Here's the next chapter. I may be a little uploading slow due to work stuff etc. (blah, blah, blah) and I am still figuring out how this should end, so please bear with me. But thank you all once again for reading. Please do let me know what you think. I've been quite harsh on Zen so far, but trust me it's necessary for the progression of her relationship with the one and only hacker extraordinaire (and currently a massive dick, right?)

- Mel

Ciphertext – Chapter 19: Atonement

Eun-ji slipped her clothes back on, silently cursing herself for the mistake she'd, yet again, allowed herself to make. At least she and Zen hadn't actually gone as far as having full-on sex. Under the circumstances, that fact may have been her only consolation. The time she'd spent with Luciel yesterday had been much more precious to her. It had been deeper, more fulfilling, and a strangely calming experience, all the while motivating her to be a stronger person. It was indescribable, but they had shared something that couldn't be seen by the naked eye, no matter how hard you squinted. It was like a mysterious worm, tunnelling its way into both of them just at the right moment. But because of Luciel's cold attitude, it seemed as though things were already over between them. He was far too busy to pay attention to her, and she wanted his attention far too much.

Zen limped sorely into the bathroom and locked the door firmly behind him. Despite the physical torture his body had received, he was still pretty hard and knew he had to get rid of the arousal somehow. It didn't seem right to be this turned on when the girl he liked was being so indifferent towards him. If it was Luciel she wanted, then Zen would have to make do with fantasy, pretending she wasn't even there. Maybe he could make it seem like she was just one of those cute characters in a dating sim or something.

He moved his hands over the length of his shaft, stroking the thing cautiously and giving himself the pleasure he had so desperately desired from her. He closed his eyes and imagined that her slender fingers were gently curling themselves around his sizable cock, feeling his heavy pulse as the blood undulated around it. He pictured her face, flushed in a light red, staring lustfully up into his eyes as he looked down at her beautifully well-proportioned body. The fact that he preferred larger breasts meant nothing to him anymore. That had already been blown out of the window during the last hour.

As much as he enjoyed visualising her about her while he jerked off, engaging in this activity slowly wasn't going to satisfy him. Gripping his cock harder now, he pumped away at it passionately with expert precision. This caused him to work up a significant sweat and he felt his hands become clammy and hot with each movement. He panted as the pleasure rose up inside him and his seed inched its way up to the emergency exit. Letting go, he came violently into the toilet bowl. Breathing a sigh of sweet relief, his cock twitched with satisfaction at the much-needed and timely release.

It seemed so surprising to him that a regular kitchen whisk could have left behind such a harsh burn on his skin. He winced as he wiped a cotton pad soaked with astringent over the wounds that adorned his torso. It stung like a bitch. This certainly wouldn't look good during that day's meeting with Chan-wook Lee, the most admired musical professional in South Korea. After all, Zen's upcoming performance would involve being shirtless for at least a good ten minutes – it was necessary, they said.

These had better heal up fast … or there might even be a scandal …

Zen was used to being objectified, but his stunning looks were just a part of the reason he was so successful. Thinking back, Luciel was the one who had helped him create that video, an instrumental move for sparking interest in Zen across the country. He wanted to give something back to Luciel, as thanks for his support, but he'd willingly engaged in kinky "fun" time with Eun-ji, someone his friend probably already didn't want to lose.

How can I call that an expression of gratitude?

Eun-ji sat herself down in the lounge, glancing sorrowfully at the pile of fashion and entertainment magazines on the table, regretting the situation that had come about because of that one photo. She took the teacup that she had been drinking from before and thirstily gulped down the remainder of the now ice-cold tea, grimacing a little as she tasted something bitter lurking at the bottom. As she wiped her mouth with the sleeve of Rika's hoodie, she could think of nothing better to do than bury her head in her hands and cry.

Hearing her painful sobs from the bathroom, Zen quickly unbolted the door, making sure he had tidied up his mess appropriately.

He poked his head around the door frame. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice still soft and warm, despite everything that had happened between them. Maybe he just felt more relaxed, since he didn't have to hold it all in anymore.

