I killed her.

I took her life. And I don't feel any remorse. I regret nothing.

It wasn't my fault.

A faint smirk crept across my lips as I witnessed her descent into the shadows. She cried out for redemption, yet I withheld my hand. The rush of satisfaction consumed me as I beheld her final moments, consumed by envy.

I lingered, eagerly anticipating the thud of her body upon impact. My heart throbbed with anticipation.

None of this weighed upon my conscience. If only she grasped her place, her ending might have been avoided.

**32 hours earlier**

The below ground estate—dubbed the Underground Mansion by our master—remains a mystery, covered in secrecy and isolation.

Memories of my youth are fragmented, haunted by nightmares. My upbringing was flawed by neglect and control. My parents, vessels of hatred, admitted me to a psychiatric ward, a problem child unworthy of their affection, despite being so young at that time. Salvation came in the form of our master, discharging us from the asylum's clutches.

My lineage holds little significance; My parents abandoned me willfully, lowering me to the confines of an experimental institution.

Awareness dawned upon me—my fate sealed by the plotting of our master.

Every three years, five souls are sacrificed, their usefulness to our master expended. My expiration loomed at thirteen, yet my purpose postponed my life. I am the sole survivor from the original unit—Number Seven.

"The day's trials have concluded." Master decreed. "Retire to your chambers and prepare for your final assessment in forty-five hours."

I understood the implications. My time was drawing to a close; our master had gleaned all necessary knowledge needed from me. My twenty-first year indicated a peaceful departure.

**Sky.**

I paused, captivated by an unexpected sight.

A boy, unmistakably a test subject, passed by, his name illuminated boldly: "Sky."

He wasn't given a number.

Curious, I hesitated.

"Why the sudden pause?" Master's inquiry jolted me from daydreaming.

I met his gaze, perplexed. "That boy..."

"Is he the object of your affection?" Our master's bluntness failed to draw out a reaction, my emotions surrounded by years of conditioning.

"No," I replied. "It's his name tag."

With a sigh, our master redirected my focus, leading me forcibly to my chamber.

"Remain here until summoned," he instructed before closing the door.

I admired our master, but obedience is not something I need to give with every command. My remaining time was almost coming to an end.

Engrossed in a written escape, I envisioned a world beyond these walls—a realm of purple-hued gardens, a solace found in fairy tales. Do these scenes offer a glimpse into the mazelike corridors of our private mansion?

"Seven!"

A whisper pierced the silence, rousing me from my fantasy thoughts.

"Seven!" I percieve through my ears once again. "Seven! Seven, you there? hello?"

The persistent summons compelled me to acknowledge Number Thirty-Six, my best friend.

Unrestrained and impulsive, she awaited my response, unmindful of potential consequences.

"What's the matter?" I queried upon opening the slot through my door.

Her eyes gleamed with passion, her smile contagious. "Meet me atop the roof in thirty minutes. I have news!"

Before I could intrude her excitement, she vanished, leaving me to speculate.

Covering traces of my sneaking out, I concealed my absence from master's inspection, adopting protective measures to preserve the front of conformity.

Navigating the deserted corridors, I ascended the ladder, a secret gutter to the top.

Upon reaching the rooftop, I encountered Thirty-Six, her demeanor disconcerting, her smile betraying a sinister intent.

"You've finally arrived," she greeted, her expression unreadable but that wicked smile is seen so clearly.

"What did you do?" I demanded in horror.

Strolling past her, I surveyed the aftermath—a blood-stained scene, a proof to her wild nature. The last instance of such violence was put down to lore—a narrative of passion turned to tragedy.

"I did nothing wrong," she insisted. "He shouldn't have rejected me."

The look before me is frightening. I don't want to believe she did what I think she did. "Tell me you didn't..."

"But then I would be lying." She tilted her head with a grin. Her eyes glistened horrifyingly.

"What will master..." I begin but before I could even finish my sentence, she sobs, falling to her knees.

