CHAPTER 2

Kim Jihyun or V had never thought that his love story would have 'easy' adjective in it. Given he grew up in an elite neighbourhood with limited chance to socialise well due to his father's strict rules, he spent most of his childhood with his neighbour who ended up as his best friend, Jumin.

His decision to enherit his father's gallery had brought him to his first love, Rika. Exchanging more and more opinions about his photos led to their intimacy. He grew fond of all moments with her; including the fact that he was blessed with the sight of her. Her blonde thick hair cast beautifully like the sun. Her smiles shone which made his heart thumped strangely. The words from her lips danced gracefully and her voice was sweet like honey.

For him, Rika was the most beautiful art.

Their relationship progressed fast but V never regretted it even for a second. It was fast but he believed his heart. With her, V felt like his life was complete. His belief was etched more in him when a picky man like Jumin also approved Rika. The man stated that the woman was different. She had a beautiful heart which was why Rika's Fundraising Association (RFA) was established.

They moved in together. They led RFA together. They did everything and spent time together. Their relationship had been the epitome for RFA members. At least, with their smooth relationship, Yoosung and ZEN did not strongly believe that RFA was cursed with single members and believed that they still had a hope.

But now, a mesmerising love story turned into a very dark maze. V was beyond puzzled and lost. Rika surprised him everyday but his mind was too busy with the thought that he wanted to help her. He was busy that he did not have the time to be scared of her whenever she was possessed by her 'darkness'.

That was why he was in his current state. His thin frame lied and rested lifelessly on their shared bed. His breath shuddered no matter how long he rested. Despite the lively flowers and their portraits on the wall, the room was tarnished by the sight of dented skincare bottles and broken vases on the floor.

It was 11 a.m. and the house was so quiet after one of the owners left to meet the world outside. At this moment, being apart from each other was the best for them to heal on their own.

Still, V could not help but blame himself for whatever happened between them last night. Rika was enraged because of him. He could not find words to comfort her when she struggled with the 'demon' in her.

The clock kept ticking without fail. The wind filled the despondent air. Random birds outside chirped without worry before his phone rang again. He just noticed that it rang more than twice as soon as he gathered enough strenght to grab the device and look at the screen.

"Hello, Jumin..." the man rubbed his eyes, silently adoring the sunlight which stretched its way into his depressed room. "Sorry, I just woke up... hmm?"

Jumin's voice was always collected but as his best friend for more than 20 years, he could sense something was wrong. V was also a RFA member like Jumin so he could guess which the direction the call would take.

"I am sorry, Jumin... I don't think I can go out today. Yeah. Something... came up. Why? Do you want me to pick your new assistant again?" He chuckled at the memory of he scanning through the resumes on Jumin's desk until he found Jaehee's. The woman's first impression and how she described why she needed a job had impressed him. Unexpectedly, Jumin took his suggestion way too serious.

But, he was glad because unlike Rika, V managed to help Jumin in a good way. Jaehee was extremely a good worker and he could see that Jumin valued the woman so much.

"I see..." V said. His eyes were still so heavy from all the misery he had to put up and stop last night. "We both know more than anyone that you have a better eye than me, Jumin. Jaehee said you have mastered the skills when it comes to women so it shouldn't be no problem for you to pick one. Are there way a lot of candidates this time?"

It took a while for V to reply as he calmly listened to Jumin. Again, he could sense something was off. Jumin might want to hide something sharp that had stuck inside him but as always, V knew.

"You really think I have a better eye since I am with Rika now?" He repeated and this time, an imaginary rope that tightened his chest had made its way again. So suffocating that he barely could blurt out his next words.

"Yes... you're right. Rika is the perfect woman for me."

"Hae Soo, dear, don't you have to go to work today?"

"Hmm?" Hae Soo lifted her head only to find two pairs of black eyes stared curiously at her.

Her mother's and father's which made her feel like a sinner in her own house.

