*Near You Always~*

"To see the true deception, you multiply the million four. Visualize the yin and yang in a battle so intense, that we get them confused. The residents of our foes will specialize in mysteries soon to be seen at a precedential level. What are we doing? Fooling ourselves, clowning ourselves, playing ourselves, everything but not being ourselves. We came back with no more than we could carry on our backs. While we ask no reason for the misplacement of the season, we look at the picture that is being painted. Tainted as the mind is blinded until all that is sighted is the side of mights that get all the rights. I say stand up on the section of time of Revelations and recognize that this mind knows a reality of horror and knows it as mankind."

There was a knock at the door. Aries stopped what she was reading and watched as a woman and a boy entered the room

The woman took the teacher aside and talked to her quietly. Aries looked at the boy out of the corner of her eyes. He looked as if the last place he wanted to be was there. The teacher cleared her throat and Aries looked up at her.

"I am pleased to announce we have a new addition to our class," The teacher said, putting her hand on the boy’s shoulder. "This is Lee Minwoo, he is transferring from another school. Since he has come so late in the semester I expect everyone to give him help if he asks for it. But I understand from his mother that he is an excellent writer and will have no trouble fitting in." The teacher smiled at Minwoo, but he didn’t return the smile. Instead, he just looked at the ground.

"Well," The teacher said, sitting down at her desk. "We were right in the middle of some presentations." She nodded at Aries to continue.

Taking a deep breath Aries read where she left off. "Jesus and his twelve disciples make thirteen. A righteous number, a righteous man. Even Judeus the betrayer came true in the end. The devil says the end is the beginning. They tell us about the prodical incest, and vest no level of self into this system that is cast. Alas, what is it that we refuse to recognize? We look only to those who claim likely of the present and not the past. I refuse to be of this fate. This face is my estate. Choose which way you look back upon." Aries looked up her class. Half of them were asleep and the other half were either talking or poking one of the people sleeping next to them. A couple people clapped half-heartingly. Sighing, Aries sat down.

The teacher seemed to be staring off into space. Startled, she looked up and saw that Aries was already finished.

"Very nice Ariana," Her teacher said. "But a little too vague. I wanted more depth, more detail, and not just a personalized opinion. You’ll do better next time I’m sure." The bell rang and everyone scrambled to get their things and leave.

Aries let out a low, frustrated growl. She gathered her books and left the class, shoving her paper into one of her folders.

She walked quickly down the hall. She hadn’t gone more than five steps when she felt someone trip her. Paying no attention to the laughter that surrounded her Aries tried to put her papers back into her folders. She saw someone’s foot kick her books further down the hall. When she looked up, she saw hateful eyes looking down at her.

"You don’t belong here whitey, so go back where you came from!" A girl with long, black hair was looming over her. "How is it that you can even speak Korean? You’re not wanted here babo!" Laughing, the girl turned to her friends and left.

She didn’t cry. It had been happening for so long that it didn’t effect her in any way, it was just like something that would ordinarily happen, like getting up in the morning or taking a shower. Aries got up and brushed her knees off, now forming small, purple bruises on them. She went looking for the books that were kicked down the hall. She picked them up and ran out the back entrance of the school.

Breathing heavily and far away from everyone, Aries leaned against the wall. She took her lighter out and lit a cigarette. She had started to smoke when she was just eleven years old. That had been the time when everything bad started to happen. Aries inhaled deeply. Then taking the crumpled paper out of her binder with her presentation on it she put her lighter under it and lit it on fire. She let it fall to the ground and watched it as it curled and blackened, until it was nothing more than ashes. She closed her eyes.

"Hey, you have a light?" Aries opened her eyes to see a person with streaked blond hair standing in front of her. He had his own cigarette in his hand.

Silently, Aries handed him her cigarette. He used the lighted end to light his own and handed it back to her. "You new here too?" He asked.

Aries shook her head. "No, I’ve been going to this school for a year now," She said, staring silently down the street. "You’re that new guy right? What’s your name?" Aries asked.

"Lee Minwoo," Minwoo answered. He looked at Aries. "If you’re not new then you must be an outcast. Just like how I was in my old school." He looked up as four girls walked up to them.

Aries narrowed her eyes. Hyori walked up first, flicking her long hair out of her eyes. "You’re new aren’t you? I’m Hyori, and these are my friends-" She gestured to the three girls next to her. "Juhyun, Yuri, and Jini." They smiled sweetly at Minwoo.

Minwoo flicked his cigarette on the ground, blowing the smoke in the girl’s faces. Jini coughed. "Yah, I’ve seen you around," Minwoo said. "I saw you trip her just after class today." He looked at Aries.

Hyori smiled innocently. "Why, it was just an accident. Besides, she was in my way," She walked up closer to Minwoo. "Do you know where your next class is? We’ll be more happy to show you around." Taking Minwoo by the arm, she started walking away, looking back only to glare at Aries and say loudly "You don’t want to be seen hanging around with a freak like her. She’ll just give you a bad reputation."

Aries snorted. It was just like Hyori to put the moves on the new guy. Not that he was bad looking. Aries found herself gazing at Minwoo as he was being led away by Hyori and her little crew. She looked at her watch. Maybe she would just ditch the rest of school today. Putting another cigarette behind her ear Aries walked up to the back gate and threw her books over the wall. She heaved herself expertly onto the wall and checking for passerbys' jumped over the other side. She took the cigarette from behind her ear and lit it up, starting her long walk home.

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

Minwoo thanked Hyori but declined her offer to drive him home. This was the second time she had asked him. Explaining that he had brought his own car he in-sahed politely and quickly walked away, feeling four stares on his back. Sighing disgustingly he got in his car and sped off. It was the same thing that happened whenever he changed schools, girls always seemed to flock to his side. Maybe it was just because he was the new person. He glanced in his rear view mirror at a girl walking down the street. He thought he recognized her but he was speeding down the road and didn’t get much of a glance at her face. He shook his head and downshifted his gears to go faster.

"Finally home." Aries said to herself as she dropped her books on the floor. She usually took the bus home, but today she felt like walking. She walked into her kitchen, filled the teakettle with water, and put it on the stove. She sat down and looked around her tiny kitchen. Living by herself hadn’t been easy, but it made it so much easier for her to escape her problems.

The teakettle began to scream. Aries quickly took it off the burner. She made herself a cup of tea and walked into her bedroom, picking up her books and binders on the way. She sat down at her desk and began to chew on a pencil, a blank piece of paper in front of her.

Aries sat back in her chair and began to think of her life back home. Her mother had married a white man when she was only twenty years old. Her mother being half-Korean made Aries only quarter part. She didn’t even look it, except her eyes, which had a round, almond shape to them. Aries remember living in the country, where everything was large and open. Her family was very Americanized; the only part that wasn’t was the fact that Aries learned Korean along with English. Her mother felt it was very important to be bilingual.

Then Indra was born. It was an odd name, but Indra was a different child. Aries closed her eyes and went back to the day her baby brother was born. The night had started out humid and damp. They lived so far out in the country that they didn’t have time to drive her mother to the hospital. Aries remembered peering timidly by the doorway, while her mother screamed and screamed. Her father seemed to know what he was doing, and made a successful delivery. He gestured to Aries from the hallway and when she walked over put Indra in her arms.

It was an experience she would never forget; Indra was so small, and his eyes so bright. It began to thunder outside. The winds were howling and lightning lit up the whole sky. Indra soon stopped his crying and looked up at Aries with his big blue eyes.

Her mother gazed at her two children with tired eyes and smiled. She glanced out at the rain that pelted the windows, then back at her son. "His name will be Indra, after the God of heaven and thunderstorms. He has truly blessed us with a son." Her husband sat beside her and put his arm around her shoulders.

Aries opened her eyes. She remembered all the days she spent playing with her brother, and teaching him the Korean language. He definitely had his fathers blond hair and lanky height, while Aries took after her mother, with her chestnut-brown hair and slim figure. They couldn’t have looked less alike. He always seemed to be able to get away with things. Aries claimed it to be his blue eyes-no one could resist them.

But things seemed to go downhill from there. The day was still clear in her mind. It had been bright and sunny. Indra came bouncing into the room, backpack in hand, oar in the other. His friends were jumping around outside, waiting for him to come out.

"I’ll be home by sun down Mom! Me and the guys are gonna go to that cove on the lake!" He kissed his mom on the cheek and stuck his tongue out at Aries before he ran out of the house. Little did Aries know that it would be the last time she ever saw her real brother.

Shaking her head, Aries tried to concentrate on her homework. But of course she saw her brother again, thank goodness. It just wasn’t him. After almost drowning, he was left with major damage to his brain. He was what was called a ‘vegetable’. Aries then spent the next seven years of her life taking care of her brother, feeding him, dressing him, reading to him, taking him for walks by the brook. Her father eventually divorced her mother and married someone else. Aries never heard from him again. Her mother turned to alcohol for comfort and drank herself into a steady depression. She despised her children’s presence and hired a nanny to cook and clean for them.

Aries was only fifteen when she moved out. It was the day after her brother’s funeral. His heart had given up on him. Bags packed she walked into her mother’s room to see her passed out on the floor. Aries taped a note with tear smeared words on it to a whiskey bottle, where her mother was sure to not miss it. She then fled from the room and left for Korea.

She slammed her book shut. There was no way she could do her homework now. She had to uncloud her mind first. Aries gazed at the piece of paper in front of her. Without a second thought, she scribbled everything that came to mind down on the paper.

Things just haven’t been the same around here. Aries wrote. People talk, people stare. An unfortunate accident in a canoe. Dr. said ‘I’m sorry, not much I can do.’ The air was so still. His eyes did not blink. Little Mary Epperson liked him. She vowed always to watch over him. Still he did not move. Dr. said it was no use. She sat by his side, watched the years fly by. He looked so fragile, so small. She wondered why he was still alive at all. Everyone in town had that ‘I’m sorry look’. They talked in a whispered hush, said ‘I’d turn the machines off.’ But still, she sat by his side, said ‘Life he won’t be denied’. Yellow flowers decorate his bedroom. Sunlight streams in but he just sits and stares. He’s awake but he’s still not there. He’s like an unused toy, got big hands but the mind of a little boy. Oh Adrian, come out and play.

Aries glanced at the clock and gasped. She was going to be late. She started to crumple the paper up but stopped, smoothed it out and put it under the mattress of her bed. Picking up her guitar, she got up to leave for Serenes.

Minwoo drop-kicked his bag on the floor. He heard his mother call to him from the kitchen. "Minwoo? Is that you?" She asked as Minwoo slammed the door to his room shut. He turned the music on his stereo up loud and sat down on his bed. It was the third school this year that he had been transferred to. What did his mother think this was helping? There were only so many schools in Korea. Minwoo lay down on his bed and closed his eyes. That Ariana girl, there was something about her…

Aries strummed her guitar softly. Serenes was packed full of people that night, most of them in their mid thirties or early forties. To newcomers it was a little bit of a surprise to see a seventeen-year old in a place like that, but to the usual it was a comfort, almost a reminder of their youth. Even so, they took to liking Aries quickly. Maybe it was her voice, or just her appearance in manner. Either way was both highly mature, making her age not really matter.

Receiving a nod from her oppa, Aries began to sing. The soft chatter that went through out the club quieted as all eyes drew their attention to Aries. Kangta smiled from his position at the piano. He was wonderfully talented, and could play almost any instrument to accompany Aries when she sang. He remembered when he first found her; she was standing on the street corner, guitar in hand, singing her heart out. He thought she was at least twenty by the sound of her voice, but when he got up close, he saw that she was very young. There was oldness in her voice, yet a twinkling of youth in her eyes.

Kangta smiled. He could still clearly remember that cold, autumn day. It had just started to drizzle and he was trying to hurry to his car before it would downpour. Something out of the corner of his eye made him stop. He heard the distinct sound of a guitar, and of a voice, sweet but almost full of sorrow singing. It wasn’t even really a song, but words just made up as the music went on.

He was immediately drawn to her. When Aries stopped singing, she heard someone clapping. She turned around and saw Kangta standing behind her.

"How old are you?" Kangta asked, slowly in careful english.

"I’m fifteen." Aries answered softly, but in Korean.

Kangta was taken by surprise. "Fifteen? Only? Where are your parents? Are you Korean?" He asked.

"I only have a mom, and she lives in the states. I ran away because she became an alcoholic and abused me by ignoring me. I came here because it was the only place I thought to go. I am only part Korean." Aries felt tears slide down her cheeks. She wiped them away and stared defiantly at Kangta.

Kangta smiled. She was so strong, and so brave. "Your voice is so unique," Kangta said. "If you will sing at a club I own, I will give you a place to stay and a school to go to and learn. All you have to do is perform every weeknight, any song you want, for as long as you want. Would you like that?" He looked into Aries’ eyes.

Aries felt her heart surge. "I would love it!" She cried, unable to keep the tears from flowing.

"Where are my angels, where’s my golden one? Where’s my hope now that my heroes have gone. Some are being beaten and some are being born…" Aries could hear her voice echo off the walls as she sang. She remembered the first time she heard her oppa sing. She had learned that when he was younger he had been part of a very popular group and was still quite known in Korea. Now retired from singing he chose to open his own nightclub and look for old and young talent to perform or sing. He also taught the piano and violin, along with many other instruments.

"In my free time," Kangta said, sitting down at the piano, "I enjoy learning new instruments or songs. Music is my life and I can’t think of anything else that I would be better at." He began to play and sing, making up words to the song as he went, just as Aries did when she sang.

Aries was in awe by his voice. "Oppa! You have the voice of an angel!" She cried when he finished the song.

Kangta laughed. "Is Aries your real name?" He asked.

"No," Aries answered, looking at the ground. "My real name is Ariana. My mother used to tell me that when I was a baby all she wanted to do was sing to me. She told me that everything about me reminded her of a beautiful song, which is where my name comes from-a beautiful melody. Mama always gave names that had important meanings to our lives." She scuffed the ground with the toe of her shoe.

Kangta felt saddened, because he knew Aries was thinking about her brother. She had lived a hard life, much harder than it should have been for a person her age. He vowed to make what was left of her childhood as pleasant as possible. There would be no more mishaps in her life while he was there-just peaceful bliss and harmony.

Or so he hoped. Kangta didn’t know what went on at school with Aries. Or that she had walked the four miles home that day. He sensed something was wrong though, when he watched Aries sing. That certain gleam wasn’t there in her eyes. They were sad and dark, as if hidden from happiness.

"My little star, what’s wrong?" Kangta asked as he was putting up chairs on the tables.

Aries couldn’t help smiling. Kangta always called her his little star that brightened his day. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and began to sweep under the tables. It was after night hours now, and Aries had often stayed to help her oppa clean the place up.

"Nothing is wrong oppa," Aries replied. "I’m just tired from school. That’s all."

Kangta put the last chair up. "Are you sure?" He asked, looking very serious.

"Yes." Aries said, almost stuttering. She didn’t think she sounded too convincing, but she couldn’t tell Kangta what happened at school, the torments that she faced. He had done so much for her already and she didn’t want to bother him with little prissy, immature things. Besides, she was used to it; she had faced pain and humiliation almost her entire life.

Something small and gold gleamed off one of the end tables. It was a business card. Kangta picked it up and studied it. "Aries, you didn’t tell me there was a scout from Daesung here!" Kangta said, showing Aries the card.

Aries took it and stuffed it in her back pocket. "It was no one," She said. "Just some guy who wants me to audition for the president of the company or something. " She continued to sweep the floor.

Kangta watched her closely. "And, you don’t want to take up his offer?" He asked.

Aries shrugged her shoulders. "I’m not interested." She said simply.

Kangta snorted. "Not interested? Come on, I know you Aries and you know me. I’ve been in this business for twenty years. I know an opportunity when I see one and there’s one staring you in the face right now. You love to sing and you’re good at it. Not only that but you play the guitar as well. A double plus," Kangta winked at her. "Don’t push back something you know you’ll regret later." He pinched her cheek playfully.

"I’ll think about it." Aries said. There was a knock at the back door.

"Who could it be at this hour?" Kangta muttered as he checked out the window. His face brightening when he saw who it was.

A tall figure entered through the door. His orange hair reminded Aries vaguely of Minwoo. What was Minwoo doing right now? Scolding herself for even thinking about him she turned her attention to Kangta, who was giving the person a hug. He then turned to Aries.

"This is my cousin, Kim Hyesung. He is visiting from the states and just got in tonight," Kangta gestured toward Aries. "And this is Ariana, better known as Aries. Or as my bright and shining star." Kangta added.

Hyesung gave Aries a shy smile. "Very pleased to meet you, finally, Aries," He said softly, in perfect english. "I’ve heard a lot about you from Kangta." He in-sahed politely.

Aries was almost taken away by Hyesung’s charm. She bowed respectively. "Likewise," She answered. "I’ve heard quite a lot about you too. You are very lucky to have Kangta as your cousin." She said.

"Kangta tells me you sing, have you thought about auditioning for Daesung?" Hyesung asked. "I hear they’re looking for a new group. From what Kangta tells me you might be just what they’re looking for." There was a twinkle in his eyes.

Aries almost felt herself melt away. That smile, if it wasn’t so much like her brothers she would probably give way, possibly faint or pass out. She snapped out of it when she heard Kangta clear his throat loudly behind her.

"She is going to think about it," Kangta said. "Long and hard." He looked at Aries.

"Right, well, I better get going," Hyesung said. "I’ve got some people to see before I settle in. Aries, I really want you to go to the audition. Give it a chance, you never know what’ll happen. Good evening, and good night." He in-sahed again and left.

"Well, you’ve pretty much met my other half." Kangta grinned at Aries. He left to go find the broom to finish sweeping the floor. Aries slowly pulled the business card out of her back pocket and stared at it. Stared until her eyes watered and blurred. She was still staring at it when Kangta came back into the room.

-3-

Minwoo took off his glasses as he entered the room. There must have been more than a hundred people there, practicing dance steps, singing, warming up their voices and bodies. Minwoo watched a small group of girls walk by and whistled softly.

"Too much makeup and not enough clothing," Minwoo thought to himself, shaking his head. He looked up but something made him look back down. "Please, please don’t come up to me." Minwoo prayed silently, as two girls walked up to him.

"Minwoo ya! What are you doing here? I didn’t know you sang or danced!" Hyori elbowed Minwoo in the ribs.

Minwoo backed away a little, so as to dodge any more punches Hyori might throw. "Yes, I sing, and I dance," He smiled warily. "Maybe she’ll go away once the auditions start." Minwoo said to himself.

"What a coincidence! So do I! Me and Juhyun," Hyori turned to her friend, who gave a big smile. "We’re going to try to get a contract. If we get in, we’re going to introduce Yuri and Jini. They don’t sing quite as well and me and Juhyun do, but we figure they’d have a better chance of getting in if we got in first." Hyori smiled sweetly.

Just as Minwoo was about to make up an excuse of going to get something he forgot in his car a man wearing a dark suit came into the room. Everyone hushed as he began to go over the procedures of the audition.

"Each person will perform separately in front of four people, including myself, who will judge your performance. You will sing a song of your choice, acapella, until we say to stop. I must remind you to sing as clearly and as precisely as you can," The man looked around at everyone in the room. "Dancing auditions will be held for those interesting in becoming back dancers shortly after. Good luck to all of you." With that he left for the next room and called the first person in.

Minwoo sank back against the wall. Hyori and Juhyun had left to go talk to some other people. Minwoo closed his eyes and didn’t open them until he heard Juhyun’s name called. She walked in, giving Minwoo a wink. "No nervousness there." Minwoo thought. He got up and listened at the doorway.

He was surprised when he heard Juhyun sing. Her voice was deep yet very smooth and sweet. Her voice came out clear, and loud enough for everyone to hear. Minwoo noticed that the judges didn’t stop her after she sang the first two words, like they did to the thirty people before her. When she finally stopped there was a lot of talking. She came out with a bright smile on her face. Hyori’s name was called.

"Oh! Wish me luck!" Hyori squealed sash-shaying into the next room. Her voice was strikingly similar to Juhyun’s and Minwoo could tell that the judges liked her too.

Hyori almost came running out. "We’re in!" She cried, hugging Juhyun. She turned to Minwoo. "Maybe we could make a group." She said.

"Yeah, sure." Minwoo muttered. He saw someone hurry into the room, look around, and then take a seat in the corner by herself. Hyori looked over and started laughing out loud. She leaned close to Minwoo.

"Wonder what she’s doing here," Hyori said loudly, making everyone look over in curiosity. "What kind of talent could she possibly have?" Aries put her head down in shame, her eyes growing very bright.

Minwoo saw this and turned to Hyori. "Stop that," He growled. "She’s here just like everyone else. For all we know she could become the best talent Korea has ever seen."

Hyori laughed harder. "Her?" she asked. "I don’t think something that looks like it came right out of a barnyard could possibly have any talent. Except to rake up hay." She glared at Aries, who was still looking down.

Minwoo heard his name called. Still looking over at Aries, he walked to the other room. He cleared his throat nervously and bowing introduced himself to the judges.

Aries smiled as she heard Minwoo sing. She could tell he preferred rapping to singing, because he sang about five words before he started rapping. She looked up and saw Hyori staring menacely down at her.

"What are you smiling at?" Hyori asked, circling here. "You’re not wanted here. Or anywhere." She added. Juhyun sniggered behind her.

Aries willed herself not to let the tears that threatened to trickle down her cheeks fall. "I have my rights to be here, just like you. And everyone else." She drew in her breath when she heard her name called.

She stared at Minwoo as he came out of the room, then quickly looked down. When she dared to look up she saw him gazing at her. He grinned. "Good luck." He whispered.

Aries entered the room, heart beating a mile a minute. She gasped when she saw the judges. "Hyesung!" She said. "You-I didn’t know you worked for Daesung." She stuttered.

Hyesung smiled. "Now you know why I was so interested in the audition. And why I especially wanted you to go," He turned to the other judges. "This is Kangta’s little dong seng." He told them.

"We’ve heard a lot about you." One judge said. "Go ahead and give us what you got."

Aries took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Before she knew it, she heard her voice flowing out of her. She opened her eyes and saw all the judges watching her intently. No one had yet told her to stop singing. She didn’t even know what she was going to sing, and hadn’t realized what she was singing until that moment. Feeling more confident she sang louder and clearer. The judges began to whisper to each other and nod approvingly.

Aries closed her eyes again as she kept singing. "Eyes stare up, but something’s in the way. A dry tongue screams at the sky. But the wind just breathes words in, as a blind bird tries to fly. Where are my angels, where’s my golden one? Where’s my hope now that my heroes have gone. Some are being beaten-some are being born. And some can’t tell the difference any more." Aries opened her eyes and looked at Hyesung. He gazed at her so contently she felt immediately drawn to him. She thought of her oppa, and how proud he would be of her that she went through with this. She realized that she was singing the song she had written shortly after the first time she heard Kangta sing. She was glad she did. Finally Aries stopped singing and looked at the judges nervously.

They seemed to be coming to some decision. Hyesung stood up.

"We seem to have conflicting agreements," Hyesung said, putting his hand on Aries’ shoulder. "Come into the other room so we can tell everyone at once what we have decided to do."

As soon as they walked in the room all the noise and talking stopped. Everyone looked at Hyesung expectantly.

"I am pleased to announce that we have found two people we are most interested in." Hyesung said. "But seeing as we are only looking for one person we cannot seem to decide between the two. Therefore, they will perform at Juliana next week. To prove their talent we will see how well everyone excepts them and how well they perform publicly. To become a singer, you must learn to perform in front of anybody and everybody, and to become appreciated by them." Hyesung looked around the room.

