"... Experience," Nic guessed blankly.

Laurel paused again, "I want... no guilt," she confessed.

"Then let go of it," Nic suggested.

Laurel still refused to look at Nic, "Is that... the only way?" she asked quietly.

"I don't know," he admitted.

Laurel was quiet for awhile before finally looking at Nic, "We... really should leave, Nic," she stated quietly, eyes very serious but slightly afraid.

"I don't think so," Nic replied calmly.

Laurel shook her head, getting frustrated.

Nic said nothing.

"No," she said forcefully, "We have.... We have to go before they..." she suddenly stood up and walked over to a corner of the room, trying to take deep breaths.

Nic let Laurel take some time to get a hold of her head.

--

"... The Ko family must have a thing for siblings... Well, it makes this more interesting." Sheng mused as he surveyed the two brothers before him. "You're the best," he stated. "You've both passed all the tests required of you with flying colors. One of you will be my personal bodyguard and the other will be my wife's bodyguard. But before I make that decision, I have one more test of my own." He dug around in a drawer before pulling out a small box and opening it to reveal some small pills. "First, take one. It will erase your memories of this night." The men bowed obediently as they both didn't hesitate to each take and swallow one of the pills.

"Good," Sheng said as he put the box down and pulled out another containing one large syringe. He placed it on the table before the brothers before lounging on the sofa. "This is how the test will go..."

Laurel finally walked back and picked up her plate, "Guess you should get going," she whispered before heading towards the door.

"Laurel," Nic said to stop her.

--

Both brothers stood staring wide-eyed at Sheng, composure broken. Sheng let the silence go on for awhile before sighing. "I don't have all night," he reminded them.

"... It's a trick," the younger brother suddenly whispered. "There's no way that-"

"Oh, I'm dead serious," Sheng replied nonchalantly. "Do as I say, or this will happen every night until you do as I say. Don't make this more complicated."

The little brother swallowed and slowly turned to look at his older brother. But he caught his older brother's stare at the syringe and looked away.

Laurel paused but didn't turn around.

"Will you be here when I get back?" he asked.

Laurel hesitated before slowly turning around, "... always," she whispered, gaze focused on his chest.