The road was dark as the streetlights had been out for days. She used the flashlight on her phone to see where she was stepping. She heard some laughter behind her and realized it was some drunk guys. She sighed and started walking faster. As she searched for her pepper spray in her bag, she began to sweat when she couldn't find it. The sound of laughter grew closer. A hand grabbed her arm. She hit the guy with her elbow and was about to run, but the other two grabbed her hard this time.
"Leave me alone!" She tried to kick but failed, panic rising in her chest.
"They didn't grab you to let you go. Hey, look back, bastards." A familiar voice from earlier. She knew it was Shonn.
"What's with him? Don't try to play any role here. This is none of your business," one guy said, his voice slurred and threatening.
"Role? Like a hero in a movie? I don't play roles; I play with roles," Shonn smirked and jumped on one of them, his fists flying.
"What's wrong with this asshole?" Another guy said, backing away slightly. Shonn knocked down two guys easily, and the other two ran away. Sara stood behind him, his arm forming a barrier to keep her safe.
"Wanna play more? You see, I don't get to play hero often. But when I do..." Shonn flew at them again, his punches landing with precision, making them flip over and run away.
"Are you okay?" Shonn asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I was scared," Sara replied, tears streaming down her cheeks, her body trembling.
"My God, Sara. Are you hurt?" Shonn asked gently, his eyes scanning her for any signs of injury.
Sara shook her head, still trembling. "Let's go home," Shonn said after a moment, his voice soft and reassuring.
"I thought you were gone," she whispered, her voice shaky.
"Why would I? It's already late," Shonn replied softly, his heart aching at the thought of her being in danger.
"Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
"It's okay." Shonn walked behind her as she made her way home, his eyes never leaving her.
They arrived at her place. Sara looked back and said. "Thanks for today. This is where I live."
"Oh. Then I guess I'll leave now. Goodnight," Shonn said, turning back, his heart heavy.
Sara stopped him. "Shonn, your hands... they're warm."
Shonn looked at her, completely frozen by her words. He coughed a little, knowing he was blushing. He looked away again. "Oh."
"And your role... You played the hero wonderfully," Sara laughed softly, her eyes sparkling.
"It's late. I'll leave then." At this point, Shonn literally started running, embarrassed by what he had said earlier.
Sara smiled, watching him run, then checked her phone, which vibrated with messages: "I'll stay at Kira's. Don't worry. Have a good sleep. Goodnight. — Maya."
"I knew it," Sara whispered, already suspecting that Maya would definitely sleep over at Kira's.
. . .
"You're late today." Levi pointed at the clock as Shonn walked in. Shonn didn't even glance at him; instead, he checked his phone, noticing 20 missed calls from Levi. He was about to head upstairs when Levi called out to him.
"I won't ask where you were, Shonn. But you could at least pick up the phone."
"Don't try to play the big brother role. It doesn't suit you," Shonn snapped back, his voice dripping with irritation. Levi smiled, but it was a pained smile. No matter what he did, Shonn always pushed him away. It hurt, knowing Shonn never really saw him as a brother.
"I made some dinner. Don't worry, I know you won't eat with me. I left it in your room. Eat before it gets cold. You're a university student; you need to eat more," Levi said loudly, ensuring Shonn heard him as he climbed the stairs.
"Stupid. I need to play my role; you're my family," Levi muttered under his breath.
The weight of their strained relationship was heavy. Every step Levi took to connect with Shonn seemed to push him further away. It was painful, but Levi held onto hope that things could change.
"Hello?" Levi answered a call from the head of network administration at VISHO, a leading company in software, IT, and robotics.
"Ah, okay, I'll check then.... Alright.... Goodnight." Levi hung up. "New recruits again! I wonder what they'll be like," Levi sighed, looking at the ceiling and thinking about his busy days ahead as the CEO.
Shonn took a shower and lay down on his bed. His stomach growled loudly at the sight of the dinner on his table. "I should just eat," he muttered, giving in and starting to dig in. His phone buzzed with a text from Sara. "Hope you reached safely. Goodnight." He chuckled softly and replied, "I did. Goodnight."
