The gray-painted walls of the underground storage space of the royal hotel that had turned into a private club were illuminating the nauseating flickering light bouncing off of it that went well with the loud beats coming from the speakers installed into the wall. The mixture of the expensive perfumes and cigarettes were intoxicating on its own. The scandalously dressed waiters that had been hired for tonight knew they would be making their monthly income in just one night, but none of them knew they would do that in only the first few hours of service. The private event they were hired to serve required signing a thick NDA and 2 hour orientation. The Dj hiding behind the small stage on the balcony blasting the song as much as he can as the tightly filled dance floor screams and roars for every song and beat change. Used to it by now, the bartenders were the ones that knew to push the most expensive drinks. The party was expected to go on until morning, only the bartenders had control over ending it early if they kept serving stronger drinks too. They have 6 more hours to go before sunrise at 6 am.
"He promised he would apologize on Monday, did you do something?''Jihoo leaned to Junpyo and whispered, but the latter didn't reply as he just went on taking a sip of the drink he had been chugging down. Junpyo's lack of response, which seems to be getting worse, would have annoyed Lefty but he had better things to worry about. The two girls slugging on Woobin had been ignored as Jihoo stared at his friend who he had a great talk with early in the morning. The unconscious boy still in the hospital, all Jihoo could do now was to at least get his friend to apologize. Whether Woobin was actually going to apologize was something else
" No thank you" Jihoo sent the waiter back with the same glass of champagne she brought again. He rarely took a sip of alcohol, especially in these types of scenarios. This was not his scene. The beautiful hotel above, there were so many venues and a great garden to host a quite nice party where he could have enjoyed some drinks but no. They had to have it underground. That was the only clue he needed to know he couldn't participate in most of the activities that will happen tonight. He has a reputation to keep and a clear record. His political future doesn't need any record that could be pulled from his wild days. No photos, no gossip, no crazy girls... his dad has told him enough times. No scandals at all. His family had all the power to bury anything but he was still required to stay in line. Considering his friends, staying in line had a different meaning than most but he was beyond talented at drawing the line even with his friends.
The number of scandalously dressed girls dancing on the tables across the bar was something he could ignore, but the ones tugging at Woobin and Yijeong were hard to ignore. But more than them, Jihoo was fascinated by the one sitting next to Junpyo. If he wasn't aware of it, he would have assumed the one sitting by Junpyo was just there to pour him his drinks but her hands that keep going up and down his friend's shoulder had a goal of their own. Unlike him, Junpyo was lost in his little world as he kept his eyes on the main stage ahead, while his restless thoughts disappeared into the vacuum. Completely unbothered and unfazed by her hands that have taken the freedom to touch and caress his body, including his hair which he didn't let a lot of people touch. Jihoo had even considered it to be a sensual or intimate thing for his best friend as he doesn't let people touch his hair. Maybe things have changed since this girl has slowly started playing with his hair resting against his neck. There was a list of things Junpyo doesn't do with people. Things he considered to be too intimate to share with others or too sensual were odd, but they made sense for the boy who was raised by hired staff in an empty house. Jihoo, focusing his eyes on her fingers, waited to see if she would dig in and if his friend would respond to it.
"If your girlfriend sees this, she's not gonna be happy " hoping the word girlfriend would throw the girl off Jihoo shouted out. The little mischievous smile she sent his way was scarier than welcoming as she kept her sharp eyes at Jihoo while she leaned closer to Junpyo's shoulder she was sitting the dark flickering light interrupting his eyes, Jihoo made out her red lipsticked lips smiling his way as she leaned her lips toward Junpyo's triple-pierced right ear. Her breath landed against his neck, her perfume filling his personal space, Junpyo wasn't reacting to any of it.
"She could join us if she wants, '' she whispered as her jewelry-cuddled fingers started playing with Junpyo's hair pushed behind his ear.
" I am sure Oppa doesn't mind," her lips an inch away from his ear, whispered as she kept her sharp eyes on Jihoo. Her perfectly lined red lips didn't fail to land a kiss on Junpyo's ear she whispered at. There was no reaction at all as Junpyo just took a sip of his drink and sent his eyes to his best friend. The girl next to him didn't bother him as much as his friend sitting in front of him questioning everything he did. Since when had Jihoo became a spokesperson for his girlfriend was questionable. That was more troubling than the girl pushing her luck.
She knew she had to be especially blessed to even be sitting at their table, let alone be next to Junpyo. Not just sitting next to him, to have the okay to touch him was an opportunity she wouldn't miss. She would do whatever it takes, whatever trick she had up her sleeves would be used today. Even if she wasn't aware of his filthy wealth, the limited edition items he had covering his body were the only evidence she would have needed. Forget the money and access, just the fact that she was considered pretty enough to be at their table was enough. His supermodel looking girlfriend everyone knew of, it was a bragging right to even be considered attractive enough to sit at the F4 table. Considering their reputation for throwing the wildest parties, the lifestyle she would get to experience even as a side chick would be beyond her wildest dreams. The yacht parties, Paris shopping sprees, summer houses, private island vacations . . . Junpyo was known for the amount of money he threw at the random girl he hooked up with here and only thing demanded of them was their silence, and most girls had kept what they witnessed behind closed doors to them sleeves. The group of people that shut down clubs and hotels for parties had no limitation as to how much money they would throw at people. Luckily for them, people were willing to do anything they asked as long as the price offered was right. Some of the games they started as teens were becoming meaningless as no amount of money they threw was keeping them entertained. Jihoo, who had slowly pulled out, was followed by his best friend for a completely different reason. While Jihoo was a conscious choice Junpyo's was boredom and numbness to it all. In his reality, the emptiness grows inversely as the price tag to find something worth a while goes up day by day.
Without even knowing it, the deadness a couple of glasses used to shut down now needs bottles and some pills to silence. The isolation that could be forgotten while having a warm body sleeping next to him, had become aching even with a model-like figured girl laying next to him. The countless nights he spent laying on the bathroom floor, throwing up every bit of alcohol and drugs he took was becoming more common than the passionate nights everybody thought happened behind locked hotel rooms.
"How is an actor interesting?" Woobin had started the complaint as the music halted and the specially invited so-called interesting people started being presented on the stage one by one. They had hours before it was their turn.