Aries felt her heart beating a mile a minute. She didn’t even want to come to the audition, but now that she was there she wanted more than ever to become a singer. Maybe Kangta was right. Maybe this was what she wanted to do all along. She swallowed nervously and glanced over at Minwoo, who was leaning lazily against the wall, hands stuffed deeply in his pockets. There was no nervousness there.

"The two people who are to perform have been carefully chosen," Hyesung continued. "And I know they both can become very successful in the gayo industry, whether it be with this company or not," Hyesung glanced at Aries. "The two finalist are Hyori Lee and Ariana Sparza." There were moans of disappointment along with applause.

Aries thought she would faint. Not that performing in front of all these people was bad enough, but now she would have to perform at a club? Juliana wasn’t like Kangta’s little nightclub, Aries new. It was one of Korea’s most known and popular clubs, where everyone went to dance and have fun. She turned around when she heard someone clapping behind her.

It was Minwoo. "You did great! Everyone in here stopped talking when they heard you sing." Minwoo said.

"Thanks," Aries smiled shyly. "I’m sorry you didn’t make it. You have an awesome voice, I’m surprised you weren’t picked." She looked down a little sheepishly.

Minwoo laughed. "In all honesty, being a singer isn’t exactly what I want to be. I just tried out because I thought I’d give it a try. And I know my mother wouldn’t approve," He added. "I’m more into dancing. Besides, I think Daesung was really looking for female singers." He brushed his hand through his uncombed hair.

"You’ll try out for the next audition then?" Aries asked.

"Yeah, I used to be in a dance group. I’m pretty sure I’ve got what Daesung is looking for." Minwoo grinned.

Aries was about to smile back when she glanced in front of Minwoo. Seeing Hyori glaring at her, she looked down.

"What’s wrong?" Minwoo asked.

Aries sighed. "Nothing. You know what? I didn’t want to do this. I think I’ll go tell them that they can just go with Hyori." She started walking away when Minwoo grabbed her arm.

"You don’t mean that," Minwoo said. "You can’t mean that. Did you listen to yourself singing in there? There’s no one here that can match your voice, not even Hyori. Think of this as making yourself a stronger person." There was an announcement for the dance auditions from one of the judges just then. Minwoo put his shades back on and started to walk away.

"Do-do you really think I can do it?" Aries asked.

Minwoo turned around and smiled. "I know you can," He answered. "Good luck." He walked into the next room.

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

It was two days after the audition. Aries brushed her hair and gazed at herself in the mirror. She felt more nervous than she had ever been in her life. She really wanted to perform well and make her oppa proud. She picked up her guitar and strummed a few notes. She began to reflect back on the conversation she had earlier with Kangta.

"What do you mean you don’t want to perform?" Kangta asked her. "Juliana is the perfect place for people to discover your talent. I don’t know why you’re not jumping at the chance."

"Oppa, you know how I feel about performing. The style I sing-My style, is so much different from what the people here like. They prefer all the techno and hip-hop stuff-that’s not me. I sing to an older crowd because I sing an older tune. What I sing, is what I am. I know the younger generation of Korea wouldn’t be so excepting to it, especially to a person who isn’t even half Korean."

Kangta was taken by surprise by Aries’ words. He had never heard her speak this way before.

"Aries," Kangta said slowly. "I’m not going to force you to do anything, and I’m sorry if it seems like I’m putting a lot of pressure on you. I don’t mean to. It’s just that I know you can do this. Music is your life, just like it is mine. How do you think I can relate? You think I don’t know what Korea likes to hear? I’ve spent my entire life writing it and figuring it out. I’m sure there’s a lot of young talent that sings the way you do; maybe they’re just feeling the same way you are. It is hard, I know, but I truly believe you can bring a new rhythm to this society."

Aries sighed. "I’ll think about it." She said.

Kangta smiled, that smile he would often give to the crowd of screaming girls when he was a singer. "That’s all I ask." He said.

And now Aries had come to a decision. She really couldn’t let her oppa down, and deep down inside she really wanted this too. There was a knock at the door.

"Come in." Aries said. She was surprised to see Hyesung at the door.

"Thought you might want a ride." Hyesung said.

Aries smiled. "Yes, I do need a ride." Taking a deep breath she picked up her guitar and followed Hyesung out the door.

Minwoo slammed the door shut. He was tired and sweaty from the auditions. But he was in. He was going to be a back dancer for a group debuting in a month. He walked quickly to his room.

He heard his mom knock on the door. "Minwoo ya, can I come in?" She asked. Minwoo didn’t answer

She opened the door and stood in the doorway. She felt her heart ache as she looked at her son. "Where did I go wrong?" She asked herself.

Minwoo threw his shades down on the desk, then flopped down on his bed, looking at the ceiling. "I went to some auditions." He said.

"Auditions? What for?" His mother asked.

"Daesung had auditions for people interested in singing or dancing," Minwoo said. "I’m going to be a back dancer for some new group." He lit a cigarette and blew rings of smoke up at the ceiling.

"Minwoo ya, why do you do this to me?" It always made his mother angry to watch him smoke. "What do you mean you’re going to be a dancer? I don’t want you doing that. Why can’t you find something around here to do?"

Minwoo sat up. "Why do you keep me locked up like an animal?" He asked. "Why do you always make me change schools or move when you feel like I’m straying away from you?"

"Minwoo try to understand," His mother said, as Minwoo got up and put on his jacket. "It’s been so difficult since your father has passed. You’re all I’ve got left-" Minwoo grabbed his car keys off the dresser.

"Where are you going?" She asked, panic rising in her voice.

"Away," Minwoo said. He turned around and faced his mother. "I’ll be home later. Maybe." He walked quickly past her and slammed the front door shut. His mother sank to the floor despairingly, and wept.

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

The place was blaring with noise, music, and excitement. Aries took a look around. She recognized many people from school. Everyone was dancing, drinking, laughing. Aries felt Hyesung put his hand on her shoulder.

"Well," He said. "What do you think?"

Aries spotted Hyori sitting with a huge group of people. She was certainly the eye candy of the party, wearing a short skirt and a tiny tank top. Aries looked down at her shirt and jeans and shook her head.

"I don’t know what I’m doing here." She murmured. Hyesung took her hand.

"You are going to do just fine," He said, looking into Aries’ eyes. There’s nothing more Hyori can prove here than you can."

Aries was still doubtful. "I don’t know." She said.

"Hey," Hyesung winked at her. "If I were in charge of Daesung I’d have a contract with you on the spot."

Aries managed a tiny smile. She still couldn’t help feeling nervous.

Hyesung glanced at his watch. "I’m sorry but I got to get up onstage in a few minutes." He said.

"Are you going to sing?" Aries asked.

"Yeah-only because I promised Kangta I would," Hyesung shook his head, smiling. "Why don’t you sit at that table over there. You’ll be called onstage shortly after."

The table wasn’t far away from where Hyori and her group were sitting. Aries sat down anyway, paying no attention to the snickering and loud whispering from the table across from her.

"What does she think she’s doing here?" Aries heard someone say.

"I don’t know," Someone else said. "She must have lost her way home." There was laughter.

"What happened to her family anyway?"

"Who’d want her?"

"You know what I mean, she has to have parents somewhere."

"Probably threw her out of the house."

"I’d throw her out too."

A bar tender came up to Aries. "Anything to drink?" He asked.

Aries was trying hard not to pay attention to the comments from the other table. "Some liquor," She said. "I don’t care what kind-actually, make it a brandy."

When her drink came, she drank it down so fast it made her stomach burn and eyes blur with tears. She wiped her mouth and drew her attention to the stage.

The lights went dim as Hyesung walked on stage. He began singing ‘Nae Ga Pilyol Hal Tae’, one of the first ballads Kangta had ever sang. There were three guys that stood behind Hyesung and sang in the background. Aries didn’t recognize who they were.

The talking going on throughout the club died down as Hyesung continued to sing. Aries felt as if she were hearing Kangta singing again for the first time. Their voices were strikingly alike. When he finished singing he bowed deeply and everyone applauded.

"What we have next is a little duel," Hyesung said. "We have two very fine young ladies who are going to show you their talents. However, we don’t want you to think of them as competing with each other. We want you to pay attention to their music and their singing. If you have any comments or complaints, feel free to let me or Daesung Entertainment know. I wish them the best of luck, and let’s have Hyori Lee come up onstage." Hyori walked up and smiled coyly at the audience. She took the microphone from Hyesung’s hand.

As soon as Hyori started to sing everyone began whistling and calling out to her. Aries didn’t recognize the song she was singing and instead paid attention to all the things her oppa said for her to watch. Her posture was good; she stood up straight and held the microphone firmly in her hand. She didn’t make direct eye contact with anyone, but instead rather stared at an invisible something just above the people’s heads. It was what Kangta called a ‘stage action’, where you pretended there was an invisible curtain between you and the audience. It kept you from losing your concentration. Aries listened to Hyori project her voice, the distinctness of her words, and how she breathed. She knew these were things that no one probably noticed, but what was watched for when auditioned.

When Hyori finished her song, everyone clapped loudly. Aries watched as Hyesung walked back up onstage. She felt as if she couldn’t keep her eyes off him. He cleared his throat and waited for the audience to quiet down.

"Our next performer is here to bring a new style to Korea. Let’s welcome Ariana Esparza." There was a hush of whispering among the crowd as Aries slowly got up from her chair and walked toward the stage.

One of the guys that had sung behind Hyesung handed Aries her guitar. He had dark brown hair that hung in his face. He brushed it back with his hand and smiled. Aries managed a tight-lipped smile as she mounted the stage.

Hyesung brought up a chair for her to sit on. The club was utterly silent. Someone coughed. Hyori was leaning toward Juhyun and whispering in her ear.

Aries didn’t know when she’d ever felt more nervous in her life. She took a few deep breaths and strummed a couple notes on her guitar.

"This song…" She said, stopping because her voice was so wavery. She cleared her throat.

"The song I’m about to sing," She began again. "Is a song I wrote myself, and dedicated to one of most important people ever in my life." She closed her eyes and felt herself sing.

"You’re mothers’ child. But night lays you down. Hair aflame, wild look in your eyes. Naked belly to the ground. A forest fire nibbles at your veins. Crawls up your arms, runs away with your mind. And burns dry thoughts like leaves. In the bible, only angels have wings. And the rest must wait to be saved." Aries glanced up and saw Hyesung leaning against the back of stage.

He was staring right into her eyes. Aries looked away quickly so as not to lose her concentration. Her shaky hands grew steady on her guitar. "Pieces of us, die every day. As though our flesh were Hell. Such an injustice, as children we are told. That from God we fell." She was singing louder and clearer than she felt she’d ever sang before.

When she finished there was a fair amount of applause. Aries stood up and bowed. When she looked up, she saw Hyori glaring at her. Aries swallowed hard and went to sit back down at her table.

"She can’t even sing." She heard Hyori say to Juhyun.

"I know," Juhyun said. "She’s nothing compared to you."

"Look at what she’s wearing."

"What a slob."

"She’s not even pretty."

"Why doesn’t she realize that she should just go back to where she came from?"

Aries tried her hardest to ignore these comments. It was hard for her to pretend not to hear them, when she knew they were being said loud enough for her to hear. She directed her attention to Hyesung. He had taken two men aside and was talking to them quietly.

Hyesung walked back onstage and held his hand up for silence. He looked at Aries. Aries saw the sadness in his eyes and felt her heart fall. Hyori was chosen.

She got up and ran out of the club. She didn’t even want to hear Hyesung say it. "Why did I even come here?" Aries thought. "What was all this for? Nothing that’s what. God Damn it-" She punched the wall. She saw her knuckles split down the middle.

"Aigo! That really hurt!" Aries yelled. She kicked the wall and holding her bleeding hand to her chest slumped down against the wall. She put her head against her knees and began to cry silently, the way she used to when she didn’t want anyone to hear her.

Minwoo looked both ways and then crossed the intersection. He crossed a little too soon however, and a car came to a screeching halt, blaring it’s horn. "What do you think you’re doing kid?" The driver yelled.

"F*ck off!" Minwoo yelled, kicking the bumper of the car.

There were a lot of people at the galleria. Minwoo scanned the crowd before he spotted Yuri and Jini. He walked up to them and smiled. "Hello ladies" He said.

"You’re late," Yuri had a pouty look on her face. "Come on, Hyori and Juhyun are waiting for us." Jini and Yuri each took one of Minwoo’s arms and proceeded to walk toward the club.

Hyesung felt really bad. "Where did Aries go?" He thought to himself. He squinted under the bright lights of the club. She was no where to be found.

"I’m in!" Hyori cried, flinging her arms around Minwoo.

Minwoo chuckled. "Congratulations." He said.

"I knew Aries wouldn’t win," Hyori said. "She just doesn’t have what it takes."

"Hey, go easy on her." Minwoo said. Wanting to change the subject, he snapped his fingers at the bat tender.

"Drinks for the ladies on me." He said.

"I have to find her," Hyesung thought to himself. "If only they’d leave already!" He was standing with the president and vice president of Daesung Entertainment. They were going over the contract deals. Hyesung mostly listened while they talked on and on.

"We should make a group." The president said.

"Yes, I think it would be more spectacular if there were more people. Who was that girl with Hyori? Does she sing?" The vice president asked.

"Anything, anything," Hyesung thought to himself. Instead, he said. "Yes, she has a splendid voice like Hyori. She also told me she has a couple other friends interested in singing."

"Excellent!" The president said. "Have them in my office by tomorrow morning."

"Yes sir." Hyesung said, bowing. He walked them to their cars. As soon as he saw them drive off he got into his own car and went looking for Aries.

Aries wiped her tears away. She felt herself smear blood on her face, forgetting that she had split her knuckles open. She looked down at her shirt; there was blood down the front from where her hand had bled. She didn’t have a jacket and began to shiver as a cold gust of wind went by.

Dongwan was singing along to the radio. He was bobbin his head to the music, when he saw a girl sitting against a wall. "Is that blood all over here?" Dongwan thought as he stopped the car and got out.

Aries saw Dongwan walking toward her. She stood up and tried to rub the blood off her face, which had dried and caked up.

"Are you alright?" Dongwan asked.

Aries recognized him. He was one of the guys that sang with Hyesung, the one that handed her guitar to her.

"I’m fine." She said softly.

Dongwan stared at her. "Can I help you clean your hand up?" He asked.

"Alright." Aries said.

Dongwan walked to his car and brought out some Band-Aids, paper towels, and a small bottle of peroxide. "I always keep this in my car just in case." He grinned at Aries.

Aries smiled back. "Are you related to Hyesung?" She asked.

"Me? Nah-me and Hyesung go back to when we were little kids. We both share a love for music." He poured the peroxide on Aries’ hand.

Aries winced, but didn’t cry or whimper. "Who were the other two guys?" She asked.

Dongwan poured some peroxide on a paper towel and gently wiped the blood off Aries’ face. "That’s Eric Moon and Andy Lee. They both came from the states not too long ago. Hyesung met them at a convention. They’re both great at dancing and rapping." He put Band-Aids on the parts where Aries’ hand split. It was obvious that she had punched the wall or something, and Dongwan was curious as to what made her do it, and what kind of anger gave her enough strength to punch something hard enough to split her hand open. "I’d hate to get in a fight with her." He thought.

Aries opened and closed her hand slowly. "Thank you." She said.

"No problem." Dongwan said. "You should really have that hand x-rayed though. You need a lift home?"

"No, I’ve got my own ride, thanks." Aries said. "It was nice meeting you Dongwan."

"You too Aries, take good cares of yourself ok? Maybe I’ll see you around some other time." He got in his car and drove off. Aries sat back against the wall, listening to the music and sounds coming from inside the club, and reflecting on the day’s happenings. She sighed and closed her eyes.

"My God, where could she be?" Hyesung wondered. He felt as if he had driven up and down the same street ten thousand times, and that he had asked the same people repeatedly if they came across Aries.

"She’s kind of petite. With brown hair and brown eyes. She doesn’t really look Korean; maybe half-" Hyesung was trying to describe Aries to a woman sweeping the stoop of her restaurant.

"Ah-no one of such description has been by," the woman said. "Sorry."

Hyesung rubbed his eyes tiredly. He had called his cousin with the news of Hyori being recruited.

"Oh no," Kangta said. "She must have been crushed."

"I think she was. She ran out before I could even announce it," Hyesung sighed. "I’m sorry, I really wanted Daesung to take in Aries, but they just didn’t see her through my eyes."

Kangta shook his head. She had been right, her music was very different from what everyone wanted, and it would be very difficult to try to have it accepted in a culture of rap and pop.

"I’ve been looking for Aries for hours. Do you have any idea where she could be?" Hyesung asked.

"I do," Kangta said. "I’ll find her, don’t worry. Thanks for calling."

"Alright, ahnyoung." Hyesung hung up his cell phone and concentrated on his driving. He slowed for a red light and saw a guy with his arm slung over a girl’s shoulder. He raised his eyebrows as the guy stumbled around, as if he were just learning to walk.

The light turned and Hyesung glanced at the couple once more. "Kids shouldn’t be allowed to drink." He said to himself.

Aries walked around slowly. She gazed at the soft blossoms of the willow tree floating lazily in the water. She sat down against the tree and twirled a leave between her fingers. The soft maple color of the leave reminded Aries of her brother, his hair often turned dirty blond during the winter season. Her eyes grew heavy with sleep and she let the leaf slip away from her hand to drift in the breeze.

Kangta got out of his car and looked around. He shivered. The night air was chilly and he blew clouds of smoke against the sky.

There was a small pond about five miles away from where his nightclub was. Aries had discovered it accidentally once while trying to find her way home. Kangta had been pacing in his house endlessly that night, not knowing where Aries could be. When she finally did come home and called Kangta he drove straight to her apartment. When she answered the door, he saw tears streaming down her face. He rocked her and stroked her hair as she told him her discovery, and the significance it had in reminding her of her brother’s death.

Kangta saw a small shadow leaning against a tree. He walked toward it, leaves crunching under his feet.

"Where am I?" Aries thought. The sun was shining and the air smelled fresh. She heard a cow moo in the background. She walked up to the fence and put her hand out to the brown horse that was eating bales of hay. The horse muzzled Aries’ hand with its nose.

"What am I doing here?" Aries wondered. "And how old am I?" She put her hand up to her hair and discovered she had pigtails. "I haven’t had pigtails since I was six!" She thought.

She heard shouts of laughter behind her. Three boys ran past her, one of them pulling on her pigtails.

"Ouch!" She cried. "Hey wait a minute…" She narrowed her eyes at the boys.

"Those are my brother’s friends!" She thought. The one that had pulled her hair looked back and gave her an evil smile. "Tommy Parker, better known as Mad Ox." Aries smiled and without thinking stuck her tongue out at him.

The second boy followed silently. "Stalker," Aries thought. "Poor Ivan. He was always so quiet and moody. No wonder everyone called him that." She turned her attention to the bulkier boy, who was huffing and puffing as he tried to catch up with the other two.

Aries smiled. "Piggy! I forgot about him." She sat down in the grass, and started to make bracelets with the daisies.

Some one quietly sneaked up behind Aries. Aries felt something cold and slimy slither down the back of her shirt. "AAII-EEEE!!!" She cried.

There was laughter and a flash of gold. Aries got up and shook the small lizard out of her shirt. She heard footsteps and she began to run after them.

Suddenly she was in a barn. It was almost pitch black. Aries felt her way around gingerly. "Hello?" She called. There was something in the corner. She walked toward it and gasped.

A boy with gleaming hair was crying, hugging his legs. He glanced up at Aries with golden blue eyes.

Aries let out a shaky sigh. "Indra, why are you crying?" She asked.

Indra slowly showed her his arm. There was a cut down the side, not quite deep, but very painful. "I tripped over the bar wire while running away from you. I guess I’m being punished for putting that lizard down your back." He sniffled.

Aries felt in her pockets and pulled out a wad of tissue. She mopped up Indra’s cut. She kissed her hand and then lightly put it on Indra’s cut.

To her surprise the wound began to glow, then disappear. She looked at Indra with wide eyes.

He smiled. "Thank you." He whispered. He sounded very old for some reason.

Aries felt her heart beat faster. "What’s happening?" She cried.

Indra would only smile. The light around his arm began to grow and embrace his entire body. Aries stared until the light was too bright. She closed her eyes and looked away.

"Aries," Kangta shook her gently. Aries woke up with a little jump. She opened her eyes and saw Kangta gazing at her. "Are you ok?" He asked.

Aries put her hand to her face and was surprised to discover it was wet. "Was I crying?" She wondered.

"I’m sorry." Kangta said softly, stroking her hair."

"Oh oppa, no. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I let you down." She began to cry silently.

Kangta held her tight. "Don’t you ever be sorry," He said. "You did your best and that’s what counts. You’ll never be a disappointment to me. I’ll always be proud of you no matter what happens."

"How did you know where I was?" Aries asked.

Kangta smiled. "Just a hunch," He said. "I know how much you miss your brother." He helped Aries to her feet.

"Your hand," Kangta held her bandaged hand gingerly. "What happened?"

"Nothing oppa, I just had a little accident. Nothing to get worried about," She gave Kangta a tired smile. "Let’s go home." She said.

Kangta put his arm around Aries as they walked away. A tree blossom with soft white petals and yellow centers drifted down from the tree. It blew gently in the breeze and landed in Aries hair.

"Come-on-Minwoo," Hyori was out of breath as she pulled Minwoo along. "We’re almost there."

Minwoo laughed loudly and slung his other arm around Hyori. "Ya know what? You’re too good to me babes. Really. You are." He dragged his feet along the ground.

"Oh my God," Hyori rolled her eyes. "He’s totally wasted." She tripped over a crack in the pavement and went sprawling to the ground.

When she looked up, she saw that Minwoo had fallen on her. Before she knew it, he was kissing her. Hyori drew back in surprise, then let Minwoo kiss her.

"What am I doing?" Minwoo thought. He pushed Hyori away and got up.

"I’m sorry," Minwoo said. "I’m drunk." He staggered away.

"Minwoo! Wait-" Hyori ran to his side. "You’re really too out of it to go home. Do you want your mother to see you like this?"

Minwoo stopped to think. "Well, no." He said.

Hyori smiled slyly. "Then you can come stay at my place till you’re sober."

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

Aries leaned back in her chair lazily. They were having presentations in class again today, and she had forgotten to do the assignment. She wasn’t too worried though; she could probably come up with something at the top of her head. She glanced back at Minwoo’s desk. It was empty.

The door was suddenly flung open. Minwoo entered, shirt half tucked, half buttoned, hair flying all over the place. He threw himself into his seat and blew upward the hair that fell into his eyes.

Hyori hovered in the doorway. She looked at Aries and sneered. She gave the teacher a bright smile and closed the door.

"Well Minwoo, is there a reason why you’re late this morning?" The teacher asked.

Minwoo shrugged. "Nope." He said. He put his feet up on his desk. There were a few snickers from the class.

"Then you’re ready to give your presentation?" The teacher said.

"But surely." Minwoo got up and walked to the front of the class.

"No paper?" The teacher asked.

Minwoo shook his head. "It’s right here." He said, tapping his forehead. He leaned against the podium and spoke out clearly to the class.

"Mother, I’m tired," He said. There were a couple giggles. "Come surrender my son, time has ravaged us all. No plans to leave but still I must go. Falling with the leaves, falling out of sleep. I say the last goodbye, but who cares why? Mother I’ve tried. I’ve tried wasting my life. I haven’t given up, I say. But I lie. I want to see myself proud in your eyes, yet I fall out of sleep and crawling all over me is the last goodbye. Who cares why? Tuesdays come and go, along with Wednesdays, Thursdays, and all the rest. Forever restless I drive, try to leave it all behind. I’ve fallen out of sleep, out with the leaves. I’ve got helplessness written all over my face, crawling all over me. I’m falling, and Mother, I hope you know, that I miss you so. Time has ravaged my soul, and the tears you wipe from your face grow old. Sing yourself to sleep Mother, forsaken times will be long forgotten." The class was utterly silent. Even the teacher had her full attention on Minwoo.

