9

Tonight, Bo Ah was packed in a mint face mask. Her hair was towelled up. She was munching on the cucumber slices that were supposed to cool her eyes. The phone case leaned on the side of the bed. That way, I was receptive to her perfect side face. She had a pretty seductive face. I'd give her that.

"So, your blind date was a guy named Jungkook, too," she stared at the ceiling thoughtfully. "Jong Suk rang you up twice this week to act like he cared-because he fucking does not, and the actual Jungkook is on your nerves because you stepped on his shoe."

I nodded, my lips turned upside down. Drawing a sip from the banana milk packet, I placed the phone on the nightstand.

"-and Seulgi and Sohyun invited me to a place they never took me to. Again." I reminded her.

"Oh, right. The ugly stepsisters." She muttered, and I chuckled, partly offended for them. "Maybe they count you as a work buddy. Not that deep."

"That's not the point." I snapped, the sweetness turning bitter in my mouth. "Why do they act like they enjoy hanging out with me? Then they upload pictures of each other on weekends, like they didn't want me there. Why do they not want me? I was always nice to them..."

"You're always so passionate about people who don't want you." She deadpanned, her mouth struggling to say words clearly. But oh well, she was saying all the right words to shoot me in the butt.

"I don't," I growled.

"Oh, you do," Bo Ah suddenly sounded eager. "You have a pattern, Haerin. Pathetically. Look at you, Jong Suk: that man didn't give a crap about you but you stayed with him for so long putting up with that witch mother. Sohyun and Seulgi: they've shown you multiple times that they don't like you as much, but you're still dying to be with them. This Jungkook tyrant: he's after you like a termite. He hates you, but instead of escaping him, you're finding ways to get back at him. The one person you should think of: that blind date, Jungkook, you're not even thinking of. You say he's messaged you, he was kind but you're spending time getting fucked up everywhere else."

I blinked.

What?

My head snapped to the phone, "Fuck you, Bo Ah. What's with this psychological warfare?"

She chuckled, her mouth parted into a sliver.

"I'm not like that." I defended, sipping more on the banana milk. "And I fucking hate that Jeon: the devil's spawn. I hate him as much as he hates me. You don't get how aggravating it is to be stuck in his cabin."

"Yeah, yeah. Whatevs," she was rolling her eyes on that damn phone. I knew it. "I'm just saying. You should avoid people who aren't sure what they want."

"But I do!" I rebelled, kicking at my feet. "I was the one who broke up with Jong Suk. I was the one who stepped back when those two bitches acted like one. I'm well aware of confused people. And for your information, that blind date, Jungkook wasn't sure about what he wanted either. They're all the same. They all suck."

"And you let them."

"Bo Ah!" I whined.

"What?" She tried to hold her laugh in. "I mean, I've been stuck to this asshole for years now. Find someone like that, please. You're too much drama."

"I'm fucking exhausted." My face landed on the pillow, digging further into the covers. I tossed the empty banana milk box on the nightstand. "I'm exhausted of this life. My dad hates me, too, I think."

She gasped, "Don't tell me your dad put your account details somewhere suspicious again?"

Ugh...

Why the fuck did she remind me of that?

"No..." I rolled over, staring up at the ceiling, "He just...he bought something for the home against me again. On instalment."

"Are you kidding me? You're telling me you have the time to think of the two So sisters when this is happening in your life?" Her voice tore through the speaker.

I knew it was bad, but I didn't want to think about it. Everybody's family was a hellhole. Not completely, but in their own ways. My mom and dad were perfect. They loved me. I knew that. But my dad was too old to work anymore. He liked to buy things for the house every now and then. That didn't have to be such a crime. It got a bit overwhelming sometimes, but I wanted them to be happy. As their sole daughter, this was the least I could do. If I had siblings, maybe the expenses would have been divided.

Someone like Bo Ah wouldn't understand. She stayed alone in another city, and her parents didn't ask her for anything.

"Don't let him use you like that, Haerin. He's your dad, but make financial decisions on your own if it's your money."

"Damn you sound just like Jong Suk. Maybe I should break up with you, too." My eyes flickered, the exhaustion catching up on my skin.

"He did? Why didn't you listen then?"

I smirked, sinking under the sheets, "We fought a lot over this. His family was financially strategic. I think this was one of the main reasons why he lost interest in me. He had begged me several times to get my money straight. But money...I don't think I can handle that kind of intervention with my parents' happiness."

"Why the fuck does Jong Suk sound saner than you?"

I sank further into the warmth, the memories replaying in my head. I fucking hated this. I hated how I still thought about him at a time like this.

We both knew that the break-up was a consequence of the accumulated issues we couldn't overcome. Jong Suk didn't want to break up, but he was letting go in small ways. I was not in a place to watch that happen to me. I was in the place to kick his ass. And I did. I kicked his ass with the way I left. Hah.

But sometimes, keyword: sometimes, I wondered if I did wrong. I could have just talked it out and tried to adjust my finances more maturely.

