One whole week. Seven days. 168 hours. 1,008 minutes. 60,480 seconds since Hongjoong had the life as he knew it ripped right out from underneath him.

It had taken Hongjoong three days to finally get out of bed and sort of wrap his mind around the fact that his life had been completely changed. For those three days the man had done nothing but lay in bed. He had ignored all texts and calls from Mingi, claiming that he needed a little more time to recover and come to terms with his supposed "car accident". His giant baby of a best friend was not happy with his answer and tried to find every chance he could to come over and take care of the other. The red head knew this would happen though and prepared as many excuses as possible to dodge his friend's efforts. Mingi was obviously upset and would try to pout but the other would not budge, no matter how upset it made him.

Hongjoong would often wake up and forget the happenings of the last few days. It would all feel like some strange dream until he set foot into his kitchen to make something to eat. Once the first bite of food would hit his tongue though, the whole thing would come crashing back into him. The situation was enough to make his stomach clench and turn violently.

It was one of those mornings that he had forgotten about his situation and made himself a bit of cereal. His stomach growled as he absent mindedly poured milk into a bowl before reaching to grab the box of empty calories. Once he took that first bite, his throat violently clenched and he spit the flakes onto the counter immediately. The world crashed back down. He was different now. He could no longer enjoy the food he once loved.

And he was hungry.

On the fourth day, he finally looked at his messages and saw a few from an unknown number. After opening the text, he saw that Yunho had gotten his number from Mingi and had been texting him for the past few days. Each message was full of concern and asking if he needed anything. Hongjoong appreciated the gesture and found it sweet but he was also still trying to wrap his mind around the fact that gentle Yunho was technically a flesh eating monster and had to eat people to stay alive.

Accompanying the messages about his well being were offers to help out at the cafe. Like for Mingi, Yunho figured that it would be a good way to get his mind off of things and, if he were around Ghouls, he could better understand his new situation. Hongjoong wasn't stupid though, he knew this was most likely a plow to keep an eye on him. Wooyoung and Yunho themselves have admitted that they had never seen anyone actually turn into a Ghoul. It was rather unheard of.

After thinking it over, Hongjoong decided to take up blonde's offer of working at the cafe. If anyone was going to be able to tell him what kind of changes were happening to his body, it would be an actual Ghoul. And while the group was using it as excuse to watch over him, he felt safer knowing that if anything did happen, someone would be there to help control him.

The job wasn't in name only, however, and Hongjoong was quick to discover that he was a rather terrible barista and that Yunho was not an easy boss despite his cheerful nature. The red head found working in a moderately popular cafe was very far out of his comfort zone. However, the blonde was patient as he explained the process of making siphon coffee and the differences between different coffee brands to him over and over again while gently guiding him.

It was surreal to think that he was regularly spending time with Ghouls. Each day he would have to remind himself of this fact when he saw Yunho smiling at a customer while delivering their drinks without salivating and laughing with Mingi, or Wooyoung casually eating a sandwich when he stopped into the shop as if it weren't the most vile thing to ever enter his mouth. However, the more time that he spent at the cafe and interacted with them, he was seeing that maybe not all Ghouls were so bad. It wasn't as if they chose this life, just merely dealing with the hand they were given.

Just yesterday, he was walking in the back hallway when he noticed that the door to the back room was cracked. He made to go and close it when he caught sight of Yunho inside. He had his hands clasped in front of him as if he were saying a prayer before he picked up his fork. It was then that he realized there was a plate before him. The smell wafted from the room and hit Hongjoong's nose. He ran as soon as he felt his mouth water but not before he saw a small tear on Yunho's face before digging in.

The red-head still refused to eat any kind of human flesh, despite Yunho's protests. The hunger was really starting to settle deep in his bones and each time he had to serve another human customer, he could feel his control start to slip as an enticing aroma would wash over him. He was blissfully relieved when Yunho informed him that he could still drink coffee normally. In fact, when Ghouls would hang out with humans, they would usually ask to meet at cafe's to keep up social appearances and Seoul had no shortage of those.

Whenever Hongjoong would get that pesky craving, he would down another cup of coffee until he felt his body start to vibrate from all the caffeine. Despite starting to slightly understand Ghouls, he was still a human in his mind and he knew that the second he partook in the forbidden sin of "cannibalism" he would forsake any humanity that might have been left in him.

