Shadows of Desire

by Insight_Chronicles

Notes:

This is my first attempt at a series. I have a rough idea where this is going, but it is subject to chang,e so please bear with any plot holes!!

Chapter 1: Summary

There is something different about Sung Jinwoo; he's not like everyone else you deal with. But with a new quest from the System you don't have time to contemplate why this man makes you feel, or not feel, the way you do. Even if he is annoyingly persistent and keeps popping up everywhere you go as if he knows your every move.
Come to think of it, is your shadow darker than usual?

*NEW MISSION*
A NEW PLAYER HAS JOINED
EXTRA PROTECTION REQUIRED

But is it the System or the Player that needs extra protection?

Chapter 2: Prologue

Summary:

After a long day at work, you just want a quiet walk home, but some mistakes are made.

By the Gods, that had been a hard day at work. Why did new hunters have to be so cocky? You were walking home late after finally finishing the paperwork for the hunters that got assessed today. It is your job to interview and evaluate all the new hunters to determine their skills and what guilds and parties they are best suited for. This was mainly so the Chairman would know if and when the balance of guides was tipping too far one way or the other.

The downside was that over half the hunters that got assessed were young males who thought they could impress you with their abilities. Even though if you were going to go for anyone, it would be one of the S- or A- Ranks you spent the most time around at the association. Why would you ever choose some immature start-up hunter? Not that you were interested in anyone.

A glass breaking pulled you out of your thoughts, and you realised that it may not have been the best idea to walk home so late. Especially when Baek Yoonho had offered you a lift home.

Shit, you thought, that may not have been my smartest move.

You thought back to the look he gave you after you declined, a mixture of surprise, suspicion and doubt. What was he doing at the association that late anyway? He hadn't been there for training that much, you knew.

You knew you weren't supposed to be drawing attention to yourself; this was exactly the sort of thing that makes people go digging.

Fuck.

Officially, you were an E-Rank healer, not much use for anything more than a scratch, even though your perception ability was so high that you could almost predict the future. All that allowed you to do was know when someone was going to get hurt. Not that you could do anything about it before or after the fact. That's why you gave up hunting and poured all your effort into the archives. There was only so much death one person could handle, knowing they could have done something about it if only they were stronger.

 

Of course that was before…

Now things are different. The system made sure of that. You'd fallen asleep at your desk for the hundredth time and dreamed of a game menu. Gaming was your escape, so it wasn’t that strange for you to dream of gaming, but something about this was different. It felt a little too real. Your suspicions were confirmed when you woke up, and the screen was still there.

The mission the System had given you was to ensure that no one else found out about it and protect the other players. It did not indicate as to who these players were or why the System needed to be protected. Surely having more players put the System at risk? So why add a player specifically for protecting the System?

Occasionally, when you stumbled upon the right piece of information, a pop-up would occur, giving you a new sub-mission which revealed a little bit more about the System. You kept all this information at the office in a filing cabinet that only you had the key for, in a folder labelled “system” that everyone just assumed was the instruction manuals for the computer system the archives are run on. For the last few years, this had worked wonders. Until a few months back, you got a pop-up saying a new player had been added and he would need “extra protection”.

That was when you took on the role of assessing all new and re-evaluated hunters so the records could be updated. You kept an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. The only strange thing that happened was Sung Jinwoo. An E-Rank hunter who was nearly killed but miraculously survived. He was re-evaluated when he first recovered but was still an E-Rank; only recently, when he got re-evaluated, he’s now an S-Rank. But you received no pop-up from the system like you would have expected. So it can’t have been him.

However, there was something different about him.

As part of joining the System, you got some skill boosts, and as long as you completed the daily quests, you continued to level up. This meant that your skills were through the roof, easily at an A- or even S-Rank level. You spread your skill points across all the categories, with your focus on perception and intelligence to help you achieve the mission the System had set for you.

What this means is that you were stronger and faster and all around generally more powerful than you had any right to be. But there were downsides to having too high a perception skill; you could basically read people's minds and were constantly feeling what they were feeling. This was reasonably easy to ignore when one-on-one with someone, but in crowded areas, you got overwhelmed easily with all the extra feelings coursing through your veins. As a result, you didn’t leave your house much except to go to work, although your best friend did bribe you with free chai lattes to go to her cafe once a week, so you weren’t a complete shut-in.

But unlike everyone else, you couldn’t feel anything from Sung JInwoo. Why was that? What was so different about him? He must feel something, but you couldn’t sense anything from him. Even when all your colleagues were in awe of his aura when he came in for his re-evaluation, you felt nothing. The man was a mystery to you. One you weren't sure you wanted to solve.

 

A shout from behind made you look over your shoulder just in time to see a gate close.

That wasn’t there when you walked that section of the street earlier. Perplexing. You saw someone stagger before collapsing to the floor. With only the slightest hesitation, you ran over to the person.

By the time you reached them, they had dragged themselves over to lean on the wall of the adjacent building. You slowed your approach as you took in the scene.

Jinwoo?

You couldn't quite believe your eyes; the man was exhausted and…shirtless.

 

He looked up as you approached, a slightly panicked look in his eyes as he glanced around as if to check if anyone else was around.

“Uh, hi” his voice was a rumble.

“Are you okay?” You had reached him now and crouched down, eyes scanning his body to check to see if there were any injuries. Miraculously, it appeared not; it was just exhausted.

“When you've finished checking me out. Yeah, I'm fine.” he sounded almost annoyed at your presence.

“Hey, you're the one that just collapsed out of a gate.” Your voice now took on an annoyed tone; if he didn't want your help, then so be it. You stood up, getting ready to leave.

“I-I'm sorry.” he had the decency to look sheepish. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to be here. What are you doing out so late anyway?”

“Looking for night fairies, what do you think?” sarcasm laced your voice; when he just kept looking at you, you continued, sighing, “Walking home from work” he seemed even more confused by this answer, but before he could question you “Look do you want my help or not?”

“What could you do for me? It’s not like I'm injured” The anger had left his voice, but it still felt like it rumbled through your chest.

“You'd be surprised what a skilled healer can do.” You shrugged.

“Go on then, surprise me” A smirk graced his lips. A cocky smile that on anyone else would have made your blood curdle, but on Jinwoo, it didn’t. It reminded you of when you used to know him.

You crouched back down next to him and held out your hands. “Full Recovery” A green glow emanated around him briefly before dissipating, and he signed with relief. Full Recovery was a skill the system gave you when you reached a high enough level, but you had never used it on someone else before. Satisfied it worked, you met Jinwoo's eyes, which were full of confusion. That was your cue to leave.

You got up quickly, collecting your bag where it had fallen when you crouched down.

“Right, well, you're all better now. Bye.” You waved as you turned to continue your journey home. You could hear him calling after you, but you just ignored him; picking up the pace, you nearly ran the rest of the way home.

You slam the front door to your apartment shut behind you. Only slightly out of breath, you made your way to the kitchen, only a few steps from the door of your modest home. The events of the night run over through your head.

You had been so careful for so many years, and tonight, you had made 2 people, 2 S-Rank Hunters, suspicious of you. You make yourself a cup of tea to help calm your nerves, which were shot after the day you’ve just had. As you sip from the too-hot drink, you survey your surroundings, wondering how easy it would be to pack up your life if things got too heated here in Korea. Your worn-in sofa and bookshelf, sagging from the weight of the books on its shelves, were things you definitely could not live without. But then, so was your gaming set up with sat on the opposite side of the room complete with state-of-the-art PC (that you didn't even want to think how much it cost you, but it was more than a couple months rent), dual screens and surround sound set up.

No! Think positively! You scolded yourself, both mentally and on your hot tea. Tomorrow was your day off work, so you could hide out in your apartment and come up with a plan of action if either Baek Yoonho or Sung Jinwoo started to ask the wrong questions.

You knew if they looked too deep into your files, they would see that you were no ordinary E-Rank, thanks to the twice-yearly physical you had to do because you worked for the association. Luckily, though, you were the only person with access to those files, so they had to go through you to get them. And you could always fudge the results if they were a little too extraordinary. You breathed a sigh of relief, thanking the Gods you had chosen the right career path to help keep the Systems and your secrets.

Having finished your drink, you were ready to call it a night, thankful you had the beginning of a plan. Your bedroom was a reasonable size, complete with a double bed and a wardrobe for your clothes, as well as enough room to actually navigate around them, unlike some of the apartments you had looked at during your house-hunting days. Exhausted from the day, you fell into bed and slept deeply that night, dreaming of the mystery player that had awakened and why they needed additional protection. What could they possibly do that would draw so much attention to them that people would start to question if another force was involved?

Chapter 3: An Interesting Meeting

Summary:

Chairman Go wants more information, and you agree to a date?

6 Months Later
It had started off as a lovely day, the sun was shinning, you had had a good night sleep and you even had the ingredients in to make panakes for breakfast. You had an amazing feeling about today. That feeling didn’t last long after you arrived at work.

It had been just over a week since the raid on Jeju Island, where so many of the Japanese S-Rank Hunters had lost their lives, and the Korean S-Ranks would have also died if it had not been for Sung Jinwoo and his perfect timing. The fact that this man, that was only recently been re-evaluated as an S-Rank Hunter, had destroyed the beast single-handedly, and on live TV no less, was nothing less than a miracle. The ‘Ant King’, as the media referred to the monster, very nearly took out all of the Hunters sent to clear the island, but the footage that was supposed to ease the public's fear instead showed them a different kind of monster. One that lived among them, one known by the name Sung Jinwoo.

The footage of Hunter Sung defeating the Ant King had been replayed many times since the completion of the raid, making people question why Hunter Sung had not been part of the original raiding team. At any given time, you could turn on the TV or open your phone to 10 different news sites either praising or cursing his name. The ones coming to his defence were using his mother as an excuse, saying he should be allowed to spend time with her as the first person to wake up from Eternal Slumber, and no one knew if or when she might succumb to it again. The ones dragging his name through the mud were also blaming the Hunter Association for not forcing him to fight or calling the Association incompetent for not knowing how strong he was and that he could have raided the island by himself without risking the lives of others.

You weren’t sure what to believe; one thing you did know for sure is that there was no indication in Hunter Sungs' file that he would have been able to take on the island raid by himself. You knew because you had checked his file probably 100 times since that day. Hell, you had checked it 10 times that morning alone after you had heard that the Chairman of the Hunter Assocation, Go Gunhee, had requested a meeting with you that afternoon.

You stood nervously outside the Chairman's office. It's not like it was your fault you didn't know the extent of Hunter Sung’s power. Chairman Go had been at the evaluation as well and had not indicated that he thought the power that Hunter Sung showed then was anything less than his full potential. So how could he blame her for this? Of course, she could just be overthinking it, and he wanted to see her about something else, but the timing was too coincidental to be about anything but Hunter Sung.

Taking a deep breath, you knocked on the door.

“Come in”, you opened the door and stepped inside. Chairman Go lifted his head from the report he was reading through and smiled warmly at you, “Ah, Ms L/N, please come in, shut the door behind you and take a seat.” He gestured to one of the two chairs facing his desk. Whilst your back was turned shutting the door, you took another calming breath and wiped the palms of your hands down the front of your trousers. Feeling slightly steadier, you made your way across the office to sit in one of the plush armchairs.

“No need to look so worried, Ms L/N”, came a voice from behind you. You hadn't seen him when you entered the room, but your perception skills never let you down, which is why you were not surprised when you turned and offered a gentle smile to Woo Jinchul, who stood in a darkened corner behind you. You shook your head slightly, suppressing a laugh, at his attempt to be cool and mysterious as usual, or was he trying to intimidate you?

“Oh, I'm not worried. I'm just wondering what it is I can do for you, sir.” As you finished your sentence, you turned back to the chairman, a small smile turing up the corners of your mouth.

