" Sunrise. It's a new day," the KBS morning mc screams at the dead-asleep city. He was the only one excited for another work day as the people across the great city slammed their radios and alarms to the wall, trying hard not to accept the fact that another day had arrived. Even the sun, hidden behind the gray clouds hanging around the city, didn't seem like she wanted to show up today.
" It's Thursday," the favorite MC screams as his annoying voice forces at least some to open their eyes. Most still cherishing those last minutes in their cozy blankets, refusing to wake up to reality, chose to tuck their heads deep into their blankets and enjoy their fuzzy dreams. From the radio, to the bus that just started its first-morning shift, to the street cleaner trucks finishing up their job, the morning noises that people have grown accustomed to started taking over the city. Slowly but gradually, just as the number of people on the street grows, so does the noise and the smell. Known for its street food, the city would wake up to the smell of the early snakes and breakfast meals for those too busy and lazy to make themselves something. The mix of street food and coffee shops makes a unique aroma that one would associate with the city. From every corner, the trains that head to the city are crowded. The lines of cars and taxis would match the number of people walking on the streets as the traffic hits its most annoying moment of the day.
"Late as usual," the security guard handed her the red slip. She accepted the slip with her left hand while her right was busy sending the Kimich- ppang she had bought to her lips. The pork steamed bun in her hand had left even the security guard salivating as he saw the steam leave the one she bit into. That was one of his favorite snacks. The banana milk she had bought was the perfect drink to accompany it too. She wasn't even bothered by the red slip as she continued her walk while enjoying her favorite morning snack. She had less than eight weeks left at this school, so why even bother? At this point, being on time or completing any assigned work didn't after all. The worst they could do was add to her service hours. And just like she thought, her homeroom teacher had just added more hours to the work she had to do. Today she was assigned to one of her most beloved places in this school, the Library.
Her lunch in her hands, she didn't even wait until after lunch before she headed out of the green building to the Grand Library building. The five-floor Library and study spaces were the perfect places to be on such a gloomy day. The carts filled with books that needed to be returned to their shelves were her first task after eating her lunch in the staff room. The coffee and tea provided for the stuff she took advantage of as the warm tea was enjoyed with her lunch. Nothing could beat being left alone with a building filled with books. The next task on her list was the boxes of new books she had to tag with the school barcode. Sitting behind the front desk on the 4th floor, she was busy enjoying her peaceful work. With her earphone glued to one ear, she was in her own element. Maybe in another life, she could be a librarian or work for a publication just so she could spend her time away from people and with books. In another one, she could imagine owning a house in the middle of a big library where she could spend her days just reading. It was fun to imagine all the possibilities of another life where she could have lived a normal life.
"Hhh, huhh," the hum she was enjoying was added to her head, swinging left and right to the soft song playing in her ears. Bending down, she had been moving the completed boxes to the left to notice the person standing behind the counter, waiting for whoever was bent down to look up.
"Huhh. Huh," she went on humming, completely in her own zone to notice the person waiting for her, who gave her the second she might need to finish before looking up. The mystery book list she was composing for the new catalog was where his attention went as he pulled the paper she was writing on to his side of the counter. The pen sitting at the top of the paper had rolled down to the floor, forcing her to stop what she was doing. Her hand still holding the box, her eyes moved for the pen that landed on the floor to the counter.
The warm colors on her face were immediately wiped away as she glanced up at Junpyo standing in front of the counter. The perfect candidate to ruin her peaceful day just by his presence, it was clear she wasn't pleased by his presence in front of her. Placing the box down, she took a deep breath, accepting that she was about to be forced to interact with the devil himself. Of Course something had to ruin the two hours of peace and tiny joy she was provided. The universe really had a weird of proving to her how unlucky she was.