"So, did you want to catch a movie after you get off?" Mingi asked absently as he tried to stack toothpicks into a makeshift tower on the coffee bar.

Hongjoong was pulled from his musings at the deep timbre of his friend's voice. He sighed from a few feet away where he was wiping clean a table. "I would but I'm still pretty behind on school work."

While it wasn't a total lie that he was still a little behind, the red-head really just didn't trust himself alone with his friend at the moment. The cafe had been particularly busy today and it had been a bit difficult to keep his urges in check. He mainly just wanted to go home to get some work done and collect himself. He hated to make excuses, especially since he hadn't had much time to hang out one on one. The only time he really saw Mingi now was when he came to the cafe to bug him while he worked.

The brunette groaned obnoxiously. "You were always an assignment or two ahead in class so I don't know how you must still be behind. Come on, it's just a few hours. I'm sure it wouldn't kill you."

This was true. The older did enjoy working ahead to make sure that he could turn out the best quality projects he could, not half assed ones that were made at the last minute, but he bit his lip and fought back against the urge. "Sorry, you know how strict my Audio Engineering Professor is, I better not chance it. Besides, you hate seeing movies with me. I always end up falling asleep."

The other groaned loudly again, like a child throwing a tantrum. "But Joong~!"

"But Mingi~!" The red-head mocked back with a laugh.

"Ugh, fine." The giant baby pouted before he caught sight of movement out of the corner of his eye. "Yunho!"

The blonde startled at suddenly being addressed so loudly after just entering the room. It was something that Mingi did best. "Come see a movie with me since Hongjoong is being a spoilsport and won't go."

The blonde raised an eyebrow, "So I'm your second choice, huh?"

"I would want to go with both of you but someone," The brunette emphasized while looking pointedly at the red-head ignoring him and had gone back to cleaning tables while whistling innocently. "Has work to do."

"I distinctly remember a certain someone saying they had, and I quote, a buttload of homework to finish?" Yunho responded smartly with a cross of his arms.

" Exactly," Mingi stressed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Which means I have a buttload of work that needs to be procrastinated by watching a movie with a large popcorn!"

Yunho rolled his eyes, "You're impossible."

"So is that a yes?" The other perked up like a puppy about to get a treat. He was answered with a hand towel being thrown in his face. "I'm gonna take that as a yes."

The trio all laughed together and the rest of the hour passed in a flash. The sun had finally set and before they knew it, Yunho and Mingi were putting on their coats preparing to leave. Hongjoong was behind the counter finishing up washing a final pile of cups.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright by yourself? It's your first time closing." Yunho checked as he readjusted the collar of his coat.

The red-head nodded from his position. "Yeah, it shouldn't be too hard."

"Alright then," The blonde didn't seem so sure but he trusted the other. With a final wave the two took off to go see their movie and Hongjoong was left alone.

"Okay, let's do this I guess." The man muttered to himself. Closing up had actually taken a little longer than he thought it would.

First, he couldn't find the vacuum for the floor and when he did, the bin was full and needed to be emptied out. While fiddling with the controls, he ended up pressed the wrong button and dirt particles had gone everywhere. Next, when he was taking out the trash, the bag must have had a small tear in it and had burst. After everything was all said and done, he was leaving a full hour and a half later than he had wanted to and the moon was at full mast.

With a sigh of relief at finally finishing, he locked the door with the key Yunho had given him earlier that day. Blowing hot air into his hands, he placed them deep in his jacket pockets before he turned to walk home. Despite being chilly, it was a nice night. The sky was clear and a few stars were poking out from the bright lights of the city.

His normal walk home was rather dark but considering the last time he was out late alone, he decided to take a longer path that was more well lit. He made a left and headed down a more illuminated walkway. This way was also nice because it followed along the river and the surrounding lights on the water were always so calming to look at.

Or, at least Hongjoong had thought they were peaceful until he heard shouting out in the distance followed by a whooshing sound. The young man barely had time to duck and protect his head before something large came flying over his head. The object landed heavily in the river with a loud splash. The red-head stood up from his crouched position and grabbed the railing that protected passersby from falling into the water to see if he could get a glimpse of whatever the hell had tried to decapitate him.

