Night-Owl Romance
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Note: Thank you everyone for the kind feedback I've received at the chapter 30 milestone! ^^
Your answers helped me a lot in taking some decisions for the upcoming chapters. I know story has its flaws (SLOWASS flaws), but I'm counting on your constant help in order to keep me afloat~~! ^^
Your suggestions were noted and I've been inserting things I either overlooked/forgot in this one. XD I'll do my best to improve the story pacing.
... Kinda.
This is the longest chapter in the story. I am so sorry for it. LOL. ;=;
I did try to move the plot faster, but my best is worth like 5k. And did not reach the intended target.
...
Yeah... ;=;
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Chapter 31: Innocent Maiden and Scary Oppa
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[ZEN]: HAN JUMIN, YOU BASTARD!
[ZEN]: Do you really want a fight with me?!
[Jumin Han]: Hm, not even enlightening us with the courtesy of a greeting.
[Jumin Han]: However, I am not surprised.
[Jumin Han]: Typically uncourt behavior from you; furthermore, resorting to insults out of the blue.
[Jumin Han]: Your manners are incredibly lacking.
[ZEN]: WHAT?!
[ZEN]: Out of the blue?!
[ZEN]: You're dissing me behind my back and I'M the one without manners?!
[ZEN]: *angry emoji*
[Jumin Han]: Nothing I have ever mentioned was 'behind your back', but up front.
[ZEN]: YOU SAID I WAS SIMPLE MINDED! *angry emoji*
[ZEN]: How do you explain yourself?!
[ZEN]: You're typing this stuff when I wasn't even on!
[Jumin Han]: And I shall continue in doing so whenever you beseech us with your online presence. ^^
[Jumin Han]: Nonetheless, I need to clarify how this it is not a, so called, diss, when the statement reflects the truth of your character. Truth, which you are able to read whenever you please as I am not hiding anything from you. ^^
[ZEN]: You're stepping over a line that shouldn't be crossed, trust fund kid!
[ZEN]: Stop looking down on me from your high end position, it's annoying!
[Jumin Han]: I am actually sitting down.
[ZEN]: Tch!
[ZEN]: You're so freaking irritating and ruining my mood... *angry emoji*
[Jumin Han]: Since you are here, I deem this is as good of a moment as any to bring forth news.
[ZEN]: *questioning emoji*
[Jumin Han]: Despite the blatant acts of disrespect shown towards a senior, I am willing to put it to rest – I have a job proposition that may prove beneficial to us both.
[ZEN]: HAH!
[ZEN]: *laughing emoji*
[ZEN]: That's the least funny thing you've told me in a while.
[ZEN]: I'd almost believed you meant serious business.
[ZEN]: Good joke – not.
[Jumin Han]: I am not trying to amuse you, nor deceive you, Zen.
[Jumin Han]: I need someone to model for the new cat food line project that I will be supervising at the C&R and you are the perfect image for our human audience.
[ZEN]: Human audience...
[ZEN]: Cat food project...
[ZEN]: WTF!
[ZEN]: You're crazy to even suggest this in the first place!
[ZEN]: Are you planning to trick me?!
[Jumin Han]: I see I need to repeat myself. It is an actual job offer.
[Jumin Han]: Accept it. *happy emoji*
[ZEN]: Not interested. *angry emoji*
[Jumin Han]: The pay is appropriate to the standards within the industry. I will also oversee that you are working under the best conditions. The location, staff, catering service – will be of the highest quality on the day of shooting.
[ZEN]: Not interested.
[Jumin Han]: Your necessities will be swiftly provided so your role will solely reside in advertising the product.
[ZEN]: Not interested!
[Jumin Han]: The filming crew is from an affiliate company with decades of film work tradition in their résumé. They are professionals of the highest levels.
[Jumin Han]: Bonus: you shall have the great honor to work in the presence of Elizabeth the Third.
[Jumin Han]: Not many are able to earn such privilege. *happy emoji*
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[ZEN]: LOL!
[ZEN]: *laughing emoji*
[ZEN]: NOT INTERESTED!
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[ZEN]: Like, are you kidding me?
