her questioningly.
“May I know?” Junjin smiled mischievously.
“Mr. Park, I’m afraid that is not allowed,” Sianna joked. She continued to massage his shoulders, then moved down to his lower back.
“Why not?” Junjin asked laying his cheek back down again. He felt Sianna’s leg move over his back as she suddenly sat on top of him, on his back. He glanced over and saw her exposed thigh that showed through the split on her skirt. She leaned down until she was pressed onto his back.
“Because I’ll have to kill you,” Sianna whispered quietly into his ears. He smiled at her boldness. He relaxed some more as he felt Sianna’s hands run up and down his back.
“I don’t care. Tell me,” Junjin continued. His voice was drowning, as he felt tiresome overcome him. She smiled to herself, feeling a bit guilty.
“Relax Mr. Park,” Sianna said as she felt him slowly drifting off.
“Call me Junjin,” he yawned back. He closed his eyes and in a matter of minutes, was asleep. The last thing he remembered hearing was a soft voice whispering to his ear.
“My name is Mary.”
He opened his eyes. He is still in the same room with dark red walls and soft music. He slowly rose from the table and looked around. He saw his jacket and shirt piled on a chair nearby. Junjin stood up and yawned. He pulled on his black sleeveless shirt and picked up his jacket. An odd feeling came over Junjin as he suddenly searched the pockets of his jacket. His wallet, cell phone and the number were all missing.
“Sh!t! No, damn,” Junjin muttered as he looked around everywhere in that room for his items. All the bottles were gone, and so was the girl. That girl. He remembered. It must have been her. He shouldn’t have trusted her that easily. Such a poisonous rose she is. He cursed himself out and grew more pissed by the moment. Junjin slipped into his jacket and stormed out. Oddly, the masquerade was over. There were no rattlesnakes in the large tanks, no rich men in sophisticated suits or beautiful women in cocktail dresses. And most significantly, there was no Shin Hyesung or masseuses.
Li Ann sat in front of the television screen watching an engaged mellifluous speech by a politician when she heard a knock on her door. She got up to go open the door, only to find a bundle of pink roses at her footstep. They were slightly wet from the rain, but still neatly wrapped in cellophane. She picked them up and read the note. It was from Andy. She rolled her head back and closed the door. Coming back into the kitchen, Li Ann tossed the roses into the trash can and opened the refrigerator to find something to eat.
She walked over to the dining room and strode out back into the living room. She felt as melancholy as the dim living room itself. The quiet room made up a musical composition like a medley as she listened to the rain pour from outside. She stood quietly still, listening to the splatters, to the wind, the footsteps.
“Mike?” She turned her head to the side to see Mike standing there, with sorry written all over his face. Her face lightened up a bit as a weak smile appeared.
“Li Ann...” He walked up closer to her. There had seemed to be melanism in his face as he too, smiled back.
“Where did you go?” She tried to sound as casual as she could, as if nothing ever happened between them.
“Just to finish some business,” Mike lied. He couldn’t look her in the eye. She stepped back, letting the shadow from the living room cover her face. He stepped in closer to the light showing from the kitchen.
“Why are you all alone in the dark like this Li Ann? I worried about you a lot,” Mike stated as he looked down to the glossy wooden floor.
“Mike...do you like me?” she asked with her eyes fixed on him. He looked up with a confused look on his face. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat and nodded slowly.
“I like you too,” Li Ann said quietly. She was being blunt and open with him. They had to write this down and figure out what they needed to do. She knew far off that he was a ghost, and she was human, but her feelings were real this time.
“We can’t be together,” Mike choked out quietly as he looked away, both hands in his pant pockets. Li Ann didn’t reply. She didn’t know how to respond to that. It was the truth, and it won’t change.
“If only I was still alive,” Mike faked on a small smile to try and cheer her up. The moment grew quieter until near silence.
“In that case, we would not have met,” Li Ann replied. Her emotion and tone of voice were still the same, in doubt and pain. He searched her blank face for any expression of what she was thinking, but he found none.
“Li Ann...I’m sorry,” Mike whispered.
“Don’t be. It’s okay Mike. I still want to help you out though.” It was now Li Ann’s turn to cheer him up.
“You really do?” Mike asked not surprised. She nodded.
“Will you go to Pusan with me?” He thought it would be a good idea to keep her safe if she went with him, rather than stay here. At least he could keep a good look out for her. Li Ann was always so uncaring of who was around her. He felt he needed and owed her to protect her.
“To find your niece?” Li Ann asked.
“Yes,” Mike answered in his serious tone. Li Ann smiled. The echoing of her brother’s footsteps approached the doors. Li Ann turned startled and aware that her brother was home.
“I’ll ask him for the car,” Li Ann stated as she moved from her spot towards the door.
“Don’t,” Mike stopped her. “We’ll take a bus.” The look in his eyes assured her that he knew what he was doing. She nodded obediently and agreed.
“Man, it’s raining like no tomorrow,” Dongwan muttered as he closed his umbrella. He was wet from head to toe, with water droplets dripping off the tips of his hair.
“I know oppa. How was your day?” Li Ann asked brightly as she took his suitcase.
“I got into traffic jam, and I dropped my coffee all over myself,” Dongwan said recalling his day. “How was yours? Didn’t you go to class?”
