HANA

by Rainyday9090

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

26. Chapter 25

The longest chapter yet. I can't believe were at chapter 25. Thank you so much everyone :)

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For a fundraiser that starts at 5 Pm the student council and all the volunteers were asked to arrive at 12:00 pm. The hotel plus event organizing staff, the student council and volunteers had joined the meeting as they all were assigned their list of tasks for the day. Jandi ordered to make sure all the art pieces were placed in the right location, had the right tags, and description, didn't know her task was assigned by Jihoo who wanted to make sure she was given a chance to go through the magnificent garden that was turned into the event hall. Her obsession with gardens, he was well aware that Jihoo knew that was how she should start the long day ahead of them. It was also the one where she doesn't have to talk to anybody, which she didn't like.

The clipboard in her hands, Jandi left to the massive garden that was turned into a private event hall. The neatly dressed waiters setting up the glasses and utensils, Jandi counted how many before she turned her attention to the staff that was putting down the chairs. The golden chairs went well with the off white color of the tablecloth and the beautiful flower set in the middle of the tables spread across the garden. The thick white floor that was set up on the grass, Jandi was able to pick on the protective cover that was over the grass and then was topped with the white marble looking floor decoration that acted the thin fabric tents that added to the magical feel of the set up. Rather than wasting time admiring the place, she quickened her steps into the garden and starts headed to the where the art pieces should be located. The carefully designed map in her hands she was able to locate the first piece to be auctioned, a painting. Located in between the flower garden and the event hall, the art pieces were scattered around. Placed on metal stands, she started by making sure the big painting description matched the one ordered to be printed and located at the bottom.

The small smile she gives the staff running around to make sure everything was perfect, It took her an hour to confirm everything she was asked to confirm about all the pieces that are up for auction. Jihoo's assistants handed her next task, she was asked to make sure all the seats were assigned to the seating arrangements designated. The loud sounds coming from the sound and tech team that was checking every system setup, Jandi ignored as she placed her earphones on and started playing the songs she enjoys. No matter how much she tried to ignore it, her fascination with how otherworldly beautiful the garden was turning to was hard to ignore. The tuxedo suited men walking around her and measuring the inches between the glasses and utensils placed, Jandi was learning how much work it takes to make even a table set up perfect. The one man walking around making sure every flower set up is perfectly laid and angled from every angle of the room, she was learning how much work it takes to decorate a venue that she saw already setup on Friday.

The name cards she kept checking were placed at the right table, she had made sure to leave them at the correct angle they were set up on. The number of VIP invited guests, she guessed outnumbered the students invited . The fundraising invitation was only sent to senior students and important guests who would spend money to buy the art pieces to raise unnecessary money the seniors would throw in the so-called community event where they will donate money to some charity. The scholarship students that never got invited, even the seniors, weren't welcomed to this event but Jihoo had found a way to get them all as he had asked them to help as volunteers. That was the only way he could get them as he was always outvoted to invite the scholarship students who couldn't even afford to pay the baseline ticket to participate in the fundraising.

It wasn't his idea. It was Jandi's. When he claimed there wasn't much he couldn't do after being outvoted . she had asked him why he doesn't use the same strategy he was using her to give access. " You need volunteers right?" she had asked, leaving him puzzled about why he hadn't thought about it until now. He could have used the scholarship students as volunteers to get them into almost all events which he hadn't done so in his 4 years as student president. They were never welcomed and he hasn't done much about it. He had always thought it was easier to keep the peace of the school that way . That was until this girl showed up in his life and started forcing him to question everything. His response to her questions have always left Jandi even more confused and today was no better. The movement she recognized all the volunteers getting oriented she had noticed how they were all the students she came to this school with. Scholarship students. Although she was conflicted by it, she couldn't hide the visible smile that escaped her lips. It was a bit interesting to realize she had some impact in his decision making.

The volunteers, dressed in the same black dress shirt and black pants she had chosen to wear as well, had made sure to give her a node or so when they walked past her and were placing all the printed event schedule and art packet on each table. The dress code she saw designated for volunteers she had chosen to be like them and not the student council members that were going to be dressed in their own expensive dresses. It was easier for her to blend in with the volunteers and staff rather than dress up. She couldn't dress up even if she wanted to. The people that will be wrapping themselves with someone's yearly income on just their suits and jewelries, it was easier to dress like staff and just serve them than even ponder about dressing to fit in with them. She had never wanted to fit in and she knew she would never fit in even if she tried to. There was no fitting with people for whom money doesn't have any meaning. From her first task when she looked at the price tags of the art pieces being auctioned, she had gotten her reminder of the different world these people lived in. The girl worrying about spending $250 on the special boots she wants to buy. She will never ever be able to understand the type of wealth these people swim in let alone how they lived. It has been months since she has been weighing pros and cons on why she should spend that much on shoes and here were people spending hundreds of thousands on weird paintings.

The only thing worth it was the gloves that were auction item 25. The moment she got to them and read the description , she couldn't even believe her eyes and what she was looking at. Checking her environment and making sure no one was around her, she had touched the glass box that housed the gloves. The only Korean that has won multiple F1 races, she had never even been lucky to see any of his races live but she had made sure to record all and studied them for hours. Bom who was just as obsessed they have stayed watching the recording for hours and analyzing his driving to copy his style. The garage Bom owned and the empty warehouse they had around their neighborhood, that was where Jandi had mastered her driving and had tired out all the crazy skills she had studied in her recordings. One day. If possible at least one day she will be able to sit in a race car and drive one before she dies. That was some of her crazy wishes she never thinks about let alone tell somebody about. They were all crazy wishes that will never happen so there wasn't any need to waste time on even thinking about them. But today she was forced to. At least while she stood in front of the glass protected gloves. Today was a great day just for the mere fact that she was standing inches away from the glow he wore when he won his last race.

That was the only item that deserved to be priced at the 10,000 US dollars starting price, which she confirmed. She had made sure to take multiple angles of pictures and even a short video she sent to Bom making him jealous that she was even that close to it. That was the only item she was looking forward to seeing who would buy it and how much it would actually sell for. No matter who buys it, these private collectors that hoarded all these things just for themselves, she knew it would be locked in some cabinet. 'If she had the money', she shut that thought down as quick as it crossed her mind. Just the fact that she even thought about it had forced a smile on her face. Sending all this time around the student council and getting involved was slowly starting to soften her up to a point she was even wishing for things. She found it hilarious but not before her smile was wiped away as she picked the name card on the VIP table 7, at the corner, and read the name that is becoming a trigger. Of course the one person that could ruin her day with just his presence would be here. The boy that could buy all the art pieces with just his pocket change, of course he would be invited to a fundraiser. He was also Jihoos friend and a senior student of the school his family owns. Why she was even surprised to see his name "ughh" Jandi sighed as she placed the name card, placing it face down.

Her annoyed mind was busy contemplating how she could avoid even seeing him today, she hadn't even registered the rest of the names across the table. Especially one that had the same last name as his. Her focus shifted to VIp table 3, she had made sure to double check the names as she noticed Jihoo's name surrounded by some she recognized but none as startling as Seo-hyun, the so-called childhood friend everybody around Jihoo thinks he has a crush on. Thai was it. Jandi was finally going to see the girl who's name hangs around Jihoo's neck and her picture is all over his phone and even in his office. The fact that her name was placed right next to Jihoo's , Jandi couldn't help but take mental pictures and over analyze the symbolism of the two names placed next to each other. While she was even checking table 1 and 2 that were for the school director and his invited guest, her eyes were on table 3.

