Chapter 3: Rooftops and murders

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The clock struck 8:30 pm. Taehyung figured that he'd show up a bit early. He didn't have much to do in his dull flat anyway.

He opted to walk, not like he had any choice.  The address led him down streets of the unknown. His walk seemed never ending and he had to slow down his fast pace out of exhaustion.

Where was she taking him?

Even if his curiosity increased with every step, he had to admit that the mystery intrigued him. He hadn't had this much of an adventure in years.

So even if this girl led him to the place of his death, he wouldn't mind as much.

At least I'll be in the papers.

Finally, his destination stood in front of him and so did his newly met acquaintance, leaning against a lamp post.

"Well, you're early", Ella remarked. 

"So are you."

Ella straightened her position as she observed the man's appearance. He wore a baggy white shirt with cargo pants. His messy curly hair pulled up using a bandana. His outfit was simple, but he looked nice. If Ella didn't know better, she would have been head over heels for him.

"I don't like being late."

"Me too."

Her head nodded. At least there was one thing that could work in their favour.

"Alright, let's go." Ella hugged her black hoodie closer to her shivering body as she lead both of them into the blue painted building. It looked like an apartment.

The guard that stood near the reception seemed to recognize the girl and nodded his head in acknowledgement. 

Soon enough they had ditched the elevator and began moving up the stairs. It was more of Ella's idea, but Taehyung didn't protest. That was until they had reached the fifth floor already but still hadn't come to their destination.

Taehyung's muscles started to burn as sweat began forming in unwanted places.

"Why are we using the stairs?"

Ella, who seemed to be in the same state as him, replied, "Exercise."

He groaned loudly out of annoyance.

She's that kind of a person. 

Ella looked back at him with amusement. After what seemed like a hundred years, they had reached their desired place.

They had traveled all the way to the rooftop of the building. Confusion never left him, but he followed her nevertheless.

"What are we doing here?"

Ella sported a big smile as she plopped down on the floor next to the edge of the building. She patted the spot next to her, but he was reluctant.

His fear for heights started to take over his being. His heartbeat quickened as he wished to run away back to his home before the crazy girl forced him to do something that he didn't have the guts to do.

"Oh, come on. Just don't look down."

Don't look down. Just don't look down. Show her that you've got more balls than her.

"O-Okay."

He took a minute to reach his spot and carefully sat down next to her. His caution and frightened eyes seemed to entertain Ella.

"I'm glad you're finding this funny", he said glaring at her. She only chuckled.

After a few moments of silence, the poor guy could breathe again. His pulse steadied.

This isn't so bad.

"So, what are we doing at the rooftop of an apartment?"

Ella suddenly started to find the hem of her hoodie very interesting. Taehyung sensed her reluctance. 

Before he could comfort her, she spoke, "This building belongs to me actually."

Taehyung looked at her. Ella almost laughed when she saw him gaping at her.

"Yeah, I know. It's the only property that my father put in my name before he passed away. I don't know why but I've found some kind of attachment with this building. It feels like home."

Taehyung continued to stare at her, waiting for her to finish.

"Me and my dad used to live here. He passed away due to reasons. I could have continued to live here because it is in my name, but I figured I needed a change. It would have been too hard living here without him."

The night started to settle. The city lights began dimming as the world slowly started to fall asleep. Even the birds had reduced their chirruping to make space for her quiet whispers.

"I always come here from time to time. This place is where I release mentally."

Taehyung's gaze never wandered. "Why did you bring me up here?"

Ella looked back at him, trying to be cautious of her next few words.

"I don't know. You seem like you've got a lot on your mind. I kind of assumed that you'd find peace here because I do. Plus don't flatter yourself. You're not the first person who's been here."

He chuckled at that. Taehyung couldn't help but feel touched nevertheless. He had never witnessed such kindness. 

The kindness from a stranger.

It had come to him that maybe he was supposed to meet Ella last night. Maybe it was some sort of fate.

Their moments of silence was short, but not awkward anymore. They relished in the tranquility of night time.

"So, what do you do?" Taehyung asked.

"I teach math for second graders."

Taehyung smiled. It seemed fitting for the considerate woman. "You?"

"I'm a waiter." He let out rather embarrassed. Taehyung had dropped off college last year. His debts and his utter lack of interest in his studies drove him to the mundane lifestyle that he was leading.

He felt lucky to have found a job. He was barely getting by but he was surviving. Ella didn't seem to mind.

The two souls went on chatting about anything that came to their minds. They talked about their favorite colors, animals, food.

It was crazy how they had learned so much about each other in a couple of hours.

When the clock had struck eleven and their banter came to a close after three long hours, Ella finally got up, "Well, I have to get going. My boyfriend is probably worrying about me."

Taehyung mimicked her actions and followed her out. 

"Hey, thank you for this. It was nice to talk to someone for a while."

Ella smiled hugely as he thanked her. The fact that she had made someone feel a little less lonely that day warmed her heart.

"Do you know where Elmo's pub is?"

"Yeah, it's down the street from where I live. Why?"

"Let's meet Saturday night?"

Wow, he had finally made a friend who wanted to be around him.

"Sure."

After they had exchanged solemn goodbyes, they went on their own paths. The night had finally come to an end. 

As they walked, Ella thought about all the work she had to get done by tomorrow while Taehyung worried whether he'd be getting any sleep at all.

But all worries faded when he opened the door to his room, crashed on to the bed and slept continuously for five hours.

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A/N:

I hope it's not boring. It's just the beginning.

Thanks for reading<3