[Jumin Han]: Hn. Might I ask the reason why?
[Jumin Han]: Your rapid dismissal portrays how highly unprofessional you are.
[ZEN]: Highly unprofessional my ass!
[ZEN]: I can't freaking stand cats!
[Jumin Han]: *bored emoji* So unprofessional.
[ZEN]: I physically cannot stand cats!
[ZEN]: I'm allergic to the point of being physically ill when skimming pictures of them, let alone being surrounded by real cats.
[ZEN]: Ugh... I feel sick just imagining those fur balls. *depressed emoji*
[ZEN]: Also, I'm not doing modeling gigs.
[ZEN]: With any felines.
[ZEN]: Not now, not EVER.
[ZEN]: Guaranteed!
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[Jumin Han]: So unprofessional.
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[ZEN]: Last, but not least, I'd rather be caught dead than sell my handsome looks for a pity job coming from a rich boy like yourself.
[Jumin Han]: Set aside your illogical animosity towards me and consider the bigger picture.
[Jumin Han]: The publicity will benefit you and prove your worth as an actor, surely.
[Jumin Han]: And deeper financial security is almost a given.
[ZEN]: How the hell is a cat project going to prove the worth of my acting?! HUH?!
[ZEN]: And money?
[ZEN]: Seriously...?
[ZEN]: Just the fact that you've brought it up so casually like I need some handouts in order to survive or even make it out there, is stupid and aggravating.
[Jumin Han]: I have never voiced anything of the sort.
[Jumin Han]: Read my statements more carefully – I imagine you should be capable of doing so, is that correct to assume?
[ZEN]: Stop trying to piss me off, Jumin!
[ZEN]: The answer is 'no' and it will never change.
[ZEN]: Also, haven't you heard? I'm already booked on a huge budgeted project with Echo Girl, so your kitty play would have had no room in my schedule either way.
[ZEN]: People are finally recognizing my skills and hard work!
[ZEN]: The expectations of me will only grow from this point so I cannot make a fool of myself by messing with my allergies and destroying my health!
[ZEN]: This work is important to me!
[Jumin Han]: Hn. You are denying the modeling offer because you think the current production is better in terms of scale – probably pay – and, thus, more important to you? I can understand such reasoning, it is practical after all.
[Jumin Han]: Better explanation than your pitiful allergy story.
[ZEN]: That's not at all what's going on, wtf!
[ZEN]: YOU read more carefully, dammit!
[Jumin Han]: Although, Zen, you are showing your bias without restraints.
[ZEN]: What?!
[Jumin Han]: You are an actor who has rejected every single one of my proposals throughout the years, offering me rather silly reasons after each attempt. Most of which lingered on my social status, never once considering the help and benefits our collaboration could have.
[Jumin Han]: You should be more humble and grateful rather than throwing tantrums and exhibiting hypocrisy tainted with slim excuses.
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[ZEN]: I AM ALLERGIC! I CAN'T CHANGE MY BODY'S REACTIONS!
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[Jumin Han]: There are revolutionary treatments if one seeks out to try them.
[ZEN]: =.= You can't freaking 'fix' genetics!
[Jumin Han]: Clearly a lost cause then. *disappointed emoji*
[ZEN]: *angry emoji*
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[707]: Mr. Han, didn't you have a meeting to prepare for tomorrow~?
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[Jumin Han]: Oh. Yes, indeed I have.
[Jumin Han]: ...
[Jumin Han]: For a second, I thought Assistant Kang had returned.
[Jumin Han]: Pity. *disappointed emoji*
[707]: That's everyone's reaction to my presence. *wink emoji*
[Jumin Han]: Regardless, I have wasted enough precious time so I shall take my leave.
[ZEN]: Ditto.
[Jumin Han]: Before I depart – a present for those in this chat room.
[ZEN]: *questioning emoji*
[Jumin Han]: I am certain there are people here who shall appreciate the following beauty.
[Jumin Han]: Nobody can come close to how pretty she is. ^^
[ZEN]: Huh?
