Night-Owl Romance

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Chapter 24: Party Date and Mirrors

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[ V ]: Good evening.

[ V ]: My apologies for logging in this late but I did not have an earlier opportunity to do so.

[ V ]: I have been conversing with Luciel who has been keeping me updated with things happening in the R.F.A. during my absence.

[ V ]: I hoped I could talk to our party planner directly but it seems that she is currently not active in the chat room. ^^

[ V ]: I'd like to take a moment to extend my deepest apologies to you, MC.

[ V ]: Because of our current circumstances, I am unable to do so directly, only through the messenger.

[ V ]: I deeply regret the inconveniences you have experienced since your arrival in the organization. We are making sure to avoid future incidents with increasing the security measures so you are able to work in a safer environment for the success of the R.F.A.'s charity event.

[ V ]: Speaking of success - I have been receiving positive feedback from my friend, Rui, who had pretty interesting thoughts about the manner you had presented yourself during your online exchanges. You've caught his interest with your knowledge regarding the tools in our trade. ^^

[ V ]: I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[ V ]: I feel fortunate that you are willing to give so much care and attention to detail into your new role in this group.

[ V ]: After careful consideration, I have come up with a decision regarding the party date which Luciel agrees is the best course of action as well.

[ V ]: Considering you are still adjusting to the dynamics of the group, we will not do anything large scaled like before.

[ V ]: Thus, I am happy to announce that the party will be held in 8 days, starting from tomorrow. ^^

[ V ]: Jumin will send you the details of the revenue once it has been evaluated by Luciel.

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- ZEN has entered the chat room -

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[ZEN]: V!

[ZEN]: I didn't think you would show up this soon after our last chat!

[ZEN]: *happy emoji*

[ V ]: Good evening, Hyun. I hope you are doing well these days.

[ZEN]: Of course, you know me ^.~

[ V ]: I am glad. The weather has not been too friendly lately.

[ZEN]: Are you in trouble with your health?! *surprised emoji*

[ V ]: Thankfully, nothing extreme of this sort. I have been careful during my travels.

[ZEN]: Ah, that's good then.

[ZEN]: You've been travelling to a lot of places lately~!

[ V ]: Indeed. A change of scenery is always welcomed. ^^

[ V ]: By the way,

[ V ]: I have been hearing your name spoken outdoors quite a lot.

[ZEN]: Eh? O-O You did?

[ZEN]: Where? When? HOW?

[ZEN]: *confused emoji*

[ V ]: At the market place, people were incredibly excited because of an upcoming movie featuring a famous singer as lead actress and a promising young musical talent being the rumored co-lead.

[ZEN]: *shocked emoji* R-Really?

[ V ]: I am happy you have decided to expand onto your opportunities. ^^

[ZEN]: How far do these rumors go? T-T

[ V ]: Oh, is there a problem, Hyun?

[ V ]: I did not say this to upset you if it is false information. I apologize for misunderstanding.

[ZEN]: No, no, no, no! Don't get me wrong, V, you could never upset me~~~! *happy emoji*

[ZEN]: And it's not really a misunderstanding.

[ZEN]: It's just...

[ZEN]: I've only been briefed a little today by the director.

[ZEN]: I'm not certain I should take the chance. I haven't even been presented the full story yet, tomorrow is the first official meeting with her management ^^; but these rumors have been spreading so quickly already.

[ V ]: Now I understand.

[ V ]: Whatever your choice is, I hope you will make it by following your heart. ^^

[ZEN]: Following my heart, you say...

[ V ]: I will support your work no matter what you choose. You have an incredible gift.

[ZEN]: I'm getting flustered~~~!

[ZEN]: Thank you for saying this, V. *happy emoji*

[ZEN]: I'm not that great though, ha ha~!

[ V ]: You are too modest.

[ZEN]: Heh... modest. Shouldn't that be spoken the other way around? XD

[ V ]: I am only speaking of the truth I know.