“No, there was no class today. My day was gloomy. Um, oppa, I’m going to take a trip to Pusan this weekend,” Li Ann said.
“What?” Dongwan stopped taking of his jacket and looked at her with a frustrated expression.
“I’m going to visit a patient down there oppa. I’ll be back soon. Is that okay?” Li Ann asked.
“A patient? Who?” Dongwan asked as he hung up his jacket.
“A girl. She needs my help, so I need to go down there,” Li Ann answered, feeling not so guilty because she told half of the truth.
“Who are you going with?” Dongwan asked.
“Myself.”
“In this weather?” Dongwan’s face was in disbelief. She nodded and smiled. His face slowly softened as the thought about it.
“Well, if you need my car–...”
“I’m taking the bus,” Li Ann cut in quickly. Dongwan studied her face for a minute, then nodded. She smiled excitedly and hugged him.
“Don’t you have to go to work?” He asked one last time in protest.
“My work is in Pusan!” Li Ann shouted back as she jumped upstairs to her room.
Dongwan smiled at Li Ann’s childish attitude and carried his suitcase into the kitchen. He noticed the bouquet of roses in the trash can and picked up the note in between them. He read Andy’s name and tried to recall who Andy was. Not caring much, he tossed the note back into the trash can and continued on his way.
[To be Cont]
Chapter 22
The unguided rain splattered onto the cold pavement as Mike quickened his pace. He trampled through the near empty streets alone and wondered what Li Ann was doing at the moment. He had decided to go off to find Dahye. He didn’t know how he would help her, but he had to find her before Hwanhee and Ji Yun did. Suddenly he paused when he saw the train loading. Where was Li Ann? She was the only person he was worried about. Now that he got the address of his niece, surely Hwanhee would be after her as well as Andy.
Hesitating, and thinking twice, Mike took a deep breath and turned around. He should have thought of her before leaving. He had left her when she fell asleep in her bed, thinking that she would be safe, but neither Hwanhee nor Andy was on his mind. Not until now.
Junjin sniffed back the running nose and entered Hyesung’s masquerade. People were standing around wearing expensive suits and cocktail dresses that were embroidered with diamonds. Junjin scooted past several people who knew him. They welcomed him with warm welcomes, but his main business here was with Shin Hyesung.
“Hey, I’m here to see Hyesung,” Junjin informed the security guard standing in front of a large doorway. The security guard nodded and allowed Junjin to enter.
“Thanks,” Junjin said quietly as he entered into the large room where it was highly more sophisticated than the party outside. There were masseuses dressed in thin clothes and tanks full of rattle snakes. Junjin’s face grew disgusted once he saw the reptiles in those tanks. He noticed a few men standing around, but then spotted his main target.
Hyesung sat with his close associates, engaged in a conversation. Hyesung’s eyes spotted Junjin and excused himself from his group of friends. Hyesung walked over to Junjin with a mellow attitude.
“Junjin! So glad you could make it! Have a seat.” In the middle of that room were large comfortable couches and a coffee table in the middle, all on top of an ancient rug from China that was hand sewn. Junjin was quite impressed with Hyesung’s lifestyle.
“So Junjin, what have you got so far?” Hyesung asked as he sipped his red wine. Junjin bit his lips and twiddled his hands nervously.
“I haven’t gotten anything yet,” Junjin lied as he perked up more confidence.
“Really?” Hyesung set down his glass and looked at his watch.
“Yeah. I’ll get it soon. The codes to the locker are still locked, so I’m waiting for the key,” Junjin explained.
“Very well. I have plenty of time on my hands, speaking of which I’m late for my meeting. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll see you later.” Hyesung stood up and straightened his shirt. Junjin arched his neck back and forth.
“I should get going too,” Junjin said as he stood up.
“No, don’t do that. You should stay and enjoy the party. Do you want to relax first?” Hyesung asked noticing the tension in his muscles. He waved at a young masseuse to come over. The young and tall girl with light brown tanned skin looked over. She had brown sugar wavy hair and was dressed in a red camisole top and a little over the knee length skirt that had a split down the side up to her thigh. Her pretty oval face was soft and flawless and her large eyes twinkled as she approached Junjin.
“Yes sir?” She asked Hyesung as she came up to him.
“Give Mr. Park a massage. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Junjin, this is Miss Kim Sianna. She’s an expert. Enjoy,” Hyesung slyly smiled as he patted Junjin’s shoulders and walked off.
“Hello Mr. Park,” Sianna smiled seductively as she held out her hand.
“Hello,” Junjin replied as he took her hand and kissed it. She blushed bowed.
“If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to a more private room.” She led him to a dark room with maroon walls. Soft music played in the background as Junjin looked around curiously. A messaging table was set in the center, and next to it were bottles of body oils that laid around in fancy little potion like glasses.
“Nice room,” Junjin commented as he kept his eyes looking all over, trying to avoid her. She was extremely attractive and sexy to him.
“Take off your shirt if you like,” she said as she poured out some oil onto her palm. Junjin started stripping off his top. Sianna’s eyes gazed over his broad shoulders and hard abs. She looked away and walked over to the other side of the table. He laid down chest first and relaxed his arms. Her slender fingers ran over his shoulder blades and down his spine. She started messaging him as his body seemed to relax a little.
“So...where are you from?” Junjin asked.