Her head was too light and relieved about her being fired from the modelling job that she slept way too early. She wanted to laze around on her bed for the whole day before her mother waking up, saying that her father craved her cooking for breakfast.

Now, when her father said nothing about her dishes, she started to wonder if they really wanted to have a hearty breakfast with her or they just wanted to interrogate her as soon as the sun showed up.

"I quit," she said nonchalantly. She still munched more and more slices of cucumbers deliciously like her answer was not a big deal.

She knew what to expect when her mother, Jung Hwa literally was way too chummy to Kyu Jong and kept promoting Hae Soo to the man even the girl did not have any interest to be a model.

"What!?" Their reactions were really loud. Jung Hwa immediately pulled her chair to sit right next to her daughter which made the space between Hae Soo and her father cramped. "You lied, didn't you? It's impossible for you to quit..."

"No, Mom. I have no reasons to lie. I quit for real," ignoring Jung Hwa's about-to-pop-out eyes, Hae Soo put two more slices of cucumbers on her father's red bowl. "Eat more, Dad. You said you craved for my cooking, right?"

"But why!?" Stares were not enough so Jung Hwa decided to shake Hae Soo's arm. It worked out since it distracted Hae Soo from using her chopstick. "Mr. Cha said that he would pick you as the top model for his new collection. He even said that you're his favorite model..."

"Yes, so much that he couldn't keep his hands off me. I don't like a guy like him touching me..."

"What's wrong with a guy like him, Soo? He's handsome, competent, successful and famous. What else do you want?" Her father, Jae Goo was only a help for her mother. He looked at Hae Soo as if she would be smart only if she jumped into a fire pit instead of escaping from it.

For the first time, her parents were bold with what they wanted. Normally, they indirectly pushed any of their ideas into her but now, it was an aggressive approach.

"Your Dad is right. What's wrong with him touching you? He did that because he likes you, dear. He even confessed to us that he is in love with you but you kept rejecting him."

That bastard...

"So he did know that I kept rejecting him? What a surprise. All this time, I thought he was too dumb to understand my Korean."

"What? Why are you talking about Mr. Cha like that?" Jung Hwa's eyes sized up as she exchanged horrified stared with her husband. This was not what they looked for from their only daughter.

"I have a right to reject him but he never respects my decision. I can't stand a childish person like that."

"You're the one who's childish, Hae Soo dear. You're what? 24 years old and you never introduce a boyfriend to us. It's nice to have a good taste since you're so beautiful but if such a great man like him shows an interest, you should grab him and never let him go. Is that how young people nowadays show affection? The world keep changing and advancing but why are you talking like you're from ancient city?"

"Thank you for the food," even she made her breakfast herself, it was Hae Soo's habit to show respect to her parents. She washed her dishes, keeping the suspense aura in the air while her parents expected her to provide more 'logical' reasons other than the 'skinship' issue. "Don't worry, Mom, Dad. I still have much money with me. You can still ask for some if you want to go shopping. I'll seek a job as soon as possible."

That was how the morning would pass everytime Hae Soo quit her parents' favorite job such as a CF model, runaway model, secretary and many more. She loved her parents and she believed the feelings were mutual. But, they would never understand how hard it was for her to put up with all the harrassments.

She had gone through a lot because of her 'cursed' figure.

"Soo! Hae Soo! Min Hae Soo! Hey!"

"What!?" Like a malicious tigress, Hae Soo slammed the door open, revealing her empty house. She was still wearing her sleepwear which consisted of a pair of floral pajama pant and plain white shirt. Her hair was dishevelled from having to leave her bed immediately, thanks to her uncivilized best friend. "What the hell are you doing!? Your parents are not at home that you dared to cause noise pollution like this?"

"Hihi, Yes, they're not at home," Ae Ra smiled like she deserved to be slapped if only she was not Hae Soo's best friend. "What about yours? Are they not home?" Ae Ra's brown eyes wandered to inside of Hae Soo's not-so-neat house.

