A/N: Beta'd by Glow593! Thank you!


Peering around the restaurant, Tasha's becoming agitated. Ten minutes and still no sign of her friend anywhere. This is an upscale establishment and not a place Ino typically opts for. She's the kind of woman that prefers clubs and bars, somewhere she can let loose to her heart's desire. If it's a meeting or work-related, the blonde beauty can be on her best behavior and act professionally. However, this has nothing to do with her job. When it's just the two of them, there's no holding back.

Sighing, Tasha checks her phone again. She shifts her jaw when the screen lights up, showing there aren't any missed calls or texts that might clue her in about what's going on. Didn't they just talk fifteen minutes ago? It's not like Ino to pull a no-show. Hopefully, everything's okay, and this is just a misunderstanding or traffic is holding her up.

'Maybe, I should call her one more time?'

"Miss Tasha?" A deep voice from behind causes the pinkette to freeze up. Spinning on her heel, green eyes pop open at the man standing there. She doesn't recognize this person, but he knows her name.

'Oh, shit...'

"I don't know if you remember me. Your blonde friend gave you my number? I didn't really have a chance to introduce myself. Haha..." Tasha's jaw drops in surprise. The man in front of her is gorgeous. Tall, eyes as dark as his hair, sun-kissed skin... His face doesn't possess the masculine features of Bruce Wayne or the Joker and is far more delicate... Feminine, some might even venture to say.

'This must be the Korean guy Ino was talking about. She's right. What a beautiful man... That bitch!'

This is all a setup. She should have known better, especially from the way Ino was gushing about him. When she suddenly wanted to meet out of nowhere, the pinkette thought nothing of it. Big mistake...

"I'm Hyeejin Choi... Well, you can just call me Jin. It's a lot easier." He laughs nervously, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck. This man seems anxious for some reason, and it's putting her on edge. How the hell can Ino send a complete stranger in her place? Is this some kind of joke?

"Okay, Jin... I don't know what Ino told you, but I was under the impression that she was meeting me here." Straight and to the point, not leaving any room for misunderstandings. A 'blind date' is the last thing she needs at the moment with all that's going on. Ino has no clue, but still... Just because he's easy on the eyes, doesn't mean he's a good person. It's reckless and ignorant for her to do this. What if this guy is a serial killer or rapist? A con artist? She might think this is doing Tasha a favor by setting her up with someone good-looking, but it's not.

Looks can be deceiving.

"I guess we were both misled by your friend tonight. Well, we're both already here and there's no point in wasting a table. Besides, we have lots to talk about..." The smile on his face causes Tasha's brow to furrow, silently scrutinizing the man.


Laughter erupts from the table in the restaurant's corner. Patrons look on curiously at the source of the noise. This is an atmosphere where people are expected to keep the conversation to a modest volume, act mature, and hold back for the sake of appearances. A place for business associates to talk over a drink, where the wealthy come with their friends or acquaintances share a quiet meal...

Aside from the hushed voices conversing and clanking of glasses, soft music plays in the background. Dim lights hang low from the ceiling and lit candles give off a warm glow, setting the ambiance of the restaurant. The building and its clientele are just as extravagant as the one owned by Bruce Wayne, smack dab in the heart of the business district. It's an area to enjoy the comforts of the wealthy, giving off an air of elegance and class.

And yet...

The two people sitting in the corner don't exude any of those behaviors at all. Eyes from every part of the restaurant flicker towards the couple, glaring or watching out of curiosity at their odd behavior. People that come here know what's expected of them, understanding how to behave and have manners.

This isn't a bar or some club, but the young couple drinking and laughing don't seem to care. The two are completely oblivious to the expressions around the room and polite coughs from the patrons sitting nearby.

"Hahaha! You can't be serious? I don't believe it." Tasha can't remember the last time she laughed this much. It's a relief to have a temporary break from the constant sense of dread that's plagued her for over a week now.

"I'm being dead serious!... He punched me in the jaw for that one. Guess I deserved it, though..."

