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.

52. Chapter 52

Hello beautiful readers. I sincerely apologize for the long wait. I moved into my new place and have finally settled in. It took me a few days to decide on where to cut this chapter. I apologize in advance for how some chapters might feel off because of the changes I am making to the characters and story.

Thank you Lamour de ma vie for letting me know about the name mistake. I have changed it.

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The beautiful weather predicted for the next couple of days was supposed to signal the start of Spring. Flowers blooming, birds singing, and even the people she loved watching reverting back to wearing colorful clothes, Spring was finally here. Warmer days filled with bright sunlight; even the city looks different in Spring. Sitting facing the widow, that was what Jandi was thinking about while Eun was busy confirming they were on the right train to the location of the cruise. They had a long way to go to the other end of the city, and Eun was why they didn't even eat lunch before they left. The invitation she read enough times to memorize; Eun had made it her job to get them precisely at 1:00 pm. 1:00 - 5:00 pm, the students had four hours to board before they departed to spend the next couple of days in the middle of the ocean. The day she wanted to spend exploring the cruise, Eun seemed more excited as Jandi had other things to distract her mind. One hand on the carry-on, Eun had packed neatly, and the other holding her backpack on the carry-on, Jandi was actively forcing her mind not to think about what happened yesterday. It was better not to think about it at all.

Her life mission she was supposed to prioritize over everything; the headache would start the moment she thought about how she had been failing at the only thing she was supposed to be doing. The vital information she had discovered, it didn't even make sense why she was going on a trip rather than dig deep into what Junpyo had shared. But that would require having to deal with him and the moment she thought of that the headache worsened. All the information Bom would be waiting for her to get out of this trip; it was better not to think about that either. The mess her life was turning into, she had only herself to blame for giving in to all the distractions. What are you doing? She would ask the most critical question she should have asked herself before any of this started. The warning Bom gave her was repeated again and again as her anxiety started sending signals about even thinking about disappointing him. The fact that it's even possible to disappoint him has begun a new type of fear. The man who saved her life and gave her a home, a new family and a purpose to live, the day she disappoints him would be the day she considers her whole life a waste. She could ignore all the caution signs she was given since she started getting entangled with the F4, but not his words. His words were like God's commands and he had simplified his warning words to just " Focus."

What was she really doing? The question she wouldn't have a satisfying answer for; she would spend the rest of the train ride thinking about it. But it wasn't just her who was trying to find an answer to that question. While his hands were busy chopping the vegetables he was getting ready for his ramen, Bom was also wondering about the same thing. The girl he hadn't sat down and talked to in a while; he was just as curious about what she had gotten herself into. The school, which hadn't produced anything in the last three years, had trusted her to stay low until she was done. He had also trusted Mrs Kim to keep an eye on Jandi, but she seemed to have allowed all of this to happen to get to this point. Even though he trusts Jandi more than anything, the fact that the boy had dared to stop by the restaurant not once but several times was an issue Bom couldn't easily ignore. Bringing the danger to this town was a No-No, and he was sure Jandi knew the danger she was putting everybody in by allowing anybody from that school to know where she lived. She had brought not just anybody but the student president himself. The boy, whose family members, filled with judges, lawyers, and politicians, were the right hand of the Shinwa family.

"At least it's not that other one" The bodyguard had tried laughing off the scary look he got from Bom the moment he finished his sentence. The sharp eyes of Bom, accompanied by the cigarette smoke he was blowing, the bodyguard knew there was no joke he could make to cut the tension that took over the office the minute one of their boys had delivered the pictures of Jihoo and Jandi to Bom's desk. All the eyes he had across the city, he had to question what Jandi was doing trying to hide this from answer he had to spend some minutes thinking about; he had to stare at her smile in the photo to get some clarity. That was when he had decided to stop by and ask Mrs. Kim some questions about what had been going on. But all he got from her was a lecture on how he should be happy Jandi has made some new friends. Was he really her friend? Or was she using him? Is she friends with any other member of the F4? Even Though he had several serious questions he would only trust and believe she was using all of this to get them to their goal.

" If the other one ever dares to come here" the bodyguard couldn't finish his sentence, not because of the scary look on Bom's face but because of his own anger at the possibility. Somehow Jihoo seems to have gotten an okay from him but if the leader of the F4 ever dared to step a foot in this town, there was already a line of men ready to break every bone of his to the point Bom might not even have to lift a finger to deal with it. Why Bom doesn't just give them the green light to teach those spoiled boys a lesson, sometimes even the bodyguard had difficulty being patient. But even then, he knew to trust his boss. He had spent too many years next to Bom not to realize there was something big he was working towards and childish attacks on some rich boys wasn't part of the plan,yet. Not just the bodyguard but most of the people that work for Bom have come to trust his intelligence and intuitive mind that never fails them.

The people that bow at his feet, there was a deeper reason why Bom had so many willing to give him their lives that weren't worth much to begin with. The abandoned boys the dangerous streets chew and throw out like nothing, most actually considered themselves lucky to work for the one that had given them shelter. The one that raised some of them from boys to men; it is beyond easy to understand why they would choose to work for him. A choice he would offer them once they prove their loyalty; the number of those that chose the other option and make a life for themselves with his help was actually greater than those that chose to stay by his side. But even those who leave the border of this neighborhood for the sparkles of the city were forever indebted to him and were ready to answer if he ever called. The man they don't know much about, they had learned not to dig deep into his past or what he actually does. But even then most were aware of his thirst for revenge. An act of revenge he had spent years building to the point he doesn't even remember what life was like before then. Most trusted what he was wasting his life for. Everybody, including Jandi who has been doing a lot behind his back.

The girl that had gotten his special treatment since day one, maybe she really was his daughter since the fear around her safety and well being was now reaching a parental level. Maybe it is a father's intuition but something had been bugging him since he saw that photo of the smile filled walk of Jihoo and Jandi. The odd feeling he couldn't shake off, it had gotten worse as Bom stayed up the night while staring at all the pictures the boys he ordered to follow her brought back. The girl he had raised hidden from the world, his intuition was already warning him about the short time he had left to keep her hidden and close to him. Mrs Kim who had repeatedly warned him about the coming days; he had only himself to blame for how he doesn't even know how to deal with seeing Jandi smile like that at anybody else, let alone a boy. One would think he was concerned about the boy being a member of the F4 but no, he was more worried about just the notion of boys entering her life. The evil world wasn't enough now he has to deal with boys coming to ruin her life. The years it took him to even be okay with using her with the men they needed to hunt, there was a reason she was the one he made sure was trained to be the best weapon they have. The armours he had equipped her with were made to protect her from the creepy men they needed to avenge, not spoiled pretty boys.

" At Least he is sweet and is kind to her'' Mrs Kim had gone on and on about the boy but Bom wasn't charmed by any of the things she saw as a positive trait of the boy she referred to as just a "new friend" of Jandi. The F4 boy he doesn't know much about, Jihoo, was now added to his list. Everything about Ji Hoo he will have on his desk in a few days, the squeaky clean look and persona of Jihoo wasn't sitting well with Bom who has survived this long by mastering how to trust his intuition about people. And somehow there was something off about the sweet-looking school president whose family Bom was very familiar with. The boy he didn't see as useful to their plan, Bom was aware of why the picture of Jandi smiling with Jihoo had forced him to stay up all night. The few drinks he had enjoyed while calculating things, maybe it wasn't a good idea to have kept most of the information about his sister's case from Jandi.

One of the darkest days of his life, Bom still recalls the smiles the so-called lawyer that helped dismiss his sister's case was sharing with the judge that ruled over it. The well-dressed men who shared more than those disgusting laughs, how could he forget the letters of their names he had inked across his back. The letters that make up the same last name as the boy who has dared to come for his daughter, Bom had more than enough reason to be worried about what was going on. She has to be using him, Bom had to force himself to accept that Jandi had to be using her new weird friendship to get information. He has to trust that was what she was doing. As always her safety being his top priority, that would be the first and main worry of his day. While his hands were busy chopping the green onions; all his thoughts were on the safety plan he needed to create for the risk Jandi was taking. But before he even came up with one plan, his busy mind would have something else to worry about as his afternoon was disturbed the moment he heard his name being called from downstairs.

" Hyong!" one of the boys screamed in the garage below. Bom, placing the knife down, started walking to the rail to look down at why his name was being yelled. The four hours of sleep he had in the morning, his body was used to lack of sleep. His upper body he had left unclothed wasn't even dry from the shower he had just taken as he continued his walk. His sweatpants swept the squeaky-clean floor; his bare feet were enjoying stepping on the cold cement floor as he continued walking to the rail.

" Hyong, They say they are here to see you." The boy didn't need to say anything else as the first thing Bom noticed were the three suited men in the garage. His eyes zoomed in on the one standing in the middle; he only needed one look to figure out why the suited men were here.

" Should I let them into your office?" the boy asked. The other two boys working on the cars had continued to pretend like they were working while they had moved closer to whatever they could use as weapons if they heard the code word from Bom. Suited men were one thing, the two cars the men had came in and parked by the entrance of the garage, the boys had every right to be suspicious of the men who had walked in like they ran this place.

" No, get back to work." They were commanded to stand back as they took note of the signal his right hand gave them.

" Come up," Bom said, still focusing his eye on the one in the middle and directing the suited men to the stairs on the left side. Starting with the one in the middle, his eyes had scanned all three men to determine whether they were armed. They didn't seem armed was the last thought of his as he started walking back to the open kitchen. The heat of the ramen lowered, and he returned to chopping while waiting for the three. Their footsteps he could hear, he had only turned his eyes when he heard them walk into the kitchen. Two of them looked around the place; the one in the middle had been the one to keep his eyes on Bom the whole time. Junhee's driver, Bom was quick to remember how the look he got from him that day was the same as the one he was giving him now.

" Do you own this?' Junhee's driver asked but didn't get any answer from Bom, who returned his attention to the vegetables he had chopped. His back towards the three men, Junhee's driver was the first to scan Bom's naked upper body carefully. The tattoos were one thing, but the bruises across his back, the driver had mistaken them to be the result of fights. The tattoos being a clear sign of him being a gang member, bruises were expected on the bodies guys like him use for whatever criminal activities they get themselves into. Bom's criminal record he had read twice; the driver was still surprised not to find any conviction for any crime but petty fines and arrests spanning years. That should have been his clue that this was no mere low-level gang member or thug. With the heat Bom turned off, the pot was moved from the stove to the table. The chopped vegetables he started adding, Bom had noticed Junhee's driver pulling the chair on the other side and sitting down. The silence-filled stares between the two men making the other two uncomfortable, they chose to stand behind their boss they are here to protect. The conversation wouldn't start until Bom had enjoyed several bites of his first meal of the day at 1pm

" We reviewed the video from her car." Junhee's driver started while waiting for a reaction from Bom, and he got one as Bom slowed down what he was bringing to his lips. He knew this day was coming and, honestly, was surprised it took them this long. How they weren't able to deal with whoever had dared to attack her in less than 24 hours, he was again disappointed by the men around Junhee. How do all the men who were supposed to protect her fail at such a simple task? Considering she was the only daughter of the family, it was shocking how little protection she had. If he was in charge of her safety, he had to stop himself right as the thought formed. She is none of his business.

" We found all the men involved and reported them to the police," the driver continued, crossing his arms. The lack of reaction from Bom, it doesn't look like he remotely cares about what was being shared while he continued slurping his food. The two men standing by each side of the drive, the one on the right, was beyond fascinated by Bom's body which he kept scanning. His well-defined muscles were built and trained to maintain their status as a weapon. If not the body in front of him, the video he had seen of Bom fighting four men by himself would have been enough. No matter what, he couldn't help but admire as his eyes lowered to Bom's right side to notice what looked like a fresh scar. Leaning his head to the right, he got a better view to help guess whether the scar was a cut from a sharp object or a stabbing. His curious eyes were immediately sent to the floor once he caught Bom's scary eyes glancing his way. It doesn't take much to assume being on this man's radar was not a good idea.

