Chapter Two: Vermin, Human, Cheese

Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, 6:45 pm

Seong Gi-hun knew it was going to be a long night. Whenever he had to drive around rich clients, they were either extremely stuck up and caused a scene or very boring and kept to themselves, it all depended on the drive.

For this one, he was supposed to be chauffeuring an American entrepreneur and his adult children. The company had to stock up on the best alcohol available, as the son "enjoys his liquor." Plus, it made Gi-hun further feel like a fucking loser, driving around people that never had nor would ever have the same worries as him.

"Something's gotta give." He mumbled to himself as he looked around the busy street, tempted to reach for a cigarette but knew he couldn't since he was about to pick up this evening's passengers. The last thing Gi-hun needed was a bad review or any complaints. Plus, he had been promising his daughter for a while that he would finally quit.

Gi-hun was pulled from his thoughts when he happened to glance over at a girl walking out of the curved black and gold five star hotel, causing him to do a double take.

She looked like a younger version of this American actress from the movies his mom loved to watch before he sold the TV, with the same dark hair and slender yet curvy body. He couldn't figure out how old she was, but one thing was obvious: this girl was drop dead gorgeous.

The brunette looked over and flashed a smile. Wait, that couldn't have been for him, could it? Gi-hun knew he was a nice looking guy, even if he had been a bit scruffy lately, but not enough to get a second glance from a young woman like that.

"Hi!" She waved before turning towards two men that had walked out of the hotel behind her. One was around her age with sandy brown hair and the other was much older than them with nearly white hair that was on a cellphone.

"The limo's right there." The girl said as she nodded at Gi-hun, making him realize that these were his clients and not his lucky night.

"Hey!" He waved politely.

Gi-hun took in her appearance as she walked closer. She certainly looked the role of a businesswoman in her black pencil skirt and matching blazer.

"Hi, I'm Honey." Honey smiled at him. "I'm really embarrassed to ask, but how do you pronounce your name? I wasn't sure from the card."

Growing up in a wealthy family had afforded Honey and her brother to have a surplus of chauffeurs throughout their lives, but this one was different. He fit the part in the suit and hat, however, he was also a bit disheveled.

"Oh, it's fine. It's pronounced Gi-hun."

When he smiled at her, it almost caught Honey off guard. When was the last time she had seen such a sweet smile? It was a bit goofy, but endearing nonetheless. His smile fit the rest of him. Tousled jet black hair, patchy facial stubble, tallish and thin with the most soulful brown eyes.

Sage's mouth flew open and his eyes widened before either of them could say another word. "Your name is Garfield?! Far out, man!"

Honey looked back and forth from Gi-hun to her brother, the former looking confused. "Exactly how did you get Garfield out of Gi-hun?"

"Sage..." Jonathan grumbled before returning to his phone call.

"What? It's not a race thing, it's a face thing! With an F! He looks like the cat Garfield, it's in the eyes! ME-OW!" Sage started laughing.

"Come on in, come to the place where fun never ends. Come on in, it's time to party with Garfield and friends!" He was laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes before looking at Gi-hun. "Hey, there's this sick party going on that I have to go to, man. Drive me and I guarantee you some fine ass puss, and I'm not talking about cats."

"Uh..." Gi-hun wasn't sure if he was joking or actually serious.

Honey shook her head "You're a complete idiot, bro."

There were times when Sage's sense of humor was indeed hilarious, but he was turning 35 soon, it was time to cut down on such antics.

"Garfield, do you have any lasagna? I've got the munchies, bad."

"Sage, remember we talked about cutting back to just a couple times a day?" Honey asked, rubbing his shoulder, only for her brother to shrug her away.

"Whatever, dude. Those investment bankers stress me out, especially Patrick Bateman 2.0 that looks like he could strangle me in my sleep. I needed it." He looked over at Gi-hun. "But that's why Garfield is here!"

Honey sadly glanced her father, who had just ended his phone call. "Dad, why don't you try?

The entrepreneurial mogul could care less. "It doesn't matter. Call him whatever you want, they all look and sound the same." He nodded at Gi-hun. "Can we get this show on the road, g*? Us three," Jonathan pointed at himself and his kids. "big important meeting with investment banker at Signiel Seoul."

Honey and Sage practically broke their necks from how quickly they whipped their heads around at Jonathan.

"Harsh, Pop."

"Daddy! How could you say something like that?!" Honey looked back over at Gi-hun, who didn't seem offended at all. In fact, his warm brown eyes held a glimmer of amusement.

"I'm so sorry." She couldn't help but feel hurt for him, as well as completely mortified.