Taking another sip from her champagne glass, the pinkette realizes how sore her cheeks are from laughing. Maybe it's the drinks or company, but either way, the night is turning out better than she predicted. Although she doesn't appreciate Ino setting her up with a complete stranger, it didn't turn out all bad... At least they're in a public place and surrounded by people, in case anything happens. Even if this man is funny, she still has to be on guard. A few drinks shouldn't hurt. Right? As long as the pinkette doesn't leave herself open and keeps a close eye on her glass, he won't be able to pull anything. If he's that kind of person.

However, it's a refreshing change of pace...

Jin isn't just a beautiful man, but also relatively sharp and has interesting stories involving the clients he works with. As a boy, his family moved to Gotham from Seoul for his father's job. Despite just meeting, the man's quite open about himself, not holding back on the colorful tales and experiences he's had. Whether he's just trying to get the pinkette to let her guard down is another thing.

Swirling the champagne in her glass, she has a small smile on her face. It's nice to relax with someone in the city that isn't Ino or Bruce. There's a calm aura around the man across from her... He has a personality that draws others to him. It's strange. For the last few days, her nerves and senses were on edge from that clown, but he now seems like the furthest thing from her mind. Almost as if nothing can bother her right now. Not work, not the Joker, not even what might happen tomorrow.

Glancing down at the charm around her neck, the pinkette gingerly touches the cherry blossoms. Despite not knowing where it came from, she still put it on. It just feels right.

'I feel like I'm forgetting something... Did I buy this when I was drunk with Ino last time we went out?'

"That necklace is gorgeous... Is it a gift from someone?" Jin's dark eyes stare at the charm between her fingertips as she fiddles with it.

"I-I don't know. Can't remember, to be honest. I might've bought it on one of my outings with Ino. Well, it doesn't matter." Tucking the cherry blossoms back into the front of her dress, she brushes off the thought.

'Right, it doesn't matter. I have the feeling that it's inconsequential...'

"Hmm... Interesting. Very interesting." Tasha arches a brow at him, wondering what he's muttering about. Flashing down at the small watch around her wrist and noticing the time, she lets out a surprised gasp. They've already been here for over two hours...

'What? It didn't even feel like we were here that long though... Maybe an hour tops..'

"Hey, Jin... I hate to do this, but it's getting late and I have work in the morning. I had a great time talking to you, though." It's not a lie. The night really was enjoyable, even if it's something she typically wouldn't do. If someone set her up with a complete stranger, normally the pinkette apologizes for the misunderstanding, before storming off with every intention of tearing the perpetrator a new one. For some ungodly reason, something's telling her just to stay, to go through with it.

"It's okay, I understand. I'm just glad you stayed. It was nice to talk to you this time, haha. Actually Tasha, would you maybe... I don't know... Want to do this again? It doesn't have to be a date or anything, but I really enjoyed this." The hopeful look on his face makes her chest tighten from the uncertainty and anxiety starting to gnaw at her. Does she want to meet up with this person again? Even if they spent the last two hours talking, he's still a stranger...

"I'll think about it." Shifting his head to the side, he carefully observes her, causing the pinkette to squirm against the cushioned seat. Something about him makes her feel calm... too calm. It's unusual and so is he, even if the man is quite charming.

Jin's eye gaze breaks off when he notices the young waitress serving them walk by, motioning her over with a wave of his hand.

"Excuse me, miss... Would you mind bringing the check? We're finished here and want to get going." The young brunette stares at him for a moment, like she's caught off guard. A sweet smile spreads across her face as she looks down at him, saying she'll be right back.

'Strange... He must have that effect on people. Everyone I've seen him talk to so far seems completely at ease and smile like that... Like they're in some kind of daze or dream. That chick didn't even glance at me.'

A waiter walks up to their table as Tasha finishes her glass of champagne, a small black book in hand. Gently setting it down on the table, he bows low, scurrying off in a hurry.

'Did the waitress ask him to bring the check? Why didn't she come herself?'

"I'll pay for my half." Tasha says, watching the back of the waiter until he disappears through the doors of the kitchen. The way he's acting seems strange. His actions were fast and didn't utter a single word to either of them when he brought the check. Their waitress had barely gone past two tables when he showed up.