"Well, we handed them over after we dealt with them in our own way," the driver added with a smile. Not just him; even the two behind him had smiled as Bom glanced up to catch it all, wondering if that was supposed to scare him.

" Those thugs said you are not with them, but somehow, I don't believe them.'' The driver gave Bom a weird smile as he sat back. The way Bomb was enjoying his food, the two men standing couldn't help but envy the hot ramen he was enjoying.

" There is something about you.'' The driver knew to trust his intuition. He had sensed it the moment he saw Bom the first time when he picked Junhee from that store. The way Bomb was looking at Junhee had been enough to make the driver more curious about him than the other men who had attacked her. Even after he watched the video, he couldn't shake away the odd notion that was bugging about the man in black. Everybody involved with what happened he has dealt with, the driver was looking forward to meeting Bom who he was beyond curious about. Now sitting in front of him he was even more curious about the man Junhee had said he was just there to help her and save her life. His main job being protecting Junhee, the driver had spent enough time around her to be worried about the strange man who could use saving her as a way to take advantage. What the driver didn't know and couldn't predict was how there was no saving Junhee from her world Bom could turn upside down if and when he wanted to.

" There is no way a thug like you is not involved and just wanted to help." The driver used his eyes to scan Bom's emotionless face. Nothing close to a human emotion was displayed on his face. He really wasn't phased by any of the things being shared.

" Maybe you were part of it, and you planned this together."

" The police have the evidence and all those criminals in custody, so they will figure it out soon enough." The driver added, not sure what to make of how not even the mentioned police could get a reaction out of Bom, let alone being threatened.

" So why are you here?" Bom asked, speaking for the first time as he put his chopsticks down and picked up the cup holding his protein shake. He knew there was nothing the police could do than harass him. Having the cops on his tail was always a dangerous game. And with what the driver shared, he now has to change his whole plan for the whole weekend. That was what he was pissed about; that he has to stay low until the police get to him, harass him for a while, and close this case. That was what he found annoying about all of this.

" To thank you?" The driver signaled for the one on the right to pass him something. Bom's eyes followed the driver's and caught the folded envelope that would be pushed to his side across the table.

" If you really weren't involved, we thank you for helping our Miss" The driver, now unsure of why Bom was not even trying to look into what was in the envelope, sat with his arms crossed. Bom, returning his attention to his food, was waiting to see if they had anything else to say.

With just a look on his face, he had asked them if there was anything else. All three men were more confused about what was going on, but they didn't have anything else to say. The driver standing up from the chair was the one most confused before he decided to not even bother trying to understand how such a low life criminal thinks. Their slow steps to the stairs, all three were replaying the small interaction while trying to figure out if driving all the way here was worth it.

" If I were you," they heard his voice right before they started walking down the stairs.

" I would learn how to do my job before something serious happened to her,'' Bom gave the driver a slight smirk. The two other men who glanced at their boss knew how Bom had just pressed the button on the self-blame the driver had been dealing with. It was so interesting how he knows exactly what to say to trigger people's anger. Bom had sat back, sipping his shake as he watched the anger in the driver's face before he started marching down the stairs. How easily he could anger the man in charge of protecting Junhee was noted as Bom concluded that to be the most important thing he got out of this interaction.

His day ruined by midday, Bom was keen on angering the driver even more as he headed to midtown after finishing the errands he chose to do himself today. In case the police were on him, his plans were changed to spending the afternoon buying new tools & materials for the garage. The lack of anybody tracing him, once he made sure of that was when he drove into the parking lot of the interesting building most who walked past it like taking pictures of. The headquarters of Shinwa Corporations a good half an hour away, Bom hadn't failed to look up at the fascinating modern structure of the building he was driving into. His car knew exactly where to park; he had made sure it was in direct view of the Director-marked parking lot and the black car that should have been there but wasn't. The building he knew very well from studying every entrance and exit years back, he would spend the next half hour leaning against his car while enjoying the breeze the sun going down was bringing. The tall building not marked by the Shinwa name but by a small logo at the top; most didn't even know this was one of their office buildings. What would it take to bring this empire down? He had started smoking by the time that question occupied all his thoughts.

Lucky for him, his thoughts would be disturbed before he concluded maybe it was impossible to bring this empire down. The black car driving to the Director's parking lot; the person he was looking for was finally here. His eyes on the back seat; the door opening slowly had exposed her right leg that stepped out first. The red-bottom shoes that didn't even have a speck of dust, let alone any dirt; who else could it be but the empire's princess? If not the shoes, the cream-colored cashmere fabric of the pants she was wearing was the next clue as she slowly stepped out, and the fabric started swinging in the direction of the wind. There was no mistaking the custom-made two piece suits she wears for anybody else. His eyes following the enchanting way her hair was flying to the wind; he gave himself a few seconds before he spoke up to force the two people to notice who was behind them. His mind runs like a machine; there was no space to wonder why he needed a few seconds to just watch her rhythmic walk before he said anything.

" So you're only worth 10 million won?" His hoarse voice forced both people to turn around immediately. The startled look on the driver, Bom wasn't even paying attention to him. His focus was on Junhee. The line of important meetings she had all day, her makeup artist had done a good job with her face that needed to be photographed at every meeting she was in. It was a testament to her makeup artist's talent that the natural look she had done 8 hours ago was still intact and making sure Junhee didn't look as tired as she was while still running only on the breakfast she had. Her face couldn't keep from broadcasting what she was feeling; the quick scan she did of him was an easy tell of how she was surprised by his presence.

" Hello." Her whole body turned to face him; she extended one of her famous smiles his way.

" Hi," as he said it, Bom turned his eyes to the driver, who couldn't hide the annoyed look on his face.

" What did you say?" She asked as she glanced between the two men staring at each other. She could easily tell there was some weird tension between the two men.

" I thought the daughter of that would be worth way more than 10 million."His right hand pointed at the logo of the company at the top of the building. His eyes returning her way had caught the utter confusion displayed on her face. His right hand pulling the envelope he was given earlier, he held it up.

" What is this about?" she asked as she watched the driver walk up to Bom and snatch the envelope away from him.

" Don't worry about it, Miss. I will handle this." She would have trusted her driver but she had seen the tiny smirk of Bom and the look her driver gave him to not be more curious.

" Give me that." she extended her hand to the driver while her eyes stayed on Bom.

" Miss, I don't think"

" Now," the base she added in her voice, the light command she gave her driver had earned her a point in Bom's book. The way she acts and plays nice, Bom was the only one who was sure it was a cover she uses to get what she wants. The person underneath the pastel-colored suit was a fierce woman he had assumed would replace the evil woman she calls her mother. Her niceness was what would make her more dangerous than her mom who was known to be ruthless. There was nothing more dangerous than people who had mastered how to pretend to be adorable white rabbits but turn out to be venomous snakes that will kill without any remorse. From her bright smiles to her so-called kindness she was known for, there was nothing Bom trusted about this woman.

" What is this?" she asked as she pulled out the check. Her confused eyes turned to the driver, he had no answer as he just bowed his head down.

" I am guessing a payment for saving you" Bom was more than happy to add more as he watched her angry eyes turn back to the driver.

" We were trying to deal with what happened"

" And this is how you're doing it?" she asked.

" Getting a check was nothing compared to being accused of being one of them," Bom had added to watch the utter shock on Junhee's face. His sharp eyes turning to the driver were warning the driver to never ever dare to intimidate him let alone come to his place again.

" Did you accuse him of that?"

" We have to assume until the police investigate and give us a report about "

" I am so sorry about this." Cutting her driver off by handing him the check, she started apologizing.

" I didn't know about this, and I seriously apologize for whatever was said." the steps she was taking his way, Bom wasn't sure what to make of her pleading eyes and genuine seeming words while she closed the gap between them. The last step she took down the stairs, her height was lowered as she stood in front of him, face to face. The not so tall heels she had on were helping but still, her eyes had to look slightly up to match his that were staring at her.

" He did it for my safety and not because of any malice." The way she apologized for the driver's sake while understanding why the driver would have done it—everything she was doing was making it easy for Bom to assume that all of this niceness was part of the character she plays.

" So please don't blame him. I will apologize for what happened," she added, giving him another smile. How much she cares about the people who work for her should have been obvious. There was a reason her whole staff had worked with her since she started. Not only her employees but also all the staff at her home had the opposite experience of those who worked at Junpyo's house. Their Miss who knows every family member of theirs by name, there was nothing they wouldn't do for her. A simple clue would have been how all of them hated her husband, which Bom was aware of. One of her staff members, who they tricked to get drunk with one of the girls from Bom's club, had shared everything he knew. That was where they first got all the info about her husband and their odd marriage.

" Miss the meeting." The driver leaning her way could only whisper to remind her of the time.

" Can you come with us for a minute, please?" she said, gesturing for Bom to follow them as she turned around and started her quick steps up the stairs.

" I thought the meeting was rescheduled?" her quick hands typing on the phone the driver handed her; Bom took a second before he started following the two people walking side by side. Their swift steps up the stairs, the dynamic between the two seemed closer than most drivers of wealthy people he had seen.

"Welcome." The bows she got from the doormen, Bom wasn't worried about the looks he was getting from everybody. His focus was on how everybody was greeting her. Most seem happy to see her. The small bows and smiles she was getting from everybody, his eyes went to the front desk and one of the girls who started running to Junhee's side to hand her a note. As she started walking back, the girl hadn't failed to scan Bom up and down. The first thing to catch most people's attention was his worn-out black cargo pants that were decorated from the dust from all the equipment he was transporting all day. The paint spots that had failed to come off even after a dozen washes; his work pants were the easiest way to figure out what he does. Next would be his high-top converse shoes that look custom-made thanks to all types of paint and oil that couldn't be washed off. To complete his look was the black hoodie he had put on after pulling into the parking lot. At least that was somewhat clean and could cover almost all of his tattoos, which would have scared everybody in the lobby. The most surprising reaction to his presence would come from Junhee's secretary, who had almost screamed when she saw him get out of the elevator she had thought had nobody else after the two walked out.

" I thought you rescheduled the meeting?" Before she could fully absorb Bom's presence, Junhee's question distracted the secretary.

" We did. I called them, and they rescheduled," the secretary, still scanning Bom, replied. Her busy hands still typing; her focus seemed to be on something else as Junhee led everyone to her grand office.

" But she still wanted to talk to you, and they said she will call in a few minutes." the secretary, following Junhee to her desk, added as all had forgotten about Bom, who had chosen to stand by the door. His hands still in his pocket; he started scanning her office. They had never gotten to the point of going through her office. Mainly because she was deemed useless to their cause early on. This was a nice office and he couldn't help but start from the grand glass walls showcasing the reason her office faces west. The sun setting in the distance; the view was beyond stunning. The whole right side of her office being a vast open meeting space, Bom chose the other side to find anything interesting to look at.

" This one is the document for the city approval. We need four signatures. " The secretary holding the folder guided Junhee where to sign while Junhee's eyes were on the red flags of the new emails that had arrived the second she sat on her chair.

" They said it will take six weeks to approve."

" Six weeks?" The change in her voice had gotten Bom's attention to come her way for a second.

" Even that is after our lawyers worked hard to negotiate," the secretary said, moving the signed folder to her other hand as she handed Sehyun the other documents she had to sign.

" Construction is supposed to start four weeks from now; why does it take six weeks to approve a single form?" Junhee's frustration was evident to hear even from across the room.

" Get me the lawyers; they must go back and renegotiate." Junhee would give the secretary a new task, adding to the ones she had to finish before she left for home. Staying in the office after sunset was the norm for any of them to be surprised by. The crazy hours their boss spends on work, the least they could do was stay late an hour or two before they left the building to their boss who sleeps in her office sometimes.

