It's moving a bit faster than I expected, but I'm going to pull it back now, or try to.
Anyways, thank you AmaryMei; I'm glad you enjoy the concept.
Thank you, to all who are reading this! Please enjoy!
(Very slight spoiler alert; please be advised.)
Chapter 3
Hyperial Tower
Apartment 1429
January 31st, 2017
12:24 PM KST
"All finished. I hope the computer's finished its work too."
Art stood in the middle of the hallway, holding the lime green broom in her hand and an used-to-be-white-but-now-grey cloth in her other hand. She had one hand on her hip and a small smile on her face when she saw that the apartment was now clean, the floor shimmering in the florescent lights from the ceiling, and the metal handles freed from the dust. Her hair had a little bit of dust on it, and her black shirt (she had to take off her jacket because she was sweating) along with her jeans were covered in the grey dust that she was trying to remove.
She walked into the kitchen, admiring her work. What used to be a dull kitchen was now more vibrant, the black of the kitchen contrasting the white much more than before. It was probably because the white was now actually white instead of being a light grey.
She was, however, still looking for cups or glasses, but every single cabinet she checked had plates, except for one. But that one cabinet had two glasses, a spoon, a fork, a knife, and a pair of chopsticks. Nothing else. But why were there so many plates? Three, no, four cabinets filled with multicolored plates were no use if there were only two glasses, one spoon, one fork, one knife, and one pair of chopsticks. It seemed that only one person lived in this apartment before Art came in.
She opened the fridge, which happened to be completely empty. She still needed to go outside to buy food for her to well, survive. She did, however, already boil water in a little kettle in the oven (The previous inhabitant did exactly what I do at home...), so she was enjoying her nice, refreshing, warm glass of water which soothed her throat after her conversation with Luciel.
Luciel.
Luciel.
Luciel.
He was so playful when he called. Art couldn't imagine putting a knife to his throat and seeing him crack a joke before he died. It didn't feel right doing that. This was only her, what, third hour here? And she was already getting closer with the RFA members. She didn't want to make them suffer by killing Luciel. She didn't even want Luciel to suffer.
She looked down at her phone and sighed. Her previous conversations with the RFA members...
She received a call from Yoosung a few minutes before she even started to clean the apartment.
"Hello? I'm so glad you picked up! How's the apartment?"
That voice... it was filled with so much joy and innocence that Art had to smile and laugh and reply with the same amount of joy and innocence in Yoosung's voice. They discussed a few things about LOLOL and RFA... it seemed to Art that Yoosung was absolutely obsessed with LOLOL, but that only seemed to fit in with his innocent voice and looks. He wouldn't stop talking about the game, but she didn't mind. She leaned back on the couch while listening to him speak, her hair now covered in dust because of the couch. She didn't care about that.
Zen also called right after Yoosung.
"Hey, where are you?"
She had to explain how she was still in the apartment and laughed when she realized that he made a mistake and accidentally called her instead. Zen seemed to be the type of person to easily fall in love, considering how he said something along the lines of "fate wanted us to meet" to her. She nearly died laughing at that point, but kept her hand over her mouth to prevent herself from sounding rude.
She was lucky to have him call her. Part of her mind kept track of what he was saying about the RFA members, some positive, one negative. That negative statement was about Jumin. Automatically, that feeling began to grow in her again.
Curiosity. It was easily recognizable at that point.
How upsetting that whatever god, gods, or just whatever in general cursed her with curiosity. She couldn't stop thinking about Jumin after that. Was he really a douche? Was he really rude? Why did Zen hate him? Did they have some history back then that caused them to act this way towards each other? That wasn't possible, was it? After all, they were in the same organization, and they wouldn't be in the same organization if they kept on arguing with each other. Maybe they just joked with each other about hating each other. But then again, something in his voice suggested that they truly hated each other...
The most obvious move to do after this call?
Call Jumin Han.
"Jumin Han speaking."
She continued to speak to him, taking in the fact that Jumin was serious. She liked that. He was straight to the point, and in a way, cold, but also gentle. He complimented her about her courage but also told her to never call him again unless it was an emergency. His voice was deep, but quiet, and Art was fairly certain that a recording of Jumin reading books could put anyone to sleep since his voice was so nice. She was tempted to fall asleep after hearing his voice, since she was quite tired, but she decided to clean the apartment instead.
