[Encore]

It looks like privacy isn't an option anymore. My chance of talking to Perla face to face, just the two of us, shatters as soon as Daehwa intervenes, "Well, Daejung, we do have some explaining to do. All of us, not just Perla."

"Fine. Do we have to talk here, with all eyes on us? How about something more private?" I drop my suggestion, but the ladies dismiss it. What's supposed to be an intimate conversation is slowly turning into a public tell-all after a cheap reality show.

Don't get me wrong, I love them. I'm a fanatic of trash; still, I hate how it's transposed to actual reality, to the point that the line between what's fiction and what's not no longer exists.

Perla chimes in. "Privacy is overrated." She does have a point. I remember when I gathered all those people in my apartment and we shared some of our biggest secrets. However, that was behind closed doors. No-one else could spy us. This context is different.

"I guess I have no other choice than accepting these conditions. Fine. Let's take a seat." I point at the table Perla is standing by and gesture at her and the other women to sit down. As soon as they're comfortable in their chairs, I follow suit.

"Good. Now we're all seated. What... do we do at this point? I suppose we're here for a serious conversation. A very serious one." Perla raises an eyebrow at my statement, only for her expression to change to a mix of surprise and anger. What if she is the biggest player at this table? I shouldn't have underestimated her.

She rebuts, her voice filled with sarcasm. "Oh, wow. Congratulations, Daejung. Your intuition is as sharp as always." She's bluffing. She thinks I'm not smart enough to realize she hides something. Not the usual little secret that, when it comes out, does at most a tiny bit of harm. I'm talking about something that can change the game as it is.

"You don't need to play the sarcasm card, Perla. I know you think I'm an idiot. That doesn't change the fact I had a good time around you, though." She turns away from me. I've just put her in an embarrassing situation. I still believe she is somehow attracted by me, but won't admit it.

Sujin and Daehwa exchange worrying glances. The way their lips curl, their eyes turn pale and void of any expression, their teeth clatter... If it were a horror movie, they'd be the perfect villains, ready to dig their claws and fangs deep in their designed victim's flesh.

Unfortunately, this is reality, which doesn't mean it's any better. All these women have reasons to resent me. I have reasons not to trust or, worse, to hate them. I don't think I need words to describe how twisted their minds are—their actions, their thoughts speak by themselves.

I ask boldly, "Does any of you hate me?" Silence. Neither of them has the courage to come out with the truth. It's hard to accept, but I'll take it over false reassurance. At first, it might taste sweet; as time passes, though, the sour and bitter sides emerge and prevail over the rest, leaving an unpleasant sense of loss and despair.

Daehwa shakes her head. "You really don't picture yourself with any of us, do you?" How can she still insist on being in the right? Her obsession over me will lead her to further trouble. At this point, I don't think she wants to move on. We'll never find common ground.

How am I supposed to put boundaries when the other part doesn't want them, but at the same time doesn't realize her lack of consciousness of her limits is her biggest flaw? She claims I broke her heart and all that shit, but I can't go on like this anymore. It's time for her to move on.

The same goes for Sujin. It's undeniable that she's passionate and determinate. If only she channeled her passion on someone else... I'm not her type. She's adamant about me being hers, but this isn't true and she knows. So, why can't she give up?

It's time for the last, most painful, solution. The one that will wreak havoc and destroy the already dwindling balances among the four of us. Someone, if not all of us, has to suffer. Only time will tell whether we'll be able to recover.

I gaze at Perla, who regains her composure and turns her attention back at me. "Perla, I have something to confess. It's not like what I told you before. Trust me, it's different." She eyes me with diffidence, but doesn't say anything.

She lets me continue. "It's about... the two of us. Yes. You and I. It sounds strange, I know, but I can't keep it forever." Tension fills the air. Daehwa grinds her teeth, clearly showing her displeasure. Sujin seethes.

"Perla, I think I have true feelings for you. Not as in just taking you to bed. I mean, romantic feelings." I'm dizzy right now. I want some water. I need it. I don't dare ask it because, knowing Charlene, she'll lace it with vodka, claiming it's good for me.

Perla shakes her head violently. She believes I'm joking. She bursts into hysterical laughter. "Daejung, what the fuck are you talking about? It's just one of your games, isn't it?" She turns to Daehwa, who, however, just follows in her pecks of laughter.

Sujin sits still, her arms crossed and her expression unchanged. She's too angry to even say a word. I've just messed up. They'll make me pay for that. I must prepare myself.

Perla's face turns dark. Her glare is filled with poison. "Listen, Daejung, I don't know what your intentions are. I don't even know if you're honest or you're just a bluff. One thing is certain, let me tell you. You don't know that you run your mouth for all the wrong reasons when all you can do, right now, is to keep your fucking lips sealed."

I try to reply, but she shakes her pointing finger. "No, you're not talking. You're listening, period." I'm cornered. Neither Sujin nor Daehwa show any signs of supporting me. It's time to face humiliation, I guess.

"A few minutes ago, you said I think you're an idiot. Putting words in my mouth... What a foolish move. And, how about asking me and the other girls if we hate you?" If she'd let me talk, I'd take back everything and apologize in an instant. Since it's not like that, I have to wait until she's done roasting me.

"Look, I don't hate you, Daejung. I'd lie if I said I do. But you're pissing me off right now. You're making things harder, do you know? Like... Why the fuck have you just asked me out?" Her voice is a hiss. I can't even find the courage to answer. I want to run away, but I'm not supposed to. I have to fight back.

Still frazzled, I say, "I... I said that out of instinct. You may think it's a pathetic excuse, but it's the truth. You don't have to believe me, but please, listen-"

She cuts me off. "Daejung, I'll be honest and straightforward to you, like you've been to me all this time. I'm not into you. Not in that sense. Sorry."

Shit. Now, I'm forced to up my game to keep Sujin and Daehwa the farthest possible from me.