"You should ask that before you yelled like Tarzan's wife. Where're your manners, seriously?"

"Oh, come on. We have been neighbours for how long? 17 years, right? There is no need for such a formality," Ae Ra said nonchalantly. "Plus, I have an exciting news for you!"

"It's soooo exciting that you forgot your manners, huh?" Hae Soo remarked as she she lifted her eyebrow, still in her bitter mood. Despite her sarcasm, she took her seat on the bench, next to the ecstatic Ae Ra. Unlike her house, she loved to sit and talk to her friend on that spot since she could see how peaceful and blessed the neighbourhood was.

"Ey, don't be so bitter. Here, look at this," holding her phone, Ae Ra showed a job advertisement with C & R International Company logo at the top of the screen. "That C & R company has a job vacancy for a secretary. You should apply for this."

"A secretary? Do I deserve that?" Hae Soo said, eyes slowly sized up in horror as she read the list of requirements carefully. Skeptisism was shown on her bare face as she massaged her strained neck. "Must arrive one hour earlier... a quick learner... can tolerate cats... wait, what?"

"Why not? You do have a degree and good work ethic. You should use it if you don't want people keep evaluating you based on how you look," Ae Ra remarked, did not really expect that Hae Soo would respond to the news weakly. Normally, Hae Soo would be excited and optimistic.

"But considering my past working experience, I don't think they want an ex-model for a professional environment like this. No, I can't do that. I want to sleep more..."

"What!? No! Don't make me cause noise pollution again, please," Ae Ra had been too supportive that she even pulled the pessimistic Hae Soo back to her spot again. "It won't hurt if you try first, right? Who knows if you are not chosen for the first round and they fire anyone or someone quits, they might remember you and contact you back. If you want to step out of the modelling job that you hate so much, you should introduce yourself to as many companies as possible. It's that simple, Soo."

That made Hae Soo contemplate. She hugged her knees, eyes glued to the ground.

"You're right."

"Yes, I am always right. Plus, even the ads doesn't state about this anywhere but they most probably want to hire an assistant for the Great Han Jumin."

That made Hae Soo snap from her thought before eyeing her friend in puzzlement.

"Han Jumin... who is it? Where did I hear the name again?" Hae Soo was still sleepy so she did not bother to recall the name. She wished Ae Ra would just share the ads link to her and she would read it after she got her beauty sleep.

"He's Chairman Han's son, one of the directors for C & R."

Owh...

"Oh, Chairman Han's son is Han Jumin. I see," Hae Soo remarked. She was not that ignorant not to know one of the richest men in the country but she was not that interested to memorize the family members' names as well.

"You forgot him already, Hae Soo? I just talked about him like... yesterday?"

"Since two days ago, you literally lectured me on at least 20 hot celebrities and corporate figures. How am I supposed to remember everyone? Ah, I remember now. This guy friends with a famous photographer named V. Yeah, they both had names similar to BTS members."

"And you remember BTS?"

"I can't help it since they're so popular. Their fanfictions even have award-hosting books on my favorite website. Plus, I love some of their songs."

"Huh, I guess there is nothing you can do. You're too busy to care about celebrities anyway," Ae Ra remarked with a heavy sigh.

"You're always right," Hae Soo replied cheekily. "So, you really think that I should apply for the position?"

"Yeah," Ae Ra straightened her back, did not expect that Hae Soo would talk about the job again. "My friend's friend's friend who is one of the staff in Han Jumin's department confirmed that his current chief assistant is busy sorting out the best resumes for his new assistant. He's the only director who will put cats-related requirements in such a professional ads. Plus, considering your past harrassment, you might love to hear this, Soo."

"What do you mean?"

"That Han Jumin always had this rumour surrounded him. You know, right?"

Thanks to Ae Ra's disturbingly 'evil' face, something crossed her mind.

"Owh, is it the fact that he never has a girlfriend so people claim that he's a gay?" Hae Soo said. Her eyes turned half-lidded to the lame news.

"Yes!"