"Well, uh-" The teacher was at loss for words. "That was…different." She said.

"I call it ‘Peaches and Cream’." Minwoo said. The class laughed.

"That’s a very interesting name," The teacher said. "You may sit down now."

Minwoo sat down and glanced at Aries. She looked away. "What did he and Hyori do last night?" She wondered.

At the end of class, she found out. Aries had just sat down to read a book when she heard voices behind her. She put the book close to her face and pretended to read while she listened to the conversation.

"Wow! It was so amazing!" Hyori said. "We had an awesome night together."

"I’m so happy for you!" Yuri squealed.

"So, what did you guys do?" Ju hyun asked.

"What didn’t we do?" Hyori replied. They all laughed.

Jini sighed. "You’re so lucky. Minwoo is a cutie!"

"I know. I feel like I really know him now. Last night we told each other everything. How he wants to become a back dancer and how I want to be a singer. And I know he likes me. There’s no denying that."

Aries got up and left. She didn’t know why she felt so angry. "What do I have to be jealous of?" She thought to herself. "He’s just a guy. So what if he’s good looking?" She wasn’t really watching where she was going when she felt herself run into someone.

It was Minwoo. "Whoa! What’s the rush?" He asked. He bent down and picked up the book Aries dropped.

"Forbidden Love," Minwoo read the title. "What’s it about?"

"It’s about a school teacher who falls in love with one of her students." Aries said.

Minwoo took an apple out of his pocket and took a bite. "Sounds interesting." He said.

"What you said during class today, your presentation. Did you really write that?" Aries asked.

Minwoo took another bite before he answered. "Yup." He said.

"And was it dedicated to your mother?" Aries asked.

He almost choked on his apple. "I guess so." Minwoo said.

"You must have been through a lot with her." Aries said.

Minwoo didn’t know quite know what to say. "Yeah, and I bet you and your parents are perfect right?" He said.

"I have no parents," Aries said softly. "Not here anyway. The closest thing I have to family is my oppa. And he’s not even blood-related." She took the book from Minwoo’s hand and walked away. Minwoo watched her, her feet growing heavier with each step.

The telephone rang and Minwoo’s mother rushed through the room to pick it up. "Hello?" She answered.

"Mrs. Lee," The voice was deep and deformed. "You are needed immediately."

"Why? Why now? What about my son?" She asked.

"Everything you are involved in now must be put on hold," The voice said. "Your presence here is mandatory."

"Alright," Minwoo’s mother sighed. "I’ll be there as soon as I can." She hung up the phone and picked up the portrait on her dresser. It was a picture of her and Minwoo, when he was only four. She hugged it to her chest.

When Minwoo got home his mother was gone.

"Ohma," He called. "I’m home." He kicked his shoes off and saw a white rose in a vase sitting on the table. He picked it up and took the letter from underneath it. He ripped the letter open and let his eyes fall on the words that were written.

"My dearest son," The note read. "I’m afraid our lives have fallen under bad times-then and now. I leave you to be responsible for your own life. I cannot tell you where I’m going or what I’m doing. Please, be good to yourself and don’t worry about me. Follow your destiny-mine was to be your mother, and I fulfilled it the best I could. I love you." Minwoo let the letter drop from his hand.

There was a photo next to the vase. Minwoo picked up and read the inscription on the back.

If you have to go don’t say goodbye. If you have to go don’t you cry. If you have to go, I will get by. Someday I will follow you, and see you on the other side. The lullaby his mother used to sing to him when he was small.

Minwoo didn’t stop the tears that flowed down his cheeks. How selfish he had been, to cause his mother so much grief. She had spent these last years trying to win his affection in the only way she could. After losing his father, it was no wonder why she feared losing him. "She couldn’t help the way she acted." Minwoo thought.

He slowly walked into his mother’s room. It still smelled of her perfume. He breathed in deeply. "Where did she go? Did she leave because I’ve hurt her so much?" He wondered.

A photo framed in silver caught his eyes. He walked over to the dresser and picked it up. Minwoo was sitting on his mother’s lap. A slender, good-looking man sat next to his mother, his arm around her. Behind them were the ocean and the sand. They were all smiling.

Minwoo could barely remember when they took this picture. He closed his eyes. When he opened them, he saw his reflection in the mirror. He looked back at the photo and saw how similar he looked to his father. He had his dark eyebrows, high cheekbones, and fair complex.

He took the photo from the dresser and collapsed on the bed. He closed his eyes, hugging the photo to him close.

Ten miles outside of Seoul Minwoo’s mother hugged the photo of her and Minwoo as her tears fell. She was sitting in a hotel room. The room was large and luxurious. She looked at the champagne bottle that chilled in the silver ice bucket and at the spectacular view from thirty stories up. She sighed and closed her eyes. She felt more alone than ever.

Hyesung knocked on the door. Kangta answered. "How’s she doing?" Hyesung asked.

"Better," Kangta replied. "But she’s kind of…moody. I don’t know, she’s kind of in her own world right now." He said, leading Hyesung into the next room.

Hyesung was greeted with sweet piano music. He saw the back of Aries at the piano.

He could see her reflection in the window. She had large bags under her eyes from lack of sleep. He couldn’t help but notice how frail she looked. He walked up to the piano and sat next to her.

Aries continued to play in silence. Her eyes were on her fingers, which flew up and down the keys. When she stopped playing Hyesung gently clasped his hands over hers.

"What’s troubling you?" Hyesung asked softly.

Aries immediately felt soothed by his voice. "Nothing." She said.

Hyesung gave her a knowing smile. "Then why the tears in your eyes?" He asked.

Aries didn’t realize she had been crying. She had been too caught up in her music. "I don’t know." She whispered, tears flowing down faster.

Hyesung put his arm around her and hugged her close while she cried on his shoulder. Kangta leaned against the doorway and smiled, a sad sort of smile. He noticed that a small white blossom had been placed on top of the piano. He sighed. "God, please help Aries," He thought, closing his eyes. "Help us all." A single tear fell down his cheek.

Minwoo slowly massaged his temples; he still had a hangover from the night before. "What happened last night?" He wondered. He thought back to where he was and whom he had been with. He recalled a girl with long hair, and a peculiar taste in his mouth.

He touched his lips; what did he and Hyori do last night? Surely, they didn’t sleep together, did they? Minwoo decided he had to find out. If something did happen between them, he had to straighten it out. He grabbed his coat and went out the door.

"Hyesungie, I’m pretty tired. I think I’ll go to bed." Aries got up and went into the next room. Kangta came in at that moment. He took Hyesung aside and began to talk to him quietly.

"I’m very worried about her," Kangta said. "I’ve never seen her this depressed before. She’s had a hard life, but she’s always been strong. I hate to see her like this, it’s like she’s falling apart." Kangta shook his head sadly.

"I’m worried about her too." Hyesung said softly. He said goodbye to his cousin and left. When he was in his car he sat there and thought. He was actually more worried about himself than Aries. He was worried that he could be falling in love with her.

Minwoo jogged up the front steps of Hyori’s apartment. She lived in the more discreet area of Korea, where some of the country’s wealthiest beings lived. He took hold of the heavy brass knuckle on the door and knocked.

A short woman wearing a house cleaner’s uniform answered the door.

"Is this the Lee residence?" Minwoo asked.

"Yes it is," The maid replied. "Can I help you?"

"I need to speak to Miss Hyori Lee." Minwoo said.

The maid smiled. "You must be that boyfriend of hers. She hasn’t stopped talking about you." She moved out of the way so Minwoo could come inside.

Minwoo let out a low whistle as he checked the place out. The house was enormous. The floors were made out of marble and there was a fountain right in front of the door.

"Minwoo ya!" Minwoo looked up the stairs and saw Hyori standing at the top. She had her long hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was wearing a sports bra and shorts.

"I’m sorry, you’ve kind of caught me at a bad time," Hyori said breathlessly as she came flying down the stairs. "I was just working out."

Minwoo stared at her. Her stomach was perfectly sculpted and her body seemed to curve in all the right places.

"Earth to Minwoo…" Hyori waved her hand in front of Minwoo’s face.

Minwoo blinked. "I’m sorry," He said. "I just couldn’t help noticing how tone your body is."

Hyori smiled. "I hope it looks tone, I work out hard." She grabbed Minwoo’s hand and pulled him into the next room, away from the nosy maid.

"Have a seat." Hyori said, gesturing to sit down.

Minwoo looked around. "Where?" He asked. The room was so huge it had enough furniture to seat sixty people at least.

Hyori giggled. "Over here." She sat down on one of the sofas and patted the spot next to her.

"So, what’s with your little cleaner over there saying I’m your boyfriend?" Minwoo asked.

Hyori’s cheeks turned pink. "Oh-she just likes to exaggerate things." She said.

Minwoo got up and began to walk around. "Hyori, what ever happened last night-what ever you’re thinking or feeling right now, I want you to know that nothing should have happened. I was drunk." Minwoo watched as Hyori’s happy face slowly fell.

"But Minwoo, do you remember what happened at all?" Hyori asked.

Minwoo was silent for a minute. Hyori slowly smiled. She got up and slowly ran her hand up and down Minwoo’s arm.

"You don’t do you?" Hyori said softly. "I gave you everything that night Minwoo. And you took it gladly."

Minwoo moved away from Hyori. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. "No." He almost whispered.

Hyori smiled sadly. "Yes Minwoo. And now it’s time for you to be responsible for what you took."

Minwoo shook his head. "You can’t possibly know that you’re pregnant already. Didn’t we use protection?"

"No," Hyori said. "You refused to. If I didn’t have such feelings for you, if you didn’t almost force me-" Hyori turned away, forcing tears to come into her eyes.

"Hey, I’m really sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me." Minwoo put his hand on Hyori’s shoulder. She turned around and kissed him.

Minwoo staggered back in surprise as Hyori threw her arms around Minwoo’s neck.

‘I love you," She whispered in his ear. "Please, for us and for our baby, if we have one. Please, let us be good together."

Minwoo was speechless. His head was spinning as Hyori raised her face to his to kiss him again.

Aries blinked. She was in her kitchen at home. Sunlight was pouring through the windows. She could smell the sweetness of hay, along with the bitterness of the heat. Indra, his blond locks bouncing, came bounding into the kitchen.

Aries watched him. He seemed to be growing taller every day. Feeling Aries’ stare on his back, Indra turned around and faced Aries.

"What are you looking at?" He made a monkey face at her. Their mother came bustling in with a dust rag, dusting the table and chairs.

"I’ll be back before sun down Mom! Me and the guys are gonna check out that cove on the lake." Indra was already out the door before his mother could tell him to have fun and be careful.

Aries shook her head and continued to do the dishes. "What a minute," She thought. "Something doesn’t seem right." She dried her hands on the dishtowel and stared outside. Something was summoning her for some reason. Everything seemed so surreal, so familiar. What was happening?

Aries ran outside. She didn’t know why or where she was running, but she knew something terrible was going to happen. Why couldn’t she move any faster? It was like running through water.

She approached the lake with caution. "Indra!" She yelled. The area was utterly silent.

There were voices in the distant. Aries walked through some brushes and saw a group of people gathered around a mound. She walked up and stood on her tiptoes, trying to see over the small crowd.

"Crying shame." Aries heard someone say. Everyone around murmured in agreement.

"Don’t understand why they didn’t pull the plug sooner. It would have been a lot easier on them." The crowd slowly dispersed, putting up black umbrellas as rain began to fall.

Everyone walked by Aries, patting her shoulder, passing words of sympathy. She gasped when she saw the small tombstone with Indra’s name engraved on it.

There was a flash of light. Aries was sitting in a room, next to a boy in a wheelchair. He was staring, at absolutely nothing. What he was thinking, what he felt, would never be of significance again.

"Come on Indra, lift your arm-that’s it." Aries helped Indra change out of his pajamas.

"Wow, you’re really hungry." Aries spoon-fed him, scraping off the applesauce that oozed down his chin. She didn’t even look up when her mother came stumbling into the room, empty whiskey bottle in her hand.

‘You damn kids again?!" She yelled. She threw the bottle at them, narrowly missing Aries’ head. She bent her head closer to Indra.

Her mother laughed. "What you think he’s gonna do, protect you? Jump out of that chair and attack me? He’s a stiff-a good for nothing, God damn vegetable!" Aries could sense her mother becoming hysterical and quickly wheeled Indra outside.

They were next to a beautiful babbling brook. Aries sat down on some rocks and wheeled her brother’s chair closer to her.

"There’s a little bird somebody sent," She sang. "Down to the earth to live on the wind. Blowing on the wind, and he sleeps on the wind. This little bird, somebody sent." Aries stared into her brother’s motionless eyes.

It was a lullaby her mother used to sing to her years ago. When Indra was born, she learned how to harmonize, and sang it often to Indra with her mother.

"Light, and fragile, and feather sky blue. Thin, and graceful, the sun shining through. He flies so high up in the sky, way out of reach of human eyes." Aries felt her voice break as she sang the song that she loved so much as a child.

Something was happening. The wheelchair was slowly disappearing. Indra, still staring off in the distance, slowly stood up. He finally turned to Aries, tears forming in his piercing blue eyes.

"And the only time that he touches ground, is when that little bird dies." Indra sang softly. He stared meaningfully at Aries; tears were streaming down his cheeks.

Aries opened her eyes. She sat up and let out a shaky sigh. What was that all about? She put her hand to her forehead, waiting for the stabbing pain in her heart to go away.

There was a knock at the door. "Come in." Aries said. She was surprised at how low and raspy her voice was.

Kangta came in. He sat down next to Aries and brought her closer to him. "How’s my little star feeling?" He asked.

Aries slowly ran her hand through Kangta’s hair. "I could be better." She answered truthfully. She was surprised to see gray hairs appearing. He was only in his thirties. Kangta drew back embarrassingly.

"It’s genetic." He insisted, combing the hair back down on his face.

Aries managed a tiny smile. "Don’t lie to me oppa. If I didn’t cause you so much stress, you wouldn’t have to dye your hair. I’ve seen those dye bottles you’ve tried to hide from me!" She said before Kangta could open his mouth to protest.

Kangta laughed. "But you keep me so young at heart Aries. You know that if I weren’t twice your age my heart would be yours." He teased, ruffling Aries’ hair.

"Oppa," Aries said, turning serious. "Do you think I’ll ever have a normal life?" She asked.

Kangta held her tight. "What ever happens, I’ll always be here. I’ll never stop caring for you." Aries closed her eyes and felt herself drift off into a more peaceful sleep.

Minwoo slammed the door shut. He fell onto the couch, angry tears forming in his eyes. What had he done? His mother leaves him and now he’s left with the possible responsibility of fatherhood. He took out of his pocket the photo of his mother that he kept with him at all times.

"Ohma, I’m so sorry," Minwoo said. "I’m going to make you proud of me, you’ll see. And I’m going to find you and prove my love to you. I don’t know how, but I will never give up until I find you. Never." He took out a small pocketknife and wrapped his hand around it.

"I swear it," He swiped the blade through his hand. "On my own blood." He squeezed his hand into a fist until blood came oozing out. He brought the fist up to his lips and closed his eyes.

Aries looked over at Kangta and smiled. He had fallen asleep in the chair, rather slumped over. He snored lightly and snuggled down deeper into the chair.

Aries stretched, yawned, and got out of bed. She threw a blanket over her oppa, who sighed contently in his sleep. He was so good to her, Aries hoped he knew how much she appreciated his love. She threw open the door to her closet and stared at her clothes.

There was something that bothered Aries deeply. She wanted so badly to be accepted by Korea. She chose a small halter-top and some tight black pants. She glanced over at her oppa to see if he was still asleep. She quickly scribbled down a note saying she had gone for a walk and put it on the nightstand next to Kangta. She bent down and kissed his forehead. He stirred, but didn’t wake. Throwing a coat on over her shoulders Aries quickly left out the door.

Minwoo banged his bandaged fist on the table. "Get me a drink!" He yelled at the bar tender. He glared at the girls that were giggling next to him. They had been pointing and looking at him since he first set foot in the club. Every once in awhile one would walk by, hoping to catch his attention. Minwoo snorted and took the shot of liquor down in one gulp. He wiped his hand across his lips as the liquor burned his stomach. A sudden idea came to him, and he glanced at the girls. He smiled at them and they smiled back. He picked up the bottle of tequila and approached them.

"Would any of you ladies care to let me take a body shot?" Minwoo asked. They giggled. They nudged one of the girls and she took a step forward.

"Sure," She said, and smiled. She was gorgeous, with long flowing hair and glowing skin. Minwoo tried not to think about the short dress she was wearing as he took her hand and led her to the bar. He decided he might as well have a little fun before Hyori told the whole world she was having his baby.

Aries stepped nervously into the club. The place was packed with sweaty bodies, dancing up a storm out on the floor, and people half-drunk up at the bar. Aries pulled her coat around her tightly and began to make her way through the crowd.

Minwoo felt himself loosen up. He had his arm around the girl he’d taken the body shot off of, who’s name was Susie, and was nibbling on her neck. She giggled and ran her hand through his hair, whispering in his ear.

Something caught Minwoo’s attention out of the corner of his eye. He looked up and scanned the dance floor. His eyes widened when he saw Aries. He looked away, hoping she didn’t see him. "What is she doing here?" Minwoo wondered.

Aries closed her eyes and tried to let herself go. She slowly moved her body to the rhythm of the music, slipping off her long coat and throwing it on one of the tables. There were whistles of approvement from a few of the men standing nearby.

Minwoo felt his eyes grow bigger and bigger. "Wow." He thought. Aries wasn’t in bad shape, yet you would never be able to tell because she always wore oversized shirts and jeans. He pushed Susie away and got up.

She began to pout, but Minwoo paid no attention. He sat down at one of the tables, not far from where Aries was standing.

She began moving around faster, putting more feeling into her movements. One of the guys who had whistled at her came up behind her and put his hand on her waist. Minwoo felt a wave of heat flash over him. Was that jealousy that he felt?

Aries had never felt the way she did that night. She turned around and put her arms around the guy as she felt herself move in time to the music. She broke away from him and slowly danced up to one of the stages. She took a deep breath, thinking about what she was about to do.

She whipped her head to the left, throwing her arms up and twirling around in a circle. Almost everyone had their eyes on Aries, who was going over the dance that Kangta used to do when he was a singer. The steps that she had painstakingly gone over and over until her body throbbed and ached.

A man walked up toward Aries and stood to the side. He was studying her every move. Aries paid no attention, as her breathing became heavier and heavier.

Something totally made her lose all concentration. One moment she sees a group of girls glaring at her, the next she sees Minwoo. She backtracked and took another look. Sure enough, it was him.

Aries felt her foot slip from underneath her. She fell hard onto the stage. Bursts of laughter from the group of girls rang in the air. Feeling hot tears come to her eyes Aries got up and ran out of the club.

Minwoo got up to run after her. He felt someone grab his arm. "Where are you going honey?" Susie asked.

"Get away from me you little tramp." Minwoo growled, taking his arm out of Susie’s grasp. He left her shocked to go run after Aries.

Aries burst outside and was greeted with a gust of cold air. She ran until she absolutely could run no more. What had she been thinking? She leaned against the brick wall, as people hurried past, eager to get out of the cold.

"Aries!" Aries could hear someone call out her name. She glanced up to see Minwoo running toward her. "Oh no, what does he want?" Aries thought, closing her eyes. Maybe this was one of her dreams again.

When she opened her eyes though, she knew she wasn’t dreaming. Minwoo was standing in front of her, leaning over his knees to catch his breath.

"Please go away." She said, turning away from him.

"Aries, you-you were fantastic. Where did you learn to dance like that?" Minwoo asked.

"You don’t understand. That wasn’t supposed to happen. That wasn’t me-" Aries pulled at her hair and began to pace back and forth in front of Minwoo. "I don’t know what I was thinking. I guess, I thought that if I acted like I was a true Korean everyone would accept me. But I was wrong, so very wrong. I hate it, I hate this place, I hate techno, I hate hip-hop, and I hate the city- "Aries began to cry hard and shake uncontrollably.

Minwoo grabbed her roughly by the shoulders. "Aries, listen to me. Look at me-" Aries looked into Minwoo’s heated eyes. "The first time I saw you, I felt something I’ve never felt before. When I first met you, it felt like you already knew everything about me. We both have hard lives, we’re both not accepted." Aries started to shake her head when Minwoo took her hands into his.

"From the moment I heard you sing, I knew," Minwoo said softly, drawing Aries to him nearer. "I knew that I had fallen for you. Your voice and your presence keep me going on. My mom has just left me and my world has fallen apart as we speak. But you Aries, you’re what’s keeping me alive." Minwoo stroked Aries’ face.

Aries felt herself shudder from Minwoo’s touch. "Minwoo, I can’t fall in love with anyone," She whispered. "My life is so complicated, I don’t want to make anyone miserable." Minwoo put his finger to Aries’ lips, silencing her. He kissed her quickly, then pulled back to see how she’d react.

Aries stood in shock for a few moments. She then grabbed Minwoo’s shirt and pulled him toward her, kissing him deeply. People walking by stared at them or shook their head, thinking about how rude it was to kiss in public.

Hyori was walking along, thinking about Minwoo, and the way he kissed her. She stopped at what she saw and gasped. Aries had her arms wrapped around Minwoo as she pressed her lips against his.

"Hey, looks like they’re pretty warm." Someone joked as they walked past.

"I think they should get a room." An older lady said disgustingly, clucking her tongue in disapproval at the couple.

Minwoo took his arms from Aries’ shoulders and placed them around her waist as he continued to kiss her. He didn’t even notice the obnoxious comments made by the people who passed by. He was in his own world, where only he and Aries were present.

Hyori felt tears of hatred and jealousy come to her eyes. As much as she hated to admit it, Minwoo had never kissed her with such passion, and he probably never would. In fact, she was always the one kissing him. "We’ll have to change that," Hyori thought, flicking her hair over her shoulder and hurrying past the couple so they wouldn’t see her. "I’ll get rid of you Aries, one way or another." She took one more glance at them, and ran off, tears falling on the pavement where she ran.

They stayed embraced in each other’s arms for a long time. Snow began to fall and decorate the ground. They finally pulled apart, breathing heavily.

"I love you Ariana." Minwoo whispered in her ear.

Aries hugged him tightly. It was the first time in awhile someone had called her by her full name, and it made her heart flutter to hear it. "I’ll be near you always." She said.

The sun was slowly setting and the lantern above showered them with a soft yellow glow. The snow around them twinkled under the lamplight as they stood there in each other’s arms, never wanting to let go.

"Try not to use it too much," The doctor looked over some forms while he talked to Aries. Her hand was still tender and Kangta had insisted she at least have it x-rayed. "You’re lucky you didn’t fracture any bones. You didn’t get in a fight or anything did you?" The doctor asked as they left the room.

Aries put on her most innocent smile. "Of course not. My friend accidentally slammed the car door on my hand."

"She must have slammed that door pretty hard." The doctor stared hard at Aries.

Aries shifted her weight from foot to foot uneasily. "Yeah, well, she’s pretty strong." She said.

The doctor walked away, a look of doubt still on his face. Aries snickered to herself. What she saw in front of her though made her happy mood disappear. Hyori was standing near her, obviously waiting.

She walked up to Aries and smiled. "Will you come for a walk?" She asked. She started walking away before Aries could answer. Aries followed her silently.

"We both have a lot in common," Hyori said. They were outside walking through the hospital gardens. Nurses and little kids were everywhere, wheeling around the handicap in their wheelchairs. "We both want to be happy and become successful. We both want to fit in with the crowd. And by coincidence we both love music." She stopped walking, facing Aries.

