"Please spare me. Don't kill me" she pleaded, but he paid no heed. He lifted his sword to strike her, but instead struck an invisible barrier. He tried again and the same thing happened. What kind of shield is protecting her?
"Don't kill me" Arianna begged.
"What sort of power is shielding you?" He spoke "Though I can't kill you now..... I'll kill you later" he disappeared. Arianna hugged her legs in fear. Looking at her mother who laid lifeless on the ground, she cried bitterly.
Physically, it showed. Her tears wouldn't stop pouring, she kept shivering.
Ryan turned her, pulling her into his embrace, he comforted her.
"It's okay" he said, rubbing her arm. "Don't cry. Don't be scared. No one can hurt you while I'm alive." He patted her back gently. Arianna clutched his shirt as she cried. Feeling his warm touch, she calm down slowly. Her cries and sniffles dying away. Her breath evened, and she slept peacefully under his touch. Like nothing happened. He held her for a while, rubbing her hair, before taking her to his room. He placed her gently on the bed and reduced the AC, tucking her under the duvet. The days he slept with her, he noticed she doesn't like it high. After wiping her wet face gently, he walked out to the balcony to clear his mind. He won't let any harm come to her. Not now.... not ever.
*...*....*....*.....*.....*....*.....*....*...*....*...*...*
Zayden walked down the road with his hands buried in the pockets of his overcoat. As he walked, women and young girls ogled at him, while men got scared that he might take the women away. But all those looks never bothered him.
He had something huge on his mind. First, if Ryan and the girl were okay. Second, what would happen to him if he doesn't kill Ryan? Third, Kim Jana. He took a breather to relax, stopping by a noodle stall.
"Hello mister" he greeted.
"Hello" the man greeted back with the brightest smile "How can I help you?"
"A bowl of noodles, please" Zayden replied.
"Alright. Spicy?" he asked
"No"
"Okay. Have a seat over there" he pointed at a table. Zayden nodded. Walking over, he sat. After a while, his order was served. "Thank you" he said and began to eat. Living a life of a human rather than a demon prince isn't so bad. What would it be like to be a human?
As he ate, drowning in his thoughts, the sound of a woman's heels rang in his ears. Sounds familiar.....
He turned his head to the source, his eyes falling on the cute smiling face of Jana.
*Ba Dum*
His eyes grew wide, his mouth falling open slowly. Quickly, he turned his head away, not wanting her to see him. Why is he hiding?
*Ba Dum*
His breath unevened, his heart raced.
"Hello uncle" her voice rang in his ears and he bit the insides of his lips.
"Kim Jana" the man said with a smile "It's been a while. Did you forget me?"
"No, no" she shook her hand in front of him "It's just that I've been a little busy"
"Okay, no problem" he said "What should I get you?"
"Could you pack two bowls of ramen for me?"
"Of course"
"Uh.... make it three" she added.
"Do you eat much this days, Jana?" he chuckled.
"No. I'll have the others later." She replied.
Zayden had rushed his food as he remembered he had to go back to the company. Or else they'll surely know he's missing. He came to the counter to pay the bill the moment Jana's order was packaged.
"Here's your bill, sir" the man said to him, giving him a paper. Zayden took out some money and paid.
"Thank you" the man said "Do come often"
"Sure" Zayden gave a tiny smile.
Jana took a glance at him, her lips stretching into a smile"Hello" she said
Damnit!
Zayden looked at her, his heart on a race, he smiled "Hello, miss"
"You remember me? Kim Jana?" she asked.
"Yeah.... I do"
She looked at his hair "Wow! It does look good on you" she exclaimed.
"What?" he asked, not understanding what she meant.
"The haircut"
"Oh, yeah it does. I love it" Zayden smiled.
"Jana, pay for this, will you?" The man interrupted. How many women does this fellow have to attract?
"Ah....of course" she paid, and took her noodles.
"I'll be going now. Any way I could see you around?" she asked.
"I am not sure" Zayden said. If she wants to see him, he wouldn't miss the opportunity. "Can I have your number instead?" he asked after summoning courage.
"Sure" she took out a pen and paper from her bag and scribbled down her number. She folded it, sealing it with a kiss. Her lipstick imprinted on it, forming the shape of her lips. "Here you go" she handed it to him.
Like he was shy to take it, Zayden took the paper. "Thanks. I'll give you a call then"
"Goodbye then" she walked passed him.
"Okay" his voice was barely heard. He turned, watching her leave, his lips stretching into a smile.
"Looks like the handsome fellow has gotten Jana" the man said in a low tone, but loud enough for Zayden to hear. He chuckled lightly, walking away.
*..*...*....*....*....*....*....*....*....*...*...*
Shin woo, Hayden, Micheal, and Yeong Jun sat at their respective desks. The four teammates talked while they worked. But Hayden had this look in his eyes for Shin woo.
"The exhibition is in a week" Micheal voiced "Oh my god, I can't wait!"
"What's so good about an exhibition?" Yeong Jun said lazily.
"Every thing about it is good" he replied. "All artworks made from our sweat and hardwork, shown to the public eyes. A sight to behold. The public would find it captivating, and each one of them would want to purchase" he exclaimed.
"What a speech" Shin woo chuckled
"He does know how to give a loony speech" Yeong Jun added and they laughed.
"Let's have a word, Shin woo" Hayden said. His face devoid of any expression. He stood up, walking out. Shin woo wondered what he wanted to say so he followed. The others watching them leave with furrowed brows.
Hayden stopped at a quiet spot, and Shin woo came to stand beside him.
"I've noticed you've been out on dates lately" he went straight to the point.
"I have. How do you know?" he wondered.
"I've noticed. " Hayden said "Sometimes you're on your phone, smiling like a lovesick fool, while texting someone" Shin woo laughed at that.
"What's her name anyways?" He asked, like he doesn't know.
"Oh Jia" Shin woo replied.
"Oh Jia....." he breathed "Isn't that my sister?"