“Well,” the chairman cleared his throat, “I assume you are aware of how the raid on Jeju Island panned out.” You answered with a nod of your head. Once again, Chairman Go coughed, clearing his throat. He seemed worried to ask you about something. “Well, you see, we,” A glance at Chief Inspector Woo, “That is, I, was just wondering as to the details of Hunter Sung’s file. The results of his latest evaluation did not suggest that he was showing us just a fraction of his power, but the footage from Jeju Island would suggest otherwise. Of course, we all know that you are meticulous in your record keeping and would hate to suggest that there was a mix-up on the numbers, but we must face the facts. Did you see or feel anything that day at the evaluation that would suggest that he was not showing us his full power?” So that was it. Chairman Go was worried to ask you about the archieves; after all, he, more than anyone else, knew how hard you worked on them. When you started here everything was a mess, so unorganised. You had spent countless hours of overtime and even slept in your office on occasion - keeping a change of clothes in your office and using the showers attached to the training gym to remain presentable - to be able to re-organise everything on top of your normal workload. That was how you had risen through the ranks so quickly and how the System had found you.

You glanced down at your lap, stifling a chuckle. You made an S-Rank Hunter nervous! Tilting your head back up, you met Chairman Go's eyes, formulating a response.

“Uh, no, I can’t say I felt anything.” Not the lie that would usually be when you thought about it, considering you don’t feel anything when it comes to Hunter Sung. The higher-ups in the Association know that you have a higher than normal perceptive ability, but they are not aware of the extent, and you would like to keep it that way.

“Right, well, in that case, I think it pertinent that we learn as much as we can about this young man. His power is beyond anything I have ever seen, and he seems to keep getting stronger or at least revealing more and more of his strength” The chairman looked deep in thought for a moment before continuing. “I think this is a job for you, Ms L/N” Um, what?! Your mind screamed whilst you tried to keep your face impassive. “We need you to get close enough to Sung Jinwoo to get him to trust you and reveal the extent of his power. Ordinarily, a security operative would have this task, but Mr Sung would be able to spot them a mile off and become suspicious of their motives. Whereas you, my dear, are a lot less suspicious looking.” A cough came from the corner of the room, Chairman Go smiled “No offence, Jinchul.”

“None taken”, although some definitely was.

“So what do you say, Ms L/N?” You opened your mouth to speak, but no words came out. Chairman Go just continued to smile encouragingly.

“Uhh, I mean, that's not exactly in my job description,” you hedged, buying yourself time to come up with a better excuse to stay away from Jinwoo. You really didn’t want to encourage him to ask questions about that time by the Gate.

“I understand completely,” you nearly sighed with relief, but then he continued, “consider you job description changed.” he looked so pleased with himself, but you just glared at him, “Of course, you’ll be compensated for this change in you duties.” This was so NOT what you needed right now, but you didn’t know what you could say to make the chairman change his mind on this.

“Okay, fine” you sighed. You would have to just find a way to uncover Jinwoos power without interacting with him too much.

“Excellent!” The chairman leaned back in his chair and clapped his hands together once, “I’ll get your pass updated so you can enter the training grounds whenever needed, and I’ll make sure that there is someone around to cover the new hunter evaluations so you can concentrate all your energy on this assignment. If you need anything, just ask, and I’ll get it done.” his gaze was so intense as he said that last bit that you were a bit worried about what you had just agreed to.

In a slight daze, you nodded, got up out the chair and made your way to the door. Just before opening it, you turned and clarified,

“Am I reporting my findings straight to you?”

“Yes, probably for the best. We don’t need more people than absolutely necessary knowing that we have no idea what Hunter Sung is capable of.” This was serious, you could not fuck this up. You nodded and left.

Out in the hallway, whilst waiting for the elevator, you shook yourself. You could do this. You could figure this out without revealing anything about yourself. Most people would see this assignment as a blessing. Being able to get close to South Korea's hottest up-and-coming Hunter AND be paid for it - who wouldn’t want that? Not to mention the cherry on the top for someone like you. You don’t know almost exactly what he's thinking and feeling all the time! Instead, you would be sitting there questioning why you can’t feel anything from him the whole time and would never be able to relax. As it was, you spent way too long thinking about Sung Jinwoo, you didn’t need more reasons!

The elevator doors slide open revealing Baek Yoonho, you smiled politely and gestured for him to leave before you got on. After all the chairmans office was on the top floor so he must have been coming here to see him.

“No, I, uh, just took one going up rather than down” he offered an awkward smile whilst rubbing the back of his neck. You breathed out a laugh, shaking your head before entering the small space and pressing the button for the basement where your own office was. “So, you just come from a meeting with the big man?” you nodded in response. “You’re not going to tell me what it was about, are you?” You shook your head no, Yoonho chuckled, “You're in a talkative mood today.” When you finally turned to face him, he caught sight of the worried look on your face. “Wait, are you okay? What did Go say to you?” His eyes started to glow golden, and you felt the air begin to vibrate as Yoonho tried to hold back his anger. In a panic, you reach out your hand, placing it on his bicep.

“Woah there, big guy, it's nothing, honestly. I’ve just got a lot on my mind.” Your words and the reassuring smile on your lips seemed to calm him enough to keep his beast from showing. You did not need the distructive power Yoonho was capable of to be unleashed in such a small space.

“If you're sure?” His hand reached to cover yours where it rested on his arm

“I am; everything is fine.”

“In which case, let me help you take your mind off everything. Let me take you out.”

Not this again. You thought. When will he get the hint?

Since he offered you that lift 6 months ago, he's been pretty relentless in trying to get you alone. It has all been pretty innocent…at least it would seem that way to most people, but you knew better. You could feel what he felt towards you, and it was anything but innocent. You were just about to reject him again when a thought suddenly occurred to you. He was at Jeju with Jinwoo. He would know what happened during the media blackouts! Maybe you didn’t need to get Jinwoo to trust you, maybe you could get Yoonho and the other hunters to spill!

“Um, sure” Whilst you weren’t 100% convinced of a plan you came up with 10 seconds ago, you agreed to go on the “date”, but maybe you could make it as least date-like as possible.”But it will have to be lunch, and I’m busy for the next couple of days soo…” You trailed off, but Yoonho has a massive grin on his face.

“Yeah, of course, no worries, whenever you can do. I'm just glad you finally agreed!”

Oh god, what had you done? Agreeing to two things you didn’t want to do in the same day! Whats wrong with you!

By the time the elevator reached the lobby, Yoonho stop, you had both agreed to meet in a few days' time at a cafe down the street. As Yoonho made his way across the reception area and out onto the street, he seemed to have a bit more of a spring in his step than he had before. You shook your head as the door slid back closed and the elevator continued down into the basement where the archives were kept.

Chapter 4: Latte Anyone

Summary:

Free Chai Latte with your best friend is ruined when Jinwoo shows up with fangirls in tow

You didn't want to move; you didn't want to think. You just wanted to enjoy your day off without any problems popping up. Everything had been fine, and all was going according to plan. Then, that new mission appeared, and nothing has been quite right since. You supposed it was a demon of your own making; you were so busy worrying about this new player and protecting the system that you didn’t stop to think. Or maybe you weren't thinking enough? See, this was the problem. You just didn't know what to think!

Every other mission, you had gotten side missions or level-ups when you were moving in the right direction, but with this one, you got nothing. The System had just left you in the dark.

You had even tried talking to the System. Or, well, talking into an empty room and hoping to get a response. But nothing. You'd tried it once before when the System had first contacted you, it hadn't worked then either. It was like you had completed a tutorial in a game, and then been dumped in a new area with no direction as to what to do next. You just felt so lost.

But today was Tuesday, and that meant you couldn't stay in bed and mope all day, unfortunately. Every week, you had Tuesdays and Fridays off work. You didn't mind working th weekend as it was usually quieter and allowed you to get more work done that wasn't evaluating hunters. What it being Tuesday meant was, it was your obligatory trip out to your best friends cafe.

In an attempt to stop you from being a total shut-in, Aera lured you down to the cafe with free Chai Lattes, your favourite drink, and hers was the best you had ever tried. Everytime, you attempted to pry the recipe out of her, she would refuse, saying it was the only way to get you out of the house, so why would she tell you. She was right, but that’s not the point. You deserved to know what made her version so damn heavenly.

With the thought of what was waiting for you, you dragged yourself out of bed and had a shower. A shower in the morning on your days off always seemed to refresh you more than any other time, even though the whole process took exactly the same amount of time whenever you did it. Psychology for you.

You dressed casually, in jeans and a dark oversized hoodie, you always relished your comfort clothes when you could wear them even though you liked to look smart and put together at work. A small spattering of makeup, which consisted of some mascara and a touch of tinted lipgloss. You loved a dark lip, but that was more for evenings and events, not popping down to the local coffee shop, so a tinted lip balm or gloss was your goto. Styling your hair is never as fun as people make out, you put in the effort when you had somewhere special to be, but in the day to day, dry and brushed was the standard. Happy the outfit worked together you left the bedroom heading towards the kitchen deciding to have breakfast first before you went out, that way you missed the worst of the morning rush and would be gone before the lunch rush began.

When you first started this routine, it had taken you a few traumatising visits before you got your timings right so the cafe wasn't too packed but still satified your friend that you were being social. You had also tried going on Fridays but the cafe was packed all day from open to close on a Friday and Saturday so that also ended in a failed attempt and quiet nearly a nervous breakdown on your part thanks to all the emotions that bombarded you at once as you walked through the door. It was always harder to deal with emotions in enclosed spaces than when you were out in the open.

Aera, of course, doesnt know why you can't stand crowds of people all she knows is that for some reason around a year and half ago it started to become harder and harder for you to be in crowds. She's been so supportive and is trying to help you in the only way she knows how and that just makes you love her more, even if she is a nosey gossip.

With breakfast made you take it to the sofa so you can catch up on your favourte programme before someone you follow on socal media spoils it for you. As you flick to the right streaming service you eyes catch on the book case, or more importantly on the medical books that line the bottom shelves, the memories flow back thick and fast.

As an E-Rank Healer you magic was pretty useless, but that didn't mean you had to be useless. Unlike most healers, who relied on their power, you went out of your way to learn everything you could about healing and medicine. You did every course short of becoming an actual doctor. All so you could help him. All so you could keep him alive. He meant everything to you but in the end it wasn't enough. You weren't enough.

A single tear escaped, sliding down your cheek. You wiped it away angrily. Annoyed your emotions had gotten the better of you again. This was why so many people had advised against you becoming a hunter, you were too soft. Overly emotional. Not cut out for the violence of a gate. They thought they were all proved right when you quit hunting and joined the archive team for Assocation but they don't know the real reason you stopped going into gates. Something you felt was much worse then all the bloodshed you had seen inside them. Becuase unlike what people assumed, you lived by a hunters moto “What happens in a Gate stays in a Gate”. You could compartmentalise better then anyone you knew, the fights and the bloodshed was almost easy to forget, after all you never got that attached to people. Aera and Him were the only people you have ever felt something for deeply aside from your parents and He had left, even after promising to never leave you. He broke his promise.

Dropping your head onto the back of the sofa, you let out an annoyed cry. Why does the memory of him always have a way of popping up when you need it the least? You know you should probably have thrown the books out, or at least donated them, but you just couldn't bring yourself to. There was something that made you want to hold on to them. Maybe the memories of the past, when things were better.

An hour later, you’re still staring at the ceiling, your breakfast lay untouched beside you.

The cafe is a short walk from your apartment, a walk you could do blinfolded thanks to Aera living above, and you hating people in your apartment so always meeting at hers. Another one of yur quirks that Aera just accepts.

With a deep breath to prepare yourself to the onslaught of emotions you were about to face, you walk through the door. A bell jingles to alert the staff of your presence.

Hae-Won Cafe was a small, simple affair whos decor lent to both the name of the cafe and the owners name. Styled with vines of cherry blossom and lanterns, Area had some how brought the outside in, making it feel like you were sat out in a garden in the spring time despite knowing you were in the middle of the city. It created a very romantic location that was a go-too place for dates and even proposals. Aera had a wall in her office covered in pictures of all the proposals that had been accepted at the cafe.

“Ahhh there you are!” Aera called across the room, making a few of the patrons already seated glance up before realising nothing special had happened and they could return to their drinks without missing something..

“Here I am.” Your face gave the impression that you had just eaten a sour piece fo fruit as the emotions of the room settled into you psyche, there was definitely at least one date happening in the cafe right now. and you hopped by the feelings you were getting that it was not a first.

“Seo-yeon, can you make us a Chai Latte, and I'll take a Green Tea.” The barista nodded that she understood before turning to fulfill the order “Thanks, darling, we'll just be over in the booth in the corner.” Aera called over her shoulder as she pulled you over to your usual booth. Situated in a quieter corner of the cafe where you were able to see everything going on in the cafe as well as the street beyond the store front. “Soo, how have you been?”