"No!" she pleaded, her desperation visible. "Don't tell master about this! he'll kill me for sure!"

Infuriated, I grappled with disbelief. How could she yield to such base impulses?

"I'm not important to him as you are!"

That's right. She's always been like this. But I thought she was at least getting better. I can't let this incident be known to master regardless.

She grabs onto my shoulders. "You're my best friend! You understand...right?"

She's so desperate...and I can't lose my best friend over this. I know it was wrong of her, murdering someone just because he rejected her...but...

"You have to help me!" She sobs harder. "Master likes you the most!"

Those words knock me out of my thoughts. She's scared, she knows master won't take this lightly...especially if it's her. Compelled by loyalty, I agree to help her for the sake of our friendship.

"Okay, i'll help you." I whisper, wrapping my arms around her as she cries uncontrollably into my neck. "I'll make sure master never finds out about this."

I managed to hide everything under rugs. No one will find out it was thirty six behind this event. There is no trace left behind. She won't even be considered by master.

...

Later, preserved within my chamber, sleep avoided me, haunted by the ghost of thirty six's wrongdoing. Had I arrived sooner, could I have prevented tragedy? The theory offered no comfort, only torment.

A sudden intrusion shattered my vision—an threatening command, an accusation that shattered my gloss of security.

"Number Seven, you are a suspected criminal in the death of Number Twenty-Seven."

Confusion engulfed me, disbelief yielding to fear as the facade of innocence crumbled.

"Come," our master commanded, his grip unyielding. "A witness awaits, bearing testimony to your evil deeds."

A witness?

But no one else was there...

Except 36.

My resolve wavered, the realization of betrayal dawning.

As I stood there, my legs trembled beneath me, my eyes unable to believe the horror unfolding before me. I had taken every precaution to ensure the crime remained untraceable, so why had Thirty-six broken her silence?

"It happened right in front of me!" Thirty six cried out, her voice choked with tears. "I tried to stop her, but it was too late!"

Understanding dawned on me. She had falsely accused me of murdering Twenty-seven, deceiving Master to believe her tale.

But why? She had no risk of exposure. What motivated her betrayal?

"Master... I... I swear-" I struggled to speak, already sensing disbelief in his eyes. Stepping back, fear engulfed me. "I didn't... I didn't..."

"I think she had feelings for Twenty-seven!" Thirty-six continued through her tears. "And she couldn't handle the rejection!"

Pain pierced me as I regarded her. How could she betray our friendship? I had aided her, despite the risks. While I had flouted rules before, they were minor transgressions. This accusation, however, was grave.

Summoning courage, I confronted Thirty-six. "Why are you lying?"

Avoiding my gaze, she wiped her tears, her guilt palpable.

"See! I told you she'd deny it!" She accused, tears still streaming. "I said from the beginning that Seven is trouble!"

Had she planned this betrayal all along? Was our friendship a façade? It felt like a cruel awakening after years of isolation.

"I knew she should have been removed sooner!"

Her words stunned me. Glaring at her, I now understood her motive. She coveted Master's favor and resented my presence. She sought my demise to claim the spotlight.

"You know the rules, Seven." Master interjected sternly, releasing my hand. Stumbling backward, I faltered.

"But, Master, I-"

"Twenty-seven was vital for tomorrow's experiment," he stated firmly, cutting me off.

My voice caught. No defense could salvage the situation. To Master, I was a mere tool, disposable. Despite my desire to earn his approval, I faced inevitable condemnation.

Tears welled, but I refused to succumb. These traitors didn't deserve my sorrow.

Master approached, his expression foreboding. This was the end. He had no reason to retain me. Although my demise awaited after the final test, I didn't envision this mortifying fate.

As Master extended his arm menacingly, darkness enveloped us abruptly. Gasping, I found myself in pitch-blackness, obscuring even the faces of my betrayers. Silence ensued until the sound of unlocking doors echoed through the hallway. Doors meant for troubled souls swung open automatically.

Soon, an emergency siren blared, signaling chaos. I had heard it once before, a distant memory from childhood. It indicated dire circumstances.