"Oh, shit" Jihoo cursed as he remembered who Woobin had invited as his interesting guest.
" Please tell me you took the invitation back" Jihoo sent his hopeful eyes Woobin's way.
" I don't think she will show up after what happened, she is not stu"
" Think again," Yijeong interrupted, pointing at the main entrance and the girl who just walked in.
" YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME" Jihoo didn't have anything else to say as he focused on the person walking into the section of the club. The flickering lights that started playing with variations of red went perfectly well with the girl walking their way. Not even a single strand of hair was covering her face as it all was brushed into a bun and tightly held by the gel she had applied to it. Maybe it was the tight bun that had forced her cheekbones and face structure to be highlighted. The hint of rose on her cheeks was a result of the great meal she had an hour or so ago and the skin care she put on fully today. From exfoliation to eye cream and toners, she had done the whole routine today. Well, she had followed the manual that said it was the whole routine. It had taken just that to put some glow on her face. Her fatal eyes scanning the room were bewitching as the shimmering lights added to their mysterious gaze. Her lips, not even parting with a smile for all the people looking her way or bumping into her, had a hint of a cherry wine color, as usual. Her face would have been enough. Just seeing her face in the midst of the glimmering lights would have been enough to silence Jihoo's curiosity to see this girl's full face without her weird bangs and haircut. His request was answered as she also didn't have her uniform. Her zipped up & collar up leather jacket matched very well with her tight black jeans and black boots. That face with the all black look that covered her from neck to toe, it was no wonder she was getting looks from all directions.
Maybe it's the dancing lights, Jihoo concluded as he couldn't believe how alarmingly striking and beyond confident she looked with every step she took. Her eyes finally landing on their table, she quickened her steps as she sent her hands to her jacket's pocket. It was ironic how the most covered girl was demanding and getting more attention than the scandalously dressed drunk girls as she headed to the F4 table. There was something about the girl that screamed badass even to the stranger who couldn't figure out who the hell she was the first person she made out with before she sent her eyes to Jihoo. He doesn't look happy about her presence. She interpreted the look on his face that way. But before he even got to why she was there, the boy she was looking at was just in trance watching her every step their way. She looked taller than ever as Jihoo wondered if it was the confidence she was walking with that had forced her presence to be this impactful.
"Can't believe she is actually here" Yijoeng turned left, focusing his eyes on the girl steps away from their section. He wasn't sure what but even he now could see something was oddly intriguing about this girl. Maybe it was the alcohol he had been drinking but she looked a bit cool today. It might be the all-black leather look. Or the confidence that was being displayed for the first time.
"Oppa, do you want more" the girl leaning closer had whispered looking at Junpyo to only find him staring right at the girl walking their way. It wasn't just him, every man sitting at that table was focused on the all black-dressed girl walking their way. His hands that were not moving the glass next to his lips, along with his whole body that froze the moment he noticed Jandi, had annoyed the girl as she glared at Jandi. Every confident stride she took mesmerized all four that were not used to seeing her dressed in anything but her uniform and her head bowed down. For a minute, even Woobin was left taken aback by her outfit change and tiger-like eyes staring right at their table.
She looked like she was on a mission and unfortunately for him, he was the target.
"WELCOME" Woobin pointed at the empty side of the round couch. Her eyes from him went in the direction he pointed at. Legs crisscrossed, her hands didn't even come out of the pocket as she sat where she was pointed too. Right in front of Jihoo. Her eyes quickly moved from the one who invited her to Yijoeng sitting next to her, only separated by the girl who moved away from her getting closer to Yijeong. Her first task was to assess the situation and she started with the new people, the girls. The odd vibe Jandi was giving was quickly sensed by the girls who went on quietly pouring Young's drink. The fact that she had grabbed all four's attention was enough reason to not like her presence. But based on the type of women the F4 were known for liking, none of them had any worries. She wasn't even remotely close to their type.
"We didn't think you would show up" Woobin forced her attention back to him as he signaled the waiter to get Jandi something to drink.
" I didn't think she would have anything to wear to this, '' Yijeong , not even hiding how he was scanning her perfectly fitted leather jacket, responded. Her small frame was finnlay forced to showcase its shape as the leather had hugged her body perfectly unlike the wide uniforme they were used to seeing her in.
" I like leather," he added. Her eyes shifting to him didn't react at all. She was focused on scanning the girls that had boxed Yijeong. There were 5 girls at the table. Woobin and Yijeong had two each, while one was entertaining Jun Pyo. Jihoo had been the only one to stay away from exquisitely dressed girls even Jandi had to admit were beyond tempting not to even flirt with. The school president really did stay true to his reputation, she sent her eyes to Jihoo sitting in front of her. The sparking water bottle he was drinking, he wasn't drinking too. No girls. No alcohol. No smoking. And she could imagine No drugs. How was he part of the F4? She questioned, letting her curiosity display on her face. If she was forced to be honest she might slightly admire him for it.
" She is probably surprised to see you here," Yijeong tried to explain her focused eyes on Jihoo.
" You have a clean reputation after all," Yiejong added as Woobin laughed.
" Do I?" Jihoo asked, putting the bottle down. It had to be the glimmering lights,he could swear it was the lights that had turned her deadly beautiful as her eyes stared right at him. The dark lines in her eye looked unnatural but her bare face didn't show any sign of makeup for him to assume she wasted any second putting eyeliner for them. Her naked face was startling on its own as it had silenced him. Yijeong was right, there's just something oddly interesting about this girl.
" Huh" he was left sighing as her eyes stayed glued on him, her looks he couldn't quite read were getting to him as she started slowly scanning him up and down. She wasn't even hiding it as she started at his hair, for once not entirely and neatly brushed away. Every nerve in his body had every right to feel disturbed by her unblinking gaze that scanned him up and down returning to his eyes he couldn't take away from hers.
Was she assessing his clothes?
His Body?
His face? Or was that just a "why are you looking at me" gaze that went up and down scanning every inch of him.
"She is here already so let's just go with it." Woobin leaning forward picked up his cigarette as the girl next to him, quickly bent down, grabbed the lighter, and lit it up for him. Rather than Woobin, Jandi's eyes followed the lit cigarette back to the girl who lit it up.