“What do you mean Mr. Park?” Her voice was soft and melody like to his ears. He felt he was going to fall in love.
“Well, you don’t look like you’re Korean,” Junjin smiled to himself.
“I’m half Caucasian, one forth Japanese, and the rest is Korean,” she giggled.
“What?” Junjin said in a confused tone. She continued to giggle as she message his shoulders.
“My father is Korean and Japanese, and my mother is Caucasian,” Sianna explained.
“Oh, no wonder your name is so different...” Junjin implied with understanding.
“That’s not my real name,” Sianna said quietly. Junjin tensed up under her. He looked over his shoulders and into her brown eyes. He looked at her questioningly.
“May I know?” Junjin smiled mischievously.
“Mr. Park, I’m afraid that is not allowed,” Sianna joked. She continued to massage his shoulders, then moved down to his lower back.
“Why not?” Junjin asked laying his cheek back down again. He felt Sianna’s leg move over his back as she suddenly sat on top of him, on his back. He glanced over and saw her exposed thigh that showed through the split on her skirt. She leaned down until she was pressed onto his back.
“Because I’ll have to kill you,” Sianna whispered quietly into his ears. He smiled at her boldness. He relaxed some more as he felt Sianna’s hands run up and down his back.
“I don’t care. Tell me,” Junjin continued. His voice was drowning, as he felt tiresome overcome him. She smiled to herself, feeling a bit guilty.
“Relax Mr. Park,” Sianna said as she felt him slowly drifting off.
“Call me Junjin,” he yawned back. He closed his eyes and in a matter of minutes, was asleep. The last thing he remembered hearing was a soft voice whispering to his ear.
“My name is Mary.”
He opened his eyes. He is still in the same room with dark red walls and soft music. He slowly rose from the table and looked around. He saw his jacket and shirt piled on a chair nearby. Junjin stood up and yawned. He pulled on his black sleeveless shirt and picked up his jacket. An odd feeling came over Junjin as he suddenly searched the pockets of his jacket. His wallet, cell phone and the number were all missing.
“Sh!t! No, damn,” Junjin muttered as he looked around everywhere in that room for his items. All the bottles were gone, and so was the girl. That girl. He remembered. It must have been her. He shouldn’t have trusted her that easily. Such a poisonous rose she is. He cursed himself out and grew more pissed by the moment. Junjin slipped into his jacket and stormed out. Oddly, the masquerade was over. There were no rattlesnakes in the large tanks, no rich men in sophisticated suits or beautiful women in cocktail dresses. And most significantly, there was no Shin Hyesung or masseuses.
Li Ann sat in front of the television screen watching an engaged mellifluous speech by a politician when she heard a knock on her door. She got up to go open the door, only to find a bundle of pink roses at her footstep. They were slightly wet from the rain, but still neatly wrapped in cellophane. She picked them up and read the note. It was from Andy. She rolled her head back and closed the door. Coming back into the kitchen, Li Ann tossed the roses into the trash can and opened the refrigerator to find something to eat.
She walked over to the dining room and strode out back into the living room. She felt as melancholy as the dim living room itself. The quiet room made up a musical composition like a medley as she listened to the rain pour from outside. She stood quietly still, listening to the splatters, to the wind, the footsteps.
“Mike?” She turned her head to the side to see Mike standing there, with sorry written all over his face. Her face lightened up a bit as a weak smile appeared.
“Li Ann...” He walked up closer to her. There had seemed to be melanism in his face as he too, smiled back.
“Where did you go?” She tried to sound as casual as she could, as if nothing ever happened between them.
“Just to finish some business,” Mike lied. He couldn’t look her in the eye. She stepped back, letting the shadow from the living room cover her face. He stepped in closer to the light showing from the kitchen.
“Why are you all alone in the dark like this Li Ann? I worried about you a lot,” Mike stated as he looked down to the glossy wooden floor.
“Mike...do you like me?” she asked with her eyes fixed on him. He looked up with a confused look on his face. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat and nodded slowly.
“I like you too,” Li Ann said quietly. She was being blunt and open with him. They had to write this down and figure out what they needed to do. She knew far off that he was a ghost, and she was human, but her feelings were real this time.
“We can’t be together,” Mike choked out quietly as he looked away, both hands in his pant pockets. Li Ann didn’t reply. She didn’t know how to respond to that. It was the truth, and it won’t change.
“If only I was still alive,” Mike faked on a small smile to try and cheer her up. The moment grew quieter until near silence.
“In that case, we would not have met,” Li Ann replied. Her emotion and tone of voice were still the same, in doubt and pain. He searched her blank face for any expression of what she was thinking, but he found none.
“Li Ann...I’m sorry,” Mike whispered.
“Don’t be. It’s okay Mike. I still want to help you out though.” It was now Li Ann’s turn to cheer him up.
“You really do?” Mike asked not surprised. She nodded.
“Will you go to Pusan with me?” He thought it would be a good idea to keep her safe if she went with him, rather than stay here. At least he could keep a good look out for her. Li Ann was always so uncaring of who was around her. He felt he needed and owed her to protect her.
“To find your niece?” Li Ann asked.
“Yes,” Mike answered in his serious tone. Li Ann smiled. The echoing of her brother’s footsteps approached the doors. Li Ann turned startled and aware that her brother was home.
“I’ll ask him for the car,” Li Ann stated as she moved from her spot towards the door.
