WreckCreate

A/N: Hello! Yes it's me and I have an update on this story for you! I know it's been awhile, so I've taken the time to revise the last entry chapters for you all and split the last entry into 2 parts (hopefully that was okay). I did that because Entry 12 was suuuuuuuper long and maybe a tad bit confusing since I'm incorporating 10 main characters along with quite a bit of side characters _ so sorry! Also dialed back the use of detail but there still plenty of it. Things should flow a lot smoother and I do plan to complete this piece, so thank you for those who are still following and may the next entry begin!

Entry 14: The Friend…

Xiaoyu sat up in her bed that morning and looked at the text message she had gotten from Alisa the previous night. The now "Mrs." Alexanderson wanted to have lunch with her today to catch up on each other's well-being. Xiao hadn't seen the young woman since the wedding and she had to admit that she was happy to hear from her but…could the timing be any worse? She sighed while closing her eyes and laid back to where her back rested against the bed's headboard.
"Everything alright?"

Xiao opened them to see Hwoarang standing in front of the edge of the bed; he had just come out of the bathroom. He had spent the night, but not in the sense of the term most people would use it for. When they first started dating, Xiaoyu made it known to him that she was not ready for sex and he never questioned it, often, but respected her decision until she felt like she was ready. Even though they've been together almost two years and at times, like last night, when she felt like she just wanted to give into it…somewhere deep down inside, Xiao knew she just wasn't ready still.
"I'm fine. Alisa just wants to grab lunch today."

"That's the one that used to be an android right?" He made his way to sit next to her on the bed.

She nodded, "But I'm not sure if I should go."

"Why not? Aren't you kind of her best friend?"

They were like best friends and Jin still has yet to contact her…Jin. Wasn't Alisa's husband Jin's somewhat uncle? The thought alone started to make Xiao panic a little, but there was no way the man could be looking for Jin and even if he was, Alisa wouldn't be involved...right? Doubts started filling her head as she started to overthink the matter, until she felt Hwoarang's hand upon hers; she snapped out of it.
"Y-Yes uh….we're close friends, but…"

"Look, I'll be fine if you're worried about blowing me off for the day haha." He chuckled.

"Rang…" Xiao smiled at him softly. If only he knew that what he was thinking was not the issue at all. If only she could tell him about what was really going on with her. If only he knew about Jin….but she couldn't.
"Okay, I'll go."

"Great!" He kissed her on her temple before getting out the bed again, "Maybe she'll bring that man of hers."

The statement made the girl tense up because he was right….there was a possibility that Alisa might ask her husband to join them. Though, by her message it seemed like it would be just the two of them but the odds of it being the three of them…she'd get double-teamed. Xiao knew she was overthinking and being unreasonable but she had to have a backup plan, "Hey Rang?"

The man had walked out of the room to the apartment's kitchen, "Yeah?"

"Want to tag along?"

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Noon came around rather quickly as Alisa had gotten a table at a cute little café that opened up few months ago. She chose it because the place had gotten a lot of really good reviews and the outside seating area was gorgeous with a garden view. The young woman let the server know that she was expecting a guest and to lead them to her table outside when they arrived. She was so excited to see her friend and she wished that it wasn't to get information out of her; did the girl even know that Jin was back? What if the very mention of the news sends her friend into a downward spiral?!

Alisa took a few deep breaths to calm her overactive mind of the thoughts. But, the only thing she could think about was how devastated the girl was when Jin was presumed dead. Xiaoyu felt like a failure and that she could've tried harder to protect him…to save him. Thinking about it now pained Alisa's heart even more so since she was human and could understand fully. She would probably have felt the same way if Lars was in Jin's position. Speaking of which, the young woman shifted her eyes to the left to look somewhere across to the building over.

Lars and Raven were sitting on a couple of bar-stools in the bar that was across the street from the café that the women were going to have lunch at. The two men weren't exactly in disguise but they both wore a pair a dark aviator sunglasses, which made it hard to see in the dim light that the bar had.
"Did she make it yet?"

Raven was turned away from the bar, looking out one of the windows as he leaned back. "No, she's still sitting alone."

"Damn. You think the girl bailed out?" Lars sipped on a bottle of beer.

"Who knows. If she did, however, we could assume that Jin had indeed got to her."

"If that were the case, do we assume also that he's threatening her?"