[707]: Incoming queen of our hearts ~~~! *hearts emoji*
[Jumin Han]: *inserts pictures of Elizabeth the Third*
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– Jumin Han has left the chat room –
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– MC has entered the chat room –
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[ZEN]: GO FUCK YOURSELF RIGHT NOW AND DON'T RETURN UNTIL YOU DO! *angry emoji*
[707]: ...
[MC]: ...
[ZEN]: ...
[707]: Damn, Zen. You really want MC to do it that desperately?
[707]: Kinky-oppa, kekekekeke~!
[MC]: W-W-Wow...
[ZEN]: THAT WASN'T FOR MC, WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU, SEVEN?!
[MC]: This...
[MC]: This revelation is making me so shocked...
[MC]: SHOCKED! \(º □ º l|l)/
[ZEN]: MC, W-WAIT A SECOND! NO!
[MC]: Your true nature is super scary, Zen. (ಥ﹏ಥ)
[ZEN]: NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
[MC]: Way too honest for my taste.
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– MC has left the chat room –
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[ZEN]: IT WAS MEANT FOR JUMIN, NOT YOU!
[ZEN]: MC!
[ZEN]: ARGH!
[ZEN]: AND WHY THE HELL DID YOU WRITE THAT SHIT, SEVEN?!
[707]: Oh, so it really was Jumin you hoped would follow up such a bold request? OwO
[ZEN]: *angry emoji*
[ZEN]: DO YOU REALLY WANT US TO STOP BEING FRIENDS?!
[707]: TROLOLOLOLOLOL!
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– ZEN has left the chat room –
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[707]: ...
[707]: All by myseeeeelf ~~~!
[707]: Don't wanna be, all by myseeeeeeelf ~~~ !
[707]: A-N-Y-M-O-R-E ~~~!
[707]: ...
[707]: I hope Mary didn't hear that, LOL.
[707]: *shocked emoji* SHE DID!
[707]: Seven – Zero – Seven is out!
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~oOo~
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The party planner had been rendered speechless.
And it wasn't because of Zen's blatant slip-up which was aimed towards another. The girl was well aware of the heated arguments taking place between him and Jumin but she had never acknowledged its terrifying scale until that night. Mina had contemplated whether to interfere and break off the tension – yet, in the end, she did not mutter a single word while they were neck deep at it.
How could she...?
The coordinator lacked a lot of context and information which was understandable for she was still fresh in the R.F.A., a group with quite the history behind it and she had barely scratched the surface so far.
From her current standpoint, Mina leaned towards Zen being in the wrong from how he was negatively overreacting to an offer which did not seem that terrible. Well, apart from the 'allergy-inducing' bit ^^;;;;;; But there were treatments and medications to alleviate symptoms on the market, no? Even Jumin had mentioned it in passing, the CEO heir genuinely appearing to have wanted to help the silver haired male.
So, why would Zen dismiss Jumin this roughly...?
Did she really mistake the actor's true character?
But... he would always be so sweet towards her...
"Until he wasn't.", Mina narrowed her eyes, remembering how she had been mistaken for Seven once, the actor's tongue slashing deep wounds into her self-worth. The young coordinator was certain there had to be more layers to this bad blood.
Zen was angry.
So angry!
She could tell that he was barely in control of his emotions and ready to burst. Thus, Seven – being the mind reader God Seven that he was – had answered the girl's internal prayers. Through a couple of DMs, Mina had learnt of an awesome idea to deviate the conflict in another direction, the hacker privately sending Jumin this info as well.
What was the brilliant idea?
"You're not going to tell me?! Why's that?!"
"Trust me, it's going to be laughs and giggles afterwards ~~~! And shall set the mood for something smoother and calmer so enter the chat room when I tell ya to! *wink emoji*", the red head replied bubbly, the girl quite suspicious of his scheming.
'Trust' was not a concept Seven successfully conveyed on a daily basis.
At all, frankly.
Nevertheless, Mina ended up playing along with the hacker's mischievous schemes to troll Zen, joining in the teasing with her own recipe of cold-shoulder action. Deep down, the girl wondered why she had bought into the entire 'something smoother' act when it only deepened the misunderstandings.