" One of them is in a meeting with development. I will get you the other one." As she spoke, the secretary followed Junhee's eyes to note Bom was still standing by the door. With his wandering eyes on the bookshelf filled with books, awards, and photos, Bom hadn't noticed the two women looking at him. How he looked completely out of place in the bright, cream-colored room decorated with light-colored furniture, the secretary had to do a double take to catch the tiny smirk that escaped Junhee's lips.

" You could sit there," Junhee's voice got his attention; Bom turned around to find her eyes directing his attention to the sofa set. Neither her big smile nor her words received any response as he started taking slow steps toward the custom-designed sofa set the interior designer who worked on her office had made for her as a gift. The secretary carefully watching him as he sat down had glanced at the driver who looked upset about the presence of the strange man. His hands were still in his pocket; even the way he was sitting was bothering the secretary as she hadn't hesitated to stare back at him while making it obvious she was trying to figure him out. The look he had been getting from everybody with a name tag was fascinating. Bom, leaning back to rest his back on the sofa, couldn't help but wonder if their look would have been different if he was some rich asshole in a fancy suit. Maybe they would all smile and bow for him then.

" Who is he?" the secretary leaning closer asked.

" No one," the driver, looking for all the files he knew he had to drive to the headquarters before the finance department manager left, dismissed her question, making her even more curious.

" Can you get him something to drink or something?" Junhee asked, handing the secretary the last file she signed with a smile.

" Can you give me a minute? I need to respond to this email." Her smile was directed at Bom this time. Only the secretary was bothered by his failure to respond, let alone smile back at Junhee. Disrespectful and rude were added to the list of words she was using to describe him.

" Would you like something to drink?" she asked as she slowed her scan of him up and down to ensure he was aware of it. How much she was judging him was evident. He wouldn't expect anything different from people who spend most their days bowing down to wealthy people anyway. Maybe the pay was good? It had to be for all these employees to keep their lips shut about all the fucked up shit they witnese but never tell. Maybe they sign their humanity away with whatever they get paid? He was judging her right back but his default setting was to hide any emotions so she couldn't even tell what he was thinking about. Even if she could tell, she wouldn't care. All she cared about was making sure no other toxic man entered Junhee's life. The rich jerks were on thing but this thug looking guy covered in dusty cloth, the secretary wasn't even sure how on earth this man ever ran into her boss.

" No," his hoarse voice caught her off guard, and she returned her eyes back to his face. It wasn't that hard to guess he was trouble. His rugged face that matched his all-black handyman look wasn't amusing the secretary. The last look she gave him, the secretary would leave the office to be followed by the driver, who had to run out leaving the two in the office. The two left in the office, their focus was on something else to notice. His attention was spent on the view of the city for a few minutes; Bom had turned to Junhee when his eyes noticed a weird movement in his peripheral view.

Her eyes glued to the email she was reading; he zoomed his focus to notice the troubled look on her face. But that wasn't what had gotten his attention; it was her left hand that started taping at her chest. Tapping rhythmically on the left side of her chest while her focus was still on the screen. His eyes zooming out slowly, he found it interesting to watch her along with her surroundings. Her custom-made desk, Bom didn't care as much about the fascinating desk as all the files covering it. With the white papers stacked at the corner, he hadn't failed to notice the framed photo standing by it. The company photo of all her employees in front of the new building on opening day; the smiles of every employee were what he noticed before his attention was taken to the next farmed photo. Of course, the smiling siblings—the only family photo she has on her desk—is of her and her brother. Her brother she hadn't seen in weeks; who she wasn't even aware of where he was, let alone the trouble he had gotten himself into. Before his thoughts went to her brother , the secretary would come in to get their attention.

" I forgot to tell you; the city council member wants to meet with you."The worried look on the secretary's face standing by the door signaled something serious.

" Why? He just has to show up for the event."

" I know, but he said he wants to talk to you about it and also wants you to personally invite him. "

" He wants to have dinner," the secretary added, giving Bom the only clue he needed about why both women seemed off about what they were discussing. His eyes sent back to Junhee, who sighed; he was quick to recognize the look on her face. He has worked around enough women who have to entertain men they don't like to get something done to recognize the look. It made sense for the women around him but her, how could the daughter of Shinwa be forced to do anything she doesn't want to? What he was witnesing wasn't aligning with all the things he had assumed and accepted about this woman. She should be ordering people around to get whatever she wants, not be forced to entertain creepy men. What type of man asks another man's wife for dinner? His question would be eliminated before it fully formed. He was already aware of how corrupted and disgusting most politicians were to know the answer to his question. How does her husband not deal with these men? Another question that would be eliminated before it formed, all of it was deemed none of his business. He shouldn't even be sitting in her office let alone wondering about how gross the council member will be at that dinner. Her welcoming smiles and personality, this was another reason he didn't like it. It makes her an easy target for men who think she is easy. His so-called daughter he had raised to be the opposite, he had never considered how the scary face Jandi puts on for most men would also draw attention from the wrong type of men who see it as a challenge.

" He asked for you to send your restaurant recommendations, and they will make a reservation," the secretary, holding the iPad with Junhee's crazy schedule, shared.

" Fine, let's just get it over with."

" You only have next Wednesday. I will try to suggest 7 or 8 so you can make it after the meeting at 6 ''. The secretary had gone on to discuss what would be the most appropriate time and date but Bom's focus had been the left hand of Junhee that had returned to tap at her chest. The odd habit, his curious mind was going through several questions to find an answer to why she does that. That was until the phone on Junhee's desk started ringing and distracted him.

"That is the madam," the secretary announced before she started walking to the other side of the office.

" Hel," Junhee wasn't even able to finish her hello as she closed her lips and started listening. The chair she rotated to face the window, she held the phone against her right ear. His attention from her would be changed to the secretary, who placed the cold water bottle on the table in front of him before she started walking out of the office. The cold water he picked up and took a sip, he had to glance at the logo to wonder why it tasted so good. Do these people even have their own water? He questioned as he continued to drink. By the time his attention returned to Junhee, it was because he saw her turn her chair back around. Slowly standing up as she headed to the shelf on the other side.

" I don't think" She was again cut off before she even began her response. Her walking pattern, Bom decided to keep his eyes on her as she started walking back and forth from one end of the shelf to the other. With her left hand on her waist and her slouched shoulders, he could only wonder who would be on the other line. The secretary had said madam, so his best guess was her mother. The evil queen herself.

" No, we can't do that. We have already reached," she was cut off again.

" That is not what we do or why we do all this." Going against his curiosity, Bom turned his attention to the grand view of the city and the perfectly cold water. None of what was happening should take even a minute of his time to wonder about but it had. And after a few seconds, his curious eyes would return back to her when he heard a clear change in her voice that was raised.

" No, we will not be doing that," her raised hand matched the force in her voice. It had even slowed his sipping as he gave his eyes the permission they needed to take their time.

" That is not what we agreed on when I took over the project. You promised me there would be no media stunts," her left hand was sent to her head she squeezed before she used it to brush her hair away.

" That is not, " she was cut off again, but more than her angry lips, she had to bite to shut. What Bom focused on was her left hand, which was sent to her left chest. Her left hand would start taping with the same rhythm as earlier. Could it be a coping thing? Maybe stress? What does she have to stress about?

" I am not letting anybody use this project so the company can save some face from whatever mess you all created." The tapping at her chest continued; her voice had turned into anger.

" NO" Her walking stopped, she was now standing by her desk. Her face turned towards the window, the golden light of the sunset was hitting her right as Bom chose to refocus his eyes on her face while still noting her left hand still tapping at her chest. Her furrowed brows and intense stare, even from where he was sitting it was easy to notice her clenched jaw holding back whatever she was trying not to shout out. Her head shook to disagree with whatever was being said; Bom watched as her left hand stopped tapping and started helping her remove her coat. Her left hand pulled out from the coat; she had to change the phone to her left side before she freed her right hand from the coat, which would be thrown onto her chair. The coat of hers removed had exposed the only thing she had on, an off-white silk strap shirt. There was nothing but the golden sun rays to blame for her glowing skin. Her exposed arms, the left one was highlighted as she lifted it up to brush all her hair to rest on her back.

" I will not let you do that." her angry voice returned his attention to her face.

" I AM NOT LETTING YOU WHEEL OUT CHILDREN WITH CANCER SO YOU CAN USE THEM TO GET RID OF BAD PRESS," her loud voice echoing throughout the office forced Bom to pause his drinking, as he paced the cap back on the bottle he would place back on the table. What did she just say? All his thoughts would focus on what she was arguing about.

" WE ARE FUNDING THE HOSPITAL TO SAVE THEM, NOT TO USE THEM." her left hand would start aggressively tapping at her chest; Bom didn't need to see it anymore before he started concluding what it could be for.

" Mom, I am telling you this is not happening. I don't care if you donate ." Her sentence left hanging when her mother hung up, at least Bom had figured out who she was talking to before she threw the phone on her desk. Both her hands sent to her hair which she brushed all back; her hands gently placed on her head would start squeezing as she took a deep breath while closing her eyes. The deep sigh she kept letting out, her eyes would stay closed while her hands would be sent to the desk she would use to help keep her body up. Her slouched posture and her head held low, she took several deep breaths. When her eyes finally opened, they had landed on the man sitting on the sofa and carefully watching every action of hers. For a few seconds, her honest eyes had started back at him. The small window he was given to see past everything was closed before he even realized it. Her hands she sent to fix her hair; it was scary how quickly her smile had appeared out of nowhere.

" I am so sorry for making you wait." She picked up the hair tie from her desk, and all her hair was forced into a low bun as she started walking his way. Her big smiles were too odd to match what he had witnessed and it was a bit fighting how quickly she can turn it on.

" I just wanted to apologize for whatever he might have said or did. '' Bom had to think for a second to be reminded of what she was talking about. Distracted by what he had been watching, he needed a second to focus his thoughts back to why he was here. Why was he even here?

" He is overprotective and can go overboard sometimes," another smile sent his way. Junhee chose the sofa facing him as she sat down. Her right leg crossed over left; she sat back while focusing all her attention on him. The mesmerizing sunset lighting her from the back was helping her smiling eyes that were trying to find a way to see past the blank stares of his. Her smile he was never fond of, he was suddenly reminded of the real reason why.

The school his mother used to drag him to whenever his sister got in trouble; it was odd how he recalls every detail of the day he saw the smile, that hasn't changed much in years, for the first time. Sitting on the couch by the school director's door, he even remembers the music that was blasting in his ear as the most adored and spoiled girl in the country came out of the office and walked past him slowly. Her right hand brushing her hair while her sparkling eyes smile along with her lips, that was the day he first saw the famous warm smile. Lucky for him, that would also be the last day he would be charmed by it. That was actually the last day he would be charmed by anything life had to offer. The cursed life he was born into; he had known the harsh reality of it all before he could even walk properly but it would take years before he fully gave into the darkness. The boy is welcomed by the cold and worn out dirty tiles of the hostess club bathroom that touch his flesh before even his mothers skin; who would be surprised he would grow up to be a ghost that lives to hunt those who have cursed his existence. The boy he had to bury along with the ashes of his sister; Junhee's smile was kept as part of the memory of those he needed for his blood thirst revenge plan.

" He is still having a hard time accepting what happened and blames himself" she had gone on while Bom, lowering his eyes for a second, caught her left thumb scratching her index finger, a habit he was very familiar with.

" I seriously apologize. I don't know if there is anything I can do to repay you for saving me, but if there is anything I can do, I am more than happy to help with anything." she had more to say but would stop there when the secretary walked in. Still giving him a cold look, the secretary would place the salad she had brought on the table between the two people. Glancing at the small bowl of just vegetables, Bom wasn't sure if this was supposed to count as a meal or was just the appetizer to actual food waiting for her. That wasn't enough, the secretary had placed a pill and a water bottle beside the salad. None of this being something he should care about, he returned his eyes to Junhee, giving her secretary a smile and a small thank you. Before she left the room, the secretary passed Junhee one of the business cards she asked her to bring from her desk.