"Don't worry about it, my treat. After all, I'm the one who asked you to stay..." Jin opens the book and his expression twists in confusion. "What the hell is this?"

Tasha studies at his face, wondering what's wrong. Is it that expensive?

"What's wrong? Did they give you the wrong bill or something?" Leaning over to get a better look, her brow furrows seeing the look on his face. Even if it's expensive, he shouldn't be reacting like that… Jin glances up at her, reaching his hand out to give her the book, a frown replacing the smile he's worn throughout the night.

Slim fingers grip the small black book as she leans back in her chair, sighing when she glances down at it. Green eyes widen at what she sees and quickly covers her mouth to stifle the shout trying to push its way out.

Tasha feels like she's going to be sick...

Instead of a bill, there's a playing card in its place. A white card with a devilish black Joker looking menacing, curly forked tail and all. Next to the figure are words typed out in bold black lettering.

HAVING FUN?

Grasping her chest, the pinkette can't breathe. The walls are closing in from reality crashing down on her... hard. This dread and panic coming back in full-force as she chokes out, trying to catch a breath through the lump forming in her throat. The room starts to spin, becoming a whirlwind of colors as green eyes stare wildly at the clown's calling card.

He's here...

The Joker's here, in this restaurant... Watching her from somewhere nearby. That's the only explanation. Any fun or relaxation the night brought instantly vanishes, throwing the pinkette back into the black hole she's been drowning in for days.

"Excuse me... I think there might've been a little mistake. I asked for the bill and one of the waiters gave me a playing card?" Jin stops the waitress from earlier who just walked by.

"Oh... I'm sorry about that, sir." She swallows hard, looking down at the little black book. "...Someone's already paid the bill for your table." The brunette's uneasy, which is another blaring sign that this is bad. Shifting from one foot to the other, she's not displaying the same attitude from barely five minutes ago.

"What are you talking about? Someone paid our bill?... Well, I guess that's an unexpected treat. Haha! Where are they? I want to thank them in person... Maybe buy them a drink." Jin smacks his hand down on the table and laughs, not noticing the dreadful expression on the woman's face sitting across from him.

The waitress appears to relax from seeing the dark-haired man laughing and joking around, a complete difference from how she was just seconds before. A small chuckle passes her thin lips, watching Jin enjoying himself for getting out of paying for their dinner.

However, Tasha isn't laughing or smiling... or getting a goddamn kick out of this. Green eyes warily scan around the restaurant as she shifts in her seat, scrutinizing every face around them.

''Joker's here somewhere. Has to be... Close enough that he knows what's going on. If someone brought this to us, he's probably in a spot where he can watch our reactions, otherwise, he wouldn't even bother... Where is that psychotic clown at?!'

This is a perfect way to ruin a good night.

"I uh—I'm sorry, sir. I'm not sure who it was. I only saw it when I checked the system. They paid with cash, so there's no card information or name..." The woman gives a crooked smile, but Tasha isn't sure if she believes a word of it. Unless the sight of the card made her so uncomfortable, possibly knowing who it belongs to. "Well, enjoy the rest of your evening, and come again." With a nod of her head, the waitress rushes off.

"What a pleasant surprise. Someone probably saw us having a good time, and the mood must've rubbed off on them. How nice... There are still some friendly people in this city, huh?" Jin smiles widely, showing off his straight, pearly teeth.

"Y-Yeah... Good people..." Tasha fidgets, unable to notice anyone who looks suspicious around them. Clown makeup would stick out like a sore thumb in a place like this. He must have taken it off to blend in, or has someone else watching for him. Those scars would have made him stand out alone, but then again... He's been known to use disguises from what Ino said.

"Hey. What's wrong? Your face is pale... Did you have too much to drink?" He reaches forward, placing his hand over hers on the table.

Tasha's eyes widen when an odd sensation washes over her. A strange warmth trails up the pinkette's arm from where their hands' touch. She freezes as it spreads throughout her body, shooting up towards her head.

'What is going on?!'

It feels like someone's hands are grasping the sides of her head and pressing down, pushing straight into her brain.