Unassigned individuals fled their cells, joining the tumultuous chaos. Master departed hastily, leaving me stranded. Perhaps he'd attempt to find the instigator of this chaos in the main lab.

Placing a hand over my chest, I drew a deep breath. Had fortune favored me? The mysterious person might have just saved my life.

Time was of the essence; I had to escape. Darting toward the terrace adjoining the office, I surveyed the scene below. The main doors had unlocked, unleashing chaos onto the streets. A laugh escaped me—a chance for freedom.

"Don't even consider it," a familiar voice interjected.

I turned to confront Thirty-six, her presence an unwelcome intrusion.

"Just because they have a chance doesn't mean you do," she admonished.

Meeting her gaze, I remained impassive. "And who will stop me?"

Undeterred, she advanced. I knew her secret—her fear of heights. Swiftly seizing her wrist, I pressed her against the railing. Panic engulfed her as I reveled in her terror.

"What?" I taunted. "Did you expect that I was the one who'd fall?"

Her pleas fell on deaf ears. "Please!...don't do this...we can work things out! I was just kidding about earlier...we're still friends right?" Her rambling annoyed me. I don't care what she has to say anymore. All that's left in my eyes was a plain, blank expression. Showing no emotion. Betrayed and abandoned, she had forfeited any sympathy. With a final glare, I shoved her over the edge, her scream fading into the chaos below. She was inconsequential now, lost amidst the mayhem.

Returning to my senses, I realized time was scarce. This was my chance to escape the underground labyrinth.

Racing back into the office, I seized a circular band from the desk, hastily tying my hair, despite it still being all over the place. Amidst the uproar, I couldn't afford delay. As I fled down the hallway, memories flooded back—martial arts training in building four. I can hold my own, knowing I participated in that activity.

Accepting death had been premature; freedom beckoned. The chaotic streets teemed with unbridled frenzy. Master's warning echoed in my mind—outside lays untold dangers.

Colliding with a figure, I draw back. A tall man, his features hidden as he refused eye contact. Something had fell from his shirt and as I bend to pick it up, he muttered a curt apology in a cold, dark tone. "Sorry." He vanishes into the hallway.

Retrieving the item that had just fallen, I realize that it's a nametag. I recognized the name straight away: Sky.

He was no ordinary guard, nor a test subject. Intrigue gripped me—what role did he play? I think back to the moment I had ran into him. A small flashback plays in my mind. There was a name underneath the name tag that had fallen. "Seungmin..."

His name wasn't a number given by master nor was it an object of the universe. He carried a normal name. I want to look back as my curiousity gets the better of me but I quickly stop myself. I can't let myself get distracted. I won't recieve another chance quite like this escape.

With resolve, I pressed forward, reaching the main gates. Years of longing culminated in this moment. I look back behind me as a way of saying my final goodbye to this terrible prison. Leaving this place had only been a silly little dream...and now the time had finally come. I swallow a deep breath as I swift back towards the gates. Pushing the heavy doors open, I stepped into the unknown.

The streets, once a distant dream, now sprawled before me. Death and chaos reigned—a sobering reminder of the world beyond Master's domain.

Seeking refuge in an alley, I savored the peace. Escaping had been a near impossibility, yet here I stood—free.

As I gazed at the moonlit sky, a rustle behind me shattered the silence. Before I could react, a blade sliced the ground, inches from me. Heart racing, I confronted the attacker.

A masked figure emerged from the shadows on the roof, his presence ominous. Though a mere girl, I sensed danger in his demeanor.

"You're just a girl," he remarked, his tone chilling. "My apologies."

As he jumped into the light, off the narrow building so casually, his identity remained shrouded with a black mask. With sharpened arrows at the ready, he released menace.

I took in his appearance and my mind suddenly wandered off. I've read about a character such as this in my fairytale novels. Could it be?

An actual assassin?

"Are you planning to off me?" I inquire, my tone cutting, my stare locked onto his eyes.