How much does it take to be this catered to?
How much do these girls get out of this? . . they had to get paid.
You had to get paid a lot of money to be catering to these assholes.
"Here you go " The waiter leaning down placed the glass filled with champagne in front of Jandi, who, not removing her hands from her pocket, gave him a small bow. She couldn't look any more disinterested in the drinks as she didn't even look at it.
"Is she your friend?" one of the girls asked, forcing Woobin and Yijeong to start their minute-long laughter. The laughter was followed by Woobin describing the reason the girl was at their table.
" Would you prefer water" leaning forward from across the table, Jihoo asked, but there was no response as Jandi ignored him and sent her eyes at the one sitting beside him. His silent eyes that had been examining her finally getting her attention, she sent her curious eyes to Junpyo. His ruffled hair covered half of his face, he was the one in hiding tonight as his miserable-looking state was noted. She had heard the rumors about this spoiled prick being the most handsome one on that campus but No. She didn't see it. Not even remotely close. If she was being tortured and had to admit it, Jihoo would be the one she would consider the handsome one out of all. Probably closely followed by Yijoeng, the lady killer of the group. This jerk and Woo bin could fight for third place for all she cared about. But then again, with the amount of money he had, anybody would find him attractive. The girls who would swear he has the most beautiful creature on the face of the earth were as delusional as these brats who think they had any control over their lives.
"Oppa, Do you know her " leaning closer than ever, the girl whispered to Junpyo. The tension she sensed between the two glaring at each other needed to be interrupted immediately. She was too smart to sit silently.
" Do you ?" she asked again, sending her eyes back and forth between Junpyo and Jandi. She didn't need to be a wizard to know there was something between the two. Glancing at Jandi, the girl couldn't even get mad at her, she didn't look that good-looking to tempt him. And considering the story Woobin just shared about her, the girl knew she was just the new F4 target. All of that didn't ease her worry about Junpyo's attention the girl dressed in all black got, but Jandi's disinterested look calmed her down. Jandi looked like she wouldn't miss a beat to strangle him with her bare hands and end his days if allowed. Forget her hands, they could stay in her warm pocket, her legs couldn't wait to strangle him to death. She would jump atop the table, landing her knees over his soft-skinned neck to hold against the couch and choke every breath out of him. Looking at the way Junpyo was bewildered by her presence and his dark interest in lifelessness, would it be surprising to assume he might even be willing to volunteer for it?
"Why is she staring right at us, she looks scary " leaning, even more closer, the girl landed half of her body on top of Jun Pyo. Her right leg moving atop his lap was caught by Jandi's eyes , who shifted their gaze to the well-moisturized and unclothed slender leg that gracefully laid on his lap. She couldn't help but wonder what type of girlfriend was okay with him. He wasn't even hiding it. All of it was happening in public. In front of the public that knew he had a girlfriend. But then again, it was her fault to assume the rumors she had heard about him weren't true. It was all true and she was witnessing it. This part of his reputation he had no problem proving. Based on the million rumors she couldn't escape from, she knows there is no way Junpyo even knows the name of the girl crawling onto his body next to him.
"That's what I said, she usually looks demonic. Today she looks better" Yijeong added as Jandi's eyes came his way.
"I am going to tell her to go" leaning Junpyo's way Jihoo whispered in Japanese.
"He is gonna embarrass her in front of everybody. That's not okay," he added glancing at Junpyo, who brushing his hair back, started taking sips of the drink he finally brought back to his lips
"Why don't you take your jacket off, it's hot? '' the girl asked while sending her hands back to Junpyo's hair. Her sly smile wasn't missed by Jandi who was trying to figure out why the girl was acting this way toward her.
"She's mute; she can't talk. " Yijeong responded.
" Oh you're definitely gonna win " the girls were cheering Woobin on. Compared to all the actors and artists that most had brought as their interesting guests, even the girls knew she would be the most interesting just by the shock value that she can't even talk. Not many of them knew poor people let alone poor and disabled people.
" She can't feel anything either, " Woobin added.
"He threw a cup at her last time, her nose was bleeding like crazy but she just sat there. not even flinching" Yijeong provided the explanation.
" today is the first time I've seen her even looking up "
"of course she wouldn't look at you Oppa. She knows her place" Starting to play with Junpyo's hair the girl replied to Yijeong.
"That's one of her best qualities. She never talks back too" Woobin added as they all started giggling.
"Maybe she doesn't want to talk to you " Jihoo, always coming to her defense, shouted right back at Woobin. Jandi, more than any of them, was surprised by what he just said as a sudden change in her gaze she sent Jihoos way was noticed by Junpyo; who by now is used to sensing even the tiniest emotions that slip involuntarily out of her body that she had every control of. The fact that Jihoo hadn't told them she could talk had surprised her. Why did he keep that secret?
"You have slapped her across the floor, burned her stuff, and had your minions bully her for a week. Why would she look at you? " reminding all of that has been happening to the poor girl," Jihoo added as he opened up his jacket and pulled the water bottle his way.
" What kind of man slaps a girl" bottoms up he starts chugging down the water. His words had garnered him all of Jandi's attention as her eyes stayed glued to the bottle his right hand was holding upside down. This was new! Was he really this angry by what happened to her?
"If this is about that boy, we talked about it already.
"Okay let's not get into that ." Yijeong interrupted before all the fighting started between Woo bin and Jihoo.
" He is born a jerk" , placing the bottle down, Jihoo whispered to Jandi staring right at him.
"And this one is captain jerk" Jihoo pulled the water bottle his way pointed at Jun Pyo.
"hahaha" even Yijeong couldn't help but laugh at that one.
" Leave oppa out of this, he's mine " her slender fingers dug into his hair was where Jandi's eyes landed. Her focus was on the fingers that started brushing his hair before it returned to his eyes. His head tilting to move away from her fingers was noticed by both Jandi and Jihoo. Her slender fingers were nonchalantly removed from his hair and sent to his chest. The rings on the girl's fingers were rare stones, Jandi thought as she caught them sliding past his jacket and landing on his black shirt. Jandi's striking eyes focused on his necklaces the girl's fingers started playing with before she sent her eyes up to Junpyo. The little shoulder nudge he did to move the girl's arm away from him, had only surprised Jihoo. Followed by her arms he pushed away, her legs resting across his lap were finally granted their wish as his hand landed on them but only to slowly land them back down at her side. Not trying to give in to the suspicious way his best friend was looking at him, Junpyo leaned forward and placed the glass down. Brushing his hair behind his ear with both arms, he used that to hide the little gap he created between himself and the girl.