Face twisting in anger, she quickly tears her hand from under his. The pinkette jumps back in her seat, putting more distance between them in case he tries it again. Her eyes narrow in on him suspiciously. Something isn't right... Not at all.

"What the hell did you just do, bastard?" His eyes shoot open in surprise at the sudden outburst, looking around like there's some other offender she's yelling at, instead of himself. Did she just imagine it? Is the paranoia from that stupid clown driving her to the brink and leaving her to dangle off the side? Maybe one drink too many? No. There's no mistaking what she felt.

"What did you say?" Jin seems confused and his brow furrows as he leans closer to the edge of the table. The only time throughout the night she didn't keep a close eye on him and this happens. She was too busy looking around for the clown and left herself wide-open like a fool. Between the Joker and Jin, the former is far more of a threat.

Right?

"I'm leaving." Tasha pushes her chair back and bolts up, swinging her purse over her shoulder to leave. There's enough going on with that madman, and the last thing she needs is another weirdo trying to mess with her.

"W-Wait! Tasha, just hold on for a second!" Jin quickly jumps up, running after the fuming pinkette to explain himself.

Only a few feet from the door, the pinkette slows down from hearing her name being yelled out. It's not clear what he is or wants to do, but she doesn't like it. Not one bit.

Tasha suddenly stops, clicking her tongue, and hesitantly turns around. Part of her is curious about what he did and wants some answers, even if she has to demand them. There are a lot of strange people in this city with unusual abilities, and she wants no more surprises. Who knows if there's a delayed reaction? The same way poison takes time before the effects show. If he had the nerve to do something, she at least wants to know what it is. He's in a rush, trying to maneuver around the tables while ignoring the complaints and glares on his way to the open area of the entrance. Her green eyes widen from noticing something coming in her peripheral.

As Jin runs in her direction, a large bottle flies past his head and smashes against the wall behind him... Just barely inches away from crashing into his skull. The glass shatters with fragments raining down onto the hard floor, scattering everywhere. A patron who sees what happened lets out a piercing shriek, causing the people around to freak out. A wave of panic suddenly sweeps through the restaurant from the ones who witnessed the act and spreading to the others. They're acting like someone just fired off a gun at the ceiling. Freezing or jumping up out of their chairs... The low murmur from before turns into a resounding uproar, fear-stricken and confused.

Tasha spins on her heel, looking in the direction the bottle came from. Jin yipped in surprise, slipping on the smooth floor and falling back in shock.

"Who-Who the hell did that?!" His deep voice yells out, angry and embarrassed. Bolting up back to his feet, his head jerks around, looking back and forth to find the offender. Realizing the damage that could've happened if he moved any slower, rage spikes through him, demanding to know who'd done it.

Whispers and loud accusations fly around, questioning what kind of establishment this is, and asking what happened by those who hadn't seen what occurred. All the clamor is giving Tasha a headache. Her head was already spinning without all the commotion.

'This is getting out of hand...'

She already knows who did it. Among the patrons dining in the restaurant, the mad clown's mixed in somewhere.

'That lunatic probably took his makeup off and is pretending to either be eating here or acting as a staff member... or is sitting on some perch, watching like a demented sadist. I don't know which one, but I'm not about to wait around to find out.'

Jin's rooted to the spot with his chest puffed out, ready to fight. The pinkette shakes her head at the absurdity of it all. The man standing next to her wouldn't be making that face if he knew who is messing with him.

Grabbing his hand, Tasha gives it a tug, pulling him through the doors of the restaurant. His expression turns from one of anger to shock as she leads him out towards the busy streets of Gotham.

"T-Tasha..." They scramble down the sidewalk and despite recklessly grabbing his hand, nothing happens. Not like earlier... They march in silence for a few blocks, neither mentioning what just played out.

'That bottle could've cracked his skull... That's heavy glass, and it looked almost full. What the hell does that maniac think he's doing? And in front of everyone at that?!'

She feels guilty, knowing this is partially her fault. Yes, it's the Joker who did it—or one of his men—just to send a clear message. The only reason it even happened is that she was there. If the pinkette hadn't stayed with Jin, perhaps nothing would've happened. Unless he's a target anyway, and it's just a coincidence.