Well, at least her wish had been granted. "Though, why are my wishes granted like this...?", Mina pouted as she swooshed back onto the floored pillows, getting lazy and comfortable again. Her thoughts were hazy and eyes continued to itch from the earlier waterfalls; soon, a noisy buzzing parade announced an influx of messages in the inbox, the coordinator eventually checking them out.
A smile slowly appeared onto her face while reading.
"Ah..."
The smile was gone.
In the end, there was no possible way she could be able to follow Jaehee's suggestions. ^^
Not after what Zen had written.
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~oOo~
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Jagiyaaaaaaa!
Please, don't think so poorly of me! TwT
*defeated emoji*
It's all a misunderstanding...
I swear I'm not such a scary and despicable man!
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Ashi...!
I can't believe I've done it again... this fast, too.
Sometimes, it feels like my existence is cursed. *crying emoji*
I know my image in front of you is ruined beyond repair.
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ~~~! I wish I was wrong! TwT
If I could turn back the hands of time and do things differently, I would think twice before allowing myself to act so carelessly.
Sigh...
I'm not going to pretend that it hasn't changed your perception of me... ^^
If it didn't before, then there's no longer any doubt about it now.
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I hope it hasn't warped me too negatively in your eyes. *defeated emoji*
I'd honestly hate if you'd look at me with disdain...
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I'm sorry that you had to see such a mess. Plus, see THAT too, which Seven got ALL wrong.
On freaking purpose again!
I'm not that kind of man, I truly am not!
Please, believe me, jagiiiiiii! TwT
Sigh... *tearful emoji*
Why must I suffer so...?
This beauty of mine can never get a moment's rest, not even in this bloody messenger.
It's exhausting... *tearful emoji*
But I'm not writing here to complain. ^^
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Instead, there's something I wanted to clarify with you.
It's important, so read my messages until the end.
Please don't ignore them. ^^
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I was meaning to contact you after our last chat. Don't take it the wrong way but I thought there was something bothering you because your texts were different. ^^ They didn't give me a good sign so I was nervous to find out why you appeared... distant.
The trust fund kid started his normal routine in messing with me, having me pause those unsettling thoughts.
Until now.
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Jagi, I've spoken with Jaehee.
She had been out of line!
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I was speechless when I went through the chat log. The blood stirred me up harshly and my first reaction was how crazy Jaehee sounded but after carefully contemplating her words, there were things which I could no longer dismiss.
Or pretend not to be there in the first place.
It was then I realized how my selfishness to be close to you has indirectly caused this problem and needlessly got you involved.
Ashi...
I truly was careless. *teary emoji*
Call it a man's loneliness.
Or curiosity.
But I did focus less on my work this past week. I do not have any regrets or hint of remorse for these sensations I have. Regardless, it shouldn't have given Jaehee the free reign to decide things in my stead.
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I'm sorry...
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Because of the person I am and the career I've chosen, Jaehee has been bothering you with her candidness.
Because of my selfishness of wanting to interact with such a nice, pretty girl, who keeps offering nothing but kindness and sparkles of happiness, you've become a target for her behavioral scrutiny,
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Yet a complete and utter joy to me.
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I can't explain why but I'm really drawn into our conversations until I lose track of myself. ^^
Your presence breaks through the monotonous days and I'm always anxiously waiting for our next chat rooms or calls. I've been craving them more and more. They offer me things to look forward to throughout my busy days.
I've never been this excited in years... ^^
Ah!
I've scribbled down a lot more than I'd intended to.
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Jagi...
Does knowing this make you scared?
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You're quite silent...
...
Ah! – Relax. ^^
You don't have to reciprocate my enthusiasm~!
In these chats or... other things. ^^
My intention was only to remove any guilt placed upon your shoulders caused by that discussion with Jaehee. I take full responsibility of it happening, so nothing is your fault!
Nothing!
You shouldn't have to change anything about how you behave in the R.F.A.
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How you behave around me...
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Whether about party planning or life, I'm always willing to be a listening ear to your stories or questions. I'll help you out to the best of my capabilities ~~~ !
You know...
