HOTEL

I PUSHED THE grocery bag over the marble counter, grabbing each individual container of Instant Ramen as I stacked them in the cabinet.

"Are you okay?" Aera asked from the edge of the couch, her voice rough from sleep-deprivation. I smiled, though it didn't erase the panic that swirled inside me.

"Yes." I responded carefully, sensing her own concern.

"I bought noodles," I added to her silence.

She turned her attention away from the television, unstickering her eyes from the dim light of the large screen.

"Really?" she asked, surprised.

I almost forgot what it was like to have a living, breathing soul with me.

I nodded.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Kira."

Aera rubbed her sleep-crusted eyes, watching the hatred burn from each of my open pores. Her eyes darted to the now open door.

"Who is this?" she asked cautiously, noting the obvious tension between me and Seon. He grinned, leaning his body against the frame of the door.

"He was just leaving." I hissed.

He smirked.

"Oh, Kira. Why do you treat me like this?"

My eyes didn't flicker to Aera, who flinched at his words.

"I would love for you to introduce me to your beautiful roommate," he added, eyes closing in a mocking grin.

KILL HIM KILL HIM KILL HIM

"It's 2AM." I snapped, heart hammering inside my chest with anger.

"Tomorrow?" he asked, though it sounded like a demand. I narrowed my eyes.

"Bye." I shut the door after pushing him out. He waved like a boy saying goodbye to his friend.

Fuck you.

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"Who was that guy last night?" Aera mumbled, mouth filled with noodles. I grinned, despite the question.

"Seon Park." I answered honestly. I turned back to my drawing pad, not having to look at her face. It's the one memory that's the most detailed. The one that can never be erased.

"He was handsome." she said. Although I could never see any male in a sexual way, I knew where she could see the attraction.

"I suppose." I said, forcing my voice to remain even.

I walked to Aera, sliding her bowl of stray noodles to the sink.

"I'll sleep on the floor tonight if you'd like," I offered as we went to the couch.

She shook her head on my shoulder.

"You can stay," she mumbled, but I felt her cheeks warm through the fabric of my shirt. I inhaled sharply.

"I don't think that's for the best," I rasped, my mouth suddenly dry.

She sighed on my shoulder, eyes closed. She had only slept for a few hours due to Seon. Her heart beat dropped, slower and slower until it faded into a soft, constant drum inside her chest.

Cupping my hand around her head, I tipped her body to rest on the couch, remembering that human's limbs could slow circulation if they slept incorrectly.

FRAGILE

Until I was sure she'd been laid in the correct position, I left, locking the door behind me. I scribbled a note and slid it underneath the crack of the door.

BE BACK SOON

- KIRA

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I locked the door behind me, closing the window's blinds as I ran to the living room, finding Aera asleep.

HIDE

Seon was close. Too close.

The moment he saw Aera, he knew she was Hana's reincarnation. He was planning to kill her. I could see it in his eyes.

"Aera?" I whispered, straining to keep my voice low.

"Please wake up," I pleaded, stroking her cheek. She stirred underneath my cold touch, like ice to a human's, though I was surprised when she pulled me closer.

With a sigh, I carried her bridal style to the car, strapping her in the passenger seat carefully. I wrapped a blanket around her strapped body, turning on the heat inside the car. She sighed, and I threw the suitcase of necessities in the back.

Running down the paved roads, I watched with quiet comfort at the streetlights, burning like small moons above us. Rain dripped around us like snare drums, pattering against the car in a soothing rhythm.

I was silent.

I touched Aera, and feeling the buzz of safety, knew that as long as she was here... I would be, too.

For her.

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I pulled into the parking lot of a decent-looking hotel.

Pulling the duffel bag from the back, I looped it around my fingers, reaching for Aera, who was still asleep. I carried her with one arm, and I was thankful she was short enough that her hanging limbs wouldn't fall from the balance.

"Name?" a bored secretary asked me, chewing her gum lazily as she clicked on the computer's mouse.

"I need a room." I said, boring my eyes into hers as she became hypnotized by the sound of my voice.

"Floor 4. Room 9," she said, handing me a key card and a few pieces of chocolate.

"Thanks," I muttered, trying to push past her gaze as she glanced at Aera, unconscious in my arms.

Sighing with relief as we went inside the elevator, I calmed when there were no suspicious, prying eyes. I glanced at Aera's peaceful face.

HIDE