In the world of my stories, assassins usually fall into two categories: the gallant ones who end up rescuing the heroine and falling for her, and the sinister ones sent by enemies to take out the heroine, only to be saved by a prince. But I highly doubt such a storyline applies to me. I'm not a heroine or anyone significant enough to warrant saving in real life.

The man lets out a chuckle, moving closer to me. He reaches out and sweeps a few strands of hair away from my face. "You've got nice hair, love." His sudden familiarity throws me off, and I take a step back, my confusion evident. "Huh?" Is this the same guy who nearly snuffed out my life just moments ago? His vibe is all over the place – tough and menacing yet hesitant to make a move.

"I don't harm people with pretty hair, love" he says, his tone oddly gentle.

His behavior catches me off guard. He seems fixated on my hair, which I find pretty ordinary. Something about him just doesn't sit right with me. I shoot him a look of disdain. Sure, my hair is long and dark with curls, but it's nothing remarkable to be ogled like this. "Pervert." I mutter under my breath. Finally diverting his attention away from my hair, his eyes meet mine. a hint of amusement hiding behind his mask. "Caught that, did you?" he remarks, his closeness making me uneasy. He's so near, closer than I've ever been to anyone except Master. It's almost like he's admitting to being a pervert... but his tone is laced with sarcasm.

He brushes his thumb over my cheek. Is this how people interact in the outside world? Maybe going back isn't such a bad idea...

"I don't hurt women either, Love." he whispers. His statement raises my eyebrow. "So you only hurt men?"

"It's usually the reprehensible men who cross my path." he speaks bluntly, releasing my cheek. "Apologies for the confusion."

Ah, so he mistook me for a man. That's a relief in a weird way. I shoot him a disdainful look. "And what if I were a dangerous woman?" I pause for a moment as he stands there, completely unfazed, so I continue to grumble. "What if you had actually succeeded in taking me out?!" I scowl. I don't feel scared around him, which is strange. He seems comforting, yet I know I have to keep my guard up.

He shrugs nonchalantly. "I suppose I'd reconsider." His words catch me off guard as he gives me a piercing look. "W-what-" I stutter, stepping back. Though, his reassurance surprises me. If he wanted me dead, he would've had plenty of opportunities by now.

After a long moment, he chuckles as if he was just messing with me. "Relax, love. that was just a warning shot." He reassures me. "My warning shots never hit their mark." He seems so sure of himself, so confident. He must've been at this game for a while to know that arrow would never hit me.

He glances down at my attire, snickering to himself. "Any reason you're strolling alone at night with your legs out, love?"

Embarrassment flushes my cheeks as I realize the impracticality of my gown in this chilly night air. I've never considered what people wear outside the underground mansion. How can I just walk casually like this?

"Walking alone at night in that attire? Not wise."

Unsure whether to trust him, I hesitate to reveal too much. "Why do you care?"

His glare is strong as he hovers over me, it's as if he's scanning me. A strong gush of wind passes through us before before he speaks. "Let's go, love."

He completely ignored my obvious annoyance.

"Huh? Go where?"

He cocks his head, considering me. "Let's find you something more suitable," he suggests, retrieving his weapons. "There's a shop nearby."

His actions catch me off guard. All of a sudden?

He chuckles, stashing his weapons away. "Can't have a fragile flower like you wandering around at night like this, love."

My cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Hey, who are you calling fragile?"

He doesn't seem to hear me, lost in thought. "Let's get you some clothes."

His eyes point to my bare feet and he doesn't change his calm expression. "And maybe some shoes." I quickly look down at my feet and realize I had escaped with no shoes on. That was the last thing on my mind.

He turns around as if he's talking to himself, spouting nonsense. I am baffled by this man so much already. He doesn't seem like a dangerous man.

I roll my eyes, waiting for him to quit muttering to himself.

"Oh!" he suddenly exclaims, bending down. "What's your name, love?"

The question was sudden but I don't hesitate to look away. "And why should I tell you?"