" Here," Junhee pushed the card to his side of the table, using his water bottle.

" You can call me anytime you need anything." Her eyes followed as his right hand reached and picked up the card. If not for the tattoos peeking from the sleeves of his hoodie, the veins covering his hand would have gotten her attention.

" I owe you two favors, so please don't hesitate."

" Call me if you need anything." With a wide smile, she leaned forward to pick up the pill she would swallow quickly.

" Anything?" Bom's right hand, rotating the card in between his fingers, asked. The water she was sipping to help swallow the pill; her extended neck had drawn his attention to the thin necklace sparkling as it surrounded her slender neck. His eyes forced to not even blink, it was completely against his control that he was made to recognize her fragile-looking collarbones and softly curved shoulders.

" Maybe I should say anything I can do." Placing the water down, she gave him a smile. His eyes she noticed looking away from her, she didn't like how she couldn't figure them out no matter how much she tried.

" What can you do?" he asked as Junhee wasn't sure if she remembered his voice to be this deep. Her observation had brought up how she hadn't heard him talk much to have any memory of his voice. A man of few words, the moment she started thinking about their last interactions, she was quickly reminded of his arm she had attended to. The blood she had cleaned from his arm, his tattoo-covered strong muscles she recalled in great detail, her eyes were too honest as they stayed on him.

" I can't do much. '' Her smile was trying to cover for how he had noticed she was looking at him a bit oddly. His eyes lowered to his hoodie, he had found nothing she could be looking at like that. There was not even a logo. He was used to people looking at him in all types of ways but this is foreign. Not only foreign but had demanded a reaction from him and it had gotten it as Bom adjusted his sitting as he sat up. It was time to leave. He shouldn't even be here to begin with.

" How do you get a corner office if you can't do much?" he whispered as he started standing up. His water bottle he picked up, her card would be sent to the right pocket of his pants.

" Being the daughter of rich people helps." Bom had to take a mental note of the smile that followed her response along with how much she was aware of her privilege. The woman he was looking down on, this wasn't the right position to do so as her smile had looked different from this angle.

" Thank you again, and sorry for making you wait." Standing up, she started following him. Confused by what she was doing, Bom glanced back to realize she was walking him to the door. He wasn't used to all the business etiquette and things these people do. But more importantly he was a bit uncomfortable about how close she was as she followed him behind.

" Oh, you're a mechanic, right?" Before what she said even reached his ears, Bom had reacted to his right arm she touched to get his attention to turn around. His baffled eyes had stayed on the exact place her hand had touched before he turned his attention her way. His personal space she enters without even a thought, another boundary of his was just crossed by her right hand that had dared to casually grab him.

" My car needs to be fixed. I would love it if your shop could fix it," she said with a bright smile. She didn't even seem to have recognized she had touched him , let alone notice how he was bothered by it.

" It has some scratches and some small things that need to be fixed."

" If you give me the address, I can have somebody drop it off," she continued before he even answered her first question. The way she seemed to take his silence as a response, she had given him a smile as she started walking back to her desk.

Being lucky he never believed in; he was too baffled by what she was doing to understand the perfect opportunity the universe was presenting him. The only person they had deemed useless to their case, Bom, was very aware of how valuable this woman could be. But as most do, he had overestimated the evil she could do while underestimating her ability to benefit his cause. No matter how useless she was, she was still the only daughter of the family he wanted to ruin. That was more than enough reason to have her be part of his plan and it was very questionable how he had excluded her so far. His focus, he needed to shift away from the touch that had paused his walking; was now trying to come up with a reason why he should accept this. Getting directly involved with these people wasn't part of the plan. It was actually something he would advise against but as his eyes locked in with her smiling ones, he had to consider the offer. No matter what, it won't hurt to have her owe him favors. She was rich and powerful enough to be used for something. Her over-friendly persona; he wouldn't mind being her greatest lesson on why she needed to stop trusting people.

" I can have them drop it off tonight, if you want to, or tomorrow morning." She returned to him with a pen and a notebook which she held his way. Without saying anything, he took the small notebook and started writing the address of the car shop. The date and time he wrote on top of the address was the perfect day for the team to open up her car and go through every inch of it. They were definitely going to wire her car, so the dates had to be suitable for Ctrl to stop by one of those nights and get it done. His eyes returning to her as he handed her the notebook; he was busy entertaining the thought that crossed his mind about how easy it would be to make her his latest victim. A car accident the whole country would hear about in the news; his eyes scanning the woman reading the address had deemed her death not useful yet. His eyes reaching her left hand, holding the notebook, had stayed there for a few seconds. The only significant jewelry she had on , it was easy to notice her rare diamond wedding ring. The smirk of his she missed; it was thanks to being reminded of how easy it would be to ruin the fake perfect life she puts on for a show. All the dirt they have on her cheating husband that has mistresses across countries; that by itself would be enough to create a big media criss. The perfect time he was waiting to use it against her family who might even throw her under the bus to protect the company; it was sad how she was just a bargaining tool. A silent bystander of her own life others rule and destroy with ease. Very fitting for the girl who was a silent bystander of his sister's life they destroyed with ease.

Her kind eyes followed every step of his, this time she had chosen to stand by her door as he left her office and started walking to the elevator on the other side. The Secretary, standing up from her chair, gave him a slight bow while Junhee was waving bye. Her big smile was still on as he entered the elevator and disappeared from their view.

" Who is he?" the secretary started walking to Junhee's office.

" He is the one who saved me." Junhee had shared the only information that should have been enough to change the secretary's opinion of him.

" I am glad he helped, but he seems terrifying." The secretary kept following Junhee back to the table where she would enjoy her salad.

" You need to be really careful with people like him"
" What do you mean people like him?" Junhee took her first bite. The secretary should have known not to use that term around her boss, who was beyond sensitive about how the term "people like them" would be used to talk down to all the people they spend day in and day out working hard to help.

" You know I don't mean it like that." The secretary started adding the sauce to the salad.

"Something about him is scary and you know how my sixth sense is never wrong"

"Maybe he just looks scary, but is a really kind person behind all the black" Junhee's words and smile weren't accepted by her secretary who had walked over to the desk and started arranging the messy files.

" Maybe he looks and is also very scary"

" He saved me twice without even asking for anything back so I doubt that."

" He looks like a gang member"

" He is." Junhee shared as she glanced at her secretary. The reaction she got was exactly what she expected.

" And you're being nice to him knowing that he is a gang member?"

" You know most boys join because of life circumstances and not because they want to hurt others and be criminals" Junhee's words were going in one ear and out the other for the secretary.

" You need to stop being empathetic and nice to everybody"

" Especially thugs like him" The secretary was now sure he was beyond dangerous and should not be around her boss while Junhee was following her rule of giving people the benefit of doubt and assuming most regular people were kind and nice.

" He seems off. like something about his whole aura is dark"

" Something about him reminds me of." Interrupting her secretary Junhee would start but not finish her sentence. The salad bowl placed down; she quickly tried swallowing what was in her mouth before she stood up.

" Can you pass me my phone?" She directed the secretary.

" I was supposed to call him over the weekend." The phone she grabbed; she dialed quickly. She pressed the call as she brought her nervous left hand to her hair she freed from the hair tie.

"Hello," the voice she heard from the other side raised her anxiety instantly.

" What happened? Are you sick?" Her worried eyes glanced at the secretary, who had stopped what she was doing for a second until they got an answer to Junhee's question. Her little brother she hasn't talked to in days, the secretary knows how much Junhee blames herself for any and everything that happens to him. Especially, whenever he got sick, Junhee would quickly step into her motherly role and help take care of him. But most of the time, she was late even to learn he was sick.

" I was. Well, I still am, but."

" Where are you? I can come to check on you and" just like how she interrupted him, the secretary had interrupted Junhee as she whispered, reminding her of the meetings on her schedule.

"It's okay, I am not in the city."

" Where are you?" Now even more worried, she asked.

" Woobin's island" was all he needed to say for Junhee to sigh as she sat back. While she needed a second to take in what he said, Junpyo had just opened his eyes. He needed a second to look around and find out where he was. But before he found the answer, he would give up as all the signals being sent from his body would silence every thought. His stomach was one of the first ones to send a signal asking for some food or at least some water.

" What? What are you doing there?"

" What do you think?" he asked back.

" I don't like this Junpyo."

" I don't like you going to that place with" She stopped herself as her left thumb started scratching her index finger.

" Woo Bin's Hyong is not here. It's just the three of us." Slowly raising his upper body, he sat on the couch he had been napping on. The small dizziness needed a second to disappear.

" It doesn't matter. I've talked to you about how I don't want you to go to that island."

" Why not? You never tell me why

" I just don't want you to go," the change in her voice was ignored; Junpyo slowly stood up from the couch and started walking to the open glass door, letting in the pleasant breeze of early evening. His headache that was silenced with the painkillers he took with the only meal he had all day, his exhausted body was the opposite as it was still young enough to have the energy to keep going. His feet walking on the wet grass that felt as good as the breeze flying his hair, the weather was perfect. With his habit of sleeping topless, his upper body was thankful to wake up to a nice breeze brushing against it. The linen pants he had on weren't thick enough and let in the cold air. The afternoon he spent napping, he wasn't even sure of where he was until he turned to look further away and saw his friends by the pool. The wild night he doesn't remember most of; his inebriated mind, which had forced him to lie down for a few hours, was still trying hard to function normally. Whatever the pill was he had found first and swallowed last night was still in his system and would need a few more hours to stop its effect.

" Well, I'm there already."

" When are you coming back?" She had a more important question before he answered this one.

" Did you take anything?" she asked.

" Junpyo, I don't want you to drink or take anything there."

" What do you want me to do? I am on vacation?" his voice raised. Junhee was beyond surprised as she glanced at her phone. He sounded slightly off, but hearing his voice raised at her was new. He's sick and maybe has a hangover; she gave him an excuse.

" Do not take anything, please"

" Does that include my meds?'' His sarcastic question wasn't entertaining to his big sister, who had fought against their mother about the medication he was put on at a young age. The only one who had seriously listened to the doctors worry about giving adult medication to someone so young, Junhee was still in disagreement with the medication he takes. Two of which they both take, but her worry for herself was nonexistent.

" What do you think I am going to do?"

" I know you won't do anything but anything can happen when you take something. I don't want you to regret doing something that will ruin your life."

" My life is already ruined." This was the only sentence in which his voice was clear and precise, and it forced Junhee to pause.

" I am trying to make it fun," he added with a smile. He could feel her worry-filled silence across the phone.

" Is Jihoo there?"

" No." the moment she heard that she had closed her eyes to calm down her anxiety that was sent to the next level. But before she shared more about her worry about him being there, Junpyo had shared something she had forgotten about.

" Why would he come with us when he can be on a cruise with his girlfriend?" The small hesitation she felt about the questions that popped into her head was a result of how much she hadn't kept in touch with him to know more about the girl she had briefly met.

" Did you do something to her?"

" Why would I do anything to her? Even if I did, she would slap me before I even .." he had to stop himself as all his memory was sent back to what happened yesterday. All he has done to try and forget, it was all useless as his memory of it was as vivid as it could be.

" What happened?" It was easy for his sister to pick on what he wasn't saying

" Nothing happened. She hates my guts which is not surprising. "The pinch at the left side of her chest, Junhee just chose to listen. In these two sentences, she had found out why he was on that island doing God knows what. He sounded hurt and the only way he knows how to deal with anything is a habit she would have to work hard to get him out of before he gets addicted to it. The road that would lead him to self-destruction, Junhee wasn't sure what she could even do to change the path he is on. His 20s he would enter just around the corner, she had more things to worry about when she remembered what was waiting for him.

" Maybe you can try being her friend."

" I can't be her friend" he smiled at her suggestion as he stopped walking back and forth. The villa they were staying at, the garden leading to the swimming pool where her friends were having a blast, was his view as he stood there.