“Don’t,” Mike stopped her. “We’ll take a bus.” The look in his eyes assured her that he knew what he was doing. She nodded obediently and agreed.
“Man, it’s raining like no tomorrow,” Dongwan muttered as he closed his umbrella. He was wet from head to toe, with water droplets dripping off the tips of his hair.
“I know oppa. How was your day?” Li Ann asked brightly as she took his suitcase.
“I got into traffic jam, and I dropped my coffee all over myself,” Dongwan said recalling his day. “How was yours? Didn’t you go to class?”
“No, there was no class today. My day was gloomy. Um, oppa, I’m going to take a trip to Pusan this weekend,” Li Ann said.
“What?” Dongwan stopped taking of his jacket and looked at her with a frustrated expression.
“I’m going to visit a patient down there oppa. I’ll be back soon. Is that okay?” Li Ann asked.
“A patient? Who?” Dongwan asked as he hung up his jacket.
“A girl. She needs my help, so I need to go down there,” Li Ann answered, feeling not so guilty because she told half of the truth.
“Who are you going with?” Dongwan asked.
“Myself.”
“In this weather?” Dongwan’s face was in disbelief. She nodded and smiled. His face slowly softened as the thought about it.
“Well, if you need my car–...”
“I’m taking the bus,” Li Ann cut in quickly. Dongwan studied her face for a minute, then nodded. She smiled excitedly and hugged him.
“Don’t you have to go to work?” He asked one last time in protest.
“My work is in Pusan!” Li Ann shouted back as she jumped upstairs to her room.
Dongwan smiled at Li Ann’s childish attitude and carried his suitcase into the kitchen. He noticed the bouquet of roses in the trash can and picked up the note in between them. He read Andy’s name and tried to recall who Andy was. Not caring much, he tossed the note back into the trash can and continued on his way.
[To be Cont]
Friday, September 7, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 21
Hwanhee and Ji Yun reached home by early dawn with pissed expressions of not completing either of their tasks.
He paced around the room while she was boisterously fussing with the kitchen. Hwanhee had no idea what she was doing, but cared nonetheless.
He wondered who that man was that had attacked him earlier. He didn’t even get the name of the girl he danced with. He remembered the information the lawyer had given him, as he reached into his pockets to take it out. Nothing is there.
“What the...” Hwanhee mumbled as he suddenly stood up and looked all around him. Realizing that he was in no luck whatsoever, he cursed out loudly.
“What’s wrong?” Ji Yun asked, walking back from the kitchen.
“Sh!t! Somebody took the address out of my pockets!” Hwanhee shouted as he slammed his fast down on the lavender colored walls.
“What?!” Ji Yun stood there looking at him shocked.
“I...I was dancing with this one girl and then this guy came up and just started beating me! I think he took it! Damn!” Hwanhee continued to ramble on, cursing himself as Ji Yun stared back at him in disbelief.
“You bastard! Why did you? How could you!” Panic struck her gaze as she glared at him.
“Did you get the number?” Hwanhee suddenly asked her. She looked up and blinked. “No, I didn’t.” Ji Yun crossed her arms and looked away.
“Why?”
“I don’t know! I was close to it until people started screaming everywhere about a fight!” She spat back at him angrily.
“I’ll be back,” Hwanhee said as he quickly turned around and sprinted out the door.
..........Li Ann grabbed her throbbing head as she continued to feel dizzy. She checked her alarm clock, it was 7:39 a.m. She quickly recalling the events that had happened the night before, she got out of bed and changed immediately.
Although she felt as if her whole body had been on a cathode ray, she forced herself to be fully prepared. Coming out of the restroom, she glanced around the room. Nothing had changed. A questioning look danced across her face as she wondered where he was.
“Mike?” she asked into the still of her room. No reply. Had he really left?Li Ann made her ways downstairs where Dongwan was, cooking breakfast in his always natural cheery mood. He greeted her with an awkward look as she walked past him.
“Where are you going?” He asked, still holding the frying pan in his hands.
“I’m going to get your car.” Li Ann walked around the living room before deciding to go back to the club to find her brother’s car. She wondered where Mike was.
He’d usually see her early in the morning before she’d left for work, but feeling drowsy and tired, she didn’t want to go to work either.
Li Ann took the bus downtown to Club Xtasy. Outside the perimeter of the club was all quiet and deaf, like it was already shut down.
Of course, the midnight scene was much different, but early in the morning like that, hardly anybody would be around. She walked around to the back of the club where the car was still parked. She sighed with relief, thankful that his car was still in good condition.
Suddenly a tap was felt on her shoulders before she could get into the car. She wisped around, shocked to see Hwanhee smiling down at her.
“Good morning,” he acknowledged.
“Uh...hi,” she replied a bit confused.
“Do you remember me?” He asked with a full grown serious expression.
“Yes.” Her simple reply astounded him. Although she looked a bit weary and out of shape, he was still feeling attractiveness towards her.
“What are you doing here?” He asked looking at Dongwan’s car behind her.
“I’m here to pick up my brother’s car,” Li Ann mumbled as she looked away, wanting to seem in a hurry, eager to get out of this conversation.
“Mind if I have breakfast with you?” Hwanhee asked with an eyebrow raised at her.
“No thanks. I really have to get going,” She said opening the door to her brother’s car.