"What about that?"

"I guess you're too sleepy, Min Hae Soo. Normally, you're not this slow-witted."

"Hey!"

"I am correct, right? Normally, you can easily put two and two together since we basically can read each other's mind," Ae Ra said, unable to conceal her frustration. "If he's a gay, you will be safe if you become his assistant. He won't fall for you and harrass you. Is that great!?"

Hae Soo seriously could not relate to what Ae Ra felt right now.

"But it's a rumor, right? I thought you said that he never responded to it."

"Yeah. Do you think it's very suspicious that the rumors came up in the first place? It wouldn't come up unless he is really..."

"Rumors do come up depend on how toxic or ignorant those who spread them," for some reason, Hae Soo's voice thickened with annoyance even her eyes were still half-lidded. "Like seriously, what makes them think they can claim one's sexual preference? Do they have nothing better to do other than meddling one's business?"

"Hm... they claimed that way since Han Jumin is not interested in women."

"How do they know his interest? Do they shrink themselves and jump into his brain or something?"

"Well, there were several claims from female celebrities that he didn't respond to their affection..."

"Several as in...?"

"Maybe... six to seven people?" Compared to how she slammed the door, Hae Soo looked more intimidating when they literally debated the sexual preference of a stranger.

"Is there any guarantee that he won't fall to the seventh or eighth woman?"

"Waaahhh, how should I know!? Stop asking me like I am his assistant!" Again, the noise pollution; no one even expected that it would be caused by someone adorable like Ae Ra.

Hae Soo smiled in satisfaction even her sleepiness still conquered her system.

"Yeah, good for you. If you aren't sure, stop talking about rumors like that. It made me uncomfortable."

"Waahhh, you sound like you will be a very good assistant for someone mysterious like him. Being secretive, loyal and dependent is very crucial to be one, you know."

"Well, just give it a thought for a second, Ae Ra. For the interview, they most probably will ask you something like 'why do you choose to be a part of our company?' You can't expect me to say 'because the boss is a gay' shits. I might never the sunrise after this and no one is going to take care of my parents."

"Well, I can't help you with that but since you're someone who desperately and sincerely need a job, you should say what do you expect from a company. They might like you for your honesty."

"I just stated my opinion. I don't want to give them a bad impression."

"Then, can you state your opinion clearly to your parents as well?"

"About what?"

"About not shopping when you work to death like this," Ae Ra stated, eyeing Hae Soo's thin body. "Do you remember when's your last time you slept this deep? Your eyes are so red and swollen. I bet you're still tired."

"I never expected those words from someone who rudely woke me up a few minutes ago," with her swollen eyes looking ahead and her throaty voice, Hae Soo did look like a zombie.

"Eyy, I was just excited. Don't get angry, Soo," Ae Ra with her charm of cuteness could melt anyone, especially when she linked their arms together and blinked her eyes. What a sly brat!

Ae Ra is right. I should be more direct to them. But today, thanks to my big mouth, I sent them to shopping since I don't want to quarrel about that pervert.

Jumin Han has entered the chatroom.

ZEN has entered the chatroom.

707 has entered the chatroom.

ZEN : Hey, trust fund jerk! You must be having a hard time to find a new assistant, given your personality.

Jumin Han : I see that you're so interested in my company lately, ZEN. Do you wish to be the model for our cat food, perhaps?

ZEN: What the... If you want to talk rubbish like this, you better get your ass out of here.

Jumin Han : But I entered this chatroom first.

707: Does it really matter? Lolol. You guys are so childish.

Jumin Han: Excuse me?

ZEN: Do not lump me with that jerk, Seven!

707: If we are talking about the first of the first, it'll be me. I am the developer, u know.

ZEN: Hell, yeah! Dear Mr. Developer, is it possible for you to immediately kick the jerk out whenever I enter the chatroom? I don't want to be in this with him.

707: No, never. I am a mature person who follows V's and Rika's instructions all the time. They never allow me to programme this apps to be user-unfriendly, especially to V's best friend.

