"Zayden brother?" Layana called. Her hands cupping her face as she stared into empty space.
"Yes?" He answered.
"When last did we see Ryan brother?" she asked.
Zayden turned to her "As for you, it's been two years, while for me....two months ago" he said indifferently.
"What?!" She exclaimed on her feet already "You mean you've been going behind my back?!"
"Do I need your permission?" he raised a brow.
"We were supposed to go together!" Layana said, stomping her foot on the ground.
"It's not like I visited him. I just stole a glance. He doesn't know" Zayden said and sipped his tea.
"Shouldn't we ask for permission from father?" She had calmed down already.
"Never, Yana "
"Why?" She asked, confused.
"If father finds out about his whereabouts, he would want to see him. And that gives a free path for others to find out too..... which means putting Ryan's life at risk. You know how badly they want him dead."
"I know. But I miss him so much."
"You know it's done. I don't need to start reminding you over again." he said and went back to his phone.
"Do you think he has found her?" She asked out of the blue.
"Nope!"
"Why are you so negative?" She became irked at that single word.
"I'm positive...that he hasn't found her" Zayden said "I know him more to say he doesn't like women. Not after what Nayla did to him."
"Please do not remind me of her. I wish I could kill her with my own hands. She dare hurt my brother." Layana frowned at the mention of 'Nayla'.
"Would you kill someone who hurt me as well?" Zayden asked.
"Of course I would" she replied. That's just what he wanted to hear. He didn't like feeling insignificant. "You're my brother too."
Zayden grinned "I'm so going on miss you when you get married." he blurted.
Layana frowned "Who's talking about marriage?"
"Find yourself a cute demon" he said, making his way to the door.
"Yah! You're so irksome! No wonder none of those demon girls love you "
"Who said they don't? I'm everyone's choice, Yana. They're just not my type. My choice....is out of this world." He walked out, closing the door shut.
*...*....*....*....*....*.....*....*....*....*...*...*
Shin woo gazed through his window, lost in thoughts. The cool evening breeze fanning his face. Soon, his phone rang and he took it out of his pocket. It said 'unknown number'
"Hello?" He said after accepting the call.
"Hello, it's me. Oh Jia "
Immediately, he moved it away from his ear, covered the mouthpiece and cleared his throat. Taking a deep breath, he placed the phone back on his ear.
"Ah...hi" he sounded awkward "How have you been?"
Wasn't a good start, was it?
"I've been a little stressed. How about you?"
"Same here. I've been thinking a lot"
There was silence for a few seconds "So....are you free this weekend?"
"Uh....maybe" Jia replied. Her heart slamming against her chest. God! Why was she nervous?
"Then.... would you like to go out with me?"
He's asking to go out?! Jeez! This is a good start.
"Uh...okay" she agreed.
"Alright, I'll give you a call then." Shin woo said. They talked for a little while before the call ended, but the two parties still held their phones onto their ears.
Then..... "Yes!" Came from both of them.
*....*....*...*...*....*....*....*.....*...*.....*...*
The dark night sky was slowly replaced by that of the morning. The morning star shone brightly in the sky, slowly disappearing as the sun peeked from its horizon. Tinting the blue sky with shades of orange.
The cool morning breeze blew gently passed leaves, and it rustled.The birds chirped from the trees in a rhythmical beautiful tone, in sync with the rustling leaves.
Ryan's eyes opened which wandered in his room. He rose up as rubbed his eyes, then walked to bathroom in slow steps, preparing for the day ahead. Though there's nothing good about every day.
An hour later he was dressed in comfy, casual clothes, making his way to his gallery. He walked into a room which was decorated with paintings hanging on the wall. He walked forward to a portrait of a woman, who had black hair styled in the jjokjin hairstyle, held with a Jade hairpin. She wore a red hanbok dress , with golden embroideries. Her beautiful smile gave warmth to Ryan. He had been gazing at her portrait for minutes, with made his eyes turn red slowly. He does this most mornings, hoping to feel better. But whenever he leaves the room , he feels.... empty.
"Mother...." he breathed "I..I just wished I could see you once." A tear escaped his eyes when he said that, and he lowered them to the floor.
"Can't you....reincarnate just for my sake?" he said and lifted and his eyes back to the portrait.
"You wouldn't. Because it was my fault you died. I shouldn't have come to this world. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, mother"
He took in a deep painful breath and walked out of the room. Meeting Zariel on his way, she bowed.
"Young master, breakfast is served." She said.
"Alright " Ryan walked to the dining and sat at table, while Zariel opened the dish for him.
"Thank you" he said and she gave a smile and was about to leave.
"Ms. Jung" he called
"Yes?"
"When she comes here.... I wouldn't want to see her." He said "And also.... She can't leave this walls until I say so"
Zariel wondered why "By chance...have you....met her before?" She asked.
"I have" he replied.
"Oh...was that why you wanted her? She must be really beautiful to have caught your attention " she teased with a grin
"That's not the reason " Ryan said "For me there's no one beautiful, except my mother, my sister and perhaps... you" he said and put a piece of meat in his mouth.
Zariel touched her face with both palms. "Oh my! You think I'm beautiful as well?" She smiled and placed her palm on her chest "I'm so relieved. I could go blind dates after so many years." It felt good hearing it from Ryan.
"Going on blind dates? Isn't that shameful, Zariel?" Leonel spoke, walking through the door.
"Watch your mouth" she snapped.
"Why? How could you go on blind dates at your age?"
"I'm still too young" she retorted "There are no signs of wrinkles on my face"
Ryan cleared his throat, bringing them back to him. The duo glared at each other for a moment.
"I'll go bring her now" Leonel said "That's what I came to tell before..."
"Before you became all nosy" Zariel cut him off and he glared. Cursing under his breath.
He turned back to Ryan "Uh... young master. What exactly is she coming as?" He was so curious to know.
Ryan looked into empty space, hesitating. "A mistress" he smirked.