- The Mysteries -

"Are you perhaps running because of those officers?", Jungkook asked surmising my actions as my eyes squinted around, terrified to make a wrong move as he held me gently by my waist. Despite that, I still winced because of my wounds but that wasn't of importance at this minute.

I'm doomed. Jungkook probably found out and I'm so done for. My heart was hammering against my chest, feeling weakness in my knees due to resurfacing memories of prison. The flashes of images almost made me stumble into unconsciousness while I'm in this man's arms.

Gulping a lump in my throat, I didn't break off the intense eye contact. How is this possible? I don't think I did anything to blow my cover? Am I overthinking?

Grasping some remains of courage within me, I answered him as confidently as I physically could, "No, I just forgot to do something... That's why I was in a rush. Why would you think otherwise?", an awkward yet unintentional chuckle escaped my mouth.

Jungkook was almost unamused but then I saw a small, devilish smirk come over his features before he leaned towards my ear, "Then why is thy face displaying fear?", Jungkook's whisper sent a wave of shiver throughout my whole body.

I then sensed him leaning back to the position we were at prior as he still had his arms attached to my waist, "Well?", Jungkook pushed for a response.

"Well it's just that...", I struggled to come up with a believable story, "It's just that I was scared you would get angry if I didn't do what I am supposed to so—"

"You're so easy to catch off guard, Hyun Areum.", Jungkook cut me off before I could finish explaining my lousy excuse.

"W-what?", I stuttered.

I became so confused at this very moment as Jungkook released me from his grip and naturally I looked back at the officers. I needed to get out of here but also, if I disappointed Jungkook, I'd be out.

Jungkook then clarified, seeing my utter confusion, "I was just joking and you took it so seriously."

What. In. The. Name. Of. The. Unholy. COW?!

My face fell into a poker face before I felt warmth rushing through my body, completely distraught. All this stress that almost killed me... Because he was joking?!

"Boss, with all due respect...", I started while rubbing my eyes with two fingers and diverting my attention back at him, "How was I supposed to differ between a joke and just you being serious when your expression didn't even change?", I reasoned in a whining manner.

"I don't have to explain myself to you.", Jungkook concluded, not even staring in my direction because he watched the officers who were behind me with a concerned countenance.

Just then his eyes found their way back to look down on me as he ordered, "Now, get out of my sight. I have work to do and so do you."

Without sparing me another glance, Jungkook abandoned me in my own embarrassment of not catching a joke. But I couldn't waste time dreading about it and strolled away out of the officers' view.

-Jungkook's POV-

It has been a while since officers have shown up here, therefore, I couldn't help but wonder what business they have here on this day. I even had to postpone my scolding to Areum for being clumsy.

These thoughts circled around in my head as I finally was in front of the officers and greeted them, "What brings you here on this day?"

"Nothing much, Mr. Jeon.", one of the officers claimed while looking around with hands behind his back, "Just checking on the safety measures."

"And did you find anything?", I asked with disinterest, knowing that there were no flaws in safety precautions within this circus. What bothered me was the fact that they were beating around the bush with their visit.

"No, perfect as always.", the second officer answered.

"How was work for you going?", I tried to get to the point, prompting them to reveal the real intentions behind their arrival.

The first officer scratched his head nervously before asking, "Do you recall the case two years ago? One of a murder of an innocent man in an alleyway?"

"Yes, how can I not.", the murder of Kim Taehyung resurfaces in my memory every time someone mentions it. I fixed my collar, continuing, "I remember being angry at how insignificantly it was treated. They didn't even reveal us the murderers' name or show a picture in the papers."

"That's because we didn't know the culprit's name either.", the second officer reason, slight annoyance lingering in his tone, "The higher-ups never told us the culprit's name and because of this reason, we never found any records of them."

"We simply started believing that either the culprit wasn't in their right mind or they truly didn't remember their name when they were being interrogated.", the other added as I only nodded.