Done with that task, she was sent to report to the event manager that does the final check. While looking for him, she had gone through the busy kitchen that just finished preparing for the amazing dinner scheduled and was waiting for the chef specially hired for tonight's dinner. The appetizers they will start with , were on a tight schedule as the kitchen staff was being paid bonuses for tonight's event. The dessert chef that had already started baking, that kitchen was running beyond busy with the house made everything they have been preparing for days. The two bars on standby for the night, all the drinks and everything else they need have been delivered as the three staff behind the bar prepare their stations for the 2 hours they have left before guests start appearing.

Jandi, running around the hotel, was being pulled in this direction and that once the managers realized how reliable and efficient this girl was. "You're in charge" the student council assistant had handed her his clipboard as all the council members left to get dressed. All the volunteers assigned to their main jobs and locations, Jandi had made sure everything was on point by the time the last hour clock started. The earpiece she was handed, beinggiven an order was the first things she heared .

" Okay everyone we are on the last hour"

" I want everybody at their assigned locations" She heard the event managerwho will be running all the staff and the show front the back end.

" All hotel staff on radio 1, yellow. The school staff are on radio 2, green" she looked down at the earpiece battery she was placing on her pants. Hers was purple.

" If you have purple you're able to switch between channels' he gave her the clarification she needed. She recognized the two tabs on the pack as she tried turning the tabs between the channels and made sure her earpiece was was getting both channels conversations.

" Jandi please come to room 513" she got her first command not even sure who or why , she quickened her steps from the garden back to the hotel . She really was excited to see how it will look when she gets back. She headed to the lobby and then the elevator. The especial staff and student volunteer name tags she was wearing around her neck, she knew to take the back lobby and elevator , which they were told to use. The front was left for customers and the guests. Pressing 5 for the fifth floor, she stood by the edge of the glass elevator. The beautiful view of the hotel lobby, she can't seem to get enough of.

It didn't take her much to find room 513 and walk in the door left a bit open. The living room set up she walked into, she saw nobody but a messy room that had snacks all over the table filled with documents all over it. Her eyes focused on the documents, she scanned them. They were all evet related documents. Grabbing one of the water bottles, her eye shifted to the opened window. The nice breeze forcing the curtains to flow, she headed there. She needs some fresh air and the 5th floor window opening to the garden was a great way to get some fresh air against her skin. The minute or two she stood there, the cold breeze did its trick as it helped erase every though and force her to just exist and breathe. Her black dress shirt tucked into her pants, was fighting the wind as it was buttoned all the way up. Her hair tied into a nice bun, there wasn't even a single strand of hair flying to bother her focused eyes that had dispersed with the birds flying at a distance. Lost in the moment, she wasn't ready for what she was going to be blessed with when she heard her name and turned around.

She could have blamed it on the beautiful golden afternoon sunlight coming in from the window behind her but that wasn't it. As her eyes landed on glowing Jihoo fishing up the buttons on his custom made Tom Ford tuxedo that fit him like a glove, Jandi was forced to admire whether she wanted to or not. The matt fabric of the black tux that was beyond crisp and in contrast against the clear white of the dress shirt, Jihoo looked beyond elegant wrapped in the two colors. Jandi's fascinated and captured eyes couldn't help but scan again and again. Was this the same person? Her eyes finally forced to land on his face he lifted up. No matter how different he looked, she was forced to accept it was the same person that has become her closest friend . His hair cut that was freshened up by his stylist that just left, that was one of the changes as Jandi took his gorgeous face , which for once even she couldn't deny how good it looked when well moisturized and prepared for the special event.

" I checked the schedule. '' Jihoo focused on trying to make sure his bowtie was tied, went on talking about why she was called in to the hotel room. Busy with all the things he was responsible for, Jihoo didn't even have a single braincell left to wonder if she would react to his new look. The girl that was never fathomed by anything, he had thought she would be the last person that would have any reaction to anybody dressed differently. She doesn't care about people and what they were. Nor did she find anything attractive, as she had claimed days ago. It makes sense for Jihoo to not even waste a second trying to figure out why she was silently standing there looking at him while he went on talking.

"Jandi"
" Jandi can you" when she heard her name the third time was when the girl reacted and started walking his way.

" There is a button to click it" Jihoo lowering himself to sit on the armchair of the sofa pointed at the back of his bowtie. Jandi placing the water bottle down quickened her step his way. The new but soft and serene emotion that was poking at her anxiety, she was trying hard to silence and revert back to her blank state. Her emotionless and robotic regular state that was being asked to be placed back on, while her mind was fighting to keep taking on the beautiful view of the person she was here for. Her hand slowly rising to the bowtie on his neck, Jandi brought herself closer to the body who's enchanting perfume she got the moment she came inches away from him. Could she blame the otherworldly sweet smell corrupting her mind for how she was forced to take in the broad shoulder of Jihoo that was draped with the wonderful black fabric of his tux jacket. The smooth fabric her hands brushed against, she would be blessed with another soft texture as her right hand brushed against his hair while lifting the bowtie up.

" I know the host is running late so I might need to cover for the first 10 minutes" Jihoo's voice that was going in one ear and out the other, Jandi was forced to ignore as she had to lower her head closer to his neck to even see the buttons he was talking about.

His shampoo, conditioner, gel that was well matched to his body cream and topped with the perfectly picked out perfume that complimented all, Jandi was at a loss for her fascination with his smell as she mistakenly lowered her face even closer and picked the smell as her nose came ever so close to his neck. Her well trained senses picking on everything, she could blame for all of this for once as her fingers finally found the click and fixed his bowtie.

"Done" she whispered as she brought her hands back to herself and took some steps away.

" I might ask the school director to make his opening speech earlier" Jihoo, still going on about the changes that might need to be made, stood up from the sofa and headed to the adjust room, the bedroom. He walked back into the room she was in with the watch he started placing on his right wrist.

" They said the host will be here on time" Jandi pulling out her phone to keep track of the notes finally spoke up.

" they always say that" Jihoo , sending both hands to his hair, started fixing it while looking at the mirror standing by the corner. His two stylists that had stopped by the hotel room with all the stuff he needed for the night, they had done their job of making sure he looked the best. It was only fair for the one organizing the event to look the best.

" How do I look?" Jihoo had asked, just looking for one last check before he left the room he will not return to once the event starts.

" Good" her whisper of a response, Jihoo didn't question.

" Then we are done. I need to make sure the speech is ready on the promoter" picking his phone and the event schedule Jihoo led the way to the door. Jandi picking her water bottle followed behind. As always he had made sure to hold the door open for her and make sure she walked out first before he left. Even when busy, he never fails to be the gentleman he was, which he repeated as they entered the elevator that will take them to the lobby.

The man standing in front of her that quietly screamed elegance, class and wealth, Jandi was getting her second reminder of the day she made out the Rolex logo on his watch and the Tom Ford tag on the armband of his tux. The beautiful world he lives in that has been slowly pulling her interest, was reaching a new high but her realistic mind was quick to remind her of the elusive dream she keeps fantasizing about that will never ever happen, not even in another life. The lives they lived worlds apart, today was going to be lessons for the girl the universe had no mercy from reminding her of her place. Her position behind him the event manager had described as being a shadow, it was a nice metaphor for his world she will never join in full form but as a mere shadow.

" I need you to inform me the moment the host arrives. '' Jihoo, turning back, gave the order . his hand typing on his phone, he had failed to pick on any of the conflicting emotions the girl he was learning how to read has been dealing with since he called her name and walked into the room to paralyze her eyes. There girl he trust to do her job perfectly and efficiently, that wasn't the only reason Jihoo had chosen her to be the one that reports to him through out the night, it was to keep her close. Also from having her do any physical work or miss out on the event. None of the council members had even questioned it. It has become so common that they knew she would be the one picked to be close to him and assist him through the night. Even for the volunteers, it was easy to pick the dynamic between the two who walked into the garden.