'Coincidence my ass... That's one hell of a coincidence. How did he even know I was there? Did he follow me? What does that psycho want? I... don't understand any of this...'

She's trudging mindlessly, too wrapped up in her thoughts of the clown to care about him closely following along. Lost in her thoughts, Jin coughs loudly, trying to get her attention.

"Well... I guess this was an interesting night." His awkward smile causes her to frown when they stop at a corner of the street.

"What's wrong?... Don't worry, I'm fine. They missed! This is Gotham, after all... Something exciting always happening. That's what keeps me here. This city has a way of keeping you on your toes." The carefree chuckle isn't reassuring, whatsoever. What does he know? If Jin knew who's behind this, he definitely wouldn't be laughing or smiling like that...

"Jin..." Hearing the way she says his name, he straightens up. "When we were sitting at the table, and you touched my hand... What did you do? I felt something weird... And don't lie." Remembering the odd sensation that ran through her body and head, her headache worsens. Looking down, Tasha realizes she's still holding his hand. Dropping it, the headache abruptly stops the moment she breaks contact.

Jin's dark eyes study her for a few moments, saying nothing. Her brow furrows at his silence, becoming even more suspicious of him.

'Rightfully so...'

"Wow. I'm surprised you noticed. Usually, no one picks up anything. You're an interesting woman, Tasha. I think I like you even more now..." A smile creeps over his features, making him look even more handsome in the streetlight.

"What the hell are you talking about? Answer my question." Every day is becoming more infuriating than the last. First an intrusive boss, a maniac clown, and now a creepy pretty-boy... No one has luck like her, that's for sure.

"...I didn't mean any harm." Holding his hands up to show his point, Jin cocks his head to the side, smiling in a way that even reaches his eyes. This seems amusing to him. "You see, I have the ability to calm people down... To put them at ease and make them feel good by touching my hands to their skin. I've always had it. Signals go through my hands and spread through the body until it reaches the brain. It can release chemicals that make people feel certain emotions."

The pinkette stares at him blankly. This is one of the most absurd things she's ever heard. Right now, the Joker seems sane compared to this guy.

"You look like you don't believe me. I'm being honest. With these hands, I can send impulses through the human body and change the levels of endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin in someone's brain. Here, I'll show you..."

Before she can move back, Jin grabs her hand, holding on tight. Tasha's eyes jerk open from a strange sensation running through her body. The worries weighing down her mind vanish and she suddenly feels light as a feather. Different emotions wash over the pinkette. Excitement, contentment, hopefulness, then one that hits her right in the gut... arousal.

"Knock that off! I get it now!" Tasha rips her hand away, stopping the sensations dead in their tracks. Without hesitating, she pulls her hand back, slapping him right across the face. Huffing, she glares at him for daring to pull something like that. Tasha can't believe he even did it, let alone that she hit him. It's not smart... They're alone together, late at night in Gotham of all places... and he can control people's emotions. What a dangerous ability...

"It's strange, though..." Jin glances back at her, talking away like there isn't a pulsing handprint on his face... as if she didn't just strike him. "No one has ever realized something was going on. Usually, if I touch someone, the emotions gradually happen and last for a little while... When I let go of you, they disappear. Not only that, but you noticed it right away... You're a strange one..." Long fingers graze his smooth chin as he hums, deep in thought.

"What nerve! The only one here who's strange is you. Don't do that to me again, or I'll cut those hands off!"

Jin looks back to the pinkette, and his dark eyes light up at the threat. "Don't take what I did to heart. I just sorted through the different emotions my ability can produce. If you felt something you didn't like, it wasn't intentional. Didn't exactly zero in on anything in particular... It seems you felt something uncomfortable... Sorry... That wasn't very thoughtful of me. I was just trying to prove my point. It's kind of like flipping thought a bunch of random pictures. Sometimes, you come across something... unpleasant."

Tasha glares at him, unsure of what to make of anything. Every time she turns around, things seem to get more complicated and increasingly weirder.

