Okay, I was dead for . . . a couple of years, but that doesn't mean I'm literally dead. Usual excuse: school life = no life, so no FF for me for a loooooong while.

Sorry about leaving everyone with that cliff-hanger for what—two years? Do people still even read this? My writing has gotten better, but to tell you the truth, I had this chapter finished a while ago (don't hate me!), but there was this one bit I couldn't figure out how to write so I just gave up posting altogether. I got over it now so here it is!

Reviews:

Huggles: Yeah, soon, right . . . haha soz ^^;

Bunnytea: Yeah, I made it ages ago, just didn't feel like it was good enough to be up XP

InnocentDiamond: Haha, yeah in this story the paparazzi pop up whenever I feel like it. Soooooo realistic ^^

Nina-Neko-Youkai: I honestly have to try to remember how this story is going to go. It'll come back eventually.

MoonBlazer: Haha, thanks ^^ and sure if you're still around.

azure blue espeon: I've actually planned which group will win what, but since I've been away for so long I have to remember which group won how many times ^^;

xxfadedscars97xx: Soon, no, but better late than never, right?

EmpressPyrus: Haha, sorry about not updating in forever, school just takes so much of your time y'know? But thanks and sorry, turns out laziness is an incurable disease. You get better though XP Oh yeah, I think I saw them, too. Haha I might, thanks XP

Freaky Herro Kitty: Haha you're hilarious XD I love that about people 3

Angelaalice: Sorry! Here it is!

bubbles: Done ;)

Guest: It's been a whole year and a bit and now I'm hearing about this? I'm such a recluse XP

Osseo Fan 48127: Soweeeeeeee, but I did now at least XP

alice's fan: Honestly I think I more fascinating but thanks for the compliment :)

Guest: Props not a fan anymore since I've been dead since forever, but here you go anyway :)

Darkus prince: Haha, right, a year ago and not two . . .

Guest: Ahhhh, right back at ya XP

Guest: Apparently it stands for Teddy Riley Experience, but don't take my word for it. Honestly I don't even know what that means either so . . .

natalia Erica: Well you got more XP

df0rmIdableME: Whoa, long comment, cool :) Yeah I'm suspicious too. What was I going with this again? Something . . . something. Haha, thanks but I'm pretty average if ya ask me. Well welcome, but you've been here more recently than me so I say you're a veteran now!

dISNEYl0ver: I remember when I got into the fandom. Haha, ahhh memories XP Yeah, Runo's an observant one ain't she X) Haha did your soul do that whispy anime thing? 'Cause that'd be that'd be awesome. Well here ya go XP

INTERNECToholic: Yeah, I wonder that to honestly, haha XD

loverainKDRAMA: I didn't "quit." I was just bust. School's tough and a massive time sponge XP

k0r3an0ngPiNaY: Wow, really? That's so cool your friend did that. I want more friends who actually know about this site XP I updated I updated! Don't kill me! Lol XP

Zikret Aydenteti: Hope you're still around, 'cause here it is!

Chapter Fifteen: Make It Real

No One

Idols had the perfect teeth. It wasn't a jealous rant, but a simple fact. They were so perfect (like little pearls), in fact, that when they smiled, their entire being shone like diamonds soaring through the sky on a starless night. And that was what Alice and Shun did when they arrived on the premise that was widely known as the JJ Radio Station.

The building towered above them like a crystal titan, looking as if it could touch the clouds from where the horde of paparazzi stood on the tiled earth floor. Flashes from an array of cameras and various other pieces of equipment reflected off the glassy surface, sending a sea of fleeting lights to illuminate the idols even more.

The segmented golden poles and classic red velvet rope held them off enough, but it would have been more comforting if there was more security around at the station. Luckily backup was on the way from JYP.

The hottest stars at the moment—aka Alice and Shun—gladly presented themselves off to the press in the most subtlety affectionate manner they were permitted to express. Reporters from all over the country were practically clawing over one another just so they could get a shot of the intimate couple.

They were looking particularly friendly this one morning as they cuddled for a full ten minutes (just for the media just so you know). Alice was dressed like a lost Russian princess on this freezing day—winter was approaching soon—while Shun seemed oblivious to the weather in his leather jacket and denim jeans. Alice made a show to wrap a soft plaid scarf around his neck when they left the van they shared with Runo and Julie. The cameras ate them up like a strawberry flavoured snow cone.