" You might have him for tonight but he has a girlfriend" Yijoeng was the one that started the warning.
"She will skin you alive if she saw you touching him" he added as both Jihoo and Jandi caught her arm she tried sending to his neck but was pushed away.
"After I bury her alive or before" her hand headed to his ruffled hair was pushed away again as Junpyo leaned forward and picked up his cigarette. The brown set of cruel eyes scanning him were ignored as much as possible as he also avoided his best friend who was questioning the sudden change too.
" You're a bold one" even Woobin had to admit.
"But trust me, you would be dead before you even had a chance to apologize"
"I don't think oppa would let me be embarrassed like that" before her hands reached his chest she was pushed back, again. This time, everybody across the table had caught it.
" OPPA" her hand she had sent again to his chest didn't get to its destination.
" Stop" leaning closer, Junpyo whispered.
The girls hiding their smiles behind their champagne glasses were more annoying than what happened. The girl picked up her glass and started drinking the cool drink that will calm her down, leaving Junpyo to the cigarette he lit. Behind his ruffled hair and the white cloud of smoke, he was blowing out, Junpyo hadn't failed to notice Jandi's eyes staring right at his hand that had pushed the girl's legs away. Her touch his body hadn't sensed as she traced his chest and his arms, the countless kisses she placed at his neck and ear, his hair she had been playing with . . . every trace of her touch his body was numb to for hours was now shut down. Every inch of his body, now fully awake, was registering every touch and her close presence. Her strong perfume, even that was registered just now as all his senses were awakened for the numbness he had sat with.
Thankfully the nicotine he inhaled was enough to manage the sudden shift and turn him back numb. Her presence had been interesting since the first time he made her out across the cafeteria, the girl who's identity he couldn't quite figure out had easily moved from garnering his attention whenever she was there to now causing him to react to her presence. The antagonism her eyes stared at him was on a new level tonight but he was sure what had just happened with the girl next to him had a lot to do with it. His reputation he couldn't keep track of, he had seen her eyes follow the girl's fingers that were all over him. He could imagine being a cheating fuck boy was just another thing on the list of things she probably loathed him for. Her unblinking eyes that hadn't left him, he didn't even understand why he was bothered by them. All knew he was an unloyal fuck boy anyway.
"Oh sorry" the girl sitting next to Jandi, had tipped the wine glass that landed a few drops on Jandi's lap. That was what it took for her eye to leave Junpyo and give him the space he needed to breathe.
"Sorry" the girl had whispered which was ignored as Jandi stood up and started heading to the bathroom signs she had made out when she scanned the space earlier.
" that was an accident" the girl had added to respond to the look she got from Jihoo.
"I'll be back" Jihoo picked up his phone from the table left in the same direction as Jandi.
The bathroom he couldn't follow her to, he waited by the corner of the turn that hid the bathrooms. It took her a few minutes before she came out, not even noticing him standing by the wall.
"Want some fresh air?" his voice startling her she glanced up.
"There's a beautiful garden," he added as he waited for her response. The small head tilt was his response as he led the way. The two walking across the edge of the dance floor were only caught by Junpyo before they disapproved into the dark corners of the space and then the hallway out of the underground. Her curiosity about why he didn't tell them she could speak. And why he keeps saving her, she followed behind as they walked up the stairs leading into the back lobby of the hotel. The small bows he was getting were caught by the girl following closely by. His steps slowed down so she could walk next to him, and was recognized as she adjusted her steps and started walking by his side, on the right side. The two minutes walk across the grand lobby, then the hallway leading to the west garden was filled with silence. He doesn't know much about what she likes and doesn't like but most people enjoy a nice garden and some fresh air.
"You shouldn't be here" he whispered, sending his hands to his pocket and making sure he kept the distance she had kept between them. His eyes he sent her way weren't followed by his usual smile. He doesn't look remotely happy.
" You know what they could do" he added as he gave the man opening the door for them a small nod and waited for her. Confused by what was happening, she turned her eyes from the opened door to Jihoo.
" huh" the little smirk on his face was followed by his head that tilted towards the door held open. Trained to never leave her back open, it had taken her a second to register. They were waiting for her to go first. Of course, the school president would follow gentlemen's rules. Her attention from the small gesture was sent to the perfectly stoned pathway leading to the garden that was well-lit. Her love of being in nature, it was no surprising matter for her to be enamored by the garden they were heading to. One look at her captured eyes and Jihoo knew he had made the right choice. He had given her some minutes to just enjoy their walk across the tall trees leading to the waterfall. The golden lights across the garden, the smooth jazz lightly playing from the garden event across the pool, the nice breeze of the evening...the mood couldn't have been any better as they both were lost enjoying the stroll. Jandi, fascinated by the type of flowers mixed in with the green trees, hadn't even caught how he had been letting her take the lead whenever they passed through a small passage. Besides that, he was walking alongside her, completely enjoying the fresh air he needed.
" Why did you come?" he asked, breaking the silence.
" You know what he will do," he added, sending his eyes to the girl next to him. Her pierced ears finally not hidden away were what caught his attention. When she turned her face his way, he redirected his eyes to hers. Now it had to be the dim golden lights of the garden that forced some twinkles to accompany her eyes. Earlier he had blamed the red lights of the club.
" he has it out for you"
" He is going to embarrass you in front of everybody," Jihoo added, hoping to let her know what will happen if she returns to the club.
" Although you don't seem like you care"
"He is not going to stop at that. He is an asshole" Any form of response he was waiting for didn't happen. Forgetting her voice, he wanted to hear again. She didn't even blink as she kept her eyes on the garden and just went on walking. A few minutes of silence was enough for her to calculate things before she engaged in what was happening. She would have kept her silence but he had won her over by the garden. The beautiful view was enough to get a simple response from her.