" Do you have a choice ? If she is with Ji Hoo; you will have to find a way to get along with her." She waited in silence, but no matter how long she waited, she didn't get a response.

" What's going on, Junpyo?" His silence worrying her even more, she asked.

" You know you could talk to me about anything" she added as she started walking to the window. Whatever happens she needs to meet up with her brother as soon as possible. At Least that much was clear from his voice. If that wasn't enough, what he would ask her would make sure she prioritize him over her crazy schedule.

" Maybe I am really not likable " his whisper of a voice, his right hand brushing his hair back was twitching as he spoke out.

" Maybe mom was right and I shouldn't want to be liked but feared."

" NOTHING Mom says is ever right," Junhee interrupted.

" Don't you ever let what she says"

" Miss the madam is on line 2. She wants to talk more about the press release" the secretary who had propped her head into the office announced interrupting her boss. His mother he hasn't heard from in weeks let alone seen, Junpyo knew their conversation was over the moment he heard Madam.

" You need to come back and we need to have a serious talk" Junhee's resolute voice sounded a bit scary as he smiled at her. The serious talk she has been saying they will have, started on his last birthday when he was arrested for the wild drunk rampage he had gone on. The only family member who had joined his lawyer to get him released, it was going to be a year since she had stated they will have the serious talk she never seemed to have time for. Her busy schedule, which he was jealous of sometimes, she had 100 things to distract herself from everything

" I want you to come back. I will call you back '' was the last thing she said before she hung up.

The deep breath of fresh air he took, his plan was to throw his phone and head back to his room to take a shower but his phone had started vibrating to get back his attention.

" What?" His voice demonstrated what he felt about the person on the other side as Junpyo asked while brushing all his hair back.

" Hey Junpyo. How are you guys doing?"

" I tried calling you guys earlier, but none of you are picking up," Jihoo added.

" I just woke up. They are swimming," Junpyo said, taking quick steps back into the house and heading upstairs.

" Oh wow. You must have gone wild last night if you just woke up. What did you do?" Jihoo glancing at his watch had noticed how it was already past 6 p.m.

" I don't remember"

" That much hu?"

.

.

.

" I just wanted to check on you guys." When Junpyo didn't answer, Jihoo reinstated his reason for calling.

" Our vacation officially starts tonight, so I won't be bothering y'all until we all get back"

" I am going to shower, Jihoo" As he finished the stairs and started walking to his room, Junpyo found the perfect excuse to cut the conversation short.

The short call ended without even a proper bye. His phone he placed back in his pocket; Jihoo was too intuitive and knew Junpyo too much not to pick up on the odd tension that was starting to happen whenever they had any conversation. This time, he blamed it on Junpyo's wild night and hungover. But deep down, a thought was forming about what it could be about. Unfortunately , Jihoo didn't have much time to ponder on that as one of the staff members he was waiting on informed him they would be running dinner 10 minutes late. The opening dinner event he was in charge of, Jihoo couldn't wait until it was done so he could just be one of the students and start his vacation. The school trip would be one of the best vacations ever; Jihoo was excited even about all the work he had done to make it happen. And there was only one reason for that excitement. The person he was planning on spending most of his time with. He was still in disbelief that she was here and that everything was going according to plan. Unlike him, Jandi needed every minute of the five hours her and Eun spent exploring the cruise to get excited about the coming days. From the moment she learned about the invitation; Eun was the one who didn't need any convincing and was dancing up and down with joy. Over an hour of a train ride, it was past 1 pm when they got off the train and started walking around in circles until Eun figured out which direction was west.

'This can not be it?' Eun forced both to stop walking. Her wide-open eyes on the massive cruise, she couldn't even decide what to focus on as the enormous size was too shocking. The massive blue of the two swimming pools; Eun had never thought about the possibility of a swimming pool being on a ship, let alone two. The color-coordinated beach chairs and swimming area, she was the one to pick how it was all coordinated with their school colors. Her eyes slowly moved from it and landed on the dance floor they were finishing decorating on the other side of the main pool. The disco ball they were hanging up, Eun couldn't stop herself from realizing the next couple of days would be some of the best. On her right side, Jandi, who had seen the cruise before, was more amazed by the helicopter at the top. A few minutes later, their carry-ons would start rolling as they walked to the parking space with only a few cars. They probably were the first students here, and even the security was startled when they walked up to the gate. His boss called to confirm he could let them board; he was ordered to personally walk them in after he repeated the number of stars on their invitation card.

"Welcome," he was the first to greet them as he started leading the way. Still captivated by the cruise, both were focused on that while he led the way up. Every step they were taking left Eun even more amused; she was giggling like a kid by the time they took their first step on the cruise. Two of the staff members waiting for them by the edge; they got their first warm welcome from the staff that gave them a slight bow. All their stuff placed on the fancy cart covered with the Cruise logo; the staff members would lead the way while Eun sent her hands to Jandi's shoulder to get her to notice the Jaquses next to the swimming pools. As they walked through the grand hallway to get to the VIP section of the cruise, Eun had made sure she pointed everything out to Jandi. The sauna and massage rooms, the game room, the lounge area...Eun was already overjoyed while Jandi, who had tried to stay calm and contain her emotions, had done so until they walked into her room.

The VIP rooms Jihoo had booked; the first stop was her room. The smile had escaped Jandi's lips when she walked in to be welcomed by the wall-to-wall window looking out into the ocean. The view in the small living room was nowhere compared to the bedroom she followed the stuff lead her to . The view of the ocean facing the bed she would be sleeping in for the next couple of days, Jandi was overwhelmed by the emotions she can't keep caged as she just stared at the view. The most luxurious and expensive room on the cruise ship, her excitement couldn't be continued behind her lips trying not hard to smile when one of the staff members showed her the bathroom past the sliding doors of the bedroom. The beautiful marble bathtub would have been enough but the glass wall next to it was too much for the girl who sent her fighting hands to her back. While Eun continued pointing out everything, Jandi, having a hard time accepting this, had stood by the door. The amount of hours she could already imagine she could spend in the tub just watching the ocean; even if she gets locked in the bathroom for the next few days without even food, even then it would still be the best thing ever.

Her excitement was limited to just a smile, Eun was the one showing it all as she continued walking back and forth between eachroom, exclaiming how beautiful everything was. The different reactions of the two girls, the staff members had stayed there watching them for a few minutes. The two girls didn't seem like any of the rich kids the staff were used to serving. Especially the boy who takes this room whenever the F4 boys use the whole cruise ship for their private vacations. The staff members who had fought to be the ones to serve this room, both had cursed the moment they heard the F4 boys wouldn't be coming and some girls were going to be in the room. They were now regretting having to fight for this room as they easily concluded neither Jandi nor Eun would afford this room let alone two of them.

" If you need room service, please dial 1" Jandi was the only one listening to the information the two staff members standing by the door were sharing.

" Everything you need is in the information pocket" one of them drew Jandi's eyes to the documents by the remote on the table in the middle of the sofa set.

" There is an open buffet in the main dining room. Please let us know if you need us to get you something to eat from there. If you want something special made by our chefs please dial 2 and put an order" one added with a smile before both of them left a minute later.

Eun, who had left with them to see her room, Jandi had chosen to stay behind just to ensure that she would be in this place for the next few days. The luxury room was way better than the house she lived in. She couldn't even fathom how much it costs to book this room for a night. Not just a bedroom, she really had a whole apartment for herself. Living room, bedroom, and even a whole bathroom. This type of being spoiled and luxury she wasn't used to, Jandi didn't know what to make of it all as she started walking to the bedroom. From the bed sheet to the pillows, the soft white fabric covered bed had her attention as she started walking to it. Her right hand sent to feel the fabric, she could only smile at how soft it was. The room that was specially cleaned and made in preparation, Jandi was in awe of all the work they had done as she decided to bury her face in between the two perfectly fluffed pillows. Her laugh she could now let free was muffled by the pillow as she slowly brought her body to lay on the bed. How can a mattress be this comfortable? she couldn't still accept this was where she would sleep as she buried her laughs deep into the pillow. The sweet and fresh scent of the pillow, she was too overjoyed to recognize how it was somewhat familiar. The time she was supposed to spend unpacking her cloth, Jandi had spent it laying on the bed and looking out into the endless water. All the things that would happen in this room, on this bed, for now just sleeping with this view of the ocean was an unimaginable thing she was looking forward to. Maybe Eun was right and this was a blessing from the universe. A small window for her to enjoy life before it all went to hell. Maybe this was as good as it will ever get. Or maybe even this was a dream. It had to be for her to be here. To be spoiled by none other than the most handsome and kindest boy she had ever met.

"Hello" the knock on the door she didn't hear, she had walked into the living room to be surprised by no other than the person she was thinking about.

" Hi" Jihoo standing in the middle of the room gave her a big smile. The uniform suit she was used to seeing him in, Jandi's eyes needed a few seconds to adjust to seeing him in a different style. The sky blue Burberry two piece he has on, it was a bit surprising to see him in anything short sleeves and shorts. He looked different. Almost completely the opposite of the person she was used to.

" Do I look that odd?" he asked, looking down at the cloth she was staring at. The steps she had stopped taking since she saw him, it was too obvious she was startled by him. His hair not neatly brushed for once, the soft breeze of the day had moved it around to add to the vacation look he has on. He looked so carefree but what caught her off guard was the amount of skin he was showing. The girl who wasn't even fully sure of what to make of how she feels about him wouldn't understand why seeing him like this had paused everything.

" No, you just look different. '' Starting her walk, she returned her eyes to his face. His shirt with the first button unbuttoned, her eyes had noticed the ID lanyard he was wearing. The Pen and folded document attached to the lanyard, she could only imagine the amount of work he has been doing since he arrived early in the morning. He had texted her the moment he left home around 10 am to let her know they could come anytime. He had even offered to pick them up to go with him but she had declined.

" Is the difference better?" He asked as started pulling out his phone that started buzzing. The text he read, the phone was placed back in his pocket.

" Yes, You look better" her slight hesitation in saying it, Jihoo had smiled as he started walking her way.

The small step she took backwards was an unconscious reaction to her personal space he entered as he started closing the gap between them. The last step he took to stand before her; it was adorable how she had sent her nervous hands to her back and lowered her head down. It was so adorable to see how she was still not used to him being this close to her. It wasn't just him but Jihoo hadn't picked on his special he was considering no other man was allowed to be this close to her without getting attacked. His right hand sent to her chin, he was beyond gentle as he lifted her head up. One look into her eyes and he had gotten the sign he needed to continue with what he had been thinking about doing since he was informed she was here. Her eyes she closed in preparation, one would think that would be what had gotten Jihoo to smile before he started but it was her lips she had slightly parted. As always his lips were warm and soft. The sweet new perfume of his had helped in expediting the time it took before the kiss he had deepend started taking over. His right hand holding her closer, this wasn't the first time it was happening but had felt just as awkward as she still didn't know what to do with her hands that were still behind her back. Her breathing their soft kisses always disturbs, her nervous body wasn't sure what to do to calm the tingly sensation that takes over.

Being kissed by anybody she would have never imagined possible, she still wasn't sure if the feelings that took over were real. Even if she accepted it to be real; she was doubtful of whether she deserved the sweet and reserved kisses of the boy she would never imagine choosing her. It all felt surreal. Her emotions she didn't understand well, things were bound to only get worse when in the middle of their lips brushing against each other, a thought had slipped into her mind that was lost in the kiss. The dark eyes she claims to hate, the stunning face that never fails to get her attention, and his towering body she is made aware of whenever he was close the moment she was reminded of why she had slapped Junpyo twice her hands had parted as the right one acted fast. Her right hand that quickly landed on his chest, Jihoo was slightly pushed but he hadn't complained as he followed her request and separated their lips. Her lower lip bit, her eyes were turned down as she took a step back followed by another step before she turned around to walk to the tall window and the grand view of the endless water.