“I've been good.” There was something about Aera that just made you smile whenever she was around. “How about you?”

“Ah, ah, ah, you're not getting away with it that easily. Details, darling!” You rolled your eyes, you should have known. Aera was anything but easy to please, a perfectionist and gossip by nature, she was always looking for the next story and is only satisfied with all the details.

“Honestly I've been good, nothing to tell.” You try again, never one for sharing your feelings. She just continues to look at you expectantly. Damn. Sigh, “I've been busy, the Chairman's got a new assignment for me but…” you shrug.

“But…” Aera tries to coax more out of you. “What, girl, give me something! By the looks of your face, it's not more of that stuffy archive stuff you love, so it must be juicy.” She looks like a cat that caught the canary.

“Uhh, yeah not more archive stuff. Chairman Go wants me to find out more about Sung Jinwoo.”

“That sounds like boring archive stuff?”

“He wants me to do it by getting close to him.” You grimace. Aeras mouth dropped open, forming an O shape, she stayed like that for a few moments before getting herself together to continue her questioning.

“Wait, hang on a second, Chairman Go, wants you to get “close” to Sung Jinwoo,” you nod, “As in the most notorius S-Rank Hunter to probably have ever existed?”

“Exaggerate much” you laugh, shaking your head at your friend.

“No but seriously? You have to get close to Sung Jinwoo! How are you going to do that?” Just then, Seo-yeon placed your drinks on the table, “Thank you darling” Aera then lent forward, elbows on the table eager to hear the plan you didn't have.

“Umm. I dont really have a plan aside avoid Hunter Sung and trying to get others to reveal what happened on Jeju Island during the media blackouts in the hope I can figure out the extent of his power myself.” It was said in a rush as if you hopped that it would sound like a logical plan if you said ti fast enough. But you reaslised as you said it outloud how hopeful, yet hopeless, your plan was.

“Im sorry, WHAT? That's your plan? To go against the wishes of the Chairman and just hope you can figure it out by yourself? That is a stupid plan.” She said it so matter of factly you just shurgged, What else could you do? “You need to come up with a better plan, preferable one that actually gets Sung Jinwoo to trust you and reveal his secrets.” Just as you were about to respond with some snarky comment about your ability to be social, the barista called across the room at her boss. Aera looked over and saw that was a large queue at the counter.

“Shit, I better go help. We'll have to continue this later.” She stood up, grabbing her green tea to take with her. A thought suddenly occurred to you,

“Aera!” drawing her attention back to you, “I have a lunch date on Friday and I have a feeling none of the clothes I have will be suitable.” You grimace, at the thought of Aera reaction to the date, shopping for the date, or the date itself you weren't sure.

“WHAT!” That was more of a scream then anything else, “YOU HAVE A DATE!” Her eyes ping-ponged between you and the counter debating her options. “This conversation is not over.” She gave you a menacing look and then turned to make her way over the counter to deal with the sudden mass of people. Where had they all come from?

As much as you loved Aera she could be draining at times, the constant questions and happiness sapped your energy, you really didn't have to deal with so mnay more people emotions. You decided to pull your book out of your bag and read for a bit in the hopes it was distracting enough that you could finish your drink without getting overwhelmed by the number of people now in the cafe. With any luck by the time you were ready to leave, Aera would still be busy at the counter and you could leave without her noticing, having the conversation over text would be so much easier then her screaming at you the whole time.

You tried to concentrate on the latest chapter of your book, but the group of girls by the counter were being very loud and giggily. The tangle of emotions coming off them suggested there was something very exciting happening, feelings of nervousness, excitement, and even lust eminated from the group. God, it was bad enough when there was one date happening in the same room as you let alone a group of people all trying to get the attention of someone. It was too much. You looked over to the gaggle of girls just as they parted and the reason for all their emotions was revealed.

Sung Jinwoo.

Fuck, this could not be happening. The two of you locked eyes across the room, you gave him your best death glare whereas he seemed had a look of confusion and curiosity. Probably because a complete stranger was glaring at him. But for some reason he still took it as an invitation to come to your table.

Watching the faces of the girls fawning around him fall as he made his way to you was almost comical. Pathetic. Before you knew it, Jinwoo stood in front of you, behind him, you could see Aera giving you a thumbs up and an encouraging smile.

“Hey, is this seat taken?” He indicates to the side of the booth that Aera had just vacated. You looked longingly at your Chai Latte and signed, taking one last big gulp before getting up.

“No, you're all good, I was just leaving.” gathering your bag you made to leave.

“You don’t have to go. You just looked like you needed some company.” His eyes were so dejected you almost felt bad, but there was that nagging feeling that you couldn't trust him. Not being able to feel his feelings was so strange. You had spent so long now knowing what people were feeling, not having to trust what they said at face value, that you had forgotten how to read people like you used to. How can you trust someone when you don't know what they feel? You know everyone else has to, but you haven't for so long. Instead, you default to snark and sarcasm.

“Do you often go around telling people they look lonely?” You raise an eyebrow in question.

“Uhh,” he reached up with the hand not holding a drink, and scratched the back of his head, “No I can't say I do. Do you make a habit of running away from people when they approach you?”

“I certainly do when they are people I don't know and they come with a bunch of fangirls.“ You guesture to the women still stood by the counter, half of which were buying drinks with the other half watching your interaction closely.

“Hey, it's not like I invited them. They just seem to appear wherever I go these days.” he seemed embarrassed by them

“You are literally an S-Rank Hunter with superhuman speed, just lose them.” You said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world. To you, it was.

“It's not that easy.” Apparently you were wrong, “One of them sees me and they post it on social media and suddenly there's a whole group of them. Had to stop them from following me in to a Gate the other day they were so oblivious to their surroundings.” There was a weird combination of a laugh and a head shake in disbelief of the people that fawn over him.

“Too many fan girls and not enough time.” You put on a fake pouty face

“I'd like to set the record straight right now,” He was suddenly serious, his eyes burning into you. “I don't want these fangirls. I never asked for this, and the sooner it calms down, the better. I much preferred being in complete obscurity, but it is what it is, and I have to deal with it.”

“Sure, whatever, I've never met a guy that wouldn't love that attention, so forgive me for not taking what you say at face value.” With renewed energy to turn to leave, only to have your progress stopped by a hand on your arm. Gasps from the fangirls filter across the room, you look down at the hand on your arm before moving your gaze to the face of the man holding you, it took all your will to stop your eyes from glowing green like you know they did when your power was close to the surface.

“I know it's difficult to understand but I would appreciate it if you gave me the benefit of the doubt. At least until you know me.” His eyes were soft, despite not being privy to his feelings you felt like he was being sincere in his confession. He lowered his voice so only you could hear it, it was strangely intimate, “You’ve been on my mind since that night 6 months ago. There was something about you then and there's something about you now, that draws me to you. I want to know you, what you think, what you feel. I want to know what makes you tick. But you have to let me in. I don't know why you don't trust but I promise you, I am someone you can trust.” You snort, unable to stop yourself. His brows furrow in confusion. You rip you arm out of his grip and sneer at him as you walk away.

“I know you plenty.”

Chapter 5: An Emotional Date

Summary:

You date with Yoonho takes an unwanted turn

Notes:

Really struggled to write this one, I don't think I really know Yoonho well enough to write him so hopefully I did him justice, and there may be a little bit of a cop out in there as well. Anyway, I hope you like it.

P.s. I got emotional editing it and am super excited to see where this leads and i'm writing the bloody thing so…good luck to you lot.

A loud knocking at the door startled you from your trance. You had been staring at your wardrobe trying to decide on an outfit for your “date” with Yoonho. You still had no idea what to wear.
The knocking turned to banging and you shook your head, frowning, who could possibly be at your door? Unable to come up with an answer, you made your way to the front door of your apartment. Easing it open you peeked around it, not really in the mood to talk to anyone. It was Aera.
“Heyyy.” You drew out the syllables as you opened the door. The emotions coming off your friend would have been noticeable even to someone without your perception ability. She. Was. Pissed.
“Don't, ‘heyyy’ me,” she stalked into the room imitating your greeting. Whirling around she watched you shut the door before continuing, “You can't tell me you have a date, insult the most famous S-Rank Hunter, who by the way your supposed to be getting close to, and then leave without so much as a goodbye!!”
“I know, I know, but, you know,” you shrugged, “I couldn't stay.”
“Look,” Aera took a deep, calming breath, “I know you've got your whole people issue, thing. But you could have gone into my office or something. You could have not dropped the news of the century on me and then ran away. You could have not run away from a man who is clearly interested in getting to know you, that you yourself need to get close to. There are so many things you could have done that would not have been as bad as what you did.” Even though her voice was quieter and she appeared calm, you knew she wasn't. Your friend was still majorly annoyed at the stunt you pulled. You looked down at the floor, embarrassed at your knee jerk reaction to the events at the cafe earlier that day.
“I’m sorry.” You toed the floor, focusing on that movement rather than your friend's anger, “I just had to get out of there. Maybe if it had just been the group of people then I might have stayed but I just cant be around him.” You really didn't want to get into the whole story behind it right now, if ever. As Aera looked at you all you could see sympathy and confusion waring in the depths of her eyes.
“Whatever the history is between you two it's really bad, isn't it?” You looked her in the eye, try to communicate without words for her not to push the matter. Aera sighed, “Fine, I won't ask for more details for now, but one of these days you are going to tell me everything. And I mean everything, about Sung Jinwoo and your issue with crowds. Everything.” She was serious, deadly serious. You knew there was no avoiding this conversation forever, you hoped it would take longer than this for her to demand answers. But too much had happened, Aera was too involved in your life for you to be able to hide anything from her. For now you could distract her with talk of your date but one of these days there wasn't going to be something else to distract her with and you would have to talk.
“One day, I will. I promise. But it's too long of a story. Too emotional of a story, to get into right now.” You move towards her, holding out your hands to offer her a hug, she stepped into your arms, grateful you hadn't just shut the matter down like you have before.
“Okay, now on to business.” She spoke into your ear before pulling away with a massive grin on her face, still holding your shoulders, “You have a DATE! Give me details!” She pulls you over to the sofa and basically throws you at it before flopping down herself.
“Don't get too excited, okay?” You couldn’t help but smile, Aera excitement was contagious, she nodded so hard you worried her head would fly off, “Its with Baek Yoonho,”
“OH MY GOD” you had you cover your ears at the screech that came from your friend.
“I said don't get too excited.” It was almost a scold.
“I'm sorry but how can I not get excited when you have a date with an S-Rank Hunter? Baek Yoonho is amazingly hot and he wants you! Now I understand why you say you don't have an outfit for your date.”
“Woah, slow down, it's not like that! I only agreed to the date to try and get him to reveal what happened in the media blackout on Jeju.” You help your hands up in front of you in a surrender motion.
“What? Wait, this is all part of your plan to avoid Hunter Sung?” Aera stared at you in disbelief, You nodded, slightly worried she was about to go off on you again . “So you're not interested in Yoonho at all? You’re just going to string him along for information?”
“Well, when you say it like that you make it sound so mean.” The look she gave you told you that was exactly what it was, “And, I mean, it's not like I don't like him. He’s very attractive and he's been kinda pursuing me for months and wasn't taking the hint that I wasn't interested so I thought, why not?” You shrugged again, picking at your nails.
“So you are interested in him?”
“Umm, yeah I guess. I wouldn't agree to something that I didn't want to do, so…” You trailed off shrugging, “From what I've seen he's nice and attentive so I figured going on a date with him wouldn't be the worst thing.”
“Oh my gods, you like him but you are using Sung as an excuse to allow yourself to do something that isn't work!” You felt your cheeks heat.
“What no! He's nice and all but I don't think I see him that way.”
“You don't think?”
“No, I want to be friends for sure but I don't think I have it in me to love someone again.” You friends' eyes fill with sympathy again.
“Oh, darling, maybe this is your way of trying.” You're grateful that she doesn't push you to know who you loved before, although you have a feeling she may have put the pieces together already. You continue to look down at your lap, fiddling with anything that you can get your hands on. “Okay so, bearing that in mind, I think we need to find you an outfit that will knock his socks off, and not care that you might be slightly emotionally unavailable.” She laughs causing you to laugh as well.
With you slightly cheered up slightly Aera bounces off the sofa and skips into your bedroom to see what clothes you have.