"The culprit however received a reasonable amount of torture to repay their acts.", the second officer snickered and the other joined him too.

I, on the other hand, sighed at their remark knowing way too well that prisoners were treated worse than dogs in jail no matter if they were a woman or a man. Only a few came back to their families after imprisonment and those who tried to escape or were caught after escaping would be sentenced to inevitable death.

"Anyways, what about the case?", I enquired, shrugging the previous thoughts to the side.

"The culprit escaped.", the first officer announced in pure disappointment.

My eyes squinted slightly at the sudden news, "What? How come I haven't heard any news about it?"

"That's because we don't want to ignite the panic. Besides... The culprit was in such a bad state that they would've died soon anyway. So, at this moment, I doubt that they're alive.", the officer said confidently but that wasn't enough of an answer for me.

"Even so, how will you find the culprit whether they are dead or alive?"

"That's the problem, Mr. Jeon.", the second officer clenched his jaw, visibly upset at the bizarre case they deal with, "We don't have any type of record on the culprit since no matter how much torture and interrogation we performed, the culprit wouldn't reveal anything about themselves."

"Well, you must've surely seen their face?", I reasoned, in all honesty getting a bit fed up about how careless the police are in our country.

"As I said, Mr. Jeon. The culprit was in a very bad state because prisoners took out their anger on the culprit and so did the officers.", the officer's words kind of led me to question why they were even holding a position in the police.

"Basically, the culprit was a redemption goat. We were surprised they were still alive after two years of imprisonment.", the other officer retorted in a joking manner, trying to make the culprit's situation sound hilarious.

But for me personally, it was anything but fun. In fact, I kind of felt apologetic towards the culprit, not being sure why. Throughout the two years, they almost succeeded to kill the culprit through torture which I heard was brutal. However, on the other side of the argument within my conflicted mind, I believed that they deserved it for the murder they have committed.

My thoughts were interrupted by the officer, "We will be leaving now, Mr. Jeon. We'll inform you if we manage to find the culprit. Hope to see you sometime again soon."

"Likewise.", I reciprocated although it was ingenuine as these people in front of me were heartless monsters.

Or perhaps I'm heartless just like them since I believed that the person who murdered Kim Taehyung deserved the torture in prison?

Do I really believe in that kind of justice?

-Author's POV-

A little further away, Areum pressed her back against one of the caravans, listening to the whole conversation.

Areum pressed her hand against her mouth, not escaping the fact that these people were aware of their actions towards her, and continued with it so that later it would be an entertaining story to tell others.

The truth of Areum's story is that she never killed the man... Areum remembers waking up in an alleyway she lived, witnessing a figure stabbing a young man. What distraught Areum, even more, was that due to her weak state at the time, she was unable to catch the person who immediately ran away after committing the sin of murder.

The girl who was on a brink of tears against the caravan only tried to help the bleeding man which resulted in her being arrested with no acceptable evidence and neither people believed her when she implored innocence and unfiltered justice.

The justice Areum expected was the order that led her to repay someone else's sins. A tear trickled down her cheek but at the same time, Areum was partially relieved that they won't be able to recognise her easily. Despite the relief, she'll still have to be cautious.

Areum desperately desired to at least remember more about the real culprit rather than just his silhouette. She was also a hundred percent sure that the real culprit was a man. Most importantly...

Areum knew the culprit saw her that very rainy night.

Maybe faintly since it was dark, but she was guaranteed that he saw her. Areum wiped the tear away from her cheek with one hand, hating to shed tears because of her misfortune.

Taking a sip of breath to calm herself down, Areum pivoted to move on back to meet her current duties but turned to be unsuccessful because instead, she came face to face with Jungkook once again. Areum stepped back slightly as she almost bumped into him.

"You know that it is not polite to eavesdrop on others' conversations, right?", Jungkook asked in a rhetorical manner, expecting Areum to come up with another productive excuse.