The water was dark but the ripples looked like waves of light panning out from the source of the splash. Hongjoong didn't have long to admire the sight, however, because in that next second, he whipped his head around to the left at another loud thud. This time, the crash sounded like a devastatingly hollow smack followed by what the red-head imagined to be the sound of crunching bones. Whatever had fallen must have hit the metal street lamp before ricocheting off it and onto the cool cement. The impact was hard enough to bend the metal and cause the lamp's light to flicker.

About a yard away from where the student was standing was a black mass of...something. It was rather difficult to make out anything in the darkness and the spastic rhythm of the lamp post didn't help. Curious, Hongjoong took a cautious step closer to get a better look. When that didn't work, he took a few more until he heard a small splash. Looking down, he noticed that his boot had landed in a small puddle. Confused, he lifted his foot to try and examine it when he noticed a small shuffle of movement before him.

"Ah!" Hongjoong had looked up just in time to see the black mass spring upward. The sudden movement had startled the man and he stumbled a few feet back before losing his balance and landing hard on his backside.

It was like a scene out of a horror movie. Now, where the mass had previously laid, was a man standing in a black business suit and a long black peacoat. His neck and shoulders gave a mighty crack as he rolled them, seemingly trying to shake off the impact while his silhouette was illuminated on and off. His face was bloodied and Hongjoong realized that the pool of liquid that he must of stepped in was this man's blood but he had no idea how someone could have survived something like that, or how he had even been launched from above like that.

Until he saw his eyes: black with red irises.

" Why, hello there ."

____________________________________________________________________________

"This is ridiculous," a static voice rang out over the radio.

"You're the one that wanted to get off desk duty and do something in the field, well now you are." Jongho said from his cramped position in the surveillance van. He and Seonghwa were perched in close quarters as they watched the four TVs in front of them that were all tapped into the area's security cameras. Both were still in their work clothes with their briefcases to the left of them. Ear pieces were placed carefully in their left ear that kept them connected to their third and final member.

"This isn't what I meant!" Yeosang grumbled into his mic as he pulled his arms into his armpits to keep his fingers warm in the cold.

"Aw, but you pull it off so well!" Seonghwa teased as he watched their third teammate from one of the monitors. "That dress really suits you."

"Shut up!" The man...ahem...woman growled into her headset while tapping a heeled foot in agitation.

Their little plan had hatched about four hours ago as the group all stood in their office space trying to figure out any ideas to get more leads on the Butcher. Their deadline to find out new information before meeting up with the other half of their task force was quickly approaching and so far they had nothing. Seonghwa had begun canvassing the local adult shops (much to his embarrassment) but had so far only made it through about half of his list. The team decided that they should switch up tactics, at least for the moment.

The three stood in a line as they examined the crime board they had all put together but, so far, they had come up with nothing. To make matters worse, the Butcher had struck again two nights ago and left a bloody mess in his wake. The only good thing that came out of this second attack is that he had stayed within the district which means he has become somewhat comfortable with the area and is still around.

Jongho stood staring at the picture of the latest victim with a heavy heart. It was terrible that they've allowed the Butcher to run freely for so long. Maybe if they had gotten a lead earlier, the CCG could have saved her life. He wondered how many more people will have to lose their lives before they could catch this bastard. He hoped that their newest victim would be their last.

The youngest shifted his eyes to the right to catch sight of his teammates beside him before flicking them back to the front. Eyes widening suddenly, he spared one more look to his right and back. Struck with inspiration, Jongho grabbed the shoulders of the person next to him, which just so happened to be Yeosang.

"Hey, what-!" The younger ignored the protests of the older as he manhandled him close to the crime board. Once he had the other in position, he stepped back to observe.

"Oh, not bad. I see what you did there." Seonghwa muttered in appreciation with a thoughtful hand on his chin. "That just might work."

"What?" Yeosang said annoyed and confused. "See what?" The sandy brunette regretted asking those questions because, here he was, hours later standing in a dress, heels, and a long wig playing bait to a serial killer.

He was just thankful this was their last checkpoint. These shoes were killing him.