 

It's a few days later when you arrive at the restaurant for your date with Yoonho. Aera was able to get away from the cafe for a couple of hours, despite it being a Friday, to help you get ready.
Aera, always better at putting together outfits than you, had settled on an emerald green corduroy skirt that reached just over half way down your thighs and paired it with a smart off the shoulder black jumper. She'd then dragged you out to buy some new tights and some heeled boots to complete the outfit.
This morning she had insisted on styling your long black hair, pinning up the sides and adding some gentle curls to give it some more texture. Your makeup was light, smoky eyes and a lipstick that would have been nude if you had a darker skin tone. All together you looked fancy enough for a date but casual enough that you could just be going on a shopping trip. Exactly the look you wanted.
The restaurant was dimly lit despite it being the middle of the day, the dark furniture and accents making the room seem dark even with the floor to ceiling windows that lined the front wall allowing streams of sunlight to flood the room. Approaching the host-stand, you glanced around the room hoping to catch sight of Yoonho.
“Do you have a reservation?” A hostess appeared out of nowhere and took up position behind the stand looking at you with a quizzical eye.
“Um, yes?” It came out as a question and the hostess raised an eyebrow at you, “Um, I'm meeting someone here. Baek Yoonho.”
“Oh yes, of course, he said the other member of his party would be arriving shortly.” Her whole demeanor seemed to change in an instant.
“So he's already here?” You glanced around nervously but couldn't see him anywhere.
“Yes, he's just arrived, I'll take you to him. Would you like anything to drink and I'll put your order in for you now.” The smile on her lips didn't meet her eyes.
“Uh, not right now I'm good thanks.”
“That's fine, a waiter will be with you shortly so you can order with them. Follow me and I'll take you to Mr Baek.” With that she turned and sashayed through the restaurant. As you followed you realised the building went back a lot further then it seemed. Finally you arrived at a table almost completely concealed from view. Baek Yoonho stood from his seat to greet you.
“There you are,” his hands landed on your waist and his lips on your cheeks, “I'm so glad we can finally do this.” He gestured to the only other seat at the table, “Sit, sit. I'll get us some drinks ordered. Wine? Red or White? You know what based on the menu offerings I would go with white.” You smiled and nodded as he disappeared over to the bar to order. Once he's out of sight you huff out a laugh shaking your head. You can't believe it, he's nervous! Even if he wasn't rambling like an idiot, you could feel it come off of him in waves! If you were already freaking out about this date, his nerves would have made you nervous. You're still slightly giggling when he gets back to the table,
“What's got you laughing?” Startling, you look up and watch him take his seat.
“Oh nothing really. I just find it funny how nervous you are.”
“Oh, um, well, yeah, sure, I mean, who wouldn't be nervous.” He laughs, reaching one hand up to scratch the back of his neck, a habit of his.
“I know.” You catch his eye and give him a genuine smile, “I'm nervous too.” Yoonho looks at you for a moment, mouth slightly open like he doesn't know what to say before,
“Oh, thank the gods.” He breathes out a sigh, “That’s why I thought we might like a bit more privacy and requested the table back here.” His hand finally drops from the back of his neck as he gestures to the secluded area of the restaurant you’re sat in.
“Yeah, that was a good shout, less pressure this way. Or at least that's what it feels like.” Just then the waiter appears with a bottle of wine and an ice bucket on a little stand, so it does take up any room on the table.
“Your wine, sir, ma’am.” He uncorks the bottle, pouring a small amount into each of our glasses “First a taste.” The waiter looks expectantly between the two of you. After a quick glance at Yoonho you lift the glass to your lips and sip a small amount of wine. The citrus flavours dance over your tongue before you swallow, giving a light hum and a nod of approval, you see Yoonho do the same. With your approval noted the waiter fills your glasses before returning the bottle to the ice bucket. He then fishes a notepad and pen out of his apron pocket, “And have you decided on what food you would like today?”
“We haven't had a chance to look at the menu yet.” Yoonho replied, his authoritative tone returned to him.
“Very well sir, if I might give my recommendation, our chicken dish goes particularly well with your wine. And the seabass is a nice pairing as well.” The waiter gave us an indulgent smile before flipping his notepad shut. Yoonho gives you a look as if to say, “shall we?”, you nod in response, quite happy with those choices.
“We'll take one of each then, thank you.”
“Very well sir, I'll get your order to the kitchen right away.” He nods scribbling in his once again open notepad before turning and disappearing round the corner, presumably to the kitchen.
“Well that made the decision easier.”
“It certainly did. We can decide who gets what when it arrives.” Yoonho picks up his wine and takes a big gulp, you can feel his nervousness melting away with each milliliter of wine and each word of conversation.
“Can I ask you a question?” You hedge.
“Of course.” He gives you a confused look.
“Why me?” His brows furrow further, you elaborate. “Why have you been pursuing me for the last 6 months?” A sad smile crosses if face before he answers you. Now the overwhelming feeling of nervousness has dissipated you can feel the lust emanating from him, creeping over you heightening your own nerves.
“You are beautiful.” He says it like it's obvious, like you have a line of suitors just waiting to take you out. “And you're smart, funny, dedicated. Anyone would be lucky to take you on a date. Honestly the reason it took me so long to ask you myself was because I assumed you had someone.”
“Why'd you think that?”
“Well, you don't exactly present yourself in the same way as others do. You keep to yourself, you're not covered in makeup and flaunting your cleavage, or any skin really, like most of the single women I spend time around.” He laughs thinking back to all the women who have come on to him over the years, “But you never have. You're surrounded by young attractive eligible men all day, everyday, basically but as far as i'm aware you've never taken any of them up on their offer of a date.”
“I-I-” you stammer unsure how to reply
“Of course that's not a bad thing. I just assumed you were in a relationship or not into men.” He shrugged, “But then when you didn't turn me down flat when I first asked you, I figured I was wrong. You were just playing hard to get or something. You made it into a challenge,” He said it so matter of fact but there was something in his tone that suggested more than his words were saying, “and that made me want you more.” His voice was low and rough, what he wanted from you was obvious.
“So what, now that you've got me I'm not fun anymore?” You bristle a bit at the thought of just being a game to him but he goes slightly wide eyed before shaking his head.
“No, no of course not! Sure the chase made getting to this point more fun but I still really want to get to know you.” You could feel the sincerity of his statement.
“I'm just teasing. And you're not wrong, I didn't go out with any of the Hunters that asked me out but not because I'm into women.” You laughed, easing the tension you accidently created.
“So why not then?”
“We've got the sea bass?” The waiter arrived, you and Yoonho glanced at each other, a silent conversation happening in a split second.
“That'll be mine thank you.” He says leaning back so the waiter can put the plate in front of him.
“And the chicken for you, ma’am” the waiter comes round the table and you move out the way slightly so he can serve your dish, smiling at the waiter in thanks. “I'll stop by in a little while to ensure everything is to your liking, for now enjoy your meal.” the waiter gives a light bow before backing away from the table and disappearing again. You look down at your plate, wondering which bit to try first. Yoonho does the same, settling on cutting a section of fish off and trying that first. Following suit you try the chicken breast in sauce that makes up the bulk of your meal.
“That is good.” you moan after swallowing
“This is amazing as well. Want to try some?” You nod and he cuts a bit off for you before transferring it to your plate, you gesture at your chicken returning the question to him, “If you don't mind.” You copy his action and put a portion of your meal on his plate as well. After tasting it he gives his verdict, “It's good but I definitely prefer the fish.”
“Nah,” Shaking your head and pointing at your plate, “The chicken takes first place for me.” You both laugh at the fact that you managed to pick the right meals without even knowing what they were. Now the nerves are out the way it feels so natural, life you’ve been friends for years. As the laughter dies down you can feel his pointed gaze on you.
“So…?” You take another bite of food, avoiding the question, “Why didn't you go on dates with any of the guys that asked?” He wasn't going to let this go.
“The answer to that question is not first date material.” You still avoid eye contact, washing down your food with some wine. The waiter was right, the flavours do compliment each other.
“Ahh, so this is a first date, implying there will be more to come.” Without even looking you know there is a massive grin on his face.
“That's not what I said at all. I just dont think it's appropriate to get into all the emotional nitty gritty the first time you spend time with someone. Talk about trauma dumping.” You try to laugh it off.
“Trama dumping huh? Well now I'm more intrigued.”
“Nope, not going to happen. I either need to be drunk or trust you with my life to let that cat out the bag.”
“You don't trust me?” he put a hand to his heart, the wounded look on his face lasted all of 2 seconds before he started laughing.
As the meal wore on and the conversation flowed you realized you were having a really good time. But when you really think about it, it was the kind of good time you have with friends, not with a romantic partner. Sure you could grow to love him but it just felt wrong. Even when you tried to deny it there was only one person you really wanted to be with and it wasn't Baek Yoonho.

“Hey, what's up?” there had been a pause in conversation as the waiter cleared your now empty plates. “You suddenly went all quiet and distant.”
“Oh, sorry I was just lost in thought I guess.” You sent a gentle smile in his direction as the waiter appeared with a dessert and coffee menu.
“I'll give you a few moments to decide.” was all he said before vanishing again. Yoonho looked at you with a slightly sad glint in his eye before deciding to change the subject.
“So what did you do before you worked at the association? You've been there for what a year, 2 years now. You must have been doing something before that?” You smiled and nodded,
“I was a hunter.” That left Yoonho speechless, mouth gaping at you, “Yeah, a pretty useless one but what can you expect from an E-Rank Healer.” You shrugged, it wasn't like it was a secret, you just didn't shout it from the rooftops, people tend to look unfavourably on failed hunters.
“I- I mean most E-Ranks don't even bother to become Hunters so I'm pretty impressed you went through that.”
“Yeah well, I had my reasons.” There was an expectant look on Yoonhos’ face. How much could you get away with saying without revealing too much? “I had a…friend, who only became a hunter to make enough money to pay for his mum's treatment. He was an E-Rank too, you see, so he was pretty useless as well. But we made a pact, we said we would always stick together and have each other's backs. We would always make sure the other got out the gate, no matter what.” You started to fiddle with the edge of the menu, trying to prevent the tears that always came when you thought about the past.
“What happened? Did something happen to your friend? Are they…” he reached over to grab your hand, holding it between his larger ones in comfort before trailing off, coming to the wrong conclusion. Him being dead would be so much easier than the reality. You shook your head, “Then what happened?” his voice was calm and soothing, you wanted to tell him, to have someone to talk to about it. But it had been so long, so long keeping it bottled up and to yourself that you just couldn’t.
“I don't want to talk about it.” The tears were closer to the surface now, “Let's just leave it as he's no longer part of my life.”
“Is he why you don't date as well?” Fuck, you needed to back track, get this conversation back on neutral terratory. But one look at Yoonhos’ face and you knew he knew, you weren't going to wipe this conversation from his memory no matter how hard you tried.
“I don’t want to talk about it. Can we just go.” You pulled your hand from between his, hiding it in your lap.
“Of course, I'll go pay and then walk you home.” You didn't need an escort home but you were too numb to move right now so you were still sitting in the same position by the time Yoonho got back from paying for the meal. “You ready to go?” As you stood up Yoonho took hold of your hand again to lead you out of the restaurant before looking to you for indication as to which way to walk to make it back to your apartment.