Aries had nothing to say. She gave Hyori a look that plainly said ‘And your point is?’

Hyori chuckled. "There’s also something that not only you and I want, but the whole world wants as well." She bent her head down to the roses and inhaled deeply the sweetness of their scent.

"I don’t think I quite follow you." Aries said.

Hyori looked up. "We both want love." She said. She continued walking. Aries gave her a look of unquestionable doubt before she followed her.

"It’s just a shame that we both can’t have the same love," Hyori stopped walking to let a group of kids run by her. "But I’m glad to see we have the same taste." She said.

"I’m sorry, but I have no idea what you’re talking about." Aries said, impatience growing in her voice.

"I’m talking about Minwoo." Hyori said. All the sweetness in her voice had turned into bitterness.

"I don’t understand." Aries said.

Hyori snorted. "Of course, you wouldn’t understand would you? I don’t quite understand it myself. I mean, I find the man of my dreams to only come across you kissing him." She said. Aries gasped.

Hyori laughed. "That’s right, I saw you. He had you led on pretty well huh? I understand that he might be feeling a little down about having a child, so he went out to have a little fun." Hyori narrowed her eyes at Aries.

Aries couldn’t believe what she was hearing. "You mean, he’s going to be a father?" Aries felt her heart sink.

"Yes. He’s going to be a father to my baby, our baby. I’m pregnant Aries, and he used you. Don’t think that you meant anything to him, because you didn’t." Hyori felt herself laugh inside when she saw how crestfallen Aries looked.

"I think we were really meant to be," Hyori went on. "I mean, we have the same last names. Don’t you think that means something? I think it’s a sign of true love." She smiled at the children playing in the flowers beside her.

"But-he said-" Aries couldn't think straight enough to get the words out. Could he have truly been lying?

"What? I love you? Oh no-he only loves me," Hyori said. She walked up closer to Aries. "I won’t let you take him away from me Aries. Trust me on that. If you ever try to interfere, I’ll be sure to make your life a living hell." She walked away without another word.

Aries couldn’t feel her legs. She sat down onto one of the benches, where she began to sob.

Minwoo slid the photo across the desk. "She used to work here. She left not too long ago, do you know where she could be?"

The accountant adjusted his spectacles and studied the picture carefully. "I don’t believe a person of such description has ever worked here." He said.

"What? I used to drive her here every day. She just left recently, you can’t tell me you’ve never seen her before." Minwoo glared at the accountant.

"Maybe you have the wrong place?" The accountant suggested.

"God Damn it!" Minwoo banged his fist on the table. The place became silent as the employees glanced nervously in his direction. Minwoo took a deep breath as he tried to calm down.

"Sir, if you are going to be unreasonable then I’ll have to ask you to leave." The accountant said.

"You must be new," Minwoo said. "There has to be someone here that could have been one of my mom’s friends."

The accountant slowly shook his head. "I have been working here for seven years. I’m telling you, you either have the wrong person or the wrong place. Now, if you don’t leave peacefully I shall have security escort you out." The accountant nervously tugged on his necktie.

"Fine-" Minwoo pushed his chair away from the desk. The bottom rungs of the chair made a screeching noise against the ground, causing the people around them to cringe.

There was a billboard propped up in front of the entrance. It was an advertisement about the security of having interest. On the ad was a picture of a family of four, happily hugging and smiling. On his way out Minwoo ripped the billboard out of it’s holder and threw it on the floor.

The accountant pulled out his handkerchief and mopped the sweat off his forehead. He couldn’t help but to feel sorry for Minwoo. "That was close." He thought to himself.

"Mrs. Lee, you will be sent out in Oh-seven hundred hours," It was that same distorted voice that came through the loudspeaker of the hotel room. "Do you understand your instructions?"

"Yes," Mrs. Lee sighed, staring at herself in the mirror. "Will I be let go after I fulfill your needs?" She asked.

There was a pause. "That is not up to me to decide," The voice said. "There is also that possibility, that we will not be able to let you go. You have already been informed of those obligations."

Mrs. Lee felt under the mattress for the pistol. It was still there. She closed her eyes, clasping her hand over it. "Yes." She said.

"Then there is nothing more to be said. Rest up, you will be summoned upon when you are needed." She fell onto the bed and covered her eyes with her arm. The thought of never seeing her son again made her ache inside, yet there was no way out of the situation. She would just have to wait and see, and hope that whatever happened would happen for the best.

Aries strummed her guitar clumsily. The people in the club could tell she wasn’t in a very good mood. A few people even got up and left, but the regular customers stayed put. They kept whispering to each other and looking at Kangta, as if he had the solution to make Aries happy again.

When Aries stopped playing her guitar the place was silent. Kangta signaled her to come to him.

"Ok, out with it. What’s bothering you?" He asked.

‘Oh oppa, I can’t explain it." Aries said, her eyes growing bright with tears.

"Aries, you can tell me anything. I’m here to support you, not criticize you." Kangta looked in the direction that Aries was staring.

Minwoo walked in uncertainly. He had never been in a middle-aged club before. "I probably look like a lost little kid." He thought. He spotted Aries next to Kangta.

Aries gasped. "Excuse me." She said, fleeing from the club.

"Aries-" Kangta called after her. He saw Minwoo run the way Aries went. Kangta decided to keep close by.

"What do you want?" Aries asked. They were facing each other out in the back parking lot of the club.

"Aries, what’s wrong? Was it last night? Aries, if I scared you-" Minwoo put his hand on Aries’ shoulder but she shrugged it off.

"Scared me? Is that what you think you did? You lied to me!" She pushed him away.

Minwoo staggered back. "What are you talking about?" He asked.

"You used me! You never told me you were with Hyori or that you were having her child! You only wanted to get a rise off of me, some satisfaction." Aries turned away from him, facing the street.

Minwoo felt dizzy. "She’s-pregnant?" He asked.

"Of course she is! Stop playing dumb!" Aries yelled.

"But- she didn’t know for sure! I can’t be a father." Minwoo put his hand up to his head, trying to stop everything from spinning.

"You don’t have a choice Minwoo. Do you hear me? You don’t have a choice," She started walking away. "Goodbye." She said.

Minwoo shook his head. He ran up ahead of Aries. "Wait." He said.

"I’m through talking to you." Aries said.

"No, I’m not through talking to you. I love you Aries." He said.

"Oh come off it! You really think I’m going to believe that bull?" Aries said.

"You have to." Minwoo said.

"Get out of my way," Aries said. Minwoo grabbed her roughly. "Let me go!" She screamed.

"No!" Minwoo tried to hug her but Aries slapped him. He put his hand up to his face as he watched Aries run off.

"You sure had that coming." Minwoo spun around to see Kangta leaning against the wall behind him.

"Who are you? How long have you been standing there?" Minwoo asked.

"Long enough," Kangta answered. He walked around Minwoo, checking him out from every angle. "I’m Aries’ oppa." He said.

Minwoo snorted. "So? What are you going to do to me big, bad oppa?" He said sarcastically.

Kangta sneered. "Nothing. I’m too old for that tough crap," He leaned back against the wall. "But I do have one thing to tell you." He brushed his hair out of his eyes, which were staring menacely at Minwoo.

"Oh yeah? What?" Minwoo asked.

"If you ever come near Aries again, I’ll kill you." Kangta said. Minwoo snorted again.

"I’m serious. You’ve hurt her really bad, and if you do it again, I’ll have to hurt you." Kangta stared at Minwoo long and hard before he went back into the club.

The accountant pulled his long coat around him as a gust of wind blew nearby. He glanced at his watch. "He should be here any minute." He thought to himself.

Aries ran the whole way home. By the time she got there, she was so out of breath she couldn’t think about anything else. She leaned against the wall to catch her breath.

There was a knock at the door. Aries froze.

"It’s me." Kangta said. Breathing a sigh of relief Aries let him in.

Kangta caught Aries as she collapsed into his arms. He carried her over to the couch and gently laid her down. He was heading for the kitchen to make some tea when the telephone rang.

It was Hyesung. "How’s she doing?" He asked.

Kangta told him what happened. "Can you come over?" Kangta asked.

"I’ll be right there." Hyesung said. He quickly went out the door and jumped into his car.

Minwoo parked against the curb. He got out and made his way slowly up the driveway of his house, staring at the ground. When he saw a pair of feet in front of him, he glanced up. He was surprised to see the accountant that he had encountered earlier that day.

"Look kid, I could get into a lot of trouble for this." The accountant said. He pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Minwoo.

"What’s this?" Minwoo asked.

"Just take it," The accountant said. "And don’t open it until you get inside. As soon as you read it you’ve got to get rid of it."

"Thank you." Minwoo said.

"Look, it’s the only information I have, don’t ask me where I got it from." The accountant said, starting to leave. He turned around to look at Minwoo. "Good luck kid." He said.

"Thanks." Minwoo said. He quickly glanced down at the paper and then glanced up. He gasped. The man was gone.

When he was inside he eagerly opened the paper. On it was the address of a hotel, not too far from Seoul. Minwoo took out his lighter and put it under the paper. After lighting it aflame, he threw it in the trashcan, watching it curl and burn. He ran back to his car and quickly sped off.

"Go away Aries, stop following us." Indra stood defiantly in front of his sister.

"No I want to come too," Aries put her hands on her hips. "I’ll tell Mom if you don’t let me play with you."

"Who cares?" Indra replied breezily.

"Yeah, get out of here." Indra’s friend pushed Aries away.

"Stupid Ox! Don’t touch me!" Aries smoothed out the wrinkles in her dress.

Indra and his friends laughed. They road off on their mopeds, kicking up dust in Aries’ face as they went.

Coughing and gagging on the dust, Aries ran after them. She listened to the loud humming of the mopeds and the faint cries of laughter.

"Wait-for me!" She gasped out. She was running so hard that she wasn’t really paying attention to anything else but her heavy breathing.

She stopped running and realized she was completely alone. She spun around and shielded her eyes from the glaring sun. She was surrounded by the thick groves of a forest. Huge trees towered over her, and large ferns on the ground brushed her legs.

Terrified, Aries started running again. She felt as if she were running in circles and that she would never find an opening in the forest. After awhile she collapsed to the ground and began to sob.

"Indra!" She cried. Only the occasional chirp of a bird and the rustle of a wind going through the trees answered her back.

"I’m going to die out here." Aries thought sadly. She leaned against a tree trunk and covered her eyes with her arm while she cried and cried. A bright, yellow bird perched on the branch above her watched her curiously.

"Please don’t cry Aries." A soft voice said.

Aries looked up. "Who said that?" She asked.

A swirl of fog came into view. Aries jumped to her feet. "Who’s there?" She called.

A young boy, not older than fifteen came into view. He wore dark clothing that seemed to just slide over his slim figure.

"Who are you?" Aries whispered. She strained her eyes to see him face, but it was hidden within the shadows of the trees.

She could feel him smile. "Don’t worry." He said. His voice was like an evening calm on a cool summer night. He walked a few steps closer to Aries.

She felt drawn to him for some reason. A person that didn’t have an identity, that she didn’t know had an existence. She felt very soothed by his voice. When she started walking toward him, he stepped back, hiding himself in the darkness of the forest.

"Why won’t you tell me who you are?" Aries asked.

"You will know in time," He answered. He blew her a kiss that was sprinkled with yellow stars. "I’ll be near you always." He whispered. Aries drew in her breath as she felt him cry. As he looked away, his face caught a hidden patch of light. His eyes glistened with tears and a hint of blue…

"Aries." Hyesung shook her gently. Aries opened her eyes and struggled to sit up.

When Hyesung had gotten to her house, Aries had woken up long enough to notice his presence. She had fallen back asleep once he had taken her in his arms. Now he was staring at her with his deep, brown eyes, full of concern and worry. He felt her stir awake in his arms.

"Are you alright? You’ve been asleep for over three hours." Hyesung said.

"Oh Hyesung, I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. Was there somewhere you needed to go? You could have just pushed me to the side or something." Aries brushed her scraggly hair out of her eyes.

"It’s ok Aries, I liked holding you." Hyesung said softly, stroking Aries hair.

Aries let out a shaky sigh. "Oh no, that feeling." She said to herself. That weakness in her legs and arms and that fluttering in her heart, it was the way she had felt when she was around Minwoo.

A sudden ring startled Aries out of her daze. Hyesung quickly pulled his cell phone out of his pocket. "Yuh bo sae yo?" He answered.

Aries tried to listen to the conversation. It made her feel a little uneasy when Hyesung would glance at her, and it seemed like the person on the other end was doing a lot of the talking. Hyesung finally hung up and looked at Aries.

"Did you go back to Juliana?" He asked.

Aries felt her cheeks go pink. ‘Um-yes." He said.

"There was a scout from my company over there one night. He saw you there and came running back to my boss, raving about the girl he found that could dance like nobody else could," Hyesung stroked Aries’ chin. "He was talking about you." He said.

Aries gently pushed his hand away and got up from the couch. "What else did he say about me?" She asked.

"He found out that you were the one that had gone to the audition and that you were under Kangta’s care. He couldn’t believe it was you," Hyesung got up and stood close to Aries, his eyes burning into hers. "He said you looked very different, and acted in a way that was very different from when he first saw you."

Aries felt humiliated. She hoped that the scout hadn’t told Hyesung of her little fall offstage. She turned away from Hyesung.

Suddenly, she felt someone put his arms around her. She turned around and stared wide-eyed at Hyesung.

"They want you contracted," Hyesung said. "I found out that they liked you a lot when you sang, but were afraid of the risks of your different style. They’re sure they can make a success out of you."

Aries broke away from Hyesung’s embrace. "What if I told you it wasn’t me dancing out there? What if it was just all just a big act I put on?" Aries said.

Hyesung sighed. "If it was, then it was very well done. Please think about this Aries. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, then you would know how crazy I feel right now." His face was very close to hers.

Aries felt hot tears come to her eyes as she turned her head away from Hyesung. "I’m sorry." She whispered, fleeing from the room.

Hyesung closed his eyes and fell back onto the couch. Kangta came into the room as a door behind him slammed. "What happened?" He asked.

Hyesung rubbed his tired eyes. "I don’t know," He mumbled. "I don’t understand what I did wrong."

Kangta felt sorry for his cousin; it was then that he understood that he was in love with her.

"I’ll go talk to her," Kangta said as Hyesung got up and put his coat on. "Don’t worry, I’ll straighten things out." He walked him to the door.

"Chil hyunnie, do you think I’m making a mistake in-" Hyesung was having a hard time getting out the words he wanted to say. "In-caring about Aries?"

Kangta smiled sadly. It was the first time his cousin had called him by his real name in a long time. He patted him on the back as he stepped outside in the winter cold. "I used to ask myself that question every night. What am I doing taking care of a stray anyway? Now I know why. I know why I was so drawn to her. She once told me that I had the voice of an angel." He combed back the wisps of hair that fell in Hyesung’s face.

"And you believe you were meant to protect her?" Hyesung said.

"Yes," Kangta said. He smiled. "I really do."

Hyesung bowed to his cousin. "I will get in touch with you again."

"Ahnyoung cousin. Take care of yourself." Kangta watched as Hyesung made his way through the falling snow.

From a window above, Aries was watching him too. She had seen Kangta brush back Hyesung’s hair as he talked to him. It made Aries happy to think of the love they shared for each other and sad at the same time that she never had that fulfillment from her family. She sighed and leaned back against the wall.

She began to think about Minwoo. "How could he have told me all those things, how could he have said he loved me? He doesn’t even know what love is," Aries felt tears slowly falling down her cheeks. "And now because of him, I can’t even let myself feel anything for Hyesung." She slowly walked across the room to her closet. She dug around her clothes for a box in the corner. In the very bottom contained a faded yellow photo of her brother. She picked it up and held it to her chest.

"I don’t know why I’m having all these dreams Indra, but I believe you," Aries looked up at the ceiling. "I believe you’ll be near me when I need you most. Please don’t let me down." She collapsed onto the bed, still holding the picture close to her heart.

Minwoo was driving steadily, not too far outside of Seoul. He almost forgot where he was going; it was as if he were in a trance.

He missed Aries so much it hurt; he took several deep breaths as he tried to keep his tears in. "I can’t think about her now, there are more urgent things to worry about." Still, her presence was not far from his mind.

Pulling up in the parking lot Minwoo checked out the outside of the hotel. The place was gigantic and ravished with flowers and lights. A huge fountain stood within the entrance. Minwoo got out and made his way quickly inside.

"Can I help you?" A young woman at the front desk asked.

"Yes, is there a Mrs. Yung mi Lee staying at one of the rooms here?" He asked.

The hotel clerk looked at her computer screen. "I’m afraid she’s not listed here." She said.

"Are you sure? Maybe by just her last name?" Minwoo asked.

The clerk looked again. "No, she’s not here. Perhaps she got the hotels mixed up?"

"Yes, perhaps. Thank you for your help." Deeply disappointed, Minwoo walked out of the hotel.

He was back where he started. He sighed deeply.

A car door slamming shut caught his attention. He saw four men wearing dark suits putting some luggage into the back seat. Every move they made looked carefully planned out.

Minwoo narrowed his eyes. Someone was being escorted out of the hotel. She wore a large, floppy hat and a sequined black dress. She quickly got into the car without saying a word to any of the men around her.

Minwoo felt his heart pound against his chest. He’d recognize that dress anywhere. The last time his mother had worn it was at his father’s funeral.

He ran to his car and jumped in. He brought his car around the parking lot and parked toward the exit. As soon as the car with his mother left, he made his way down the opposite exit, carefully following behind.

-8-

Hyori was standing in front of her long length mirror. She had her shirt folded up and she was examining her stomach. She stuck out her tongue and crossed her eyes at herself.

"What are you doing?" Yuri asked, walking into the room.

"Feeling my baby." Hyori said.

"You mean, you’re really pregnant?" Yuri asked.

Hyori sighed. "No, I don’t know." She said.

"But you know if you actually do get pregnant, that you won’t get the contract with Daesung." Yuri said.

"But if I’m not pregnant, then I won’t get to be with Minwoo." Hyori said, rubbing her stomach.

"Is he worth that much to you?" Yuri asked.

Hyori closed her eyes. "I think so," She whispered. "I’ll be pregnant, and he’ll be mine-one way or another."

Minwoo shut his car door slowly. When it didn’t close all the way, he leaned against it until he heard it click. He held his breath as he heard someone talking to his mother.

"Good luck." He said. "We’ll be keeping you in mind."

"Thank you." His mother said. She was very tired. She didn’t get a wink of sleep the night before.

Minwoo saw his mother glance back. He felt tears come to his eyes when he saw how old his mother looked. Her hair, once silky and jet-black had turned frizzy with large streaks of gray. Her eyes were red and swollen, and her body was almost thin enough to see through.

Minwoo watched closely as his mother was escorted into a dark building. After they had gone inside, he slowly crept up to the entrance. He was just about to open the door when he felt something blow down on his head. Pain shot through his arms and legs, and after that, there was nothing but darkness.

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

It was another night as usual at Serenes. But today when Aries finishes singing two men came up to her. They were the judges at the audition she had gone to.

"Can we have a word with you?" One of them asked Aries.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure." She said, leading them backstage.

"I’m sure Hyesung has gotten word to you by now." One of the men said.

"Yes." Aries said slowly.

"We can really make something out of you. You got the looks, the voice, the body. You can dance and you can read music. You’re just what Korea is looking for." The other one said.

"I seriously don’t know if I’m up to something like this." Aries said.

"Look, we know how you feel; you not being full Korean and all, but you speak it at least. We’ll give you the next week or so to think things over. You can get in contact with Hyesung when you’ve made your decision." They bowed to Aries and left.

"Minwoo…please, wake up." Minwoo felt his eyes flutter open. He was startled to discover his mother kneeling over him.

"Ohma-" He tried to get up but discovered he was handcuffed down.

"Minwoo, how could you come after me?" His mother’s eyes were very red.

"Ohma, I’m sorry. For everything I did and everything I’ve ever done to cause you such pain." Minwoo said, feeling a lump in his throat.

"Shh, don’t talk. You must save your strength." His mother looked up as four men walked into the room.

They were silent at first, circling Minwoo and inspecting him. His mother stared at the ground.

"So, this is your son." One of them finally said.

Minwoo’s mother would say nothing. One of the men slapped her hard in the face.

"Answer me whore!" He yelled.

"Leave her alone!" Minwoo growled, struggling against the cuffs.

The man smiled. "It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Lee Minwoo." He said.

"Who are you? How do you know my name?" Minwoo stared coldly at the man.

"I am your cousin, once removed," He said. He cocked his head to one side, staring at Minwoo. "You have your father’s looks." He said.

"You knew my father?" Minwoo said. It was more of a statement that a question

"Just barely. My name is Eric Moon." He said, walking up to his mother. He placed his hand over the spot she had been slapped. She closed her eyes as tears streamed down her cheeks.

"We can’t let him go," Eric said. "We’re risking enough as it is."

"I know," Minwoo’s mother said softly. She stood behind Minwoo and stroked his hair. "Can I please have some time alone with him?" She asked.

"You have ten minutes. Tell him what you must, procedures will begin promptly." Eric went out the room, the other three men following behind.

When they were alone Minwoo watched his mother sink to the ground and lean against him. She sighed and nuzzled her head against Minwoo’s side.

"I’m so sorry Minwoo. I’m so sorry you have to be involved. I never meant to get you into any of this. Ever." She said.

"Ohma," Minwoo squirmed in his seat. "Can you let me out of these?"

"I’m afraid not. If I let you go they’ll have you killed for sure. You must be sure to do everything they tell you to do. And answer everything they ask." His mother got up and looked into his eyes.

"Who? Ask what? How do they know appa?" Minwoo asked.

"I cannot answer all those questions to you. Not yet anyway, but you’ll find out soon enough." His mother smoothed out her dress as she prepared to tell her son the missing parts of his life.

"Eric, like he said, is your cousin. Your father had a brother. He has never been mentioned before because his identity is kept hidden from everyone, even his own blood. His last name is not Lee, it is actually Moon. When your father died, I decided that we would keep my maiden name, which was Mihae Lee. When he and your father were in high school, they started their own business repairing cars. They worked together for thirteen years. They made a promise, that no matter what happened they would always work together. Well, one day your father decided he wanted to look into a career in the medical field. His brother, of course, was saddened with your father’s decision, and made him promise that he would one day come back and help him with his business." His mother took a deep breath as all the memories came rushing back into her head.

"Your father and I met at one of the medical classes in college. That’s when we started dating and eventually married. One day he found out through another close relative that his brother had disappeared. Just like that. There was no trace of him anywhere, nothing. Then we had you. You were such a beautiful baby, with crazy hair sticking out every where!" His mother smiled at the memory.

"Then one day, your father had just gotten home from the clinic. You were already asleep. There was a sharp knock at the door. Your father and I were both surprised. Who would be knocking at our door at two in the morning? Your father opens the door and in walks a man, wet to the skin. Mind you, it was storming that night, and the man really caught us by surprise. Turns out, it was Junjin, your father’s brother." Minwoo watched as his mother’s face slowly saddened.

Minwoo took her hand. "Please tell me what happened." He said.

"Well, I started crying when I saw him. So did your father. It turns out that Junjin had left his repair business to go into something much more important. It was high paying, yet very risky to get in to. Your father sent me to the other room so he could talk alone with Junjin. I peeked into the room and saw Junjin on his hands and knees in front of your father, begging him to do something for him. They talked for a short while before the came to some agreement. Junjin left, and shortly after your father followed. I never saw him again after that." Tears slowly slid down her aged cheeks.

"He disappeared? Just like that? What happened to him?" Minwoo asked.

"I’m not really sure. I’m refused knowledge of that information. I found out though, that the people Junjin was working for were trying a series of experiments. Junjin desperately needed someone for the experiments, and went crying to your father. Since he had made that promise to Junjin so long ago that he would one day come back to him, your father must have agreed to be their guinea pig." Her eyes flashed angrily.

