Did you get home safe? She had been glancing at the text message she received last night for hours. The second phone number she had used to fill out the form she should have expected Jihoo to use as soon as he could. From her morning exercise to her long commute to school, she had been staring at the text she didn't know how to respond to. The smile the school guard gave her was ignored as she continued walking, her eyes trying to read between the lines of the five words. Why does he care if she got home or not? Is it because she works for him now? None of her bosses had ever texted her like this or worried about when and how she got home. She knew she needed to keep away from Jihoo. She was busy thinking about ways she could explicitly underline the type of relationship they would have, as she entered the elevator and pressed the 4th floor. The only reason she was there was to find out any clue about why the videos were deleted last Friday. Ctrl, who spent all day and night going through every corner of the buildings, has found every record of Friday deleted.
"Hi," the raspy voice she was learning to recognize brought her eyes up to the doors that opened. Just one look at his face, and she was quickly reminded of what had happened in that hospital room. His eyes that scanned her up and down, she accepted in silence. There was nothing she could do. Her anger which went from 0 to 100, was silenced when she remembered her secret he holds in his hands.
" I guess you're fine," The snarky tone of his voice sent her over the line she was fighting not to cross; she put her phone down and started walking to the door held open. Her eyes that were staring right back at him were welcomed as she walked past him but not before brushing his shoulder away from her path. Hands in his pocket, Junpyo kept his eyes on the girl walking away. His smiling lips were charmed by the realization that she was okay and back to her usual self. His evening spent trying to decipher what happened yesterday; he was glad to see her with the regular anger and hate bubbling in her eyes. The private investigator he had ordered to follow her. Her identity he couldn't find was only making him more curious, and after what happened yesterday, it had become the primary thing on his mind. Her fear-struck eyes that paralyzed him, he needs to get to the bottom of who she was to figure out what on earth had triggered her like that. Her sleeping with older men that started all of this was switched to her fighting skills, then how she had orchestrated Woobin's beat down; now it was whatever she was scared of. That was what he was so curious about. Unlike him, her thoughts about him were done once she left the corner and headed to her locker. The text message was the only thing that had her attention.
The boy she knew she would run into when she reported for her first day of work, she saved her response for later. Her morning classes were spent paying attention to her teachers going on about the final exams. Of all the students that have already been accepted to famous universities, none of them were worried about any final exam. The most important topics were the grand events and parties that were about to fill their schedule as they say bye to their high school days. The school events she will be extended an invitation to, she knew not to expect to be invited to any privately hosted parties everybody was planning. The school organized events and sent invitations to all, but all scholarship kids knew they were never welcomed and avoided all at all costs. They never had the outfits or spending money to indulge themselves to cruises, trips to Paris, and island vacations. The school was famous for events it threw for graduating seniors and that was kept as top-level secret until the president announced it. The news that would take over in the coming weeks, all grade 12 students were anxiously waiting for it. She, being the least interested, had found out the options on the table on her lunch break.
Her first task being to take note for the end of the year event planning meeting, she sat in the back at the chair the council secretary told her too and went on type as she was directed. Her fingers used to typing fast, she sat in the back with two other tabs that were helping her go through the documents she was checking for any event scheduled last friday. 45 minutes of the council meeting wasted on going from ten of the options suggested down to three was concluded 15 minutes before lunch break was over. Sitting in the back, she had caught the wandering eyes of the members looking at her with confusion as they walked out of the room. Having better things to worry about, like the location they have to finalize they have ignored her and the small desk she was assigned to sit on. One by one the elected council members left the room, leaving some of the officers and Jihoo. She had heard about them but it was great to see that there were other officers that reported to him and it wasn't just her. She sat waiting for the officers talking to him to be done, which one by one were finishing their conversation and leaving the room. The passwords she hasn't been given yet, maybe she could use his laptop. That was the only reason she was waiting. That and to see if there was anything else she needed to do before heading to class. As Jihoo and the council secretary started walking her way, she adjusted her seat and sat up. The secretary talking to Jihoo, had his eyes on the document he was pointing at while the latter had his eye on the girl he was eagerly waiting to talk to. All throughout the meeting, he had kept glancing her way to find her uninterested eyes glued to the computer she was typing on. Considering how she was interested in the council once she found they planned events, he expected her to be happy about being in this meeting. She was just focused on her job.
" Was it as boring as you thought? " Jihoo asked while the council secretary passed a bunch of files to Jandi. The documents placed on the meeting agenda sitting next to the new laptop she was provided yesterday was a lot.
" Those need to be typed and filed under the agenda of the meeting for today," the secretary went on while Jihoo waited for him to finish all orders for what Jandi had to do. She was being assigned her afternoon task.
" and make sure you have me sign it off before you leave today" the secretary reminded her again.
"I'll see you both later. '' He gave them a small smile and headed to the exit. He has serious issues to worry about then the president that was showing an odd interest in the new girl. The event plan they have to submit to the school board by next week was on his shoulders. Even Woobin's news hasn't been able to make him lose his focus on planning let alone a new girl is added to work with them 2 months before school is over.