" I am looking for a book. '' His raspy voice had gotten a reaction out of her as she registered how this was the first time she had heard it. The sound emanating from the tall figure demanded all attention. It was hard not to be enamored by the gorgeously deep sound. At its most pronounced, it required full authority. When whispered calmly, it had the power to melt away any worry. At its most tender, it felt like a comforting hug one would want to be wrapped with. The dark tone of his voice perfectly matched his personality as she focused her eyes on his face. His dark blue hoodie lifted to cover his hair, the black jeans jacket topping it; she didn't understand why these jerks never wore the school uniform. Then again, most of the things they did were just to prove they were above everybody else. That was the whole point of everything they did. It was just to prove they were rich. In his case, insanely rich to the point money doesn't even have meaning anymore.
"This one" her eyes were forced to shift to his right hand, and the sticky note slid her way. Her always observant eyes were quickie as they made out the apple watch accompanied by some bracelets, and the ring on his index finger. But what caught her attention was his fingers. His long and strong looking fingers were accompanied by the visible veins across his hand he pulled back to himself. In Contrast to his, her soft and frail-looking fingers were sent to the sticky note she picked up. Her eyes shifting to the computer by her side, she started typing the title. She needs to find this book as quickly as possible and remove him from her sight. That was all she was thinking about; how to get rid of him as soon as possible.
Her eyes trained to notice any movement around them didn't need permission as they turned to the boy who sent his right hand to his hoodie he lowered down to his neck before he started brushing his hair back behind his ears. Her eyes he caught were quickly shifted back to her typing fingers. It was obvious she wasn't happy about his presence. She actually looked pissed about it as he caught the force in her fingers attacking the keyboard. There was something beguiling about how he was able to get a reaction out of her by just his presence. Her boots he had burned not even a week ago, he was reminded of the various reasons she had to hate his guts.
"It is' ' the words she was about to say were swallowed back as she remembered that he didn't need to know she could talk. It might be advantageous for her to keep her mute status for now. Picking the pen from the cup, she started writing down the book's location. The sticky note she slid his way was ignored.
"Take it and leave, asshole" the voice in her head whispered as she waited for him to disappear to wherever he came from. The sticky note he picked up was lifted up and returned back down after he read the location.
"I don't know where this is' ' his husky, deep voice hit her unprepared ears again. It will take a while for her to get used to it. His dark eyes, now his deep voice, she had found another thing to detest about the boy she loathed for his mere existence. The sticky note she pulled was snatched from the encounter as she walked to the corner of the counter. Rather than letting him hear her voice, she had decided just to take him there. It was better to lead the way and avoid his eyes rather than stand there and look at him even for a second more.
"Huh" she took a deep breath as she turned right at the curve, leaving the counter that was hiding half of her body and she came into full view. Her uniform topped with the aparon they made them wear, only her bare legs were visible. Her black leggings weren't on today, nor were her new shoes. Her uniform burned; it was useless to have expected her to put anything else but the second uniform offer as an option. His eagerness to see her in anything else but these uniforms were forgotten about as she walked past him, leading the way.
Her eyes focused on the hallway she was heading to, forgetting asking him to follow her or extending a smile; she didn't turn his way as she walked right past him. The pissed-off attitude all over her body was easy to read as she had left it visible, so he knew exactly how much she hated what she was doing. His hands were sent to his jacket pocket; he took his first step following. The quick steps she was taking were taken calmly by his long legs that didn't need to match her speed to follow along. Maybe she should have thought about it , as she finally recognized how he definitely was inspecting her all he wanted while following behind. And she was right; the boy following along had all his attention focused on her. Her legs heading up the stairs, directed his eyes to her well toned calves that proved how much training and exercise it took to get them to look as sensual as they did, leading to the joint connecting them to her knees bending with every step she took. Since when has he found legs, specifically calves, to be this interesting to look at or tempting to even wonder how the smooth skin covering them felt? Her legs he had seen kick a full grown man across out cold; he blamed that for his fascination as he forced his eyes to redirect their attention.