" Why didn't you tell them?" her clam voice broke the silence. Whether it was taking her strategy of not responding quickly or just being taken aback by hearing her voice he had been wanting to hear, Jihoo didn't have a quick response to her question. Honestly, he didn't even hear what she said. He was just focused on her sweet low voice.
"Tell them what?" knowing he would have to play a game to keep her talking, he responded with a question.
" That you cursed at me" his eyes followed along with his words, he asked the girl that glanced at him.
" I probably deserve it," he added with his first smile. His smile looks different when his hair wasn't neatly brushed away and he wasn't wearing the school uniform. \
"Am sure we all do" his smile was where she focused as she recognized how she could tell he was smiling without even looking at him. The useless knowledge she needs to erase quickly. She doesn't have any brain power or space to be saving people's smiles into her knowledge base. It was alarming how Jihoo had done it in a few interactions. It was very alarming as her mind took note of erasing it from her short memory as soon as possible.
"That I could talk '' wanting to end his smile as quickly as possible she shifted to the main point that she had been curious about.
"Why would I tell them?" he asked while his mind was lost in figuring out why her voice sounded so sugary compared to everything else about her that screamed sharp and sour. Was it because she doesn't talk at all, making it even more eventful when she does. Why does she not talk at all when she can? Was she an introvert? An introvert or just a weird girl?
" Haven't they done enough for you?" he asked a question which was the answer he wasn't ready for.
" No," she responded, forcing both to recall all the students that have received way harsher treatment throughout the years at the hands of generations of people that have been a member of the F4.
" They are just bored out of their minds," Jihoo, knowing that wasn't even remotely close to a justifiable reason, whispered. The glare he got from her was enough to let him know she was not buying it.
" It's a powerful thing" He tried looking for excuses.
" They are very bored and don't have a life. That's all they could do to feel alive and powerful. They are just assholes who don't have anything better to do. You know"
"I don't," her response was quick.
" I am not trying to justify their action
" Why are you helping me?" cutting him she asked. She needs to stay on the questions she had followed him for. She only needs her answers. Everything else was none of her concern. Her mind that was questioning why she was even walking side with him had started digging into everything that had been happening since they stepped out of that club. The ease and comfort this boy could land her in with the simplest of interactions were becoming dangerous. It had to be shut down. All of it. She doesn't need to be walking with any of them. She wasn't allowed to even have a moment of peace in a place like this with anybody let alone somebody like Jihoo. All of it had to be shut down as her focus immediately switched to who she was and the dark clouds around her started forming.
"Well, i " he started stuttering as her questioning eyes zoomed in on him. She needs to know the honest answer to this question. It was the only one that mattered. What on earth does he want?
" I thought you were mute at first and felt bad"
" Well it wasn't because you were just mute. I would have felt bad if you weren't too"
" You were this tiny girl and '' his incoherent words she couldn't figure out if they were hiding something else was where she focused. Why was he losing his words all of a sudden? How does the president known to give speeches impromptu know how to explain things in full sentences? He had to hide something? The darkness that came with her default state of doubting everything accepted his inability to answer with a clear sentence as hiding something or lying.
" Maybe I had enough just watching them" he turned the focus on himself as he couldn't even find the right way to explain why he always felt sorry for her without sounding like a misogynistic jerk. The question she asked him was one he needed to answer honestly for himself.
" It hadn't been entertaining in years" Lost in his own confusion he shared an honest truth with the wrong person.
" Was it before?" her arms that crossed was the only thing he needed to know about the line being drawn between them. What he had just shared had just changed something in her. The look in her eyes had changed in seconds.
" I didn't mean" her eyes daring him to finish the sentence had rendered him silent.
" It was childish games when we joined but now"
" I don't even know what it is now" as her eyes turned to the garden and the pathway, Jihoo was provided some silence which he enjoyed. Maybe he shouldn't have asked to hear her voice. Her silence was better than being questioned. Anything else was better than being grilled by her eyes.
" They really aren't evil. They are just bored" A minute later Jihoo tried to explain which seemed like more of a self-talk for himself.
" I have known them since we were young"
" They just have power trips," he added, followed by silence again.
" You are part of F4?" turning her examining eyes to him she asked. It was a quick reminder of why he was defending his best friends and the group he was part of .
" I am glad to know torturing people is a game and entertainment for you" her words were carefully chosen as she sent them to Jihoo. That was the last nail she needed on the mission she had planned for his friend. Any hint of mercy she might have had was just whipped out. Her in-control mind ordered her to shut this nonsense down and focus on her task as she should have been doing. She had made out the door she could use to get back to the main reason she was here. She can't lose her focus thanks to the nonsense coming out of his mouth. Every word he whispered was making it worse for his friend and himself. She wasn't even supposed to be out here. Why on earth had she thought walking with him was a good idea? She had given him the benefit of the doubt and yet again, he had proven why he was part of F4. Why she keeps expecting better from him was a disappointment for her. All of it she had to wipe away the moment tonight was done.
'I'll make sure you are entertained' she added, her sharp and lethal eyes staring right into his soul. The quick turn she was planning to make and head to the door was halted when her body was ordered to prepare for fight mode the moment he grabbed her arm.
"Wait" his right hand was quick as it left his pocket and grabbed her arm. Her eyes quickly landed on his arm that had touched her, Jihoo knew he had just crossed a line. The anger in her eyes that lifted from his arm and landed on him, was a bit similar to how she looked at his friends.
" I am not" His words were silenced as she slowly turned her body his way and faced him. Her eyes. It was her eyes she always used to disarm people, and Jihoo was no different as he gave in to them. Her imposing eyes daring him to say anything worth touching her had won. He knew there was no explanation he could provide that would get rid of the loathing in her eyes. She had every reason to hate him. For now, that wasn't even his concern. It was her safety.
" Please just leave" he whispered.
" I will buy you an excuse. Just leave" he added, his voice shifting from apologetic to pleading. Before she even erases how his voice changes when he smiles, a new tone was added as his pleading voice sounded softer than ever. His eyes in seconds had turned puppy-like as they fought to be registered but her focused mind had shut it all down. Anything and everything he sent her way was bouncing back against the tall and double brick wall she had placed up.