" What? "Jihoo asked as he noticed her steps halt. His eyes from her legs lifted up to her face and her eyes that were glued to the enchanting view of the grand garden that was turned into such a breathtakingly beautiful venue.

" I know" Jihoo turned his eyes to the garden which even he couldn't help but admire the view. The team really had made sure to go all out with senior events and this was just the start of many more to come. He has to make sure they go out with a bang and a legacy nobody could even dare duplicate. All the connections and networks he had, this was just the start of many, even more shocking, events to come.

" Looks like a luxurious wedding event" Jandi didn't even know why her mind went there as she took in the low and golden shimmering lights and candles that had been added to add more enchantment.

" Well we can make it one"

" I am already in a tux. '' Jihoo smiled. The smile by itself could have done the job of pausing her breathing let alone what he just said. His beautiful eyes turned her way, Jihoo's smile was unlike any other as all his focus was placed on the girl he left paralyzed for the second time in minutes.

" I'm joking," he said with another smile. Jandi, being commanded to be careful with him today , ignored him and started taking a quick step down the stairs to the pathway that leads to the garden.

" Huh" his smile fully on, jihoo was enjoying how she was annoyed by what he said and her body she was rushing down the stairs. His own mind he can't contorl at times, he didn't make a conscious choice as the view of the girl walking down the stairs turned to one where her tiny frame was elegantly wrapped in a white lace draped dress. His eyes following her every step, he had nothing but the beautiful string music coming from the garden and the beautiful view to fully capture the fake scenarios his mind was playing in front of him. The smile slowly fading from his face, Jihoo stood there frozen for a moment. He had just unlocked another dream he had dismissed as insignificant to worry about. The person that will walk down the aisle with him, to promise to be his until the end of their lives, Jihoo couldn't afford a minute to ponder the scary realization he just made as he was disturbed by the event organizer that tapped at his shoulder and started talking.

His thoughts shaken away from his busy mind, Jihoo tried to focus on the list of problems he just became aware of as he followed the organizer to the stage. Jandi called by the volunteers stationed at coat check who had lost their list of guest names, she went the other direction.

" 30 minute to show time' the countdown everybody kept getting, all volunteers were on standby waiting for guests while Jandi was in the back of the hotel management office trying to print guest list for the coat check volunteers that should have been addition to the hotel coat check staff who were pulled to help with service because of two staff that weren't in yet. That was followed by the stage coordinator she needed to find that needed to fix the brightness of the screen, followed by another task. By the time Jandi returned to the garden , guests were already arriving. Some of the students she recognized, the beautiful dresses and tux dressed guests were solely coming in. The special mocktails, cocktails and champagne being served, some were enjoying their drinks while mingling as Jandi thanked herself for not even trying to dress up and let alone wear makeup. It would have been beyond embarrassing to even try that and stand next to the beautiful people that were quietly broadcasting what money can buy. She fit perfectly with the staff that were treating her as one of their own and even saved her some snacks from the appetizers prepared. " We saved you some in the kitchen. '' They told the girl they have seen running around helping everybody that asked for any support, to get something to eat before the event started. She always fits in with service workers.

" Are you sure you go to the same school?" the waiter holding the champagne glass and standing next to her asked again.

" They are my classmates," she pointed at the girls standing by table 13 and chatting about the diamond necklace one of them was wearing .

" That's crazy"

" I know," she whispered as she sent her eyes from of the girls to Jihoo welcoming the invited city officials at table 2. She had never doubted it but it was all playing in front of her eyes as she witnesses how casually he navigates between the guests, easily conversing and laughing at their silly jokes. He has the making of a great politician and she knew one day he will be the one above them all. It seemed like some of them knew it considering how they were greeting him and all the questions he was getting about his family that will not be able to attend because of their official meeting happening as we speak in Japan. His uncle scheduled to arrive later into the night, Jandi hadn't realized that one but the fact that she won't get to see and be forced to engage with his parents in any form was what she celebrated. His right hand extended from some handshakes, Jandi was far enough distance for him to admire the whole suit while he stood under the brightest chandelier that was hanging in the middle of the tent. Her shoulder resting against the entrance pole, she couldn't believe the glowing yellow light had added even more charm to the man she can't believe is the same one that annoys her day in and day out. He looked too good not to be the main attraction of the night. That is until the ones that could shut the place down if they tried as much as him arrived. Her eyes that followed his every action, she noticed the waiter that walked to his side and whispered in his ear.

Jihoo, finishing the conversation with the famous painter that was invited, who had donated one of his paintings for the fundraising and had arrived on time, left the area. Her eyes stayed on him as Jihoo followed the waiter through the tables and out the main entrance of the event. His steps back into the hotel, she didn't follow but returned her eyes to the event she was told to keep her eyes on. This was a great opportunity to look for the people she needs to finish her revenge plots and she had taken every chance as she had scanned every person dressed in an outfit that looks more expensive than her house. That was how she had convinced Bom to let her attend anyway. It was a great way to see if anybody she will recognize or if anybody from their wanted list will dare to show up to this thing. Mrs. kim, had whispered to Bom to let this girl enjoy some of her school life, which to be honest has been the most convincing reason he accepted her being at some event on Sunday night, missing their game night. "She deserves to enjoy some fun time", Mrs. Kim had asked but Bom knew there was no fun to be had by servicing those spoiled rich jerks but he had accepted as long as Jandi was up for it. He will be the one to pick her up afterwards so he will leave his questions for then.

" Huh" Jandi, sighing , crossed her arms tighter . The glamorously dressed guest slowly filling in the place, she was able to put face to some of the names she didn't recognize from the VIP tables. The waiters serving the drinks had made sure everybody started with that as they prepare everybody that dinner will start with appetizers in about half an hour. The kitchen was running wild getting things ready. Jandi had made out the tables at the corner that had some starters and snacks that some guests had been trying while they waited for dinner to be served. The waiters with the red handkerchief in their pockets were walking around with some plates of the delicate looking starters as well.

" I need somebody to double check dinner orders and diet restrictions" She heard on her ear piece. Before she even said anything her name was nominated by Jihoo who only trusted her to do the Job, if not for his assistant who was already busy getting the first speaker of the night to push his speech by 5 minutes. The diet restrictions all guests were asked to submit, Jandi picked her folder and quickened her steps to the kitchen. All the nods and small bows she was getting from the waiting staff, she found it endearing as she really was enjoying working with them. It was fun to be behind the scenes and do this work. By the time she entered the chaotic kitchen she would regret her wish immediately. Directed to the long table that has the table signs , she started reading the restrictions that were mapped by table. Opening her folder, she pulled out the restriction list that was printed. Walking around to read each person sitting at what table and their plate that had their restriction marked, she took her time confirming. She only found one mistake with a vegan meal switched to the fish dinner that will be served. The guests that had already picked their main courses, the kitchen was running a tight ship making sure they deliver all orders that will start with VIP tables. The chef she was looking for, she found in the other room finishing the last touches on the amazing salads that look too beautiful to even eat. The soup sample he had made at the corner, she saw how they were finishing up with that one. Her eyes couldn't look away from the beautiful plates being built, she was too distracted to listen to any of the conversation happening in her ear piece. That was until she heard the name Seo-hyun.

" hey did you see Jihoo's friend is here"

" Were"

" She just arrived" her left ear the ear piece was placed in, Jandi's attention was quickly removed from the salad palates to the conversation happening with the student volunteers on channel 2. The student council members who had changed their outfits and were just guests now, had been the topic of discussion until now.

" I told you they were more than friends"

" Look at their smiles' ' the volunteers that hadn't made sure to turn off their mics, Jandi was realizing why the hotel staff and the volunteers weren't on the same channel. Her steps quickened out of the kitchen, she only had one objective. To see the girl everyone was talking about but the universe had other plans as she was pulled aside by the event manager and given an errand to run with him.