Raven shrugged, "Given their history, I doubt it."

Lars vibrating text notification went off and he checked his phone, "Alisa said she just received a text from her stating that she was running a few minutes late."

"Figures."

"I don't feel right about it."

"What would that be?"

"Letting Alisa do this. Letting her join in on this whole thing." Lars sighed as he finished the remaining beer in the bottle.

"So why did you let her?"

"I didn't! She practically forced her way in and don't get me started on Chaolun making matters worse."
After Alisa had sent the text message to Xiaoyu, Lars realized that it was a mistake until he got a call from that untraceable phone that Lee had given them. He really didn't want to answer it, so Alisa did instead and spoke to the man regarding the plan she set in motion. To Lars surprise, Lee was completely on-board saying some B.S about "The more the merrier!" that pissed him off because the man had no regard for his wife's well-being.

"I see movement."

Lars quickly turned around, "Finally…wait…" he squinted his eyes.

"Looks like she didn't come alone."

"Tch…two can play that game." He stood up and adjusted himself before heading to the bar's exit.

"You're going to compromise her."

Lars smirked, "Not at all. We'll just act like it was planned all along. It'll be fine." He then walked out and Raven looked back out the window before disappearing, though not before placing a five dollar bill for the two beers Lars had.

{}

Alisa smiled nervously as Xiaoyu walked over to the table with a young man on her arm that she only ever saw once at the last Iron Fist Tournament. She knew him to be Hwoarang, being one of Jin's rivals/close friend.

"Sorry I'm late." Xiao playfully hit herself on the head while sticking out her tongue while Alisa stood up.

"Oh it's fine! It's so nice to see you!" The two young women embraced tightly and after releasing, Alisa looked her over, "You look so great!"

"Thank you! Looks like marriage-life has done you well too!" Xiao twirled her friend around as the two of them giggled. Hwoarang nonchalantly coughed which caught her attention, "Alisa, this is Hwoarang, my boyfriend. I hope it's okay that he came along?"

He stuck out his hand to shake hers, "It's nice to meet you. Xiao said it was a lovely wedding, sorry I missed it."

Had the two been together before she and Lars married?
"Oh it's more than okay and don't worry about the wedding Hwoarang, I'm sure you'll have one of your own soon." She smiled as her statement caused the man to blush and it got another giggle out of Xiaoyu. "Shall we?" Alisa motioned for them to take a seat.

Xiaoyu shifted her eyes to look around, but noticed that no one was there with Alisa. The girl started to feel a bit guilty for bringing Hwoarang because it looked like Alisa really just wanted to catch up; just the two of them.

Suddenly the door that lead to the café's outside seating flew open and a guy stood in the entrance, bent over trying to catch his breath. "S-Sorry I'm...*huff*…late Sweetheart...*huff*…"

"L-Lars?" Alisa became surprised as the other two guests turned to face in his direction.

Her husband lifted his head and gave a big smile, "What did I miss?"
Alisa couldn't get any words out as she was still in shock as he walked up to the small group.
"I left to go to the bathroom, and I know I was supposed to be gone only for a minute, but get this, I ran into an old colleague of mine. We started chatting and then it hit me to get back to our table before your friend arrived."

"O-Oh! Yes hehe." Sweat dripped down Alisa's face as she chuckled nervously.

"Missed the introductions again huh? Well…" Lars turned to Xiao and patted her on the shoulder, "Nice to see you again Ms. Ling. I hope you've been doing well?"
The girl only bowed a little, confused from the man's sudden appearance. Lars then turn to her companion, "And this is?"

"Hwoarang, Ms. Ling's boyfriend." The young man introduced himself, shaking Lars hand rather firmly.

Lars noticed, "Nice to meet you, though your face seems familiar." The four of them finally took their seats.

Hwoarang leaned back in his seat, "Last Iron Fist tournament." His statement made Xiaoyu's heart skip a beat.

"Ah! That's what it is!" Lars snapped his fingers as a server walked up to their table.

[1 Hour Later]

The two couples were halfway through their lunch orders as the women caught up on their relationships and the men spoke about the events of the last Iron Fist Tournament. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and the conversations were pleasant, but Lars didn't forget why they were there in the first place. On the other hand, it slipped Alisa's mind until Hwoarang made a comment about Jin that brought silence over their group.

