"Aqua Chrysalis houses the most bizarre tenants who call each other by their animal code names. In this jungle of a building.I hate humans.

One moment they say they like something. Then, the next moment they say they hate it.

One moment they get along. The next moment they fight.

They're hopeless, hypocritical beings who are proud and weak.

They continue to hurt people. To destroy what they have in their hands.

In an endless cycle.

That's why I decided not to make any friends.

My name is Butterfly.

Well actually, my name is really Cho. My name means 'Butterfly', so people started calling me that. Since when? I don't remember.

I think the name suits me. Butterflies silently flutter about from flower to flower, watching the world unfold as time moves forward. And keeping distance from interfering in the business of others.

That is the kind of person I am."

Mr. Shark and Miss Butterfly

"What's wrong, Butterfly? You look down," Mr. Shark asked while we were in the elevator with Prof. Dog.


"You look too serious, woof. Relax your face muscles or you'll get a head like mine," Prof. Dog said with a laugh.


I narrowed my eyes, unsure if he was joking or speaking the truth.


"I'm only kidding." He stepped out of the elevator when the doors opened. He was greeted by a pack of dogs. "Cheer up, woof!" 


Silence followed. I was alone with Mr. Shark again.


I decided it would be best to ask him why he was helping me, but I was afraid that he'd suddenly blackmail me or something. I swallowed hard. After turning to ask him, our eyes met, so I turned away.


The doors opened to my floor. We stepped out of the elevator.


"You look like you have something you want to say," Mr. Shark commented.


My palms started sweating. "I have something to ask."


I took a deep breath. "Why are you helping me?"


He gave it some thought. "I don't know."


He doesn't know? That sounds suspicious.


"Look, Butterfly, I just want to help you out so you can keep your floor," Mr. Shark said. "You won't survive here without my help."


I felt uneasy inside. I couldn't trust his words. "You just want to help me? Nothing else?"


"Yes." His expression was hard to read.


"What did you mean by 'She'll make a good opponent'? Who are you making me fight?" I asked angrily.


Mr. Shark looked rather shocked. "You were listening to my conversation with Prof. Dog?"


I nodded. "Are you sure you're not using me to drive away another tenant?"


He sighed and kept his cool. "Butterfly, you're really distrustful of others, aren't you? That's good, but it's harder to find allies if you keep it up too much." He threw me a lollipop, which I caught. "Let's rest for today. You need to cool your head." 


Before he left, he added, "The lollipop is from Prof. Dog."


I was on my bed staring at the butterflies fluttering above me. They were doing their dance again. I wasn't angry anymore, but I felt empty and confused.


"Should I trust Mr. Shark?" I asked them, even if I knew there would be no reply.


I sighed deeply and whispered to myself, "I hate humans. They're so hard to understand."


If only the tenant battles will stop. Why can't everyone in Aqua Chrysalis just get along?


I decided to stop thinking about the situation and read a book. No matter how hard I tried to concentrate on the pages, I couldn't get into the story. So, I closed the book.


I walked over to the window and stared at the busy street full of cars and people below. 


Chapter 9