"And do you know that it's creepy to sneak up on people, Boss?", Areum asked back bitterly, not really wishing to have another conversation that will clearly become a failure due to them not getting along.

"Are you emphasising that I creep you out?", Jungkook neared towards Areum whose back once again was against the caravan as he placed one of his hands against it.

"Does this creep you out as well, Hyun Areum?", her name came out as a whisper when the two opposites gazed into each other's eyes as though having an intense staring contest.

"Be careful, Boss.", Areum murmured warningly before her frown broke into a slight yet mocking smirk, "You might fall in love with me."

Jungkook scoffed scornfully without pulling his gaze away from her, being too familiar with her straightforward attitude, "And why would I fall in love with you, Hyun Areum?", he asked curiously.

"They say that if you stare at a person for a certain period of time, you fall in love with them.", Areum grinned cheekily at Jungkook who was enjoying the amusement of their conversation at some point.

Jungkook was in love once... With a wrong woman. The mistake in loving her resulted in his pride being tarnished but that love also wounded his heart deeply. Ever since, his heart locked itself in, leaving a tiny space for Jungkook to isolate himself from loving again.

Yet, the fact that this woman who was being cheeky intrigued Jungkook from the very first day he saw her in the main tent. The nagging motivation to involve himself in Areum's life was irritating Jungkook for a while now.

Areum has awakened Jungkook's long crumbled interest to care.

Jungkook however denied it and chose to recognise it as a responsibility, nothing associated with attaching or loving.

"I'm not as naïve as you are. I don't believe in that stuff.", Jungkook debated.

"Suit yourself, Boss.", Areum shrugged, "But to answer your question... No, this doesn't creep me out. In fact, it's rather flustering.", she boldly admitted, not really caring what Jungkook would think and then added, "Most people keep their distance."

Silence enveloped them as Jungkook contemplated for a while but then decided to move away, "Then perhaps I should do so too."

Jungkook stood in his original style, hands behind his back as he cleared his throat and voice out in the same usual tone, "Now, mind explaining the real reason that you were running for?"

"I already did— "

"You're a bad liar and I despise liars so I'm granting you a chance to redeem yourself.", Areum was mercilessly cut off by Jungkook who was in no mood to absorb lies.

Areum could sense her heart accelerating at Jungkook's sensitivity to lies. She didn't enjoy lying either but here she is... Deceiving Jungkook once again but this time believably, "I was afraid that the people at home were searching for me so they sent the police."

Jungkook raised an eyebrow at her response, "What are you? The president's daughter?", this time Areum could detect sarcasm in his voice unlike before.

Areum didn't laugh at Jungkook's sarcastic questions though. That is what exactly inflamed sorrow deep within her lonely soul – she was nothing. Nobody's no one. People barely recall her name...

That's how insignificant Areum was.

Confirming that mentally, Areum answered, "No... I don't mean that much.", Jungkook was almost certain that he caught melancholy in her delicate voice but then was proven wrong when Areum flashed him a bright cheerful smile, leading him to think that she was being sarcastic again. "I'll get back to work, Boss. Sorry for bothering."

When Jungkook gave her no reaction, Areum took it as a cue to leave but Jungkook then thoughtlessly retrieved her back by her forearm. Areum's forearm still had bruises so she winced slightly from the pain and the sight of her pained expression wasn't missed by Jungkook's eyes.

Areum waited for Jungkook to say something but to her shock, Jungkook pulled her sleeve upwards to reveal now huge yellowish bruises painting her wrist. Jungkook inspected them a bit, wondering where the hell she was involved to become so injured.

Jungkook sighed and looked at her, "Yeosang has a medical background. I'll tell him to treat your injuries and as well will ask how severe they are so that I'd know what kind of outfits you'll need."

"To hide the wounds?", Areum peered at Jungkook in slight surprise. Why does he care so suddenly? – she thought.

"Yes, as I said, I don't aim to worry the audience and neither do I want scandals.", Jungkook clarified to extinguish any assumptions that he cares about Areum.