"You know…I never thought he would hold the tournament." Hwoarang continued, "None the less, die..."
Just saying it aloud pained him; he couldn't even finish his statement. Xiaoyu's face sadden as she lowered her head; it broke Alisa's heart.

"Well…" Lars spoke nonchalantly and Alisa quickly turned to look at him with widen eyes, "…not too long ago I heard a rumor about Jin."

Hwoarang raised an eyebrow, "Rumor? Recently?" Xiao's heart skipped a beat.

Lars nodded, "Yeah, rumor has it that the ex-head of the Mishima Zaibatsu has somehow come back from the dead."
Sweat ran down the side of Alisa's face, how could he just come out and say it like that?! Did he not read their body-language just by the mention of the man's name?

The Korean snickered, "People will say anything for a good story these days."

"Y-Yeah…that's just cruel." Xiao still had her head lowered.

"That's what I was thinking, but…" Lars looked over at Xiaoyu to see if he could read her, "…when I really thought about it, weren't both Kazuya and Heihachi presumed dead at one point?" Hwoarang's ears perked up.
"The thought had crossed my mind, but I still couldn't really get on board with the idea, at least until…" Lars placed something in the middle of the table where they all could see.

It was a photo and Hwoarang picked it up to get a better look, "Where did you get this?"

Lars looked over at Alisa, "It was in an envelope in our mailbox. Don't know who even left it."

"You have got to be kidding me." The young man chuckled nervously. He knew Jin couldn't be dead and the date on the photo said that it was taken a couple of weeks ago. Is it real? "This…is this real?"

"Took it down to a guy that I used to work with, told me it was legit."

"I-I can't believe it…" Xiao could feel her heart sink into her chest.

"Damn, haha, that bastard has always been a survivor." Hwoarang laughed and placed the photo back on the table. "Does that mean you're back in the game?"

Lars shrugged, "Just trying to keep the peace and last time he disturbed it, tremendously."

"D-Do you know if he's planning something? I haven't heard anything o-on the news." Xiaoyu finally looked at Lars who stared into her eyes.

"Not sure about that yet, but I rather not wait until things get out of hand."

The girl turned to Alisa, "Is this the reason why you wanted to catch up?"

"Of course not." Alisa took her friend's hand into hers, "I wanted to see how you were doing, but also…" She briefly looked over at Lars, "…I needed to just let you know."

"I see." Xiaoyu wasn't sure what she should think or do. Did Alisa really just wanted to let her know about the information the couple discovered? They weren't acting like they suspected her…

"In addition to that…" Lars cut the girl of her thoughts and added to his wife's statement, "…to get a better grasp of the situation, has Jin contacted either one of you?"

Hwoarang raised an eyebrow again, "What? Seriously? You literally just told us that he was alive and well."

"I know, but my sources say that he's been getting a team together."

"And you think he'd choose us?" Hwoarang snickered, "We're the ones that was always trying to help him not go down the path that he obviously went down. Right Xiao?" He turned to his girlfriend who was quiet.

"Y-Yes. Rang's right." She tried not to sound unsure of herself.

"That so…" Lars felt like the young man who sat next to him was genuine, but he got an unsettling vibe from Xiaoyu. "No contact from him, at all?" He looked over at the young woman.

"None." Hwoarang answered. Xiao remained silent, unsure if she should continue to go along with him as her heart started to race. There was no way she could give Jin up and she kind of had her own agenda in helping him not go down that road again. She had to stick to her decision and she wasn't going to let herself be intimated to a point where she'd change her mind.

"Ms. Ling?" Lars interrupted her thoughts.

"Yes?" Xiao looked up at him, determined to not show that she was aware of what he was talking about.

"No contact, from Jin Kazama? At all?" The man asked her in a tone that would make her question herself about lying.

Hwoarang became agitated at this, "Ease up on that tone of yours man, Jin hasn't…"

"I'm asking Ms. Ling." Lars cut the young man's sentence short.

Xiaoyu slowed her heart-rate down so she could answer, "No he hasn't. Frankly I…" To everyone's surprise the girl had tears that started streaming down her face, "…I'm still trying to process…*sniff*…that he's actually a-alive…" Xiao brought up her hand that Alisa wasn't holding, to cover the sound of her sob.

Alisa felt awful that, what she feared, came about with her friend not being able to handle the news. She was a little agitated by Lars' tactics but it was probably better that he asked instead of her. She gently squeezed the girl's hand to soothe her. "I'm so sorry Xiao."