"Those men who were in the room, are who your father’s brother used to work for. Junjin passed his business down to his son, your removed cousin. You’ve never known of his existence because he doesn’t deserve to have one." As if on cue, the door opened and Eric walked in.

"Time’s up Mrs. Lee." Eric said. Two men took her roughly by the arms and pushed her out the door.

"I love you Minwoo!" She cried. "I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you more! Just do whatever they say!" Minwoo could here his mother sobbing all the way down the corridor.

Minwoo watched as the chains on him were being unlocked. "Right this way." Eric said, leading him down the hall.

"Please don’t say I love you. Those words, touch me much too deeply. Please don’t send me flowers…makes me want to-make you near me…always." Aries muttered to herself as she scribbled words down, hitting the notes on the piano until she was satisfied with the tone. Every so often she would scratch things out. A small pile of crumpled paper lay near her feet.

Kangta brought her a cup of steaming tea. "How’s it going?" He asked, sitting down at the piano bench next to her.

Aries leaned her head on his shoulder. "Not too good." She said.

Kangta picked up a couple of the crumpled papers from the ground. He skimmed through the jumbled notes and words. "Do you miss him" He asked.

Aries hesitated. "Yes," She said finally. She had no reason to hide anything from her oppa. "Even though I know he was just using me, I can’t shake off these feelings I have for him." She plinked the piano keys moodily.

Kangta gently clasped his hands over Aries’. "Have you thought about Daesung?" He asked.

Aries let out a huge sigh. "Yes, and every other day different people from that company call me asking for my decision. I just don’t know what to do. Half of me want’s to go for it, the other half just doesn’t want to deal with all the complications."

"I know how you feel," Kangta said softly. "If this is really what you want to do, you’ll feel it in your heart."

Aries smiled. "Thanks oppa." She said.

Minwoo watched as he was being strapped down to a bed. He looked up and saw light fixtures over him along with odds and ends of different instruments. His eyes widened when he saw Eric fill a large syringe with a liquid.

"How much do you weigh?" Eric asked, squeezing some of the liquid out of the syringe. It splattered on the ground.

"About a hundred and fifty." Minwoo said.

Four men wearing white coats walked into the room. Minwoo looked up and saw them towering over him.

"You sure he is strong enough?" One man asked. "You sure he will hold out?"

"I am certain," Eric said. He turned to Minwoo. "Do you want to know why you are here?" He asked.

"Well, yeah." Minwoo said. There was a drip of sarcasm in his voice.

"Don’t you get that attitude with me. I don’t think I’ll tell you anything now. All you need to know is that your life depends on me. You’re going to be looking to me for survival," He handed the syringe to one of the white-coated men. "Don’t you forget that now." He nodded at the man.

"Wait-" Minwoo said. "Why is my mother involved? You had my father, didn’t he fulfill his promise?"

Eric’s face twisted into an evil grin. "Your father was unwilling to commit. At the time, it was still a little too early to take any more actions. Now we are ready and in need of someone willing to be tested. Finding none, I suddenly thought back to your father. His promise has fallen into the hands of his wife, who has agreed with our terms. Then you came in, almost ruining everything. But not quite," He winked at Minwoo. "I think now I’ve found myself a better patient."

Minwoo felt the needle being stabbed into his arm. He winced, then relaxed, slipping into darkness.

"I don’t see anything wrong. Your body is healthy and fine." The doctor looked through some medical records while he talked to Hyori.

"You are sure? There’s nothing wrong at all?" Hyori asked.

The doctor looked concerned. "Blood pressure is fine, pulse reading normal. There are small signs of stress though. No injuries, no infections of any kind. All you need to do is take it easy and get plenty of rest. Is there something wrong?" He asked.

"Oh no-nothing at all," Hyori forced a smile onto her face. "Thank you very much." She in-sahed and left quickly.

Juhyun was waiting for her outside. "What did he say?" She asked.

"Nothing," Hyori sighed. "Nothing’s wrong."

"Well, what did you expect?" Juhyun asked.

"I don’t know. A miracle maybe?" Hyori snorted to herself.

"What are you going to tell Minwoo?" Juhyun asked.

"Nothing," Hyori said. "Absolutely nothing."

Minwoo opened his eyes. Sweat glistened off his forehead. He strained his neck to see what was going on, but the chains on him held firmly.

"Just try to relax." Eric said.

"What are you going to do to me?" Minwoo asked

"We’re just going to run a few tests. We need to find out a little background on you before we can begin procedures." Eric said.

Minwoo felt his body being fitted with wires. Something was being placed on his head.

"Hold still." Eric instructed. He nodded to one of the technicians. He turned some knobs and pulled down some levers.

Minwoo felt his whole body spasm with pain. Black and yellow lights flashed before him. When the pain lessened he glanced up and saw Eric hovering over him. He felt someone blind him with a light while checking his eyes.

"That was almost too much. He’s almost dilated already." Minwoo heard someone say.

"He’ll be fine. Don’t use so much pressure next time." Minwoo could hear levers being adjusted.

It was like he was being lighted on fire. Minwoo felt his whole body go rigid. He gritted his teeth and tried not to cry out.

‘He won’t hold out." Someone said.

"We’re almost done." Eric tore some paper out of the scantron, reading the results from Minwoo’s testing.

Minwoo was breathing hard, feeling as if he were about to pass out. He opened his eyes and saw Eric’s blurred face.

"You made it. Congratulations," Eric said. He let the papers fall to the ground. He motioned to the technician and he hurried over, holding a syringe that held a dark, green liquid.

"Your test results were surprising to me. Already you have fallen in love," Minwoo felt a stabbing pain in his right arm. Eric smiled down at him. "How interesting." He said, watching Minwoo’s eyes flutter, until they finally

closed.

-9-

Serene’s had grown to be a popular place since Daesung discovered Aries. At first it was just one or two people that would come up to Aries and ask her who she was.

"Are you that Ariana Esparza?" They’d ask. "I saw you at Juliana. Man, can you dance! And your singing, wow."

"Uh, thanks." Aries would answer. What else could she say?

Soon, Serene’s was packed full with people. Kangta found himself ordering more chairs, and soon more tables. He couldn’t believe the publicity Aries was getting, and his heart swelled with pride as he watched the crowds of people gather around her.

"I didn’t come this far…for you to make this hard for me. And now you want to ask me how." Aries felt her hand strum the guitar rhythmically as she sang. She gazed out at a place that would usually only be a fourth full of people, now holding more than the room could hold. Some even had to stand, as there were not enough seats.

"And now you want to ask me how. How does your heart beat, and why do you breathe? Why did you come here? You weren’t invited; you were on the outside. Stay on the outside. And now you want to ask me why." Aries gazed around, at all the faces with their eyes on her. As she sang, she began to think of Minwoo and how much her song reflected on him. She didn’t realize that the songs she wrote told her life. At least not till that moment in Serene’s.

Kangta watched Aries carefully from his seat in the back. Her beautiful face seemed to have aged over the last few days. Her eyes were so sad, like the first day he saw her on that cold, cold day. He thought he could give her a happy life, but there was just one thing in the way of it. Only one thing that would make her happy, which he couldn’t give to her.

"You saw all the things that you could be. And never could learn how to believe. I know you want to ask me how. How does your heart beat, and why do you breathe?"

Aries quickly made her way offstage after she finished singing. She answered the usual "Thanks." To the compliments she got and sauntered over to Kangta.

"Look at this," Kangta said, gesturing his hand to the crowd. "A few days ago and this place was practically deserted. And to think, that all these people are here to see you. Your talent and beauty has taken Korea by storm."

Aries felt her face grow hot. She looked down and smiled sadly.

Kangta lifted her chin up. "Still, you are not happy." He said.

"You know what can make me happy Oppa." Aries said.

"So go back to him, apologize to him," Kangta said. "If he really loves you, he’ll already have forgiven you."

"I wish it were that easy," Aries said. "But I have no idea where he is. I’ve lost contact with him."

Kangta took her hand. "I’m sure you’re always with him though. He’ll come back for you."

"I hope so," Aries said. "I hope so."

Minwoo’s mother paced back and forth, wringing her hands together, or clasping them tightly behind her back. She stopped when she saw the door open.

Eric stepped out, pulling on his necktie. It came undone and hung down loosely from his neck. "It’s begun." He said.

Minwoo’s mother closed her eyes. "Oh God." She collapsed to the ground.

"What the-where am I?" Minwoo rubbed his eyes and gazed around. He was sitting up in bed. The room was dimly lit and smelled heavily of incense. A maid walked in, carrying a pot of tea.

"Who are you?" Minwoo asked.

"Your housekeeper," The maid said, puzzled. "Did you get enough sleep?"

Minwoo had the sudden urge to keep his mouth shut. "Neh. Never mind," He got up and yawned. "What time is it?"

"It’s five thirty sir," The maid said. "Would you like your evening clothes?"

Evening clothes? "Uh, neh." Minwoo answered.

The maid took out some clothes and set them on the dresser. She set up the tea and put it before Minwoo. "Is there anything else you need?" She asked.

"No, thank you." Minwoo said. When she left he got up and walked around the room, examining everything in it. He peered at the calendar and gasped.

The date said 1968. He had been born in 1980. Something was obviously out of place, but something wasn’t allowing him to think about it. He shook his head and took a large gulp of tea. It was scalding hot and burned his throat.

There was a sudden light breeze. Minwoo looked up and saw the window was wide open. He shivered as it was cold, and went to shut it. As soon as his hand touched the windowsill, a shadow came upon him. He gasped.

"I know it’s been four days…I just can’t decide. Yes, this is really important to me too…why do you think I’ve spent so much time making a decision? Yes, I’ll be sure to let Hyesung know when I decide what to do. Goodbye." Aries hung up. It was the fifth time she has been called by Daesung.

"Who was that?" Kangta called. He was lounging around on the couch.

"Oh, nobody." Aries said. She came into the room and plopped down next to Kangta.

Kangta patted her hair. "I know who it was Aries, you don’t have to lie to me."

"Why do they keep harassing me? Can’t they tell I’m undecided?" Aries played with the string coming out of her sweater. "I just don’t know what to do."

"They’re just anxious," Kangta said. "They really want you in. They know what you’re capable of."

"I know it," Aries sighed. "I just can’t makeup my mind what to do."

The phone rang. Aries got up to answer it.

"Yu ba sayo? Heejunnie! Ahnyoung! How are you? I’m fine. What have you been up to? Oh, let me give you to Kangta." She handed the phone over.

"Da Gizmo!" Kangta was grinning from ear to ear. It made Aries feel good to see her oppa so happy. He hadn’t talked to his friends in over four months.

"Really? A reunion concert? Yeah, I’m all for it! Listen, we’ll make a time to get together ok? I’ll talk to you later. Jal eetsuh, ahnyoung!" Kangta hung up, still grinning.

"Oppa, are you going to have a concert?" Aries asked.

"I think so. Heejun said Tony’s going to be flying down from the states. Woohyuk has been in Pusan, but he’s going to make his way over. And Jaewon is down here, so we’re all going to be together again."

"Oppa that’s great! A comeback of Korea’s best group is just what is needed!" Aries said, excited.

"It’s not going to be a comeback Aries, just a get together of old times." Kangta said.

"But still! This is so exciting! When is the last time you all sang together?" Aries asked.

Kangta sat back and thought. "Six years at least," He said. "Maybe you could have a part in the concert. I mean, it’d give you a feel of what performing infront of Korea is like."

"Hmm…" It was something to think about. "You know what? Maybe I will."

Kangta pinched Aries’ cheek. "That’s my girl." He said.

"Who-who are you?" Minwoo whispered. He backed up against the wall.

He seemed to just walk right through the window. He was wearing a long coat, and a dark suit under it, almost as dark as his jet-black hair. His skin was pale and his figure very slim. He had the look of a twenty-year-old, with the eyes of someone a hundred and one. He smiled coyly.

"It is nice to meet you, finally Lee Minwoo." He said.

"Who are you?" Minwoo repeated.

"In time you will find out," The figure said. "But for now, call me Andy."

Minwoo backed up from the wall and moved to the other side of the room. "Ok, Andy, do you mind telling me what’s going on?"

"I am your guardian, here to serve and protect you under all circumstances. What happens to you, fails upon me, and I serve the consequences. Everything you say, everything you do, will all be reflected back on me. I am never to leave your side, nor are you to forbid me doing so." Andy folded his arms across his chest.

Minwoo raised his eyebrows. "And you’re going to do this willingly?" He asked.

Andy sighed. "I have no choice."

"Then why are you here? Why am I here? What purpose could I have to serve?" Minwoo asked.

"You are in another dimension. You are here to see things through another’s point of view." Andy said.

"Whose view? How can I be back in time? It’s impossible!" Minwoo said.

Andy gave him another coy smile. "Not so my friend." He said.

The phone must have ringed sixty times already. Frustrated, Hyori slammed it down. "Where on earth can he be?" She muttered to herself. She glanced at herself in the mirror. She rubbed her stomach and sat down. Her thoughts ran to Aries. She stood up and got her coat.

"That little tramp-thinks she can keep Minwoo away from me so easily." She ran out the door.

"Are you dressed yet?" Andy asked, bored. He leaned against the closed door.

"No. I can’t figure out how to put on this tie." Came the answer.

"Here, let me help." Andy said.

‘No-" Minwoo gasped. Andy just walked right through the door!

Amused by Minwoo’s reaction, Andy took hold of the tie hanging loosely around Minwoo’s neck.

Minwoo felt his cheeks flush as he looked away.

"You know, we’re going to be pretty close for awhile. There’s no need for you to feel shame around me." Andy said, teasingly.

When his tie was done Minwoo immediately pushed Andy’s hand away.

Andy opened the door and swept his arm in an open bow. "Shall we proceed?" He said.

"Where are we going?" Minwoo asked.

Andy’s eyes were twinkling. ‘You’ll see." He said.

Aries took a deep breath and a look around. Once again, the place was filled. She was sitting in a chair next to the piano. She crossed her legs and sat up straight, waiting for Kangta to play the entrance.

It was one of those times that could never be done over again. Aries would gaze out at the audience and then close her eyes, feeling the music flow through her veins.

"Maybe I should make that call to Daesung," Aries thought. "Maybe singing is really what I want to do with my life."

When she finished she hopped off the stool and bowed. She went to get something to drink when she heard a small commotion outside. Curious, she went out to investigate.

She gasped. Kangta’s car had been totaled. The doors had been smashed in and the windows scratched. The tires had been slashed, and writing had been splashed on in red paint.

SLUT HOW COULD YOU SLEEP WITH KANGTA? YOU’LL DO ANYTHING FOR A SPOT WITH DAESUNG, SLEEPING WITH THE PRODUCERS TOO. DIRTY WHORE YOU DON’T BELONG HERE.

Aries felt tears stinging her eyes. Though Kangta was a retired singer, he was still one of the biggest heart throbs in Korea.

Aries felt stones hitting her in the back. She tried to run away, but she was overtaken. "Dirty slut! Babo! You’re a disgrace to Korea!" The mob hit and beat Aries.

Kangta ran outside. He took one look at his car, then pushed his way into the crowd. Everyone ran away when they saw Kangta.

She lay motionless. Kangta picked her up carefully, and cradled her. She was still alive, but knocked out unconscious. The streets were silent now.

He felt tears stream down his face. "Who would do this to you?" He whispered. "After all you’ve been through…" He cried silently.

Hyori watched in her car from across the street. She stared at the broken glass strewn all over the ground, then at the destroyed car. She watched Kangta holding Aries, as he rocked back and forth with her in his arms. She smirked to herself and sped off, throwing the paintbrush out her window. It hit the side of the curb, smearing it with red paint.

"So how do you feel?" Andy asked. They were walking down a long staircase. They were inside a mansion, attending a huge banquet.

Minwoo scratched his head. "Like I’m not real." He said. "Aren’t I a little young to be around here?"

Andy glanced around. "Maybe just a little," He said. "I expect the range of age around here is forty."

"Forty?" Minwoo shook his head. "They’re probably going to kick me out."

"Nonsense, no one knows who you are." Andy said.

"Then why are we here? Can anyone even see me?" Minwoo crossed his eyes at the couple going by.

They gasped. "Obnoxious kid." The lady of the couple muttered.

Andy chuckled as he watched Minwoo’s cheeks turn bright pink. "Of course they can see you. They cannot however, see me."

Minwoo swung around to face Andy. "What do you mean, they can see me and not you?" He asked.

"I am but an illusion, here for your soul," Andy said. "Though we are in a different time warp, everything that is capable of happening can happen. You can taste, smell, and feel. You can desire and want, or you can abide and refuse."

"Then, I’m capable of changing the past?" Minwoo said.

Andy smiled.

"Aries, come on, wake up." Kangta coaxed. His shoulders ached from carrying her so long. Since his car had been destroyed, he had to carry Aries home on his back. He brushed back the stray hairs from her face.

"Umm-" Aries squirmed and pushed Kangta’s hand away. She blinked her eyes open and stared wide-eyed at Kangta.

Kangta closed his eyes and breathed out deeply. "Aries, I was so worried. I didn’t think you’d ever come to." He said.

"What happened?" She whispered.

"You were-beaten up. Pretty badly." Kangta said.

"Why? What did I ever do?" Aries felt her insides heave with her sobs.

Kangta stroked her hair. "When you become known, people become jealous. Some will do anything to get you down."

"But I don’t want to be known!" Aries cried, sitting up. "I just want to live a normal life!"

"Shh, calm down." Kangta said, gently pushing her shoulders until she was lying down again.

"So people start rumors. Saying I sleep around to get fame. It’s not fair. I have a bad enough reputation as it is. I didn’t do anything to deserve this." She closed her eyes.

"I know," Kangta said softly. "Trust me, I know."

"Why hello young man! Who do we have here? A son of one of the employees I see!" Minwoo almost fell over when the man clapped him hardly on the shoulder. "Enjoying yourself?" He asked.

"Yes sir." Minwoo mumbled. He glanced at Andy, who was watching him from the side.

"I know this party must be a terrible bore, but entertainment is soon to come!" The man said. He walked away.

Minwoo shook his head and walked into the hall. The place was deserted. He turned around and saw Andy right infront of him.

"Argh! Why do you have to be right where I am all the time?" He growled.

Andy laughed. He cocked his head to the side. "Is that music I hear?" He asked.

Minwoo listened. He walked into the next room, where a crowd of people had gathered around a grand piano.

At the piano was a man, wearing a tuxedo. He played dutifully, and tipped his head every once in awhile to the ladies standing near him. Upon the piano, was a gorgeous woman. She lay down across the piano, resting on one elbow, using the other hand to hold the microphone. She wore a long black dress that slit up her legs and fell around in folds. Her hair as dark as her dress, fell down in layers around her face, which was slender and perfectly chiseled. Her voice was deep, but very sweet, only making her more beautiful.

Minwoo heard a low whistle behind him. He turned around and saw Andy shaking his head.

"The celestial Saori Lei. What a dish."

"Who is she?" Minwoo asked.

"Only the daughter of the richest man on earth." Andy said.

Minwoo snorted. "Ok, I can feel you panting on the back of my neck," He looked back. "Andy? Where’d you go?"

He had disappeared into thin air. Minwoo went looking for him, pushing his way through the crowd.

"Sorry," He said, as someone grumbled behind him. "Andy, if you don’t show your face right now, you’ll be sorry you ever took to being my guardian."

"Oh really." He appeared out of nowhere.

"Don’t do that to me again." Minwoo said, through clenched teeth.

"Why? Weren’t you just complaining about me always being by your side? You fear to be by yourself?" Andy asked.

"Fear is a luxury I can’t afford." Minwoo muttered to himself.

Andy cocked his head to the side. "You’re very difficult to understand, Lee Minwoo." He said.

Minwoo ignored him. He steadied his gaze on Saori. He began to think of his mother, the music flowing in and out of his ears. He wondered if she knew where he was right now and what he was going through.

Then he saw her. She was standing straight across from him. He blinked a couple times, not believing what he was seeing.

She turned around ever so slightly, and gazed at Minwoo. Her skin was the color of sand, and looked as smooth as silk. She felt someone push by her, and she started walking away.

Minwoo followed, never taking his eyes off her. Andy watched from the distance.

She brushed her hair aside, in a manner so appealing it made Minwoo shiver. He ducked in between people as they walked past, still staring at her.

She smiled. Her eyes, deep and roundly shaped, sparkled and gave her more of an exotic look. She put her hand across her chest and on her shoulder, gazing at Minwoo.

Minwoo felt someone brush by his side. He didn’t have to turn to know who it was. "Who is she?" He whispered.

"Her name is Rhana Perizian. A new comer from the northern islands." Andy said.

Minwoo shook his head slightly. "She looks so familiar." He said.

"That she does." Andy said.

"I have to meet her." Minwoo said.

"I don’t think you should." Andy said.

"So you’re my mother now?" Minwoo asked.

Andy stepped up closer to Minwoo. "No," He said. "I am your protector. I cannot tell you what to do, nor can I stop you from your actions, but I can foresee and foreshadow. When I say it’s not a good idea, I mean it. You do what you want, but you abide me and you’ll find trouble."

A million thoughts were running through Minwoo’s head. He glanced at Rhana, who was watching him out of the corner of her eyes. He looked at Andy, who was slowly shaking his head. He closed his eyes. He looked at Andy one more time before walking quickly away toward Rhana.

-10-

"Ohma, let me help you to your room-" Aries tugged at her mothers sleeve.

"Little brat! I said no!" Her mother pulled her arm out of Aries’ grasp. She shoved Aries away. "Go talk to that retarded brother of yours. Maybe he’ll answer back." She snorted to herself and staggered down the doorway, a bottle of wine in her hands.

Aries closed her eyes and sighed. She slowly walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. She began to play with her hair as she gazed around the mantelpiece. Pictures of the family still hung, though a thick layer of dust clung to them. Since her brother had died her mother had refused to clean them, even touch them, as if in fear of bringing memories alive.

Aries stood up and bent down to rub her ankles. She had been experiencing growing pains and every now and then her legs would ache and throb.

She went into the kitchen in search for bananas, as they were good to eat when having cramps. When she couldn’t find one she settled for a half rotten apple instead. She cut off the bad parts and proceeded to eat it, walking through the house.

A strange feeling fell over her. It was like she was walking in someone else’s house, in someone else’s shoes. She walked in front of a mirror and stared at herself. Her hair, which had once been short, had grown long and fell halfway down her back. Her face, once young and full of life, had also grown longer and appeared older. Her eyes, once so bright, were now dark and dramatic.

She tried to smile, but it turned out lopsided. It was as if she couldn’t remember how to smile anymore. What was happiness? Surely, it was something that she had just lost and couldn’t find yet.

"Are you around here somewhere?" She asked aloud. "If you are, come out where I can see you." She began to walk quickly around the house.

She ran outside. "Are you out here?" She shouted. Her only answer was the wind blowing through the trees.

She found herself running through the thick groves, up to the lake. Breathing heavily, she sat down on the banks and drew her knees up close to her. The sun began to set behind her.

As it began to get darker, a voice came out. "Are you looking for me?" It said.

Aries jumped to her feet. "Yes!" She cried. "Are you happiness?"

"I am," The voice said. "Did you forget about me?"

"I’m sorry, I did. Please come back. I promise never to forget about you again, no matter what happens."

There was a long silence. Aries felt her chest tighten. "Are you still there?" She asked.

"Yes, I’m here. There is one thing though. If I show myself to you, you must promise me that no matter how afraid you are, no matter how unsure, how confused you feel, you won’t run away from me."

"I promise." Aries said.

The wind swept around in circles around her. Aries shivered and wrapped her arms around herself.