You managed to hold the tears back for the whole 10 minute walk but you knew as soon as you shut the door behind you they would fall freely. Before you could reach for your keys Yoonho, who had been holding your hand the whole walk in silence, dropped it and grabbed your shoulders instead. Turning you, almost roughly, towards him, his gaze darting back and forth between your eyes.
“Are you okay?” You nod, apparently not convincing enough for him, “Like, really okay?” He looked, scared? “I’ve never seen someone shut down so completely so quickly before, it's worrying. I need to know if you're okay before I leave you alone.” You take a deep shaky breath, you own emotions masking anything that might be emanating from the man before you.
“Honestly, no, I'm not okay. I thought I would be. I should be. But it's all still too much and I can't do it.”
“Do what?”
“This, you, anything. I thought I could. I had convinced myself all I had to do was get out there and forget. Move on.” you laugh at yourself, “I’ve seen him since, ya know. I've spoken to him and I didn't break down like this. Well I guess I did after, privately. I just don't understand why he still has such a hold on me. Its like torture.”
“So I guess that's a no to a second date.” Yoonho tries to make light of the situation, of the near emotional breakdown you are having right in front of him. You laugh, a genuine laugh despite everything in your body saying you should be crying right now. “Look, I know this isn’t exactly how either of us wanted this to go but, I think we both know now is not the right time.” He smiles, catching your eye and you nod in agreement, “But I would still like to be friends. And if I ever get my hands on this friend of yours, I'm not liable for what I might do. Okay, so, it'll be alright. I'm here for you. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on or want to talk about it, you got my number. And like I said, if I ever meet the guy, his head might not be attached to his shoulders for much longer.” You can't help but laugh. “That's better, now get inside and just chill for the rest of the day. Then you can get up tomorrow morning, go to work, and get back on that “forgetting about him” train because I'll be waiting when you get off the other side.” He leans forward placing a kiss on your forehead before finally releasing you and walking away.
You slump against your front door for a moment before fishing out your keys and entering your apartment. It's only as you lock the door behind you that you remember you were supposed to ask about the Jeju raid. Fuck, now what are you suppose to do?!
Not even bothering to change, you flop onto the sofa and close your eyes letting the tears fall as the memories run through your mind like a movie you don’t want to watch but can't turn away from. Memories of you and him when you were tiny kids. Memories of you and him growing up together, never far from each other, always a glance away. Memories of your first kiss. Your first date. And all the dates after. Memories of the gates you entered together, fighting side by side, healing all his cuts and bruises. Of course with the good memories come the bad. The first time he ignored you and all the times after that that he acted like you didn't exist. Breaking every pact you had ever made and breaking your heart with them.
Why Jinwoo? Why did it have to be this way?

Chapter 6: Challenge Accepted

Summary:

After a conversation with Jinwoo, you need to let off some steam

Notes:

First time writing any kind of fight, so I hope it comes across well! Really wanted to get that in there so I could improve my writing skills beyond the romance/fluff stuff cus I’ve got an idea for a later chapter that really needs it.

Thanks to the holiday weekend, and therefore the lack of staff on duty, you had been too busy to think too much about your disastrous date, your failed plan and of course Him. But it was Tuesday, again, and that meant you were back in the cafe sipping your chai latte listening to Aera complain about how busy the cafe had been over the weekend, and how people expected places to be open and running at full capacity on holiday weekends, despite no one wanting to work them. You'd already given her the lowdown on your date on Friday night when she knocked on your door once she’d closed the cafe; she’d been yawning the whole time but was determined to know what had happened. Aera had taken one look at your dishevelled look, hair and clothes all skewed and crumpled, eyes rimmed red from tears, turned around and stomped back down the hall leading to outside. You’d called after her, but she ignored you in typical Aera fashion, and you were in no state to go after her yourself. Instead, you tried phoning her, but it went straight to voicemail, you tried again, same result. You half expected not to hear anything until the news reported that a local coffee shop owner had attacked the head of a Guild. Instead, the next thing you know, there was another knock on the door, and there she stood again, but this time with tubs of ice cream in hand.

The two of you had sat on the sofa for the rest of the night talking whilst some crappy action film played on the TV, even though neither of you were paying attention to it. Turns out she was set to go beat up Yoonho, but thought she should get the details first so she knew how bad to make it hurt, you were glad she hadn't just gone out guns blazing. She was especially glad when she realised it would have been for no reason at all and your tears had nothing to do with Yoonho. You were even more glad when she didn’t push you for details when you said it was your past that had caused the tears. You had only just stopped crying, and you really didn't want to start again.

“Anyway, I'd better go get back to work, you wouldn't imagine how much coffee we used over the weekend, so I need to sort out getting some more in. As it's quiet, do you want another?” She gestures to your mug, you glance around the room and see that only 2 other tables are occupied, so few that you can block out their emotions and relax. Enjoying being out of the house for once, you nod. “Awesome, I'll get that made and bring it over before I start doing the inventory. And before you say anything, no you will not be paying for it.” She walks away before you can reply. You learnt a long time ago that there was no point in arguing with Aera, instead, you'll put the money for the extra drink in the tip jar when you leave.

As you wait for your drink, you pull out your book, you open it to find you're still on the same chapter you were when you tried to read it last week. You’ve been too exhausted and emotionally drained to read this past week.

“Here you go darling, pop your head round the back when you're leaving, will ya?” Aera places a fresh mug in front of you and gives you a hopeful smile.

“Of course I will, thank you for this.” She waves her fingers at you in goodbye as she leaves.

“Ah ha, you can't use the excuse that you are just leaving this time.” So much for reading your book, you place the bookmark back on the same page and take a deep breath before turning to the voice. Jinwoo. Why is he everywhere?

“Well, I could, but that would be a waste of a perfectly good drink.” The smile you give him is tight and forced. Despite all the signals telling him the opposite, he sets his drink down on the table and slides into the booth opposite you.

“You fascinate me, you know.” His elbow finds the table, and he leans his head on his hand, gazing at you intently like he's trying to solve a puzzle.

“Gee, that's just what every girl wants to hear.” There's a forced cheeriness to your voice.

“Well, what can I say? I'm a master of seduction.” You scoff, “Almost every other girl in the city is throwing themselves at me after the broadcast of the Jeju Island Raid. But not you. You seem to be repulsed to even be in the same room as me.” You roll your eyes at his conceitedness, “And you see the thing is, it's not even like you hate me because I didn't get to the island quick enough. You hated me before then. You hated me when you healed me 6 months ago. I want to know why?”

“Can your fragile ego not cope with one woman not falling at your feet?” you fake pout at him.

“My ego is anything but fragile, and you seem to know it based on the jabs you’ve made at me. You seem to know something I don't.”

“Who do you think I am, some stalker?”

“No, but you know something. Have we met before? You said you knew me when we last met. What did you mean by that? How do you know me?” You just stare at him, not entertaining this line of questioning. “Is it some fascination with Hunters? S-Rank Hunters? I know you went on a date with Hunter Baek.” was that, jealousy, you could hear in his tone.

“Why would I have a hunter fascination? I work at the association, I'm around them all day, why would I also want them in my personal life?”

“Hey, don’t ask me. You’re the one going on dates with them and saying you know me when all we’ve had is a couple of minutes' worth of conversation.” Jinwoo shrugs, a smug look on his face like he won a prize.

“Look, I don't want to play this game with you. If you say you don't know me, then, fine, you don’t know me. But don't expect me to hash it all out for you, not here, not now.” You finally managed to tear your gaze from his electric blue eyes. Even before he changed, you found them mesmerising. Now, everything about him has levelled up. You startle at the thought.

Leveled up? Could he be the player that joined? No, the System hasn't said anything. No EXP bonus. Nothing. It can't be him. Can it? It might explain why you have no perception of his feelings; maybe that skill doesn't work with other players. You've never met another player before to test the theory. The thoughts run rapidly through your head, barely giving you time to think about the first before another one occurs.

“What do you mean, if, I don't know. Before 6 months ago, I have no recollection of ever meeting you before. If not here and now, and when and where? I want to know. This connection, our connection, is driving me insane.” He reaches across the table, entwining his fingers with yours, pulling your hand away from the death grip you had on your mug. Sparks fly over your skin where he touches you, your nerve endings alive with electricity, sending pulses of pleasure up your arm, straight to your heart. He feels like he used to. He feels like home. No, you shake yourself, you cannot let yourself be pulled in by him. He forgot you; he doesn't deserve your forgiveness.

“Nowhere and never. You don't get to make me live through it again because you conveniently forgot. I'm not reliving that for your entertainment.” Despite this conversation bringing up the same memories as on your date with Yoonho, this time you're not on the verge of tears; you just want to punch something. Maybe you'll join a squad and take on a gate this afternoon.

“Look, bab-”

“Don't you dare ‘babe’ me.” You tried to keep your anger in check, but by the look on his face, you were not doing a very good job. His gaze zeroed in on you eyes, damn, were they glowing? You squeezed your eyes shut, trying to calm yourself, only to realise he still had hold of your hand. You wrench it out of his grip.

“What the-” it was said under his breath, but you still heard it. “How are you-” wrong line of questioning, please don't ask. You knew his grip had been too strong for a normal person to have been able to pull out of, but you had done it anyway. His phone was ringing in his pocket, but he was too busy staring at you, mesmerised.

“Aren't you going to get that?” You say, clearing your throat.

“Huh, oh yeah.” As if only just realising it was his phone that was ringing. “Hello. Okay.” His eyes don't leave yours, capturing you there, ensuring you don't leave while he's busy. “What's that got to do with me? Well, I'm in the middle of something right now.” he has the audacity to wink at you. “Can't you find someone else? Alright fine, I'll be there as soon as I wrap this up.” He still holds your gaze as he pulls the phone away from his ear and hangs up without looking. “Sorry, darling, but something has come up.” You breathe out a sigh of relief. “Don't look so relieved, this conversation is far some over. I want to know everything, “He says up bracing himself on the table as he leans over so his face is only inches from yours. “About you strength, your healing skills and about everything you won't tell me. I will not let this go. I will find out.” The threat paralleled Aeras, only this one made all other threats seem like jokes. And you were on the wrong end of it. Part of you was intrigued to see what lengths he would go to to get the information, another part of you was terrified to find out. You let out a shaky breath, it mingled with his in the air as you realised he had gotten even closer. Close enough to kiss you. You looked down at his lips, flashbacks to the kisses you used to share flood your mind. You could only imagine how much better he had gotten, and he felt so good before.

Snapping your eyes back up to his, you saw he too was looking at your lips, maybe wondering the same thing. Unfortunately, for him you would not have improved, having been with no one since he abandoned you. As if sensing your eyes, he met them with his own, glowing an electric blue that you knew meant he was just holding his power in check. The shadows of the room seemed to have a mind of their own. Writhing and twisting, awaiting order from their master. You knew if you looked in a mirror, you own eyes would be glowing green, meeting the challenge he had placed at your feet. You would not go down that easily. You would fight him every step of the way after what he did to you.

Suddenly, he pulled back, seeming to get himself under control. As gracefully as he could, he slid out of the booth and stormed across the cafe. Glancing back over his shoulder as he yanked the door open,

“This is not over”, were the last words you got from him before he used his speed to vanish to wherever he had be called to. You slumped back in your chair, letting out a breath as you did. All the tension leaves your body. That man, that infuriating man.

You sat at your desk later that day, anger and restlessness still filling your muscles. There was only one thing for it. Opening up your internet browser, you looked at listings for raids. There were a few that would have worked for you to be able to let off some steam, but only one A-Rank gate. It had been a while since you had been on a raid, and you’d leveled up a few times since then, so it would be good to test your new strength. There was a party that needed another member to help carry their gear, which gave you, an E-Rank Healer, a good excuse to join their party. Nobody would take you seriously as a fighting member of a party or even a healer.

Contacting the Captain, he seemed hesitant to accept you, but there was no one else who had applied, so you got the location of the gate and the time to meet them. A quick glance at the clock showed you had plenty of time to get there, but you had a thing about being late, so you closed out of your browser and shut down the computer before making your way to the bedroom to change.

At the back of your wardrobe sat your hunting gear. It had been through a few different iterations over the years, with the most major one being when you became a player. The first few level-ups lead to some…drastic, changes in your physical appearance. You'd finally settled on a black long-sleeved top with cut-outs that left your shoulder exposed, tight black trousers and knee-high combat boots with built-in dagger sheaths. A utility belt sat around your waist, allowing you to carry almost anything you needed quick access to, such as health potions, food and teleportation stones. The utility belt was easier to explain the having access to the Systems' never-ending inventory. You finished the ensemble with a long black cloak complete with a hood that did a good job of hiding your identity from the people you had met through work. You didn’t share your name with everyone you met, but they would have seen your face, and as it's frowned upon for association workers to raid gates without approval, and you were technically a retired hunter, you shouldn’t really be doing this. You shrugged at your reflection in the mirror, oh well, you had to let off steam one way or another, and raiding was more fun than going to the gym.

You arrived at the gate with time to spare, perched against a nearby fence to wait for the rest of the party to arrive. It wasn’t long before a group made their way down the street to the gate.

