HANA

by lee.chang1851

For the longest time I studied revenge to the exclusion of all else. I built my first torture chamber in the dark vaults of imagination. Lying on bloody sheets in the Healing Hall I discovered doors within my mind that I'd not found before, doors that even a child of nine knows should not be opened. Doors that never close again. I threw them wide. Revenge is what I want.

32. Chapter 31

Is this what heaven feels like?

The calm, fresh breeze brushing against her face was beyond calming as the small sun rays warmed her leg that was peeking from under the blanket. The faint scents of various flowers added to it; she could only imagine how just the soft breeze of air could make all the worries in her head evaporate. Oh, the smell. Tightening her grip on the feather-soft pillow, she sniffed again. Was it the flowers? Was it the fabric? Whatever it was, the sweet lavender scent she breathed in was heavenly. As the cool air fills her ever-relaxed lung, her skin takes in the silk that has covered her body from neck to toe. The thought and worry-less state her mind was in was one thing, but her body which felt like floating on cloud nine, was something else.

She has to be in heaven. Or she was having some out-of-body experience. Her ever-so-relaxed mind didn't even want to question where she was or what she was doing as it let the enchanting smell and soft blanket cuddling her body hypnotize her back to the dream world.

"Huh," she sighed, facing the great window. The tiny light peeking through her closed eyes was ignored as the cool air brushed against her bare face. Her lightweight body didn't want to wake up. This feeling. This otherworldly feeling of no worries and thoughts was better than being alive. It was better than most things she had experienced. Later, she would realize the importance of a good mattress and organic fabric. But this was more than that. The nice breeze and the calming smell on the blanket she held dear to her life. She buried her face in all that and the pillow's softness. The wonderful smell she wanted to bottle and keep to herself, later she would regret even the thought of it. But for now; now all she wanted was to stay there. Just stay floating on some fine silk, letting the fresh air tantalize her skin and making her feel more alive than when she was fully awake.

No worries, no fear, no responsibilities at all . . . who would blame her if she never wanted to wake from this world?

"huh" Burying her nose between the two pillows, she took in the alluring smell that had melted all her worries away. The delicate fabric, which she couldn't figure out if it were silk or cashmere, didn't matter. Her body snugged in the middle of the massive bed, or what felt like it, didn't care and couldn't ask for anything but to lay in this heavenly place until the end of time.

10

20

30. . . the minutes went on as her mind, winning the battle against itself, decided not to wake up and to just sink back deeper into the dream world she was in.

But like every other morning, she had to wake up even though she would do anything not to.

The tiny yellow and orange lights forcing their way into her closed eyes, and the new morning sun rays had finally forced her eyes to open slowly. Unlike any other day, the breathtaking sunrise of the wall-to-wall glass window that had automatically opened up at dawn was the first thing in her view. The tall glass window gives a full view of the magnificent sun rising from the east was unlike anything as it had even overshadowed the great view of the city. The yellow and orange hue covering the horizon as the sun forced the darkness away was overwhelming as she was left stunned to witness it with a view like this. Day in and day out, she has woken up before the sun and seen the darkness switch to light, but not once has she stopped to notice the marvelous sunrise that begins each day.

As her eyes stayed glued to the view, she couldn't tell if her stunned reaction was because of the great sight before her or the realization that she was too numb to have ever noticed the sunrise, let alone enjoy it.

Before the emotions fully hit her, her ever-in-control mind distracted all of her focus by finally forcing her to wake up from the dreamlike state she was in. In seconds, all her worries and fear were activated as she, just by the window, realized she was somewhere she wasn't supposed to be. The sudden rush of fear and shock that washed over her body was terrifying as she realized her reality. The blanket instantly kicked off her body, and she jumped out of bed. The first worry in her mind was erased as she realized she was the only one inside the grand bed. The pain in her head was dismissed; her eyes were quick as they assessed the luxurious room that didn't look like a hotel. No pictures and no sight of anybody in the room; her eyes focused on the three doors.

Her trained mind was fighting as it strategized the steps she needed to take to ensure she got out of this place alive. Forget the headaches and stomach that had been starved for hours; all her energy was on killing anything that stood in her way and getting out of this place. She didn't even waste a second to question why she was here or how she got here. Those were left for when she got home which can only happen if she gets out of the mess he had gotten herself into.

"This is what you've trained for" Her brain, now fully activated, was trying to calm her nerves that started freaking out.

5:56 a.m., she glanced at the clock as she tiptoed to the desk by the corner of the room and grabbed the pen. It was the only thing she could make out that could be used as a weapon. Only a few people knew the damage she could do with a pen. Her mind focused on getting out; she hadn't looked around to notice any of the items that could have indicated where she was.

With no idea where she was or what led her to this place, she could imagine what awaited her on the other side of these doors. This wasn't her first time waking up in a place she didn't recognize. Her shaking hands tightening their grip on the pen, she started taking soft steps toward the first door.

" walk-in ready to attack," she breathed in and recalled her teaching as she reached to the with her left hand. Her right leg and right hand were ready to kill in coordination as her left hand ever slowly opened the door, and she walked into the completely dark room. Her heartbeat had doubled the moment she had woken up; she was beyond petrified as she tightened her grip on the pen and focused her eyes and ears to make out any movement coming her way. But as she stood still, focusing on sensing the room and waiting for an attack, the light turned on.

Her eyes immediately turned behind her to see who turned the light on and found nobody. The motion-sensing light had turned on by itself, revealing the garden closet. She was forced to acknowledge how grand it was in the dressing room, bigger than her entire room. The color-coded coats hung up against the whole wall, and the neatly folded shirts were arranged by color. The line of jeans hung by fabric, the wall of shoes that looked like they had never been worn. She knew whoever lived here was rich and a man. Probably young, she assumed as she noticed the various fashion logos she had seen her schoolmates wear on the daily. The fact that most of the items were black should have been her other clue.

The only thing on her mind was getting out of this place; she didn't waste a minute gawking at the amazing closet as she stepped out of it and back into the bedroom. The second door, a few steps away, was her next target.

"Huhh '' she took a deep breath as she focused her thoughts and tightened her grip on that pen; she was ready to pin at somebody's neck and end their day. Again, she walked into a dark room that, in seconds, lit up thanks to the motion sensor. The spotless bathroom was as glamorous as they come, with the gray tiles and silver color-coordinated appliances. Forget admiring anything; her shaking hands were busy as they opened the shelves looking for anything sharp that could be used as a weapon. Does anybody even live here? She questioned, as there was no trace of any living being in this space. Two electric toothbrushes and a stack of toothpaste were all she found. She opened the cabinet on the side and found some undesignated medication bottles that she placed back.

She knew this was it as she walked back into the bedroom and faced the last door.

A closet filled with a new cloth that had never been worn and a bathroom with no trace of use, the lack of any sign of anybody living here terrifying her even more. She stood by the door, preparing herself for the worst. This is it,'' she told herself as she set her ready-to-go beast mood eyes on whatever awaited her and slowly opened the door. Her ready-to-drop-kick anybody's legs relaxed as she walked into what looked like a study room. The desk at the corner and the shelf in the corner didn't have enough books for this to be a library or reading space, and she was right. The library was on the other side of the house. Her bare legs didn't pause as she continued her walk and followed the hallway leading to the living room.

Rather than admiring the grand living room, the opened curtains let in the small light of the morning and forced her eyes to notice the leg hanging from the big couch.

As her eyes stayed glued to the legs, which she was making sure were not moving, her bare legs tiptoed to the kitchen she saw on the other side of the house. Her sharp eyes didn't leave her legs as she tried to quietly go to the kitchen. Again the beautiful space was not even granted a second of her time as she headed to the shelves. Luckily the first shelf she opened had all the weapons she needed; she placed the pen down and grabbed the meat knife; with its long-handled blade, it was best for both slashing and stabbing.