"I understand, Boss.", Areum nodded.

With Areum's understanding response, Jungkook abruptly released her and wandered away to the main tent as Areum watched him doing so.

"And here I thought that he was concerned for me.", Areum sighed, shaking her head punishing herself internally for being so stupid, "Stop dreaming, Areum."

The Next Day

-Jungkook's POV-

This early cloudy morning, all of the performers and I were preparing and packing circus supplies into the train wagons. We'll head to our next destination – Daegu.

I ensured that everything was flowing smoothly like always and at the same time was helping others to fold the tents neatly.

Yeosang was assisting me.

He joined Circus Mistique around two years ago. Yeosang was somehow in a similar position to Areum at the time. I kind of felt bad for him on the day I first saw him on the streets, performing for a few pennies.

I took Yeosang with me and in turn, he demonstrated hard work and excellent discipline as a performer which left a great impression on me.

These days I don't exchange many words with him, however, because of Areum, that nuisance, I was forced to.

"Yeosang?", I addressed him who was focused on folding a tent with me.

He lifted his gaze up at me, "Yes, Boss?"

"Did you check on Hyun Areum as I asked?", I reminded him about yesterday's request that I made right after the show.

Yeosang stopped what he was doing for a bit and started explaining, "Indeed, I did. She'll be fine within a few weeks, I suppose."

"Few weeks?"

"Yes, it took me ages to sew up the cuts on her stomach and back area. Not to mention that there were some burns as well.", Yeosang listed all these injuries worriedly as he himself couldn't help but question, "I have no idea how she bore them for so long but she'll be fine now. She needs to eat too since she's slightly underweight."

Yeosang's description made my stomach twist slightly in horror but soon I was able to dispose of this feeling and continued querying Yeosang, "Will it be fine for her to be Baekhyun's target for the next show?"

"Yes, as long as that Bacon doesn't miss.", Yeosang nodded.

"I see. I'm thankful for your help.", I said while going back to folding the tent, wishing to put an end to this conversation.

Unfortunately, Yeosang became excited as he continued talking to me, "That is no bother. Areum actually entertained me while I was treating her. You've made a good decision by assigning her a comedian role.", he praised happily while assisting me.

Yeosang displayed curiosity, probably not expecting me to give Areum a comedian role. But it was understandable... That position was untouched and avoided to be disclosed for two years. That's what bothered me. But I knew that to get over the memories, I had to give a comedian role to someone and Areum was a perfect opportunity.

However, at this moment, as much as I hated disappointing the crew, my need to distance myself from everyone was greater than a need to feel at home, therefore, I coldly commanded Yeosang who was smiling, "Right. Go help Baekhyun."

I saw Yeosang's excited face declining to a blank one before nodding, "Yes, Boss.", Yeosang took his leave.

Finishing folding the tents, I sauntered to gather metal poles that hold the tents when they are built, carrying them to the wagons all while endlessly wondering why do I commit to help that woman so much. Usually, I would assign someone else to teach her but oddly, I developed a taunting responsibility to protect and look after her...

This attachment didn't make me happy... Or was I continuously deceiving myself, making a complete fool out of myself?

My gaze briefly stumbled upon Areum who was assisting Jiu to carry boxes filled with equipment. Relief washed over me as she appeared to feel much better.

Aish.

These thoughts shouldn't resurface over and over again every time I set my eyes on Areum. As soon as I'm done teaching her, I won't turn back to even glance at her direction. If Areum fails, that would be even better.

A few days later...

-Areum's POV-

After settling in Daegu as another location for the Circus Mistique show, on this day, Jungkook decided to introduce me to the art of trapeze. However, something came up so Jungkook told Soojin to teach me.

I was all alone with Soojin in the tent, not really fond of her being the one to teach me. Especially when it was obvious that she couldn't digest my presence here.

"Please tell me that you have at least a little bit of understanding in this field?", Soojin asked, her voice filled with hope.

