Demon in Disguise

Gone

For the next couple of days Qiang did not see Chen. Passing by his house she would stare at it, hoping deep down that he would miraculously come out.

"He's not here." Mr. Wang opens his mail box, sorting through the letters. "He left, I was awoken at three in the morning by the sound of a car engine turning on."

She did not notice that the car in the driveway was gone, how could she have missed it? Where did Chen go?

Poor boy, a deep sadness buried deep within him has been awakened. Fresh air and space is what he needs right now, she told herself. She couldn't help but feel a bit betrayed about the fact that he didn't tell her he was leaving, she felt closer to him after knowing his past, but did he not feel the same? Did he feel ashamed that he had revealed something he didn't want people to know about? Even though breaking in to someone's house was a crime, she told herself she was going to find a way to get into his house somehow.

She sighs heavily, "Come back home safely."

The walk to the pet store for food for Ai Hui was quiet. She remembered when she did this Chen would be trailing behind her, saying dumb things and annoying her. She did not miss his old personality but she did miss his company.

"Miss Qiang." Junmyeon waves at her from across the street. His handsome face lit by a bright smile.

"Hello Junmyeon." Qiang returns his greeting, stopping so that he could cross the street to catch up to her.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to the pet store to get more food for my cat."

"You have a cat?" His eyes widen in surprise. "I love cats."

Qiang smiles at his innocent adorableness, "Her name is Ai Hui, I've had her for five years now."

"What kind of cat is she?"

"Birman."

He turns his head a slight 5 degree angle, "Birman?"

"They're from Burma, the French brought them over. They have black paws and a dark spot on their face. Birman cats are quiet and very loving."

"Ah... They sound lovely." He remarks.

"What are you doing walking out here today?" Qiang asks. Usually she does not see him in this part of the neighborhood.

"I thought I would take a walk and get used to the neighborhood. I must get used to my surroundings and where everything is if I'm going to live here."

She nods in understanding, "That sounds reasonable."

"You don't mind if I go with you to the pet store do you? Maybe you can help me know where everything is."

"I don't mind." Qiang was happy to have someone to pass time with.

"Great." He smiles brightly.

"Over there is the grocery store, I'm sure you know that already." Qiang points to the local grocery store.

"Yes." He chuckles, "The manager is quite generous. She gave me discounts."

"Oh, did she?" Qiang was surprised, the manager rarely gives anybody free discounts. "That's rare, probably because you're handsome."

"Ah, I'm not that good looking." He gives a nervous chuckle.

Qiang looks at him skeptically, "You must have heard at least once about how good your looks are. Even the males agree that you are handsome." Except for Chen. She felt a sudden longing for her friend, where did he drive off to and when will he return?