"You better be up to this." Alice's cool breath was surprisingly warm to Shun, despite the obvious threat that left her smiling lips. He tugged her waist closer to him and placed a ghost of a kiss on her temple as he nodded. A chorus of camera shutters went off as he did.

All the while the remaining members of each group were pushed to the side like old spinach, gaining only a few shots from the paparazzi that were somewhat interested in them even though the topic of Alice and Shun was the main gossip to spread. Well, at least they were being considerate.

Runo raised a brow at the two bathed in the spotlight—imperceptibly, so no one would notice—before examining Ace's elusive snarling face behind her. What was a bored face to the media was an obvious expression of envy to Runo because, well, she was a girl. There were things she could pick up; that, and because Mira vaguely mentioned his displeasure at the spontaneous switch of lovers.

She tilted her head to the side, her gaze returning to her leader and new 'boyfriend.'

All Runo could say was, "How did this happen again?"

It had been three days before that the same set of reporters arrived at JYP (unannounced), and boy were they astonished by the scene they were greeted with.

The Shun Kazami and the Alice Gehabich were kissing on the foyer stairs.

Although they couldn't see the direct kiss, nor could they capture the lip contact on their cameras, as Shun's hand was covering their faces wrapped between the thin amber strands of her hair, that small impression left quite a shocking imprint in their imaginations.

"What are you doing?" Alice muttered irritably against to corner of Shun's lips.

Her heart was beating erratically, both from the reporters and from Shun's body pressed against hers. She should push him away. She wanted to push him away. But they were already too deep into the media's talons to move. It was a bad idea if she shoved him down the stairs placed precariously behind him.

Luckily, Alice's head was concealed by the flashes of the cameras as if he had grabbed her in a heat of uncontrolled passion.

In reality though, it was all a stage show.

Alice's melted chocolate irises mixed straight into Shun's golden honey in a fierce glaring battle of hesitant silence. His eyes seemed to shine brighter now that they were so close, but Alice never really fancied honey on her cereal all that much.

"They said they wanted publicity, right?" Shun's breath was warm against her cheek, causing them to become even rosier than they usually were, he noticed.

Alice let go of the tense breath she had been holding and relaxed against the railing warming up from her body heat and Shun's. Her anger appeared to have subsided by just a fraction, turning her frown into a small grin. "But that was Ace's role," she reminded. "Why are you upstaging him before anything has even started?"

It was getting loud down below, but they had ignored them as if they were the only two people that existed.

Shun laughed once under his breath. It was small—almost inaudible—and detachedly amused. "Ace doesn't have the capabilities to act in a fake relationship."

"And you do?" Alice said doubtfully. She had to hide her laugh by holding onto a tight smile since her hand was blocked of by his. The paparazzi would get suspicious if she were giggling in the middle of the 'kiss.'

They went quiet for a moment, letting the press scoop up as many shots and videos they needed for the latest magazine/television/radio headline they were positive they were going to be noticing next morning at breakfast.

Shun glanced down below to the ground floor through the gaps of his black hair before moving his gaze forwards to concentrate on the cityscape view behind the glass windows of the studio. "I can make you look good," he whispered, pushing Alice further back on the rail. The metal was hurting her lower back. She was practically sitting on it now. "You may have sung a love song with Ace, but people would already be expecting something to happen between you two." Shun let his right hand gently fall into the tangles of her curls so she had room to breathe some of the cool winter air seeping through the doors. It was the side not facing the reporters. "With me, everyone would be stunned."

Alice's breath hitched—a short, quick breath that seeped through her gritted teeth. She contemplated about the situation. She took in the factor that the reporters couldn't be stopped now. She wondered what made Shun want to do this in the first place when he didn't volunteer like she had.

Well, 'volunteer' may not have been the right word but—

Alice didn't want to admit that Shun may have been right, and took into account that he made this transpire all on his own. Did he want this to happen—and for what reason?

A seed of suspicion planted in Alice's subconscious, unaware and waiting to sprout.

But regardless of his secret schedule, Shun could probably pull this off. He was the leader, making him one of the most desirable members, as well as the fact he had the ability to share this arrangement evenly workwise—unlike the duet mission where she had been the one to steer things around most of the time as opposed to Ace. It may have been easier to act out now that Alice really thought about it.

Everything would work out so well.

Finally—though reluctantly—she said, "Fine, you'll do." Then, with a sigh, she added looking up into his eyes, "Are you ready to fool Japan?