As much as I wished to have knowledge and experience in trapeze, I had to disappoint the pretty girl, "I'm capable of rolling over?", I joked, trying to brighten the awkward atmosphere.

Soojin froze for a second, giving me a bitchy look, not taking my joke for an answer which was actually the answer. I had no clue about trapeze... And my lack of knowledge seemed to offend her even though it wasn't my fault.

"Focus and stop joking around.", the authoritative concept didn't suit Soojin when she commanded me.

Because of that, I couldn't take her as seriously as I would take Jungkook. So, I proceeded to mess around a bit, aware that Soojin won't teach me either way as it'd be scratch on her pride, "I'm not joking. I'm listening attentively since I don't know what to do and you are the only expert in trapeze here."

"Jungkook told me to teach you but I won't do any of that.", Soojin just confirmed my earlier assumptions.

"I pretty much guessed that already, Soojin.", I shrugged before proceeding to walk around and analyse the hoops that were used to perform the trapeze.

"It's not that I don't want to teach you.", Soojin proclaimed defensively as I twisted my body slightly to glance at her with a raised eyebrow. She continued, her words clearly ridiculing me, "You'll snap in half with that body of yours.", she referred to my thin and unfit body image, "Trapeze requires extreme strength and flexibility which you don't have."

This kind of criticism was expected from Soojin. Her remarks weren't close to arise anger, perhaps a slight disappointment. Anyway, I took it as a joke, "Well what can I say... I'm a hot pork rib.", this was my way of comedically admitting that I was a bit thin although I gained a few pounds already.

"Oh God, help me with this nuisance.", Soojin rolled her eyes while tying her long, black hair into a ponytail.

"I'm afraid that your God will be of no use because when I start, I will annoy the hell out of you. You should start believing in Satan.", I snickered but Soojin didn't find humor in my words.

But then to my shock, Soojin laughed, ingenuously while progressively hitting right where it hurts, "Oh I can see that you're annoying. That's why you get yet another bruise on your already average face."

I bit inside of my cheek, suppressing the fury that her words brought upon me. A smile crossed my lips as I turned around, walking back towards her.

"Do you always downgrade people this way, Soojin-ah? Who hurt you to become so senseless to hurt others with unkind words?", the sarcasm was unchangeable in my tone. I don't like people who insult me without knowing a single bit of my life. Yes, sometimes I would take some of them as a joke but there were limits.

I won't grant Soojin the satisfaction to see me crumble in her mercy. Soojin scoffed, crossing her arms, "And who are you to judge me?", she challenged.

"I can ask you the same. Why can you judge me and I can't. It goes both ways, doesn't it? I may be uneducated in trapeze but that doesn't mean that it's too late to learn. You may be hurt and mean but that doesn't indicate that you're a bad person.", I spoke from the bottom of my heart before asking.

Jiu told me a few days ago that Soojin was Jungkook's best friend but they broke apart for a reason which I don't know yet. The bond must've been too precious for both of them until the separation built an enormous wall.

"Don't assume things without knowing anything about me or my life.", Soojin shot back through gritted teeth.

"I'll do so when you stop assuming my life.", I smiled simply as Soojin became appalled. I didn't mean to turn this conversation into a serious direction so I asked, attempting to change the topic, "Are you going to teach me now?"

However, my intentions weren't satisfied as my question struck Soojin's nerves because now she yelled angrily, "No, I will not! Have some pride and stop begging to receive pity from everyone including Jungkook!", she took a step back, a brief smirk of disbelief ghosting her mouth as I couldn't do anything but watch.

"That's enough, Soojin.", Soojin froze in her spot before immediately snapping her head towards Jungkook who was already present in the tent.

God, I hope he didn't hear everything since it's a bit humiliating.

Jungkook approached the two of us, standing between as his gaze focused on Soojin who didn't even bother to alter her behavior even if he was around.