Aries blinked her eyes, and suddenly he was there. Seeing Aries shaking, he took off his coat and draped it around her shoulders.

Aries felt her eyes water. "You? You’re-"

Indra smiled. "That’s right. Didn’t you stop to think about it?"

Aries was silent for a moment. Of course. It all made sense, that her brother was the sole reason that provided her life with happiness. When he became ill, her whole family and life fell apart. Once a small boy, he had now grown to be a young man. Aries smiled, remembering her brother as a kid. He had been like a puppy with large paws that he hadn’t grown into yet. "So you are here to make myself happy again?" She asked.

Indra smiled. "No, I’m afraid it doesn’t quite work that way. I’m here to remind you of all the times we’ve spent together and everything you have now. Never look back on our past, but never forget our memories either. Be thankful for those you have and where you are now. Be happy with yourself. I’m always with you and I’ll always watch over you."

His voice began to fade away, as the wind began to swirl around again. His eyes became bright in the dark sky.

Aries stared into them. It was like looking into a life that was long gone. Something in them gave off the impression of a life that could have been if it hadn’t been taken away so cruelly.

He flashed another smile. "Goodbye, for now." He said.

"Aries." Kangta shook her gently.

"Uumph. What?" She opened her eyes.

Kangta smiled down at her. "Morning miss sleepy head. Actually, it’s more like good evening. I let you sleep all day." Kangta put a tray of food before her.

Aries didn’t realize how hungry she was until that moment. She ate the food in no time and drank down a cup of herbal tea. She sighed and fell back, patting her stomach. "Oppa, can I ask you something?" She asked.

"You know you can ask me anything." Kangta said.

"I keep having these dreams. These weird dreams, that all involve my past life and my brother. Do you suppose they mean anything?" Aries asked.

"I think," Kangta said slowly, "That your brother is trying to get something through to you. Do you remember him saying anything to you in your dreams?"

Aries looked down, a sad smile on her face. "Yes. He said he’ll be near me, always."

"Minwoo, wait," Andy grabbed his arm.

"What? What do you want?" Minwoo asked.

Andy looked past Minwoo at Rhana, who was standing near them. He shook his head and returned his attention to Minwoo.

"Whatever happens-whatever she says, you must be careful of. Do not let her deceive you."

"What are you talking about?" Minwoo asked. He pulled his arm out of Andy’s grasp.

Rhana pretended to be interested in the portrait on the wall. She didn’t turn around until she was sure Minwoo was behind her.

Minwoo gazed into her eyes that were so full of heat and passion. He looked away shyly.

Rhana smiled, her eyes taunting. "Hello. My name is Rhana Perizian. And you are-"

"Lee Minwoo." He took her hand and kissed it gently, never taking his eyes off her face.

Rhana tilted her head to one side. "Are you new here?" She asked.

"Uh-yeah." Minwoo said, looking around. Andy was leaning against the table, about three yards away.

"Isn’t this painting marvelous?" Minwoo turned his attention back to Rhana, who was gazing at the oil painting in front of them.

The painting showed a man, holding a person in his arms, his face buried deep in her neck. A dog sat next to him, as he held the dead woman.

Minwoo scratched the back of his head. "Its, er-interesting." He said.

"Hades-God of the underworld, lord of the dead. Nobody really liked him, but since he was the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, no one could forbid him to stay away from their surroundings." Rhana turned around to face Minwoo.

"You’re an expert in mythology I see." Minwoo said.

Rhana’s eyes twinkled. "Yes, it fascinates me," She turned her attention back to the painting. "So what brings you here? Surely you wouldn’t come to such a dull, boring party for nothing?" She asked.

"Well-I, uh-" Minwoo stuttered as someone walked up to them.

He was tall and handsome. He barely glanced at Minwoo "Rhana, they’re waiting for you."

"Yes, I know. I’m coming." Rhana smiled apologetically to Minwoo and quickly walked off.

Minwoo stared at him. His black hair was streaked with silver and slicked back. His ears were studded with tiny crystals, and a small ring was pierced in his eyebrow. He pulled out a small, slim box and opened it in front of Minwoo, offering him a cigar. Minwoo reluctantly took one.

"New around the neighborhood I see," Junghyuk pulled out a lighter and lit the end of the cigar for Minwoo. "My name is Moon Junghyuk. I’m Rhana’s fiancé. But I see you’ve met her already."

Fiancé? "Uh, yeah." Minwoo answered.

"Ah, my dear lady is up to sing." Junghyuk walked away.

Minwoo followed behind. "She’s getting married." He muttered to Andy who was at his side again.

"I know. Why do think I didn’t want you to get involved with her?" Andy asked.

Minwoo glared at him. "Why didn’t you tell me she was engaged?" He asked.

Andy sighed. "Alas, I wish I could, but that would be telling you of the future and I cannot tell you of such things. That is what you must find out yourself."

"But I’m in the past aren’t I? Hasn’t the future already happened?" Minwoo asked.

"Yes. Nevertheless, if I tell you of the future you will think before anything of ways to change it. And you must understand the past fully before you go doing anything to prevent the future from happening." Andy said.

Minwoo shook his head, unable to understand everything Andy was telling him. He decided to divert his attention to the scene in front of him, where Rhana was walking up to the stage.

The man at the piano got up, bowing to Rhana as she sat down. Saori was standing off to the side, staring dutifully at Rhana.

Rhana greeted the people in front of her silently. She placed her hands over the piano keys and shut her eyes.

"Sometimes I wonder where I’ve been. Who I am, do I fit in? Make believing, is hard alone. Out here, on my own. We’re always proving who we are, always reaching for that rising star, to guide me far, and shine me home. Out here, on my own." Her voice came out sweet, but very strong.

The song was very sad, and reminded Minwoo of something, someone. "Aries, if only I could see you right now." Minwoo thought. He had the strange feeling he would never be with her again. Shaking off the feeling he drew his attention back to Rhana.

Her hands were steady on the piano as she hit chord after chord. "But when I’m down and feeling blue, I close my eyes so I can be with you. Oh, baby be strong for me, baby belong to me. Help me through, help me need you. Sometimes I wonder, where’ve I’ve been. Who I am, do I fit in? I may not win, but I can be strong. Out here, on my own." She hands slowed on the piano as she opened her eyes and looked down.

There was a scattered applause. Rhana exited the stage silently.

Minwoo gave Andy a questioning look. "I don’t understand," He said. "She has such a great voice, why isn’t anyone approving of it?"

Andy remained silent. He looked at Rhana, who was being ushered away by Junghyuk.

Minwoo followed them. He approached Rhana.

"Junghyuk, do you mind going and getting the car started?" She asked.

Junghyuk answered silently, walking away reluctantly.

Rhana turned to Minwoo. "Why are you here?" She asked.

Minwoo looked around. "Honestly? I don’t know. I was pretty much brought here against my will."

"Then why don’t you leave?" There was a meaningful look in her eyes.

"What do you mean leave?" Minwoo asked. Rhana turned away.

"Rhana! Ya! Let’s go!" Junghyuk called from the car.

"Rhana, why do you want me to leave?" Minwoo asked.

"Because…because…" Rhana suddenly became flustered. "Because if you stay something terrible will happen!" She blurted out.

"What? You know something. What do you know?" Minwoo grabbed her arm before she could walk away.

"Oh Minwoo, we should have never met. You should have listened to him, you should have never come after me…" There were tears in her eyes.

"Who’s him? What are you talking about?" Minwoo asked.

"Your guardian," She whispered. "I know, I know everything. That’s why you can’t be here."

"Then tell me what to do to get out of here." Minwoo said.

Rhana shook her head. "Ya! Let’s go!" Junghyuk bellowed, beeping the car horn.

"Wooie ah, whatever happened to your father…whatever you heard, you mustn’t believe happened because of you. It wasn’t your fault." Rhana took a hold of Minwoo’s jacket and held it tightly.

"Rhana, tell me what happened, or what’s going to happen. Please!" Minwoo said.

Rhana shook her head again and quickly planted a kiss on Minwoo’s cheek. "Goodbye." She whispered in his ear before hurrying off.

Minwoo was flabbergasted. He turned to Andy, who approached him and put his arm around his shoulders.

"Come," He said. "It is time we talked."

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

Hyori dragged herself to the bathroom. She put her hand to her mouth as she felt something conspicuous rise in her throat. She bent down low over the toilet as she vomited continuously.

"Hyori?" Her mother walked in. "Oh honey, are you sick?" She put her hand against Hyori’s forehead.

"I think…I’m going to throw up again." The words were barely out of her mouth before she dove back for the toilet.

Her mother hurried over to the telephone. "Dr. Seng is he there? I need to schedule an appointment right away…"

Aries rewound the tape and played it in slow motion. She rewound it six times before she tried copying the steps of one of SES’s dances. Kangta stood silently in the doorway, watching.

Heaving a huge sigh, Aries turned the video off and flung the remote control at the wall. Kangta cleared his throat.

"How long have you been standing there?" Aries asked.

"Long enough." Kangta smiled. His smile faded however when he saw the look on Aries’ face.

She began pulling at her hair. "This…is ridiculous. It’s dumb, it’s stupid, and it’s pissing me off!"

Kangta cocked his head to the side. "No one said it was ever easy." He said.

"Everyone hates me anyway." Aries muttered, sitting down on the couch.

"Hey-" Kangta plopped down next to her and took her chin in his hand. "Not everybody hates you. Not in their hearts anyway. They just haven’t given you a chance yet."

Aries pushed his hand away. "I’m so frustrated though. Rumors everywhere. And I already have hate clubs. How’s that huh?" She sighed moodily.

Kangta stroked her hair. "It will all be alright in the end," he said. "I promise."

"Mrs. Lee?" Hyori’s mother looked up to see a nurse standing next to her. "You can see her now."

She followed the nurse into a secluded room. Hyori was propped up on the table, a long cloth covering her stomach and extended legs.

"Mrs. Lee," Dr. Seng looked up from the notes he was taking. "A word alone with you please?"

They walked outside the room. "Dr. Seng, is she alright?" Mrs. Lee asked, fear growing in her voice.

"She’s absolutely fine. What she has been experiencing is morning sickness." Dr. Seng said.

"Morning sickness? You mean-"

"She’s pregnant," Dr. Seng finished for her. "By two weeks."

Minwoo was now back in the house he had woken up from. Once in his room he looked at Andy expectantly.

"Please, sit down. Make yourself at home. This is your home you know." Andy said.

Minwoo sat down, a puzzled look on his face. "What happened to my father?" He asked.

Andy hesitated. "It hasn’t happened…yet," He said. "Let me just tell you a little about the people you’ve met first." He leaned back against the wall.

"Rhana, like I said comes from a very rich family. Junghyuk is also the son of a very wealthy family. Rhana’s mother made sure that her daughter and Junghyuk would be together, to assure security of their riches. Rhana, however, is very hesitant to marry Junghyuk for his money, but her mother claims to dishonor her from the family name if she refuses to marry him."

"That’s horrible," Minwoo said. "She shouldn’t have to put up with that."

"Maybe so my friend, but that is how it is with her family. And now, one more thing to tell you. Junghyuk Moon. He is the early cousin of…Eric Moon."

Minwoo swallowed hard. "As in my father’s brother’s son?" He asked.

Andy nodded his head slowly.

Minwoo felt his ears perk up when he heard noises below. It sounded like a knock at the front door.

Suddenly, thunder erupted, and lightning pierced the sky, lighting up the room. He heard the door open and someone gasp from below.

"Andy," Minwoo whispered. "What did you mean when you said ‘this is you home’?"

Andy remained silent as the sound of someone scuttling around below filled their ears. A voice was suddenly heard.

"You’ve got to help me; there’s no one else I can go to."

Minwoo shook his head, trying to interpret what the man was saying.

"You promised me remember? You promised. Now I’m begging you, I’m pleading with you, please…"

Minwoo felt his breathing some out faster. Suddenly his mother’s words were in his head.

Before Andy could stop him Minwoo had ran out the door. He stood in the hallway. He looked around for a stairway but it was too dark. He had to wait until his eyes adjusted to the darkness.

There was some grumbling and sobbing before Minwoo heard the door open again. When it closed, he heard someone emerge from another room.

"What does he want? Why did he come here?"

"He needs me."

Minwoo could feel his heart beating against his chest. He had to get downstairs, he just had to. The chance of seeing the father he never knew made his head ache so badly he had to close his eyes. He opened them to see Andy standing in front of him.

"I’ve got to get downstairs." Minwoo said.

"No Minwoo. The past has already happened. You can’t change it."

"I can’t even look at him?" Minwoo asked.

Andy lowered his eyes to the floor. "It is not a wise thing to do." He said.

Minwoo heard the door open and slam. His breathing became faster as his mother’s words repeated over and over in his head.

"Junjin left, and shortly after your father followed. I never saw him again after that…"

Minwoo could here his mother crying. She must have run into another room because the next thing Minwoo heard was a door slamming shut.

He ran down the stairs. He hesitated behind the closed door where his mother was.

"Minwoo, don’t do this. I’m telling you nothing good will happen if you approach her."

"You’re right," Minwoo said. "I have to go after him first."

"Minwoo! No! That’s not what I meant!" Andy said. But Minwoo was already out the door.

-11-

Aries was working hard for Korea’s acceptance. Every night she performed at the club she made a special effort to talk to people. She made sure to be nice, to ask if they were having a good time, and to remember faces. She was even remembering names and making a few friends.

Soon, to Hyori’s dismay, the rumors stopped. Instead, people were beginning to really listen to the songs Aries wrote and began to spread word around the streets about Serene’s, the club owned by the lead singer of the legendary HOT, that contained Korea’s new rhythm and melody.

"Aries, are you still thinking about Daesung?" Kangta asked.

Aries was wiping down the windows. She had come over to help Kangta clean his house. She looked up at her oppa and smiled weakly. "Sometimes I think about it," She said. "I’ve just had a lot of other things on my mind lately."

Kangta didn’t realize how tired Aries looked until that moment. Her eyes were slightly swollen from lack of sleep and her hair was starting to look a bit stringy. He also couldn’t help noticing how thin she looked. He chuckled to himself.

"What’s so funny?" Aries asked.

"Oh…I was just thinking back to when I was singer. It’s like you live the life already. You hardly ever sleep or eat anymore. You’re working constantly on your music and you’re beginning to really appreciate the people that listen to you sing. I’m telling you, you’ve got it made for Korea."

"You really think so?" Aries asked.

Kangta nodded. "I really do." He said.

There was a knock at the door. "Who is it?" Kangta called.

"Ya, it’s me." Kangta opened the door and Hyesung walked in.

"Hyesung." Aries stood up and brushed herself off. She looked down at her torn sweats and ratty shirt that was now streaked with dirt. Her cheeks turned bright red with embarrassment.

Hyesung cleared his throat. "Taya, do you mind if I have a word alone with Aries?" He asked.

"Sure, make yourself at home." Kangta winked at Aries and went into the kitchen.

"Well, shall we sit down?" Aries asked.

"Um, sure," Hyesung sat down next to Aries on the couch. "So, you’re really beginning to give yourself quite a name." He said.

"What do you mean?" Aries asked.

"You’re becoming known. And you’re not even under a contract! Do you know how exceptional that is?" Hyesung said.

"Look, I’ve come to realize, that all this attention and all is really great, but I don’t know if it’s really worth it." Aries said.

"What isn’t worth it? You like to sing don’t you?" Hyesung asked.

"Like to sing? God, I love it. I live to sing. But that’s not the point. This past month, I’ve been up every single night writing songs, making music, thinking of new styles. And when I sing in front of people, I make sure to remember who they are and that they enjoyed themselves. I worry constantly about not being good enough and not being accepted. I don’t even have time to eat or bathe anymore. I’m not even sure how much more I can go on like this." Aries slouched back against the couch.

"I totally understand. But you can do this Aries, you have the gift that not everyone else has. If God isn’t telling you this is your calling, I am. Because this is what you’re good at and this is what Korea is finally starting to see." Hyesung said.

"But what about the contracts? And the producers? Kangta told me that Lee Sooman used to beat him and his members when they didn’t achieve what he wanted. He said it was all with becoming a singer, but I’ve been abused enough in my life, I don’t need any more of that. And the money? I’m not saying that’s the most important thing, but if that’s going to be the whole issue of me being a singer-making or not making enough money for my producer, it’s not going to hack it. I’m not going to be able to deal with that much pressure." Aries got up and started pacing the floor.

Hyesung stood up next to her and grabbed her by the shoulders so she was facing him. "The industry is a very difficult procedure and tends not to be fair. But I promise you Aries, that if you agree to become involved, you won’t regret it." Hyesung stroked her cheek with his hand.

Aries felt tears come to her eyes. "Hyesung. I-I really think you’re attractive, and I do like you, but…but I just can’t get involved with you."

Hyesung stepped back, his eyes on the floor. "There’s someone else isn’t there?" he asked.

Aries swallowed hard. "Yes there is. I’m sorry." She said.

Hyesung smiled, almost making Aries cringe. She could almost see his heart breaking apart.

"I’ll be in touch soon," He said. "Ahnyoung." He took Aries hand for a brief second, then went out the door without another word.

Aries felt herself slouch against the couch, where she began to cry. Before she knew it, she was in Kangta’s arms, as he slowly rocked her back and forth, just letting her cry against him.

"Oh Minwoo," Aries thought to herself. "It’s been forever and a day since you’ve been gone. Have you really left me? If so, why won’t my heart let me love Hyesung? Please Minwoo, return to me, come back and I promise never, ever to hurt you again. I miss you so much; it hurts so much-" She began to cry harder as she burrowed her face against her oppa’s chest. He sighed and hugged her more tightly.

"Minwoo! Where are you going? That’s your mother’s car! What do you think you’re doing?" Andy jumped into the car before Minwoo could speed off.

"I’ve got to follow them," Minwoo said. "I’ve got to know the truth about my father." He watched as a car slid off the side of the street into the empty road. Minwoo waited a few seconds before he began to follow it.

He drove for what seemed like hours. He couldn’t believe that he was following his father. He studied the back of his head. His hair was slicked back, and slightly gray. Minwoo could see his eyes in the rearview mirror. It was like looking into a reflection of his own eyes as they darted around the road, watching each little light that flashed by.

"You’re too close." Andy muttered. Minwoo jumped.

"Have you been here this whole time?" Minwoo asked.

"Pretty much," Andy said. "If you’re going to do this you’re not going to get caught. At least not while you’re with me. Get more distance, he’s starting to get suspicious."

"How do you know?" Minwoo asked as he slowed up.

"I went into his car," Andy said. "He’s anxious, even though he’s not showing it. He knows you’re following him."
"Can he see me?" Minwoo asked.

"No, the windows are tinted." Andy answered.

Minwoo sighed and gripped the steering wheel tightly. He was beginning to become slightly drowsy, he hoped he didn’t have to drive for much longer.

Suddenly, the other car turned onto a dirt road. Minwoo pulled to the side and waited for a few minutes before he followed. Up on the hill seemed to be an abandoned house.

Minwoo decided to park the car in the bushes so it wouldn’t be spotted. He then began to creep up against the house.

His heart was beating so fast. He put his hand to his chest as he tried to slow his breathing. "Andy?" He whispered.

‘I’m right here," Andy said. "Don’t worry, I’m not leaving your side."

Minwoo found an opening in the side of the house. He squeezed through it and found himself in semi-darkness. He could hear the faint sound of voices down the hall. He slowly crept toward them.

"He has arrived."

Minwoo swallowed hard. He could hear many footsteps, though they seemed to be coming in different directions.

"Be cautious," Andy whispered. "Up against this crate."

Minwoo heaved himself on top of it. He peaked over into the next room.

He could see six men in the room all smoking. His father must be the one in the middle. He was the only one sitting.

"Junjin."

Minwoo stared at his father’s brother, his uncle. His hair was long, almost to his shoulders, and streaked blond. Minwoo felt an instant hatred toward him. He narrowed his eyes as he watched the scene.

"Junjin, what is this? What are you doing?"

"What’s going on?" Minwoo whispered.

"You’ll soon know." Andy said.

He saw his father being strapped down to a table. Minwoo squinted his eyes at the instruments they used.

"Oh my God, they’re doing the same thing they did to me." Minwoo said.

Andy remained silent as a flash of light went through the room. Minwoo saw his father spas with pain as more levers were being turned. "Oh God." Minwoo closed his eyes.

The levers were slowly turned back as the sound of paper printing filled the room. Minwoo could hear someone ripping it out of the printer.

"Wait a minute. He has a wife right, you didn’t tell me he had a son."

Minwoo’s ears perked up. "They’re talking about me." He thought.

"What do you mean?"

"Andy, please tell me everything will be all right," Minwoo turned to face him. "Andy, please-"

Andy looked into his eyes but didn’t say a word. Minwoo turned his attention back to his father.

"Your son carries the family name, which cannot be passed through."

Minwoo saw the leader of the group, the one who had been talking to his father signal to one of the other men. He drew out a pistol. Minwoo gasped. "What is he doing?" He asked.

Andy lowered his eyes to the ground. "You wanted to know the truth." He said.

"No, what are you doing?"

There was a shot of a gun. Minwoo almost fell off the crate. Regaining his balance he heard another shot go off into the air. "No!" He screamed.

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

It was time to close up the club. Aries was turning over chairs when she heard someone knock on the door. She opened it to see Hyori standing in front of her.

Aries stared at her stomach. It was either just her imagination or Hyori had put on a few pounds.

Hyori looked down and smiled. "Almost four months." She said.

"Uh, congratulations." Aries said, as she began to sweep the floor.

"Don’t you even want to know who the father is?" Hyori asked.

Aries stopped sweeping, listening.

Hyori leaned back against one of the tables. "God, that night was such a blur. He was so drunk. Of course, I was pretty intoxicated too, but all was done out of love," She patted her stomach. "Minwoo would never mean any harm, he knew what he was doing." Hyori said.

Aries dropped her broom. "Minwoo?" She said.

"Yes. I told you we were having a child. You didn’t believe me did you. You were probably warped in your own little fantasies about him. Well, I’m here to tell you that this is reality. He cares for me and no one else. Especially someone as trashy as you." Hyori pushed herself off the table and headed for the door.

"Then you know where he’s been?" Aries asked.

Hyori stopped. "He’s away for the time being." Hyori said.

"And your contract with Daesung?" Aries asked.

"No ones taking that away," Hyori said. Not you or anybody. I’ll take you down Aries, and I’m going to make sure your life is a living hell if it already hasn’t been. Stay away from Minwoo and out of our lives." She slammed the door shut so hard the walls trembled.

Aries dropped to the ground. She wanted to cry but she was so tired of crying. "She’s right," She whispered. "I am in my own world, how could I think that Minwoo would ever give his love to me? I’m such a fool." Her eyes grew heavy as she curled up on the floor. Kangta came in and saw her, sound asleep. He gently picked her up and carried her to his car, taking her home.

-12-

Minwoo stared in horror as his father crumpled to the floor. He could see the blood pouring from his heart, spilling onto the ground. He saw the figure of Junjin, on the ground nearby, who had tried saving his brother’s life by pushing him out of the way and taking his shot. Instead, another person who Minwoo couldn’t see shot his father instead. Minwoo gripped the edge of the crate with all his might. It was all he could do to keep from screaming. He watched as one of the men moved away, unblocking his father’s killer from view. Minwoo gasped. It was Junghyuk who was holding the murder weapon.

"Good job Junghyuk, very well done."

"NO!" Minwoo could no longer restrain himself. He jumped over the crate and crashed into the next room.

"Minwoo! No!" Andy ran after him.