"I think it's best if we leave." Hwoarang stood up.

Lars sighed, "I apologize. One can't be too careful when it comes to the Mishima or Kazama family."

The girl's boyfriend snickered again, "Yeah you got that right."
He helped Xiao get up from the table and held her close to him as he searched his pocket to get some money to pay for their meal.

"Don't worry about it." Lars held up his hand as a sign of him taking care of it. The young man didn't decline the offer, but didn't make any more comment towards him as the two of them walked back into the café to exit out the other end.

Alisa sighed as she looked over at her husband, "I feel horrible."

"Why?"

"Why? Lars, did you not see how devastated the girl was?"

"Yeah I saw." He picked up his glass of lemonade that he only finished half of, "I don't buy it."

"How can you be so heartless?!"

"Heartless? Nothing about her reaction felt genuine to me. I believe the boyfriend, but I have this weird feeling about Ling Xiaoyu."

Alisa rubbed her temples, "I can't believe you. But I won't necessarily throw your doubts out the window."

"Thank you. Now…by any chance, did anything she say or do made you unsure?"

"Lars…"

"Even if it was for just a brief moment."

Alisa sighed as she thought about the entire conversation she held with the girl. Nothing seemed out of place and she didn't get a weird vibe from her at all. Though she had to admit she was a bit distracted in talking about her friend's romantic relationship. She mentally chuckled nervously to herself as she tried to concentrate and replay their conversation. There was nothing, all the way up until the two of them that just left. "I got nothing."

"Come on Sweetheart. That can't be true. Think again."

"Lars...*sigh*…I can't think of anything. We talked about our honeymoon, we sipped on tea, talked about when she started dating Hwoarang, sipped on tea some more, she checked her phone for this notification that she got, we talked about future plans…"

"Hold up, go back one. She checked her phone?'

"Yes, but everyone checks their phones nowa…days…" Alisa thought to herself.

"Got something don't you?" He smirked at his wife.

"I'm not sure, but her reaction to it did seem a bit odd."

"How did she react?"

"Well, she briefly looked at the phone as she was giggling at something I said and actually did a double-take at her phone. After doing so she shoved the phone in her purse, stopped laughing and started sweating a lot. I asked her if everything was okay and she said it was fine, but she seemed like she was shaking a little."

"That seems very out of place." Lars narrowed his eyes at her.

"What?" Alisa blushed a little embarrassed that she forgot that little incident.

"No doubts about her story huh."

"Oh whatever. But if Jin has indeed contacted her, he might be threatening her to keep quiet about it. Maybe even threatening Hwoarang's life."

Lars shook his head, "I doubt it, and doesn't seem like his style. Unlike the other two."

"So what do we do?"

"Keep an eye on her and I'm pretty sure that Chaolun has the equipment we need to do just that. It would be in her best interest for her to lead us to Jin, whether she knows it or not."

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Hwoarang parked at her apartment complex later that night after he took her to the next city over to kind of take her mind off of what they were told concerning Jin. He knew the girl always had a soft spot for their once friend, it was one of the reasons why he didn't want to date her at first. The attraction towards her happened sometime after the mourning of Jin where he found her commenting on someone's blog. The blog was about mysteries behind the Mishima family and if Jin ended up being the worse of them all. Apparently the girl didn't take too kindly to it and debated the fact over a few reviews until she was kicked from the blog. Hwoarang found it entertaining and he kind of felt the same way on some points she made. So one day he just tracked down her email address and sent her a few messages. She didn't respond at first, but when she did, they held pretty good conversations until they decided to actually talk face to face. Since then, they grew to know one another better. However, Hwoarang felt like there was no way he could compete with her affections for Jin. Though, once he was sure that those feelings she held for the man weren't romantic or close to that subsided, he took a chance; never regretted it since.

The couple sat in silence after he cut the engine to the car. He wondered if their little outing helped to cheer her up, even though she happened to laugh and smile while they were out.
"Xiao?"

The girl turned to him and smiled, "Thank you…for today."

That smile of hers almost melted all those doubts away and he couldn't help but return one of his own, "You don't have to thank me but, you're welcome." Hwoarang grabbed her hand and held it, "I'll walk you up." She nodded.