Both lost in their own thoughts, they didn't even recognize when the tensions had started tightening its grip around their bodies a step or two apart. Lucky for her, the shelf she was looking for was right around the corner of the stairs they had finished. The two girls coming from the other direction, Jandi, had made out their smiling faces directed in her direction. She was a million percent sure it was for the boy following her. Their smiles grew bigger as they gave him a small bow and passed by. The smile he extended their way was caught by the girl, who turned around to catch the interaction. He really was worse than his reputation everybody in the school knows about it by now. She turned her eye back to the right turn she was about to make right when he returned his eyes to 7, she focused her attention on the shelf she had to find rather than the irritation by what she was being forced to deal with.
Her slender finger sent to the books she was brushing against, she focused her eyes on the letter markers of the last name of books. Her index finger cruising against books, found the one she was looking for in seconds. It was on the third row from the top, out of her reach. Before she even turned her attention to how she would get the book, her body was shut down as it sensed her personal space being intruded. Her eyes, still on the shelf, had caught the hand that passed her and headed to the book . The startled look on her eyes lasted longer than she would have wanted it to as her eyes zeroed in on his face she turned to. As though he did it intentionally, he was standing ever so close as he waited for a reaction. The book his finger pulled out was ignored completely by both as their proximity provided both enough closeness to register what the other one smelled like. The rich fragrance of his perfume was to be expected from the body covered by luxurious items.
His towering body has done its usual trick as it forced her to recognize her petite frame that could easily be imprisoned by it if he chose to do so. By now, most girls would imagine it. Picturing being pushed against shelves would have them melting at his feet. He didn't have to do much more than simple tricks to get what he wanted. The line he wanted her to cross was being challenged by the elementary moves he used to have girls crawling for him. Burning her items didn't work so maybe this might. His eyes, fishing for a hint, got something as she turned her eyes to the floor and quickly took two steps back, creating a space between them. Her eyes, which had been boldly gazing right back at him, didn't return to him. She kept them on the floor as she walked past him. Her steps were too quick to even be called steps, and she was out of his view in seconds.
The book in his hand didn't get his attention until he reached his favorite reading space on the last floor. With a great view of the garden, the comfortable sofas on the last floor were where he hid most of the time. The math and physics books across the floor rarely had any students' interest, and there was barely anybody on this floor. His legs were sent to the table, the book was placed on his lap as he sent his eyes to the vast garden. The look he recognized in her eyes when he entered her personal space wasn't easy to make sense of. Was it fear? Nervousness? Discomposure? The short reaction that didn't last long before she turned black. He couldn't figure it out. He knew it was going to bother him until he found the answer.
Did she think he was going to attack her? As the question formed in his mind, he quickly dismissed it as impossible. He had never even touched anybody on this campus for anybody to think he would hit a girl. His memories quickly reminded him of the group he was part of and their famous reputation. Did she really think he was going to attack her? The puzzling question was placed in the back of his mind as he forced his attention on the book he opened up.
"Huh" the quick steps she took to the bathroom were halted when she got to the sink. Her hands were placed under the cold water. Her nerves he startled had triggered right where her anxiety lives as her fidgeting fingers started washing each other, trying to calm themselves down. She really underestimated the boy as she had left her guard down for even a second to let him startle her like that. Every interaction from now on, which she prayed would be none, she had to be prepared for fight mode. Her right hand finally sending the tiny pain signals to her, she turned her focus to the bruised red marks on her knuckles. The punches she freely threw yesterday, she knew it came from daring to punch at their bones.
Her whole lunchtime spent with the books, she headed to the Green building 10 minutes before the bell ending lunch break rang. The nurse's office was her target. She prayed the nurses wouldn't be in the main waiting room where she intends to grab the ointment & bandage and just leave. Lucky for her the nurses were still on their lunch break. All the medical first aid supplies arranged neatly for students were where she focused her eyes. Grabbing what she needed she was almost out the door when she heard the voice.
" Did you talk to Jihoo?" the nurse that had taken the bloody body off her back asked. With the confused look on the girl's face, the nurse knew to elaborate.
