Zen sighed with relief when the meeting ended. Giving the people in the room a respectful bow, he hurried out of the door. It was nice to have fans and be recognized, but it was really exhausting after a certain point. The silver haired man wouldn't trade it for anything though.

"Zen!"

Turning at the call of his name, he saw MC approaching him. The pantsuit she wore for the meeting was casual yet professional, and her wavy brown hair bounced behind her with every step she took. Stopping in front of him, MC smiled slightly as she put her folder in her bag.

"I'm so sorry about the ruckus," she said apologetically. "I knew they were excited to meet you, but that was a little insane."

"It isn't your fault," he said dismissively. "You'd think I'd be used to that by now."

MC laughed lightly.

They boarded the elevator together and made small talk. Zen realized he was very comfortable talking to the brunette; it felt as if he'd known her for a long time. She was witty, sarcastic, and genuine. It made him think that if he opened up to her, she'd listen without judging him. It was a nice feeling to have.

MC enjoyed talking with Zen. He seemed to really enjoy performing, and the way he animatedly described a role he played or a specific scene was entertaining. Zen was very kind and a little awkward in an adorable sort of way that pulled her to him. He seemed to sincerely care about her boring life working for Jumin, and she appreciated him listening to the more mundane details of her job.

Before they knew it, the pair had made it outside of the building.

"Well, I guess it's time for me to head home," MC said as she hitched her bag higher on her shoulder. "I really enjoyed talking to you Zen."

"Same here," he replied with a smile. "Do you mind… if I text you about things unrelated to this project?"

A blush crept up her cheeks. There was a pause, and Zen panicked inwardly.

"I'd actually really like that," she answered with a small smile.

Noticing the bus pulling up to the stop, she turned and ran toward it. Waving at Zen over her shoulder, she disappeared onto the vehicle. Zen waved back, and a grin took over his face after she left. He didn't know why he couldn't just lock away his feelings for the brunette, but he was beginning to not care. He hadn't felt this way about someone before, and it felt so new and wonderful.

MC was on the bus, the blush still on her cheeks. She couldn't believe that she and Zen had connected so easily. After her previous relationship, she didn't feel too certain about talking to another man, even platonically. Things with Zen felt so different though. She was attracted to him as a potential partner, but more than that, she was drawn to how friendly and open he was. She couldn't wait to get to know him better.

As MC walked down the street toward her apartment, she got the same uneasy feeling she'd had a few days ago. Brown eyes looked around sharply, trying to find the source of her unease. She hated feeling paranoid, but she could just feel someone watching her. Quickening her pace, MC hurriedly entered her apartment building. Reaching her apartment, she quickly entered and locked the door behind herself. She slid down the door as she sighed heavily. What could be causing this strange feeling?

Zen walked into his apartment feeling very light. Despite the meeting being close to a catastrophe, he'd really enjoyed his day. Talking with MC really took a weight he didn't realized he had off. To top it all off, he didn't have to deal with the dark voice in his head all day. Looking down at the beads around his wrist, he felt gratitude toward the priests who gave it to him.

"V did a great job with this," he said to himself as he grabbed a beer.

His warning rang in his head.

"This is probably the last time we can do this Zen," V said. "After that, you're on your own."

Zen knew the dormant power within him was continually growing, but he just wanted to enjoy a short period of time without that voice constantly taunting him.

"You have to face this problem at some point," V warned. "You've let it fester for far too long."

Zen knew he was right. However, he didn't know where to begin with confronting his darker side. He feared that it'd take control of him and he'd lose himself forever. Just thinking of turning into some beast who attacks people for fun made Zen feel sick. A buzz from his phone snapped him out of his morbid thoughts.

Hey. Are you busy?

It was MC. Zen's eyes widened with excitement; she was definitely a welcome distraction from his unwelcome thoughts. He quickly wrote back.

Not at all. What's up?

Zen waited anxiously for her reply. He felt like a teenager.

Just wanted to ask you something. I hope it isn't too personal.

He walked to his bedroom and lied down. Feeling relaxed, he sent her a message in return.

What is it?

Why are you so uncomfortable with crowds? I mean, I know they can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, but something tells me there's more to the story with you.

Zen smiled. She was pretty perceptive.

You're right. It goes back to when I was a kid. I couldn't go anywhere without random people wanting to touch me or take a picture. I bet you can imagine how unsettling that is for a child.

He sighed. He never really opened up to people about anything in his past, but the feeling he got with MC made it feel like everything would be okay.

That sounds rough. I can't imagine having to go through that. Constant stranger danger, that's pretty scary.

Zen chuckled. He hadn't heard the phrase 'stranger danger' in a while.

Thanks for answering my question by the way. And I hope I was a little help with the fiasco earlier.

I don't think I would've made it through that meeting without you. I am indebted to you.

No worries! It's my job to make sure everything for this project goes as smoothly as possible.

Red eyes read the message with fondness. MC really was a sweet woman.

MC had her phone sitting on her nightstand. She was waiting on Zen's reply to her message. The brunette hadn't meant to text him; she just needed a distraction from the anxiousness she felt.

Well, I still appreciate all the hard work you're doing for me. Anyway, I know this is sudden, but are you busy tomorrow? Besides working.

No. I'm free after 5. Why?

MC waited with bated breath. Was he about to ask her on a date?

Well, I was wondering if you'd like to grab drinks tomorrow… Not as a date! Just as friends getting to know each other.

MC didn't know why she felt so disappointed after reading his text. After all, they barely knew each other, so it made sense.

Sounds great! I could always go for a stiff one if you know what I mean ;)

Zen sputtered for a second after reading her reply. He felt as if he set himself up for that response somehow. Smirking, he typed back, choosing to ignore her little joke.

All right! I'll call you once I work out the details.

Sounds like a plan.

MC smiled at her phone. Hanging out with Zen sounded like a great way to unwind after work. After wishing him a good night, she got herself ready for bed.

A loud bang at her door interrupted her peace.

Getting up, MC went toward her apartment door with trepidation. She had a baseball bat in her hands just in case there was an intruder. Her door seemed to be unharmed, so she relaxed a little. She noticed an envelope had been slid underneath it, and picked it up. Reading the contents, she dropped it immediately, brown eyes wide with fear.

FOUND YOU PRINCESS.