“Right, this is it,” one of the part members spoke, you assumed it was the Captain from the authority in his voice, “We just need to wait for the E-Rank to arrive.” They obviously hadn’t seen you in the shadows, just as you were about to step out and reveal yourself, something made you pause.
“Why’d you have to get an E-Rank?” A member of the party questioned.

“Yeah, now we’ll have to spend the whole time making sure they don’t get killed.” Came another voice.

“And all that would take is them to trip over something!” The first voice responded laughing, causing the rest of the party to break out in hysterics. It was the same everywhere. E-Ranks are the lowest of the low. They’re a joke to the Hunter community, and there was no way to prove them wrong because, quite frankly, it's true. Most E-Rank hunters have no business being in a dungeon, especially not an A-Rank one. But that doesn’t make it hurt less.

“Hey now,” It was the Captain’s voice, “We don’t have to worry about keeping them alive. What happens in a dungeon, stays in the dungeon. If they die, they die, that's not our fault. They knew what they signed up for when they joined the raid.” You should have known better than to hope the Captain would have been different. With a sigh, you stepped out of the shadows.

“Nice to know you all think so highly of me.” Your voice was flat, and you refused to show them any weakness. They, on the other hand, had the decency to at least look a little guilty, well, all except the owner of the first voice. A Tank, if you had to guess by the way he was dressed, a typical Tank based on his attitude. You locked eyes with him, even without the hatred in his eyes, you could feel his contempt for you. This was going to be fun, you rolled your eyes.

Clearing his throat the Captain spoke, “Right, uh, so you ready to go?” you nodded in response, “Good, this is the bag of stuff for you to carry, lets go then.” without hesitation the captain drops a heavily ladened rucksack at your feet and turns to walk into the gate followed swiftly by the rest of the party, with you following closely behind adjusting the straps of the bag as you go.

You yawn as the party stops to rest in a clearing before continuing to trek through the forest in search of the Boss.

“Oh, I'm sorry, are we keeping you up?” the group's Healer snarls at you.

“What do you have to be tired about? You haven’t done anything!” It’s the arrogant Tank again. You haven't bothered to learn any of their names, after all, it's not like you’ll be joining their party again. That was a rule of yours: if you were going to go into gates, you could never go with the same party twice, it ran too big of a risk of someone discovering something they shouldn't. He wasn’t wrong; you hadn’t done anything, you yawned because you were bored. Only one beast had appeared at a time, making it easy for the party to take them down without you being able to join in. What you needed was a big battle; multiple beasts at once would mean they were all distracted, and you could test out your new speed and strength. You hoped you’d at least be able to have some fun when you found the Boss, but that wasn’t going to happen at this rate. It felt like you’d been walking in circles for hours, never getting any closer to the source of magic you could feel in the distance.

You dropped the heavy bag you were carrying to the ground, letting your irritation get the better of you. You were spoiling for a fight, and if that had to be with members of the party, then so be it. Rotating your shoulders, releasing the tightness they held from supporting the bag, you took a step towards the Tank, only to pull up short. A massive source of magic was coming through the trees at speed. Turning slightly to face the oncoming threat, you dropped into a fighting stance.

“Ohh, look at this. Little E-Rank wants a fight!” You were too focused on the actual threat to care who said it.

“Oh, shut up. There’s something coming.” You didn’t take your focus off the woods before you.

“I don’t feel anything.” It came from the Captain as he walk up to stand beside you, facing a threat he didn’t believe existed.

“Focus. Something’s coming this way. And fast.” you felt the curiosity emanating off the Captain, there was an undercurrent of disbelief tainting it, but after several moments, almost too many, the Captain turned to the rest of the party and called battle stations.

Just as the party were getting ready to fight, a huge beast burst from the tree line. This was unlike any beast you had seen before. It had a huge lion's mane that steak out behind it as it ran towards you, but its face was too human to call it a lion. Whilst it was running, it used all four legs, but as it skidded to a halt when faced with the party, it stood on its back legs, stretching to its full height. Stood upright, it was taller than the trees that surrounded them.

“What the fuck is that?!”

“How did we not feel that coming?”

“How did the E-Rank feel it was coming?”

The questions came thick and fast, but there was no time for answers. Great swiping claws reached just inches from them as the beast attacked.

“Positions!” yelled the Captain, taking his eyes off the beast for a moment to check his party had heard him. It was enough time for the beast to aim another strike at him, sending him flying past you and into a tree before slumping to the ground. You followed the movement, double-checking the rest of the party were handling their own before running to his aid.

Sliding to a halt on your knees beside the Captain, you assessed his injuries. Four massive gouge marks lined his chest. If he wasn’t treated fast, he wouldn’t make it out of the gate. You had sworn to yourself that you would never leave a man behind. You now had the power to heal people even when on the brink of death, you would not allow yourself to waste it.

“Gods, damn it. Why’d you have to be such an asshole to me?” It's so much easier to heal people when they’d been nice to you.

“S-sorry”, his response was quiet; he didn’t have long. Knelt in the dirt, cloak spread out around you, you rubbed your hands together, warming them slightly before laying them flat to his torso. Covering as much of the wound as possible, direct skin contact was the best way to heal a wound without scarring. Closing your eyes, you channelled your mana into your fingers, visualising the injury and knitting it back together. In the back of your mind, you could hear the fighting that happened behind you, subconsciously you kept track of where in the clearing the fight was, tensing when the clashes and shouts got closer, before relaxing when they retreated again. Your perception skill allowed you to pinpoint everyone based on their emotions. The arrogant Tank was on the front lines, forcing the beast back away from the Healer who was helping a Mage who had been wounded. The beast was surrounded, but somehow still winning the fight.

Bursting through the defensive line the creature took a swipe at your undefended back.

At least, it thought it was undefended. At the last second, you took a dagger from its sheath in your boot and sliced. The paw that should have ended you instead landed, severed, next to you. The beast let out a roar of pain, swiping blindly with its uninjured arm only to be met by a shield, halting its progress. You turned to see the arrogant Tank looking at you with pure confusion.
“What the-”

“Not the time.” You looked back down at the Captain to see that his wounds had healed with no visible scarring. The Tank pushed the beast back, straight into the path of an incoming attack spell. Flicking your dagger to remove the blood from it, you stood, slow and with purpose, weighing your options. The party knew, there was no going back now. No pretending you were some weak E-Rank. You might as well end this and hope they agree to keep your secret.

You take a deep breath, now is a good a time as any to test out you new skills. One foot in front of the other, you crouch slightly, stooping to collect the dagger from your other boot. You always loved dual-wielding in games, and it gave you a slight thrill to try it in real life. With one last scan of the area, you launch at the beast, using your speed to catch it off guard with a slice across the chest before ricocheting off a tree on the other side of the clearing to slice across its back. Landing in a three-point pose, you see the beast is stunned and confused, looking around to find the source of its wounds. Letting out a breath, you leap into the air above the creature's head before dropping onto its shoulders to slice your daggers across its neck, severing everything major. You feel the body beneath you wobble and tip as the life leaves it, as it tumbles to the ground, you jump off, leaving enough space to ensure you don’t get crushed under its enormous weight. A quick check over yourself makes you realise you're not a breathless as you should be, you have gained more stamina than you thought. You walk over the fallen beast and wipe your bloodied daggers on the scraps of cloth that cover its body before sliding them back into the sheaths at your calves. Straightening, you glance around at the rest of the party to ensure there are no more injuries that need to be taken care of. Instead, you are met with 9 pairs of eyes, all looking at you with a mixture of confusion and awe. Shit.

“What-” Starts the Captain, still struggling to get to his feet from the base of the tree you left him at.

“What the fuck was that!?” the Tank interrupted, he seemed to be the only one seething with anger, everybody else frozen in shock. You remained silent, unsure of what you could say to make this better.

“Hayoon, calm down, I’m sure there is a logical explanation,” the Captain, now on his feet, set his hand on the Tank's shoulder before returning his attention to you, “right?”

“Umm, I don't really know what to say.” You avoid eye contact, looking at anything but the 9 people who wanted an explanation out of you.

“How about you start with the fact that you are clearly not on E-Rank Hunter of any kind.” The Captain gives you a pointed look.

“I mean, technically, offically, I am an E-Rank.” you fiddle with the edge of your cloak.

“So you tricked the assocaition somehow?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“I, um, well, I was an E-Rank when I got assessed but I trained and shit and now I'm.not?” you grimace at the weak answer.

“Wait so you reawakened?” A Mage across the clearing spoke

“Um…sure”

“And based on your reaction the assocation don't know?” You shake your head, “And you don't want them to know.” You nod. “So you need us to keep your secret.”

“Yeah, bassically.” You gave the Captain a hopeful look, knowing he gets last say on what the party would, or would not, say.

“Give us a moment.” The Captain gestured to the rest of the party and walked off into the woods. You looked down at your hands, they were covered in blood, you could feel the adrenaline pumping through your veins slowly dissipating, leaving you trembling slightly. You wiped your hands on your trousers in an effort to get rid of the worst of the red, this was why you wore black. You had to walk through the city after this, and you didn't need anyone asking why you were covered in blood, and blood didn’t show up on black. You were still trying to get the staining off your hands when the group reappeared out of the trees.

“Okay, we'll keep your secret. It's the least we can do after you saved our lives. And, by the looks of it, took out the Boss single-handed.” The Captain shrugged before clearing his throat, his voice returning to the authoritative Captain he was before the fight. “On that note, we'd better harvest what we can from the nearby area. Now the Boss is defeated, it's only a matter of time before the gate closes, so we need to get out of here quick.” Everybody nods and gets to work.

Chapter 7: Is this the end?

Summary:

Is everything you’ve worked so hard to conceal about to come to light? Plus a little bonus Jinwoo POV

Notes:

Thought I would try something, I added a little bit of Jinwoo POV at the end of this chapter, let me know what you think and if that’s something you want me to continue try to add sporadically as it makes sense.

Dodging all the questions and making sure you weren’t followed was harder then you had expected so it had taken you longer to get home then you’d wanted. After finally locking your front door you collapsed onto the bed still in your hunters gear, you’d worry about the blood stains on your bedding tomorrow. You slept hard that night, so deep was your sleep, in fact, that you’d completely ignored your alarm this morning. Jolting awake at a car horn just outside your window you looked over at the clock on your nightstand. Shit, was that really the time!? Some quick mental arithmetic said if you rushed and skipped breakfast you should still be able to make it to work in time, you always set your alarm nice and early so you had a nice leisurely time to wake up and get ready, you hated nothing more than being rushed.
You’d made it, slightly dishevelled and stomach rubbing, but you made it. Luckily you had a slow day and you planned on just catching up on some paperwork so you could spare a few minutes to got to the breakroom to get a cup of caffeine and a pastry to tide you over until you could get some lunch.
As you found out that day, there was no such thing as enough caffeine to make a report bearable when all you wanted to do was go back to bed. Thankfully the report was not urgent so it didn’t matter that you had been yawning at your screen all morning and making no progress whatsoever. Although all those trips to the breakroom for more caffeine had meant you had overheard some rumours that set you on edge.

