"What do you want?" Seokjin was the first to speak up. "You should go home, Norma. There's no reason for you to be here."

Norma batted her eyelashes at him. "Oh, my dearest treasure. I had to come here. When else will I get the chance to talk to you? You never return my calls. You don't answer my texts. You never come to my house. I don't even know where you live now. I have to stalk the streets just to get a glimpse of you. How is that being a good lover?"

"I'm not your lover," Seokjin said in a low voice. He wanted to rush to Anna's side and remove her from Norma's proximity, but he didn't want to make any sudden moves. Only his eyes moved toward her.

Norma laughed and threw her head back. "We're playing that again, are we? Don't be silly. You'll always be my lover. Now, come with me. Let's get out of here."

Namjoon took three quick strides toward his desk and put his hand on his phone.

"Don't call anybody," Norma said in a sickeningly sweet voice. "Don't make me do something that you'll regret." She reached her hand into her purse and pulled out a small revolver. She displayed it across her midsection. "Come out from behind your desk and stand where I can see you, handsome."

He nodded and walked out from behind his desk. He glanced at Anna, who was alone on the side of the room where Norma was standing. He kept his face blank, but he clenched his fists, his only sign of unease.

"You are very handsome and so tall," Norma cooed. "And big, I'm sure. I can see why this stupid girl fell into bed with you." She turned to Anna. "Advancing your career, fucking you at night. Well-played."

Anna took a ragged breath. She was the one closest to Norma. If the woman extended her arm, the gun would be inches from Anna's head. It would take Seokjin at least four or five steps to reach her. Namjoon was even further. Anna's eyes were glued to the gun.

"Miss King, please put down the gun," Namjoon said slowly and evenly. "We can sit down and discuss whatever is on your mind. Make yourself comfortable on the sofa. Do you want something to drink?"

Norma smiled at him. "You're so polite, Mr. Kim. It's a pity that this stupid slut," she glanced at Anna, "threw you over. You deserve better than her. While you were in a hospital room fighting for your life, your darling had Seokjin's dick in her mouth." She turned to Anna again. "Isn't that so, my dear? Or was it his cock up your ass? I don't quite remember which one he likes best."

"Norma, put the gun down," Seokjin said sternly. "Why don't we go outside? You want to talk, then let's talk. Let's leave and go talk."

The older woman stared at Seokjin for a moment, her emotions going from angry to desperate. "I don't want you to talk to me. I want you to come back to me. I want you to fuck me."

Seokjin gulped when he saw the gun tremble in her hand. "Norma, I'll do anything you want. Please put the gun away. Or better yet, give it to me. Give me the gun and we can leave. Together, you and me. Okay?" He took a step toward her, both his hands out.

Norma pouted. "But you will come back to me, right? You won't fuck this girl anymore, right? You'll come back to me? You'll be mine?"

Seokjin nodded. "Yes, of course." He took another step, angling himself toward Anna. When Norma's eyes looked down for a second, he gestured to Namjoon, indicating for him to go towards Anna.

"I don't understand why both of you want her," Norma said in a shaky voice. She looked at Namjoon, who immediately froze in place. "How is she better than me at anything?"

"She's not," Seokjin said in a calm voice. "Give me the gun, honey. We can talk outside." He took another small step toward her.

"She doesn't look better than me, does she?"

Seokjin shook his head. "Of course not."

"She's not better in bed, I'm sure. Did you enjoy fucking her?"

Seokjin took another small step toward her. "No. Not at all."

"She's pathetic, right? Say it. Say it, my treasure."

"Yes. She's pathetic. She can never outshine you at anything."

Norma brought the gun up to her chest, and Seokjin stopped moving. "Choose. Her or me."

His mouth went dry. He hoped that Namjoon had reached Anna and could be in a position to protect her if need be. He took a breath. "Honey, put the gun down."

"Her or me, Seokjin." Norma was breathing rapidly now. "If you choose her, I will kill myself right here in front of you."

"No," he whispered.

"Make your choice."

Sweat was beading on his forehead. "Norma, please. I choose you, my love. Of course it's you."

Norma smiled and stared adoringly at him. "My dearest treasure. I knew it."

Seokjin's shoulders sagged. "Okay. Give me the gun."

"So you don't need her around anymore." She raised the gun and pointed it at Anna.

Both Seokjin and Namjoon yelled out and rushed toward Anna.

Norma squeezed the trigger. A loud popping sound filled their ears.

"Noooooo!" Seokjin's howl was distorted as it mixed with Anna's frightened shriek.