" Do you like the room?" Jihoo, even though he wanted to ask about why she just did what she did, chose to let it go. Maybe she didn't like it that much? The negative thoughts didn't need answers to start finding a way to blame him for the way she had ended the kiss.

" I love it.'' The words she had said had done its job as it silenced all the negative thoughts. If that wasn't enough she had followed it with a big smile he hadn't seen before. Her face that was lit up instantly, the warmth that took over the left side of his chest was too overwhelming for Jihoo who wouldn't know what to do if she continued smiling at him like this.

" Thank you so much for" Her eyes turning from the water scanned the room.

" I thought you might like the view since you are always looking out windows" taking slow steps to her side, Jihoo sent both his hands to his pocket as he stood a step away on her left and started looking out into the ocean.

" This is the room with the best view," he added, glancing her way and smiling back at her.

" You didn't have to do this"

" I wanted to. You deserve it and I want you to have the best time here."

" I want you to leave school with at least one good memory," he added as he turned around and stood with his back against the window.

" Why are you this kind?" the overwhelmed Jandi asked as she crossed her hands that were hidden so he didn't notice how what he had said had made her unsure of how to even act.

" Because I like you" to make matters worse he had whispered this as he leaned her way.

Watching her cheeks turn light pink in real time was beyond magical; as Jihoo kept his eyes on her startled face and her cute reactions. Her shy eyes sent away from him, her right hand was sent up to cover her lips that were begging to be parted for a smile. Her breathing that was still being regulated from the kiss had lost its rhythm as she glanced back to catch his adoration-filled eyes smiling at her. For a slight second, her always in control mind was given the liberty to forget everything else and just take in the moment. That was what Jhoo always provided her, an escape from reality. And finally she was given a literal one as they were on a boat that will take them to the middle of nowhere. Away from the outside world. If she was ever going to be given a short escape from it all, this was it. The universe was for once kind enough to give her what she wasn't bold enough to ask. The question now was, is she going to give herself the persimmon to let go of everything else and give the next couple of days the power to be life-defining as they were planned to be. Nothing about revenge and no Bom or her team in sight, could she for once choose to just live in the moment like the normal person she always fantasizes about.

" Maybe you're just feeling sorry for me?" The second her dark thoughts were back in control she had asked Jihoo.

" You don't believe me" as his back left the window, he asked. The gap between them he closed with his right hand he sent to land on her arm. The sleeves of her shirt that ended by her elbow, his fingers were soft as they caressed her skin down until they got to her hand. Her little reaction to her skin he was brushing, Jihoo had caught it all as his hand finally reached her hand he grabbed and pulled to get her even more closer to him.

" That means I have to prove it to you, '' he whispered. As though his voice was the cue to blur out their surroundings, every thought of her that could have questioned his claim were removed as she was forced to believe whatever he says. His enchanting eyes pulled her in; it was odd how long it hadn't taken Jihoo to win over the ever doubtful voice in her head that never trusts anyone. Even her breathing he was forcing to match his; the air she was breathing was only adding to the dilmean of her body he weakness every time he touched her.

" You don't have to do anything else. The lawyers and just making sure I wasn't expelled by itself was too much. '' the moment she started recounting everything he has done so far, somehow that had counter attacked the hesitant voice that was fighting to whisper for her to not fully trust that anybody that looks like this and was this kind would like her.

" I owe you so much. '' While she continued, Jihoo's mind, only concerned about if it would be odd to kiss her right now, hadn't paid that much thought to the question that formed in the back of his mind. What lawyers?

" You don't owe me anything."

" I didn't do it as a favor. Nothing I did was a favor."

" Still, I wa" her words were paused as his right hand coming her way started brushing the few strands of her hair away from her face. Just the smallest touch of his thumb on her cheeks had paused everything as even the words she was planning to say we're starting to evaporate.

" I want to do something for you" she whispered to them before she wasn't able to talk anymore. What his thumb was doing was causing a disruption as the electrifying feeling was starting to spread down her body. The unknown territory she was in, her body slightly shrinking was slowly giving control over to his spellbinding eyes that were proving to her she really wasn't immune to all the emotions she had deemed useless when she saw others deal with them. Jihoo's thumb slowly getting closer to her lips; the itch to have his lips back on hers, what more proof would she need than this to realize she was just a girl. A girl infatuated by the ultimate perfect man of her dreams.

" Then can I ask for one thing? '' His almost muted tone had sounded so soft as her blinking eyes couldn't help but confirm she might actually be in the wonderland.

" Don't think about anything else for the next couple of days" His thumb hovering over her lower lip, how much her body was giving into his request should have triggered her anxiety but it hasn't.

" That's all I want from you" The mellow tone of his voice had hypnotized her to say yes to whatever he might have asked for at this moment. His right hand already on her cheeks has helped guide her head to the right angle for their lips he would return to each other. The soft kisses from minutes ago were nothing like this one.

" Omma" the shocked voice of Eun would end the kiss that would require both to take a few seconds to return back to reality.

" So sorry.. sorry" Eun had snuck back out as she closed the door as fast as she opened it. The smile they exchanged, only Jihoo was pondering if maybe inviting Eun along wasn't such a good idea. Already, he was annoyed by all the time he wouldn't get to spend with Jandi because her best friend is here. He had nobody to blame but himself as Eun was called back into the room, ending their private time.

" Sorry I didn't mean to disturb" Eun gave him a slight bow.

" I didn't know you were here. We were going to explore " Eun, who talks endlessly when she gets nervous, had continued while the two exchanging looks were smiling at eachother. The second she caught their exchanges all her thoughts would be on the two. More specifically her friend who she couldn't believe she had just caught kissing the student president. The looks she was giving Jihoo and her smiles, Eun was too happy for her friend to hide it. Lucky for her, Jihoo had excused himself and left the room after sharing the tight schedule he has until dinner. The dinner he announced he was looking forward to, Eun only needed to catch the look he gave Jandi when he said it to know it would be her job to make sure Jandi was dolled up for this dinner. They had a more important task before dinner and Eun, who didn't fail to annoy the staff to give them a map of the cruise, had made it her job to explore every corner of the massive cruise that did take them hours.

Their fellow students would start boarding around 3 by the time it was 5 pm almost all the students had boarded. Her phone tightly at hand Eun had forced Jandi to be with her as they watched the cruise leave the dock and start their vacation. The hand-held camera she had borrowed from Mrs Kim Eun would be busy directing Jandi left and right to get the right picture of both before they left the dock. The better view she would have from the captain's side of the ship, Eun would leave after asking Jandi to join her twice. Jandi agreeing to wait for Eun right there would turn around to face the land they were leaving behind the moment Eun left. The city they were leaving behind, she was glad to be given some moments alone to just watch it.

"Maybe you could leave all your worries behind with it," the voice in her head had whispered. Maybe it was possible to leave it behind and live in the moment at least once. Maybe it would be nice to be normal for a short period of time. Her logical mind she was trying to convince, the distance they were increasing away from land was helping the possibility of this being a great opportunity to just be. But whatever was holding back was strong as it only had to send one emotion to take over every other. Guilt. Being happy isn't something she could easily enjoy. It was such an odd emotion that it feels guilty to think about just having moments of joy and nothing else. She didn't deserve to be happy, let alone have Joy. And as she stood there, watching the cruise take her away to nowhere that was what she was reminded of. There was no escaping the internal hell she had locked herself in. But she could try.

If she really wanted to, she could try.

Try to at least enjoy the little things and that would be what she would do when Eun returned back to show her the video she had taken. Eun's excitement that was already over the limit was going overboard when they headed to their rooms to start getting ready for dinner at 7 pm.

Left alone in her room, Jandi would actually waste quite a few minutes just sitting by the bed and watching the water they were cruising through. Her excitement and glee she was trying to keep to herself and at a limit, it was when she was alone that it would escape in small smiles. The permission she gives herself to feel things, it was only allowed to happen when she was alone. In solitude, the most comfortable space she lets her emotions take over would then be under the water. The peppermint smell of the body wash that filled the bathroom, the smiles that escaped her lips were involuntary. The grand bathroom, she had to eliminate the giddiness it was bringing about being spoiled like this. That was the reason she had chosen to take a shower too. The inviting bathtub just felt so odd for her to be in. She doesn't deserve such a luxury, that was what was repeated as she wrapped herself up with the softest towel she had ever held against her skin. The number of towels in the bathroom, she had ignored it just like the two bathrobes; which clearly were for a couple. Forcing herself to just use one towel so the room still stayed intact and as beautiful as it was, everything else would also be returned back to its original space.

Standing in front of the big mirror, even the face she was looking at had looked different as she glanced over at all the light that was there to mimic natural light as much as possible. Her face she wasn't that fond of looking at, she didn't take much time while putting on the skincare Eun had neatly packed for her. The makeup Eun had told her to put, Jandi hadn't touched any of it as she walked to the bedroom to get the dress Eun had laid on the bed. Something colorful and light, the light blue sundress was picked for the opening dinner. Her legs that would be exposed below the knee, and her arms left open, Jandi was okay with that compromise as she zipped the dress all the way up from the back. The mirror she would return back to, she wasn't sure what she was expecting as she scanned herself.

Was it good?

Was it just okay?

Does she need to look more than okay?

Does it even matter?"

Would he care? ... the first time she had ever asked such a question. The anxiety that came with the question was nothing in comparison to the glee that came with finding out the answer.

" You look nice" Jihoo had repeated as they continued on their dinner they started late. Choosing to wait for him, Jandi had stayed behind as even Eun enjoyed the amazing buffet. All his work he would wrap up around 9 pm, even Jihoo was surprise to have learned how Jandi had waited to eat with him just like she had said she would. Well, just like he had asked her to do. He had made it a big deal and she had waited to not only eat but spend the lovely evening. The table set on the balcony of the VIP lounge, Jihoo had picked the right spot for their first dinner. The nice breath of the ocean and the waves slowly crashing against the ship had set the perfect melody for the dinner and finally, he had gotten what he has been eagerly waiting for. Nomatter how many times he had glanced her way to make sure this was real, it still felt unreal. Her hair moving to the wind, his eyes he couldn't keep away from her were still in dismay even halfway through dinner.

" Did she really bring painting supplies?" Jihoo munching on the bite he took asked.

" Yes, she has been taking random photos of things she wants to paint. She can't go a day without painting or sketching something." Jandi would go on while Jihoo covering his chewing would smile at how much she talks whenever she was asked about her friend. Another adorable fact about her he was learning was how much she loves talking about the people she likes. Not just talk about them but talk about them in such bright ways that makes anybody want to meet the ones she holds close. Was that how she talks about him to others? He would wonder as he welcomed her eyes that turned his way with a smile.

" Sometimes I am jealous of it. '' Sipping her sweet drink, Jandi would give Jihoo a smile that would be turned towards the ocean she glanced at .

" Jealous of what?"

" Of how passionate she is about something or having a talent like that. She seems so happy whenever she paints. I don't think I have anything that makes me as happy" her eyes quickly glancing his way she responded.

" I am sure you have something but maybe it's not like her. She is an artist, they are a bit off about their art. You should see how weird Yijeong gets with his"

" Really?"

" Yes, sometimes he locks himself up for days just working on pieces. He is a totally different person once he gets inspiration. He has some weird traditions before he starts a new piece too" Jihoo didn't mind sharing about Yijeong as long as it kept Janid's smiles coming.

" They are a bit weird."

" Maybe because they see the world differently, '' Jandi sipped from her drink.

" Don't we all?" he raised an important question that would slowly fade her tiny smile as her eyes sharpen and focus on him. Sitting across from him, the distance between them wasn't much for him not to notice every movement of her hands and the left one she sent across her body.

" I think you have a very interesting view of the world. It's one of the things I like about you"

" Do I?"

" Don't you?" hiding his curiosity behind the bite he took, he asked. The smirk from her lips was all he needed to know the answer to his question.

" Isn't that why you're always standing up for others"

" Are you talking about yourself?"