" the student president?"
" He told me he was going to talk to you about the boy?" sending her hands to her white coat the nurse glanced at the items Jandi had in hand.
" He said he would need some witnesses if he was going to file a report. '' The nurse went on as she caught the surprised look on the girl.
" None of the students would do it. I thought you might be brave enough since you carried the body and all"
" He said he was going to ask you," the nurse added as Jandi started playing the interaction she had with the student president yesterday. Was he asking her to be a witness to support the boy he helped her carry?
" It's useless now. I heard the mother doesn't want to file for any charges"
" And for the first time, we got some karma" the nurses smile, hoping the girl would be happy at what happened yesterday as well.
" I asked him if it was him. Only F4 could have whipped their asses like that"
"Whoever did, was the hand of the universe delivering some karma" the nurse went on while the girl who had done it was somewhere else. Was he really asking her to help and she just cursed him off? Giving the nurse a small bow, she left the office.
"It doesn't matter now anyway" the voice in her head tried to convince her it didn't matter. He was part of F4. He deserved more than even a curse. Her mind was busy convincing it that she headed to the cafeteria. She needs a cold drink. Lost in her own thoughts, she hadn't caught the boys heading her way. With the two boys deciding to go to the hospital, it was their hyong that had returned to school walking her way with three new minions behind him. The chocolate milk one was drinking was snatched out of his grip as the boy she had whipped with his own belt, sent it to her shoulder as he stood a step away from the girl who finally looked up.
Her thoughts quickly wrapped up when she noticed the legs a step away from her, she was a bit late to defend herself against the cold brown liquid spilled on her right shoulder. His angry eyes were her target as she started right back at him. This boy really had a huge ego to be doing this. He knew she wouldn't dare raise a hand in front of the whole cafeteria. The students busy with their own lives, he knew everybody would switch to them if she dared raise her hands against him. The camera around had also given him confidence.
"Oops" one of the boys started the chain of laughter for the ones standing behind him. He didn't have the nerve to laugh. The fury burning inside of him was in full control as the two kept their eyes on each other. Much to the surprise of the boys behind him, she didn't look away or step aside. She stood her ground, staring right back at their leader, who should have known better than to mess with the girl. A lesson he hadn't learned well. He was testing the universe for even harsher punishment and humiliation that might come not just from her. The universe had cursed her but the one thing it blessed her with was dangerously powerful men who would kill anybody that would dare touch let alone hurt her. Unlike the outside, when she was inside these great walls she was alone. All the battles she had to fight were her Vs everybody else. At least for now.
" What's going on?" she heard a familiar voice coming behind her. Her eyes turned back and caught the student president walking their way, followed by his assistant. Her custom-made suit uniform perfectly tailored to highlight his glamorous figure, sometimes it was unreal how he looked as pretty as a picture. His bewitching smiles that always accompanied his charmingly warm eyes could force anybody to trust them, there was a reason he won the election with such a huge margin and it wasn't just the camping he ran. He really was the poster boy for good looks, an amazing brain, and well-behaved manners.
" not this" the voice in her head whispered as she returned her eyes back to the boy in front of her. The student president is the last person she wants to see today, let alone now.
" Better watch out" the boy's threatening words were taken in one ear and out the other as what bothered her was the one steps away from her. This idiot with his childish games was nothing to even waste a second worrying about. The ones she had to worry about were the untouchable F4, and the member she had cursed a day ago. Who if he wanted to, could flip her life upside down.
What does he want? Her boots burned while forcing her to watch, she knew the games the F4 played were beyond sadistic. Behind his nice guy persona, she needs to immediately figure out what type of game this one wants to play to make her pay for daring to even curse at him.
" Do we have a problem?" Jihoo standing by her side asked. The anger she sensed in his voice, she turned her eyes to the right to get a small glimpse of the annoyed look on his does this guy keep helping her? Was the million-dollar question she has to find an answer to in the next couple of days.
