Tay's morning began with a deep internet search into the disaster that desolated Haimon and Kori's hometown. 

    Though extremely dramatic articles were present on every page, there was no real story as to how the fire started or why it couldn't be extinguished.

    The puzzled woman found something extremely peculiar about that whole thing. The fire, Adriana's appearance and her current obsession with Haimon. 

    Tay admitted that she was guilty of being mildly obsessed with Haimon too, but her attraction makes more sense than a woman who only met him once.

    Then there was the fire. According to most sources, the fire broke out during the night and killed every citizen in the town by morning. 

    Apparently the flames had encompassed the entire vicinity, engulfing all occupants in smoke and heat.

    A photo of the aftermath came up in her search, showing the scorched land and crumbled remains. Black smoke still occupied the sky and the town she once saw flourish, was nothing but ruble. 

    Tension began to form in her muscles, as it physically pained her to see the destruction.

    After feeling the tension form in her eyes, Tay ripped herself away from the screen and out for some food. Before even stepping nine feet out the hotel, a sleek car drove up beside her. 

    Jumping away at the sudden appearance of the vehicle, Tay leaned down to peer through the passenger window.

    The tinted window slowly rolled down to reveal Kori, dressed in a casual jacket and glasses. "Do you have a minute, Tay?" he questioned with a gentle tone. 

    Sucking in both cheeks and squinting her eyes, Tay debated if she should just keep walking. 

However, knowing Kori, there was probably a good reason why he tracked down what hotel she was staying at. Nodding her head, Tay opened the door and stepped into the car.

    Driving down the crowded streets of the city, the two passengers sat in awkward silence. Suffocating in the tense atmosphere of the enclosed space, Tay cleared her throat and tried her best at starting small talk.

    "So, where are we going?" Kori's eyes remained glued to the road as he carefully navigated the bustling array of transports. 

    "There's a cafe nearby that serves excellent breakfast. I was hoping we could talk more then," he replied quickly while taking a sharp right turn.

    Finding it rather difficult to keep up the conversation, Tay simply nodded once more before shifting to watch the buildings pass by. After a few minutes, they pulled up and parked in front of said cafe. 

    The atmosphere of the small shop reminded her of a sea side store, with it's light blue walls, soft beige colored furniture and refreshing scent.

    Charmed by the cafe's personality, Tay wore a delicate smile and sat down at a booth seat on the far wall. Kori swiftly took up the seat across from her and glanced her way a moment before the waitress came over.

    She offered two menus and asked if they wanted coffee. Both agreeing to the hot coffee, the waitress walked away, leaving the two alone. 

    Tay widened her eyes as a way of saying, "Well? What is it you wanted to say?"

    Kori sat rigidly straight in the plush booth, avoiding eye contact with the woman before him. 

    Honestly, when he woke up this morning it was complete impulse to have Zoe find where Tay was staying and go to her. 

   Falling back into old habits of worrying for her safety and caring deeply whether she is happy or not, Kori was finding himself weaker than he cared to admit.

    Though not pleased about her determination to locate Haimon, Kori's feelings for her out weighed those for his brother. 

    Taking a breath, Kori looked into her emerald eyes while forcing out, "I.... wanted to apologize for our unpleasant reunion yesterday. I shouldn't have shrugged you off so quickly. Perhaps, if you would, allow me to help you after all. It might be safer this way."

    After stumbling through his apology and making a complete fool of himself, Kori tightened his lips in anticipation for her response. 

    A quizzical look was currently gracing Tay's face as she processed the situation.

    The waitress had now returned with the coffee and waited for their food orders. Not having even opened the menu, Kori was about to ask for more time when Tay spoke, "Two egg platters and a side of toast, please."

    As Tay's expression changed from smiles for the waitress to skeptical stare towards Kori, the subtle jazz tune in the background became ever more evident. 

    A small sigh dragged his attention back to Tay, as she now rested her chin on the palm of her hand. 

"After all this time, I still can't figure you out," she spoke in a hushed voice.

    Kori found his heart thumping loudly as she stared, completely oblivious to the constant agony she caused him. Those thoughts must have translated on his face, as Tay raised her head with furrowed brows.

    Tay watched the man before her wear a pained expression and solemn eyes. Mistaking it for grief due to the recent loss, she softened her eyes and gave a reassuring smile. 

    Seeing Kori hurting, reminded Tay how hard it must be for Haimon.

    Her thoughts often lead to Haimon and how he was dealing with the grief. She knew what it was like, to lose your home and someone you love in an instant. 

    Tay never wanted that for Kori either, but now there was nothing left she could do but offer support.

    The smell of scrambled eggs and fresh toast wafted through the air and onto the table. The two occupants dug into their food and remained silent. 

Tay and Kori stole glances at each other between the clinking of forks and coffee cups.

    Once both plates were wiped clean, Tay stared at Kori and shook her head. "You know, I'm not sure I can trust you right now. Haimon needs help and I can't understand why you don't care. Even if you did, it's like you said, you don't know where he is."

    Kori's face fell and an almost offended look took over. Tay quickly realized that her words must have bruised his ego, basically saying he was of no help. 

She began to take her words back, but stopped before any sound was made. 

    The memory of their break up appeared in her mind and the promise she made to herself to never apologize to him ever again.

    Tay exited the booth and stood in front of the table, purse in hand. "Thank you for the meal. Drive safe," and with those two sentences, she turned and left the building.

    Kori watched through the window as Tay's figure speed off down the sidewalk. What she mistook as a bruised ego, was actually regret. 

    It followed him everywhere, regret for their relationship, not visiting his mom sooner and even a little bit of regret towards Haimon. Only a little. 

The hate he felt towards his brother still managed to override any desire for peace.

    After paying the bill, Kori got in driver's seat and just stared at the wheel. A dull ache beginning to form in the back of his head. Kori wanted to help Tay, but perhaps this was for the best, as he wasn't even sure he could find Haimon. 

    In fact, he was positive that he couldn't. Not without outside assistance, of course.

    Even when they were little, Haimon always had a unique talent for dodging the spotlight and hiding when he wanted to. 

    He was more skilled in almost every way from those around him, but chose to watch in the background. This only drew people to Haimon more and was the reason for most troubles.

    Ever since Haimon came to him, Kori had been unconsciously forming his own theories and questions regarding the fire. It was said all were killed, but Haimon still walked away and relatively unharmed too. 

    Though he never considered his brother to be capable of such atrocities, who knows what he became in three years.

    The thoughts swirled in Kori's mind, conflicting logic and emotion making it impossible to land on a distinct verdict.

    A sharp pain suddenly spiked in his left eye, causing Kori to jerk and lean forward. Grimacing hard at the increasing pressure, a hand came up to cover the hurting eye. 

Strangled breathing was evident as Kori reached in his coat pocket for the phone.

    "Yes, sir?" Zoe's voice answered on the other end. 

    Between haggard breaths, Kori managed to speak, "I need medical assistance. Help... please." The world began to spin violently and little balls of light clouded his vision. 

The air became dense and all sound faded out.

   "Sir? Mr. Dolion, where are you? Hello?!" a panicked Zoe desperately pleaded through the phone, but it was to no avail. 

    Laying unconscious against the wheel of the car, Kori had dropped the phone to the floor and remained motionless.