It was a feeling he had never felt before. Minwoo stared around beadily. He felt so full of heat and hatred; he punched the first guy in front of him, sending him flying into the table. Taken by surprise by the intruder everyone was taken aback. Suddenly Minwoo felt something crash against his jaw and sent him sprawling to the ground. He put his leg out, tripping one of the men and quickly got up, kicking the fallen man with all his might. He saw Junghyuk, standing in the corner. Wiping the blood from his bleeding lip, he started toward him.

"I’ve seen you somewhere haven’t I?" Junghyuk asked.

Minwoo remained silent as he continued to glare at him.

"What do you want here boy? A job? I’m sure we could use someone to clean our office for us." The few men who Minwoo hadn’t taken down began to laugh.

Minwoo made a lunge for Junghyuk, but the men beside him took him down, beating him, spitting on him. He could feel himself blacking out as he felt blow after blow. Soon, all feeling left him and he could scarcely breath. Finally one of the men picked him up and threw him against the wall, pinning him there. Junghyuk stood close to him, studying his face, now mangled with blood and bruises.

"I don’t know how you found us or why you’re here. Rhana seemed to have a good idea of who you are; though she wouldn’t tell me. Such a shame I had to be so brutal with her."

"What did you do to her?" Minwoo said fiercely.

"Well, I know we’re supposed to wait till after marriage…but since we’re not married yet I guess you could say I…forced myself on her. You should have heard her squeal. She sounded almost like a pig, but even better. And when I brought out the belt, tears filled her eyes as she pleaded with me and screamed. But you know, if she’d just tell me what I wanted to know, none of that would have happened."

"You bastard!" Minwoo tried to break away from the man holding him down but Junghyuk belted him in the gut and kicked him to the ground.

"She is to be my wife, what do you expect? I know she is only marrying me for my money. She will learn to honor me and in the least love me. You are a fool to come here." He pulled out his gun and pointed it at Minwoo, right between his eyes.

There was a sudden flash of light. The men in the room fell and staggered back, holding their eyes, howling in pain. Minwoo looked up to see Andy standing next to him.

"Go! Now! You must leave!" Andy cried.

Minwoo stared at Junghyuk, who kept one eye closed and one open as he fumbled around for his gun. Minwoo eyed it lying inches away on the ground. He scrambled over to pick it up before Junghyuk could.

"Minwoo! No! Don’t do this." Andy said.

"He killed my uncle, who tried to save my father’s life! He doesn’t deserve to live!" Minwoo cried, his hands shaking.

"Minwoo, you’ve done enough damage, now you must leave, don’t you understand! You can’t stay here!" Andy turned away as the light became brighter and brighter as a sudden gust of wind went through the room.

Junghyuk was watching Minwoo’s every move. When Minwoo turned away, Junghyuk pounced on him, trying to knock the gun from his hands.

"No!" Minwoo flung him off against the wall. He pointed the gun at Junghyuk.

"This," He said, pulling back the trigger. "Is for my parents. May you rot in hell." There was a deafening bang.

"Aries, you’ve been moping around for a week now. The people down at the club are starting to ask where you are." Kangta said, watching Aries, who was staring out the window.

It had been almost five months since Minwoo disappeared. Aries really began to think that he wasn’t coming back to her. And despite Hyori’s warnings, she still loved him.

She drew herself up to her knees on the window seat and stared mournfully at her oppa. "I know, I’ve been so out of it. I just feel so sluggish, I don’t want to go anywhere." Aries closed her eyes and rested her head on her knees.

"Alright well, I’ll let you rest up. By the way, Tony’s plane is due to land this evening." Kangta said, drawing the curtains around the windows.

Aries perked up. "Tony’s here?!" She cried. "And Heejun, Jaewon, and Woohyuk, are they all here?"

Kangta smiled. "Here and ready to rehearse for a reunion concert."

It was the best news she had heard in a long time. Aries jumped up and grabbed Kangta’s hand, pulling him out of the room.

"Where are we going?" Kangta asked, stumbling.

"To pick up Tony!" Aries said.

Kangta laughed. "Relax, his plane isn’t in till eight this evening. In the mean time, freshen up and I’ll get some supper started."

Aries could hardly contain herself. She ran back into the room to get ready.

Andy was now driving as Minwoo nursed his wounds. "Are you alright?" Andy asked.

Minwoo groaned in reply. "I feel awful." Minwoo said.

"You won’t feel half as bad once I get you out of here." Andy said.

"What did you do back there, with that lightning? And how come it didn’t affect me?" Minwoo asked.

"I temporarily stupefied them," Andy said. "I kind of went against the rules so I could get you out of there. But we have even bigger problems." They were now back at home as Andy helped Minwoo into the house.

"You’ve changed the past," Andy said. "Now you’ve got to fix it or change the future."

Minwoo heaved a huge sigh as Andy got a facecloth and a bin of hot water out. "How can I do that?" Minwoo asked.

"God knows." Andy said, beginning to clean Minwoo’s wounds.

Minwoo winced as the hot water stung his cuts. "Andy, how did you get here?" He asked.

Andy ran the washcloth through the reddened water. He rung it out before he answered. "I’ve been asking myself that for years." He said.

"Were you taken under the experimenting?" Minwoo asked.

"Yes. I remember I was walking along down the street when I suddenly blacked out. I found myself in a cold, dark room, strapped down by chains. Then I’m here, only, I can’t get out. And now, I’ve been here for years, waiting for more victims to come, to look over them and keep them safe." Andy got up to get a basin of fresh water.

"Do they know what goes on while we’re here?" Minwoo asked.

"As far as I know, they know nothing of the sort. Yet. They only know you are in the past. One day though, they will know what is happening, and use it to their advantage." Andy said, washing the blood off Minwoo’s arms.

"But maybe they haven’t figured out how to bring people back into the present. Maybe I’ll be stuck here forever." Minwoo said.

Andy sighed, slowly bringing the washcloth down over a deep gash on Minwoo’s neck. "You will get out, I’m sure. I can feel it, and things I feel are a good sign."

"Then you could go to, back to the present." Minwoo said.

"No, I’m afraid not. You see, I am already dead. Stuck here in the past for all time to only warn those who are put in this misery and to guide their way back." Andy said.

"How do you know you’re already dead?" Minwoo asked.

"I just know. It’s just how it is," Andy said. "But never mind that, I’ve known for a very long time so it no longer comes as a shock to me. As for you, you still have a chance, and I have a plan." Andy drew himself nearer to Minwoo.

"What is it?" Minwoo asked.

"The men left living in that warehouse, have all fled for their lives. They will confess to no one of any doings of the experiments to anyone, I’m sure of it. Now, I have hidden Junghyuk’s body, and left your father and Junjin to be found. I have also left hints that Junghyuk is the killer, so he will be searched for all over the country. Now, you must make a decision," Andy drew himself up and stood in front of Minwoo. "You can decide, to go back into the present, and then back into the past, to change things that have happened here. Or, you can decide to leave here and never come back. Mind you, your father and brother will be dead either way, and things in the present might be very different because of what has happened in the past."

Minwoo thought over his decision. "I want to go back to the present, and come back to change the past." He said.

"You are certain?" Andy asked. "You are absolutely sure?"

"I think so," Minwoo said.

"You must understand that your condition will be very weak when you get back to the present. If you come back to the past a second time, chances are you won’t be able to go back." Andy said.

Minwoo closed his eyes as his life flashed before his mind. His mother, and his father. His friends and relatives. Aries. His heart was beating quickly. How could he live life without her?

After a long pause Minwoo looked up, full of determination, into Andy’s eyes. "Yes, I will go back to the present, and come back to the past." Minwoo said.

"You are willing to give up everything?" Andy asked.

"To avenge my father and let him rest in peace? Definitely." Minwoo said.

Andy cocked his head to the side. "You are truly a hero Minwoo. I look up to you for that," Andy said. "Now this is what we have to do…"

"Tony!" Aries ran and flung himself at him. Tony wasn’t expecting this and dropped the small luggage bag he was carrying. His skin was tanner and body more built. "Aries! We meet again!" Tony said, laughing.

"You’ve been working out!" Aries said, squeezing his arm.

"Yup, you think I’ll be able to impress the girls now?" Tony asked.

"No! You’re all mine!" Aries said teasingly.

Kangta laughed and ushered them through the airport.

Once they had gotten Tony’s luggage, they headed home. "Have you been to the countryside oppa?" Aries asked.

Tony answered "Yes." As Kangta said "No."

Aries burst out laughing while Kangta pretended to look hurt.

"What can I do? You’re both my oppas!" Aries said.

Kangta laughed. "I’m just so used to being called that by you." He said.

"Ok," Aries turned to Tony. "Tony oppadule, have you been in the countryside?"

"In California? Yes, and it’s so nice Aries. You’d love it there. It’s like being in another world away from the city. Everything is so peaceful and laid back." Tony closed his eyes and leaned back against the seat.

Aries sighed. Sometimes she missed her life in the country. One of those times was now.

Back at home Heejun and Jaewon were waiting outside. Woohyuk was just pulling up in his car when Aries jumped out and threw herself in Heejun’s arms.

"Heejunnie!" She squealed. His hair was still long, only he had died it purple. Jaewon’s blond hair was slowly streaking out black as he smiled and swung Aries around. Woohyuk came up around the bend, looking perhaps skinnier than Aries last remembered, but looking the same as he always did.

After a lot of hugs and hearty laughs they all sat down around the coffee table in Kangta’s house. Aries hurried to make some tea while they all talked of rehearsals for the concert. When she came out Kangta cleared his throat and everyone stopped talking.

"Aries, we’ve been doing a lot of discussing, and we are in need of a guest singer at our concert. Would you be interested?" Kangta asked.

Aries almost dropped the teakettle she was carrying. Her, sing in front of millions of people? "Uh, I don’t know if I could sing in front of that many people." She said.

"It’d really give you a feel of what singing in front of a crowd feels like," Kangta said. "It will help you determine if singing is what you want to do."

Aries thought for a minute. "What will I sing?" She asked.

"Anything you want." Heejun said.

Aries smiled at her five oppas. "I’ll do it!" She said.

"Wooie ah, please wake up." Minwoo’s mother shook him gently.

Minwoo felt his eyes flutter open. It felt like he had been on a terrifying roller coaster ride, and all he had seen had been just one wild dream. He breathed in deeply and looked up at his mother. "Ohma." He whispered.

"Don’t talk Minwoo, save your strength." His mother said softly. Her hair had grown a lot more gray in the months past and her eyes were huge and hollow.

Minwoo felt someone stick a tube down his nose. He coughed and gagged, as someone else held him down. Eric walked up to him, studying his face.

"He doesn’t look too good." One of the doctors said.

"Mrs. Lee, I need to talk to your son alone." Eric said.

Minwoo’s mother bowed in reply and left the room. Eric stared at the doctors till they too left the room. Eric stood by the window and lit up a cigarette. "So how was it?" Eric asked.

"It was…interesting." Minwoo said.

"I’m glad to see our experiment was a success, finally," Eric said. "But now, comes the bad news." Eric said.

"What would that be?" Minwoo asked.

"Well, our experimenting isn’t complete. We still don’t know exactly what goes on. Until we find out we will find more helpless victims and use them for our testing. But as of now, the people that do go through the experiments will only have a short time to live after, to assure our testing remains top secret until it is perfected. You will have eight hours to see those you must and after, we will kill you."

Minwoo sat straight up, as if he had been shot out of a cannon. "Why-" He said. "Are you doing all this?"

"Think about it Minwoo. One day, people will be able to go back into the past and fix their mistakes. Lost loved ones can be found by going back in time. Things that didn’t go right can be changed and perfected. All through our studies." Eric grinned broadly.

"And what about my mother?" Minwoo asked.

Eric’s smile faded. "She will be killed too." Eric said.

"Does she know this?" Minwoo asked.

"She has known since day one." Eric said.

Minwoo, of course, knew too. Andy had supplied him with information on what they would probably do to him when he got back. "They’ll either beat you to death or give you time before you die. Either way they’ll kill you and make sure none of the information you carry gets out in the open."

"I hate to do this to you," Eric’s voice was lowered. "I know we are related, but it has to be done. We can’t let you live now that you know of us. You do understand don’t you?"

"Yeah, sure." Minwoo said.

Eric turned his back to him. A doctor came back into the room and slid the tube feeding liquid to Minwoo out of his nose. "Good," Eric said. "You have eight hours starting now. You will be found when you’re time is up. Now go, get out of here." Eric puffed hard on his cigarette.

Minwoo slowly slid off the table and staggered out of the room. Andy had been right. He was extremely weak and dizzy. He saw his mother standing near by and fell into his arms.

"Oh Minwoo," She brushed her hands through his dampened hair. "What have they done to you?"

Minwoo gave her a weak smile. "Ohma, I don’t have a lot of time, you know that right? But you must listen to me, and no matter what happens you won’t come back for me." Minwoo took his mother’s hands in his.

"Minwoo, what are you saying?" His mother asked.

"I have to go back," Minwoo said. "I have to change what has happened. Only one of us is going to die, because I won’t be able to come back. I know this because I feel this in my heart, the chance is very small that I could make it back to the present after a second trip. But if I go, I promise, that everything that has happened now will be forgotten, and you’ll be able to live the rest of your life in peace." Minwoo leaned toward his mother, putting his hot forehead against hers.

"Minwoo ah, I know this is what you have to do. But God-be careful. Aigo, why must you be so brave?" His mother stroked his cheeks as tears began to stream down her face.

"Ohma, please don’t cry." Minwoo said. He hugged her fiercely. "We’ll be together again. I promise." He got up and brushed himself off.

"I love you Minwoo, you’ll always be in my heart." His mother whispered.

"Sarang hae Ohma. Goodbye." He ran down the hall and out the door onto the empty streets. There was only one person in mind he had to see. He glanced at his watch. The minutes were ticking by fast; he only had seven and a half-hours left.

-13-

Minwoo had never ran so fast in his life. By the time he got to Aries’ neighborhood, he could barely walk another step. He sat down and wiped off the sweat that was running down his face with the back of his hand. He quickly jumped up when he saw someone walking towards him.

"Minwoo!" Hyori cried. She threw herself into his arms.

"Hyori-" Minwoo stared at her stomach where a huge bulge was forming.

"Almost seven months," Hyori said, patting her stomach. "I’m so glad you’re back, you’ll never guess who the father is."

"Do you want to ask me if I care?" Minwoo said.

Hyori was slightly taken aback. "You’ll want to speak to the mother of your child with more respect." Hyori said.

Minwoo couldn’t believe what he was hearing. "No…you don’t mean-"

"Yes, you Minwoo, are the father. Aren’t you excited?" Hyori started hugging him again.

"No!" Minwoo pushed her back. "I’m not the father." He said.

Hyori’s smile faded. "What are you talking about?" She said.

"Listen to me. I may not remember what happened that night we were together. But I’m telling you, I’m feeling things you’d never understand, and I’m not the father of that child." Minwoo stared at Hyori as she began to look crestfallen. "And you know it…don’t you?" He glared at her.

Hyori burst out crying. "Oh Minwoo, I love you, and all I’ve ever wanted was you to love me back." She buried her face with her hands as her crying grew louder.

Minwoo didn’t say anything. He didn’t even try to comfort her as she cried and cried. Finally, she wiped her eyes and gave Minwoo a teary smile.

"I guess I knew it all along," Her voice wavered. "I’ve tried, God I’ve tried. But she loves you. And you love her. I can’t stop you. Go to her." Hyori started walking away slowly. She glanced back only to see Minwoo running across the street. She felt her whole world fall apart as she continued to walk home.

Aries was standing on top of a hill, looking out at the country. She watched the smoke come out of the rooftops below, and the horses near the edge of the woods that ran free.

She felt so free…and yet, so empty. There was something missing from her life, and she didn’t know what it was.

"Aries." She looked up to see a handsome young man walking toward her. His blond hair captured the sun’s beams and his blue eyes made the bright sky look dull. He smiled warmly at his sister.

"Indra," Aries felt a lump form in her throat. "We meet again."

"Yes. Only this time, I am here to give you words of advice and encouragement." Indra said.

"Why didn’t you come sooner?" Aries asked. "Don’t you know how much I miss you? Or how much everything I go through hurts?" She felt warm tears begin to sting her eyes.

"Ariana, I always know what you’re going through. I feel your pain when I see you fall, and I miss you just as much as you miss me. But you have a chance to live a life I never got to live. You have a chance to make something of yourself, and to do yourself proud," Indra wiped Aries’ tears away with the sleeve of his shirt.

Aries smiled and laughed a little. It was just like Indra was her little brother again as he wiped her nose with the other sleeve of his shirt. "Why did you show me our past?" She asked.

"I wanted you to remember how to love, and how to be happy. I wanted you to know that even though I’m not with your physically, I’m always guiding your way. Our life together was very short, but we’ll still be together," Indra said. "And Mom wanted you to know, that she is very, very proud of you."

Aries felt her eyes fill with tears again. "Mom," She whispered. "Is she there with you?" She asked.

"Yes," Indra said softly. "Died of alcoholism not long after you ran away. She is very much ashamed of the pain she put you through, and hopes one day, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive her for being foolish and selfish."

Aries closed her eyes. "I already forgave her, not long after you died," She said. "But Dad, where is he? Is he still alive?" Aries asked.

Indra was silent for a moment. "Father, is also here with me. The mistress he was married to left him one day, and he ran out to find her, only to be hit by a car. Not to worry though." Indra said, as Aries’ eyes widened in horror.

"Father says that he felt no pain, but rather a peaceful sort of feeling. He wishes for your forgiveness for abandoning you. He watches you every day and always tells me how beautiful you are, and how strong you’re becoming. He loves you so much." Indra looked off to the west as the sun was setting, and the sky was turning into a purplish haze.

Aries sniffled as she tried to wipe her tears away. "I miss them so much," She said. "Please tell them I love them. I understand everything and forgive them."

Indra smiled. "They said they love you, and that we will one day all be together as a family again. Until then, I must tell you one more thing. And then, you must wake up." The sky was slowly darkening as the sun was disappearing.

"There is someone who loves you deeply. His heart aches at the thought of not being able to touch you, and his mind burns at the thought of not being with you. Accept his love and find peace within yourself. Deep in your heart, you’ll discover the love you have for him hidden inside. Don’t let your fears get in front of you, and never be afraid of what you can’t do. I’ll always be near to help you along the way."

Aries watched as a beautiful white horse ran close by. Two brown horses were suddenly by its side, but after awhile one of them gave up and ran away. The two horses stopped near Aries side, coming close enough for her to touch them.

"And now, Ariana, you must wake." Indra said, a note of sadness in his voice.

Ariana ran her hand down the mane of the white horse’s neck. "I don’t want to wake up," She said. "I want to stay here, with you."

"And I with you," Indra said. "But you must wake up now, and I promise, we will be together again."

Aries sighed deeply. She looked at the horse, and then at her brother. She stared into his eyes, never wanting to forget anything about the moment. She wanted to remember everything exactly as it was; what her brother looked like, the sun setting behind them, and the horses running by their side. The sky darkened and lightning streaked across the sky. She closed her eyes.

"Wake up Aries," Indra said softly. "Wake up."

He didn’t know how he got there but suddenly he was in front of Aries’ apartment. Minwoo ran up the steps and banged on the door. "Ariana! It’s me! Open the door please!" He banged on the door again.

There was no answer and Minwoo suddenly became very afraid. He decided to try the door and held his breath as the door clicked open. He stepped inside, his legs shaking as he walked through the living room.

There she was, lying in bed, her face turned away from him. She almost looked as if she were dead, her face pale and her hair stringy. Minwoo gasped when she turned and he saw how skinny she was, as if she hadn’t eaten in days.

He sat down gently on her bed. "Aries." He said softly, brushing back her hair.

She rolled over and opened her eyes. She gasped when she was Minwoo and sat up.

Minwoo stroked her face. "I’ve missed you so much." He felt his eyes brim over with tears as she grasped his hands in hers.

"I’m dreaming," She whispered. "This isn’t happening. Oh God Minwoo, where have you been? Why did you leave me like that?" She began to sob as Minwoo took her in his arms.

"I-I can’t do this," She pushed Minwoo away from her. "You’re going to be having a child, and you love Hyori-" Minwoo silenced her by putting his finger to her lips.

"It is not my child, and I do not love her." Minwoo said.

"But how do you know? How can I believe, after all I’ve been through and after all I’ve seen? You can’t possibly love me Minwoo." Aries said, turning away.

"Aries, I’m not saying I’m proud of some of the things I’ve done, and I can’t make you believe me when I say this but…it’s what I’ve been feeling since the first day I saw you. You are truly the only one I love, and have ever loved. Nothing and no one will ever be able to come between my feelings for you." Minwoo said.

Aries still kept her back facing him. "Aries, please…say something, anything. If you believe me at least face me." Minwoo said.

Aries still wouldn’t turn away from the wall, but her shoulders began to shake as she cried silently. Finally, Minwoo stood up, brushing the last of his tears away.

"I’m leaving Aries, and I want you to know, I’m never going to be coming back. It’s not what I want, but I have some things I must take care of. I wanted to see you one last time before I left. Well, I’m sorry to have troubled you, goodbye Aries." He began to leave the room when Aries slowly turned around.

"Minwoo," She said. "I love you."

Minwoo felt his heart skip a beat as he once again took Aries into his arms. This time she embraced him, never wanting to let him go.

"Don’t go," She whispered. "I need you here, I need you near me."

Minwoo tilted her head up and kissed her gently. "I’m not going anywhere." He said. He glanced quickly at his watch. He still had six hours.

Rain began to fall as Minwoo laid down next to Aries. She began to shower him with kisses, never wanting to forget the softness of his hair, or the sweet fragrance of his cologne. She sighed and snuggled close to him.

"I love you Aries," Minwoo said softly, running his hand through her hair. "And nothing will ever change that."

Aries sighed contently, already asleep.

Minwoo smiled sadly, as he knew it would be his last time with her. He stayed in her embrace for a long time, watching her sleep. Finally, he got up gingerly so as not to wake her up. He stood in the doorway for a few minutes, not wanting to leave her. Forcing away the tears that threatened to fall he blew her a kiss and closed the door silently behind him.

"Knock knock." Kangta said. He was standing in the open doorway of Hyesung’s hotel room. Hyesung glanced up from his packing and smiled at his cousin.

Kangta looked at the clothes strewn around the floor, and the ones thrown into the open suitcase at the foot of the bed. "You’re leaving already?" Kangta asked.

Hyesung folded a shirt before he answered. "Yes, I have some business in California that I have been asked to take care of." He said.

Kangta tilted his head to the side. "You sure you can’t stay another day?" He asked.

Hyesung closed his suitcase and began to dispose of things into a handbag. "I have no need to stay here any longer." He said.

"What about Aries?" Kangta said. Hyesung paused in his packing.

"She doesn’t care about me." Hyesung said, continuing to fold his shirts.

"I wouldn’t be so sure of that." Kangta said. He left the room. Hyesung sat back and thought about what his cousin had just said. Shaking his head he finished his packing and went down to the lobby to check out.

Minwoo was running through the streets, dodging in between people and passing cars. Horns blared as Minwoo jumped into the middle of the road. He quickly ran to the other side and down the mountain path. Suddenly, he skidded to a stop. Breathing hard, Minwoo entered the abandoned building cautiously. He saw Eric standing alone, smoking a cigarette.

"You’re early," He said, looking at his watch. "You still have fifteen minutes left."

"It’s no matter." Minwoo said, cracking the knuckles in his right hand.

Eric glanced at him and laughed. "You aren’t thinking of fighting me are you?" He asked.

"Maybe." Minwoo said, pushing up the sleeves of his shirt.

Eric laughed as he flicked his cigarette in Minwoo’s face. He brought out a gun from his left pocket and pointed it at Minwoo. "You are outmatched." He said.

Minwoo froze. He was right; he couldn’t make a move with Eric pointing a gun at his head.