"I asked you to teach Areum, not to make her a laughing stock.", Jungkook spoke in a neutral tone but strict enough to get the message across, "Apologise and go. I shall teach her myself since you're clearly bothered by my request.", Jungkook spun away from Soojin to my direction, his back now facing her who had a hurt written all over her face.

It was there for a split second but Soojin didn't back down and fought back insolently, "No apology will echo from my mouth, Boss. One thing I'm certain about is that Areum doesn't belong here."

"You're right. She must prove herself in order to hold a spot in this circus.", Jungkook agreed all while not breaking eye contact with me, as though saying that to me.

Soojin took a deep breath in and scurried out of the tent, leaving Jungkook and me. Although I should be hating Soojin, it was the opposite – I felt bad for her. Soojin openly displayed her feelings to Jungkook and I was entirely sure he knew about it but decided to drown her in a freezing river just like the others.

"I like her. She's very charismatic.", yet again I tried to lighten the already darkened air around us.

"Did she teach you anything?". Jungkook asked hopefully.

"Not really.", I replied but then remembered, "Only that trapeze requires strength and flexibility."

There was a moment of silence as I observed Jungkook who diverted his eyes at the trapeze. Everything would've been fine but the fear in his eyes...

The hesitation was drawn across Jungkook and I'm not sure if I should've noticed it considering that the curious nature of mine will seek the answer behind Jungkook's fear.

Even when Jungkook pulled on a mask as a result of catching me staring, there was no denial of what I saw.

So, the cold character that is Jungkook had fears as well?

Not any fear. The fright of trapeze.

Jungkook blinked and cleared his throat, "I shall show you basic moves to give you an idea meanwhile your first task will be to train your flexibility and strength before attempting to use the trapeze.", he elaborated while I nodded like an obedient student.

Jungkook then rolled up his grey shirt sleeves and unbuttoned the top buttons. Without waiting, he then took a grasp on the metal of the trapeze and demonstrated basic movements.

It may have been basic to Jungkook but for me, it seemed like the most difficult task in the world. Yet, the sight of Jungkook on trapeze mesmerised my mind as I watched in awe, appreciating the graceful yet powerful movements. Jungkook as though gained wings and flew from one trapeze to another effortlessly. It's as though he was born to own the concept of the trapeze.

For the first time, I witnessed Jungkook's real and unfiltered beauty in the most artistic form.

However, the satisfaction of gaping at him reached its end, not lasting as long as I desired it to. All because Jungkook seemed afraid to stay on the trapeze for a prolonged time.

When Jungkook landed just before me, he placed his hands behind his back and asked, "Do you understand how it works now?"

"I do... But can I ask?"

"Ask."

"As I heard, you're merely a showman and dancer...", I carefully explained before preparing myself for being scolded when I asked, "How come you know about trapeze?"

"Mind your own business.", Jungkook snarled through the clenched jaw, dissatisfaction spreading across his handsome face as a consequence of my question.

Yes, he intimidated me but it was no obstacle for me to demand the answer to my question, "I told you a few things about myself, boss. So, it's only fair that you answer this question.", I reasoned confidently, entirely sure that it's only fair that he reveals something about himself.

"Well then, unfairness shall open your eyes because I'm not obligated to answer you.", Jungkook's tone once again was nothing but distant and bitter.

"Fine."

I sighed to myself before taking a stroll around the trapeze, pretending to observe when in fact I muttered in disappointment, "Where can I find at least one person who is not angry here all the time. Makes me feel abnormal.".

I was about to try and get on to the trapeze but my actions were stopped when Jungkook's hand gripped mine, causing me to twirl to face him.

Be that my imagination but I could swear that Jungkook spoke to me in a way softer manner than before, "I originally trained to be a trapeze artist in the past."

"Then why are you not?", my curiosity glass couldn't be filled still as I asked.

Jungkook's grip on my hand tightened as a consequence of my question, tugging me nearer his figure and flicked my forehead, inflicting a slight pain around the area. This bitch...