" Do we ?" he repeated to the boy who was staring right back at him. This boy was really testing his patient.
"No" the boy repeated as he sent his eyes back to her. Her shoulder he intentionally bumped into was pushed to the side as he walked past her. His minions followed behind. Had this boy not learned a lesson from the beatdown he received yesterday?
" Are you okay? Taking the step and turning to face her, Jihoo asked. His soft smile was where she focused her eyes. People's personalities she had always found easy to read, but this one was tricky as she doubled her guard to be careful of his smiles and kind eyes he had extended her way since the first time.
"I" her lips she almost parted to speak was silenced as at the edge of her eyes she made out Junpyo standing by the second-floor balcony, looking down at them.
" Apparently he hasn't had enough punches thrown at him" Jihoo pulled out his handkerchief from his pocket and extended his arm her way.
"You got some on your neck" he explained why he was handing it to her. The jacket she just had to take off and wash, he was more worried about the chocolate on her neck. His immediate reaction might have been to step closer and clean it for her but by now he knew not to touch this girl without getting permission to.
" Do you want me to?" he asked, knowing that would force a reaction out of her. Considering some of the eyes looking at them, he knew there was no way she would let him do it in front of everybody. The fact that he was talking to her by himself was going to puzzle all that had witnessed it. His kindness, all the girls loved him, he was once again proving why he was the prince charming of the four. It couldn't get any better than him helping the escort girl.
Her right arm extending his way she took the handkerchief. The only reason she did it was to amend the curse she had given him. The fabric in her hand was softer than any fabric she had ever touched as she took note of his name's initials custom sewn at the edge of the cream-colored handkerchief. It was a quick reminder of how rich he had to be to have his initials on items. As expected, his handkerchief wasn't placed on her neck. It was still in her hand as she gave him a small bow before she turned around and headed out of the cafeteria.
"She is so weird," his assistant behind him whispered while Jihoo, folding his arms, focused on the girl walking away. She had the guts to curse at him yesterday, today she couldn't even look at him. Does she have multiple personalities? He couldn't help but ask but more than that, he was more curious about what it would take the girl from yesterday out of her.
"Is she?" he asked as he recalled her sweet voice cursing at him.
" Are we still looking for a program operation officer?" he asked.
" Yes, We have to post the opening on the board so students apply" he got an immediate response from his assistant who was confused why he was asking about that all of a sudden. The girl turned left and disappeared from his view, it would take hours before he saw her again at the end of the day.
"HEY MUTE FREAK" Woobin standing by him had shouted forcing Jihho's attention from the car he was examining to the girl walking out of the building.
" YO FREAK" Woobin shouted again as all the students around the driveway started glancing at the only girl he could be referring to.
"I'M TALKING TO YOU, " he shouted again as she slowly turned herself around. No matter how much she prepared herself unable to look up at his face. The plan she had laid for him needed one more day to look over; she could only pray she wouldn't be tasked with having to punish him today. She couldn't do it in front of his friends. That would be the end of everything. She wasn't prepared for that
"COME HERE " pulling his right hand out, he signaled for her to walk his way.
"She might be possessed dude don't bother her " Yijeong was the one to whisper as he forced his eyes on the girl, with her head down walking their way. Her slow steps were light as her pale skin showcased how much the cold air had attacked it with no mercy. The black coat she had on had replaced her dirty uniform jacket sitting in her backpack. This girl really doesn't care about anything Yijeong assessed as he had never seen this girl with even a hint of makeup or a nice outfit. Jihoo next to him was busy trying to understand how the girl that cursed at him was the same as the one quietly walking toward them now.