"Onto the table," Eric said. "Move."

Minwoo laid down as Eric began to chain him up with one hand, still pointing the gun at him with the other.

Suddenly Minwoo had an idea. He glanced back. He saw a pen lying inches away on the table. He waited until Eric had looked down before he made a quick swipe for it. He missed.

"Stupid chains, who’s the idiot that came up with these anyway?" Eric said, as he brought down his hand holding the gun to try to entangle the chains.

Now was his chance. Minwoo made another grab for the pen. Having got it he balled his hand holding the pen into a fist and quickly laid still.

Eric looked up and brought the gun back to Minwoo’s head. "No sudden moves," He said. "Not like it would really matter, you’re going to die in a few minutes anyway." He began to work on the chains again.

Minwoo held his breath, waiting for the perfect moment. When Eric began to put the chains around his feet Minwoo made his move. He threw the pen with all his might across the room. Eric looked up towards the way the pen had been thrown. By the time he had looked back, Minwoo had jumped on him, pushing him to the ground.

His hands were chained, which made it extremely difficult for Minwoo to fight. He did the best he could at keeping Eric on the floor as they fought, throwing continuous punches. Finally Eric had a hold of Minwoo and slammed Minwoo into the ground.

Minwoo felt himself scream inside as his head cracked against the pavement. He looked up and all he saw were bright lights. When he tried to stand, he found the pain so excruciating he had to kneel on the floor. He grabbed his head with one hand and covered his eyes with the other. He saw a blurry figure holding a gun come into view.

"You’re a feisty one you know that?" Eric said. "But very tough, I could have used you as one of my men. Too bad it has to be this way though. And Minwoo, one more thing." Eric pulled back the trigger.

Minwoo wiped the blood out of his eyes as he slowly stood in front of Eric.

"I always win," Eric said. "One way or the other." He steadied his gun on Minwoo’s forehead.

Minwoo closed his eyes as there was a large sound of something cracking. He fell to the ground.

HOT were rehearsing hard. They watched some old gayo performances and went over their dances. They decided to keep the concert a little shorter and to sing just their hit songs. After awhile Aries brought them water as they collapsed onto the ground.

"Aigo, I’m getting old." Heejun said. He gulped down the water gratefully.

"I’m surprised you could still bounce around on your butt like that." Jaewon said to Heejun.

"Ha ha! I know huh, it’s been so long since we’ve performed ‘Candy’. I can’t believe it either. But I don’t think I’ll be performing that for the concert," Heejun stood up and rubbed his butt. "Ah, I can feel the hemorrhoids building." He said.

"Junnie, that’s gross." Aries said.

They all laughed. "When is the concert scheduled?" Woohyuk asked.

"A week from today." Kangta said.

"Is Hyesung still around?" Tony asked.

"Uh, no. He had to go take care of some things in California." Kangta said.

"He did? He should have told me, I probably could have worked something out for him so he wouldn’t have to go all the way down there." Tony said, massaging his left shoulder.

"I have a feeling he didn’t want to hang around." Kangta said, glancing at Aries. She had her eyes on the ground.

"That’s too bad, he’s going to miss seeing five old guys in a concert who think they’re still teenagers." Heejun said.

"Junnie ya, you’re not that old." Aries said, rolling her eyes.

"Hey Aries, you still thinking of becoming a singer?" Tony asked.

"I’m not sure." Aries said.

"Well, you know the company I work for has a branch out in California. If you’re ever interested, just let me know." Tony said, winking.

"Thanks oppa, I’ll definitely keep that in mind," Aries said. "Now if you guys will excuse me, I’m going to get some rest." She picked up the empty pitcher of water and walked out of the room.

"Aries," Kangta called. "You alright?"

"Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired, I’ll talk to you in a bit." She went into Kangta’s bedroom and sat down on the bed.

"Did Hyesung leave because of me?" She wondered. "Probably." She thought miserably. She was really hoping that he would come to see her perform at the concert. There was something about his presence that comforted her. Now that Minwoo was gone, she felt somewhat empty inside. And nothing could describe what she felt when she woke up to find the space where Minwoo was empty. She had cried for hours afterward. Now back in Kangta’s apartment where all of HOT were she was somewhat comforted. But not much. She shivered and put on one of Kangta’s sweaters. His cologne still clung to it as she breathed in deeply, feeling comforted by the smell. She laid down and stared at the ceiling as she began to cry herself to sleep.

"Minwoo. Ya, get up-" Minwoo’s mother patted Minwoo’s face with her hand.

"Ohma? What-what are you doing here?" Minwoo asked, rubbing his head. He glanced at Eric who was unconscious on the ground. He looked at his mother holding a broken bottle in her hand.

"There’s no time to lose," She said. "You have to help me get him up on the table."

They heaved and pulled Eric up. When he was strapped down Minwoo laid next to him. His mother began to work the chains around him.

"Do you know how to work this thing?" Minwoo asked.

"I think so," His mother answered. "I watched while they did this to you before."

"Ohma," Minwoo held up his hand for his mother to take. "Thank you. If you hadn’t been here, I would have been dead already."

"I know. I was afraid I wouldn’t get here in time but I did. Thank God I did," She kissed his forehead and placed her hand over the lever. "You ready?" she asked.

Minwoo closed his eyes. "Yes." He said.

She began to cry as she turned knobs and pulled down levers. "Goodbye Ohma." Minwoo said.

There was a flash of light and he was gone. "Goodbye darling." She whispered. She jumped when she heard people entering the room.

She wiped her tears away and stood before them defiantly. "I suppose you are here to kill me." She said.

"Just the opposite," One of the men said. They stood before her and bowed. "You have freed us from the pain and torture we were submitted too. For that, we thank you." They bowed three more times before they left, leaving Minwoo’s mother to cry in relief. She could now live the rest of her life in peace.

Eric could feel someone kicking him. "Get up." Minwoo growled.

Eric stumbled to his feet. "What’s going on?" He asked. "Who are you?" He glanced at Andy.

Andy smiled. "Someone who’s here to repay you for the damage you caused," Andy said. He pushed Eric forward. "Let’s go." He said.

They walked until they had come to an intersection. Minwoo pushed Eric forward and he fell to his knees. "May you rot in hell." He said.

"Wait, where are you going?" Eric cried. He started to follow them but someone immediately pushed him back. Eric glanced up at a uniformed figure.

"Junghyuk, we have been looking for you for a long time." The officer signaled to his other men to come over. "I was about to give up, but now the day has come."

"Junghyuk, who’s that? What are you talking about?" Eric squirmed as the men put handcuffs on him.

"He’s definitely delusional." Another officer said.

"What’s going on? I’m not Junghyuk! I don’t even know who he is! My name is Eric Moon!" He cried.

‘They all laughed. "Eric moon? He does not exist. You are Junghyuk Moon, and you are wanted for murder. Sentenced to death unless proven innocent, which I’m almost sorry to say isn’t going to happen in your case." They pushed Eric into one of the police cars.

"No! Wait! What are doing? Where are you taking me? Somebody help me!" He pleaded. The people on the streets looked at him with distaste.

The car door slammed and speeded off down the street. Minwoo felt his knees go weak as he leaned against Andy for support. It was finally over; his father’s revenge was done. He turned around to see someone running down the street.

"Rhana!" He called. He ran after her. When he caught up he grabbed her by the shoulders and swung her around. "It’s me, it’s Minwoo! "He said.

"Oh Minwoo!" She collapsed into his arms. "I know, I know everything that happened…" She said.

"Shh-" Minwoo silenced her. "It’s all over now."

"Yes," She whispered. "Finally, it is over."

-14-

It was the day of HOT’s reunion concert. The stadium was packed full of thousands of people. It was as if HOT were performing for the first time again, as the crowds screamed and cheered. Aries paced nervously backstage. She walked to the edge of the stage to get a better look of her oppas.

They were singing ‘Nol Sarang Han Makeum’, a popular ballad from their first album. Aries felt shivers run down her back as she listened to Kangta and Heejun harmonize. Suddenly the time seemed to fly by and it was her turn to go onstage. She took deep breaths as HOT gathered around her.

"You’re going to do just fine." Tony said.

"We all got your back." Jaewon said.

"Once you’re out there singing, you’ll forget about everything around you." Woohyuk said.

"Yeah, it’s one of the best feelings in the world." Heejun said, giving Aries a hug.

Aries thanked her oppas for their advice and pulled Kangta aside. "Is there anything wrong?" Kangta asked.

"I miss Minwoo," Aries said softly. "And Hyesung. I wish they were here."

Kangta smiled sadly. "I know you do, but I’m sure that they are with you, one way or the other. Now, go out there and knock ‘em dead!" He said.

Aries didn’t know how her legs managed to carry her onstage. Tony was already there, announcing her to the crowd.

"Some of you know this young lady, from the club that Kangta owns-which I have to say, is getting pretty rowdy," The crowd went wild with cheers. "I heard Kangta gives strip dances for the person that buys the most drinks-wait no? Ok, never mind then. Anyway, I’m here to introduce Korea’s newest talent and here she is! Ariana Esparza." The crowd shouted and screamed, as of most of them knew who she was.

Aries drew up a stool and let out her breath shakily. She couldn’t remember a time she felt more prettified in her life. She strummed her guitar a few times and drew in her breath.

Suddenly, her voice came out over the speakers, it’s volume increased ten times over its length. Aries began to enjoy the echoing of her voice as the crowd swayed back and forth.

"Please don’t say I love you, those words touch me much too deeply. And they make my core tremble, don’t think you realize the effect you have over me. And please don’t look at me like that. It just makes me want to make you near me always. And please don’t kiss me so sweet, it makes me crave a thousand kisses to follow. And please don’t touch me like that, it makes every other embrace seem pale and shallow. And please don’t come so close, it just makes me want to make you near me always."

Aries looked out over the part of the crowd that had lighters in their hands. They swung back and forth in union. She heard a few people yell out her name and saw some that sat there, stone cold, not believing she was there. Either way her oppas were right. Singing in front of so many people gave her a feeling she had never felt before. It was in between enlightenment and contentment. She knew then what she wanted to do.

She glanced toward the back. "Was that Minwoo?" She wondered. She stared harder and saw it wasn’t him, but someone who just had his blond hair. Dissapointed, she directed her attention to the front of the crowd.

"Please don’t bring me flowers, they only whisper the sweet things you say. And don’t try to understand me, your hands already know too much anyway…it makes me want to make you near me always. And when you look in my eyes, please know my heart is in your hands. It’s nothing that I understand, but in your arms, you have complete power over me. So be gentle if you please ‘cause your hands are in my hair but my heart is in your teeth. And it makes me want to make you near me always. I want to be near you always…" Aries felt the tears spill over her cheeks as shouts and cheers continued to fill the stadium.

Minwoo stepped in between the guy with the blond hair. He gazed at Aries, as her hair got tangled on her wet cheeks. Her hands held steady over the guitar but her voice had started to waver just slightly. He smiled, and turned away. He disappeared almost as quickly as he came.

Aries never noticed he was there. She wouldn’t have been able to see him anyway, but she could feel his presence somehow, and that made her feel better.

"I want to be near you always…I want to be near you always." Aries could hear her voice break as she stood up and bowed. The crowd screamed and cheered, waving their lighters around. She walked in a daze backstage.

"Aries!" HOT pounced on her, hugging her. "You did it! And you were terrific!"

"Thanks guys." Aries said, wiping the tears off her cheeks.

"Do you think you want to do this as a career?" Kangta asked.

"Yes," Aries said. "But not here." She looked at Tony.

"Tony ya, I want to take you up on your offer." She said.

"You really don’t want to stay here?" Kangta asked.

"Oppa, I would love to stay here, and I’m very appreciative of all you’ve done for me. But Korea would never accept me as a true Korean singer. I would be much more comfortable with being a singer in the states," Aries said. "I hope you understand."

"Of course," Kangta said, giving her a big hug. "Just remember, you always have a home here."

HOT had to go back onstage. Aries hung around backstage, lost in her own world. She was startled when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

"Excuse me," He said. "Are you Ariana?"

"Yes I am." She said.

"I was told to give you this." He handed her a red envelope.

"Oh-thank you," Aries said. She took a second look at him. "You look familiar." She said.

"I do?" He scratched his head.

"Yeah…like one of the members of Shinhwa. You look like…Andy!" She said.

He laughed. "No, sorry. My name is Sunho. Have a nice day." He bowed and left.

Aries eagerly tore open the envelope. Her eyes fell upon a letter from Minwoo.

My dearest Ariana, Aries read. By the time you get this, I might no longer be here with you. I have gone back into the past to fix my family history. Now, hopefully it will be done, and I will have found peace within myself. I want you to do the same. Find someone who you love and become one with him. I know your presence will have a great impact on the one that finds your innermost love. He will truly be a lucky man.

I have written one last writing for you. And I hope one day we will meet again. Until then live life for me to the fullest. I will be near you always…Aries glanced down at the writing that had suddenly become shaky. Her tears smeared the already tear-stained words of Minwoo’s writing.

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes are filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you. And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand-that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand. And said my place was ready, in a place so far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye. For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do, it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say goodbye and kiss you-and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. Today, my life on earth may have passed, but here life starts anew. No matter where I'm at I know the days will be shortened thinking of you. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day's the same way, there's no longing for the past. You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free. So smile and laugh, for your laughter will always shine through to me. So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.

Aries felt almost as if she couldn’t breathe. She cried for the rest of the concert, and when it ended Jaewon brought her back onstage to take a bow with HOT. The noise in the stadium was tremendous as they took bow after bow. "Kam sa ha nida!" Aries cried out, letting her tears flow freely. This was truly a moment in her life she would never forget.

.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·.·:* _.·*·._ *:·

"You all set?" Kangta asked. Aries patted her bags and smiled.

"Yup, I have everything I need." Aries said.

"Now remember, Tony will be there as soon as your plane lands. And if he’s not I’m going to kick his butt," Kangta said, forcing a smile onto his face. "I told him all your favorite foods and how you like to sleep with the windows open and-"

"Appa!" Aries said, shaking her head.

"Whoops, sorry," Kangta said, scratching his head. "I guess I do sound like your father."

Aries plane was announced then. Kangta helped Aries up with her bags. "Well, I guess this is it." He said.

Aries dropped her bags on the floor and bear hugged Kangta "I love you Oppa." She whispered.

"I love you too," Kangta said. "And you’ll be back to visit won’t you? You better or I’ll have to go down there and drag you back here." Kangta ruffled her hair.

"I will Oppa, don’t worry. And I’ll look after Tony for you too." Aries said.

"Yeah, make sure he stays away from those L.A. girls." Kangta kidded.

Aries waved to Kangta before she boarded the plane. She took deep breaths to keep from crying as the plane took off. "This is what I wanted," She told herself. "This is what I want to do isn’t it? Yes, of course it is." She leaned back in her seat and prepared for the long flight.

Minwoo looked up at the night sky. The stars were brighter than ever and cast down a soft light on him. Rhana walked up behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. "What are you thinking about?" She asked.

"How things don’t always turn out the way you expect them too." Minwoo said, turning to gaze up at Rhana.

She smiled down at him. "It’s true, but you can’t always expect things to go your way. You just got to put a smile on your face and make do with what you have."

"I know it." Minwoo said. He took one of Rhana’s hands and placed it in his.

Rhana grasped his hand tightly and slowly pulled Minwoo to his feet. "Maybe we can find a way to make do with what we have." She said.

Minwoo placed her arms around his shoulders. "Yes, I’m sure there’s a way." He smiled.

Rhana kissed him very softly. They sat back down to watch the stars fill the night sky. As one star shot across the sky, Minwoo made a wish. He wished that Aries would find the love he had just found. He sighed and leaned back against Rhana as she held him tight.

"Finally!" Aries collapsed onto Tony’s couch. "That was the longest flight ever!" She said.

Tony dropped Aries’ luggage on the floor. "My God did you take the whole closet with you?" He said, panting.

"Very funny Oppa. I just felt I had to take a few extra outfits in case I ran out."

"Oh, I see," Tony said. "Well, now that we’re here do you want to see the studio?" he asked.

"Yeah! Let’s go!" Aries grabbed Tony’s hand and pulled him out the door, leaving the suitcases strewn on the ground.

When they arrived Tony introduced Aries to some producers and writers. They went around the studio, playing with the equipment and talking to the people working there.

"Oh, excuse me for a minute Aries, I’ve got to talk to someone." Tony said.

"Ok." Aries said. She sat down in a chair and watched the scenery around her. Something made her jump right back up. A tall figure with bleached orange hair was talking to Tony. She decided to approach them.

Hyesung looked up at Aries. His eyes widened in surprise.

Aries seemed to be lost for words. "Hyesung." She managed to say.

"Aries, long time no see." Hyesung said, flashing her a smile.

"Hmm, seems to me you two know each other," Tony said. "I’ll just leave you two alone." He scooted out of the room.

They were silent for a moment. "So," Hyesung said. "I heard you’re signing up with Tony’s company."

"Yeah," Aries said. "I feel more comfortable making a career in the states rather than Korea." She played with the string coming off her shirt.

"I didn’t know you’d be coming out here." Hyesung said.

"I didn’t know you were going to leave so quickly." Aries said. They stared at each other.

Aries took a deep breath. "Can we go outside and talk?" She asked.

Hyesung led her outside silently. He stood waiting for Aries to say something first.

"Hyesung, when I heard you left to go to California, I was sad. Actually, I was beyond sad, I was depressed. And when I was performing I realized something was missing from my life. Rather someone was missing." Aries said.

"Wasn’t there someone you loved?" Hyesung asked.

Aries hesitated. "Yes, but…sometimes things just don’t work out how you want them to. And you’ve got to try to make up for it. I guess what I’m saying is I’m finally able to see things in a way I’ve never seen them before. I’ve found a way to love that I thought just wasn’t possible." She looked away as tears slid down her cheeks.

Hyesung stood very close to her and wiped her tears away. "I understand what you’re saying Aries, but I want to know something. I want to know that this is what you want. I want to know that this is something coming from your heart and soul, and that you’ll always feel the same way."

"It’s what I feel, and what I’ve always felt," Aries said. "I just didn’t know it."

"I love you Aries," Hyesung said. "I want you to look at me and tell me the same."

Aries stared into Hyesung’s eyes. "I love you," She said. "And nothing will ever change that."

Hyesung smiled and took Aries in his arms, kissing her deeply. Aries felt like leaping for joy. They stood embraced in each other’s arms as a light rain began to fall. They looked up at the sky, at the rain that was falling down and smiled. They had finally found the contentment in each other at last.

~* ~ * ~ *~* ~ * ~ *~* ~ * ~ *~* ~ * ~ *~* ~ * ~ *~* ~ * ~ *~* ~ * ~ *

Ten Years Later…

"Hey you two!" Minwoo ran after his two girls. They giggled and ran away from their father’s grasp.

"Arie and Ana!" Rhana called. They ran to their mother as she began to brush their hair. They were both wearing white gowns and ballet slippers. Rhana placed a halo of pink roses on the younger daughter’s head and a small silver crown on the older one. "There, now you’re ready." Rhana said, pleased.

"Mrs. Lee, to the front over here please." The producer directed. Rhana picked up her violin and sat down in the chair.

Minwoo watched from the camera’s position. Rhana had debuted as a singer three years ago and had made herself a hit. She was making a new music video and decided she wanted her daughters in it.

The music began to play in the background and Rhana sang the words softly out loud. Flower petals were being showered from above as little Arie and Ana danced gracefully around her mother.

Rhana glanced at Minwoo and smiled. Minwoo smiled back, feeling more love than ever for his wife.

Andy had disappeared shortly after Minwoo and Rhana had married. He apologized profusely, saying he just couldn’t stay when there were other people in need.

"I totally understand." Minwoo said as Andy apologized again.

"You won’t be easily forgotten, Lee Minwoo." Andy said. He gave him a quick hug and left.

"Appa! Appa!" Minwoo suddenly snapped back to life as his daughters clambered around him.

Minwoo smiled. "My little Arie and Ana!" He cried, throwing the younger one up into the air. She giggled and ran away as soon as he put her down. Minwoo laughed as he chased after her. Life couldn’t be more complete.

-:-* ~ -:-* ~-:-* ~ -:-* ~-:-* ~ -:-* ~-:-* ~ -:-* ~

Aries decided she would have a concert in Korea. Down there, she found a place to stay that was near Kangta’s apartment. He was very ecstatic that she had come down to visit and to sing for Korea.

It was a late night at the studio when Aries had gotten a surprise call from Hyori, who wanted to know if it was asking too much to stop by. Aries stuttered an answer, saying she’d come by as soon as she had time. Now in front of her house she took a deep breath and rang the bell.

Hyori answered, holding a sleeping boy in her arms. She smiled warmly at Aries and moved aside to let her in.

"Oh," Aries breathed. "He’s beautiful." She said.

"Yes. I just got him to go to sleep." She said, placing him in his bed.

Aries didn’t know what to say. She shifted around uncomfortably.

"Look, I’m really glad you decided to take a trip down here. I didn’t think you would really come to see me, after all that’s happened…" Hyori’s voice trailed away.

"What’s done has been done," Aries said softly. She glanced at the baby. "So, who’s the father?" She asked.

Hyori looked down. "His name was…Eric. He left me soon after he found out I was pregnant though," she said. "I was so stupid, I really thought that by having a baby he would have to commit. But I was so wrong," She looked away.

"I lost my contract with Daesung. When they found out I was pregnant, they signed Juhyun and Yuri up instead. They ended up turning against me and I never talked to them again. Jini…I’m not sure what happened to her, we’ve lost contact."

Aries was silent. She knew what really happened to Eric, having talked to Minwoo’s mother. There was no way she was going to tell Hyori though. Perhaps another day at a better time. She walked up to the sleeping boy and placed her hand over his head. "I have a son of my own also." She said.

Hyori smiled. "And you’re married to Hyesung right?" She asked.

"Yes, we’ve been married for ten years now." Aries said.

"You’re really lucky you know that Aries? You have a son, a father, a career-" Hyori walked to the window and gazed out at the city. "And you’ll get to leave here. I really envy you." Hyori said.

Aries didn’t know quite what to say to that. She cleared her throat and made her way toward the door. "I better get going." She said.

"Yeah, it’s getting late," Hyori said. She gave Aries a quick hug. "Feel free to stop by anytime you’re down here." She said.

"I will." Aries said. She closed the door softly behind her. She felt sorry for Hyori, but also glad that she had finally made peace with her.

When she was in her apartment, she sighed with relief. She tiptoed past the room her son was sleeping in and into the small alcove. Hyesung was there, working on some music.

She slowly walked up to him, placing her arms around his neck and kissing his cheek. Hyesung slid off his glasses and swung around in his chair, giving Aries a soft kiss.

"I can’t believe you’re still up." Aries said, sitting in his lap.

"I just wanted to finish some things up." Hyesung said.

Aries yawned. "I’m going to check on our little boy and then head to bed." She said.

"I’ll be there in a minute." Hyesung said, turning back around in his chair.

Aries padded down the hall and peeked into her son’s room. She quietly walked in and sat down on his bed. He stirred and opened his eyes.

"Oh honey, I didn’t mean to wake you up." Aries whispered.

"It’s ok mommy-" He yawned. "Will you tell me a story?"

"Of course," Aries said. "What do you want to hear?"

"I want to hear the story of how I got my name." Her son said.

"Alright," Aries tucked the covers around him tighter. "It all starts when a girl and a boy meet. The boy is the most handsome person the girl has ever seen, and he turns into a beautiful, courageous young man. He is one of most important people in your mommy’s life. His name, was Minwoo…"

~*The End*~

Thank you everyone who took the time to read this fic! It has taken me over a year to write and I’m very relieved that it is finally done! To all the Minwoo lovers out there, this fic is especially dedicated to you! *^___^*