" he is something else when he is drunk"
" I don't want anything to happen to you" he added before she even asked. His earnest eyes weren't hiding the honest sentiment he had just whispered. His worry was in full view as his eyes were begging for a response from her. But it was useless. His words weren't even able to lift the hatred visible all over her let alone pierce through the thick wall around her.
" Huh" a small smirk escaped her lips. He really was good at pretending. How could she be fooled by it while standing right there knowing he doesn't care? He really was that good.
" Just leave" his grip around her arm tightened, holding her back from taking the step she was aiming away from him. Her eyes shifted to his tight grip. Her itching hands in her pocket were begging to come to her defense and end what had caused her nerves to get ready to kill but no. At Least she owes him this much. He doesn't deserve to be punished. At Least, not yet.
" Don't touch me" her fiery eyes turning his way commanded. It was an order, not a request. Her cursing eyes he remembers from days ago, he quickly recognized the look in her eyes. Although everything in him was challenging him to hold still and see what she would do, he had not controlled and gave into her order. His right hand opened up letting go of her elbow.
" Just leave" he whispered before she turned around and started her steps away from him. His words were completely ignored as she quickened her steps away. Hands sent to his pocket, Jihoo stood there, watching her. The nice breeze brushing his hair away was providing him with all the clam he needed to take in her rage-filled steps away from him. It was alarming how quickly his worry was shifted to fascination as his eyes couldn't help but trace the slender shape of the girl becoming a distant figure. His bottom lip taking in his teeth that had been biting it didn't register any of the pain as everything was focused on the girl until she disappeared out of view.
" What are you doing?" he shook his head, turning his attention to the other side of the needed the few minutes he spent in the garden before returning to the club.
"Where were you?" Yjeong was the one that asked as all waited for Jihoo to explain his absence.
" I need some air, '' he responded. His glance at the girl sitting in front of him was only caught by Junpyo who knew they left together.
" You missed Jessica's invited guest" Yijeong went on describing what they have missed while Jihoo was more focused on what he could do to get this girl out of the place. He doesn't have much time to stay. Could he convince Junpyo to do anything to get her to leave? He shifted his gaze to his best friend the moment the thought crossed his mind. Junpyo staring right back at him didn't look like he would listen to him at all. What was up with his friend? Jihoo's focus shifted.
" What?" he asked ,crossing his arms and waiting.
" Did you get enough air?" Junpyo, placing his glass down, asked. His legs crossed and placed on the table, Jihoo was tempted to kick as he could easily read between the lines.
" Yes I did," Jihoo responded.
" You should get some air," he suggested to his friend. Jandi, following his eyes, landed on Jun Pyo. His long legs extending on the table she couldn't help but notice. His jacket taken off, his black shirt was the only thing covering the top half of his body. His necklace was hidden behind the shirt she noted before her eyes were quickly pulled to the jewelry covered finger that slowly grabbed a hold of his right arm and started caressing his biceps. This time, the girl's hand wasn't pushed away as Jandi landed her eyes on Junpyo who was focused on his conversation with Jihoo.
" Weren't you supposed to leave before 1 am?" Junpyo asked. The signals his arm was sending about the soft hand touching it was ignored as it slowly started traveling up into the sleeves of his shirt. Jandi couldn't help but resent her eyes that were trained to notice any movement as they shifted form the hand that went up his sleeves to the girl's face that landed on his shoulder. Her red-colored lips were ever close to his neck which forced Jandi to take notice of his face.
" Already eager for me to leave?"
" Why? Am I spoiling your fun?
" You are always spoiling the fun. '' It was Woobin that responded to Jihoo's question.
" Am I?"
" YES" Woobin had been the one to respond but what Jihoo was waiting for was his best friend.
" am just saying it's almost 1 am" Junpyo whispered
" You don't even like this so might as well go home" he added.
" weren't you asking us if you could leave earlier?" Yijeong backed Junpyo up.
" Maybe he is staying to see you present the freak" one of the girls by woobin added her 2 cents to the conversation. All of a sudden all were reminded of the girl sitting by the edge of the table.
" OMG, that's right. You can't leave without seeing that " Yijeong was the only convinced Jihoo who would ever care to see any of that mess.
" Why? So he could save her again?" Woobin blowing the white smoke whispered.
" So he could be her shoulder to cry on for the night" he added
" Jihoo has high standards so I doubt it," Yijeong winking at Jandi added. She needed some seconds to get what he was insinuating.
" Of course he does. He is the all-mighty one, above us all" the tension between Woobin and Jihoo was becoming obvious.
" Even if he wasn't sure he wouldn't sleep with an escort" One of the girls shifted the conversation to the quiet girl.
" He has so many options before he gets to her kind" She added, getting smiles from across the table.
" She does it for a paycheck, you do it for gifts, the difference?' Jihoo asked Junpyo to get a snarky smile. His best friend was really coming to her defense every chance he got. By now it wasn't even about aggravating Woo Bin anymore.
" Did you just compare me to her?" the girl sitting by Junpyo asked.
" I think he did" Yijeong, wanting to see this fight, responded by leaning back.
" You might even be worse. Others do it to survive, you are doing it to get crumbs" he was sending shots
" he doesn't even know your name, '' he added, pointing at Jun Pyo.
" Of course, he knows my name. Oppa what's my name?" turning her attention to Junpyo she asked. Woobin and Yijeong, knowing what was coming, kept their eyes on their drinks. Ji Hoo crossing his arms waited for the embarrassing realization while Jandi was provided proof of another gossip. He really doesn't even know their names.
" Oppa?" she asked, pulling her hands away from his arm. His fingers brushing his hair, Junpyo sat in silence.
" All you want is his platinum card so does it really matter if he knows your name?"
" You accompany him for the night he gives you things you want, isn't that a transaction? '' He added, giving the girl more things to be pissed about. Junpyo's smile hidden behind his hair ,was a result of how hard his friend was going all because the mute girl was referred to as an escort in front of him. Why it was bugging him was left for another time as he couldn't even believe his friend was doing this. Now he was curious about what the two did when they were gone.
" Why are you so pressed?" Even Yijoeng was surprised by Jihoos behavior.