"Did you sleep?" Bo Ah asked. "Tell me, do you like Jungkook?"

It felt like a slap on the face. I was awoken like from a nightmare.

"What? I hate him!"

"Not that Jungkook, you dumbbell. She snapped. "The blind date. Maybe you should try dating him. Or maybe even talk to him. Don't date. It's been more than a year since you broke up with Jong Suk. He was a drama-worthy handsome man, but it's time you thought of something."

"Hmm..." I swooned into the ceiling again.

Not that Jungkook.

The other one.

Right.

The other one.

•••

"Does anyone have any questions?"

I didn't. I couldn't. This was by far the most boring thing on earth. I hated this cybersecurity session like I hated slackers. I had spent my time secretly colouring in my book. I couldn't even making any fucking notes.

Why was I even attending this meeting?

But then again, Jungkook successfully got a taste of how boring his job is. I couldn't believe that he was going to make me sit through this fiery stove. My butt was too cute to be messed with.

The presenter wiped the sweat off his brow, maybe secretly hoping that we didn't ask anything at all left like our asses were on fire.

He was terrified of Jungkook. I saw it the moment Jungkook entered the meeting room with me.

The other trainees in the session were not comfortable either. What else could I say? Jungkook brought some magic into the room. It smelled like farts. People could die.

"Thanks, Mr Kim." Jungkook intercepted, his voice poisonous.

I glanced at him, the pencil tightening in my fingers as I continued darkening the shade of jeans my model wore. Maybe I should try art. I was drawing so well. In this meeting room, the only thing I could draw was shots at you-know-who's face.

"Miss Kang," the pencil clattered on the table. I looked up at him.

He deliberately sat in a place so fucking diagonal that he could stare me down like this was some showdown.

I heard one of the guys gulp behind me. That's when I noticed that everybody's eyes were pinned on me, nervous. What? Did he see my drawings?

"Can you name me the types of phishing discussed in the session?"

Types of what?

I slowly closed the artistic book in my hands. He was choosing a bad day. I couldn't argue in this setting. Fuck him.

I cleared my throat, "Cat-catphishing...?"

Somebody coughed in the room.

The presenter had his head turned, a quiet devastation in him.

Jungkook's mouth twitched. I saw it clearly. It seemed like a joke had been cracked like an egg. Thank you, Hoseok. You were finally impacting me.

"That is very profound, Miss Kang." He smiled, not warmly at all. "This is why you should make notes when someone is presenting. Mr Kim worked hard for today's session."

My ears felt hot. I glanced away. I couldn't face him. Not after I knew that I was about to be admonished.

"Miss Kang, can you please take a copy of the slides and go through them?"

Yes, you bastard. I'll take those slides and slide them up your ass.

I shrugged, "Yes, Mr Jeon. Apologies."

The ghost of a smirk passed his mouth. He was probably basking in the glory of getting an apology from me.

No way.

I closed my fist around the pencil again. This was terrible. I had a team to manage upstairs. Why the heck was I listening to this crap here?

He looked at me for a long time. As if to make sure I knew my place.

I knew my place. It was at the intersection of my foot and his head.

People began packing up and slowly prepping to leave. Jungkook stood up too. He thanked Mr Kim and turned on his heel. My rage jumped into action, and I stepped before him right then. My back met his chest.

It didn't hurt. It didn't even matter, but I squealed and went on my knees forward.

"Miss!" Mr Kim said.

The ones around the room froze and looked between me and him. Jungkook froze, disbelieving.

His hands were still in his pockets when I tried to glance back at him.

"Ow..." I whimpered, shaking as I tried to stand up. A few girls rushed to support and helped me stand up. I limped, "It hurts..."

His mouth parted. A tick made him almost smile. Almost. As if he was annoyed, and curious at the same time.

"Does it?" One of the girls asked.

I looked up at Jungkook, blinking like a lamb, "Are you okay, Mr Jeon?"

His jaw tightened, but a smirk cracked his stiff mouth.

"I am okay, Miss Kang." He replied, stepping closer to my chair. "I'm sorry if I hurt you."

Hah. Scorrrre.

I think I owe everyone in my team a pizza. This was a celebration.

On a regular day, he wouldn't have even cared. But with so many eyes on him, if he didn't show concern after hurting me, he could be positioned as someone who is personally avenging me. Not professional. Not ethical. Just a petty little man trying to fake his magnanimity.

"Will you be able to walk?" A girl asked.

I nodded, "Thank you so much. I think I will be fine now. I just hope I didn't hurt Mr Jeon."

Muahahaha!

"No, Miss Kang. You didn't. But you shouldn't be so nimble on your feet." He stressed. Of course. He was trying his best to make it about me. And I liked that.

This was going to be all about me.

"Yes." I bowed as pitifully as I could, "I apologise for causing you distress, Mr Jeon. It was not my intention."