By the time she finally was able to get a break from it all , she ran to the garden and chose to be by her station, the right back exit where the waiters getting drinks exit. The 10 minutes left before dinner started , everybody was too busy to notice the girl that walked past the tent curtines that were beautifully tied open to the pole she will standing agagisnt all night. Her busy eyes that landed on VIp table 3, in the middle of the room, were lifted to scan the room when she didn't find Jihoo or the girl who's face she can recognize there. By the time she got to the table at the corner that had the old couple she couldn't recognize was when Jandi finally got to see the girl whose photo she had scanned from corner to corner. Jandi's eyes landed on the beautiful smile of Seo-hyun, it was easy to notice the beautiful photo didn't do justice to the gorgeous girl that was radiating with every smile she extended to the couple. The gold metallic fabric dress she had on shimmering the golden lights of the venue, that were perfectly matched to the thin earrings flowing left and right to the movement of her head, that were the only items she had on. Only those and the ring in her finger, but that was enough to showcase the elegance and beauty she was blessed with.

Her enthralling eyes that were focused on Jihoo that was talking, Jandi wasn't far enough to make out how Seo-hyun even looks at Jihoo. Her lips that parted for a smile, Jandi's eyes were forced to notice as she was blessed with another great view of the stunning looking girl that sent her right arm to rest across Jihoo's shoulder. Their matching smiles, Jandi ignore for a few seconds as her eyes lowered to where Jihoo's left hand landed gently against Seo-hyun's back. The familiarity between the two didn't need any description or notes, it was easy to notice for anybody that had eyes to see how they even looked at each other. The slim figure of Seo-hyun that was tall enough to reach Jihoo's height when she had heels, all were picking on how good the two looked standing next to each other. The golden accessories added to his tux, Jandi finally realized why as she noticed it was to match her dress. Giving the old couple a bow, the two had started walking back to their chairs. Their eyes glued to each other , they hadn't cared about anybody looking at them. Jihoo lowering his head to Seo-hyun's ear had whispered something that forced her to start laughing as her right hand started tapping his shoulder. The lovely scene of the two was happening almost in slow motion, as Jandi finally realized why the student council members claimed he was infatuated with Seo-hyun. It was too obvious considering his glowing eyes that had been glued to her since she arrived.

She had seen his smiles but these were new. These were genuine and filled with pure joy. His hand that never dared even try to touch her, Jandi was witnessing as they were beyond comfortable and eager to brush against and touch the divine looking girl who was giving smiles and bows to the people she recognized. No wonder he dressed up, the voice in her head repeated as Jandi took in how not only different he was acting but also looked. This Jihoo is the one saved for Seo-hyun, who the moment they sat down, had removed his bowtie and started fixing it for him. Jihoo pulling the chair and helped her sit, Jandi had even caught how he helped hold her dress up so she doesn't sit on it and his right shoulder he lowered which Seo-hyun leaned on as she lowered herself to the chair. Her hand wrapped around his neck, the two didn't even care about anybody as she took off his bowtie. Jihoo taking the first sip of his champagne was given the card letting him know the host was here and ready to take over , finally giving him a rest from running around and having to speak for the event that should start in minutes.

As the host and event coordinator walked past her, Jandi finlay recognized how almost all the guests were here and seated for the event to start. Even Jihoo, who's bowtie she incorrectly put and Seo-hyun had fixed, was seated and enjoying his drink, waiting for the host who was paid a hefty price to start. "Ladies and gentlemen welcome" the event coordinator that will introduce the host, Jandi ignored as her eyes returned back to VIP table 3 and the two people whispering at each other. For the girl that can't get over their smiles and their gorgeous eyes that can't look away from each other, it was startling to notice how Jihoo's hand had raised to her lips and slowly brushed the Chapstick smudge caused by the drink she sipped.

" She is his girlfriend. I swear to God '' Jandi started recalling the council members gossip that had given her context to the girl whose photo she first saw in Jihoo's office.

" I don't think she is but I know for sure they will end up together" she clearly remembers all the words she heard.

" That's my bet"

" They might date another people but they will end up getting married" the gossip she heard was easy to accept as the truth as her eyes witnessed the interaction between the two. She might not know much about human relationships but this has to be what liking somebody does to you. Your eyes fixated on them, your physical body always leaning their way, your smile shining brighter and filled with laughter ... She doesn't know much about feelings and what it does to you but she wasn't dense enough not to pick on what was going on with Jihoo and the so-called" childhood" friend of his.

As though the universe knew exactly what she was feeling, Jandi was called to report to the kitchen as she left the couple she was carefully observing to enjoy the dinner that was about to begin. One thing after another, she was busy running around the place. She was too busy to the point one of the waiters had even questioned why she wasn't getting paid for all that she had to do. The student council members that had left it all for her and the volunteers were enjoying their lovely dinner while the staff were running around making sure everything is as flawless as they were asked for it to be. Rather than returning to the garden and watching the event, Jandi decided to relieve all the volunteers of their job and tell them to go to the kitchen and eat. They didn't have much to do until the end anyway. The staff, she asked, didn't even have to hide the meals they nicely set up in the corner table of the garden on the other side for the student volunteers. That was a favor she called in from one of the waiters that owed her for covering for them. The nice table and dinner they set up, the student volunteers were getting a great treatment as they were even provided some of the fancy drinks and dessert and their own private areas so they could enjoy with no preying eyes. What she did for the volunteers had won her major points from the staff that respected the girl who hadn't even paused to grab a snack since she arrived but had made sure everybody ate by covering for anybody that asked for a break. "You would make a great employee" the event manager had made a joke about how she was beyond helpful and he might consider hiring her if she even wants to work in event organizing.

" Dessert is after the auction so no rush" she heard on her ear piece. The dinner was halfway when she walked to the other side of the garden to check on the volunteers who were enjoying their dinner. Staying behind the glass door, she made out their joy filled faces and pictures they kept taking of the food and each other. Choosing not to disturb their happy moments she started walking back to the main garden. Before she returned her arm was grabbed by one of the waiters and she was pulled to the kitchen to be forced to sit at the corner and eat. She had tried to protest but was warned this was going to be the slowest time of the evening. It was even more busy after dinner. Her dinner she enjoyed in silence at the corner of the crazy chaotic kitchen. Jandi was called to get the most updated list of art prices to the host . Her dinner plate placed on the counter, which she will not return to, Jandi left the kitchen headed to the main event. The host waiting for her behind the speaker setup, was sipping his drink while she pointed at the changes made to some of the art pieces that were scattered around the garden that were nicely lit for the guests to walk around and see the pieces before the auction starts. That was the networking and mingling time after dinner and before the auction starts.

As the host and event anger went on talking, Jandi's attention slowly started leaving them as her eyes landed on the two people that just walked in and were being led to the VIp table 7 at the corner, a bit hidden away from all the crowd. The tall figures that were getting attention since the moment they took the first step in, even Jandi was forced to notice the attention they had forced to be on them without even lifting a finger or saying anything. It was just their presence. The charm Yijeong always brings to any space was matched to the power Junpyo walks into any space, it was no wonder even the air around them had shifted as most notice F4 has finally arrived. Both men that didn't not dress up for the event, at least Yijeong looked a bit ready for the event as he had a dress shirt that was covered by the nice Burberry cardigan. The smiles and greeting he was extending to the girls giggling his way, Yijeong looked like he was a bit happy to be here unlike Junpyo next to him dressed in all black. His black shirt topped with the black jeans jacket and black pants, he was the least dressed up for the event that was black tie. Let alone happy, he didn't look fully here as Jandi noticed the reading glasses he had on to hide his eyes away from the people giving him small bows. Why does she always seem to notice any new item or a change in his look? She shakes off as she couldn't even find a reason why she was even looking at them. She doesn't care, she decided as she returned her mind to the conversation she was a part of.