Someone once told me that I can be pretty darn good at giving advices. *wink emoji*
Keep taking advantage of that very important trait of mine, ok?
*happy emoji*
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~oOo~
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Zen crashed on top of the couch with a low bounce. Both arms were crossed above his head, shielding his eyes from the powerful indoor light. A pulsing sensation mercilessly flushed his temple which he sought was a befitting punishment for the ceaseless dramas he had caused.
It had been roughly half an hour since he had typed out those messages and there was still no reply from Mina's end.
Or a sign there will ever be considering her online status had not changed.
Vivid red eyes kept peeking at the phone across the table, placed right next to the newest script booklet he had yet opened for tonight. He could not focus, Zen waiting in silence for what seemed like an eternity. Nothing came. Thus, the actor swiftly closed his eyes and started chuckling loudly, before muttering a silenced curse.
He wasn't feeling too shabby, his chest tightening and tingling. "Tch... So I did manage to scare her off.", the actor's voice was in a high pitch and incredibly weakened, in unison with his entire depleted mood.
Up until the depressive break, Zen had tried to pass the nightly hours by training and continuing his goal to further increase the muscle mass of his body. Workouts were usually a great remedy for his ever troubled mind, rarely failing him. Sadly, this was one of those days it did. He was unsuccessful in performing even the basic moves in the warm-up section, the silver haired too emotionally explosive to perform them correctly.
He was angry...
Mostly at himself.
.
'Why did I write such things?'
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Frustration webbed into his mind as he started checking his phrasing one last time, to confirm the stupidity residing within – it had been too honest. If what Mina wrote in the chat room wasn't in a joking matter then Zen added more fuel to the fire with his bluntness and honesty.
She did not like that side of him.
If anything, the actor was beginning to doubt that she enjoyed any side as a matter of fact, which broke his morals further –
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*BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ*
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"ASHI!"
Zen jumped from the couch, his phone doing a nasty air-flip before dropping onto the floor. *THUD* The actor's reflexes were quick in saving it, however that nasty, audible table kick was something he regretted quickly, grabbing the pained ankle into his free hand.
...
Zen's heart nearly stopped while face became extensively red.
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~oOo~
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Zen, are you feeling well?
Are you ill? OwO
Had a bad meal?
Spoiled drink?
Inhaled too much smoke?
Or is it something else...?
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You strange man...
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"Ah ha, ha, ha, ha...", Zen's voice died out in the process.
Needless to mention the actor wanted to slam the phone into a wall and roar from his own stupidity, nearly plucking out a good amount of silvery white hair while falling on his knees. He had been knocked out senseless by the party planner's questioning. Mina was showing a type of 'care' Zen did not expect, nor greatly desired, and wondered how much had his image deteriorated and sunk. TwT
Was it deeper than the Titanic's demise?
"Great...", Zen sighed heavily, then began another round of pained chuckling as he dropped onto his couch.
"Freaking great."
"She thinks I'm a strange person!"
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So many messages, I'm quite overwhelmed by the massive amount. w
You've greatly outdone yourself!
Be proud of this inbox achievement!
The last time someone had cared enough to send me a gigantic text wall was the weekend eomma decided to 'hunt down' new toys for my sister and scavenge the shops downtown. Her birthday was coming up and, obviously, I was mom's(E) number one choice as a sidekick in this vital endeavor. And despite all the help and suggestions I'd been giving her throughout the day, eomma ended up buying the first plushie toy she had set her eyes onto since the beginning, thus rendering my efforts null – w
...
I don't know where I was going with this story...
I mean, I do know where, but it came out super wrong.
I swear I was trying to make a compliment!(ノಥ益ಥ)ノ
Somehow.
...
I failed.
LOLOL(E).
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"Hm?", Zen stopped moping around for a few seconds, scratching his cheek as he intently stared at the screen. "Had she ever mentioned a sister before? She must be much younger than Mina if she is still receiving toys as birthday presents..."
The actor could not recall the information appearing in the past. It wasn't like the girl was bringing up her family life too often. Also, he did not make a habit of dwelling on the subject should it pop. Zen did, however, remember that the relationship with her mother seemed pretty tight.