Her soft steps were even more terrifying than her fast ones as she focused all her energy on the body lying on the couch as she started walking back to the living room. Her right hand, known for its precision, was ready to execute one of her favorite moves as she approached the couch. The Burberry logo on his black socks was what she noticed at first as her eyes slowly started going up the long legs. One thing was sure this person was a man; her eyes finally got to the black shirt he was wearing; it was finally hitting her form where she knew the physique and these types of outfits. Her eyes finally landed on his sleeping face covered with his hair. Her assumption was proven right as her eyes accepted the crazy reality she was in. That realization stunned her to the point that her right hand started loosening its grip on the knife placed by her side.

"Huh' the sigh of relief she was taking; she wasn't ready to acknowledge that for once, she was glad about his presence. Her eyes examined his eyes that were closed shut as she took her time to accept that it really was him. That he did take her to wherever they were. Her eyes scanned him again; she was more focused on accepting that realization than being worried about why her eyes were examining every inch of the face lying asleep. He looked dead, and for a moment, she wished he was. Her eyes lowered to his chest; she made out his slow breathing indicating her wish hadn't come true. It never does. His right hand hanging down the sofa got her attention as she was forced to follow the visible veins down his arm and her curious eyes landed on his phone lying face down on the carpet.

"Huh," she held her breath as she tightened her grip on the knife and leaned back when she noticed his body move. His annoyed face was clear evidence of his uncomfortable position on the sofa which wasn't even long enough to fit his whole body. It wasn't just this one; he wouldn't fit on any couch. Used to grand beds and heavenly fabrics hugging his body, it was obvious how uncomfortable he was laying on the technically luxurious couch that wasn't comfortable enough for him. His bed she was lying in, Jandi was quickly reminded of why he was even sleeping there to begin with. That was when she was reminded of all her wonderful and heavenly thoughts about the bed she was in. Anger. Anger was her quickest reaction to realize she really was sleeping in his bed and the smell she was fantasizing about. She couldn't even finish that thought as she shut her mind down.

Her anger keeps caged, just his mere presence brings out; she was playing around as she let its dark whispers sink into the logical side of her mind. He was right there. Quilty lying there for her to slit his throat or even suffocate and enjoy his fight as he takes his last breath. He was there at her mercy. His hair all over his face, she zoomed her dark eyes on every feature. The goal was to dream about breaking every bone in it, but all those thoughts were paused for a split second. For a moment, even all her fear and worries were silenced as her anger led emotion was forced to recognize something. How he looked not at peace, even when resting, and she hated how she was able to recognize it. That was all the time she granted herself to feel anything but anger before it was placed back on. She should have been glad to realize how she was able to recognize his unhappiness. It could have been her greatest weapon and at least something she could be happy about, but what her unconscious brain does is hidden from her at times.

The list of questions about what happened last night were shut down, as she figured it was better not to ask any questions until after she left. Keeping the knife in her hands, she made sure he was asleep as she walked backward and headed to the hallway that looked like an entrance. She quickened her steps toward the elevator she could make out in the distance. The distance was longer than she had hoped as she ran to the elevator button she pressed. The doors opened, and she quickly jumped in and pressed down. No shoes, not even her bag in hand, all she focused on was just leaving. How she will get home was the second thing on her list. For now, the goal was just to leave.

Please enter the passcode - she saw the screen flashing.

There was no way out of this, she would realize as her quick legs walking around the hallway, found no other exit. The two doors she opened in the hallway. One was opened to showcase all his shoes and the other all the long coats. There was no other door in the grand hallway that leads from the private elevator to the living room. Walking back into the living room, she knew she had no other option out of this pace. With her slow steps, she decided to return the knife and chose a smaller tool she could hide and use in case he tried anything but knew he wouldn't. Even if he did, she was fully awake enough not to need anything but her hands and legs to end him for good. The big knife placed back down; her eyes finally scanned the beautiful kitchen and dining room. How many houses does he own? She questioned as she recalled his house and the apartment she had been in. Well, technically, she was only at the entrance of his apartment. Compared to the other places, this felt less lived in. Everything around her felt like it hadn't been used in a while as she took some steps to the dining room attached. The moment she walked in, her eyes were enamored by the magnificent view of the city. Her legs stayed true to her innate curiosity as she headed to the window. This was a million-dollar view. Of course, the people that run the city would have a grand view of it.

Arms crossed, she stayed by the glass wall, eyes glued to the view. In minutes she was lost in her thoughts about the city she calls home, which looks completely different from this view. A nice reminder of the opposite views of the same world they levied in.

"Good morning," she heard the raspy voice she was familiar with to distinguish anywhere. Her eyes closed, she took a deep breath before she turned her eyes to the room. "Here we go" she had whispered to herself as her eyes extended to the dining room, and found him taking steps toward the kitchen. His right hand brushing all his hair away from his face; only his eyes were sent to her. It was only his eyes and his little smirk she noticed as he continued his walk across the kitchen and headed to the fridge.

" glad you're okay," he added as he changed his focus to the fridge doors he opened. The water bottle he pulled out, his eyes returned to her as he stood with his back against the counter, directly facing the windows she was standing by. As her body slowly started turning; he chose to silently enjoy the moment as his hands fought to open the cap of the water he desperately needed in his system. She was here. It wasn't some weird dream of his. She really was standing in his place; being the first person he saw when he woke up. He had stood there silently watching her stand by the window, lost in her thoughts he would pay good money to hear. Her hair slightly flying to the breeze of the opened window, he had only taken a minute to accept the fact that this image had moved to number one of all the ment images he had of her. His eyes glued to her, right when his keen observation challenged him to be curious about why she looked so at peace lost in her own thought. Not staring back angrily or trying to escape. She looked so calm when in solitude. His curiosity he was trying to get rid off, when even a single question passed his mind was when he decided to disturb their peace by greeting her.

The dress she still wore, it was only her face that looked different from last night. Her face and her hair. She looked well-rested, and her bed hair she had tried to brush away, was evidence of the good sleep. The girl that never cared about what she looked like, it was odd to see her send her hands to her face and brush her face away. His eyes lingering on her face longer than they should, it was his close examination that forced her to pay attention to her face. She probably looked beyond bad when her face wasn't even washed, she thought to herself. It doesn't matter; she quickly dismissed her thoughts as she sent her hands to her back. Nothing matters but leaving this place without having to kill this jerk. The uglier and more disgusting he thought of her, the better she concluded as she returned all her attention to getting out.

" What's the passcode?" she asked to instantly realize that only an idiot would share the code with her. There is a reason these people paid millions for private spaces. It was so nobody had access. She was a nobody and didn't need access to his houses.

" Was it just the drinks, or did you take anything?" Her question wasn't even registered as he asked his own. With the sip of water he took, his body was receiving all it was asking for as it was beyond calm to ask all the questions he was curious about. He has seen her bare face, her face with makeup and now he has been the first person to see her first thing in the morning.

"Is there another way out of this?" the steps she was taking brought her to the middle of the dining room, and she decided to stay by the table set. She was using it to hide from his disarming eyes, and surprisingly, he could tell. She was always hiding herself and getting ready to fight; what he was curious about was why.

" Do they pay extra if you are on drugs" he wouldn't have chosen the conversation to go this way, but he knew her enough to know he had to push beyond limits and cross lines for her to respond to him.

"Where Is the exit door?" she asked, her anger-filled eyes now demanding an answer. She was angry. At what, he wasn't sure, but he knew what he said had something to do with it. But why be angry at him for asking questions as though she wasn't doing what he was asking about hours before? Does she just wake up angry? He enjoyed his water in silence as he just stared back at her.

" I know there is an exit door," she added. She was aware of fire department codes and the requirement to have a fire exit door. It was part of her job to know about building requirements for exits. Unless these rich people didn't have to follow those rules, she was sure there was an exit door out of this place.

" or is it for you?" Bringing the water bottle away from his lips, he continued with his questions. He knew exactly what boundary he was crossing, but he knew she had no way out of this place unless he told her where the fire exit was or the passcode to move the elevator.

" Does it help to be numbed out and just lie there? " he added, placing the bottle on the counter by his side.

"What answer are you looking for?"