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~oOo~

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It was incredible how V could make Zen's mind gain clarity and feel so much at ease. Although the man had the tendency of praising the actor far too earnestly ^^;;;;; Zen wanted to be the best at what he did but the road was still at its beginning for the silver haired youth. He did not feel as though his acting was worth such intense praise yet from the man, still a lot to learn and perfect each and every day – not a single one had gone by without the actor working on improving his skills, little by little.

The actor had been so happy to see his dear friend online that he did not notice the earlier texts V had sent, continuing to engage with the photographer in small talk before their conversation was suddenly interrupted.

[MC]: 8 days?

[MC]: Have I read that correctly?

It had been so abrupt that Zen had to shake his head a few times, crimson orbs enlarging at the popping nickname. MC had shown up while he was online! However, the girl was not making any sense. Eight days? What about that number –

[ V ]: Ah, good evening, MC. ^^ Yes, you have indeed.

– and V was answering her without the slightest hesitation.

"What had I missed...?", the actor mumbled, scrolling up and quickly reading over the wall sized texts he had overlooked in his joy of greeting the R.F.A. leader. His heart sank, seeing V taking the blame for what had happened to MC.

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"..."

"Wait a minute."

"..."

"..."

"WHAT'S HAPPENED TO MC?!"

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Really, Zen remembered the chats he had read with worry, mentioning her encounter with a stalker and another person but Mina acted like it wasn't a huge incident. She smiled-emoji back then, emphasizing that she were okay.

Had it been something dire she'd hidden from them?

From him?

"The cast she wore... was it caused by her being linked with the R.F.A.?"

"Is that why V's apologizing so much?"

"And 8 days to set up a party date?"

The timeframe was far too short for the girl to pull it off successfully. The previous parties took months of planning and at the helm was Rika with years of prior experience in organizing events and charities.

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"What is V thinking?!"

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~oOo~

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[ V ]: As I have previously stated, MC, you are not obliged to do things that you deem to be overwhelming.

[ V ]: If you encounter any problems, please reach out to the members of this group.

[ V ]: I am certain that they will aid you without hesitance.

[MC]: Ah, it's not really the e-mails I'm concerned about.

[MC]: It's the number of people confirming the invites by then. ^^;;;;

[MC]: 8 days might not be enough for me to ensure a significant gathering...

[ V ]: Do not worry about the numbers. ^^ Our first R.F.A. party did not exceed 50 guests and that success was mostly due to our personal connections and friends.

[MC]: 50 people...

[ V ]: I have also mentioned this before but some of our contacts who have attended the other parties are willing to attend this charity event, thus you need not to interact with them directly.

[MC]: Oh!

[ V ]: We currently have the necessary resources to fill up an entire venue since many are curious about Rika's legacy and how we are continuing her dream. ^^

[MC]: Oh... O-O

[MC]: Then...

[MC]: Why am I answering these e-mails if you already have things set up for the party...?

[ V ]: Hm, there are still things that have not cleared up for you with your tasks?

[MC]: S-Sorry if it's a silly question! -

[MC]: I'm just confused. ^^;;;; Since there are enough people to fill up a venue already...

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[MC]: ...

[MC]: Why do you still need me?

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[ V ]: We are always searching to improve our events and unite more people under a common goal.

[ V ]: MC, the guests you will choose to attend are existential to our cause. ^^ It's more important than filling up a venue with old contacts. They can lose interest over time and reconsider any future events if we don't bring something fresh to the table.

[ V ]: Which is why extending the variety of attendees for such gatherings will ensure the guests' constant interest.

[ V ]: You can change a lot of destinies depending on your replies. ^^

[MC]: Oooo...

[MC]: It's that important.

[MC]: I see, I see. -

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~oOo~

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Zen had caught up to them, his eyes narrowing down in the process.

V was answering in a strange manner, putting a lot of pressure on MC's shoulders whether it was intentional or not. The actor wasn't truly accepting of the idea of rushing this party recklessly, the constant dots and emojis from the girl making him believe she was panicking due to the photographer's answer.

Despite their falling out, Zen did not like to see her struggling...

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~oOo~

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[ZEN]: V, are you sure you don't want to choose another date for the party?

[ V ]: I'm certain.

[ V ]: The time is right for it.