" He's very strict about files," Jihoo, leaning toward her, whispered while they both focused on secretly leaving the room.
"Can I?" he pointed at the seat next to her. Her silence being the answer, he sat down on the chair by her left side. The empty room looked grand from these seats. He took a deep breath and just sat in silence, taking it all in.
" You have a great view of the president's chair from here."
" I didn't choose the seat. He told me to sit" Her quick defense was suspicious. His smiling eyes that turned her way had silenced her from continuing with her defense. It was useless.
" Which one would you choose?" He crossed his arms and lowered his body to sit more at ease. His shoulder finally reached her height, they were face to face when she turned towards him.
" I have never been to any of them so I wouldn't know" Sending her hands to the computer she started adjusting some of the typos she made and the filing she had to store in the private drive of the council.
" You've never been on a cruise? Or an island"
" No I haven't" The annoyance in her voice should have been the only clue he needed to redirect the conversation, but Jihoo went on asking. All he was doing was trying to understand, but as always, he was reminded of his privilege that blinds him from even considering what she said to be the truth for most people.
"Why not?" His question forced her eyes to turn to him.
" You don't like stuff like that?" he asked, totally distracted by the dimple that was starting to form as a small smile escaped her lips.
" Because I am poor," her response was accompanied by a smile. It was pronounced that these people had no idea what the rest of the population lived like.
" Would I be doing this if I had the money to afford a trip to an island?" she asked, not even considering that using money as her cover wasn't the best option. It was an issue the one next to her could solve easily, leaving her with no other option but to deny any offer he might send her way. Not having enough money isn't going to work in front of those that didn't mind throwing it away.
" It's not that much"
" How much does it cost?" The hint of a smile on her face he was lost in, he didn't have an answer to her question. Her eyes look a bit different when she smiles. Maybe it was the way they softened instantly or opened up, displaying the honey-brown color he was being drawn into. The little movement of her cheeks draws his eyes to her cute nose rather than her lips.
" I don't know. It depends but it's not that expensive" he wasn't sure why what he was saying was funny but as long as he could keep the smile on her face, he would keep adding to it. Maybe if he goes far enough, he might get to see a full smile.
" Do you know what the federal poverty line is?" she asked, crossing her arms and turning her whole attention his way. The cautionary voice in her head screaming for her to notice how this boy was getting her to not only talk, but engage in conversation with him was silenced by her curiosity and just amazement that his life is so privileged that he doesn't even know anything about the type of poverty she is talking about. The empty council room, hiding them away from everybody else, it was easy to lower her filter down and for once have a conversation with somebody at this school. It was a monumental moment. She wasn't aware of it yet, but she will look at this as the start.
" you should know that if you're going to be the president"
" who said I want to be the president" was the only response he had. The calls he needed to make, the emails he needed to send out and his friends he was supposed to be meeting with were forgotten about, he was enjoying her full attention he had finally gotten.
" Everybody"
" Isn't that why you are doing this" her right hand that was sent his way his eyes followed to the student president pin on his right chest. Her fingers that stopped inches away from the pin, Jihoo wasn't sure why he was being alarmed by her hand that had entered his personal space. Her skinny fingers, he wasn't aware of how deadly they could be as he mistook them as fragile.
" or is it because you enjoy having full power?" she asked to retrieve her hand back to herself. She had caught how his eyes had followed her finger and even the small movement of his shoulder he adjusted. Her mind was quick to remind her of Junpyo's words and how much these people don't want to be touched by her. That was when the faint of a smile despaired. A quick reminder of her place and she was back.
" Why do you say that?" he asked, more curious about what just happened. Something has changed.
" You said F4 was all about having power and control"
" Isn't that why you're part of it?" her eyes were back to their scrutinizing mode. She was reminding both of their place and Jihoo knew how to read between the words to understand what she was doing. He had a choice to make. To get to the bottom of the F4 conversation they started in the garden or to keep the conversation light hearted and maybe see her smile again.
" Maybe I just enjoy sitting up there, telling people to shut up" he chose to keep it surface level. He can't win against her if he decided to talk about F4 anyway.
" and ordering people around"
" That's what this gets me," he pointed at the pin. Her eyes that landed on his chest slowly lifted to his face. For a split second he had caught what had crossed her mind. Their eyes trying to decode what the other one was thinking, forced the silence of the empty room to take over. Unable to handle or not willing to engage in what was starting to pull, she turned her eyes to the computer. Swallowing his smile , Jihoo turned his eyes to the grand window of the room on the left and the rain that started tapping at the tall glass. The deep breath he took in helped ease his body sitting comfortably. The million things he had to worry about were slowly evaporating as he continued taking in the cold air and zoomed in on the water drops trailing down the glass. The light of the room that started to slowly fade away, neither wanted to acknowledge. The only light coming in from the tall windows welcoming the rain sound of her typing fingers weren't helping win the fight against his eyes that were begging to return to the person next to him they can't seem to get enough of. The raindrops were where his eyes were forced to stare at while he sat in silence, taking in the moment. Thankfully her busy fingers were paused as she was also transported away from the task at hand to the dark room and raindrops tapping at the window. Considering how much she loved rain, it was no surprise matter she would let the water drops trailing down the tall window take her away. The window on the right and the tall tree leaves moving to the direction of the strong wind that accompanied the rain was all that had her attention.