" What did she do to you in the garden," Junpyo, leaning back and crossing his arms, asked. The startled look on Jihoo was all the other two needed to know it was true. The waiter who had slipped some new 1000 notes had been useful as he was told exactly where the two had left.
" Do you sleep with her already?" YIjeong questions
" Wait? When? This garden?" Woobin was more curious about place and timing. Jihoo didn't provide any answer as his angry eyes were still on Jun Pyo.
" Now it makes sense"
" I didn't sleep with her and even if I did it is none of your business" His words were directed at Junpyo.
" Told you he doesn't find her disgusting" Yijeongs words were ignored as Jihoo was trying to understand how on earth Junpyo knows where they went or why he was doing any of this. The tensions between the two friends being her focus, Jandi hadn't even wasted a second caring about what was being said about her. She doesn't care at all.
" Wait, so what did you do in the garden?" Won bin asked,
" It was a few minutes so was it a quickie?" His winking question
" None of your business" Jihoo's angry eyes turning his way had only fueled the rumor Woobin would whisper around.
" How much do you charge for that ?" Woobin asked, forcing all to remember the girl was there. Jihoo's hungry eyes were still on Woo Bin, to who he didn't even have words to respond.
" what?" Woobin enjoying how he had gotten under Jihoo's skin asked,
" We are all curious"
" It's a fancy place, and in a public palace it should cost a bit more, no?" he asked, getting a slap on his shoulder from Yijoeng.
" or is it my minutes?"
" You know some charge by the time" Woobin went on.
" You would know. Am surprised you even pay by minutes and not seconds" Jihoo's response would have been one thing, but Junpyo's eyes focused on his friend had been the only one to catch the little smile that escaped Jandi's lips before her right hand covered them. Her eyes couldn't hide the tiny joy she felt as they stayed on Jihoo fighting a battle against all. The way she was looking at his best friend had just shifted. The looks they were exchanging weren't even enough now she was smiling at him. What on earth did these two do in that garden? All he was informed was that they were walking in the garden.
"Ohh" Yijeong held in his laugh while the girls let it out. It really was no use arguing with the debate team captain. Woobin didn't even have a comeback as he just started right back at Jihoo.
" Is that true?" one of the girls sitting by Woobin asked, making the situation even worse as he threw her arm up.
" Mute freak, let's go " woobin throwing his cigarette down on the ashtray and standing up.
"It's our show now," he added as he pushed the girl's legs away from his path.
" huh" Taking a deep breath, Jandi stood up. Her eyes didn't fail to glance at Yahoo's worry-filled ones before she started following the steps Woobin took leading the way. Jihoo's sharp tongue provided her with the smile of the night. He really was something.
"What's up with you tonight?" Jihoo returned his attention to Junpyo and asked.
" Please don't touch me" Junpyo brushing his hair away commanded the girl who was filled with anger to stand up and started heading to the bathroom.
" Did you miss your meds?' Jihoo added to getting a smile out of Junpyo. He was left even more alarmed as Junpyo called the waiter and asked if they had any coffee or anything with caffeine and more water along with some snacks. His hair he kept brushing was followed by his t-shirt he adjusted as he pulled his legs down and sat up straight.
" Are you okay?" Jihoo asked.
" Stay away from her Jihoo" Junpyo whispered.
" She is probably in a gang or something. She is very suspicious, "he added, hoping his friend would listen to his concerns.
" Are you sure it's that ?" Jihoo, who had been dismissing the claim that this girl was the same as the one from the hotel, didn't believe Junpyo. He wasn't aware of any of the other incidents Junpyo had witnessed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is my intet " Woobin walked up into the middle of the stage, getting everybody's attention.
" Okay, just passed the securities. '' Her earbud she placed on her way back from the garden finally started working. Even with the amount of light placed on her, none were able to make out the small smile that escaped her lips as the voice in her ears started talking.
" So many cameras, why Why why" the voice in her ear went on complaining as she zoned out of all the words being spoken about her and focused her attention on the small voice whispering in her ear.
" Okay no all of you, freeze"
"How am I supposed to find a white Lamborghini from all of this"
" ohhhh this is a nice car"
"GOD, this is a beauty . ."
" not the white mess, but the one parked next to it"
" the silver gray one" the voice in her ear forced her attention to land on the owner of the car being admired. He was right, Junpyo's car she had seen on campus was a beauty.
"I've got to take some pictures. '' The voice in her ear was entertaining her more than the club-filled people staring her way as it eased her anxiety and gave her all she needed to stare right back at the car owner staring at her. His curious eyes were too pointed for her to ignore. He is hiding something behind his dark eyes that she will need to get to the bottom of very soon. If not for their plan, standing in front of all these people might have forced her anxiety to reach a new level, but she had a reason to stand there and be laughed at and pointed at like cattle. A full house crowd of people strangely looking at her was something that could trigger her anxiety but the apologetic-looking eyes staring at her from the table by the corner had made her question why she never felt a bit of embarrassment or pain standing up and talking about all of this insult. Jihoo's shame and guilt-filled eyes that were apologizing from far away were effective as they for a split second, reminded her of her humanity and all the pain she had camouflaged away as courage. Thankfully there were no cameras in the club to record any of this.
"Is that asshole talking about you"
"OMG, I didn't know you worked as a prostitute " the voice goes on. Her ever-in-control mind ordered her eyes to look away from a Jihoo. She needs to stay in control of any and all emotions. It was better to look at the one sitting next to him who in seconds would fuel the fire burning in her. Junpyo was the perfect subject for her eyes to land on as they triggered the main reason she was here.
"did this asshole say you sleep with old men to pay for food"
" OH My"
" Well what you do can bring some pleasure so you know" the voice knowing she couldn't protest or respond added. This was the perfect place to tease her about it all.
" Ohhh Bom would have cut his tongue if he heard what this boy is saying about you" he added, reminding both of the various times Bom have claimed he would kill any boy who would dare to come for her. Thankfully she had never been interested in worldly things like that. They all had one mission that was what they lived for.
"Okay time to roll. Everything is ready for Bom"
"What are you talking about?" Bom jumped in.
" Nothing. The car is ready" Ctrl Alt whispered
" This is a nice car' Bomb needed some seconds to prepare all his tools.
