The Bloody Carnival

8 | The Devil Is Here

A/N : Okay. This is the chapter of decision. Do you guys still want me to continue the book? I'm thinking of DISCONTINUING the book. I'm not kidding. The response is not much.

Ayame lifted her head up to see the sky pouring down over her. Just fantastic. She grumbled under her breath, put hands over her head and started running when her face collided against the hard chest. "Ouch!" she rubbed her head and looked up at Niki. Damn he's tall.

"Yes, I'm tall." He shrugged, and tilted the umbrella towards her, shielding her from the rain.

Did I say that aloud? She wondered, stepping back.

"No. You didn't. I read minds." He stepped forward, and her eyes widened. "I'm joking. Of course. You've an expressive face."

Ayame cleared her throat. "Okay. So.. Umm.. I'll go now."

"Where's your brother?"

She was taken aback by the question. "He left before me," she replied and he raised his eyebrows. "Sunoo wanted to leave in haste, had a headache or something. I left a little late because I wanted help with cleaning the house."

"We didn't ask you to." Niki followed her as she took several steps back.

"Yes, I know now that you've got cleaning staff. I was being polite," she mumbled and took another step back and he followed her again. "Can you please stop getting closer? It's intimidating me."

Niki stopped and as she breathed a sigh of relief, her foot stumbled and she yelped but Niki grabbed her hand in time, pulling her to him. She peeked and saw she was at the edge. A river flowed down the bridge. She forgot how these people lived in the far corner of the town, surrounded by nature.

"I was only protecting you from the Rain," Niki stepped back this time, giving her some space. "Come. I'll drop you to your place."

"But -"

"I wasn't asking." He grabbed her by elbow and dragged her towards the town way.

"Wow. Such a gentleman!" She rolled her eyes, scowling. He didn't react, only kept pulling her closer as they walked under the pouring rain. For some reason, Ayame felt like he wasn't helping out of his good nature. There was something more into it.

"Don't you get tired of thinking?" Niki sighed, stopped and looked down at her. She tilted her head, questioning his out of world remark. "I can hear you in my head. All the time. It's annoying."

Ayame blinked. Is this guy fucking with me? Gosh, handsome guys really have a cringe way of flirting.

"I'm not flirting with you." He deadpanned.

She choked on air. Damn. Did he read my mind? Fuck. Impossible.

"Come on." He shook his head and ignored her series of questions as they made their way back home. "We're here. Go inside." Niki knew she was suspicious of him and had questions but her human mind convinced her of the stupidity of scenario. Tired, she bowed to him in thanks and walked inside the house.

Just as Ayame closed the door, she peeked through the ajar space and saw him staring at her darkly. She at once slammed the door shut.

"The town. The people. Gosh, everyone is weird here."

At the same moment, Sunghoon climbed down the window of the room. The moon lit up the side profile of the boy lying in bed. Sunoo was frowning, his eyes closed and Sunghoon kneeled on the floor and stared at him gently. His hand itched to caress his frown away, but he held himself back.