1
2
3 ... the minutes went on in complete silence, only the raindrops attacking the window echoing through the big room. Lost in the world she can't wait to disappear, Jandi hadn't noticed his eyes that had landed on her and the attentive way his eyes were examining every curve of her face he only got a side profile of. Perhaps it was the lovely dark light of the room and the hypnotizing music of the rain that had forced him to finally acknowledge the stunning structure of her face. Her eyes turned away, her long lashes moving slowly every time she blinked where he started before his seized eyes started trailing down. His curiosity he wasn't in control of landed on her perfectly symmetric and full lips. The slow way they parted when she smiled earlier, the way they had cursed at him, and the sweet voice they kept gated. The natural cherry color he could make out, it wasn't his fault to question the sweetness of cherries. The moment he was made aware of what was occupying his mind, Jihoo sent his eyes back to the window on the left. His shoulders he adjusted, were used to distract from the indecent thought that took over him for a split second.
" Why did you decide to join?" he whispered, breaking the long silence. He needs a distraction.
" I need the money" She knew she could get away with that easy lie and she was right, Jihoo accepted it as the truth. He had no reason to doubt her.
"Why did you ask me to join?" her eyes turned his way. The smile he held behind was a result of realizing how her alluring eyes were her best weapon holding him hostage until he tells the truth.
" I thought it would be the best way to protect you for when Woobin comes back" he had no reason to lie and his honesty he was known for he wasn't going to change any time soon. Being honest was always the best option. Occupied with trying to understand his own emotions, Jihoo wasn't able to recognize the unfamiliar position he had placed her in with his honesty.
" Why?" not even remotely able to understand why he wants to protect her, she asked.
" I don't know" his hand was sent to brush his hair then adjust his tie, she didn't know him well enough to recognize the simple sign of his confusion and nervousness. Her always suspicious mind was right to remind her of his best friend that was out for her and the games they could be playing on her. This all could be part of their game. It was easier to accept it all as part of an elaborate plan to get back at her than his honesty and the weird space they were fighting to piercing through the thick wall she always had around her. The first red flag was waved the moment his puppy-like eyes returned to hers and pulled her into the bizarre space he was in. Her controlling mind ordered for everything to be shut down and to end whatever was happening ASAP.
" We should go," she whispered, her hands frantically collecting the documents around her. The laptop slammed shut , she placed all the documents on top of it. She needs to get away from this place. Unlike her, the boy sitting didn't move at all.
" I will work on the agenda after class and have them ready" she stood up and held everything against her chest. The first step she took away from the chair, she turned towards Jihoo she was leaving behind. His eyes on the window he sent his legs to the chair in front, his legs crossed and he sat more comfortably. Returning her eyes to her steps, she decided for the water fountain to be her first destination. She needs something to drink. Or just cold water so maybe the bathroom.
" text me" her right hand sent to the door halted when she heard his voice.
" If you need anything" he added, bringing his eyes her way.
"Anytime" this one didn't make it all the way to the girl by the door. It was a whisper only his ears heard. The small bow she gave him was the last thing he got before she walked out the room and his eyes returned to the rain and the window.
" What are you doing?" he couldn't even ask himself as he sat there letting whatever he was feeling take over.
The minutes he spent lost in his own world, he was made aware of when he picked his phone that was screaming for his attention.
" Where the hell have you been?" Yijeong's voice was ignored as Jihoo glanced at the time on his phone. He had a few minutes before class started.
" We are waiting for you"
" I am coming" he repeated twice before hanging up. While he quickened his steps to his friends while she found the water fountain she was looking for.
What happened in the council meeting room, she spent hours analyzing. It was because I am new, she had used that as an excuse to how much attention she was being given by Jihoo in the afterschool meeting the officers had. It had to be because she was new and she was a weird scholarship girl. And because she was the assistant, she had thought as she realized how much time she was spending with the school president who she was ordered to follow around to every meeting. Asked to arrive before he even got to school, by the third day of her work, she knew his schedule and every detail of his day. She was even asked to utilize her lunch time as she was offered to eat in the office. The only one who brings lunch from home, she hadn't questioned why she was the only one eating in the office. The privacy and isolation she always wanted, she was happy to be given access to an empty office and computers she could break into. Her desk was in the corner, she had even made sure to have some utensils and condiments in her drawer for her lunch. The free drinks and snacks the council office had, she was told to use dozens of times.
" Do you always eat homemade food?" the sandwich she was biting into , she placed down as she turned around. By now she was used to seeing him every hour of the day but this was new. Her lunch time was her private time where she doesn't have to be on her guard.
"That looks good '' Jihoo added, taking more steps into the conference room she decided to eat in. The small conference room that had the wall to wall window, he knew she would chose to eat there. She liked looking at the garden. His eyes on her neatly arranged lunch, Jihoo was happy to see the chips and drinks she had taken from the office snack table. Almost all the officers knew the new addition to their office wasn't for them but the new girl. The food package their parents paid for, all had access to free food anytime. If they ever craved anything, they had to only make a call and have it delivered to their office.
