~~~LOVERS TO ASHES~~~

Chapter 2

9:04:27am,
Law firm.

"I'm so sorry-" Astra says while out of breath, as she had sprinted across the town in high heels just so she could talk to this client.
Just another shitty client.
No one different from the rest, of course. Astra had noticed the amount of women who's daily outfits in this place were usually skinny jeans with a buttoned top and high heels with straps. They never change, it's like no one has a sense of style anymore.
What happened to the bright colours back in the 80s? The armbands, the headbands and the neon makeup and shoes. Not to forget the awesome malls that would be loaded with classy, bright clothes which you wouldn't dare see a business woman wearing these days. As Astra was making her way into the carpeted building, she noticed how it smelt like fresh mint. It was a comforting smell.
She was greeted by an old lady sitting opposite her desk, with the hugest smile taking over her face. Astra awkwardly smiles back, typing her login on the computer.

"Now, Mrs Park..you wanted help with your son's court case, if I'm correct?"

30 minutes later

"Please. Anything you can do to help my son! Is there anything?!" Mrs Park yelps out, which makes Astra let out a small gasp. Before Astra could answer, she's greeted by another pound on her door.
"Come in."
A man opens the door and peeks his head in. Once he sees the woman sitting opposite Astra, he immediately shuts the door again.
The man was Sangwoo, Astra's boyfriend. She hadn't seen him in roughly a week, as she was very busy with work to complete and had no free time. On top of that, she also had to babysit her two younger sisters while her parents were away.
The woman gets interrupted by a text message on her phone which makes her look down. "Oh dear," She says quietly in that old, frail voice of hers. "Is there something wrong?" Astra asks, her eyes glued tight to the door where Sangwoo had just appeared. "I have to run, can we continue this later?" Mrs Park says, standing up and gathering her shopping. "Of course! Ring me anytime and we'll see what suits!" Astra replies, while guiding the old lady out. Sangwoo is standing beside her office door with his hands in his pockets and he's leaning against the glass. Astra looks down at his arms where his sleeves are rolled up half way, his hair is dangling over his eyes. She notices some fresh scratches on his arms, ones that looks like human fingernails have been dragged along them. "Your arms," She points out, nudging her head towards the raw, red scratches.
"I was looking after my cousins dogs. They jump," Sangwoo replies, not sounding startled whatsoever. Astra nods her head once and looks up at Sangwoo.
Her work colleague, Floch Forster, passes them. He gives Astra a glare as he passes which Sangwoo notices. Sangwoo suddenly stops leaning off the glass and even with that sudden move, Floch starts speed walking and picking up his pace towards the offices. Astra doesn't make a facial expression, as that's usually the snobby ass behaviour that comes from that idiot. Astra stands there, thinking about that one boy from earlier, the one she had bumped into quite some time ago now. Sangwoo readjusts his standing position while the two talk more and catch up on what's going on in life. Sangwoo looks at his watch and says something under his breath. "Hm?" Astra says, confused. "I better head home, my cousin should be at the door to pick his dogs up. I swear I can't leave those two canines alone for long, they look like they want to chew my sofa," Sangwoo laughs while scratching the back of his head and afterwards he starts pushing his hair back. He ruffles Astra's hair and starts walking backwards. "I'll see you later!" He says cheerfully, his boots making a noise against the carpet. "I love you!" He shouts before turning around the corner, leaving Astra standing alone.

YOONBUM POV

Yoobum is now heading for Sangwoo's house yet again. He's got his list of combinations in his pocket which he keeps his hand wrapped around tightly. If anyone saw this, Yoonbum would be questioned. He would have to think of some super excuse to prevent anyone from becoming suspicious of him. Yoonbum makes his way off the bus and over to Sangwoo's house, where he's greeted by the keypad, this is one of very many times. He places the powder on his fingers to prevent any sort of contact with his fingerprints. Can't have anyone seeing that, especially Sangwoo, am I right? Sangwoo saved Yoonbum once in the army, which made him quite interested in him. Yoonbum wanted to know more about him, so he technically started stalking him. But now, he is attempting to get into his house.
Yoonbum does his usual things, testing out codes and writing down ones which don't work, one more step closer towards finding out the combination. The wind blows his hood down, revealing his black hair flowing in the wind.
Once the rush of the sudden strong wind has past, the sound of heavy footsteps could be heard as clear as day. Yoonbum swings rapidly around, being greeted by the presence of an officer standing at the gate. "Is everything alright, young man?" The officer says, taking a step closer with his hands in his vest. "Yep! Just visiting my friend again!"
Yoonbum was sweating nervously, he could feel the sense of butterflies eating up his whole insides for their lunch. "I'll watch you put the code in, if you don't mind that is?" He suggests, not giving any damn hints that his ass is moving within the next few minutes. Nervously, Yoonbum's head fills with thoughts which leave him shaking. Carefully, he places his hand on one random digit while closing his eyes tightly shut, the other finger on his left hand pressing another key. He hears a successful beep noise, which opens the door. Yoonbum stands there, gaping. "Oh my goodness," He says quietly. He spins around, waving toward the officer as goodbye. The officer waves back and slowly, but surely makes his way down the road again, back to his car.

"Sangwoo's house.." He says quietly yet again, while creeping around the house. He takes off his shoes to avoid the wetness of the rain to squeak against the wooden floor. He makes his way into one of the rooms, where he misses a step and trips over his own feet.
"Why me?" He says, while attempting to stand back up.

Swing!

Bang!

Yoonbum gets knocked out.
Sangwoo picks him up by the back of his hair, his strong grip not letting go.

"Now..what to do? What to do?" Sangwoo grins while dragging Yoonbum along the floor by his hair, leading to the basement.