EIGHT

(Seorin's POV)

  I handed Sehun a water bottle and he took it gratefully. I took another look outside the van. The venue was filled with girls, screaming at us not to leave.

  "Were they here for our products or for you?" I asked as Sehun settled back into the seat comfortably.

  "For me, obviously," he said with his eyes closed. "You'll be surprised at how many of your products will be sold out after I promoted them today."

  I rolled my eyes. "You, sir, are too full of yourself," I scoffed.

  "You're just jealous that everyone loves me," Sehun said "Maybe you should give in and love me too."

  "You want me to fangirl over you?" I laughed "Trust me, you don't want to see that." I puffed out my cheeks, scrunched up my nose and whined "Oppa! Oppa saranghae! Oppa jinja saranghae!!"

  Sehun sat up, looking astonished and I smirked. "Told you," I said. He settled back down with a look of bewilderment. The rest of the ride was quiet and the van finally drove up to the company.

  "Aren't you going home?" Sehun asked "It's almost 7pm. I can drop you if you want."

  "No need. I have some work to do," I said getting down.

  "Oh. Ok then," he said and waved before the van drove off.

.  .  .

  I yawned and looked at the time; 11:21 pm. The paperwork had taken longer than I had expected. Everyone had gone home and I was the only one left. I drank the last cold dregs of the coffee Ji Hun had brought me and tackled the last few files. Suddenly my phone pinged as I got a text. It was Sehun.

Ice Cube Face : Wat r u doin?

Wat do u want? : me

Ice Cube Face : Nothin. I'm just bored

And I'm busy. So bye : me

Ice Cube Face : R u still at the company? (read)

Ice cube Face : Hello?? (read)

Ice Cube Face : Yah why r u leaving me on read?! (read)

Ice Cube Face : YAH!!!!

  I rolled my eyes and and switched off my phone. Stupid Ice Cube Face. Time passed and I finally finished all the work. Closing the last file with a sigh, I got up and stretched out the cramps in my legs. It was nearly midnight. I packed up and stepped out of the building.

  The roads were deserted and as I was walking, I was suddenly aware of footsteps behind me. I glanced back warily and saw a lone man some yards behind me. My heart started beating faster.

  It's probably nothing. Don't worry, I told myself but increased my pace all the same. Behind me, the man walked faster too. I increased my speed some more and he did too. By then I was sure he was following me and I was terrified.

  Don't panic, said the small, rational part of my brain. RUN! cried the bigger part of my brain and I naturally obeyed that. I ran.

  Behind me, I could hear hurried footfalls and someone grabbed me from behind. I struggled like crazy but the man held me with a vice like grip.

  He gave a creepy laugh. "Well, well. What have we got here?" he crooned "A pretty little girlie walking around at night huh?"

  "Get your hands off me you creep!!" I cried, trying to push him away.

  But the man held me tighter. "You're a feisty little creature aren't you?" he whispered in my ear, sending shivers up my spine.

  "P-please. Please l-let me go," I choked through my tears.

  The man trailed a finger down my arm and I shuddered with revulsion. "I can let you go. But not for free..."

  "I'll pay you any amount of money, if you just let me go!" I cried, my breath coming in gasps. I was so scared I could hardly breathe.

  "I'm not talking about money, darling..." he said, leaning in like he was going to nuzzle me. I squirmed and struggled, desperately trying to escape.

  "LET ME GO!!! " I screamed between sobs and suddenly, someone shot past me and punched the man in the face.

(Sehun's POV)

  My fist connected with the man's jaw with a crack. He stumbled back, releasing his hold on Seorin. I stepped in front of her protectively.

  The man glared at me, holding the side of his face. "Who are you? Her boyfriend?" he asked.

  "None of your business," I growled "Who are you?"

  "None of your business," the man snarled back and suddenly swung out his arm to punch me. I ducked and dealt him with another blow to the face. The man scowled at me murderously, putting a hand to his bleeding nose.

  "You'll pay for that," he hissed, coming at me again. This time, I was too slow and he got me. Pain flared in my right jaw.

  Livid, I grabbed the man by his collar and shoved him up against a wall. "Don't you dare touch her again," I hissed.

  The man glared at me. "I know you... you're one of those idol  types aren't you?" He suddenly gave me a sickly grin and whipped out his phone. Taken by surprise, I momentarily loosened my grip on him. The man jerked away from me and backed away, aiming his phone at me.

  "What are you doing? Stop that," I growled, advancing towards him. The man backed up. "I told you to stop it!" I snarled at him.

  "That's right. Show the world what kind of person you really are," the man jeered with a smirk. 

   My patience snapped and I raised my fist. But instead of trying to fight back, he turned and ran. I was about to chase him when a sound stopped me in my tracks.

  Seorin was standing on the sidewalk with her face buried in her hands, sobbing her heart out. I went to her and put a hand on her shoulder.

  "Hey, it's alright now," I said "He's gone."

  My heart twisted as another sob escaped Seorin's lips. As much as I found her annoying, I hated seeing her cry. I wanted to beat anyone who hurt her into a pulp. I was mad at Seorin too. WHAT WAS SHE THINKING?!! Walking around at night like that!

  I wanted to shake the stupid girl and knock some sense into her. But it wasn't the time to scold her. Seorin was crying so hard and I had no idea what to do.

  Unable to think of anything else, I pulled her to me and and wrapped my arms around her. She felt so tiny and vulnerable in my arms. Seorin was trembling violently, her breath coming in gasps. I held her tightly. I could only imagine how scared she must have been. Thank god I got here on time.

  "Shhh... it's alright. Don't cry anymore," I whispered, resting my chin on the top of her head and stroking her hair gently. "I'm here. And I won't let anyone hurt you."

.  .  .