“Wait,” Hwanhee said as he suddenly grabbed her elbow and pushed her against the cold surface of the car.
“What the hell are you doing?!” She protested. He leaned in on her closely to her ear with a dead serious expression on his face. His grip on her wrist tightened.
“Where’s the address?” He asked with his cold chilling voice. Li Ann’s eyes shot up as she tried to wriggle out of his grasp.
“What...what are you talking about?” She asked with quivering lips.
“You know what I’m talking about! Where is it?!” Hwanhee shouted into her face making her wince. His breathing was fierce as his eyes bore angrily into hers. He looked as if he hadn’t had any sleep all night.
She didn’t answer him. She was too startled and afraid to think. He sensed her fear and suddenly released her wrist.
She gripped it, finally feeling her blood circulate correctly again.
“Who’s that guy? The one that messed with me?” He asked as he took a step back.
“An...Andy Lee,” She stuttered back with a grim look as she held her wrist tightly to herself. Hwanhee looked at her, searching her face for any sign of honesty.
He finally gave up as he turned around to leave. A moment of silence and coldness passed through her before she finally snapped back into her own reality and got into the car.
Taking a big swallow of the lump forming in her throat, Li Ann started the engine and drove off, wishing Mike was there to protect her.
She didn’t know why she would really care if he was there or not, but after that unfortunate encounter with Hwanhee, he was the first person on her mind.
“Mike, where are you?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[To be Cont]
Chapter 21
Hwanhee and Ji Yun reached home by early dawn with pissed expressions of not completing either of their tasks.
He paced around the room while she was boisterously fussing with the kitchen. Hwanhee had no idea what she was doing, but cared nonetheless.
He wondered who that man was that had attacked him earlier. He didn’t even get the name of the girl he danced with. He remembered the information the lawyer had given him, as he reached into his pockets to take it out. Nothing is there.
“What the...” Hwanhee mumbled as he suddenly stood up and looked all around him. Realizing that he was in no luck whatsoever, he cursed out loudly.
“What’s wrong?” Ji Yun asked, walking back from the kitchen.
“Sh!t! Somebody took the address out of my pockets!” Hwanhee shouted as he slammed his fast down on the lavender colored walls.
“What?!” Ji Yun stood there looking at him shocked.
“I...I was dancing with this one girl and then this guy came up and just started beating me! I think he took it! Damn!” Hwanhee continued to ramble on, cursing himself as Ji Yun stared back at him in disbelief.
“You bastard! Why did you? How could you!” Panic struck her gaze as she glared at him.
“Did you get the number?” Hwanhee suddenly asked her. She looked up and blinked. “No, I didn’t.” Ji Yun crossed her arms and looked away.
“Why?”
“I don’t know! I was close to it until people started screaming everywhere about a fight!” She spat back at him angrily.
“I’ll be back,” Hwanhee said as he quickly turned around and sprinted out the door.
..........Li Ann grabbed her throbbing head as she continued to feel dizzy. She checked her alarm clock, it was 7:39 a.m. She quickly recalling the events that had happened the night before, she got out of bed and changed immediately.
Although she felt as if her whole body had been on a cathode ray, she forced herself to be fully prepared. Coming out of the restroom, she glanced around the room. Nothing had changed. A questioning look danced across her face as she wondered where he was.
“Mike?” she asked into the still of her room. No reply. Had he really left?Li Ann made her ways downstairs where Dongwan was, cooking breakfast in his always natural cheery mood. He greeted her with an awkward look as she walked past him.
“Where are you going?” He asked, still holding the frying pan in his hands.
“I’m going to get your car.” Li Ann walked around the living room before deciding to go back to the club to find her brother’s car. She wondered where Mike was.
He’d usually see her early in the morning before she’d left for work, but feeling drowsy and tired, she didn’t want to go to work either.
Li Ann took the bus downtown to Club Xtasy. Outside the perimeter of the club was all quiet and deaf, like it was already shut down.
Of course, the midnight scene was much different, but early in the morning like that, hardly anybody would be around. She walked around to the back of the club where the car was still parked. She sighed with relief, thankful that his car was still in good condition.
Suddenly a tap was felt on her shoulders before she could get into the car. She wisped around, shocked to see Hwanhee smiling down at her.
“Good morning,” he acknowledged.
“Uh...hi,” she replied a bit confused.
“Do you remember me?” He asked with a full grown serious expression.
“Yes.” Her simple reply astounded him. Although she looked a bit weary and out of shape, he was still feeling attractiveness towards her.
“What are you doing here?” He asked looking at Dongwan’s car behind her.
“I’m here to pick up my brother’s car,” Li Ann mumbled as she looked away, wanting to seem in a hurry, eager to get out of this conversation.
“Mind if I have breakfast with you?” Hwanhee asked with an eyebrow raised at her.
“No thanks. I really have to get going,” She said opening the door to her brother’s car.
“Wait,” Hwanhee said as he suddenly grabbed her elbow and pushed her against the cold surface of the car.
“What the hell are you doing?!” She protested. He leaned in on her closely to her ear with a dead serious expression on his face. His grip on her wrist tightened.
“Where’s the address?” He asked with his cold chilling voice. Li Ann’s eyes shot up as she tried to wriggle out of his grasp.
“What...what are you talking about?” She asked with quivering lips.