"Aw, don't be like that pretty lady," Jongho teased once more and finding way to much enjoyment in the situation. "You're going to crease your make-up"

"I'll put a crease in your-!"

"Shh..." Seonhwa hissed over their com link as he spotted movement on one of the monitors. "Suspect spotted at 10 o'clock in section F. Appears non-threatening but don't drop your guard."

Yeosang and Jongho's shoulders both stiffened from their respective spots as they listened to their leader's orders. Here it was. The moment they had been waiting for.

The disguised agent began walking slowly the general direction of the figure. He took a deep breath and tried to maintain a steady, non-rushed pace to seem completely relaxed. However, he couldn't help but clutch his large over the shoulder purse that disguised his briefcase a little tighter as the two drew nearer to each other. The man's appearance didn't seem very noteworthy. He had slicked back black hair and a very plain looking face that was obscured by wire framed, square glasses. He was dressed like a regular business man in a black suit with a black overcoat.

They were about three steps apart and Yeosang fought to keep his shoulders from tensing in anticipation. Even in his anxious state, he still managed to catch the light from a street lamp on his fake diamond ring. The taunt meant nothing, however, as the two managed to pass each other without incident.

"Excuse me miss?" Yeosang whipped around at the sudden sound to spy the man had also turned to face him. "Should you be out walking alone this late at night?" His face was arranged in a friend, non-threatening smile and his eyes read genuine concern.

From the surveillance van the two agents watched the screen intently before Jongho leaned over to whisper, "I don't think this is our guy-"

The younger was abruptly cut off as a silencing hand was shoved in his face. Seonghwa's eyes were fixated on the screens before him, darting this way and that to examine every microaggression that could possibly be captured. Even if it did turn out to be a false alarm, any missed signs could be the difference between going home comfortably or in a body bag.

"Oh, don't worry about me." Yeosang crooned in his best imitation of a female voice. "My husband and I just live two blocks down the road. I'll be home in no time."

"Well then, if you're sure, I won't stand in your way." The man said politely with a nod of his head. "Have a good night."

"Goodnight," The agent said with an answering nod. The two turned away from each other and continued on their way. In his retreat, the disguised man placed a hand to his racing heart as he let out a sigh of relief, tension melting from his shoulders.

"See, Hyung, we should just call it quits for tonight-" Jungho didn't get to finish his sentence for in that next second, Seonghwa was on his feet and leaning over the console to grab the mic they had been using thus far to communicate.

"Yeosa-!" The disguised agent didn't even hear the rest of his name being yelled through his earpiece before he felt something solid launch itself into the middle of his back. The man felt all the air rush out of his chest with a choke as he was propelled forward. His body landed with a harsh thud as it bounced and rolled for a few more feet before stopping on his back. The man didn't move as he gasped and coughed like a fish out of water trying to regain oxygen.

Yeosang felt a shadow pass over him as his assailant walked closer to get a better look at his prey. His non-threatening smile had turned almost feral as his mouth salivated. His eyes grew wide with excitement as the black seeped into the whites and his iris turned an iridescent red."Such a pretty little thing you are. You will make such a nice dessert."

The agent clenched his teeth at the taunt and, summoning up any strength he had, swung the purse that was still attached to his body. The hard case made contact with the man's cheek and his hand flew up to nurse the bruised bone as he hissed. Yeosang took the opportunity to shuffle to his feet, despite not having fully regained his breath.

"That was for the cheap shot to the back." He pulled out his briefcase and clicked a button on the handle. The metal box popped open with a hiss of smoke before dropping to the ground. Something long formed in the briefcase's place and with a crack, the smoke was dispersed. Now sitting comfortably in Yeosang's hand was a flat, blood red whip with black spikes protruding out of every few centimeters.

Having enough of the disguise, the agent reached up and ripped the wig off of his head before angrily tossing it aside. "This next one is for calling me pretty!"

Yeosang cracked the whip and sent it flying in the Ghouls direction but the weapon was merely slapped away as two, long dark green tentacle like things that shot out from the man's back. Rinkaku Kagune* the young man's brain supplied as he managed to jump out of the tentacle like thing's way. The Kagune managed to miss his feet by a hare and instead speared the ground. Cement bricks that made up the pathway were quickly uprooted and split in half and Yeosang could only imagine what would have happened if he moved just a second later.