[ZEN]: It might become too difficult.

[ V ]: I trust in MC's abilities, Hyun. Don't you?

[MC]: ...

[ZEN]: I'm not implying she won't do a proper job, but I can't imagine it being easy for a first timer. *sighing emoji*

[ZEN]: You're rushing the party and I don't understand your reasoning behind this decision.

[ V ]: It's for the best. Moreover, MC has the aid of the entire group.

[ V ]: Yours too.

[ V ]: Am I correct, Hyun? ^^

[ZEN]: Of course!

[ZEN]: She has my full attention!

[ZEN]: But –

[ V ]: Then, it is settled. ^^ I am glad to have been able to talk with you today, MC.

[MC]: Likewise...

[ V ]: You as well, Hyun.

[ZEN]: V !

[ZEN]: Wait just a little bit.

[ V ]: I have somewhere I need to be now. Sorry, but I cannot overstay this visit.

[ZEN]: Really now...?

[ V ]: Have a good night ^^

[ V ]: And send my warmest regards to the other members.

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- V has left the chat room -

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[MC]: Good night...

[MC]: ...

[ZEN]: Ashi, that guy sometimes. *sighing emoji*

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~oOo~

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Mina had been struck by the hardest wall imaginable. V had seriously roughened her up. Eight days, eight days... Sure, Mina wanted a quick answer in order to properly handle the guests' follow-up questions but that was the only part she had desired to be quick.

Not the party date itself... ()

Nonetheless, there was something suspicious about how Zen had handled the news. It wasn't just Mina believing this party to be rushed. The actor also tried steering the discussion in this direction and it made the coordinator believe that such an occurrence had not taken place in the past before.

Not when Rika was still alive.

Furthermore, the girl was confused by Luciel...by Seven approving the party date and agreeing with V's proposal. Was the hacker really not spying on Mina as often as she had assumed? Otherwise, it was hard to imagine the red head supporting such a harsh decision. Seven would have argued against it, right? Because had he seen the coordinator on the CCTV footage lately, he'd realize how numerous were the battles leaving behind scars on her heart, mind and body. The girl was on the verge of collapse.

Always stressed.

Always crying.

Barely resting.

God only knows how many times she'd flooded her cheeks in this apartment alone. "Why did you agree with V...? I... I don't think I can do this right...", she mumbled to herself, the phone starting to vibrate again.

Just then...

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Mina was trapped in another emotional pinch.

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She had been too overwhelmed by V's news to nimbly disappear from the messenger without making things infinitely more awkward or rude – without finding a lame excuse to give when her intentions were clear as water. Mina had been a true slowpoke, only now noticing that she was still inside the chat room.

Alone.

With Zen... (º □ º l|l)/

She had yet to read his messages after all these hours, the girl feeling nauseous because of her attitude. He did not deserve to be treated so poorly by her... No, she had to be mature and do the first step in fixing things between them!

"Now is better than never.", Mina puffed air out of her mouth, racing towards her inbox and rapidly going through everything he had sent the girl.

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...

...

...

Her eyes were stinging.

She was such a terrible person...

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~oOo~

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[ZEN]: Don't worry about the party date.

[ZEN]: My schedule isn't perfect.

[ZEN]: But I'll do my best to help you whenever you're in trouble. ^^

[ZEN]: ...

[ZEN]: Jagi?

[ZEN]: Are you ok?

[ZEN]: *depressed emoji*

[ZEN]: Jagiiiiiiiiiii.

[ZEN]: *extremely depressed emoji*

[MC]: I'm fine...

[ZEN]: ...

[MC]: Guess I just need to be faster with answering these e-mails, heh.

[ZEN]: Are you really fine?

[ZEN]: I bet what V wrote was quite surprising to you.

[MC]: Surprising is not the word I'd best use to describe the situation...

[MC]: I'll be honest – I don't think I can achieve much at this rate until this new deadline.

[ZEN]: *depressed emoji*

[ZEN]: How can I help you?!

[ZEN]: Please tell me and I'll do my best!

[ZEN]: *happy emoji*

[MC]: For starters...