Shun smirked, readying himself to pull away. "If I wasn't I wouldn't be doing this."

Referring back to the images they had come to have been labelled by the country, Shun acted emotionless as ever, closing his eyes as his hands were stuffed discreetly in his pockets, while Alice took a step back, pretending to be shy as a blush dusted her face. She covered her lips with the fingertips of her right hand, which made the pink tint more apparent on her fair skin.

As if she had been completely oblivious to the fact, Alice turned to finally notice the paparazzi.

Some more backup security soon arrived to guide her away from the horde of cameras. She managed to swiftly recover her phone without any hassles, although one grabby reporter attempted to take it away from her. That guy was professionally 'handled' by one of the men in black, thank goodness. Alice held her cell close to her chest as they ushered her out the building.

Due to the steadily increasing crowd, Alice was taken home ahead of the other girls.

Shun walked back up the stairs to his group members unaware that Ace was staring at the whole ordeal from the third floor, hidden behind a column with a frown.

Now in the present, they were up to their eighth mission.

This time around, each group—wether be it together or mixed up—were being interviewed by the stations head dual presenters.

Jenny and Jewels, also renowned as the JJ Dolls (hence the name of the station) were two of Japan's most adored idol icons, with their popularity growing from years of experience since the age of ten. They are well talked about in the business and although they weren't intimidating in real-life, their reputations were to a few of the group members.

The mission was to test their appeal without the use of visuals to see how likable they are on an emotional level and seeing how each one can handle sudden situations without tarnishing their image. And what better way than to co-host a live radio show that played the music they so desperately want to be a part of?

The eight had been coming here every day since the mission began to make an appearance on the air, and every day the cameras would follow them like a swarm of raging killer bees.

It was getting irritating.

"Okay this is ridiculous!" Julie screeched, slamming the doors of the building when they all had entered. She made sure to look as casual as possible by smiling brightly at the paparazzi, but her twitching lip gave only a little bit of her discomfort away.

Luckily none of them really noticed. They were too busy getting shots of Alice and Shun, who were now making their way to the studio they had been going to for the past few days.

They weren't in an embrace anymore, but they were closer than they had been before. They almost looked like a real couple.

It was weirdly . . . well, weird.

Julie blew a stray piece of her styled hair away from her face as she pouted at the backs of the two singers. "I swear this 'couple'thing," she said waving a floppy finger in their direction, "is just some ploy so that Shun can finally get a girlfriend."

Runo looked at Dan for conformation. He was his closest friend after all.

All the guitarist could offer was a light shrug and a head tilt. Runo puffed a cheek, her eyes lowering halfway. That was not an answer she was satisfied with.

Taking a small glance at her leader and new 'boyfriend' as the group followed them to the studio, she contemplated on whether Julie was right. She knew the silver-head was being overdramatic (as always), but there were times when her rants held a surprisingly honest truth behind them.

Staring at Shun's back, she wondered if he was, if at all, jealous that Ace was supposed to be in his place.

The bassist definitely was jealous, and Mira wasn't the only one to notice in the last couple of days.

Ace was openly expressing his displeased attitude, only in the most subtle ways he could. Elusive grunts here and there, ignoring his leader when missions weren't discussed, and showing a little more interest in Shun and Alice's relationship. Not the one the press knew about, but in general.

Shun never did things like this. At least that was Ace's brief knowledge of his leader led him to believe. They'd only known each other for a few years, and even then they only ever tolerated each other. But still, this was a surprising (and annoying) turn of events for him, because Ace was actually excited to play the role of Alice's boyfriend, even if it was all pretend. Because sometimes playing pretend could lead to something more . . . real . . .

Ace had to lower his gaze from the couple in hopes of controlling his inner rage.

Dan and Billy shared a worrying glance at him before turning towards each other to immerse themselves in that silent telepathic talk that was only capable for boys (same for girls). They had always wondered what caused the bad blood between them ever since Ace joined the group, because even then it seemed like he had a problem with Shun. It was always there, but now it was more apparent than ever. Perhaps a superiority complex was involved?

"It's for publicity Julie," Mira reminded quietly, keeping her pace by her side. "And Alice would never go along with it if she didn't think it was a good idea."

Julie sighed, her shoulders sagging. "I guess, but it's not like she had a choice. I mean we all saw those photos right?"

Everyone excluding Ace nodded.

