Blood Bank

A w a k e n i n g - 13

Aera couldn't help but groan at the sound of her phone blasting. She forced herself up and answered her phone.

"Hello?" She murmured.

"Ah, it seems I've woken you up." Jin's voice answered from the other line.

"You did." Aera yawned. She threw her legs over the edge of the bed and got up. "What's up?"

"Well, I'm sorting through the class' files right now and it seems you didn't pass a birth certificate? If it isn't any trouble could you pass one today?" Jin informed. Aera looked at the date and time and thought for a bit.

She didn't have anything to do on a Saturday anyway.

"Sure I'll be there in a few." Aera said. A small cheer from the other line was heard. "You really take your job as our TA even more seriously than your real job."

"I am still working even if I'm here." Jin shot back. The two exchanged their goodbyes and hung up.

The girl quickly got ready and entered her father's study. Inside, Namjoon was cleaning and arranging the shelves.

"You're up early today Doll Face." Namjoon greeted. "Did you eat already?"

"Yeah I just finished." Aera said. "Do you know where dad keeps the birth certificates? I forgot to pass one the other day and Jin needs it."

"I remember seeing some files over in the cabinet." Namjoon pointed out. "I'll help you out. I needed to buy some things anyway."

Aera nodded and headed over to the file cabinet. She had never touched or opened the files before so it took her a while. She came across a lot of files from adoption of those who lost their parents to Nightwalkers to case reports of attacks.

"Found it!" Aera cheered. She placed the file in her bag.

"Let's get going then. It's snowing already so don't forget your coat." Namjoon said. He had changed into proper attire and stood by the door. Aera put on her coat and shoes on with Namjoon's help.

"You baby me too much." Aera mumbled. The two walked out of the house, not forgetting to lock it as they left.

"It's my duty to take care of you." Namjoon said.

Aera looked around the empty place. The neighborhood seemed awfully quiet. Usually the children would be out playing in the yard. Namjoon noticed her staring.

"Another person was found dead in our neighborhood." He started. "I guess it's a given they wouldn't let the children out."

"That's such a shame, it would be nice to make a snowman." Aera mumbled. She kicked the stray piles of snow, not knowing what else to say. She peeked over at Namjoon and noticed a small chain around his neck. "You got a necklace?" Namjoon raised a brow at her before realization hit him.

"This is the necklace my mother gave to me. It's a bit old fashion actually." Namjoon pulled the rest of the necklace from under his shirt and showed the locket. "It's been my lucky charm ever since you know."

"Who's picture is in the locket?" Aera asked.

"It's an old picture that I really treasure." Namjoon answered briefly. Aera decided not to press any further. It might be a picture of his family.

The silence went on again. It wasn't awkward, it was quite comfortable for the both of them. Aera jumped slightly when she felt Namjoon's gloved hand brush against hers.

"Hey um." Namjoon paused for a bit. He could feel his heart beat like crazy. "So do you have a date for the New Year Ball?"

"Me? I don't." Aera answered. She chuckled slightly "Everyone thinks you're going to be my date."