When she returned to her corner and stood by the pole , the waiter leaning her way and asking had forced her eyes to glance at VIP table 7.

"Who are they?" The new waiter who had never seen them before had asked as Jandi followed his finger and landed at Junpyo, taking off his jacket.

" You don't want to know'' was her only response as she moved her eyes away as quickly as they noticed Junpyo's fake smile extended to the city official that had given him a node. Her arms crossed she focused her attention on the host getting ready to announce. She needs to focus on that and not give a single thought to the devil that have arrived. Which by now she should have known was becoming impossible.

" Oh they look good" the other waiter that walked in with the new champagne glasses commented.

" Look at the one with the glasses" The girl waiter sent to get more water was leaning closer to a Jandi as she tried to make out Junpyo adjusting his jacket and trying to ignore Jihoo who had already started annoying them for being late.

"Can I do the drinks for their table? the girl asked to be quickly dismissed. There was a reason there was a specific waiter assigned to table 7. It was so the boys are not bothered or even weirdly being looked at by staff. It was too common every where they went and part of the routine to be served by waiters that were professional enough to not even look at them, let alone bother them. Taking pictures of them, listening to their conversations, ogling at them, they have learned form an early age to request for specially setting that came with special staff. By now, they didn't even have to ask for it, all the places they went to knew the protocol.

" Even if you were assigned do you think they will even look at you"

" Look at the girls around here dressed in diamonds" one of the waiter was speaking sense into the girl

" I know. I know. I just want to see them up close" Jandi trying to not even turn her attention to the table or the conversation focused on the host standing by the stage.

" Do they go to your school too?" Jandi was forced to be part of as all waited for her response

" They are the main bullies of the school" she whispered, keeping her eyes on the host.

" they don't look like bullies but even if, i would let them do anything " one of the waiters had said something that forced all to start smiling.

" especially the one with the glasses" the girl chimed in

" I would let him walk all over me if he wants to' the same waiter added as even Jandi couldn't help but smile at the ridiculous things being said.

" Walk all over me ,beat me "

" Okay that enough " one of the waiter pushing them aside, dispersed the group to their jobs. Jandi left alone, couldn't win against her curious eyes that went to table 7. How crazy what she heard was she needed a reminder as she forced her eyes to focus on the face she hates so much. The fact that people demand him handsome enough to let him bully them, ridiculous. But then again they don't know all the ways he could make their life a living hell. She forgave their crazy notions that way. They don't know better. The water he took a sip of, Janid hadn't even noticed Jihoo standing by the table as her eyes were zeroed in on the one her fingers that started brushing against her palm would love to smash against the table. That was her crazy fantasy. While others were wishing for him to do whatever to them, all she wanted was to do whatever to him and she wouldn't be able to even notice the difference or lack thereof until it was too late.

Lost in her own thoughts, she didn't know why she had even done it as her body shifted left and hid behind the ash white curtain that was tied to the pole she hid against. The slightest tilt of his head to the general directions she was in and she had swiftly moved herself away. why? She didn't even know. Her head hiding behind the fabric, she wasted a minute calculating why she even did that. It made sense to hide away from him because she doesn't want to see him but hiding away from him wasn't an option tonight. She was bound to run into him but that wasn't it. It felt a bit embarrassing to hide away. Why was it her that had to hide and from what ? She doesn't have any reason to hide.

" What the hell" she cursed at herself as she slowly turned herself back to the pole she was leaning against and the full view of the hall. Luckily for her or not, she doesn't care anyway, Junpyo was busy with the conversation Jihoo had started.

" Jihoo it's Sunday night " Junpyo finally responded.

" We are here," he added, trying to get Jihoo to stop badgering them about not being on time or dressed.

" You should be happy we are here. We came for you" Yijoeng, sipping his cocktail added .

" Do you see how much we love you? We came for you but you you don't even join us anymore" he added the last line to shut Jihoo up from saying anything. Yijeong was right. Jihoo had no right to be this annoyed about them being here considering he hasn't attended their hangout in weeks. Junpyo glanced up at Jihoo and waited for any response to what Yijeong said.

" You better buy something" Jihoo's fingers were pointed at Jun Pyo.

" I am not buying anything. My presence is your gift" Junpyo and Yijeong were smiling to themselves.

" I already gave you an art piece" Yijeong reminder before he was asked.

" Junpyo" Jihoo's warning eyes

" I swear I am not buying anything. I am angry at you" Junpyo wasn't afraid to ruin the night if need be to make sure Jihoo understood how his presence here by itself was doing too much for his friend that has been leaving them behind to do whatever with whoever. Junpyo knows exactly with whomever.

" What did I do now?" Jihoo nodded at the waiter who told him the host was getting ready to announce and stood from from the chair he was leaning against.

" What didn't you do? Should be a better question?" Yijoeng jumped in, glancing at the two exchanging looks. He knew Jihoo was getting his answer form the looks Junpyo's dark eyes were giving him. His friends he has slowly started abandoning, it was his best friend that would be angry about it the most. Jihoo knew that was a justified reason but there was something else. Hidden behind the clear glasses, he knew there was something his best friend wasn't saying.

" Where is your sister?' Jihoo tried changing the subject pointed at the empty seat by Jihoo's right side

" You invited her?" Junpyo asked picking the name tag and seeing his sisters name

" She is the representative for the charity org " Jihoo

" She's probably busy , as always"

" Is Seo-hyun noona here?" Yijeong asked a more important question.

" Yes and she showed on time" Jihoo leaving the table warned Yijeong who seemed beyond excited to hear she was here.

" behave," Jihoo warned as he started heading back.

" Don't worry I am not going to flirt with your Mrs" Yijeong had given Jihoo something to be annoyed about as the later walked past the table and headed to his.

" I am not Junpyo," he added with a whisper . His eyes slowly turned to the person he pointed his sharp but friendly words to. Yijeong hiding his smile behind the glass he pulled to his lips had caught Junpyo's sigh.

" I wasn't flirting with her"

" come on Jun Pyo"

" it's like you two have the same taste in girls and we know why you backed off from Seo-hyun"

' we don't . Jihoo don't even like my gf"
" That's because you don't actually like her," Yijeong leaning closer to his friend he knows, whispered. Most just assume it was only Jihoo that knows Junpyo but Yijoeng who was too observant and enjoyed trying to decipher that true person that hides behind it all, had always enjoyed watching and knowing Jun Pyo.

" How do you know that?" Junpyo asked as they were served their dinners. This would be a good conversation to waste their time on as Junpyo is beyond curious how they know him so much considering he doesn't say much. It was also a special time to spend with Yijeong he has been spending some quality time with in the past couple of weeks. He has become Jihoo's replacement as they have even started new hobbies to enjoy just the two of them.

" I mean you cheat on her every waking day"

" we are in an open relationship"

" You are obsessively possessive and you want me to believe you are in an open relationship with somebody you like," Yijeong , taking his first bite, asked.

" I am not possessive"

" Once you get seriously attached, you are beyond possessive" Yijeong wasn't afraid to honestly shared his opinions that were leaving Junpyo baffled

" The length you will go to protect Jihoo and keep him to yourself, come on"

" You know people didn't even pick him to be in their teams for sport because they know he had to always be in you team"

" Jihoo is special" was Junpyo's only defense for the person who was like a cherished sibling to him.

" well imagine if you fall and love a girl if not more but just as much"

" That's not possible." Jupyo's smile was too adorable, Yijeong thought.