However, that last move must have been a distraction tactic because from the other side came the second tentacle. Yeosang cursed as it wrapped itself around his body and pinned his arms to his side. He was jumping away and couldn't change his momentum to avoid it. Once the appendage had the agent fully secure in its grasp, the young man was propelled forward until he was face to face with the Ghoul.

"Well, well, not so tough now are you?" The man taunted. Yeosang gritted his teeth as he felt the appendage tighten and squeeze tightly. His hand flexed from the pain and he dropped his weapon, not that he had the mobility of his arms to use it. Not seeing any other option, he loosened his shoe off his foot and flicked it as hard as he could. The heel smacked the Ghoul right in the chin but the impact wasn't enough to cause any damage. Instead it just angered the man further and he increased the pressure.

"Thought you could get smart, huh? Not with me!" Yeosang felt his vision begin to tunnel but from the distance he heard what sounded like a battle cry.

The Ghoul heard it too and he jumped out of the way just in time before a large mallet smashed into the ground where he had been previously standing. But he wasn't fast enough, the mallet managed to catch one of the tentacles and smash it into the crater he had created. The distraction was enough for the man to lose his concentration and loosen his grip enough for Yeosang to slip out. Now free, the agent ditched his other shoe and dashed to collect his weapon.

When the youngest had first shown his Quinque to his team, the others were rather shocked and found the weapon rather unexpected for the gentle boy but seeing it in action now, it made perfect sense. Jongho had always been unexpectedly strong so it would make sense for him to carry a weapon that was bigger than he was. His mallet was solid black with two purple lines through the thicker part that tended to glow when activated.

His tactics relied on brute strength while Yeosang was more equipped for swift, devastating moves that you never saw coming. In that regard, they were rather combat compatible. Jongho handled close range attacks, Yeosang was better at mid-range, and Seonghwa was a long to mid-range man. It didn't mean that they could only stay in those dimensions but it did make them a deadly team. Now it was their first time to prove it.

"About time you showed up," The still dress clad member huffed as he joined Jogho's side.

"Sorry," the younger mumbled with a sly smile. "We figured that you could use your feminine wiles and charm your way out."

"When we're finished with this guy I'm going to trap you and sell your organs on the black market."

"You know, when you say that with a face full of makeup, it really lacks impact." The younger was about to laugh but was cut off as something grabbed his throat and slammed him heavily against the wall that held the road above them. The back of his head cracked painfully against the brick. While they were talking the two hadn't noticed the Ghoul rip part of his Kagune off in order to free himself. Jungho dropped his mallet to reach for the appendage that was squeezing the air out of him and tried to pull it off.

Yeosang quickly pressed a button on the handle of his whip and it straightened out and stiffened into a sort of spiked sword. With two hands, the handle became a sword hilt and he swung at the tentacle. The Ghoul anticipated this and used his shortened other tentacle to swipe at the sword. His grip wasn't strong enough and the weapon was sent flying overhead and even over the ledge. A loud splash was heard as it seemed the Quinque landed into the river with a loud splash.

With no weapon to fight back with, Yeosang was left vulnerable to another attack as he was swept to the side like a pesky bug. He landed roughly like before but when he opened his eyes, he spotted the heel he had kicked off earlier.

"Pathetic, and you guys call yourselves CCG" The Ghoul spit hatefully. "Let's hurry this up shall we? I never did like to play with my food."

Picking up his discarded heel, Yeosang ran up behind the distracted Ghoul and impaled the man's shoulder from behind. He howled in pain and whipped around to attack but it wasn't enough to cause him to drop Jongho. Enraged and in pain, the man grabbed Yeosang by the throat with his already regenerating Rinkaku Kagune to hold him up.

The Ghoul reached towards his back and ripped out the heel. "Now you little bastards have done it. I'm going to enjoy getting my fill but not before I torture you into oblivion fir-." The man stopped talking as he felt something warm spread from his chest. Slowly, he looked down to see a red patch spreading on his white shirt just below where his heart would be. He coughed and felt blood leave his mouth and drip down the corner of his lips. The man dropped his captives and they thudded to the ground as he stumbled backwards and clutched at his chest.