" Is it a dietary thing?" Jihoo chose to walk across the table and sit on the chair in front of her. Her right hand covering her lips and chewing on the sandwith she bit into, Jandi turned around to see if there was nobody else coming behind. There was nobody else in the whole office. Her eyes turning his way, she finnlay noticed the sushi box and water bottle in his right hand, both softly placed on the table. Was he going to eat here? Her questioning eyes needed a second to process yet another new thing she was being asked to accept.
"I know you like eating alone"
" I don't, '' he added, giving her a small smile. The drinks she kept on taking, she looked uncomfortable but Jihoo knew she would get used to it. She was shocked and standoffish when he got her tea in the morning on her second day but now she just takes it from his desk without even asking. His secretary he used as a cover to ask Jandi to arrive before him and make sure everything was on his desk, he knew it was the greatest excuse to see her first thing in the morning. The tea was just an apology for having her wake up early and come to school.
" Do you make that yourself?" he asked, pointing to her sandwich with the chopsticks he pulled out from the nice packaging with the school logo all over it.
" Yes' 'she responded as she just accepted that this was going to happen whether she liked it or not. The only hope she had was that she only had a short time left at this school. This will all end in a couple of weeks.
" It looks good '' he repeated confusing Jandi who didn't know if it was a compliment or if it was a hint she was supposed to take and offer him some. If he was a regular person that might be the reason but he was Jihoo. There was no way this guy wanted to try her food. He probably was saying it just to be nice.
" Why are you eating here?" how comfortable she always felt to ask him anything, she was that blind to not understand as the result of how easy to talk to and approachable he was.
"I wanted to eat with you. '' Taking his first bite, Jihoo sat back expecting a reaction. Her eyes turning up, her hand that paused mid way was the reaction he expected. It was so adorable how she gets surprised that he enjoys spending time with her.
" Why?"
" Do I need a reason?"
" Don't you have your friends?" one mentions his friends and he knew where she was headed. He needs to divert the conversation back to them.
" I wanted to talk to you about the Art gala next week" wasn't the reason but he knew to prepare and came in ready to have a back up plan .
" I already got you the tickets and added it to your calendar" She focused on her food.
" Make sure to add it to your calendar as well"
" the secretary is not going so you're coming with me" he added more to her shock.
" I am not"
" The only thing you said you didn't want to do is speak or give a presentation" he reminded her of the only things she had mentioned when he asked her what things were off limits for her. The bullshit excuse he had prepared for why she would have to go was never used since she didn't even ask. She just sat there, with the dismayed look in her eyes just looking at him. He knew she probably was calculating what it was costing her to be part of this council and he was right. All the new things she had experienced this week, Jandi was questioning whether joining this thing was even worth the dilemma and confusion it was causing her at every turn. Ctrl , she had asked for advice and had suggested she enjoy it as much as she could. She only had weeks left and nothing to lose anyway.
" If I were you, I would use them for every penny and then dip" had been his advice.
" Some interesting people will be there"he broke the silence giving her a reason she could use an excuse to attend whatever the gala she was going to be dragged to.
" I think there is a writer you might like who will be there" Jihoo started the long chat about all the books he had seen her read and her favorite writers.
In their own world the two hadn't even noticed the person that walked into the office. Lookin for his friend that had missed lunch, Jun Pyo's eyes from the empty office landed on Jihoos office in the corner. There was nobody there. His friend nowhere to be found, Junpyo was getting ready to leave until he heard a sound coming from the corner. Placing his hands in his pocket, Junpyo walked to the conference room. Thankfully the box leaning against the conference room had hid him away as he leaned to the door and made out Jihoo, laughing at whoever was sitting in front of him. His best friend who was becoming hard to get a hold off, today has been the first time he had missed their lunch without even letting them know. He usually had excuse whenever he can't be with them but lately, he just disappeared with no explanation. Junpyo's eyes shifting to the girl covering her chewing lips with her right hand, he finally got the answer to what has been keeping his best friend busy.
She has him not only smiling and giggling but eating with her, instead of his friends. He knew she joined that stupid student council but what the two were doing didn't seem like it was official work. Since when does the student president eat with his officers, let alone just one. Since when does Jihoo choose to spend time with anybody else rather than his friends? His right hand extended to the door was pulled back as he quickened his steps out of the office. The music in his ears increased to its maximum volume, he quickened his steps across the hallway. She beat Woobin to a hospital bed, now she has found a better way to take Jihoo away from the group that was starting to break apart before they even separated for college. His friend that meant the world to him, Junpyo was quick to realiz how dangerous the new couple of weeks are going to be if this keeps going on.
"Hyong '' the small bows he got from the boys passing by was ignored by junpyo, who was focused on his anxiety masked with anger that was fighting against his wish to dismiss everything as nonsensical worry. His ever so quick mind was able to think fast to find a way to resolve at least the main thing that wad bothering hum for now.