[MC]: Hmm...

[MC]: You can sleep in my place~!

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...

[ZEN]: HUH?! *shocked emoji*

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~oOo~

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Mina was blinking over and over again, inspecting her suggestion from all sides, angles and poses, but, dear lord, could she not understand Zen's overly dramatic reaction. She lacked sleep and the little energy she'd have would get consumed too quickly – those were her main concerns and obstacles which prevented her from giving it 100%. And if the actor could somehow magically transfer sleep into her body and sleep for the both of them while she was working around the clock to solve these guests' problems properly, then it would be a brilliant course of action!

"Did I write something that silly O-O?", she bit her lower lip, raising an eye brow and typing again on the chat room.

"You don't want to sleep in my place? : / "

"Ufff."

"I thought you'd do anything you can to help me...", Mina retorted depressed, resulting in an otherworldly sort of essay from Zen's part where he began rambling on and on about the dangers of keeping dangerous beasts in her premises and doing such open invites to people she had barely met!

"What beasts are you seeing around me?!", she complained out loud, looking around the apartment quite panicked for anything suspicious but the only beast she could spot was a spider living silently at the edge of a corner. It wasn't even a big one, nor dangerous – simply a non-threatening tiny creature building its web in peace.

What's more, Zen somehow connected these beasts with the most dangerous of them all – wolves, connecting them to the nature of adults and the moon at which point the girl was entirely lost and mind blown by the actor's special mind that was so rich in strange metaphors she could not decipher.

Before entering the R.F.A., she'd always carried a certain image about actors, especially the ones she used to watch alongside her mother during dinner time many years ago. Eomma loved her dramas after a hard day at work and Gong Il-Suk was a favorite of hers, the man able to pull of any type of role successfully. As such, Mina always regarded actors as cool, composed individuals, handsome and quite intelligent human beings, well-mannered and...

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'Perfect.'

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There was no other word to describe them.

Flawless.

Okay, now there was no other word to describe them best. And Mina had the same opinion about Assistant Lee and countless other teachers from the university, a real heart-pumping experience to be around grand masters of the art world! In the first few days, that is. Afterwards, her heart-pumping experiences were mostly traumatic than filled with admiration.

However, Zen was on a whole different league of his own.

The silver haired male was slaughtering these preconceptions she'd been carrying about actors so harshly and deeply that he left nothing intact in his destructive path. "He must still be upset from me ignoring him all day... Uff...", the girl gave a short nod, deciding to break the actor's messaging streak with her confusion.

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~oOo~

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[MC]: Zen, what are you saying...?

[ZEN]: Jagi, you need to be more careful with the things you're writing to me! You're too straightforward, I'm not used a girl suggesting this so openly to me! *depressed emoji*

[MC]: That I want you to sleep for both of us while I work on these e-mails? O-O

[ZEN]: Sleep for both of us... e-mails?

[ZEN]: What are you imagining now...?

[ZEN]: I'm terrified... *depressed emoji*

[MC]: Yeah, while you're there napping and dreaming on the couch, I steal away your energy.

[MC]: So I can then answer the guests' questions and not hit my head on the coffee table by accidentally falling asleep again while attempting to do so~~~!

[MC]: Sleeping for both of us~! In that way~~~! ^^

[ZEN]: ...

[MC]: ...

[MC]: I know, it sounds dumb... ^^;;;;;

[MC]: Forget it.

[ZEN]: OOOO, NOW I GET IT!

[ZEN]: Hah, is that what you really meant by 'sleep in my place'?

[MC]: Aha.

[ZEN]: Aigoo, my heart...

[ZEN]: *depressed emoji*

[MC]: Should I ask what you really thought I meant?

[ZEN]: Nah. It's alright.

[MC]: O-O

[ZEN]: Please, for my sake, don't pry in it any further.

[ZEN]: *depressed emoji*

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[707]: He meant the other meaning of the word 'sleep'.

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[ZEN]: *shocked emoji*

[MC]: The other meaning...

[ZEN]: WHEN DID YOU GET HERE?!

[707]: Do you need explanations in detail, MC?