"No more questions, Hyun Areum.", he released me as I rubbed my forehead, throwing a glare at him."

Nonetheless, my glare had no effect upon Jungkook since he immediately turned back the topic to the original purpose of us being here, "From tomorrow on, every morning, you'll be training with Jiu to develop some flexibility and strength. She'll have no problems with teaching you."

"Anything else, boss?", I asked comedically imitating his serious tone.

Jungkook poked his cheek with his tongue, not enjoying being made fun of. In contrast, I was actually enjoying watching Jungkook losing his chill.

In a matter of seconds to my horror, Jungkook's frown suddenly switched to a mocking smile, his amused tone ringing in my ears, "Ahh yes, I almost forgot to inform you about your performance tomorrow as Baekhyun's target."

Fear clutched my stomach with cold fingers, my face turning pale at his words. Jungkook was presumably pleased with my reaction, judging from the victorious smirk painting his lips. Thoughtlessly, Jungkook patted my head before taking his leave without another word.

Later that day...

I whined as I repeatedly ended up falling straight into the embrace of the net as a result of messing the movements on the trapeze. This was more difficult than I originally thought. Nonetheless, I still somehow managed to master most of the moves even though each and every one of them was a struggle.

Of course, at the times of struggle, all I wanted was to ask for Jungkook's or Soojin's assistance but then continuously dismissed those thoughts off, afraid to bother them. Therefore, I'm trying to be an independent learner here.

I was crawling out of the net, unsuccessfully due to stumbling and falling to the dusty floor. Yet again, I whined because what else do I do in a situation such as this?

The footsteps approaching, no, hurrying towards me made me wonder who it was so when I reeled, I saw a worried Beomgyu already in front of me. He spoke with concern filled tone, "Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking.", I smiled sweetly at him while wiping a thin layer of sweat from my forehead. I extended my hand to him, "I didn't get to introduce myself the last time I saw you. My name is Areum."

"Nice to meet you, Areum. My name is Beomgyu.", we shook hands politely as I was relieved to see that he's okay after the last time. I was worried that he'd be killed by Taemin.

"I never really thanked you for what you did.", Beomgyu confessed in guilt, lowering his head, probably feeling bad.

"You really don't have to.", I assured before admitting too, "I probably made it worse than better."

"But you were the first one to stand up for me and for that, I thank you.", my heart wrenched at his words...

I could somehow relate to Beomgyu's situation. I knew too well what it's like to be used and hurt by people, without anyone out there to have your back.

"You really shouldn't let Taemin treat you so inappropriately. Stand up for yourself.", I gently encouraged him who just shook his head in disagreement.

"Areum, there are many things that you aren't aware of in this circus and the kind of people within it.", Beomgyu uttered out in a small voice.

I blinked, not catching the meaning behind his sentence, "Sorry?"

Beomgyu inspected the area, making sure that nobody overhears what he'll say before turning back to me speaking in undertone almost as a whisper, "You have to be careful and watch your actions and words.", he warned pleadingly, "Almost like you walk on a thin ice."

"Circus Mistique can be your source of passion and downfall.", he repeated the same sentence that has been stuck in my head for days.

"Why do people keep on saying that? I don't understand.", I delved into utter confusion, not understanding the secret that was lying behind this circus and its people.

"There are people that you'd rather not upset in this circus. That includes the Boss. Therefore, I suggest that stunt you played while protecting me...", he inhaled nervously, "Doesn't become history repeating itself."

"What history? Please elaborate or I will go crazy.", I demanded.

"Just— "

"Beomgyu! I thought I gave you work to do. If that's not enough to keep you busy, I'll give you more.", Taemin who was walking by cut Beomgyu off as the poor guy quickly shifted to look at Taemin, trembling slightly before bowing.

"Sorry, it won't happen again."

With the apology, Beomgyu abruptly dashed out without glancing back as my eyes caught a glimpse of Taemin boring his eyes at me as he too continued walking to mind his business.

"What is wrong with everyone here?"