Fear

16. the underworld

Saturday night came faster than I've anticipated. I'm in my room, dressed up in a gown that Minho had specifically picked out for me. The gown is literally a stunning creation, exuding elegance and grace with simple yet exquisite details. The colour is a soft, moonlight silver and each movement that I made, almost gives it a magical shimmer that catches the light. The fact that this gown fits snugly at my waist and cinching in that highlights my natural body curves.

Wearing this luxurious satin silk gown makes me feel like a princess. It just feels exactly like how Cinderella's fairy godmother transformed her dress into something so gorgeous and magical — making Cinderella look like a princess at that moment. That's how I felt right now.

As I stepped out of my room, I saw Minho sitting on the couch and dressed in an almost all-black suit. I've never really dolled up myself in front of him and the only time he had seen me in a dress was probably that night when I first met him. "Minho, I'm ready." I called out to him in a soft voice, feeling somewhat nervous.

Minho turned his head around and the moment his eyes laid onto me, he stood up and looked momentarily stunned. "You look..." he paused and his mouth slightly agape, as if struggling to find his words. "Breathtaking." His words caught me off guard, and even though he has complimented me so many times, my heart skipped a beat.

"You look nice too." I tried to compliment back, though I sucked at it. I'm not one to compliment someone nor receiving them.

The both of us headed towards the front door, wearing our shoes when I realised the heels he had gotten for me were much more shorter and comfortable. My mind subconsciously thought of the time where he first took me back to his place after I became a crying mess. I still remembered my feet being swollen and bruised because of those uncomfortable heels and he took care of me.

I chuckled softly to myself. Even though it wasn't really a fond memory, it's funny how someone like Minho; a threat-worthy and cunning mafian, took care of a person like me back then. But then again, he is also a rather caring person. A gentleman is how I would describe him.

"Something on your mind?" Minho's voice brought me back to reality and I looked at him, feeling slightly embarrassed as I probably looked stupid giggling to myself.

"Not really. These heels just reminded me about something." I replied back as I slide my feet into them. The both of us headed towards his car, the same exact one when he first drove me back to his place.

I've realised so many things happened within a few months. Half a year went by just like that. From me being just an average girl, living my life as a full-time café owner to being involved with a bunch of mafians in the underworld. My life could not get anymore interesting than it has already been.

It's been thirty minutes into the drive and the both of us remained in a comfortable silence. I sat quietly in the car, staring out the window as the car glides through the night. The world seemed like a blur to me; a blend of shadows and fleeting glimpses of shapes, all moving past in a quiet but soft blur.

The city is alive with a vast of motion and light as I watch people walk along the sidewalks, or working in their stores. The passing scenery feels both sentimental and comforting, like a quiet world that seem to stretch on forever. From my point of view, it seemed like the world is perfect and beautiful.

Oh, how I wish life was that innocent and simple.

I take a deep breath, letting the temporary tranquility of the night envelop me. If only my life could be that simple, I wouldn't have ended up in a fucked up situation that I can't even get myself out of it.

"You seem to have a lot going in your head." Minho's voice broke my sudden thoughts and temporary feeling of peace.

My head turned towards him, staring at him for a moment before responding, "Don't you think times like this makes the world seem more unreal? Like as if it's a perfect world to be in and nothing can hurt you."