Chapter3 ( Childhood Friend )

Gunho walks back to his desk, sits down, and pinches the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger. He looks completely exhausted.

Gunho: “Is that paperwork?”

“Oh! Yes, it is. He asked me to bring it to you because he had a family appointment and couldn’t come himself.”

Gunho: “Leave it here, and go.”

“Okay.”

I place the paperwork on his desk and glance at him with curiosity.

Gunho: “If you have nothing else to say, you can go home.”

“Um, boss? May I ask you something?”

Gunho: “No.”

Ugh! This guy, seriously…

Gunho: “Is it about that woman? Is that what you wanted to ask me?”

Oh, he knew.

“Yes, is that your girlfriend—”

Gunho: “She’s not.”

“Then, what is she to you? I mean, she’s really pretty, like a model. Every angle of her is perfect.”

He suddenly puts the paperwork down and stands up, walking toward me. Instinctively, I step back as he closes the distance, until he corners me against the wall, his hand resting beside my face. Our faces are so close, we’re almost kissing.

“U-um, I apologize if I said something wrong, but isn’t this a bit too close—?”

I squint my eyes, heart racing so fast I can barely breathe.

“Stay still and open your eyes. Let me take a closer look at your face.”

How am I supposed to stay still?! My heart is about to explode! But I do as he says, slowly opening my eyes and staring at him. I quickly look away, avoiding his intense gaze. His sharp eyes are so captivating, they’ll make me fall for him even more.

Gunho: “I think she must have really bad eyesight.”

“What?”

What does he mean by that? Before I can react, he steps back.

Gunho: “I’m leaving now. Don’t forget to turn off the power before you go.”

He walks out, leaving me standing there, still puzzled. As I head home, I can’t stop thinking about what he said.

“Does he mean I’m ugly??”

Ugh! Just thinking about it makes my blood boil. I catch my reflection in a shop window and strike a sexy pose.

“I don’t look bad at all. I’m still pretty and hot. He must be jealous of my smooth skin.”

I laugh to myself, but suddenly, someone rushes up behind me and grabs me, holding a knife to my side.

??: “DON’T COME ANY CLOSER, OR I’LL KILL HER!”

What the hell have I gotten myself into?! Why am I so unlucky today?!

Just as I’m panicking, a hero appears. He leaps out from the crowd and kicks the guy hard, slamming him into a nearby store window.

I collapse to my knees, trembling. When I look up, I see him. He has shiny black hair, a scar over his left eye, and an air of danger about him. He looks like a gangster, but he’s incredibly handsome.

??: “Is that you, Jonnie Yim?”

I’m shocked to hear him call my name. Wait, does he know me? I take a closer look and realize—

“Ohhh! It’s you, the crybaby from 10 years ago!”

He was my classmate back in the 5th grade. He used to cry a lot, not just because he got bullied, but even when his parents were late to pick him up once.

“Hyungjoo Lee!”

I ruffle his hair, happy to see him again. He gently pushes my hand away and instead takes my hand in his.

Hyungjoo: “I’m not a kid anymore, you know. I’m 19 now.”

“Yeah, yeah, you are. Oh, shall we go somewhere to talk?”

Hyungjoo: “Sure.”

He smiles at me, and I can’t help but smile back.

*At the restaurant*

“Ahh, it’s been ages since we last met.”

Hyungjoo: “How was your day?”

“Ugh, just thinking about it pisses me off.”

I tell him all about my day, from work to my frustrations with Gunho. But when I mention Gunho, Hyungjoo’s expression suddenly changes.

“Are you okay? You don’t look well.”

Hyungjoo: “Ah, I’m fine. Just something on my mind, but I’m good.”

He smiles, but I’m still worried. I reach out and gently touch the scar on his left eye.

“Did it hurt a lot?”

I give him a sad, concerned look. He seems surprised by my touch, then smiles warmly, rubbing his cheek against my hand.

Hyungjoo: “I don’t feel any pain anymore, especially with my noona worrying about me.”

I stare at him, blushing furiously, and quickly pull my hand away, changing the subject.

He’s going to drive me crazy if he keeps doing that! I scream internally.

After dinner, we exchange contact information and head home separately.

As Hyungjoo walks down the street, 10 cars surround him, and six men step out of each, circling him. One of them approaches with a cigarette and lighter.

??: “Boss, here’s your cigarette.”

The group bows respectfully to him.

Gangs: “Boss!”

Hyungjoo: “Mm.”

To be continued…

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