Alice and Shun has been the top of the celebrity gossip list. They were in all the magazines, television broadcasts, and anything media related really. Their faces were plastered everywhere. None of them could count the times from the car ride here how many they were able to catch their images. All the while the two whose faces were being abused nationwide didn't really take notice at all.

Again, it was weird, and they were used to this sort of exposure already. If they were calling this weird then it definitely must be uncomfortable for all of them.

The purpose of this was to apparently advertise their statuses together. But it wasn't like Chan or Joe could control what photos or viral videos came up. All they could do was handle it. But since their plan was going so well, there had been little handling, and more celebrating.

"I'm honestly getting sick of seeing them though," Runo breathed an exasperated sigh. "I haven't turned on a TV or read the newspaper without looking at their faces."

Dan choked on a laugh at this. "You read the paper?" he mused with a tickled grin.

Runo glared at him. "For family reasons," she explained flatly. "That, and the fact I was checking up the latest music rankings." Runo grumbled under her breath as her eyes darkened. "Our last single dropped down to ninth place . . ."

Julie watched as Dan—what she assumed—insulted Runo in some way, causing the rapper to lash out on him in a usual fashion.

She enjoyed watching the two as this thought ran through her head: Maybe they should have been the couple in this competition . . .

Julie smiled with a tilted head, knitting her fingers behind her back as she trailed in the lift with the rest of them. She knew she shouldn't be thinking about love in this situation, but she couldn't help it. She was a romantic sap at heart.

As the bickering of Runo and Dan continued to blend in the dilute elevator music, Julie couldn't help but glance in Billy's direction. He was wearing that same old cap, which she wondered how it could do anything against the harsh cold, but didn't say anything about that to him and just involuntarily noted that she should get him a beanie or something.

Julie sighed quietly, leaning back on the railing.

She knew she wasn't going to do that.

Mira, her keen perception skills tingling, hummed curiously as she looked over her shoulder to check up on the silver. "Something wrong, Julie?"

Said girl jumped in surprise as her wide eyes lifted from the floor. "Huh? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how we'll need to boost up our popularity to match up to Shurisu!"

Simultaneously, everyone turned to her and repeated, "'Shurisu'?"

Julie giggled, forgetting her own thoughts for the moment. She could practically hear her leader's mental groan through their group bond. "Yeah, that's the celebrity couple name the fans chose on the polls for Alice and Shun."

The 'romantically involved' pair scowled at the stylist. Alice's wasn't as harsh as Shun's, but it was still intimidating. The other members pressed themselves up on either side of the lift, forming a pathway between them.

"'Polls?'" they said together in a distasteful manner, causing Runo to whisper to Mira, "Wow they're already at that stage." The redhead concealed a laugh and nodded, understanding what she meant.

Julie—left alone and defenceless—tried to fend for herself under the intense glare of both her leader and her 'boyfriend.' "Hehe, well I maybe ... kind of, um ... made a poll on my Faceboom page and got people to vote for the best nickname to call you guys by!"

The last part of her confession had Julie stammering like she was fast-forwarding through time. She had also managed to slide to the floor during her admission of innocent guilt, holding her arms up as if the two were about to attack.

Alice would never hurt her, she knew that, but when her leader was coupled with Shun, Julie felt a little frightened by the combination.

"So that's where that came from!" Dan exclaimed, recalling the many, many, times he skimmed through that name.

Immediately after he said it the guitarist couldn't help but raise a brow. "You couldn't have thought of something better?"

Julie pouted, lowering her arms to lightly slam her palms on the floor of the lift despite her peeve of dust and dirt. "Well it was either that or Shalice. And since Shun's name was already Japanese I decided to do the same to Alice's! I mean you have to admit it's really cute—achoo!"

Out of the blue Julie sneezed. It was so loud and unexpected that it caused most of them to flinch.

Julie sniffled a little before pulling out a baby pink laced handkerchief from her pocket ("always be prepared!"). She wiped her nose as Mira asked in a concerned tone, "Are you catching a cold?"

The tanned girl nodded as Billy helped her up from the floor. "Probably," she said, snuffling. "It is winter now," Julie pointed out.

As she rubbed her nose a final time with her hankie, she couldn't help but miss the look of worry from the blonde drummer. She was too busy smiling behind her hand, grateful for their momentary touch.

"Well, Shun and I have another private interview in about twenty minutes," Alice informed as she checked the time on her phone. "After that it'll be Dan, Runo and Julie, followed by the rest of you."