More than what he ever had in the past, that's for sure.
"..."
He should stop thinking about the topic... ^^
It was a chapter of Zen's life that had ended years ago, without a chance of revisiting ever again.
The actor had already made peace with the idea long ago.
.
.
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I'm just... taken aback!
I can't clearly wrap my head around what you've written.
I... don't know what to say...
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It's nerve wracking.
How would a normal person answer, I wonder...?
No one has ever purposely liked the idea of being around me this much before – well, nobody who wasn't family. Kinda (E). Family has to be around even if they don't like me, LOL. And vice versa...
Sigh...
I... honestly don't know what it is that I'm feeling right now.
Everything is a tangled blur that doesn't seem to get any clearer and it worsened after today.
I look over your writing and it's almost dreamlike – am I truly awake? Lately, most of my days seem set apart from reality. I'm constantly expecting to wake up from this dream and find the R.F.A. gone. Every member, including you – gone. And realize it was my own loneliness that invented a story to escape a painful routine, living an existence where nobody would bat an eye lid whether I was in trouble or upset.
None would even notice...
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.
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"...", his brows knitted together, expression turning solemn.
More than ever, Zen was curious about Mina's life before they got acquainted, the actor interested in the stories she had in store. He would even encourage her to vent if it would make her feel better. Because he was beginning to notice the reason the girl had not yet left their group or even intended to do so after all the troubles she had been submerged into.
Perhaps what she had before... had been a lot worse.
.
.
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Whereas in the R.F.A., it's the exact opposite, to the point I'm worried how I'm already causing trouble and becoming a headache for the members. Every day I keep making mistakes and I'm apologetic for the chaos which always strikes because of my inability to prevent situations from deteriorating.
I hate the idea of burdening people, in general...
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So, when Jaehee pointed out those things, I was distraught.
I too was feeling a similar selfishness about our conversations.
.
I won't lie.
It was incredibly upsetting to be online.
I thought listening to Jaehee was the best course of action to take and did attempt to keep some distance, preventing further inconveniences from happening. I'm sorry, oppa... I didn't think you'd notice my intentions this easily. The last thing I'd want is to be regarded as an obstacle.
I was mentally prepared to act upon this decision.
Now,
I'm not sure...
.
.
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"Huh?", Zen straightened his back while his mouth hung open, eyes almost bulging from their sockets. Calling him by that endearment term was not enough for the girl, no. Mina had to send him ambiguous signals too, using his own lines in return.
"Similar selfishness?!", his cheeks were heating up, but a cold shower was quick to follow.
.
Nuisance, obstacle, inconvenience...
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It was not the first time the girl had been hard on herself and this attitude seemed to have been aggravated after Jaehee's intervention which turned Zen's knuckles white. He severely loathed such patterns coming from Mina whenever she was ranking her worth in the group – her worth as a whole, in fact – the actor biting his lips in irritation when she'd apologized again.
To him.
For inconveniencing him.
"Ashi...", he really wanted to be with her right now and shake some sense into her mind. Mina should open her eyes and acknowledge how special she was, nowhere near close to a nuisance or obstacle!
...
Damn...
...
Zen wanted to see her.
Terribly.
.
.
.
Zen, are you really this happy to have me around?
Are you really this excited when I'm online?
Are your days really that much better...?
.
You're not saying this just to make me feel better, right?
You do mean every single word... Right?
Because if you do, then...
It makes me happy. ^^
However, it upsets me when you quickly take the blame for what Jaehee did like you had any control over it in the first place. You shouldn't apologize for another person's actions! If anything, I'd rather hear her reconsider the opinions she carries and leave it as such.
Although, I do appreciate your care. ^^
*Sigh...*
I'm hoping nothing else happens until the party...
I can't afford to lose more focus.
These guests are something...
Special. (ノಥ益ಥ)ノ
.
.
.
The irritation grew alongside other sensations, the mixture neatly bubbling inside his body.
.
Zen was enormously happy to have her around!
Zen would always be excited whenever she came online!
Zen's recent days were between the most memorable since Mina's arrival in the R.F.A.!
Zen would never dare lie so cruelly to the girl!