" I know. I was telling her"
" It is a very rare car" Ctrl Alt added while Bom slid down under the car he had been searching for a minute; his gloved fingers were busy cutting all the right wires and attaching them to his laptop which Ctrl alt was waiting for before he starts his magic.
" You owe me a big dinner for this too" all could hear Ctrl alt's frantic hands pressing the keyboard.
" .Okay, this is gonna take some time, I need my music. '' The earbud in her ear was turned off as it forced her to return to what was happening in the club.
"thank you all" Woobin Giving all the shocked faced people a bow started walking away.
" They will vote so you have to stay till I get my prize," Woobin whispered.
" don't sit at our table, just go sit somewhere else" he added, smiling ear to ear as he headed to his table.
".you're definitely gonna win "the clapping hands that came his way were the reason Woobin even tolerated seeing her today.
" I am leaving" Jihoo, picking up his jacket Jihoo stood up.
" I am going home, please do not call me at 3 am., I am not your babysitter,' Jihoo added as he sent his angry eyes Junpyos's way.
"and you, hope you get home safe " A quick peace sign was thrown their way, and Jihoo was heading to the main door.
"Is that coffee"Yijeong had asked what Junpyo was drinking but his attention was quickly taken by the girl that walked his way and pulled him up heading to the dance floor.
"See you tomorrow hyung ." A slight wink sent his way, Yijoeng also left Jun Pyo by himself. His friends who, as always, abandoned him weren't a bit of his concerned as his eyes were set on Jihoo heading to the corner of the bar Jandi was sitting by. The amount of alcohol he had chugged down he couldn't even remember, Junpyo went on slipping in the coffee which usually spared him up pretty quickly. The meds he was supposed to have taken four hours ago he knew would do him any good either, since the only thing he ate all day was three sushi rolls at the dinner he was forced to eat.
" huh' he took another deep breath as he lit up another cigarette and sent it to his lips. His wandering eyes went right to their favored person to watch.
"Hey " knowing he might not get any response Jihoo stood next to Jandi sitting on the long chairs by the bar, her hands playing with the bottled water the bartender had handed her halted their movement the moment she heard his voice,
" Sorry about that " His gentle brown eyes that looked like they were glowing thanks to the flickering lights, looked more apologetic than ever as they zoomed on her.
"I am sorry about everything" her blank stare making him more nervous than ever Jihoo went on apologizing as Jandi registers every feature she could make out on his face. The blinking lights of the club were making it hard. The soft smile he kept sending her way and his apologetic eyes were surprising, as they were confusing her about how she should interpret them..
"You should head home" another smile was sent her way.
" I will make sure he doesn't punish you for leaving" not even sure what he was promising and why, he added. He was very aware of what happened to the girls Woobin messed with. Drunk Woobin after 2 am wasn't somebody he would trust, especially around a plaything like a girl in front of him. The nightmare he could wake up to, Jihoo was very aware of what could happen to this girl if she stayed any longer.
" Just leave," he added, as Jandi kept her eyes on him, not even parting her lips to breathe. There was no reaction, as her deadly sharp eyes that didn't even look like they were blinking just stayed fixated on him.
" You're not going to listen to me, are you?"
" put everything she orders on table 3's tap," he ordered the bartender while buying himself time to devise an excuse.
" How did he know where we were ?" she whispered as she leaned against the counter. Her small smile that had left him in a trance was nothing compared to her soft but deadly voice that still left him shocked whenever she opened her mouth.
" Did he have us followed?" she chose to dig in deeper. The tension she witnessed between the two she had to find out if it was about them or Junpyo's suspicion had anything to do with her. The way Junpyo has been looking at her has been beyond alarming.
"Probably paid one of the waiters to check " Jihoo was not sure why she is concerned about that more than all the rumors they made about what she might have done with him in the garden. She didn't even remotely seem bothered when they claimed she might have slept with him. His mind was quick as it questioned if she really did work as an escort, which might have been why this type of conversation was beyond casual for her. Whatever it is they have going on, she seems to respond to him so he decides to try his luck.
" Do you really work as an escort?" he asked, trying to downplay his curiosity by changing his gaze to the crowd.
" He claimed he saw you at a hotel with an older gentleman," he answered the question in her eyes.
" Would it matter if I did?"
"That's not what" he silenced himself. Their earlier interaction should have been a lesson on how to be careful about what he says to this girl.
" I need money" The clear line she wants to draw between them. She knew this would boldly line it. The respect people have for women usually disappears once they claim to work in that industry. No better excuse than claiming to sell sex or anything remotely close to it to help people distance themselves away from you. At Least people like Jihoo who care so much about others' perception. She is giving him another reason to keep his distance.
" Does your family know about it?" he asked a simple question that he wasn't prepared for.
" That's none of your business" her calm voice had turned sharp in an instant. Her arms crossed, her eyes on him, he was learning how to read her cues. He had found a trigger. Unlike the attack she expected him to start, the empathetic Jihoo had other things occupying his mind. One is what type of situation would take for a girl like him to do what she does. What type of world does she live in that selling herself was the only way out of it? The type of situation he could never even understand let alone relate to was what weighed heavy on his heart rather than using what he just found to attack her like she was expecting him to.
" I am sorry. I was just trying to understand"
" Don't" her response was quick and acute. Her eyes not even blinking waited for anything else he had to say.
" I am trying to help y"
" I didn't ask" she cut him off. Her hands were sent to her pocket, he didn't need much to recognize she was done with this conversation. Whether it was the garden or now, she was totally in control of how much she shared and when to end conversations. The little windows he was provided were shut before he even took the opportunity to know anything about this girl below surface level. At least now he knows she is an escort. That was what had left him shocked about the evening.
" I'll see you Monday then" he whispered, sending his disappointed eyes to the floor and the steps he was expected to take to the exit.
" Bye" he added as he started his steps. Not even a glance back did he get, let alone a goodbye. Her eyes were on the dance floor, she didn't even turn to look at the Jihoo heading to the exit. Not giving her much space to reflect on what just happened, the voice in her earpiece started talking.
" Okay, we are done" the voice in her ear was back
" Everything is set, " pressing the key to un-frizz the cameras he whispered her favorite words of his.
" Now We wait!" She whispered as she focused her eyes on the table in the balcony of the club.