" So I can give it to you and leave this place," she knew that was the shortcut; to just say what he wanted and leave. These types of people only do this until they get what they want and if you give in easily, they will get bored and move on. She knew that. She knew she could just give him what he wanted and end his questions. She could just do that. At least she was sure this one wouldn't force her to do anything or want sex. He gets bothered when she was around him, let alone wants her to touch him, she had concluded that from day one. That was a big relief as she tried to guess what else he would want. Probably to get her to apologize to his friend, apologize to him, and maybe embarrass her a bit so she remembers her palace. What he had been demanding, she didn't see that as an option. At least not yet. Ending her friendship with Jihoo for this jerk's sake seemed ridiculous to accept as an option.

" Do you always give people what they want, just to get away" This one seems to have hit the mark as she did not have a fast response for him but just started back at him.

" Something you and Jihoo have in common," he added another line that forced her attention on what he was saying. Him mentioning Jihoo's name was problematic as she considered that this jerk might have finally told Jihoo what he saw. Not having the mental capacity to even think about that for a second, she dismissed it altogether. Unlike her, Junpyo was the only one charmed about how even the look on her face changed at the mere mention of his friend. His world these two people would flip upside down; for now, Junpyo was finding the new friendship between his best friend and this girl just intriguing.

"Either tell me what you want or show me the door" Her hands he saw going to the back; he mistakenly assumed she was hiding her nervous hands, but she was only trying to control her anger and not kick his ass until he whispered her exit.

" This is not just about the boy, is it?" his eyes she hadn't looked away from; Junpyo was choosing his words very carefully because he knew this was an extraordinary occasion where he had the utmost advantage. She has nowhere to go and is locked in at his mercy. No exit. No way to run to. This time there was no walking away from him.

"It's not about what Woobin did or the boots either," he added, picking up his water bottle and taking sips.

" Why don't you just tell me why you hate me so much and

"Am I not allowed to hate Your Highness" She didn't know it yet, but her word choice was good at poking right where he hated. She was good at reminding him of his place which he hated more than the way she didn't answer any of his questions.

" Does everybody have to kiss your feet and admire your existence?" Her words were sharper than her eyes. The second she recognized how his hands had paused the bottle he was raising to his lips, she knew she was hitting him exactly where she wanted to. Why was he surprised by what she said? Does this jerk even know how he acts? She asked herself. He ran the school like some untouchable prince, and now he is surprised to be called one. Maybe he doesn't pay any attention to anybody to even realize how the world bows at his feet.

" Maybe if you spent a second thinking about anybody else but yourself, you would see how a lot of people hate your guts," The grunt behind her voice when she said the last few words, she really wasn't masking her pure hatred.

" but that would require you to assume the world doesn't revolve around you" she went on as Junpyo was discovering a new way to get her to talk more. It was to allow her to attack him. That was when she used more than three words and showed any emotion.

" at least yours does" She hadn't learned how good he was with his words as he caught her off-guard with his quick response.

" You must waste so much time thinking about me to hate me this much," he added, the water finally reaching his lips. Her silent stares, her silent stares were deadlier now, and he enjoyed them in silence. The scarier, the more alluring they became. She looked like she could run and jump over the counter to beat him up and it was weird how he would love to see it.

" You said we went to the same school for three years. Did you spend it all hating me" he added, hoping to make her even more upset.

"Hahaha," She quickly laughed. He was beyond surprised to get a laugh out of her as he took mental pictures of her little smiles.

" I sleep with people for money, and you think I worry about what you do" She had no idea who she was dealing with as she had thought she didn't have to be careful about what she said.

"So you do sleep with them?" her smile slowly faded; she was once again reminded of how he never misses anything she says and remembers everything.

" How much do you make per month"

" Why?" She started with a question before deciding if she should attack until he had nothing else to say or if she should give him honest answers for once and end his curiosity. That might be the best way to get rid of him, right?

"Are you going to pay me to stop so you can feel better about all the shit you did "

" Acting like a nice guy doesn't fit you."

"Where did you sleep last night?" was all he whispered to stop her attack.

" I didn't ask for your help" From the moment she realized she was at his palace, she knew he would hold that against her, but she didn't expect it to be this quick.

" Funny how you didn't reject it."

" I was too drunk," she lied about that was the easiest and best way out of the place, but coming here, being in his house, those weren't something she chose.

"Alcohol does that to people?" his small smirk reminded her how her drink was tampered with, and he was right; it wasn't just alcohol. Her anger at whoever dared to mess with her drink was misplaced at the one in front of her.

" You should know. Aren't you drunk or on drugs everywhere you go" She didn't get the reaction she was expecting as he started smiling. She expected him to be surprised or angry but not smile. She forced her eyes to examine the smile to see if it was a fake one or hiding his anger.

" Did Jihoo tell you that?"

" No. Have you seen yourself? " It was an instinct as she covered for Jihoo and told her second lie. He did tell her. He actually told her more than what she had shared. And this was a nice reminder of what Jihoo had said about the man in front of her being medicated to control his anger and other emotions that his mother described as "problematic".

" So you do watch me." Junpyo's focus was on that.

"Are you really this full of yourself" she had asked the wrong question to the wrong person.

" Wouldn't you be if you were me" The hint of a smile he noticed at the side of her mouth, that was it for that day. The fact that he could say nonsense that could even help move her lips toward a smile was a win.

"Why would I be you?" her anger mixed with the weird tension that started with the smile on her face; she didn't know why but still, she was ordered to attack and shut this topic down.

"Even you don't want to be you," she chose to bring up the topic they left their conversation with the last time she was in his house.

"That's why I am drunk and on drugs' ' How easy it was to say it out loud had felt alarming to him and him only. His nervous hands quickly sent to his hair, he started brushing it away and adjusting it to get ready to hide his eyes.

" What's your excuse?" he asked; his arms finally stopped moving when he crossed and forced them to stop moving..

" Do you really want to die?" she wasn't remotely worried about a boundary or triggering or anything else as she blatantly asked. This was the moment and the opportunity she had to attack and make him give up. Attacking as hard as she could was what she decided. She was trained to seek blood and attack with no mercy and she chose to go that direction.

" Why do you care?" was his only question after he swallowed the soreness he was finally forced to realize that was all over his body. It was the lack of sleep and the sofa, his mind lying to itself as he dismissed it being a result of the deadly look in her eyes she sent along with her blunt and very triggering question.

" I don't"

" but I could make suggestions," she added another that forced a smile out of him

" Your cabinet is filled with medication. Take a bunch and just sleep it off" She was quick with her first suggestion as she took her first step from behind the table and started walking his way.

" Assisting suicide is against the law"

" Do I look like I care about the law"

"Or you could just get drunk and jump off that" She pointed at the tall wall window behind her. Her steps continued his way, she knew exactly what she was doing as she noticed how his body was straightened up as he stood closer to the cabinet behind him. His crossed hands, she hadn't seen his finger that started playing with the sleeves of his shirt. She only needed to see the uncomfortableness or so she thought over his face the closer she was getting. She knew he hated her being close, and after yesterday she had decided to use that against him as much as she can. She has to use everything that he hates to annoy him until he stops bothering her.

" drink and drive off a bridge, " she went on as his smile started fading off. He couldn't hide behind fake smiles. Her deadly eyes had peeled the smile mask off.

" I am sure you have a gun somewhere. Blow your brains off" the kitchen she entered, she decided to stand three steps away. Leaving enough gap to see if she needs to go further or if he will back up from trying her.

" or aim it at your wicked heart and shoot" Her terrifying eyes were harsher as they forced him to not even dare look away for understanding that she really did wish him death. Not just that but she needed him to understand the type of deaths she suggested were actually her merciful and empathetic ones.

" Do you want to do it?" his breaking voice, she didn't have the capacity to even take in that as his eyes doing what she asked had agreed to accept her punishment and were honestly offering her to be the one to execute it.