Jumin Han: Come to think of it, what makes you so emotional in this lovely morning, ZEN? I don't know. It made me question where do you put your emotion? Is that in your knee?

ZEN: Mine has nothing wrong. Instead, yours is beyond repair.

Here they go again. I wish Yoosung will sign up and calm them down. Luciel is quite useless for something like this, Jaehee thought as she put down her phone. She was taking a short break from her piling works and wanted to have fun on the chat room.

But, judging from how their conversation which was initially about Jumin's new assistant, she did not want to make things worse. ZEN would expect her to support him in order to bash Jumin again and again.

Plus, something suddenly rubbed her in the face when she knew, she had to realize it sooner.

What made ZEN go too hostile to her boss in the first place?

"I wonder if I do make this choice wisely. Mr. Han might be workaholic, picky, annoying, cat-obsessed, ridiculous but... that part of him not being emotional but logical... it helped our company a lot and ease my workload, to be honest. Not to mention he's intelligent and eloquent."

No, Jaehee. You should not regret it. You have made the choice and you have sent your resignation letter. There's no turning back.

From her desk which was full of files, Jaehee looked at Jumin through the glass window which separated her from his office. He was typing on his phone with his usually poker face, looking relaxed against his chair. It always amazed her how despite his indifferent and 'dead' demeanor, his brain always functioned well to argue with ZEN.

I hope we get to find someone who can be the best assistant for you, Mr. Han. I honestly pray for that.

"The number you have dialled is..."

"I guess she's still angry with me," V mumbled, reminding himself with the grumpy message from Rika.

'Don't look for me. I went to the apartment to do some RFA works.'

His fiancee, Rika was always sweet and cheerful. She would never text him that straightforward and rigid up until recently.

Recently when their relationship was like an old glass; slowly fractured and broke hideously.

He thought he was trying his best but why Rika reacted so hostile to everything he did?

He said 'I love you' but Rika did not believe him.

He said he wanted to help her escape from her 'darkness' but she claimed he wanted to 'kill' her.

He said he was willing to sacrifice anything for Rika but she claimed he was never sincere.

When Rika finally said, 'it's not love, V. It's an obsession,' those words were like a stab through his heart. Even now, when he was supposed to be distracted by the noise of people around him in the park, his mind was full of their the ebb and flow of their relationship. He was here because he wanted to take photos and relieve his head but that was not easy.

Why Rika always came up and believed her own conclusion rather than giving him a chance to prove how much he loved her?

He could not understand it.

Maybe that was why he could feel the world around him spin. His head was about to explode with how Rika behaved but he had chosen to let it slide because she was more important. To make it worse, he also chose not to tell anyone about Rika.

Not even Jumin should know this.

The headache... It was here again.

No, not now. At least, let me get into the car first...

Sleepless night, his work schedule, putting up with Rika's mood swing had started to take a toll on him.

What should he do now? Should he...

As his legs dragged him to where he parked his car, in the sea of people around him, V swore he could see a blonde long-haired woman across the street. He saw that she was walking to somewhere. He remembered every single dress she had and the dress that the woman wore was definitely Rika's.

Is she going to see Jumin? His company is not that far...

That was when V's senses to keep engaged to the reality around him slowly faded into the thin air. He made his way slowly, his camera in his hand tightly.

"Rika..."

He knew he could just wait for her at home but with how unpredictable she got nowadays...

He wondered if Rika really could hide her 'darkness' well when she was outside.

But V was so lost that he did not even bother to observe how busy the road could be. For some reason, his legs felt so light that they did not hesitate to go to Rika.

His sanity and sense of reality hit him at once when he could hear the sound of ear-splitting honk from his side.

"Mister, what are you doing!? It's dangerous!"

He felt something was hitting him so hard. It hurt so much but out of the blue, a girl with a long black hair showed up and held his waist. They both were thrown to the roadside, followed by the screams and panic from the pedestrians.