Miss B nodded in the familiar guidance of their leader while the B. Brawlers remained unsure of how to respond.

Were they supposed to affirm Alice's info too? It was supposed to be Shun leading them yet he hadn't said anything.

All the three could simultaneously think of was: Is he whipped already?

"Hey what's up Jellybeans, we're the JJ Dolls live in To-ki-yo!"

The two MC's cheered along with the audience sound affect an assistant worker introduced by the push of a button from the other side of the studio behind a glass window.

"So Jenny, we've been talking about Shun and Alice a lot in the past couple of days, right?" Jenny nodded, but to the listeners we're confirmed by her approving hum. "Well we've covered the how, when and why they fell in love, but what about what their friends think about their relationship?"

Jenny giggled into the mike. "Oh Jewels, how could we forget!" she scolded herself playfully. "Friends are one of the most important attributes to live a happy life. Now that these two are together, I do wonder how your group members are taking it."

Alice laughed uncomfortably at the two host's intense stare. They were housing a silent question for her to answer. "Well we haven't been dating for that long, so we haven't had time to spectacle how our members are taking it."

She sounded nervous. Shun had to admit the girl knew how to act. He now understood why Miss B won the drama mission a few weeks back in Korea.

Jewels suddenly raised her arm up like a child in kindergarten and faced the raven-haired leader's direction. "So what's Shun's reputation like amongst the girl group's members?" she asked deviously, her bronze eyes turning to the vocalist.

Alice gave a sheepish smile as she answered. "I don't really know because I'm actually not really that close to any of the girl idols."

Jenny and Jewels were wide-eyed as they glanced at each other, and then back at the singer. "Really, you guys seemed like you knew each other for ages!" Jenny commented unbelievably.

Alice smiled again. "We have. Some more than others, but most of the time it was all about the music and practice, so there wasn't really much of an opportunity to bond like girls usually do." She paused. "But that doesn't mean I don't care for them." Alice turned to Shun and placed her hand over his. "Just like us. Even though we're rivals I still care for him."

Shun grinned, stroking her fair hand. Then, under his breath and small smile, he responds by saying, "That's what I love about you." The JJ girls were full on fangirling as he said that to her.

Alice quickly apologized for being unable to provide and inside information, to which Shun remarked, "So what does that make me?"

This caused the entire set to explode in laughter.

Alice crossed her arms playfully on her lap as she turned away from him. But a slight grin was tugging on the end of her lips. "You have enough fangirls as it is. Why do you care what my members think?"

All Shun did was move in closer to her and whispered in her left ear. "Are you jealous?" he asked, curious.

"Um, guys?"

They both turned to see Jenny with her hands up in the air, "You're still on you know."

The pair both returned to their seats normally away from the on-air flirting they had just done.

"We know," the two said in unison, to which the hostesses reacted by squealing, "Aaaaaaaaawwwwwwww! So cute!" They then got out of their chairs and clamped their hands together while lifting their right legs up.

Alice and Shun honestly didn't know what to say next as they sweat dropped, but luckily they were out of time.

Jewels pouted as she glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. She sighed, and then held the side of her headphones. "Looks like this interview is over," she said into the microphone in a sad voice.

Jenny had the same when she was closing it off as well. "And it was just getting to the good part."

Her partner was saddened too, for about a millisecond before her happy persona recovered. "After this song, we'll be returning with another exclusive interview with Miss B's Runo and Julie, along with Dan of the B. Brawlers!"

As the 'ON AIR' sign faded from bright red to nothing, the JJ Dolls simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief as if they were one person.

"Wow that was fun!" Jewels squealed, taking off her headset.

Jenny did the same while nodding vigorously, "Totally! That had to be like, the cutest broadcast yet!" She glanced into Shun's and Alice's direction, who both gave a smile in recognition. "We'll see you guys again tomorrow, and good luck with your songs for the voting broadcast."

Jewels pouted, jutting out her bottom lip before it turned into a wide smile. "But don't be a stranger! You guys can come in anytime you want!"

Jenny nodded. "Yeah, fans go crazy for famous couples. Next thing you know they'll be joining your names together in the magazines!"

The JJ Dolls shared a harmonious laugh, hesitantly joined by Alice and Shun who tried their best to seem interested. They already did that though . . . they both thought while sweat dropping unnoticeably.

Jewels then also added with a gunshot motion of her fingers, "Also, watch out for those fanfics. They can get ca-ray-zee!"