"You know, I don't think I'm all that strange. Not in this city. There are people who can do much crazier things. Besides, you're the one threatening to cut my hands off. Wouldn't that sound strange to most people?" He leans forward with a sly grin on his face, bringing himself down to her height. "Look, I only use it to make people feel better. We were having such a pleasurable time until you saw the Joker's card. I just wanted you to keep enjoying yourself."

'What did he just say?!'

Tasha cranes her neck back at what she just heard, reaching up to cover her mouth in shock. He knew all along? Does he have something to do with that crazed clown? Is this all a set-up?

"Don't worry, I'm not in cahoots with him or anything. Everyone who lives in Gotham or watches the news knows that card. I just played along in front of the waitress and whoever might've been watching us."

'I-I can't even think straight right now... I feel like my head will explode...'

Jin strolls up and throws his arms around the trembling pinkette. She's too shocked to push him away, barely noticing the move.

"Look, I don't know what's going on or how you're involved with him, but don't worry. He's not the only one that knows his way around this city. I'm not scared of him. Besides, even though we just started to get to know each other tonight... I already like you... a lot." Large hands rub her back, putting Tasha at ease. He's using his ability to make her feel better.

It's... nice. Like everything will be fine... Maybe there is a way through this that doesn't have to end up with her going insane or being killed.

The pinkette says nothing as they stand there, allowing his gift to wash over her. Taking away all the anxiety and negative emotions that's been building up inside, threatening to spill over. It's a welcome reprieve from all the thoughts and worries plaguing her for days on end. For the first time since everything started with the Joker, she feels safe and secure... Like things really will be all right...


Locking the door to the apartment, Tasha lets out an exasperated groan. What to do now? There are more questions than answers. Just when the pinkette thinks she's figured something out, dozens of more confusing things always pop up, making her realize she really knows nothing...

'Jin, Joker, Gotham, cherry blossoms, Sakura...'

The thoughts swirling in her mind aren't making any sense. Reaching down, she pulls the chain out from the top of her dress. Green eyes roam over the small trinket, carefully taking in every detail.

There are far too many missing pieces of this puzzle, and the ones she has don't seem to fit together. Nothing's adding up unless she's just not looking at it from the right angle...

Thinking back to the hospital incident, the Joker mentioned multiple times about her running away. He even scoffed at her name, mocking it.

'I wonder if I met him before my accident. He seems to know about me. Christ, I hope I didn't rip him off back in the day, and he's just fucking with me to get revenge or something. Petty prick.'

Searching through the memories that are there, she shakes her head when it starts throbbing again. Many times in the past, she's tried to recall something... anything. The furthest back they go is waking up in the Gotham General, all wrapped up. As soon as the doctors discharged the pinkette, she was taken away from Gotham and never looked back.

'Do I even want to remember? What if it's all just... terrible? The life I had before coming back was peaceful, for the most part. Boring, but peaceful. Now, everything's going to shit... What if knowing what happened all those years ago just ruins everything I have now? What if… I go there and can't come back? Can't return to the quiet life I had?'

Throwing her purse onto the couch, Tasha can't help feeling like this city will be the end of her... and any bit of sanity she has left.

'I want to go back to Japan. I never realized how good I had it over there... Stupidly complaining about things being boring. Now they're out of control. How ironic. Guess you should be careful what you wish for, huh?'

Kicking off her heels, the pinkette doesn't bother changing as she saunters through the doorway to her bedroom. The pulsing headache's getting worse, and she just wants to go to sleep. Plopping down onto the soft mattress, she swings her legs up and lays back with her hands behind her head.

Green eyes glance up towards the ceiling, unable to stop thinking about all that's happened. There must be something that can be done... Sighing, she pulls her arm out from under her head. Dainty fingers reach down to grab the charm lying against her chest, gazing at it intently. There must be something...

Tasha's eyes widen as she stares at the cherry blossoms.

...

"Here, Sakura. Daddy got this for you for your birthday. Do you like it" A man holds out the chain with the charm dangling from it to a small girl. He smiles brightly, his kind eyes giving off a warmth that makes her feel... safe.

"I love it!... Eh… What is it?" With a goofy grin, the little pink-haired girl shifts her head to the side, staring at the small gift.