"I have something for you", his face all smiles Woobin started his chatter as Jandi left three steps between them and stood away. Her eyes, more than the men, focused on the three cars parked right behind them. She found them more interesting. Maybe she should add it to her to-do list to drive one of these cars as she avenges them. Wouldn't it be harsh to crush their spoiled bones with their own cars? The cars were fascinating and the right place to put her attention before she lost it and caused total chaos. Her eyes landed on the silver-blue car that looked beyond stunning, she turned them to the man standing against them. It took one look at Junpyo to notice how he had caught her examining his car. Her minute-long fascination with his car along with what she could do if she ever got a hold of the steering wheel was shut down. Her crazy imagines were getting wilder as the darkness around her sent a quick reminder to her to stop her dreaming and wishing for things that won't even happen in a different lifetime.
" I don't like being ignored"
" When I want something I get it" steps her way were quickly noted as she turned her eyes to woo bin demanding her attention. Her body immediately prepares for whatever kick or punch might be coming her way. She was sure there was no way he knew she had done that to his boys but her body was still ready to take in any attack that might be sent her way. His steps got an immediate reaction from Jihoo who leaned off from Yijeong's car and took a step their way.
"Whenever I try to talk to you as a person , you keep ignoring me "
"Do I have to pull you up by the hair for you to look at me when I talk to you? " His threatening tone sent a clear message as she slowly raised her head up.
"Woo Bin," Jihho's warning voice was not surprising to Yijeong and woobin. It was only Junpyo who had turned his attention to his best friend who had come to the rescue of this girl not even hours ago. In fact, he had been rescuing her since the first time they were aware of her existence. He was known to be kind and for always helping others but this was a bit off. For one, he should have known that he was only annoying the woo bin by asking him to stop. Junpyo, sending his hands to his pocket, focused his eyes between the girl and his best friend.
"Thank you" Woobin's smile was quick as she looked up at him.
"She looks like a ghost," Yijeong, leaning to Junpyo, whispered, forcing the latter to return his attention to the girl. Her right hand got his attention, he made out the bandage across her knuckles.
"So for the event I need to attend with a guest"
"And I would love it if you would go with me " turning around and winking at his friends he asked as though she was given the option to say no. Her eyes, unblinkingly staring right back at him, didn't change expression as she just stood still. She was busy calculating the offer. Were the heavens really granting her an easy way to give him his punishment for what he had done to the boy? Was it going to be as easy as his minions? What is going on?
"I will take that as a yes"
" It's Friday night so tomorrow night" pulling a small envelope out of his picture he placed it in her shirt pocket.
" It would be hilarious if you could wear the uniform but please have something else on for once" he added as he sent his hands to his pocket and waited for any response. He didn't get any. She just gave them a bow and started walking away. She has so much to think about.
"Did you just do what I think you did?"Yijeong was the first to protest as Woobin started heading for his car.
" That's cheating. You can't do that," Yojeong added.
"What did you do that for?" Jihoo asked, grabbing Woobin's arm.
"Why?" Junpyo asked. Following his eyes, Yijeong and Woo Bin waited for Jihoo's response. Jihoo, surprised by the question, changed his whole gaze to his best friend. Why is Junpyo showing any interest in this all of a sudden?
" You've been harassing her for a week, it's enough" Jihoo returned his eyes to Woobin, who snatched his arm away.
" If you want her, I can pay her to do whatever you want " Woobin with a sly smile added.
" You can role-play the savior and victim thing out to the max" he added winking at Yijeong who hid his smile.
" Are we projecting now?" Jihoo asked, returning the favor. The captain of the debt team of course his rebuttals would be beyond fast.
" Aren't you doing all of this cus you want her"
" never seen you this bothered by any of the girls? Why her?" Jihoo asked forcing Yijong to turn his focus on woobin who had paused his hand from opening the driver's door. The smile on his face now gone, Woobin just stared back at Jihoo.
" What is your problem," Woobin, slamming his door back, asked. His reaction had only given Jihoo an advantage.
" am not the one harassing a poor mute girl"
" Does it annoy you that paying her is probably the only way you can get her to even touch you" Jihoo sent the first shot as Yijong jumped in to defuse the situation.