"Tch, missed it by half a centimeter." Came a calm voice. Two heads whipped around to spy their superior approaching at a leisurely pace.

"I can't believe it took you so long to show up," Yeosang rasped as he massaged his sore neck. He would definitely have a bruise in the morning.

"It is the first time you both are facing a Ghoul. I needed to test your field responsiveness for the brass." Seonghwa commented easily. "Relax, I would never let anything horrible happen to either of you."

Yeosang looked like he wanted to comment more but kept his mouth shut as he saw his superior raise his still smoking gun at the Ghoul.

"Rule number one, never lower your guard." Seonghwa readied his gun once more before launching three more consecutive bullets. The two younger agents watched in horrified fascination as the Ghoul stumbled backward with each impact of the Q Bullets. Two to each shoulder and one to the left leg.

The man was now backed against the railing that overlooked another path that was directly next to the river. No one moved or said anything as Seonghwa calmly emptied his barrel of bullet casings and pull one, singular bullet out of his left pocket. He placed the ammo carefully into its position and with a flick of his wrist, the barrel was back in place. It was like life was moving in slow motion as Seonghwa raised his arm parallel with the ground and took aim. One...two...three seconds passed to the point that it came as a shock when the man finally pulled the trigger.

This bullet was different, the other two knew. As it left the barrel is seemed to shoot out like a rocket, the air around it became heated and caught flames as it raced towards its target. The Ghoul's head was thrown back as the bullet hit square in his forehead and his body flung over the edge of the railing to fall below.

It took a moment after the three heard the body thump on the ground below to realize that it was over. They had won. The two stood slowly from their positions on the ground, both nursing wounds and a little hurt pride that their superior had to come to their rescue but, thankfully, still alive. Jongho and Yeosang's first time in the field had been, for the most part, successful but not without its flaws. They would do better next time. They had to do better next time.

"Soooo," Jongho stretched the word as he walked up to Seonghwa and cradled his arm. He landed pretty hard on his shoulder when the Ghoul had released him. "What now?"

The eldest opened his jacket and placed his gun back in it's shoulder holster where it remained out of sight. "Now we call the CCG and have someone come collect the body. He had a pretty decent Kagune. Might make a good quinque for a new academy grad."

The other two nodded and the three started to make their way to the stairs that lead to the bottom level. Their pace was rather sedated as, now that the adrenaline had worn off, Yeosang and Jongho realized just how sore and beaten up they really were, the sandy blonde more than anyone. They had almost made it to the staircase when they heard a short but panicked scream.

The three snapped to attention to help the public but Seonghwa held out a hand to stop the younger agents. "You two should stay here. I'll go take care of it."

The others weren't in a position to argue and nodded their heads when another cry was heard followed by a crash. The two watched as their superior turned on his heel and sprint toward the stairs. They weren't worried for their leader. In fact, they were more concerned for whoever was meeting the full brunt of one Park Seonghwa.

____________________________________________________________________________

Hongjoong, startled, stared back up at the Ghoul before him. His eyes were wild and saliva couldn't seem to stay in his mouth. The red-dead watched in morbid fascination as a hole in the middle of his forehead seemed to slowly meld itself together.

When the ghastly man took a slow, staggering step forward did Hongjoong snap out of his stupor. Clamoring to his feet, the young man tried to take off and run in the opposite direction. Suddenly, he was face to face with the ground as something snapped out and grabbed his ankle. He could feel the sting in his hands as they reached out to break his fall. They were surely scrapped now but that was the least of his problems.

He felt his body drag as he was pulled backwards. In a feeble attempt to stop what was happening, the student clawed at the ground. He could feel the tips of his fingers being rubbed raw. In his pocket he could feel the keys to the cafe digging into his thigh. Rolling, he flipped on his back to grab them before he found himself suddenly upside down in the air and right in front of the Ghoul.

"You better scream. I like my food to have a little extra," he reached up with a clawed finger and swiped it at his cheek, drawing blood. " Flavor."

Hongjoong slotted the keys between his fingers and swiped at the man but only managed to knock his chin.