" Hey" he called out, turning around to the boys. Woobin's minions turned around facing him. Their leader who still had his hands in his cast, Junpyo scanned as he took a step towards them. The surprised look on the boys was a result of this being the first time Junpyo has ever talked to them by himself. If not around woo bin, they don't even recall seeing the boy that isolates and hides himself away whenever his friends weren't around.
" Yeah," their leader whispered, expecting to hear something about woo bin. That was the only thing he could think about why Junpyo would be talking to them.
" How is Hyong doing?" one of the three boys behind their leader asked. Woobin they weren't allowed to visit, they were beyond curious about what actually happened to their boss. The girl that had beat them around, even they had deemed it impossible to even think about her being the cause. It was accepted as a road rage fight that might have some gangs involved.
" He is fine" Junpyo brushing his hair took a second or two to think about if what he was about to ask was okay.
" You know the mute girl" his right hand playing with his hair he spoke out getting all their attention.
" yeah, what about that bitch?" the leader asked. The three boys behind him weren't the only ones that caught the look Junpyo gave the one who referred to Jandi as a bitch. Junpyo shaking his hair ignored what he just heard , it was none of his concern what the boys called her. Why hearing it got a reaction out of him was maddening on its own and adding to what he was going to ask them to do. The way this girl is causing him issues left and right needs to be addressed.
" I need you to talk to her" his eyes focused on the leader , Junpyo hoped these idiots would get what he was trying to say. The response he expected was quick as he noticed the smiles on the three behind. All he wanted was some threats so she could back off his friends.
" She needs to stay away from F4, especially Jihoo, '' he added, his eyes focused on the leader. Don't make decisions when you are emotional, the lesson his mom has taught him was completely thrown out of the window as Junpyo didn't even think about what type of permission he was giving the boy that didn't even need this to harm the girl he had sworn to kill if need be. Clouded by whatever has been bothering him, Junpyo didn't even think for a second that his request was going to be used as the highest form of permission to do whatever to the girl.
" We got you," one of the three giggling behinded responded. Junpyo from the three returned his eyes to their leader.
" Sure" the leader, trying hard to mask his happy smiles, agreed to the request. He had imagined so many ways he could get back at her but this wasn't part of his wildest imaginations. Getting the green light from the leader of F4, from the owner of the school himself, this was something else. Now they know, the school would have their back no matter what. Nomatter what they did, no matter what happens, the Shinwa Group will do whatever just to cover up for their prince that can not be touched.
"Cool" his right hand finally leaving his hair, Junpyo gave them a half smile before turning around and heading his way. The music he muted was pressed to starts screaming at his ear again. The loud noise wasn't able to silence out whatever was bothering him but at least it was a distraction.
" What do you think she did?" one of the boys asked as all kept their eyes on the tall figure walking away.
" She has been around Jihoo"
" She is part of the council now, I think" one added the explanation.
" Do you think she has anything to do with Woobin because she is good at it? " His words were silenced by the leader and his angry eyes that turned his way. Talking about how good of a fighter Jandi is was a no no.
" He probably doesn't want their reputation tarnished by having a person like her around Jihoo'' one of them came up with what they thought might be a reasonable excuse. The fact that this was an opportunity to get back at not only her but Jihoo that has been annoying them with saving her, the leader was already plotting and getting ready to enjoy how angry this will make Jihoo. If it comes to it, he knew he would use Junpyo as an excuse and can't wait to see the two fight it out and Jihoo kicked off the group he doesn't belong in.
" So what's the plan?"'
" Do you have those pills from last time?" The leader only had to ask one question for the boys to get what was waiting for the girl they all couldn't wait to get a hold of. The council work she stayed after school to complete, the boys had chosen it to be the ideal time to pass along the message they were ordered to. With almost everybody gone after six pm, it was the perfect time. Her fighting skill they all still had bruises of, they knew they couldn't even dare come at her by themselves. Her classroom lockers that w e're never locked, one had done the job he was ordered to as he grabbed her water bottle. The crushed two pills they added into the water were shaken until they disappeared into the colorless water. Her water bottle returned to her locker, he was done with his task. The other two were on look out and making sure they knew every move she makes after the school bell rings ending the last class of the week.
She is heading to the council office - had been the first message the team received as one followed her to the 4th floor office she got into. One by one the officers had left, leaving her and only Jihoo past six pm. By the time the two left, the boy hiding behind the corner wasn't even noticed by either. Jandi, helping carry the documents Jihoo was taking home, didn't catch any of the suspicious behavior even when they walked out of the elevator and headed to the driveway. As always, she was lost in the conversation and the odd world she was in with the person she has been spending an insane amount of hours with.
They are in the driving way - the leader on the roof got a text he didn't need. His eyes focused on the two in the parking lot, he watched what was happening live.
" I can drop you off at the train station" Jihoo throwing his coat in the back seat of his car offered. He knew she wouldn't accept. It has been a week of him offering to drop her which she doesn't accept. Her coat placed in her backpack, her skirt and dress shirt were what received the brush of the wind directing them left and right. Her hair moving along to the wind, Jihoo was finally getting a full view of the girl he spent over two hours sitting next to in his office. It was always surprising how tiny she was when she stood next to him.