They exited the vehicle, hand and hand while they made their way to the stairs. As much as he wanted to distract Xiao from her thoughts, Hwoarang couldn't help but let his own cloud his mind as he himself wondered about the well-being of his rival. It wasn't like he felt offended that the man didn't seek him out or the fact that he's apparently been back for several weeks now and Hwoarang knew nothing of it? Had he become that distracted over the last couple of years? He even cancelled a few of his training sessions with his master Baek, not really feeling like he wanted to bother with the arts anymore; that was crazy thinking.

As they made it to the second floor, Xiaoyu and Hwoarang spotted two figures standing right outside the door of her apartment. The girl tightened her grip on his hand; he walked forward as she trailed behind him.
"Can I help you?"

The man closest to them took out something from his buttoned-down shirt pocket, revealing it to be a badge, "Inspector Lei Wu Long and Officer Cory Brooks." He nodded his head in his partner's direction.

"Is there a problem Inspector? Has there been a break-in?" Hwoarang asked as Xiao's heart started to race; were they there for her?

Lei put away his badge, "No problem as of yet. We'd just like to briefly speak with Ms. Ling if she doesn't mind."

Hwoarang raised an eyebrow and then looked at the girl before she answered, "N-No. I don't mind at all."
Xiaoyu fiddled around in her purse for her key-card to unlock her door as the two officials stepped out of the way. Once she got the door unlocked, she gestured for everyone to step in before her and then followed behind, turning on the light. The men sat on her couch while Xiao sat in the lounge chair with Hwoarang standing behind it. "So, what can I do for you?"

"Well…" Lei started, "…to start, I'd like to inform you…"

"Excuse me Inspector?" Brooks interrupted him. Lei sighed but looked at him while he nodded over to Hwoarang, "Should we really speak to her in front of her guest?"

Lei turned in the young man's direction, "He's fine. Hwoarang isn't it?"

Hwoarang nodded, "Yeah, don't know why'd you know that though. I don't cause much trouble."

"We have information on all those who competed in the Iron Fist tournaments." Brooks commented

Iron Fist? Just the mention of the tournament gave Hwoarang the reason why the officials might be here. But why at Xiao's place? She had nothing to do with Jin, unless they knew he'd be with her…but the inspector did say "Ms. Ling" specifically.

"And knowing that Brooks, you should also know that not only is Ms. Ling connected to Jin Kazama, but in a way, so is this young man here." Lei mentioned.

"Jin." Xiaoyu unknowingly let the name slip out of her mouth causing the inspector to look her way.

"Yes. He was presumed dead three years ago but we have intel that proves that he is not." Hwoarang looked down at Xiao to see if there would be any negative reaction again from the mention of Jin's return. "At the moment we don't have any information regarding his whereabouts or what he's up to. We do know, however, that he's possibly recruited some individuals for whatever it is that he has in mind."

This sounded like the exact story that Lars had told them earlier that day at lunch. Hwoarang never assumed that Lars contact was in the police force, but that would mean that he was doing this little investigation by his own terms. "Why bring this to us? X-Xiaoyu rather?"

Lei turned his attention to him, "We were going through all of our options in getting any information that we can and since Ms. Ling used to be a very good friend to Jin Kazama…" He looked over at Xiao, "Being that you were a close friend to Jin Kazama, we figured..."

"That he might've contacted her." Hwoarang finished Inspector Wu Long's sentence, by his surprise.

The man and Brooks looked over to him, "Yes."

Hwoarang snickered, "Why does everyone figure that Xiao's the first one Jin would go to? Why not check into that blonde-assassin of his or the Brazilian. They were the ones who ran alongside him three years ago."

"We're currently investigating Nina Williams and a thorough investigation of Eddy Gordo has already been done." Brooks addressed.

Lei lifted up his hand, "Hold on. What do you mean everyone looking into Ms. Ling?" Xiaoyu's heart sank.

"Don't worry about it." Hwoarang brushed the question off.

"You do know that withholding any information regarding a case from an officer is an offense?" Lei narrowed his eyes at the young man.

"Tch…" Hwoarang then sighed, but before he could answer, Xiao spoke up.

"I-I was asked the same by Lars and Alisa Alexanderson. Earlier today that is."

"Alexanderson?" Brooks turned to Lei who was rubbing his temples.