He shook his head, flashing her a crooked smile. "Believe me, I've heard worse. Not my first American passenger."

It wasn't right, but who am I to say that? I don't mean anything to these people, her father is clearly a jackass.

"Come on, little Gloria Steinem, let's take a break from fighting the world's injustices." Sage patted Honey on the back before shoving her in the limo and getting in behind her.

What a strange -hun thought to himself before closing the car door and walking around to the driver's seat.

"I can't believe you would say something like that, Daddy." Honey said a few minutes into the limo ride. "You should really apologize when we get to the hotel."

Jonathan smirked. "What's the problem? I'm just another nameless, faceless rich American to guys like him. We're a dime a dozen, peanut."

"She's right, Dad. It wasn't cool."

"Whatever. Anyways, I watched your latest interview."

Sage raised an eyebrow in confusion. "You never watch anything we do."

"It was primetime, of course I was going to watch it, and thank you both for not telling the world that you think your wealthy father is a complete asshole." Jonathan pulled a thick cigar out of his pocket and lit up. "An interesting point was brought up, it's been on my mind." He looked over at Honey. "When are you gonna settle down, old girl? It's about time you gave me a grandson."

"Old girl?" Honey scoffed. "I'm barely thirty, but it's such a relief to know that MY biological clock is ticking in YOUR body."

Jonathan ignored her. "I still want you to marry Malcolm Calvert, he's an exceptional match."

Malcom Calvert was Jonathan's business partner and fraternity brother from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He was a notorious womanizer, having ten kids from six marriages, and was just as corrupt and problematic as Jonathan.

"Isn't he only a couple years older than you?" Sage asked his father. "Why wouldn't you want her to marry his son, Liam?"

"I would actually consider Liam." Honey said.

Liam Calvert was the middle of Malcolm's ten children and a longtime friend of Honey and Sage. Honey dated him briefly in their early twenties but Liam's upbringing and cockiness gave him a big head, causing her to cut off the relationship. Regardless of how they ended, she would much rather be forced to marry son over father.

"Nah, that kid is too cocky. Malcolm is one of my best friends. They're actually both in Korea for the next week, you know Liam has been working for his father. I'll set up a lunch date for all of us."

"Dad, stop pushing!" Sage cracked open a beer. "She's got a boyfriend!"

"Sage!" Honey hissed at her brother. "What the hell?"

"Is this true?" Jonathan asked. "Why haven't I met him yet, Honey?"

All she did was shrug. "Maybe you already have and don't remember."

Honey glared at Sage, beyond annoyed that he had attempted to spill the beans. Luckily for her, Jonathan either didn't seem to believe her or truly didn't care.

"Hmmm, alright then, if that's how you want to play this game. It doesn't matter, tell me what's the problem with Malcolm? I know you prefer older men. Hugo was 15 years your senior."

And this new one is older than him by 2 thought to herself.

"Hugo's balls weren't to his knees. Malcolm is just... a dirty old geezer. We have nothing in common. When I was born, he was on his third wife."

"Hey," Jonathan pointed at his only daughter. "that man was like a second father to you two."

"Which is why you suggesting she marry him is really gross."

"The last time I saw him, he gave me the creeps." Honey said, flashing back to the cringe. "He told me I'm no longer the same little girl that would spin around in her dad's office chair, that I've filled out and blossomed into an exquisitely beautiful young woman."

This was not the first time Jonathan suggested this match, and quite frankly, it was insulting.

"You know you're a gorgeous girl, Honey, or you wouldn't have millions of simps telling you every day across Instagram. As far as Malcolm goes, remember that all cats are the same in the dark, sweetheart. You can sell your little company to Peppa and just let Malcolm do everything. He has more money than any girl could ever dream of or spend."

"I have my own money, Dad, remember?"

"We both do." Sage said.

"You couldn't have gotten there without me, kids. What are you without my name?"

Honey and Sage looked at each other sadly. No matter how successful either one of them were or how much money they made, it was never enough for their father. They had discussed several times how Jonathan was clearly not cut out to be a parent, which is what made them gravitate towards their stepfather, Davin.

Before either of them could reply, the siblings' phones simultaneously vibrated. Jonathan was too busy on his own phone to notice his children were checking theirs.

UNKNOWN

Money and riches are nice on the eyes

But they won't be so helpful

When your lies make you die

"Good, we're here." Jonathan practically jumped out of the car before it even came to a complete stop.

Sage and Honey were speechless, looking back and forth between their phones and each other. They both knew of the prices on their heads, they just thought they would have been able to escape with their lives.

"Here g," Jonathan pulled out of his wallet. "buy yourself a clue and get a better life." He slapped a couple bills in Gi-hun's hand before looking over his shoulder. "Hey kids, let's get going, huh? He's waiting."