The man chuckled. "Oh, that was cute." The man brought the finger that had cut him up to his lips and licked the little blood that was still there off dramatically. Once the taste hit his tongue his eyes widened in shock. He barked a short, surprised laugh that morphed into something just short of maniac.

"Oh, this is rich!" The Ghoul pulled the Kagune holding his hostage close. "Just what are you, huh ?!"

"Gak!" The man swung the appendage and slammed Hongjoong into the railing by the river. The red-head could feel the metal digging into his skin.

"Where is it, huh? Come on! Bring it out!" The man barked as he readjusted his Kagune to hold Hongjoong around the throat. The red-head scratched feebly at the tentacle as his face started to match his hair.

"I guess it doesn't matter. You are going to taste absolutely delicious." The Ghoul whispered in Hongjoong's ear as he licked his lips. With renewed panic, the man stretched his face away as much as he could. He could feel his heartbeat heavy in his ear and tears gathered in the corner of his lips his from lack of oxygen.

This was it. This was the real face of a monster. He should have known. Yunho and Wooyoung are the exception, not the rule. There really was Ghouls out there that took nothing but enjoyment in torturing others and now he was going to die. The student closed his eyes as he felt the man's warm breath getting closer.

A bang rang out, followed by another. Hongjoong opened his eyes at the first sound and felt something warm hit his cheek. It took a moment before he realized it was blood. When the second shot rang out, it looked like an explosion had wracked through the man's head and the red-head couldn't believe what he was seeing. Was this real life? He had stepped out of the real world and into an alternate reality or some kind of violent video game with no way to log out.

Hongjoong felt the deadly appendage loosen and slip from around his neck. The red-head watched as the man fell over with a solid thud. The young man leaned heavily against the railing behind him before sliding down to the ground in shock. He stared at the lump that was once a man trying to kill him as the concrete was stained red. Time moved in slow motion and a subtle ringing seemed to grow in his ears as the world tunneled away into just the man lying lifelessly in front of him. His chest rose and fell rapidly as his breathing picked up. He couldn't do this. This wasn't happening to him. This was a dream-

"Are you okay?" Hongjoong snapped his head up at the sound and had to squint as he was blinded by a street light. In front of him stood a tall figure. His face was blocked out by the light from behind. The figure was in a black suit that reminded him of the murderous businessman from before and the red-head pulled further back into the railing behind him with a pathetic whimper.

"Hey, hey, it's ok." The man whispered as he crouched lower. The change in angle made his face more visible. He had black hair with long bangs. His eyes were fierce and held a certain intenseness that could come of as intimidating but at the moment they seemed to hold a certain softness as he gazed at the panicked college student. The man twitched his lips and held out a hand. "Can you stand?"

Hongjoong stared at the hand blankly for a moment and seemed like he was processing the moment. The stranger was patient though as he waited for the other to reach out. Finally, after a moment the red-head lifted a shaking hand and placed it softly in the other's and let himself be pulled onto his feet.

Seonghwa was a little surprised at the small hand that was placed delicately in his. The poor man was shaking like a leaf as he stood. His knees didn't seem able to support himself at the moment and he collapsed into the agent's arms. The first thing the man noticed about the red-head was how petite the man was. He seemed like he could fit right in the crook of his neck.

"Easy there," Seonghwa said softly as he steadied the other. He noticed the other man wince once they had stood. "Are you hurt?"

"M-my ankle." The red-head said weakly. "I think w-when he grabbed it-" His eyes flicked back down to the Ghoul again and Hongjoong felt his world narrow once more and the ringing was back. His breath was nothing but short gasps.The reality seemed to be settling in. He had just seen a man killed before his eyes and he had almost died.

"Shh, shh, don't panic. It's okay," The agent was worried for the other. His brow was sweaty and his skin became clammy. Thinking quickly, the older man took off his blazer and draped it over the other's shoulders while leading him away. "What's your name?"

"H-Hong..Joong." The younger was grateful to be moving away from the scene. He had to repress the urge to be sick. "My name is Hongjoong."

Seonghwa nodded as he continued the distraction technique. He didn't let go of the other and hoping that his presence helped keep him grounded. "Ok, Hongjoong. I'm Seonghwa with the CCG."