"Tsk..." He breathed out shakily, tearing his fingers through his hair. "It was nothing. Please don't apologise. I'll help you to the medical room."

"That's alright." I smiled, weakly standing up and slowly walking my way to the door. "I'm fine. Thank you for apologising."

Saying so, I left the room with my things, making sure I was limp enough for everyone to believe.

I made it to the pantry and sat down on one of the chairs, quietly flipping through my book. After some time, I walked back to Jungkook's cabin, knowing well that he would be there.

He halted, the coat halfway down his back. His eyes caught me like a hawk. I moved effortlessly around the place and sat down on the visitor's seat. I even flexed my perfectly alright feet a bit before I sat down.

He looked me up and down.

"Your leg doesn't hurt."

"Oh, it does." I tapped my thigh over the other, deadpanned. "I can die from the pain. It's too much."

"Are you vying to be an actress?" He turned, tossing the coat on the back of his chair.

I smiled. "Chinese. I want to pursue acting in China. I love the fantasy element there."

"Hah." He scoffed. "Miss Kang..."

"Yes, Mr Jeon?" I smiled sweetly at him, so sugary and nice that it felt unnatural. I had only smiled like that at Jong Suk before.

He paused, then cleared his throat. "So you wanted to hear me apologise?"

"It's not like you didn't want to hear that from me, too?"

He pushed his hands in his pockets. "You're petty, Miss Kang. And I hate petty people."

I gasped, "I'm hurt. I think my life has no meaning now, Mr Jeon. Please don't hate me." My frown faded, and I smirked. "I think it's very natural. You should hate me. I'd think you were obsessed if you didn't."

He turned his back on me, walking to his seat.

"I think what you're doing for me is very helpful. Getting involved in your meetings gives me insight into how the cybersecurity team works." I continued.

He halted pressing buttons on his keyboard, eyes flicking to me. Suspicious.

"That is why," I slowed. "I've included you in a few of my meetings that you may find helpful to understand my work and where exactly cybersecurity knowledge can be landed and parked."

"What?"

"For people like us, coordination matters the most. Being a part of each other's environment is necessary." I kept my tone professional. "It will be efficient. I hope you extend your support to me."

"Miss Kang," his voice deepened, probably seriously freaked out by this. "I don't have that kind of time."

"Oh, I completely understand." I nodded rapidly. "My schedule was just as tight when you scheduled meetings for me. But then, things sorted themselves out. It's all about stepping out of the zone. I'm confident that it will be the same for you. You will adjust."

He was speechless.

As he should be.

His thumb grazed his chin, jaw hardened, and mouth opened into a scoff. He hated me. Hated me like a plague.

"Don't worry. I'm very kind like that. I won't pressure you more than necessary."

"Necessary...? Is there a parameter to that?" His brow rose again.

I feigned a soft smile, "Yes. Like, a basic human level of pressure. Pressure that keeps you going."

I wish I had framed the look on his face.

I grabbed my things, turning on my heel and strutting away, mighty with accomplishment. And I even imagined that he must have watched me walk away with seething agony.

I walked toward the reception, heels clicking softly against the floor, already dreaming of the elevator's sweet escape.

Then I heard it-commotion.

"I don't think I can do this. He's too dangerous," a guy hissed, clutching a paper bag like it might explode.

"You think I can?" the other snapped under his breath.

"You know how much Director Jeon hates his mother."

Oh. My days.

My ears perked like a cat's. I tilted my head, listening-body still, mind alive.

God damn. I just got promoted to elite-level troublemaker. Revenge taker. Featuring Jeon Jungkook. Fate really does crawl into the lap of those who know how to pet it.

"The last time I did this, he nearly threw the bag at me!"

Uh-huh. Duly noted. High-value intelligence acquired.

I didn't intend true cruelty-but mercy wasn't exactly on today's menu either.

I stepped toward them, face polite, voice a practiced hum of professionalism. "I'm sorry, what's this about?"

They froze like they had been caught smuggling contraband.

"N-Nothing! Just something... menial." Nervous laughter. Sweaty temples.

I tilted my head, tone dipped in sugar. "Did you say Mr. Jeon hates his mother? And that's why you're scared to give him this?"

Silence.

"That's unfortunate," I said gently. "I assume that's why you're hesitant. I can take care of it for you."

"You can?" They blinked, visibly relieved.

"Of course." I took the bag with a warm smile. "In fact, I could handle it regularly. Pick up what she brings. Pass it on. Save you the grief."

They looked like they wanted to cry from gratitude.

I wondered what his mother was like. He was pretty-his mother must've contributed to that. But hating her? That seemed... on brand.

"Can you really?" one of them asked again, just to be sure.

"Sure. When does she come?"

They exchanged a final nervous glance before surrendering the details.

"9:30 AM. Every day. She brings lunch. Though... Mr. Jeon never eats it."

Ah. Family drama. The best kind of drama.

"Okay," I said. "I'll be here."

Damn right I would. This just got interesting.