"He is just messing with you" Yijeong opened the door for Woobin and started pushing him to get in the car and drive off.
" You know how he is, '' he added as Woobin got in his car and drove off.
" You need to watch what you say" Yijeong warned Ji Hoo as he headed to his car.
"Or what?" the question Jihoo asked didn't get an answer. He returned his eyes to Junpyo standing by his car. His cigarette he was inhaling Junpyo was fixed on the puzzling behavior of his friend.
" Are you going to the stupid event?" Jihoo asked as he pulled his phone out of his pocket.
" Seems like you will too," Junpyo responded, glancing at the direction of the girl walking away. Jihoo's eyes returning to him knew what he meant. Junpyo's curious eyes waited for any response that never came.
"I'll see you tomorrow" was the goodbye Jihoo gave before heading back to the building.
Both his jacket and hoodie taken off were thrown onto his passenger seat filled with company documents. A couple of girls standing around had caught his back that was exposed for a few seconds before he lowered the shirt underneath. That tattoo down his right side ribs, only a few had caught it before it was covered by the white T-shirt. Both hands used to brush his hair back, he got into the driver seat of the car that left the driveway in seconds.
The bluetooth automatically connected to his phone, he only had to press play for the song to start filling the space. Seat Belt buckled, he stepped on his gas heading to the gate.
If she was paying attention she would have noticed the black car gently driving behind her as Junpyo drove out of the gates and joined the main traffic. Her eyes, as always, were glued to the floor, as she stood by the same light that was holding his car back from speeding away. She had so many questions to answer as she started worrying about what was waiting for her. This was major. The card in her hand, she knew it wouldn't be idle to do anything to him at an event. She has to get him all by himself. In a place he wouldn't be able to tell it was her.
The walk sign turning green, Jandi started walking across leaving the black car on the right lane. As his light turned green he stepped on the gas and heeded straight ahead. His home his hands knew where to drive even if he was blindfolded, his thoughts were somewhere else. The two lights he passed gave him some minutes to sit with the confusing thought before he signaled to switch to the left lane he would need to be to make a U-turn and return back to the road she was crossing. Not minding the amount of honks he got as he changed the lane amid traffic. His Uturn was quick as well as he sped up to catch the green light at the next spot. He needs to get back to the road she crossed before she gets into a bus or diapers into a corner.
The red light holding him back , he just focused his eyes on the only light ahead.
" come on come on" his hands went on tapping the wheel as he waited at the red light.
Green- his legs were automatic as they stepped on the gas pedal.
He slowed down as he made out the girl, now with a black helmet on, getting on the back of the motorcycle. The same motorcycle he saw her jump onto weeks ago. From the physique, looked like the same man as well. His curiosity about her identity reached a new high as it was just confirmed she was the same girl with the black dress from the hotel. So she really was an escort.
Choosing to stay two cars behind, Jun Pyo slowed his car as the bike joined traffic. Her arms wrapped around the man driving the bike, that was where his eyes focused. Her black leggings he missed earlier were now one as he noticed her skirt flying away as the bike started speeding up. His whole attention focused on the girl, he had followed every turn they made as they joined the freeway. The speed of the bike would have been one thing but the curve the driver made was what let Junpyo know, whoever was riding was beyond good at this. True vigilantes, the smile that escaped his lips were a result of the two people he was following behind. Breaking traffic laws the bike had been changing lanes and passing cars like it was a video game. Both hands on his steering wheel he had kept his eyes on the bike as he shifted lanes and followed suit hiding behind cars. He could be thankful for the police car ahead that had forced the bike to stay in the lane, making it easy for him. In a minute they made an exit and he followed two cars behind.
The neighborhood changes he had ignored finally hit him as he started making out with the street vendors, the smaller road, the old-looking buildings, and the crowded roads. The bike in front of him had turned left, which he followed. Choosing to slow down he started behind four cars as he followed their drive for the next 5 minutes. The road they left led to the small parking space in front of the big signs. Five cars behind, he knew not to follow them. He went straight ahead, made a turn and headed to the parking lot of the store right across the street from the one they parked. He should have known how lucky he was to find an empty street parking in this part of town, but all his focus was on the girl getting off the bike.