"For some reason, I fail every time I try" his break voice. His breaking voice came with a small smile across his face that had turned dark. His fingers pulling at his sleeves, the unnerving way all his guards were pulled down was petrifying for the boy she forced to accept that she was another person added to the list of those whose life would be easier if he was just gone. This could be it. Today could be the day. The sinister thoughts of his being freed from the dark cages he opened up were ready to make today the day.

" Huh" her muted heart was forced to take in one last breath as he took the steps separating them and stood right in front of her. His dark eye she was used to staring at seemed clouded by some force as he had turned unalive. Ghostly white, the lack of blood or a sign of life, her eyes seeking blood was granted something more. Her body not triggered to fight or flight, the body in front of her felt like a collection of dark air she could just brush away to have it disappear. Let alone fight it, he look like he would melt away into the abyss if she even touched his skin,

" So please do it" She hadn't seen his lips move or heard his voice as the words reached her mind. The stillness of their bodies was in complete opposition to the diary going inside as silence took over the distance between them.

There was only one thing they shared: wishing for his death.

That fact was accepted in silence as he gave her enough time to take him up on the offer. The moment the anger in her eyes started fading, he had pushed her shoulder as he moved around her and started his walk away.

" White book 8119," he whispered as she slowly turned around to watch his body walking away

"Lower case" he added. Both hands were sent to his hair, the last thing she saw before he disappeared into whatever room was on the other side was his hands holding his head. In seconds he was gone, hidden behind the door he closed shut. His right leg kicked the door, the loud sound echoed throughout the hallway and reached the kitchen she was in.

Left alone, she took some deep breaths. That was the only thing she was granted before the warnings started.

Leave. She got a serious command as she dropped the tiny knife in her hand on the counter and started her quick steps out of the kitchen to the other side. The hallway she walked into led her back into the living room, she forced herself to not think about anything but leaving this place. By the time she entered the living room, her legs had turned to small run. Her bare feet running across the carpet were glad for the cooked wooden floor of the hallway she entered as her eyes made out the elevator. Her shoes picked up from the elevator she quickened her run to the elevator that opened up in a second.

Her right hand went to the elevator. She needed the words he had whispered. Later on. Days after she had time to accept what had happened would be where she would question if his password was in reference to the book she had heard about. For now, the goal was to leave and she took a deep breath of relief when the elevator flashed green and welcomed her to press the floor she wanted. Her shoes were put on as quickly as she could, and her hands were sent to the reflection of herself. Her lack of money or the fact that she didn't have her bag with her, hadn't hit her as she started walking across the lobby once the elevator reached the first floor and opened up.

Just leave. The warning was that all she focused on was just leaving this building and taking a deep breath of the fresh air.

"Excuses Miss. Miss"

" Excuse me" one of the security men coming her way, she had thought he was talking to somebody as she quickened her steps.

" Excuse me" Running to her side he tried to tap her shoulder. The speed she moved her body away from him was alarming as the man was left startled.

" There is a taxi waiting for you" he gave her a small bow.

" what?" she asked looking at the other two security men behind the desk who gave her small smiles.

" We were told to have a taxi on hold for you" As her eyes landed back on him, he matched the two with his own small smile.

" You're coming from the penthouse right?" he asked a question he didn't get an answer for.

" we were told to watch out for you and make sure you take the taxi'

"We had been waiting since like 3 am"

" No, thank you"

" Oh, please take it. He warned me to make you" Stepping close to her,, he asked. His eyes turning pleading, he returned his hands and he sent her way back to his side.

" He said to make sure you took it"

" I don't want to lose my job' leaning closer, " he whispered while giving her an apologetic smile.

" he's already paid," he added, and that was how she ended up in the back seat of the white cab driving across the bridge to the other side of town. The heels kicked off to the side; she sat leaning on the right window to get a full view of the glamorous side of town they were leaving behind. The line of worries she had to think about, she chose not to think about any of it all. Her headache needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. She chose just to be and not think. That was why the hour-plus-long ride to her neighborhood felt like a few minutes. At the train station, he dropped her by, she also enjoyed the 35-minute walk to her home in silence. Choosing to use more minor roads and always, she had avoided most that might recognize her as she arrived home.

Lucky for her, she was welcomed with silence as she needed nothing else, not even a question but a shower. She was finally awake with a lovely 10-minute shower underneath the warm water. Her shower was done, and her face was well moisturized; her next goal was to get some food and she walked down into the kitchen to the two men waiting for her.

"Where were you?" The first question came right when she entered the kitchen.

" There was a security breach, and I had to stash the bag somewhere to get out." She masked her lie with the truth. She knows she can't lie to Bom.

" I didn't ask about the bag?"

" I am fine. I just had to use an exit plan, and it involved staying the night"

"Like we discussed," she added as she walked past him and headed to the fridge. She needed some water. Ctrl sitting at the corner, didn't say anything and went on eating his yogurt.

"There was a fight, I think. The cops had more than one person in there, too" She tried shifting the focus to the more important things that happened.

" How do you know?"

"One of them was on to me; he was the one making the deal" She cut her speech short when she saw Ctrl, pointing at the breakfast on the table.

" Mrs. Kim made you your favorite." He directed all their attention to the neatly organized breakfast left for her. Choosing to sit next to Bom, so she could hide and then be in front of him, she chose the perfect seat right ignorant on Ctrl.

" I saw him talking to a group of 3 people after the security breach, and everyone was asked to leave" As she started lifting the cover and making her plate, she returned to reporting.

" They looked like cops. I don't think they are narcotics either."

" I told you," Ctrl whispered

" The police are onto something else in there," he added

"They were fishing for information, too," she added.

"When can you get the bag?" Bom, finally sending his eyes from the newspaper to her, asked.

" Sunday," her resolute voice, there was no question that followed. All trusted her to do what she said, and now they have to wait until Sunday to figure out their next moves.

"Anything else," Bom asked as he stood up. She had chosen not to inform him about her drink being tampered with. He would beat somebody to death if he heard about it, and it was also the risk of the job she did. She also chose to stay silent about what happened in the hallway when she was pinned against the wall by the person whose voice and face she couldn't seem to remember. She blamed whatever was in her drink for the memory loss, but it wasn't that. Those were the only two things she considered but decided not to inform him on. There was no possibility of telling him whose bed she was sleeping on. That was out of the question.

"No," she whispered. His right hand on her shoulder; she got a pat before he left the kitchen. Enjoying her breakfast, it was after some minutes of silence; she raised her eyes to Ctrl, who was staring at her.

"Are you okay?' he asked

" I am fine," she replied.

" I don't know why you all are like this. We have had worse" she went on to her breakfast.

"Because we are all worried about you"

"When have I failed to deliver?"
" That's not what we're worried about. It's you," he reminded her before standing up and leaving the kitchen. He has a list of things to do.

" He was ready to go in and find you," he shouted from the corridor leading to the stairs.

"You know how he is," was the last thing she heard before she was left alone in the kitchen. It wasn't lost on her that she had only a few chances left before Bom started asking questions and connecting the dots to what was happening in that school.

Finally, she was granted some time to calculate what to do next. First thing first, she needs to get the bag. The bag she is hoping for is with the man whose bed she slept in. Since her last memory of it was it being in her hands as they walked out, she was sure he had it.

She can call and confirm it. Just the idea of calling his number took hours for her to accept as it was close to lunchtime when she opened her laptop and started going through student information to find the phone number attached to his student file. With the phone in her hand, she wasted a reasonable amount of time before the call was made and placed the phone by her ear.

"Hello," it was a soft women's voice.

" Hello," Jandi greeted back.

" Thank you for calling the Shinaw residence. How can I help you? '' the sweet voice responded, giving Jandi the answer to her internal question. This is his home number. Of course, his cell phone would not be listed on a school document people can easily access.

" Hello"

" Oh, sorry, wrong number," Jandi hung up quickly. A big sigh of relief came from not having called his number.

She didn't need confirmation that he had it. She was sure he had it and went along with plan A. Call Jihoo and get invited to the event on Sunday and get her bag then. This was the best option; Jihoo's number she had memorized was typed in effortlessly and dialed with ease as she placed the laptop on the table and moved her body to the opened window behind her bed. She doesn't need to prepare or get ready for Jihoo. It was something she was used to it.