" No. I am talking about you. Considering you are a nobody at school, you are always standing up for others even if it gets you in trouble" the tiny flickers in his eyes were from all the admiration he had for her regarding what he was talking about.

" It takes guts to stand up to the F4 and you're the only one to have ever done it." a big smile appeared on his face as he sat back as he took the last sip of his wine glass. The alcohol he consums in moderation, this was the first time Jandi was seeing and it was her only clue that he really was on vacation mode.

" You're not over that?" with her fork she picked up one of the slices of the fruit she would place in her mouth.

" Nobody is going to be over that. They will be talking about you for generations at that school." his claim had gotten smiles from both.

" Especially for what you did to Junpyo and" he had to stop when he saw her almost choke on the slice of pineapple she was chewing.

" Can you?" Picking the napkin up, she covered up the bottom half of her face.

" Can you not mention his name please" she would whisper behind the napkin. Her eyes asking him to agree to her request, Jihoo was too overjoyed by what was happening to question why. The way she doesn't like his friend was one of her charms Jihoo was drawn to but at this point it should have also been a topic he should have serious questions about.

" I like how much you detest him" filled with smiles Jihoo had sent his eyes to his food while Jandi lowered the napkin away from her lips that weren't smiling. She needed a second to get the image the mere mention of his name brought out of her head before she returned her focus to the lovely dinner. The few seconds of silence, she would turn her attention to the dark waters while letting Jihoo enjoy his dinner he eats very slowly. The food she chews and eats at super speed, she was quick to have picked up on how relaxed and slowly Jihoo eats. The pleasure he gets from every bite or every sip of the wine, she had noticed it the moment they started. The fact that it could be having her company hadn't occurred to her as she assumed it was just another result of the privilege he has. Food was just a fuel her body needs to function but it was something to take time and enjoy for him. Her eyes going back and forth between him and the ocean, she had noticed the very careful way he slices his food too.

" You're watching me" raising only his eyes away from the plate, he asked.

" I am not" her eyes quickly sent back to the water, she tried hiding her smile with her lips she bit.

" Do you always eat like that when you're not rushing to school?" She would ask a minute later. She couldn't handle just sitting there and letting him stare at her in silence.

" Eat like what?" picking his wine glass, he started staring at it. Her eyes on the wine glass swinging in a circle, she didn't need to add any explanation for her question.

" am I not eating correctly? '' The wine glass he brought to his lips, it was so odd how her eyes had followed the wine glass he placed on his lower lip before he took off the red wine.

" You are eating very fancy and proper"

" What does that mean?"

" You know what I mean"

" The way you're sitting, the wine , even the way you cut the " she stopped as she noted how he was smiling at her behind the wine glass as he sat back against the comfortable chair padded perfectly.

" Everything you do is fancy so it makes sense"

" Would you believe I took a course on it"

" On what?"

" On how to eat properly" , taking another sip, he was thankful for the wind that brushed her hair away from her face.

" I think I was 6 or 7. It was a summer course."

" You took a course?" Jandi leaning closer to the table asked.

" Yes, ridiculous right?"

" Why?" crossing her arms she asked

" My parents wanted me to learn how to do everything properly. That was nothing compared to the manners class I took." the ridiculous things he was sharing, he was willing to continue as long as it kept her smiling like she was.

" You took a class on manners?"

" Yes. My grandmother made me do it. You learn how to sit. How to stand. How to greet people from different cultures. It was a whole thing" Her dismayed eyes glued to him, all Jandi could do was smile at how ridiculous the parallels of their lives were. While he was learning what knife to use to cut steak properly, she was a wild child running around town eating whatever her mother had bargained to buy from the stores that would throw most of their food at night. A memory that shouldn't have slipped, had done so as it poked at a wound.

" I told you they were very serious about how I acted and wanted me to be perfect."

" Which explains why you are the student president. '' Her hand begging for something to hold was sent to the table.

" You literally were raised for it" she had added as she picked her sweet drink. Her back resting against the thin cushion, the glass at her lips would hide the always quick mind of hers that had to remind her of her own upbringing. A topic she doesn't like being reminded of at all, she had taken several sips to swallow the discomfort she wasn't able to hide from herself. The one sitting across from her, she was lucky how he wasn't able to notice her hands she sent to her lap before her thumb started its attack.

" They are going to be beyond happy when you become the actual president" She had found the right topic that would distract her.

" or very disappointed when I don't"

" Who knows?" his mischievous smile, he seems to know something she doesn't about his future they had talked about several times.

" I might just move to the countryside and just raise a bunch of children on a farm" Her dream he had copied and added to, Jihoo's laugh came from knowing Jandi understood that. The amount of times she had shared how much she would love to disappear to the countryside, it has happened enough times to the point even Jihoo was keen on the idea. Their future plans that didn't even have a single point to intersect let alone connect, he was already working to find a way to be part of hers since the other way already seems impossible. Ironically it would also be the best exit plan from his future his family had planned for him perfectly. Running away with a random girl they wouldn't approve of , to live on some farm, what better way to go against it all.

" You want to live on a farm?" her thump that had stopped scratching was sent to her hair that hasn't stopped flying.

"Maybe"

" You? with your manners and proper eating classes, do you want to live on a farm?"

" I can do it if I wanted to"

" Why would you want to when you can rule over everyone and have everything?"

" Maybe you can rule over everything and I can live on a farm" Jihoo wasn't ready for her laugh he would instigate with what he just said.

" Maybe we can change roles and take turns" he added as he stopped his eating and sat back. Her laughs she was trying hard to hold back would slowly fade away as she picked on the hints he was leaving behind about the serious offer he had masked as a joke.

" You would make a great commander of the army," he added trying to keep the conversation as a joke.

" The first woman in charge of the army needs to be badass" Her laughs that returned were again hidden from him by her right hand, which always seems to be what she uses to hide her face when she smiles or laughs genuinely. The crazy future he was painting for her, what else can she do but laugh at how ridiculous it sounds.

" You would trust me with an army?" she asked as her heart laughed along the thought that crossed her mind of what she would do if she had an army. An army of men willing to kill and die at her command, that was too much power for somebody who was this revenge thirsty. If they were playing the long game, her mind was quick to hypothesize how she could actually use Jihoo's future as the best way to destroy the system from the inside out. But that was too long, she doesn't even plan on living that long.

" I would"

"What?" he had to ask as her laugh for the first time had an accompanying sound. Her head she held low, she had muffled her laugh before she raised her head up while holding her laugh in. It was beyond laughable how much he really had no idea the type of person he was talking to; that's what she found hilarious. At the same time that was also what she found charming about him. The innocence in how he sees her. His version of her is probably the best version and the one she would have loved to be.

" You shouldn't trust people that easily"

" Maybe you should trust people more" as he slowly started finishing his dinner the conversation would turn to a topic they have had several conversations about before.

" The world is not as bleak you know" Jihoo had added as he missed her little smirk at the reminder she got of their opposing worldviews.

" Look how beautiful everything is around us. How can you not see the beauty in this" sending both of his arms out he forced her to take in their surroundings.

" You're drunk"

" I am not" Jihoo protested while turning both their focus to the half bottle.

" I am just happy to be doing this with you" with just a sentence he had turned the mood of the dinner.

" I spent the whole day thinking about you and this" his shy smile were attacking her where it should as her crossed arms fell into her lap on their own.

" Maybe I am too happy you are here"

" Me too" her soft voice, Jihoo knows how careful he has to be not to let her demure eyes and shy smiles pull him into doing something that could ruin it all. Something like walking across the table and kissing her right now. No matter how much he wants this dinner to be the setting for their next kiss, the calculated moves he has learned to make about everything have limited even his instincts from taking over. What could go wrong? Was it okay? He had several questions to answer before he could make the decision. But part of his personality he was fighting against, he had chosen to go against his fear.

" I really want to kiss you right now" he would whisper to shock both. Their unblinking eyes on eachother, she was only concerned about how even her heart had felt like it was beating against her chest as her breathing slows down. The first time she has ever been asked such a question, somehow it had felt different than the kiss itself. The awkward silence, both would laugh at the same time but before they changed the topic or she gave an answer, the door of the balcony would open from the other side.

" Sir" the staff member that walked past the glass door, Jandi had chosen to turn her attention back to the water rather than the quick steps of the staff coming their way. She needed the distraction to help regular herself as well. The nice breeze of evening she was enjoying, she brushed her hair away. Slightly turning her head back, she had only glanced at the staff member whispering something to Jihoo. The worried look on the staff member, she wasn't interested or cared enough about what could have happened to disturb their nice evening.

" What?" When Jihoo asked with a raised voice that was when she turned around and started wondering what was going on.

" When?" Jihoo asked as he turned around and took a step away from her.

" Now" the staff member, still bowing, responded.

" Do you mind?" Was all he said as he turned back to her. The concerned and somewhat annoyed look on his face, Janid was now interested in what could have changed his mood this fast.

" I'll be back" he added as he took her smile as an okay for him to leave.

" Don't go anywhere. I'll be back." he repeated as he left the table and started walking in the same direction the staff member was leading.

" Take your time" she had given him a smile as he turned around and quickened his steps away from her.

Her hair slightly flying away from her face that had already fallen in love with the wind of the water below, it was easy to let her mind get back to the peace it was enjoying while watching the water they were surrounded by. The darkness of the night they had disturbed with the beautiful lights across the cruise, how could such a beautiful night exist. That was what she was thinking as she raised her eyes to the moon in the middle of the darkness. The crescent moon, the view of her from this balcony was beyond enchanting. Especially on a night like this. Was this how others lived? Just enjoying life with no worries? She had every right to be jealous of even the small things others get to enjoy with ease. The fresh air she breathed in when she took a deep breath, she would love to just sit here and watch the moon until she disappeared leaving the sky for the sun that will take over.

Her thoughts the moon had taken over, she was shaken when she heard her name loudly called out from the other side.

" Jandi. Here you are." Eun running this way was taking deep breaths .

" I've been looking for you" she added as she sent both her hands to her waist and stood taking fast breaths. The startled Jandi would leave the table and head to her friend's side. The peaceful night she was enjoying; she was all smiles even as she got to the disturbed breathing friend of hers. It will take way more to disturbed her peace.

" Come with me" Eun didn't even waste a second as she grabbed Jandi's right arm and started leading them to the door.

" Are you okay?" was all Jandi asked as she started following without any complaint.

" I am okay. '' Eun , trying hard to regulate her breathing, walked past the sliding door that got Jandi back into the lounge area they would rush away from.

" You have to see this"

" What happened?" Jandi asked as she scanned the lounge room that was empty.

" They are on their way here." Eun is still dragging Jandi who had to start jogging slightly to keep up with Eun who had fastened her steps.

" What?" Jandi had to ask as she tried walking faster so she could hear what Eun had said.

" They are coming." Was all Eun said as they got out of the lounge room and joined the hallway.

" Who?" Jandi's question would disappear in the loud sounds of the hallway. All the students rushed down the hallway. Jandi would waste a good minute or two just watching the students rushing down the hallway before she asked any question about what was happening. Eun leading them in the same direction as the students, Jandi was slowly starting to worry about what could be happening.

" What is going on?"

" Remember he said they won't be coming"

" apparently they're on their way. I heard about it from one of the seniors" leaving the hallway, Eun turned left. She hasn't been here even a day but she had already figured out the perfect location with the best view.

" I can't imagine what it will be like with them here. It's going to be crazy" Eun had gone on rushing away , leaving the still confused Jandi behind.

" Oh my God you can hear it" her excitement was on full display, Eun had turned around as she gave Jandi a smile. Whatever could have made Eun this excited, Jandi was somewhat happy to see it. Having only heard a few of the words Eun had said, Jandi was completely lost on what was happening as she just followed along.

" Oh! They're here" Eun's excitement as she turned back and started pulling Jandi to move closer.