Unbuckling his belt, he sat comfortably as he focused his eyes on the car across the street. While his eyes stared at the people across the street, his right hand grabbed his phone. He needs proof.
As their helmets came off, Junpyo's right hand started snapping.
big smile the guy was sending her way was something as Junpyo caught the guy's hand that went straight for her hair and started brushing it down. Smile he didn't catch, he was amazed by how she had just leaned in closer to the man.
Brother?
Uncle? Junpyo guessed as he witnessed the same right hand resting across her shoulders as they started walking to the restaurant door with the BBq sign. He had to be related to her, Junpyo concluded, as the thought of an unrelated man holding her this close would only mean this man had to be her pimp. The fact that he had picked her up form the hotel and was now here, if not a family member , he had to be somebody she works with. But then again, why would a family member help her be an escort? His left hand was sent to ruffle his hair. The unanswered questions were becoming frustrating.
Did her lips just move - Junpyo couldn't quite make out if she was talking or just smiling as she sent a soft punch at the man's stomach. His hands he sent on her shoulders were pushed away as she quickened her steps to the restaurant. The big smile across the man's face, their interaction seemed too intimate for him not to be related to her. Maybe a Boyfriend? That thought was crushed the moment it crossed his mind. The playfulness of the two he witnessed as they punched each other trying to open the door looked unreal. His curiosity about the man was slowly silenced by his eyes that focused on the girl who had done a 180 shift. Not only was she not an emotionless robot, but she could also smile. He hadn't been able to make out her full face, as he only got a side view and glimpse of her smile covered by her hair. Forget being touched, she was even okay with being hugged as he witnessed how the man had wrapped his arms around her shoulder while they waited for the waiters. Having to be related to her, his inability to accept anybody not related to being allowed to hold her like was what forced his conclusion.
Without even knowing it, Junpyo's curious mind was too focused on the scene in front of him as he had stopped taking pictures. He was too caught up by what he was witnessing.
The lady who looked like somebody's aunt led the two to a table by the corner. He could thank the big truck parked in front of the window as Jandi took the chair by the window and disappeared from his view. His fascination was on the man as Junpyo sat with arms crossed, watching the endless smile of the man as he read through the menu. Tap. The menu the man had lifted landed a gentle hit at her head as the lady interrupted them to take orders.
This is not their first time, Junpyo assumed as he took note of the smile on the lady taking the order and the way she brushed the man's shoulders. Their order was taken quickly as the lady went away after bringing what looked like some tea.
Did her file say she had a brother? No.
Why would it be listed on her school file, anyway? Junpyo was trying so hard to define the relationship between Jandi and the man, smiling and laughing her way. The irritation started, he attributed to the lack of information and his curiosity to know things. He caught the tip of her fingers as she pushed the notepad to the man's side along with a pen. As though he looked like he was listening, the man shook his head and started writing. This went on for about 5 minutes before their meal appeared.
"What ?" Junpyo picked up his phone, screamed.
" ughh" he sighed as he looked at the time on his screen.
" Sir , the stylist is waiting at home. Do you want them to meet you at the gallery?" the person on the other side asked
" No, i'll come home"
'What time is it again?'
" it starters at 7, you just have to be there for a few minutes and just show face"
" I'll be there in a few minutes," he hung up and threw his phone on top of the files on the passenger seat.
Seat belt on and left signal turned on, Junpyo jumped the road. His Gps turned on, he clicked home. Drive straight and make the right turn on. The GPS was quick as it calculated how long it would take to get him home before it dailed for the number he commanded it to call.
"Hey, I need some background check on a person" he started demanding as he ignored the looks his car was getting.
"I need everything"
"I'll text you the name and basic info" he hung up before he sped off.