Sage and Honey got out of the limo as Jonathan walked ahead of them, neither one of them noticed Gi-hun was standing by the car door.

"This has to be over what you did," Sage glanced at his sister. "because you already have nothing to do with what I did."

"You didn't expect me to take care of that all by myself, did you?" Honey asked her older brother, folding her arms across her chest.

He shook his head. "Don't guilt trip me, you already know the answer, but what are we going to do?"

"Sage Joshua Diamond and Honey Meadow Diamond," Jonathan shouted at them. "get your little asses in here, now! One more time and you'll see what happens!" He walked back inside the hotel, mumbling to himself.

"We better go," Sage groaned. "but I don't see where there's a good end in sight for us unless we throw more money at the problem."

He would gladly help his sister, it's what family does, but this was ten times worse than any other trouble either of them had gotten into before.

I warned her about that bastard. If she only listened to me, then none of this would have happened.

"Sage, we'll figure it out together. I promise." Honey turned around and looked at Gi-hun, who was pretending not to notice. "Thank you, Gi-hun. We should only be a couple hours."

"Have a good evening, miss." He nodded at her, receiving a small smile in response before she followed her brother.

Gi-hun had no idea what the siblings were discussing, but it seemed as if they had done something pretty bad...

At the dinner table, Sage was in his own little tipsy world, a fact that Honey envied in that moment. How many promises could she make? These people had already been significantly paid off, but that wasn't enough. Why did they care when they had just as much to lose as her if either side was ever exposed?

"Honey?"

"Hmm?" She shook herself out of her distraction, looking at the man seated across from her. "Yes?"

"Are you alright? You seem a bit distracted."

Cho Sang-woo was undoubtedly one of the most handsome men Honey had ever met. Tall and fit with short ebony hair worn in a side swept style and brooding bedroom eyes behind steel framed glasses. He had been their investment banker for about two years, making him an invaluable asset to the Diamond empire.

"I'm sorry, I think I'm still a bit jet lagged. What were you saying?"

They were currently in Signiel Club, an exclusive, members-only restaurant in the hotel's landmark skyscraper that overlooked the entire city.

"I was saying that your latest makeup collection had a very impressive turnout. The ad in Times Square generated quite the buzz."

"Thanks. Well, launching Peppermint Honey was one of my better investments. Same goes for Peppa."

Sang-woo nodded. "It really was, but I think maybe you should consider buying out your partner."

"That's ironic," Jonathan interjected. "I was just saying on the way here how I think she should sell her share of the company to Peppa."

"I'm going to have to disagree, Jonathan. Even though they're both a big part of marketing and promotional materials, Honey is the face of the brand. Without her, it has no magic."

"Whatever." Sage downed his scotch."Hey, Cho Cho Cho." He started laughing. "It sounds like Ho Ho Ho, which is something you could totally use. When was the last time you got laid, man?"

"Sage, I've told you repeatedly not to call me that." Sang-woo replied tersely, glaring him down.

"I have nicknames for everybody, you should hear the one I gave the limo driver. Lighten up, bro. Life isn't all about numbers and money."

"Sage, enough. Didn't you have an idea or something you wanted to share?" Jonathan asked.

"Yes! I did! Anyways, my idea is something else, better than some stupid makeup." Sage pulled out his phone, showing various drawings to his father and Sang-woo. "I wanna write a children's book series,The Adventures of Stoner Sage!"

Jonathan looked away in embarrassment as his son rambled on with this nonsensical series.

"It's semi-autobiographical about all my fun shenanigans. Little Stoner Sage sparks up a doobie and he's a freaking rockstar. He can beat up bad guys and get lots of chicks, catch killer waves and play the drums! Stoner Sage is a hero for generations! We can even give him a goofy little sidekick, a half man/half cat!"

Sage looked particularly proud of himself, but Honey was having to bite her lip in order not to laugh.

"So... correct me if I'm wrong..." Sang-woo appeared puzzled at the young man's concept. "You want to write a children's book about smoking marijuana?"

"Absolutely! Sang-woo, it's progressive AF."

"I think he's trying to say that it's a children's book for adults. Right, Sage?" Honey looked at her brother, who shook his head.

"I was reading Dad'sPlayboysat eight, so this story is perfect for that age range."

"I don't know much about that market, but I can tell you that your idea would have you laughed out of every major publishing office." Sang-woo pushed up his glasses. "I think it would be in your best interest to focus on the vodka launch with your sister. Your following is more appropriately suited for that kind of product."