The man chuckles, patting the girl's head and ruffling her pink locks. Tiny hands reach up to fix them as she sticks her bottom lip out, pouting. "Back home, we have trees that grow the most beautiful pink flowers near where I grew up... but the flowers only bloom for a short time. Everyone gathers together to watch the flowers and celebrate, even if it doesn't last long. Once it was over, we wait for the next time they blossom again. Every year they return."

The girl gazes up at him in amazement. Is there such a flower? There isn't anything like that around where they live...

"Even though they're gone for a long time, everyone would wait for them to come back... And when they returned, they always seemed more beautiful than the last time. That's what I named you after. When you were born and I saw your hair, it just seemed to fit so perfectly... Make sure you take care of this. I know I'm not able to get you many gifts, but when I saw this, I just couldn't help myself. Haha. Don't tell mommy though... She'll get angry. Let's keep this a secret just between us, ne?" He leans down and hugs the little girl, placing a kiss on the top of her head...

"Someday, I hope I'll be able to take you to see where I grew up. We have family over there, you know. Aunties, uncles, cousins... your grandparents. It's been so long since I've seen any of them. I'd like for them to meet you, Sakura... Japan is very different from this place."

...

"Arghhh. What is this?!" Tasha squeezes her eyes closed tightly, a pained grimace twisting her features. The throbbing's getting worse, almost unbearable... Coming in waves as her jaw clenches tightly, gripping the charm in her palm hard enough to draw blood. The images just keep surfacing.

...

"Sakura!" A young boy runs up to her, yelling out. She's sitting on the curb in front of a dilapidated building. He's a scruffy little thing, wearing old beat-up clothes. They look worn and probably haven't been cleaned in a while. There's a cut on his leg that's bleeding badly, running down into his black sock. Her eyes gloss over dark bruises littering his tan skin.

The boy sprints over towards her, plopping down and sitting close enough that their arms touch. Leaning forward, she tries to look through the dirty blonde waves covering part of his face... Her eyes fly open at the shadow in the place where his face should have been...

He pulls out a small box with bandages and sighs, looking down at his leg. "I hate my dad. Sometimes I wish... that he would disappear already..."

The pinkette's jaw drops at his words. "You shouldn't talk like that!... Well... I guess I know how you feel, though..." She tears her gaze away from the boy, as a deep sadness radiates through her. It's hard, but she forces herself to look off into the distance. "My dad's dead. I wish it was Todd instead..."

"Just forget what I said, Sakura. Your face annoys me when you look like that." The kid scoots closer, elbowing her in the side.

Turning towards him, the urge to smack the boy is tempting, until the sight of blood causes her to freeze. Pursing her lips, she snatches the box from his lap, and he doesn't move to stop her.

"Hold on, let me help. You always make such a mess..."

...

Tasha's head spins, but nothing lets up. Where is all this coming from? What is it? Memories from the past? After all these years, nothing has triggered anything to resurface. Now, all of a sudden, they're flooding in.

'Is this because of Jin's ability? Maybe the charm?'

The pinkette's skull will split open at any moment. As if the memories have a physical form and are filling her head up, ready to burst at the seams.

...

The images shift to a teenager standing in her room, silently staring at something. A small door against the wall swings open as a person stoops down and crosses over. The guy steps over and straightens his back, pointing to the spot he just came through.

"Ta-da! See? Now we can go back and forth, and no one will notice." He closes the small door, crossing his arms as he examines his handy work. "Look, you can barely notice the seams. I think I did a pretty damn good job if I say so myself. So... What do you think? Hmm?" He turns towards her expectantly. Once again, there's a shadow where his face should be.

"This is great! I can't believe it... You did such an amazing job." Despite there being no face, the pinkette can feel him grinning as she praises him.

"Told you I'm good with my hands." Stepping closer, long arms wrap around her waist, pulling her close. Leaning down to her height, he moves in trail his lips along the column of her neck. A slight tremble runs through her body at the small contact.

"I—I already know. I'm the one who told you that..."

...

Tasha's eyes spring open, staring up at the ceiling. Her lips part with small gasps, leaving the pinkette breathless... Tears run down her cheeks as she drops the charm and clutches her chest.

"Enough. I don't want to remember..."