Alice nodded, noting their warning. "Well please take care of the others." She made the move to get up and leave. "I have another arrangement so I have to get going."

The hosts waved the two goodbye as they exited the large booth into the studio and out again into the hallway. Across the way Alice entered a waiting room occupied by their group members while Shun had to step back to take a call that he didn't seem too thrilled by.

Runo had her nose in yesterday's newspaper that she didn't get a chance to read the day before while Julie pestered her on what she could possibly looking for in the marriage section of the article. Runo absentmindedly brushed her off.

Mira was coolly relaxing on the couch with her arms splayed out on the back as she discussed with Billy and Ace what they were going to say in the interview. The bassist however didn't seem that intent on listening when Alice came in.

Alice, seeing that Mira was the closest, went up to her and said, "Good luck today, I'll be heading out first." She claimed her purse and jacket out of one of the wooden open lockers and waved a quick goodbye to them.

Before she closed the door she smiled. "I'm counting on you guys."

Alice

I feel sick.

My stomach's churning like a washing machine, and a few tablets I took don't seem to be calming it down.

I finish off the cup of water I got from the machine in the hall and threw it in the small bin beside the cooler. I couldn't be ill again could I? I just got over my last bug; it's not possible to get sick again. I never get sick this fast, or hardly ever. The last time was my first in years. I could be getting a cold because its winter, but I can't afford it at the midpoint in this competition.

"Are you going to make it to your arrangement?" Shun asked as he walked up from further down the corridor, shutting his phone cover like it did something bad to him. I couldn't help but analyse his words and actions. It wasn't like him so ask these sorts of questions.

I checked the time on the numberless clock on the wall and say, "Yeah, it's just a small errand." I felt around for my iPod in my winter coat and feel it by my ribs. The warm faux fur of the jacket was in between it and my hand. "Tell the others not to wait up."

Runo

"Not really that close to us?" Julie said incredulously as we waited outside the booth in the studio for our turn on air. "What does that supposed to mean?"

I wondered too. We're close to Alice, aren't we? Why am I thinking about it? Of course we are! I've been with her since I was six, so I basically spent my entire life with her. But why don't I feel comforted by just that fact alone?

"We're not really sure," Jenny said as she took a sip of strawberry vitamin water. "That's what she said in her interview."

"Speaking of the interview," Jewels interjected from her seat beside the sound effects guy. "Those two were really getting along well. Are they like that all the time?"

Julie and I exchanged even looks and say together, "Oh, they're just so in love it's sickening."

The JJ Dolls both cooed in response. Just like Alice said, that reply will get you out of answering anything more. Then again, we may have tweaked it a little bit. I added the 'sickening' bit.

It was going to be a while before our broadcast was going to begin, so we spent our time just chatting. Julie took up the chance instantly by conversing with Jenny and Jewels about the latest winter line. Those three were off in a world I didn't really care to join. So that left me isolated on the couch with Julie far to my left, and Dan dangerously close to my right.

But I wasn't really thinking about him. I was thinking about all the problems that started to hit me. My family, my career, Alice—all of them bombarded my head all at once I didn't know what to think of it all. My future used to be so clear to me, but lately, it has turned into nothing but a blur in the distance.

Thinking about it now, at this rate, I might not even have a future. Not if I'm still shackled to my parent's wishes.

Then, just as that thought flitted by, my phone started ringing.

Speak of the devils themselves.

No One

Dan had concluded that Runo was a compulsive pacer. You know, one of those types who couldn't help but pace, because that's all they could do when they're on the phone.

"What do you mean dinner date?" Runo said angrily into her phone. It looked as if she was about to tear to pieces. "With me—you two—and them?"

She had been doing this for a while now, and had Julie not been distracting Jenny and Jewels, a whole other fight was about to go down Dan was so not up for.

Runo halted abruptly by the water cooler, motioning her free hand in the air as if she was trying to calm a whiny child. "Daddy, you said I wasn't even allowed to date. How is this any bet—a-are you crying?"

Dan clicked his tongue, half intrigued, half totally zoned out. He wonders how many problems Runo could have when all she does is eat, dance and sleep.

Dan yawned into his gloved hand. Speaking of eating . . .

"Mom, please cancel this. I really can't handle this and the show. You want me to win, right? Well then I have to have minimal distractions—meaning this situation you're putting me through!" Then, just because she was getting really, really desperate, Runo went for one of the classics Slowly, she began pulling her phone further and further away from her face. "Oh. No. Bad connection. Sorry. Can't talk much longer—"Aaannnnd, end call.

