Enemies

Blood pooled the floor beneath his feet as he dropped his gun. He was fuming, hands held tightly in anger. 

"What's the matter, uncle?" A tall man in his twenties strode down the stairs in all his majestic dignity as he watched the floor spread with a pool of blood. 

"He couldn't do one job, Lang Han! Just one!" The old man huffed in anger. 

"Calm down uncle Deke. Don't let your emotions drive you. We will avenge your son's death." Lang Han assured him as he walked slowly towards the chair, sitting with his legs crossed. He knew for a fact that Deke's son was nothing but a drunkard and would meet this fate someday. It all started with the death of Dawon Williams ten years ago. Lang Han, his son had been living for years carrying the awful memories of that painful night Dawon died on the fire-ridden cruise ship. Not just that but the loss of his little sister too at the hands of a certain close relative he hated to the bone. But what changed him most was his father's death. He had changed his identity, his whole existence in order to get revenge on that most formidable enemy of his. Aldric Sheng...

"When! Just when!? He was a fool to let his guard down thinking it was just a mere woman! That girl was fighting like an animal!"

"What girl? You never mentioned anything about a girl… Other than Lyra." Lang Han furrowed his brows. 

"I thought it a shame to tell anyone that he died at the hands of a frail young woman! She goes by the name Darah Chen. And she's not alone! She has him with her! Everywhere! That damned cold blooded killer. Ryu Sheng!" The old man's eyes were filled to the brink with tears. 

Lang Han froze for a moment but then his face lit up with a delightful smile. Ryu Sheng… Are you just as crooked as your father...

"This is getting interesting…" He said euphorically.

_______

Ryu hadn't realised he was basically dragging Darah through the street, fuming in anger. 

"I'll be fine on my own!" Darah said again, completely in denial of what had happened before. 

"Like hell I'd believe that!" He pulled her to the car side and left a deep breath. 

"You're coming with me."

"But why!?" Darah was confused all of a sudden. 

"Because…" 

Ryu paused as he gazed strongly into her golden brown eyes. Just how clueless was she? Didn't she care for her life? Not even a bit…

"Because you'll be dead without me."  Bad choice of words, Ryu thought. 

Darah's face twisted into a lopsided smile. All this time, she was fixed on her feet and felt brave for escaping a literal assassin. But now his blunt words had shook all the spirits out of her. It was not like she wasn't afraid of death…

"You probably think that you're strong, can handle things alone and many more unbelievable lies but if you want to live, which I very well insist because you're too young to die…" Ryu stopped, giving a cold gaze as he extended out his hand to her. 

"Then come with me." 

Darah didn't know what came over her but her cheeks burned and her body began to shiver at that deep, piercing sound of his. 

"Alright, fine!!!" She exclaimed in a frightened voice as she took his hand and marched towards the car. Should I go back for my clothes!? But I'll have to see that old man's face! Urgh. I'll do it some other day...

Her train of thoughts were interrupted by a familiar figure standing before their car. It was Luca, a red streak over his white shirt. He was leaning with his back against the car and waiting for the duo. 

"Oh no… Are you alright!?" Darah rushed to him. Ryu was confused too. 

"How did this happen?" Ryu examined his wound.

"It's just a scratch… To be honest I don't feel a thing. I was trying to catch him but luckily he got away." Luca said like a gallant, smirking in front of Darah. 

"It's better to see a doctor now. It might get infected." She said in concern. That was when Luca felt a bulb lit up his head. Eliza! He can see her once more!!! What a wonderful day to be wounded!

"Thank you for the concern, Darah. As a matter of fact I was thinking about it too!" He said happily but Ryu had an unstirred expression. 

"Weren't you saying how it was only a scratch just seconds ago. It'll be fine Luca. Mrs Ruo can treat you at home!" Ryu patted his shoulder and got into the car. 

"No wait! Like Miss Darah said, it could get infected! I can't ignore a thoughtful lady's advice can I!?" 

"Very thoughtful indeed." Ryu muttered as he relaxed into the seat with Darah beside him. Even though he looked like usual from outside, she could tell his mind was bursting with thoughts. When he noticed her gaze on him, she broke away with a blush.

"Is there a problem?" 

"N-No! Just wondering what you were thinking about." She said through stumbling words. Why are you looking at me like that! 

"Hm… I have to figure out who it is that is causing us so much trouble. The person who's after you is very well after me too…" 

Darah nodded, looking out of the window in concern. As the outside air rushed into her short hair, Ryu looked at her with a gentle gaze. Maybe the reason he told her to take her back to his home was only a distraction. A distraction from the fact that he saw a dream of her with a pretty smile...