Book 2: Seven Demon's Hearts

Episode 60: Explosive Emotions

Episode 60: E x p l o s i v e E m o t i o n s

"Sera, I don't think we had a chance for a talk yet. Would you mind?" Hanul cocked her head with seriousness.

Sensing the awkwardness and tension rising in the air, the girl immediately fixed her attitude. "No, I don't mind."

"V, you should stay here with Aiko and--"

"No." Aiko voiced himself, not even meeting his father's face once. Hanul and V exchanged looks of concern. "I don't want him to stay with me, mom. I'll be fine on my own."

"I know, Aiko, but you have to--"

"I said no!" His eyes shimmered holographically before his face dropped with shock at the sight if Hanul's wide eyes. "Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell." With guilt knotting up his chest at his mother's disappointed expression, Aiko bit down on his lip and hugged his knees up to his chest, sulking silently on his bed.

"This is ridiculous," V grumbled and disappeared from the room.

"Fine. Have it your way, Aiko. But if you need anything make sure you get one of us. Stay here and rest, we won't take long." Hanul held onto Sera and immediately they were standing in the veranda space. "Sit." Hanul approached the swing set and Sera reluctantly followed after her. It felt like she was a worm being stalked by a hawk, ready to tear her down to shreds any second now. The overwhelming guilt and anxiety continued to build up as she picked at her thumb silently waiting for Hanul to say the first word.

Except she didn't.

Hanul continued to stare at the girl, observing every single nervous tick and glance that she made.

"Aren't you going to say something? I thought you want to talk." Sera broke first.

"I understand that you and Aiko might like each other, but I can't help but notice that there's something wrong." Hanul cut to the point as soon as she broke the silence. The girl snapped her pink face at her, catching on to the first part of her words. "Sera, I remember you as the girl you were six years ago--and that's probably a long time for you, but it's only been like a few days for me. I'm sorry but it's still hard to adjust to your grown personality. Still, I just wanted to remind you that we used to be very close. And we still can be."

"I know." Sera went back to nervously picking at her nails.

"Then I guess I don't have to tell you the cliche part that comes next, but I will anyway. Sera, you can talk to me and consider me as an older sister. I'm not going to suddenly force myself into your life. I don't really have the right to do that anymore. When you left with Solmi, I was kind of hurt but I knew it was for the best. She was someone you could have related to a lot more than me and I just didn't have anything else to offer you. I can't help but also feel guilty for feeling as if I gave you up. But I know you might resent me for lying to you in the past--about a lot of things."

"I don't hate you!" Sera desperately cried before her eyes lowered down again. "I just...it's just awkward. You're suddenly back and like you said, it's been a few days for you but it's been years for me. You almost feel like a stranger if I'm going to be honest. But it's not like I forgot everything you've done to take care of me. Frankly, without you saving me that day, I would have been killed by that demon or lived as a social outcast somewhere." She scoffed.

"Sera," Hanul sighed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "all I'm trying to tell you is that I want to be closer to you. It was probably hectic living with a house full of guys these past few years--trust me I know. That's why I want to be someone you can comfortably confide in. I'm not the girliest of all girls, but I can help you as best as I--"