[Sim Daegwang]

"Don't look at me like that, Daegwang." Durlene's flirtatious look doesn't move me at all, even though I try not to show. As much as I care for her, this is a delicate moment and I'm not into sex now.

"Why not, Daegwang? Is there anyone else in your mind? Who?" Her insistance irks me for some reason. I do appreciate her company; however, I wish she weren't so attached to me solely for carnal reasons.

I answer honestly, "Himchan. He, and that note he brought last night and took back this afternoon. I couldn't think of anything else. Trust me when I tell you this is the last thing I needed."

She suggests. "So, let me soothe you, then."

"Not now, Durlene. I have to go."

She scowls at me. "You're always on your brother's ass, you know?" So what? He's family. I can't leave him hanging.

I deadpan. "Durlene, you would do the same if you were in my shoes, so stop it, for God's sake!"

She now shouts. "Fine. Go to him, then. I'm done having to chase after you all the time to have some intimate on. Fuck off, Daegwang!"

As I head to the exit door, I mutter, "How about you fuck off, Durlene?"

"I've heard you!"

That woman is a lunatic. Either she gets a grip, or there's no way we can go beyond just sex between a drink and another.

***

"So, about Blythe. What has she tried to do with you? It's so obvious she's into you, hyung." I'd like to believe it's a lie, but the way she insistently called Himchan for help, even sharing personal information with him... If this isn't an attempt to butter up to him, I don't know how to call it, then.

"I don't know. She tried to tell me something, but I brushed it off to sort out business with you—you know, that note," he answer, hands in his pockets.

"Yeah, the note. Thank God you brought me with you for more clues. How dare those two pieces of shit come between the two of us?" I seethe. My fists are clenched, ready to punch the first thing or face I come across. God, I have to restrain myself to avoid hitting Himchan out of frustration.

"Look, you can find a punching bag, or a solution. It's up to you."

"But, how?"

"I don't have a crystal ball, and neither do you. All we can do is stick together and put an end to this vicious circle of sufferance." He's right. I can't keep wallowing in the vain hope that someone picks up the pieces of my heart.

I suggest. "Let's call Blythe. After all, she has tried to get in touch with you."

"Okay. But on one condition. You call."

"Why me? I don't have her number, you do." He can't chicken out right now. If he finds a phone conversation painful, then they'd better talk face to face. There can't be anything left unsaid.

I insist. "You're the first one who tells me to grow a pair. So, set a good example and take responsibility."

He threatens. "If you insist she has a fling of me, I'll leave you alone with Durlene. I'm serious." Oh, God, why does he sound so butthurt? I just wanted to encourage him to do the right thing.

He ends up bursting into laughter. "Okay, okay, only joking. I'll call." His erratic attitude is proof that something's wrong with him. Last night's discovery has shocked him—I'm not sure if in a positive or a negative way.

"Hey, Blythe, are you still there at home?"

"Thank God, Himchan. At last, you've found time to talk to me. Look, it's really serious." Himchan raises his eyebrows as he hears Blythe talk on the other line. When it comes to serious stuff, I assume it's related to work. I stay quiet because it's not my business.

"How serious? Ordinary serious or matter of life or death?"

"Well... Kind of inbetween the two. Well, it depends on Ryan's reaction." How Blythe is still married to that dirt bag is still a mystery to me. He acts all high and mighty but, when it comes to treating her and her close circle with the respect they deserve, he often falls short.

"Ryan's reaction? What happened? Have they laid you off?"

"No, but I wish they had. I can't stand Waterhouse anymore." That man has brought nothing but hassles to Himchan and Blythe. He hates them because they perform way better than his protégés and, most importantly, refuse to bow down to his shenanigans.

As much as I'd like to vent my thoughts on the corrupt headmaster, I don't say a word because the conversation is not over.

"Anyway, enough talking about him. The thing we were discussing beforehand... I think you should come to my place. I don't think it's a good idea to tell you on the phone." The mystery grows thicker and more ominous as Blythe keeps talking. I hope she isn't hiding anything or anyone involving criminal activities.

"Yeah, I think it makes sense. Shall we come over tomorrow?"

"Yeah, tomorrow is fine. Ryan won't be at home, so at least there won't be fights."

"Good. Then see you tomorrow. I can't wait to find out what it is."

"Looking forward to that moment. Bye!"

The conversation between Himchan and Blythe might be over, but the same can't be said about my uneasiness, which grows instead of subsiding. How can I be sure everything will be okay? I have to follow Himchan, go with him. What if it's something deeper than what hinted on the phone?

I cast a glance at the door. I'd like to stay here a little longer, but I have to go. Maybe Durlene has got herself in massive trouble and has no idea of how to get out of it.

However, I don't mention her as Himchan asks me why I'm leaving early. I keep my answer short and simple. "I have to make dinner." It's a plain excuse. Usually, I don't feel like cooking elaborate meals, especially when I don't want to. Well, it's high time I stop being lazy in the kitchen and try more complex recipes. Well, if I gain proper skills.

***

My choice for dinner proves that I got away from Himchan with a lie. Okay, I do like mac and cheese, though. I just make enough for myself, not caring whether Durlene wants some or not. Speaking of her, she isn't at home. I wonder where she has gone. Knowing her, she must've hit a bar as usual.

Meanwhile, my mac and cheese is ready. I sit at the kitchen table, checking my phone between a bite and another. As I scroll through my feed on Instagram, I notice a video in particular. It depicts Durlene doing a pole dance performance at The Stranger. Nothing serious—she's very talented and exudes sensuality.

The problem is the video that comes after. After she's done with her performance, she retreats in the VIP lounge with four men and a woman. I can't recognize any of them. At first, I assume they're just having a private showcase or enjoying drinks away from prying eyes.

What comes next shocks me. Durlene and two of the men cuddle together, and she lies on their laps. One of them can be heard saying, "Durlene, you're sexier than usual. Too bad this isn't a private room, or else we'd have a hell lot of fun."

The other woman in the lounge chimes in, sitting on the same couch as Durlene and her little gang. "By the way, how are your night stands with that Korean dude? I don't even remember his name..."

"Not that it matters," replies the man who has made appreciative comments on Durlene. "He's a loser. You're just drying his balls for practice, aren't you?"

Durlene doesn't answer. She's too busy pandering for that bunch of perverts. Even though we aren't dating, the last thing I expect from her is to disrespect me so blatantly. She doesn't even try to shut them up, given how drunk she sounds.

She owes me an explanation, big time.