Nightmare from the Underworld ➟ H.H.J.

eight days

Setting: The Natural World
⇝ The High School

The monotonous voice of Ms. Kang wafted drearily into the classroom. "Good Morning Class." Her voice creaked, like a door in need of lubrication. Her whispy grey hair shook wearily as her head danced to the laziness of her voice.

The students barely acknowledged her as if it were a crime to consider the abomination that she possessed was a voice.

"It's the beginning of the school year and returning students know exactly what that means, so now, we'll be having our Homeroom get-to-know project. Everyone is allowed to choose their partners except Jaeyeon and Hyunjin. They will be partners."

"Why?" Woojin objected immediately, standing to his feet in a fit of rage.

"Because Mr. Hwang pointed it out that you and Ms. Lee have been partners since middle school. I doubt there is much to get to know anymore."

Woojin eyes shot missiles in Hyunjin's direction as the taller man wore a smirk on his face. He winked coolly at Woojin, who became more and more flustered by the second. He fell to his chair in a fit of anger.

No longer addressing Ms. Kang, Woojin raged. "But how the fuck would he know?" The emotions spewed from his voice like a broken faucet. The class' full attention was finally won. Their eyes peered at the usually calm and collected student.

"I don't know, Mr. Kim and quite frankly, I don't care to find out..so enjoy finding a new partner please."

Woojin stepped away from his space to make way for Hyunjin to sit beside his best friend...his crush. As the men brushed shoulders, Woojin whispered to his new born opponent, "You have it coming."

⇹⇹⇹

⇝ The Lee's Residence

Jaeyeon led Hyunjin to her house in silence. She said she'd be more comfortable working at his house since she knew Felix wouldn't necessarily approve of the arrangements, but Hyunjin insisted they work there. She didn't understand the reason, but she didn't want to pry and potentially overstep her boundaries - that was what the project was for.

The awkward tension between them was evident. Hyunjin lingered some feet behind Jaeyeon and watched as her feet shook. That's how his head felt. Whenever working with other people on other missions, the faults in people were easily distinguishable. The biggest fault in Jaeyeon was probably her 'lost in the clouds' persona and at the same time, that wasn't even a big problem; she wasn't harming anyone. He made a mental note to ask Chan again - in private - what exactly has she done...just at least, to get his mind at ease.

He didn't want to become the bad guy. He was doing this for the bettering of Earth. It was a dark place, darker than the underworld.

He caught up to her, practically clutching to her side. He heard her breath waver. As the time was becoming cold, he saw the faint cloud form around her mouth as she sighed. He decided to lighten the mood.

"Hyun-" she spoke.

"Jae-" he started.

Her movements faltered abruptly.

"Oop, ladies first." Hyunjin smiled (awwwww, sorry. I just imagined that 😵)

"Oh," pointing awkwardly ahead, she let a few words slip shyly from her mouth, "We're here."

"Oh." Hyunjin repeated, chuckling soft, somewhat embarrassed. He took in the sight.

Her house didn't stand very tall but it was impressively beautiful. It reminded him of the underworld, it wasn't dimly lit -as it was day- but it's structure and makeup was impeccable.