There was a knock on your office door, not that you heard it having mastered the art of falling asleep with your eyes open that morning. You didn’t even notice the cause of the knock entering the room and clearing their throat in front of your desk. In fact it wasn’t until they leant over the desk and tapped the back of your hand where it lay on your mouse, that you noticed the intruder. You startled from your half sleeping state to see Chief Inspector Woo straightening up.
“Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to startle you, I did try knocking but you were so engrossed in your work you didn’t notice.” There was a hint of admiration in his tone, you felt your cheeks heat with embarrassment at the undeserved praise. Usually when Jinchul visited you there was a cheerful, friendliness to his tone that was missing today, replaced with a hardness that suggested he was here on official business not a personal call.
“Oh, um, sorry. Was just, yeah, concentrating.” His sudden appearance and seriousness was making you stumble over your words, “What can I do for you Chief Inspector?” You tried to match his formalness but it felt odd on your tongue. Taking your eyes off him you save the document and make sure to close down the application before returning your gaze to him, giving him your full attention. Whatever this was about you were sure you would be leaving this office, you just hoped that it wasn’t about the rumours circulating, it would be just your luck at the moment that the party you’d worked with last night couldn’t keep a secret for even 24 hours.
“You're needed for a meeting with the Chairman.” Jinchul straightened his tie, his straight to the point no nonsense approach to this conversation had your hackles raising.
“Can I ask what the meeting is about?” Whilst there was legitimate reasons that you would need to see the Chairman you could not see why the summoning would need to be so formal.
“That’s confidential I’m afraid. The topic cannot be discussed outside of Chairman Go’s office.” You felt yourself visibly, and probably audibly, gulp. It was never a good sign when officials got cryptic.
“Right, well, I’ll be up as soon as I am finished with this piece of work.” You gesture to the blank screen in front of you, silently cursing yourself for already having closed everything down.
“Your presence is required immediately.”
“Right now?” Jinchul nods. Well then, guess I don’t have a choice. You take a deep breath nodding your head slowly as you make a show of turning off your computer. Standing you wipe your sweaty palms down the fronts of your trousers, both drying your hands and smoothing out the creases that had formed from being at your desk all day.
Rounding your desk you follow Jincul out of the room, pausing to shut and lock the door behind you. Jinchul says nothing as he leads you to the elevator, stepping inside you lean against the back wall while he stands to attention near the centre.
Your upwards journey is paused at the lobby where the doors open to admit 2 more passengers into the cramped space. Baek Yoonho and Choi Jongin. Both smile at you as they walk in but the smiles quickly drop from their faces as they take in the worried expression on yours. Whilst you had not had many personal interactions with Jongin he had been to your office enough to scout new hunters and discuss the possibility of poaching others from rival guilds. He had insisted almost from the first meeting that you call him Jongin, even now it felt weird. Yoonho on the other hand has been even more attentive and protective of you since your disaster of a date. Great, stuck in a cramped space with 3 guys with egos the size of Mars and all protective of little old me, this is exactly what I needed today. Not.
“Hey, Y/N, are you alright?” Yoonho skirts around Jinchul, shooting daggers at him with his eyes as he does, he comes to a stop in front of you. You nod in response but you don’t trust yourself to speak. Whatever he saw in your eyes put him on edge, he reached up to grip your shoulders almost harshly. Before he could speak, Jongin's voice cut through.
“What’s going on here?” The question was directed at the Chief Inspector but Jongin was looking at you.
“Just heading up for a meeting with Chairman Go.” Jinchul replies nonchalantly, shrugging.
“Then why does she look like she's about to walk in front of a firing squad?” Jongin gestures at you, his fiery gaze cutting to Jinchul. Looking over his shoulder at you Jinchul is surprised by what he sees.
“I have no idea.” Turning his whole body to face you, a wave of confusion and concern clouds all other emotions. All three of these men feeling the same thing in such a confined space is making it hard to block out. “Y/N, what's the matter? You’ve met with Go many times, why are you so worried?” You shake your head and shrug, dislodging Yoonho's hands from where they still rest on your shoulders.
“I don’t know.” Your voice is weak.”This just feels different. You came into my office all serious and have barely said a word to me, being all cryptic and shit. Only telling me we can’t talk about it outside Go;s office and that it needed to happen right now. What am I supposed to think?” The words come out fast and garbled together, you're surprised they understand you.
“Go just wants to discuss the progress of your assignment, that's all.” Jinchul tried to comfort you but his efforts were thwarted by Yoonho and Jongins reaction to the news.
“What assignment?” Jongin was curious as to what the Chairman could be getting as an office worker or do that required classified updates.
What have you gotten her into?” Yoonho was just plain mad. You knew Jinchul would have to choose his next words carefully or risk Yoonho’s tiger coming to the surface. “Wait, has this got something to do with why you were upset leaving Go’s office the other week?” You can feel Yoonhos power emanating from him, you nod slowly hoping you don’t cause him to tip past the point of control.
“I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to say. Whilst I am aware of the assignment I cannot discuss it. Although I can tell you it is perfectly safe and should pose no risk to Y/N health.” Jinchul held his hands up almost in surrender. Yoonho relaxed slightly, the glow of his eyes dimming but you could tell from the tension in his muscles he was still ready for a fight.
“We’re coming with you.” You weren’t expecting that to come from Jongin, Yoonho sure, that was exactly the sort of thing he thought he could get away with as a S-Rank Hunter and Guild Master. But Jongin always seemed so cool and calculated but this came across as more of a rash move on his part, one that could potentially land him on the bad side of the Chairman.
“I can’t allow that.” Jinchul knew he couldn’t make the two S-Ranks do anything but he hoped if he reminded them of the rules they would fall in line.
“You don’t have to allow it.”
“We are going with her.” Yoonho cut in, an unspoken threat in his voice. Jinchul’s eyes met yours with a look you couldn’t decipher, it was more than just concern.

The four of you entered Chairman Go’s office. Jinchul leads the way, you following just behind with Yoonho and Jongin flanking you like bodyguards. Chairman Go looks up from the file in his hands, surprised by the number of people suddenly in his office.
“My apologies, sir, but when we met in the elevator they insisted on coming.” Jinchul bowed his head.
“Right,” Chairman Go started, “Do they - “ He trailed off, communicating the rest of his sentence with his eyes.
“No, sir”
Clearing his throat, Go straightened some papers on his desk. You felt a wave of unease from him. The Chairman was always such a confident man, it made you wonder how he thought the men flanking you would react to the news he was obviously about to share with them.
“As it seems that you two have latched yourselves onto Miss L/N, I suppose it can’t do much harm to let you know what her assignment is.” His voice is calm and authoritative, much more like the Chairman Go everybody knows and looks up to. “After all you would be partial to the information she gathers eventually anyway.”
“What information?” Jongin steps forward so he now stands between you and the Chairman's desk. Yoonho rests his hand on your lower back as if to remind you he’s there for you if you need him. Go’s eyes lock on to the movement before meeting yours with a raised, questioning eyebrow. You returned his question with a subtle shake of your head.
“Before I tell you anything I need you to understand that it is the role of the Hunters Association to gather information on all hunters.” The men nod, murmuring their understanding, “I have given Y/N here the task of getting close to Hunter Sung so we can find out more about his power. Of course, both of your statements regarding the raid on Jeju Island were invaluable,as were all the statements. But it is my belief there is still more to Sungs power then we know. It is my belief that he is one of, if not the, strongest hunter to grace South Korean soil, if not the world. And he just seems to keep getting stronger. We need to know more” Chairman Go rests his elbows on the desk, steepling his fingers, waiting for their response. Jongin stands frozen. You feel Yoonho’s fingers dig into your lower back, your sure it would hurt a human so you fake a flinch.
“You’re using an analyst as a spy?” Yoonho’s voice is low and dangerous.
“She is in no danger.”
“You don’t know that! You just said yourself that you don't know what Sung is capable of!” Yoonho releases you and storms forward, slamming his fists onto the desk, threatening to split it in two.
“Sung could be the biggest threat this country has ever seen! And you think sending someone from the archives is the best way to get information from him?” Jongin snaps out of his daze, just as mad as Yoonho. Flames dance along his shoulders just waiting to be released and he struggles to keep his power in check.
“I can’t believe this. What was the plan if Sung found out what you were up to and took his anger out on her?”
“Shut up.” You could let them yell at each other all day about the morals of using you for this assignment but you could not stand them dragging Jinwoo's name through the mud like that. They were still yelling. “I said SHUT UP!” you matched their level. This time they felt quiet turning to you as if they forgot you were even in the room. “Stop talking about me like I'm not in the room. Stop implying the only way this can end is with me getting hurt. Stop assuming I’m some damsel that needs saving or protecting. And most of all stop saying Jinwoo is going to hurt me. I know him. He may not remember me, but I know him and he would never, and I mean never hurt me!” You stand there chest heaving when suddenly the reality of what you just revealed hits you.
You bolt from the room.

Panting you skid to a halt at your front door. What have you done? Have you just ruined everything? The perfectly constructed narrative you've worked so hard for over the last few years, is it all gone? Fumbling you insert the key into the door. You would bet you had around an hour before someone shows up at your door.
There was no getting out of this. There was no possible explanation you could give as to why you knew Jinwoo that wouldn’t reveal things you didn't want people to know. You collapsed onto the sofa, you’d fucked everything up.

There was a knock on the door. You looked at your watch, yep right on time. Pulling yourself up from the sofa you walk over to open the door. Turning and walking over to the kitchen you let the door swing open. Jongin stands on the other side of the threshold unsure if he's allowed into your apartment or not. Suddenly he jerks forward as Yoonho storms through the door, furious eyes searching for you before finding you casually making yourself a drink.
“Drink?” you tilt your glass towards them.
“No, we don;t want a bloody drink. We want an explanation!” Yoonho stalks across the room before being halted by a hand on his shoulder.
“ What our hot-headed friend here meant to say was. Are you okay? What happened bak there? We're worried about you.” Jongins voice softened as he spoke to you. You felt suspiciously like he was talking to a scared cornered animal, one he wasn;t sure if it was going to run from him or fight.
“You know, you two spend an awful lot of time together and are very touchy feely for two people that are supposed to be rivals.” You try to lighten the mood and take the spotlight off yourself. At your words Jongin takes his hand off Yoonho's shoulder like it burned him. If you looked close enough your sure you could see the tell tale sign of red in Jongin cheeks as well,
“Don't go changing the subject.” You should have known it was not going to be that easy.
“I don’t know what to tell you.” you shrug
“Why don’t you start from the beginning. How do you know Hunter Sung?” Now you really were starting to feel like a cornered animal.
“That's not my story to tell, at least not mine alone.”
“But you said he doesn't remember you?” The anger is gone from Yoonhos voice, now the only thing to feel from him is sympathy.
“That's right. I don't know how and I don't know why. What I do know is that I am a firm believer of not starting a story I can't finish. Which means this is not a tale I can tell. Not yet anyway.

 

As Jinwoo watched his shadows fight the beasts he couldn’t help but be distracted. Thoughts of that mysterious woman plagued his mind. He couldn’t help but run over every memory he had trying to find her. To explain why she thinks they have met before. But nothing. He knew for certain he had not met her since becoming a player, which meant he must have met her when he was still known as the World's Weakest Hunter. But then what could he have possibly done to make her hate him, how could he have hurt her like that?
She was beautiful, funny and, to his surprise, powerful. Not quite as powerful as him but she could definitely give the other S-Ranks a run for their money. Who was she? She must be a hunter with power like that so why was she not at the raid of Jeju Island?
He had hoped to get some answers out of her at their last meeting but Jinwoo had been called away to deal with a gate that had opened and was causing chaos. The gate was in the upper levels of what would be considered A-Rank and all the other S-Ranks and their parties were either already busy or were too far away. Jinwoo had reluctantly left the cafe, assignment and shadow to his new obsession in the hopes of being able to catch her at her apartment later that day. Only the gate had turned red as soon as he stepped inside. At least he was still able to keep an eye on her through his connection with the shadow soldier, plus Beru would be able to protect her if needed. It was a risk assigning one of his strongest soldiers to keep an eye on her, but Jinwoo felt it was definitely worth it to keep her safe. The army would make do without one of its generals. Shortly after stepping through the gate he’d lost contact with Beru, Jinwoo tried not to panic, there was nothing he could do about it but he may have used excessive force on a few beasts. Besides Beru had not respawned with him so he hadn’t been killed. Jinwoo just couldn’t communicate with him. Where had the little minx gone that severed his connection to the shadows?
It had taken some time but soon the connection had been restored only for Jinwoo to see his girl fast asleep on the top of her bed, spread eagle in what appeared to be hunters gear. Jinwoo demanded answers from Beru, if bugs could look smug, that was the face Beru was giving Jinwoo. Beru refused to answer, knowing that Jinwoo would not call him away from his charge in order to punish him. Beru had decided that Jinwoo needed to find out what the minx was capable of by himself. Jinwoo wished he sent Igris instead.

Jinwoo had been in the red gate for a few days now, a constant feeling of melancholy washing over him from his connection to his girl. It had started on the first day, after some intense feelings of fear and then anger. She’d been sad ever since. Jinwoo really wanted to defeat this gate so he could go to her.

Chapter 8: Suspicion is Aroused

Summary:

You sit in on an S-Rank training session

Notes:

Bit of a shorter one this time but thought you’d like something as it's been a while since the last chapter. Lifes been a bit crazy the last couple of weeks and I need to figure out a good balance with my new job etc.