" Hey," she greeted the person on the other line, focusing her eyes on her neighborhood's view.

"Hey" on the other side, Jihoo responded with glee, pushing the people tailoring his suit away and heading for the corner. He hadn't failed to look at his watch to make sure it was Saturday and at his phone to double-check that it was her. She doesn't call on the weekends. She doesn't even call on weekdays unless it concerns their work.

" Are you busy?" she asked. This felt weird, and he was always busy. She, above everybody else, should know that. There was no asking him how he was doing or how his day went, she never did that stuff, and it would be beyond weird if she started now. But a small part of her was curious what he was doing. The voices she can hear in the back were what made her curious. But this wasn't new; she had wondered about this once or twice. What does Jihoo do on the weekend when he has time to himself?

" No," he lied.

"What time is your event tomorrow?" her hair she started playing with was easing some of the weird energy she felt asking about his event.

"Wait, are you changing your mind?" The excitement was so clear to hear in his voice.

" I never said I wouldn't go."

"So you are coming," Throwing the bowtie onto the couch, he quickly exited the fitting room and headed to the balcony. He needs some fresh air.

" I am thinking about it" She knew she was going, but it felt better to say she was thinking about it.

" I will put your name as my guest and put you on our table"

" Who else is your table?" She crossed her fingers, hoping to hear Junpyo's name. That was the only person she wanted to see, or so she thought.

" Oh, he will be there" Jihoo didn't have to say his name; both knew he was referring to his best friend. He knows she hates his friend and doesn't want to be around him.

" But Seo hyun noon will be there too, so the boys will behave," he mentioned the name Jandi hadn't thought about.

" He's sick, so he might not even show up," Jihoo thought he was helping, but he wasn't.

" Oh" was her only response.

" Even if he comes, it's to show face and leave, so don't worry about him," he added,

" What time is it?" She tried to make sure Jihoo wasn't suspicious about why she was curious about his best friend by reverting back to the event.

" Starts at 6"
"Why did you change your mind?" he asked, now his turn to divert the question. His air pods pulled out; he transferred the call to that as he lowered his phone to his hands and started typing. He must forward her the invitation so she has the location and time.

" I don't have anything to do so "
"Really?"

" You said you wanted me to see you give a speech."
" Oh God," Jihoo sighed, forcing a small smile on her face. She could guess what his face looked like when he was like this.

" am sure you will do great

" You always do great," she added.

"Is that a compliment"

"It's stating facts."

"Hu '' he held in his smile as he turned his face towards the cold breeze of the balcony, giving his back to the private fitting room of the designer store he was asked to stop by to get fitted for one last time. Looking good was never the question, as the suit would have looked good on him even if it wasn't personally tailored to fit him. The tailoring was just to make sure he looked magnificent in them. Presentation mattered in the world he lived in and he was raised always to look his best. Proper, clean cut and a nice suit were always the rule. The stylist who shopped for him also worked with his mom and she was the one who had to approve of everything he to events; she had the final say. The dark blue suit he was trying on was her favorite and the one picked out for him for tomorrow. Jihoo claims he doesn't care but has already been conditioned to know how to dress; by default, his outfits reflect his status.

Unlike him, Jandi had to spend time figuring out what to wear. It was on Sunday afternoon that it finally hit her how she was going to a serious event where everybody would be wearing hundreds of thousands. Standing by her closet, she had failed even to pick out one item as she decided to search the internet for what people wear to fancy charity dinners. None of the pictures and suggestions she saw would compare to what she would see when the guest arrives but the rules had been helpful as she decided to follow one, which was black being a good color to go with. All the black dresses she used for the mission were laid out on her bed, and she tried choosing the appropriate one. One of the black dresses she had never worn for it being too uncomfortable for fighting, she chose to go with that one. There was no way she would fight tonight and the fabric looked a bit classier than the others. The strapless shoulders of the dress, its lack of straps and slits to move her legs had been the main reason she didn't like the mission but it seemed appropriate for tonight. The second suggestion she read, which she also knew from her training, was to go with elevated natural makeup to highlight natural features. And simple accessories. She chose to go with earrings and two rings, leaving her neck, shoulders, and arms empty.

She didn't consider much of the outfit she put together until she arrived at the hotel 10 minutes early and was walking into the lobby to have all the waiting staff examining her. She was so lost to think it had anything to do with how good she looked; she had thought it was because she was a new face but it was a mixture of the two.

" Give me a minute," the front desk she had walked to check if her name was on the list; Jandi smiled at their examining eyes. She had declined to give her jacket to the coat check boys; maybe that was why they were looking at me, she assumed as she looked around—responding to all their eyes with a small smile.

" You are early," one of the front desk girls broke the silence with her smile. Nobody who comes to these events was ever early which had added to their suspicion that this girl was just a plus-on and not part of the extra wealthy people who will be filling the hotel's back garden.

" Was coming from the other side of town, so trying to avoid traffic" Jandi didn't mind sharing. Actually, she preferred it as she knew it was better to be close to the waiting staff. If she needed an exit or anything, the staff would be handy and she always liked talking to and had a soft spot for the people that served these spoiled rich people.

" Oh yeah, traffic is bad," the one typing things into his computer added. Jandi had given all the clues they needed to know she really was, infact a plus one to somebody and not part of the people they would be serving tonight.

" I've never been to one of these things so I didn't know the rule of being late," she added as she tried to use her over-friendly personalities she uses to get information out of people. Known not to miss anything, she had thought maybe, just maybe, she could fish for information. The staff at these kinds of places know a lot and have seen a lot.

" It's good to be early so you can see around. They don't let anybody in regularly," the girl leaving to Jandi whispered.

" Oh really, have you worked here long?" Jandi looking around, asked

"I've only been here two years, he's been here 5" The girl went on talking as she arranged the already arranged list of guests that would not arrive in the next 30 minutes.

" do you like it here? I always wanted to work in such a palace" Jandi still looked around to look like she was in awe of the place, asked. She was not international trying to examine it but the lobby of the hotel was beyond beautiful as she made out the painted tall ceiling and the long chandelier hanging down from it.

" It's okay," both people behind the desk spoke simultaneously.

" Found your name."

" It was added yesterday," the guy writing something down spoke, getting Jandi's attention to turn back to them.

" Oh," he swallowed his words as he noticed what table she was assigned to. Before he wrote it down, he looked up at Jandi who gave him a soft smile.

" Here is your table, just give this to the waiting staff that will be in the garden and they will show you your seat" he handed Jandi the rose gold card with some number written on it.

She was quickly directed to follow the hallway all the way to the end, past the restaurants. All the way to the end was the door leading to the garden. As told she had handed one of the waiting staff the card she was given. "This way," the man leading her, she was careful with her step as she started looking around the gorgeous setup of the place that looked out of this world. The thick cream fabric flowing down the circle tables that were surrounded by six golden chairs, the beautiful flowers decorating the tables, the golden lights hanging down from the tent and mounted around the space; Jandi was examining all that as she was led to one of the tables that were at the corner, on the right end. The waiting staff walking around the space, Jandi could tell that she was the first and only guest in the space as all had noticed her. The excellent Jazz music was playing and even the guy behind the stage gave her a smile from across the room.

"Here is your table" As they got to it the man pointed with both hands. She was beyond thankful the table was all the way in the back and a bit to the corner, hidden away.

"Can I take your coat?" the man standing behind her offered to help, which she declined as she took it off herself and placed it on the chair she chose for herself. The chairs weren't assigned and for now, she chose to sit facing the stage.

" Thank you," she gave him a soft smile as he helped push her chair in while she sat.