Levi stood behind Shonn's locked door, listening intently. Hearing the sounds of Shonn eating, Levi chuckled softly. He stayed there for a few more minutes, and Shonn's chuckle reached his ears. "He can laugh? Shit!" Levi ran downstairs, realizing Shonn might have heard him. Shonn opened the door, tray in hand, and gave Levi a hard look.
"Are you spying on me?" Shonn asked, his voice cold and accusatory.
"No. Why would I?" Levi stuttered, trying to sound nonchalant.
"What were you doing in front of my room?" Shonn demanded, his eyes narrowing.
"I don't understand what you're talking about!" Levi replied, flustered.
"You're keeping your hands behind you, which means you're lying. You do that when you hesitate or lie. Don't do it again," Shonn said as he started washing the dishes, his tone dismissive.
"What?" Levi was confused by Shonn's remark.
"Tch." Shonn didn't bother to reply.
"Are you in a good mood?" Levi asked, trying to lighten the atmosphere. Shonn ignored him. Levi spoke again, "You talked a lot today. Ah, I feel relieved somehow." Levi snorted, masking his pain with humor.
"Am I?" Shonn whispered, making sure Levi couldn't hear.
"Goodnight, Shonn!" Levi called as Shonn went back upstairs, his voice filled with forced cheerfulness.
It's hard for me. Why is he always so nice to me? It makes me want to throw up. After I treat him like this, he still smiles at me. Why? Why does he make me feel like the bad person? Why can't he just treat me like trash? Shonn felt burdened, unable to cope with everything after losing his family, his father, and then his mother. His world no longer made sense.
. . .
The next day,
Maya was sitting in a lobby, waiting for her interview, nervously playing with her fingers. She was biting her lower lip, hoping not to fail this time. It was VISHO, and all the other candidates looked so cool and confident to her. A few minutes later, a lady announced a 15-minute break for the interview team. They all nodded. She received a phone call from Kira,
"Kira, thank God, you called. I am nervous."
"Still not done?" Kira asked.
"No, after 15 minutes they will start again."
"Listen Maya, don't come after me once you are done with your interview."
"Why? What do you mean? Did you tell everyone that I am applying to VISHO? Come on, I won't come after you for that!" Maya said.
"No, I did not tell anyone anything. But it might be what you could never imagine, so do not come after me, alright? I love you!"
"You are making me scared, Kira. I am hanging up."
"Good luck, love. Forgive me."
"Shut up." Maya hung up the call.
. . .
Maya kept her eyes closed, praying silently. She felt someone stop in front of her.
"You go ahead without me. I'm not that hungry," a male voice said.
She slowly opened her eyes and saw a guy kneeling in front of her. He looked ridiculously handsome to her. He was so tall that even though he was sitting, kneeled down, Maya looked so small. She noticed the whole office staff in the lobby watching them.
"Here. Eat this. It'll help you relax," the guy said, handing her a chocolate bar from his pocket.
"Thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Hey girl! What do you think you're doing! He is our...." A lady at the reception began to scold Maya, but Levi raised his hand to stop her. Maya glanced around, not understanding a thing.
"I saw you earlier while entering, and now too. Why are you so nervous? Just take it easy. Give it a go. You can do it," the guy encouraged.
"Thank you. I'll try my best," Maya said, her confidence slightly bolstered.
"Which department did you apply for?" he asked.
"Network Administration."
"Wow. You're next then. Good luck. I guess I'll see you. Don't worry. Keep your chin up," he said with a smile and left. Maya looked at the staff, feeling goosebumps under their judgmental gazes. She looked down, feeling confused.
What did I do this time? she wondered.
Break time ended.
Maya was the first one called for the Network Administration department interview.
"Maya Larson?" a lady called.
"Yes, I'm here."
"You can go in."
"Thank you."
She entered with confidence and was shocked to see the guy from earlier sitting in the middle of everyone. His position nameplate read Levi Thompson, CEO. She gulped.
SHIT! WHAT HAVE I DONE? she thought.