"Let's say it was, would you be in an open relationship then?" Yijeong, raising the fork to his lips asked.

" well that's " Junpyo knew he had to be careful with his answer as he caught Yijeong's eyes eagerly waiting for his response.

" would you dare sleep with another person if you had somebody like that?" Yijeong sent another question.

" Maybe. you don't know" Junpyo, hiding his eyes that can't lie away from his friend. whispered.

" hahaha" Yijeong was enjoying this more than whatever the host was announcing.

" I know you and you wouldn't"

" Is that so?' Junpyo, covering his chewing lips with the napkin, was also ignoring the announcements and focused on the conversation.

" You are not only possessive, you are a very loyal that I don't think you would even touch another woman if you really liked this girlfriend of yours"

" or I am not possessive or loyal and just don't care"

" you don't care because you don't really lo" Yijeong chose to let it go. He was sure Junpyo knew exactly what he was talking about.

" Also why can't i be friendly with girls without it being flirting" Junpyo asked.

" because you are not friendly with anybody let alone girls"

" Seo-hyun noona is not just anybody"

" She is not now but was until Jihoo introduced her as his friend"

"Need I remind you of why she is off limits to anybody" Yijeong added warning Junpyo not to dare and lie.

" I was 12 so can we not"

" God I can't wait for you to fall for somebody so we can mess with you & teach you some lessons" Yijeong sipped his drink, how wishes were welcomed by thr smiles from Junpyo, Yijeong knew it was because his friend deemed wat he just wished for to be impossible.

"And I can't wait to see what you will do if Jihoo does what you did," Yijeong added, knowing exactly what he was poking at.

" But Jihoo is too nice so may be not"

" I was 12" Junpyo's only response was that as he picked his glasses and took his first sip of alcohol. Their conversation from that easily turned to how they were finally going to be done with the school. Their lovely dinner they enjoyed in peace was in large part thanks to most of the people that had dispersed around the garden to look at the art pieces. Some having chats by their table, the two had spent enough time chatting with Jihoo and Seo-hyun noona before the couple left them to accompany her mother who was there and wanted to look at the art pieces. Yijeong had left to make his way to the most attractive girls standing by the dessert table while Junpyo had chosen to return back to their table and get his jacket. He needs a smoke before they are forced to sit through the auction that will take a while. His jacket on, with its collar up, he quickened his step away from the people glancing his way. The simple nodes were fine but the ogling eyes glaring at him, that was why he hated these things and needed some nicotine to survive it.

Choosing to hide in between the dark corners of the garden filled with tall trees, he found the right spot that had some reflected light. His vape he pulled out was filled with the sweet strawberry smell that won't bother anybody that might be nearby but there wasn't anybody. The small whispers he could hear from the distance everybody was walking around the garden looking at the pieces getting ready to be auctioned off. The silence and alone time he was enjoying , his attention was on the text between him and Yijoeng who had found the right girls to disappear with for both of them. Yijeong asking to ditch this boring show, Junpyo only asked if they could let Jihoo know before they ledt. To entice him even more Yijeong had sent him the photo with the three girls leaving kisses over his face. This was the best way to end the weekend , Yijeong had texted as he agreed that he would tell Jihoo that they will leave. Junpyo waiting for the text about Jihoo's response for their request returned his focus to the nice breeze of the night.

The silence he was enjoying was disturbed with a sound that came from the other side of the trees.

" I swear to god it's the real one, why would they have a fake one?" he heard from the other side.

" if you look at his championship photo you can see it's the same one" the voice sounds familiar as Junpyo chose to just let them go on and enjoy his smoke. The person dressed in black who he could only make out was a girl thanks to the lack of enough light and the trees and brush in between them, he assumed she was probably staff thanks to her outfit.

" I was sacred to even touch the glass, it felt so unreal to even see it up close"

" If I had known I would have bought a fake one and switched them, hahaha" her laugh was adorable, Junpyo blew the white smoke away from his lips that parted for a tiny smile at what she said next.

" That is not stealing. That is wealth redistribution" the girl's laugh accompanying her words, he was charmed by that just as much as by what she said.

" some rich asshole is going to buy it and lock it somewhere now"

" Anyway, I got to go. I have stuff to do" the second Junpyo wasted thinking about what she could be talking about was dismissed as useless nonsense about things that don't concern him as he turned off his vape and was getting ready to leave. His legs walking the other direction found the little curb that could lead to the direction the girl was at and before he even took another step she turned right, moving away from the trees that were hiding her, and started walking his way. Her hand placing her phone in her pocket, her eyes finally lifted up to notice the person standing a short distance away from her.

Her shock she couldn't hide was visibly displayed on her face that was underneath the low light but it only lasted a second or two before she shut down. Her hands sent to her back , she adjusted herself as her body was ordered to be on standby to fight back. Her eyes finally getting a closer look were blessed with a good view thanks to the almost dark space they were in. The flickering and low light had enough light for her to make out that it was very obviously Junpyo that was standing there. Looking like a ghost thanks to his all black outfit and soundless steps she hadn't heard. She blamed that for how startled and scared she was when she first noticed him. It was that and nothing else, she concluded as her eyes couldn't look away from his dark eyes that weren't saying anything but unwaveringly looking at her. His menacingly captivating eyes that didn't need darkness and the hidden setting they were in to scare somebody off were doing their job as they made her feel odd about the interaction that hadn't even started.

" So you're not sick" his raspy voice broke through the silence and reached her ears. As usual, his voice had gotten a physical reaction out of her as her eyes moved away from him and turned to all the light she saw from the main event hall where the nice music was coming from. Although annoyed and wanting to get away, her mind hadn't failed to recognize he was asking about Friday and her wet body that was in his car. Her sneeze and her body that was drenched, he was asking about if she was fine after she had disappeared without even saying bye let alone thank you. That was their last interaction. Her wet body covered by his hoodie and driving his car to his apartment, which she despaired for without even a goodbye.

" I am not" she chose to play nice, that was her way of thanking him for what he did. He could die before he gets the actual words out of her. Her sweet voice, he was quickly reminded of how it never accompanied any words that were sweet. Her pale face not hidden by her badly chopped hair, she was not avoiding his eyes as she used to. She was staring right back at him as he made out her outfit that looked like what the waiting staff was wearing.

" huh" taking a deep sigh it was her that started walking as she decided to just leave. She doesn't care about this jerk and his little games. The places she needed to go to being behind him, she started taking steps his way. Her legs he followed, he let her walk to him in silence but as the distance became smaller he was the one that needed to break it.

" You didn't even say bye" he whispered as she almost walked past him. His eye focused on the girl that paused her walk and turned her eyes to his, only Junpyo had noted the small distance between them as he finally got a well light view of her face. She really didn't look sick at all. She looked fine. Her eyes questioning him, Junpyo was forced to focus on them and provide them with the answers they were asking for.

The first red flag of the night waved in front of her when she noticed his terrifying tall body standing there, staring at her. The second one was being waved as Jandi forced her eyes that were begging to look away to focus on his dark ones. She had convinced herself she could decipher them if she looked long and deep enough. Whatever voice had convinced her of that being a good idea she didn't question. Where the logic that looking into his eyes would give her the answer she was looking for came form, god knows but she had chosen to listen to it. Her eyes that were in their own domain, weren't as emotionless as the rest of her face that was blank. Her emotions were shut down and guarded by heavy metals, it was only her angry eyes that didn't listen to the command to avoid the boy at all costs. The unknown voice that had convinced her eyes to dig deeper had evaporated as softly as it formed the moment she was granted the access her eyes were demanding. Not even a hesitation was there as the gates were lifted, letting her curious eyes look for whatever they were looking for. The third red flag was smaller than the rest as it warned of the dangerous place she was given access to, one she will never be able to pull herself away from if she ever chose to cross that line.