"It's enough I have to worry about the Mishimas and Kazama, but now Alexanderson as well? How could I forget about Heihachi's illegitimate son."

Brooks became surprised, "There's another one?!"

Lei looked at the young officer a bit annoyed, "I told you to read all files concerning the Mishimas and the last iron fist tournament."

"Y-Yes...s-sorry Inspector."

The inspector continued, "Well Mr. Alexanderson isn't a threat to us and I'm sure he wants to get to the bottom of this as much as the force does. Did he say anything or had any information that could be useful?"

Xiao shook her head, "Just, exactly what you told us."

"I see." Lei looked at the girl and tried to read her body language. She wasn't taken back or surprised by the news so the story of Alexanderson filling them seemed to check out. However, she's yet to answer his question.
"Ms. Ling?" He sat forward towards her and rested his elbows on his knees, "Have you had any contact with or from Jin Kazama in the last couple of weeks?"

"Are you seriously...?" Hwoarang started to say.

Lei raised his hand for the young man to stop talking, he didn't take his eyes off Xiao, "Ms. Ling?"
Xiao turned to look at Hwoarang, who she could tell was agitated. She then turned back to the Inspector as her heart started to race. It was somewhat easier for her to get out of the situation with Lars but this was an inspector in front of her. Could she lie to someone who was within the law? Jin said no one would be hurt and no one was...yet that is...but she believed that what he was doing would be for the greater good. He wouldn't lie to her, would he?
Just as she was about to answer, "I'd like to remind you that if you lie to me, you will be held accountable for your actions in a court of law. Brooks?" He turned to his partner that took out his cell phone revealing that he's been recording their entire conversation. "So think really hard before you answer."

Hwoarang wanted to kick the living daylights out of him, "Is that a threat Inspector?"

Lei shook his head, "Not a threat, just letting her know how the system works."

Xiaoyu felt like she could just die right there and now. Was going to jail for being an accomplice to Jin really worth it? But he hasn't done anything wrong yet, though he's also not revealed his plan to her. Not to mention that text she got earlier about everyone coming together in a couple of days. All of a sudden his face flashed in her mind, holding that soft smile he gave her before they embraced...that feeling of relief coming over her...she trusted him.

"I-I'm sorry Inspector. Today's the first of my hearing of Jin being alive and now twice in one day. I understand why I'd be one of the individuals you'd seek out but, he always kept me at a distance and I'm positive I would be one of the last people he'd contact."

Lei continued to look the young woman in the eyes and she didn't flinch or budge as she gave him her answer. Was she telling the truth or was she bluffing? He skimmed over her and noticed a few out of the place stains on her dress. "Did it rain out today?"

Xiao looked down at herself, "No Sir, the stains are..."

"From tears she had shed earlier when she was questioned about this bull shit the first time." Hwoarang cut her off and folded his arms across the chest.

Lei narrowed his eyes at the young man before turning to Brooks, giving him a nod to indicate that he could stop recording. After the phone was put away the two officers stood, "We'll believe what you say, for now." The inspector led his partner to the front door, but before they made their way out, "Sorry to have wasted your time. I just hope I'm not putting you behind bars later, you're a sweet girl." With that last statement the two law officials were gone and Hwoarang could barely contain his rage.

"What the hell is wrong with him?!"

"Rang, please don't yell." Xiao sighed as she finally relaxed.

"Why not?! They can't just go around questioning people and threatening them like that! I bet I go down to that police station and give that bastard a good beat down."

She stood up and wrapped her arms around one of his own to calm him down, "Just leave it alone. I don't need you to be behind bars."

He sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, "I guess you're right, but still."

"It's getting late, I'm a bit tired and worn out by the day and I'm still not sure where Panda ran off to."

"She'll come back Xiao." Hwoarang took his arm out of hers and wrapped his arms around her, "Want me to stay or are you okay?"

Xiao looked up at him and shook her head, "I'm okay, promise. I'll walk you out okay."

The young man's heart broke a little as he nodded and let her go to only hold one of her hands. The two walked towards and out the door hand in hand while Xiao shut the door behind her not locking it. She walked him to the edge of the stairs and he turned to give her a goodbye kiss, telling her to let him know if anyone else tries to come and question her about Jin. All she could do was give him a slightly sad smile before waving goodbye as he turned away from her and headed down the stairs.