" May I" another waiter had walked to the table and started arranging the flowers in the middle. Nothing was wrong with them; he just wanted a closer look at Jandi. They were all just amazed to see somebody they had never seen before. Maybe she was new money, they had guessed, but her dress was a dead giveaway. The moment she took her coat, their eyes used to seeing brand-labeled dresses had been able to pick the lack of brand on her dress but, most importantly, the lack of diamonds. It was either diamonds or rare stones; she had neither, as there were no necklaces across her bare neck. That was the trend she read about; it was a loose low bun that covered her ears and rested on the back of her had tried to follow all the trendy rules so that she wouldn't stand out for being odd but it had failed because with just the waiting stuff she had garnered such attention. The lack of labels, and diamonds was one thing, but the fact that she looked beyond good, none could deny that and that was why she was getting stairs too.

The moment she took off her coat and sat down right under the golden light hanging down from the tent, her well-moisturized and highlighted shoulder had started sparkling, forcing the two waiters to notice her neck, collarbone, and shoulders that were left exposed and were the highlight of the black dress that hugged her body right. The thin earring dangling down her ears helped the light reflect off it as it glittered, pulling all to her face not covered by her hair that was pulled into the nice but a bit loose bun. The hint of golden hue and pink she had used for the blush on her face had its job of bringing color and vibrance. The light golden eye showdown she had used on top of her perfectly lined eyes, her eyes was the highlight of her gorgeous face, as always. Maybe they might become second if she continued with the genius smiles she sent people. The dark winered she had put on her lips she just covered with lip-gloss, her lips parting for a smile, was her greatest weapon tonight as she extended them to all.

"Thank you," she smiled at him as both waiters gave her a bow and started walking away. They hadn't left before noticing the wonderful smell of her as they walked behind her. She was taught right and had sprayed all over her, including her hair. Smelling good was rule number one she learned and she had a line of good perfumes she was given to use for her job.

"Who is she."

" I have no idea" The two walking away looked back at the girl sitting alone.

While she focused on reading about the event, she was offered a soft drink by one of the waiters assigned to that section. He had offered her to order a mock tale from the bar, which was open to guests of the event. He had made some recommendations as she had a very beautiful mocktail brought to her, which she had been enjoying as some guests started arriving. After that, he had recommended her favorite mocktail, and he even agreed to help her with the food by recommending the best. Apparent from him, nobody bothered her at all as guests were welcomed in but not one to her section yet. The moment she saw the first politician she recognized, her anxiety was warned but she shut it all down by reminding herself that she was here to get her bag and leave. This has nothing to do with her.

The list of people she recognizes has only gotten more prominent as she sat there and saw the VIP guest walking in with securities. When he walked in, the mayor of the city finally knew what Jihoo meant when he said this was a serious event. Even from people she recognized from the news, there were enough politicians for her to know this event probably had beyond tight security. Sitting back in her chair, arms crossed, she examined every smiling person being led to their table as she analyzed how much just the cloth and diamond that filled the palace would cost. It probably was more than the 10-year budget assigned for her neighborhood. All the rich people she would and didn't recognize she was in the midst of the people that ran this city but for some reason, her anxiety had disappeared as her anger that stayed at the surface of her skin was starting to take over. The laughter around her fueled her resentment and disdain at even breathing the same air as these people. That fire that burned inside her was the perfect energy she needed as she sat with the utmost confidence and dead look, staring back at the people trying to figure out who the hell she was.

Her warm smiles at the stuff from earlier had disappeared as she had a " what the fuck are you looking at" look of hers all over her gorgeous face as she sat with arms crossed. For a few of the men who walked past her table, the attitude and energy emanating from her had been interesting enough to grab their attention away from the girls they came with. The only one sitting at her table, it had left her vulnerable as one of the men had walked to her table to introduce himself.

" Have we met before?" he started with such a lie as Jandi just turned her face his way? Her arms still crossed, she started scanning him up and down. Before she even said anything, her savior had arrived just in time to get rid of any unwanted attention coming her way.

" Why are you bothering her?" she heard Jihoo's voice and immediately returned around to where the sound came from.

" I wasn't bothering her. Just introducing myself," what the man said, had gone one ear and out the other as Jandi's face immediately melted to a soft smile responding to Jihoo's big smile. She blamed his haircut as to why he looked different. She had used the wrong adjective. He didn't look different; he just looked beyond handsome. The well-tailored suit had done its job as it had even left Jandi, who had seen him a day ago, baffled by how good the student president, her only friend at the school, looked.

" Leave my friend alone" Jihoo gave the guy a slight wink as he shook his hand. The man picking up his phone ringing, left the two alone as Jandi stood up. She didn't know why she was even standing up but it felt right to stand up for his arrival.

'You lo" the words she wanted to sway evaporated as Jihoo took a step left, and Jandi saw the girl behind him.

" OMG, Jandi" Seohyun greeted her, which Jandi responded to with a big smile. In the light blue tulle dress, Seohyun looked like a literal fairy as Jandi got a full view of the breathing childhood friend of Jihoo. Why her calculating mind had to recognize how the two were wearing blue and their golden accessories had matched as well, Jandi tried to shake it off. Worse, her eyes were sent to catch Seohyun's right hand holding onto Jihoo's left arm as she took more steps and came to Jandi.

" It is so nice to see you" Seo hyun wrapped her arms around Jandi, who wasn't even fully standing yet. Not only did she look like a goddess, but she smelled like one too; Jandi took note along with the tiny golden shimmers in Seohyun's hair.

" You too," Jandi responded softly as she took a deep breath in relief when her body was relieved from the hug.

" You look so good" Seohyun was the first to compliment Jandi, which Jandi dismissed as her just being nice.

" You look so" Jandi couldn't even find the word to describe the glowing girl in front of her.

" Oh please, this old thing wasn't even my choice" Seohyun turned to Jihoo, and the two laughed at how their parents had picked their outfits for today. It was an inside joke with the two.

" You didn't tell me she was coming. '' Her right hand slapped Jihoo's shoulder. She had seen it before but it was something she couldn't ignore as Jandi's eyes had ensured she caught every touch between them. She had even noticed how Jihoo helped Seohyun with her seat, even bending down and helping push the dress into the table. He had been the one to order their drinks as well while Seohyun was busy talking to one of the suited staff of the hotel who was whispering in her ears.

" You look different" Jihoo finally started talking as Jandi shifted her eyes to the Jihoo sitting separated by the chair he left open. He sat one chair away on Jandi's right side, while Soohyun sat on his right side, on the other side. She always sat on his right side.

" Do I?" Jandi asked for a second, embarrassed that she had even tried and how odd she probably looked. That wasn't how he meant it, but it came across as that. Jihoo didn't even know what to say to the girl he was used to seeing in uniform. Since the moment they were directed to their table and he saw her back, he had doubted if it was her. The girl with the strapless dress exposed her shoulder, whose back was the only thing he could see, he had doubted if it was her until she turned around to face the man talking to her, and he got a side view of her face.

That was when what Seohyun was saying stopped reaching his ears. Her shoulders, her bare shoulders, had been the main thing to surprise him and leave him stunned, but the closer he got and her face came into view, Jihoo could only smile at the startled state he was left in.

" I thought you might show up with your uniform," he tried to joke off what just happened when he noticed her lips parted for a smile, and her sparkling eyes blinked his way. He smiled back; he didn't have words. There were no words he could use to describe how different she looked.

" I was thinking about it but it was at the dry cleaning."

" So I had to grab something else."

"And this was something else?" he asked, regretting why his eyes even looked down at her glistening shoulders and the black dress that started after exposing a peak of her cleavage thanks to the strapless bra she had on that was doing its job to perfection.

" haha" she smiled, bringing her eyes back to his face. His smiles weren't even voluntary as he couldn't help but smile at how different she looked. How is the same girl that wears the same uniform and walks around with him? How? That was where he was stuck as he accepted that black was really her color as it had elevated her to a new category of looking good. There was no word to describe the category yet but seductive was sprinkled across it as even her smiles looked different.

" Thank you," Jihoo thanked the waiter who brought their drinks. He took a couple of sips which he needed.

" What are you drinking?" he asked, changing the topic.

" Oh, he has been recommending me mocktails," Jandi pointed at one of the waiters.

" Mocktails? You should try the Champaign."