The young man nodded absently as if he weren't very aware of what was happening. He knew of the CCG, however. Everyone did. Their main office sat in the middle of Seoul announcing their presence to everyone. To a lot of people, they were kind of like superheroes saving humanity. It was the young man's first time ever meeting an agent in real life and, looking at the man beside him, he sort of had to agree.

"Do you have a job?"

"Cafe. I work...make coffee." The younger was grateful for the jacket as he gripped the lapels and pulled them closer around him. His entire body felt like he could not garner any warmth.

Seonghwa hummed. "So you could make me a cup of coffee then?"

"Only if you like the taste of burnt liquid." The younger quipped quickly. The agent had to bite back a grin. The comeback was the first flash of personality the man had seen from the red-head meaning he was coming back into reality.

"Well, I'll just have to see for myself then." Seonghwa looked out of the corner of his eye to the other. Realizing his response, the red-head looked over at the agent and barely lifted the corner of his lip for a split second. The two allowed themselves to get quiet for a moment.

"So," Hongjoong said softly. Maybe it was Seonghwa's hand still resting on his shoulder, but he was starting to feel a little more grounded. His eyes flicked over to the Ghoul before looking at the agent. "You killed him."

The other didn't seem surprised at the statement. "Comes with the territory."

Hongjoong pressed his lips into a flat line. "How many of them have you killed?"

"Not sure," The man shrugged. "Just trying to get as many of these monsters off the street as possible."

The red-head chose not to speak and continued to stare at the fallen enemy. He didn't know what to think. Was he going to turn into a monster like that? He was going to enjoy torturing and trying to kill humans? He was a human dammit. He wasn't whatever that thing was laying on the ground.

"Seonghwa-hyung!" The two turned and looked above to spot two young men leaning heavily against one another. Yeosang's arm was over Jongho's shoulders as a support. The youngest had been the one to call out to the two below. "Is everything okay?"

"Hurry up!" The other's statement was a stark difference to the younger's. "Someone still has to fish my Quinque out of the river."

Seonghwa rolled his eyes. How in the world did he get stuck with these two? "Call the extraction team. Tell them we have a Level 3."

The other two agents didn't verbally acknowledge the command but turned and made their way to, assumably, make a call. The only agent left turned to his final companion. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Honestly, Hongjoong didn't know how to answer that question. Sure, physically he was a little busted up here and there, but mentally, he was a mess. Obviously, he couldn't tell a CCG agent that. "I think I'll make it."

"Well, I have some stuff to still take care of." Seonghwa reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his wallet. Reaching in, he pulled out a card and handed it to him. "If you need anything, feel free to call."

The red-head reached out and gently grabbed the card with a mumbled thanks. He made to turn and walk away but the agent stopped him after only a few steps. "Hongjoong?"

The boy turned surprised at the sound of his name. He had forgotten he told the agent his name, let alone having him remember it. Seonghwa stood casually with an amused smile on his face and his hands in his pant pockets. He seemed a little too relaxed for the situation he had just been in. The red-head figured if it was your job, things like this probably happened everyday.

"Though you look nice in it, I kind of need my blazer back." Seonghwa had to bite his lip to refrain from laughing as he watched the other adorably hold his hands up and realize he was still wearing it. His slimmer frame was almost swallowed and the sleeves slipped passed his wrists and almost completely covered his hands.

"Oh, sorry." Hongjoong said embarrassed as he slipped the garment off his shoulders. He felt the sudden chill as the extra layer of warmth was stripped away. Oddly, the red-head felt more vulnerable without it. Like the jacket had been a shield against the events that had just taken place. "Here."

Seonghwa took the jacket delicately. "Do you need a ride home? We can send for a car."

Hongjoong just shook his head. "I think I'll walk. I need some fresh air."

The agent nodded as if knowingly. "Of course. Well, you have my card." With that the man turned and walked in the direction back towards the corpse. The student watched the man walk off before glancing back down at the card.

At this point, sirens could be heard in the distance and getting closer. It must have been the extraction team that was called and officers to process the scene. The student was surprised that he wasn't asked to stay give a statement on what happened. Hongjoong looked back up from the card and noticed Seonghwa was looking back up at him. He placed his index finger to his lips and tapped them with a wink.

The younger took one last glance at the card in his hands and slipped it into his pocket