[MC]: O-O

[ZEN]: DON'T YOU DARE DO THAT, HACKER!

[707]: *inserts drawing title*

[ZEN]: WHAT IS THAT, HACKER?!

[707]: Noogle it. *winking emoji*

[707]: If I can use a word to describe the piece, majestic would come into mind.

[707]: Majestic size.

[MC]: X_X

[MC]: How did you gain access to those sets too?!

[MC]: ZEN!

[MC]: Please don't noogle it!

[ZEN]: Ha ha...

[ZEN]: Ha ha ha ha ha...

[ZEN]: A ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha...!

[MC]: No... T-T

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[ZEN]: Why do I never learn? T-T

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[ZEN]: Why do I keep searching the things you tell me to, Seven?

[ZEN]: Why?

[ZEN]: WHY?! *depressed emoji*

[MC]: Seven, how could you post it for everybody to see?!

[707]: I could ask you the same question, MC. *wink emoji*

[MC]: I... _

[ZEN]: HOW COULD YOU HAVE HER LOOK UP SUCH INAPPROPRIATE THINGS?!

[ZEN]: I WOULD DRAG YOU TO THE POLICE NOW IF I COULD!

[707]: I didn't force anything on anyone. *upset emoji*

[707]: Besides, we're all of consenting adults of legal age here. *winking emoji*

[707]: Aren't you the least bit interested in the origins of 'that' painting?

[MC]: NO!

[707]: *shocked emoji* So harsh!

[ZEN]: ORIGINS?!

[ZEN]: INTERESTED?!

[ZEN]: DUDE,IF I WANTED TO SEE THAT IN FRONT OF MY EYES, I COULD JUST STAND IN FRONT OF A MIRROR COMPLETELY NAKED AND JUST STARE AT IT.

[707]: *shocked emoji*

[MC]: ...

[ZEN]: *depressed emoji*

[ZEN]: Ugh...

[707]: Z-Z-Zen o-o-oppaaaaaaa~~~~~!

[707]: Really, all you had to do to see those proportions in real life was to get in front of a mirror?

[707]: Daaaaaamn!

[707]: My heart and eyes wouldn't be able take on such a beast~~~~~~!

[MC]: Seven, please, that's enough : /

[707]: *hearts emoji*

[707]: *hearts emoji*

[707]: *hearts emoji*

[707]: *hearts emoji*

[707]: *hearts emoji*

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- ZEN has left the chat room -

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[MC]: Seven, you've made Zen leave!

[707]: He's probably checking himself in the mirror right now and moping around.

[MC]: ...

[707]: I think I found a perfect replica of the one he has at home~!

[707]: *inserts drawing title*

[MC]: X_X

[707]: Oh~~~~! I see other ones!

[707]: So many mirrors!

[707]: *inserts drawing title*

[MC]: I feel sick...

[707]: Maybe I'll ask Zen which version from the gallery fits his mirror properly.

[MC]: NO - DON'T!

[707]: He's really MIA...

[707]: I know!

[707]: I shall DM him ^o^!

[707]: Or better yet – I shall call him OwO~!

[MC]: O_O

[707]: Oooo~! I'm dialing him now then, mwhahahahahhaa~~~~!

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~oOo~

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Zen's knuckle hurt as his skin reddened.

The wall was not a good substitution to a boxing bag or Seven, the actor bumping his head on the stone upset and ashamed for allowing that stupid hacker to rile him up so effortlessly and have him appear so darn foolish and moronic. In front of her – the worst part of it all, Mina had witnessed everything up front.

T-T

Who knew what thoughts and dirty pictures would now be associated with regards to the actor in Mina's mind... What a travesty!

What a painful tragedy T_T !

And, as per the norm nowadays, more misunderstandings took place during his communication with Mina thanks to Seven's irritating interference.

Just when he thought the day couldn't possibly get any stranger or upsetting –

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*BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ*

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– it had gotten more twisted and convoluted by the end, to the point that his own heart became shredded from the pain that had been inflicting on it.

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The ensuing conversation had forever changed the way Zen perceived the party planner

and the manners in which he would later on interact with her again.