She looked around the now-clean apartment. That was a good choice she made.
She finished her glass of water and walked back in the living room, only stopping to put her jacket back on before walking back out into the hallway. Her phone was in her jacket pocket, and it seemed to be vibrating a lot. It wasn't the normal pattern of vibrations when someone called her, but it was nonstop vibrating. Notifications, maybe?
She walked to the door, unlocking her phone and opening the RFA app while walking. She wanted to read past messages in order to get an idea of what was going on, but that didn't seem to be necessary.
707: Art! You're here!
He seemed to be surprised by her appearance for some reason, although she wasn't sure why.
Jaehee Kang: Art, lock the door and don't move.
Art: What? Why?
707:I'm contacting V right now but he isn't picking up;;
707: Did you call Jumin yet?
Jumin Han has entered the chatroom.
Jumin Han: Yes, Assistant Kang did contact me. I have instructed the bodyguards to go to the members' houses.
Jaehee Kang: What about Art?
Jumin Han: I cannot send bodyguards there without the address. The address is secret as well.
Jaehee Kang: Even at a time like this?
Jaehee Kang: I understand that RFA has important secrets, but Art's life is in danger.
Art: What is going on?
707: I'm so sorry Jumin
707: I have to ask V before I can tell you the address
Art: What. Is. Going. On.
A small pause. Art stood there, waiting for an answer. An explanation. Anything but "you don't want to know."
Jaehee Kang: Sincere apologies, Art. We should explain.
Thank you, Jaehee. She smiled and waited for an explanation. However, she was surprised to see that Jaehee was not the one sending the explanation. The person who decided to tell her why she was being told this happened to be Luciel.
Her target.
707: Unknown sent me a message threatening the RFA members;;
707: Art, if anyone comes in and you hear some security system go off...
707: Leave.
707: Okay?
That's a weird request... I wonder what's going on.
Art: Alright, but why?
707 has left the chatroom.
Jaehee Kang: Luciel?
Jaehee Kang: That's unusual.
Art: I hope he's alright...
Art: But I'm still a little confused. So exactly what happened?
Jaehee Kang: Luciel received messages directed towards him, but it implied that the person was going to harm all the RFA members.
Jaehee Kang: Which is why Mr. Han is sending bodyguards to everyone's homes, except for Rika's apartment.
Jumin Han: I do not like how the address cannot be revealed even though Art is in danger.
Jumin Han: I must go, however. Elizabeth 3rd's meows are calling for me.
Jaehee Kang: Is that why you weren't at work today?;;
Jumin Han: Stay safe, Art.
Jumin Han: Excuse me.
Jumin Han has left the chatroom.
Jaehee Kang: ;;;
Jaehee Kang: Mr. Han has a surprise meeting in the afternoon that he should attend since it's with Mr. Chairman...
Jaehee Kang: But if he doesn't come to work...
Art: It's okay, Jaehee. Tell me if you need help with your work.
Unlike previous times, this was genuine. Unlike previous times, Art didn't have to hesitate before writing a response that seemed kind. Her fingers just did the work for her.
Which was a problem.
The thing was, Art didn't see any problem in her responses, which was an even bigger problem.
Jaehee Kang: Thank you, Art. You are very kind.
Jaehee Kang: I must go now. Goodbye, Art.
Jaehee Kang has left the chatroom
Art has left the chatroom.
Wait, so can I leave the apartment now?
She reached for the lock on top of the metal handle and heard the satisfying click that told her that the door was unlocked.
She was going to turn the metal handle, until she felt it. Her phone. It was vibrating in her pocket.
Someone was calling her.
She pulled her phone out of the pocket and took a look at the contact. It was Luciel.
She picked up.
"Don't leave!"
"What?" Was he looking at her through the camera? Did he see her unlock the door? She turned around to face the camera and looked right into it. "Are you spying on me again?"
"God Seven is always watching~" There was a slight hint of seriousness in his voice, which was clear since his voice was just slightly deeper than usual. His words were also slightly, but barely noticeably, slurred. How much sleep was he running on?
She forced herself to giggle.
"But anyways, why shouldn't I leave?"
There was some silence. She stood there, raising her eyebrows while staring at the camera, and leaned against the door, feeling the cold metal door against her back. The doorknob was digging into her side. That's uncomfortable, she thought.