" No, thank you"
" You're going to the gym" he gave her the excuse before she did. That has been what she used to avoid getting a ride from him. An exercise and a swim has been the excuse she used to not go with him and stay behind.
" Yes' ' the small smile that escaped her lips was invountery. He knows her excuse very well. The way he listens and remembers everything and anything she said was charming to the girl who wasn't in full control of herself. The pill that only takes hours to have total control of her consciousness, it has already started playing with her mind.
" On a Friday night?" his hands sent to his pocket he leaned against his car, the only car in the restricted parking spot. Looking at her wasn't something he would get tired of, especially when she was standing in front of him wearing her cute uniform.
"What 's different about Friday night?' avoiding his questioning eyes, she asked. She knew she could just say bye and true around to head back to Gym waiting for her but something had held her back. Something was slowly eroding all her fears and defenses to be okay with continuing this conversation.
" People usually go to parties or do fun things"
" People waste their time doing meaningless things'' her response was quick as her right hand was sent to brush her hair away from her face. Jihoo didn't even have any reason to question what was happening as he took in how she was removing her bangs, which usually were used as a cover to hide her eyes, away from her face. The bangs pushed into her hair tied in a messy bun, Jihoo responded to her claim while he took mental pictures of her adorable face.
" enjoying life isn't meaningless"
"Life isn't meaningful enough for me to be out partying" Jandi wasn't even remotely aware of how her filters were being lifted one by one thanks to the tapered water she had drank in her afternoon classes. Her body slowing down and losing its energy, even that wasn't noticed.
" But I guess you have something to be happy about. '' Her eyes finally returned to him as Jihoo couldn't quite place why he could swear this girl was beyond adorable when she wasn't so guarded. Maybe spending too much time next to her has made him aware of her behavior to notice something was a little different about not only the way she was talking but her smiles she has been gracious with sending his way. The last hour they spent in his office, she had even let out a tiny laugh she held in with her hands.
" everybody has something to be happy about"
" You made a friend this week , isn't that worth celebrating? '' he added, not even trying to fish for any hint as to what she thinks of the week. He just doesn't want the conversation to end. The Monday he will have to wait to see her again, he needs to get as much out of this before he leaves.
" I work for you"
" and I don't want friends" the sadness mixed in with anger in her voice was what changed the tone of the conversation instantly.
" We all want friends, we're social beings"
"am I your friend?" she asked, crossing her arms. Her curious eyes , he could swear were smiling at him while they waited for his response. This is the most adorable he has ever seen her.
"Am I not just the girl you feel sorry for" she added leaning forward. The playful tone she had was doing more damage to the boy who didn't know how to take what was happening. Both known to be careful with their words, chose not to follow up what she said.
" I don't need a friend"her arms uncrossing she broke the silence.
"Why is that?" this question she was getting ready to answer, she still had some control over her consciousness as caught herself before she shared something she shouldn't have.
" What are you hiding?"
" who says am hiding anything" her defense activated she started playing with the lunch bag in her hand.
" You don't have any hobbies, likes & dislikes"
" You don't have friends, have a weird way of talking"
" You don't talk about your life or your family." he stopped himself when he saw how this one had gotten her attention. Her eyes zoomed in on him as he once again was reminded how her life outside of the campus was something he can't even mention let alone ask about.
" Why are you so curious about mylife" her examining eyes were becoming a little bit scary but lucky for Jihoo the medicate girl had her guards down to the point he was able to recognize how the anger in her eyes was masking something else than being angry at him for prying into herlife.
" Because I want to know you"
" Why?"
" Is it one of the things you're doing because you feel guilty"
" You feel guilty for the so-called mute freak who is an escort so you're being nice to make yourself feel better" the step she took away from him was an immediate reaction to his body he lifted from his car and the step he took her way. Staying away from him was a clear ordered she needs to follow before her mind lost all its command and she was left to do whatever Jihoo wanted.
" or I really like having you around" the change in his town and his soft voice was doing the work for Jihoo by pulling her into the world she would never ever consent to if she was in total control of herself.
"Why?" she asked the question that was starting to annoy him.
" the same reason you like spending time with me.'' It took guts to throw this one out there but he had said it just to get a reaction.
" I am not choosing to, it's my job"
" So you don't like spending time with me" The step he took her way was welcomed this time as she didn't move away. Her words held back before she said them, he knew her filter was working over time.
"Am not that bad to hang around with" leaning her way, he whispered with a smile. Her personal space he broke into wasn't even registered. All that occupied her mind was his smile and his glowing eyes. The red flag that would have been waived for her by now was nowhere to be found as she was left to take in his beautiful smile and enchanting eyes that were making her powerless to deny whatever they would ask from her.
"am more fun when am not in this uniform and away from this campus" he added with another smile. Her mind quickly replied what he looked like in that club, she knew he looked beyond good when he wasn't in the uniform.
"Why would I have a reason to see you out of this campus" the line he was demanding she cross, his smile has done a great job easing her into it.