"Leave" the logical voice screaming for her attention wasn't able to pull her focus from what had grabbed all her conscious attention. Hidden behind the answers she needed to understand why he keeps bothering her, was her curiosity about his "evil' existence. That curiosity was placed along with her unconscious curiosity to find why he gets such a reaction out of her every time even when his name was mentioned. Why she had to notice how he smokes with his left hand, plays with his hair when he is uncomfortable, bothered or nervous, doesn't say much, wears black often, hides his face away from people... the why's of it all was part of her unconscious curiosity that wasn't recognized as the reason she was trying to find an answer. For now it was all to find answers to why he keeps getting in her way and annoying her every chance he gets

"Leave" the loud voice was finally registered when her eyes finally left his and were forced to lower to his lips that smirked.

" Huh" letting out a deep sigh she channeled all her anger towards her legs she commanded to walk away but right when she took her first step, her right foot had stepped on the watered grass that slipped under her shoes. Her body before it even leaned away to fall was pulled back up thanks to his right hand that tightly held her right arm and pulled her close. Her body pulled closer to keep her up, her shoulder landed against his side. Her eyes more than where his arm had grabbed her, was placed at his side her body was pulled to. That was what triggered her anxious body that was finally processing all red flags.

" Okay?"

" Let me go" the conversation happening was silent and done through their eyes. Both recognized the issue of her being in his personal space was more alarming than slipping and falling against the pavement. Junpyo let go of his grip, giving into her request to be freed. As he slowly was able to recognize the signs of her uncomfortable and anxious body, he observed how quickly she pulled her body away from him, even taking steps away from him. She was scared of him. That was too easy to notice. She was disgusted and terrified of him. Her fidgeting fingers she sent to her back and her eyes glued to the floor and not even looking up, Junpyo was getting a taste of how she really felt about him as he was reminded of how much of an evil person he was in her eyes. That was the only thing that would explain why the girl that slapped him would be scared of him like this.

"You kicked me, slapped me and am the one to be scared of" Junpyo smirked, swallowing the tiny sting looking at her anxious body caused.

" Leave me alone then " Jandi finally looked up. Trying hard to manage her flight and fight mode he had activated, she should have known she wasn't ready to go toe to toe with the bold Junpyo that was choosing to accept the bad guy character she had placed on him. He could play the role very well if he chooses to.

" and if I don't want to " the daring voice was as bold as ever as Junpyo closed the gap between them and stood right in front of her. Her frantic anxiety she wasn't in total control of was triggered yet again as his proximity diluted the air she breathed in to stay calm with his fancy smell. The distinct smell in her mind quickly connected her most recent memory of his hoodie she had on and his car that was filled with it. She was at the losing end of the game but losing to this asshole was not even an option as she faked some bravado and stared back at him.

" Do you want to get slapped again" she asked, not even ready to take in his face he turned to give her his right cheek . His eye challenged her to slap him, Junpyo was the only one enjoying the annoyed and anger filled eyes staring at him. There were other things but he chose to focus on her anger.

" huh" letting out a deep sigh, Jandi decided to push him out of her way. Her shoulder she used to push him aside, Junpyo moved out of her view as he focused on her quick steps walking away. Yet again, she was walking away from him. The girl he can't even force to have a decent conversation with him, had given him her back and walked away, yet again. It was a bit hilarious how she had the guts to keep doing this to him.

" Does it do something for you ?" he asked, his hands placed in his pockets. Her legs that didn't halt to his question did just that when he added to his question.

" cursing at me, hitting me"

" You seem to enjoy it a lot," he added, finally getting her eyes to turn his way.

" I do" she responded, her serious eyes wiping away the smirk from his face.

" A lot," she added, hoping that will scare him but she was just adding to his weird fascination with the girl he was supposed to be doing all this to protect his best friend from. Her legs returning to their walk , she disappeared leaving Junpyo to his own confusion.

" I do" the way she had said it repeated while he started his walk to the garden. He needs a distraction and the art pieces around the garden were where he placed his focus. The girl he was trying not to think about , he was forced to acknowledge ten or so minutes later as he saw her standing by the pole, her eyes fixated on something. From the painting he was reading about he focused his attention on her side profile he got a good look at. His attention quickly pulled to her hand that came to her back and her right hand that started playing with the braclet on her left hand. Her focused eyes, he followed to find Jihoo and Seo-hyun having a smile filled conversation with each other. Sipping his drink he chose to stay there trying to decipher how she was looking at the two. Her body leaning against the pole, she hadn't even acknowledged any of the waiters passing her. Her full attention was fixed on Jihoo and Seo-hyun. Jihoo, who she had been spending so much time with, Junpyo was forced to accept that maybe she really considers Jihoo her friend and she wasn't going to harm him which she hasn't done in weeks since they have started hanging out. Not only did she consider Jihoo a friend but the fact that she might even have feelings for him was displayed as an option. Especially considering how she was looking at Jihoo. Half of the glass he had left swallowed in one sip, Junpyo grabbed another glass from the waiter that walked past him. The look on her face, it was hard to analyze it as anything else other than that as her eyes carefully studied the smile of Jihoo forced her lips to part of a smile. She can't help it, seeing Jihoo this happy always forces a smile on her face.

Her eyes that shifted to Seo-hyun, Junpyo was aware there was no way the mute freak of the school would dare even spend a second thinking she could compare herself to Seo-hyun. Not even the spoiled rich girls at the school dared let alone somebody like Jandi. She was out of reach for most to even find something negative to say about the princess of the school, which she graduated from two years ago. Everybody had accepted that even Jihoo doesn't deserve her. There was no comparison to Seo-hyun. Especially when it came to her place in Jihoo's life. She was irreplaceable and nobody could even dare. Jandi's anxious fingers playing with the beads of her bracelet, she was making the same realization with just less background information as she witnessed how everybody was reacting to the girl.

" they look perfect" Jandi in her own world hadn't even questioned why the voice sounded familiar as she just reposed to it assuming it was one of the waiters she had been talking to about the two.

"They are perfect puzzle pieces" Jandi replied with her eyes on Jihoo that rested his head against Seo-hyun's shoulder.

" He claims she is just a friend so you might have a chance" Junpyo, sipping his champagne leaned against the other pole and sent his eyes to his best friend.

"I don't'" Jandi, turning his way, finally noticed who she was talking to. Her eyes immediately filled with anger, Junpyo knew she would be looking at him all pissed off when he turned his eyes to her. Her anger was a regular state of being for her, at least when he was around.

" You have been staring at them for ten minutes," he added, sipping his drink. He was right , she hadn't even noticed when he had walked and stood steps away from her, leaning against the other pole holding the exit curtain that was open.

" huh" Jandi sighed, realizing it was a lost cause to even get away. She had to be there to check all the items that will be rolled in and headed to the stage to start the auction. She could just ignore him and focus on her task. The host running up the stage started calling people back to their seats, she focused on that. Junpyo's phone that buzzed for his attention, his eyes were shifted to his phone rather than the art pieces that started passing them, which Jandi was double checking to make sure they had the right tag. Yijeong's text about getting ready to leave, Junpyo was responding to without even knowing what he would do about the rest of the evening. His typing hands had paused to catch Jandi's gentle hands touching the glass cover of the gloves. She hadn't failed to take one last picture as she checked it off and it was sent to head to the stage.

we're in the NewYork suit on the 11th floor, if you want to join. had been Yijeong's last text before Junpyo didn't respond and sent his phone to his pocket. The first few items already sent to the stage Jandi stood there, arms crossed and focused on the stage. Her eyes she focused on the stage stayed there. That was until she saw his right hand move to his pocket and pull out his phone. It wasn't even intentional as she had seen the picture Yijeong sent to him. Junpyo's startled eyes had that lifted from his phone and turned to her smirk he heard and her eyes that shifted from the picture of the scandalously undressed girls drinking from the bottles Yjjoeng was pouring to Junpyo then to the stage.

