After driving practice, they got hungry and ate at a small mom-and-pop diner before heading back to his apartment. It was already dark when they arrived.

It was amazing how at home Dara felt once she got inside, immediately taking off her shoes. She walked straight to the gray couch.

She let out a comfortable sigh as she slumped onto the couch. Almost immediately, she groaned loudly upon the soft contact.

Jiyong chuckled as he grabbed a remote, pointed it at the floor-to-ceiling high glass windows, and pressed a button. The sheer smart roller shades lowered down quietly.

Though amazed at the high-tech window blinds, she stopped him. "Can you keep it open? I like the evening city view."

He contemplated for a while before he pressed another button. The white blinds slowly raised back up.

He then sat down beside her on the couch.

"I'm surprised you don't." She wondered, facing him.

He shrugged. "I like my privacy."

She nodded as she looked at the city lights outside. "It's beautiful."

He smiled, watching her. "Indeed."

They were enveloped in a comfortable silence for a while before she released a sigh.

"Do you mind if I crash few more nights here? I don't feel like going to school or going back home this week." She said.

He played with her locks as he answered, "Not at all. You can stay here however long you want."

She smiled, her gaze fixed on the view outside. The city lights resembled stars, casting a twinkling, city-wide glow. Some might call it light pollution, but to her, it was a beautiful concern.

"I wish I lived here." She couldn't help but say.

She felt his stares at her.

"You know I offered this to you before, right?" He reminded her.

She shook her head. "I can't."

"Why not?" He then frowned. "Aside from worrying about the witch."

She looked at him, meeting his eyes. "You'll get tired of me. I'm not the best roommate."

His frown was gone as he sighed and then slowly pulled her for a hug. "I'll never get tired of you, Dara." He even whispered. "If it makes you feel better, I'm not the best roommate out there, either."

She just smiled as she inhaled his scent, his masculine smell lingering. "That's quite reassuring."

He planted a soft kiss atop her head. "I'm just here whenever you need me."

She nodded. That felt like another assurance too.

After a few more moments of them only hugging, she pulled herself from his arms and she reached for the TV remote, she turned it on and a news channel greeted them.

"...our top story tonight revolves around the ongoing issue of gangs in our city. Gang-related incidents have been a growing concern, with Mayor Yang and the local authorities working tirelessly to address the situation."

The news segment had captured Jiyong's full attention. He shifted on the couch, pivoting to face the TV, his eyes intently locked onto the screen. Leaning slightly forward, he rested his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped under his chin. His eyes darkened as he watched the news report showcasing the aftermath of the car fires from the recent incident at the border with District 1 the previous night.

"First, we've seen an increase in violent clashes between rival gangs. These confrontations have often spilled into our neighborhoods, putting innocent bystanders at risk."

The news anchor and the reporter were exchanging reports.

"Indeed, and we must also highlight the impact on our youth. Many teenagers are drawn into these gangs, influenced by the lure of belonging and misguided notions of protection and respect."

The field reporter nodded, "That's a very critical point. It's essential for families, schools, and community organizations to work together to provide alternatives and support to young people, steering them away from gang involvement."

The news anchor agreed. "That's why Mayor Yang has taken a firm stance against gangs, illegal gambling, and trafficking in the city of Malcolm, earning him the title of a hero among many youths and families. They believe that he is the kind of Mayor we need in these challenging times."

"A good standing for his next electoral campaign next year..."

Jiyong turned off the TV, his jaw clenched.

She felt his anger as she reached for his hand, which seemed to calm him down a little.

He sighed frustratedly, "I hate that man." He gritted. "He must not win the election next year."

She didn't really understand where his anger was coming from but her hold on his hand tightened. She remembered how Mayor Yang was equally frustrated lately about his election campaigns. "Just be careful." She said, worriedly.

Eyes not looking at her but on the turned-off TV as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it.

"He should be careful." He mumbled on her hand.

She couldn't help but shudder at his dangerous tone.

--

Sunday came, and Jiyong drove the Honda Civic to drop her off at her house on Angel Street.

She climbed out of the car and heaved a deep sigh at the sight of her house with the lights on. Her aunt is at home.

Back to reality, she thought.

She turned to face Jiyonh when he stood beside her.

"Will you be fine?" His expression was serious as he glanced at her house. Someone peeked from the curtains but closed it back.

She nodded, releasing another sigh. "Yes." She then looked up at him. "That was a nice weekend break, though."

There was a crease on his forehead as he looked at her, wondering if she was really gonna be fine. Heaving a deep sigh, he slowly pulled her against his chest and enveloped her in a warm hug. He then planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I'll see you tomorrow at school. Text me if anything comes up." He said, seriously.

She pulled from his hug as she started to walk away while waving at him. "Bye."

He watched her climb up those old stairs. He felt stares directed at him as he coldly glared at whoever was behind the curtains.

As she stepped into the house, he turned away, heading to his car to drive away from Angel Street.

--

Dara got inside the house and she was excitedly greeted by her aunt who was sitting on the couch painting her nails,

"Hi, Dara sweetie! You're home!"

...and Reaper who was standing near the window.

"Nice to see you again, Dara." Reaper greeted, even smiling.

Seriously? The guy is still here?

She ignored them as she started to head towards her room.

Aunt Hyorin thinned her lips at her cold attitude as she glared at her niece. "Where did you sleep the past nights?" She asked, back to her sharp tongue.

She halted in her tracks but didn't answer.

Aunt Hyorin frowned as she cocked an eyebrow. "Sleeping at your boyfriend's house?" Malice was evident in her voice.

She sighed harshly as she started to walk again. None of your business, was really what she wanted to say.

"You, brat!" Her aunt screamed when she remained not talking to her.

"Calm down, Hyorin, your niece is a young adult now. We should give her some slack." That was Reaper trying to stop her aunt's full-blown rage.

Aunt Hyorin snorted as she rolled her eyes. "I just thought she could do better than dating someone with an old beater."

Her aunt meant Jiyong's car. Dara turned to face her aunt, frowning at her.

That seemed to satisfy her aunt for finally getting a reaction from her as her aunt smirked at her. Reaper came to her side, holding her waist.

She squinted her eyes at the sight.

A sly grin on her aunt's face as she uttered the words, "Oh yeah, by the way, Reaper's gonna live with us now." She shrugged. "You're too busy running away with your boyfriend so I don't have the chance to tell you ahead of time." She snorted. They both knew she didn't need Dara's permission for that, and she was just saying that for her to appeal nicely to her new beau.

Oh great. She bit her lips as she glared at the two. She was only gone for a few days and this stranger is moving in with them now.

"I'll be in your care, Dara." Reaper's words in a low chilling tone that sent shivers down her skin.

She sharply turned her back from them as she quickly reached her room and then locked herself inside.

Damn.

Indeed back to her shitty reality.

----//---//tbc

a/n: Reaper sounds like...?