"Wow, you're certainly a genius." Jonathan smiled proudly. "Tell me, what's your stance on nepotism, Sang-woo? I know you came from a humble background and graduated top of your class from a prestigious school here in Seoul, so you must have some kind of perspective."

"I don't have an overwhelming opinion, sir. It's inevitable but not a guarantee."

"Well, you also know how important it is to maintain a good reputation. I wish I could say the same about my kids but nope. Gotta live life off grandpa's name, mommy and daddy's name. Do you think what these two knuckleheads did recently was a good idea?" Jonathan asked, pointing with his thumbs at either child.

"Jonathan..."

"Daddy..." Honey mumbled under her breath before looking around the grey and taupe room.

"I want to know what went through your peabrains to do something like that. Your grandfather is rolling over in his grave at the embarrassment."

"Pops," Sage cleared his throat. "I think you're majorly overreacting. We weren't the only ones that did the challenge and a lot of people were happy about it. Plus, it was a huge success! We both gained millions of views and even more followers."

"You can't be frivolous like that! What kind of example are you setting, that you can just give away money without a care in the world?!"

Honey looked at her brother, both of them feeling the aggravation rising over their father's arrogance. Their mother had always encouraged them to appreciate and share their good fortune when they could, whereas Jonathan only did it for damage control or attention.

"That's really not fair of you to say, Dad. As you just heard, I've made some good money and so has Sage."

Sage nodded. "I know you don't think much of YouTube, but I've put a lot into it."

"No,I'vemademea lot of money."

The blow was harsh but Honey ignored him, even if the whole table felt the tension. Her brotheralways had his friends and his YouTube channel, Honey was in a league of her own.

While Sage had gotten by on luck, Honey was the overachiever of the two. Daddy didn't put her on a rowing machine and bribe officials, she had to actually work hard to get into an Ivy League school. Studying countless nights, putting her way through college working as a dancer at Coyote Ugly. Honey didn't even start pursuing acting until after she graduated college and then the rest of her endeavors fell into place.

"Let me remind you of a book you gave me when I was younger, and I'm sure our guest would like to hear this as well." She turned to Sang-woo. "Sang-woo, are you familiar with the storyWho Moved My Cheese?"

"The Spencer Johnson book, right?"

Honey nodded, sipping her wine. "Yes, that's the one. It's a parable of two mice and two humans stuck in a maze searching for a huge chunk of cheese."

"Where ya getting at, Hon?" Jonathan asked, folding his hands.

"The point is, vermin or human, we all want the cheese. It's not about the fact that we all have the same start, it's about the strategies used to get through the maze and win the prize."

Jonathan chuckled darkly. "You think that's what it's all about? Some little story about a maze and cheese is the way to get through life? You're wrong, sweetheart, because it's a dog eat dog world not meant for soft hearts." He looked back and forth between his children. "This little stunt proved to me that neither one of you are cut out for this business and solidified my perspective that you two are probably the biggest disappointments in my life."

Sang-woo looked back and forth between Jonathan and his children. While he wasn't sure about fatherhood for his own self, he knew he would never treat his child the way Jonathan treated Honey and Sage.

"Alright, and this is where I leave you." Honey stood up from the table abruptly, smoothing out her pencil skirt.

"Hon..." Sage trailed off.

"You don't have to go." Sang-woo said. "I wanted us to finish discussing the upcoming investments."

"I shouldn't be gone too long, I just need a minute. Excuse me, gentlemen." Honey briskly walked off, her hands balled into fists and her eyes brimming with tears. She left so quickly she missed the glares the two men at the table were giving Jonathan.

Honey took a couple deep breaths once she reached outside, tilting her head back so she wouldn't cry. Unclenching her hands, she could feel the crescent marks on the inside of her palm from her fingernails digging into her flesh in an attempt to restrain herself from knocking out Jonathan's lights.

Why couldn't they have a better relationship? That's all Honey and Sage had ever wanted from him. Even though Davin was a truly wonderful man and stepfather, he would never be their actual father.

At their ages, Honey and Sage should already know that Jonathan would never change, but it didn't stop them from still having hope that one day he might.

"Come on, come on! Knock it down, big boy! URGH!"

Looking over, she spotted Gi-hun on his phone, dropping his cigarette since he was so engrossed in whatever he was playing. It was nice to see a normal face, and a cute one at that.

"How could you miss? You're the biggest bird of the bunch!" He looked down to see he had dropped his cigarette. "Damnit. First the bird, and now the smokes. It's not my night."

"The night isn't over, your luck could change." Honey said as she walked over to him. "Angry Birds?"