There was a small sigh on the other side of the phone, and then a sudden intake of breath. "I'm worried you'll be in danger if you leave."
"Thank you for your concern, but I do sort of have to leave..."
"You do?" The pitch of his voice suddenly skyrocketed, and he was much louder than before.
We he afraid she was going to leave RFA?
"I'm not leaving RFA, don't worry. The fridge's empty so I thought I'd go and get some food." She turned away from the camera right after that sentence. It's been a while since she spoke Korean, and something sounded very off about the last sentence, since she was certain she didn't pronounce a few words correctly. She'd have to practice when she had the time.
She heard a sigh on the other side of the phone, and when he spoke, his voice was back to normal. His normal, playful voice.
"Hm... I'll let you go out the door on one condition."
One condition? She smiled, just a bit. His playful tone was back, overpowering his previous tone. "What is it?"
"Get some Honey Buddha Chips and Dr. Pepper, of course!"
She faced the camera again, smiling even wider than before. She leaned back against the door and put one hand in her pocket, before saying, "I'll think about it." This was the second time she heard of this combination, both times from the same person... perhaps it was a rare, but interesting, combination? Or was this one of his pranks - giving two foods to her that were disgusting together? She'd have to try it as soon as possible.
He also promised to give her a bag of the rare chips. But it seemed as if she'd be getting them now.
"You'll think about it? The Defender of Justice refuses to accept such an answer!"
"Hm, then... yes. I'll try it."
"Perfect! Stay safe, Art!"
Click.
She turned around, her smile suddenly fading.
She was suddenly forgetting everything the agency taught her. To ignore her feelings. To live a life without family or friends outside of the agency. To be independent.
Independent.
She was taught the textbook definition of independent. They were asked to repeat it to themselves, in order to make sure that they wouldn't forget it so easily. After all, independence was important for the agency to run properly.
Not connected with another or with each other.
She opened the door, and walked out into the hallway, looking down at her phone. Was it right? To forget everything she was taught because of this group? To create connections with others? To feel something for this group, who she had only been talking to for less than a day?
It isn't, Art. Focus.
She shook her head and put her phone back in her pocket. Art made a turn and walked down the hall. Independence was important. Feelings were not. That's how they were taught, and that's how she would operate.
She refused to let any of the RFA members get to her.
She refused to fail this mission.
She refused.
Her sneakers made a quiet sound as it brushed against the carpeted floor. Art shook her head when she reached the next platform.
I'm going to stay independent.
I promise.
SKY National University
Dorm 482 - Yoosung's Dorm
January 31st, 2017
1:34 PM KST
"No! Why are you doing that, you idiot?! The right side is completely open, but you had to go for the left!"
A figure was sitting right in front of the computer, while the sun was coming in from the window right next to him. He had blonde hair, all messed up, and the two clips that were typically clipping his bangs were now closer to the very tips of his bangs from the constant head movements he was making when screaming into the shiny black headset. His violet eyes were glaring into the computer, but they were also filled with a type of determination...
Determination to win this round of LOLOL, of course.
There was a bag of Honey Buddha Chips, opened, but still full, right next to him, and occasionally, when he'd sigh in disappointment, he'd reach for a chip and slowly nibble crumbs off of it until the chip was gone. They were a rare treat, after all.
That was exactly what he was doing now. He let go of the mouse and shook his hand, feeling slight pain from holding the mouse too tightly. He reached for a chip and began to eat it like a mouse would. His guild members were screaming in his ear in hoped of Yoosung returning to the game again so that they could defeat the boss monster, but at that point, Honey Buddha Chips seemed more tempting than continuing to play the game.
He sighed after finishing the chip. It was so good... the sweet and the salty of the chip combined...
He returned his attention back to the screen. The other members were still fighting. He turned the microphone back on and began talking, his mouse clicking rapidly. Occasionally, he'd press a number key or two, but that was rare. He wanted to save all his special moves for when they were truly needed.
"You're finally back! Good! Can you cover the left side? We don't want him to go for our shrine."
"Alright."
He sat up straight, his mouse moving faster than ever in hopes of protecting their precious shrine, whose destruction would mean the end of the round. He furrowed his eyebrows as he defeated the smaller enemies and occasionally launched an attack at the boss.
The gigantic green monster turned towards Yoosung's champion.