Of course, after running out of the last meeting with Chairman Go he had requested your presence again.
To say Go wasn’t impressed with what you had achieved would be an understatement. He understood that the assignment was a long one and that results would take time. But he has also heard stories, or truths, about how your last two run-ins with Jinwoo had ended in one of you storming out of the room. That was the bit he was not impressed about. That coupled with the fact he had gotten an earful from Yoonho and Jongin about involving you in the first place had led him to suggest dropping you from the assignment completely. After all, in his words, it’s not like you had made any progress towards making JInwoo like you. And he could just send someone else in your place without delaying the mission.
You don’t know why but hearing those words make something in you snap. Whether it was your fear of failure or some subconscious need to be near Jinwoo. The idea of someone seducing Jinwoo just didn’t sit right with you, because you know that's what they would need to do, Jinwoo only would spill secrets to someone he cared for. Plus you liked having the excuse to be near Jinwoo, to talk to him. Maybe it was some secret hope you would be able to figure out what happened. You didn’t want to dwell on it that much. All you knew was you had to do everything in your power to convince Chairman Go to keep you on the assignment.

That was how you ended up sitting in on an S-Rank training session. Once a month all the S-Ranks in South Korea gathered in the Associations specially designed gym to train together. It was the one place in the country that they were guaranteed to be able to show all their power without risking harm to civilians. And being able to spar against other S-Ranks ment they could go all out without having to worry about killing them. The Association also used these sessions to monitor the power and skill level of each of the guilds, it was information gathered from sessions like these that informed decisions such as which guild got the first call for higher rank dungeon raids or dungeon breaks that needed more power to defeat. This was not the first time you had been privy to sessions like this, but usually you were up on the observation deck out of harm's way, you were supposed to be today as well but you had other plans. Rather than observe from a distance and miss the chance to interact with anyone, you have decided to watch the action from ringside.
“Did you hear about that party that had to get all their armour repaired but none of them had a single scratch on them? Their armour was slashed to bits but none of them were hurt, it just makes no sense.” You could hear the conversation between Ma and Yoonho from where you stood. You tensed, focusing on their words without taking your eyes off Cha and Lim sparing in front of you.
“Yeah, I heard they got into shit trying to explain what happened in the gate.” Yoonho replied with a slight chuckle, like he wanted to laugh but was also concerned for them.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes. I heard one of their stories doesn’t match the rest and now the more they question them the more holes they find.”
“Really? I hadn’t heard that.” Your muscles felt ready to snap with the amount of tension currently in your body, you watched the match unseeing.
“And apparently they didn’t even have a healer in their party. Although none of them are saying who the 10th member of the raiding party was.” Ma whisper-shouted like it was some sort of conspiracy and then shrugged before returning to his normal voice. “All I know is I don’t want to be this mysterious 10th person when the Chairman gets hold of them. He may be getting on in years but that man is still lethal when he's pissed. And this person is obviously using a fake Hunters ID otherwise they would have found them by now. But what anyone would want to use a fake is beyond me. Part of the fun of being a Hunter is the fame and notoriety when you're that powerful.” You shift on your feet uncomfortably. What would they think if you knew you were the imposter Hunter?
“Based on what I’ve heard, their healing ability is off the charts. The damage done to the parties armour should have meant at least a couple of life threatening injuries. They were healed so there was even a hint of a scratch!” Yoonho was amazed by the prospect of someone so powerful not wanting recognition. So much of being a Hunter was the fame and money you got when you were well-known and powerful. “I’m sure we’ll be drafted into the search soon anyway. The more eyes and ears on the look out the better.” You tried not to show your agitation at the thought of the association starting a manhunt for you. And your punishment when they discovered it was you, not even worth thinking about.
In front of you Cha is knocked to the ground signalling the end of their parring match. Cha let out an annoyed breath as Lim offered her hand to help her back to her feet. She took it, somewhat reluctantly, and was effortlessly hauled upright. They exchanged words you couldn’t hear before both left the ring, heading towards Jongin who had a look on his face that would have looked more at home on a proud father then a guildmaster.
Next into the ring were Ma and Jinwoo. Even if you weren’t here to learn more about Jinwoos powers you would have played close attention to this match up. Watching Jinwoo's assassin-like speen against the brute force fighting style of Ma would always make for an interesting fight. Plus you had always loved watching Jinwoo fight, even back when he was the “World Weakest Hunter” nothing lit up Jinwoo eyes like fighting to protect someone. But Jinwoo was just like that, always there to help if you needed it, it was just who he was. Jinwoo was born to help people, that's what you’d always believed, nothing like the cold persona he portrayed now. You always wanted to be more like Jinwoo, to help people like he could. Sure it was all well and good healing someone once they got hurt, but being able to stop them from getting hurt in the first place, those Hunters were the real heroes. You thought your chance had finally come when the System had appeared and started to make you more powerful but you’d been worried about how the world would react to your sudden powerup. But they seemed to accept Jinwoo going from the weakest to the strongest Hunter, so why not you? When you heard about the raid on Jeju Island you thought it would be the perfect time to go public. But the system had other ideas. The System has given you the mission of keeping you abilities secret, until when, it didn’t say.

You were snapped out of your thoughts by a gust of air passing close by your ear. Turning your head you came face to face with a dagger, impaired in the wall beside you. Without even thinking your body had shifted slightly to avoid becoming the daggers target.
“SHIT!” Yoonho suddenly appeared in front of you, grabbing you by the shoulders, turning you to check for injuries in places where the dagger was nowhere near. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I’m fine.” You brush him off, very aware of the death glare the back of his head was receiving from Jinwoo. Turning his head Yoonho looked directly at Jinwoo, a yellow aura appearing around him. “What the hell was that, I know you have more control over your daggers than that!” Jinwoo just stared back, unmoving.
“Actually, I think that was my fault.” Ma said sheepishly, stepping between the staring match. “ I knocked the dagger aside not thinking where it would land.” He turned towards you with a guilty look on her face, “I’m sorry”
“It’s fine, no harm done.” Ma relaxed, Jinwoo eyes met yours, narrowing slightly. You had a bad feeling he knew that dagger should have made content with you.
“Fine,” Yoonho signed, taking a step back so he was next to you, like he thought he needed to protect you from another rogue dagger. “But you better be careful with any more of your flying daggers.” He still blamed Jinwoo. Jinwoo, who hadn’t taken his eyes off you simply winked in response.

Chapter 9: Could it be true?

Summary:

Someone gets a bit overprotective

Notes:

Sorry its been a while, life has been crazy and I just don’t have the time for writing. Here’s a bit of a shorter chapter to finish off the training room scene and get to the scene that I started writing this whole fic for. The plan now is for Shadows of Desire to go on hiatus whilst I write the rest of it so when I start posting it again I’ll be able to post consistently until the end. In the meantime I will be posting other one shots etc to keep the blog alive.

Jinwoo and Ma returned to their match, this time choosing to test their physical abilities against each other. Even though Ma was going all out you knew Jinwoo was holding back. His eyes constantly flicking to you.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Yoonho's voice reached your ears .You tare your gaze from
the fight in front of you and focus on him. His eyes shine with sympathy, flicking back and forth, still checking you over for injuries.
"Honestly I’m fine" you try reassuring him again but he still doesn’t look convinced. You know he's about to start fussing over you, being over protective. It'll only be a matter of moments before he asks you to go somewhere safer. You barely hold back an eye roll at the thought. You could take care of yourself. Not that anyone knew that.
Your eyes caught on Jinwoos again. Maybe he knew. He was far perceptive then the others. Maybe he had noticed your imperceptible dodge of that dagger and coupled with your unexplained strength when you pulled away from him the other day, you wouldn't be surprised if he was suspicious. With his gaze locked on yours, a smirk turned up the corners of his mouth. You were dimly aware that he still fought with expert precision despite never sparing his opponent a glance.
"Do you know what?” The words are rushed, almost frantic, they force you back to the real world. You crane your neck to look at Yoonho who now stood directly in front of you. "It's too dangerous for you to be down here. If you have to be in the room can you please go up to the observation deck." It wasn't really a question. You knew he wouldn’t let it go. He'd got himself so worked up that all he could focus on was your safety and not watching the fight he was supposed to be learning from. You wracked your brain trying to figure out what you could say to convince him everything was fine. He hadn't seen your infinitesimal dodge. All he saw was how close the dagger had been. You felt hands on your shoulders, forcing you to take a step and then another. To stop Yoonho would take an impossible amount of strength, you had that strength but could you justify showing your hand here, now? Instead you had
just let it happen. You wanted to stay in the main training area. The System wanted you to stay in the main training area. And yet you could not think of a way to do it without exposing your power.
Suddenly the pressure from your shoulders disappeared, a gust of wind, followed by the crack of a body hitting the wall. You freeze momentarily, almost afraid to turn around.

The room had gone deadly silent, in the corner of your eye you could see only Ma stood in the ring, their opponent gone. In an instant you knew what had happened. Jinwoo.

Jinwoo had Yoonho pinned against the wall behind you. Rage barely contained. A deep purple aura spilling out around him. Yoonho tried to hold his own but he stood no chance.
"You dare touch her!" Jinwoo's voice was low "You dare try to force her to do anything. I let you protect her but she is not yours to order around." Around the room a few of the Hunters look like they might try to intervene but then think better of it. Like they knew it would just make matters worse.
"She is perfectly capable of looking after herself." Jinwoo eyes flash to yours as his lips quirks up "And anything she can't handle, I'll protect her from.” You feel your cheeks heat, reveling in him, before returning to reality and remembering he is cutting off Yoonhos oxygen supply.
You move forwards and reach an arm out towards Jinwoo, keeping your movements slow like you're approaching a frightened animal rather than a human being.
"It's okay. I'm fine" The words don't get through so you make the final move, laying
your hand on his arm “Jin” it comes out as a whispered plea but in the silent room it was deafening..
A pin dropping would have sounded deafening in that room. A feminine gasp reached your ears - probably Cha, everyone knew she had a crush on Jinwoo. You could feel Jinwoo’s chest heaving in the effort to hold his power in check but at your voice his breathing slowed. Calmed. His aura shrinking. Slowly, almost menacingly he turned towards you, Yoonhos struggle renewed wanting to protect you from Jinwoo's wrath but you stood, unflinching. You knew Jin wouldn't hurt you. Yoonho tried and tried to get free of Jinwoo's hold but Jinwoo just stood looking at you with piercing eyes, seemingly unaware of Yoonho's fight.
"Don't take this out on her " Yoonho wheezed out with the little bit of air Jinwoo's grip around throat would allow "Your fight is with me!"
A dark chuckle left Jinwoo’s throat as he turned back to Yoonho, looking at him like he was a bug on his food. "You think I want to fight you?" His voice was darker than you've ever heard it before. "My only goal here is to protect her”
Realising the men were not going to come to an amicable conclusion you decide you need to step in.
"Jin, don't worry. Calm down." You reach a hand towards his face, as he returns his gaze to yours you cup his cheek. "I know you want to protect me, it's all you've ever wanted to do. But this is not the way to do it, especially because I don't need protection.” Your voice hardened with annoyance as you spoke. Something about what you said or how you said it got through to Jinwoo. He released his grip on Yonhoo's throat, the other hunter collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath. You dropped your hand from Jinwoo’s cheek. "You of all people know I can protect myself. I can't believe you would pull that 'macho' shit with me.” You felt like a child throwing a tantrum but you couldn't help falling back into your old ways of lecturing your best friend. He had always tried to protect you even before when he was known as the weakest hunter. Something like recognition flashed in his eyes, like after all this time he remembered you.
No, you shook that thought out of your head. You couldn't think like that, not after all this time. It was too painful. And yet even as you tried to get yourself to stop you couldn’t help but hope. The painful thoughts filtered into your subconscious, making tears prick at the edge of your vision. Overcome with emotion you turn and run from the training room before your tears can spill.

You're running down the stark white hallway not really sure where your destination is when an arm wraps around your waist, pulling you back against a solid chest. In a movement so fast it should have left you dizzy, you’re whirled around and slammed into the wall. Jinwoo stands above you with confusion in his eyes. He traps you against the wall with a hand on either side of your head. He takes in your face, the tears streaming down your cheeks. He leans in, his face only inches from yours.
"Who are you? Why do I have insatiable need to be near you? To protect you? How do I know you?”