" Can you believe this? '' She raised her hand pointing at the Helicopter that had landed a few minutes earlier. Rather than that, what Jandi landed on were the group of people walking away from the helicopter towards the door that would bring them to the hallway that was filled by all the students who had heard about the news.

The loud noise of the helicopter could be heard even past the thick glass in front of her. But rather than the marvelous helicopter she was fascinated by hours prior, now all her focus on the people walking away from it. And the first person her eyes landed on had answered her question about why Eun had been excited about whatever she had dragged her here for. The smile of Woobin she has in her memory, it wasn't that hard to recognize it even when she could only see half his face. Her hands dropping down from her dress she was holding while she was trying to keep up with Eun, Jandi's startled eyes couldn't hide their dismay as they changed their focus to the girl Woobin was laughing with. The smilies of both her and the other girl would be ignored as Jandi's eyes moved to Yijeong on the other side. Whatever he was saying must have been funny for all four to be laughing like that.

" They really are here" Eun leaning closer to the glass had focused her eyes and smiled on the people she was excited to see. If asked, she wouldn't even have an answer for why but she was happy the F4 boys were here. Her eyes from the four leading the way would land on the one she was more eager to see. The staff member following the four she ignored, Eun eyes had easily found their target. His messy hair flying to the strong wind of the ocean, his hidden face wasn't even needed for Eun to recognize him. The tall figure covered in all black, Eun's lips she parted to talk had stayed open as her eyes zoomed in. Although all she wanted to do was focus on him, her eyes couldn't help but be distracted by the girl on his right who had leaned closer to his arm she was holding as she whispered whatever to his left ear. Eun's eyes wouldn't have an answer for why they had turned to Jandi the second she saw that. The reactionless face of her friend, Eun, had only caught the focused and sharp eyes of Jandi, who was watching the girl still whispering at Jun Pyo. Eun trying to hold in her confused smile had returned her eyes to Jandi who didn't even seem like she was breathing as her razor sharp eyes stayed on the couple.

" That must be her," Eun whispered as she turned her attention back to the girl the whole school gossips about but Eun had never seen. The girl hidden on his left side, Eun had to place her curiosity about her in the back seats as she chose to focus on the boy she had her arms wrapped around.

" He looks' ' Eun's words had floated away as she watched his right hand come to his hair he brushed away. His flowing hair moved away, her eyes were blessed to make out his dimbles as he breathed in the nicotine before his left hand pulled the thin cigarette away from his lips. The white smoke he would breathe out seconds later, it all had felt like a scene from a movie as it happened with the fall of his hair back to his face. As though that was not enough to cement his looks as striking, the helicopter's red lights had started reflecting off of his black leather jacket. The glowing red lights blinking on him, Eun could only smirk at what she was watching. The bad boy of the group, as he was referred to by most, the universe had really covered him in red light to confirm the walking red flag he was. Who would blame anybody for staring at him in awe, specially anybody who had a thing for bad boys who seem like they have their own ost when they walk. The slow step he was taking to the door held open for him, Eun didn't even need to know much about him to sense how the energy of this vacation had just changed and all thanks to his presence.

" Huh. Huh.'' The deep breath being the only thing she heard, Eun had to turn around to notice how Janid had turned around to walk towards the door.

" didn't he say they wouldn't be coming?" Eun had started talking as she followed Jandi who was increasing her speed to walk out the room.

" I wonder what changed their mind" Eun had to do a double take on the door Jandi had banged open. What wasn't present on her face, whatever she was feeling was in her hands that had rushed to raise her dress as she quickly stepped down the stairs.

" Janid, where are you going?" Eun would ask but get no answer as they would finish the stairs to join the crowded hallway, filled with their peers that were waiting for the F4. The loud sounds they could hear from the other side, Eun had turned around to see but couldn't make anything thanks to the crowd. Turning around, she would follow Jandi who was going against the students that were running to see what the screams were about.

" Where is Jihoo?" Jandi, grabbing the arm of one of the staff members who was rushing to catch a glimpse of the famous boys, asked.

" He's in the VIp lounge the F4 use" the staff member responded while pointing at the lounge that was upstairs and would require them to go back to the crowd.

" You can go the other way" he gave them another direction which would take them a few more minutes before they rushed into the room which had not only Jihoo but the captain of the ship and the two managers.

" Jandi , hey" Jihoo standing up from where he was sitting gave her a smile.

" Why is he here? " not even attempting to reciprocate his smile or greet the other men in the room, " she asked. Only Eun seems to have picked on the weird voice of Jandi.

" I don't know" was his response as he started walking her way. The smile he gave her, this time at least Eun and smiled back.

" I am trying to figure out how" standing in the middle of the room, Jihoo would turn his eyes to the manger while Jandi chose to head to the table holding the water bottles at the corner of the room.

" Like I said. We got a call about an hour and half ago. We were just told they will be coming on board and to stop the ship on location" The Manager who had received the call started speaking but before he even explained exactly what he was told, the automatic doors of the lounge would be opened from the otherside.

" Surprise!" Woobin had tried but not even the staff members that were in the room seemed pleasantly surprised by the people who had walked into the room.

" Surprise what?" Jihoo moving his eyes from the girls to between Woobin and Yijeong asked.

" They are pretty" Eun, moving closer to Jandi, drinking the cold water, whispered. She was right, both of the girls that had come with Woobin and Yijeong were beyond beautiful. The miniskirts they had on distracting Eun, she had missed to catch the look on the friends face when Junpyo finally walked into the room.

" Why are you here?" Jihoo's question was still for Yijeong and Woobin who were smiling at his unpleasant welcome.

" We wanted to party with you at least once. '' Woobin let go of the girl would walked over to hug Jihoo. While trying to get Woobin's arms away from him, that was when Jihoo had turned to notice his best friend.

" let go of me" he threw away Woobin's right arm trying to pull him back into the hug while his puzzled eyes focused on Jun Pyo. As his best friend, it was expected it would only take Jihoo seconds to notice how different Junpyo looked.

" Aren't you supposed to be on his island?" he asked while his eyes followed Junpyo who had walked past him. The white smoke of the cigarette wasn't what Jihoo had picked on but a woman's perfume and alcohol. If that wasn't enough, Jihoo would ask a different question that would get Junpyo's eyes to finally look up.

" You said you didn't want to come so why are you here?" Jihoo would ask moving closer to Junpyo.

" We wanted to join you." Woobin would be the one to answer. He was also the only member of F4 to miss what was not being said as the two best friends would exchange a look. Even Eun at the corner had followed as Jun Pyo finally raised his head up while brushing his hair away. His red eyes, the dark circles around them was enough clue of his inebriated state of mind but even then Jihoo had demanded a clear answer as his questioning eyes stayed on Jun Pyo. His right hand brushing his hair away again, Junpyo had just brought the cigarette to his lips and inhaled while staring back at his Jihoo.

" Remember when you said it might be fun to at least have one school trip with all of us so" Woobin had gone on while smiling with the girls who were taking a selfie with him. Yijeong adjusting his collar had kept his eyes on the two and the visible tensions even the staff members in the room were starting to pick on. And it was all thanks to Junpyo's already corrupted mind that was ready to cross a line he had never dared with Jihoo. Whatever was holding his tongue back, Yijeong was debating whether he should jump in or stay quiet. But before he even came up with one reason why he should jump in, he would catch Junpyo's eyes finnlay recognize the girls at the corner, more specifically the one who had paused since she saw him walk in the room.

The motion of his hair falling back on his face would force all to notice the change in the gaze of his eyes. But all were only given seconds to what would leave them even more baffled. Jihoo, Yijeong and Eun had to turn their focus to what Junpyo's eyes were looking at like that. Their puzzled eyes would all return back to Junpyo who would turn back to give all his back as he headed to the table in the middle. Eun who would do another double take of her friend, only she had seen the way Jandi's fidgeting hands had tried returning the cap back on the bottle and placing it on the corner table behind them.

" What is ?" Eun didn't even know what to ask as she just followed Jandi's eyes that were still on Jun Pyo. This time around, only Yijeong and Eun had kept their questioning eyes on her. But their attention, including everybody else's, would return back to the two boys when Jihoo would repeat his question.

" Why are you here Junpyo?" The change in Jihoo's voice, even the look in his eyes had changed as all silenced even their breath. Even the girls had turned off their phones and turned all their attention to the friends. The slightly scary tone of Jihoo, all would follow it to Junpyo who was standing by the table. His left hand holding the cigarette while his right was busy moving the bottles around. The seconds added up raising the tension, even the staff member had glanced at each other as they waited for somebody to say something. The golden bottle he picked up, Junpyo would read the label to make sure it was indeed champagne. His left hand bringing the cigarette to his lips, he would turn around to start walking towards Ji Hoo.

" Junpyo" Jihoo would move left to black Junpyo who was about to walk past him.

" We are here to have fun" Woobin would try to answer as he now recognizes the weird air that has been forming between his friends. His answer nobody was accepting, the only reason why was what Junpyo's eyes were saying while they stare at Jihoo without even blinking.

" Huh" the small smirk of Junpyo was a response to Jihoo who would block his attempt to walk past him again. His hidden smirk, his eyes had looked up as Jihoo's that were demanding an answer. An answer none of them were ready for.

" Look at that and ask me again" Junpyo raising his right hand would point at the wall with the champagne bottle. All eyes looking at the wall, most would only recognize the name of the cruise ship and logo. Those who knew enough about Shinaw corporations would recognize the small logo at the bottom which was the hotel and resort company that owns the cruise company, which in turn is owned by Shinwa. Apart from F4 there was only one person who knew that fact and that was Jandi, who had returned her eyes to Junpyo who had walked past Jihoo and was heading to the door. Unlike her, the three others who knew what he meant couldn't help but react to it. Ji Hoo with confusion and disbelief while woo bin had big smiles on his face. Junpyo reminding people of who he is has always been a favorite site of Woobin. The side of Junpyo he rarely gets to see, Woobin was the only one celebrating it while Yijeong looked a bit concerned. But even the concerned Yijeong was slightly charmed by the change from the nonchalant Junpyo he was used to.

" Let's start the fun!" Junpyo who had brushed his hair with his cigarette holding hand had given the girl who was waiting for him a smile and a wink which she returned as she walked to his side and wrapped her arms around his waist. The loud screams of enthusiasm that would come from Woobin and the rest of the girls, only Yijeong seemed to have kept his focus on Jihoo who was still standing in the middle of the room. His face the other way, Jihoo wasn't even trying to watch the group leave. His emotion filled face would slightly turn to get his eyes the answer they needed for his anxiety that was starting to itch underneath what felt like a new type of anger. His eyes landing on Jandi would find their answer but not a pleasant one as hers were following every step Junpyo was taking towards the door. Maybe it was the universe saving him as his eyes were only locked on her unlike Yijeong's which were able to catch the look exchanged between her and the one she was looking at.

His smile at the girl that would nudge him to come with them, Yijeong wouldn't be the only one to catch what would change his opinion about why they might be here. Eun next to Jandi would also witness what she had already gotten a glimpse of the last time she saw the two people sitting across from the small table. Junpyo's eyes had turned their way as Eun had to even take a step back to let her dismayed eyes get a better view of the electrifying look between the two. The subtle smiles of his she had never seen before, Eun wouldn't know what to make of it as she witnessed it being aimed at her friend. But even then, she knew it wasn't a happy one. Even his adorable dimple appearing wasn't able to mask the weird smile. What would change the focus for all would be the way the girl would raise her arms to be around his shoulder and pull him close. While distracted by that Eun had missed his smile that had faded within seconds as it left visible what it was masking. The only one who had caught it was Yijeong who would be the one to recognize it as well. Junpyo's eyes were too honest for his friend not to understand them. Slowly turning away, those dark eyes were for once less striking and more dejected. His dimple disappearing had exposed what he wasn't able to mask behind a fake smile. The answer to the question Yijeong has had since he witnessed the wild night Junpyo had last night, he had finally gotten it as the group left the lounge to start what would be another wild night.