I still can't forget yesterday, not because of the awkward conversation with that stranger-okay it's a little bit of that- but it's the unexplainable things that have gone through my head. The people, the fire, the smell of burning skin, the fear...

 Not wanting to spend a day thinking about what a waste that I ran away from that guy, I grabbed the camera on my bedside table, still ignoring my backpack that contains some few clothes. I still haven't unpacked my things since I found this apartment yesterday night.

 As for Elaine, a police officer is already monitoring her safety, even though I wanted to stay in her house she insisted that I should go and not trouble me further.

 It's a 30 minutes walk from my apartment to the Butterfly Garden. I glanced from right to left and took note of every corner of the garden and which part would it be great to feature in my magazine. According to my observation, the place does not have that many visitors so I really need to take into account the charming part of the spot. The garden of fate is definitely the highlight.

 As I was walking around the flower garden, someone came up to me and asked, "You like it here?" He asked with a smile. I had to read the word owner on his nameplate before I realized who he was.

 I smiled and said, "Yeah, I think this place is enchanting." This is not a filtered word, I do think it is enchanting for an unknown place. 

 The owner seemed pleased enough. He rubbed his hand together excitedly as if he was stroking a piece of gold over and over.

 "Yes, yes. That is true. Did you know that couples were made here?"

 "Yeah, Elaine told me that?" I responded. "It seems that this place can also be used for a wedding venue," I said, more like suggested because I saw the owner's eyes filled with shock.

 'Oh, haven't told of that, huh?'

 To my surprise, he grasped both of my hands and with shaking fingers he exclaimed, "You're truly a blessing!"

 "..." I didn't know what to say so I just smiled.

 "I'm surprised he hasn't thought about that until now." I mean the areas are big, it is appropriate for any big events.

 When I got inside the Garden of Fate, I immediately noticed a group of students lining up just by the entryway. But the owner did think that this will be a good school trip destination, at least.

 "Jace!" When I found Gin in the crowd, he called my name. Gin is here because the school he works into is having a local tour guide. He is a college professor. So the students that are crowding the area is his.

 The students are few actually, just 20 students, it's what you expect from a private school, there's hardly a student will enroll.

 "Oh my God, Sir Stewart, who is he, who is he?" As I approached I heard his female students squealed eagerly. "Introduce us."

 I almost laugh when they tugged at Gins' arms. I wasn't surprised that he is close to his students, Gin is friendly after all.

 When I already reached them, I introduced myself. We exchanged some greetings, and they never held back about their comments of how attractive I am. I only said 'I am not that handsome, though I do think I am more attractive than Professor Stewart.'

 They offered me to become a model to their next schoolwork but I refused.

 "Girls, I only take pictures and I don't wanna be in one. But if you want I will take your pictures instead?"

 The female students squealed once again. Literally, Gin has to pull me out and give them some activities to get them busy before I could leave.

 Gin sighed, "It's unfair that you're attractive until now." Then he smiled, "How's Elaine?"

 "She's safe, there is a police officer on her side now," I said.

 "You mean nothing happened between you two?" He asked confused.

 I look at him startled at what he said, "What the- Gin! Why would I have the interest to assault a girl in that state?" And first of all, I only see her a little sister.

 "Don't you have any clue until now?" Gin almost exclaimed. "She likes you since we were in high school. That's why until now she is not married."

 "You're not married too." I countered.

 "Yeah, at least I am planning to marry someone."

 I sighed, the truth is I had a hunch that she likes me, I mean it's possible since all around me seem to like my face. Another sigh, sometimes, with this face, it's hard to tell if someone really liked you from who I am.

 I was about to say something else when something caught my eye. I told Gin that I have something to do as I moved away and headed towards the gazebo where a tall figure was standing, leaning against the side. He looked like he was waiting for someone.

 I am already near him when I realized that I haven't thought of anything to say. I slowed down, I don't want to repeat the same awkward conversation. I clutched the lace of my camera, should I pretend that I was taking pictures?

 "Hello there!" I greeted without thinking.

 When he glanced at my direction, I flinched a little.

 I stepped inside the gazebo and looked at the surroundings.

 "Are you here to watch the butterflies?" I asked.

 He just stared at me, particularly at my face. I averted my gaze, I knew females and also some males turn to look at me but no one has stared at me this much and not as exposed like this. Maybe he also thinks that I am conceited for having this appearance, some of my coworkers hated me because of that.

 "Yeah." I was surprised when he replied though it took some time. "Yesterday, I grabbed your hand."

 I blinked, "About that? It's fine." I just said.

"You sure?" Again, those stares. "You don't even know me and I just grabbed you just like-"

 "I'm Jace." I almost screamed my name. "Jace Beaufort."

 "Jace..."

 For a moment, I felt like I blacked out. His soft but deep voice sounds familiar.

 "Jace, have we met before?" He asked that made me look at him.

 I shake my head, "I think we haven't. Why do you ask?"

 "It felt as if, I met you somewhere before." Then he narrowed his eyes, "And that I owe you something."

  I chuckled, somehow I am getting nervous. "That's odd, I don't remember about you at all. I may have forgotten."

 For a while, there was silence between us, we only heard the cheers and conversations of the people around us.

 "I have something I must do." He said. "Jace, have you heard of the story of the Angel of Death and the Grim Reaper?"

 My forehead creased, "Aren't they the same? Angel of Death is also called the Grim Reaper."

 He shakes his head, "That's what is written in books, but I think they are different and not just two names with the same meaning."

 He looked at his hand. I don't know if I was only imagining it but I think I saw I dark ink peeking just on his wrist.

 We were interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing. I excused myself and went away in just a little distance to answer the phone. It was the manager at the studio that I own. They said that there was a problem.

 I sighed, I told them that I'll be there. When I turned off my phone I hurried towards the man's direction and pulled a card, I handed it to him.

 "If you have time, you can come and visit the gallery I am working on," I said. "Can I get your name?"

 He seemed to hesitate for a while. But if he doesn't want to tell me, it's fine, I'm just a stranger after all-

 "Kane."

 I waited for him to say his last name. "Kane..."

 "Just...Kane."

 Maybe he doesn't want to tell me his last name.

 "Okay, I have to go now, Kane," I said as I walked away. "Please do come to the studio."

 As I exit the garden, I glanced back at him, he was still there, looking at me. I smiled and wave my hand goodbye.

 I hope, he would really come at my studio.

 A young man entered the bar with a backpack on. The gamblers inside a private room laughed loudly when they saw that it was a minor who entered the room. He was still in his uniform, they haven't thought that someone would have that guts.

 "A kid is not allowed here." The goon who seems to be the leader of the circle mocked that made the rest laugh. "You're not supposed to be playing poker with adults unless you have money-"

 The goon stopped talking when the student put a large amount of money on the table. His eyes sparkled at the sight of gold.

 "Well, well. It seems that you can play."

 The student sat down as they surround him.

 "So what are your bet?"

 The student looked at the man, "I set the rules. If you win, you will have the money and you may have my eye if you want."

 They all laughed like a foolish pig. "And if we lose?"

 The student smiled, they didn't know if it was just an illusion but they seem to see the kids one eye shining bright red.

 "Lives." At the same time, the room became dark. 

 The people around them shrieked in horror when they witnessed something terrifying. Suddenly, at the back of the student appeared of what seems to be a figure cloaked in black.

 "I'll take your lives."