Eun-ji looked up at him, letting her hands fall limply into her lap. Wet and fragile, her eyes glistened with regret. "Z-Zen … I-I …"

Zen carefully waltzed over to where she was sitting and took her hand. It was so small inside his that he almost wanted to re-kindle a burning fire and let himself melt all over again. But it was useless to even consider it. Now, she felt cold and lifeless, like all the energy had been sapped from her body.

He squeezed her hand lightly. "I know what you're trying to say, and it hurts but … I forgive you, okay?"

She shook her head from side to side, defiantly. "I'm such a bitch!" she exclaimed. "What on earth have I done?"

"You're … a bitch?" Zen pondered this for a second. "No. I think you're just confused," he reasoned. "We can all get confused sometimes."

Eun-ji didn't understand how he could be so pleasant towards her at a time like this. She'd used him in the most horrible way she could think of; attacking him and then leaving him horny … and heartbroken.

"Maybe … maybe I am just confused after all," she admitted under her breath, still heavy with emotion. Her other hand was pressed against her chest and she could feel the way her heart was beating the fear into her, pump after pump, just below the surface.

"So there's no need to be so hard on yourself." He paused and let his eyes glaze over with melancholy. "Please, just confirm it for me one more time. It's Seven you want to be with, isn't it?"

Eun-ji felt awful putting the guy through this, but she had no choice but to tell the truth. "Yes. It's him I want. I can't even begin to explain it, but I just … I'm sorry Zen."

Zen tucked some of the loose strands of hair behind her ears and smiled. "No, I'm the one who should be sorry. I got my hopes up and … that just wasn't fair. You should be with him. I'm certain he needs you more than I could really ever need you."

That's not true, but I'll pretend it is.

She tipped her head to the side, teardrops still clinging to the sides of her eyes. "Thank you, Hyun."

He laughed, a blush sweeping across his face. "Don't use my real name so flippantly like that, or ... you just never know what will happen. As you're aware, the beast within still hasn't been fully tamed yet!" Somehow, no matter how much he was hurting, he could still manage to tease her a little.

"Okay, I'll be a good girl from now on," she promised, making a peace sign with her fingers. "And my name's Eun-ji, by the way, Eun-ji Moon."

"Oh?" he looked impressed. "That name is so nice. It really suits you. Seven, the bastard, he seriously better treat you well!"

"I hope so …" she said, half-wondering whether it would really happen. "Anyway, I should get going," said Eun-ji, standing up and making her way to the door.

"Me too. I need to practice my lines for the group read-through with Director Lee today. I don't want to make any stupid mistakes with the intonation."

"Oh, I hadn't realised your schedule for the day. That makes me feel even worse but … good luck! I know you're so talented that you'll do well!" she cheered him on, able to do so more willingly now.

Zen imagined the kind of emotional support he'd get from her if her heart was in a different place. "Thanks," he said, still appreciative of the thought. "Off you go then."

He ushered her into the main entrance and opened the door for her to leave. She put on her sunglasses and hoodie and waved goodbye. It was clear that she was still displaying signs of fragility, and Zen wasn't entirely happy about letting her go back to the apartment by herself. In any case, he felt it was critical to contact Luciel immediately.

Closing the front door, he rushed back inside and dug out his cell phone from underneath a pile of clothes that he'd slung onto the side that morning. Luciel's number was saved on speed dial, so he pressed the button and waited, anxious to give him some advice.

"Come on, Seven. Answer the phone damnit!"

Nothing. He waited a few more rings.

Agent 707 is doing what his boss is telling to do so don't worry! Please send your messages to Vanderwood-

"Seven! Turn on your fucking phone for once!" Zen yelled to himself, throwing the phone down onto the sofa cushions in annoyance. It rebounded and fell onto the floor.

He sighed, stood up and took the musical script from the table. Practising his lines was his priority right now. His concern alone wouldn't get those two any further towards a romantic conclusion.

Be safe, Eun-ji Moon. You deserve better than this.