“You know what I’m talking about! Where is it?!” Hwanhee shouted into her face making her wince. His breathing was fierce as his eyes bore angrily into hers. He looked as if he hadn’t had any sleep all night.
She didn’t answer him. She was too startled and afraid to think. He sensed her fear and suddenly released her wrist.
She gripped it, finally feeling her blood circulate correctly again.
“Who’s that guy? The one that messed with me?” He asked as he took a step back.
“An...Andy Lee,” She stuttered back with a grim look as she held her wrist tightly to herself. Hwanhee looked at her, searching her face for any sign of honesty.
He finally gave up as he turned around to leave. A moment of silence and coldness passed through her before she finally snapped back into her own reality and got into the car.
Taking a big swallow of the lump forming in her throat, Li Ann started the engine and drove off, wishing Mike was there to protect her.
She didn’t know why she would really care if he was there or not, but after that unfortunate encounter with Hwanhee, he was the first person on her mind.
“Mike, where are you?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[To be Cont]
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Dark Blue - 深蓝の魂 by 珊
Chapter 20
Mike lifted his gaze and see an angry Brian standing in front of him.
Brian’s eyes were lighted with fire as he breathed out fog. Mike stood up slowly and dusted himself. Brian once again shoved Mike all the way back further into the alleyway.
Mike shouted as he tried to push Brian back, but Brian’s strength seemed to be supported by some unseen force of nature.
“I told you to stay away from her!” Brian shouted angrliy.
“What the hell is your problem?!” Mike shouted back as Brian backed off a few steps.
“Look!” Brian said as he pointed to where Li Ann was. She was now in a sitting foetus-like position, clutching her knees closely to her as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back to catch some air. Mike paused for a moment, too, to catch his breath.
“What...what happened?” Mike asked seeming out of breath.
“Li Ann?” he called as he tried to walk towards her. Brian stepped out in front of him, stopping him from going any further.
“Get the hell away from me!” Mike shouted trying to shove Brian aside.
“I wouldn’t get near her if I were you. Unless I want her to die,” Brian replied cooly. It had seemed as if all of a sudden his attitude had shifted from a angry menacing beast to the all around easy going Angel of Death Brian.
“What do you mean?” Mike asked, confused by Brian’s explanation.
“You–...I didn’t tell you this before,” Brian said with a loud sigh.
“What?” Mike asked more concerned for Li Ann that for what Brian had to say.Suddenly Andy appeared from around the corner. He looked down to see Li Ann holding herself, tired and unable to move. He immediately bent down to see if she was okay.
“Li Ann is human, Mike,” Brian replied, looking at Li Ann and Andy.
“Li Ann? Hey, wake up. Are you okay?” Andy asked quietly, tapping her cheek to see if she was conscious.
“I know she’s human!” Mike retorted back angrily.
“Yes, but that’s why!” Brian shouted back at Mike’s stubbornness.
“Why can’t I be with her?!” Mike asked fiercely.
“Because the more time you spend with her, you take more of her energy. She is translucent to you and will eventually die if you get too close to her! That right there– that kiss! You nearly drained her! If you don’t stay away from her, she will eventually be too weak to live,” Brian explained calmly.
“What the f***?” Mike stated back, uable to believe what Brian was telling him.
“Your paths are not supposed to be traversal, but you crossed the line. I warned you already,” Brian said as he started to walk away.
“Wait! You never told me about this!” Mike called after him.
“Oh, but I did warn you,” Brian said quickly.
“And–...” he added.
“– you won’t be able to touch her for a while. It’s a transverse wave passing through.”
“What the hell does that mean?!” Mike asked angrily.
“It means stay away from her!” Brian shouted as he turned around, but still kept his pace.
“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” Mike questioned. Brian finally stopped and turned around.
“Because for ghosts, they will take advantage of people. That’s why I didn’t tell you. They have no use for the energy they take, but if they take enough, they can become almost invincible and have accelerated chances.”
“What makes you think I’ll do that?!” he asked a bit angry.
“I learned from experience, and now I hope you will too,” Brian shot back as he started walking again.
“Wait, how will I get her home then?!” Mike shouted back.
“That’s her problem,” Brian replied, suddenly disappearing out of sight.
“Andy?” Li Ann whispered back feeling the dizziness back down a bit.
“Yeah, it’s me. Are you okay? Did you drink that much?” Andy asked with a slight chuckle.
“Mike?” Li Ann asked as she lifted her gaze to Mike, who was now standing behind Andy. Andy looked back, but then turned back to her with a confused look on his face.
“Pardon me, who?” Andy asked. She slightly shook her head as she grabbed Andy’s arms to try to get up.
“Whoa..easy. Let me take you home,” Andy said trying to hold her up. She shook her head violently.
“No, that’s okay,” Li Ann mumbled back shaking him off.
“Li Ann,” Mike called out. She looked over to him.
“I think it’s better if Andy takes you home.” Mike’s voice was full of an apologetic tone. The look in his eyes told her that he meant it.
“Wait,” she said to Andy.
“Please take me home.” Andy smiled in triumph to himself as he helped her to his car. Sitting in steadily, Li Ann waited for Andy to drive her home. She had not thought so much of Mike, but she thought about why she had suddenly just collapsed like that.
Andy pulled the car out of the parking lot and headed towards her home.