" Maybe later," Jandi declined as she picked up her drink and brought it to her lips. This one was perfect, as she liked the drink's base passionfruit.

" It is" Jihoo's speech was cut short as Seohyun pulled him to her side and whispered at his ears.

' I will be back' Seohyun gave Jandi a small smile as she stood up and left the table, following the suited man she had been talking to. Both Jihoo and Jandi's eyes followed her as she led the way. The number of people she was greeting, the smiles and bows she was getting, it was obvious how famous she was. Not just popular but loved by most.

"Her parents are the ones throwing the event" Jihoo offered some context.

" Oh" Jandi didn't need a reminder that Seohyun was just as rich but she was getting it. Her eyes following every step of the girl, Jandi hadn't even noticed how Jihoo's focus had shifted to her. Lost in her own thoughts of how friendly and kind one had to be for everybody to be this happy to greet and see you, Jandi was focused on admiring Seohyun. While her admiration was elsewhere, all the admiration for her was done silently by the one sitting at her table.

Finally, he was provided some seconds of silence to just look at her without having her arresting eyes looking back at him. The few standards of her soft hair resting on her neck were the only thing moving to the nice breeze as Jihoo was forced to accept that even someone's neck could be described as beautiful. Not just beautiful but drawing enough to want to touch. It was her glowing skin. Her golden skin reflecting the perfect light hitting it from above looked inviting to the touch. That wasn't enough; there was her beguiling face which he was forced to pay attention to as he saw a hint of a smile on her lips.

Her lips. Her dark wine-colored lips were beyond dangerous as that was when Jihoo decided to look away. He needed to look away. His glass he picked up took a sip of his champagne. Fortunately for him, they weren't even granted a minute longer of alone time as he got a call from Seohyun calling him away. Excusing himself, he left the table, leaving Jandi to herself. She had seen them do this before, so it wasn't new to see the two people greeting and talking to all the people at VIP tables as she sat enjoying her drink. It didn't take much for her to accept the rumors that these two were more than friends, even when she heard about it and here she was again being provided all the proof. For Seohyun to walk around with her arm around Jihoo, it was apparent that everybody in this space had also accepted the two. That was the observation for today.

The minutes added up, Jandi had finished two mocktails when the waiter directed their section to the appetizer table on their side. He had recommended some for her to try as Jandi left her table and headed to the garden table, hosting the beautiful arrangement of the different types of appetizers laid out. Picking the small plate, she focused on the cut fruits first. This was too much choice.

"Hello," she heard a familiar voice and quickly turned around to find the suited Yijeong sipping his champagne. His green suit had utterly changed his look as he looked serious for once.

"Interesting to find you here" he gave her a soft smile as he walked to her side. He wasn't trying to hide how he had scanned her up and down twice to make sure that really was her. That dress looked even better from the back and Yijeong had been the first of the F4 boys to get that view, as might be taking back all the words he had used to describe her before today.

" I guess Jihoo wanted both his girls on each side" His little jokes weren't welcomed, and he knew it by looking at the serious look on her face. This girl never smiled, but there was no way she was upset about being called Jihoo's girl. Even Yijeong knew Jihoo spent more time with her than his dear Seohyun. But more than what he focused on was how she looked even better when her face turned angry.

" I like your dress" He switched to compliments as he leaned back and scanned again. She hadn't even said hi and slowly returned her eyes back to the food she placed on her plate. He wasn't lying about the dress being pretty and spent quite some time before he realized it wasn't a designer dress. He smiled because she must have an excellent body to look this good in such a dress. Maybe she was just good-looking. The thought only lasted a minute before he recognized that she hadn't even said hi. This girl and her attitude. But the ever-observant Yijeong knew what to say and what to do to get something out of her.

" Do you only talk when Junpyo is mentioned?" she quickly turned his way, and Yijeong just smiled at how quickly he got an answer to his question. His assumption was right.

" You must be happy that he's not here" Taking the two steps between them, he stood beside her while focusing all his attention on the food on her plate. His arms brushed against her side. She didn't care about that as she focused all her attention on what he said. Wait. Does that mean he is not coming? That was the only thought going through her mind. Jihoo had said he would be here to show face. He can't not show up. He has to show up. This could not be a waste of time.

"What's wrong with him?" her intrusive thoughts had sneaked out as the angry whisper was caught by Yijeong. Before she even had a second to regret her question, Yijeong responded.

" That's a loaded question" Following her along, Yijeong whispered as he did something that surprised her. His right had come to the slice of bread she had picked and placed on her plate. The bread he grabbed and brought to his lips, her baffled eyes just followed as he took a bite. These jerks really have no boundaries; she thought as she stared at him while he took another bite.

"There's more," he pointed at the bread with his eyes. Why he had to take hers, she let it not bother her as she used the tong to grab another slice.

" You really look different with all this makeup and stuff," he added, pointing at her face with the bread. Her sharp eyes that landed on him were proving what he said to be true. Sending his bread to his lips, he chose to be silent. This was going to be an exciting night. He didn't know what the relationship between this girl and Jihoo was but how she looked tonight was only going to complicate things and Yijeong was excited to sit and observe it all. He knew Soohyun was here and it was interesting to see if Jihoo would even have any eyes for Jandi while Soohyun was around him. It would be hard, considering Jandi looked too good to ignore. Even for Yijeong, who only deals with models, Jandi looked too good tonight. Maybe it was just seeing her out of her uniform that had been his concussion for why he was surprised by her look.

As they walked over to the table, Jihoo and Soohyun were already there. Yijeong greeted both and decided to go the other direction of the table and sit one chair away from Jandi. He needed a good view of her and Jihoo sitting started by one chair.

" You didn't tell me she was coming?' Yijeong started off light

" he didn't tell me either"

" She decided to come last minute" Jihoo, placing his glass down, finally answered that question.

" if I knew she wanted to come, I would have brought her as my date" he chose to raise the fire as he sat back and watched even how Jandi's eyes had left her fruit she was enjoying and came for him.

" And you think she would say yes to that?" Seohyun gave the waiter that brought her the appetizers she asked for.

" Wouldn't you?" Yijeong turned all focus to her as even Jihoo's eyes landed on Jandi. All were expecting her to answer as she placed her fork down and covered her mouth with the napkin.

" I would rather be skinned alive" The smile that escaped Jihoo's lips, only Yijeong had caught as was more interested in why Jihoo looked so relieved and happy to hear her answer.

" I guess I'm no Jihoo" Yijoeng knew what he was doing as he whispered.

"No, you're not' Seohyun was the only one who didn't seem bothered by what he said because it was very true. Both Jihoo and Jandi stared at him, he knew they had caught the game he was trying to play. The wine glass he raised to both Yijeong took a sip. He was going to enjoy tonight, and the two angry people were making it even more fun to poke at them.

" Jihoo is special '' Seohyun, sending her hands to Jihoo's hair, started brushing it away. Yijeong sitting back had focused his eyes on Jihoo. He was the most interesting person to watch tonight.

"How is school going" Seohyu had brought up a topic that started a long conversation about the end of the school year and all the events scheduled. The appetizer plates they finished were taken away, the table was cleaned up as their conversation shifted to all the work waiting for them in college.

" I've been giving this one all the advice he needs to survive college" Seohyun's smile at Jihoo, Yijeong, was the only one to sense an odd vibe between the two at the mention of the topic.

" What college are you going to?" Seohyn asked, shifting all focus to Jandi, who had been quiet.

" I am taking a break," her response was quick. She really wanted to hear what the advice was.

" Junpyo is doing that too, right?" Seohyun brought the name Yijoeng hadn't even thought about.

" He is taking a year off," Seo hyun added.

"It's not off. He is interning/working at his company, " Jihoo corrected.

" Where is he?" That was the only thing Yijeong was curious about as he looked at his watch. Jandi's breath healed in, the only thing she didn't do was pray for the answer she was waiting to hear from Jihoo's lips.