"Perfect. Can you guys cover the smaller enemies? I can take down the boss."
"I got it."
The other champions ran away to take care of the enemies, leaving Yoosung alone with the green monster. He began to slam all of his number keys, smiling when he saw that the boss' health was slowly going down. It had barely any health left, and his guild members decided to return to finally defeat the boss.
Beep.
His phone vibrated. Perhaps it was RFA? It did vibrate quite a lot before, but Yoosung was too busy screaming to notice.
Yoosung glanced at his phone, before looking back at the screen. His guild members could deal with the boss, considering how he had less than 5% of his HP left. He turned off his mic and picked up his phone, ignoring the other guild members cheering.
Zen has entered the chatroom.
Zen: What?!
Zen: Art! If you see this, tell me if you're safe, alright?
What? Who was in danger? He scrolled up, just a tiny bit, and began to read. A fear and worry gripped his heart. Art. Was she alright? Was everyone alright? And if what Jumin said was true, the doorbell should ring around now. Jumin's bodyguards were slow, but they wouldn't take that long to arrive. After all, they were hired by Jumin.
Yoosung: Zen! Did they come yet?
Zen: Who?
Yoosung: The bodyguards that Jumin said he'd send.
Jumin Han: Hm... They should have arrived by now.
Yoosung blinked before reading the name again. Was he reading correctly? Was Jumin here this entire time?
Zen: What? What are you doing here?
Jumin Han: I've been here since the meeting began. It is quite boring.
Zen: Oh, so you're giving Jaehee all the work to do again?
Zen: Give her a break! I'm surprised you even decided to show up for work.
Jumin Han: There is a reason why Assistant Kang does work. It is because she earns money from it.
Jumin Han: I must go.
Jumin Han: Excuse me.
Jumin Han has left the chatroom.
Zen: Stupid trust fund kid...
Zen: Yoosung, are you playing LOLOL again?
Yoosung: The round ended. I'm planning to play another round
Yoosung: But I'm worried;;;; Is Art alright?
Zen: I hope she is.
Yoosung: So do I...
Zen: Hey, don't you have classes today?
Yoosung: No, no classes today.
707 has entered the chatroom.
Yoosung: Seven! How is Art?
707: The Hacker God will tell you...
707: She is safe!
Zen: That's good. Tell her to be careful.
Zen: The director is outside, so I'll be back.
Zen has left the chatroom.
707: But she's out getting groceries, and I can't see her to make sure she's safe there;;
Yoosung: She's out getting groceries?!
Yoosung: Can't you hack into the security camera or something to make sure nobody attacks her while she's getting food;;;
707: There's five nearby supermarkets
707: Three of them don't have security cameras;;
Yoosung looked back on the screen. He wasn't really listening to what his guild members were saying, but he focused on what they were screaming once he saw the screen.
Defeat.
Defeat? How was that possible? The boss had barely any health left, and there was no way they were unable to take down the boss with so many members. That is, until he listened to what his members were saying, while his phone was vibrating from Seven's messages...
"ShootingStar, are you serious?! There was another boss near our shrine that you could have taken out!"
"Yeah! Why didn't you? Did you not hear what we were screaming?!"
He turned his mic on.
"I'm sorry..."
"You better be!"
He turned his mic off again and read 707's messages.
707: I wish I could see her...
707: Preferably in real life...
707: I have to return to working now;; Have fun, Yoosung.
707 has left the chatroom.
He closed the RFA app and returned to the virtual world. He would play another round. And maybe another after that...
He didn't care about how much time he was dedicating to LOLOL as long as he won every single round.
But he wouldn't give up after one defeat... no. He had to prove himself worthy of being in this guild. He would play again and again until his reputation was back to normal. Maybe even higher than before.
He turned the mic on back again and put his phone to the side, his determined eyes focusing on the screen. He would win this time.
"I'm back, guys. And I promise I'll lead us all to victory!"
After all, he did just promise them a win.
The definition of independent ("Not connected with another or with each other.") is from Google. I do not own the definition (considering how I can't exactly define/explain things, so yeah. That's that). It's not from any printed dictionary or anything; if you search up "independent definition" and go to definition number three for adjective... well, I think you get the point.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter; I was just going to end it off at the last sentence, but then I realized I had to explain where the definition came from... but...
Thank you so much! Have a nice day!
-Teri