You didn't recently join the Union.

You've been one of the strongest pawns for Baek-jin. Earning an important position in a quick matter of weeks, along with Geum Seong-je. The man everyone knew better than to approach, the one who found himself entertained at the idea of being able to overpower others with the only strength of his fists and kicks. The man who imposed himself to be perfection, always, because no one could see him as weak.

You guys weren't really friends, not quite strangers, either. For you, he was just there, never really bothering you, never doing anything 'Wow' enough for you to notice, occasionally teasing you during a fight, occasionally praising you with a gaze.

He was just another person you saw around when you walked through the Union's flow and occasionally shared cigarettes with during late nights conversations, too tired to stick around annoying, loud people a minute more.

And as time stretched, slow, he would start to find your presence somewhat comforting, silent, there. Not that he'd ever admit it. Because between you, shared glances in the big crowd and quietly spoken words that dissipated into the cold wind of the night, following the smoke, right after coming out your lips, were everything and nothing.

Something casual.

Currently, you were at the internet café, attempting to fix your computer after it randomly turned off in the middle of a game. You forgot you asked Seong-je to buy you a pack of cigarettes when he went for his, too.

Too engrossed in your task, you turned around---too quickly---when you felt a presence hovering behind you, about to punch him right into his stomach. Your brain didn't really elaborate anything like the favor you asked hours earlier, it just thought: 'Enemy, defence.' And acted. Nothing more, nothing less.

His free hand wrapped around your wrist, stopping you without a real reaction while staring at you. He opened your hand, letting the pack of cigarettes you asked fall in the middle of your palm without a sound. "Surprise attack, are you flirting with me?"

Weird. That was everything you thought, even when you were supposed to be used to his antics after so much time. They were a routine, and yet didn't fail to surprise you.

His voice came out mocking, clearly amused, while the same, old, smug smirk stretched his lips.