" because you're curious" his right hand came to his tie, he started pulling it away from his neck. Her eyes that made out the skin that was becoming visible thanks to the tie lowered and the top button left open, she wasn't sure what was happening to her. She was being forced to notice the sweet smell of his perfume now. Why does a flash of his skin need to be accompanied by how great he smells. Her lips she bit to hold in her own breath, she knew to redirect her eyes away from him. She knew it was disastrous but had no choice to follow his hand to the sleeves he had rolled up exposing his arm. Her fascinated eyes were brought back up to his face when she heard what he said next.
" Isn't that why you snoop around my desk and my files"
" it's your way of getting to know me" he erased her worry with the excuse he had come up with for her snooping. The fact that he had seen her and knew what she was doing was enough of a red flag added to the boxes of red flags she had to end whatever was going on and stay away from this boy even if she was fully conscious of what was happening.
" You can just ask me, you know"
" I will tell you" how low his voice got when he leaned even closer and whispered, Jandi was sure this boy knew what he was doing. The sly look in his eyes and his tone , she was sure he was beyond aware of everything he was doing.
" I want to tell you" his eyes didn't lose their gaze, the only addition was the sincerity in his voice. She had no power over what he was doing as even her fingers had paused their playing with the lunch bag. Her whole attention he demanded, Jihoo had what he was asking for.
" someday you will trust me enough to tell me yours" he added a deadly smile that drew her already captured eyes to his lips.
" I should go '' her eyes that reverted to the floor, the steps she took to separate them, her hands that started swinging her lunch bag back and forth between her hands, Jihoo was able to quickly understand what was happening. Her eyes he caught, the way they lingered on his eyes before they trailed down to his lips, he knew the exact thought that had crossed her mind sending her into frenzy the moment she recognized it. He knew exactly what it was. It had happened to him days ago, sitting next to her in the council meeting room.
" sure" was all he had left in his vocabulary. Not even prepared to accept his own feelings; Jihoo was nowhere ready to recognize the message behind her eyes. The chaotic dilemas he was dealing with on his own, he didn't have the mental capacity to accept what he just witnessed for what it was. If he did, whatever was pushing him to hold her would have taken over. If he accepts what he saw as reality, his hands he had to push to stay in his pocket would be given full permission to reach out to the girl who moves away from his touch every chance she gets.
" See you Monday '' Her eyes didn't even return to him, she turned around and started heading back to the building. Her quick steps he glued his eyes to, Jihoo took deep breath letting his frantic hands reach his hair once she was out of his view.
" huhh" the sigh he let out was silenced by his hands that brushed his hair to his face.
"Huhhh" another sigh and his hair was brushed back. His right hand quickly pulling his tie away he threw it into the passenger seat of his car.
" get a hold of yourself" he shouted at himself as he jumped into the driver seat. He needs to get away from this campus. The car ordered to speed out of the gates of the school was doing what it could to distance the boy away from the only thing that was in his mind. His right hand holding the steering wheel, his left hand was sent to his lips as he recalled the look she had given them. The ten minutes he drove in silence was only disturbed by the loud traffic he joined. Even the car that cut him off wasn't able to get any attention form Jihoo who was still thinking about the person he had left behind. His eyes from the man shouting at him turned to the passenger seat and landed on her laptop sitting on top of the flies she had placed in his car. The excuse he was looking for , he was granted one as he swiftly made a turn at the light and started heading back to the direction he took.
"What' he screamed as he pressed accept call on the screen.
" Where are you?" Junpyo asked
" I am going to be late, I will bring dessert"
" why are you late?" Junpyo's voice echoing in the car, Jihoo knew his friend was upset but he had other things to worry about that Junpyo being mad that he was late to their dinner and movie night.
" Council stuff" taking the right turn Jihoo's focus was all on the road. His friends silence wasn't questioned. Junpyo knew exactly what "council stuff" meant.
" I will see you in an hour or so"
" okay?" Jihoo asked not knowing Junpyo was already done with the conversation.
" YAAA, WE ARE HUNGRY" yijeong shouted after grabbing the phone Junpyo threw his way.
" You can start eating. I will bring dessert and will be there before the movie starts"
" Woobin says you're doing this because it was his turn to pick the movie" Ji Hoo couldn't help but smile, making out the angry voice of Woobin in the back.
"I swear I was doing student council work, I will be there"
" Junpyo, i will get you the popcorn you like" knowing which one out of his friends is the most upset, Jihoo tried to offer a solution.
" He went to the bathroom, he is upset with you" Yijeong and Woo Bin screamed at him following the time he was driving back to the school. The phone he hung up placed in his pocket, Jihoo left his car in the main drive way of the building that housed the gym seniors used. The cleaning ladies that were giving him bow, Jihoo responded back with a full bow. The laptop in his hand, he quickened his steps to the gym in the back of the building. It took about five minutes to reach the gym which he opened and headed to the swimming pool first. There was nobody. The exercise equipment room, followed by the boxing rings, there was no body. The only thing left being the changing rooms, Jihoo headed to the girls changing room. The sound he heard when he got close to the door, he quickened his steps even more when he heard some laughter. His intuition that was bugging him since the minute he drove out of the campus, everything else was wiped away from his thoughts as he focused on the doors he can't wait to open. Every step he took closer to the door, increasing the sound of laughter and almost male sounding voices, Jihoo legs were ordered to run and bang open the door.