"Huh? Oh... yeah." Gi-hun looked away bashfully, tapping his cigarette pack, unable to believe that somebody had actually seen him reacting that way over a stupid game. "It's all about timing the shot, or at least that's my strategy."

"Tell me about it. You're not alone, I go pretty bonkerz over Disney Emoji Blitz." She pointed at his box of cigarettes. "Can you spare one of those?"

"Of course." He handed her a cigarette. As he leaned in to light her up, Gi-hun became enraptured by the scent of Honey's perfume. It was a cross between peachy and lilac with a hint of apples, such a shame it would be ruined with the cigarette stench.

"Thanks." Honey inhaled the cigarette before blowing out. Quite frankly, she loved the smell of cigarette smoke on a man. Whether it was her boyfriend or the man in front of her, it was quite intoxicating and added to Gi-hun's odd yet alluring charm. "I don't typically smoke cigarettes, but it was getting crazy in there."

"Yeah, dealing with money and large numbers is stressful." Gi-hun said as he lit up his own cigarette. "Big important meeting with investment banker, as your dad so thoughtfully reminded me."

Honey rolled her eyes. "I swear, he's on his own planet most days." She took another puff before speaking. "Listen, I apologize again for earlier. My father and brother were completely rude and out of line."

He shook his head. "You don't need to apologize."

"Yes, I do. My father is a tunnel visioned jerk. He thinks most of the world is beneath him. My brother means well but is just an idiot."

"Actually, your brother wasn't too offensive, but it's all part of the job."

"Well, you must have a really thick skin, then." Honey looked him up and down, trying to figure him out. Gi-hun was no Brad Pitt, but he was unconventionally attractive and very sweet.

"I suppose. Hey," Gi-hun changed the topic, not wanting to waste time on such tomfoolery. "has anybody ever told you that you look like the girl fromCherry Hibiscus? That movie is pretty good."

Honey looked away in a smile. "All the time, and it makes sense. She's my mother."

Gi-hun blinked in awe. "That's your mom?" He laughed when she nodded. "Wow! My mother loves all her movies."

"Thanks, I'll be sure to tell her."

"Are you an actress, too?" He asked, inhaling his cigarette.

"I've done a couple things here and there."

Whether it was the beguiling starlet, the doe eyed 70's go-go dancer or the mermaid queen, it was incredibly rare for somebodynotto associate her with characters or campaigns. She almost wanted to laugh, Gi-hun had no idea who she was at all. It was kind of... a relief.

"I still do it when there's a good role, but I've spent the past few years pursuing different business ventures." Honey took another drag from the cigarette. "Do you have any other clients after you drop us off? I'm sure my brother can find a way to that party, but I have another meeting later on tonight and need a ride. I'd pay you double, of course."

"Piglet!"

They looked over to see Sage from the front door of the hotel. The moment she saw Sage, Honey tossed her cigarette.

"What's going on, Sage?"

"The bulls are waiting for you, let's go." He motioned her forward. "You don't want to piss Dad off further."

"Alright." Honey looked back at Gi-hun. "So, are you free?"

"Uh, sure." Gi-hun said as he tapped his cigarette. "I'm available."

"Great, I'll send you the time. See ya later."

Honey smiled as she walked towards her brother, feeling a sense of calm after her interaction with Gi-hun.

"Oh, my god. Little Honey Diamond finally takes an interest in the help."

Honey ignored Sage, but he kept talking as they made their way into the elevator.

"It's natural, Hon. Do you know how many of our housekeepers I banged? Same goes for Dad."

"I have a boyfriend, or did you forget about that little detail you let slip earlier?" She slugged him in the arm, making her older brother flinch.

"Damnit! You know I bruise easily!" He rubbed his arm. "For your information, I was trying to get him off of that Malcolm Calvert kick. You should be thanking me."

"If I have to hear that one more time..." Honey groaned. "I'm not going to sleep with the limo driver, Sage. He's just a nice guy." She watched the elevator doors open. "There really aren't too many of them left nowadays."

"Uh-huh, and I'm sure if you threw him a bone, he would lap that up quick." Sage guided his sister back into the restaurant, wanting nothing more than to completely leave but knowing they still had to put in time for this meeting.

"The drama queen hath returned." Jonathan quipped when his children approached the table. "You really are your mother's daughter."

"Of course I am."

"Glad to see you back again." Sang-woo as Honey sat down, the heiress choosing to ignore her father.

"Well, no better time than right now. Am I right, Cho Cho Cho?" Honey shot him a wink and a smile, but this time, he gave a sliver of a smile over that ridiculous nickname.

"Absolutely."

And just as quickly as Sang-woo smiled, his face reverted back to business mode. "Now, about this Diamond Duo vodka..."