And just when it looked like she was going to calm down, a text jingled in her hand and she growled taking one heaping glance at it. Dan considered hinting at her to see the company counsellor, or at least a yoga class. He heard they helped with stress, or whatever. He didn't know though. Stressing out wasn't really his thing anyway—

"Hey," Runo said as she walked up to Dan, one hand placed firmly on her cocked hip. "You up for dinner two days from now?"

"Why?" Dan responded, all suspicious-like.

"Because I want dinner," she answered, rolling her eyes. When Dan raised his brow, indicating that neither one of them was up for bickering today, Runo gave in and sighed. "My parents want me to meet this guy. I don't want to, so come with me to prove to them I'm not having some 'fuddy-duddy fling' or whatever."

"Actually I'm kind of—" Truth be told, Dan did have other plans, but now that he thought about them properly . . ."You know what, sure."

Runo, looking as if she was about to praise him, just nodded, a little impressed. "Let me just warn that my mom might like you, but my dad... not so much. But don't take that to heart. He hates all guys near me."

"You're mom likes me?" Dan said with a goofy grin on his face. He wasn't so much teasing as he was expressing his flattery.

I think your mum likes me, a childlike voice echoed in her ears.

"Yeah,"Runo said, somewhat nostalgic. "Yeah she does."

No One

At night, the familiar alleyway seemed darker to her. Not in a physical sense, but the atmosphere became a whole lot tenser when the sun wasn't shining anymore. What could have happened in-between these two tall brick walls didn't concern her in the least. What had actually happened when she was here though concerned her so much she had forced herself to just forget each time she came.

She just walked past the damp puddled, rodent infested floor like it was a runway and she was the model. She was emotionless.

The blinding strobe lights at the end of the alley curved and knotted together to form the sign she was accustomed to. It was the only source of light in the darkness. The bright purple hue was too in-your-face for her liking.

"Hey there Sweetheart," that incessantly raspy (and irritating) voice of his was too familiar to forget, no matter how much Alice forced herself to.

She halted, not surprised in the least when the darkness produced a creature she couldn't even begin to describe, despite the countless times she had met with him.

Hair as untamed as a lions, but grey like that of old age; a tongue slithering out of his mouth as a snake with beady little eyes to match, and an outfit to loud to bother even begin relating. "Well wasn't the fashion police late on this one," Julie would probably say if she ever came face to face with this guy, which Alice would never let happen.

With a huff she aggressively tossed her iPod at him, to which he caught with perfect precision. "Don't patronize me Shadow. I'm not up for it tonight."

He smirked in that way that caused small indented wrinkles to curve on the corner of his lips. "Sorry Sweet-cheeks, no can do," Shadow said, twirling the device in his hand. "It's just how I get through another week without you."

Alice was about to retort something a little harsher when two more monsters appeared from the black. She swallowed a sigh and held back her tongue.

She had done this many times before, she can do it again. If they were going to torment her with their unconventional words, then so be it. As long as she got her iPod back by the end of it, she was fine.

"Alice, so nice to see you again," Lync said, half feigning innocence, half flirting with her. "You never usually come at night."

Alice's blank gaze glowered at him for but a second before turning back to Shadow, who was hooking up her iPod to a small sleek silver device Volt carried in his muscly hands. "Are you done yet? I have some real business to do." She tucked a stray hair behind her ear to keep her nerves down. "That is what he wanted me to do, right?"

Shadow smirked again (well he never really stopped smirking), pulling the port out of her iPod and chucked it to back to Alice. She catches it effortlessly and slips in back in her coat, patting the lining to make sure it was there. "Yes it is, Sugar. That's exactly what he wants you to do."

Turning on her heel, Alice started for the exit of the alley. "Great," she said, walking towards the light of the streetlamps as if it was the only beacon of hope left for her. And under her breath, she says to no one but herself, "Then I guess we all agree."

So the fake kiss scene was inspired by the popular Korean Drama 'You're Beautiful'. A show all of you should watch, I highly recommend it. It has K-Pop, love triangles (or is it a pentagon in this case?), and angels. Well, sort of angels. If you want to know what I'm talking about then stream it.

Oh, how I miss writing this story. But this year has been hounding at me to study, 'cause school life isn't going to last forever :( I hope I get back into my Miss B groove soon :)

Say B!