" it's not" his words stopped when her eyes returned to him.

" That seems more like your scene, you should go" she didn't even know why she spoke as she turned her smirk and direct eyes his way.

" Is it?" Junpyo sensing the sass in her voice asked leaning back against the pole. The anonymous auction Jnumber ihoo had asked one of the assistants to register under Junpyo's name, Junpyo ignored that text and email.

" every time I see you , there is some new girl curling up your body" Jandi's words forcing a smile out of Junpyo, he placed his phone in his pocket and took a sip of his champagne.

" haha" His small laugh was hidden behind his glass. She really can't stand him and it was all over her face that turned his way and her eyes started examining his smile.

" and that bothers you?" leaning comfortably he asked as he swallowed the sweet drink that has started playing with his filter and logical mind that always needs to stay in control but was starting not to mind getting lost tonight.

" Do I seem bothered?" turning her body his way, she asked. The conversation she wasn't even sure why she was continuing, she wasn't ready for his eyes that slowly started lowering their gaze to her whole body he started scanning.

" You could slut your way through every girl on this planet for all I care" her anxiety his curious eyes poked at , she attacked, turning her body and attention towards the event and the stage far away.

" Did you just call me a slut?" His smile got bigger once he recognized how adorable it was that she was bothered by his eyes to the point she almost looked a bit shy as she tried avoiding him and crossed her arms.

" You're an escort but am the slut one" he decided to poke back. Junpyo wasn't like Jihoo. He wasn't afraid to attack back and give her the energy she gives.

" I don't sleep with" She didn't finish her sentence as she silenced herself. She really doesn't have to talk to him at all.

"You don't sleep with them? He finished it for her as he took another sip of his drink. She really was beyond annoyed at him as he caught her fingers that started playing with her bracelet.

" You can believe whatever you want" was the last thing she said as she decided to ignore him and focus on the event. The auction going for thousands of dollars she had chosen to be entertained by that. But it was a failure as every waiter that passed them had glanced at her then at Junpyo who they gave warm bows as they passed by. The weird looks and smiles she kept getting from the waiting staff who knew he was standing there to talk to her , Jandi tried to ignore but one of the waiters that had winked at her while his head pointed at Junpyo standing against the other pole holding the entrance curtain, she had decided to just get him to leave her once and for all.

" Here you go sir" the waiter had given Junpyo a small node as he got him another glass. His lips parting had whispered " he is handsome '' Janid's shocked eyes and the waiter's had turned to Junpyo who missed what happened while he was placing his empty glass down. The waiter's big smile and Jandi that turned her eyes quickly to the stage, Junpyo knew he missed something. The waiter giving Junpyo a bow, left the two who picked the conversation from where they left it.

" Do you really not sleep

" Hussh" she shushed him as she saw the cart carrying the glassed glove wheeled out to the stage and the introduction video started playing. Her whole attention on the video playing, Jandi was only paying attention to that to notice how Junpyo was connecting the dots to the pictures of the gloves she took earlier, her phone conversation about the items she couldn't believe was here and now her whole attention on the item. His eyes from her turned to the stage to make out the gloves. Her right hand that was sent to her lips, she started biting her nails as they started describing the item. Her excitement she couldn't hide when they announced the name of the owner, she was in her own world.

Junpyo slowly pulling out his phone focused his attention on her. The name tags hanging over her neck with two pens on them. The ear piece stuck to her ear. The several folders she was holding. Her neat bun that had loosened up thanks to the whole day of work she had put on , his curious eyes landed on her lips her fingers were playing with. The auction that started at 10,000 dollars , the shocked eyes of her was too adorable to catch when the host announced a first bid was just made. The first bid made was 50,000$. These people really had money to throw, she thought as even the people in the room were shocked at the bid. Her attention on looking to see if anybody would raise their hand to outbid the anonymous bidder, she wasn't paying any attention to Junpyo next to her, enjoying every second of what had grabbed her whole attention. He had found something new about her. Her eyes that got bigger when the video of the F1 champion came on the screen, he had found somebody she likes too.

"50,000 once, twice' the host started counting down after a couple of minutes of nobody trying to out bid 50,000. When the host hit the gavel and announced it was sold for 50,000 She was one of the people that clapped.

" So race cars and F1 drivers" he spoke, sipping his drink.

" What do you want?" she asked, hoping playing nice will get the chance to get him away. She knew daring him wasn't going to work. She just needs to get him away from her. The defeated voice of hers, even her eyes were honest in their question. The champagne glass he took a double sip of, Junpyo questioned if he should be honest or not. He didn't have full control anyway, the alcohol had diluted his decision making. The sweet alcohol added to his weird fascination that had placed him right here, her enchanting eyes pleading him to let them know what he wants so he could leave her alone, Junpyo let the bizarre tension direct him.

" What can you give that I don't have?" he asked, forcing her eyes to stay on him.

"I have nothing" her response was just as honest as the unspoken words their eyes were exchanging that were cementing the actual words exchanged. Her lack of possession she had never been bothered by, Jandi had thought of it wise as she slowly lowered her guard and let his eyes witness how true what she said was. She had thought being honest about that would get him to back off. She had thought maybe pity would work. If he felt some pity for the girl that had nothing, maybe he would leave her alone. She had thought his pity was an emotion she would accept. She was okay showing him a tiny aspect of her nothingness if it means he will leave her alone. But It was a mistake. It was a serious mistake. That was one of the many mistakes she made that night. Unlike hers, Junpyo's curious eyes weren't scared of the danger and had crossed the line to look deeper than the truth she was sharing.

His pity she thought she could manipulate, she was the one being dragged as his spellbinding eyes forced her to be locked in the same place she had placed him in. The vacuum filled with an endless mix of pain and lonlesses, his eyes had pushed through her guard she had only lowered to give him a tiny view. In an instant his own nameless emotions had dug deep enough to pull her misery out from the robot shell she hides them behind. His own misery, his intoxicated heart wasn't guarding, his darkest fears and torment had been the ones to jump over her thick fences and find the unbearable pain she hides even from herself. The anguish he unmasked in both, their reactionless bodies were frozen in time. In a moment where nothing but recognizing the melancholy of their broken souls existed. Her eyes that quickly darted changing their gaze to the stage, she ordered her body to shut down as she took deeper breaths. Her hands squeezed into fists, she didn't even allow herself to question what just happened as she just ordered for everything to be shut down.

" I have things to do" her voice that sounded shaken, Junpyo, lost in his own angust, wasn't able to pick on her anxious hands she hid behind as she started walking away. Her body, given direct orders, needs only seconds to shut everything down. Junpyo, not even turning around to watch her leave as he was used to, focused his attention on the alcohol he chugged down. He needs a heavier drink.

He needs a serious drink and something to distract him from the darkness trying to push to the surface. The glass in his hand placed on the floor he quickened his steps of the hotel room Yijeong had texted him to come to. He needed something in his system immediately, he recognized as his frantic hands started playing with his hair.

" What the hell?" he whispered as he took deep breaths. The cold fresh air of the garden reaching his lungs wasn't enough. They hadn't been enough for years.

"Huhhhh '' the loud sigh he let out as both his hands brushed and stayed in his hair, he was regretting not bringing his medication with him as he stepped into the lobby. His goal was the elevator that will take him to all the things available that could distract his mind until it finally blacks out. And just like he thought the moment he walked into the luxury room booked until Tuesday morning, the first thing his anxious hands picked up was the whisky one of the girls poured for him which he drank in one breath.