Xiaoyu went back into her apartment, locking the door behind her. She then noticed that her lights had been turned off when she clearly remembered that she left them on. Xiao shrugged the thought off since she was going straight to bed anyway.
"Xiao."

She quickly turned, heart racing, to see a dark figure resting their back against the wall across from her; she knew that voice. "J-Jin?"

The man didn't move, "Sorry to startle you."

"N-No, i-it's okay. I just wasn't expecting..."

"Thank you."

Xiaoyu became a bit surprised and confused, "F-For what?"

Jin finally stood up straight and walked slowly over to her as her eyes finally adjusted to the dark room, "For not giving me up."

"O-Oh that! Hehe, I could never do that..." She stumbled over her words.

Suddenly the man was so close as he stepped up to her, she could fully see him now, "I mean it Xiao."
The young woman could feel her cheeks getting warm as she started to blush; he brushed the hair on the side of her face behind her ear. "I'll see you in two days." Jin said as he stepped back from her and walked towards her bedroom to exit the window he used to get in.

Xiaoyu didn't even question it, but she wanted to say something before he was gone as she watched him walk away, "J-Jin?" The man stopped in his tracks; she held her hands to her chest, "I-I believe in you."
He did a quarter turn to look back at her and give her a soft smile that warmed her heart. Then he was gone.

[Outside of Xiaoyu's]

Hwoarang was standing with his back against the apartment's front door. He turned back because he found the girl's cell phone in his jacket pocket and was going to return it to her. The girl's boyfriend was trying to figure out what he just heard beyond the door he was resting on. Before he could knock, he only heard Xiao call out Jin's name which stopped him from doing so. There was no way that Jin was in Xiaoyu's apartment and speaking to her as if...as if...the thought only made Hwoarang upset and saddened at the same time. He was holding the girl's phone in his hand and looked down at it. Suddenly something came to mind and it caused him to slide the lock button across the phone screen.

Earlier during lunch, he quickly glanced in her and Alisa's direction and saw her give a weird reaction to something on her phone. Hwoarang looked at the locked screen and didn't really want to enter in the code because he didn't want to invade her privacy. He trusted Xiao but..."I need to know." He unlocked the phone and went straight to the girl's text messages; his eyes widened. "We will meet in 2 days."
A text message under an unknown number was the first thing that popped on the screen.

"See you in two days."
Jin's voice, that hadn't changed over the past three years, rang in his ears and the very thought of it almost made Hwoarang drop the phone. His heart raced and it ached as he clenched his other hand into a fist, holding back the tears that wanted to fall. All he could think of was that he defended her, he knew better than anyone that Xiao would never...Jin had been back for almost a month...how long...? The young man gritted his teeth as he turned to face the door so that he could carefully place the phone in her mailbox.
"Thank you." Jin's voice echoed in his mind.
"Jin. I could never..." Xiao's voice echoed as well.
Hwoarang just stared at the door trying to figure out what he needed to do...he could never let the cops know that she lied. But he couldn't let Jin take her away and corrupt her either. "Tch…" He turned to walk away. "...I'll get the bastard myself."

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Nina sat in the driver's seat of a black SUV with her arm resting outside the window that was put down. The passenger door opened and someone sat in the seat, closing the door afterwards. "So?"

Jin turned to her, "Nothing to worry about."

"Wow. Powder-Puff kept her mouth shut. I'm slightly impressed."

"I told you, we have nothing to worry about concerning her."

She started the engine of the vehicle, "Well I still say bugging her phone was still a good call. Who knows what would've happened if we didn't catch that text she got from the late Mrs. Alexanderson."

"The outcome would've been the same. Deactivate the bug when we make it back. Xiao's loyal."

"Well if you think she's so loyal, why did we follow her around all day?"

"Because of your paranoia. You're like the devil on my shoulder."

Nina snickered as she shifted the gear into drive, "Don't you mean the other devil."
Jin could only smirk as he turned to look ahead while she drove the car off.

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A/N: Yay another entry/chapter down! So we had a lot of things go on here and it looks like maybe Hwoarang will be entering in the chaos? We shall see. How do you think Xiao handled both questionings/interrogations by Lars and Lei? And how do we feel about Hwoarang catching her in her own lie? Poor thing. Sorry about the lack of Jin/Nina but I promise there is more to come. Not much to say, but we'll reflect come the next chapter so see you all then! ^_^