It's not a normal name anyone can have. He might have questions if I reveal it to him. He might think it's weird...

"Oh come on." He speaks gently, clearly eager. "How can we continue if I don't at least know your name?"

I'm still not content in giving him my name. I should just make one up...but I don't know any names that sound normal. All the ones in my novels were too fancy. "Then you should have just left me alone." I glare up at him.

"Oh, don't be like that, love." His sparkling brown eyes pierce down at me. "You're not in a position to be out here by yourself."

I hate the he's right. I have no idea what i'm doing or what I plan to do after my encounter with this assassin. I guess i'm left with no choice. I hesitate before reluctantly answering. "Seven. My name is Seven."

He pauses, seeming puzzled. "Seven..."

It never occured to me that I would have to tell a complete stranger my name. I was never given a real name, I was named after the number in which I came to stay with master. "Seven..." His voice trails off, and I feel embarrassed. What kind of name is Seven anyway?

"Seven, pretty name." he finally says.

His reaction surprises me. Wasn't he going to ask more questions? But he seems to sense my discomfort and doesn't press further.

"What about you?" I ask, trying to push away my surprised thoughts.

He straightens up. "Chris. My name is Chris." He speaks gently but so clearly, despite there being a mask over his lips. I look back up at him in shock, wind blowing through my long locks as he stands before me in that same shining moonlight.

"Christopher Bahng."

He takes a slight bow with a sinister look in his eyes while he introduces himself officially. Though, i'm still not frightened of him and he doesn't seem harmful to me in any way. If he wanted to, he would have killed me already.

And his name...

His name echoes in my mind, I keep repeating it on a loop. "Christopher Bahng..." It was so pretty. I'd say it for eternity if I could. I can't believe he revealed his full name so easily but he has yet to reveal his face.

There's something else about him. Something I can't quite place.

He continues that glare and that's when I realize I was in a daze as soon as he disclosed his name. I let out a cough, regaining my composure. "Should a hitman like you really be spilling his name so easily?" I ask.

He raises an eyebrow, eyes widening in asmusement. "So you know what a hitman is?"

I try to keep my expression neutral, not wanting to reveal my ignorance. I only know of assassins through my novels but I can't let him know that. It would be so humiliating on my part, considering how tough & brave i'm suppose to act.

"Besides, what's a delicate little girl like you going to do with that information, love?" he says, hilarity twinkling in his eyes.

He's right. There isn't much I can do with it.

"Why do you keep referring to me as though i'm a child?" I scowl. "I'm 21."

He looks surprised, his eyebrow raising in exhilaration. "Really?"

He glances around me. "Seriously, I couldn't tell."

What does that mean? I pout, feeling self-conscious. "Well since now you know, i'd appreciate it if you didn't see me as a child."

He chuckles at my words, standing up straight. "We'll see about that, love." I watch him turn around, swifting his head to the side. "Follow me." he says abruptly. "There's a store around the corner."

I scowl to myself. He's so irritating. So demanding. So weird. But I decide to follow him anyway, barefoot and all.

"Hurry up or you'll be left behind," he warns.

I quicken my pace to catch up, feeling the rock hard ground beneath my feet. It feels so uncomfortable with the touch of my foot.

"You better hope they sell shoes for those tiny feet." he teases.

I gasp, annoyed. He's definitely trying to get under my skin.

Suddenly, he stops, and I bump into him. "Ow! Why'd you stop?"

He turns to face me, bending down. "Hop on."

I stare at him, surprised. "What?"

"Hop on before I change my mind." he says impatiently.

I roll my eyes. He's so moody. I climb onto his back, putting my arms around his neck and he pulls my thighs up with his hands before continuing to walk. I don't think i'm too heavy as he's still walking so fast. If i'm not mistaken, it might be even faster than before.

"Don't fall off," he warns as we make our way through the dark alleyway and into the quiet street.

"I'll try not to," I reply sarcastically.

And so, we continue our journey into the dark and quiet night, a night that feels a little too long.