“So...why were you dancing by yourself tonight?” Andy asked as they were halfway to her house. She still held her head as she shot him a annoyed glare.
“I was dancing with that man until you came,” she muttered.
“Hey, I’m just doing my part. He’s not supposed to be dancing with my girl,” Andy shrugged.
“What...Your girl?!” Li Ann asked shocked. Andy smiled amusingly to himself as he kept his eyes on the road. He soon stopped in front of her house. Li Ann didn’t wait to walk out of his car, slamming the door behind her. She could barely walk to her front door. Andy wrapped his arm around her waist as he tried to hold her up all the way to her door. She pounded on the front door for her brother to open.
“Oppa! It’s me!” She called out. Dongwan opened the door, but his face frowned when he saw Li Ann’s pale face.
“What the hell did you do to my sister?!” Dongwan asked angrily to Andy, ready to pound Andy right there.
“Hey, hey! Cool down man. I didn’t do anything to her! I just help to bring her home!” Andy said defensively.
“Oppa, it’s okay,” Li Ann said putting a hand against Dongwan to stop him.
“Later Li Ann,” Andy stated as he started to walk back to his car. Li Ann turned her head back to Dongwan and fumbled to walk inside.
“Li Ann? What happened to you?” Dongwan asked concern.
“Nothing oppa, I just got a little drunk,” Li Ann lied as she pushed her way past him and up to her room.
“Li Ann, you know you shouldn’t be drinking. You know you have a problem with that. And where’s my car?” he asked crossing his arms.
“It’s at the club oppa. I’m sorry. I’ll get it tomorrow,” she said as she walked into her room and closed the door.
“Good night!” Dongwan shouted back. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and walked into his room. Li Ann sat down on her bed and began to slowly remove her boots. She was too tired to even try to remove her jacket.
“I’m sorry,” Mike whispered from behind her. She turned her head around and saw him standing there, the shadow overseeing half of his figure. She smiled weakly.
“Here,” she slowly handed him the crumpled up piece of paper. He was too worried about her to even care for it. In fact, he had forgotten about it. He reached for it, trying his best not to touch her hand.
“Thank you Li Ann. I’m really sorry,” Mike said again with a hint of sadness in his tone. She made a face that asked him why he was being sorry.
“I should have never kissed you,” he mumbled lowly. She lowered her gaze to the floor, thinking that he only thought of her as a friend perhaps.
“It’s okay,” Li Ann shrugged it off. “I’m going to have to leave you now,” Mike choked out, looking away from her out through the window.
“Why?” Her question was so innocent, it made him almost feel guilty for dragging her into this mess in the first place. “
I have to Li Ann,” Mike responded, looking at her in a serious way, but added on a smile anyway to comfort her.
The room was dark. Only half of it was visible by the light shown from the moon outside.
“Is there a problem? Did I do something wrong?” she asked worried.
“No, it’s not you,” Mike said lifting his chin up with a wider smile.
“Then why do you have to leave?” she asked blinking her tired eyes to stay awake.
Mike paused to think for a moment.
How would she understand something that isn’t visible to her?
“Because, I don’t want to drag you into the world of dark blue,” he replied.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[To be Cont]
Chapter 20
Mike lifted his gaze and see an angry Brian standing in front of him.
Brian’s eyes were lighted with fire as he breathed out fog. Mike stood up slowly and dusted himself. Brian once again shoved Mike all the way back further into the alleyway.
Mike shouted as he tried to push Brian back, but Brian’s strength seemed to be supported by some unseen force of nature.
“I told you to stay away from her!” Brian shouted angrliy.
“What the hell is your problem?!” Mike shouted back as Brian backed off a few steps.
“Look!” Brian said as he pointed to where Li Ann was. She was now in a sitting foetus-like position, clutching her knees closely to her as she closed her eyes and leaned her head back to catch some air. Mike paused for a moment, too, to catch his breath.
“What...what happened?” Mike asked seeming out of breath.
“Li Ann?” he called as he tried to walk towards her. Brian stepped out in front of him, stopping him from going any further.
“Get the hell away from me!” Mike shouted trying to shove Brian aside.
“I wouldn’t get near her if I were you. Unless I want her to die,” Brian replied cooly. It had seemed as if all of a sudden his attitude had shifted from a angry menacing beast to the all around easy going Angel of Death Brian.
“What do you mean?” Mike asked, confused by Brian’s explanation.
“You–...I didn’t tell you this before,” Brian said with a loud sigh.
“What?” Mike asked more concerned for Li Ann that for what Brian had to say.Suddenly Andy appeared from around the corner. He looked down to see Li Ann holding herself, tired and unable to move. He immediately bent down to see if she was okay.
“Li Ann is human, Mike,” Brian replied, looking at Li Ann and Andy.
“Li Ann? Hey, wake up. Are you okay?” Andy asked quietly, tapping her cheek to see if she was conscious.
“I know she’s human!” Mike retorted back angrily.
“Yes, but that’s why!” Brian shouted back at Mike’s stubbornness.
“Why can’t I be with her?!” Mike asked fiercely.
“Because the more time you spend with her, you take more of her energy. She is translucent to you and will eventually die if you get too close to her! That right there– that kiss! You nearly drained her! If you don’t stay away from her, she will eventually be too weak to live,” Brian explained calmly.