His anxious eyes didn't even waste a fraction of a second on the boys as they shifted right, to find the answer to why his intuition was begging him to run back to her. The second he drove out of that school, there was a force pulling him back and now he finally has an answer as to why. The laptop that was just dropped to the floor was just an excuse they universe used to get him there.
The deep breath he was taking resulted from his lung that almost stopped its function when his eyes made out the motionless body on the floor. Her swinging skirt and address shirt he found adorable minutes ago were ripped away and thrown to the corners of the room. The knife she always had against her thigh removed from garter still on her leg, was used to cut the shirt she had on leaving her only to the black sports bra and underwear she had on. His eyes shocked out of his mind, weren't even willing to pick the bruises across her body. He can't even process that she was unclothed and lying on the floor, motionless. Paralyzed from head to toe, Jihoo wasn't even sure if he was breathing and functioning. The bruises on her thighs, stomach and chest had turned his stomach upside down as he recognised they were older. The slaps and punches against her fact that had drawn blood, he followed the red blood on her neck to her face.
" Let's just go"
" We were told to put her in her place" the noises around him weren't even reaching his ears as his leg took the first step towards her body. His heart that had slowed its beating, Jihoo's eyes couldn't look away from her face. He had to keep his eyes on her face. With everything he had, he was fighting himself to not return his eyes to her body. He knew he couldn't handle seeing her unlcothed body that had already pinched at the deepest corner of his heart the first time he looked at it. His utter shock was only given a minute to process as he continued with his slow steps towards her. The exact moment the seconds turned to a full minute, his shock was wiped away as his legs increased their speed to the body. All the shock, rage, confusion, disbelief was channels into only one goal, making sure she was okay. His knees that landed on the cold floor marked with her blood, Jihoo didn't even notice the other people in the room that were starting to run away. His arms extended to her shoulder, he pushed gentilly. Her unconscious he finally accepted, Jihoo didn't even know what took over him as he ripped his dress shirt away from chest and threw it over her body before he leaned down and picked her lifeless body. Forget everything else, all he had to do was make sure she was fine. That was all that occupied his mind as he wrapped her body with his shirt and carried her against his chest.
Her weight he didn't expect to be that much was lighter than he expected as he pulled her body closer to him and headed to the door. The only thought on his mind was getting her to the nurse's office and hoping somebody will be there. The fear and worry that had taken over his heart was pinching right where her head rested against his chest. Jihoo was experiencing something he would never wish to experience ever again. His run across the hallway, he knew he should have avoided looking at the head held against his chest. The moment he looked down to make out the blood covered lips that were smiling at him hours ago, the slap mark across her cheeks that hid her adorable dimples, the cute nose covered with the blood somebody had intentionally smeared on her face, all of it would have been enough but for his hands that have begging to touch her. For the hands now holding her body against his, the cold skin they were holding onto was what was sending arrows right at his heart that was already in enough shock to process what was happening.
The only thing calming him from freaking out was the body held against his chest. Jihoo had to recognize how lucky he was to find the nurse unboxing the monthly supply she received in her office. The body he rested on the bed, he was kicked out the room that was separated by the curtain she swung between him and the bed she headed towards.
The moment her body left his grip, the raw emotions took over. Forget the blood on his shirt, even the blood on his hands were ignored as he sat on the chair trying to get a hold of his breathing. He needs to regulate that and his heart beat first. The image of her laying on the floor, he can't seem to shake away, he sat there eyes glued to the floor. His body that didn't even move an inch for the last twenty minutes, the nurse had to tap at his shoulder for him to even acknowledge the lady that had been calling for his attention.
"She is fine"
" She is fine" the nurses went on repeating between everything she said. His shaking hands the only indicators she needed, she knew she had to help ease him by making sure he understand the girl was okay.
" She is fine, most of the bruises are old, '' she whispered as both returned their eyes to the body clothed in the gray shirt and pants the nurses provided. Jihoo's eyes replaying the clear bruises his eyes will never forget, stood there taking in the nurses words. The fact that she had more old bruises than the new one the boys inflicted caused a different type of agony.
" She had taken some form of sleeping pill, so i didn't want to give her any more medication"
" If she wakes up , give her a pain killer"
" We don't have it here, i will write you a subscription" how calm the nurse was about what she had seen was something Jihoo will question days for now.
" I never thought they would come for her since she was mute and all," the nurse whispered, not sure if Jihoo would mind hearing what she had to say. Part of the F4, she wasn't sure how this boy would take it but he was the nicest one.
" She was lucky nothing else happened, we all know it could have been worse" she gave him another shock before she walked out of the room and headed to her desk. His eyes glued to Jandi's face the nurse had cleaned up, Jihoo was still in shock to calm himself down and accept she was fine let alone imagine what could have happened if he had been minutes late, let alone never came back. His blood-covered hand he raised to her face was pulled back down as the horror of what could have happened took over.