" He said he would show up to show face," Jihoo responded while giving a nod to the person on the stage. That was his cue that he had ten minutes before he was called onto the stage to do an introduction to one of the invited guests who would do the opening speech before dinner was served.

"I think he is sick," Jihoo added while taking a sip of his drink.

"We were out on Friday, he was fine," Yijeong pulling his phone, added.

" I know. He called me after and on Saturday, he didn't sound well," Jihoo added while the person that saw Junpyo last, Jandi, stayed quiet, hiding her curiosity behind her blank face and the water glass she was drinking from. Did he call Jihoo after she left? Was he sick? She asked to be quickly reminded of their conversation and the words he left her with. She tried to cover up by looking uninterested as she moved away from him and sent her right hand to grab a slice of the delicious-looking bread.

" Let me text him," Yijeong who started typing, got Jandi's attention.

" Why do you take him to these events when you know he shouldn't even be drinking" Seohyun scolded Yijeong who wasn't one to take her words quietly.

" I don't force him" Yijeong reposed as he went on typing

"You shouldn't even suggest them to him" Jihoo had taken advantage of the topic as he said what he had been saving to say to Yijeong. The quickness at which Young's eye shot up to Jihoo in front of him, Jandi sat back to get a good look at the looks the boys were exchanging.

" What do you two do when you hang out?" Yijeong's question wasn't as scary as his eyes focused on Jihoo. There was tension between the friends and even Jandi had been able to pick on it. Even Seohyun has leaned back, realizing there was something happening that she wasn't aware of. She had heard from Jihoo about how he hadn't been spending that much time with his friends and they have been getting mad at him. This was the first time she had seen it. There was no answer to his question as Jihoo doesn't recall the last time he spent with just Junpyo. Really spent time and not five minutes just chatting.

" am just worried for his health," Jihoo tried to cover up by blaming something else for his worry. Yijeong's eyes from Jihoo drinking his champagne turned to his phone that started blinking.

" He said he is on his way" Yijeong whispered the news that had made only Jandi happy.

This was it. She gets to get her bag and get to leave or so she thought as she dismissed everything else she heard as nonsense. All she cared about was her bag.

Her phone she kept glancing at, the opening speeches were done and dinner was served by the time she even questioned from where Junpyo was coming to take him this long. The magnificent dinner they were served, she had finished as she sat with just Yijeong. Jihoo and Seohyun had left to chat with her parents and greet some people. Yijeong, eating his dinner, chose not to sit with him and excuse herself using the bathroom as an excuse. The fresh air she got as she walked into the garden; the afternoon had turned into a beautiful night, and she enjoyed walking around the garden. A good 15 minutes or so were spent walking across the garden, she heard to the bathroom, where she fixed her makeup only to waste more time. Her bag at hand, she added to her lipstick and added the lotion she used on her hands to her neck.

"Huh," she kept taking a deep breath as she slowly walked back to the garden. The nice breeze of the night had brushed some of her hair resting on her neck away as she smiled at the staff giving her small bows. The tent she entered, she was welcomed back with a smile by the suited men by the entrance. Her eyes were on Jihoo and Seohyun in the middle of the event, talking to the mayor and his wife; she focused on them for a few minutes before her eyes were sent to the table she was seated at to find the person she was here for finally her.

She didn't need ever to see the face of the person sitting next to Yijonge. Just his dark hair and all-black outfit were enough. The ease that released the worry from her shoulders, she didn't waste a second questioning why. She didn't even force her eyes to stop from zooming in on their favorite subject to examine as they got a good look at him right when his right hand brushed his hair behind his ear. The right side of his face she got a good look at; even from afar it was so easy to tell it was him. He had a very distinct look. His eyes, whatever was on his hands, he was talking to Yijoeng. His black overcoat topping his sweater, Jandi was getting close enough to recognize the nice combination he had on that was his style and classy enough to get away with. The black woolen long overcoat was perfect to go along with the black sweater he had underneath. It went with his hair, which he had tried to brush away to look a bit presentable. But that was giving more credit to Junpyo, who hadn't even spent 10 minutes on getting ready. Even the coat wasn't for this.

" I was at my sisters" Junpyo had whispered to Yijeong, who asked him what he was doing. That was what he was dressed for.

' She is a bit sick, so I had to stop by"

" Is that why she isn't here" Yijeong followed that by asking about how she was doing.

" She is doing fine, just some cold," Junpyo responded

" I might be staying over at hers tonight" Brushing his hair Junpyo tried to avoid the eyes of the couple at the table behind them that had looked his way when he turned around to see the stage. His seat was facing the other direction, and it was by choice. He can't sit facing the stage and all the tables in front of them. Test too many people who want to talk and chat with him. His goal was to show his face to a few people and make a quick exit. He just needed to be seen so somebody representing their family was here, and he was doing it only for his sister's sake. It was her who was supposed to be here. He attended these things as an option; for her, it was part of her job. She was the only woman he would do anything for, and with her first ask, he had agreed to show up and say hi to the people she asked him to greet. He had fought her to cut it from 10 names to 5.

" I have to talk to a bunch of people" Pulling the glass his way, he took a big sip. The one smiling at him, Yijeong, was enjoying how much Junpyo hated talking business. How anxious and annoyed he gets whenever he has to do company-related stuff, Yijeong found it adorable, considering Junpyo will take over the company. He couldn't wait to see what type of man his friend would turn out to be in ten years or so when he had taken over the company and all the people here started bowing to greet him.

"Poor you' Yijeong forced a smile to come out of both.

" I had to do a whole gallery walk to some buyers my mom got from Japan" Yijoeng shared what he spent Saturday doing while Junpyo sent his hand to his drink. He needs some alcohol to survive chanting with work-related people tonight.

" It was all day of just

" Are you okay?" Cutting his explanation, Yijoeng asked as he noticed Junpyo start coughing.

" Fuck" Junpyo whispered as he went on coughing. His head he held down, Yijeong helped tap his back until he started breathing regularly, which didn't take that long.

" fuck" Junpyo whispered again as Yijong caught it again, but this time directed his eyes in the same direction Junpyo's eyes were looking at to find Jandi walking their way.

The champagne he sipped, right before it was swallowed down, right at that moment had been when his eyes landed on the person he wasn't even remotely prepared to see tonight. Especially not when she was dressed, looking like this and walking his way. He didn't even have much time to react to how she looked; just her eyes looking right at him had paralyzed him. He couldn't even blame his paused body as the drink he sipped almost went down the wrong path causing him to choke.

Cough cough - the immediate need for survival was to get the sweet drink away from his throat, and it was quickly addressed before his eyes were sent up again to confirm that what he was, in fact, what he saw. This really was her.

" Fuck" Junpyo whispered again as he wiped his mouth with his right hand and sat back. His chest went up and down, and to match his lungs asking for more oxygen, it was all blamed on the drink he choked.

"God," he whispered as his right hand was sent to his hair which he brushed away before his hand was sent to grab his glass. His eyes, he tried directing away from her, were forced to focus on the drink he was taking a sip of. He can't look at her. He needs some seconds first to get his breathing in order.

" Yes, she is here' Yijeong" as he sat back in his chair. His eyes from Junpyo were sent back to Jandi, who was a few steps away, and then back at Junpyo next to him.

"Welcome back' Yijeong had been the one to greet her back as he slowly changed his focus from Jandi, who pulled her chair to Junpyo next to him.

"Hello," Jandi spoke softly as she sat down. Her sharp eyes weren't even on Yijeong, who had been the one to welcome her, it was on Jun Pyo. Yijeong, crossing his arms, sat back. He knew she hated his friend's guts, but even the look in her eyes had changed as he was given a clear view of her dark eyes glued to Junpyo.

" Hi," Junpyo's raspy voice finally reached her ears as Jandi adjusted herself on the chair she sat on, and he finally looked back up. Not even for a second had her eyes looked away from Junpyo sitting right in front of her.

" So Jihoo didn't tell you she was coming too?' Yijeong asked.

" No," Junpyo responded, sending his eyes away from her while he raised the glass to his lips and chugged whatever was left in one breath.