“What the f***?” Mike stated back, uable to believe what Brian was telling him.
“Your paths are not supposed to be traversal, but you crossed the line. I warned you already,” Brian said as he started to walk away.
“Wait! You never told me about this!” Mike called after him.
“Oh, but I did warn you,” Brian said quickly.
“And–...” he added.
“– you won’t be able to touch her for a while. It’s a transverse wave passing through.”
“What the hell does that mean?!” Mike asked angrily.
“It means stay away from her!” Brian shouted as he turned around, but still kept his pace.
“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier?” Mike questioned. Brian finally stopped and turned around.
“Because for ghosts, they will take advantage of people. That’s why I didn’t tell you. They have no use for the energy they take, but if they take enough, they can become almost invincible and have accelerated chances.”
“What makes you think I’ll do that?!” he asked a bit angry.
“I learned from experience, and now I hope you will too,” Brian shot back as he started walking again.
“Wait, how will I get her home then?!” Mike shouted back.
“That’s her problem,” Brian replied, suddenly disappearing out of sight.
“Andy?” Li Ann whispered back feeling the dizziness back down a bit.
“Yeah, it’s me. Are you okay? Did you drink that much?” Andy asked with a slight chuckle.
“Mike?” Li Ann asked as she lifted her gaze to Mike, who was now standing behind Andy. Andy looked back, but then turned back to her with a confused look on his face.
“Pardon me, who?” Andy asked. She slightly shook her head as she grabbed Andy’s arms to try to get up.
“Whoa..easy. Let me take you home,” Andy said trying to hold her up. She shook her head violently.
“No, that’s okay,” Li Ann mumbled back shaking him off.
“Li Ann,” Mike called out. She looked over to him.
“I think it’s better if Andy takes you home.” Mike’s voice was full of an apologetic tone. The look in his eyes told her that he meant it.
“Wait,” she said to Andy.
“Please take me home.” Andy smiled in triumph to himself as he helped her to his car. Sitting in steadily, Li Ann waited for Andy to drive her home. She had not thought so much of Mike, but she thought about why she had suddenly just collapsed like that.
Andy pulled the car out of the parking lot and headed towards her home.
“So...why were you dancing by yourself tonight?” Andy asked as they were halfway to her house. She still held her head as she shot him a annoyed glare.
“I was dancing with that man until you came,” she muttered.
“Hey, I’m just doing my part. He’s not supposed to be dancing with my girl,” Andy shrugged.
“What...Your girl?!” Li Ann asked shocked. Andy smiled amusingly to himself as he kept his eyes on the road. He soon stopped in front of her house. Li Ann didn’t wait to walk out of his car, slamming the door behind her. She could barely walk to her front door. Andy wrapped his arm around her waist as he tried to hold her up all the way to her door. She pounded on the front door for her brother to open.
“Oppa! It’s me!” She called out. Dongwan opened the door, but his face frowned when he saw Li Ann’s pale face.
“What the hell did you do to my sister?!” Dongwan asked angrily to Andy, ready to pound Andy right there.
“Hey, hey! Cool down man. I didn’t do anything to her! I just help to bring her home!” Andy said defensively.
“Oppa, it’s okay,” Li Ann said putting a hand against Dongwan to stop him.
“Later Li Ann,” Andy stated as he started to walk back to his car. Li Ann turned her head back to Dongwan and fumbled to walk inside.
“Li Ann? What happened to you?” Dongwan asked concern.
“Nothing oppa, I just got a little drunk,” Li Ann lied as she pushed her way past him and up to her room.
“Li Ann, you know you shouldn’t be drinking. You know you have a problem with that. And where’s my car?” he asked crossing his arms.
“It’s at the club oppa. I’m sorry. I’ll get it tomorrow,” she said as she walked into her room and closed the door.
“Good night!” Dongwan shouted back. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and walked into his room. Li Ann sat down on her bed and began to slowly remove her boots. She was too tired to even try to remove her jacket.
“I’m sorry,” Mike whispered from behind her. She turned her head around and saw him standing there, the shadow overseeing half of his figure. She smiled weakly.
“Here,” she slowly handed him the crumpled up piece of paper. He was too worried about her to even care for it. In fact, he had forgotten about it. He reached for it, trying his best not to touch her hand.
“Thank you Li Ann. I’m really sorry,” Mike said again with a hint of sadness in his tone. She made a face that asked him why he was being sorry.
“I should have never kissed you,” he mumbled lowly. She lowered her gaze to the floor, thinking that he only thought of her as a friend perhaps.
“It’s okay,” Li Ann shrugged it off. “I’m going to have to leave you now,” Mike choked out, looking away from her out through the window.
“Why?” Her question was so innocent, it made him almost feel guilty for dragging her into this mess in the first place. “
I have to Li Ann,” Mike responded, looking at her in a serious way, but added on a smile anyway to comfort her.
The room was dark. Only half of it was visible by the light shown from the moon outside.
“Is there a problem? Did I do something wrong?” she asked worried.
“No, it’s not you,” Mike said lifting his chin up with a wider smile.
“Then why do you have to leave?” she asked blinking her tired eyes to stay awake.
Mike paused to think for a moment.
How would she understand something that isn’t visible to her?
“Because, I don’t want to drag you into the world of dark blue,” he replied.
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[To be Cont]
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