.
Furthermore, knowing it was the actor's message which managed to bring forth Mina some semblance of happiness was activating the butterflies inside his stomach.
As always though,
The sensations were not long lasting... ;;;;;;;;
.
.
.
I've also got to settle one more thing between us.
.
Oppa, you're worrying me.
If I didn't know any better,
I'd think you had a crush on me~!
And not in a friendly way, lol ~~~!
.
I mean...
You're too honest when confessing to me!
Of course I'd be scared!
However, at least you're telling me in a much gentler manner than before. You know, the level of honesty did not reach the same incredibly graphic one I had been subjected to right after logging into the chat room. I mean, I'm extremely flattered you think I'm pretty enough (LOL) for your beastly side to pop out this suddenly and demand such 'actions' from me. But...
.
I must thoroughly decline.
.
I mean, I know some of my sketches have gone a little too extreme themselves. But, man – I'm really glad I know what your true intentions are regarding me! This way, I can plan ahead and properly defend myself at the party, oppa~! ^^
Honestly, you request too much from a poor, innocent maiden...
We've barely bumped into each other once and already you want me to...
...
...
SCARY OPPA!(ಥ﹏ಥ)
.
.
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Zen blankly stared at the abrupt finish line of the coordinator's own text-wall.
Going through the entire thing was a roller coaster experience with a catastrophic ending, the actor unsure whether Mina was bluffing and poking fun at him, trying to deter from her real self and sentiments. Or did she really see him as a depraved human being and was extremely frightened, hiding these fears behind a thick veil of humor?! Had she not read the part where he mentioned it was for Jumin?!
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HAD SHE NOT?!
HE WASN'T BEASTLY! TwT
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"Ha, ha... Scary oppa."
"What is this feeling inside my chest...?", the sour grin Zen carried due to how Mina had managed to completely shatter his delight of being called oppa was disheartening.
The pain from the misunderstanding hurt him.
Physically hurt him.
And, to make matters worse, his semi-confession also suffered a similarly crushing faith. The actor wasn't sure what had determined him to type out such intimate ramblings – they just naturally came into his head and he really did not do anything to prevent them from flowing out. The young male only wanted Mina to know of her importance to him and how she could brighten up his days by simply being there, lifting up her spirits in the process. It was very rare for a girl to have such a powerful effect on him.
.
His crush...
It was...
Possibly the real deal.
.
Real enough to backfire and be mixed up with the insult aimed at Jumin.
"I must decline.", the actor repeated, feeling as though he was going to die on the spot. Zen could feel a shard of ice pierce through his aching heart and being repeatedly stabbed. The rejection was far too straightforward and cold.
Befitting an ice princess.
"Aigoo... I guess I should expect nothing less from her.", he exhaled, surrendering another lost battle. Nonetheless, the actor could not afford to let his guard down and end the evening on this awful note. The misunderstandings have yet to be cleared up hence Zen had to continue reaching out to Mina while the party planner was still awake.
Pronto!
Zen was hitting the coffee table with his fingertips, impatiently waiting for the girl to answer, when –
.
*SCREECH*
.
"ACK-!", he was nearly deafened by the upcoming noise from the receiver. But what he heard did not inspire good fortune.
One bit.
.
"Khhh... Khhh... Khhhh..."
"Khhhhh..."
.
* - - CRUNCH - - - CRUNCH - - CRUNCH - - -*
.
"Sa_$* %#&ong * #_."
"$#% ill P_!^#&*ay."
"P$#%_ra)^ di_ !#*s%)."
"A $w#%_^its."
.
*END CALL*
.
.
.
End note: I wonder if I am ever going to write a chapter where lewdness won't become a part of its context. I probably am capable of doing that.
Probably.
Mina is becoming more comfortable around Zen. And at the same time, she is still holding up loads of things, hiding them behind endless bad humor and mean teasing. Luckily for her, Zen is a good sport about it. Like, he started teasing her from the get-go, so they're slowly learning how to interact best with each other.
And yes – I do intend for Scary Oppa to become Zen's cute nickname in the future 3
I mean, it really is the best he can hope for from Mina.
